Washing and drying integrated machine

Abstract

The application relates to a washing and drying all-in-one machine which comprises a box body, an outer cylinder, a back wall of the outer cylinder, a return air inlet, a through hole, an inner cylinder, a drying air duct, a condensing disc, and a heat dissipation fin. The wet and hot air in the inner cylinder can enter the outer cylinder, flow through the condensing disc, contact the condensing disc, exchange heat, condense the water in the air, and then enter the drying air duct from the return air inlet. The condensing disc, the return air inlet, and the drying air duct are cooperated to make the wet and hot air contact the condensing disc in a large area, the heat dissipation fin can cool the condensing disc, the heat exchange efficiency is improved, the wet and hot air is cooled and dehumidified through the condensing disc, the condensing efficiency is improved, and the drying time is shortened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of garment processing equipment technology, and in particular to a washer-dryer combo machine. Background Technology

[0002] With social progress and technological development, washer-dryer combos have become common household appliances. As living standards improve at a faster pace, people are using the drying performance of washer-dryer combos more frequently and have increasingly higher requirements.

[0003] In washer-dryer combos, the drying structure consists of a drying duct, a fan, and a condenser. The condenser is used for heat exchange between the condensed water and the hot, humid air. Currently, most washer-dryer combos on the market typically use a backpack-type condenser. Backpack-type condensers are bulky and require significant space at the back of the washer-dryer, resulting in a thicker overall machine that cannot meet the needs of users for embedded installation. Some washer-dryer combos use the rear wall of the outer drum as a condenser, reducing the overall thickness. However, this solution has a lower thermal conductivity coefficient and lower heat exchange efficiency, failing to further improve drying efficiency and resulting in longer drying times. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a washer-dryer combo machine that optimizes the structure of washer-dryer combos in related technologies, reduces the size of the washer-dryer combo machine, and improves condensation efficiency while shortening drying time.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a washer-dryer combo is provided, comprising: a housing forming the outer shell of the washer-dryer combo, the front surface of which has a clothes inlet; an outer tub disposed within the housing and configured to hold washing water, the front end face of the outer tub having an opening opposite to the clothes inlet; a return air vent recessed on the rear wall inside the outer tub, and a through hole extending from front to back on the rear wall of the outer tub; an inner tub disposed within the outer tub, the inner tub forming a clothes handling chamber for holding clothes, the inner tub being rotatable within the outer tub; and a drying duct disposed within the outer tub. Externally, one end of the drying air duct is connected to the return air inlet, and the other end is connected to the front end of the inner cylinder; a condenser plate is disposed on the rear wall inside the outer cylinder; a heat dissipation fin is protruding from the back side of the condenser plate, the heat dissipation fin is disposed in the through hole and exposed on the rear wall of the outer cylinder; there is a gap between the condenser plate and the rear end wall of the inner cylinder; wherein, the hot and humid air generated by drying clothes in the clothes processing chamber of the inner cylinder can enter the outer cylinder and flow through the condenser plate, the hot and humid air comes into contact with the condenser plate and exchanges heat, so that the moisture in the air condenses, and then enters the drying air duct from the return air inlet.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the condenser plate is detachably attached to the rear wall inside the outer cylinder; or, the condenser plate is integrally formed on the rear wall inside the outer cylinder.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the heat sink is detachably disposed on the back side of the condenser plate; or, the heat sink is integrally formed on the back side of the condenser plate.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the outline of the through hole is fan-shaped; a plurality of heat sinks are provided in the through hole at intervals, the heat sinks extend radially along the rear wall of the outer cylinder, and the plurality of heat sinks are distributed in a fan-shaped structure.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, multiple through holes are provided, and the multiple through holes are arranged circumferentially at intervals around the axis of the rear wall of the outer cylinder; multiple sets of heat sinks are provided, and the multiple sets of heat sinks are correspondingly provided at the through holes, and each set of heat sinks includes one or more heat sinks.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the outer cylinder is provided with a return air channel, one end of which is connected to the return air inlet, and the other end of which is connected to the drying air duct; the condensation plate includes an integrally formed first plate portion and a second plate portion; the first plate portion is disposed on the rear wall inside the outer cylinder; the second plate portion is formed by recessing the first plate portion backward, the second plate portion extends into the return air inlet, and is disposed on the inner wall of the return air channel.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the top of the outer cylinder is provided with a first water inlet pipe, one end of which is connected to the interior of the outer cylinder and located above the top of the condensation plate; a plurality of guide strips are protruding on the front side of the first plate, and at least some of the tops of the guide strips extend to directly below the outlet of the first water inlet pipe.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the return air inlet is located at the top of the rear wall of the outer cylinder and spaced apart on one side of the outlet of the first water inlet pipe; a separating rib is provided at the connection between the first plate and the second plate, the separating rib is located near the edge of the second plate close to the first water inlet pipe, and is used to prevent the condensate from the first water inlet pipe from flowing into the return air inlet.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, a water spray pipe is provided in the return air channel, and a water spray nozzle is provided on the water spray pipe. The water spray pipe can spray water toward the second plate or toward the inside of the outer cylinder through the water spray nozzle. A second water inlet pipe is provided on the outer wall of the return air channel, and one end of the second water inlet pipe extends into the return air channel and is connected to the water spray pipe.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, both the condenser plate and the heat sink are made of metal.

