Joint assembly, double-drum clothing processing equipment and drying method

Abstract

This invention relates to a connector assembly, a dual-drum garment processing device, and a drying method. The connector assembly includes: a first air distribution shell, within which a first air distribution cavity is formed; a first air outlet, a second air outlet, and a third air outlet are formed on the first air distribution shell and communicate with the first air distribution cavity; the airflow area of ​​the first air outlet is smaller than that of the second air outlet; and the third air outlet is used to connect to an exhaust port of the garment processing drum that communicates with the external environment; and a first air distribution element disposed within the first air distribution cavity, having a first working position that opens the first air outlet while closing the second air outlet, and a second working position that opens the second air outlet while closing the first air outlet; the first air distribution element can be controlled to switch between the first and second working positions. This invention provides a connector assembly with two air outlets of different diameters at the exhaust port of the garment processing drum, enabling different garment processing functions by switching between different air outlets connected to the exhaust port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clothing processing equipment technology, and in particular to a connector assembly, a double-tube clothing processing device, and a drying method. Background Technology

[0002] As living standards improve, people increasingly value a safe and comfortable clothes drying experience. Currently, clothes drying devices with drying functions are gradually shifting from electric heating to heat pump drying. Dual-drum clothes drying equipment sharing a single heat pump system is now available on the market. In the initial stages of simultaneous drying, both drums generate a large amount of high-temperature, high-humidity airflow. The single heat pump module (evaporator and condenser) faces a very high operating load when dealing with this combined heat and humidity. Therefore, increasing the heat exchange area of ​​the two heat exchangers is necessary to address the high operating load when drying two drums simultaneously. However, increasing the heat exchange area leads to a larger overall machine size, increasing production, manufacturing, and transportation costs.

[0003] In related technologies, an exhaust vent is opened on the clothes processing drum to stabilize the internal air pressure. This vent also acts as an overflow outlet when there is excessive foam inside the drum during washing. However, because the original exhaust vent on the clothes processing drum has a small diameter, using the existing exhaust vent as the fresh air inlet and dehumidification outlet during the drying process in a dual-drum clothes processing device results in poor fresh air intake and dehumidification effects. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the problems of poor dehumidification and poor ventilation in related technologies, the first aspect of this invention proposes a connector assembly for a dual-tube clothing processing device, the connector assembly comprising:

[0005] The first air distribution shell forms a first air distribution cavity. The first air distribution shell has a first air outlet, a second air outlet, and a third air outlet that communicate with the first air distribution cavity. The airflow area of ​​the first air outlet is smaller than that of the second air outlet. The third air outlet is used to connect with the exhaust port of the clothing processing drum that communicates with the external environment.

[0006] A first air distribution component is disposed within the first air distribution cavity. The first air distribution component has a first working position that opens the first air outlet while closing the second air outlet, and a second working position that opens the second air outlet while closing the first air outlet. The first air distribution component can be controlled to switch between the first working position and the second working position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the first air distribution cavity includes an arc-shaped wall, the first air outlet and the second air outlet are formed on the arc-shaped wall, the first air distribution component includes a first air distribution part and a first connecting part, the first air distribution part is connected to the first connecting part, the first connecting part is rotatably disposed in the first air distribution cavity, the rotation axis of the first connecting part coincides with the center of the arc-shaped wall, the first air distribution part includes a first contact surface, the first contact surface is in contact with the arc-shaped wall, and the rotation of the first connecting part can drive the first contact surface to slide along the arc-shaped wall.

[0008] In some embodiments, the connector assembly includes a first drive component connected to the first connecting component, the first drive component driving the first connecting component to rotate, thereby switching the first air distribution component between a first working position and a second working position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the connector assembly includes a condensing component disposed within the first air distribution chamber, the condensing component being used to condense moisture entering the first air distribution chamber.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first air distribution shell includes an upper shell and a lower shell, the upper shell and the lower shell cooperate to form the first air distribution cavity, the upper shell includes a front sidewall, the lower shell includes a rear sidewall and a bottom wall, the first air outlet and the second air outlet are both disposed on the front sidewall, the third air outlet is disposed on the rear sidewall near the bottom wall, and the condensation component is disposed on the bottom wall.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bottom wall is inclined, wherein the inclination is such that the side of the bottom wall near the front sidewall is higher than the side of the bottom wall near the rear sidewall.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connector assembly further includes a connecting pipe connected to the third air vent, the connecting pipe being used to connect the third air vent to the exhaust port of the clothing treatment drum.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention provides a double-tube garment processing device, the double-tube garment processing device comprising:

[0014] The first garment processing tube and the second garment processing tube are arranged from top to bottom. The openings of the first garment processing tube and the second garment processing tube are respectively provided with an upper air inlet and a lower air inlet. The wall of the first garment processing tube is provided with an upper air outlet and an upper exhaust outlet. The wall of the second garment processing tube is provided with a lower air outlet and a lower exhaust outlet.

[0015] The air duct system includes an air inlet assembly, an air outlet assembly, and a main drying air duct. The air inlet assembly connects the air outlet of the main drying air duct to the upper air inlet and the lower air inlet. The air outlet assembly connects the air inlet of the main drying air duct to the upper air outlet and the lower air outlet.

