Heat pump systems and clothing handling devices

Abstract

This invention discloses a heat pump system and a clothing treatment device. The heat pump system includes a compressor, a first condenser, a second condenser, and at least one evaporator. The compressor has an inlet, a first exhaust port, and a second exhaust port. The first condenser is connected to the first exhaust port, and the second condenser is connected to the second exhaust port. The evaporator is located in an air duct and is connected to the first condenser and the second condenser. This heat pump system has a more efficient dehumidification efficiency and can better realize the fast drying function of the clothing treatment device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clothing treatment technology, and in particular to a heat pump system and clothing treatment device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, the heat pump system of a garment processing device consists of only one set of evaporative heat exchangers, condenser heat exchangers, expansion valves, and compressors. This system can only meet the general drying needs of the garment processing device and cannot achieve the requirements for fast drying and energy saving. Furthermore, since the heat exchangers in the heat pump system of the garment processing device, namely the evaporative heat exchangers and / or condenser heat exchangers, are usually tube-fin heat exchangers, the height and width of the garment processing device limit the energy saving and drying efficiency requirements. To meet these requirements, the number of rows of tube-fin heat exchangers is usually increased. However, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger decreases as the temperature difference between the airflow and the refrigerant inside the heat exchanger decreases. The refrigerant in the rear pipes of the heat exchanger cannot fully exchange heat with the airflow, meaning that the rear pipes are not fully utilized, which increases production costs and reduces drying efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a heat pump system with higher dehumidification efficiency, which can better realize the fast drying function of clothing treatment devices.

[0004] The present invention also proposes a clothing treatment device having the above-mentioned heat pump system.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a heat pump system includes: a compressor having an inlet, a first exhaust port, and a second exhaust port;

[0006] A first condenser and a second condenser, wherein the first condenser is connected to the first exhaust port and the second condenser is connected to the second exhaust port;

[0007] At least one evaporator is disposed in a duct and is connected to the first condenser and the second condenser.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat pump system has a more efficient dehumidification efficiency and can better realize the fast drying function of the clothing treatment device.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the number of evaporators is at least two, and includes:

[0010] A first evaporator is connected between the first condenser and the inlet, and a first throttling element is provided between the first evaporator and the second condenser;

[0011] A second evaporator is connected between the second condenser and the first evaporator, and a second throttling element is provided between the second evaporator and the second condenser;

[0012] In the airflow direction within the duct, the first evaporator is located upstream of the second evaporator.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first evaporator and the second evaporator are two independently arranged evaporators and are arranged close to each other; or, the first evaporator and the second evaporator are integrated into one unit.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first evaporator includes a first heat exchange tube and a plurality of spaced-apart first heat exchange fins, wherein the first heat exchange tube passes through the plurality of first heat exchange fins; the second evaporator includes a second heat exchange tube and a plurality of spaced-apart second heat exchange fins, wherein the second heat exchange tube passes through the plurality of second heat exchange fins.

[0015] Wherein, one end of the first heat exchange tube is connected to the first throttling device and the other end is connected to the inlet, and one end of the second heat exchange tube is connected to the second throttling device and the other end is connected to the first heat exchange tube.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the length of the first heat exchange tube is greater than the length of the second heat exchange tube.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of first heat exchange fins are spaced apart in a first direction and each first heat exchange fin extends along a second direction. The first heat exchange tube includes a plurality of first straight pipe sections and a plurality of first bent pipe sections. The length direction of each first straight pipe section extends along the first direction. The plurality of first straight pipe sections are arranged in at least one column and the plurality of first straight pipe sections in each column are arranged in the second direction. Two adjacent first straight pipe sections are connected through the first bent pipe sections.

[0018] Multiple second heat exchange fins are spaced apart in the first direction and each second heat exchange fin extends along the second direction. The second heat exchange tube includes multiple second straight pipe sections and multiple second bent pipe sections. The length direction of each second straight pipe section extends along the first direction. The multiple second straight pipe sections are arranged in at least one column and the multiple second straight pipe sections in each column are arranged in the second direction. Adjacent two second straight pipe sections are connected through the second bent pipe sections.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the number of the first straight pipe segments in each column is equal to the number of the second straight pipe segments in each column, and the number of columns of the first straight pipe segments is greater than the number of columns of the second straight pipe segments.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the number of the first heat exchange fins and the second heat exchange fins are equal and their positions correspond one-to-one;

[0021] The first heat exchange fin and the corresponding second heat exchange fin are separately arranged and arranged side by side; or the first heat exchange fin and the corresponding second heat exchange fin are integrally formed.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange area between the first evaporator and the airflow in the duct is S1, the heat exchange area between the second evaporator and the airflow in the duct is S2, and S2 / S1+S2 is 0.25-0.4.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first condenser and the second condenser are adapted to be disposed within the air duct, and in the airflow direction within the air duct, the second condenser is located upstream of the first condenser.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first condenser and the second condenser are two independently arranged condensers and are arranged close to each other, or the first condenser and the second condenser are integrated into one unit.

