Damper switching unit, laundry treating apparatus, and drying control method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a damper switching unit, a clothes treatment apparatus, and a drying control method. The damper switching unit includes a box body provided with an inner cavity, a shell wall of the box body is provided with a plurality of interface pairs, each interface pair includes a first interface and a second interface; a first damper is movably arranged in the inner cavity, the first damper is provided with a first flow guide window, and the first damper is switched to communicate with the first interface of different interface pairs by movement; a second damper is movably arranged in the inner cavity, the second damper is provided with a second flow guide window, and the second damper is switched to communicate with the second interface of different interface pairs by movement; by controlling the movement of the first damper and the second damper, the first flow guide window is communicated with the first interface of a preset interface pair, and the second flow guide window is communicated with the second interface of the preset interface pair, and the preset interface pair is any one of the plurality of interface pairs. The present disclosure can improve the switching accuracy of different interface pairs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of garment processing technology, and in particular to an air damper switching unit, garment processing equipment, and drying control method. Background Technology

[0002] In twin-tub washing machines, the airflow control of the drying system typically employs a single air duct structure, using simple solenoid valves or baffles to switch airflow directions, achieving drying and dehumidification functions for different garment processing tubs. In this approach, airflow direction is switched via solenoid valves or baffles. On one hand, the electromagnetic force of the solenoid valve is affected by voltage fluctuations, coil aging, and iron core wear, leading to inconsistent opening / closing positions and inaccurate airflow switching, resulting in low drying efficiency and high energy consumption. On the other hand, the unidirectional airflow can easily cause clothes to tangle, negatively impacting the user experience. Furthermore, the structural complexity of using solenoid valves or baffles for airflow switching is high, making compact integration difficult and limiting its application in miniaturized washing machines. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides an air damper switching unit, a garment handling device, and a drying control method to solve or alleviate one or more technical problems in the prior art.

[0004] As a first aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a damper switching unit, including: The box body has an inner cavity inside. The shell wall of the box body has multiple interface pairs. Each interface pair includes a first interface and a second interface. Each first interface and each second interface are connected to the inner cavity. The first air damper is movably disposed in the inner cavity. The first air damper has a first flow guide window. The first air damper can switch and connect with the first interface of different interface pairs by moving. The second air damper is movably installed in the inner cavity. The second air damper has a second flow guide window. The second air damper can switch and connect with the second interface of different interface pairs by moving. The first and second air dampers are configured as follows: By controlling the movement of the first and second air dampers, the first flow guide window is connected to the first interface of the preset interface pair, and the second flow guide window is connected to the second interface of the preset interface pair. The first interface of the preset interface pair is connected to the second interface of the preset interface pair through the first flow guide window, the inner cavity, and the second flow guide window. The preset interface pair is any one of multiple interface pairs.

[0005] In some embodiments, A first damper is movably disposed within the inner cavity along a first direction. By moving along the first direction, the first damper allows the first guide window to switch communication with the first interface of different interface pairs; or... The first damper is rotatably installed in the inner cavity. By rotating the first damper, the first guide window can switch and connect with the first interface of different interface pairs.

[0006] In some embodiments, The second damper is movably disposed within the inner cavity along a second direction. By moving along this second direction, the second damper allows the second guide window to switch between communication with the second interfaces of different interface pairs; or... The second damper is rotatably installed in the inner cavity. By rotating the second damper, the second guide window can be switched and connected to the second interface of different interface pairs.

[0007] In some embodiments, a first damper is movably disposed in the inner cavity along a first direction, and a second damper is movably disposed in the inner cavity along a second direction, the second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first damper is provided with a first rack extending along a first direction, and the damper switching unit further includes a first gear located in the inner cavity, the first gear meshing with the first rack, and the first gear driving the first damper to move along the first direction by rotation; and / or The second damper is provided with a second rack extending in the second direction. The damper switching unit also includes a second gear located in the inner cavity. The second gear meshes with the second rack. The second gear drives the second damper to move in the second direction by rotating.

[0009] In some embodiments, the movement paths of the first damper and the second damper overlap, and the first damper and the second damper are stacked.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of interface pairs include a first interface pair and a second interface pair, wherein the first interface of the first interface pair and the first interface of the second interface pair are respectively located on opposite sides of the second damper, and the second interface of the first interface pair and the second interface of the second interface pair are respectively located on opposite sides of the first damper.

[0011] In some embodiments, the housing includes a first shell wall and a second shell wall that are relatively closed together, with an inner cavity formed between the first shell wall and the second shell wall; The bottom wall of the first shell is provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and a second guide groove extending in a second direction is formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The second damper moves in the second guide groove. The first protrusion is provided with a first protruding rib and a second protruding rib arranged opposite to each other, and a first guide groove extending along a first direction is formed between the first protruding rib and the second protruding rib, and the first damper moves in the first guide groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, the height of the first boss is greater than the thickness of the first damper.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first and second interfaces of each interface pair are used to communicate with two vents of the same garment processing drum, one of which is an air inlet and the other is an air return outlet, and different interface pairs are used to communicate with different garment processing drums. As a second aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a clothing processing device, including a plurality of clothing processing bins, and a damper switching unit according to any of the present disclosure. A plurality of interface pairs correspond one-to-one with the plurality of clothing processing bins. Each clothing processing bin has two vents. The first interface and the second interface of each interface pair are connected to the two vents of the same clothing processing bin. One of the two vents is an air inlet and the other is an air return outlet. Different interface pairs are connected to different clothing processing bins.

[0014] In some embodiments, the garment processing drum is arranged vertically, and the two vents include a first vent located at the upper part of the garment processing drum and a second vent located at the lower part of the garment processing drum. A first interface is connected to the first vent of the corresponding garment processing drum, and a second interface is connected to the second vent of the corresponding garment processing drum.

[0015] In some embodiments, a first air duct and a second air duct are provided in parallel between the first interface and the first vent, and a first fan is provided in the first air duct; a third air duct and a fourth air duct are provided in parallel between the second interface and the second vent, and a second fan is provided in the fourth air duct. The first fan is configured such that the airflow in the inner cavity of the damper switching unit flows through the first guide window and the first interface to the first vent, and the airflow discharged from the second vent flows through the third air duct, the second interface, and the second guide window into the inner cavity of the damper switching unit. The second fan is configured such that the airflow in the inner cavity of the damper switching unit flows through the second guide window and the second interface to the second vent, and the airflow discharged from the first vent flows through the second air duct, the first interface, and the first guide window into the inner cavity of the damper switching unit. The first fan and the second fan do not work at the same time; or, the first fan and the second fan work alternately; or, the first fan works for a first preset time, and then the second fan works for a second preset time.

[0016] In some embodiments, a first air guide plate is provided in the second air duct, and a second air guide plate is provided in the third air duct; The first air guide plate is configured to close the second air duct when the first fan is working, and the second air guide plate is configured to open the third air duct when the first fan is working; The first air guide plate is also configured to open the second air duct when the second fan is operating, and the second air guide plate is also configured to close the third air duct when the second fan is operating.

