A clothes dryer with steam care function and its control method

Abstract

This invention provides a clothes dryer with steam care function and a control method thereof. The clothes dryer includes a drying system, a steam care device, and a water supply system. The drying system includes an evaporator and a condenser. The evaporator is used to dehumidify the drying airflow, and the condenser is used to heat the drying airflow. A water collection tray is provided below the evaporator to collect the condensate generated by the evaporator. The steam care device includes a steam generator for steam care of clothes. The water supply system connects the water collection tray and the steam generator and can transport the condensate in the water collection tray to the steam generator. The dryer features automatic water filling, no need for external water pipes, convenient water filling, and high condensate utilization rate, avoiding waste of condensate and solving the problems of complex structure and inconvenience in adding water to the steam generator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of steam care technology, and in particular relates to a clothes dryer with steam care function and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of dryers, new technologies are constantly being applied, especially steam care functions, which are becoming an essential feature of dryers. However, conventional dryers do not have a water inlet device, and some users did not install a water inlet pipe during renovation, making the steam care function impossible to implement on some models. In order to add water to the steam generator, some dryers have to have an opening at the top of the dryer casing, requiring manual water addition each time steam care is needed. However, this method requires an external water pipe and is inconvenient to add water.

[0003] Heat pump dryers are favored by users due to their excellent performance; however, the evaporator produces a lot of condensate during operation, which needs to be drained in time, otherwise it will affect the operation of the evaporator and directly draining the condensate will waste water resources. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a dryer with steam care function and a control method to solve the problems of existing heat pump dryers, such as the need for external water pipes and inconvenience in adding water due to the opening at the top of the casing to add water to the steam generator, and the low utilization rate of condensate generated by the evaporator.

[0005] This invention provides a clothes dryer with a steam care function, comprising:

[0006] A drying system includes an evaporator and a condenser, wherein the evaporator is used to dehumidify the drying airflow and the condenser is used to heat the drying airflow; a water collection tray is provided below the evaporator to collect the condensate produced by the evaporator.

[0007] A steam care device, comprising a steam generator, for steam care of clothing;

[0008] A water supply system that connects the water receiving pan and the steam generator, and can transport the condensate in the water receiving pan to the steam generator.

[0009] Further optionally, the water supply system includes an installation box and a water storage box. The installation box is fixedly installed, and a water inlet is formed on one side wall of the installation box. A water outlet is formed on the other side wall of the installation box. A water passage cavity is formed inside the installation box, connecting the water inlet and the water outlet. The water outlet and the steam generator are connected through the steam inlet pipe.

[0010] The water storage box and the installation box are connected. The water storage box forms a water storage chamber and a water filling chamber, and the water storage chamber and the water filling chamber are connected. A purifier is provided between the water storage chamber and the water filling chamber. The purifier is used to purify the condensate flowing between the water storage chamber and the water filling chamber. The water storage chamber and the water receiving tray are connected through a water pump and a drain pipe of the water receiving tray. The side wall of the water storage box forms a water storage box drain outlet. The water storage box drain outlet and the water filling chamber are connected through a water filling chamber drain pipe, and the water storage box drain outlet and the installation box inlet are connected.

[0011] Further optionally, the water supply system includes a water storage box, which forms a water storage chamber and a water filling chamber; the water storage chamber and the water filling chamber are connected, and a purifier is provided between the water storage chamber and the water filling chamber for purifying the condensate flowing between the water storage chamber and the water filling chamber; the water storage chamber and the water receiving tray are connected through the water receiving tray drain pipe, and the water filling chamber and the steam generator are connected through a steam inlet pipe; or,

[0012] The water supply system includes a steam inlet pipe, and the water receiving tray and the steam generator are directly connected through the steam inlet pipe.

[0013] Further optionally, the steam generator has a steam outlet and a first overflow outlet, a steam pipe is provided at the steam outlet for outputting steam; the first overflow outlet and the water receiving tray are connected through the first overflow pipe, and the position of the first overflow outlet is lower than the position of the steam outlet;

[0014] A control valve is provided on the first overflow pipe. The control valve is configured to be closed when the steam generator is running and open when the steam generator stops.

