Clothes processing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a clothing processing device. It includes a shell and a drum arranged in the shell, the drum is used to provide storage space for clothes, and also includes a main drying system and an auxiliary condensing device; the main drying system includes a condensing part, a heating part, a main fan and an air duct system for defining a drying air duct; the air duct system is configured to guide the drying airflow so that the drying airflow flows out of the drum under the action of the main fan, flows through the condensing part and the heating part in sequence, and then circulates into the drum; the auxiliary condensing device performs heat exchange with the condensing part to cool the condensing part. Improving the condensation efficiency of water vapor in the condenser can solve the problem of low drying efficiency of ordinary clothes dryers and significantly improve the drying efficiency. Moreover, the use of forced auxiliary condensation can ensure high condensation efficiency in a smaller volume. Compared with simply increasing the size of the main condenser and increasing the power of the main heat dissipation fan, the present invention has significant technical effects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of clothing processing, and in particular to a clothing processing device with a clothing drying function. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of technology and the improvement of living standards, clothes dryers are gradually being widely used by people. The function of a clothes dryer is to allow high-temperature air to flow through the clothes that need to be dried, taking away the moisture in the clothes and drying the clothes quickly. The clothes dryer includes a shell, a drum and a support, wherein the drum and the support are arranged in the shell, and the drum is arranged horizontally. The following air circulation channel is provided in the existing clothes dryer: the hot air heated by the heating device is sent into the drying chamber containing clothes from the air inlet at the rear of the drum through the circulation channel, and the hygroscopic air that has taken moisture from the clothes is sent back to the condensing device from the front air outlet for dehumidification. The dehumidified air is heated again by the heating device and sent into the drum. However, the drying efficiency of the existing clothes dryer is low.

[0003] In addition, manufacturers have continuously improved the appearance and internal structure of clothes dryers, striving to add various functions to meet market demand. However, to date, users have to bend down and squat to pick up and put out clothes, which is somewhat laborious and inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome at least one drawback of existing clothes processing devices and provide a novel clothes processing device to at least solve the problem of relatively low drying efficiency of existing clothes.

[0005] Specifically, the present invention provides a clothes processing device having a clothes drying function, comprising a housing and a drum disposed in the housing, the drum being used to provide a storage space for clothes, and further comprising a main drying system and an auxiliary condensing device;

[0006] The main drying system includes a condensing section, a heating section, a main fan, and an air duct system for defining a drying air duct; the air duct system is configured to guide the drying airflow so that the drying airflow flows out of the drum under the action of the main fan, flows through the condensing section and the heating section in sequence, and finally circulates into the drum;

[0007] The auxiliary condensing device performs heat exchange with the condensing portion to cool the condensing portion.

[0008] Optionally, the auxiliary condensing device includes a liquid cooling unit, a liquid cooling box, a liquid cooling fan and a liquid cooling pump.

[0009] The liquid cooling part is arranged on the condensing part to exchange heat with the condensing part; the liquid cooling box stores condensate and is provided with a liquid cooling air duct; the liquid cooling fan is configured to force air flow through the liquid cooling air duct to cool the condensate in the liquid cooling box;

[0010] The outlet of the liquid cooling part is connected to the liquid cooling box through an outlet pipe, and the inlet of the liquid cooling part is connected to the liquid cooling box through an inlet pipe. The liquid cooling pump can be arranged on the inlet pipe or the outlet pipe.

[0011] Optionally, the liquid cooling part is a liquid cooling pipeline, which extends in a serpentine shape and is arranged on a surface of the condensing part; or,

[0012] The liquid cooling part is a liquid cooling box, which is arranged on one surface of the condensing part; a partition is arranged in the liquid cooling box to form a curved and extended channel in the liquid cooling box.

[0013] Optionally, at least a portion of the inlet pipe and / or at least a portion of the outlet pipe is in contact with the condensation portion for heat exchange.

[0014] Optionally, the condensing portion includes a drying airflow channel and an air channel capable of performing heat exchange, so that the air with a lower temperature cools the drying airflow with a higher temperature;

[0015] The main drying system further includes a condensing fan, which is used to force air to enter from one end of the air passage and flow out from the other end of the air passage.

[0016] Optionally, the condensing section includes a plurality of air duct tubes arranged in parallel and a plurality of fins mounted on the air duct tubes, the air duct tubes are provided with the drying air flow channel, and the space between two adjacent air duct tubes is provided with the air channel;

[0017] The liquid cooling part is arranged on the outer side surface of the outermost air duct.

[0018] Optionally, liquid cooling fins are provided on the liquid cooling portion, and the condensing fan is further configured to force air to pass through the spaces between the liquid cooling fins.

[0019] Optionally, the inlet pipe or the outlet pipe includes multiple heat exchange pipe segments, each of the heat exchange pipe segments is arranged on the leeward side or the windward side of one of the air duct pipes, and the number of the heat exchange pipe segments is less than or equal to the number of the air duct pipes.

[0020] Optionally, the drying air flow channel is perpendicular to the air channel; the liquid cooling fins are perpendicular to the drying air flow channel;

[0021] A flow guide device is provided on the outer side of the inlet end of the air channel, the flow guide device comprising a flow guide channel and a sub-flow guide channel provided in the flow guide channel for guiding air to the air channel, the sub-flow guide channel being provided between the condensing portion and the outlet of the condensing fan;

[0022] The guide channel includes an inlet section and an outlet section, the sub-guide channel is arranged in the outlet section, and the inlet section is perpendicular to the air channel;

[0023] The condensing fan is a centrifugal fan;

[0024] The liquid cooling box is arranged on the outside or above the outside of the outlet end of the air channel. The length direction of the liquid cooling box is perpendicular to the air channel, and the liquid cooling air duct is perpendicular to the air channel.