[0017] In some embodiments, A first air duct is provided between the first interface and the first vent, and a third air duct is provided between the second interface and the second vent. A third fan is installed within either the first or third air duct. The third fan can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise. When the third fan rotates clockwise, it directs the airflow from the damper switching unit to the garment handling drum; when the third fan rotates counterclockwise, it discharges the airflow from the garment handling drum back to the damper switching unit. Alternatively... A first air duct and a second air duct are arranged in parallel between the first interface and the first vent. A third air duct is arranged between the second interface and the second vent. A fourth motor is arranged in the first air duct and a fifth motor is arranged in the second air duct. The fourth motor is used to send the airflow in the damper switching unit to the clothing processing drum. The fifth motor is used to discharge the airflow in the clothing processing drum to the damper switching unit.

[0018] As a second aspect of the present disclosure, this embodiment provides a drying control method applied to a garment processing device according to any one of the present disclosures. The garment processing device includes a first garment processing tub and a second garment processing tub. An air damper switching unit includes a first interface pair and a second interface pair. The first interface pair is connected to the first garment processing tub, and the second interface pair is connected to the second garment processing tub. The method includes: In response to the start of drying in the first garment processing tub, the movement of the first and second air dampers is controlled, causing the first air guide window to switch to connect with the first interface corresponding to the first interface, and the second air guide window to switch to connect with the second interface corresponding to the first interface; or... In response to the start of drying in the second garment processing tub, the movement of the first and second air dampers is controlled, causing the first air guide window to switch to connect with the first interface of the second interface, and the second air guide window to switch to connect with the second interface of the second interface.

[0019] In some embodiments, it also includes: The first and second fans corresponding to the clothing processing drum are controlled to work alternately.

[0020] The technical solution of this disclosure embodiment controls the movement of the first and second air dampers to switch the inner cavity to connect with different interface pairs, thereby switching the inner cavity to connect with different garment processing tubs. This method is not affected by the performance of the solenoid valve, and the first and second air dampers can be repeatedly controlled, improving the control accuracy and reliability of the first and second air dampers, ensuring accurate switching of different interface pairs, which is beneficial to improving drying efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the first and second air dampers are both integrated into the box body, which is conducive to the compact integration of the air damper switching unit, reducing the size of the air damper switching unit, and improving its application in miniaturized garment processing equipment.

[0021] The above overview is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Further aspects, embodiments, and features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, in addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above. Attached Figure Description

[0022] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the various drawings denote the same or similar parts or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments according to this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of a damper switching unit in one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal plan of the first shell wall in the damper switching unit; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the first shell wall in the damper switching unit; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the damper switching unit in one embodiment; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the damper switching unit in another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the damper switching unit in one embodiment; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the air duct system of a garment processing device in one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of the air duct system of the clothing handling device in another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram of the air duct system of the clothing handling device in another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9A A schematic diagram of the airflow process from top to bottom inside the garment processing drum of a garment processing device; Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram of the airflow process from bottom to top inside the garment processing drum of a garment processing device. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure, and different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily without conflict. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0025] In related technologies, twin-tub washing machines typically employ a single-duct airflow control system for the drying system. Airflow direction is switched using simple solenoid valves or baffles to achieve drying and dehumidification functions for different garment handling tubs. This airflow switching method presents two problems. First, the electromagnetic force of the solenoid valve is affected by voltage fluctuations, coil aging, and core wear, leading to inconsistent opening / closing positions and inaccurate airflow switching, resulting in low drying efficiency and high energy consumption. Second, the consistently unidirectional airflow can easily cause clothes to tangle, negatively impacting the user experience. Furthermore, the structure of using solenoid valves or baffles for airflow switching is complex, making compact integration difficult and limiting its application in miniaturized washing machines.

[0026] In order to solve some problems in the related technology, this disclosure provides an air damper switching unit that can be applied to clothing processing equipment.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the damper switching unit in one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal plan of the first shell wall in the damper switching unit. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the first shell wall in the damper switching unit. (Example:) Figures 1-3 As shown, the damper switching unit 100 includes a housing with an inner cavity 13 inside. For example, the housing may include a first shell wall 11 and a second shell wall 12 that are relatively closed, with the first shell wall 11 being open and the second shell wall 12 closing over the open, thus forming the inner cavity 13 between the first shell wall 11 and the second shell wall 12. The shell wall of the housing is provided with multiple interface pairs 20, each interface pair 20 including a first interface 21 and a second interface 22. For example, Figure 3Two interface pairs 20 are shown, namely a first interface pair 20a and a second interface pair 20b. Each first interface 21 and each second interface 22 communicates with the inner cavity 13. For example, multiple interface pairs 20 are disposed on the side of the second shell wall 12 opposite to the first shell wall 11. The first interface 21a and the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a are both in communication with the inner cavity 13, and the first interface 21b and the second interface 22b of the second interface pair 20b are both in communication with the inner cavity 13.

[0028] It should be noted that in this paper, for interface pairs, when there is no need to distinguish between the first interface pair and the second interface pair, "interface pair 20, first interface 21, second interface 22" is used. When distinguishing between the first interface pair and the second interface pair, "first interface pair 20a" and "second interface pair 20b" are used for differentiation. Similarly, the interfaces of different interface pairs are distinguished in the following way: first interface 21a in first interface pair 20a, second interface 22a in first interface pair 20a; first interface 21b in second interface pair 20b, second interface 22b in second interface pair 20b.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the damper switching unit 100 also includes a first damper 31 and a second damper 41. The first damper 31 is movably disposed in the inner cavity 13. The first damper 31 has a first guide window 311. By moving, the first damper 31 switches between communication between the first guide window 311 and the first interface 21 of different interface pairs 20. For example, the first damper 31 can have different positions. By moving to different positions, the first guide window 311 communicates with the first interface 21 of different interface pairs 20. The first damper 31 can also have a first closed position. When the first damper 31 moves to the first closed position, the first damper 31 closes all the first interfaces 21, that is, the first guide window 311 of the first damper 31 is not connected to the first interface 21 of any interface pair 20.

[0030] The second damper 41 is movably disposed within the inner cavity 13. The second damper 41 has a second flow guide window 411. By moving, the second damper 41 switches between communication between the second flow guide window 411 and the second interface 22 of different interface pairs 20. For example, the second damper 41 can have different positions. By moving to different positions, the second damper 41 enables communication between the second flow guide window 411 and the second interface 22 of different interface pairs 20. The second damper 41 can also have a second closed position. When the second damper 41 moves to the second closed position, the second damper 41 closes all the second interfaces 22, that is, the second flow guide window 411 of the second damper 41 is not connected to the second interface 22 of any interface pair 20.

