Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of clothes processing device.Clothes processing device includes shell and the drum being arranged in shell, also includes radio frequency heating module, main drying system.Drum is provided with openable and closable clothes taking and placing opening on the peripheral wall;Drum is arranged so as to have the retracted state with retraction in shell, and have the extended state with at least part located outside shell, and in extended state, part or all of clothes taking and placing opening is located outside shell.Main drying system is configured to make drying air flow into drum from one end of drum, and radio frequency heating module is arranged at one end or both ends of drum to heat clothes in drum.Radio frequency heating is applied to clothes processing device with clothes drying function to fully utilize the advantages of radio frequency drying heating.Add radio frequency heating module, combine with main drying system, improve the temperature in drum, shorten drying time and improve drying efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clothing processing technology, and in particular to a clothing processing device with a clothing drying function. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements and improved living standards, clothes dryers have become increasingly popular. The function of a clothes dryer is to use a hot airflow to pass over the clothes, removing moisture and drying them quickly. A clothes dryer consists of a housing, a drum, and a support. The drum and support are housed within the housing, and the drum is horizontally positioned. Existing clothes dryers typically feature the following air circulation system: hot air, heated by a heating element, is introduced into the drying chamber containing the clothes through the rear air inlet of the drum. The humidified air, having absorbed moisture from the clothes, is returned to the condenser for dehumidification through the front air outlet. The dehumidified air is then reheated by the heating element and reintroduced into the drum.

[0003] Radio frequency (RF) heating drying is a new heating and drying method. Compared with traditional drying methods, it has the advantages of shorter drying time, lower drying temperature to protect fibers from aging, and higher drying uniformity. However, RF heating drying has not been practically applied in the clothing drying industry.

[0004] Furthermore, manufacturers have continuously improved the appearance and internal structure of dryers, striving to add various functions to meet market demands. However, even today, users must bend over and squat down to pick up and put in clothes, which is somewhat strenuous and inconvenient to operate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome at least one defect of existing clothing processing devices and provide a novel clothing processing device that can dry clothing using radio frequency heating.

[0006] Specifically, the present invention provides a clothing processing device with a clothing drying function, including a housing and a drum disposed within the housing, wherein the drum is used to hold clothing to be dried, and further includes an radio frequency heating module disposed at one or both ends of the drum to heat the clothing in the drum.

[0007] Optionally, the peripheral wall of the roller is provided with an openable and closable clothing loading and unloading opening; the roller is arranged such that it has a retracted state that is retracted into the housing and an extended state that is at least partially located outside the housing, and in the extended state, part or all of the clothing loading and unloading opening is located outside the housing.

[0008] Optionally, the roller is arranged such that it is slidably disposed within the housing along its axial direction to switch between its retracted and extended states.

[0009] Optionally, the garment handling apparatus further includes a main drying system configured to allow a drying airflow to enter the drum from one end of the drum.

[0010] Optionally, the radio frequency heating module includes a first radio frequency electrode plate and a second radio frequency electrode plate; the first radio frequency electrode plate is perpendicular to the axis of the roller and is disposed at one end of the roller, and the second radio frequency electrode plate is perpendicular to the axis of the roller and is disposed at the other end of the roller.

[0011] Optionally, the radio frequency heating module includes a first radio frequency antenna, which may be one or more, disposed on an end cap at one end of the roller; and / or,

[0012] The radio frequency heating module includes a second radio frequency antenna, which may be one or more, and is disposed on the end cap at the other end of the roller.

[0013] Optionally, the end cap at the other end of the drum is provided with an annular structure coaxial with the drum. One or more air outlets are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the annular structure or on the end face facing the inside of the drum, arranged sequentially along the circumferential direction of the drum. Each air outlet communicates with the internal space of the drum to discharge the drying airflow to the outside of the drum.

[0014] Optionally, the garment processing device further includes an auxiliary condensation device;

[0015] The main drying system includes a condenser section, a heating section, a main fan, and a duct system for defining the drying airflow. The duct system is configured to guide the drying airflow so that the drying airflow flows out from the other end of the drum under the action of the main fan, flows through the condenser section and the heating section in sequence, and then circulates back into the drum from one end of the drum.

[0016] The auxiliary condensing device exchanges heat with the condensing section to cool the condensing section.

[0017] Optionally, the auxiliary condensation device includes a liquid cooling section, a liquid cooling tank, a liquid cooling fan, and a liquid cooling pump.

[0018] The liquid cooling section is disposed on the condensing section to exchange heat with the condensing section; the liquid cooling box stores condensate and is provided with a liquid cooling air duct; the liquid cooling fan is configured to promote airflow through the liquid cooling air duct to cool the condensate in the liquid cooling box.

[0019] The outlet of the liquid cooling section is connected to the liquid cooling tank through an outlet pipe, and the inlet of the liquid cooling section is connected to the liquid cooling tank through an inlet pipe. The liquid cooling pump is installed on the inlet pipe or the outlet pipe.

[0020] Optionally, the garment processing device further includes a semiconductor cooling and heating module, which includes a cooling end and a heating end. Under the action of the main fan and the duct system, the drying airflow flows through the condenser section, then flows through the cooling end and the heating end in sequence, and finally flows to the heating section.