[0025] Optionally, the drum extends in the front-to-back direction, an openable and closable clothing access opening is provided on a peripheral wall of the drum, and a front end cover is provided at the front end of the drum; the drum is slidably arranged in the shell along the front-to-back direction, so that the drum has a retracted state retracted into the shell and an extended state at least partially located outside the shell, and in the extended state, part or all of the clothing access opening is located outside the shell;

[0026] The front end cover is provided with an annular air outlet structure, which is coaxial with the drum, so that the drying airflow flows out of the drum from the annular air outlet structure and enters the air duct system;

[0027] An auxiliary drying system is provided in the front end cover, and the auxiliary drying system is configured to suck airflow from the front end of the drum, heat the airflow, and allow the heated airflow to enter the drum from the front end of the drum.

[0028] The clothes processing device of the present invention, because it includes an auxiliary condensing device, the condensate within the auxiliary condensing device can be liquid condensate, improving the condensation efficiency of water vapor in the condenser. This can solve the low drying efficiency problem of conventional clothes dryers and significantly improve drying efficiency. Furthermore, the use of forced auxiliary condensation ensures high condensation efficiency within a relatively small volume, achieving better condensation results than increasing the condenser size of existing drying systems. Compared to simply increasing the size of the main condenser or increasing the power of the main cooling fan, the present invention has significant technical benefits.

[0029] Furthermore, in the clothes processing device of the present invention, the special arrangement position and relative relationship of the auxiliary condensing device and the condensing part can significantly improve the condensing efficiency and achieve good energy-saving effect.

[0030] Furthermore, in the clothing processing device of the present invention, because it has a drum that can be extended or retracted, clothes can be taken in and put in when the drum is extended, and drying can be performed after the drum is retracted. This can solve the pain point of users having to bend over to take in and put in clothes. It is very convenient for users to take in and put in clothes, and the degree of intelligence is high.

[0031] Furthermore, the inventors discovered that conventional clothes dryers typically have a hot air inlet at the rear of the dryer, causing the hot air to flow from back to front within the drum. This causes the temperature at the rear of the drum to be significantly higher than that at the front, with a significant temperature difference. Consequently, clothes drying at the front of the drum are slow and have low drying efficiency. The clothing processing device of the present invention includes an auxiliary drying system. The air path of the auxiliary drying system, combined with the main drying system, creates turbulent flow within the drum, resulting in similar drying temperatures at both ends of the drum, achieving uniform heating, improving drying efficiency, and enhancing practicality. In other words, compared to conventional clothes dryers, the present invention can increase the drying temperature at the front of the drum, thereby significantly improving drying efficiency and achieving uniform drying of clothes within the drum, thereby enhancing the drying efficiency of the dryer.

[0032] Furthermore, the clothes processing device of the present invention may be a clothes dryer, a washer-dryer, or a washer-dryer.

[0033] Based on the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in an exemplary and non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a condensing portion and an auxiliary condensing device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a condensing portion and an auxiliary condensing device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a clothes dryer in which the drum is in an extended state is shown;

[0040] Figure 6 is a schematic front view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a clothes dryer in which the drum is in an extended state is shown;

[0044] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of an auxiliary drying system in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a first connection structure in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a second connection structure in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a second connection structure in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a condensing portion and an auxiliary condensing device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 15 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a condensing portion and an auxiliary condensing device in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Shown and referenced Figures 2 to 15 , an embodiment of the present invention provides a clothing processing device.