[0015] Optionally, a sealing valve is provided at the drain outlet of the water storage box; when the water storage box and the installation box are connected, the sealing valve can open the drain outlet of the water storage box and connect the drain outlet of the water storage box with the water inlet of the installation box; when the water storage box and the installation box are separated, the sealing valve can close the drain outlet of the water storage box.

[0016] Further optionally, the sealing valve includes a slide and a plug, the slide being disposed at the drain outlet of the water storage box and having a sliding hole extending through the slide, the sliding hole connecting the drain outlet of the water storage box and the drain pipe; the plug being slidably disposed within the sliding hole;

[0017] When the water storage box and the mounting box are connected, the plug can open the sliding hole;

[0018] When the water storage box and the mounting box are separated, the plug can seal the sliding hole.

[0019] Further optionally, the sliding hole has a segmented structure and includes a first sliding hole segment, a second sliding hole segment, and a third sliding hole segment arranged sequentially; the first sliding hole segment and the second sliding hole segment are connected through a communication port A, and the second sliding hole segment and the third sliding hole segment are connected through a communication port B;

[0020] The plug has a sliding rod and a sealing plate. The sliding rod is slidably disposed in the first sliding hole section, the second sliding hole section and the third sliding hole section. The sealing plate is disposed on the sliding rod. A sealing ring is disposed on the side of the sealing plate near the A connection port. An elastic element is disposed between the side of the sealing plate near the B connection port and the end wall of the third sliding hole section.

[0021] The elastic element releases energy, causing the sealing plate to slide towards the A-connection port, and the sealing plate can seal the A-connection port through the sealing ring;

[0022] The sealing plate can be slid towards the B connection port to open the A connection port, and the elastic element stores energy.

[0023] Optionally, the dryer further includes a drying drum with a steam inlet at its opening; the steam care device and the mounting box are both located at the top of the drying drum, with one of the steam care device and the mounting box located on the left side of the drying drum and the other on the right side; the steam generator has a steam inlet and a steam outlet, the steam inlet and the mounting box drain outlet are connected through the steam inlet pipe, and the steam outlet and the steam inlet are connected through a steam pipe;

[0024] An air inlet is formed at the opening of the clothes drying drum, and an air outlet is formed on the drum wall. The drying system also includes a two-electrode box, an air inlet duct, and an air outlet duct. The two-electrode box forms a two-electrode channel, and the evaporator and condenser are arranged in the two-electrode channel. The air outlet, air outlet duct, two-electrode channel, air inlet duct, and air inlet are sequentially connected to form a drying flow path, and the drying airflow can circulate in the drying flow path.

[0025] The present invention also provides a control method for a clothes dryer, wherein the clothes dryer is the aforementioned clothes dryer with steam care function, and the drying control method includes the following when the clothes dryer is running a drying program:

[0026] Determine whether the steam generator is in operation;

[0027] When the steam generator is in operation, the target water volume of the steam generator is determined;

[0028] Obtain the current water volume in the water receiving tray and compare the current water volume with the target water volume;

[0029] The operation of the water pump and / or the addition of water to the water filling chamber are controlled based on the comparison between the current water volume and the target water volume.

[0030] Further optionally, controlling the operation of the water pump and / or adding water to the water filling chamber based on the comparison result of the current water volume and the target water volume includes:

[0031] When the current water volume is less than the target water volume, the water pump is controlled to run, and water of the target water volume minus the current water volume is added into the water filling chamber.

[0032] When the current water volume is greater than or equal to the target water volume, the water pump is controlled to operate until the water volume in the steam generator equals the target water volume.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the main advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0034] The condensate produced by the evaporator is collected in a water receiving pan and transported to the steam generator through a water supply system. It features automatic water addition, no need for external water pipes, convenient water addition, and high condensate utilization rate, avoiding waste of condensate and solving the problems of complex structure and inconvenience in adding water to the steam generator. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0036] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed herein, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives that the present invention can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention.