[0021] The semiconductor cooling and heating module also includes a semiconductor cooling chip;

[0022] The cooling end includes the cold end face of the semiconductor cooling chip and a cooling transfer device disposed on the cold end face, the cooling transfer device having cooling transfer fins.

[0023] The heating end includes the hot end face of the semiconductor cooling chip and a heat transfer device disposed on the hot end face, the heat transfer device having heat transfer fins.

[0024] In the garment processing apparatus of the present invention, radio frequency heating is applied to a garment processing apparatus with a drying function to fully utilize the advantages of radio frequency drying heating.

[0025] Furthermore, in the clothing processing device of the present invention, an radio frequency heating module is added to the existing dryer, which, combined with the main drying system, increases the temperature inside the drum, shortens the drying time, and improves the drying efficiency.

[0026] Furthermore, the inventors of this invention discovered that conventional dryers typically have a hot air inlet at the rear, with hot air flowing from back to front within the drum. This results in a significantly higher temperature at the rear of the drum compared to the front, creating a large temperature difference. Consequently, clothes at the front of the drum dry very slowly, leading to low drying efficiency. The radio frequency heating module solves this problem of large temperature differences between the front and rear of the drum, making it difficult to dry clothes at the front. It achieves uniform heating, improves drying efficiency, and is highly practical. In other words, compared to conventional dryers, this application increases the drying temperature at the front of the drum, thus significantly improving drying efficiency and enabling uniform drying of clothes within the drum, thereby enhancing the drying efficiency of the garment handling device.

[0027] Furthermore, in the clothing handling device of the present invention, because it has an extendable or retractable roller, when the roller extends, clothing can be picked up and put down, and when the roller retracts, drying is performed. This solves the pain point that users have to bend over to pick up and put down clothing, making it very convenient for users to pick up and put down clothing, and it has a high degree of intelligence and smartness.

[0028] Furthermore, the garment handling device of the present invention can be a dryer, a washer-dryer combo, or a washer-dryer combo.

[0029] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the garment handling device with the roller in the extended state;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic front view of a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic partial structural diagram of a clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of the garment handling device with the roller in the extended state;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of the garment handling device with the roller in the extended state;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic structural diagram of a clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic structural diagram of the garment handling device with the roller in the extended state;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a schematic structural diagram of the first connecting structure in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of the second connecting structure in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 14 This is a schematic structural diagram of the second connecting structure in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 15 This is a schematic structural diagram of a condenser section and an auxiliary condenser device in a clothing treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 16 This is a schematic structural diagram of the condenser section and auxiliary condenser device in a clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown and referenced Figures 2 to 16 This invention provides a clothing processing device.

[0048] The garment processing device includes a housing 20, a roller 21, a support, and an radio frequency heating module 40. The roller 21 and the support are housed within the housing 20. The housing 20 serves as the outer shell of the garment processing device, protecting and housing its internal components, and also contributing to its aesthetic appearance. The housing 20 may also house a display device and a control device. The display device can be a screen, indicator lights, etc., used to display the operating status of the garment processing device. The control device includes, but is not limited to, buttons, knobs, and touch screens, allowing users to operate or configure the garment processing device. The support supports the housing 20 and mounts the roller 21. The roller 21 can be horizontally positioned and used to hold and dry garments; that is, the roller 21 is used to hold garments to be dried. End caps can be provided at both ends of the roller 21. Preferably, the roller 21 extends in a front-to-back direction, with the front end cap being a front end cap 24 and the rear end cap being a rear end cap. The radio frequency heating module 40 is located at one or both ends of the roller 21 to heat the garments within the roller 21. For example, the radio frequency heating module 40 can be disposed on the front end cover 24 or the rear end cover of the roller 21, or it can be disposed at other positions at the front and rear ends of the roller 21. In the clothing processing apparatus of this embodiment, radio frequency heating is applied to a clothing processing apparatus with a drying function to fully utilize the advantages of radio frequency drying heating.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present invention, the garment processing apparatus further includes a main drying system. The main drying system is configured to allow the drying airflow to enter the drum 21 from one end, preferably from the rear end. In the garment processing apparatus of the present invention, the presence of the radio frequency heating module 40, combined with the main drying system, improves drying efficiency and enhances practicality. Furthermore, it aims to achieve uniform heating by ensuring that the two ends of the drum 21 have similar drying temperatures. Further, as... Figure 1 As shown, the main drying system is a thermal circulation system. The thermal circulation system is configured such that the drying airflow flows out from the front end of the drum 21, is first condensed and then heated, and then circulates back into the drum 21 from the rear end.

[0050] Preferably, the heat circulation system may include a condenser 82, a heating unit 83, a main fan 84, and a duct system. The rear end cover may include a hot air hood 81, which is coaxially arranged with the roller 21 and rotatably disposed at the rear end of the roller 21 to deliver hot air into the roller 21. In this embodiment, the hot air hood 81 is used directly to seal the rear end of the roller 21 to prevent clothing from exiting. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the rear end cover may further include a cover plate fixedly disposed at the rear end of the roller 21, the cover plate having a plurality of ventilation holes, and the hot air hood 81 covering the cover plate.

