Condenser and washing and drying machine with lint removal function

Abstract

The present invention discloses a condenser and a washing and drying machine with a lint removal function. The condenser with a lint removal function comprises: a condensation duct, wherein an air inlet is provided at the lower portion of the condensation duct, an air outlet is provided at the upper portion of the condensation duct, and a water storage area is formed at the bottom of the condensation duct; a first windshield, which is provided in the condensation duct and extends downward from the upper portion of the condensation duct; and a second windshield, which is provided in the condensation duct and extends upward from the lower portion of the condensation duct, and is located in the water storage area. The first windshield and the second windshield are sequentially arranged on one side of the air inlet along the direction of airflow within the condensation duct. This improves the drying efficiency and safety and reliability of the washing and drying machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular relates to a condenser and a washing and drying machine with a lint removal function. Background Art

[0002] Washing machines and dryers are common household appliances in people's daily lives. With the continuous development of technology, washing machines and dryers with drying functions have become more and more popular. In addition to washing clothes normally, washing machines with drying functions can also dry washed and spun clothes.

[0003] Chinese patent application No. 201811058551.8 discloses an air duct filter device and a washer-dryer equipped with a drying heat source. During the drying process, hot air generated by the drying heat source is blown into the washing tub of the washer-dryer via a fan to dry the clothes in the tub. The airflow from the tub enters a water storage pipe for condensation, and the lint generated during the drying process is filtered out through a filter. However, after prolonged use, the filter can become clogged with lint, increasing air resistance and resulting in lower drying efficiency. Furthermore, during the heating process, lint that accumulates on the filter can easily catch fire, creating a safety hazard.

[0004] In view of this, how to design a technology that has high drying efficiency and high safety and reliability is the technical problem to be solved by the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a condenser with a lint removal function and a washing and drying machine, thereby improving the drying efficiency and the safety and reliability of the washing and drying machine.

[0006] In order to achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a condenser with a lint removal function, comprising:

[0008] A condensation air duct, wherein an air inlet is provided at the lower portion of the condensation air duct, an air outlet is provided at the upper portion of the condensation air duct, and a water storage area is formed at the bottom of the condensation air duct;

[0009] a first wind shield, the first wind shield being disposed in the condensing air duct and extending downward from an upper portion of the condensing air duct;

[0010] a second wind shield, the second wind shield being arranged in the condensing air duct and extending from below to above the condensing air duct, the second wind shield being located in the water storage area;

[0011] Wherein, along the air flow direction inside the condensing air duct, the first wind shield and the second wind shield are sequentially arranged on one side of the air inlet.

[0012] Furthermore, the condensation air duct includes:

[0013] A water storage cavity is formed in the water storage cavity, the water storage area is formed in the water storage cavity, the air inlet is connected to the water storage cavity, and the first wind shield and the second wind shield are located in the water storage cavity.

[0014] an air outlet cavity, the air outlet cavity being located above the water storage cavity, and the air outlet being connected to the air outlet cavity;

[0015] An air channel is connected to the water storage cavity and the air outlet cavity.

[0016] Furthermore, a water inlet pipe is provided on the air channel, and a water outlet of the water inlet pipe is connected to the water storage cavity.

[0017] Furthermore, an overflow port is provided on the water storage cavity, and the height of the lower edge of the first wind shield is lower than the height of the overflow port.

[0018] Furthermore, a drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the water storage cavity.

[0019] Furthermore, along the horizontal projection direction, the lower end portion of the first wind shield plate and the upper end portion of the second wind shield plate form a projection overlapping area.

[0020] Furthermore, the lower end portion of the first wind shield is bent toward the second wind shield, and / or the upper end portion of the second wind shield is bent toward the first wind shield.

[0021] Furthermore, an air guide portion extending toward the air outlet area is further provided on the upper portion of the first air shield, and the air guide portion is located above the second air shield.

[0022] Furthermore, at least one water baffle is provided below the air outlet.