[0031] The first air damper 31 and the second air damper 41 are configured such that by controlling the movement of the first air damper 31 and the second air damper 41, the first flow guide window 311 is connected to the first interface 21 of the preset interface pair 20, and the second flow guide window 411 is connected to the second interface 22 of the preset interface pair 20. Thus, the first interface 21 of the preset interface pair 20 is connected to the second interface 22 of the preset interface pair 20 through the first flow guide window 311, the inner cavity 13, and the second flow guide window 411. The preset interface pair 20 is any one of a plurality of interface pairs 20.

[0032] It should be noted that "controlling the movement of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41" should be understood as controlling the movement of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41. The first damper 31 and the second damper 41 can move simultaneously, or they can move at different times, or one can move while the other does not move, as long as the first guide window 311 can be connected to the first interface 21 of the preset interface pair 20, and the second guide window 411 can be connected to the second interface 22 of the preset interface pair 20.

[0033] Understandably, to prevent air leakage when the first flow guide window is connected to the first interface, a sealing structure can be installed at each first interface location, ensuring a sealed connection between the first flow guide window and the first interface and preventing air leakage. Similarly, the second flow guide window is sealed to the second interface.

[0034] The damper switching unit 100 disclosed herein can be applied to a garment processing device, which may include multiple garment processing drums, each of which has two vents. When the damper switching unit 100 is applied to the garment processing device, the first and second interfaces of each interface pair are used to communicate with the two vents of the same garment processing drum, one of which is an air inlet and the other is an air return outlet, and different interface pairs are used to communicate with different garment processing drums.

[0035] The damper switching unit 100 disclosed herein can switch the connection between the first flow guide window 311 and the first interface 21 of different interface pairs 20 by controlling the movement of the first damper 31; and can switch the connection between the second flow guide window 411 and the second interface 22 of different interface pairs 20 by controlling the movement of the second damper 41. Furthermore, by controlling the movement of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41, the first flow guide window 311 can be connected to the first interface 21 of the preset interface pair 20, and the second flow guide window 411 can be connected to the second interface 22 of the preset interface pair 20. This allows the first interface 21 of the preset interface pair 20 to be connected to the second interface 22 of the preset interface pair 20 through the first flow guide window 311, the inner cavity 13, and the second flow guide window 411, thus achieving the connection between the preset interface pair 20 and the inner cavity 13. The preset interface pair 20 is any one of multiple interface pairs 20. In this way, when it is necessary to switch between different interfaces 20 and the inner cavity 13, the movement of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 can be controlled to switch the inner cavity 13 to different interfaces 20, thereby achieving the switching of airflow direction.

[0036] When the damper switching unit 100 is applied to a garment processing device including multiple garment processing drums 60, the first interface 21 and the second interface 22 of the multiple interface pairs 20 can be connected to the air inlet and air outlet of different garment processing drums 60, respectively. The inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100 can provide drying airflow. When it is necessary to switch between different garment processing drums 60 for drying, by controlling the first damper 31 and the second damper 41, different garment processing drums 60 can be connected to the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100 through the corresponding interface pairs 20, thereby providing drying airflow to different garment processing drums 60.

[0037] The relevant technologies use solenoid valves or baffles to switch the airflow direction, which leads to inaccurate airflow switching, resulting in low drying efficiency and high energy consumption.

[0038] In this embodiment, by controlling the movement of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41, the inner cavity 13 is switched to connect with different interface pairs 20, thereby switching the inner cavity 13 to connect with different garment processing tubs 60. This method is not affected by the performance of the solenoid valve. Furthermore, the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 can be repeatedly controlled, improving the control accuracy and reliability of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41, ensuring accurate switching of different interface pairs 20, which is beneficial to improving drying efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Moreover, the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 are both integrated into the box body, which is conducive to the compact integration of the damper switching unit 100, reducing the size of the damper switching unit 100, and improving its application in miniaturized garment processing equipment.

[0039] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the damper switching unit in one embodiment. In one embodiment, as shown... Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the first interfaces 21 of different interface pairs 20 can be spaced apart along a first direction. A first damper 31 is movably disposed in the inner cavity 13 along the first direction X. Exemplarily, the first damper 31 can be a first sliding piece extending along the first direction X. The first damper 31 moves along the first direction X, causing the first guide window 311 to switch communication with the first interfaces 21 of the different interface pairs 20. Figure 4 In this embodiment, the first damper 31 is located in a first position, and the first guide window 311 is connected to the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a. When the first damper 31 moves to a second position along a first direction, the first guide window 311 is connected to the first interface 21b of the second interface pair 20b.

[0040] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the second interfaces 22 of different interface pairs 20 can be spaced apart along the second direction Y. A second damper 41 is movably disposed in the inner cavity 13 along the second direction. Exemplarily, the second damper 41 can be a second sliding plate extending along the second direction Y. The second damper 41 moves along the second direction, causing the second guide window 411 to switch communication with the second interfaces 22 of the different interface pairs 20. Figure 4 In this embodiment, the second damper 41 is located in the third position, and the second guide window 411 is connected to the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a. When the second damper 41 moves to the fourth position along the second direction, the second guide window 411 is connected to the second interface 22b of the second interface pair 20b.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the damper switching unit in another embodiment of this disclosure. In another embodiment, refer to... Figure 5 The first damper 31 is rotatably disposed in the inner cavity 13. By rotating, the first damper 31 switches between communication between the first guide window 311 and the first interface 21 of the different interface pair 20. For example, the first damper 31 can rotate around the first axis O1, thereby switching between communication between the first guide window 311 and the first interface 21 of the different interface pair 20.

[0042] refer to Figure 5 The second damper 41 is rotatably disposed in the inner cavity 13. By rotating, the second damper 41 switches the connection between the second flow guide window 411 and the second interface 22 of the different interface pair 20. For example, the second damper 41 can rotate around the second axis O2, thereby switching the connection between the second flow guide window 411 and the second interface 22 of the different interface pair 20.

[0043] Figure 4In this embodiment, the movement of the two dampers is illustrated by taking the first damper 31 moving along the first direction and the second damper 41 moving along the second direction as an example. Figure 5 In this embodiment, the movement of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 is illustrated using rotation as an example. It is understood that the movement patterns of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 can be the same or different. For example, the first damper 31 moves along a first direction to switch the connection between the first guide window 311 and the first interface 21 of the different interface pair 20, and the second damper 41 rotates to switch the connection between the second guide window 411 and the second interface 22 of the different interface pair 20; or, the first damper 31 rotates to switch the connection between the first guide window 311 and the first interface 21 of the different interface pair 20, and the second damper 41 moves along a second direction to switch the connection between the second guide window 411 and the second interface 22 of the different interface pair 20.