[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following advantages and positive effects:

[0017] In the washer-dryer of this invention, a condenser plate is added to the rear wall inside the outer drum. This allows the condenser plate to maintain the same structural shape and curvature as the rear wall inside the outer drum, thus avoiding the occupation of space inside or outside the outer drum and reducing the overall size of the machine. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to alter the structure of other parts of the outer drum's bottom, facilitating processing and assembly. The return air vent and drying duct on the rear wall of the outer drum work together to create an air-drying circulation between the inner drum, outer drum, and drying duct. This allows the humid, hot air generated during drying of clothes in the inner drum to enter the outer drum and then the drying duct through the return air vent. Before leaving the outer drum through the return air vent, the humid, hot air makes extensive contact with the condenser plate, and the heat sink on the back of the condenser plate cools it. The heat sink is exposed through through holes on the rear wall of the outer drum, enabling the condenser plate to achieve air-cooled cooling. This improves heat exchange efficiency, allowing the humid, hot air to be cooled and dehumidified by the condenser plate, achieving excellent cooling and dehumidification effects. This, in turn, enhances the condensation efficiency of the washer-dryer and shortens the drying time. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a washer-dryer combo machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the inner and outer cylinders.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Side view.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of region A in the middle.

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of its decomposed structure.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the intermediate condenser plate.

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0027] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 Rear view.

[0028] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0029] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified structural diagram of region B in the middle.

[0030] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure without the condenser plate.

[0031] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The front view.

[0032] The following are explanations of the reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Cabinet; 11. Clothing loading port; 12. Cabinet door; 2. Outer cylinder; 21. Return air vent; 22. Return air channel; 221. Back channel; 222. Side channel; 223. Air outlet; 23. First water inlet pipe; 231. Water outlet; 24. Guide rib; 25. Drainage groove; 251. Drainage hole; 26. Second water inlet pipe; 27. Through hole; 271. Enclosure; 28. Reinforcing rib; 3. Condensation plate; 31. First plate section; 311. Fixing hole; 312. Perforation; 313. First guide strip; 314. Second guide strip; 315. Third guide strip; 316. Fourth guide strip; 32. Second plate section; 33. Isolation rib; 34. Heat sink; 4. Water spray pipe; 41. Water spray hole. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present invention can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the descriptions and illustrations herein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In washer-dryer combos, the drying structure consists of a drying duct, a fan, and a condenser. The condenser is used for heat exchange between the condensed water and the humid air. Currently, most washer-dryer combos on the market typically use a backpack condenser. Backpack condensers are bulky and require significant space at the back of the washer-dryer, resulting in a thicker overall machine that cannot meet the needs of users for embedded installation. Some washer-dryer combos use the rear wall of the outer drum as a condenser, reducing the overall thickness. However, this solution has a lower thermal conductivity coefficient and lower heat exchange efficiency, failing to further improve drying efficiency and resulting in longer drying times.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a washer-dryer combo machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the outer and middle cylinders 2. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Side view.

[0039] Please see Figures 1 to 4 The washer-dryer provided in this embodiment of the invention mainly includes a housing 1, an outer cylinder 2 installed inside the housing 1, and an inner cylinder (not shown in the figure) and a condenser tray 3 installed inside the outer cylinder 2.

