A heat exchange system connected to a washing machine and the washing machine

Abstract

This invention discloses a heat exchange system connected to a washing machine and the washing machine itself. The heat exchange system specifically includes a main wash heat exchange device and a first recovery device. The inlet of the main wash heat exchange device is connected to a first output water pipe of a circulating water tank, and the outlet is connected to the inlet pipe of the main wash compartment. A heat exchange pipe is installed inside the main wash heat exchange device. The heat exchange medium input into the heat exchange system flows through the heat exchange pipe of the main wash heat exchange device and then flows out to the first recovery device, used to heat the water entering the main wash heat exchange device from the circulating water tank before supplying it to the main wash compartment. Optionally, the heat exchange system also includes a rinsing heat exchange device, used to heat the clean water entering the rinsing heat exchange device before supplying it to the rinsing compartment, and optionally to supply it to a neutralization compartment. The solution provided by this embodiment of the invention preheats the washing water of the washing machine, reducing the heat energy required from boiler steam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of washing machine technology, and in particular to a heat exchange system connected to a washing machine and a washing machine equipped with the heat exchange system. Background Technology

[0002] A washing machine tunnel, also known as a washing machine or washing tractor, typically consists of several compartments, each handling different washing tasks, such as main wash and rinse. To meet the water temperature requirements of the washing process, the water entering the main wash and rinse compartments needs to be heated. Traditional processes use steam generated by a boiler for direct heating, requiring the boiler to produce a large amount of steam heat energy.

[0003] Currently, washing machines consume a significant amount of steam. Besides heating the water in the main washing and rinsing tanks, steam is also needed for equipment such as dryers and ironing machines. Furthermore, the condensate generated by these steam-using devices needs to be separately collected or discharged from the production site, resulting in energy loss. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a heat exchange system that can preheat the water entering the main washing and rinsing tanks. Moreover, if the heat energy from the condensate generated by the steam-using equipment and the heat energy from the wastewater discharged from the main washing tank can be reused, energy loss can be reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a heat exchange system connected to a washing machine and a washing machine that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems, the technical solution of which is as follows:

[0005] A heat exchange system connected to a washing machine, the washing machine including a main washing chamber, a rinsing chamber and a circulating water tank, the heat exchange system including: a main washing heat exchange device and a first recovery device;

[0006] The inlet of the main wash heat exchanger is connected to the outlet water pipe of the circulating water tank, and the outlet of the main wash heat exchanger is connected to the inlet water pipe of the main wash chamber.

[0007] The main washing heat exchange device is equipped with a heat exchange pipe. The heat exchange medium input by the heat exchange system flows through the heat exchange pipe of the main washing heat exchange device and then flows out to the first recovery device.

[0008] Optionally, the heat exchange system described above may further include a rinsing heat exchange device.

[0009] The inlet of the rinsing heat exchanger is connected to the washing water pipe, and the outlet of the rinsing heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the rinsing chamber.

[0010] The rinsing heat exchange device is equipped with a heat exchange pipe. The heat exchange medium input into the heat exchange system flows through the heat exchange pipe of the rinsing heat exchange device and then flows out to the first recovery device.

[0011] Optionally, the washing machine may also include a neutralization chamber, and the outlet of the rinsing heat exchange device may be connected to the inlet pipe of the neutralization chamber.

[0012] Optionally, the heat exchange system includes a main heat exchange flow path and a bypass heat exchange flow path. The heat exchange medium input to the heat exchange system flows into the first recovery device through the main heat exchange flow path and into the first recovery device through the bypass heat exchange flow path. The heat exchange pipes of the main washing heat exchange device and the rinsing heat exchange device are both located on the main heat exchange flow path.

[0013] Optionally, the main wash heat exchange device in the above system includes at least two main wash heat exchangers, and each main wash heat exchanger is provided with heat exchange pipes and water flow pipes.

[0014] Water flowing in from the inlet of the main washing heat exchanger passes sequentially through the water flow pipe of the first-stage main washing heat exchanger to the water flow pipe of the last-stage main washing heat exchanger, and then flows out from the outlet of the main washing heat exchanger.

[0015] The heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange flow path flows sequentially from the heat exchange pipe of the last stage main wash heat exchanger to the heat exchange pipe of the first stage main wash heat exchanger after flowing into the heat exchange pipe of the last stage main wash heat exchanger.

[0016] Optionally, in the above system, the heat exchange medium flowing into the main wash heat exchange device flows into the heat exchange pipes of the last stage main wash heat exchanger and the first stage main wash heat exchanger through the first pipe and the second pipe, respectively. The first pipe is provided with a first regulating valve, and the second pipe is provided with a second regulating valve. The first regulating valve and the second regulating valve are not opened at the same time.

[0017] When the first regulating valve is open and the second regulating valve is closed, the heat exchange medium flowing into the main washing heat exchange device flows sequentially through the heat exchange pipe of the last stage of the main washing heat exchanger to the heat exchange pipe of the first stage of the main washing heat exchanger.

[0018] When the second regulating valve is open and the first regulating valve is closed, the heat exchange medium flowing into the main washing heat exchange device only flows through the heat exchange pipe of the first-stage main washing heat exchanger.

[0019] Optionally, in the above system, the heat exchange medium flowing into the heat exchange pipe of the rinsing heat exchange device is the same heat exchange medium flowing out from the heat exchange pipe of the first-stage main rinsing heat exchanger.