[0025] A clothing processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the heat pump system described in the above embodiments.

[0026] The clothing processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, by employing the above-described heat pump system, can better achieve the fast drying function.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the garment processing device has a garment processing chamber and an air duct, wherein the inlet and outlet of the air duct are both connected to the garment processing chamber;

[0028] The first condenser, the second condenser, and the evaporator are all located in the air duct. In the airflow direction within the air duct, the evaporator is located upstream of the first condenser and the second condenser.

[0029] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a clothing processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated structure of a first evaporator and a second evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] Clothing handling drum 200, clothing handling chamber 201, air duct 300

[0035] Compressor 1, inlet 11, first exhaust port 12, second exhaust port 13, first condenser 2, second condenser 3, first evaporator 4, first straight pipe section 411, first bent pipe section 412, first heat exchange fin 42, first throttling element 5, second evaporator 6, second straight pipe section 611, second bent pipe section 612, second heat exchange fin 62, second throttling element 7. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0037] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0038] The heat pump system of the clothing handling device includes an evaporator heat exchanger, a condenser heat exchanger, a throttling valve, and a compressor. The compressor draws in low-pressure, medium-temperature gaseous refrigerant. After compression, the compressor outputs high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant. This high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the condenser heat exchanger, where it exchanges heat with the external airflow. At the condenser heat exchanger, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the airflow, and the refrigerant is converted into low-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The throttling valve is located downstream of the condenser heat exchanger, which reduces the pressure of the low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant output from the condenser and outputs low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the evaporator heat exchanger through the throttling valve, where it evaporates, absorbing heat from the outside environment to form medium-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which then returns to the compressor inlet.

[0039] The condenser heat exchanger and the evaporator heat exchanger are located in the air duct of the clothing processing device. In the direction of airflow in the air duct, the evaporator heat exchanger is located upstream of the condenser heat exchanger. The high temperature and high humidity airflow discharged from the clothing processing chamber is cooled down when it passes through the evaporator heat exchanger. The airflow is cooled and dehumidified when it passes through the evaporator heat exchanger, forming a low temperature dry airflow. The low temperature dry airflow further flows through the condenser heat exchanger, where it absorbs the heat of the refrigerant in the condenser heat exchanger, forming a high temperature dry airflow. It then returns to the clothing processing chamber to dry the clothes in the clothing processing chamber.

[0040] In existing technologies, the heat pump system of a garment processing device consists of only one set of evaporative heat exchangers, one set of condensing heat exchangers, a throttling valve, and a compressor. This system can only meet the general drying needs of the garment processing device and cannot achieve the requirements for fast drying and energy saving. Furthermore, since the heat exchangers in the heat pump system of the garment processing device, namely the evaporative heat exchangers and / or condensing heat exchangers, are usually tube-fin heat exchangers, the height and width of the garment processing device limit the energy saving and drying efficiency requirements. To meet these requirements, the number of rows of tube-fin heat exchangers is usually increased. However, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchangers decreases as the temperature difference between the airflow and the refrigerant inside the heat exchanger decreases. The refrigerant in the rear pipes of the heat exchanger cannot fully exchange heat with the airflow, meaning that the rear pipes are not fully utilized, which increases production costs and reduces drying efficiency.

[0041] Therefore, this invention provides a heat pump system with at least two condensers. By designing the series and parallel connection of the internal structure of the heat pump system, the refrigerant pressure and temperature at different heat exchangers can be controlled, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger located downstream of the air duct 300 can be improved, and the dehumidification capacity of the heat pump system per unit time can be increased.

[0042] The following is for reference. Figures 1-2 A heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0043] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a heat pump system includes: a compressor 1, a first condenser 2, a second condenser 3, and at least one evaporator.

[0044] The compressor 1 has an inlet 11, a first exhaust port 12, and a second exhaust port 13. The first condenser 2 is connected to the first exhaust port 12, and the second condenser 3 is connected to the second exhaust port 13. The evaporator is located in the air duct 300 and is connected to the first condenser 2 and the second condenser 3.

[0045] Therefore, the medium-temperature low-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the compressor 1 through the compressor 1 inlet 11, and is compressed and pressurized inside the compressor 1 to form a high-temperature high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Part of the high-temperature high-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the first condenser 2 through the first exhaust port 12, and the other part of the high-temperature high-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the second condenser 3 through the second exhaust port 13.

