Control method of clothes treatment equipment and clothes treatment equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a control method of clothes processing equipment and the clothes processing equipment, and the control method of the clothes processing equipment comprises the steps: S1, starting a cleaning mode; and S2, a fan of the clothes processing equipment is controlled to blow air to clean thread scraps attached to the heat exchanger. The blowing direction of the fan is opposite to the flow direction of drying airflow of the clothes processing equipment, the fan is a drying fan, and the rotating direction of the drying fan in the cleaning mode is opposite to the rotating direction of the drying fan in the drying process. According to the method, the fan is controlled to blow air to clean the thread scraps attached to the heat exchanger, the problem that a user cannot conveniently clean the thread scraps on the heat exchanger can be avoided, the heat exchanger is prevented from being blocked by the thread scraps, the working efficiency of the heat exchanger is improved, and unnecessary energy consumption is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of clothing processing technology, specifically, it relates to a control method for clothing processing equipment and clothing processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, clothes drying equipment is becoming increasingly accepted by the public. Clothes drying equipment can use hot air to dry washed clothes in a short time, thus enabling the washing and storage of clothes on rainy days or during humid seasons.

[0003] Currently, there are two main types of clothes drying equipment on the market: electric heating and heat pump drying. Electric heating clothes drying equipment poses safety hazards such as scorching clothes and flammability. Compared to electric heating, heat pump clothes drying equipment has advantages such as low energy consumption, minimal impact on indoor air humidity, and better drying effect, making it more readily accepted by users.

[0004] Heat pump clothes dryers typically have a circulating drying duct, inner drum, filter, and heat exchanger inside. When drying clothes, hot air enters the inner drum through the circulating drying duct and comes into full contact with the clothes. Most of the lint from the clothes is collected on the filter, but a small amount of lint still adheres to the surface of the heat exchanger. If the lint adhering to the heat exchanger is not cleaned in time, it will seriously affect the working efficiency of the heat exchanger over time.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. The first objective is to provide a control method for a garment processing device. This control method controls a fan to blow air to clean the lint adhering to the heat exchanger, which can avoid the problem of users having difficulty cleaning the lint on the heat exchanger, thereby preventing the heat exchanger from being blocked by lint, improving the working efficiency of the heat exchanger and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A method for controlling a garment processing device, comprising,

[0009] S1. Start cleaning mode;

[0010] S2. Control the fan of the garment processing equipment to blow air and clean the lint adhering to the heat exchanger.

[0011] Preferably, the blowing direction of the fan is opposite to the direction of the drying airflow of the clothing processing equipment;

[0012] Preferably, the fan is a drying fan, and the rotation direction of the drying fan in the cleaning mode is opposite to the rotation direction of the drying fan in the drying process.

[0013] Preferably, in step S2, controlling the fan of the garment processing equipment to blow air includes,

[0014] The fan of the garment processing equipment is controlled to perform at least one speed-changing rotation process;

[0015] Preferably, the variable speed rotation includes first accelerating and then rotating at a constant speed;

[0016] Preferably, when the fan speed of the garment processing equipment reaches a set threshold during the acceleration process, the fan of the garment processing equipment is controlled to rotate at a uniform speed at the set threshold.

[0017] Preferably, step S2, controlling the blower of the garment processing equipment, includes the following steps:

[0018] S21. Close the damper installed on the circulating drying air duct;

[0019] S22. Monitor the air pressure value of the circulating drying air duct between the fan and the damper;

[0020] S23. If the air pressure value is greater than or equal to the air pressure threshold, open the damper.

[0021] Preferably, the damper is closed while the fan is rotating at a constant speed and blowing air.

[0022] Preferably, after opening the damper in step S23, a timer is started, and the cleaning mode ends when the damper has been open for a set time.

[0023] Preferably, after opening the damper in step S23, a timer is started, and when the damper has been open for a set time, the damper is closed again.

[0024] Get the number of times the damper has been closed;

[0025] The cleaning mode ends when the number of times the damper is closed is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0026] If the number of times the damper is closed is less than the threshold, return to steps S22 and S23.

[0027] Preferably, when the number of times the damper has been closed is greater than or equal to a threshold number, the damper is opened and the cleaning mode is ended.

[0028] Preferably, when the number of times the damper is closed is greater than or equal to the number of times a threshold is reached, the cleaning mode ends after executing steps S22 and S23 once.

[0029] Preferably, the process further includes, between steps S1 and S2,

[0030] Check if the lint on the filter screen has been cleaned. If so, proceed to step S2; otherwise, clean the lint on the filter screen.

[0031] Alternatively, the filter screen can be rotated so that the side of the filter screen that filters out lint faces the direction of the airflow generated by the blower.

[0032] The present invention also provides a garment processing device employing the above-described control method.

