Clothes dryer

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of electrical appliances, and particularly relates to a clothes drying machine. The clothes drying machine comprises a drying barrel and a supporting device. The drying barrel is provided with an air inlet end and an air outlet end. The supporting device comprises a supporting part and a filter. The supporting part is used for supporting the air outlet end of the drying barrel. The supporting part is provided with a filter cavity. An air inlet of the filter cavity is communicated with the air outlet end. An air outlet of the filter cavity is communicated with the drying barrel through an air duct. The filter is arranged in the filter cavity. The distance between the circumferential surface of the filter and the side wall of the filter cavity is greater than 5 mm. The application can reduce air resistance, thereby reducing the air pressure required by the fan, reducing the power consumption of the fan, improving energy efficiency, reducing the air duct noise of the clothes drying machine, and improving user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electrical technology, specifically relating to a clothes dryer. Background Technology

[0002] In the existing technology, the air circulation duct of the dryer is as follows: the fan provides power to blow high temperature and low humidity air into the drum of the dryer, which becomes medium temperature and high humidity air. After passing through the filter to filter out lint and other impurities, the air passes through the evaporator and condenser to cool and dehumidify, and then becomes high temperature and low humidity air again and flows back into the fan; the circulation continues, and finally the clothes are dried.

[0003] The airflow provided by the dryer's fan must overcome the resistance of the duct, evaporator, condenser, and filter. Higher duct resistance necessitates a larger fan diameter or higher rotational speed, resulting in greater energy consumption and increased vibration and noise, negatively impacting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a clothes dryer that aims to at least partially solve the technical issues in the prior art where high airflow resistance leads to excessive energy consumption, while also generating significant vibration and noise that negatively impacts user experience.

[0005] The technical solution of this application is as follows:

[0006] On the one hand, this application provides a clothes dryer, which is characterized in that the clothes dryer includes:

[0007] The clothes drying drum is equipped with an air inlet and an air outlet.

[0008] A support for supporting the air outlet of the clothes dryer, the support having a filter chamber, the air inlet of the filter chamber being connected to the air outlet, and the air outlet of the filter chamber being connected to the air of the clothes dryer through an air duct.

[0009] A filter element is disposed within the filter chamber, and there is a distance greater than 5 mm between the circumferential surface of the filter element and the sidewall of the filter chamber.

[0010] In some implementations, the support portion is provided with a receiving opening in the middle for the air outlet end of the drying tub to rotate;

[0011] The filter chamber is located below the receiving port, and the top of the filter chamber is provided with an air inlet that communicates with the circumference of the receiving port. The filter chamber is provided with an air outlet along the axial direction of the drying drum and facing the side of the drying drum.

[0012] In some embodiments, the filter element includes a body and a support plate, wherein:

[0013] The upper end of the main body is disposed in the receiving opening, and the upper end of the main body is respectively connected to the top surface of the air inlet of the filter chamber by support plates on both sides along the axial direction of the drying drum.

[0014] The lower end of the main body passes through the air inlet and is disposed inside the filter chamber, and there is a distance between the lower end of the main body and the bottom surface of the filter chamber.

[0015] In some implementations, the top of the body is provided with multiple air inlets;

[0016] The main body is provided with a first filter screen on both sides along the axial direction of the drying drum, and a second filter screen is provided at the bottom of the main body.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the filter element has a distance of more than 5 mm between its two sides along the axial direction of the dryer tub and the sidewall of the filter chamber.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the length of the filter chamber along the axial direction of the drying drum is 52 mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, the dryer further includes:

[0020] The volute is provided with an air inlet, a receiving cavity and an air outlet. The air outlet is provided with an air outlet, and the air outlet of the air outlet of the volute is connected to the air inlet of the drying drum. A fan is provided in the receiving cavity of the volute.

[0021] The air duct is connected at one end to the air outlet of the filter chamber of the support and at the other end to the air inlet of the volute to form a circulating air path. A pressure relief hole is provided on the positive pressure section of the circulating air path.

[0022] In some implementations, the circulating air path from the outlet of the fan to the filter element is a positive pressure section of the circulating air path along the airflow direction within the circulating air path.

