Drum-type laundry treatment apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a drum-type clothes processing device capable of improving drying efficiency and shortening drying time and a control method thereof. The drum-type clothes treating device comprises a shell, an outer drum, an inner drum and a drying device. The drying device comprises an air path shell, an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, a fan and an auxiliary heating device. The rear side wall of the outer cylinder is provided with an air supply outlet (201) through which air flowing out of the air outlet flows into the outer cylinder, and the air path shell (50) comprises a shell main body (53), an evaporator and a condenser are arranged in the shell main body (53); the air outlet piece (52) is provided with an air outlet, the air outlet piece (52) connects the shell body (53) and the air supply port, the air outlet piece comprises a first pipe (521) and a second pipe (522) which are independent from each other, the first pipe is connected to the shell body, the second pipe connects the first pipe and the air supply port, the second pipe extends in a roughly L shape in a side view, and the auxiliary heating device is arranged in the second pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drum-type laundry treating apparatus and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] At present, the demand for drum-type laundry treating apparatuses having a drying function is increasing. Such drum-type laundry treating apparatuses include an all-in-one washer-dryer having both a washing function and a drying function, a dryer having only a drying function, and the like.

[0003] In a drum-type laundry treating apparatus, as a method for realizing the drying function, a heat pump system is being increasingly adopted due to advantages such as energy saving and gentleness to laundry. In a drum-type laundry treating apparatus having a heat pump system, it is generally set that, by the heat absorption action of the refrigerant in the evaporator, water vapor in the air condenses on the surface of the evaporator and is separated out as condensed water, whereby low-temperature dry air is obtained, and then, by the heat release action of the refrigerant in the condenser, the air is heated, whereby high-temperature dry air is obtained, and the high-temperature dry air is used to dry the laundry in the inner drum. However, the heat pump system cannot quickly increase the temperature of the air at the initial stage of operation. Therefore, at the initial stage of operation of the drying apparatus, the temperature of the air flowing into the outer drum from the air outlet is not high, and drying cannot be performed efficiently.

[0004] In addition, when the drying function is turned on in a low-temperature environment, the heat pump system takes a long time to rise to the required operating temperature, and there is a possibility of frosting in the heat pump system.

[0005] Therefore, for a drum-type laundry treating apparatus having a drying apparatus, it has become a problem to develop a drum-type laundry treating apparatus capable of improving the drying efficiency and shortening the drying time. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object thereof is to provide a drum-type laundry treating apparatus and a control method thereof capable of improving the drying efficiency and shortening the drying time.

[0008] Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a drum-type laundry treating apparatus, which includes: a housing; an outer tub supported within the housing; an inner tub rotatably mounted within the outer tub for receiving laundry; and a drying device located above the outer tub for drying the laundry within the inner tub by using heated air. The drying device includes: an air passage housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet being located at the front side or the upper side of the outer tub, the air outlet being located at the rear side of the outer tub, and the air inlet and the air outlet being respectively communicated with the inner cavity of the inner tub; an evaporator disposed within the air passage housing for dehumidifying the air led out from the inner tub; a condenser disposed within the air passage housing at a position downstream of the evaporator in the air flow direction for heating the air passing through the evaporator; a compressor for compressing the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator and the condenser; a blower for causing air to flow, so as to introduce the air within the inner tub into the air passage housing through the air inlet and introduce the air that has passed through the evaporator and the condenser into the inner tub through the air outlet; and an auxiliary heating device for heating the air within the air passage housing. A air supply port for the air flowing out from the air outlet to flow into the outer tub is provided on the rear side wall of the outer tub. The air passage housing includes: a housing main body, with the evaporator and the condenser disposed within the housing main body; and an air outlet member having the air outlet, the air outlet member connecting the housing main body and the air supply port. The air outlet member includes an independent first pipe and a second pipe. The first pipe is connected to the housing main body, and the second pipe connects the first pipe and the air supply port. The second pipe extends in a substantially letter L shape when viewed from the side, and the auxiliary heating device is disposed within the second pipe.

[0010] In the initial stage of operation of the drying device, the temperature of the air cannot be rapidly increased. Therefore, in the initial stage of operation of the drying device, the temperature of the air flowing into the outer tub from the air outlet is not high, and efficient drying cannot be performed. According to the above structure, the auxiliary heating device can be used to rapidly increase the temperature of the air in the initial stage of operation of the drying device, so that the temperature of the air flowing into the outer tub from the air outlet can quickly reach a temperature sufficient for effective drying, the drying efficiency can be improved, and the drying time can be shortened. Moreover, even when the drying function is turned on in a low-temperature environment, the drying device can quickly rise to the required operating temperature, and frosting of the drying device can be prevented. In addition, since the auxiliary heating device is disposed within the second pipe connected to the air supply port, the auxiliary heating device is disposed close to the air supply port, which can ensure that the air heated by the auxiliary heating device immediately flows into the outer tub, is beneficial to improving the drying efficiency, and shortening the drying time.

[0011] Preferably, the longitudinal section of the auxiliary heating device is substantially parallel to the central axis of the air inlet of the second pipe.

[0012] According to this structure, the area of contact between the air flowing into the second tube from the air inlet of the second tube and the auxiliary heating device can be increased, and the air can be effectively heated.

[0013] Preferably, the inclination angle of the longitudinal section of the auxiliary heating device relative to the rotation axis of the inner cylinder and inclined outward in the axial direction of the inner cylinder is 90 degrees to 180 degrees.

[0014] According to this structure, the area of contact between the air flowing into the second tube from the air inlet of the second tube and the auxiliary heating device can be further increased, and the air can be heated more effectively.

[0015] Preferably, the auxiliary heating device extends in a meandering manner in the second tube along the direction from the air inlet of the second tube towards the air outlet of the second tube.

[0016] According to this structure, the surface area of the auxiliary heating device can be increased, thereby increasing the area of contact with the air, and the air can be heated more effectively.

[0017] Preferably, a reinforcing rib protruding rearward for improving the strength of the rear side wall is provided on the outer surface of the rear side wall of the outer cylinder, and a recess is provided in the reinforcing rib, and a part of the second tube is disposed in the recess.

[0018] According to this structure, the protruding amount of the second tube rearward can be reduced, which is beneficial to achieving miniaturization of the overall drum-type laundry treatment device in the front-rear direction.

[0019] Preferably, the auxiliary heating device is located between the blower and the air outlet in the air flow direction.

[0020] According to this structure, the air blown out by the blower is immediately sent into the outer cylinder after being heated by the auxiliary heating device, which is beneficial to improving the drying efficiency.

[0021] Preferably, the air inlet of the second tube faces upward, and the air outlet of the second tube faces forward.

