An all-in-one washer-dryer and its condensation air duct

Abstract

The present invention provides a washer-dryer and its condensation air duct. The two ends of the condensation air duct are respectively provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, and the air outlet is located above the air inlet. The condensation air duct includes a first air duct that extends downward in an arc from the end with the air inlet, and a second air duct that extends upward in an arc from the other end of the first air duct to the end of the air outlet. The second air duct includes a third air duct connected to the first air duct, and a fourth air duct that extends downward in an arc from the other end of the third air duct to the end of the air outlet. A diversion structure is also provided on the condensation air duct to prevent condensed water from accumulating at the air outlet, and a condensed water atomizing nozzle is provided near the air inlet of the condensation air duct. By increasing the length of the air duct, the present invention prolongs the residence time of the humid and hot air in the condensation air duct, and further improves the heat exchange effect by combining the treatment of the condensed water by the atomizing nozzle. At the same time, it also cleans the lint in the humid and hot air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of washing machines, and particularly relates to a washer-dryer and its condensation air duct. Background Art

[0002] The existing condensation air ducts used in washer-dryers are vertical short air ducts. When humid and hot air passes through the air duct, the condensed water and air cannot exchange heat sufficiently. Although dispersing the condensed water into water mist can improve the heat exchange efficiency, due to the short air duct, the water mist may be carried away by the wind and enter the fan or the drum, resulting in damage to the fan or blowing the clothes wet again when entering the drum. And currently, the washer-dryer filters and removes lint through a filter net. As users use it, the filtering ability of the filter net decreases, resulting in incomplete filtering; or the air resistance increases due to the filter net being blocked by lint.

[0003] The US patent with the publication number US20200299892A1 discloses an air duct with a horseshoe structure embedded inside the outer drum. An air inlet is provided at each end of the air duct, and the air outlet is provided in the middle of the horseshoe structure. The drying air volume and heat exchange capacity are improved through two sections of air ducts, the drying time is shortened, and the heat exchange efficiency is further improved by arranging a washing nozzle inside the air duct. Although the above solution improves the drying air volume and shortens the drying time, the air duct is embedded inside the outer drum, occupying the space inside the outer drum; although the two shorter air ducts improve the heat exchange air volume, the lengths of both air ducts are short and cannot exchange heat with the humid and hot air sufficiently; furthermore, although the heat exchange efficiency is improved and the air duct is cleaned through the washing nozzle, the position of the nozzle is relatively high, and it cannot achieve sufficient heat exchange with the air and cannot effectively remove lint.

[0004] The Chinese patent application with the application number 202010924444.X discloses a drum washing machine with a drying condensation system, and specifically discloses a condensation channel with a condensation water storage cavity, including a first area composed of an outer drum and a condensation plate, where the high-temperature and humid air flows from bottom to top in the first area; a second area composed of a condensation plate and a condensation cover, where the condensed water stores and flows in the second area; and the condensed water sprays out in the form of a water column from the condensation water outlet hole near the air outlet on the condensation plate to improve the heat exchange efficiency. Although the above solution improves the heat exchange efficiency through the secondary use of the condensed water, the condensation water outlet hole is arranged near the air outlet, and the contact time and contact area between the humid and hot air and the water column are small, and the heat exchange efficiency cannot be improved well. And the air duct in the above solution is a short air duct vertically arranged in the up-down direction, and the heat exchange time of the humid and hot air is short, and the heat exchange efficiency is relatively poor.

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

[0006] To solve the problems in the above-mentioned existing technologies, the present invention discloses a washing and drying integrated machine and its condensation air duct. By providing a condensation air duct at the bottom of the outer cylinder of the washing and drying integrated machine, which has a first air duct extending downward in an arc from the air inlet and a second air duct extending upward in an arc from the other end of the first air duct to the air outlet, the residence time of the humid and hot air in the condensation air duct is prolonged, and the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

[0007] To achieve the above object, in the first aspect of the present invention, a condensation air duct of a washing and drying integrated machine is provided, which includes an air inlet and an air outlet respectively arranged at both ends of the condensation air duct. The air outlet is located above the air inlet. The condensation air duct includes:

[0008] The first air duct: The first air duct is formed by extending downward in an arc from the end of the condensation air duct with the air inlet.

[0009] The second air duct: Connected to the first air duct, it extends upward in an arc from the other end of the first air duct to the end of the condensation air duct with the air outlet.