[0044] In one embodiment, a first damper 31 is movably disposed in the inner cavity 13 along a first direction, and a second damper 41 is movably disposed in the inner cavity 13 along a second direction, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0045] In one embodiment, the second direction may be parallel to the first direction, but the second direction and the first direction are not on the same straight line. For example, the second damper 41 and the first damper 31 may be parallel. In one embodiment, the second direction may intersect with the first direction. Exemplarily, the second direction and the first direction are perpendicular to each other, for example, in... Figure 4 In this configuration, the first direction is horizontal, and the second direction is vertical. The specific directions and positions of the first and second directions can be set as needed, as long as the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 do not interfere with each other, and switching between different interfaces can be achieved.

[0046] In order to achieve the movement of the first air damper 31, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first damper 31 is provided with a first rack 312 extending along a first direction. The first rack 312 can be installed on one side edge of the first damper 31, or one side edge of the first damper 31 can be machined into a rack structure to form the first rack 312. The damper switching unit 100 also includes a first gear 32, which is located in the inner cavity 13. The first gear 32 meshes with the first rack 312. The first gear 32 drives the first damper 31 to move along the first direction by rotating. The teeth of the first rack 312 can be triangular or trapezoidal, etc., and the specific shape and size can be set as needed. The teeth of the first gear 32 match the teeth of the first rack 312.

[0047] In order to achieve the movement of the second air damper 41, such as Figure 4As shown, the second damper 41 is provided with a second rack 412 extending along a second direction. The second rack 412 can be installed on one side edge of the second damper 41, or one side edge of the second damper 41 can be machined into a rack structure to form the second rack 412. The damper switching unit 100 also includes a second gear 42, which can be located in the inner cavity 13. The second gear 42 meshes with the second rack 412, and the second gear 42 drives the second damper 41 to move along the second direction by rotating. The teeth of the second rack 412 can be triangular or trapezoidal, etc., and the specific shape and size can be set as needed. The teeth of the second gear 42 match the teeth of the second rack 412.

[0048] In other embodiments, the first damper 31 can be moved along the first direction by other transmission mechanisms, such as a screw drive mechanism or a belt drive mechanism. The second damper 41 can also be moved along the second direction by other transmission mechanisms, such as a screw drive mechanism or a belt drive mechanism.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first gear 32 and the first rack 312 mesh with each other to drive the first damper 31 to move along the first direction, which can achieve precise control of the position of the first damper 31; the second gear 42 and the second rack 412 mesh with each other to drive the second damper 41 to move along the second direction, which can achieve precise control of the position of the second damper 41, ensuring the consistency of the switching positions of the two dampers each time, improving switching accuracy, improving drying efficiency, and reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the gear and rack meshing transmission mechanism allows for a more compact structure, which helps to reduce the volume of the damper switching unit 100.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the damper switching unit 100 may further include a first motor 33 and a second motor 43. The first motor 33 is connected to the first gear 32 and drives the first gear 32 to rotate. The second motor 43 is connected to the second gear 42 and drives the second gear 42 to rotate. The first motor 33 and the second motor 43 may be stepper motors. Stepper motors have high control precision, and using stepper motors can more accurately position the first damper 31 and the second damper 41, improving the repeatability of control precision and reliability, and achieving precise, reliable, and repeatable control of the airflow path. Furthermore, using stepper motor control is beneficial for controlling the connection area between the guide window and the corresponding interface, thereby enabling airflow volume adjustment.

[0051] The first motor 33 and the second motor 43 can be located on the outside of the housing. Exemplarily, the first motor 33 and the second motor 43 can be mounted on the second housing wall 12. The second housing wall 12 is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole. The motor shaft of the first motor 33 can pass through the first through hole and connect to the shaft hole of the first gear 32. The motor shaft of the second motor 43 can pass through the second through hole and connect to the shaft hole of the second gear 42.

[0052] In one embodiment, the movement paths of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 overlap. The first damper 31 and the second damper 41 are stacked. For example, refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 4 The first damper 31 moves along a first direction, including region D, and the second damper 41 moves along a second direction, including region D. Region D forms the overlap area between the moving paths of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41. This further reduces the space occupied by the first damper 31 and the second damper 41, and reduces the volume of the damper switching unit 100.

[0053] To avoid interference between the first damper 31 and the second damper 41, the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 can be stacked. Figure 2 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the first damper 31 is located above the second damper 41, meaning that the second damper 41 is located between the first damper 31 and the bottom wall of the first shell wall 11. Therefore, the movements of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 do not interfere with each other.

[0054] In one embodiment, a first guide mechanism extending along a first direction is provided in the inner cavity 13, and the first damper 31 moves along the first direction under the guidance of the first guide mechanism. The first guide mechanism can guide the movement of the first damper 31, ensuring that the first damper 31 can move smoothly along the first direction; in addition, the first guide mechanism can also position the first damper 31, preventing the first damper 31 from deviating when moving along the first direction, thereby preventing airflow leakage caused by poor communication between the first guide window 311 and the first interface 21.

[0055] A second guide mechanism extending along a second direction is provided in the inner cavity 13. The second damper 41 moves along the second direction under the guidance of the second guide mechanism. The second guide mechanism can guide the movement of the second damper 41, ensuring that the second damper 41 can move smoothly along the second direction; in addition, the second guide mechanism can also position the second damper 41, preventing the second damper 41 from deviating when moving along the second direction, thereby preventing airflow leakage caused by poor connection between the second guide window 411 and the second interface 22.

[0056] The first guiding mechanism can be a guide groove or guide rail, etc., and its specific structure can be set as needed. The second guiding mechanism can be a guide groove or guide rail, etc., and its specific structure can be set as needed.

[0057] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first guide mechanism may include a first guide groove 531 disposed in the inner cavity 13, and the first damper 31 moves within the first guide groove 531.

[0058] The second guide mechanism may include a second guide groove 541 disposed in the inner cavity 13, and the second damper 41 moves within the second guide groove 541.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the damper switching unit in one embodiment. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 6 To position the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 at different heights, the bottom wall of the first shell wall 11 is provided with a first protrusion 521 and a second protrusion 522. A second guide groove 541 is formed between the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522. The second guide mechanism includes the second guide groove 541. The second damper 41 moves within the second guide groove 541. The first protrusion 521 is provided with a first rib 551 and a second rib 552 arranged opposite to each other. A first guide groove 531 is formed between the first rib 551 and the second rib 552. The first guide mechanism includes the first guide groove 531, and the first damper 31 moves within the first guide groove 531. In this structure, the first guide groove 531 is located above the second guide groove 541, the first damper 31 is located within the first guide groove 531, and the second damper 41 is located within the second guide groove 541, thus enabling the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 to be positioned at different heights and avoiding interference between their movements.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the first gear 32 can be mounted on the second boss 522.

[0061] For example, the height of the first protrusion 521 can be greater than the height of the first damper 31. This ensures that the lower surface of the first damper 31 is higher than the upper surface of the second damper 41, preventing friction and scratching between the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 during movement, and ensuring that both can move smoothly.