[0051] The laundry processing device includes a housing 20, a drum 21, a support, a main drying system, and an auxiliary condensing device. The drum 21 and support are disposed within the housing 20. The housing 20 is the outer shell of the laundry processing device, protecting and housing its internal components and enhancing its aesthetic appearance. The housing 20 may also be provided with a display and control system. The display system may be a display screen, indicator lights, etc., to indicate the operating status of the laundry processing device. The control system may include, but is not limited to, buttons, knobs, and a touchscreen display to facilitate user control or configuration of the laundry processing device. The support supports the housing 20 and mounts the drum 21 and the main drying system of the laundry processing device. Preferably, the drum 21 is horizontally disposed and is used to hold and dry laundry, i.e., it provides storage space for laundry. The drum 21 extends in a front-to-back direction, with a front cover 24 disposed at its front end. The front cover 24 is a structure that seals the front opening of the drum 21. In other words, the rear wall of the front cover 24 defines the interior space of the drum 21. In some embodiments, the drum 21 may also be tilted relative to the horizontal plane.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the main drying system is a heat circulation system, which is configured to allow the drying air flow to flow out from the drum 21, such as the front end of the drum, and then be condensed and heated, and then circulate into the drum 21, for example, from the rear end of the drum 21. Preferably, the heat circulation system may include a hot air hood 41, a condensing part 42, a heating part 43, a main fan 44 and an air duct system. The hot air hood 41 is rotatably arranged at the rear end of the drum 21, and a plurality of ventilation holes are provided on the rear end end cover of the drum 21 to convey hot air into the drum 21. The hot air hood 41 is coaxially arranged with the drum 21. In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the rear end of the drum 21 is not provided with an end cover, and the hot air hood 41 is directly used for blocking to prevent clothes from coming out of the rear end of the drum 21. The air duct system defines a drying air duct, which is configured to guide the drying air flow so that the drying air flow flows out from the annular air outlet structure under the action of the main fan 44, flows through the condensing part 42, the heating part 43 and enters the hot air cover 41 in sequence, and then circulates into the drum 21 from the rear end of the drum 21. The heat circulation system is used to dry the clothes in the drum 21. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the auxiliary condensing device 46 is used to cool the condensing section 42, that is, to dissipate heat from the condensing section 42, further improving the condensation efficiency. Because of the presence of the auxiliary condensing device 46, the condensate within the auxiliary condensing device 46 can be a liquid condensate, which improves the condensation efficiency of water vapor in the condensing section 42. In other words, the auxiliary condensing device 46 can improve the condensation efficiency of water vapor in the hot and humid air, thereby improving the drying efficiency. This can solve the problem of low drying efficiency in conventional clothes dryers and significantly improve drying efficiency. Moreover, the use of forced auxiliary condensation can ensure high condensation efficiency in a smaller volume, achieving better condensation results than increasing the condensing section of existing drying systems. Compared to simply increasing the size of the main condensing section or increasing the power of the main heat dissipation fan, the present invention has significant technical effects.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the auxiliary condensing device 46 includes a liquid cooling part, a liquid cooling box 462, a liquid cooling fan 463, and a liquid cooling pump 464. The liquid cooling part is arranged on the condensing part 42, for example, it can be arranged on the upper surface of the condensing part 42. A liquid cooling air duct is provided in the liquid cooling box 462, and the liquid cooling fan 463 is provided at one end of the liquid cooling box 462. The liquid cooling box 462 is used to store condensate, and the liquid cooling fan 463 and the liquid cooling air duct are used to cool the condensate in the liquid cooling box 462. The outlet of the liquid cooling part is connected to the liquid cooling box 462 through the outlet pipe 466, and the inlet of the liquid cooling part is connected to the liquid cooling box 462 through the inlet pipe 467. The liquid cooling pump 464 can be provided on the inlet pipe 467 or the outlet pipe 466. At least a portion of the inlet pipe 467 and / or at least a portion of the outlet pipe 466 is in contact with the condensing part 42. Specifically, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the liquid cooling portion may be a liquid cooling pipe 461, and at least part of the inlet pipe 467 and / or the outlet pipe 466 is close to both ends of the left side or the right side of the condensing portion 42. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the liquid cooling portion is a liquid cooling box 468. The liquid cooling box 468 can be a flat box, that is, the ratio of the thickness of the box to the length is small, and further, the ratio can be 1 / 6 to 1 / 25.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the condenser 42 can be arranged in the housing 20 and below the drum 21. The condenser 42 is used to reduce the temperature of the dry air flow to condense at least part of the moisture in the dry air flow. For example, the condenser 42 may include a dry air flow channel 423 and an air channel. The air channel and the dry air flow channel 423 can exchange heat so that the lower temperature air cools the higher temperature dry air flow. Specifically, the condenser 42 includes a plurality of parallel air duct tubes 421 and a plurality of fins mounted on the air duct tubes 421. The air duct tubes 421 extend in a horizontal direction, and the air duct tubes 421 contain the dry air flow channels 423. The intervals between the air duct tubes 421 can be air channels. The thermal circulation system of the clothing processing device also includes a condenser fan 422, which is used to force air to enter from one end of the air channel and flow out from the other end of the air channel, thereby cooling the dry air flow in the dry air flow channels 423 of the air duct tubes 421. The drying air flow channel 423 of the air duct 421 can extend in the front-to-back direction, and the air channel can extend in the left-to-right direction. The liquid cooling pipe 461 is provided on the outer side of the outermost air duct.

[0055] Further, if Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the inlet or outlet pipe includes multiple heat exchange pipe segments 469, each of which is disposed on the leeward or windward side of an air duct pipe 421, preferably on the leeward side of air duct pipe 421. The number of heat exchange pipe segments 469 is less than or equal to the number of air duct pipes 421. For example, no heat exchange pipe segment 469 is disposed on the windward or leeward side of the air duct pipe 421 installed in the liquid cooling unit.

[0056] In some further embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the auxiliary condensing device 46 also includes liquid-cooling fins 465. The liquid-cooling part is arranged on the upper surface of the condensing part 42, specifically on the upper surface of the uppermost air duct tube 421. The liquid-cooling fins 465 are integrally arranged with the liquid-cooling pipeline 461, and the condensing fan 422 dissipates heat to the condensing part 42 while also dissipating heat to the part, that is, the condensing fan 422 is also configured to force air to pass through the gaps between the liquid-cooling fins 465. The liquid-cooling fins 465 can be perpendicular to the drying air flow channel, that is, perpendicular to the air duct tube. When the liquid-cooling part is the liquid-cooling pipeline 461, the liquid-cooling pipeline 461 can extend in a serpentine shape, including multiple straight pipe sections and multiple connecting pipe sections, each straight pipe section extending along the length direction of the air duct tube, and each connecting pipe section connecting the same-side ends of two adjacent straight pipe sections. The condensate can be a coolant of water or glycerin, ethylene glycol, or the like. When the liquid cooling unit is a liquid cooling box 468, partitions are provided within the liquid cooling box 468 to form a zigzag channel within the liquid cooling box 468, thereby improving cooling efficiency. Furthermore, at least three partitions may be provided to form a zigzag, serpentine channel within the liquid cooling box 468, which is also known as an S-shaped channel.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a guide device is provided on the outside of the inlet end of the air channel. The guide device has a guide channel and a sub-guide channel provided in the guide channel for guiding air into the air channel. The sub-guide channel is provided between the condensation portion 42 and the outlet of the condensation fan 422. The guide channel includes an inlet section and an outlet section. The sub-guide channel is provided in the outlet section. The inlet section is perpendicular to the air channel, that is, the inlet section extends in the front-to-back direction. The condensation fan 422 is a centrifugal fan. Furthermore, the liquid cooling box 462 is provided on the outside or above the outside of the outlet end of the air channel. The length direction of the liquid cooling box 462 is perpendicular to the air channel, and the liquid cooling air duct is perpendicular to the air channel. The special arrangement position and relative relationship of the auxiliary condensing device and the condensation portion can significantly improve the condensation efficiency and achieve good energy-saving effects.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a clothing access opening 22 is provided on the peripheral wall of the drum 21. In an initial position, the clothing access opening 22 is located at the uppermost side of the peripheral wall of the drum 21, that is, the opening of the clothing access opening 22 faces upward. The clothing access opening 22 can be opened and closed. For example, a clothing access door 23 is provided at the clothing access opening 22 for opening and closing the clothing access opening 22. Furthermore, the access door 23 is preferably arc-shaped to match the shape of the drum 21. The drum 21 is slidably disposed within the housing 20 in a front-to-rear direction, such that the drum 21 is arranged to have a retracted state, in which the drum 21 is retracted within the housing 20, and an extended state, in which the drum 21 is at least partially located outside the housing 20. In the extended state, the clothing access opening 22 is partially or entirely located outside the housing 20, and clothing can be removed and placed after the clothing access opening 22 is opened. In the retracted state, the drum 21 is completely within the interior space defined by the housing 20. The retractable drum allows users to access clothing when it's extended, and dry clothes when it's retracted. This eliminates the need for users to bend over to access clothing, making it extremely convenient and intelligent. A retractable opening is located on the drum's perimeter, within the housing during drying. The high temperature used during drying disinfects the opening, preventing secondary contamination when clothes are removed.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the duct system is disposed on the front cover 24. The portion of the duct system disposed on the front cover 24 can be referred to as the first portion, and the portion of the duct system disposed within the housing 20 can be referred to as the second portion. The first portion communicates with the front end of the drum 21, a first connecting structure is disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and a second connecting structure is disposed between the rear end of the drum and the second portion.