[0020] Optionally, the heat exchange system further includes a filter, an auxiliary heat exchange device, and a second recovery device. The inlet of the auxiliary heat exchange device is connected to the washing water pipe, and the outlet of the auxiliary heat exchange device is connected to the inlet of the rinsing chamber.

[0021] The auxiliary heat exchange device is equipped with a heat exchange pipe. The washing wastewater discharged from the main washing chamber flows into the heat exchange pipe of the auxiliary heat exchange device after passing through the filter, and then flows out to the second recovery device after passing through the heat exchange pipe of the auxiliary heat exchange device.

[0022] Optionally, in the above system, the outlet of the auxiliary heat exchange device is also connected to the inlet pipe of the neutralization chamber.

[0023] Optionally, in the above system, the outlet of the auxiliary heat exchange device and the outlet of the rinsing heat exchange device are connected to a third pipe after passing through a fifth regulating valve and a sixth regulating valve, respectively. The water in the third pipe is divided into three paths: the first path flows into the inlet pipe of the rinsing chamber, the second path flows into the inlet pipe of the circulating water tank, and the third path is connected out after being equipped with a seventh regulating valve.

[0024] Optionally, the heat exchange medium input to the above-described system may include heat transfer oil or steam and steam condensate, wherein the steam and steam condensate include steam condensate recovered from the steam-using equipment during the washing process and excess steam.

[0025] Optionally, when the heat exchange medium input to the heat exchange system is steam and steam condensate, the heat exchange system further includes a steam inlet pipe connected to the main heat exchange flow path, a regulating valve for controlling the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange flow path and the heat exchange flow bypass, and a regulating valve for controlling the flow rate of the steam inlet pipe.

[0026] Optionally, the water inlet pipes of the main washing chamber and the rinsing chamber in the above system are also equipped with temperature detection devices; the water inlet pipe of the main washing chamber is also connected to a safety valve.

[0027] A washing machine includes a main washing chamber, a rinsing chamber, a circulating water tank, and a heat exchange system, wherein the heat exchange system is the aforementioned heat exchange system connected to the washing machine.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: The solution provided in the embodiments of the present invention provides a heat exchange system for a washing machine, which preheats the water entering the main washing chamber and the rinsing chamber, and optionally also preheats the water entering the neutralization chamber. It can prioritize the preheating of the washing water in the main washing chamber, reducing the heat energy required for direct heating of the washing water in the washing machine. Optionally, it also utilizes the heat energy of the steam condensate and excess steam from the steam equipment used in the laundry factory, as well as the heat energy of the wastewater discharged from the main washing chamber, reducing energy loss and improving energy utilization. Optionally, it can also use heat transfer oil as a heat exchange medium, reducing the laundry factory's dependence on steam.

[0029] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and in order to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a washing machine dragon equipped with a heat exchange system, provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 Another structural schematic diagram of a washing machine dragon equipped with a heat exchange system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 Another structural schematic diagram of a washing machine dragon equipped with a heat exchange system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 This is another structural schematic diagram of a washing machine dragon equipped with a heat exchange system, provided as an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] The components are as follows: 1-Washing drum; 11-Main wash chamber; 12-Rinse chamber; 13-Neutralizing chamber; 21-Second-stage main wash heat exchanger; 23-First-stage main wash heat exchanger; 24-First rinse heat exchanger; 25-Second rinse heat exchanger; 3-Circulating water tank; 4-Condensate recovery device; 5-Wastewater recovery device; 61-Water pump; 7-Washing clean water pipe; 81-First regulating valve; 82-Second regulating valve; 83-Third regulating valve; 84-Fourth regulating valve; 85-Safety valve; 86-Fifth regulating valve; 87-Sixth regulating valve; 88-Seventh regulating valve; 9-Steam inlet pipe; 10-Filter. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0037] This invention provides a heat exchange system for a washing machine. The washing machine includes a main washing chamber, a rinsing chamber, and a circulating water tank. Optionally, the washing machine also includes a neutralization tank. The circulating water tank receives clean water replenished to its own capacity and then supplies water to the main washing chamber. The rinsing chamber requires higher cleanliness of the washing water, therefore it does not receive washing water from the circulating water tank. The rinsing chamber uses clean water supplied by a washing water pipe. The neutralization tank can also optionally use water supplied by the washing water pipe. The heat exchange system provided in this invention preheats the water in the circulating water tank before supplying it to the main washing chamber. Optionally, it can also preheat the clean water supplied by the washing water pipe before supplying it to the rinsing chamber. Furthermore, the preheated clean water supplied by the washing water pipe can also optionally be supplied to the neutralization tank.

[0038] The main washing and rinsing compartments of a washing machine have temperatures adapted to their respective washing processes, requiring the water in these compartments to be heated. Typically, a boiler is used to directly heat the water in these compartments by providing steam, which demands a large amount of heat energy from the boiler. The heat exchange system provided in this invention preheats the washing water before it enters the compartments of the washing machine, reducing the amount of heat energy required for direct boiler heating.