[0010] In the above solution, after the humid and hot air in the condensation air duct enters the condensation air duct from the air inlet, it goes through two stages of flowing downward and upward in sequence. The water in the humid and hot air can condense faster, and the longer air duct prolongs the residence time of the humid and hot air in the air duct, improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0011] Further, the second air duct includes,

[0012] The third air duct: The third air duct is formed by extending upward in an arc from the other end of the first air duct.

[0013] The fourth air duct: One end of the fourth air duct is connected to the other end of the third air duct, and it extends downward in an arc from the other end of the third air duct to the end of the condensation air duct with the air outlet; the air outlet is arranged at the other end of the fourth air duct.

[0014] The above solution further prolongs the length of the condensation air duct, prolongs the residence time of the humid and hot air in the air duct, and improves the heat exchange efficiency.

[0015] Further, the first air duct and the second air duct are smoothly connected.

[0016] The smooth connection of the first air duct and the second air duct reduces the air resistance of the humid and hot air flowing in the air duct, reduces the noise during drying, and improves the air supply efficiency.

[0017] Preferably, the first air duct and the second air duct are two arcs with the same center position.

[0018] The above preferred solution connects the first air duct and the second air duct to form a major arc, further reducing the air resistance and facilitating assembly.

[0019] Further, a flow guiding structure is further included in the condensation air duct. The flow guiding structure is arranged on the inner ring wall of the condensation air duct and is used to guide the condensed water in the other end of the fourth air duct to a position below the other end of the fourth air duct in the third air duct.

[0020] Further, the flow guiding structure includes a flow guiding groove which is recessed downward from the inner side of the inner ring wall at the upper ends of the fourth air duct and the third air duct.

[0021] The bottom surface of the flow guiding groove is an inclined surface which is inclined downward from the other end of the fourth air duct to the third air duct.

[0022] The humid and hot air is discharged from the air outlet and enters the heating fan. Therefore, condensed water often accumulates easily at the other end of the fourth air duct. The flow guiding groove in the above solution can prevent the condensed water from accumulating near the air outlet, further improving the condensation effect of the condensation air duct.

[0023] Further, the flow guiding structure is close to the installation side of the condensation air duct or close to the other side opposite to the installation side of the condensation air duct.

[0024] Further, a condensed water atomizing nozzle is provided near the air inlet of the condensation air duct.

[0025] The atomizing nozzle can make the condensed water more evenly dispersed, increasing the contact area between the condensed water and the humid and hot air, improving the heat exchange efficiency. And setting the condensed water atomizing nozzle near the air inlet of the condensation air duct prolongs the mixing time of the condensed water and the humid and hot air, achieving full heat exchange between the condensed water and the humid and hot air, and also preventing the water mist from entering the heating fan with the dry air and damaging the fan; it can also clean the lint in the humid and hot air.

[0026] Further, a drain port is provided at the lowest part of the condensation air duct. The water in the humid and hot air condenses into water droplets during the condensation process and flows along the inner wall of the condensation air duct to the drain port and is discharged from the drain port.

[0027] Further, a condensed water channel is further provided outside the condensation air duct. A condensed water inlet and a condensed water outlet are communicated with the condensed water channel.

[0028] Further, the condensed water inlet and the condensed water outlet are respectively arranged at both ends of the condensed water channel.

[0029] Arranging the condensed water inlet and the condensed water outlet at both ends of the condensed water channel can make the condensed water stay in the condensed water channel for a longer time, improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0030] A second aspect of the present invention provides a washer-dryer having the condensation air duct described in the above scheme.

[0031] Furthermore, the washer-dryer comprises a horizontally placed outer drum and a heating fan, wherein the heating fan is located above the outer drum;

[0032] The condensation air duct is installed at the rear part of the bottom of the outer cylinder and extends along the circumferential direction of the bottom of the cylinder. The bottom of the outer cylinder is provided with a cylinder air outlet facing the rear side. The air inlet of the condensation air duct is provided on the side of the condensation air duct installed with the outer cylinder. The air inlet of the condensation air duct is connected to the cylinder air outlet of the outer cylinder.

[0033] The air inlet of the heating fan is connected to the air outlet of the condensing air duct, and is used to heat the condensed dry air and introduce it into the outer cylinder.

[0034] In the above scheme, the transversely placed outer cylinder includes a horizontally placed outer cylinder and an inclined transversely placed outer cylinder.

[0035] Furthermore, the end of the condensing air duct having the air outlet is also provided with a connecting structure cooperating with the fan, the connecting structure includes a transition air duct extending in a horizontal direction from the end of the condensing air duct having the air outlet, and an assembly portion extending outward from a side of the transition air duct installed with the condensing air duct, the air outlet is arranged on the assembly portion, and the air inlet of the heating fan is connected to the air outlet arranged on the assembly portion.