[0022] According to this structure, the air sent downward from the drying device located above the outer cylinder can be sent into the outer cylinder forward through the air outlet of the second tube, so that the air can flow smoothly, which is beneficial to improving the drying efficiency.

[0023] In addition, the present invention provides a control method for the above-mentioned drum-type laundry treating apparatus, characterized in that the blower, the compressor, and the auxiliary heating device are started to initiate a drying program, and the inlet temperature is measured near the air inlet of the air duct housing, and the outlet temperature is measured near the air outlet of the air duct housing. During the drying program, when the outlet temperature is greater than a first threshold, the auxiliary heating device is turned off, and when the outlet temperature is less than a second threshold, the auxiliary heating device is turned on, where the first threshold is greater than the second threshold.

[0024] According to this structure, real-time control can be performed based on the outlet temperature and the inlet temperature. In the initial stage of the operation of the drying device, the auxiliary heating device is used to quickly increase the temperature of the air, so that the air flowing into the outer cylinder from the outlet can reach a temperature sufficient for effective drying as soon as possible, and the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0025] Preferably, the first threshold is set to 55°C to 65°C, and the second threshold is set to 45°C to 55°C.

[0026] According to this structure, the start and stop of the auxiliary heating device can be appropriately controlled, which can not only improve the drying efficiency but also prevent energy waste.

[0027] Preferably, the control method for the drum-type laundry treating apparatus further includes a step of determining whether the continuous operation time of the drying device exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the continuous operation time of the drying device exceeds the predetermined threshold, the drying program is ended and an error is reported.

[0028] According to this structure, the situation where the drying device operates for too long can be prevented, thereby preventing the damage of the laundry and energy waste.

[0029] Preferably, the control method for the drum-type laundry treating apparatus further includes a step of determining whether the continuous operation time of the auxiliary heating device exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the continuous operation time of the auxiliary heating device exceeds the predetermined threshold, the drying program is ended and an error is reported.

[0030] According to this structure, the situation where the auxiliary heating device operates for too long and performs auxiliary heating beyond the necessary degree can be prevented, and energy waste can be prevented.

[0031] Preferably, the auxiliary heating device operates intermittently, and the duration of each operation of the auxiliary heating device is set according to the fabric quantity of the laundry to be dried.

[0032] According to this structure, energy waste can be further prevented.

[0033] Preferably, in the drying program, when the difference between the outlet air temperature and the inlet air temperature is greater than a third threshold value, the blower, the compressor and the auxiliary heating device continue to operate, and the third threshold value is set according to the fabric quantity of the clothes to be dried.

[0034] According to this structure, the drying program can be controlled more precisely to ensure the drying effect.

[0035] In addition, the present invention provides a control method for the above-mentioned drum-type laundry treatment device, characterized in that the blower, the compressor and the auxiliary heating device are started to start the drying program, and the inlet air temperature is measured near the inlet of the air duct housing, and the outlet air temperature is measured near the outlet of the air duct housing. In the drying program, when the difference between the outlet air temperature and the inlet air temperature is greater than a third threshold value, the blower, the compressor and the auxiliary heating device continue to operate.

[0036] According to this structure, the drying program can be precisely controlled to ensure the drying effect.

[0037] Preferably, the third threshold value is set according to the fabric quantity of the clothes to be dried, and when the fabric quantity is greater than the preset fabric quantity value, the third threshold value is set larger than when the fabric quantity is less than the preset fabric quantity value.

[0038] According to this structure, the drying program can be precisely controlled according to the actual fabric quantity of the clothes to be dried, the drying effect can be ensured, and the situations of incomplete drying and over-drying of the clothes can be prevented.

[0039] Preferably, the preset fabric quantity value is set to 0 kg to 100% of the drum capacity of the inner drum, and the third threshold value is set to 0 °C to 50% of the outlet air temperature.

[0040] According to this structure, the drying program can be appropriately controlled, which can not only improve the drying efficiency but also prevent energy waste.

[0041] Effects of the Invention

[0042] According to the present invention, a drum-type laundry treatment device and its control method capable of improving the drying efficiency and shortening the drying time can be provided. Description of the Drawings

[0043] The drawings included in the specification and constituting a part of the specification show exemplary embodiments, features and aspects of the present invention together with the specification, and are used to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 1 It is a perspective view obtained by observing the drum-type laundry treatment device with the door assembly open from the side front.

[0045] Figure 2 is a perspective view obtained by observing the drum - type laundry treating apparatus with the housing removed from the rear - side and the side.

[0046] Figure 3 is a perspective view obtained by observing the inner drum, outer drum and drying device after removing the housing of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus and the upper housing of the drying device from the front - side and the side.

[0047] Figure 4 is a top - view of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus with the top wall plate of the housing removed.

[0048] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a sectional view taken along the line A - A of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus.

[0049] Figure 6 is a right - view of the drying device of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus.

[0050] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the upper housing of the air - passage housing of the drying device of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus.

[0051] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the drying device of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus after removing the upper housing of the air - passage housing.

[0052] Figure 9 is of the drying device of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus corresponding to Figure 5 a sectional view.

[0053] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the drying device of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus.

[0054] Figure 11 is a perspective view obtained by observing the drum - type laundry treating apparatus with the housing and the door assembly removed from the front - upper side.

[0055] Figure 12 is showing Figure 2 a partial perspective view of the part including the outer drum 20 and the drying device 40 in, where the second pipe of the air - outlet member has been removed.

[0056] Figure 13 is a partial side - view obtained by observing the part of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus including the second pipe of the air - outlet member from the left side.

[0057] Figure 14 is from Figure 13 a side - view after removing the second pipe of the air - outlet member in and exposing the auxiliary heating device.

[0058] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the second pipe of the air - outlet member.

[0059] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the second tube of the air outlet member along a plane including the central axis of the air inlet of the second tube.

[0060] Figure 17 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of a temperature sensor in a drum-type laundry processing apparatus.

[0061] Figure 18 1 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a control method of a drum-type laundry processing apparatus.