[0023] In some implementations, the area of ​​the pressure relief hole is 20~1500 mm2.

[0024] In some embodiments, the pressure relief orifice includes:

[0025] A first pressure relief hole is provided on the air outlet of the volute; or / and,

[0026] A second pressure relief hole is provided on the first support of the dryer for supporting the air inlet end of the drying drum. The second pressure relief hole is located between the circumferential surface of the drying drum and the air inlet hole on the first support for connection with the volute; or / and,

[0027] A third pressure relief hole is provided on the support, and the third pressure relief hole is located between the dryer tub and the filter element.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this application include at least the following:

[0029] The dryer provided in this application has a support device that includes a support part for supporting the air outlet end of the dryer drum. The support part is provided with a filter chamber, and the air inlet and air outlet of the filter chamber are connected. The air outlet of the filter chamber is connected to the dryer drum through an air duct. The high-humidity, low-temperature air coming out of the air outlet end of the dryer drum can flow through the filter chamber to the air duct. After being processed into low-humidity, high-temperature air by the devices in the air duct, it is circulated back into the dryer drum to continue to remove moisture from the clothes in the dryer drum.

[0030] Because the filter element is located inside the filter chamber, it can filter impurities such as lint in the high humidity and low temperature air coming out of the dryer drum. Since the distance between the circumference of the filter element and the side wall of the filter chamber is greater than 5mm, it is beneficial for hot air to flow out from both sides of the filter element, increasing the air outlet area, reducing air duct resistance, thereby reducing power consumption and vibration noise, and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] In the attached image:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a clothes dryer;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the hot air circulation system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 3 The leakage characteristic curves at both ends of the dryer drum of a certain prototype are shown.

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the design principle of the pressure relief vent;

[0037] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the back structure of the dryer;

[0038] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the first support and the volute.

[0039] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the support device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the drying drum of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the filter element according to an embodiment of this application.

[0042] In the attached image:

[0043] 1-Drying drum, 101-Air outlet, 2-Door, 3-Filter element, 301-Main body, 302-Support plate, 303-Air inlet, 304-First filter screen, 305-Second filter screen, 4-Second support, 5-Condenser, 6-Evaporator, 7-Base, 8-Fan, 9-Volume, 10-First sealing gasket, 11-Second sealing gasket, 12-First support, 13-Outer shell, 14-Electrical control board, 15-First pressure relief hole, 16-Second pressure relief hole, 17-Support part, 1701-Receiving port, 18-Filter chamber, 1801-Second air inlet, 1802-Second air outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0046] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, various specific examples of processes and materials are provided in this application, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0047] This application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0048] Example 1:

[0049] To address the sealing issue between the hot air circulation system and the drying drum in dryers and minimize hot air leakage, existing dryer technologies incorporate a sealing structure at the end of the drying drum. These structures typically employ radial or axial dynamic sealing, where a sealing element is mounted on the support ring of the drying drum, making radial or axial contact with the drum's end. However, once the drying drum's end is fitted onto the support ring, radial or axial assembly errors occur. The drum's rotation causes radial and axial runout, resulting in uneven sealing at the drum's end. Specifically, some areas have smaller gaps where the drum's end contacts the support ring, while others have larger gaps. Furthermore, as operating time increases, the sealing strip wears down, leading to increasingly uneven sealing at the drum's end and consequently, greater leakage.

[0050] There are many similar patents for improving the sealing of the dryer drum end face (such as CN201210559400.7), but they either increase costs or do not provide significant improvement.

[0051] The leakage of high-temperature and high-humidity gas from both ends of several clothes drums can have several adverse effects on the dryer, as follows:

[0052] (1) The leakage of high temperature and high humidity air inside the drying drum will cause a large amount of heat and water vapor to be discharged, resulting in energy loss of the air duct system, which will increase the energy consumption of the dryer and reduce the condensation efficiency.

[0053] (2) The leaked high temperature and high humidity steam enters the space between the dryer's air duct system and the outer casing. There are many control boards and electronic components inside the outer casing. The leaked moisture will affect the reliability of electrical components and cause damage to the dryer.