[0046] The pressure of the refrigerant supplied by compressor 1 to first condenser 2 and second condenser 3 through first exhaust port 12 and second exhaust port 13 can be the same or different.

[0047] The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the first condenser 2 and the second condenser 3, where it exchanges heat with the external airflow and transforms into a low-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant. After being throttled and depressurized, the refrigerant forms a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant that enters the evaporator. It evaporates in the evaporator, absorbing heat from the outside and forming a medium-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which then returns to the inlet 11 of the compressor 1.

[0048] Within the air duct 300, the first condenser 2 and the second condenser 3 are located upstream and downstream of the air duct 300, respectively. The compressor 1 can supply refrigerant at different pressures to the first condenser 2 and the second condenser 3, resulting in different heat exchange efficiencies. For example, supplying the downstream condenser with a higher pressure and temperature refrigerant allows it to achieve a higher heat exchange efficiency than the upstream condenser. This ensures that the downstream condenser can achieve heat exchange even in environments with higher ambient temperatures. Furthermore, the refrigerant in the downstream rear exhaust pipe of the condenser heat exchanger within the air duct 300 can also fully exchange heat with the airflow, making full use of the downstream rear exhaust pipe within the air duct 300, reducing production costs, and improving drying and heating efficiency.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat pump system has a more efficient dehumidification efficiency and can better realize the fast drying function of the clothing treatment device.

[0050] The number of evaporators is at least two, including: a first evaporator 4 and a second evaporator 6. The first evaporator 4 is connected between the first condenser 2 and the inlet 11. A first throttling element 5 is provided between the first evaporator 4 and the second condenser 3. The second evaporator 6 is connected between the second condenser 3 and the first evaporator 4. A second throttling element 7 is provided between the second evaporator 6 and the second condenser 3. In the airflow direction within the air duct 300, the first evaporator 4 is located upstream of the second evaporator 6.

[0051] Therefore, the medium-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the compressor 1 through inlet 11. Inside the compressor 1, it undergoes compression and pressurization to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Part of this high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the first condenser 2 through the first exhaust port 12, while the other part enters the second condenser 3 through the second exhaust port 13. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the first condenser 2 and the second condenser 3, where it exchanges heat with the external airflow, transforming into a low-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The first throttling element 5, located downstream of the first condenser 2, controls the flow of the low-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant output from the first condenser 2. The refrigerant is throttled and depressurized, and the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is output to the inlet of the first evaporator 4. The second throttling element 7 is located downstream of the second condenser 3 to throttle and depressurize the low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant output from the second condenser 3, and output the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant to the inlet of the second evaporator 6. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid evaporates at the second evaporator 6, absorbs heat from the outside, and forms a medium-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. It then mixes with the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant that is directly output to the inlet of the first evaporator 4 to form a medium-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The medium-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporates at the first evaporator 4, absorbs heat from the outside, and forms a medium-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which then returns to the inlet 11 of the compressor 1.

[0052] In summary, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the first evaporator 4 from the inlet is higher than the temperature of the refrigerant entering the second evaporator 6 from the inlet.

[0053] The first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 are adapted to be installed in the air duct 300. In the airflow direction within the air duct 300, the first evaporator 4 is located upstream of the second evaporator 6. As the airflow undergoes continuous heat exchange during the process of passing through the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6, the temperature gradually decreases. The first evaporator 4 is located upstream of the second evaporator 6, which means that the ambient temperature of the first evaporator 4 is higher than that of the second evaporator 6.

[0054] Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant in the first evaporator 4 located upstream is higher than the temperature of the refrigerant in the second evaporator 6 located downstream, and the temperature of the airflow flowing through the first evaporator 4 is higher than the temperature of the airflow flowing through the second evaporator 6. This ensures that there is a sufficient temperature difference between the inside and outside of the second evaporator 6 located downstream, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency and dehumidification capacity of the second evaporator 6. The dehumidification capacity of the heat pump system per unit time is increased, and the fast drying function of the clothing treatment device is better realized.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat pump system has a more efficient dehumidification efficiency and can better realize the fast drying function of the clothing treatment device.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 are two independently arranged evaporators. By connecting the two independently arranged first evaporators 4 and second evaporators 6 in series, the second evaporator 6 can be connected between the second condenser 3 and the first evaporator 4. The first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 can directly adopt the existing evaporator structure, which reduces the evaporator production and design cost. When the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 are two independently arranged evaporators, since the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 perform the same function and achieve the same effect, the second evaporator 6 and the first evaporator 4 are arranged close to each other in the air duct 300, which can ensure the compactness of the structure in the air duct 300, avoid affecting the volume of the clothing processing device, and facilitate the arrangement of other structures inside the clothing processing device, such as water guide channels.