[0062] Description of Reference Numerals

[0063] 1: drum-type clothes treatment device; 10: outer shell; 11: right wall plate; 12: front wall plate; 120: annular surface; 13: front panel assembly; 14: upper space portion; 15: door assembly; 16: top wall plate; 20: outer cylinder; 201: air outlet; 202: reinforcing rib; 203: recess; 20U: highest portion; 21: clothes feeding port; 22: vibration damper; 24: outer cylinder accessories; 30: inner cylinder; 40: drying device; 50: air duct housing; 51: air inlet; 511: bellows portion; 52: air outlet; 521: first pipe; 5211: bellows portion; 522: second pipe; 523: air inlet; 524: air outlet; 53: housing body; 55: air inlet : Inlet; 56: air outlet; 57: upper shell; 571: partition; 58: lower shell; 581: bottom wall; 582: peripheral wall; 583: compressor accommodating portion; 584: condensate discharge port; 585: external air inlet; 586: on-off valve; 588: air outlet; 60: evaporator; 61: windward surface; 62: air outlet surface; 63: upper end; 64: lower end; 70: condenser; 71: windward surface; 72: air outlet surface; 73: upper end; 74: lower end; 80: fan; 85: compressor; 90: filtering device; A: auxiliary heating device; O: center axis; X: rotation axis; S1: first air path area; S2: second air path area; S3: third air path area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Next, specific embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] As the drum type laundry processing device of the present invention, a washing and drying machine with both washing and drying functions is used as an example for description below. Those skilled in the art can understand that the drum type laundry processing device of the present invention can also be a dryer with only drying function.

[0066] like Figures 1 to 3As shown in the figure, the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1 includes: a housing 10; an outer tub 20 supported within the housing 10; an inner tub 30 rotatably installed within the outer tub 20 for receiving laundry; and a drying device 40 that dries the laundry within the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1 (i.e., within the inner tub 30) using heated air. Additionally, for ease of explanation, as Figure 1 shown, the front - rear direction, left - right direction, and up - down direction are defined as such, and these directions are followed in the subsequent drawings.

[0067] As Figure 1 shown, the housing 10 forms a substantially rectangular - parallelepiped - shaped outline of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1, including a left - hand side wall panel (not shown) formed of a plate material such as a metal plate or a resin plate, a right - hand side wall panel 11, a front wall panel 12, a rear wall panel (not shown), and a top wall panel 16. To facilitate viewing of the structure within the housing 10, some or all of the wall panels constituting the housing 10 are appropriately omitted in each drawing. The front wall panel 12 and other panel members located on the front - surface side of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1 together constitute the front - panel assembly 13. In other words, the housing 10 includes the front - panel assembly 13 located on the front - surface side of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1, and the front - panel of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1 is constituted by the front - panel assembly 13.

[0068] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the outer tub 20 is in the shape of a bottomed cylinder having a laundry inlet 21 at one end. The outer tub 20 is installed within the housing 10 with the laundry inlet 21 facing forward, and is elastically supported by a lower shock absorber 22 and an upper suspension spring (not shown) within the housing 10, thereby preventing the vibration of the outer tub 20 from being transmitted to the housing 10. Additionally, as Figure 1 shown, a door assembly 15 for opening and closing the laundry inlet 21 is installed on the front - panel assembly 13. When the door assembly 15 is closed, a part of the front - panel assembly 13 is covered by the door assembly 15.

[0069] As Figure 3 shown, the inner tub 30 is in the shape of a bottomed cylinder with one end open for receiving laundry. The inner tub 30 is installed within the outer tub 20 with the open end facing the laundry inlet 21 of the outer tub 20. A plurality of fine holes can be formed in the circumferential side wall portion and the bottom - side wall portion of the inner tub 30, whereby washing water and the heated air generated by the drying device 40 can flow between the outer tub 20 and the inner tub 30. Additionally, the inner tub 30 is driven by a motor (not shown) and can rotate about a rotation axis X extending in the horizontal direction. Among them, the rotation direction of the inner tub 30 can be either from Figure 3When observing forward, it can be in the clockwise direction, or the counterclockwise direction, or it can continuously switch between the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction. In addition, the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30 can also be inclined upward toward the laundry inlet 21.

[0070] As Figure 5 shown, an integrally structured drying device 40 is disposed in the upper space portion 14 above the outer cylinder 20 within the outer shell 10, and the drying device 40 dries the laundry in the inner cylinder 30 using heated air. The upper space portion 14 refers to the space sandwiched in the vertical direction by the top wall plate 16 and the upper arc-shaped outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 20, and includes not only the space above the highest portion 20U of the outer cylinder 20 but also the spaces on the left and right sides of the highest portion 20U and slightly below the highest portion 20U.

[0071] As Figure 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 8 shown, the drying device 40 includes: an air duct housing 50 having an air inlet 55 and an air outlet 56, the air inlet 55 being located on the front side or the upper side of the outer cylinder 20, the air outlet 56 being located on the rear side of the outer cylinder 30, and the air inlet 55 and the air outlet 56 being respectively connected to the inner cavity of the drum-type laundry processing device 1 (i.e., the inner cavity of the inner cylinder 30); an evaporator 60 disposed within the air duct housing 50 for dehumidifying the air flowing within the air duct housing 50 and derived from the inner cylinder 30; a condenser 70 disposed within the air duct housing 50 at a position downstream of the evaporator 60 in the air flow direction for heating the air passing through the evaporator 60; and a blower 80 disposed within the air duct housing 50 at a position downstream of the condenser 70 in the air flow direction for causing air to flow, thereby introducing the air within the inner cylinder 30 into the air duct housing 50 through the air inlet 55 and introducing the air that has passed through the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70 into the inner cylinder 30 through the air outlet 56. In addition, the drying device 40 further includes a compressor 85 for compressing the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70.

[0072] As Figures 6 to 8 shown, the air duct housing 50 includes: an air inlet member 51 extending substantially in the vertical direction and having an air inlet 55 at its lower end. As Figure 3 shown, the lower end of the air inlet member 51 is connected to the outer cylinder 20 by means of an outer cylinder fitting 24 and is connected to the inner cavity of the inner cylinder 30 through the fine holes in the wall portion of the inner cylinder 30; an air outlet member 52 having an air outlet 56 at its lower end. As Figure 2 shown, the lower end of the air outlet member 52 is connected to the outer cylinder 20 on the rear side wall (i.e., the bottom wall) of the outer cylinder 20 and is connected to the outer cylinder 20 through an air supply port 201 provided on the bottom wall of the outer cylinder 20 (refer to Figure 12) is connected to the inner cavity of the inner cylinder 30, and the air flowing out from the air outlet 56 flows into the outer cylinder 20 through this air supply port; and the housing main body 53, which is connected between the air inlet member 51 and the air outlet member 52. In addition, as Figure 6 shown, the air inlet member 51 includes a bellows portion 511 that can expand and contract, thereby preventing the vibration of the outer cylinder 20 from being transmitted to the housing main body 53 through the air inlet member 51. As Figure 2 shown, the air outlet member 52 includes a first pipe 521 having a bellows portion 5211 that can expand and contract and is connected to the housing main body 53, and a second pipe 522 connected to the first pipe 521, thereby preventing the vibration of the outer cylinder 20 from being transmitted to the housing main body 53 through the air outlet member 52.