[0033] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0034] In this invention, by controlling the fan to blow air and clean the lint adhering to the heat exchanger, the problem of users having difficulty cleaning the lint on the heat exchanger can be avoided, thereby preventing the heat exchanger from being blocked by lint, improving the working efficiency of the heat exchanger and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

[0035] In this invention, during the process of controlling the fan to blow air, the damper set on the circulating drying air duct is closed, the air pressure value of the circulating drying air duct between the fan and the damper is monitored, and if the air pressure value is greater than or equal to the air pressure threshold, the damper is opened. At this time, the air pressure of the circulating drying air duct between the fan and the damper is large enough to clean the lint on the heat exchanger, extend the service life of the heat exchanger, reduce the maintenance and cleaning costs of the heat exchanger, and more importantly, reduce the burden on users to disassemble and clean the heat exchanger, thus improving the user experience.

[0036] In this invention, after the damper is opened, a timer is started. When the damper is open for a set time, it is closed again. The number of times the damper is closed is recorded. When the number of times the damper is closed is greater than or equal to a threshold, the cleaning mode ends. By setting a reasonable threshold, the lint on the heat exchanger can be deeply cleaned, avoiding the problem of incomplete lint removal.

[0037] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the clothing processing device of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the control method for the clothing processing equipment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of step S2 in the control method of the clothing processing equipment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the first embodiment of the control method for the clothing processing equipment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the control method for the clothing processing equipment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a third embodiment of the control method for the clothing processing equipment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the fourth embodiment of the control method for the clothing processing equipment of the present invention.

[0046] In the diagram: 1. Drum; 2. Fan; 3. Circulating drying air duct; 4. Filter screen; 5. Heat exchanger; 6. Damper; 7. Air pressure detection device.

[0047] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0049] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a clothing processing device, which refers to a general term for a class of household appliances that can perform washing, dehydration, drying and other procedures, including but not limited to washing machines, washer-dryer combos and dryers.

[0052] The garment processing equipment includes a drum 1, a circulating drying duct 3, an air damper 6, a heat exchanger 5, a compressor, a filter 4, a fan 2, and a controller. The heat exchanger 5 includes an evaporator and / or a condenser. When the garment processing equipment is electrically heated, the heat exchanger 5 is a condenser; when the garment processing equipment is a heat pump type, the heat exchanger 5 is both an evaporator and a condenser.

[0053] The drum 1 has an air outlet and an air return outlet. The two ends of the circulating drying duct 3 are connected to the air outlet and air return outlet of the drum 1, respectively. An evaporator, a condenser, and an openable / closable damper 6 are located on the circulating drying duct 3. The damper 6 is used to open and close the circulating drying duct 3. A fan 2 is located inside the circulating drying duct 3. When the fan 2 blows air, it cleans the lint adhering to the heat exchanger 5. A filter screen 4 is located inside the circulating drying duct 3 to filter the lint within the duct 3 during the drying process. The controller controls the opening of the damper 6 when the garment processing equipment executes the drying program, and controls the damper 6 to close simultaneously with or before the fan 2 blows air.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the garment processing equipment includes an air pressure detection device 7. In the direction of airflow generated by the blower 2, the air pressure detection device 7 is installed between the heat exchanger 5 and the damper 6 to detect the air pressure value at that location. The air pressure detection device 7 can be an air pressure sensor, including but not limited to piezoresistive sensors, capacitive sensors and piezoelectric sensors.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the present invention also provides a control method for a garment processing device, comprising,

[0056] S1. Start cleaning mode;

[0057] Specifically, the cleaning mode is a set program in the garment processing equipment.

[0058] S2. Control the fan 2 of the garment processing equipment to blow air and clean the lint adhering to the heat exchanger 5;

[0059] In this invention, by using the above-mentioned control method, the blower 2 is controlled to blow air to clean the lint attached to the heat exchanger 5, which can avoid the problem that the user cannot clean the lint attached to the heat exchanger 5 in time, thereby preventing the heat exchanger 5 from being blocked by lint, improving the working efficiency of the heat exchanger 5 and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

[0060] Preferably, the blowing direction of the fan 2 is opposite to the direction of the drying airflow of the clothing processing equipment;

[0061] Preferably, the fan 2 is a drying fan, and the rotation direction of the drying fan in the cleaning mode is opposite to the rotation direction of the drying fan in the drying process.

[0062] Preferably, in step S2, controlling the fan 2 of the garment processing equipment to blow air includes controlling the fan 2 of the garment processing equipment to perform at least one variable speed rotation process.

[0063] Furthermore, the variable speed rotation includes first accelerating and then rotating at a constant speed. In other words, throughout the entire cleaning mode, the fan 2 is always in a blowing state to provide airflow, which improves the efficiency of cleaning the lint adhering to the heat exchanger 5 and enhances the user experience.