[0039] Since the washing water in the main washing chamber requires the highest temperature, the heat exchange system provided in this embodiment of the invention can be preferentially used to preheat the washing water entering the main washing chamber. The heat exchange system provided in this embodiment of the invention includes: a main washing heat exchange device and a first recovery device; the inlet of the main washing heat exchange device is connected to the output water pipe of the circulating water tank, and the outlet of the main washing heat exchange device is connected to the inlet water pipe of the main washing chamber; a heat exchange pipe is provided inside the main washing heat exchange device, and the heat exchange medium input by the heat exchange system flows through the heat exchange pipe of the main washing heat exchange device and then flows out to the first recovery device.

[0040] Furthermore, in addition to preheating the washing water entering the main washing chamber, the heat exchange system provided in this embodiment of the invention can also be used to preheat the washing water entering the rinsing chamber. Specifically, the heat exchange system further includes a rinsing heat exchange device, the inlet of which is connected to the washing clean water pipe, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet pipe of the rinsing chamber; the rinsing heat exchange device is provided with a heat exchange pipe, and the heat exchange medium input into the heat exchange system flows through the heat exchange pipe of the rinsing heat exchange device and then flows out to the first recovery device.

[0041] Furthermore, washing machines typically include a neutralization chamber, but the washing water in the neutralization chamber is not preheated. The heat exchange system provided in this embodiment of the invention can also preheat the water entering the neutralization chamber. Specifically, the clean water provided by the washing water pipe is heated by the rinsing heat exchange device and can be provided to the rinsing chamber, or to both the rinsing chamber and the neutralization chamber. In addition to connecting to the inlet pipe of the rinsing chamber, the outlet of the rinsing heat exchange device can also be connected to the inlet pipe of the neutralization chamber.

[0042] The heat exchange system provided in this embodiment of the invention can heat the water supplied to the main washing chamber before the water from the circulating water tank is supplied to the main washing chamber; and heat the clean water supplied to the rinsing chamber and the optional neutralization chamber before the clean water enters the rinsing chamber and the optional neutralization chamber; since the water entering the main washing chamber, rinsing chamber, optional neutralization chamber is preheated, the heat energy required for direct heating by the boiler is reduced.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic block diagram of a heat exchange system for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The structure shown is a feasible implementation scheme of the washing machine heat exchange system provided in the embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine heat exchange system specifically includes: a main wash heat exchange device, a rinsing heat exchange device, and a first recovery device. After the main wash heat exchange device preheats the washing water in the main wash compartment, the heat exchange medium flowing through the main wash heat exchange device can also optionally pass through the rinsing heat exchange device to preheat the washing water in the rinsing compartment and optionally the neutralization compartment.

[0044] The inlet of the main wash heat exchanger is connected to the outlet pipe of the circulating water tank, and the outlet of the main wash heat exchanger is connected to the inlet pipe of the main wash chamber. The water flowing out of the circulating water tank outlet pipe undergoes heat exchange through the main wash heat exchanger before flowing into the inlet pipe of the main wash chamber, thus increasing the temperature of the water entering the main wash chamber. The inlet of the rinsing heat exchanger is connected to the washing clean water pipe, and the outlet of the rinsing heat exchanger is connected to the inlet pipe of the rinsing chamber. Optionally, it can also be connected to a neutralization chamber. The clean water undergoes heat exchange through the rinsing heat exchanger before flowing into the inlet pipes of the rinsing chamber and, optionally, the neutralization chamber, thus increasing the temperature of the water entering the rinsing chamber and the neutralization chamber.

[0045] In the system provided by this invention, both the main wash heat exchanger and the rinsing heat exchanger are equipped with heat exchange pipes. High-temperature heat exchange medium flows through these pipes, causing the water entering the main wash and rinsing heat exchangers to exchange heat with the heat exchange medium within the heat exchange pipes, thus raising its temperature. The heat exchange medium input to the heat exchange system is recovered by a first recovery device after flowing through the heat exchange pipes of the main wash and rinsing heat exchangers. This first recovery device can be either a condensate recovery device or a heat transfer oil recovery device.

[0046] In the system provided by this invention embodiment, optionally, the heat exchange medium input to the heat exchange system can be steam and steam condensate. The steam and steam condensate can be directly generated by a boiler, or steam condensate and excess steam recovered from steam-using equipment during the washing process. Laundry factories include steam-using equipment such as dryers and ironing machines. The condensate generated by these devices needs to be separately recovered or discharged from the production site. The system provided by this invention embodiment optionally utilizes the steam condensate and excess steam discharged from these steam-using devices, which not only improves the utilization efficiency of steam condensate and excess steam from the steam-using equipment in the laundry factory, but also preheats the water entering the main wash heat exchange device and the rinsing heat exchange device, reducing the heat energy required for direct heating with boiler steam.

[0047] In the system provided by this invention, optionally, in addition to using steam and steam condensate as the heat exchange medium, other liquid heat exchange media such as thermal oil can be used as the input heat exchange medium of the heat exchange system to reduce the dependence of the laundry process on steam. Typically, thermal oil cannot be used simultaneously with steam and steam condensate.