[0036] Furthermore, the condensation air duct is extended along the outer peripheral edge of the bottom of the outer cylinder.

[0037] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: by increasing the length of the air duct, the residence time of humid hot air in the condensation air duct is prolonged; combined with the dispersion treatment of the condensation water by the condensation water atomizing nozzle arranged near the air inlet, while increasing the contact area between the condensation water and the humid hot air, the mixing time of the condensation water and the humid hot air is prolonged, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency; and the contact area between the atomized condensation water and the humid hot air is larger, thereby improving the heat exchange effect and cleaning up the lint mixed in the humid hot air; by providing a guide structure that guides the condensation water at one end of the condensation air outlet to a position lower than one end of the condensation air outlet, the accumulation of condensation water near the air outlet is avoided, thereby improving the condensation effect of the condensation air duct. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The accompanying drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments. For ordinary technicians in this field, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these accompanying drawings without creative work.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the condensation air duct of the washer-dryer.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a front view of the condensation air duct of the washer-dryer.

[0041] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the condensation air duct at AA of the washer-dryer.

[0042] Figure 4 This is an assembly drawing of the washer-dryer and the condensing air duct.

[0043] In the figure: 1. Condensation air duct; 11. First section of air duct; 12. Second section of air duct; 13. Third section of air duct; 14. Fourth section of air duct; 2. Air inlet; 3. Air outlet; 4. Flow guide structure; 5. Condensate atomizing nozzle; 6. Drain outlet; 7. Connection structure; 71. Transition air duct; 72. Assembly part; 8. Inner ring wall; 9. Outer cylinder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "setting" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “inside” and “outside” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0047] Embodiment 1

[0048] As an embodiment of the present invention, this embodiment provides a condensing air duct 1 of a washer-dryer, including an air inlet 2 and an air outlet 3 arranged at both ends of the condensing air duct 1, and the air outlet 3 is located above the air inlet 2.

[0049] In this embodiment, the condensation air duct 1 includes a first-stage air duct 11 and a second-stage air duct 12 that are interconnected. The first-stage air duct 11 is obtained by extending downward in an arc from one end of the condensation air duct 1 where the air inlet 2 is provided; the second-stage air duct 12 is connected to the first-stage air duct 11 and extends upward in an arc from the other end of the first-stage air duct 11 to the end of the condensation air duct 1 where the air outlet 3 is located.

[0050] Furthermore, the first-stage air duct 11 and the second-stage air duct 12 are smoothly connected, reducing the air resistance of the humid and hot air flowing in the air duct and also reducing the noise.

[0051] In the above solution, the extending directions of the first-stage air duct 11 and the second-stage air duct 12 are opposite, increasing the length of the air duct and improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0052] Furthermore, a condensation water atomizing nozzle 5 is provided near the air inlet 2 of the condensation air duct 1.

[0053] By arranging the condensation water atomizing nozzle 5 near the air inlet 2, the condensation water mist will move along with the flow of the humid and hot air, extending the mixing time of the condensation water and the humid and hot air, and the contact area between the atomized condensation water and the humid and hot air is larger, improving the heat exchange effect; at the same time, the condensation water spray can adhere to the lint, and the water in the humid and hot air further condenses on the lint during the heat exchange process. As the water in the humid and hot air condenses, the lint becomes heavier and falls into the air duct and is discharged from the drain port 6 along with the condensation water, realizing the cleaning of the lint in the humid and hot air.

[0054] Furthermore, a drain port 6 is provided at the lowest part of the condensation air duct 1, and the drain port 6 is communicated with the inside of the air duct.

[0055] Embodiment Two

[0056] As another embodiment of the present invention, this embodiment provides a condensation air duct 1 of a washing and drying integrated machine, as Figure 1 shown, including an air inlet 2 and an air outlet 3 provided at both ends of the condensation air duct 1, and the air outlet 3 is located above the air inlet 2.

[0057] In this embodiment, the condensation air duct 1 includes a first-stage air duct 11 and a second-stage air duct 12 that are interconnected. The first-stage air duct 11 is obtained by extending downward in an arc from one end of the condensation air duct 1 where the air inlet 2 is provided; the second-stage air duct 12 is connected to the first-stage air duct 11 and extends upward in an arc from the other end of the first-stage air duct 11 to the end of the condensation air duct 1 where the air outlet 3 is located.

