Dynamic heat regulation and control method of clothes treatment equipment and clothes treatment equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of clothes treatment, in particular to a dynamic heat regulation and control method of a heat pump clothes dryer and clothes treatment equipment. A laundry treating apparatus includes a drum; the main air duct is communicated with the roller to form a circulating drying air path; the heat pump system comprises an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor and a throttle valve and forms closed circulation, and the evaporator and the condenser are arranged in the circulation drying air path; the bypass air duct intersects with the main air duct, and opening, closing and the opening degree of the bypass air duct are controlled through an air door, so that part of air flow bypasses the evaporator and enters the condenser side; the electric auxiliary heating device is used for performing thermal compensation when the temperature in the roller is lower than a set value; and the fresh air device is used for introducing external fresh air into the circulating drying air path when the humidity of the external environment is smaller than a set value. The action of each component is adjusted in real time according to the heat change in different drying stages, the dehumidification efficiency and the energy-saving effect are both considered, the drying time is shortened, and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clothing processing technology, and more specifically, to a dynamic heat regulation method and clothing processing equipment for a heat pump dryer. Background Technology

[0002] Heat pump dryers use a heat pump system to cool, dehumidify, and heat the air, thus drying clothes. The working principle is as follows: air is cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator; the compressor compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, which releases heat in the condenser to heat the air, thus circulating the gas to dry the clothes.

[0003] However, existing technology has significant drawbacks: in the later stages of drying, the moisture content of the clothes decreases, reducing the heat absorbed by the evaporator while the heat released by the condenser remains at a high level, leading to a thermal imbalance in the system. This can cause fluctuations in compressor frequency, decreased dehumidification efficiency, and even situations where the temperature is lowered without dehumidification, severely impacting drying efficiency.

[0004] Traditional solutions often employ air cooling or natural heat dissipation, but their heat dissipation efficiency is limited and cannot effectively solve the thermal balance problem. Furthermore, existing control strategies lack a real-time response mechanism to dynamic changes in system heat, leading to increased energy consumption, longer drying times, and a poor user experience. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a technical solution that can dynamically adjust the airflow path and perform heat compensation to improve the dehumidification efficiency and overall energy efficiency of heat pump dryers in the later stages of drying. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to propose a garment processing device and its dynamic heat control method to solve the technical problems of heat imbalance, decreased dehumidification efficiency, and high energy consumption in the later stages of drying in the prior art.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes a garment processing device, comprising: A drum, used to hold items to be dehumidified; The main air duct is connected to the drum and forms a circulating drying air path; The heat pump system includes an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and a throttling valve, forming a closed loop. The evaporator and condenser are respectively located in the circulating drying air path. A bypass ventilation duct intersects with the main air duct, and the opening and closing of the bypass ventilation duct and the opening degree are controlled by a damper, so that part of the airflow bypasses the evaporator and enters the condenser side; An electric auxiliary heating device is installed on one side of the condenser outlet end to provide thermal compensation when the temperature inside the drum is lower than a set value. And a fresh air device, used to introduce fresh air from outside into the circulating drying air path when the ambient humidity is less than the set value.

[0007] In the above technical solution, the damper is further opened and closed by a stepper motor to control the opening degree of the bypass ventilation duct.

[0008] In any of the above technical solutions, the electric auxiliary heating device is further described as a PTC electric auxiliary heating module, which consists of multiple PTC heating elements.

[0009] In any of the above technical solutions, the fresh air device further includes a fresh air inlet and outlet with a variable cross-sectional area. The fresh air inlet and outlet are divided into a fresh air inlet and an exhaust outlet. The fresh air inlet is located between the evaporator and the condenser, and the exhaust outlet is located downstream of the condenser.

[0010] In any of the above technical solutions, baffles are further provided on both the fresh air inlet and the exhaust outlet, and the baffles are driven by a stepper motor to adjust the port size of the fresh air inlet and the exhaust outlet.

[0011] On the other hand, a dynamic heat control method for clothing processing equipment is also proposed, for use in any of the above technical solutions' clothing processing equipment, the method comprising: During the drying process, the current drying stage is determined by acquiring the relative humidity of the air outlet from the drum. When the relative humidity of the air outlet from the drum is detected to be ≥d, it is considered the initial stage of drying. When the relative humidity of the air outlet from the drum is detected to be <d and >d0, it is considered to be in the middle stage of drying. When the relative humidity of the air outlet from the drum is detected to be ≤d0, it is the later stage of drying.