[0062] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2 and Figure 3Multiple interface pairs 20 may include a first interface pair 20a and a second interface pair 20b. In this document, for an interface pair, when there is no need to distinguish between the first and second interface pairs, "interface pair 20, first interface 21, second interface 22" is used; when distinguishing between the first and second interface pairs, first interface pair 20a and second interface pair 20b are used. Similarly, the interfaces of different interface pairs are distinguished as follows: first interface 21a and second interface 22a in first interface pair 20a; first interface 21b and second interface 22b in second interface pair 20b.

[0063] The first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a and the first interface 21b of the second interface pair 20b are located on opposite sides of the second damper 41. The second interfaces 22a of the first interface pair 20a and the second interfaces 22b of the second interface pair 20b are located on opposite sides of the first damper 31. In this way, the movement paths of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 intersect each other, and the intersection area of ​​the movement paths of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 forms an overlapping area.

[0064] The number of interface pairs 20 is not limited to two pairs; there can be more. When the first damper 31 moves along the first direction, multiple first interfaces 21 of the multiple interface pairs 20 can be set along the first direction. When the second damper 41 moves along the second direction, multiple second interfaces 22 of the multiple interface pairs 20 can be set along the second direction.

[0065] The damper switching unit 100 disclosed herein is used in a garment processing device, and the damper switching unit 100 can provide drying airflow to the garment processing drum. To provide drying airflow to the garment processing drum, a heater 50 is also provided in the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100. (Reference) Figure 6 The heater 50 can be disposed above the first rib 551 and the second rib 552. For example, the heater 50 is disposed above the first guide groove 531.

[0066] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the air duct system of a garment processing device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. An embodiment of this disclosure also provides a garment processing device. Figure 7 As shown, the garment processing equipment includes multiple garment processing bins and a damper switching unit 100 according to this embodiment. Multiple interface pairs 20 of the damper switching unit 100 correspond one-to-one with the multiple garment processing bins. Each garment processing bin has two vents, and the first interface 21 and the second interface 22 of each interface pair 20 are connected to the two vents of the same garment processing bin. One of the two vents is an air inlet, and the other is an air return outlet; different interface pairs 20 are connected to different garment processing bins.

[0067] In this paper, different garment processing bins of the garment processing equipment are distinguished by "a" and "b", for example, the first garment processing bin 60a and the second garment processing bin 60b. Correspondingly, the interface pairs of the garment processing bins are also distinguished by "a" and "b", for example, the first interface pair 20a connected to the first garment processing bin 60a and the second interface pair 20b connected to the second garment processing bin 60b. Components that correspond to different garment processing bins are also distinguished by "a" and "b". For cases where the garment is applicable to both the first and second garment processing bins, the term "garment processing bin" is used in this paper, and the corresponding features are not distinguished by "a" and "b".

[0068] exist Figure 7 The garment processing equipment includes a first garment processing tank 60a and a second garment processing tank 60b. The first garment processing tank 60a is connected to a first interface pair 20a, and the second garment processing tank 60b is connected to a second interface pair 20b. The first vent 61a of the first garment processing tank 60a is connected to the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a, and the second vent 62a of the first garment processing tank 60a is connected to the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a. The second vent 62b of the second garment processing tank 60b is connected to the first interface 21b of the second interface pair 20b, and the second vent 62b of the second garment processing tank 60b is connected to the second interface 22b of the second interface pair 20b.

[0069] In this type of garment processing equipment, the damper switching unit 100 can provide drying airflow to multiple garment processing drums 60. Assuming the garment processing equipment includes a first garment processing drum 60a and a second garment processing drum 60b, the first garment processing drum 60a is connected to a first interface pair 20a, and the second garment processing drum 60b is connected to a second interface pair 20b. When drying airflow is needed for the first garment processing drum 60a, the movement of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 is controlled, so that the first guide window 311 of the first damper 31 is connected to the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a, and the second guide window 411 of the second damper 41 is connected to the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a. Thus, the air inlet and outlet of the first garment processing drum 60a can be connected through the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100, achieving a circulating flow from the inner cavity 13 → air inlet → first garment processing drum 60a → air outlet → inner cavity 13. When it is necessary to switch the second clothing processing bin 60b, the movement of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 is controlled so that the first guide window 311 of the first damper 31 is connected to the first interface 21b of the second interface pair 20b, and the second guide window 411 of the second damper 41 is connected to the second interface 22b of the second interface pair 20b. Thus, the air inlet and air outlet of the second clothing processing bin 60b can be connected through the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100 to realize the circulation flow of inner cavity 13 → air inlet → second clothing processing bin 60b → air outlet → inner cavity 13.

[0070] The two vents of the garment processing drum are located at opposite ends of the drum. For example, the two vents include a first vent and a second vent. For a vertically oriented garment processing drum, the first vent is located at the top, and the second vent is located at the bottom. For a horizontally oriented garment processing drum, the first vent is located at the front, and the second vent is located at the rear. A first interface 21 communicates with the first vent of the garment processing drum, and a second interface 22 communicates with the second vent. Thus, the drying airflow can enter from the first vent at one end of the garment processing drum and exit from the second vent at the other end, drying the clothes inside. The drying airflow passes through the entire garment processing drum, improving drying efficiency.

[0071] In one embodiment, the airflow within the damper switching unit can enter the garment processing drum through the first interface and the first vent, and then return to the damper switching unit through the second vent and the second interface. In this case, the drying airflow within the damper switching unit enters the garment from the top and exits from the bottom, with hot air penetrating the garment from top to bottom to dry it.

[0072] The airflow within the damper switching unit can also enter the garment processing drum through the second interface and the second vent, and then flow back into the damper switching unit through the first vent and the first interface. In this case, the drying airflow within the damper switching unit enters the garment from the bottom and exits from the top, with the airflow "blowing" the garment from bottom to top to prevent it from tangling, which is especially suitable for cotton and towel garments.

[0073] Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of the air duct system of the clothing handling device in another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram of the air duct system of the clothing handling device in another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8A In the middle, the airflow enters from the top of the garment processing drum and flows out from the bottom. Figure 8B In this configuration, airflow enters from the bottom of the garment processing drum and exits from the top. In one embodiment, as... Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, for the first garment processing bin 60a, a first air duct 71a and a second air duct 72a are arranged in parallel between the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a and the first vent 61a of the first garment processing bin 60a. A first fan 81a is installed in the first air duct 71a. A third air duct 73a and a fourth air duct 74a are arranged in parallel between the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a and the second vent 62a. A second fan 82a is installed in the fourth air duct 74a.

[0074] For the first clothing processing bin 60a, the first fan 81a is configured such that the airflow in the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100 flows through the first guide window 311 and the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a to the first vent 61a, and the airflow discharged from the second vent 62a flows through the third air duct 73a, the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a and the second guide window 411 into the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100.