[0060] Both the first and second connecting structures are configured to allow the drum 21 to move forward, extending the drum 21, and to connect the drying duct when the drum 21 is retracted. Because of the first and second connecting structures, the extension and retraction of the drum can be coordinated, and a connection device that automatically disconnects and connects, as well as provides a seal, is provided at the connection between the clothes drying section and the air duct, ensuring that the drum washing machine can operate to dry clothes. Specifically, to allow the drum 21 to be withdrawn forward from the housing 20 and to allow the air duct system to function properly after the drum 21 is retracted into the housing 20, a first connecting structure can be provided between the air outlet of the first section and the air inlet of the second section, and a second connecting structure can be provided between the hot air hood 41 and the air outlet of the second section, to achieve automatic disconnection of the drying duct when the drum 21 is extended and automatic connection when the drum 21 is retracted.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first connection structure and the second connection structure may be the same, for example, Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the first connection structure includes a plug tube 47 and a plug tube 48, with the plug tube 47 inserted into the plug tube 48. Furthermore, the inner wall of the plug tube 48 can be tapered inward, that is, gradually expanding toward the plug joint, such as a conical surface, such as a truncated cone, and can adopt a Morse taper. The outer wall of the plug tube 47 is tapered to match the inner wall of the plug tube 48 and gradually narrow toward the plug tube 48. When the drum 21 is withdrawn, the plug tube 47 and the plug tube 48 are separated. When the drum 21 is retracted, the plug tube 47 is directly inserted into the plug tube 48.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 13 As shown, the second connection structure may include a telescopic tube 49 and a suction assembly. The suction assembly includes a first suction member 57 and a second suction member 58 that attract each other, the first suction member 57 is arranged at one end of the telescopic tube 49, the other end of the telescopic tube 49 is arranged on the hot air hood 41, and the second suction member 58 is arranged at the air flow outlet of the second part, or the other end of the telescopic tube 49 is arranged at the air flow outlet of the second part, and the second suction member 58 is arranged on the hot air hood 41. The telescopic tube 49 can be a flexible tube or a rigid tube. The flexible tube can also be called a hose and has a certain amount of deformation. The flexible tube can also be a pipe with a pleated structure. By providing the telescopic tube 49 and the suction assembly, the connection between the hot air hood 41 and the air flow outlet of the second part will not cause air leakage or other undesirable phenomena due to small deviations. The first connection structure and the second connection structure can be the same.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present invention, a ring-shaped air outlet structure is provided on the front cover 24. Figure 10As shown, the annular air outlet structure is coaxial with the drum 21 and is located at the other end of the drum 21, allowing the drying airflow to flow out of the drum 21 through the annular air outlet structure from the other end of the drum 21. The main drying system and the annular air outlet structure can change the flow field of the drying airflow within the drum 21, maximizing the drying temperature distribution within the drum 21 and achieving uniform and rapid heating as much as possible, thereby improving drying efficiency and enhancing practicality.