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the clothes dryer provided by the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water filling chamber provided by the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the sealing valve provided by the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view at point E in the middle;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an embodiment of the clothes dryer provided by the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the control method for a clothes dryer provided by the present invention;

[0043] In the picture:

[0044] 1-Steam treatment device; 11-Steam inlet pipe; 12-Steam generator; 13-Steam pipe; 14-Steam outlet; 15-First overflow port; 16-First overflow pipe; 17-Control valve;

[0045] 2- Mounting box; 21- Water passage chamber; 22- Mounting box inlet; 23- Mounting box inlet pipe; 24- Second overflow outlet; 25- Second overflow pipe;

[0046] 3-Water storage box; 31-Water filling chamber; 311-Water inlet; 312-Water filling chamber drain outlet; 313-Water filling cap; 32-Water filling chamber drain pipe; 33-Water storage box drain outlet; 34-Water storage chamber; 35-Purifier;

[0047] 4-Blocking valve; 41-Slide seat; 411-First sliding hole section; 412-Second sliding hole section; 413-Third sliding hole section; 414-A connecting port; 415-B connecting port; 42-Plug; 421-Slide rod; 422-Blocking plate;

[0048] 51-Dryer; 52-Dual-phase box; 53-Evaporator; 54-Condenser; 551-Air inlet duct; 552-Air outlet duct; 56-Fan; 571-Drain tray; 572-Drain tray drain pipe; 58-Compressor. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “Multiple” generally includes at least two, but does not exclude the inclusion of at least one.

[0051] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0052] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a product or system comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a product or system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the product or system that includes said element.

[0053] To enable the addition of water to the steam generator in some existing dryers, an opening must be made at the top of the dryer casing, requiring manual water addition each time steam treatment is needed. However, this method requires an external water pipe and is inconvenient for adding water. Heat pump dryers are favored by users due to their excellent performance. However, the evaporator produces a lot of condensate during operation, which needs to be drained in time. Otherwise, it will affect the operation of the evaporator, and directly draining the condensate will waste water resources.

[0054] This invention creatively provides a clothes dryer with a steam care function, including a drying system, a steam care device, and a water supply system. The drying system includes an evaporator and a condenser. The evaporator is used to dehumidify the drying airflow, and the condenser is used to heat the drying airflow. A water collection tray is provided below the evaporator to collect the condensate generated by the evaporator. The steam care device includes a steam generator for steam care of clothes. The water supply system connects the water collection tray and the steam generator and can transport the condensate in the water collection tray to the steam generator. It features automatic water filling, no need for external water pipes, convenient water filling, and high condensate utilization, avoiding waste of condensate and solving the problems of complex structure and inconvenience in adding water to the steam generator.

[0055] Example 1

[0056] <Clothes dryer>

[0057] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, this embodiment provides a clothes dryer with a steam care function. The clothes dryer is a heat pump type and includes:

[0058] The drying system includes an evaporator 53 and a condenser 54. The evaporator 53 is used to dehumidify the drying airflow, and the condenser 54 is used to heat the drying airflow. A water collection tray 571 is provided below the evaporator 53 to collect the condensate produced by the evaporator 53.

[0059] Steam care device 1, which includes a steam generator 12 for steam care of clothing;

[0060] The water supply system connects the water receiving pan 571 and the steam generator 12, and can transport the condensate in the water receiving pan 571 to the steam generator 12.

[0061] Specifically, the drying system also includes an air inlet duct 551, an air outlet duct 552, and a two-evapor box; an air inlet is formed at the opening of the drying drum 5, and an air outlet is formed on the drum wall of the drying drum 5; the two-evapor box 52 forms a two-evapor channel, and the evaporator 53 and the condenser 54 are arranged in the two-evapor channel with the evaporator 53 located upstream of the condenser 54; the air outlet, the air outlet duct 552, the two-evapor channel, the air inlet duct 551, and the air inlet are connected in sequence to form a drying flow path; a fan 56 is installed in the air inlet duct 551, and under the action of the fan 56, the drying airflow circulates in the drying flow path; the evaporator 53 and the condenser 54 are connected to the compressor 58 through a refrigerant pipe.