[0057] In other embodiments, the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 are integrated into one unit to reduce the space occupied by the evaporation heat exchange section of the heat pump system and reduce the assembly cost of the clothing processing device.

[0058] The first evaporator 4 includes a first heat exchange tube and multiple spaced-apart first heat exchange fins 42. The first heat exchange tube passes through the multiple first heat exchange fins 42, and the first heat exchange fins 42 are connected to the first heat exchange tube, which can increase the heat exchange area of ​​the first evaporator 4 and ensure the heat exchange efficiency of the first evaporator 4. The second evaporator 6 includes a second heat exchange tube and multiple spaced-apart second heat exchange fins 62. The second heat exchange tube passes through the multiple second heat exchange fins 62, and the second heat exchange fins 62 are connected to the second heat exchange tube, which can increase the heat exchange area of ​​the second evaporator 6 and ensure the heat exchange efficiency of the second evaporator 6.

[0059] One end of the first heat exchange tube is connected to the first throttling element 5 and the other end is connected to the inlet 11. One end of the second heat exchange tube is connected to the second throttling element 7 and the other end is connected to the other end of the first heat exchange tube connected to the first throttling element 5.

[0060] When the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 are integrated into one unit, the first heat exchange fin 42 and the second heat exchange fin 62 located in the same plane can be integrated into one unit, the first heat exchange tube and the second heat exchange tube are integrated into one unit, and an inlet of the first evaporator 4 is provided at the junction of the first heat exchange tube and the second heat exchange tube, through which the evaporator is connected to the first throttling element 5.

[0061] The first heat exchange tube is longer than the second heat exchange tube to increase the evaporation temperature and prevent the refrigerant from becoming too hot after flowing through the evaporator. This would prevent the refrigerant gas returning to the compressor 1 from becoming too hot, which would cause the heat pump system to be overloaded and the compressor 1 to malfunction due to overheating, thus affecting the normal operation of the heat pump system of the clothing handling device.

[0062] Specifically, the first heat exchange tube includes multiple first straight pipe sections 411 that extend along a first direction and are interconnected. First heat exchange fins 42 are disposed on the first straight pipe section 411. The multiple first heat exchange fins 42 are arranged at intervals in the first direction, that is, at intervals in the length direction of the first straight pipe section 411, so as to increase the heat exchange area of ​​the first straight pipe section 411, improve the heat exchange efficiency, and improve the dehumidification effect.

[0063] Multiple first straight pipe segments 411 are arranged in at least one column, and the multiple first straight pipe segments 411 in each column are arranged in a second direction (e.g., Figure 2 The first heat exchange tubes are arranged in the direction shown in A), meaning that multiple first straight tube segments 411 arranged in the second direction are located in the same column. Each first heat exchange fin 42 extends along the second direction. The first straight tube segments 411 arranged in the same column can share the first heat exchange fins 42 to ensure uniform temperature distribution, which is beneficial for uniform heat exchange and improves heat exchange efficiency. The first heat exchange tube may include one or more columns of first straight tube segments 411. When the first heat exchange tube includes multiple columns of first straight tube segments 411, the multiple columns of first straight tube segments 411 are arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions (e.g., [information missing]). Figure 2 Arranged at intervals in the direction shown in B).

[0064] The first heat exchange tube also includes multiple first bend sections 412. Two adjacent first straight sections 411 are connected through the first bend sections 412. The first bend sections 412 can connect two first straight sections 411 extending along the first direction. By controlling the connection sequence of the first bend sections 412, the order in which the refrigerant flows through each first straight section 411 can be controlled, thereby controlling the temperature inside each part of the first evaporator 4.

[0065] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 The inlet of the first evaporator 4 is connected to the first straight pipe section 411 located on one side of the last row in the second direction downstream of the air duct 300 in the first heat exchange tube. The first bent pipe section 412 then connects the first straight pipe section 411 in series from downstream to upstream. As a result, the refrigerant temperature in the downstream pipe is lower, while the refrigerant temperature in the upstream pipe is too high, which is beneficial to improving heat exchange efficiency, adsorbing moisture, and improving the drying efficiency of the clothes treatment device.

[0066] The second heat exchange tube includes multiple second straight pipe sections 611 that extend along the first direction and are interconnected. Second heat exchange fins 62 are disposed on the second straight pipe sections 611. The multiple second heat exchange fins 62 are arranged at intervals in the first direction, that is, at intervals in the length direction of the second straight pipe sections 611, so as to increase the heat exchange area of ​​the second straight pipe sections 611, improve the heat exchange efficiency, and improve the dehumidification effect.