[0064] For example, the front cover 24 is provided with an annular structure 241 coaxial with the drum 21, and the annular air outlet structure is provided on the inner circumferential wall or rear end surface of the annular structure 241. The annular air outlet structure includes multiple air outlet portions, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the drum 21. Furthermore, each air outlet portion includes one air outlet hole 242 or multiple air outlet holes 242 arranged sequentially in the front-to-back direction, or multiple air outlet holes 242 arranged sequentially along the circumference of the drum 21. In some optional embodiments, the annular air outlet structure is an air outlet ring coaxial with the drum 21, that is, the multiple air outlet portions are connected in sequence. The front cover 24 may be provided with an observation window, and the annular air outlet structure may be located outside the observation window. In some preferred embodiments, the axis of each air outlet area of the annular air outlet structure is arranged to intersect the axis of the drum. For example, the axis of the air outlet hole 242 is arranged perpendicular to the axis of the drum 21, which can effectively arrange the airflow field of the drying air within the drum.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, the laundry processing device further includes an auxiliary drying system. The auxiliary drying system may be located outside the front end of the drum 21. The auxiliary drying system is configured to draw air from the front end of the drum 21, heat the airflow, and allow the heated airflow to enter the drum 21 from the front end. Preferably, the auxiliary drying system is located within the front cover 24. In the laundry processing device of this embodiment of the present invention, because of the auxiliary drying system, the airflow of the auxiliary drying system, combined with the main drying system, simultaneously creates turbulent flow within the drum 21, resulting in similar drying temperatures at both ends of the drum 21, achieving uniform heating, improving drying efficiency, and enhancing practicality. In other words, compared to conventional dryers, the present invention can increase the drying temperature at the front end of the drum 21, thereby significantly improving drying efficiency and achieving uniform drying of clothes within the drum 21, thereby enhancing the drying efficiency of the dryer. Preferably, the auxiliary drying system causes the airflow in the drum 21 to move forward out of the drum 21. After being heated by the auxiliary drying system, the airflow moves backward into the drum 21. The auxiliary drying system is located inside the annular air outlet structure.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 and Figure 10As shown, the air inlet of the duct system can be connected to the annular air outlet structure. For example, an annular air duct 244 is provided within the annular structure 241 and is connected to the annular air outlet structure. The outlet of the annular air duct 244 is connected to the air inlet of the duct system. Preferably, the annular air outlet structure is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the annular structure 241. Each air outlet portion includes a plurality of air outlet holes 242 arranged sequentially along the front-to-back direction. Each air outlet hole 242 can extend along the circumference of the drum 21 and communicate with the interior space of the drum 21. A guide ring 243 is provided on the rear end surface of the annular structure 241, and the guide ring 243 and the inner peripheral wall of the annular structure 241 are coplanar. The guide ring 243 can be located within the front opening of the drum 21. The rear wall of the front cover 24 can be rearwardly convex, defining an annular guide groove between it and the annular structure 241, through which the drying airflow enters the air outlet holes 242. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, only the lower part of the inner peripheral wall or the lower part of the rear end surface of the annular structure 241 is provided with air outlet holes 242 so that the drying air flow only flows out from the lower front end of the drum 21.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, the auxiliary drying system may include an auxiliary fan 51 and a heating device 52. An air inlet structure and an air outlet structure are provided on the rear wall of the front cover 24. The auxiliary fan 51 is configured to force air within the drum 21 into the front cover 24 through the air inlet structure. After exchanging heat with the heating device 52, the air then re-enters the drum 21 through the air outlet structure. The hot air flow from the auxiliary fan 51 through the air outlet structure and the dry air flow from the rear of the main fan 44 interact to create turbulent flow at the front of the drum 21, increasing the temperature of the clothes at the front of the drum 21 and achieving a uniform drying temperature across the front and back of the drum 21, thereby improving drying efficiency. The auxiliary heating device 52 is provided to accelerate the evaporation of moisture from the clothes.

[0068] Conventional laundry processing devices typically have a heater and fan at the rear of the device, causing hot air to flow from back to front within drum 21. This causes the temperature at the rear of drum 21 to be significantly higher than that at the front, and the temperature difference is large. Consequently, laundry at the front of drum 21 dries very slowly, resulting in low drying efficiency. The present invention, by providing an auxiliary drying device in front cover 24, can increase the drying temperature at the front of drum 21, thereby significantly improving drying efficiency.

[0069] Because a clothes processing device includes a heat circulation system, those skilled in the art must reliably install the circulating air duct on a fixed component to ensure stable air supply and facilitate control of the air supply temperature, condensation temperature, and other factors, thereby achieving optimal clothes drying results. Therefore, prior to the present invention, those skilled in the art, without inventive effort and without breaking through the constraints of existing technology and technical prejudices, were unable to readily arrive at the technical solution of the present invention, which involves installing a drying structure on a movable component, namely, installing a drying structure and an annular air outlet structure on the front cover 24.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, the drum 21 is arranged so that when retracted, it can rotate about its rotational axis, driven by the power unit 30. In other words, the laundry processing device of the present invention can be a drawer-type laundry processing device, in which the drum 21 can be extended and retracted as needed. The drum 21 is provided with a laundry access opening 22, allowing laundry to be accessed without bending over, resolving the pain point of conventional laundry processing devices requiring such access. When retracted within the housing 20, the drum 21 does not affect its rotation, thereby improving drying efficiency. A front cover 24 can be provided on the drum 21 to translate with it. To facilitate rotation of the drum 21, the drum 21 is rotatable relative to the front cover 24. The front cover 24 engages with an opening on the front side of the housing 20 to seal the housing 20. The provision of the front cover 24 also enhances the safety of the laundry processing device by preventing direct exposure to the rotating drum 21 and ensuring safety. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the front cover 24 can be fixedly connected to the drum 21 to rotate with it.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the clothing processing device also includes a first frame 25, which is rotatably mounted in the housing 20 via a sliding track structure 26, the drum 21 is rotatably mounted on the first frame 25, and the front end cover 24 is fixedly mounted on the first frame 25. Specifically, the first frame 25 is mounted on a support via the sliding track structure 26. Furthermore, the first frame 25 includes a rear frame and a peripheral frame, the rear frame is located on the rear side of the drum 21, the peripheral frame is arranged radially outward of the drum 21, and the peripheral frame connects the rear frame and the front end cover 24. In other embodiments of the present invention, the clothing processing device also includes a second frame, which is rotatably mounted in the housing 20, specifically, the second frame is rotatably mounted on a support in the housing 20. The peripheral wall of the drum 21 is rotatably mounted on the second frame via the sliding track structure. The power device 30 drives the drum 21 to rotate by driving the second frame.