[0054] (3) The leaked high temperature and high humidity gas will condense into water on the metal outer shell. A large amount of condensate flowing out of the dryer will cause concern to consumers and affect the user experience.

[0055] Therefore, existing technologies need to be improved.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a clothes dryer. (Combined with...) Figure 1The dryer mainly includes a drying drum 1, a door 2, a filter 3, a second support 4, a condenser 5, an evaporator 6, a base 7, a fan 8, a volute 9, a first sealing gasket 10, a second sealing gasket 11, a first support 12, an outer casing 13, and an electronic control board 14. When using the dryer, the rotating drying drum 1 rotates at a certain speed to tumble the clothes. Simultaneously, the condenser 5 operates, and the generated hot air is introduced into the volute 9 by the activated fan 8. Guided by the volute 9, the hot air enters the drying drum containing the clothes, drawing the water vapor evaporated from the clothes into the evaporator 6 through the air duct. This water vapor is then condensed into water and discharged from the machine. The dehydrated steam is then reintroduced into the condenser 5 for heating and is again introduced into the volute 9 by the activated fan 8. This cycle forms the dryer's hot air circulation system. After the clothes in the drying drum are dried, the door 2 is opened to remove the dried clothes.

[0057] Combination Figure 1 The drying tub 1 needs to rotate to tumble the clothes. The front axial end of the drying tub 1 is provided with an air outlet. The opening of the air outlet contacts the second support 4. The sealing structure on the second support 4 contacts the second sealing gasket 11 to form a dynamic seal, thus constituting a front seal. The rear axial end of the drying tub 1 is provided with an air inlet. The air inlet contacts the first support 12. The sealing structure on the first support 12 contacts the first sealing gasket 10 to form an end face dynamic seal, thus constituting a rear seal. The front and first sealing gaskets of the drying tub 1 seal the airflow of the air duct system to prevent leakage to the outside of the drying tub.

[0058] Combination Figure 1 The first support 12 can be the rear shell of the outer shell 13, and the second support 4 can be the front shell of the outer shell 13.

[0059] Combination Figure 1 The control board 14 is located outside the hot air circulation system and inside the outer casing 13. Therefore, the high temperature and high humidity gas leaking from the front and rear dynamic seals of the dryer drum 1 will fill the space inside the hot air circulation system and the outer casing, affecting the reliability of the control board 14 and condensing into water on the outer casing wall.

[0060] Combination Figure 1 The door 2 is mounted on the second support 4. When the door 2 is closed, it prevents clothes and hot air from leaking out. The hot air from the clothes in the drying tub 1 contains lint and other impurities. Therefore, a filter element 3 is installed on the pipe connecting the drying tub 1 and the evaporator to filter lint and prevent lint and other impurities from entering the evaporator 6. The filter element 3 can be installed on the second support 4, and the filter screen 3 can be easily removed for cleaning lint and other impurities.

[0061] Combination Figure 1The evaporator 6 and condenser 5 of the hot air circulation system are installed sequentially on the air duct set in the base 7. The fan 8 is driven to rotate by a motor and cooperates with the volute 9 to provide air pressure and air volume for the hot air circulation system.

[0062] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the hot air circulation system according to an embodiment of this application. (Combined with...) Figure 2 The internal circulation airflow of the hot air circulation system is shown by the arrow in the figure. It provides 500Pa of wind pressure power to the fan 8. The air flows from the inlet of the fan 8 to the outlet (the inlet of the fan is under negative pressure and the outlet is under positive pressure). The hot air flowing out of the fan enters the drying drum 1 from the rear end and flows out from the front of the drying drum 1 (the inside of the drying drum is under positive pressure). After passing through the filter screen 3, it flows to the evaporator 6 and the condenser 5 and returns to the inlet of the fan 8, forming a cycle.

[0063] Based on theoretical analysis, the leakage at both ends of the clothes dryer drum 1 is... The size is determined by the following formula:

[0064] ;

[0065] in, The leakage amount is at both ends of the dryer drum; K is the leakage coefficient of the leakage hole, A is the size of the leakage hole, and n is the characteristic coefficient of the leakage hole, which is related to the shape of the leakage hole and its value is usually between 1.2 and 2, which is a constant value. Po is the pressure inside the dryer drum, the magnitude of which is determined by the sealing characteristics of the dryer system; Po is the atmospheric pressure outside the dryer drum, a constant value, which is set to 0.