[0048] In the system provided by this embodiment of the invention, optionally, the heat exchange system includes a main heat exchange flow path and a bypass heat exchange flow path. The heat exchange medium input to the heat exchange system flows into the first recovery device through the main heat exchange flow path and also flows into the first recovery device through the bypass heat exchange flow path. The heat exchange pipes of the main washing heat exchange device and the rinsing heat exchange device are both located on the main heat exchange flow path. The input end of the heat exchange system can be connected to the steam condensate discharge pipe of steam-using equipment such as dryers and ironing machines, or it can be connected to a heat transfer oil transmission pipe. The heat exchange medium flowing through the main heat exchange flow path and the bypass heat exchange flow path is provided by the input end of the heat exchange system. The heat exchange medium flowing out of the main heat exchange flow path and the bypass heat exchange flow path flows into the first recovery device. The heat exchange pipes of the main washing heat exchange device and the rinsing heat exchange device are both located on the main heat exchange flow path, so that the heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange flow path, after flowing through the heat exchange pipes in the main washing heat exchange device and the rinsing heat exchange device, is finally recovered by the first recovery device. When steam and steam condensate are selected as the heat exchange medium, the first recovery device will recover the outflowing condensate; when heat transfer oil is selected as the heat exchange medium, the first recovery device will recover the outflowing heat transfer oil.

[0049] Optionally, the heat exchange pipes of the main wash heat exchanger and the rinsing heat exchanger on the main heat exchange circulation path can be connected in series. Since the washing water in the main wash chamber requires a higher temperature than that in the rinsing chamber, the heat exchange pipes of the main wash heat exchanger and the rinsing heat exchanger can be sequentially connected between the input and output of the main heat exchange circulation path. This allows the heat exchange medium input to the main heat exchange circulation path to flow sequentially through the heat exchange pipes of the main wash heat exchanger and the rinsing heat exchanger before being recovered by the first recovery device. Alternatively, the heat exchange pipes of the main wash heat exchanger and the rinsing heat exchanger on the main heat exchange circulation path can also be connected in parallel, allowing the heat exchange medium input to the main heat exchange circulation path to flow separately through the heat exchange pipes of the main wash heat exchanger and the rinsing heat exchanger before being recovered by the first recovery device.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 The diagram shows a specific connection structure of a heat exchange system for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The structure shown is Figure 1 The block diagram shown represents a feasible implementation structure. This embodiment provides an implementation scheme where the heat exchange pipes of the main washing heat exchanger and the rinsing heat exchanger are connected in series. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2The washing machine includes a main washing chamber 11, a rinsing chamber 12, and a circulating water tank 3. Optionally, the washing machine also includes a neutralization chamber 13. The circulating water tank 3 provides washing water to the main washing chamber 11, and the washing clean water pipe provides washing water to the rinsing chamber 12 and the neutralization chamber 13. The washing clean water pipe can also optionally replenish the circulating water tank 3 with clean water. The heat exchange medium input to the heat exchange system flows into the first recovery device after passing through the heat exchange pipes of the main washing heat exchange device and the rinsing heat exchange device set in the main heat exchange circulation path. On the other hand, when there is residual heat exchange medium after supplying the main heat exchange circulation path, it flows into the first recovery device through the heat exchange circulation bypass.

[0051] In the system provided by this embodiment of the invention, optionally, the main washing heat exchange device includes at least two stages of main washing heat exchangers, each stage of the main washing heat exchanger being provided with heat exchange pipes and water flow pipes; water flowing in from the inlet of the main washing heat exchange device sequentially passes through the water flow pipes of the first stage of the main washing heat exchanger to the water flow pipes of the last stage of the main washing heat exchanger, and then flows out from the outlet of the main washing heat exchange device; the heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange flow path, after flowing into the heat exchange pipes of the last stage of the main washing heat exchanger, flows sequentially in the direction from the heat exchange pipes of the last stage of the main washing heat exchanger to the heat exchange pipes of the first stage of the main washing heat exchanger. Specifically, the inlet of each stage of the main wash heat exchanger is connected to the outlet of the previous stage of the main wash heat exchanger via a pipe. The inlet of the first stage of the main wash heat exchanger serves as the inlet of the main wash heat exchange device, and the outlet of the last stage of the main wash heat exchanger serves as the outlet of the main wash heat exchange device. The water flowing out of the first output water pipe of the circulating water tank 3 passes through at least two stages of main wash heat exchangers in sequence, undergoes at least two stages of heating, and is then output to the inlet of the main wash chamber 11. This is done because the washing water temperature required for the main wash chamber is higher than that required for the rinsing chamber. Therefore, in this embodiment, the main wash heat exchange device preferably has at least two stages of main wash heat exchangers, but in practice, it is not ruled out that the main wash heat exchange device may only have one stage of main wash heat exchangers.

[0052] In the system provided by this embodiment of the invention, optionally, each stage of the main washing heat exchanger contains a heat exchange pipe, and the input end of the heat exchange pipe of each stage of the main washing heat exchanger is connected to the output end of the heat exchange pipe of the next stage of the main washing heat exchanger. That is, the water provided by the circulating water tank first flows through the water flow pipe of the first stage of the main washing heat exchanger and finally flows through the water flow pipe of the last stage of the main washing heat exchanger, while the heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange circulation path first flows through the heat exchange pipe of the last stage of the main washing heat exchanger and finally flows through the heat exchange pipe of the first stage of the main washing heat exchanger.