[0073] As Figure 2 shown, the first pipe 521 and the second pipe 522 are independent of each other, the first pipe 521 is connected to the housing main body 53, and one end of the second pipe 522 is connected to the first pipe 521. As Figure 12 shown, an air supply port 201 is provided on the rear side wall of the outer cylinder 20, and the other end of the second pipe 522 is connected to the air supply port 201. That is, the second pipe 522 connects the first pipe 521 and the air supply port 201. Thus, the housing main body 53 and the air supply port 201 are connected by the air outlet member 52, and the air flowing out from the air outlet 56 of the air outlet member 52 flows into the outer cylinder 20 through the air supply port 201. As Figure 15 shown, the second pipe 522 extends in a substantially letter L shape when viewed from the side. In addition, as long as the first pipe 521 can be connected to the air supply port 201, the shape of the second pipe 522 is not limited and can be appropriately changed.

[0074] As Figures 6 to 8 shown, the housing main body 53 has an upper housing 57 and a lower housing 58. The lower housing 58 is substantially cup-shaped with an upward opening, and has a bottom wall portion 581 and a peripheral wall portion 582. The air inlet member 51 is connected near the front end of the bottom wall portion 581, and the air outlet member 52 is connected to the peripheral wall portion 582 at the rear side. The upper housing 57 is substantially plate-shaped and is fixed to the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 582 of the lower housing 58 by screws or the like. Inside the internal space of the housing main body 53 surrounded by the upper housing 57 and the lower housing 58, an evaporator 60, a condenser 70, and a blower 80 are arranged. In addition, a compressor accommodation portion 583 is continuously provided forward on the peripheral wall portion 582 at the front side, and the compressor accommodation portion 583 is substantially cylindrical with a bottom and an upward opening. The compressor 85 is arranged outside the internal space of the housing main body 53 by being installed in the compressor accommodation portion 583. Thus, the evaporator 60, the condenser 70, the blower 80, and the compressor 85 are arranged in the upper space portion 14 in an integrated structure by the housing main body 53.

[0075] As Figure 5 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the evaporator 60 is a substantially plate-shaped microchannel evaporator. A pair of opposite plate surfaces respectively serve as the windward surface 61 and the air outlet surface 62. Air passes through the evaporator 60 from top to bottom. The evaporator 60 absorbs heat through the refrigerant flowing inside to cool the high-humidity air flowing outside the evaporator 60, causing the water vapor in the air to condense on the surface of the evaporator 60 and precipitate as condensed water, thereby obtaining dry air. As Figure 5 shown, in the upper space portion 14, the evaporator 60 is arranged such that the windward surface 61 is on the upper side and the air outlet surface 62 is on the lower side, and the windward surface 61 and the air outlet surface 62 are inclined with respect to the horizontal line in the left-right direction. The height of the right end is higher than that of the left end, that is, the right end becomes the upper end 63 and the left end becomes the lower end 64. Thus, the humid air led out from the inner cylinder 30 enters the evaporator 60 from the upper windward surface 61, and the water vapor in the air condenses on the surface of the evaporator 60 and precipitates as condensed water. This condensed water separates from the surface of the evaporator 60 under the dual action of its own gravity and the downward-flowing air, which is conducive to discharging the condensed water. In addition, the evaporator 60 is located directly above the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30. Here, "the evaporator 60 is located directly above the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30" means that there is more than one intersection point between the orthographic projection of the evaporator 60 on the horizontal plane and the orthographic projection of the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30 on the horizontal plane.

[0076] As Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the condenser 70 is a substantially plate-shaped microchannel condenser. A pair of opposite plate surfaces respectively serve as the windward surface 71 and the air outlet surface 72. Air passes through the condenser 70 from bottom to top. The condenser 70 releases heat through the refrigerant flowing inside to heat the dry air flowing outside the condenser 70, thereby obtaining high-temperature and dry air. As Figure 5 shown, in the upper space portion 14, the condenser 70 is arranged such that the windward surface 71 is on the lower side and the air outlet surface 72 is on the upper side, and the windward surface 71 and the air outlet surface 72 are inclined with respect to the horizontal line in the left-right direction. The height of the left end is higher than that of the right end, that is, the left end becomes the upper end 73 and the right end becomes the lower end 74.

[0077] It should be noted that the evaporator 60 only needs to be able to dehumidify the air, and is not limited to the structure of the microchannel. For example, the evaporator 60 can also be of the structure of copper tube fin type. The condenser 70 only needs to be able to heat the air, and is not limited to the structure of the microchannel either. Since compared with the traditional heat exchanger, under the same heat exchange energy efficiency, the volume of the microchannel evaporator and the microchannel condenser is smaller, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the drum-type laundry treatment device. Therefore, considering both higher heat exchange energy efficiency and device miniaturization, preferably, at least one of the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70 is of the microchannel structure. In particular, the condenser 70 for heating the air is preferably of the microchannel structure.

[0078] As Figure 5 shown, in the upper space part 14, the condenser 70 is located on the right side of the evaporator 60. The evaporator 60 and the condenser 70 are arranged along the left-right direction. In other words, the two are arranged along the rotation direction of the inner cylinder 30 around the rotation axis X. Specifically, the upper end 63 of the evaporator 60 and the upper end 73 of the condenser 70 are close to each other, and the lower end 64 of the evaporator 60 extends obliquely downward toward one side (left side) in the rotation direction of the inner cylinder 30, and the lower end 74 of the condenser 70 extends obliquely downward toward the other side (right side) in the rotation direction of the inner cylinder 30. When observed in the direction of the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30 (front-back direction), the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70 are arranged in an inverted V shape. In addition, the height of the lower end 64 of the evaporator 60 is higher than the height of the lower end 74 of the condenser 70, so that the condenser 70 extends downward longer and the condenser 70 is made larger. In addition, a V-shaped partition 571 is provided on the surface of the upper housing 57 in a recessed manner downward. The partition 571 is provided between the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70 and abuts against the upper end 63 of the evaporator 60 and the upper end 73 of the condenser 70 respectively. By arranging the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70 along the rotation direction of the inner cylinder 30 and arranging them in a substantially inverted V shape, the space above the outer cylinder 20 can be fully utilized, and the heat exchange areas of the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70 can be increased as much as possible, so that the miniaturization in the height direction of the drum-type laundry treatment device can be ensured while improving the drying efficiency and shortening the drying time.

[0079] Among them, the above-mentioned "the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70 are arranged along the rotation direction of the inner cylinder 30" means that when observed in the direction of the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30, the position of the evaporator 60 in the rotation direction of the inner cylinder 30 is different from the position of the condenser 70 in the rotation direction of the inner cylinder 30. As a typical example, it can be that the orthographic projection of the evaporator 60 on the vertical plane orthogonal to the front-back direction and the orthographic projection of the condenser 70 on the vertical plane orthogonal to the front-back direction do not have an intersection point.

