Drying cycle structure for washer-dryer

Abstract

The application provides a drying circulation structure of a washing and drying integrated machine, which comprises an outer drum, a rear-end air duct arranged at the rear end of the outer drum and provided with a filter part, a drying box fixed above the outer drum, a rear-end centrifugal fan arranged at one side of the rear end of the outer drum, wherein the impeller axis of the rear-end centrifugal fan is arranged vertically, the air inlet part of the rear-end centrifugal fan is fixedly connected with the upper end of the rear-end air duct, the air outlet part of the rear-end centrifugal fan is communicated with the drying box, and a front-end air duct is fixed at one end of the drying box and fixedly connected at the other end with the side wall of the opening at the front end of the outer drum. The rear-end centrifugal fan is installed at the rear end, so that the flow rate of air is increased and the drying efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of circulating drying technology, and more particularly to the drying circulation structure of a washer-dryer combo machine. Background Technology

[0002] A washer-dryer combo is a new type of washing machine that combines washing and drying functions into one unit, based on a fully automatic washing machine with the addition of a drying function. After washing clothes, the clothes can be dried directly in the washer-dryer combo. A drying device and a ventilation structure are installed on the outer tub. The air in the outer tub is drawn into the drying device for heating and / or drying, and then returned to the outer tub for circulation, thereby achieving the drying process for the clothes inside.

[0003] In existing circulating structures, the exhaust system is generally placed on the front right side of the outer tub, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, with the impeller positioned horizontally along its axis, if the impeller diameter needs to be increased, its highest point would exceed the top of the drying unit, hindering the miniaturization and compactness of the washer-dryer combo. Furthermore, due to the axial air intake of this exhaust structure, the air pressure increases closer to the impeller's axis. Since the drying unit has a flat overall structure, this connection affects the uniformity of airflow through the drying unit. Additionally, installing the exhaust structure at the front and bending the duct connecting the drying unit and the rear of the outer tub results in numerous abrupt changes in airflow direction, increasing airflow resistance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention discloses a drying cycle structure for a washer-dryer combo machine, comprising: Outer drum; The rear air duct is located at the rear end of the outer casing and contains a filter. Placing the filter in the rear air duct not only makes full use of space but also leaves room for future installations, allowing for more flexible installation of other components.

[0005] A drying box is fixed above the outer drum. The position of the drying box is designed according to industry practice.

[0006] A rear-end centrifugal fan is located on one side of the rear end of the outer barrel. The impeller axis of the rear-end centrifugal fan is vertically arranged. The air inlet of the rear-end centrifugal fan is fixedly connected to the upper end of the rear-end air duct, and the air outlet of the rear-end centrifugal fan is connected to the drying box. When the rear-end centrifugal fan is working, it performs air extraction, that is, the gas inside the outer barrel passes through the rear-end air duct, connecting pipe, rear-end centrifugal fan, and drying box in sequence. In addition, the rear-end centrifugal fan is located on one side of the rear of the drying box, where there is sufficient space. The selection of a rear-end centrifugal fan with a larger power / volume means a larger air volume, thereby improving drying efficiency. The installation posture of the rear-end centrifugal fan, that is, the lower part is the air inlet and the side wall is the air outlet, is suitable for the connection position of the rear-end air duct to the drying box. In this setting, the number of air deflections is reduced, which can reduce air resistance. At the same time, after being pumped by the rear-end centrifugal fan, the air is evenly and horizontally delivered into the interior of the drying device.

[0007] The front air duct has one end fixed to the drying box and the other end fixedly connected to the side wall of the front opening of the outer barrel. The dried air enters the interior of the outer barrel through the front air duct, and then the air enters the rear air duct for recirculation and drying.

[0008] Preferably, a connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the upper air outlet of the rear air duct, and the other end of the connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the air inlet of the rear centrifugal fan. Due to installation location limitations, the air outlet on the rear air duct and the air inlet of the rear centrifugal fan are misaligned, so a connecting pipe is used to connect the two together.

[0009] Preferably, a front-end centrifugal fan is installed between the front-end air duct and the drying box. The front-end centrifugal fan is a conventional installation method, and its combination with the rear-end centrifugal fan increases the circulation flow rate, thereby improving the drying speed.

[0010] Preferably, the drying box includes a bottom shell, with the outlet of the rear centrifugal fan and the front air duct connected to opposite sides of the bottom shell. A heat exchanger is installed inside the bottom shell, and the heat exchanger is angled so that the airflow through it is directed towards the outlet of the rear centrifugal fan and the front air duct. The heat exchanger includes an evaporator and a condenser. The circulating gas first passes through the evaporator to release heat and condense, liquefying and removing moisture from the air, thus achieving the drying operation of the circulating gas. It then passes through the condenser to heat the circulating gas, providing the temperature required for drying clothes. In other words, the circulating gas achieves drying and maintains the required temperature through the heat exchanger. The angled arrangement of the heat exchanger reduces gas flow resistance, allowing for smoother gas flow.