[0064] Furthermore, when the rotational speed of the fan 2 in the garment processing equipment reaches a set threshold during acceleration, the fan 2 is controlled to rotate at a constant speed within the set threshold. By setting a reasonable threshold, the fan 2 is ensured to operate at the optimal speed, which helps reduce unnecessary energy loss and improve the conversion efficiency of wind energy. Preferably, the set threshold is 1500 RPM.

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, step S2, controlling the drying fan 2 of the garment processing equipment to blow air, includes the following steps:

[0066] S21. Close the damper 6 located in the circulating drying air duct 3.

[0067] Specifically, when the controller closes the damper 6 on the circulating drying duct 3, a high-pressure area and a low-pressure area are generated inside the circulating drying duct 3. The heat exchanger 5 is located in the high-pressure area of ​​the circulating drying duct 3. The high-pressure area refers to the area where the airflow generated when the fan 2 blows air and flows towards the damper 6. This area has a higher air pressure due to the convergence and acceleration of the airflow. Conversely, the low-pressure area refers to the area between the damper 6 and the fan 2, that is, the area where the filter screen 4 and the drum 1 are located.

[0068] S22. Monitor the air pressure value of the circulating drying air duct 3 between the fan 2 and the damper 6.

[0069] Specifically, the detected air pressure value is sent to the controller via the air pressure detection device 7.

[0070] S23. If the air pressure value is greater than or equal to the air pressure threshold, open the damper 6.

[0071] The controller receives the air pressure value sent by the air pressure detection device 7 and compares it with the air pressure threshold. When the air pressure value is greater than or equal to the air pressure threshold, the damper 6 is opened. By setting the air pressure threshold, not only is it ensured that the air pressure value in the circulating drying duct 3 between the fan 2 and the damper 6 will not be too high, thus preventing safety hazards, but the air pressure threshold can also deeply clean the lint on the heat exchanger 5, avoiding the problem of incomplete lint removal. Preferably, the air pressure threshold is set to 300 Pa.

[0072] Preferably, the damper 6 is closed while the fan 2 is rotating at a constant speed and blowing air.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, after opening the damper 6 in step S23, a timer begins. When the damper 6 has been open for the set time, the cleaning mode ends. Because the circulating drying duct 3 between the fan 2 and the damper 6 where the heat exchanger 5 is located accumulates high-pressure airflow, opening the damper 6 allows the airflow to easily blow away the lint on the heat exchanger 5, thus achieving a highly efficient cleaning effect. Preferably, the set time is 10 seconds.

[0074] To achieve complete removal of lint, such as Figure 5 As shown, as another embodiment of the present invention, the difference from the above embodiment is that when the time for opening the damper 6 reaches the set time, the damper 6 is closed again, and the number of times the damper 6 is closed is obtained.

[0075] Specifically, after opening the damper 6 in step S23, a timer is started. When the time for opening the damper 6 reaches the set time, the damper 6 is closed again.

[0076] Get the number of times damper 6 has been closed;

[0077] The cleaning mode ends when the number of times damper 6 is closed is greater than or equal to the threshold number.

[0078] If the number of times damper 6 is closed is less than a threshold number, the process returns to steps S22 and S23. It's understood that the threshold number is not limited here; by setting a reasonable threshold, multiple high-pressure airflows can be released to deeply clean and remove lint from heat exchanger 5, avoiding incomplete cleaning. The threshold number is set to 5 or 6 times, preferably 2 or 3 times.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, in another embodiment of the present invention, the difference from the above embodiment is that when the number of times the damper 6 is closed is greater than or equal to a threshold number, the damper 6 is opened, and the cleaning mode ends. This is done to facilitate the execution of the drying program by the garment processing equipment; that is, it saves the time the controller spends controlling the opening of the damper 6 when the garment processing equipment executes the drying program.

[0080] like Figure 7 As shown, in another embodiment of the present invention, the difference from the above embodiment is that when it is determined that the number of times the damper 6 is closed is greater than or equal to the number threshold, the air pressure value of the circulating drying duct 3 between the fan 2 and the damper 6 is monitored again, and it is determined that the air pressure value is greater than or equal to the air pressure threshold. The damper 6 is then opened to end the cleaning mode, preventing insufficient air pressure in the circulating drying duct 3 from causing impurities to flow back and affecting the lint cleaning effect, thereby further improving the lint removal effect.

[0081] Preferably, the process further includes, between steps S1 and S2,

[0082] Check if the lint on filter screen 4 has been cleaned. If so, proceed to step S2; otherwise, clean the lint on filter screen 4.