[0040] The housing 1 typically adopts a rectangular hollow structure. As the outer shell of the washer-dryer combo, its appearance can be designed according to needs. The internal space of the housing 1 provides installation space for components such as the outer drum 2, inner drum, and condenser tray 3.

[0041] Please see Figure 1 The front surface of the box body 1 is provided with a clothing loading port 11, which connects to the installation space inside the box body 1. The front side of the box body 1 is provided with a door 12, which is used to open and close the clothing loading port 11 on the front side of the box body 1, thereby opening and closing the installation space inside.

[0042] Please see Figures 1 to 4 The outer tub 2 is located within the installation space of the housing 1 and is fixedly positioned inside the housing 1. The outer tub 2 is a shell structure with an opening, which faces the clothing inlet 11 on the front side of the housing 1. The outer tub 2 is constructed as a container for holding washing water, meaning that the internal space of the outer tub 2 can be used to hold washing liquids, such as water.

[0043] The inner drum is rotatably disposed within the interior space of the outer drum 2. A garment processing chamber (not shown in the figure) is formed within the inner drum to hold garments awaiting washing. The opening of the inner drum is directly opposite the opening of the outer drum 2; that is, the front opening of the garment processing chamber is directly opposite the opening of the outer drum 2 and the garment inlet 11. Therefore, garments can sequentially enter the garment processing chamber from the garment inlet 11 of the housing 1, the opening of the outer drum 2, and the opening of the inner drum.

[0044] In some embodiments, the outer cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder are arranged coaxially inside and outside. A hole is provided on the outer wall of the inner cylinder, allowing water from the outer cylinder 2 to enter the inner cylinder through this hole to wash the clothes in the inner cylinder's clothes handling chamber. Simultaneously, during clothes drying, the humid and hot air generated in the inner cylinder's clothes handling chamber can also enter the interior space of the outer cylinder 2 through this hole.

[0045] In some embodiments, a drive device (not shown in the figure) is provided inside the housing 1. The drive device is located outside the outer drum 2, and the output end of the drive device extends into the interior of the outer drum 2 from the center of the rear end of the outer drum 2 and is connected to the inner drum for transmission, so as to drive the inner drum to rotate relative to the outer drum 2, thereby washing the clothes in the inner drum.

[0046] Please see Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments, a return air inlet 21 is provided on the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2, and a return air channel 22 is provided on the outside of the outer cylinder 2. One end of the return air channel 22 is connected to the return air inlet 21, and the other end of the return air channel 22 is provided with an air outlet 223. The air outlet 223 is used to connect to one end of a drying air duct (not shown in the figure), and the other end of the drying air duct is connected to the front end of the inner cylinder, so that the drying air duct can connect to the clothes processing chamber, and a drying air circulation can be formed between the inner cylinder, the outer cylinder 2, the return air channel 22, and the drying air duct. Specifically, the humid and hot air in the clothes processing chamber of the inner cylinder can enter the interior of the outer cylinder 2, enter the return air channel 22 through the return air inlet 21 on the rear wall of the outer cylinder 2, and then return to the clothes processing chamber through the drying air duct, thereby forming an air circulation flow.

[0047] In some embodiments, a heater and a fan are provided within the drying duct. The heater heats the air within the drying duct, generating high-temperature air. The fan provides airflow, allowing the high-temperature air from the drying duct to enter the garment handling chamber of the inner drum, drying the garments within.

[0048] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A structural diagram from another perspective. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of region A in the middle. Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of its decomposed structure.

[0049] Please see Figures 5 to 7 The condenser plate 3 is located on the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2. There is a gap between the condenser plate 3 and the rear end wall of the inner cylinder, allowing air inside the inner cylinder to flow to the rear end of the outer cylinder 2, enter the return air channel 22 through the return air inlet 21, and exit the outer cylinder 2. The condenser plate 3 acts as a condenser, condensing the air flowing from the outer cylinder 2 through the return air inlet 21 into the return air channel 22, thereby dehumidifying the air. In other words, all air leaving the outer cylinder 2 from the return air inlet 21 can flow through the condenser plate 3, exchange heat through the condenser plate 3 to remove moisture from the air, and lower the air temperature before the air enters the return air channel 22 through the return air inlet 21.