[0051] The duct system is configured to guide the drying airflow, so that the drying airflow, under the action of the main fan 84, flows out from the front end of the drum 21, sequentially passes through the condenser section 82, the heating section 83, and enters the hot air hood 81, and then circulates back into the drum 21 from the rear end. The heat circulation system is used to dry the clothes in the drum 21. The air inlet of the duct system can be connected to the lower side or the periphery of the front end of the drum 21. Preferably, the air inlet of the duct system can be connected to the periphery of the front end of the drum 21, forming an annular air outlet structure of the drum. The annular air outlet structure is coaxial with the drum 21 and is located at the front end of the drum 21, so that the drying airflow flows out of the drum 21 from the front end of the drum 21 through the annular air outlet structure.

[0052] For example, the annular air outlet structure includes multiple air outlets evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the drum 21. The front cover 24 has an annular structure coaxial with the drum 21. Multiple air outlets are located on the inner peripheral wall or rear end face of the annular structure. Each air outlet includes one or more air outlet holes arranged sequentially along the front-to-back direction or sequentially along the circumferential direction of the drum 21. Each air outlet hole can extend along the circumferential direction of the drum 21 and communicate with the internal space of the drum 21. In some optional embodiments, the annular air outlet structure is an air outlet ring coaxial with the drum 21, meaning that multiple air outlets of the annular air outlet structure are connected sequentially. An observation window may be provided on the front cover 24, and the annular air outlet structure may be located around the observation window. Optionally, in some embodiments, only the lower part of the inner peripheral wall or the lower part of the rear end face of the annular structure has an air outlet to allow drying airflow to exit from the lower front end of the drum 21.

[0053] Furthermore, an annular air duct is provided within the annular structure, forming the air inlet of the duct system. Preferably, the aforementioned multiple air outlets are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the annular structure, and a guide ring is provided on the rear end face of the annular structure, with the guide ring and the inner peripheral wall of the annular structure on the same cylindrical surface.

[0054] The annular air outlet structure can alter the airflow field within the drum, maximizing the rational distribution of drying temperature and achieving uniform and rapid heating, thus improving drying efficiency and enhancing practicality. Furthermore, the axis of the air outlet holes is coplanar with and perpendicular to the axis of the drum 21, allowing for a more rational arrangement of the airflow field within the drum. The axis of the air outlet holes and the axis of the drum 21 can also be intersected at other angles. In other words, the axis of each area of ​​the annular air outlet structure used for air outlet is coplanar with and intersects the axis of the drum.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the radio frequency heating module 40 includes a first radio frequency electrode plate 41 and a second radio frequency electrode plate 42. The first radio frequency electrode plate 41 is perpendicular to the axis of the drum 21 and is disposed at one end of the drum 21, while the second radio frequency electrode plate 42 is perpendicular to the axis of the drum 21 and is disposed at the other end of the drum 21. Preferably, the first radio frequency electrode plate 41 can be disposed inside the front end cover 24 or on the rear wall surface of the front end cover 24. The second radio frequency electrode plate 42 can be disposed inside the rear end cover or on the front wall surface of the rear end cover, for example, on the front or rear surface of the cover plate with the rear end cover. By setting radio frequency electrode plates at the front and rear ends of the drum 21 for auxiliary heating, in conjunction with the main drying system with the main heating at the rear end, the drying time is shortened, the drying efficiency is improved, and the problem of large temperature difference between the front and rear of the drum 21 and difficulty in drying clothes at the front can be solved. Uniform heating can be achieved, drying efficiency is improved, and practicality is strong. In other words, compared with existing ordinary dryers, this application can increase the drying temperature at the front of the drum 21, thus significantly improving the drying efficiency, and can achieve uniform drying of clothes in the drum 21, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the clothing processing device.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the radio frequency heating module 40 includes a first radio frequency antenna 43, which can be one or more and is disposed on the end cap at one end of the drum 21. Considering both cost and efficiency, one or more first radio frequency antennas 43 can be provided to achieve uniform drying. The first radio frequency antenna 43 can be disposed inside the front cover 24 or on the rear wall of the front cover 24, which can increase the drying temperature at the front of the drum 21, achieving uniform drying of the clothing in the drum 21 and improving the drying efficiency of the garment processing device.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the radio frequency heating module 40 includes a second radio frequency antenna 44, which can be one or more and is disposed on the end cap at the other end of the roller 21. Considering both cost and efficiency, one or more second radio frequency antennas 44 can be provided to achieve uniform drying. The second radio frequency antenna 44 can be disposed inside the rear end cover, for example, between the cover plate of the rear end cover and the air inlet hood. Optionally, the second radio frequency antenna 44 can be disposed on the front wall surface of the rear end cover.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, a mounting opening is provided on the front side of the housing 20, and a front cover 24 is closably disposed at the mounting opening. In this case, the front cover 24 can also serve as a front door, used to open or close the roller 21 for taking out or putting in clothes.