[0062] Furthermore, the water conveyance system includes:

[0063] The mounting box 2 is fixedly installed, and a water inlet 22 is formed on one side wall of the mounting box 2, and a drain outlet is formed on the other side wall of the mounting box 2. A water passage cavity 21 is formed inside the mounting box 2, which connects the water inlet 22 and the drain outlet. The drain outlet and the steam generator 12 are connected through a steam inlet pipe 11, and water can be supplied to the steam generator 12 through the water passage cavity 21. A second overflow outlet 24 is formed on the bottom wall of the mounting box 2, and a second overflow pipe 25 is provided at the second overflow outlet 24. The second overflow outlet 24 connects the water passage cavity 21 and the second overflow pipe 25. When there is excess water in the water passage cavity 21, water can overflow through the second overflow pipe 25.

[0064] A water storage box 3 is mounted on the mounting box 2 and has a water storage chamber 34 and a water filling chamber 31, which are connected. A purifier 35 is installed between the water storage chamber 34 and the water filling chamber 31 to purify the condensate flowing between them, removing impurities such as lint and dust, as well as odors. The water storage chamber 34 and the water receiving tray 571 are connected by a water pump and a water receiving tray drain pipe 572. Under the action of the water pump, the condensate in the water receiving tray 571 can enter the water storage chamber 34 through the water receiving tray drain pipe 572. The water in the water storage chamber 34 can enter the water filling chamber 31 through the purifier 35. The water filling chamber 31 has a water inlet 311 and a water filling chamber drain outlet 312. The side wall of the water storage box 3 is formed with a water storage box. The drain outlet 33 of the water storage box is connected to the water inlet of the mounting box; the drain outlet 312 of the water filling chamber and the drain outlet 33 of the water storage box are connected through the drain pipe 32 of the water filling chamber; water can be added to the water filling chamber 31 through the water filling outlet 311; specifically, the mounting box 2 includes a base and a box body, the box body is located on the rear side of the base, and the water storage box 3 is located on the front side of the base; the side wall of the water storage box 3 includes a front side wall and a rear side wall; the water filling chamber 31 is close to the front side wall of the water storage box and the top wall of the water filling chamber 31 forms a water filling outlet 311, and the bottom wall of the water filling chamber 31 forms a water filling outlet 312; the drain outlet 33 of the water storage box is formed at the bottom of the rear side wall of the water storage box; the water storage box 3 and the mounting box 2 can be fixedly connected or detachably connected; a water filling cover 313 is provided at the water filling outlet 311;

[0065] A sealing valve 4 is installed at the drain outlet 33 of the water storage box; when the water storage box 3 and the installation box 2 are connected, the sealing valve 4 can open the drain outlet 33 of the water storage box and connect the drain outlet 33 of the water storage box with the inlet 22 of the installation box, so that water can be added to the steam generator 12 through the water filling chamber 31 and the installation box 2; when the water storage box 3 and the installation box 2 are separated, the sealing valve 4 can close the drain outlet 33 of the water storage box to prevent water leakage from the water filling chamber 31.

[0066] The water tray 571 collects the condensate produced by the evaporator 3 and, after purification, uses it for the water needed for steam treatment, thus realizing the recycling of water resources. Users do not need to add water themselves, saving the trouble of manual water addition and eliminating the need to purchase purified water separately, thus saving effort and money.

[0067] To address the issue of the sealing valve 4 not opening or closing the sliding hole in a timely manner, this embodiment proposes that the sealing valve 4 includes a sliding seat 41 and a plug 42. The sliding seat 41 is located at the drain outlet 33 of the water storage box and has a sliding hole that penetrates the sliding seat 41. The sliding hole connects the drain outlet 33 of the water storage box and the drain pipe 32. The plug 42 is slidably disposed in the sliding hole.

[0068] When the water storage box 3 and the mounting box 2 are connected, the plug 42 can open the sliding hole; when the water storage box 3 and the mounting box 2 are separated, the plug 42 can close the sliding hole.

[0069] Furthermore, the sliding hole has a segmented structure and includes a first sliding hole segment 411, a second sliding hole segment 412 and a third sliding hole segment 413 arranged coaxially and sequentially. The diameter of the first sliding hole segment 411 is smaller than the diameter of the second sliding hole segment 412, and the diameter of the third sliding hole segment 413 is smaller than the diameter of the second sliding hole segment 412.