[0066] As can be seen from the above formula, the leakage of a clothes dryer is mainly determined by the leakage characteristics of its sealing points and the pressure inside the drum. Therefore, the leakage can be reduced by the following two methods:

[0067] a) Reducing the leakage coefficient K at the leaking hole can decrease the leakage amount, which is a common method in existing technology. This involves improving the seal at both ends of the dryer tub to reduce the leakage coefficient K and thus the leakage amount. However, this method of reducing leakage by increasing the seal at both ends of the dryer tub increases the rotational resistance of the dryer tub, increases the motor power, and is complex, costly, and the improvement effect is not very significant.

[0068] b. Reduce the pressure inside the dryer drum. The leakage rate can also be significantly reduced.

[0069] The relationship between the leakage rate and the internal pressure of the drum can also be obtained through experimental testing, such as testing the leakage characteristic curves at both ends of a prototype dryer drum (e.g.) Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the relationship between leakage and internal pressure can be obtained by fitting: In this formula This represents the leakage amount at both ends of the dryer drum. This refers to the pressure inside the dryer drum.

[0070] The hot air circulation system and dryer shown in this application embodiment reduce leakage at both ends of the drying drum by reducing the pressure inside the drum.

[0071] The design concept of this application embodiment is as follows: a pressure relief hole is provided on the positive pressure section of the circulating air path, and the internal pressure of the drying drum is reduced by the pressure relief hole to reduce the leakage at both ends of the drying drum.

[0072] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the design principle of the pressure relief vent, combined with... Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 This application provides a hot air circulation system for use in a clothes dryer. The circulation system includes a volute 9, a fan 8, and a drying drum 1. The volute 9 is provided with a first air inlet, a receiving cavity, and an air outlet. The air outlet of the volute 9 is provided with a first air outlet. The fan 8 is disposed in the receiving cavity of the volute 9. The air outlet of the volute 9 is connected to one axial end of the drying drum 1, and the air inlet of the volute 9 is connected to the other axial end of the drying drum 1 through an air duct to form a circulation air path. A pressure relief hole is provided on the positive pressure section of the circulation air path.

[0073] When using the dryer, the rotating drying drum 1 rotates at a certain speed to tumble the clothes. Simultaneously, hot air is introduced into the volute 9 by the activated fan 8. Guided by the volute 9, the hot air enters the drying drum 1 containing the clothes, removing the water vapor evaporated from the clothes. The hot air is then reintroduced into the volute 9 by the activated fan 8, creating a continuous hot air circulation system for the dryer. The specific airflow path is described above and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0074] The hot air circulation system provided in this application has a pressure relief hole on the positive pressure section of the circulation air path, which can reduce the internal pressure of the drying drum of the dryer, significantly reduce the leakage of the dynamic seals at both ends of the drying drum, improve the sealing effect between the hot air circulation system and the drying drum, thereby improving the drying effect of the dryer and enhancing the user experience.

[0075] Specifically, in this embodiment, the circulating airflow path from the outlet of the fan 8 to the filter screen 3 along the airflow direction is the positive pressure section of the circulating airflow path in this embodiment. A pressure relief hole of appropriate size is provided in this section to reduce the internal pressure of the dryer drum. By controlling the pressure inside the dryer drum to less than 120Pa, the leakage of the dynamic seals at both ends of the dryer drum can be significantly reduced.

[0076] In some implementations, one or more pressure relief holes may be provided in the embodiments of this application. The specific setting can be made according to the specific structure of the dryer. The specific setting location is described in detail below.

[0077] The size of the pressure relief hole is a key factor in reducing leakage from the dynamic seals at both ends of the dryer tub, and it also significantly affects drying efficiency. This is because: if the pressure relief hole is too large, although it can significantly reduce leakage from the dynamic seals at both ends of the dryer tub, it will also reduce the amount of hot air entering the dryer tub, affecting drying efficiency; conversely, if the pressure relief hole is too small, although it can ensure the amount of hot air entering the dryer tub and maintain drying efficiency, it will not significantly improve the leakage from the dynamic seals at both ends of the dryer tub. Based on this, the embodiment of this application sets the area of ​​the pressure relief hole to 20~1500mm2, which can ensure that the internal pressure of the dryer tub is less than 120Pa, thereby ensuring that while significantly reducing leakage from the dynamic seals at both ends of the dryer tub, it can also ensure the amount of hot air entering the dryer tub and maintain drying efficiency.