[0072] The setting of the frame and the sliding track structure makes it particularly convenient to push and pull the drum 21. The drum 21 is supported by the frame and the slide. The movement of the drum 21 is achieved through the sliding track, and can be pulled out and closed as needed. After the drum is retracted into the shell, it does not affect the rotation of the drum, and the drying efficiency is improved through rotation.

[0073] Furthermore, the roller 21 can be moved in translation manually, or as Figure 4 As shown, the roller 21 is driven to translate by a drive structure 31 having a prime mover. Specifically, in some embodiments, a handle for pulling the roller 21 can be provided on the front cover 24, so that the translation of the roller 21 can be achieved by manually pushing or pulling. In some alternative embodiments, the drive structure 31 is an automatic extension device to cause the roller 21 to translate, such as to extend the roller 21 forward.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the automatic extension device includes a gear, a rack, and a power unit. The gear is connected to the power unit, and the gear meshes with the rack. One of the power unit and the rack is installed in the housing 20, and the other is connected to the roller 21. For example, the rack extends in the front-to-back direction and is mounted on the first frame 25, the power unit is mounted on the support, and the gear is mounted on the output shaft of the power unit and meshes with the rack. When the power unit drives the gear to rotate, the rack moves forward or backward, thereby extending or retracting the roller 21 into the housing 20. Alternatively, the rack extends in the front-to-back direction and is mounted on the support, the power unit is mounted on the first frame 25, and the gear is mounted on the output shaft of the power unit and meshes with the rack. When the power unit drives the gear to rotate, the gear moves forward or backward along the rack, thereby extending or retracting the roller 21 into the housing 20.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the power device 30 can be a direct drive motor, which is fixedly mounted on the first frame 25 to move back and forth following the first frame 25 and the drum 21. The direct drive motor is located behind the drum 21, and the drum 21 is connected to the output shaft of the direct drive motor. A direct drive motor is the abbreviation of a direct drive motor, which mainly refers to a motor that does not need to pass through a transmission device (such as a transmission belt, etc.) when driving a load. A direct drive motor can be silent, energy-saving, stable, and powerful. In other words, the direct drive motor is directly connected to the drum 21, and has the advantages of high transmission efficiency and low vibration noise, which can solve the shortcomings of low efficiency and high noise of traditional clothing processing devices. The power device 30 that drives the drum 21 to rotate is arranged to extend or retract synchronously with the drum to ensure the reliability of power transmission and make the structure simple and compact.

[0076] In other embodiments of the present invention, Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the power device 30 may include a drive device 32, a transmission device 33 and a clutch 34. The drive device 32 may be mounted on a support, the transmission device 33 is arranged between the drive device 32 and the clutch 34, and the clutch 34 is arranged behind the drum 21 and connected to the drum 21, so that the drive device 32 drives the drum 21 to rotate through the transmission device 33 and the clutch 34. Specifically, the drive device 32 may be a motor, and the transmission device 33 may be a belt transmission device. The belt transmission device includes a driving pulley, a driven pulley and a belt, the driving pulley is mounted on the output shaft of the motor, the driven pulley is coaxially arranged with the drum 21, and the belt is arranged on the driving pulley and the driven pulley. The power of the drum 21 is turned on and off by connecting and disconnecting the clutch 34, so that the power source does not move back and forth with the drum 21, thereby improving the reliability of the device. In some alternative embodiments, the belt drive device includes a driving pulley, an intermediate pulley, a driven pulley, and two belts. The driving pulley is mounted on the output shaft of the motor, and the driven pulley is coaxially disposed with the drum 21. One belt is disposed on the driving pulley and the intermediate pulley, and the other belt is disposed on the intermediate pulley and the driven pulley. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the direct drive motor may also be mounted on the housing and connected to the drum via a clutch structure.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present invention, the access door 23 is a sliding cover structure. Tracks extending in the front-to-back direction are provided at the two front and rear extending edges of the clothing access opening 22, and the left and right sides of the access door 23 are mounted on the two tracks. A handle is provided at the front end of the access door 23, and the handle can be a groove provided on the outer surface of the access door 23 to manually open or close the clothing access opening 22. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, a limit lock 27 is disposed within the housing 20 and is located above the access door 23. When the drum 21 extends, the limit lock 27 receives a signal to extend a lock tongue, which acts on the access door 23 to restrict outward movement, allowing the drum 21 to extend and open the clothing access opening 22. After the drum 21 retracts within the housing 20, or when the drum 21 is about to rotate, the limit lock 27 receives a signal to retract the lock tongue, releasing the restriction on the access door 23's movement, allowing the access door 23 to rotate with the drum 21. Furthermore, a lock tongue insertion slot 28 is provided on the outer surface of the access door 23 for inserting a lock tongue. Insertion of the lock tongue into the lock tongue insertion slot 28 restricts the movement of the access door 23. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the drum door opening method can be modified. For example, the access door 23 can be rotatably mounted to the drum 21 about an axis extending forward and backward. Furthermore, the access door 23 can include two halves, disposed left and right.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present invention, the main fan 44 may include blades. The blades may be mounted on the driving device 32, or the blades may be connected to the driving device 32 via a transmission device 33. In other words, the rotation of the blades and the rotation of the drum 21 may be driven by a single driving device 32, which may be a motor.

[0079] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, the air inlet structure may include multiple air inlet holes. Furthermore, the multiple air inlet holes may be provided on a cover plate, which is an air inlet cover 53. The air inlet cover 53 may be mounted on the air inlet through-holes provided on the rear wall of the front cover 24. The air outlet structure is a first air outlet structure, which includes multiple air outlet holes. Furthermore, the multiple air outlet holes may also be provided on a cover plate, which is an air outlet cover 54. The air outlet cover 24 may be mounted on the air outlet through-holes provided on the rear wall of the front cover 24. The air inlet structure may be provided at the center of the rear wall of the front cover 24, and the air outlet structure may be provided above the air inlet structure. This may make the temperature and drying airflow distribution in the drum 21 more uniform, thereby improving the drying effect.