[0070] The plug 42 has a sliding rod 421 and a sealing plate 422. The sliding rod 421 is slidably disposed in the first sliding hole section 411, the second sliding hole section 412 and the third sliding hole section 413. The sealing plate 422 is disposed on the sliding rod 421 and can slide with the sliding rod 421 in the second sliding hole section 412.

[0071] In response to the problem that the sealing plate 422 does not seal the sliding hole tightly due to the unreasonable structural design of the sliding hole, this embodiment proposes that the first sliding hole section 411 and the second sliding hole section 412 are connected through the A connecting port 414, and the second sliding hole section 412 and the third sliding hole section 413 are connected through the B connecting port 415.

[0072] A sealing ring is provided on the side of the sealing plate 422 near the A connecting port 414, and an elastic element is provided between the side of the sealing plate 422 near the B connecting port 415 and the end wall of the third sliding hole section 413; specifically, the elastic element is a spring.

[0073] The elastic element releases energy, causing the sealing plate 422 to slide towards the A-connection port 414. The sealing plate 422 can seal the A-connection port 414 through the sealing ring.

[0074] The sealing plate 422 slides towards the B connection port 415, which can open the A connection port 414, and the elastic element stores energy.

[0075] To address the issue that the sealing plate 422 does not open the through hole in time when the water storage box 3 and the installation box 2 are connected, this embodiment proposes that an installation box water inlet 22 be provided with an installation box water inlet pipe 23.

[0076] When the water storage box 3 and the mounting box 2 are connected, the water inlet pipe 23 of the mounting box can be inserted into the first sliding hole section 411 and act on the sliding rod 421, so that the sealing plate 422 slides towards the B connection port 415.

[0077] Preferably, the water storage box 3 is made of transparent material; the water volume is visible when water is added, making it easy to control the amount of water added at one time.

[0078] To address the problem of excessive water in the steam generator 12 causing it to malfunction and waste water resources, this embodiment proposes that the steam generator 12 has a steam outlet 14 and a first overflow outlet 15. A steam pipe 13 is installed at the steam outlet 14 for outputting steam. The first overflow outlet 15 and the water receiving tray 571 are connected through a first overflow pipe 16. The position of the first overflow outlet 15 is lower than that of the steam outlet 14 to prevent water in the steam generator 12 from being discharged through the steam pipe 13. When there is too much water in the steam generator 12, it can re-enter the water receiving tray 571 through the first overflow outlet 15 and the first overflow pipe 16. At the same time, it reminds the user to drain the water when it is full.

[0079] A control valve 17 is installed on the first overflow pipe 16. The control valve 17 is configured such that when the steam generator 12 is running, the control valve 17 is in the closed state, so that the steam generated by the steam generator 12 enters the drying drum 51 only through the steam pipe 13; when the steam generator 12 stops, the control valve 17 is in the open state, so that the water in the steam generator 12 can enter the water receiving tray 571 through the first overflow pipe 16.

[0080] Furthermore, the dryer also includes a drying drum 5, which is equipped with a temperature sensor to detect the temperature inside the drying drum 5; a steam inlet is formed at the opening of the drying drum 5, and a steam nozzle is provided at the steam inlet to spray steam into the drying drum 5; the mounting box 2 and the steam care device 1 are both located on the top of the drying drum 5, with the mounting box 2 located on the left side of the drying drum 5 and the steam care device 1 located on the right side of the drying drum 5; specifically, the assembly height of the steam generator 12 can be lower than the assembly height of the water storage box 3, so that the water in the water filling chamber 31 can enter the steam generator 12 under the action of gravity;

[0081] The steam generator 12 has a steam inlet and a steam outlet, as well as a steam chamber connecting the steam inlet and the steam outlet. A liquid level detection probe is installed in the steam chamber to detect the liquid level in the steam chamber; or the liquid level in the steam chamber can be calculated based on the weight of the steam generator 12. When the water in the steam chamber is insufficient, the user is reminded to add water to the water filling chamber 31.

[0082] The steam treatment device 1 also includes a steam pipe 13; a steam inlet pipe 11 is connected between the steam inlet and the drain outlet of the mounting box, and a steam pipe 13 is connected between the steam outlet and the steam inlet.