[0080] As Figure 8As shown, the blower 80 is disposed behind the condenser 70 within the housing main body 53 of the air passage housing 50, and is disposed at a position where the housing main body 53 is connected to the air outlet member 52. That is to say, the condenser 70 and the blower 80 are arranged along the direction of the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30 (i.e., the front-rear direction). In addition, in the air flow direction within the air passage housing 50, the blower 80 is located on the downstream side of the condenser 70. Thus, the evaporator 60, the condenser 70, and the blower 80 are sequentially arranged from the upstream side in the air flow direction, and by disposing the filtering device 90 upstream of the evaporator 60 in the air flow direction, a structure in which the filtering device 90 is located upstream of the evaporator 60, the condenser 70, and the blower 80 in the air flow direction can be achieved.

[0081] In addition, as Figure 2 and Figure 6 shown, the blower 80 is located on the right side with respect to the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30 in the left-right direction, and the air outlet 56 of the air outlet member 52 is located on the left side with respect to the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30 in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the blower 80 may be located on the left side with respect to the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30 in the left-right direction, and the air outlet 56 of the air outlet member 52 may be located on the right side with respect to the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30 in the left-right direction. That is to say, as long as the blower 80 and the air outlet 56 are located on opposite sides with respect to the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30 in the left-right direction. Thus, a relatively large installation space can be ensured for the air supply pipeline (i.e., the air outlet member 52) located between the blower 80 and the air outlet 56 of the air passage housing 50, avoiding an increase in the air loss of the air outlet member 52 due to multiple bends in a small space, which is beneficial to reducing the air loss of the air outlet member 52, and thus enabling the flow of the air blown from the blower 80 to be smoother.

[0082] In addition, the blower 80 is arranged such that the rotation axis extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 20. By operating the blower 80, the low-temperature and high-humidity air inside the inner cylinder 30 is sucked from the front side of the inner cylinder 30 into the housing main body 53 via the air inlet member 51; the low-temperature and high-humidity air sucked into the housing main body 53 passes through the evaporator 60 from the upper windward surface 61, and by the heat absorption effect of the refrigerant inside the evaporator 60, the water vapor in the air condenses on the surface of the evaporator 60 and precipitates as condensed water, thereby obtaining low-temperature and dry air; the low-temperature and dry air emerging from the air outlet surface 62 of the evaporator 60 passes through the condenser 70 from the lower windward surface 71, and by the heat release effect of the refrigerant inside the condenser 70, the air is heated, thereby obtaining high-temperature and dry air; the high-temperature and dry air emerging from the air outlet surface 72 of the condenser 70 enters the inner cylinder 30 from the rear side of the inner cylinder 30 via the air outlet member 52; the high-temperature and dry air contacts the damp clothes inside the inner cylinder 30, evaporates the moisture contained in the clothes into water vapor and takes it away, and becomes low-temperature and high-humidity air; the low-temperature and high-humidity air is sucked from the front side of the inner cylinder 30 into the housing main body 53 again via the air inlet member 51.

[0083] As Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the air passage in the air passage housing 50 is divided into: a first air passage region S1, which is the region from the air inlet 55 of the air inlet member 51 to the windward surface 61 of the evaporator 60 in the housing main body 53, in other words, the region located upstream of the evaporator 60 in the air flow direction; a second air passage region S2, which is the region in the housing main body 53 between the air outlet surface 62 of the evaporator 60 and the windward surface 71 of the condenser 70, in other words, the region located below the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70; and a third air passage region S3, which is the region from the air outlet surface 72 of the condenser 70 to the air outlet 56 of the air outlet member 52, in other words, the region located downstream of the condenser 70 in the air flow direction.

[0084] As Figure 8 shown, the first air passage region S1 is formed such that the air flowing in from the air inlet 55 under the negative pressure effect when the blower 80 operates flows from below upward, and then the air flows from right to left and thus flows from the front of the evaporator 60 toward the windward surface 61 of the evaporator 60.

[0085] As Figure 9 shown, the bottom wall portion 581 of the air passage housing 50 defining the second air passage region S2 extends in an arc shape along the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 20, and a condensed water discharge port 584 is provided in the bottom wall portion 581 of the air passage housing 50 defining the second air passage region S2 (refer to Figure 8), specifically, a condensate drain outlet 584 is provided near the portion of the bottom wall portion 581 below the condenser 70. The condensate drain outlet 584 is used to drain the condensate generated by condensation on the surface of the evaporator 60 and is connected via a hose (not shown) or the like to a drainage structure for draining the washing water in the outer cylinder 20. Thus, the condensate flows along the curvature of the bottom wall portion 581 to the condensate drain outlet 584. Since the condensate drain outlet 584 is located above the inner cylinder 30, the condensate can directly flow by gravity to the drain pipe for draining the washing water in the outer cylinder 20, with a simple structure and low cost. In addition, the flow direction of the condensate is the same as the flow direction of the air passing through the evaporator 60, which is more conducive to draining the condensate.

[0086] As Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 shown, the compressor 85 is located in the upper space portion 14, is disposed in the compressor housing portion 583 in front of the condenser 70, and is disposed near the upper side of the intake member 51. Thus, the length of the connecting pipe between the compressor 85 and the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70 can be shortened. In addition, during the manufacturing process, after the outer cylinder 20 and the inner cylinder 30 are installed, the drying device 40 including the evaporator 60, the condenser 70, the blower 80, and the compressor 85 can be integrally installed in the upper space portion 14. Compared with the case where the compressor 85 is located below the outer cylinder 20, the assembly convenience can be greatly improved. In addition, in the direction of the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30, the compressor 85 is disposed at a position closer to the laundry inlet 21 side (front side) than the condenser 70, and the blower 80 is disposed on the opposite side (rear side) of the compressor 85 with respect to the condenser 70.

[0087] As Figure 3 shown, an outside air inlet 585 is formed in the compressor housing portion 583. In addition, the compressor housing portion 583 communicates with the internal space of the housing main body 53 (specifically, the third air passage region S3) through a passage (not shown). The outside air introduced from the outside air inlet 585 flows through the outer peripheral surface of the compressor 85 and then merges with the air flowing through the condenser 70 on the downstream side of the condenser 70 (i.e., in the third air passage region S3) and flows toward the air outlet 56. The outside air inlet 585 is located in the negative pressure region generated when the blower 80 operates in the air passage housing 50. Preferably, the outside air inlet 585 is provided at a portion of the compressor housing portion 583 on the side opposite to the side (rear side) where the condenser 70 is located (front side). The outside air inlet 585 can be provided on the side portion or the bottom portion of the compressor housing portion 583. The opening shape of the outside air inlet 585 can be circular or polygonal such as a quadrilateral. The ratio of the opening area of the outside air inlet 585 to the opening area of the air inlet 55 is preferably 5% to 30%.