[0080] In other embodiments of the present invention, the air outlet structure is arranged at the periphery of the air inlet structure to provide airflow into the drum from multiple positions at the periphery of the air inlet structure. For example, the air outlet structure is a second air outlet structure, and the second air outlet structure includes a plurality of air outlets, each of which can be an arc-shaped outlet, and the plurality of air outlets are evenly distributed on the rear wall of the front cover 24 along the circumferential direction of the drum 21. The heating device 52 can be an annular structure 241, which is coaxially arranged with the drum 21 to improve the heating effect. In some embodiments of the present invention, the air outlet structure includes both a first air outlet structure and a second air outlet structure. The first air outlet structure can be a circular air outlet structure, and the second air outlet structure can be an annular air outlet structure, that is, the air outlet structure is a circular air outlet structure or an annular air outlet structure.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating device 52 is an infrared heater that radiates heat into the drum 21. The heating device 52 is positioned in the airflow path between the air inlet and outlet structures. The infrared heater has a high emissivity and can radiate heat directly onto the clothing in the drum 21. The auxiliary fan 51 blows the remaining heat from the auxiliary heating device 52 into the drum 21 to dry the clothing. The auxiliary fan 51 can be a centrifugal, axial, or diagonal flow fan.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention, a lint filter 45 is provided on the air duct system for filtering lint. Lint filter 45 is provided on the first portion of the air duct system, i.e., lint filter 45 is also provided on the front cover 24. Lint filter 45 provided on the front cover 24 facilitates the removal of impurities from lint filter 45.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, a sealing gasket is provided on the inner wall of the plug tube 48 and / or the outer wall of the plug tube 47. During the retraction of the roller 21, the plug tube 47 moves along the conical surface and achieves a sealed connection with the plug tube 48 by pressing the sealing gasket, thereby achieving automatic disconnection and connection and sealing during connection. Furthermore, a blocking surface is provided in the plug tube 48 to prevent the plug tube 47 from being further inserted inward. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 11 As shown, an elastic seal can be provided on one of the two opposing surfaces of the first attraction member 57 and the second attraction member 58, or on both surfaces, to ensure sealing performance. The first attraction member 57 and the second attraction member 58 can both be magnetic attraction members such as magnets.

[0084] Furthermore, the first part of the air duct system is a door pipe, which is connected between the outlet of the annular air duct and the plug pipe 47 of the first connecting structure. The second part of the air duct system includes an air inlet pipe section, a first air supply pipe section and a second air supply pipe section. The air inlet pipe section connects the plug pipe 48 of the first connecting structure and the inlet of the drying air flow channel 423 of the condensing section 42. The first air supply pipe section connects the outlet of the drying air flow channel 423 and the air inlet of the main fan 44. The second air supply pipe section connects the air outlet of the main fan 44 and the second connecting structure. The heating section 43 can be arranged in the first air supply pipe section or in the second air supply pipe section.

[0085] The condensing fan 422 may include blades, which may be connected to the drive device 32 via a transmission device 33. In other words, the rotation of the blades of the main fan 44, the rotation of the blades of the condensing fan 422, and the rotation of the drum 21 may all be driven by a single drive device 32. The blades of the condensing fan 422 may be directly mounted on the output shaft of the drive device 32. The output shaft of the drive device 32 drives the blades of the main fan 44 and the drum 21 to rotate via the transmission device 33. The blades of the main fan 44 may be mounted on an intermediate pulley of the transmission device 33.

[0086] In some embodiments of the present invention, the main drying system further comprises a semiconductor refrigeration module, the cold end surface of which is provided with cold end fins. The cold end fins of the semiconductor refrigeration module are used to condense water vapor in the hot and humid air. Specifically, the condensation unit 42 is used to primarily condense the water vapor in the hot and humid air, and then the cold end fins of the semiconductor refrigeration module assist in condensation, thereby improving the condensation effect. To improve drying efficiency, the cold end of the semiconductor refrigeration module can be perpendicular to the flow direction of the drying airflow, so that the drying airflow encounters greater resistance and exchanges heat with the fins before flowing away from the surrounding side of the cold end of the semiconductor refrigeration module, such as the upper side. Preferably, the hot end surface of the semiconductor refrigeration module is provided with hot end fins, so that the hot end fins of the semiconductor refrigeration module preheat the drying airflow. Furthermore, the air duct system can include a bypass air duct section located above the semiconductor refrigeration module, so that the drying airflow, after exchanging heat with the cold end fins of the semiconductor refrigeration module, flows upward, then flows downward to exchange heat with the hot end fins for preheating. In other words, the hot end fins of the semiconductor refrigeration module are used to preheat the drying airflow, thereby improving energy utilization and drying efficiency.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present invention, a water reservoir is provided within the housing 20. The reservoir is located above the drum 21. Typically, the reservoir is located on the front panel of the housing 20, near the top panel of the housing 20. A water reservoir is provided within the reservoir, with a clearance fit between the reservoir and the water reservoir, allowing the water reservoir to be withdrawn from or inserted into the reservoir. The top of the reservoir has an opening to receive water discharged from the drainpipe below the condensation section 42. When the water entering the reservoir fills the reservoir, it overflows from the top opening into the reservoir. The reservoir has an overflow hole, typically located at the bottom, to prevent water accumulation within the reservoir. The overflow hole is connected to a diversion channel via an overflow pipe. Consequently, when water overflows into the reservoir, it can flow through the overflow hole and the overflow pipe into the diversion channel. The water flowing out of the diversion channel can be used to clean the condensation section 42, the lint filter 45, and other structures, preventing water accumulation within the reservoir. A water pump is provided on the drain pipe, and a water storage tank is provided on the lower side of the condensation portion 42. The water in the water storage tank is transported to the water box through the water pump.