[0075] The second fan 82a is configured such that the airflow in the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100 flows through the second guide window 411 and the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a to the second vent 62a, and the airflow discharged from the first vent 61a flows through the second air duct 72a, the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a and the first guide window 311 into the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100.

[0076] In this case, the first fan 81a and the second fan 82a do not work at the same time; or, the first fan 81a and the second fan 82a work alternately; or, after the first fan 81a works for a first preset time, the second fan 82a works for a second preset time.

[0077] Taking the vertically arranged first garment processing tub 60a (the garment processing tub on the left) as an example, the working process of the drying airflow is explained. When the first fan 81a is working, the airflow in the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100 flows through the first guide window 311, the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a, and the first vent 61a, and enters the first garment processing tub 60a. The airflow discharged from the second vent 62a of the first garment processing tub 60a flows through the third air duct 73a, the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a, and the second guide window 411 and enters the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100. In this case, the drying airflow, under the action of the first fan, enters the first clothing processing drum 60a from the first vent 61a at the top. After passing through the clothes in the first clothing processing drum 60a, the airflow is sent out from the second vent 62a at the bottom and flows through the third air duct 73a, the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a, and the second guide window 411 into the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100. This realizes that the drying airflow enters the clothes from the top and exits the clothes from the bottom, and the hot air penetrates the clothes from top to bottom to dry the clothes.

[0078] When the second fan 82a is working, the airflow in the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100 flows through the second guide window 411 and the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a to the second vent 62a. The airflow discharged from the first vent 61a flows through the second air duct 72a, the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a, and the first guide window 311 into the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100. In this case, under the action of the second fan 82a, the drying airflow enters the first clothing processing drum 60a from the lower second vent 62a. After passing through the clothes in the first clothing processing drum 60a, the airflow is sent out from the upper first vent 61a and flows through the second air duct 72a, the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a, and the first guide window 311 into the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100. This realizes that the drying airflow enters the clothes from the bottom and exits the clothes from the top. The airflow "blows" the clothes from bottom to top, avoiding the clothes from tangling. It is especially suitable for cotton and towel clothes.

[0079] By alternating between the first and second fans, clothes can be dried without tangling, thus improving the user experience.

[0080] When it is necessary to dry clothes in another clothes processing drum, the drying airflow can be switched to the second clothes processing drum 60b by controlling the movement of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41 in the damper switching unit 100. The first fan 81b and the second fan 82b corresponding to the second clothes processing drum 60b are controlled to work, so as to dry the clothes in the second clothes processing drum 60b and prevent them from tangling.

[0081] The connection structure and working principle of the second clothing processing bucket 60b are the same as those of the first clothing processing bucket 60a. Each of its features is marked with "b" to distinguish it from the first clothing processing bucket.

[0082] refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, taking the first garment processing bin as an example, when the first fan 81a is working, the airflow flows through the first air duct 71a under the action of the first fan 81a. To prevent the airflow in the first garment processing bin 60a from flowing back through the second air duct 72a and to prevent the airflow from flowing to the first garment processing bin 60a through the third air duct 73a, a first air guide plate 83a can be installed in the second air duct 72a, and a second air guide plate 84a can be installed in the third air duct 73a. The first air guide plate 83a is configured to close the second air duct 72a when the first fan 81a is working, and the second air guide plate 84a is configured to open the third air duct 73a when the first fan 81a is working. This ensures that the airflow in the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100 enters the first ventilation port 61a through the first air duct 71a under the action of the first fan 81a, and does not flow back through the second air duct 72a. This ensures that the airflow enters the first ventilation port 61a through the first air duct 71a, flows out from the second ventilation port 62a, and flows back to the inner cavity 13 through the third air duct 73a.

[0083] The first air guide plate 83a is also configured to open the second air duct 72a when the second fan 82a is working, and the second air guide plate 84a is also configured to close the third air duct 73a when the second fan 82a is working. Thus, the airflow flows through the fourth air duct 74a under the action of the second fan 82a, enters the first clothing processing drum 60a through the second vent 62a, and flows out from the first vent 61a and then flows back to the inner cavity 13 through the second air duct 72a.

[0084] The specific structures of the first air guide plate 83a and the second air guide plate 84a can be set as needed. For example, the first air guide plate 83a and the second air guide plate 84a can adopt a grid structure, etc.

[0085] The clothing processing device of this embodiment controls the first fan and the second fan to work alternately, so that the clothing processing drum can be vented from the first vent to the second vent and from the second vent to the first vent. This allows air to enter from two opposite directions, which can not only dry the clothes, but also blow them apart to prevent them from tangling and improve the user experience.

[0086] In another embodiment, reference may be made to Figure 7Taking the first garment processing bin 60a as an example, a first air duct 71a is provided between the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a and the first vent 61a, and a third air duct 73a is provided between the second interface 22a and the second vent 62a. A third fan (not shown in the figure) is provided in the first or third air duct, and the third fan can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise. When the third fan rotates clockwise, it sends the airflow in the damper switching unit to the garment processing bin; when the third fan rotates counterclockwise, it discharges the airflow in the garment processing bin to the damper switching unit.

[0087] For example, a third fan is installed inside the first air duct. When the third fan rotates clockwise, the drying airflow in the damper switching unit enters the clothes handling drum through the first air duct and exits through the third air duct. The airflow passes through the clothes from top to bottom inside the clothes handling drum, drying them. When the third fan rotates counterclockwise, under the suction of the third fan, the drying airflow in the damper switching unit enters the clothes handling drum through the third air duct and exits through the first air duct. The airflow passes through the clothes from bottom to top inside the clothes handling drum, drying them while simultaneously "blowing away" the clothes to prevent them from tangling.

[0088] In another embodiment, reference may be made to Figure 8A A first air duct and a second air duct are arranged in parallel between the first interface and the first vent, and a third air duct is arranged between the second interface and the second vent. No fourth air duct is provided. A fourth motor is installed in the first air duct, and a fifth motor is installed in the second air duct. The fourth motor is used to send the airflow from the damper switching unit to the clothes handling drum, so that the airflow passes through the clothes from top to bottom in the clothes handling drum, drying the clothes. The fifth motor is used to discharge the airflow from the clothes handling drum to the damper switching unit, so that the airflow passes through the clothes from bottom to top in the clothes handling drum, drying the clothes while simultaneously "blowing away" the clothes to prevent them from tangling.

[0089] This disclosure also provides a drying control method in an embodiment of a clothing processing device. The clothing processing device includes a first clothing processing tank 60a and a second clothing processing tank 60b. The damper switching unit 100 includes a first interface pair 20a and a second interface pair 20b. The first interface pair 20a is connected to the first clothing processing tank 60a, and the second interface pair 20b is connected to the second clothing processing tank 60b.