[0016] Two air distribution components are provided. One air distribution component corresponds to the air inlet component and is used to connect the air outlet of the main drying air duct to the upper air inlet and the lower air inlet through the air inlet component. The other air distribution component corresponds to the air outlet component and is used to connect the air inlet of the main drying air duct to the upper air outlet and the lower air outlet through the air outlet component. The air distribution component can selectively open at least one airflow path between the main drying air duct and the first clothes processing drum and the second clothes processing drum.

[0017] Two connector assemblies, one of which is disposed at the upper exhaust port and the other of which is disposed at the lower exhaust port, wherein the connector assembly is any of the connector assemblies proposed in the first aspect of the present invention;

[0018] When the dual-drum clothing processing equipment is operating in single-drum drying mode, the drying process of the clothing processing drum includes an internal circulation drying process and a fresh air dehumidification drying process.

[0019] During the internal circulation drying process, the air distribution component corresponding to the air inlet component connects the main drying air duct only with the airflow passage between the clothes processing drum that is being dried, and the air distribution component corresponding to the air outlet component connects the main drying air duct only with the airflow passage between the clothes processing drum that is being dried, and the first air distribution component is in the first working position.

[0020] During the fresh air dehumidification process, the air distribution component corresponding to the air inlet component connects the main drying air duct only with the airflow path between the clothes processing drum that is being dried, and the air distribution component corresponding to the air outlet component connects the main drying air duct only with the airflow path between the clothes processing drum that is not being dried, and the first air distribution component is in the second working position.

[0021] A second aspect of the present invention provides a drying method for a twin-tube garment processing device, the drying method being used to control the twin-tube garment processing device proposed in the second aspect of the present invention, the drying method comprising:

[0022] When the dual-drum garment processing equipment is in single-drum drying mode, the humid and hot state of the garment processing drum to be dried is determined, and the position of the first air distribution component of the connector assembly is controlled according to the humid and hot state, as well as the air distribution component is controlled to open the airflow passage between the main drying air duct and the first and second garment processing drums.

[0023] In some embodiments, determining the humid heat state of the clothes handling drum undergoing drying, controlling the position of the first air distributor of the connector assembly based on the humid heat state, and controlling the air distributor assembly to maintain the connection between the main drying air duct and the airflow passage between the first and second clothes handling drums, includes:

[0024] The air distribution component corresponding to the air inlet component is controlled to connect the main drying air duct only to the airflow passage between the main drying air duct and the clothes processing drum that performs drying; the air distribution component corresponding to the air outlet component is controlled to connect the main drying air duct only to the airflow passage between the main drying air duct and the clothes processing drum that performs drying; and the first air distribution component of the connector component is controlled to be in the first working position.

[0025] The inlet and outlet temperatures of the main drying duct are obtained. When the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures is less than a set temperature difference, the position of the air distribution component corresponding to the inlet component is maintained. The air distribution component corresponding to the outlet component is controlled to connect the airflow passage between the main drying duct and the clothes processing drum that has not been dried. The first air distribution component is controlled to be in the second working position.

[0026] The outlet air temperature of the exhaust port of the clothes processing drum that is performing the drying is obtained. If the outlet air temperature is lower than the set outlet air temperature, the air distribution component corresponding to the air outlet component is controlled to return to the state that the airflow passage between the main drying air duct and the clothes processing drum that is performing the drying is opened, and the first air distribution component is controlled to return to the first working position.

[0027] The technical solution of the present invention can include the following beneficial effects: The connector assembly of the present invention includes two air outlets with different apertures. In the application scenario of a twin-drum garment processing device, different garment processing functions can be achieved by switching the connector assembly with air outlets of different apertures connected to the exhaust port. When the small aperture of the connector assembly is connected to the exhaust port, the functions of stabilizing air pressure and overflowing bubbles can be achieved. When the large aperture of the connector assembly is connected to the exhaust port, the functions of introducing fresh air and dehumidifying during single-drum drying can be achieved. In addition, in the application scenario of a twin-drum garment processing device, when the twin-drum garment processing device is drying a single drum, through the synergistic action of the air inlet assembly, air outlet assembly, main drying air duct, air distribution device and connector assembly of the twin-drum garment processing device, when the garment processing drum being dried is in a high temperature and high humidity state, moisture is discharged to the outside through the connector assembly corresponding to the garment processing drum being dried, and fresh air is introduced to the inside through the connector assembly corresponding to the garment processing drum not being dried, thereby significantly improving the drying efficiency of the garment processing drum being dried.

[0028] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0030] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a front view of a connector assembly shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view along the AA direction.

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along the BB direction.