[0078] Regarding the shape of the pressure relief hole, this application embodiment does not impose specific limitations. It can be circular, elliptical, oval, square, or irregular in shape, as long as its opening area is guaranteed. In addition, when there are multiple pressure relief holes, it is necessary to ensure that the total area of ​​the multiple pressure relief holes is within the above-mentioned set range.

[0079] For example, if the pressure relief hole is a circular hole with a diameter of 20mm, the pressure inside the barrel is 170Pa before the hole is opened and 80Pa after the hole is opened, the above requirements can be met.

[0080] The location of the pressure relief vent is explained below:

[0081] 1. The pressure relief vent is located on the air outlet of the volute, specifically on the air outlet of the volute 9 after passing the vortex tongue (e.g. Figure 1 (in the Chinese frame position).

[0082] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the back structure of the dryer. Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the first support and the volute 9. (Combined with...) Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 A pressure relief hole is provided on the side of the air outlet of the volute 9 that is not facing the dryer drum (i.e., the side of the volute 9 or the side facing away from the dryer drum). This pressure relief hole is the first pressure relief hole 15. The pressure relief hole at this position has little impact on condensation efficiency and energy efficiency. The shape and number of the first pressure relief hole 15 are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0083] 2. Combining Figure 4 as well as Figure 5The pressure relief hole is provided on the first support 12 for supporting the air inlet end of the drying tub 1, and the pressure relief hole is located between the circumferential surface of the drying tub 1 and the air inlet hole opened on the first support 12 for connecting with the volute 9. That is, the pressure relief hole is provided between the first sealing gasket 10 and the air inlet hole opened on the first support 12 for connecting with the volute 9. The pressure relief hole is the second pressure relief hole 16.

[0084] 3. The pressure relief hole can also be set on the circumferential surface of the air duct between the dryer tub 1 and the filter element 3. This pressure relief hole is the third pressure relief hole (not shown in the figure).

[0085] 4. In some embodiments, the pressure relief hole includes the first pressure relief hole 15 and the second pressure relief hole 16.

[0086] 5. In some embodiments, the pressure relief hole includes the first pressure relief hole 15 and the third pressure relief hole.

[0087] 6. In some embodiments, the pressure relief hole includes the second pressure relief hole 16 and the third pressure relief hole.

[0088] 7. In some embodiments, the pressure relief hole includes the first pressure relief hole 15, the second pressure relief hole 16, and the third pressure relief hole.

[0089] In this embodiment, the size of the pressure relief hole needs to take into account the system energy efficiency requirements, compressor condensing temperature, and exhaust temperature. That is, if the hole is too large, it will reduce the system condensing temperature and exhaust temperature. Therefore, the hole should be of an appropriate size so that the compressor condensing temperature and exhaust temperature are not too high or too low, which would affect the system performance.

[0090] Based on the formula for leakage at both ends of the dryer drum, it was found in actual research and development that, while ensuring the dryer's condensation efficiency and energy efficiency, the flow rate through the pressure relief hole should not exceed 20% of the total flow rate; based on experimental experience, Total airflow of the dryer A ratio of around 10% can achieve the best overall effect, that is... .

[0091] Therefore, the area of ​​the pressure relief hole can be determined:

[0092] ;

[0093] );

[0094] .