[0011] Preferably, a plurality of guide plates are provided on one side of the interior of the bottom shell, which diffuse the gas delivered by the rear centrifugal fan toward the heat exchanger. The guide plates also diffuse the air delivered by the rear centrifugal duct into the heat exchanger as evenly as possible.

[0012] Preferably, a fan mounting part is fixedly connected to one side of the bottom shell. The fan mounting part is the lower structure of the rear centrifugal fan, and the bottom shell, the fan mounting part, and the front air duct are integrally formed. This integrated structure reduces assembly workload and improves the overall quality of the integrated machine.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. The filter section is placed inside the rear air duct to obtain sufficient space, and the front centrifugal fan is moved to the position of the rear centrifugal fan. The axis of the impeller is changed from horizontal to vertical, which helps to increase the circulating air volume and thus improve the drying efficiency.

[0014] 2. Setting the impeller horizontally, i.e., with the impeller axis vertical, allows the impeller and the drying box to be set at the same height. The airflow radially delivered by the rear centrifugal fan can pass through the heat exchanger smoothly and evenly, improving the heat exchange effect and thus improving the drying efficiency.

[0015] 3. In the rear-end centrifugal fan design, the gas coming from the rear of the outer barrel can be actively deflected and sent into the drying device. The front-end air duct has a larger cross-section and an arc-shaped structure. Compared with the traditional structure that only installs a front-end air fan at the front of the outer barrel, the wind resistance is smaller. That is, this rear-end design is conducive to increasing the wind speed, thereby improving the drying effect.

[0016] 4. The heat exchanger is installed at an angle inside the bottom shell, which allows for smoother airflow, reduces air resistance, and improves heat exchange efficiency, thereby enhancing the drying effect.

[0017] 5. Based on the installation of the rear centrifugal fan, a front centrifugal fan can be installed on the front air duct, that is, with the dual fan design, the circulation speed can be increased, and the drying effect can be further improved.

[0018] 6. The bottom shell, fan mounting section and front air duct are manufactured as a single unit. From a production perspective, this reduces the number of molds and lowers mold costs. The reduction in the number of parts improves assembly efficiency and enhances the overall integrity of the washer-dryer. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the existing layout structure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the upper structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a top view of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a top view of the bottom shell of the drying box of the present invention; Figure 6This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the bottom shell of the drying box of the present invention.

[0020] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 100. Outer casing; 200. Rear air duct; 300. Connecting pipe; 400. Rear centrifugal fan; 500. Drying box; 600. Front centrifugal fan; 700. Front air duct; 501. Heat exchanger; 502. Baffle plate; 503. Fan mounting section; 504. Bottom shell. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be noted that the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," and "down" used in the following description refer to directions in the accompanying drawings, and the terms "inner" and "outer" refer to directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown: In this embodiment, the drying cycle structure of the washer-dryer combo includes: Outer tub 100 is arranged horizontally, and the interior of the outer tub 100 is equipped with a rotating tub for holding clothes; The rear air duct 200 is located at the rear end of the outer barrel 100. Part of the structure of the rear air duct 200 belongs to the inner side of the outer barrel 100, and a filter section is provided in the rear air duct 200. The gas entering the rear air duct 200 from the outer barrel 100 passes through the filter section. Drying box 500 is fixed above outer barrel 100 and is used to heat and dry circulating gas. A rear-end centrifugal fan 400 is located on one side of the rear end of the outer tub 100. The front of this side has a drawer structure for dispensing laundry detergent and powder. This side has relatively large space, allowing for the installation of a larger, more powerful rear-end centrifugal fan 400, thereby increasing the airflow velocity and improving drying efficiency. The impeller axis of the rear-end centrifugal fan 400 is vertically aligned. Because it is a centrifugal fan, the air inlet of the rear-end centrifugal fan 400 is located at the bottom, and the air outlet is located on the side wall. The air inlet of the rear-end centrifugal fan 400 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the rear air duct 200, and the air outlet of the rear-end centrifugal fan 400 is connected to the drying box 500. In traditional structures, the centrifugal fan... The centrifugal fan is located in the air duct between the drying box 500 and the outer barrel 100. First, the air is deflected on one side by the centrifugal fan. The curvature at this bend is relatively large. If space is to be saved, the arc is too small, resulting in greater air resistance. If the arc is increased, the volume of the bend air duct will increase, which is not conducive to saving space. The connection between the rear air duct 200 and the drying box 500 creates another deflection. By placing the rear centrifugal fan 400 on the rear side, the cross-sectional area of ​​the front air duct 700 can be set to be larger, and the arc structure guides the airflow, which reduces the number of deflections of the circulating gas and helps to reduce air resistance. At the same time, the airflow pumped by the rear centrifugal fan 400 can smoothly enter the drying box 500. The front air duct 700 has one end fixed to the drying box 500 and the other end fixedly connected to the side wall of the front opening of the outer barrel 100. The front air duct 700 is curved and smooth and connected to the front of the outer barrel 100 to guide the flow of circulating gas, which helps to reduce air resistance.

