Heat pump system of washing machine

Abstract

A heat pump system of a washing machine comprises a washing drum, a compressor, a first condenser and an evaporator, a second condenser and the first condenser are connected to a refrigerant pipeline in parallel, and a reversing valve used for switching the first condenser or the second condenser to be communicated with an outlet of the compressor is installed at the outlet end of the compressor. The heat exchanger is communicated with the second condenser through a circulation pipeline and arranged in the heat preservation water tank, the heat preservation water tank is provided with a tap water inlet and a heat preservation water outlet, and the heat preservation water outlet is communicated with the water inlet channel of the washing drum through a water outlet pipe. According to the washing machine heat pump system, the drying mode and the hot water mode of the heat pump system are switched through the air valve in the air channel and the reversing valve of the heat pump system, when the washing function is used, the reversing valve is switched to one side of the second condenser, and the air valve is closed, and when the drying function is used, the reversing valve is switched to one side of the first condenser, and the air valve is opened; after being dehumidified by the evaporator, air enters the air-cooled condenser to be heated and enters the washing roller, and circulating drying is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat pump system, in particular to a heat pump system for a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] In the field of modern household and commercial laundry equipment, washer-dryers have attracted widespread market attention due to their integrated washing and drying functions, space-saving features, and ease of use. Currently, washer-dryers generally use room-temperature tap water to wash clothes, while there are two main technical solutions for the drying function: low-cost solutions often use a PTC heater combined with a fan to heat and dry the clothes; high-cost solutions use a dehumidifier system to heat and dehumidify the clothes, improving drying efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

[0003] However, existing washer-dryer technology still has significant defects. First, the normal temperature washing method cannot meet the cleaning needs of specific stains. In winter, the lower water temperature makes it difficult to effectively clean some oil stains, coffee stains, etc.; second, a large number of studies and practices have shown that common detergents on the market have the best washing effect at a water temperature of 30℃-40℃, especially for the removal of protein stains. The existing normal temperature washing technology cannot fully exert the performance of detergents; third, unheated normal temperature water cannot soften the water quality during the washing process, which can easily damage the fibers of clothing and shorten the service life of clothing; fourth, for items that are prone to breeding bacteria, such as sheets and towels, normal temperature washing cannot effectively kill bacteria and mites on clothing, and cannot meet consumers' needs for health and hygiene. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a washer-dryer technology that can effectively solve the above problems to improve the washing effect, energy-saving performance and user experience of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a washing machine heat pump system that can heat tap water stably and efficiently in response to the above-mentioned existing technical status.

[0005] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a washing machine heat pump system capable of switching between a hot water module and a drying mode in response to the above-mentioned existing technical status.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a washing machine heat pump system, including a washing drum, a compressor, a first condenser, and an evaporator, the compressor, the first condenser and the evaporator are connected through a refrigerant pipeline, and is characterized in that: it also includes a second condenser, a heat exchanger and an insulated water tank, the second condenser and the first condenser are connected in parallel on the refrigerant pipeline, the outlet end of the compressor is installed with a reversing valve for switching the first condenser or the second condenser to be connected to the compressor outlet, the heat exchanger and the second condenser are connected through a circulation pipeline, the heat exchanger is arranged in the insulated water tank, the insulated water tank has a tap water inlet and an insulated water outlet, and the insulated water outlet is connected to the water inlet channel of the washing drum through a water outlet pipe.

[0007] Preferably, a heater is installed in the insulated water tank. When the heating of the heat exchanger cannot meet the washing water temperature, the heater is turned on for auxiliary heating, and the heater is preferably a PTC heater.

[0008] Further preferably, a liquid level sensor and / or a first temperature sensor is installed in the thermal insulation water tank. In this way, the water level and water temperature in the thermal insulation water tank can be fed back by the liquid level sensor and the water temperature sensor to select the startup strategy of the heater and the heat pump system.

[0009] In order to mix the water outlet of the insulated water tank with tap water to control the temperature of the water entering the washing drum, the heat pump system also has an external tap water pipeline, which is divided into a first water channel and a second water channel. The first water channel is connected to the tap water inlet, and the second water channel merges with the water outlet pipe and is connected to the water inlet channel of the washing drum through the water inlet pipe. A second temperature sensor is installed on the water inlet pipe, and a water temperature regulating valve is installed on the second water channel.

[0010] In order to prevent the interior of the thermal insulation water tank from being damaged due to unbalanced air pressure, a balancing valve for balancing the air pressure inside and outside the thermal insulation water tank is installed on the thermal insulation water tank.

[0011] In order to ensure that the heat exchange medium between the second condenser and the heat exchanger can flow smoothly, a circulation pump is installed on the circulation pipeline.