[0012] In any of the above technical solutions, further, in the initial stage of drying, S1, fresh air unit and bypass ventilation duct (2) are closed; S2. Adjust the compressor's operating frequency dynamically according to system load changes and control the electric auxiliary heating device to start; stop when the temperature of the airflow entering the drum is detected to be greater than t1.

[0013] 8. The dynamic heat control method for the garment processing equipment as described in claim 7, characterized in that, during the middle stage of drying, S11, Electric auxiliary heating device is off; S12. If the ambient humidity is detected to be ≤d0, the fresh air device will be turned on. By adjusting the area of ​​the fresh air inlet and outlet, the temperature of the airflow entering the drum will be <t2 and >t3; otherwise, the fresh air device will not be turned on. S13. When the air inlet and outlet area is adjusted to the maximum, or the fresh air device cannot be turned on, and the air temperature entering the drum is >t2 or <t3, the compressor frequency is adjusted to make the air temperature entering the drum <t2 and >t3; if the compressor cannot increase the frequency, and the air temperature entering the drum is <t3, the electric heating auxiliary device is started to maintain the air temperature; until the drum outlet air temperature of two adjacent points is detected to be ≥t0 within a time period T, or the drum outlet air relative humidity is ≤d0. Where t3 < t1 < t2.

[0014] In any of the above technical solutions, furthermore, in the later stage of drying, S1. Open the bypass ventilation duct (2) and adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the bypass ventilation duct (2) so that the temperature of the airflow entering the drum is <t2 and greater than t3; S2. Adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the bypass ventilation duct to the maximum state; if the system detects that the airflow temperature entering the drum is >t2, reduce the compressor frequency to maintain thermal balance and ensure that the airflow temperature entering the drum is <t2 and >t3. S3. Detect and determine whether to shut off the fresh air supply based on the ambient humidity. If the ambient humidity is detected to be greater than d1, shut off the fresh air supply until the drying process is complete.

[0015] Beneficial effects: Compared with existing technologies, The bypass ventilation duct, in conjunction with the damper, can dynamically adjust the airflow path, allowing some airflow to bypass the evaporator, thus avoiding a decrease in dehumidification efficiency due to excess heat in the later stages of drying and improving drying stability.

[0016] The system adjusts the operation of each component in real time according to the heat changes at different stages of drying, balancing dehumidification efficiency and energy saving, shortening drying time and improving user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the heat pump system of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump system bypass ventilation duct of the present invention when it is closed; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump system bypass ventilation duct of the present invention when it is open.

[0019] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: 1. Heat pump system; 11. Evaporator; 12. Condenser; 2. Bypass duct; 21. Damper; 31. Fresh air inlet; 32. Exhaust air outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to this application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0021] It should be noted that, as shown in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of explicitly identified steps and elements, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list; the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0022] If the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0025] The following embodiments will be used to describe in detail the dynamic heat control method and clothing processing equipment of this application.

[0026] Example 1: like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment proposes a garment processing device, including a drum, a main air duct, a heat pump system 1, a bypass air duct 2, an electric auxiliary heating device, a fresh air device, and a control system. The main air duct is connected to the drum to form a circulating drying air path. The heat pump system 1 includes an evaporator 11, a condenser 12, a compressor, and a throttling valve, forming a closed loop. The evaporator 11 and the condenser 12 are respectively located in the circulating drying air path. The bypass air duct 2 intersects with the main air duct between the evaporator 11 and the condenser 12. An air damper 21 is installed at the intersection and is driven by a stepper motor, enabling multi-stage opening adjustment from fully closed to fully open, so that some airflow bypasses the evaporator 11 and enters the condenser 12 side.

[0027] The electric auxiliary heating device is a PTC electric auxiliary heating module, installed in the main air duct at the outlet of the condenser 12. It consists of multiple PTC heating elements and supports phased start-up. The fresh air device is located at the intersection of the main air duct between the evaporator 11 and the condenser 12. The fresh air inlet 31 is located at this intersection, and the exhaust outlet 32 ​​is located downstream of the condenser 12. Both are equipped with baffles, which are driven by a stepper motor and can continuously adjust the inlet and outlet cross-sectional areas.