[0034] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of a twin-tube garment processing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the positions of two air outlet components in an air duct system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of an air distribution assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of a wind distribution assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 10 This is an airflow diagram illustrating the internal circulation drying process of a twin-drum garment processing device in single-drum drying mode, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 11 This is an airflow diagram illustrating the fresh air intake dehumidification and drying process of a twin-drum garment processing device in single-drum drying mode, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 12 This is a drying process diagram of a twin-tube garment processing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0043] 1. First garment processing drum; 2. Second garment processing drum; 3. Heat exchanger; 4. Air supply device; 51. Main drying air duct; 52. Upper air inlet duct; 53. Lower air inlet duct; 54. Upper air outlet duct; 55. Lower air outlet duct; 6. Connector assembly; 61. First air distribution shell; 611. First air outlet; 612. Second air outlet; 613. Third air outlet; 614. Upper shell; 6141. Front side wall; 615. Lower shell; 6151. Bottom wall; 6152. Rear side wall; 62. First air distribution component; 621. First air distribution part; 6211. First bonding surface; 622 63. First connecting component; 64. First limiting cover; 65. Condensation component; 66. First driving component; 67. Connecting pipe; 68. First air distribution cavity; 69. Arc-shaped wall; 70. Air distribution assembly; 71. Second air distribution shell; 711. Side wall of cylindrical cavity in axial direction; 712. Side wall of cylindrical cavity in circumferential direction; 72. Second air distribution component; 721. Second air distribution assembly; 722. Second connecting component; 7211. Second mating surface; 7101. Upper branch air outlet; 7102. Lower branch air outlet; 7103. Main air outlet; 73. Second limiting cover; 74. Second driving component. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment proposes a connector assembly 6 for use in a twin-tube garment processing device. The connector assembly 6 includes a first air distribution shell 61 and a first air distribution component 62. A first air distribution cavity 67 is formed within the first air distribution shell 61. A first air outlet 611, a second air outlet 612, and a third air outlet 613 are provided on the first air distribution shell 61 and communicate with the first air distribution cavity 67. The airflow area of ​​the first air outlet 611 is smaller than that of the second air outlet 612, that is, the aperture of the first air outlet 611 is smaller than that of the second air outlet 612. The third air outlet 613 is used to connect to the exhaust port of the garment processing tube that communicates with the external environment. The first air distribution component 62 is disposed within the first air distribution cavity 67. The first air distribution component 62 has a first working position that opens the first air outlet 611 and closes the second air outlet 612, and a second working position that opens the second air outlet 612 and closes the first air outlet 611. The first air distribution component 62 can be controlled to switch between the first working position and the second working position.

[0046] When the connector assembly 6 is applied to a twin-drum garment processing device, in the first working position, the exhaust port of the garment processing drum is connected to the first air inlet 611 with a smaller diameter. At this time, the connector assembly 6 can achieve the normal stable air pressure and overflow function of the twin-drum garment processing device through the first air inlet 611. In the second working position, the exhaust port of the garment processing drum is connected to the second air inlet 612 with a larger diameter. At this time, the connector assembly 6 can achieve the function of introducing fresh air and dehumidifying during single-drum drying. In this embodiment, the connector assembly 6 includes two air inlets with different diameters. In the twin-drum garment processing device application scenario, different garment processing functions can be achieved by switching the connector assembly 6 with the air inlets of different diameters connected to the exhaust port.

[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the inner wall of the first air distribution cavity 67 includes an arc-shaped wall 671. A first air outlet 611 and a second air outlet 612 are formed on the arc-shaped wall 671. The first air distribution component 62 includes a first air distribution part 621 and a first connecting part 622. The first air distribution part 621 is connected to the first connecting part 622. The first connecting part 622 is rotatably disposed within the first air distribution cavity 67. The rotation axis of the first connecting part 622 coincides with the center of the arc-shaped wall 671. The first air distribution part 621 includes a first contact surface 6211. A first mating surface 6211 is mated to the curved wall surface 671, that is, the curvature of the first mating surface 6211 matches the curvature of the curved wall surface 671. The rotation of the first connecting component 622 can drive the first mating surface 6211 to slide along the curved wall surface 671, so as to drive the first mating surface 6211 to rotate to the second working position where the first air vent 611 is blocked and the second air vent 612 is opened, and to rotate to the first working position where the second air vent 612 is closed and the first air vent 611 is opened.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3 , Figure 5 As shown, the connector assembly 6 includes a first driving component 65, which is connected to a first connecting component 622. The first driving component 65 drives the first connecting component 622 to rotate, causing the first air distribution component 621 to switch between a first working position and a second working position. A first rotating shaft is provided on the top wall of the first air distribution chamber 67, and the first air distribution component 62 is connected to the first rotating shaft, which is located on the rotation axis of the first air distribution component 62. The first driving component 65 is connected to the first rotating shaft, and drives the first rotating shaft to rotate, thereby causing the first air distribution component 62 to rotate. The first driving component 65 is, for example, a combination of a drive motor and a transmission component. In this embodiment, the automatic switching of the first air distribution component 62 between the first working position and the second working position is achieved by setting the first driving component 65.