[0050] Specifically, high-temperature air from the drying duct enters the garment processing chamber, heating the clothes and removing moisture, thus creating high-temperature, high-humidity gas. This gas then enters the outer drum 2 and flows over the condenser plate 3 on the rear wall inside. The hot, humid air makes extensive contact with the condenser plate 3, exchanging heat and condensing moisture. The moisture in the air is then dehumidified by the condenser plate 3, resulting in low-temperature, dry air. This dry air then enters the return air channel 22 through the return air vent 21 and returns to the drying duct for reheating, thus achieving the drying cycle of the washer-dryer and realizing its drying function.

[0051] It should be noted that, compared with the traditional drying solution, this embodiment uses the condenser plate 3 set on the inner rear wall of the outer cylinder 2 as the condenser, eliminating the backpack condenser. The condenser plate 3 does not occupy the space inside the outer cylinder 2, nor does it need to occupy the space outside the outer cylinder 2, which is conducive to reducing the size and volume of the whole machine, achieving the ultimate space design, and meeting the user's needs for embedded installation.

[0052] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the intermediate condenser plate 3.

[0053] Please see Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, the condenser plate 3 has a circular outline, and the structure and curvature of the condenser plate 3 can be consistent with those of the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2. The thickness of the condenser plate 3 is between 0.2-0.5mm, so it does not occupy the space inside the outer cylinder 2, nor does it need to occupy the space outside the outer cylinder 2.

[0054] In some embodiments, the condenser plate 3 is provided with a plurality of fixing holes 311, and the condenser plate 3 can be detachably attached to the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2 by means of screws inserted in the fixing holes 311.

[0055] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the condenser plate 3 can also be integrally formed on the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2 by injection molding.

[0056] Please see Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, the condenser tray 3 is made of metal. Specifically, the condenser tray 3 can be made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy. Utilizing the properties of the metal material of the condenser tray 3, its thermal conductivity coefficient is much higher than that of plastic materials, resulting in high heat exchange efficiency. This allows humid and hot air to be cooled first by the metal condenser tray 3, achieving a good dehumidification effect, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency with the air, and thus enhancing the condensation efficiency of the washer-dryer combo and shortening the drying time.

[0057] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the condenser plate 3 may also be made of other materials with high thermal conductivity.

[0058] Please see Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, the condenser plate 3 includes an integrally formed first plate portion 31 and a second plate portion 32. Both the first plate portion 31 and the second plate portion 32 are made of metal.

[0059] The first disc portion 31 has a circular outline and is located on the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2. It should be noted that the first disc portion 31 can be detachably attached to the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2, or it can be integrally formed on the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2.

[0060] The second disc portion 32 is formed by recessing the first disc portion 31 rearward. The second disc portion 32 is used to extend into the return air inlet 21 and is disposed on the inner wall of the return air duct 22, and the second disc portion 32 can be exposed outside the return air inlet 21. It should be noted that the second disc portion 32 can also be detachably attached to the inner wall of the return air duct 22, or directly integrally formed on the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second tray 32 covers a portion of the inner wall of the return air duct 22. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the second tray 32 may also cover the entire inner wall of the return air duct 22.

[0062] When the air inside the outer cylinder 2 enters the return air channel 22 through the return air inlet 21, both the first plate 31 and the second plate 32 can condense the flowing air, thereby increasing the contact area between the air and the condensation plate 3 and improving the condensation effect of the condensation plate 3, thus shortening the drying time of the washer-dryer combo.

[0063] It should be noted that in some other embodiments, only the first disk portion 31 may be provided, that is, the second disk portion 32 may not be provided.

[0064] Please see Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, the second disc portion 32 extends in an arc shape from the first disc portion 31 toward the back side of the outer cylinder 2, that is, the second disc portion 32 has an arc-shaped disc structure, and the protruding shape of the second disc portion 32 is consistent with the shape of the inner wall of the return air channel 22 near the return air inlet 21.

[0065] Please see Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, fixing holes 311 are formed on the first disc portion 31, that is, multiple fixing holes 311 are formed on the first disc portion 31. When the first disc portion 31 is fixed to the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2 through the fixing holes 311, the second disc portion 32 can be simultaneously attached and fixed to the inner wall of the return air channel 22.

[0066] Please see Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, the center of the first plate portion 31 is provided with a perforation 312. When the condensation plate 3 is located on the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2, the perforation 312 allows the output end of the drive device to pass through, thereby enabling the output end of the drive device to connect to the inner cylinder and drive the inner cylinder to rotate relative to the outer cylinder 2.