[0083] In summary, the dryer with steam care function of the present invention does not require a separate water inlet pipe, is compatible with older models, and does not affect the appearance of the dryer; only one steam generator 12 device is needed to realize the care function; the steam water box and the dryer's water storage box 3 are designed as one unit, eliminating the need to add an extra water inlet 311 to the dryer's shell, making water addition convenient and the structure simple and reliable.

[0084] <Control Methods>

[0085] like Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment also provides a control method for a clothes dryer. The clothes dryer is the aforementioned clothes dryer with steam care function. When the clothes dryer is running the drying program, the drying control method includes:

[0086] Determine whether the steam generator 12 is in operation;

[0087] When the steam generator 12 is in operation, determine the target water volume of the steam generator 12;

[0088] Obtain the current water volume in the water tray 571 and compare the current water volume with the target water volume;

[0089] Control the operation of the water pump and / or add water to the water filling chamber 31 based on the comparison between the current water volume and the target water volume.

[0090] Furthermore, controlling the operation of the water pump and / or adding water to the water filling chamber 31 based on the comparison between the current water volume and the target water volume includes:

[0091] When the current water volume is less than the target water volume, control the water pump to run, and at the same time add water into the water filling chamber 31, the target water volume minus the current water volume;

[0092] When the current water volume is greater than or equal to the target water volume, control the water pump to run until the water volume in the steam generator 12 equals the target water volume.

[0093] Example 2

[0094] Unlike Embodiment 1, the water supply system includes a water storage box 2, which forms a water storage chamber 34 and a water filling chamber 31. The water storage chamber 34 and the water filling chamber 31 are connected, and a purifier 35 is provided between the water storage chamber 34 and the water filling chamber 31. The purifier 35 is used to purify the condensate flowing between the water storage chamber 34 and the water filling chamber 31. The water storage chamber 34 and the water receiving tray 571 are connected through the water receiving tray drain pipe 572, and the water filling chamber 31 and the steam generator 12 are connected through the steam inlet pipe 11.

[0095] Example 3

[0096] Unlike Embodiment 1, the water supply system includes a steam inlet pipe 11, and the water receiving tray 571 and steam generator 12 are directly connected through the steam inlet pipe 11.

[0097] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described above. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the detailed structures, arrangements, or implementations described herein; rather, this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements contained within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A clothes dryer with a steam care function, characterized in that, include: The drying system includes an evaporator (53) and a condenser (54), wherein the evaporator (53) is used to dehumidify the drying airflow and the condenser (54) is used to heat the drying airflow; a water receiving tray (571) is provided below the evaporator (53) to collect the condensate generated by the evaporator (53); A steam care device (1) includes a steam generator (12) for steam care of clothing; A water supply system is used to transport condensate in the water receiving tray (571) to the steam generator (12); the water supply system includes a mounting box (2) and a water storage box (3), the mounting box (2) is fixedly installed and a mounting box inlet (22) is formed on one side wall of the mounting box (2), a mounting box drain is formed on the other side wall of the mounting box (2), and a water passage cavity (21) is formed inside the mounting box (2) to connect the mounting box inlet (22) and the mounting box drain; the mounting box drain and the steam generator (12) are connected through a steam inlet pipe (11); The water storage box (3) is connected to the mounting box (2). The water storage box (3) forms a water storage cavity (34) and a water filling cavity (31), and the water storage cavity (34) and the water filling cavity (31) are connected. A purifier (35) is provided between the water storage cavity (34) and the water filling cavity (31). The purifier (35) is used to purify the condensate flowing between the water storage cavity (34) and the water filling cavity (31). The water storage cavity (34) and the water receiving tray (571) are connected through a water pump and a water receiving tray drain pipe (572). The side wall of the water storage box (3) forms a water storage box drain outlet (33), and the water storage box drain outlet (33) and the water filling cavity (31) are connected through a water filling cavity drain pipe (32). A sealing valve (4) is provided at the drain outlet (33) of the water storage box; when the water storage box (3) and the mounting box (2) are connected, the sealing valve (4) can open the drain outlet (33) of the water storage box and connect the drain outlet (33) of the water storage box and the inlet (22) of the mounting box; when the water storage box (3) and the mounting box (2) are separated, the sealing valve (4) can close the drain outlet (33) of the water storage box. The steam generator (12) has a steam outlet (14) and a first overflow outlet (15). A steam pipe (13) is provided at the steam outlet (14) for outputting steam. The first overflow outlet (15) and the water receiving tray (571) are connected through a first overflow pipe (16). The position of the first overflow outlet (15) is lower than the position of the steam outlet (14). A control valve (17) is provided on the first overflow pipe (16). The control valve (17) is configured such that when the steam generator (12) is running, the control valve (17) is in the closed state; when the steam generator (12) stops, the control valve (17) is in the open state.