[0049] In some embodiments, in order to axially limit the first connecting member 622, the air distribution assembly 7 further includes a first limiting cover 63. One end of the first limiting cover 63 is connected to one end of the first rotating shaft in the axial direction, and the other end is connected to the top wall of the first air distribution cavity 67. The rotating end of the first connecting member is limited between the first limiting cover 63 and the top wall of the first air distribution cavity 67.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the connector assembly 6 includes a condenser 64, which is disposed within the first air distribution chamber 67. The condenser 64 is used to condense the moisture entering the first air distribution chamber 67. The condenser 64 is, for example, a water-cooled radiator or heat dissipation fins. In the application scenario of a dual-drum garment processing equipment, when the dual-drum garment processing equipment is in single-drum drying mode, the condenser 64 condenses the moisture entering the connector assembly 6 from the exhaust port when the garment processing drum being dried is in a high temperature and high humidity state. The condensed water flows back into the garment processing drum through the passage between the third air outlet 613 and the exhaust port of the garment processing drum, and is finally discharged from the drain port of the garment processing drum.

[0051] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5 As shown, the first air distribution shell 61 includes an upper shell 614 and a lower shell 615. The upper shell 614 and the lower shell 615 cooperate to form a first air distribution cavity 67. The upper shell 614 includes a front sidewall 6141, and the lower shell 615 includes a rear sidewall 6152 and a bottom wall 6151. The first air outlet 611 and the second air outlet 612 are both located on the front sidewall 6141, and the third air outlet 613 is located on the rear sidewall 6152 near the bottom wall 6151. The condenser 64 is located on the bottom wall 6151. The first air outlet 611 and the second air outlet 612 are both opposite to the third air outlet 613. Convection is formed between the first air outlet 611 and the third air outlet 613, and between the second air outlet 612 and the first air outlet 611, so that the airflow from the external environment flows quickly into the clothes processing drum through the first air distribution cavity 67, and the airflow in the clothes processing drum flows quickly out through the first air distribution cavity 67. Furthermore, by positioning the third air vent 613 near the bottom wall 6151 on the rear side wall 6152, the condensate generated by the condensation device can be smoothly discharged into the clothes processing drum through the third air vent 613. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom wall 6151 is inclined, with the side of the bottom wall 6151 near the front side wall 6141 being higher than the side of the bottom wall 6151 near the rear side wall 6152, so that the condensate can be quickly discharged into the clothes processing drum through the third air vent 613.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-6 As shown, the connector assembly 6 also includes a connecting pipe 66, which is connected to the third air vent 613. The connecting pipe 66 is used to connect the third air vent 613 to the exhaust port of the garment processing drum. The connecting pipe 66 is, for example, a corrugated pipe, and the flexible nature of the corrugated pipe allows the position of the connector assembly 6 to be set as needed.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 6As shown, this embodiment also proposes a dual-tube garment processing device, which includes a first garment processing tube 1, a second garment processing tube 2, an air duct system, two air components, and two connector components 6. The first garment processing tube 1 and the second garment processing tube 2 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The openings of the first garment processing tube 1 and the second garment processing tube 2 are respectively provided with an upper air inlet and a lower air inlet. The tube wall of the first garment processing tube 1 is provided with an upper air outlet and an upper exhaust outlet, and the tube wall of the second garment processing tube 2 is provided with a lower air outlet and a lower exhaust outlet. In a preferred embodiment, refer to... Figure 6 As shown, the upper exhaust port is located behind the top of the first garment processing tube 1, and the lower exhaust port is located above the rear of the second garment processing tube 2.

[0054] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the air duct system includes an air inlet assembly, an air outlet assembly, and a main drying air duct 51. The air inlet assembly connects the air outlet of the main drying air duct 51 to the upper air inlet and the lower air inlet, and the air outlet assembly connects the air inlet of the main drying air duct 51 to the upper air outlet and the lower air outlet. One of the two air distribution assemblies 7 corresponds to the air inlet assembly and is used to connect the air outlet of the main drying air duct 51 to the upper air inlet and the lower air inlet through the air inlet assembly. The other air distribution assembly 7 corresponds to the air outlet assembly and is used to connect the air inlet of the main drying air duct 51 to the upper air outlet and the lower air outlet through the air outlet assembly. The air distribution assembly 7 can selectively open at least one airflow path between the main drying air duct 51 and the first garment processing drum 1 and the second garment processing drum 2. One of the two connector assemblies 6 is disposed at the upper exhaust port, and the other of the two connector assemblies 6 is disposed at the lower exhaust port. The connector assembly 6 is any of the connector assemblies 6 proposed in the above embodiments.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the dual-drum clothing processing equipment operates in single-drum drying mode, the drying process of the clothing processing drum includes an internal circulation drying process and a fresh air dehumidification drying process. During the internal circulation drying process, the air distribution component corresponding to the air inlet component connects the main drying air duct 51 only with the airflow path between the clothing processing drum being dried, and the air distribution component corresponding to the air outlet component connects the main drying air duct 51 only with the airflow path between the clothing processing drum being dried, with the first air distribution component 62 in a first working position. During the fresh air dehumidification process, the air distribution component corresponding to the air inlet component connects the main drying air duct 51 only with the airflow path between the clothing processing drum being dried, and the air distribution component corresponding to the air outlet component connects the main drying air duct 51 only with the airflow path between the clothing processing drums not being dried, with the first air distribution component 62 in a second working position.