[0059] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 5As shown, a clothing loading / unloading opening 22 is provided on the peripheral wall of the roller 21. In the initial position, the clothing loading / unloading opening 22 is located at the uppermost side of the peripheral wall of the roller 21, that is, the opening of the clothing loading / unloading opening 22 faces upward. The clothing loading / unloading opening 22 is closable; for example, a loading / unloading door 23 is provided at the clothing loading / unloading opening 22 for opening and closing the clothing loading / unloading opening 22. Further, the loading / unloading door 23 is preferably arc-shaped, matching the shape of the roller 21. The roller 21 is arranged such that it has a retracted state retracted into the housing 20 and an extended state at least partially located outside the housing 20. In the extended state, part or all of the clothing loading / unloading opening 22 is located outside the housing 20, and clothing can be loaded or unloaded after opening the clothing loading / unloading opening 22. In the retracted state, the roller 21 is completely within the internal space defined by the housing 20.

[0060] In this embodiment, the garment handling device has an extendable or retractable roller 21.

[0061] When the drum 21 extends, clothes can be placed or removed. After the drum 21 retracts, the drying process begins, solving the problem of users having to bend over to pick up or remove clothes, making it very convenient for users. The drum 21 has an openable and closable clothes pick-up and drop-off port 22 on its peripheral wall, which is located inside the housing 20 during drying. The high temperature used during drying can disinfect the clothes pick-up and drop-off port 22, preventing secondary contamination of clothes when they are removed.

[0062] Because the garment processing device contains a heat circulation system, those skilled in the art need to reliably install the circulating air duct on a fixed component to ensure the stability of the air supply and facilitate the control of the air supply temperature, condensation temperature, etc., thereby achieving a good drying effect. Therefore, prior to this invention, those skilled in the art could not obviously obtain the technical solution of this invention without creative effort and breaking through the conceptual constraints and technical biases of the prior art. The drying structure is provided on a movable component, that is, a drying structure is provided on the front cover 24, etc., and a first radio frequency electrode plate 41 or a first radio frequency antenna 43, etc., is provided on the front cover 24, etc.

[0063] In some embodiments of the invention, the roller 21 is arranged such that it allows translational movement in a predetermined direction to switch between its retracted and extended states. For example, the roller 21 extends in a front-rear direction and is slidably mounted within the housing 20 in the front-rear direction to allow the housing 20 to be pulled forward so that part or all of the clothing access opening 22 is located outside the housing 20, allowing clothing to be taken out or taken out from the clothing access opening 22 after the access door 23 is opened; and to retract the housing 20 backward. The roller 21 extending in the front-rear direction and slidably mounted within the housing 20 in the front-rear direction has a simple, compact structure and is easy to install.

[0064] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the roller 21 is arranged such that it can rotate about its axis of rotation in the retracted state, driven by the power unit 30. That is, the garment handling device of the present invention can be a drawer-type garment handling device, where the roller 21 can extend and retract as needed. The roller 21 is provided with a garment loading / unloading port 22, eliminating the need to bend over to load and unload garments, thus solving the problem of bending over in traditional garment handling devices. After the roller 21 is retracted into the housing 20, its rotation is not affected, and the rotation improves drying efficiency. A front cover 24 can be disposed on the roller 21 to move with it. To facilitate the rotation of the roller 21, the roller 21 is rotatably disposed relative to the front cover 24. The front cover 24 engages with the opening on the front side of the housing 20 to close the housing 20. The front cover 24 also improves the safety of the garment handling device, preventing the rotating roller 21 from being directly exposed, ensuring safety. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the front cover 24 can be fixedly connected to the roller 21 to rotate with it.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the garment handling device further includes a first frame, which is movably mounted within the housing 20 via a sliding track structure 26. The roller 21 is rotatably mounted on the first frame, and the front end cover 24 is fixedly mounted on the first frame. Specifically, the first frame is mounted on a support via the sliding track structure 26. The front end cover 24 can be mounted on the first frame. Further, the first frame includes a rear frame and a peripheral frame. The rear frame is located behind the roller 21, and the peripheral frame is located radially outward of the roller 21, connecting the rear frame and the front end cover 24. In other embodiments of the invention, the garment handling device further includes a second frame, which is rotatably mounted within the housing 20. Specifically, the second frame is rotatably mounted on a support within the housing 20. The peripheral wall of the roller 21 is movably mounted on the second frame via a sliding track structure. The power unit 30 drives the second frame to rotate, thereby driving the roller 21 to rotate. The frame and sliding track structure makes it particularly easy to push and pull the drum 21. The drum 21 is supported by the frame and slide rail, and its movement is achieved through the sliding track. It can be pulled out and closed as needed. After the drum 21 is retracted into the housing 20, it does not affect the rotation of the drum 21. The rotation improves the drying efficiency.

[0066] Furthermore, the roller 21 can be moved manually, or as... Figure 4As shown, the roller 21 is driven to translate by a drive structure 31 with a prime mover. Specifically, in some embodiments, the front cover 24 may be provided with a handle for pulling the roller 21, so that the translational movement of the roller 21 can be achieved by manual pushing and pulling. In some alternative embodiments, the drive structure 31 is an automatic extension device to cause the roller 21 to translate, such as causing the roller 21 to extend forward.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, the automatic extension device includes a gear, a rack, and a power unit. The gear is connected to the power unit and meshes with the rack. One of the power unit and the rack is installed inside the housing 20, and the other is connected to the roller 21. For example, the rack extends in the front-rear direction and is mounted on the first frame, 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-rear direction and is mounted on the support, the power unit is mounted on the first frame, 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. (Is there a difference between this and the automatic drive method in US 6,588,238 B1? Is this a specific specification?)