[0083] Specifically, during the drying process of the clothing processing equipment, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the condenser and evaporator sequentially before returning to the compressor. Simultaneously or before the controller controls the fan 2 to blow air, the damper 6 is opened. The fan 2 rotates, driving the drying airflow to circulate between the circulating drying duct 3 and the drum 1. The drying airflow dries the clothes in the drum 1, causing the moisture in the clothes to evaporate and precipitate, entering the circulating drying duct 3 through the air outlet along with the drying airflow. The humid and hot airflow entering the circulating drying duct 3 first passes through the evaporator, causing the moisture in the humid and hot airflow to condense into water droplets and be discharged as dry and cold airflow. Then, the dry and cold airflow passes through the condenser and is heated to become drying airflow. Subsequently, the drying airflow enters the drum 1 through the return air inlet to continue drying the clothes. During the drying process, lint is generated. As the lint flows through the circulating drying duct 3, it is collected on the filter screen 4. However, a small portion of lint still penetrates the filter screen 4 and adheres to the surface of the evaporator and / or condenser. Therefore, after drying is completed, the cleaning mode is activated.

[0084] Furthermore, a camera device is installed inside the circulating drying duct 3 to acquire information about lint on the filter screen 4 and send it to the controller. After the controller confirms that the lint on the filter screen 4 has been cleaned, it controls the fan 2 to rotate and blow air, causing the airflow generated by the fan 2 to clean the lint adhering to the evaporator and / or condenser. The lint is collected on the filter screen 4 until the fan 2 stops rotating, thoroughly cleaning the lint on the filter screen 4. When the controller confirms that there is lint on the filter screen 4, it issues a cleaning signal to prompt the operator to clean it manually. The lint that the operator manually cleans is the lint that adheres to the filter screen 4 when the clothing processing equipment performs the drying program.

[0085] As a replacement for the lint generated during the manual cleaning process of the blower 2, the filter 4 is rotatably disposed within the circulating drying duct 3, and a cleaning mechanism is installed within the circulating drying duct 3. When the garment processing equipment executes the drying program, lint is collected on the side of the filter 4 that filters lint. When the cleaning mode is activated and the blower 2 is turned to blow air, the airflow generated by the blower 2 pushes the filter 4 to rotate. At this time, the side of the filter 4 that filters lint faces the direction of the airflow generated by the rotation of the blower 2, and the lint on the heat exchanger 5 is collected on the side of the filter 4 that filters lint. After the cleaning mode ends, the cleaning mechanism is controlled to clean the lint on the filter 4. It is understood that the cleaning mechanism can be a brush or a vacuum cleaner. In addition, the rotation of the filter 4 is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0086] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a garment processing device, characterized in that, include, S1. Start cleaning mode; S2. Control the fan of the garment processing equipment to blow air and clean the lint adhering to the heat exchanger.

2. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direction of airflow from the blower is opposite to the direction of airflow in the clothes drying equipment; Preferably, the fan is a drying fan, and the rotation direction of the drying fan in the cleaning mode is opposite to the rotation direction of the drying fan in the drying process.

3. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In step S2, controlling the fan of the garment processing equipment to blow air includes, The fan of the garment processing equipment is controlled to perform at least one speed-changing rotation process; Preferably, the variable speed rotation includes first accelerating and then rotating at a constant speed; Preferably, when the fan speed of the garment processing equipment reaches a set threshold during the acceleration process, the fan of the garment processing equipment is controlled to rotate at a uniform speed at the set threshold.

4. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Step S2, controlling the fan of the garment processing equipment to blow air, includes the following steps: S21. Close the damper installed in the circulating drying air duct; S22. Monitor the air pressure value of the circulating drying air duct between the fan and the damper; S23. If the air pressure value is greater than or equal to the air pressure threshold, open the damper. Preferably, the damper is closed while the fan is rotating at a constant speed and blowing air.

5. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, After executing step S23 to open the damper, a timer is started. When the damper has been open for the set time, the cleaning mode ends.

6. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, After executing step S23 to open the damper, start timing. When the damper has been open for the set time, close the damper again. Get the number of times the damper has been closed; The cleaning mode ends when the number of times the damper is closed is greater than or equal to the threshold. If the number of times the damper is closed is less than the threshold, return to steps S22 and S23.

7. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, If the number of times the damper is closed is greater than or equal to the threshold, the damper is opened and the cleaning mode ends.

8. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, If the number of times the damper is closed is greater than or equal to the threshold, the cleaning mode ends after executing steps S22 and S23 once.

9. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The process between steps S1 and S2 also includes, Check if the lint on the filter screen has been cleaned. If so, proceed to step S2; otherwise, clean the lint on the filter screen. Alternatively, the filter screen can be rotated so that the side of the filter screen that filters out lint faces the direction of the airflow generated by the blower.

10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The control method of the garment processing equipment as described in any one of claims 1-9 is adopted.

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