[0088] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the housing 20 has a mounting opening on the front side, and a front cover 24 is openably and closably disposed therein. In this case, the front cover 24 can also serve as a front door, used to open and close the drum for loading and unloading laundry. In this embodiment, the drum 21 is not extendable.

[0089] At this point, those skilled in the art will recognize that, although a number of exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications consistent with the principles of the present invention may be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and deemed to cover all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A clothes processing device having a clothes drying function, comprising a housing and a drum disposed in the housing, wherein the drum is used to provide a storage space for clothes, characterized in that: It also includes a main drying system and auxiliary condensing unit; The main drying system includes a condensing unit, a heating unit, a main fan, and an air duct system for defining a drying air duct; the air duct system is configured to guide the drying airflow so that the drying airflow flows out of the drum under the action of the main fan, flows through the condensing unit and the heating unit in sequence, and finally circulates into the drum; The auxiliary condensing device performs heat exchange with the condensing portion to cool the condensing portion; The drum extends in a front-to-back direction, an openable and closable clothing access opening is provided on a peripheral wall of the drum, and a front end cover is provided at the front end of the drum; the drum is slidably arranged in the shell along the front-to-back direction, so that the drum has a retracted state retracted into the shell and an extended state at least partially located outside the shell, and in the extended state, part or all of the clothing access opening is located outside the shell; The clothing access opening is provided with a door for opening and closing the clothing access opening, the door being slidably mounted on the drum along the axial direction of the drum, and a locking tongue insertion groove being provided on the outer surface of the door; A limit lock is provided in the shell, and the limit lock has a lock tongue for being inserted into the lock tongue insertion groove, so that the retrieval door body is kept in the current position of the retrieval door body after the lock tongue is inserted into the lock tongue insertion groove; the limit lock is configured as follows: when the roller starts to extend, the limit lock receives a signal to extend the lock tongue so that the lock tongue is inserted into the lock tongue insertion groove; and when the roller is retracted into the shell or when the roller is ready to rotate, the limit lock receives a signal to retract the lock tongue.

2. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary condensing device includes a liquid cooling unit, a liquid cooling box, a liquid cooling fan and a liquid cooling pump. The liquid cooling part is arranged on the condensing part to exchange heat with the condensing part; the liquid cooling box stores condensate and is provided with a liquid cooling air duct; the liquid cooling fan is configured to force air flow through the liquid cooling air duct to cool the condensate in the liquid cooling box; The outlet of the liquid cooling part is connected to the liquid cooling box through an outlet pipe, and the inlet of the liquid cooling part is connected to the liquid cooling box through an inlet pipe. The liquid cooling pump can be arranged on the inlet pipe or the outlet pipe.

3. The clothes treating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid cooling part is a liquid cooling pipeline, which extends in a serpentine shape and is arranged on a surface of the condensing part; or The liquid cooling part is a liquid cooling box, which is arranged on one surface of the condensing part; a partition is arranged in the liquid cooling box to form a curved and extended channel in the liquid cooling box.

4. The clothes treating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least a portion of the inlet pipe and / or at least a portion of the outlet pipe contacts the condensation portion for heat exchange.

5. The clothes treating device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The condensing portion includes a drying air flow channel and an air channel capable of heat exchange, so that the air with a lower temperature cools the drying air flow with a higher temperature; The main drying system further includes a condensing fan, which is used to force air to enter from one end of the air passage and flow out from the other end of the air passage.

6. The clothes treating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The condensing section includes a plurality of air ducts arranged in parallel and a plurality of fins mounted on the air ducts, the air ducts are inside the drying air flow channels, and the space between two adjacent air ducts is the air channel; The liquid cooling part is arranged on the outer side surface of the outermost air duct.

7. The clothes treating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: Liquid cooling fins are provided on the liquid cooling portion, and the condensing fan is further configured to force air to pass through the spaces between the liquid cooling fins.

8. The clothes treating device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inlet pipe or the outlet pipe includes a plurality of heat exchange pipe sections, each of which is arranged on the leeward side or the windward side of one of the air duct pipes, and the number of the heat exchange pipe sections is less than or equal to the number of the air duct pipes.

9. The clothes treating device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The drying air flow channel is perpendicular to the air channel; the liquid cooling fins are perpendicular to the drying air flow channel; A flow guide device is provided on the outer side of the inlet end of the air channel, the flow guide device comprising a flow guide channel and a sub-flow guide channel provided in the flow guide channel for guiding air to the air channel, the sub-flow guide channel being provided between the condensing portion and the outlet of the condensing fan; The guide channel includes an inlet section and an outlet section, the sub-guide channel is arranged in the outlet section, and the inlet section is perpendicular to the air channel; The condensing fan is a centrifugal fan; The liquid cooling box is arranged on the outside or above the outside of the outlet end of the air channel. The length direction of the liquid cooling box is perpendicular to the air channel, and the liquid cooling air duct is perpendicular to the air channel.

10. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end cover is provided with an annular air outlet structure, which is coaxial with the drum, so that the drying airflow flows out of the drum from the annular air outlet structure and enters the air duct system; An auxiliary drying system is provided in the front end cover, and the auxiliary drying system is configured to suck airflow from the front end of the drum, heat the airflow, and allow the heated airflow to enter the drum from the front end of the drum.

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