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the power unit 30 can be a direct-drive motor, which is fixedly mounted on the first frame to move back and forth with the first frame and the roller 21. The direct-drive motor is located behind the roller 21, and the roller 21 is connected to the output shaft of the direct-drive motor. A direct-drive motor is short for a direct-drive motor, which mainly refers to a motor that drives a load without needing a transmission device (such as a transmission belt). Direct-drive motors offer advantages such as quiet operation, energy saving, smooth operation, and strong power. In other words, the direct-drive motor is directly connected to the roller 21, offering advantages such as high transmission efficiency and low vibration and noise, thus solving the shortcomings of traditional garment processing devices, such as low efficiency and high noise. The power unit 30, which drives the roller 21, is configured to extend or retract synchronously with the roller 21, ensuring reliable power transmission and enabling a simple and compact structure.

[0069] In other embodiments of the invention, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the power unit 30 may include a drive unit 32, a transmission unit 33, and a clutch 34. The drive unit 32 may be mounted on a support, and the transmission unit 33 is disposed between the drive unit 32 and the clutch 34. The clutch 34 is located behind the roller 21 and connected to the roller 21, so that the drive unit 32 drives the roller 21 to rotate through the transmission unit 33 and the clutch 34. Specifically, the drive unit 32 may be a motor, and the transmission unit 33 may be a belt drive. The belt drive 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 roller 21, and the belt is disposed on the driving pulley and the driven pulley. By engaging and disengaging the clutch 34, the power to the roller 21 is switched on and off, achieving the purpose of the power source not moving back and forth with the roller 21, thus improving the reliability of the device. In some alternative embodiments, the belt drive 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 arranged with the roller 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 roller 21 via a clutch structure.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, the loading / unloading door 23 is a sliding cover structure. Tracks extending in the front-to-back direction are provided at both front-to-back extending edges of the clothing loading / unloading opening 22, and the left and right sides of the loading / unloading door 23 are mounted on the two tracks. A handle is provided at the front end of the loading / unloading door 23, which may be a groove formed on the outer surface of the loading / unloading door 23, to manually open or close the clothing loading / unloading opening 22. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a limit lock is provided inside the housing 20, located on the upper side of the loading / unloading door 23. When the roller 21 extends, the limit lock receives a signal and extends its latch, which acts on the loading / unloading door 23 to restrict its outward movement, allowing the clothing loading / unloading opening 22 to open simultaneously with the extension of the roller 21. After the roller 21 retracts into the housing 20, or when the roller 21 is about to rotate, the limit lock receives a signal and retracts its latch, releasing the restriction on the movement of the loading / unloading door 23, allowing the loading / unloading door 23 to rotate with the roller 21. Furthermore, the outer surface of the pick-up and put-out door 23 is provided with a latch groove for latch insertion, which restricts the movement of the pick-up and put-out door 23 after the latch is inserted into the latch groove. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the opening form of the roller 21 door can be changed. For example, the pick-up and put-out door 23 can be rotatably mounted on the roller 21 about a front-to-back extending axis. Furthermore, the pick-up and put-out door 23 may include two halves arranged on the left and right sides.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present invention, the main fan 84 may include fan blades. Further, when the power unit 30 includes a drive unit 32, the fan blades may be mounted on the drive unit 32, or the fan blades may be connected to the drive unit 32 via a transmission device 33. That is, the rotation of the fan blades and the rotation of the drum 21 may use a single drive unit 32, which may be an electric motor.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, a lint filter 85 is provided on the duct system for filtering lint. A portion of the duct system is disposed on the front end cover 24; this portion can be referred to as the first portion, while the portion of the duct system disposed within the housing 20 can be referred to as the second portion. The lint filter 85 is disposed on the first portion of the duct system, meaning it is also disposed on the front end cover 24. The placement of the lint filter 85 on the front end cover 24 facilitates the cleaning of impurities within the lint filter 85.