[0067] Please see Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, the top of the outer cylinder 2 is provided with a first water inlet pipe 23. One end of the first water inlet pipe 23 is connected to the interior of the outer cylinder 2 and located above the top of the condenser plate 3. The other end of the first water inlet pipe 23 is used to connect to an external condensate water pipe, allowing condensate water to enter the outer cylinder 2 through the first water inlet pipe 23 and flow onto the front side of the condenser plate 3. Simultaneously, a plurality of first guide strips 313 protrude from the front side of the first plate portion 31. The first guide strips 313 are used to guide the condensate water. The first guide strips 313 have an arc or circular arc structure and extend from top to bottom. The top of a portion of the first guide strips 313 extends directly below the outlet 231 of the first water inlet pipe 23, while another portion of the first guide strips 313 are spaced apart below another first guide strip 313, so that the multiple first guide strips 313 can be connected to each other.

[0068] When the condensate in the first inlet pipe 23 flows towards the front side of the condenser plate 3, it can flow along the first guide strip 313 on the front side of the condenser plate 3. This condensate can reduce the temperature of the condenser plate 3 and improve its condensation efficiency; at the same time, the condensate can also directly exchange heat with the humid air in the outer cylinder 2, condensing and dehumidifying the humid air. The cooperation of multiple first guide strips 313 can extend the flow path of the condensate, thereby increasing the heat exchange area between the condensate and the condenser plate 3 and the humid air, thus improving the condensation efficiency and drying efficiency.

[0069] In some embodiments, a plurality of first guide strips 313 are disposed on both sides of the perforation 312, with the upper ends of the plurality of first guide strips 313 converging directly below the outlet 231 of the first water inlet pipe 23, and the lower ends of the plurality of first guide strips 313 arranged around the periphery of the perforation 312. Therefore, condensate can flow from top to bottom to most area of ​​the first pan 31, increasing the flow path and area of ​​condensate on the first pan 31.

[0070] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0071] Please see Figures 5 to 9 In some embodiments, a plurality of guide ribs 24 protrude from the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2, with at least some of the guide ribs 24 extending to the top of the outlet 231 of the first water inlet pipe 23. Simultaneously, a plurality of first guide strips 313 are recessed from the rear wall of the condensation plate 3 towards the front, and the first guide strips 313 are arranged correspondingly to the guide ribs 24. Therefore, when the condensation plate 3 is fixed to the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2, the first guide strips 313 can be positioned one-to-one with the guide ribs 24, ensuring that the condensation plate 3 is stably and accurately fixed to the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2.

[0072] Please see Figures 5 to 9 In some embodiments, a plurality of second guide strips 314 are also protruding from the front side of the first plate 31. The second guide strips 314 are arc-shaped or circular arc-shaped, and at least a plurality of second guide strips 314 are arranged around the peripheral edge of the first plate 31. Therefore, when the condensate in the first water inlet pipe 23 flows to the front side of the condensation plate 3, the second guide strips 314 can confine the condensate flow to the area of ​​the front surface of the first plate 31 as much as possible, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the condensate.

[0073] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the second guide bar 314 may also be formed by recessing the rear wall of the condensation plate 3 towards the front.

[0074] Please see Figures 5 to 9 In some embodiments, a plurality of third guide strips 315 are also provided on the front side of the first tray 31. The third guide strips 315 have an arc-shaped or circular arc-shaped structure and are arranged around the periphery of the perforation 312. Therefore, the third guide strips 315 can prevent condensate from flowing to the central area of ​​the first tray 31.

[0075] Please see Figures 5 to 9In some embodiments, a plurality of fourth guide strips 316 are also provided on the front side of the first disc portion 31. The fourth guide strips 316 are arc-shaped or circular arc-shaped and are arranged in the interval area between adjacent first guide strips 313. The fourth guide strips 316 are used to allow the condensate flowing downward along the upper first guide strip 313 to flow smoothly onto the lower first guide strip 313.

[0076] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the third guide bar 315 and the fourth guide bar 316 may also be formed by recessing the rear wall of the condensation plate 3 towards the front.

[0077] Please see Figures 2 to 7 In some embodiments, a drainage groove 25 is recessed at the bottom of the outer cylinder 2, and a drainage hole 251 is formed on the bottom surface of the drainage groove 25. The condensate flowing into the outer cylinder 2 through the first water inlet pipe 23 can flow downward along the condensation plate 3 and collect in the drainage groove 25, and then be discharged from the outer cylinder 2 or directly to the outside of the box 1 through the drainage hole 251.