[0095] In summary, the dryer with the above-mentioned hot air circulation system has a simple and easy-to-implement solution for reducing leakage at both ends of the drying drum dynamic seal. It can reduce the amount of air leakage from both ends of the drying drum into the dryer, improve the reliability of the dryer, and the effect is obvious. It ensures that there is no leakage of moisture inside the dryer, improves the reliability of electrical components, and does not increase power consumption, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0096] Example 2:

[0097] In existing technology, the appearance and dimensions of dryers, like washing machines, are generally quite fixed. Common dimensions for dryers are typically: Height x Width x Depth = 840*595*600mm. A dryer works by placing spun-dry clothes into the drying drum. As the drum rotates, hot, dry air is introduced into the drum through the air inlet. This hot air comes into contact with the wet clothes, carrying away moisture. The hot, humid air is then expelled through the exhaust vent. This continuous circulation of hot air achieves the drying effect. During operation, the rotation of the drying drum causes the clothes to tumble, generating a small amount of lint that moves with the airflow. To prevent lint from entering the air duct, the circulating hot air passes through a filter to remove impurities from the airflow.

[0098] As mentioned above, the air circulation duct of the dryer is as follows: the fan provides power to blow high-temperature, low-humidity air into the drying drum, which then becomes medium-temperature, high-humidity air. After passing through the filter to remove lint and other impurities, the air passes through the evaporator and condenser to cool and dehumidify, and then becomes high-temperature, low-humidity air again, flowing back into the fan. This continuous circulation eventually removes moisture from the clothes and dries them.

[0099] The airflow provided by the fan in a clothes dryer must overcome the resistance of the duct, evaporator, condenser, and filter. Clothes dryers typically have high duct resistance, necessitating the use of multi-bladed centrifugal fans that provide high air pressure. This high duct resistance leads to a larger fan diameter or higher rotational speed, resulting in higher energy consumption and increased vibration and noise, negatively impacting the user experience.

[0100] Combination Figure 1 Through simulation analysis of the air circulation channel of the dryer, it was determined that the main wind resistance loss is located at the position of the second support 4 (i.e. the front support), where the wind speed is the highest and the wind resistance loss is the greatest.

[0101] In the air duct of the dryer, the diameter of the drying drum 1 is relatively large, resulting in minimal air resistance loss within the drum. However, after air enters the second support 4 from the drying drum 1, the air duct on the second support 4 is relatively narrow due to structural limitations, and the presence of the filter element 3 leads to significant air resistance loss. Analysis indicates that the air resistance of the second support 4 and its filter element 3 accounts for more than 50% of the total air duct resistance.

[0102] Given the limitations of the dryer's external dimensions, it is desirable for the dryer drum to have a larger capacity. To improve the effective utilization of the dryer's dimensions, the diameter of the dryer drum is usually as large as possible. Under the constraints of external dimensions, the maximum diameter is generally 580mm. This results in a larger depth dimension and a larger capacity of the dryer drum, which in turn allows for a greater drying capacity.

[0103] Combination Figure 1 The total depth D of the dryer = axial length of the drying drum D1 + thickness of the second support D3 + thickness of the volute D2; the thickness of the fan volute is usually determined by the design air volume, and its size is relatively fixed, about 80~120mm. Therefore, under the constraints of the dryer's external dimensions, the greater the depth of the drying drum, the smaller the width of the second support 4, and the greater the air resistance of the flow channel.

[0104] Within the relatively small air duct, the front and rear sides of the filter element 3 (both sides in the axial direction of the drying drum 1) have a small gap with the inner wall of the second support 4. This makes it difficult for hot air to flow out from the sides of the filter element 3, and most of it flows out from the bottom surface of the filter element 3, greatly reducing the flow area and increasing the air resistance of the dryer. Because the filter element 3 needs to filter lint brought in from the drying drum, it must use a high-mesh filter, such as 150 mesh, hence its relatively high air resistance.

[0105] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the dryer drum 1 needs to rotate during operation, and the contact points between it and the first support 12 and the second support 4 need to be sealed to prevent air leakage. Typically, a dynamic seal is formed using a first sealing gasket 11 and a second sealing gasket 12. A corresponding sealing structure is designed on the dryer drum 1 to contact the sealing gaskets. The greater the air resistance in the dryer's duct, the greater the air pressure required from the fan 8, resulting in higher power consumption and increased noise, thus affecting the user experience.

[0106] Based on this, the present application provides a support device and a clothes dryer, which aims to at least partially solve the technical problems in the prior art where large airflow resistance leads to high energy consumption and generates significant vibration and noise, affecting user experience.