[0053] Furthermore, when the required water temperature for the main wash chamber is low, it is not necessary to preheat through at least two stages. Only one of the two main wash heat exchangers can be selected to operate. In this embodiment, when the required main wash water temperature is low, only the first-stage main wash heat exchanger is enabled for preheating. Specifically, the heat exchange medium flowing into the main wash heat exchange device flows through a first pipe and a second pipe into the heat exchange pipes of the last-stage main wash heat exchanger and the first-stage main wash heat exchanger, respectively. A first regulating valve is installed on the first pipe, and a second regulating valve is installed on the second pipe. The first and second regulating valves are not opened simultaneously, thereby controlling whether the heat exchange medium flowing into the main wash heat exchange device flows into the first-stage or last-stage main wash heat exchanger. When multi-stage heating is required, the first regulating valve is opened and the second regulating valve is closed. The heat exchange medium flowing into the main wash heat exchanger flows into the last stage of the main wash heat exchanger and sequentially flows through the heat exchange pipes of the last stage to the heat exchange pipes of the first stage. In this way, the heat exchange medium flows through each stage of the main wash heat exchanger, heating the water in the water flow pipes of each stage, thus achieving multi-stage heating. When the required main wash temperature is too low, the second regulating valve is opened and the first regulating valve is closed. The heat exchange medium flowing into the main wash heat exchanger only flows through the heat exchange pipes of the first stage, heating only the water in the water flow pipes of the first stage.

[0054] See Figure 2In this embodiment, the main wash heat exchange device is equipped with two-stage main wash heat exchangers, including a first-stage main wash heat exchanger 23 and a second-stage main wash heat exchanger 21. Water flowing out of the output pipe of the circulating water tank 3 flows into the inlet of the first-stage main wash heat exchanger 23 through a pipe. The outlet of the first-stage main wash heat exchanger 23 is connected to the inlet of the second-stage main wash heat exchanger 21 through a pipe. The outlet of the second-stage main wash heat exchanger 21 is connected to the inlet of the main wash chamber 11 through a pipe. This allows the water flowing out of the output pipe of the circulating water tank 3 to undergo two stages of heating in the first-stage main wash heat exchanger 23 and the second-stage main wash heat exchanger 21 before flowing into the main wash chamber 11. Both the first-stage main wash heat exchanger 23 and the second-stage main wash heat exchanger 21 are equipped with heat exchange pipes. The heat exchange medium flowing into the main wash heat exchange devices flows into the heat exchange pipes of the second-stage main wash heat exchanger 21 and the first-stage main wash heat exchanger 23 through the first pipe and the second pipe, respectively. A first regulating valve 81 is installed on the first pipe, and a second regulating valve 82 is installed on the second pipe. When the first regulating valve 81 is open and the second regulating valve 82 is closed, the heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange flow path flows sequentially through the heat exchange pipes of the second-stage main wash heat exchanger 21 and the first-stage main wash heat exchanger 23, and is finally output from the first-stage main wash heat exchanger 23. When the first regulating valve 81 is closed and the second regulating valve 82 is open, the heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange flow path only flows through the heat exchange pipes of the first-stage main wash heat exchanger 23. Furthermore, the scheme of eliminating the second pipe and the second regulating valve 82, and only retaining the multi-stage main wash heating, is also within the scope of protection of this invention. The heat exchange medium output from the heat exchange pipe of the first-stage main wash heat exchanger 23 can either flow directly back to the first recovery device, or be input into the rinsing heat exchange device for heat exchange and then flow back to the first recovery device.

[0055] Since the main wash chamber requires the highest washing water temperature, optionally, taking a two-stage main wash heat exchanger as an example, the heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange circulation path first flows into the heat exchange pipe of the second-stage main wash heat exchanger 21. The heat exchange medium flowing through the heat exchange pipe of the second-stage main wash heat exchanger 21 then flows into the heat exchange pipe of the first-stage main wash heat exchanger 23. Because the water flowing out of the outlet pipe of the circulating water tank 3 is first heated by the first-stage main wash heat exchanger 23 and then heated a second time by the second-stage main wash heat exchanger 21, the second-stage main wash heat exchanger 21 requires a higher heat exchange medium temperature. Optionally, prioritizing the flow of the heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange circulation path into the heat exchange pipe of the second-stage main wash heat exchanger 21 can provide more heat. The remaining heat energy of the heat exchange medium flowing through the heat exchange pipe of the second-stage main wash heat exchanger 21 can also be used to provide heat energy for the first-stage main wash heat exchanger 23.

[0056] In the system provided by the embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the rinsing heat exchange device may include a first rinsing heat exchanger 24; the washing temperature of rinsing is lower than the washing temperature of the main wash, so the rinsing heat exchange device may be set with a single-stage heat exchange, and of course, it is not excluded that a scheme of setting two or more stages of heat exchange is also possible.

[0057] See Figure 2 The inlet of the first rinsing heat exchanger 24 is connected to the washing water pipe 7, and the outlet of the first rinsing heat exchanger 24 is connected to the inlet of the rinsing chamber 12 via a pipe. Alternatively, the outlet of the first rinsing heat exchanger 24 can also be connected to the inlet of the neutralization chamber 13 via a pipe. Optionally, the outlet of the first rinsing heat exchanger 24 can also be connected to the circulating water tank 3 via a pipe. The heat exchange pipe of the first rinsing heat exchanger 24 is located on the main heat exchange flow path. Optionally, the input end of the heat exchange pipe of the first rinsing heat exchanger 24 is connected to the output end of the heat exchange pipe of the first-stage main rinsing heat exchanger 23, so that the heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange flow path continues to provide heat exchange energy to the rinsing heat exchanger after passing through the main rinsing heat exchanger. The output end of the heat exchange pipe of the first rinsing heat exchanger 24 is then connected to the input end of the first recovery device.