[0023] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a washing and drying machine, comprising a washing tub and a drying module, the drying module having an air blowing port and an air suction port, the air blowing port being connected to the washing tub, and further comprising the above-mentioned condenser with a lint removal function; the air inlet of the condenser with a lint removal function being connected to the washing tub, and the air outlet of the condenser with a lint removal function being connected to the air suction port of the drying module.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: by forming a water storage area in the condensing air duct and sequentially arranging a first windshield and a second windshield on one side of the air inlet, during use, the water storage area of the condensing air duct is filled with water and the lower end of the first windshield is immersed in water. The airflow introduced from the air inlet is mixed with lint and enters the condensing air duct. Due to the obstruction of the first windshield, the airflow is allowed to flow along the first windshield from the bottom to the area between the first windshield and the second windshield; the airflow fully contacts the water film on the surface of the first windshield to effectively remove lint from the airflow; at the same time, the water in the air duct is driven by the airflow to impact the second windshield to form a plurality of water droplets, which can more quickly and efficiently absorb lint from the airflow, further improving the efficiency and effectiveness of lint removal, thereby improving the drying effect of the washing and drying machine and enhancing the user experience of the washing and drying machine. At the same time, because the lint is absorbed in the water, the lint ignition problem caused by the use of a filter to remove the lint is avoided, thereby improving the safety and reliability of use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a washing and drying machine of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the condenser with a lint removal function;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The main view of the condenser with lint removal function;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Middle AA section view;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of area B in the middle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or component described must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] like Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a washing and drying machine comprising a washing tub 100 and a drying module 200. After the laundry is washed in the washing tub 100, the drying module 200 can be activated to dry the laundry in the washing tub 100. The specific operation of the washing tub 100 for washing the laundry and the drying module 200 for drying the laundry can be referenced to the structural form of the relevant components in conventional washing and drying machines, and will not be limited or elaborated upon herein.

[0034] During the drying process, in order to condense the high-temperature and high-humidity gas in the washing tub 100 and filter out the lint mixed in the gas, the washing and drying machine is also equipped with a condenser 300 with a lint removal function.

[0035] Specifically, the condenser 300 with lint removal function includes a condensing air duct 1, a first air shield 2, and a second air shield 3. An air inlet 11 is provided at the bottom of the condensing air duct 1, and an air outlet 12 is provided at the top. Airflow from the washer-dryer enters the condensing air duct 1 through the air inlet 11 and is discharged through the air outlet 12.

[0036] A first windshield 2 is disposed in the condensation duct 1 and extends downward from the upper portion of the condensation duct 1. A second windshield 3 is disposed in the condensation duct 1 and extends upward from the lower portion of the condensation duct 1. Along the direction of airflow within the condensation duct 1, the first windshield 2 and the second windshield 3 are sequentially arranged on either side of the air inlet 11, such that the lower end of the first windshield 2 is located in front of the upper end of the second windshield 3. An air inlet area 101 is formed between the first windshield 2, the second windshield 3, and the air inlet 11, and an air outlet area 102 is formed between the first windshield 2, the second windshield 3, and the air outlet 12.

[0037] In addition, a water storage area 103 is formed at the bottom of the condensation air duct 1 , the air inlet 11 is higher than the water storage area 103 , and the second wind shield 3 is located in the water storage area 103 .

[0038] The conventional drying module 200 is composed of an electric heater 201 and a fan 202. The drying module 200 has an air blowing port and an air suction port. The air blowing port is connected to the washing tub 100. The air inlet 11 of the condenser with a lint removal function is connected to the washing tub 100, and the air outlet 12 of the condenser with a lint removal function is connected to the air suction port of the drying module 200.

[0039] In actual use, before the washer-dryer begins drying clothes, it's necessary to inject a certain amount of water into the condensation duct 1. This water condenses the hot, humid air and removes any lint from it. After water is injected into the water reservoir 103, and when the washer-dryer isn't drying clothes, the water level in the condensation duct 1 should submerge the lower end of the first windshield 2. This way, the first windshield 2 and the water within the condensation duct 1 isolate the air inlet 101 from the air outlet 102.

[0040] After the clothes drying operation is initiated, the moist airflow from the washing tub 100 enters the lint-removing condenser 300. This lint-laden airflow from the washing tub 100 passes through the air inlet 11 and enters the air inlet area 101 within the condenser duct 1. Because the air inlet area 101 and the air outlet area 102 are separated by the first windshield 2 inserted in the water, the air pressure forces the water in the air inlet area 101 into the air outlet area 102. Ultimately, the airflow passes through the bottom of the first windshield 2 and enters between the first windshield 2 and the second windshield 3.

[0041] As the airflow passes over the surface of the first windshield 2, it fully contacts the water layer on the surface of the first windshield 2, effectively absorbing the lint. Simultaneously, the airflow impinges upon the surface of the second windshield 3, creating a large spray of water above the second windshield 3. The airflow between the first and second windshields 2, 3 is further cleansed by the spray, effectively removing lint from the airflow.

[0042] After the airflow from the washing tub 100 is condensed and lint-removed, it enters the air intake of the drying module 200 through the air outlet 12 of the condenser 300 with a lint-removing function. It then flows into the drying module 200, forming a high-temperature, dry airflow. The airflow then flows into the washing tub 100 through the air outlet of the drying module 200 to dry the clothes in the washing tub 100, completing one air cycle. The airflow is controlled to circulate repeatedly between the washing tub 100, the condenser with a lint-removing function, and the drying module 200 until the clothes in the washing tub 100 are dry. In this way, the washing and drying machine simultaneously removes lint through the condenser 300 with a lint-removing function during the drying process.