[0028] The control system includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a controller. The temperature sensor is located at the air inlet and outlet of the drum, and the humidity sensor is located inside the drum and at the fresh air inlet 31. The controller is electrically connected to the compressor, stepper motor, and PTC electric auxiliary heating module of the heat pump system 1 to collect parameters and execute control methods.

[0029] During operation, the controller operates according to the following procedures: Initial drying stage: The fresh air unit and bypass ventilation duct 2 are closed. The controller dynamically adjusts the compressor frequency according to the system load, and at the same time, the PTC electric auxiliary heating module is turned on to quickly increase the airflow temperature entering the drum and enhance the dehumidification capacity until the airflow temperature is greater than t1.

[0030] Mid-drying stage: Turn off the PTC electric auxiliary heating module. If the humidity sensor at the fresh air inlet 31 detects that the ambient humidity is ≤d0, turn on the fresh air device. Adjust the baffle opening through the stepper motor to control the cross-sectional area of ​​the fresh air inlet 31 and the exhaust outlet 32, so that the airflow temperature is maintained between t3 and t2. If the fresh air adjustment cannot meet the requirements, adjust the compressor frequency to achieve temperature control. If the compressor cannot increase the frequency and the airflow temperature is <t3, restart the PTC electric auxiliary heating module until the conditions for the later stage of drying are met.

[0031] Later stage of drying: Open the bypass ventilation duct 2 and adjust the opening of the damper 21 by stepper motor to allow some airflow to bypass the evaporator 11 and maintain the airflow temperature between t3 and t2; when the damper 21 is adjusted to the maximum and excess heat is still detected (airflow temperature > t2), reduce the compressor frequency; during this period, if the ambient humidity is > d1, turn off the fresh air device until drying is complete.

[0032] Example 2: This embodiment is a further improvement based on Embodiment 1.

[0033] In this embodiment, the baffle of the fresh air inlet 31 is driven by a stepper motor, and the baffle of the exhaust outlet 32 ​​is adjusted in conjunction with the baffle of the fresh air inlet 31 to ensure that the amount of fresh air introduced matches the amount of humid and hot air discharged. The humidity sensor at the fresh air inlet 31 collects the ambient humidity data in real time, and the controller compares this data with the set values ​​d0 and d1 to accurately control the start-up, shutdown, and opening degree of the fresh air device.

[0034] For example, during the middle of the drying process, when the ambient humidity is slightly lower than d0, the controller controls the baffle to open a small cross-sectional area to introduce a small amount of fresh air; when the ambient humidity is much lower than d0, the baffle opening is increased to increase the fresh air flow and quickly expel the hot and humid air from the system. At the same time, the baffle opening of the exhaust outlet 32 ​​is adjusted synchronously with the fresh air inlet 31 to avoid pressure imbalance within the system.

[0035] Similarly, in the later stages of drying, when the ambient humidity is slightly lower than d1, the controller controls the baffle to open a small cross-sectional area, introducing a small amount of fresh air; when the ambient humidity is much lower than d1, the baffle opening is increased to increase the fresh air flow and quickly expel the humid and hot air from the system. At the same time, the baffle opening of the exhaust outlet 32 ​​is adjusted synchronously with the fresh air inlet 31 to avoid pressure imbalance within the system.

[0036] The fresh air flow rate in this embodiment is precisely adjusted, which not only ensures the thermal balance of the system but also maximizes the use of dry outside air, further improving dehumidification efficiency, while avoiding increased energy consumption caused by airflow turbulence.

[0037] Example 3: This embodiment is a further improvement based on any of the above embodiments.

[0038] like Figures 1-3 As shown, in this embodiment, the damper 21 is driven by a stepper motor, and the controller presets multiple sets of matching parameters between the opening degree of the damper 21 and the drying stage. When starting in the later stage of drying, the controller first controls the damper 21 to open to a small degree, and gradually adjusts it according to the change of airflow temperature; if the airflow temperature is still higher than t2, the opening degree is increased until it is adjusted to the maximum; if there is still excess heat, the compressor frequency is reduced to supplement the adjustment.