[0090] The drying control method may include: in response to the start of drying in the first garment handling tub 60a, controlling the movement of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41, such that the first guide window 311 switches to connect with the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a, and the second guide window 411 switches to connect with the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a; or, in response to the start of drying in the second garment handling tub, controlling the movement of the first damper 31 and the second damper 41, such that the first guide window 311 switches to connect with the first interface 21b of the second interface pair 20b, and the second guide window 411 switches to connect with the second interface 22b of the second interface pair 20b.

[0091] The drying control method may also include: controlling the first and second fans corresponding to the garment handling drum to work alternately. The drying control method may also include: controlling the heater 50 to heat the garment during the drying process.

[0092] Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the downward flow of air within the garment processing drum of a garment processing device. Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the upward flow of air within the garment processing drum of a garment processing device. (Reference) Figure 1 , Figure 8A and Figure 9A After the drying of the first garment processing tub 60a is started, the first air damper 31 is controlled to move to the left, so that the first guide window 311 switches to connect with the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a, and then the first guide window 311 connects with the first vent 61a of the first garment processing tub; the second air damper 41 is controlled to move downward, so that the second guide window 411 switches to connect with the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a, and then the second guide window 411 connects with the second vent 62a of the first garment processing tub.

[0093] The first fan 81a is controlled to work. The drying airflow flows from the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100, through the first guide window 311 and the first air duct 71a, and enters the upper part of the first clothing processing drum 60a through the first vent 61a. The hot air enters from the top in the first clothing processing drum 60a, penetrates the clothes from top to bottom, is sent out from the second vent 62a, and flows back to the inner cavity 13 of the damper switching unit 100 through the third air duct 73a and the second guide window 411.

[0094] While controlling the first fan 81a to operate, the first air guide plate 83a is controlled to close the second air duct 72a, and the second air guide plate 84a is controlled to open the third air duct 73a. Since the fourth air duct 74a is equipped with the second fan 82a, the second fan 82a acts as a blockage for the airflow. Therefore, when the first fan 81a is operating, the airflow in the inner cavity 13 will not flow through the fourth air duct 74a into the first clothing processing drum 60a. This achieves the drying airflow entering from the first vent 61a at the top of the first clothing processing drum 60a and exiting from the second vent 62a at the bottom.

[0095] While controlling the operation of the second fan 82a, such as Figure 8B and Figure 9B As shown, the first air guide plate 83a is controlled to open the second air duct 72a, and the second air guide plate 84a is controlled to close the third air duct 73a. Since the first air duct 71a is equipped with a first fan 81a, the first fan 81a acts as a blockage for the airflow. When the second fan 82a is working, the airflow in the inner cavity 13 will not flow through the first air duct 71a into the first clothing processing drum 60a. This achieves the goal of the airflow entering from the second vent 62a at the bottom of the first clothing processing drum 60a and exiting from the first vent 61a at the top.

[0096] The two garment processing tanks operate in the same way; therefore, a garment processing device with two garment processing tanks can have four operating modes. Mode 1 and Mode 2 correspond to the first garment processing tank 60a, and Mode 3 and Mode 4 correspond to the second garment processing tank 60b.

[0097] Mode 1: Control the movement of the first air damper 31 and the second air damper 41, so that the first guide window 311 switches to connect with the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a, and the second guide window 411 switches to connect with the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a; and control the first fan 81a corresponding to the first clothes processing tub 60a to work, the first air guide plate 83a to close the second air duct 72a, and the second air guide plate 84a to open the third air duct 73a, so that the first clothes processing tub 60a can take in air from the top and return air from the bottom, so that hot air can penetrate the clothes from top to bottom for clothes drying.

[0098] Mode 2: Control the movement of the first air damper 31 and the second air damper 41, so that the first air guide window 311 switches to connect with the first interface 21a of the first interface pair 20a, and the second air guide window 411 switches to connect with the second interface 22a of the first interface pair 20a; and control the second fan 82a corresponding to the first clothing processing bucket 60a to work, the first air guide plate 83a to open the second air duct 72a, and the second air guide plate 84a to close the third air duct 73a, so that the first clothing processing bucket 60a can take in air from the bottom and return air from the top, so that the airflow "blows away" the clothes from the bottom up and avoids the clothes from getting tangled.

[0099] Mode 3: Control the movement of the first air damper 31 and the second air damper 41, so that the first guide window 311 switches to connect with the first interface 21b of the second interface pair 20b, and the second guide window 411 switches to connect with the second interface 22b of the second interface pair 20b; and control the first fan 81b corresponding to the second clothes processing tub 60b to work, the first air guide plate (marked as 83b in the figure) to close the second air duct (marked as 72b in the figure), and the second air guide plate (marked as 84b in the figure) to open the third air duct (marked as 73b in the figure), so that the second clothes processing tub 60b can enter air from the top and return air from the bottom, so that hot air penetrates the clothes from top to bottom for clothes drying.

[0100] Mode 2: Control the movement of the first air damper 31 and the second air damper 41, so that the first guide window 311 switches to connect with the first interface 21b of the second interface pair 20b, and the second guide window 411 switches to connect with the second interface 22b of the second interface pair 20b; and control the second fan 82b corresponding to the second clothing processing bucket 60b to work, the first air guide plate (marked as 83b in the figure) to open the second air duct of the second clothing processing bucket (marked as 72b in the figure), and the second air guide plate 84b to close the third air duct 73b, so that the second clothing processing bucket 60b can enter the air from the bottom and return the air from the top, so that the airflow "blows away" the clothes from the bottom up and avoids the clothes from getting tangled.

[0101] The clothing processing device disclosed herein, by employing the damper switching unit of the present invention, controls the movement of the first damper and the second damper to achieve the switching of hot airflow between different clothing processing drums. Furthermore, it controls the hot air to flow from top to bottom within the clothing processing drum to dry the clothes, and controls the hot air to flow from bottom to top within the clothing processing drum to disperse the clothes and prevent them from tangling.

[0102] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0103] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0104] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0105] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0106] The foregoing disclosure provides many different implementations or examples for carrying out different structures of this disclosure. To simplify this disclosure, the components and arrangements of specific examples are described above. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or reference letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various implementations and / or arrangements discussed.

[0107] The above are merely specific embodiments of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure, and any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed herein, and the combination of different parts of different embodiments without conflict, should all be covered within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A damper switching unit for a garment processing device having multiple garment processing drums, each of the garment processing drums having two ventilation openings, one of which is an air inlet and the other is an air return outlet; characterized in that, The damper switching unit includes: The box body has an inner cavity, and the shell wall of the box body has multiple interface pairs. The multiple interface pairs are used to connect the inner cavity to the ventilation openings of multiple clothing processing drums one by one. Each interface pair includes a first interface and a second interface. One end of the first interface and the second interface are connected to the inner cavity, and one end of the first interface and the second interface are connected to the air inlet of the same clothing processing drum and the other end is connected to the air return outlet of the same clothing processing drum. The first damper is movably disposed in the inner cavity. The first damper has a first guide window. The first damper can switch and connect with the first interface of different interface pairs by moving. The second damper is movably disposed in the inner cavity. The second damper has a second guide window. The second damper can switch and connect with the second interface of different interface pairs by moving. The first damper and the second damper are configured as follows: By controlling the movement of the first damper and the second damper, the first flow guide window is connected to the first interface of the preset interface pair, and the second flow guide window is connected to the second interface of the preset interface pair. The first interface of the preset interface pair is connected to the second interface of the preset interface pair through the first flow guide window, the inner cavity, and the second flow guide window. The preset interface pair is any one of the plurality of interface pairs. By controlling the movement of the first and second air dampers, the inner cavity is switched to connect with different interface pairs, thereby switching the connection between the inner cavity and different clothing processing tubs.