[0107] This application provides a clothes dryer with a support device. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the support device according to an embodiment of this application. (In conjunction with...) Figure 7 The support device includes a support part 17 and a filter element 3. The support part 17 is used to support the air outlet 101 of the drying drum 1 of the dryer. A filter chamber 18 is provided inside the support part 17. The air inlet of the filter chamber 18 is connected to the air outlet 101. The air outlet of the filter chamber 18 is connected to the air inlet of the drying drum 1 through an air duct. The filter element 3 is disposed inside the filter chamber 18. The distance between the circumferential surface of the filter element 3 and the side wall of the filter chamber 18 is greater than 5mm.

[0108] The dryer provided in this application embodiment has a support device including a support part 17 for supporting the air outlet 101 of the drying drum 1 of the dryer. The support part 17 is provided with a filter chamber 18. The air inlet and air outlet 101 of the filter chamber 18 are connected. The air outlet of the filter chamber 18 is connected to the drying drum 1 through an air duct. The high humidity and low temperature air coming out of the air outlet 101 of the drying drum 1 can flow through the filter chamber 18 to the air duct. After being processed into low humidity and high temperature air by the device in the air duct, it is circulated back into the drying drum 1 to continue to remove moisture from the clothes in the drying drum.

[0109] Since the filter element 3 is installed inside the filter chamber 18, it can filter impurities such as lint in the high humidity and low temperature air coming out of the air outlet 101 of the dryer drum 1. Since the distance between the two sides of the filter element 3 along the axial direction of the dryer drum 1 and the side wall of the filter chamber 18 is greater than 5mm, it is beneficial for hot air to flow out from both sides of the filter element, increasing the air outlet area, reducing the air duct resistance, thereby reducing power consumption and vibration noise, and improving the user experience.

[0110] Combination Figure 7 In this embodiment of the application, the middle part of the support part 17 may be provided with a receiving port 1701 for the air outlet end 101 of the drying drum 1 to rotate. The filter chamber 18 is provided below the receiving port 1701. The top of the filter chamber 18 is provided with a second air inlet 1801 that communicates with the circumferential surface of the receiving port 1701. The second air inlet 1801 is the air inlet end of the filter chamber 18. The filter chamber 18 is provided with a second air outlet 1802 along the axial direction of the drying drum towards the side of the drying drum 1. The second air outlet 1802 is the air outlet end of the filter chamber 18. In this embodiment of the application, the air outlet 101 at one axial end of the drying tub 1 is supported by the support device. The air outlet 101 of the drying tub 1 is connected to the air outlet 1801 of the filter chamber 18 of the support part 17. The air outlet 1802 of the filter chamber 18 of the support device is connected to one end of the air duct. The other end of the air duct can be connected to the other axial end of the drying tub 1 through the volute 9 to form a circulating air path.

[0111] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the filter element according to an embodiment of this application. (In conjunction with...) Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The filter element 3 includes a body 301 and a support plate 302. The upper end of the body 301 is disposed in the receiving port 1701. The upper ends of the body 301 are respectively connected to the top surface of the air inlet 1801 of the filter chamber 18 by the support plate 302 on both sides along the axial direction of the dryer tub 1. The lower end of the body 301 is disposed in the filter chamber 18 through the air inlet 1801. There is a distance between the lower end of the body 301 and the bottom surface of the filter chamber 18 so that the filter element 3 is installed in the filter chamber 18 of the support.

[0112] Furthermore, the top of the body 301 of the filter element 3 is provided with multiple air inlets 303, the body 301 is provided with first filter screens 304 on both sides along the axial direction of the drying drum 1, and the bottom of the body 301 is provided with second filter screens 305. Hot air can enter the body 301 through the air inlets 303 and be led out to the air duct through the first filter screens 304 and the second filter screens 305.

[0113] In this embodiment, the filter element 3 has a distance of more than 5 mm between its two sides along the axial direction of the drying drum 1 and the side wall of the filter chamber 18, thereby reducing the air resistance of the air duct while ensuring an equivalent filtration effect.