[0056] In one example, such as Figure 7As shown, the air inlet assembly includes an upper air inlet duct 52 and a lower air inlet duct 53, and the air outlet assembly includes an upper air outlet duct 54 and a lower air outlet duct 55. The upper air inlet duct 52 is connected to the upper air inlet of the first clothing processing cylinder 1, the lower air inlet duct 53 is connected to the lower air inlet of the second clothing processing cylinder 2, the upper air outlet duct 54 is connected to the upper air outlet of the first clothing processing cylinder 1, and the lower air outlet duct 55 is connected to the lower air outlet of the second clothing processing cylinder 2.

[0057] In one feasible way, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, each air distribution assembly 7 includes a second air distribution shell 71 and a second air distribution component 72. A second air distribution cavity is formed inside the second air distribution shell 71. The second air distribution shell 71 has a main air inlet 7103, an upper branch air inlet 7101, and a lower branch air inlet 7102 that communicate with the second air distribution cavity. The main air inlet 7103 connects the main drying air duct 51 to the second air distribution cavity. The upper branch air inlet 7101 connects the first clothes handling drum 1 to the second air distribution cavity through the upper air inlet air duct 52 or the upper air outlet air duct 54. The lower branch air inlet 7102 connects the first clothes handling drum 1 to the second air distribution cavity through the lower air inlet air duct 53 or the lower air outlet air duct 54. The air duct 55 connects the second clothing processing cylinder 2 to the second air distribution chamber. The second air distribution component 72 is disposed in the second air distribution chamber. The second air distribution component 72 has a third working position that opens the upper branch air outlet 7101 and closes the lower branch air outlet 7102, a fourth working position that opens the lower branch air outlet 7102 and closes the upper branch air outlet 7101, and a fifth working position that opens the upper branch air outlet 7101 and the lower branch air outlet 7102 simultaneously. The second air distribution component 72 can be controlled to switch between the third working position, the fourth working position and the fifth working position.

[0058] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the second air distribution cavity includes a cylindrical cavity. Upper branch air inlets 7101 and lower branch air inlets 7102 are spaced apart along the circumferential sidewalls 712 of the cylindrical cavity. A second air distribution component 72 is rotatably disposed on the axial sidewalls 711 of the cylindrical cavity. A main air inlet 7103 is disposed opposite to the axial sidewalls 711 of the cylindrical cavity. The second air distribution component 72 includes a second air distribution element 721 and a second connecting element 722. The second air distribution element 721 is connected to the second connecting element 722, which is rotatably disposed within the second air distribution cavity. The second air distribution element 721 includes a second contact surface 7211, which is in contact with the circumferential sidewalls 712 of the cylindrical cavity. The rotation axis of the second connecting element 722 coincides with the axis of the cylindrical cavity. Rotation of the second connecting element 722 can drive the second contact surface 7211 along... The sidewall 712 of the cylindrical cavity slides in the circumferential direction to drive the second mating surface 7211 to rotate to the fourth working position where the upper branch air outlet 7101 is blocked and the lower branch air outlet 7102 is opened, drive the second mating surface 7211 to rotate to the third working position where the air duct of the lower branch air outlet 7102 is blocked and the upper branch air outlet 7101 is opened, and drive the second mating surface 7211 to rotate to the fifth working position between the upper branch air outlet 7101 and the lower branch air outlet 7102 so that the upper branch air outlet 7101 and the lower branch air outlet 7102 are opened simultaneously.

[0059] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, the air distribution assembly 7 also includes a second drive component 74, which is connected to the second connecting component 722. The second drive component 74 drives the second connecting component 722 to rotate, causing the second air distribution component 721 to switch between a third working position, a fourth working position, and a fifth working position. A second rotating shaft is provided on the axial sidewall 711 of the cylindrical cavity, and the second air distribution component 72 is connected to the second rotating shaft, which is located on the rotation axis of the second air distribution component 72. The second drive component 74 is connected to the second rotating shaft, and drives the second rotating shaft to rotate, thereby causing the second air distribution component 72 to rotate. The second drive component 74 is, for example, a combination of a drive motor and a transmission component.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in order to axially limit the second connecting member 722, the air distribution assembly 7 also includes a second limiting cover 73. One end of the second limiting cover 73 is connected to one end of the second rotating shaft in the axial direction, and the other end is connected to the side wall 711 in the axial direction of the cylindrical cavity. The rotating end of the second connecting member is limited between the second limiting cover 73 and the side wall 711 in the axial direction of the cylindrical cavity.

[0061] The two air distribution components 7 in this embodiment are respectively set before and after the main drying air duct 51. By controlling the two air distribution components 7, the first clothing treatment drum 1 and the second clothing treatment drum 2 can be dried simultaneously or individually. Within the limited structural space, the heat pump system is maximized and the energy consumption of the dual-drum drying is reduced.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the twin-drum garment processing equipment also includes a heat exchange device 3 and an air supply device 4, which are disposed within the main drying duct 51. For example, the air supply device 4 is positioned upstream of the airflow direction of the heat exchange device 3. Under the action of the air supply device 4, the airflow in the first garment processing drum 1 and / or the second garment processing drum 2 enters the main drying duct 51 through the air outlet assembly, exchanges heat with the heat exchange device 3 to become a high-temperature airflow, and then enters the first garment processing drum 1 and / or the second garment processing drum 2 through the air supply device 4. The heat exchange device 3 includes an evaporator and a condenser. The twin-drum garment processing equipment also includes a compressor and a throttling device. The compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator are sequentially connected to form a refrigerant circulation loop. The heat exchange device 3 may be, for example, an integrated evaporator and condenser forming a two-unit structure. The air supply device 4 may be, for example, an air supply fan.