[0058] Furthermore, as Figure 2 shown, the second-stage air duct 12 includes a third-stage air duct 13 and a fourth-stage air duct 14 that are connected in sequence. One end of the third-stage air duct 13 is connected to the first-stage air duct 11 and is obtained by extending upward in an arc from the other end of the first-stage air duct 11;

[0059] One end of the fourth air duct 14 is connected to the other end of the third air duct 13, and extends downward in an arc from the other end of the third air duct 13 to one end of the condensation air duct 1 having the air outlet 3, and the air outlet 3 is provided at the other end of the fourth air duct 14.

[0060] Furthermore, the first air duct 11, the third air duct 13 and the fourth air duct 14 are smoothly connected, which reduces the air resistance of the humid and hot air flowing in the air duct and also reduces the noise.

[0061] In the above solution, the extending directions of the first air duct 11 and the second air duct 12 are opposite, which increases the length of the air duct and also improves the heat exchange efficiency; the extending directions of the third air duct 13 and the fourth air duct 14 are opposite, which further increases the length of the air duct.

[0062] Furthermore, a condensate atomizing nozzle 5 is provided near the air inlet 2 of the condensation air duct 1.

[0063] By providing the condensate atomizing nozzle 5 near the air inlet 2, the condensate mist will move along with the flow of the humid and hot air, which prolongs the mixing time of the condensate and the humid and hot air, and the contact area between the atomized condensate and the humid and hot air is larger, improving the heat exchange effect; at the same time, the condensate spray can adhere to the lint, and the water in the humid and hot air further condenses on the lint during the heat exchange process. As the water in the humid and hot air condenses, the lint becomes heavier and falls into the air duct and is discharged from the drain port 6 along with the condensate, realizing the cleaning of the lint in the humid and hot air.

[0064] Furthermore, a drain port 6 is provided at the lowest part of the condensation air duct 1, and the drain port 6 is communicated with the inside of the air duct.

[0065] Embodiment Three

[0066] As another embodiment of the present invention, this embodiment provides a condensation air duct 1 of a washing and drying integrated machine, which has the same structure as the condensation air duct 1 described in Embodiment Two, except that it further includes a Figure 3 deflection structure 4 as shown.

[0067] In this embodiment, in order to prevent the condensate at the air outlet 3 from not being discharged and affecting the condensation effect, a deflection structure 4 is further provided on the condensation air duct 1 to guide the condensate in the other end of the fourth air duct 14 to a position lower than the other end of the fourth air duct 14 in the third air duct 13; the deflection structure 4 includes a deflection groove, and the deflection groove is recessed downward from the inner side of the inner ring wall 8 between the third air duct 13 and the fourth air duct 14.

[0068] Through the setting of the diversion structure 4, the above solution realizes the transfer of the accumulated condensed water at the air outlet 3. Moreover, the diversion structure 4 is connected to the condensation air duct 1, which does not affect the condensation effect of the condensation air duct 1 and will not cause the condensed water to be unable to be discharged due to the diversion direction being opposite to the flow direction of the humid and hot air.

[0069] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the diversion groove is an inclined surface that extends from the other end of the fourth pipe section towards the third pipe section and is inclined downward, further improving the diversion effect of the diversion groove.

[0070] Furthermore, the diversion structure 4 is close to the installation side of the condensation air duct 1 or the other side opposite to the installation side of the condensation air duct 1.

[0071] Embodiment Four

[0072] As another embodiment of the present invention, this embodiment provides a condensation air duct 1 of a washing and drying integrated machine, having the structure of the condensation air duct 1 described in Embodiment Three. The difference is that a condensed water channel is further provided outside the condensation air duct 1, and a condensed water inlet and a condensed water outlet are connected to the condensed water channel.

[0073] Furthermore, the condensed water inlet and the condensed water outlet are respectively arranged at both ends of the condensed water channel.

[0074] Arranging the condensed water inlet and the condensed water outlet at both ends of the condensed water channel can allow the condensed water to stay in the condensed water channel for a longer time, improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0075] Furthermore, the condensed water outlet is connected to the condensed water atomizing nozzle 5.

[0076] The above solution realizes the secondary heat exchange of the condensed water by connecting the condensed water outlet to the condensed water atomizing nozzle 5, improves the heat exchange efficiency, and realizes the conservation of water resources.

[0077] Embodiment Five

[0078] As an embodiment of the present invention, this embodiment provides a washing and drying integrated machine, including a horizontally arranged outer cylinder 9, a heating fan, and the condensation air duct 1 described in Embodiment Three. The heating fan is located above the outer cylinder 9.