[0088] As Figure 10As shown, an on-off valve 586 controlled by the control unit may also be connected to the outside air inlet 585, and the on-off valve 586 is used to open and close the outside air inlet 585. As Figure 11 shown, an air outlet 588 may also be provided on the outer cylinder 20. The air outlet 588 is used to discharge the air inside the outer cylinder 20 to the outside. The air outlet 588 is located in the upper half of the outer cylinder 20 and may be connected to the space inside the detergent box of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus 1 through a pipe (not shown), so as to discharge the air inside the outer cylinder 20 to the outside. In addition, an on-off valve (not shown) controlled by the control unit may also be connected to the air outlet 588, and the on-off valve is used to open and close the air outlet 588. It is also possible that a drain port (not shown) provided on the outer cylinder 20 for discharging the washing water inside the outer cylinder 20 is used as the air outlet 588. Since the drain port communicates with the outside of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus 1 and no water is drained from the drain port when the drying apparatus 40 is operating, the drain port can function as the air outlet 588 when the drying apparatus 40 is operating. At this time, the on-off valve provided in the drain pipe for discharging the washing water inside the outer cylinder 20 can be used to open and close the air outlet 588.

[0089] By operating the compressor 85, the low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is compressed to become a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant; then, the refrigerant is sent into the condenser 70, and becomes a low-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant by releasing heat inside the condenser 70; then, the refrigerant passes through the throttling device and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant; then, the refrigerant enters the evaporator 60, becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant by absorbing heat; then, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 85 and is compressed again.

[0090] As Figure 3 and Figure 8 shown, the drum-type laundry treating apparatus 1 further includes a filtering device 90 for filtering foreign matters such as lint in the air flowing in the air path of the drying apparatus. The filtering device 90 is located upstream of the evaporator 60, the condenser 70, and the blower 80 in the air flow direction. More specifically, the filtering device 90 is located between the air inlet 55 and the evaporator 60 in the air flow direction. Thus, the air is filtered by the filtering device 90 before passing through the evaporator 60, the condenser 70, and the blower 80, and it is possible to avoid the situation that foreign matters such as lint contained in the air adhere to the evaporator 60, the condenser 70, and the blower 80, resulting in a reduction in drying efficiency. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to improving the drying efficiency of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus.

[0091] As Figures 12 to 16As shown, the drum type clothes treating device 1 further includes an auxiliary heating device A, which is used to heat the air in the air path housing 50, more specifically, to heat the air flowing out of the housing body 53 of the air path housing 50. The auxiliary heating device A is located between the fan 80 and the air outlet 201 in the air flow direction. Thus, auxiliary heating can be performed when the air blown out from the fan 80 is about to enter the outer drum 20, that is, auxiliary heating can be performed before the air flowing into the outer drum 20 reaches the clothes to be dried, which can ensure that the air heated by the auxiliary heating device immediately flows into the outer drum, which is conducive to improving the drying efficiency.

[0092] Specifically, the auxiliary heat device A is arranged in the second tube 522 of the air outlet member 52. The second tube 522 has an air inlet 523 facing upward and an air outlet 524 (i.e., air outlet 56) facing forward. The air inlet 523 is roughly circular and communicates with the first tube 521. The air outlet 524 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the air supply port 201 arranged on the rear side wall of the outer tube 20, and is communicated with the air supply port 201. In addition, the shape of the air inlet 523 is not limited to a circle, and other shapes such as a polygon can also be used as needed. Figure 12 As shown, the auxiliary heating device A extends in a winding direction from the air inlet 523 toward the air outlet 524 in the second tube 522. Thus, the space in the second tube 522 can be fully utilized to increase the heat dissipation area of ​​the auxiliary heating device A and improve the auxiliary heating efficiency of the auxiliary heating device A.

[0093] like Figure 12 As shown, a reinforcing rib 202 protruding rearward is provided on the outer surface of the rear side wall of the outer tube 20, and the reinforcing rib 202 is used to increase the strength of the rear side wall. A recess 203 is provided on the reinforcing rib 202 by removing a part of the reinforcing rib 202. A part of the second tube 522 is disposed in the recess 203.

[0094] like Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the longitudinal section of the auxiliary heating device A is substantially parallel to the central axis O of the air inlet 523 of the second tube 522, and the longitudinal section of the auxiliary heating device A is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis X of the inner tube 30. Alternatively, the longitudinal section of the auxiliary heating device A is inclined at an angle of 90 to 180 degrees to the axial outside of the inner tube 30 relative to the rotation axis X of the inner tube 30. It should be noted that the longitudinal section of the auxiliary heating device A refers to a section obtained by cutting the auxiliary heating device A using a plane parallel to the front-to-back direction (i.e., a plane perpendicular to the left-to-right direction) including the central axis O of the air inlet 523. Thus, the area of ​​contact between the air flowing into the second tube 522 from the air inlet 523 of the second tube 522 and the auxiliary heating device A can be further increased, and the auxiliary heating device A can dissipate heat to the outside more efficiently.

[0095] In addition, the auxiliary heating device A can adopt various heating structures well-known in the art. For example, heating wires, electric heaters, etc. can be used.

[0096] The drum-type laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present embodiment operates as follows. The laundry is put into the inner tub 30 through the laundry inlet 21, and the laundry is washed and dehydrated like a conventional washing machine. When it is necessary to dry the washed laundry, the blower 80 and the compressor 85 are operated. For the air filtered by the filtering device 90, high-temperature dry air is generated by the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70 to dry the laundry in the inner tub 30. During this process, at an appropriate stage (for example, at the initial stage when the drying device 40 operates), the auxiliary heating device A is used to assist in heating the air, thereby shortening the time required for the air to reach a high temperature at the beginning of drying. In addition, after the compressor 85 continuously operates for a certain period of time and is in a high-temperature state, the relatively low-temperature external outside air flows in from the outside air inlet 585 to cool the compressor 85, and at the same time, the air inside the apparatus is discharged through the air outlet 588 to ensure that the air pressure inside the apparatus is within a specified range.

[0097] The specific working process of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can be, for example, as Figure 18 shown. Among them, a temperature sensor is provided in the entire air circulation path when drying the washed laundry, and the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor is sent to a controller (not shown), and the controller controls the process of the drying function of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus according to the received temperature value.