[0043] In another embodiment, the condensing air duct 1 includes: a water storage cavity 1001, an air outlet cavity 1002, and an air channel 1003. A water storage area 103 is formed in the water storage cavity 1001, the air inlet is connected to the water storage cavity 1001, and the first wind shield and the second wind shield are located in the water storage cavity 1001. The air outlet cavity 1002 is located above the water storage cavity 1001, and the air outlet is connected to the air outlet cavity 1002; the air channel 1003 connects the water storage cavity 1001 and the air outlet cavity 1002. Specifically, the condensing air duct 1 is arranged longitudinally as a whole on one side of the washing tub 100, wherein the water storage cavity 1001 is located on one side of the lower part of the washing tub 100, and the air outlet cavity 1002 is located on one side of the upper part of the washing tub 100. Since the washing tub 100 is typically cylindrical, the empty space at the upper and lower corners of the washing tub 100 can be fully utilized to house the water storage chamber 1001 and the air outlet chamber 1002. The air duct 1003, on the other hand, is generally flat and can be attached to one side of the washing tub 100, utilizing the space between the washing tub 100 and the outer casing of the washing machine. This allows the internal space of the washing machine to be fully utilized to install the condenser 300 with a lint removal function, achieving a compact design.

[0044] In other embodiments, to facilitate water injection into the water storage chamber 1001, a water inlet pipe 15 is provided on the air duct 1003, with the outlet of the water inlet pipe 15 communicating with the water storage chamber 1001. Specifically, the water inlet pipe 15 can be fed with water through the water inlet mechanism of the washing machine and dryer. The specific embodiment of the water inlet mechanism in the washing machine and dryer can be referenced to the water inlet module in a conventional washing machine, and no further description or limitation is given here.

[0045] In some embodiments, the water storage chamber 1001 is further provided with an overflow port 14, and the lower edge of the first windshield 2 is lower than the height of the overflow port 14. When water is injected through the water inlet pipe 15, if an excessive amount of water is injected, the excess water can flow out of the overflow port 14. The water level in the water storage area 103 can be controlled by a water level sensor or by quantitative water injection, which is not limited or elaborated herein. Furthermore, a drain port 13 is provided at the bottom of the water storage chamber 1001. After the clothes drying operation is completed, the water in the water storage chamber 1001 can be drained by opening the drain port 13.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the lower end of the first wind shield 2 and the upper end of the second wind shield 3 can form a projected overlap region along the horizontal projection direction. Specifically, the lower end of the first wind shield 2 is lower than the upper end of the second wind shield 3, so that the lower end of the first wind shield 2 and the upper end of the second wind shield 3 have a projected overlap region along the horizontal projection direction. After bypassing the bottom of the first wind shield 2, the airflow can be further guided by the second wind shield 3. This ensures that the airflow can flow between the first wind shield 2 and the second wind shield 3 and enter the air outlet area 102.

[0047] The air flow flows between the first wind shield 2 and the second wind shield 3. On the one hand, it can make the air flow fully contact with the water layer on the surface of the first wind shield 2 and the second wind shield 3 to remove the lint. On the other hand, it can also ensure that the air flow can fully contact with the water splashes generated by the second wind shield 3 during the rising process, so as to effectively improve the efficiency of lint removal.

[0048] In another embodiment, to further optimize the lint removal effect, the lower end of the first windshield 2 is preferably bent toward the second windshield 3. Specifically, after being guided by the lower end of the first windshield 2, the airflow flows toward the second windshield 3. This allows the airflow to be further guided through the second windshield 3 to remove lint. Furthermore, as the airflow flows upward along the second windshield 3, it can further impact the water layer above, forming a larger water splash.

[0049] Similarly, the upper end of the second windshield 3 is bent toward the first windshield 2. Specifically, the airflow directed through the second windshield 3 is directed through its upper end and then flows toward the first windshield 2. In this way, the airflow can be directed back to the first windshield 2 to fully utilize the water layer on the surface of the first windshield 2 to remove lint.

[0050] A more preferred solution is that the lower end of the first wind shield 2 and the upper end of the second wind shield 3 are both bent.