[0073] To enable the drum 21 to extend forward out of the housing 20 and to ensure the duct system functions properly after the drum 21 retracts into the housing 20, a first connecting structure can be provided between the air outlet of the first part and the air inlet of the second part, and a second connecting structure can be provided between the hot air hood 81 and the air outlet of the second part. This allows the drying duct to automatically disconnect when the drum 21 extends and automatically connect when the drum 21 retracts. In other words, both the first and second connecting structures are configured to allow the drum 21 to move forward so that the drum 21 is in the extended state, and to ensure the drying duct is connected when the drum 21 is in the retracted state.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first connection structure and the second connection structure may be the same, for example, as shown below. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the first connection structure includes a plug tube 47 and a connector tube 48, with the plug tube 47 inserted into the connector tube 48. Further, a sealing gasket is provided on the inner wall of the connector tube 48 and / or the outer wall of the plug tube 47. The inner wall surface of the connector tube 48 may be tapered inwards, i.e., gradually expanding towards the connector, for example, a frustoconical shape, which may employ a Morse taper. The outer wall surface of the plug tube 47 is tapered, adapting to the inner wall surface of the connector tube 48 and gradually decreasing towards the connector tube 48. During the outward withdrawal of the roller 21, the plug tube 47 and the connector tube 48 disengage; during the retraction of the roller 21, the plug tube 47 is directly inserted into the connector tube 48. Further, a blocking surface is provided inside the connector tube 48 to prevent the plug tube 47 from further inward insertion.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 14As 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 disposed at one end of the telescopic tube 49, and the other end of the telescopic tube 49 is disposed on the hot air hood 81. The second suction member 58 is disposed at the airflow outlet of the second part, or the other end of the telescopic tube 49 is disposed at the airflow outlet of the second part, and the second suction member 58 is disposed on the hot air hood 81. The telescopic tube 49 may be a flexible tube or a rigid tube. The flexible tube may also be called a hose, for example, a pleated pipe. By setting the telescopic tube 49 and the suction assembly, the connection between the hot air hood 81 and the airflow outlet of the second part will not result in air leakage or other adverse phenomena due to small deviations. Furthermore, on one of the two opposing surfaces of the first suction member 57 and the second suction member 58, an elastic seal may be provided, or both surfaces may be provided with elastic seals to ensure sealing performance. Both the first suction member 57 and the second suction member 58 may be magnetic suction members such as magnets. Furthermore, the first connecting structure can also adopt the same structure as the second connecting structure.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, a condenser 82 may be disposed within the housing 20 and below the drum 21. The condenser 82 is used to reduce the temperature of the drying airflow to condense at least a portion of the moisture in the drying airflow. For example, the condenser 82 may include a drying airflow channel 423 and an air channel, which can exchange heat with the drying airflow channel 423 to cool the higher-temperature drying airflow with cooler air. Specifically, the condenser 82 includes a plurality of parallel air ducts 421 and a plurality of fins mounted on the air ducts 421. The air ducts 421 extend horizontally, and the drying airflow channel 423 is located within the air ducts 421. The spacing between the air ducts 421 may be an air channel. The thermal circulation system of the garment handling device also includes a condenser fan 422, which is used to drive air in from one end of the air channel and out from the other end of the air channel to cool the drying airflow within the drying airflow channel 423 of the air ducts 421. The drying airflow 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.

[0077] Furthermore, the first part of the duct system is a door-type duct, connected between the outlet of the annular air duct and the plug pipe 47 of the first connecting structure. The second part of the duct system includes an air inlet section, a first air supply section, and a second air supply section. The air inlet section connects the plug pipe 48 of the first connecting structure and the inlet of the drying airflow channel 423 of the condenser section 82. The first air supply section connects the outlet of the drying airflow channel 423 and the air inlet of the main fan 84. The second air supply section connects the air outlet of the main fan 84 and the second connecting structure. The heating unit 83 can be installed in the first air supply section or in the second air supply section.

[0078] The condenser fan 422 may include fan blades, which can be connected to the drive unit 32 via a transmission device, allowing the rotation of the main fan 84's fan blades, the condenser fan 422's fan blades, and the drum 21 to be driven by a single drive unit 32. The condenser fan 422's fan blades can be directly mounted on the output shaft of the drive unit 32, which in turn drives the main fan 84's fan blades and the drum 21 to rotate via a transmission device 33. The main fan 84's fan blades can be mounted on the intermediate pulley of the transmission device 33.

[0079] To further improve condensation efficiency, the thermal circulation system of the garment handling device also includes an auxiliary condensation device 46, which can be installed on the condenser section 82 to cool the condenser section 82, i.e., to dissipate heat from it. For example, the auxiliary condensation device 46 includes a liquid-cooled pipe 461, a liquid-cooled box 462, a liquid-cooled fan 463, a liquid-cooled pump 464, and liquid-cooled fins 465. The liquid-cooled pipe 461 is installed on the condenser section 82, for example, on the upper surface of the condenser section 82, specifically on the upper surface of the uppermost air duct 421. The liquid-cooled fins 465 are integrated with the liquid-cooled pipe 461, and the condenser fan 422 dissipates heat from both the condenser section 82 and the liquid-cooled pipe 461. The liquid cooling box 462 is equipped with a liquid cooling air duct, and a liquid cooling fan 463 is located 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 pipe 461 is connected to the liquid cooling box 462 through the outlet pipe 466, and the inlet of the liquid cooling pipe 461 is connected to the liquid cooling box 462 through the inlet pipe 467. The liquid cooling pump 464 can be installed on the inlet pipe 467 or the outlet pipe 466.

[0080] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, a liquid cooling box can be used instead of liquid cooling piping 461. Both the liquid cooling box and the liquid cooling piping can be referred to as the liquid cooling section. The liquid cooling box can be a flat box, that is, the thickness of the box is in a small ratio to its length. Further, this ratio can be 1 / 6 to 1 / 25.