2. The damper switching unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first damper is movably disposed within the inner cavity along a first direction. By moving along the first direction, the first damper allows the first guide window to switch communication with the first interface of different interface pairs; or... The first damper is rotatably disposed in the inner cavity. By rotating the first damper, the first guide window is switched to communicate with the first interface of different interface pairs.

3. The damper switching unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second damper is movably disposed within the inner cavity along a second direction. By moving along the second direction, the second damper allows the second guide window to switch communication with the second interface of different interface pairs; or... The second damper is rotatably disposed in the inner cavity. By rotating the second damper, the second guide window can switch and connect with the second interface of different interface pairs.

4. The damper switching unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first damper is movably disposed in the inner cavity along the first direction, and the second damper is movably disposed in the inner cavity along the second direction, which intersects with the first direction.

5. The damper switching unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first damper is provided with a first rack extending along the first direction, and the damper switching unit further includes a first gear located in the inner cavity. The first gear meshes with the first rack, and the first gear drives the first damper to move along the first direction by rotation; and / or, The second damper is provided with a second rack extending along the second direction. The damper switching unit also includes a second gear located in the inner cavity. The second gear meshes with the second rack. The second gear drives the second damper to move along the second direction by rotating.

6. The damper switching unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The movement paths of the first damper and the second damper overlap, and the first damper and the second damper are stacked.

7. The damper switching unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The plurality of interface pairs include a first interface pair and a second interface pair, wherein the first interface of the first interface pair and the first interface of the second interface pair are respectively located on opposite sides of the second damper, and the second interface of the first interface pair and the second interface of the second interface pair are respectively located on opposite sides of the first damper.

8. The damper switching unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The box body includes a first shell wall and a second shell wall that are relatively closed together, and the inner cavity is formed between the first shell wall and the second shell wall; The bottom wall of the first shell is provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and a second guide groove extending along the second direction is formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and the second damper moves in the second guide groove; The first protrusion is provided with a first protruding rib and a second protruding rib arranged opposite to each other, and a first guide groove extending along the first direction is formed between the first protruding rib and the second protruding rib, and the first damper moves in the first guide groove.

9. The damper switching unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The height of the first boss is greater than the thickness of the first damper.

10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, It includes multiple garment processing bins and a damper switching unit as described in any one of claims 1-9. Multiple interface pairs correspond one-to-one with the multiple garment processing bins. Each garment processing bin has two vents. The first and second interfaces of each interface pair are connected to the two vents of the same garment processing bin. One of the two vents is an air inlet and the other is an air return outlet. Different interface pairs are connected to different garment processing bins.

11. The garment processing equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that, The garment processing drum is arranged vertically, and the two ventilation openings include a first ventilation opening located at the upper part of the garment processing drum and a second ventilation opening located at the lower part of the garment processing drum. The first interface is connected to the first ventilation opening of the corresponding garment processing drum, and the second interface is connected to the second ventilation opening of the corresponding garment processing drum.

12. The garment processing equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The airflow in the damper switching unit can enter the clothing processing drum through the first interface and the first vent, and return to the damper switching unit through the second vent and the second interface; the airflow in the damper switching unit can enter the clothing processing drum through the second interface and the second vent, and return to the damper switching unit through the first vent and the first interface.

13. The garment processing equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that, A first air duct and a second air duct are arranged in parallel between the first interface and the first vent, and a first fan is arranged in the first air duct; a third air duct and a fourth air duct are arranged in parallel between the second interface and the second vent, and a second fan is arranged in the fourth air duct. The first fan is configured such that the airflow in the inner cavity of the damper switching unit flows through the first guide window and the first interface to the first vent, and the airflow discharged from the second vent flows through the third air duct, the second interface, and the second guide window into the inner cavity of the damper switching unit. The second fan is configured such that the airflow in the inner cavity of the damper switching unit flows through the second guide window and the second interface to the second vent, and the airflow discharged from the first vent flows through the second air duct, the first interface, and the first guide window into the inner cavity of the damper switching unit; The first fan and the second fan do not work simultaneously; or, the first fan and the second fan work alternately; or, after the first fan works for a first preset time, the second fan works for a second preset time.

14. The garment processing equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second air duct is provided with a first air guide plate, and the third air duct is provided with a second air guide plate; The first air guide plate is configured to close the second air duct when the first fan is operating, and the second air guide plate is configured to open the third air duct when the first fan is operating; The first air guide plate is also configured to open the second air duct when the second fan is operating, and the second air guide plate is also configured to close the third air duct when the second fan is operating.

15. The garment processing equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that, A first air duct is provided between the first interface and the first vent, and a third air duct is provided between the second interface and the second vent. A third fan is provided in the first air duct or the third air duct. The third fan can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise. When the third fan rotates clockwise, the third fan sends the airflow in the damper switching unit to the clothing processing drum. When the third fan rotates counterclockwise, it discharges the airflow from the clothing processing drum to the damper switching unit; or, A first air duct and a second air duct are arranged in parallel between the first interface and the first vent. A third air duct is arranged between the second interface and the second vent. A fourth fan is arranged in the first air duct and a fifth fan is arranged in the second air duct. The fourth fan is used to send the airflow in the damper switching unit to the corresponding clothing processing bin. The fifth fan is used to discharge the airflow in the corresponding clothing processing bin to the damper switching unit.

16. A drying control method, characterized in that, A garment processing device according to any one of claims 10-15, the garment processing device comprising a first garment processing tank and a second garment processing tank, the damper switching unit comprising a first interface pair and a second interface pair, the first interface pair being connected to the first garment processing tank, and the second interface pair being connected to the second garment processing tank, the method comprising: In response to the start of drying in the first garment processing tub, the movement of the first damper and the second damper is controlled, causing the first air guide window to switch to connect with the first interface of the first interface pair, and the second air guide window to switch to connect with the second interface of the first interface pair; or... In response to the start of drying in the second garment processing tub, the movement of the first damper and the second damper is controlled, so that the first guide window switches to connect with the first interface of the second interface pair, and the second guide window switches to connect with the second interface of the second interface pair.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Also includes: The first and second fans corresponding to the clothing processing drum are controlled to work alternately.

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