[0098] As Figure 17 shown, an inlet air temperature sensor can be provided near the air inlet of the air duct housing and on the upstream side of the evaporator in the air flow direction, and the temperature value measured by the inlet air temperature sensor is set as T1. In addition, an outlet air temperature sensor can be provided near the air outlet of the air duct housing and on the downstream side of the blower in the air flow direction, and the temperature value measured by the outlet air temperature sensor is set as T2. In addition to this, temperature sensors can also be provided at other parts of the air duct in the air duct housing, or temperature sensors can also be provided inside the inner tub. In addition, instead of the temperature sensors provided in the air duct housing described above, temperature sensors can be provided at positions on the outer tub close to the above-mentioned air inlet and air outlet.

[0099] In the control method of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus of the present invention, it can be set that in the drying program, when the outlet air temperature T2 is greater than the first threshold value, the auxiliary heating device is turned off, and when the outlet air temperature T2 is less than the second threshold value, the auxiliary heating device is turned on again. Here, the first threshold value is greater than the second threshold value. In addition, it can also be set that in the drying program, when the difference (T2 - T1) between the outlet air temperature T2 and the inlet air temperature T1 is greater than the third threshold value, the blower, the compressor, and the auxiliary heating device continue to operate.

[0100] In addition to the temperature sensor, a fabric quantity sensor may also be provided, and the controller controls according to the received fabric quantity value of the laundry to be dried.

[0101] Preferably, in the control method of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus of the present invention, the drying program is performed as follows.

[0102] The blower, the compressor, and the auxiliary heating device are started to start the drying program, and the inlet air temperature T1 is measured near the inlet of the air duct housing, and the outlet air temperature T2 is measured near the outlet of the air duct housing.

[0103] In the drying program, when the controller determines that the outlet air temperature T2 is less than or equal to the first threshold value (for example, set to 65 °C), the auxiliary heating device continues to operate, and it continues to be determined whether the outlet air temperature T2 is greater than the first threshold value. When the controller determines that the outlet air temperature T2 is greater than the first threshold value, the auxiliary heating device is turned off, and the next step is performed.

[0104] When the controller determines that the outlet air temperature T2 is less than the second threshold value (for example, set to 40 °C), the auxiliary heating device is turned on again, and the previous steps are repeated. When the controller determines that the outlet air temperature T2 is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the next step is performed.

[0105] When the controller determines that the difference (T2 - T1) between the outlet air temperature T2 and the inlet air temperature T1 is greater than the third threshold value (for example, set to 20 °C), the auxiliary heating device is started again, the blower, the compressor, and the auxiliary heating device continue to operate, and the previous steps are repeated. When the controller determines that the difference (T2 - T1) between the outlet air temperature T2 and the inlet air temperature T1 is less than or equal to the third threshold value, the drying device is turned off, and the drying program ends.

[0106] In addition, the third threshold value can also be determined according to the fabric quantity of the laundry to be dried. Specifically, the fabric quantity of the laundry to be dried is set to G, and the preset fabric quantity value is preset to B. When the fabric quantity G of the laundry to be dried is greater than the preset fabric quantity value B, it means that there is more laundry to be dried. At this time, the above third threshold value needs to be set larger. When the fabric quantity G of the laundry to be dried is less than the preset fabric quantity value B, it means that there is less laundry to be dried. At this time, the above third threshold value needs to be set smaller.

[0107] Therefore, more preferably, in the control method of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus of the present invention, the drying program is carried out as follows.

[0108] Start the blower, compressor and auxiliary heating device to start the drying program, and measure the inlet temperature T1 near the air inlet of the air duct housing and measure the outlet temperature T2 near the air outlet of the air duct housing.

[0109] In the drying program, when the controller determines that the outlet temperature T2 is less than or equal to the first threshold value (for example, set to 65 °C), the auxiliary heating device continues to operate, and it continues to determine whether the outlet temperature T2 is greater than the first threshold value. When the controller determines that the outlet temperature T2 is greater than the first threshold value, the auxiliary heating device is turned off, and the next step is carried out.

[0110] When the controller determines that the outlet temperature T2 is less than the second threshold value (for example, set to 40 °C), the auxiliary heating device is turned on again, and the previous steps are repeated. When the controller determines that the outlet temperature T2 is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the next step is carried out.

[0111] When the controller determines that the difference (T2 - T1) between the outlet temperature T2 and the inlet temperature T1 is greater than the third threshold value (for example, set to 20 °C), the auxiliary heating device is started again, and the blower, compressor and auxiliary heating device continue to operate, and the previous steps are repeated. When the controller determines that the difference (T2 - T1) between the outlet temperature T2 and the inlet temperature T1 is less than or equal to the third threshold value, the next step is carried out.

[0112] When the controller determines that the cloth quantity G of the laundry to be dried is greater than the cloth quantity preset value B, the blower and the compressor are turned off, and the drying program ends. When the controller determines that the cloth quantity G of the laundry to be dried is less than or equal to the cloth quantity preset value B, the next step is carried out.

[0113] When the controller determines that the difference (T2 - T1) between the outlet temperature T2 and the inlet temperature T1 is greater than the reset third threshold value (set smaller than the third threshold value in the above steps, for example, set to 10 °C), the auxiliary heating device is started again, and the blower, compressor and auxiliary heating device continue to operate, and the previous steps are repeated. When the controller determines that the difference (T2 - T1) between the outlet temperature T2 and the inlet temperature T1 is less than or equal to the above reset third threshold value, the blower and the compressor are turned off, and the drying program ends.

[0114] Regarding the first threshold value of the above outlet temperature T2, the second threshold value, the third threshold value of the difference between the outlet temperature and the inlet temperature, that is, T2 - T1, and the cloth quantity preset value B, it is not limited to Figure 18 the specific values shown in

[0115] The first threshold of the outlet temperature T2 is preferably set to 55°C to 65°C, more preferably set to 57.5°C to 62.5°C.

[0116] The second threshold of the outlet temperature T2 is preferably set to 45°C to 55°C, more preferably set to 47.5°C to 52.5°C.

[0117] The third threshold of the difference between the outlet temperature and the inlet temperature, i.e., T2 - T1, is preferably set to 0°C to 50% of the outlet temperature T2. For example, it can be set to 5°C to 30°C. More specifically, when the fabric quantity G is greater than the preset fabric quantity value B, the third threshold of the difference between the outlet temperature and the inlet temperature, i.e., T2 - T1, can be set to 15°C to 30°C, or can also be set to 18°C to 25°C. When the fabric quantity G is less than or equal to the preset fabric quantity value B, the third threshold of the difference between the outlet temperature and the inlet temperature, i.e., T2 - T1, can be set to 5°C to 15°C, or can also be set to 8°C to 13°C.