[0078] It should be noted that when the air inside the outer cylinder 2 flows through the condenser plate 3, some condensate can also be generated on the condenser plate 3. This condensate can flow downward along the condenser plate 3 and collect in the drain groove 25, and then be discharged from the outer cylinder 2 through the drain hole 251 or directly discharged to the outside of the box 1.

[0079] Please see Figures 2 to 8 In some embodiments, the return air inlet 21 is located at the top of the rear wall of the outer cylinder 2 and spaced apart from one side of the outlet 231 of the first water inlet pipe 23. The return air channel 22 is located in the top area of ​​the back side of the outer cylinder 2. Meanwhile, a separating rib 33 is provided at the connection between the first plate portion 31 and the second plate portion 32. The separating rib 33 is located at the edge of the second plate portion 32 near the outlet 231 of the first water inlet pipe 23. The separating rib 33 is used to prevent the condensate flowing out of the outlet 231 of the first water inlet pipe 23 from flowing into the return air inlet 21, that is, to prevent the condensate of the first water inlet pipe 23 from flowing into the return air channel 22.

[0080] Please see Figures 2 to 8 In some embodiments, a water spray pipe 4 is provided inside the return air duct 22, and the water spray pipe 4 has multiple water spray holes 41. Some of the water spray holes 41 can spray water towards the second plate 32, and some of the water spray holes 41 can be arranged towards the inside of the outer cylinder 2. Therefore, the water spray pipe 4 can spray water towards the condenser plate 3 through the water spray holes 41, reducing the temperature of the condenser plate 3, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the condenser plate 3 and the humid and hot air in the return air duct 22. At the same time, the water spray pipe 4 can also spray water towards the inside of the outer cylinder 2 through the water spray holes 41, directly exchanging heat with the air entering the return air duct 22, further condensing and dehumidifying the air entering the return air duct 22, thereby further improving the condensation efficiency and drying efficiency.

[0081] It should be noted that the condensate sprayed by the water spray pipe 4 onto the condenser plate 3 and the condensate generated on the condenser plate 3 can both flow downward along the condenser plate 3, and then flow back into the outer cylinder 2 through the return air port 21, and then be discharged from the outer cylinder 2 through the drain groove 25 and the drain hole 251.

[0082] Please see Figures 2 to 11 In some embodiments, a second water inlet pipe 26 is provided on the outer wall of the return air duct 22. The second water inlet pipe 26 is located on the upper top side of the return air duct 22. One end of the second water inlet pipe 26 extends into the return air duct 22 and is connected to the water spray pipe 4. The other end of the second water inlet pipe 26 is used to connect to an external condensate pipe. Therefore, the condensate in the second water inlet pipe 26 can supply water to the water spray pipe 4, enabling the water spray pipe 4 to spray water into the outer cylinder 2, the return air duct 22, or the second plate 32 through the water spray holes 41, thereby improving condensation efficiency and drying efficiency.

[0083] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 Rear view. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A structural diagram from another perspective. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified structural diagram of region B in the middle.

[0084] Please see Figures 2 to 12 In some embodiments, the return air duct 22 includes an integrally connected back duct 221 and a side duct 222. The back duct 221 protrudes from the rear wall inside the outer cylinder 2 and communicates with the interior of the outer cylinder 2 via a return air inlet 21. The side duct 222 protrudes from the top region of the peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 2 and communicates with the interior of the outer cylinder 2 via the back duct 221. A second disc portion 32 is disposed on the inner wall of the back duct 221, and a water spray pipe 4 extends into and is arranged inside the back duct 221.

[0085] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure without the condenser plate 3. Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The front view.

[0086] Please see Figures 2 to 14 In some embodiments, a heat sink 34 protrudes from the back side of the condenser tray 3, and a through hole 27 is formed on the rear wall of the outer cylinder 2. The heat sink 34 is disposed within the through hole 27 and exposed on the rear wall of the outer cylinder 2. Therefore, the heat sink 34 can be exposed through the through hole 27, which can realize air cooling of the condenser tray 3, improve the condensation efficiency of the condenser tray 3, and thus greatly improve the condensation efficiency and drying efficiency of the washer-dryer combo.