[0067] Multiple second straight pipe sections 611 are arranged in at least one row, and the multiple second straight pipe sections 611 in each row are arranged in a second direction. That is, the multiple second straight pipe sections 611 arranged in the second direction are located in the same row. Each second heat exchange fin 62 extends along the second direction. The second straight pipe sections 611 arranged in the same row can share the second heat exchange fin 62 to make the temperature distribution uniform, which is beneficial to uniform heat exchange and improves heat exchange efficiency. The second heat exchange tube may include one or more rows of second straight pipe sections 611. When the second heat exchange tube includes multiple rows of second straight pipe sections 611, the multiple rows of second straight pipe sections 611 are arranged at intervals in a third direction.

[0068] The second heat exchange tube also includes multiple second bend sections 612. Two adjacent second straight pipe sections 611 are connected through the second bend sections 612. The second bend sections 612 can connect two second straight pipe sections 611 extending along the first direction. By controlling the connection sequence of the second bend sections 612, the order in which the refrigerant flows through each second straight pipe section 611 can be controlled, thereby controlling the temperature inside each part of the second evaporator 6.

[0069] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 The inlet of the second evaporator 6 is connected to the second straight pipe section 611 located on one side of the last row in the second direction downstream of the air duct 300 in the second heat exchange tube. The second bent pipe section 612 then connects the second straight pipe sections 611 in series from downstream to upstream. As a result, the refrigerant temperature in the downstream pipe is lower, while the refrigerant temperature in the upstream pipe is too high, which is beneficial to improving heat exchange efficiency, adsorbing moisture, and improving the drying efficiency of the clothes treatment device.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, the number of first straight pipe sections 411 in each column is equal to the number of second straight pipe sections 611 in each column, in order to avoid a large difference in size between the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 in the second direction. When there is a large difference in size between the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 in the second direction, in order to achieve compatibility between the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6, the size of the air duct 300 needs to be designed according to the larger size of the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 in the second direction, which reduces the space utilization rate inside the air duct 300, increases production costs, and reduces the volume of the clothing processing device.

[0071] By controlling the number of the first straight pipe section 411 in each column to be equal to the number of the second straight pipe section 611 in each column, the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 have the same dimensions in the second direction. The dimensions of the air duct 300 can be designed based on these dimensions, which improves the space utilization rate of the air duct 300, reduces production costs, and reduces the volume of the clothing processing device.

[0072] Furthermore, the number of rows in the first straight pipe section 411 is greater than the number of rows in the second straight pipe section 611. This is to ensure that the heat exchange area of ​​the first evaporator 4 is greater than that of the second evaporator 6, thereby increasing the evaporation temperature and preventing the refrigerant from becoming too hot after flowing through the evaporator. This would prevent the refrigerant gas returning to the compressor 1 from becoming too hot, which could lead to excessive load on the heat pump system, causing the compressor 1 to malfunction due to overheating and affecting the normal operation of the clothing handling device's heat pump system.

[0073] To reduce production costs, the number of the first heat exchange fins 42 and the second heat exchange fins 62 are equal and their positions correspond one-to-one, so as to facilitate the flow of air between the fins.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange fin 42 and the corresponding second heat exchange fin 62 are separately arranged and side by side to facilitate the separate installation and disassembly of the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6. In other embodiments, the first heat exchange fin 42 and the corresponding second heat exchange fin 62 are integrally formed, thereby integrating the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 into one unit, sharing fins, ensuring heat exchange performance, and reducing the space occupied by the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 in the heat pump system.

[0075] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange area between the first evaporator 4 and the airflow in the air duct 300 is S1, and the heat exchange area between the second evaporator 6 and the airflow in the air duct 300 is S2. The ratio of S2 / S1+S2 is 0.25-0.4. In other words, the proportion of the heat exchange area between the second evaporator 6 and the airflow in the air duct 300 in the total heat exchange area between the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 and the airflow in the air duct 300 should not be less than 25%, so as to ensure that there is a sufficient low-temperature heat exchange area in the evaporator. The heat exchange efficiency is higher in the low-temperature heat exchange area. Having a sufficient low-temperature heat exchange area can ensure that the evaporator can adsorb moisture more efficiently.

[0076] The heat exchange area of ​​the second evaporator 6 and the airflow in the duct 300 should account for no more than 40% of the total heat exchange area of ​​the airflow in the first evaporator 4, the second evaporator 6 and the airflow in the duct 300, in order to improve the evaporation temperature and avoid the refrigerant from being too hot after flowing through the evaporator and returning to the compressor 1, which would cause the heat pump system to be overloaded, the compressor 1 to malfunction due to overheating protection, and affect the normal operation of the heat pump system of the clothing processing device.