2. The clothes dryer with steam care function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing valve (4) includes a slide (41) and a plug (42). The slide (41) is disposed at the drain outlet (33) of the water storage box and the slide (41) has a sliding hole that penetrates the slide (41). The sliding hole connects the drain outlet (33) of the water storage box and the drain pipe (32) of the water filling chamber. The plug (42) is slidably disposed in the sliding hole. When the water storage box (3) and the mounting box (2) are connected, the plug (42) can open the sliding hole; when the water storage box (3) and the mounting box (2) are separated, the plug (42) can close the sliding hole.

3. The clothes dryer with steam care function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sliding hole has a segmented structure and includes a first sliding hole segment (411), a second sliding hole segment (412), and a third sliding hole segment (413) arranged sequentially; the first sliding hole segment (411) and the second sliding hole segment (412) are connected through a connecting port A (414), and the second sliding hole segment (412) and the third sliding hole segment (413) are connected through a connecting port B (415); The plug (42) has a slide rod (421) and a sealing plate (422). The slide rod (421) is slidably disposed in the first sliding hole section, the second sliding hole section and the third sliding hole section. The sealing plate (422) is disposed on the slide rod (421). A sealing ring is disposed on the side of the sealing plate (422) near the A connecting port (414). An elastic element is disposed between the side of the sealing plate (422) near the B connecting port (415) and the end wall of the third sliding hole section (413). The elastic element releases energy, causing the sealing plate (422) to slide towards the A-connection port (414), and the sealing plate (422) can seal the A-connection port (414) through the sealing ring; The sealing plate (422) slides toward the B connection port (415) to open the A connection port (414), and the elastic element stores energy.

4. The clothes dryer with steam care function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dryer also includes a drying drum (51), with a steam inlet at the opening of the drum. The steam care device (1) and the mounting box (2) are both located on the top of the drying drum (51), with one of the steam care device (1) and the mounting box (2) located on the left side of the drying drum (51) and the other of the steam care device (1) and the mounting box (2) located on the right side of the drying drum (51). The steam generator (12) has a steam inlet and a steam outlet (14), which are connected to the drain outlet of the mounting box via the steam inlet pipe (11), and the steam outlet (14) and the steam inlet are connected via the steam pipe (13). An air inlet is formed at the opening of the drying drum (51), and an air outlet is formed on the wall of the drying drum (51). The drying system also includes a two-electrode box (52), an air inlet duct (551), and an air outlet duct (552). The two-electrode box (52) forms a two-electrode channel, and the evaporator (53) and condenser (54) are arranged in the two-electrode channel. The air outlet, air outlet duct (552), two-electrode channel, air inlet duct (551), and air inlet are connected in sequence to form a drying flow path, and the drying airflow can circulate in the drying flow path.

5. A control method for a clothes dryer, characterized in that, The dryer is the dryer with steam care function as described in claim 4, and the control method when the dryer is running the drying program includes: Determine whether the steam generator (12) is in operation; When the steam generator (12) is in operation, determine the target water volume of the steam generator (12); Obtain the current water volume in the water receiving tray (571) and compare the current water volume with the target water volume; The operation of the water pump and / or the addition of water to the water filling chamber (31) are controlled based on the comparison between the current water volume and the target water volume.

6. The control method for a clothes dryer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of controlling the operation of the water pump and / or adding water to the water filling chamber (31) based on the comparison result of the current water volume and the target water volume includes: When the current water volume is less than the target water volume, the water pump is controlled to run, and water of the target water volume minus the current water volume is added to the water filling chamber (31); When the current water volume is greater than or equal to the target water volume, the water pump is controlled to run until the water volume in the steam generator (12) is equal to the target water volume.

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