[0081] Furthermore, at least a portion of the inlet pipe 467 and / or at least a portion of the outlet pipe 466 are in contact with the condenser section 82. For example, they are in close contact with both ends of the left side or the right side of the condenser section 82. Alternatively, the inlet or outlet pipe may include multiple heat exchanger segments, each positioned on the leeward or windward side of a duct pipe 421, preferably on the leeward side of the duct pipe 421. The number of heat exchanger segments is less than or equal to the number of duct pipes 421. For example, no heat exchanger segments are positioned on the windward or leeward side of the duct pipe 421 installed in the liquid cooling section.

[0082] When the liquid cooling section is a liquid cooling pipe 461, the liquid cooling pipe 461 can extend in a serpentine manner, including multiple straight pipe sections and multiple connecting pipe sections. Each straight pipe section extends along the length of the air duct 421, and each connecting pipe section connects the same side ends of two adjacent straight pipe sections. When the liquid cooling section is a liquid cooling box, a baffle is provided inside the liquid cooling box to form a tortuous and extending channel within the liquid cooling box, thereby improving cooling efficiency. Furthermore, there can be three baffles, forming a tortuous and extending serpentine channel within the liquid cooling box; the serpentine channel can also be referred to as an S-shaped channel.

[0083] By employing forced assisted condensation, high condensation efficiency can be ensured within a smaller volume, resulting in better condensation performance compared to enlarging the condenser section 82. The condensate can be water or coolants such as glycerol or ethylene glycol. Based on the main condenser section 82, a main fan is used for cooling, and an auxiliary condensation device 46 is provided to assist in cooling, improving steam condensation efficiency and thus increasing the drying efficiency of clothes. Compared to simply enlarging the main condenser section or increasing the power of the main cooling fan, this invention has significant technical advantages.

[0084] In some embodiments of the present invention, a flow guiding device is provided on the outer side of the inlet end of the air passage. The flow guiding device has a flow guiding channel and a sub-flow guiding channel disposed within the flow guiding channel for guiding air into the air passage. The sub-flow guiding channel is disposed between the condenser section 82 and the outlet of the condenser fan 422. The flow guiding channel includes an inlet section and an outlet section, and the sub-flow guiding channel is disposed within the outlet section. The inlet section is perpendicular to the air passage, that is, the inlet section extends in the front-to-back direction. The condenser fan 422 is a centrifugal fan. Further, the liquid cooling box 462 is disposed on the outer side or above the outer side of the outlet end of the air passage. The length direction of the liquid cooling box 462 is perpendicular to the air passage, and the liquid cooling air duct is perpendicular to the air passage. The special arrangement and relative relationship of the auxiliary condensing device 46 and the condenser section 82 can significantly improve the condensing efficiency and achieve good energy-saving effect.

[0085] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the condenser 82 may be the cooling end of a semiconductor refrigeration and heating module. The cooling end includes the cold end face of a semiconductor refrigeration chip and a heat transfer device disposed on the cold end face. The heat transfer device has heat transfer fins, which condense water vapor in the humid air using the heat transfer fins of the semiconductor refrigeration and heating module. To improve drying efficiency, the cold end of the semiconductor refrigeration and heating module may be perpendicular to the flow direction of the drying airflow, so that the drying airflow experiences greater resistance and heat exchange with the fins before flowing away from the periphery, such as the upper side, of the cold end of the semiconductor refrigeration and heating module. In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating part 83 is used to heat the drying airflow condensed by the condenser 82. The heating part 83 may be disposed within a duct system and located on the outlet side of the main fan 84, i.e., downstream of the main fan 84. The heating part 83 may be an electric heating device 52. Optionally, the heating unit 83 may also be the heating end of a semiconductor cooling and heating module. The heating end includes the hot end face of a semiconductor cooling chip and a heat transfer device disposed on the hot end face. The heat transfer device has heat transfer fins, and the drying airflow is heated by utilizing the heat transfer fins of the semiconductor cooling and heating module. The duct system may have a bypass airflow section disposed above the semiconductor cooling and heating module, so that the drying airflow flows upward after exchanging heat with the cooling fins of the semiconductor cooling and heating module, and then flows downward to exchange heat with the heat transfer fins for heating.

[0086] In some embodiments of the present invention, the main drying system further includes a cooling end and a heating end of a semiconductor refrigeration and heating module. Under the action of the main fan and duct system, the drying airflow flows through the condenser section, then sequentially through the cooling end and the heating end, and finally flows to the heating section. The cooling fins of the semiconductor refrigeration and heating module assist in the condensation of water vapor in the humid air. Specifically, the condenser section 82 is used to primarily condense the water vapor in the humid air, and then the cooling fins of the semiconductor refrigeration and heating module assist in the condensation, improving the condensation effect. The heat transfer fins of the semiconductor refrigeration and heating module preheat the drying airflow, improving the heating effect.