[0012] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned second technical problem is: an air duct is formed between the evaporator and the first condenser, the evaporator is arranged upstream of the first condenser, and a fan and an air valve are installed in the air duct in sequence along the direction of air flow. The washing drum has an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet is connected to the air outlet of the air duct, and the air outlet is connected to the air inlet of the air duct.

[0013] In order to collect condensed water condensed on the surface of the evaporator, a water receiving pan is installed below the evaporator.

[0014] More preferably, the system further includes a regenerator having a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet is connected to the outlet of the first condenser, the first outlet is connected to the inlet of the evaporator, the second inlet is connected to the outlet of the evaporator, and the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the compressor. This configuration allows the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant at the evaporator outlet to exchange heat with the high-pressure refrigerant at the condenser outlet, further reducing the condenser outlet temperature, increasing subcooling and improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas entering the compressor can be heated, allowing it to be more fully vaporized and preventing compressor liquid hammer.

[0015] Further preferably, an electronic expansion valve is installed on the refrigerant pipeline between the first outlet of the regenerator and the inlet of the evaporator.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are: the washing machine heat pump system connects the second condenser and the first condenser in parallel on the refrigerant pipeline, and switches the drying mode and hot water mode of the heat pump system through the air valve in the air duct and the reversing valve of the heat pump system. When the washing function is used, the reversing valve is switched to the side of the second condenser and the air valve is closed. When the drying function is used, the reversing valve is switched to the side of the first condenser and the air valve is opened. After being dehumidified by the evaporator, the air enters the air-cooled condenser for heating and enters the washing drum to realize cyclic drying. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the washing machine heat pump system of this embodiment includes components such as a washing drum 1, a compressor 2, a first condenser 3, an evaporator 4, a second condenser 6, a heat exchanger 7, and an insulated water tank 8. The compressor 2, first condenser 3, and evaporator 4 are connected via a refrigerant pipeline 5. The second condenser 6 is connected to the refrigerant pipeline 5 in parallel with the first condenser 3 using a plate heat exchanger. A reversing valve 9 is installed at the outlet of the compressor 2 to switch between the first condenser 3 and the second condenser 6 and connect to the compressor 2 outlet. The heat exchanger 7 is a coil heat exchanger and is connected to the second condenser 6 via a circulation pipeline 10, which is equipped with a circulating pump 20.

[0020] The heat exchanger 7 is located within the insulated water tank 8, which has a tap water inlet 81 and an insulated water outlet 82. The insulated water outlet 82 is connected to the water outlet pipe 15. A heater 11, a liquid level sensor 12, and a first temperature sensor 13 are installed within the insulated water tank 8. The heater 11 in this embodiment is a PTC heater. The liquid level sensor 12 and the first water temperature sensor 13 provide feedback on the water level and temperature within the insulated water tank 8 to select the startup strategy for the PTC heater and the heat pump system. For example, when the heating power of the heat pump system does not meet the washing water temperature, the PTC heater is appropriately activated for auxiliary heating. A water pump 27 is provided within the insulated water tank 8 to increase the disturbance within the insulated water tank 8 and enhance the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger 7. In addition, a balancing valve 19 is installed on the insulated water tank 8 to balance the air pressure inside and outside the insulated water tank 8 to prevent damage caused by pressure imbalance within the insulated water tank 8.

[0021] The external tap water pipeline 14 is divided into a first water channel 141 and a second water channel 142. The first water channel 141 is connected to the tap water inlet 81. The second water channel 142 merges with the water outlet pipe 15 and is connected to the water inlet channel of the washing tub 1 through the water inlet pipe 16. A second temperature sensor 17 is installed on the water inlet pipe 16, and a water temperature regulating valve 18 is installed on the second water channel 142. The water in the insulated water tank 8 is mixed with the tap water to control the temperature of the water entering the washing tub 1. The water temperature regulating valve 18 is precisely controlled by the second temperature sensor 17. When the water temperature is low, the opening of the water temperature regulating valve 18 is reduced to reduce the amount of tap water mixed. Conversely, the opening of the water temperature regulating valve 18 is increased to increase the amount of tap water mixed.

[0022] An air duct 21 is formed between the evaporator 4 and the first condenser 3. The evaporator 4 is located upstream of the first condenser 3. A water collection tray 24 is installed below the evaporator 4 to collect condensed water on the surface of the evaporator 4. A fan 22 and a damper 23 are installed in sequence within the air duct 21 along the direction of air flow. The washing drum 1 has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is connected to the air outlet of the air duct 21, and the air outlet is connected to the air inlet of the air duct 21.