[0058] In the system provided by this invention, in addition to using the heat exchange medium in the main wash heat exchanger and the rinsing heat exchanger to preheat the water entering the main wash tank and the rinsing tank, a method of using the heat from the wastewater discharged from the main wash tank for heating is also proposed. (Refer to...) Figure 3 This diagram illustrates another structural schematic block diagram of a heat exchange system connected to a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Based on the structure, the heat exchange system provided in this embodiment of the invention further includes an auxiliary heat exchange device and a second recovery device. The inlet of the auxiliary heat exchange device is connected to the washing clean water pipe, and the outlet of the auxiliary heat exchange device is connected to the inlet pipe of the rinsing chamber. The auxiliary heat exchange device and the rinsing heat exchange device together are used to preheat the water entering the rinsing chamber. Further, the water flowing out of the auxiliary heat exchange device can be supplied not only to the rinsing chamber 12 but also optionally to the neutralization chamber 13. The outlet of the auxiliary heat exchange device can also optionally be connected to the inlet pipe of the neutralization chamber. The auxiliary heat exchange device is equipped with a heat exchange pipe. The input end of the heat exchange pipe receives the washing wastewater discharged from the outlet of the main washing chamber, and the output end of the heat exchange pipe is connected to the input end of the second recovery device. The heat exchange pipe of the auxiliary heat exchange device uses the heat of the washing wastewater discharged from the main washing chamber to heat the clean water entering the rinsing chamber, and optionally, the clean water entering the neutralization chamber. The wastewater discharged from the main washing chamber exchanges heat with the clean water used for rinsing, thus preheating the clean water entering the rinsing chamber. This utilizes the heat energy from the wastewater discharged from the main washing chamber, achieving energy reuse, reducing energy loss, and improving the heating efficiency of the washing machine.

[0059] Alternatively, since the wastewater discharged from the main washing chamber contains a lot of impurities, a filter can be installed between the outlet of the main washing chamber and the inlet of the heat exchange pipe of the auxiliary heat exchange device, so that the wastewater discharged from the main washing chamber is filtered by the filter before flowing into the heat exchange pipe of the auxiliary heat exchange device.

[0060] Optionally, a fifth regulating valve and a sixth regulating valve are respectively installed at the outlets of the auxiliary heat exchanger and the rinsing heat exchanger. These valves regulate the flow rate at the outlets of the auxiliary and rinsing heat exchangers, controlling the temperature of the water entering the rinsing and neutralization chambers. Further, the outlets of the auxiliary and rinsing heat exchangers are connected to a third pipe via the fifth and sixth regulating valves, respectively. The water in this third pipe is divided into three paths: the first path flows into the inlet pipe of the rinsing chamber, or into the inlet pipes of the rinsing and neutralization chambers; the second path flows into the inlet pipe of the circulating water tank; and the third path is connected after being fitted with a seventh regulating valve. The water from the washing water pipe, after being heated by the auxiliary and rinsing heat exchangers, can be used as washing water for the rinsing chamber, or as washing water for the rinsing and neutralization chambers, or optionally added to the circulating water tank, or provided as an additional water supply channel for other purposes. This additional water supply channel is controlled by a seventh regulating valve.

[0061] refer to Figure 4 The diagram shows another specific connection structure of a heat exchange system for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 The structure shown is Figure 3 For a feasible specific implementation structure of the block diagram shown, see [link to implementation details]. Figure 4The auxiliary heat exchange device includes a second rinsing heat exchanger 25. The inlet of the second rinsing heat exchanger 25 is connected to the washing water pipe 7, and the outlet of the second rinsing heat exchanger 25 is connected to the inlet of the rinsing chamber 12 via a pipe. The outlet of the second rinsing heat exchanger 25 can also optionally be connected to the inlet of the neutralization chamber 13 via a pipe. The input end of the heat exchange pipe of the second rinsing heat exchanger 25 is connected to the outlet of the main washing chamber 11. Optionally, a filter 10 is also connected between the input end of the heat exchange pipe of the second rinsing heat exchanger 25 and the outlet of the main washing chamber 11. The output end of the heat exchange pipe of the second rinsing heat exchanger 25 is connected to a second recovery device 5 via a pipe. The second recovery device 5 is used to collect washing wastewater. The wastewater discharged from the main washing chamber 11 is recovered by the second recovery device 5 after passing through the heat exchange pipe of the second rinsing heat exchanger 25. Since the wastewater discharged from the main washing chamber is also at a relatively high temperature, it can be used to heat the clean water entering the rinsing chamber 12 and the neutralization chamber 13, realizing the reuse of the heat energy of the wastewater discharged from the main washing chamber and improving energy utilization efficiency. Furthermore, a fifth regulating valve 86 and a sixth regulating valve 87 are respectively installed at the outlets of the second rinsing heat exchanger 25 and the first rinsing heat exchanger 24, which regulate the temperature of the water flowing into the rinsing chamber 12 and the neutralization chamber 13. Optionally, the water heated by the second rinsing heat exchanger 25 and the first rinsing heat exchanger 24 is all collected in a third pipe. The water entering the third pipe is then divided into three paths: the first path flows into the inlet pipe of the rinsing chamber 12, or into the inlet pipe of the rinsing chamber 12 and the neutralization chamber 13; the second path flows into the inlet pipe of the circulating water tank 3; and the third path is connected after being equipped with a seventh regulating valve 88. (See also...) Figure 4 The clean water supplied by the washing water pipe 7 is heated by heat exchange in the first rinsing heat exchanger 24 and the second rinsing heat exchanger 25, and then discharged from the outlets of the first rinsing heat exchanger 24 and the second rinsing heat exchanger 25. After passing through the fifth regulating valve 86 and the sixth regulating valve 87, it flows into the third pipe. The water in the third pipe can be connected to the inlet of the rinsing chamber 12 (optionally including the neutralization chamber 13) to provide washing water for the rinsing chamber 12 (optionally including the neutralization chamber 13); on the other hand, it can also be connected to the inlet of the circulating water tank 3 to supplement the washing water for the circulating water tank 3; and it can also provide an additional water supply channel and be controlled by the seventh regulating valve.