[0087] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the condenser 82 and the heating unit 83 are respectively the evaporator and condenser of the heat pump system. By utilizing the evaporator of the heat pump system to condense water vapor in the humid air, the heat pump system can provide higher condensation efficiency, thereby improving drying efficiency. Utilizing the condenser of the heat pump system to heat the drying airflow results in high energy utilization, minimizing heat waste and significantly improving the energy efficiency of the clothing processing device. The compressor of the heat pump system is connected to the condenser, the condenser is connected to the throttling device, the throttling device is connected to the evaporator, and the evaporator is connected to the compressor. That is, the compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator are sequentially connected to form a refrigerant circulation system. The refrigerant continuously undergoes gaseous and liquid state conversion within the refrigerant circulation system, releasing heat to heat the drying airflow. The drying airflow enters the drum 21 and dries the clothes inside the drum 21. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, other types of condensation may also be used. Furthermore, a semiconductor refrigeration and heating module can also be installed between the evaporator and the condenser to utilize the cooling fins of the semiconductor refrigeration and heating module to assist in condensing water vapor in the humid and hot air, and to utilize the heat transfer fins of the semiconductor refrigeration and heating module to preheat the drying airflow.

[0088] In some embodiments of the present invention, a water box groove is provided inside the housing 20, located above the roller 21. Typically, the water box groove is located on the front panel of the housing 20, near the top plate. A water box is provided inside the water box groove, with a clearance fit between the water box groove and the water box, allowing the water box to be pulled out or inserted into the water box groove. An opening is provided at the top of the water box to receive water discharged from the drain pipe below the condenser section 82. When the water box is full, water overflows from the top opening and flows into the water box groove. The water box groove is provided with an overflow hole, typically located at the bottom of the water box groove to prevent water accumulation. The overflow hole is connected to a guide channel via an overflow pipe. Thus, when water overflows from the water box into the water box groove, the water in the water box groove can enter the guide channel through the overflow hole and overflow pipe. The water flowing out of the guide channel can be used to clean structures such as the condenser section 82 or the lint filter 85, preventing water accumulation in the water box groove. A water pump is installed on the drain pipe, and a water storage tank is installed on the lower side of the condenser 82. The water in the water storage tank is pumped into the water box.

[0089] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A clothing processing device with a clothing drying function, comprising a housing and a drum disposed within the housing, wherein the drum is used to hold clothing to be dried, characterized in that, It also includes an radio frequency heating module, which is disposed at one or both ends of the drum to heat the clothes in the drum; The roller is arranged such that it is slidably disposed within the housing along its axial direction to switch between its retracted and extended states; The garment handling apparatus further includes a main drying system configured to allow a drying airflow to enter the drum from one end of the drum. The main drying system includes a condenser section, a heating section, a main fan, and a duct system for defining the drying airflow. The duct system is configured to guide the drying airflow so that the drying airflow flows out from the other end of the drum under the action of the main fan, flows through the condenser section and the heating section in sequence, and then circulates back into the drum from one end of the drum. The air duct system has a first part disposed on the front end cover of the drum and a second part disposed inside the housing. A first connection structure is provided between the air outlet of the first part and the air inlet of the second part. The first connection structure is configured such that the drying air duct automatically disconnects when the drum extends and automatically connects when the drum retracts.

2. The garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller has an openable and closable garment loading / unloading opening on its peripheral wall; the roller is arranged such that it has a retracted state that is retracted into the housing and an extended state that is at least partially located outside the housing, and in the extended state, part or all of the garment loading / unloading opening is located outside the housing.

3. The garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radio frequency heating module includes a first radio frequency electrode plate and a second radio frequency electrode plate; the first radio frequency electrode plate is perpendicular to the axis of the roller and is disposed at one end of the roller, and the second radio frequency electrode plate is perpendicular to the axis of the roller and is disposed at the other end of the roller.

4. The garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radio frequency heating module includes a first radio frequency antenna, which may be one or more, disposed on an end cap at one end of the roller; and / or, The radio frequency heating module includes a second radio frequency antenna, which may be one or more, and is disposed on the end cap at the other end of the roller.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap at the other end of the drum is provided with an annular structure coaxial with the drum. One or more air outlets are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the annular structure or on the end face facing the inside of the drum, arranged sequentially along the circumferential direction of the drum. Each air outlet communicates with the internal space of the drum to discharge the drying airflow to the outside of the drum.

6. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an auxiliary condensation device; The auxiliary condensing device exchanges heat with the condensing section to cool the condensing section.

7. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The auxiliary condensation device includes a liquid cooling section, a liquid cooling tank, a liquid cooling fan, and a liquid cooling pump. The liquid cooling section is disposed on the condensing section to exchange heat with the condensing section; the liquid cooling box stores condensate and is provided with a liquid cooling air duct; the liquid cooling fan is configured to promote airflow through the liquid cooling air duct to cool the condensate in the liquid cooling box. The outlet of the liquid cooling section is connected to the liquid cooling tank through an outlet pipe, and the inlet of the liquid cooling section is connected to the liquid cooling tank through an inlet pipe. The liquid cooling pump is installed on the inlet pipe or the outlet pipe.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a semiconductor cooling and heating module, which includes a cooling end and a heating end. The drying airflow, under the action of the main fan and the duct system, flows through the condenser and then sequentially through the cooling end and the heating end before flowing to the heating part. The semiconductor cooling and heating module also includes a semiconductor cooling chip; The cooling end includes the cold end face of the semiconductor cooling chip and a cooling transfer device disposed on the cold end face, the cooling transfer device having cooling transfer fins. The heating end includes the hot end face of the semiconductor cooling chip and a heat transfer device disposed on the hot end face, the heat transfer device having heat transfer fins.

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