[0063] The garment processing equipment in this embodiment has three drying modes, including a single-drum drying mode in which either the first garment processing drum 1 or the second garment processing drum 2 dries the garments separately, and a dual-drum drying mode in which the first garment processing drum 1 and the second garment processing drum 2 dry the garments simultaneously.

[0064] First garment processing drum 1 separate drying mode: The air distribution component 7 corresponding to the air inlet component and the air distribution component 7 corresponding to the air outlet component are started. The second air distribution element 72 in both air distribution components 7 are in the first working position, so that the air duct circuit to the second garment processing drum 2 is closed. At this time, in the drying system, only the first garment processing drum 1 can circulate the air in the air duct circuit, so as to realize the separate drying of the first garment processing drum 1.

[0065] Second Clothes Processing Drum 2 Independent Drying Mode: The air distribution component 7 corresponding to the air inlet component and the air distribution component 7 corresponding to the air outlet component are started. The second air distribution element 72 in both air distribution components 7 are in the second working position, so that the air duct circuit leading to the first clothes processing drum 1 is closed. At this time, in the drying system, only the second clothes processing drum 2 can circulate the air in the air duct circuit, so as to realize the independent drying of the second clothes processing drum 2.

[0066] Dual-drum drying mode: The air distribution component 7 corresponding to the air inlet component and the air distribution component 7 corresponding to the air outlet component are started. The second air distribution element 72 in both air distribution components 7 are in the third working position. The second air distribution element 72 in this position does not coincide with any air outlet, so that the air duct circuit to the first garment processing drum 1 and the second garment processing drum 2 is opened. At this time, in the drying system, the first garment processing drum 1 and the second garment processing drum 2 can both circulate air in the air duct circuit, realizing simultaneous drying of the two drums.

[0067] According to an exemplary embodiment, this embodiment proposes a drying method for a dual-tube garment processing device. The drying method is used to control the dual-tube garment processing device proposed in the above embodiment. The drying method includes: when the dual-tube garment processing device is in single-tube drying mode, determining the humid and hot state of the garment processing tube to be dried, controlling the position state of the first air distribution component 62 of the connector assembly 6 according to the humid and hot state, and controlling the air distribution component 7 to conduct the airflow passage between the main drying air duct 51 and the first garment processing tube 1 and the second garment processing tube 2.

[0068] This embodiment applies to a dual-drum garment processing device where one garment processing drum is drying while the other is not. By judging the humid and hot state of the garment processing drum being dried, it is determined whether the drying drum needs to enter the fresh air dehumidification state. When the drying drum needs to enter the fresh air dehumidification state, the air outlet connected to the exhaust port of the garment processing drum is switched on the connector assembly 6. Furthermore, by controlling the opening and closing state of the two air distribution assemblies 7, the introduction of fresh air from the external environment and the discharge of high-humidity air from the drying drum inside are realized, thereby improving the single-drum drying efficiency, shortening the drying time, and reducing energy consumption.

[0069] In one example, Figure 12 This is a drying process diagram of a twin-tube garment processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, with reference to... Figure 12 The process involves determining the humid and hot state of the clothes handling drums being dried, controlling the position of the first air distribution member 62 of the connector assembly 6 based on the humid and hot state, and controlling the air distribution assembly 7 to maintain the airflow passage between the main drying air duct 51 and the first and second clothes handling drums 1 and 2, including the following steps:

[0070] S121, the control unit 7 corresponding to the air inlet assembly connects the main drying air duct 51 to the airflow passage between the main drying air duct 51 and the clothes processing drum that performs drying, and the control unit 7 corresponding to the air outlet assembly connects the main drying air duct 51 to the airflow passage between the main drying air duct 51 and the clothes processing drum that performs drying, and the control unit 6's first air distribution component 62 is in the first working position.

[0071] In this embodiment, when the dual-drum clothing processing equipment operates in single-drum drying mode, the main drying air duct 51 is first connected to the clothing processing drum being dried only through the air distribution component 7. The clothing processing drum being dried is in an internal circulation drying process. At this time, the airflow direction is: clothing processing drum being dried - air outlet component - air supply device 4 - heat exchange device 3 - air inlet component. The airflow direction is referenced from... Figure 10 As indicated by the middle arrow, the small-diameter air inlet of the connector assembly 6 is connected to the exhaust port of the clothes drying drum to maintain the air pressure balance inside the clothes drying drum.

[0072] S122. Obtain the inlet and outlet air temperatures of the main drying duct 51. When the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet air temperatures is less than the set temperature difference, maintain the position of the air distribution component 7 corresponding to the inlet component, control the air distribution component 7 corresponding to the outlet component to connect the main drying duct 51 with the airflow passage between the outlet component and the clothes processing drum that has not been dried, and control the first air distribution component 62 to be in the second working position.