[0087] In some embodiments, the heat sink 34 is detachably attached to the rear wall of the condenser plate 3. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the heat sink 34 may also be integrally formed on the rear wall of the condenser plate 3.

[0088] Please see Figures 9 to 12 In some embodiments, the heat sink 34 can also be made of metal. Specifically, the heat sink 34 can be made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy. Utilizing the properties of the metal material of the heat sink 34, its thermal conductivity is much higher than that of plastic, resulting in high heat exchange efficiency. This allows the heat sink 34 to absorb heat from the condenser plate 3 after being cooled by air, enabling the condenser plate 3 to achieve rapid cooling, thereby improving the condensation efficiency of the washer-dryer and shortening the drying time.

[0089] In some embodiments, the heat sink 34 extends radially along the rear wall of the outer cylinder 2. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the heat sink 34 may extend in other directions.

[0090] In some embodiments, a plurality of heat sinks 34 protrude from the rear wall of the condenser plate 3, and a plurality of heat sinks 34 are distributed within the through hole 27 of the rear wall of the outer cylinder. The plurality of heat sinks 34 within the through hole 27 are arranged at intervals.

[0091] Please see Figures 9 to 12 In some embodiments, the outline of the through hole 27 is fan-shaped, and the multiple heat sinks 34 inside the through hole 27 are also distributed in a fan-shaped structure.

[0092] Please see Figures 9 to 12 In some embodiments, multiple through holes 27 are provided, and these through holes 27 are arranged circumferentially around the axis of the rear wall of the outer cylinder 2. Multiple sets of heat sinks 34 are provided, each set corresponding to one of the through holes 27. Each set of heat sinks 34 includes multiple heat sinks 34, meaning that the multiple sets of heat sinks 34 are arranged circumferentially around the center of the rear wall of the condenser plate 3. The combination of multiple sets of heat sinks 34 and multiple through holes 27 can improve the efficiency and uniformity of air-cooling of the condenser plate 3, thereby improving condensation efficiency and shortening drying time.

[0093] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the heat sink assembly within the through hole 27 may also include only one heat sink 34.

[0094] Please see Figures 10 to 13In some embodiments, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 28 are protruding from the back side of the outer cylinder 2. The reinforcing ribs 28 are used to increase the structural strength of the outer cylinder 2. The back channel 221 is located within the outline of the reinforcing ribs 28, that is, the back channel 221 does not protrude from the back side of the reinforcing ribs 28. Therefore, the back channel 221 does not increase the volume of the back side of the outer cylinder 2. At the same time, the heat sink 34 is located within the outline of the reinforcing ribs 28, that is, the heat sink 34 does not protrude from the back side of the reinforcing ribs 28. Therefore, the heat sink 34 does not increase the volume of the back side of the outer cylinder 2.

[0095] In some embodiments, the rear edge of the heat sink 34 is flush with the back side of the reinforcing rib 28.

[0096] In some embodiments, the peripheral sidewall of the through hole 27 is formed with a surrounding wall 271, which has an annular structure and may be formed by reinforcing ribs 28.

[0097] In some embodiments, the rear end face of the enclosure 271 is flush with the back side of the reinforcing rib 28, so that the through hole 27 does not protrude from the back side of the reinforcing rib 28, does not occupy the space outside the outer cylinder 2, and does not increase the size and volume of the whole machine.

[0098] Based on the above technical solution, the embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages and positive effects:

[0099] In the washer-dryer of this invention, a condenser plate 3 is added to the rear wall inside the outer drum 2. This allows the condenser plate 3 to maintain the same structural shape and curvature as the rear wall inside the outer drum 2, thus avoiding any occupation of space inside or outside the outer drum 2, thereby reducing the overall size of the machine. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to alter the structure of other parts of the bottom of the outer drum 2, facilitating processing and assembly. The return air vent 21 on the rear wall of the outer drum 2, in conjunction with the drying air duct, enables air circulation between the inner drum, outer drum 2, and drying air duct, allowing the humid and hot air inside the inner drum to be effectively dried. The hot and humid air enters the outer cylinder 2 and then enters the drying air duct through the return air inlet 21. Before leaving the outer cylinder 2 through the return air inlet 21, the hot and humid air can have a large-area contact with the condenser plate 3 and use the heat sink 34 on the back side of the condenser plate 3 to cool it down. The heat sink 34 is exposed on the rear wall of the outer cylinder 2 through the through hole 27, so that the condenser plate 3 can achieve air cooling, which can improve the heat exchange efficiency and condensation efficiency. This allows the hot and humid air to be cooled and dehumidified through the condenser plate 3, achieving a good cooling and dehumidification effect, thereby improving the condensation efficiency of the washer-dryer and shortening the drying time.