[0077] Furthermore, in order to further increase the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the second evaporator 6 to improve the heat exchange efficiency and dehumidification efficiency of the second evaporator 6, it is necessary to further increase the temperature difference between the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 4 and the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 6, and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 4 should be higher than the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 6.

[0078] In some embodiments, the temperature difference between the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 4 and the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 6 can be increased by controlling the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the first condenser 2 located upstream of the first evaporator 4 and the second condenser 3 located upstream of the second evaporator 6.

[0079] Specifically, the first condenser 2 and the second condenser 3 are adapted to be installed in the air duct 300, and in the airflow direction within the air duct 300, the second condenser 3 is located upstream of the first condenser 2. Since the first condenser 2 is located downstream of the second condenser 3, the heat exchange efficiency at the first condenser 2 is less than that at the second condenser 3. The temperature drop of the refrigerant after passing through the first condenser 2 is less than that after passing through the second condenser 3. The temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the first condenser 2, which is located upstream of the first evaporator 4, is greater than that of the refrigerant discharged from the second condenser 3, which is located upstream of the second evaporator 6. This increases the temperature difference between the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 4 and the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 6, further increasing the temperature difference inside and outside the second evaporator 6 and improving the dehumidification efficiency of the second evaporator 6.

[0080] In some embodiments, the refrigerant pressure in the first condenser 2 can be higher than the refrigerant pressure in the second condenser 3 by controlling the discharge pressure of the first discharge port 12 of the compressor 1 located upstream of the first evaporator 4 to be higher than the discharge pressure of the second discharge port 13 of the compressor 1 located upstream of the second evaporator 6.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first condenser 2 and the second condenser 3 are two independently arranged condensers. By connecting the two independently arranged first condensers 2 and second condensers 3 in parallel, they can be connected between the compressor 1 and the first evaporator 4 or the second evaporator 6 respectively. The first condenser 2 and the second condenser 3 can directly adopt the existing condenser structure, which reduces the production and design cost of the condenser. When the first condenser 2 and the second condenser 3 are two independently arranged condensers, since the first condenser 2 and the second condenser 3 perform the same function and achieve the same effect, the second condenser 3 and the first condenser 2 are arranged close to each other in the air duct 300, which can ensure the compactness of the structure in the air duct 300, avoid affecting the volume of the clothing processing device, and facilitate the arrangement of other structures inside the clothing processing device.

[0082] In other embodiments, the first condenser 2 and the second condenser 3 are integrated into one unit to reduce the space occupied by the condensation heat exchange section of the heat pump system and reduce the assembly cost of the clothing handling device.

[0083] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the clothing processing apparatus includes a heat pump system according to the above embodiment. By employing the heat pump system, the refrigerant pressure and temperature flowing through different heat exchangers can be controlled, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger located downstream of the air duct 300 can be improved, the dehumidification capacity of the heat pump system per unit time can be increased, and the fast drying function of the clothing processing apparatus can be better realized.

[0084] The garment processing device includes a garment processing chamber 201 and an air duct 300. The inlet and outlet of the air duct 300 are connected to the garment processing chamber 201. A first condenser 2, a second condenser 3, and an evaporator are located inside the air duct 300. The high-temperature and high-humidity airflow discharged from the garment processing chamber 201 enters the air duct 300 through the inlet. It first passes through the evaporator located inside the air duct 300, where it exchanges heat with the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant inside the evaporator. The heat is reduced, and the water vapor in the airflow condenses into condensate, reducing the humidity and forming a low-temperature dry airflow. The low-temperature dry airflow further flows through the second condenser 3, where it absorbs the heat of the refrigerant in the second condenser 3, forming a medium-temperature dry airflow. It then passes through the first condenser 2, further absorbing the heat of the refrigerant in the first condenser 2, forming a high-temperature dry airflow. Finally, it returns to the garment processing chamber 201 through the outlet of the air duct 300 to dry the garments inside the garment processing chamber 201.