[0023] In one embodiment: a connecting pipe 300 is fixedly connected to the upper air outlet of the rear air duct 200. The connecting pipe 300 is a corrugated pipe. The other end of the connecting pipe 300 is fixedly connected to the air inlet of the rear centrifugal fan 400. Firstly, the upper air outlet of the rear air duct 200 and the air inlet of the rear centrifugal fan 400 are staggered, so the connecting pipe 300 is used. The corrugated pipe type is suitable for this vibration scenario.

[0024] In one embodiment, a front-end centrifugal fan 600 is installed between the front-end air duct 700 and the drying box 500. Retaining the traditionally designed front-end centrifugal fan 600, in conjunction with the rear-end centrifugal fan 400, can increase the airflow velocity and improve drying efficiency.

[0025] In one embodiment: the drying box 500 includes a bottom shell 504, and a sealing cover is provided on the upper part of the bottom shell 504. The air outlet of the rear centrifugal fan 400 and the front air duct 700 are respectively connected to the two sides of the bottom shell 504, which are arranged one in front of the other. A heat exchanger 501 is provided inside the bottom shell 504. The heat exchanger 501 includes an evaporator and a condenser. The circulating gas passes through the evaporator, is condensed and dried, and is then heated by the condenser to ensure that the circulating gas is heated to the required drying temperature after being dried. The heat exchanger 501 is inclined, that is, the airflow direction through the heat exchanger 501 is towards the air outlet of the rear centrifugal fan 400 and the front air duct 700. With this arrangement, the gas entering the drying box 500 can pass through the heat exchanger 501 more smoothly, that is, the resistance is smaller, and a greater air velocity can be obtained, thereby improving the drying efficiency.

[0026] In one embodiment: a plurality of guide plates 502 are provided on one side of the interior of the bottom shell 504, and multiple guide plates 503 are provided. The guide plates 502 diffuse the gas sent out by the rear centrifugal fan 400 to the heat exchanger 501. In addition, the air duct of the air outlet of the rear centrifugal fan 400 is funnel-shaped, and the guide plates 502 are located in the air outlet.

[0027] In one embodiment: a fan mounting part 503 is fixedly connected to one side of the bottom shell 504, that is, part of the structure of the rear centrifugal fan 400 is located on the bottom shell 504. The fan mounting part 503 is the lower structure of the rear centrifugal fan 400. The bottom shell 504, the fan mounting part 503 and the front air duct 700 are integrally formed. Based on the integrated design, the installation of components such as the rear centrifugal fan 400 is more convenient and the stability is better.

[0028] The various embodiments / implementations provided in this application can be combined with each other without creating contradictions.

[0029] The technical means disclosed in this invention are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features.

Claims

1. The drying circulation structure of a washer-dryer combo machine, characterized in that, include: Outer barrel (100); The rear air duct (200) is located at the rear end of the outer barrel (100) and a filter section is provided in the rear air duct (200); A drying box (500) is fixed above the outer barrel (100); A rear-end centrifugal fan (400) is provided on one side of the rear end of the outer barrel (100). The impeller axis of the rear-end centrifugal fan (400) is vertically arranged. The air inlet of the rear-end centrifugal fan (400) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the rear-end air duct (200). The air outlet of the rear-end centrifugal fan (400) is connected to the drying box (500). The front air duct (700) has one end fixed to the drying box (500) and the other end fixedly connected to the side wall of the front opening of the outer barrel (100).

2. The drying cycle structure of the washer-dryer combo machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper air outlet of the rear air duct (200) is fixedly connected to a connecting pipe (300), and the other end of the connecting pipe (300) is fixedly connected to the air inlet of the rear centrifugal fan (400).

3. The drying cycle structure of the washer-dryer combo machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A front-end centrifugal fan (600) is provided between the front-end air duct (700) and the drying box (500).

4. The drying cycle structure of the washer-dryer combo machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drying box (500) includes a bottom shell (504), the air outlet of the rear centrifugal fan (400) and the front air duct (700) are respectively connected to the two sides of the bottom shell (504), and a heat exchanger (501) is provided inside the bottom shell (504). The heat exchanger (501) is inclined, that is, the airflow direction through the heat exchanger (501) is towards the air outlet of the rear centrifugal fan (400) and the front air duct (700).

5. The drying cycle structure of the washer-dryer combo machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of guide plates (502) are provided on one side of the interior of the bottom shell (504), and the guide plates (502) diffuse the gas sent out by the rear centrifugal fan (400) to the heat exchanger (501).

6. The drying cycle structure of the washer-dryer combo machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: A fan mounting part (503) is fixedly connected to one side of the bottom shell (504). The fan mounting part (503) is the lower structure of the rear centrifugal fan (400). The bottom shell (504), the fan mounting part (503) and the front air duct (700) are integrally formed.

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