[0023] The heat pump system of this embodiment includes a regenerator 25 having a first inlet 251, a second inlet 252, a first outlet 253, and a second outlet 254. The first inlet 251 is connected to the outlet of the first condenser 3, the first outlet 253 is connected to the inlet of the evaporator 4, the second inlet 252 is connected to the outlet of the evaporator 4, and the second outlet 254 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 2. An electronic expansion valve 26 is installed on the refrigerant pipeline 5 between the first outlet 253 of the regenerator 25 and the inlet of the evaporator 4. With the use of the regenerator 25, the low-temperature, low-pressure vapor refrigerant at the outlet of the evaporator 4 is heat-exchanged with the high-pressure refrigerant at the outlet of the first condenser 3, further reducing the condenser outlet temperature, increasing subcooling, and improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas entering the compressor 2 is heated, allowing it to be more fully vaporized and preventing compressor liquid hammer.

[0024] When the heat pump system is working, the air valve 23 in the air duct 21 and the reversing valve 9 of the heat pump system are switched to switch between the hot water washing mode and the drying mode, thereby achieving the coupling of the water heating system and the drying and dehumidifying system.

[0025] When the hot water washing function is used, the reversing valve 9 switches to the side of the second condenser 6, the air valve 23 is closed, the air downstream of the evaporator 4 is discharged to the outside of the machine, the second condenser 6 exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 7, and transfers heat to the insulated water tank 8. The heat pump system heats the water in the insulated water tank 8, and the heated water is stored in the insulated water tank 8, waiting for the hot washing mode to be turned on; if the water temperature in the insulated water tank is insufficient, the PTC heater is turned on for auxiliary heating to realize the high-temperature washing function.

[0026] When the drying function is used, the reversing valve 9 switches to the side of the first condenser 31, the air valve 23 opens, and the air is dehumidified by the evaporator 4, enters the first condenser 31, and is heated, and then blown out as dry air from the air outlet of the air duct 23. The dry air enters through the air inlet of the washing drum 1 and dries the clothes in the washing drum 1. Finally, the hot and humid air blown out from the air outlet of the washing drum 1 flows back into the air duct 23 from the air inlet of the air duct 21, thereby realizing cyclic drying.

Claims

1. A heat pump system for a washing machine, comprising a washing drum (1), a compressor (2), a first condenser (3), and an evaporator (4), wherein the compressor (2), the first condenser (3), and the evaporator (4) are connected via a refrigerant pipeline (5), and is characterized in that: The utility model also includes a second condenser (6), a heat exchanger (7) and an insulated water tank (8). The second condenser (6) and the first condenser (3) are connected in parallel on the refrigerant pipeline (5). The outlet end of the compressor (2) is provided with a reversing valve (9) for switching the first condenser (3) or the second condenser (6) to be connected to the outlet of the compressor (2). The heat exchanger (7) and the second condenser (6) are connected through a circulation pipeline (10). The heat exchanger (7) is arranged in the insulated water tank (8). The insulated water tank (8) has a tap water inlet (81) and an insulated water outlet (82). The insulated water outlet (82) is connected to the water inlet channel of the washing drum (1) through a water outlet pipe (15).

2. The washing machine heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heater (11) is installed in the thermal insulation water tank (8).

3. The washing machine heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A liquid level sensor (12) and / or a first temperature sensor (13) are installed in the thermal insulation water tank (8).

4. The washing machine heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The utility model has an external tap water pipeline (14), wherein the external tap water pipeline (14) is divided into a first water channel (141) and a second water channel (142), wherein the first water channel (141) is connected to the tap water inlet (81), and the second water channel (142) is connected to the water inlet channel of the washing drum (1) through a water inlet pipe (16) after merging with the water outlet pipe (15). A second temperature sensor (17) is installed on the water inlet pipe (16), and a water temperature regulating valve (18) is installed on the second water channel (142).

5. The heat pump system for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A balancing valve (19) for balancing the air pressure inside and outside the thermal insulation water tank (8) is installed on the thermal insulation water tank (8).

6. The washing machine heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A circulation pump (20) is installed on the circulation pipeline (10).

7. The heat pump system for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: An air duct (21) is formed between the evaporator (4) and the first condenser (3). The evaporator (4) is arranged upstream of the first condenser (3). A fan (22) and an air valve (23) are sequentially installed in the air duct (21) along the direction of air flow. The washing drum (1) has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is connected to the air outlet of the air duct (21), and the air outlet is connected to the air inlet of the air duct (21).

8. The heat pump system for a washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: A water receiving tray (24) is installed below the evaporator (4).

9. The heat pump system for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also includes a regenerator (25), wherein the regenerator (25) has a first inlet (251), a second inlet (252), a first outlet (253) and a second outlet (254), wherein the first inlet (251) is connected to the outlet of the first condenser (3), the first outlet (253) is connected to the inlet of the evaporator (4), the second inlet (252) is connected to the outlet of the evaporator (4), and the second outlet (254) is connected to the inlet of the compressor (2).

10. The heat pump system for a washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: An electronic expansion valve (26) is installed on the refrigerant pipeline (5) between the first outlet (253) of the regenerator (25) and the inlet of the evaporator (4).

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