[0039] Meanwhile, the controller uses a wind speed sensor to detect the airflow speed of the bypass ventilation duct 2 in real time, and dynamically corrects the opening of the damper 21 in combination with temperature data to ensure more accurate airflow distribution and avoid temperature fluctuations caused by excessive adjustment of the damper 21.

[0040] The damper 21 in this embodiment has high adjustment precision, which can avoid large temperature fluctuations in the later stage of drying, ensure stable dehumidification efficiency, and at the same time reduce the frequent adjustment of compressor frequency, thus improving the service life of the equipment.

[0041] Example 4: This embodiment proposes a dynamic heat regulation method for a heat pump dryer, as detailed below: When the user starts the drying program, the controller collects parameters such as the status of the clothes inside the drum, the temperature of the airflow entering the drum, and the humidity of the external environment. When the relative humidity of the airflow from the drum is detected to be ≥d, it is determined to be the initial stage of drying.

[0042] The controller commands the baffles of the fresh air unit to close, the dampers of the bypass ventilation duct to close, and the circulating drying air path to be in a closed state.

[0043] When the compressor starts, the controller dynamically adjusts the compressor's operating frequency based on the system load (clothing humidity, airflow temperature) and simultaneously activates the PTC electric auxiliary heating module.

[0044] Hot air circulates in the main air duct, and after being cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator and heated by the condenser, it enters the drum to dry the clothes.

[0045] Temperature sensors monitor the airflow temperature entering the drum in real time. When the detected temperature is greater than t1, the initial drying phase ends and the middle drying phase begins.

[0046] The controller commands the PTC electric auxiliary heating module to shut down, stopping auxiliary heating.

[0047] At this time, the relative humidity of the air outlet of the drum is <d, >d0.

[0048] The humidity sensor at the fresh air inlet detects the ambient humidity. If the humidity is ≤d0, the controller instructs the baffle of the fresh air device to open. The stepper motor adjusts the cross-sectional area of ​​the fresh air inlet and the exhaust outlet to introduce fresh air from the outside and exhaust hot and humid air, so that the temperature of the air entering the drum is maintained between t3 and t2. If the ambient humidity is >d0, the controller judges the relative humidity of the ambient humidity and the relative humidity of the air outlet of the drum. If the ambient humidity is less than the relative humidity of the air outlet of the drum, the fresh air device is also turned on; otherwise, the fresh air device is not turned on.

[0049] The controller monitors the airflow temperature entering the drum using a temperature sensor. If the temperature is greater than t2 or less than t3: If the fresh air system is already turned on and the cross-sectional area is not adjusted to the maximum, continue to adjust the baffle opening; If the fresh air system is not turned on or the cross-sectional area has been adjusted to the maximum, temperature control can be achieved by adjusting the compressor frequency. If the compressor cannot increase its frequency due to temperature or power limitations, and the airflow temperature is <t3, the PTC electric auxiliary heating module will be activated to maintain the temperature.

[0050] The controller continuously monitors the drum outlet air temperature and relative humidity. When it detects that the drum outlet air temperature at two adjacent points is ≥t0 or the drum outlet air relative humidity is ≤d0 within a time period T, the mid-drying stage ends and the drying stage begins.

[0051] The controller commands the damper of the side ventilation duct to open, and the damper opening is adjusted by a stepper motor so that part of the airflow bypasses the evaporator and enters the condenser side, maintaining the airflow temperature entering the drum <t2 and >t3.

[0052] When the damper opening is adjusted to the maximum, if the temperature of the airflow entering the drum is detected to be greater than t2 (excess heat), the controller will reduce the compressor operating frequency, reduce the heat released by the condenser, maintain the system thermal balance, and ensure that the airflow temperature is stable between t3 and t2.

[0053] During the later stages of drying, the humidity sensor at the fresh air inlet continuously monitors the ambient humidity. If the detected humidity is greater than d1, the controller instructs the baffle of the fresh air unit to close, preventing the introduction of high-humidity air that could cause the clothes to become damp again.

[0054] The controller continuously monitors the humidity of the clothes inside the drum. When the set drying standard is reached, it sequentially shuts off the PTC electric auxiliary heating module, compressor, fresh air device, and bypass ventilation duct damper, thus ending the drying process.