[0114] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the drying drum of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of this application. (In conjunction with...) Figure 8 While keeping the overall depth dimension D1 of the drying tub 1 unchanged, the inlet diameter d of the drying tub 1 can be reduced. This reduces the depth dimension B while minimizing the volume of the drying tub, thereby increasing the width H of the air duct on the support part 17. Increased air duct width H reduces air resistance. In the prior art, the filter element 3 has a dimension of 36mm along the axial direction of the drying tub 1. However, in this embodiment, the filter element 3 has a dimension of 52mm along the axial direction of the drying tub 1.

[0115] In this embodiment, by setting the dimension of the filter element 3 along the axial direction of the drying drum 1 to 52mm, and setting the distance between the two sides of the filter element 3 along the axial direction of the drying drum 1 and the side wall of the filter chamber to be greater than 5mm, the air resistance of the dryer's circulating air duct is reduced from the original 500Pa to 350Pa, a decrease of 30%. Therefore, under the same air volume requirements, the fan drive power can be reduced by 30%, the fan speed or diameter can be reduced by about 15%, and the air duct noise is reduced by more than 3dBA, which has great practical value.

[0116] The support portion of the support device in this embodiment can be the second support 4 of the dryer shown in Embodiment 1. A pressure relief hole can be provided on the positive pressure section of the circulating air duct 4 of the dryer having this support device. For a description of the pressure relief hole, please refer to Embodiment 1, and it will not be repeated here.

[0117] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0118] 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.

[0119] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0120] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0121] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0122] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0123] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A clothes dryer, characterized in that, The clothes dryer includes: The clothes drying drum is equipped with an air inlet and an air outlet. A support portion for supporting the air outlet of the dryer tub, the support portion having a filter chamber, the air inlet of the filter chamber being connected to the air outlet, and the air outlet of the filter chamber being connected to the air inlet of the dryer tub through an air duct, wherein the middle of the support portion has a receiving opening for the air outlet of the dryer tub to rotate, the filter chamber being located below the receiving opening, the top of the filter chamber having an air inlet communicating with the circumferential surface of the receiving opening, and the filter chamber having an air outlet facing the side of the dryer tub along the axial direction of the dryer tub. A filter element is disposed within the filter chamber. The filter element includes a body and support plates. The upper end of the body is disposed in the receiving opening. The upper ends of the body are respectively connected to the top surface of the air inlet of the filter chamber via the support plates on both sides along the axial direction of the dryer drum. The top of the body is provided with multiple air inlet holes, and the air inlet holes on the top of the body are higher than the air inlet. The lower end of the body passes through the air inlet and is disposed within the filter chamber. There is a distance between the lower end of the body and the bottom surface of the filter chamber. There is a distance greater than 5 mm between the circumferential surface of the filter element and the side wall of the filter chamber. There is a distance greater than 5 mm between the two sides of the filter element along the axial direction of the dryer drum and the side wall of the filter chamber. The length of the filter chamber along the axial direction of the dryer drum is 52 mm. The volute is provided with an air inlet, a receiving cavity and an air outlet. The air outlet is provided with an air outlet, and the air outlet of the air outlet of the volute is connected to the air inlet of the drying drum. A fan is provided in the receiving cavity of the volute. The air duct is connected at one end to the air outlet of the filter chamber of the support and at the other end to the air inlet of the volute to form a circulating air path. A pressure relief hole is provided on the positive pressure section of the circulating air path. The pressure relief hole includes a second pressure relief hole provided on the first support on the dryer for supporting the air inlet end of the drying drum. The second pressure relief hole is located between the circumferential surface of the drying drum and the air inlet hole opened on the first support for connecting with the volute. The first support is the rear shell of the outer shell of the dryer.

2. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body is provided with a first filter screen on both sides along the axial direction of the drying drum, and a second filter screen is provided at the bottom of the main body.

3. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the airflow direction within the circulating air path, the circulating air path from the outlet of the fan to the filter element is the positive pressure section of the circulating air path.

4. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The area of ​​the pressure relief hole is 20~1500mm². 2 .

5. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure relief hole also includes: A first pressure relief hole is provided on the air outlet of the volute; or / and, A third pressure relief hole is provided on the support, and the third pressure relief hole is located between the dryer tub and the filter element.

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