[0100] Although the invention has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is illustrative and exemplary, and not restrictive. Since the invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A washer-dryer combo machine, characterized in that, include: The cabinet forms the outer shell of the washer-dryer combo, and its front surface has a clothing loading port. An outer tub is disposed inside the box and configured to hold washing water, and the front end face of the outer tub has a tub opening arranged opposite to the clothes loading port; a return air vent is recessed on the rear wall inside the outer tub, and a through hole is formed on the rear wall of the outer tub; a return air channel is provided on the outside of the outer tub, and one end of the return air channel is connected to the return air vent. An inner tube is disposed within the outer tube, and a clothing processing cavity for accommodating clothing is formed within the inner tube; the inner tube is rotatable within the outer tube. A drying air duct is provided outside the outer cylinder. One end of the drying air duct is connected to the other end of the return air duct so as to be connected to the return air inlet; the other end of the drying air duct is connected to the front end of the inner cylinder. A condenser plate is disposed on the rear wall inside the outer cylinder; a heat dissipation fin is protruding from the back side of the condenser plate, the heat dissipation fin is disposed in the through hole and exposed on the rear wall of the outer cylinder; there is a gap between the condenser plate and the rear end wall of the inner cylinder; The humid and hot air generated by drying clothes in the inner drum's clothes processing chamber can enter the outer drum and flow through the condenser plate. The humid and hot air comes into contact with the condenser plate and exchanges heat, causing the moisture in the air to condense. Then, it enters the return air channel from the return air inlet and returns to the drying air duct.

2. The washer-dryer combo as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The condenser plate is detachably attached to the rear wall inside the outer cylinder; Alternatively, the condenser plate may be integrally formed on the rear wall inside the outer cylinder.

3. The washer-dryer combo as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heat sink is detachably mounted on the back of the condenser plate; Alternatively, the heat sink may be integrally formed on the back of the condenser plate.

4. The washer-dryer combo as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outline of the through hole has a fan-shaped structure; The through hole is provided with a plurality of heat sinks arranged at intervals. The heat sinks extend radially along the rear wall of the outer cylinder and are distributed in a fan-shaped structure.

5. The washer-dryer combo as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The through holes are provided in multiple ways, and the multiple through holes are arranged circumferentially at intervals around the axis of the rear wall of the outer cylinder; The heat sink is provided in multiple groups, and the multiple groups of heat sinks are respectively arranged at the through hole. Each group of heat sinks includes one or more heat sinks.

6. The washer-dryer combo as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The condensation plate includes an integrally formed first plate portion and a second plate portion; The first disc is located on the rear wall inside the outer cylinder; The second plate is formed by recessing the first plate backward, and the second plate extends into the return air inlet and is disposed on the inner wall of the return air duct.

7. The washer-dryer combo as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The top of the outer cylinder is provided with a first water inlet pipe, one end of which is connected to the interior of the outer cylinder and located above the top of the condensation plate; The front side of the first plate is provided with a plurality of guide strips, and at least part of the top of the guide strips extends to directly below the outlet of the first water inlet pipe.

8. The washer-dryer combo as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The return air inlet is located at the top of the rear wall of the outer cylinder and is spaced apart on one side of the outlet of the first water inlet pipe; An isolation rib is provided at the connection between the first plate and the second plate. The isolation rib is located on the edge of the second plate near the first water inlet pipe and is used to prevent the condensate from the first water inlet pipe from flowing into the return air vent.

9. The washer-dryer combo as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The return air duct is equipped with a water spray pipe, and the water spray pipe is equipped with a water spray nozzle. The water spray pipe can spray water toward the second plate or toward the inside of the outer cylinder through the water spray nozzle. A second water inlet pipe is provided on the outer wall of the return air duct. One end of the second water inlet pipe extends into the return air duct and is connected to the water spray pipe.

10. The washer-dryer combo as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the condenser plate and the heat sink are made of metal.

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