[0118] The preset fabric quantity value B is preferably set to 0 kg to 100% of the barrel capacity of the inner barrel. For example, it can be set to 3 kg to 5 kg.

[0119] In addition, in the control method of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus of the present invention, it may further include a step of judging whether the continuous working time of the drying device exceeds a predetermined threshold. When it is judged that the continuous working time of the drying device exceeds the predetermined threshold, it indicates that an abnormal situation has occurred. At this time, the drying device is turned off, the drying program is ended and an error is reported. Among them, the predetermined threshold of the continuous working time of the drying device can either be set in advance to a predetermined value or be set by the controller according to the fabric quantity of the laundry to be dried. In addition, the continuous working time of the drying device refers to the continuous working time of the compressor.

[0120] In addition, in the control method of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus of the present invention, it may further include a step of judging whether the continuous working time of the auxiliary heating device exceeds a predetermined threshold. When it is judged that the continuous working time of the auxiliary heating device exceeds the predetermined threshold, it indicates that an abnormal situation has occurred. At this time, the auxiliary heating device is turned off, the drying program is ended and an error is reported. Among them, the predetermined threshold of the continuous working time of the auxiliary heating device can either be set in advance to a predetermined value or be set by the controller according to the fabric quantity of the laundry to be dried.

[0121] Moreover, in the control method of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus of the present invention, it can also be set that the auxiliary heating device A works intermittently, and the working duration of the auxiliary heating device each time can also be set according to the fabric quantity of the laundry to be dried.

[0122] Thereby, the drying program of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus can be controlled more precisely, and drying can be performed more efficiently.

[0123] The embodiments described above are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Appropriate modifications, changes, etc. can be made within the protection scope of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, it is obvious that these modifications, changes, etc. also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0124] Industrial applicability

[0125] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a drum-type laundry treatment apparatus and a control method thereof that can improve the drying efficiency and shorten the drying time.

Claims

1. A drum - type laundry treating apparatus, characterized in that, The drum - type laundry treating apparatus includes: A housing; An outer tub, which is supported within the housing; An inner tub, which is rotatably installed within the outer tub for receiving laundry; and A drying device, which is located above the outer tub and uses heated air to dry the laundry within the inner tub, The drying device includes: An air duct housing, which has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is located at the front side or the upper side of the outer tub, and the air outlet is located at the rear side of the outer tub. The air inlet and the air outlet are respectively connected to the inner cavity of the inner tub; An evaporator, which is disposed within the air duct housing for dehumidifying the air led out from within the inner tub; A condenser, which is disposed within the air duct housing at a position downstream of the evaporator in the air flow direction for heating the air that has passed through the evaporator; A compressor, which is used for compressing the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator and the condenser; A blower, which is used for making air flow, thereby leading the air within the inner tub into the air duct housing through the air inlet, and leading the air that has passed through the evaporator and the condenser into the inner tub through the air outlet; and An auxiliary heating device, which is used for heating the air within the air duct housing, A air supply port for the air flowing out from the air outlet to flow into the outer tub is provided on the rear side wall of the outer tub, The air duct housing includes: a housing main body, and the evaporator and the condenser are disposed within the housing main body; and an air outlet member, which has the air outlet, and the air outlet member connects the housing main body to the air supply port, The air outlet member includes an independent first pipe and a second pipe. The first pipe is connected to the housing main body, and the second pipe connects the first pipe to the air supply port, The second pipe extends in a substantially letter - L shape in a side view, and the auxiliary heating device is disposed within the second pipe.

2. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The longitudinal section of the auxiliary heating device is substantially parallel to the central axis of the air inlet of the second pipe.

3. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inclination angle of the longitudinal section of the auxiliary heating device relative to the rotation axis of the inner tub and inclined outward in the axial direction of the inner tub is 90 degrees to 180 degrees.

4. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The auxiliary heating device extends in a meandering manner within the second pipe along the direction from the air inlet of the second pipe towards the air outlet of the second pipe.

5. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A reinforcing rib protruding rearward for enhancing the strength of the rear side wall is provided on the outer surface of the rear side wall of the outer tub, A recess is provided on the reinforcing rib, and a part of the second pipe is disposed within the recess.

6. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary heating device is located between the blower and the air supply port in the air flow direction.

7. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet of the second pipe faces upward, and the air outlet of the second pipe faces forward.

8. A control method for the drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Start the blower, the compressor and the auxiliary heating device to start the drying program. And, measure the inlet air temperature near the air inlet of the air duct housing, and measure the outlet air temperature near the air outlet of the air duct housing. During the drying program, when the outlet air temperature is greater than a first threshold, turn off the auxiliary heating device; when the outlet air temperature is less than a second threshold, turn on the auxiliary heating device. The first threshold is greater than the second threshold.

9. The control method of the drum-type laundry treatment device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first threshold is set to 55°C to 65°C, and the second threshold is set to 45°C to 55°C.

10. The control method of the drum-type laundry treatment device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control method of the drum - type laundry treatment device further includes a step of judging whether the continuous working time of the drying device exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the continuous working time of the drying device exceeds the predetermined threshold, the drying program is ended and an error is reported.

11. The control method of the drum-type laundry treatment device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control method of the drum - type laundry treatment device further includes a step of judging whether the continuous working time of the auxiliary heating device exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the continuous working time of the auxiliary heating device exceeds the predetermined threshold, the drying program is ended and an error is reported.

12. The control method of the drum-type laundry treatment device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The auxiliary heating device works intermittently, and the working duration of the auxiliary heating device each time is set according to the cloth quantity of the clothes to be dried.

13. The control method of the drum-type laundry treatment device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that, In the drying program, when the difference between the outlet air temperature and the inlet air temperature is greater than the third threshold, the fan, the compressor and the auxiliary heating device continue to work. The third threshold is set according to the cloth quantity of the clothes to be dried.

14. A control method of the drum-type laundry treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The fan, the compressor and the auxiliary heating device are started to begin the drying program. And the inlet air temperature is measured near the inlet of the air duct housing, and the outlet air temperature is measured near the outlet of the air duct housing. In the drying program, when the difference between the outlet air temperature and the inlet air temperature is greater than the third threshold, the fan, the compressor and the auxiliary heating device continue to work.

15. The control method of the drum-type laundry treatment device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The third threshold is set according to the cloth quantity of the clothes to be dried. When the cloth quantity is greater than the preset cloth quantity value, the set third threshold is larger than the third threshold when the cloth quantity is less than the preset cloth quantity value.

16. The control method of the drum-type laundry treatment device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The preset cloth quantity value is set to 0 kg to 100% of the barrel capacity of the inner barrel, and the third threshold is set to 0°C to 50% of the outlet air temperature.

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