[0085] In other embodiments, the garment handling device has a garment handling chamber 201 and an air duct 300. The inlet and outlet of the air duct 300 are both connected to the garment handling chamber 201. A first condenser 2, a second condenser 3, a first evaporator 4, and a second evaporator 6 are all located within the air duct 300. High-temperature, high-humidity airflow discharged from the garment handling chamber 201 enters the air duct 300 through the inlet. It first passes through the first evaporator 4 located within the air duct 300, where it exchanges heat with the low-temperature refrigerant. The heat is reduced, and some of the water vapor in the airflow condenses into condensate, thus lowering the temperature. The humidity is reduced to form a medium-temperature, medium-humidity airflow. This airflow then flows through the second evaporator 6, where it exchanges heat with the cooler refrigerant to further reduce temperature and humidity, forming a low-temperature, dry airflow. This low-temperature, dry airflow then flows through the second condenser 3, where it absorbs heat from the refrigerant to form a medium-temperature, dry airflow. It then passes through the first condenser 2, where it further absorbs heat from the refrigerant to form a high-temperature, dry airflow. Finally, it returns to the clothing processing chamber 201 through the outlet of the air duct 300 to dry the clothing inside the chamber.

[0086] The clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] The garment processing device includes: a garment processing drum 200, an air duct 300, and a heat pump system.

[0088] The heat pump system includes: compressor 1, first condenser 2, second condenser 3, first throttling element 5, second throttling element 7, first evaporator 4, and second evaporator 6. A clothes handling drum 200 defines a clothes handling chamber 201. The inlet and outlet of the air duct 300 are both connected to the clothes handling chamber 201. The first condenser 2, second condenser 3, first evaporator 4, and second evaporator 6 of the heat pump system are all located within the air duct 300.

[0089] The compressor 1 has an inlet 11, a first discharge port 12, and a second discharge port 13. The discharge pressure of the first discharge port 12 is higher than the discharge pressure of the second discharge port 13. The first condenser 2 is connected to the first discharge port 12. A first throttling element 5 is provided between the second condenser 3 and the first evaporator 4. A second evaporator 6 is connected between the second condenser 3 and the first evaporator 4. A second throttling element 7 is provided between the second evaporator 6 and the second condenser 3.

[0090] The first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 are integrated into one unit, and the second condenser 3 is integrated into the first condenser 2 to reduce the space occupied by the evaporation heat exchange part and the condensation heat exchange part of the heat pump system, thereby reducing the assembly cost of the clothing processing device.

[0091] The first evaporator 4 includes a first heat exchange tube and a plurality of spaced-apart first heat exchange fins 42. The first heat exchange tube passes through the plurality of first heat exchange fins 42. The first heat exchange tube includes a plurality of first straight pipe sections 411 that extend along a first direction and are interconnected. The first heat exchange fins 42 are disposed on the first straight pipe sections 411. The plurality of first heat exchange fins 42 are spaced-apart in the first direction, that is, spaced-apart in the length direction of the first straight pipe sections 411, so as to increase the heat exchange area of ​​the first straight pipe sections 411, improve the heat exchange efficiency, and improve the dehumidification effect.

[0092] The first heat exchange tube may include multiple rows of first straight tube segments 411. Multiple first straight tube segments 411 arranged in the second direction are located in the same row, and the multiple rows of first straight tube segments 411 are spaced apart in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. First heat exchange fins 42 extend along the second and third directions so that all first straight tube segments 411 can share the first heat exchange fins 42, which is beneficial for uniform heat exchange and improves heat exchange efficiency.

[0093] The first heat exchange tube also includes multiple first bend sections 412. Two adjacent first straight sections 411 are connected through the first bend sections 412. The inlet of the first evaporator 4 is connected to the first straight section 411 located on one side of the last row in the second direction downstream of the air duct 300 in the first heat exchange tube. The first bend sections 412 then connect the first straight sections 411 in series from downstream to upstream. As a result, the refrigerant temperature in the downstream pipe is lower, while the refrigerant temperature in the upstream pipe is too high, which is beneficial to improving heat exchange efficiency, adsorbing moisture, and improving the drying efficiency of the clothes processing device.

[0094] The second heat exchange tube includes multiple second straight pipe sections 611 that extend along the first direction and are interconnected. Second heat exchange fins 62 are disposed on the second straight pipe sections 611. The multiple second heat exchange fins 62 are arranged at intervals in the first direction, that is, at intervals in the length direction of the second straight pipe sections 611, so as to increase the heat exchange area of ​​the second straight pipe sections 611, improve the heat exchange efficiency, and improve the dehumidification effect.

[0095] The second heat exchange tube includes multiple rows of second straight pipe sections 611, which are arranged at intervals in the third direction. Multiple second straight pipe sections 611 arranged in the second direction are located in the same row. Each second heat exchange fin 62 extends along the second direction and the third direction. All second straight pipe sections 611 can share the second heat exchange fin 62, which is conducive to uniform heat exchange and improves heat exchange efficiency.

[0096] The first heat exchange fin 42 and the corresponding second heat exchange fin 62 are integrally formed, thereby the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 can be integrated into one unit and share fins, ensuring heat exchange performance and reducing the space occupied by the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 in the heat pump system.