[0062] In the system provided by this invention, when steam and steam condensate are selected as the heat exchange medium, the heat energy from the steam condensate and excess steam recovered from the steam equipment in the laundry factory may not be sufficient to heat the water entering the main washing and rinsing chambers to the temperature required for the washing process. Optionally, the steam and steam condensate input to the heat exchange system include not only the steam condensate and excess steam recovered from the steam equipment during the washing process, but also steam supplied by a boiler. Furthermore, the heat exchange system also includes a steam inlet pipe connected to the main heat exchange circulation path. The steam supplied by the boiler is directly connected to the main heat exchange circulation path through the steam inlet pipe. The heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange circulation path includes both the steam condensate and excess steam recovered from steam equipment such as dryers and ironing machines, and the steam supplied by the boiler connected through the steam inlet pipe.

[0063] Furthermore, temperature detection devices are also installed on the water inlet pipes of the main washing chamber 11 and the rinsing chamber 12 to detect the temperature of the washing water entering the main washing chamber 11 and the rinsing chamber 12. A temperature detection device may also be optionally installed on the water inlet pipe of the neutralization chamber 13 to detect the temperature of the washing water entering the neutralization chamber 13. The heat exchange system also includes regulating valves for controlling the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange flow path and the heat exchange flow bypass, and regulating valves for controlling the flow rate of the steam injection pipe. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The first regulating valve 81 and the second regulating valve 82 can be selected as regulating valves to control the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange circulation path. The third regulating valve 83 can be selected as a regulating valve to control the flow rate of the steam inlet pipe. The fourth regulating valve 84 can be selected as a regulating valve to control the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange circulation bypass. The temperature of the washing water entering the main washing chamber 11 and the rinsing chamber 12 can be accurately controlled through the various regulating valves 81 / 82 / 83 / 84 / 86 / 87. If the recovered steam and steam condensate heat energy are insufficient, the third regulating valve 83 on the steam inlet pipe 9 can be opened to replenish the insufficient part through the steam inlet pipe 9. When the recovered steam and steam condensate heat energy are sufficient, The third regulating valve 83 on the steam inlet pipe 9 can be closed. Alternatively, when the temperature detection devices installed on the water inlet pipes of the main washing chamber 11 and the rinsing chamber 12 detect that the washing water temperature has reached an excessively high value, it is necessary to control the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange circulation path. This can be achieved by adjusting the first regulating valve 81, the second regulating valve 82 on the main heat exchange circulation path, and the fourth regulating valve 84 on the heat exchange circulation bypass path. Alternatively, the fifth regulating valve 86 and the sixth regulating valve 87 can be adjusted according to the washing water temperature requirements of the rinsing chamber to control the temperature of the water supplied to the rinsing chamber by the rinsing heat exchange device and the auxiliary heat exchange device. Optionally, the water inlet pipe of the main washing chamber is also connected to a safety valve 85, which can be used for protection when excessive pressure occurs due to certain malfunctions.

[0064] Further optionally, after the water entering the main wash tank and the rinse tank is heated by the main wash heat exchanger, the rinse heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger, it is detected whether the temperature of the washing water in the main wash tank and the rinse tank reaches the temperature required by the washing process. If it does not reach the temperature, steam provided by the boiler is introduced for reheating.

[0065] In this embodiment of the invention, a heat exchange system is added before the washing water enters the washing duct. Optionally, the heat energy of the condensate generated by steam equipment such as dryers and ironing machines, as well as the wastewater discharged from the main wash of the washing duct, can be transferred to the washing water. This reduces the amount of steam supplied by the boiler to the washing duct for heating the washing water, so that the boiler can provide less heat energy while ensuring that the washing duct meets the water temperature required by the washing process, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving energy utilization.

[0066] In the system provided in this embodiment of the invention, optionally, a water pump 61 is also provided on the output water pipe of the circulating water tank 3, which is used to draw water from the circulating water tank 3 into the main washing heat exchange device for heat exchange and then input it into the main washing chamber.