[0073] In this embodiment, both the inlet and outlet ends of the main drying duct 51 are equipped with temperature sensors. As the single-drum drying process proceeds, a high-temperature and high-humidity airflow is generated inside the drying drum. The inlet and outlet temperatures of the main drying duct 51 are detected to determine whether the drying drum is in a high-temperature and high-humidity state. If the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures is less than the set temperature difference, it is determined that the drying drum has reached a high-temperature and high-humidity state. To reduce the operating load of the heat exchange device 3 and improve the drying efficiency, the drying drum needs to enter the fresh air dehumidification drying process. At this time, the air distribution component 7 corresponding to the inlet component connects the main drying duct 51 only to the drying drum, and the air distribution component 7 corresponding to the outlet component connects the main drying duct 51 only to the un-dried drum through the outlet component. At this time, the large-diameter air outlets of the two connector components 6 are connected to the exhaust ports of the corresponding drying drums to achieve the function of the drying drums expelling moisture and the un-dried drums drawing in fresh air.

[0074] At this time, the airflow direction for drying is: external environment - undried clothes handling drum connector assembly 6 - undried clothes handling drum - air outlet assembly - air distribution assembly 7 - main drying air duct 51 - air distribution assembly 7 - air inlet assembly - clothes handling drum undergoing drying - clothes handling drum undergoing drying connector assembly 6 - external environment. The airflow direction is referenced below. Figure 11 The direction indicated by the middle arrow. In this embodiment, the clothes handling drum that is not being dried can be an idle clothes handling drum or a clothes handling drum that is performing a washing or care program.

[0075] If the inlet and outlet air temperatures of the main drying duct 51 determine that the clothes drying drum has not reached a high temperature and high humidity state, the internal circulation drying process will continue until the drying is finished.

[0076] S123. Obtain the exhaust temperature of the exhaust port of the clothes drying drum. If the exhaust temperature is lower than the set exhaust temperature, control the air distribution component 7 corresponding to the exhaust component to restore the state in which the airflow passage between the main drying air duct 51 and the clothes drying drum is connected only.

[0077] In this embodiment, during the fresh air intake and dehumidification drying process of the clothes drying drum, it is determined whether the outlet temperature of the clothes drying drum has reached the set temperature. A temperature sensor is installed at the outlet. When the clothes drying drum first enters the fresh air intake and dehumidification drying process, the outlet temperature of the clothes drying drum is relatively high. As the high-temperature and high-humidity airflow inside the drum is discharged and fresh air is introduced from the outside, the outlet temperature of the clothes drying drum will decrease. When the set outlet temperature is reached, it can be determined that the hot and humid airflow inside the clothes drying drum has been discharged. At this time, the clothes drying drum needs to re-enter the internal circulation drying process. That is, the main drying air duct 51 is connected only to the clothes drying drum by the air distribution component 7 corresponding to the air intake component, and the main drying air duct 51 is connected only to the clothes drying drum by the air distribution component 7 corresponding to the air outlet component. The airflow direction is referenced. Figure 10 As indicated by the middle arrow, the small-diameter air inlet of the connector assembly 6 is connected to the exhaust port of the clothes drying drum to maintain the air pressure balance inside the clothes drying drum.

[0078] The drying method of this embodiment aims to remove a large amount of high-humidity airflow from the clothes processing drum during the initial stage of single-drum drying, thereby reducing the operating load of the heat exchange device 3 and improving drying efficiency. Depending on the load weight, the following situations exist: For large loads with high moisture content and abundant high-humidity airflow during the initial drying stage, the temperature determination of the inlet and outlet air of the main drying duct 51 will involve multiple fresh air intake and dehumidification drying processes when using the drying method of this embodiment for single-drum drying. For small loads with low moisture content and less high-humidity airflow during the initial drying stage, the temperature determination of the inlet and outlet air of the main drying duct 51 will involve fewer fresh air intake and dehumidification drying processes, and there are situations where the fresh air intake and dehumidification drying process is not initiated at all.

[0079] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are 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. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0080] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

Claims

1. A connector assembly for a twin-tube garment processing device, characterized in that, The connector assembly includes: The first air distribution shell forms a first air distribution cavity. The first air distribution shell has a first air outlet, a second air outlet, and a third air outlet that communicate with the first air distribution cavity. The airflow area of ​​the first air outlet is smaller than that of the second air outlet. The third air outlet is used to connect to the exhaust port of the clothing processing drum that communicates with the external environment. A first air distribution component is disposed within the first air distribution cavity. The first air distribution component has a first working position that opens the first air outlet while closing the second air outlet, and a second working position that opens the second air outlet while closing the first air outlet. The first air distribution component can be controlled to switch between the first working position and the second working position.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the first air distribution cavity includes an arc-shaped wall. The first air outlet and the second air outlet are opened on the arc-shaped wall. The first air distribution component includes a first air distribution part and a first connecting part. The first air distribution part is connected to the first connecting part. The first connecting part is rotatably disposed in the first air distribution cavity. The rotation axis of the first connecting part coincides with the center of the arc-shaped wall. The first air distribution part includes a first contact surface. The first contact surface is in contact with the arc-shaped wall. The rotation of the first connecting part can drive the first contact surface to slide along the arc-shaped wall.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector assembly includes a first driving component, which is connected to the first connecting component. The first driving component drives the first connecting component to rotate, causing the first air distribution component to switch between the first working position and the second working position.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector assembly includes a condensing component disposed within the first air distribution chamber, which is used to condense the moisture entering the first air distribution chamber.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first air distribution shell includes an upper shell and a lower shell. The upper shell and the lower shell cooperate to form the first air distribution cavity. The upper shell includes a front sidewall, and the lower shell includes a rear sidewall and a bottom wall. The first air outlet and the second air outlet are both located on the front sidewall. The third air outlet is located on the rear sidewall near the bottom wall. The condenser is located on the bottom wall.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom wall is inclined, and the inclination is such that the side of the bottom wall near the front side wall is higher than the side of the bottom wall near the rear side wall.

7. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The connector assembly also includes a connecting pipe, which is connected to the third air outlet and is used to connect the third air outlet to the exhaust port of the clothing treatment drum.

8. A double-tube garment processing device, characterized in that, The double-tube garment processing equipment includes: The first garment processing tube and the second garment processing tube are arranged from top to bottom. The openings of the first garment processing tube and the second garment processing tube are respectively provided with an upper air inlet and a lower air inlet. The wall of the first garment processing tube is provided with an upper air outlet and an upper exhaust outlet. The wall of the second garment processing tube is provided with a lower air outlet and a lower exhaust outlet. The air duct system includes an air inlet assembly, an air outlet assembly, and a main drying air duct. The air inlet assembly connects the air outlet of the main drying air duct to the upper air inlet and the lower air inlet. The air outlet assembly connects the air inlet of the main drying air duct to the upper air outlet and the lower air outlet. Two air distribution components are provided. One air distribution component corresponds to the air inlet component and is used to connect the air outlet of the main drying air duct to the upper air inlet and the lower air inlet through the air inlet component. The other air distribution component corresponds to the air outlet component and is used to connect the air inlet of the main drying air duct to the upper air outlet and the lower air outlet through the air outlet component. The air distribution component can selectively open at least one airflow path between the main drying air duct and the first clothes processing drum and the second clothes processing drum. Two connector assemblies, one of which is disposed at the upper exhaust port and the other of which is disposed at the lower exhaust port, wherein the connector assembly is the connector assembly according to any one of claims 1-7; When the dual-drum clothing processing equipment is operating in single-drum drying mode, the drying process of the clothing processing drum includes an internal circulation drying process and a fresh air dehumidification drying process. During the internal circulation drying process, the air distribution component corresponding to the air inlet component connects the main drying air duct only with the airflow passage between the clothes processing drum that is being dried, and the air distribution component corresponding to the air outlet component connects the main drying air duct only with the airflow passage between the clothes processing drum that is being dried, and the first air distribution component is in the first working position. During the fresh air dehumidification process, the air distribution component corresponding to the air inlet component connects the main drying air duct only with the airflow path between the clothes processing drum that is being dried, and the air distribution component corresponding to the air outlet component connects the main drying air duct only with the airflow path between the clothes processing drum that is not being dried, and the first air distribution component is in the second working position.

9. A drying method for a double-tube garment processing device, characterized in that, The drying method is used to control the twin-tube garment processing equipment according to claim 8, and the drying method includes: When the dual-drum garment processing equipment is in single-drum drying mode, the humid and hot state of the garment processing drum to be dried is determined, and the position of the first air distribution component of the connector assembly is controlled according to the humid and hot state, as well as the air distribution component is controlled to open the airflow passage between the main drying air duct and the first and second garment processing drums.

10. The drying method of the double-tube garment processing equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The process of determining the humid and hot state of the clothes processing drum undergoing drying, controlling the position of the first air distribution component of the connector assembly based on the humid and hot state, and controlling the air distribution assembly to maintain the connection between the main drying air duct and the airflow passage between the first and second clothes processing drums, includes: The air distribution component corresponding to the air inlet component is controlled to connect the main drying air duct only to the airflow passage between the main drying air duct and the clothes processing drum that performs drying; the air distribution component corresponding to the air outlet component is controlled to connect the main drying air duct only to the airflow passage between the main drying air duct and the clothes processing drum that performs drying; and the first air distribution component of the connector component is controlled to be in the first working position. The inlet and outlet temperatures of the main drying duct are obtained. When the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures is less than a set temperature difference, the position of the air distribution component corresponding to the inlet component is maintained. The air distribution component corresponding to the outlet component is controlled to connect the airflow passage between the main drying duct and the clothes processing drum that has not been dried. The first air distribution component is controlled to be in the second working position. The outlet air temperature of the exhaust port of the clothes processing drum that is performing the drying is obtained. If the outlet air temperature is lower than the set outlet air temperature, the air distribution component corresponding to the air outlet component is controlled to return to the state that the airflow passage between the main drying air duct and the clothes processing drum that is performing the drying is opened, and the first air distribution component is controlled to return to the first working position.

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