[0055] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or improvement of the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: A drum, used to hold items to be dehumidified; The main air duct is connected to the drum and forms a circulating drying air path; The heat pump system (1) includes an evaporator (11), a condenser (12), a compressor and a throttle valve, forming a closed loop. The evaporator (11) and the condenser (12) are respectively located in the circulating drying air path. The bypass ventilation duct (2) intersects with the main air duct, and the opening and closing of the bypass ventilation duct (2) and the opening degree are controlled by the damper (21) so that part of the airflow bypasses the evaporator (11) and enters the condenser (12) side; An electric auxiliary heating device is installed on one side of the outlet end of the condenser (12) for thermal compensation when the temperature inside the drum is lower than the set value. And a fresh air device, used to introduce fresh air from outside into the circulating drying air path when the ambient humidity is less than the set value.

2. The garment processing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The damper (21) is driven to open and close by a stepper motor to control the opening size of the bypass ventilation duct (2).

3. The garment processing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electric auxiliary heating device is a PTC electric auxiliary heating module, which consists of multiple PTC heating elements.

4. The garment processing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fresh air device includes a fresh air inlet and outlet with variable cross-sectional area. The fresh air inlet and outlet are divided into a fresh air inlet (31) and an exhaust outlet (32). The fresh air inlet (31) is located between the evaporator (11) and the condenser (12), and the exhaust outlet (32) is located downstream of the condenser (12).

5. The garment processing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the fresh air inlet (31) and the exhaust outlet (32) are equipped with baffles, which are driven by a stepper motor to adjust the port size of the fresh air inlet (31) and the exhaust outlet (32).

6. A method for dynamic heat control in a garment processing device, characterized in that, The method, used in the garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, comprises: During the drying process, the current drying stage is determined by acquiring the relative humidity of the air outlet from the drum. When the relative humidity of the air outlet from the drum is detected to be ≥d, it is considered the initial stage of drying. When the relative humidity of the air outlet from the drum is detected to be <d and >d0, it is considered to be in the middle stage of drying. When the relative humidity of the air outlet from the drum is detected to be ≤d0, it is the later stage of drying.

7. The dynamic heat control method for the clothing processing equipment as described in claim 6, characterized in that, In the initial stage of drying S1, fresh air unit and bypass ventilation duct (2) are closed; S2. Adjust the compressor's operating frequency dynamically according to system load changes and control the electric auxiliary heating device to start; stop when the temperature of the airflow entering the drum is detected to be greater than t1.

8. The dynamic heat control method for the clothing processing equipment as described in claim 7, characterized in that, During the middle of the drying process, S11, Electric auxiliary heating device is off; S12. If the ambient humidity is detected to be ≤d0, the fresh air device will be turned on. By adjusting the area of ​​the fresh air inlet and outlet, the temperature of the airflow entering the drum will be <t2 and >t3; otherwise, the fresh air device will not be turned on. S13. When the air inlet and outlet area is adjusted to the maximum, or the fresh air device cannot be turned on, and the air temperature entering the drum is >t2 or <t3, the compressor frequency is adjusted to make the air temperature entering the drum <t2 and >t3; if the compressor cannot increase the frequency, and the air temperature entering the drum is <t3, the electric heating auxiliary device is started to maintain the air temperature; until the drum outlet air temperature of two adjacent points is detected to be ≥t0 within a time period T, or the drum outlet air relative humidity is ≤d0. Where t3 < t1 < t2.

9. The dynamic heat control method for the clothing processing equipment as described in claim 8, characterized in that, In the later stages of drying S1. Open the bypass ventilation duct (2) and adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the bypass ventilation duct (2) so that the temperature of the airflow entering the drum is <t2 and greater than t3; S2. Adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the bypass ventilation duct to the maximum state; if the system detects that the airflow temperature entering the drum is >t2, reduce the compressor frequency to maintain thermal balance and ensure that the airflow temperature entering the drum is <t2 and >t3. S3. Detect and determine whether to shut off the fresh air supply based on the ambient humidity. If the ambient humidity is detected to be greater than d1, shut off the fresh air supply until the drying process is complete.

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