[0067] This invention also provides a washing machine dragon equipped with the above-described heat exchange system. The washing machine dragon includes a main washing chamber, a rinsing chamber, a circulating water tank, and a heat exchange system. The heat exchange system is a heat exchange system connected to the washing machine dragon as described above.

[0068] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A heat exchange system connected to a washing machine, the washing machine comprising a main washing chamber, a rinsing chamber, and a circulating water tank, characterized in that, The heat exchange system includes: a main washing heat exchange device and a first recovery device; The inlet of the main wash heat exchanger is connected to the outlet water pipe of the circulating water tank, and the outlet of the main wash heat exchanger is connected to the inlet water pipe of the main wash chamber. The main washing heat exchange device is equipped with a heat exchange pipe. The heat exchange medium input into the heat exchange system flows through the heat exchange pipe of the main washing heat exchange device and then flows out to the first recovery device. The heat exchange system also includes a rinsing heat exchange device. The inlet of the rinsing heat exchanger is connected to the washing water pipe, and the outlet of the rinsing heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the rinsing chamber. The rinsing heat exchange device is equipped with a heat exchange pipe. The heat exchange medium input into the heat exchange system flows through the heat exchange pipe of the rinsing heat exchange device and then flows out to the first recovery device. The washing machine also includes a neutralization chamber, and the outlet of the rinsing heat exchange device is connected to the inlet pipe of the neutralization chamber. The heat exchange system also includes a filter, an auxiliary heat exchange device, and a second recovery device. The inlet of the auxiliary heat exchange device is connected to the washing water pipe, and the outlet of the auxiliary heat exchange device is connected to the inlet of the rinsing chamber. The auxiliary heat exchange device is equipped with a heat exchange pipe. The washing wastewater discharged from the main washing chamber flows into the heat exchange pipe of the auxiliary heat exchange device after passing through the filter, and then flows out to the second recovery device after passing through the heat exchange pipe of the auxiliary heat exchange device. The outlet of the auxiliary heat exchange device is also connected to the inlet pipe of the neutralization chamber.

2. The heat exchange system connected to a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange system includes a main heat exchange flow path and a bypass heat exchange flow path. The heat exchange medium input into the heat exchange system flows into the first recovery device through the main heat exchange flow path and into the first recovery device through the bypass heat exchange flow path. The heat exchange pipes of the main washing heat exchange device and the rinsing heat exchange device are both located on the main heat exchange flow path.

3. The heat exchange system connected to the washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main wash heat exchange device includes at least two main wash heat exchangers, and each main wash heat exchanger is provided with heat exchange pipes and water flow pipes. Water flowing in from the inlet of the main washing heat exchanger passes sequentially through the water flow pipe of the first-stage main washing heat exchanger to the water flow pipe of the last-stage main washing heat exchanger, and then flows out from the outlet of the main washing heat exchanger. The heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange flow path flows sequentially from the heat exchange pipe of the last stage main wash heat exchanger to the heat exchange pipe of the first stage main wash heat exchanger after flowing into the heat exchange pipe of the last stage main wash heat exchanger.

4. The heat exchange system connected to the washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat exchange medium flowing into the main wash heat exchange device flows into the heat exchange pipes of the last stage main wash heat exchanger and the first stage main wash heat exchanger through the first pipe and the second pipe respectively. The first pipe is equipped with a first regulating valve and the second pipe is equipped with a second regulating valve. The first regulating valve and the second regulating valve are not opened at the same time. When the first regulating valve is open and the second regulating valve is closed, the heat exchange medium flowing into the main washing heat exchange device flows sequentially through the heat exchange pipe of the last stage of the main washing heat exchanger to the heat exchange pipe of the first stage of the main washing heat exchanger. When the second regulating valve is open and the first regulating valve is closed, the heat exchange medium flowing into the main washing heat exchange device only flows through the heat exchange pipe of the first-stage main washing heat exchanger.

5. The heat exchange system connected to a washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat exchange medium flowing into the heat exchange pipe of the rinsing heat exchange device is the same heat exchange medium flowing out from the heat exchange pipe of the first-stage main rinsing heat exchanger.

6. The heat exchange system connected to a washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outlets of the auxiliary heat exchange device and the rinsing heat exchange device are connected to the third pipe via the fifth and sixth regulating valves, respectively. The water in the third pipe is divided into three paths: the first path flows into the inlet pipe of the rinsing chamber, the second path flows into the inlet pipe of the circulating water tank, and the third path is connected out after being equipped with the seventh regulating valve.

7. The heat exchange system connected to a washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchange medium input to the heat exchange system includes heat transfer oil or steam and steam condensate, wherein the steam and steam condensate include steam condensate recovered from the steam equipment during the washing process and excess steam; When the heat exchange medium input to the heat exchange system is steam and steam condensate, the heat exchange system further includes a steam inlet pipe connected to the main heat exchange flow path, a regulating valve for controlling the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the main heat exchange flow path and the heat exchange flow bypass, and a regulating valve for controlling the flow rate of the steam inlet pipe. Temperature detection devices are also installed on the water inlet pipes of the main washing chamber and the rinsing chamber; a safety valve is also connected to the water inlet pipe of the main washing chamber.

8. A laundry dragon, characterized in that, It includes a main washing chamber, a rinsing chamber, a circulating water tank, and a heat exchange system; the heat exchange system is the heat exchange system connected to the washing machine as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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