[0079] In this embodiment, the condensation air duct 1 is installed at the rear of the bottom of the outer cylinder 9 and extends along the circumferential direction of the bottom of the cylinder. The bottom of the outer cylinder 9 is provided with a cylinder air outlet facing the rear side. The air inlet 2 of the condensation air duct 1 is arranged on the side of the condensation air duct 1 where it is installed with the outer cylinder 9, and the air inlet 2 of the condensation air duct 1 is connected to the cylinder air outlet of the outer cylinder 9;

[0080] The air inlet 2 of the heating fan is connected to the air outlet 3 of the condensation air duct 1, and is used to heat the condensed dry air and introduce it into the outer cylinder 9.

[0081] Furthermore, the drain opening 6 on the condensation air duct 1 is connected to the drain pipeline of the washing and drying integrated machine; the condensation water atomizing nozzle 5 is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the washing and drying integrated machine.

[0082] In order to improve the connection stability between the condensation air duct 1 and the heating fan, a connection structure 7 that cooperates with the fan is further provided at one end of the condensation air duct 1 with the air outlet 3. The connection structure 7 includes a transition air duct 71 extending horizontally from one end of the condensation air duct 1 with the air outlet 3, and an assembly part 72 extending outward from the side where the condensation air duct 1 and the outer cylinder 9 are installed on the transition air duct 71. The air outlet 3 is arranged on the assembly part 72, and the air inlet 2 of the heating fan is connected to the air outlet 3 arranged on the assembly part 72.

[0083] Furthermore, the condensation air duct 1 extends along the outer peripheral edge of the bottom of the outer cylinder 9.

[0084] In the above solution, the horizontally arranged outer cylinder 9 can be a horizontally arranged outer cylinder 9 or an inclined horizontally arranged outer cylinder 9.

[0085] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not impose any form of limitation on the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with the preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art of this patent, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments by using the technical content prompted above. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. However, as long as the content does not depart from the technical solution of the present invention, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A condensation air duct of a washer-dryer, comprising an air inlet and an air outlet respectively arranged at two ends of the condensation air duct, the air outlet being located above the air inlet, characterized in that, The condensation air duct includes a first-stage air duct, a second-stage air duct, and a diversion structure. The first-stage air duct is formed by extending downward in an arc from one end of the condensation air duct where the air inlet is located. The second-stage air duct includes a third-stage air duct and a fourth-stage air duct. The third-stage air duct is formed by extending upward in an arc from the other end of the first-stage air duct. One end of the fourth-stage air duct is connected to the other end of the third-stage air duct, and extends downward in an arc from the other end of the third-stage air duct to the end of the condensation air duct where the air outlet is located; the air outlet is provided at the other end of the fourth-stage air duct. The diversion structure is arranged on the inner wall of the condensation air duct to guide the condensed water in the other end of the fourth-stage air duct to a position lower than the other end of the fourth-stage air duct in the third-stage air duct. A condensed water atomizing nozzle is provided near the air inlet of the condensation air duct, and a condensed water channel is provided outside the condensation air duct. The two ends of the condensed water channel are connected to a condensed water inlet and a condensed water outlet, and the condensed water outlet is connected to the condensed water atomizing nozzle.

2. The condensing air duct of the washing and drying integrated machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first-stage air duct and the second-stage air duct are smoothly connected.

3. The condensation air duct of the washing and drying integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The diversion structure includes a diversion groove, and the diversion groove is recessed downward from the inner side of the inner wall at the upper ends of the fourth-stage air duct and the third-stage air duct.

4. The condensation air duct of the washing and drying integrated machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the diversion groove is an inclined surface, which is inclined downward from the other end of the fourth-stage air duct to the third-stage air duct.

5. The condensing air duct of the washer-dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diversion structure is close to the installation side of the condensation air duct, or close to the other side opposite to the installation side of the condensation air duct.

6. A washing and drying integrated machine, comprising a horizontally arranged outer tub and a heating blower, the heating blower being located above the outer tub, characterized in that, The washing and drying integrated machine has the condensation air duct as described in any one of claims 1-5.

7. The all-in-one washer-dryer according to claim 6, wherein, The condensation air duct is installed at the rear of the bottom of the outer cylinder and extends along the circumferential direction of the bottom of the cylinder. The bottom of the outer cylinder is provided with a cylinder air outlet facing the rear side. The air inlet of the condensation air duct is provided on the side of the condensation air duct where it is installed with the outer cylinder, and the air inlet of the condensation air duct is connected to the cylinder air outlet of the outer cylinder. The air inlet of the heating fan is connected to the air outlet of the condensation air duct to heat the condensed dry air and introduce it into the outer cylinder.

8. The all-in-one washer-dryer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The condensation air duct extends along the outer peripheral edge of the bottom of the outer cylinder.

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