[0051] In some embodiments, an air guide portion 21 extending toward the air outlet area 102 may be provided on the upper portion of the first wind shield 2. The air guide portion 21 is located above the second wind shield 3 and further away from the air inlet area 101 relative to the second wind shield 3. Specifically, as the airflow passes over the lower end of the first wind shield 2 and continues to flow upward along the first wind shield 2, the airflow will be shielded and guided by the upper air guide portion 21 to extend the retention time of the airflow in the condensation duct 1, thereby achieving full contact between the airflow and the water for the lint removal operation, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of the lint removal. The air guide portion 21 is preferably designed to extend downwardly and obliquely, so that the airflow can be guided by the air guide portion 21 to flow toward the water surface at the bottom again, so that the airflow hits the water surface behind the second wind shield 3 again for lint removal.

[0052] Furthermore, the specific structures of the first and second windshields 2 and 3 can be designed in a variety of ways. For example, the first and second windshields 2 and 3, as well as the wind guide 21, can all be designed as arc-shaped structures. This allows the airflow between the lower end of the first windshield 2 and the upper end of the second windshield 3 to form a vortex, fully contacting the water and enhancing the lint removal effect. Furthermore, the wind guide 21 above the second windshield 3 can guide the airflow to form a vortex, further optimizing the lint removal effect.

[0053] To reduce the amount of mist escaping from the air outlet 12, at least one water baffle (not shown) is preferably installed within the condensing air duct 1, below the air outlet 12. Specifically, the water baffle is located below the air outlet 12. The water baffle blocks the rising airflow, thus blocking mist and entrained water droplets in the airflow. This reduces the amount of mist entering the clothes drying module 200, thereby improving clothes drying efficiency. If multiple water baffles are installed, they should be spaced apart vertically and staggered laterally.

[0054] In this embodiment, the specific structural form of the washing and drying machine is not limited here. As for the condenser with lint removal function, it can be built into the air duct of the washing and drying machine to maintain the overall aesthetics of the washing and drying machine.

[0055] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, it is still possible for a person skilled in the art to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or to replace some of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed to be protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A condenser with a lint removal function, characterized in that: include: A condensation air duct, wherein an air inlet is provided at the lower portion of the condensation air duct, an air outlet is provided at the upper portion of the condensation air duct, and a water storage area is formed at the bottom of the condensation air duct; a first wind shield, the first wind shield being disposed in the condensing air duct and extending downward from an upper portion of the condensing air duct; a second wind shield, the second wind shield being arranged in the condensing air duct and extending from below to above the condensing air duct, the second wind shield being located in the water storage area; Wherein, along the direction of air flow inside the condensing duct, the first windshield and the second windshield are sequentially arranged on one side of the air inlet; The condensing air duct is configured so that the water level in the condensing air duct is high enough to submerge the lower end portion of the first wind shield; An air outlet area is formed between the first air shield, the second air shield and the air outlet; The upper portion of the first windshield is further provided with an air guide portion extending in the direction of the air outlet area, the air guide portion is located above the second windshield; The first wind shield, the second wind shield, and the wind guide are all designed to be arc-shaped structures. The condenser is configured so that the airflow flowing between the lower end of the first wind shield and the upper end of the second wind shield can form a vortex. The lower end of the first wind shield is bent toward the second wind shield, and the upper end of the second wind shield is bent toward the first wind shield. A plurality of water baffles are further provided below the air outlet, and the plurality of water baffles are arranged in a manner of being spaced apart up and down and being laterally staggered.

2. The condenser with lint removal function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The condensation air duct comprises: A water storage cavity is formed in the water storage cavity, the water storage area is formed in the water storage cavity, the air inlet is connected to the water storage cavity, and the first wind shield and the second wind shield are located in the water storage cavity. An air outlet cavity, the air outlet cavity is located above the water storage cavity, and the air outlet is connected to the air outlet cavity; An air channel is connected to the water storage cavity and the air outlet cavity.

3. The condenser with lint removal function according to claim 2, characterized in that: A water inlet pipe is provided on the air channel, and a water outlet of the water inlet pipe is connected to the water storage cavity.

4. The condenser with lint removal function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water storage cavity is also provided with an overflow port, and the lower edge height of the first wind shield is lower than the height of the overflow port.

5. The condenser with lint removal function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the water storage cavity is also provided with a drain outlet.

6. The condenser with lint removal function according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Along the horizontal projection direction, the lower end portion of the first wind shield plate and the upper end portion of the second wind shield plate form a projection overlapping area.

7. A washing and drying machine, comprising a washing tub and a drying module, wherein the drying module has an air blowing port and an air suction port, wherein the air blowing port is connected to the washing tub, and wherein: It also includes a condenser with a lint removal function as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; the air inlet of the condenser with a lint removal function is connected to the washing tub, and the air outlet of the condenser with a lint removal function is connected to the air intake of the drying module.

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