[0097] The second heat exchange tube also includes multiple second bend sections 612. Adjacent second straight sections 611 are connected via the second bend sections 612. The inlet of the second evaporator 6 is connected to the second straight section 611 located downstream of the air duct 300, on one side of the last row of the second straight section 611 in the second direction. The second bend sections 612 then connect the second straight sections 611 in series from downstream to upstream. Therefore, the refrigerant temperature in the downstream pipe is lower, while the refrigerant temperature in the upstream pipe is too high, which is beneficial for improving heat exchange efficiency, adsorbing moisture, and improving the drying efficiency of the clothing treatment device.

[0098] The number of first straight pipe sections 411 in each column is equal to the number of second straight pipe sections 611 in each column, so that the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 have the same size in the second direction. The size of the air duct 300 can be designed according to this size, which improves the space utilization rate inside the air duct 300, reduces production costs, and reduces the volume of the clothing processing device.

[0099] The number of columns in the first straight pipe section 411 is greater than the number of columns in the second straight pipe section 611. Specifically, the first straight pipe section 411 can have six columns, and the second straight pipe section 611 can have two columns, so that the heat exchange area of ​​the first evaporator 4 is greater than the heat exchange area of ​​the second evaporator 6, thereby increasing the evaporation temperature and preventing the refrigerant from becoming too hot after flowing through the evaporator. This would prevent the refrigerant gas returning to the compressor 1 from becoming too hot, which could lead to excessive load on the heat pump system, causing the compressor 1 to malfunction due to overheating and affecting the normal operation of the clothing handling device's heat pump system.

[0100] In the airflow direction within the duct 300, the second condenser 3 is located upstream of the first condenser 2. Since the first condenser 2 is located downstream of the second condenser 3, the heat exchange efficiency at the first condenser 2 is less than that at the second condenser 3. The temperature drop of the refrigerant after passing through the first condenser 2 is less than that after passing through the second condenser 3. The temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the first condenser 2, which is upstream of the first evaporator 4, is greater than that of the refrigerant discharged from the second condenser 3, which is upstream of the second evaporator 6. This increases the temperature difference between the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 4 and the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 6, further increasing the temperature difference inside and outside the second evaporator 6 and improving the dehumidification efficiency of the second evaporator 6.

[0101] Medium-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters compressor 1 through inlet 11. Within compressor 1, it undergoes compression and pressurization, transforming into high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant and medium-temperature, medium-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the first condenser 2 through the first exhaust port 12, while the medium-temperature, medium-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the second condenser 3 through the second exhaust port 13. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the first condenser 2, where it exchanges heat with the external airflow, transforming into low-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The first throttling element 5, located downstream of the first condenser 2, throttles and reduces the pressure of the low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant output from the first condenser 2, and outputs the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant to the inlet of the first evaporator 4. The medium-temperature, high-pressure... The medium- and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the second condenser 3, where it exchanges heat with the external airflow and transforms into a low-temperature, medium- and high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The second throttling device 7, located downstream of the second condenser 3, throttles and reduces the pressure of the low-temperature, medium- and high-pressure refrigerant output from the second condenser 3, and outputs the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant to the inlet of the second evaporator 6. The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant evaporates at the second evaporator 6, absorbing heat from the outside to form a medium-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. This medium-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant then mixes with the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant directly output to the inlet of the first evaporator 4 to form a medium-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This medium-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant evaporates at the first evaporator 4, absorbing heat from the outside to form a medium-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which then returns to the inlet 11 of the compressor 1.

[0102] In summary, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the first evaporator 4 from the inlet is higher than the temperature of the refrigerant entering the second evaporator 6 from the inlet.

[0103] The first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6 are adapted to be installed in the air duct 300. In the airflow direction within the air duct 300, the first evaporator 4 is located upstream of the second evaporator 6. As the airflow undergoes continuous heat exchange during the process of passing through the first evaporator 4 and the second evaporator 6, the temperature gradually decreases. The first evaporator 4 is located upstream of the second evaporator 6, which means that the ambient temperature of the first evaporator 4 is higher than that of the second evaporator 6.

[0104] Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant in the first evaporator 4 located upstream is higher than the temperature of the refrigerant in the second evaporator 6 located downstream, and the temperature of the airflow flowing through the first evaporator 4 is higher than the temperature of the airflow flowing through the second evaporator 6. This ensures that there is a sufficient temperature difference between the inside and outside of the second evaporator 6 located downstream, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency and dehumidification capacity of the second evaporator 6. The dehumidification capacity of the heat pump system per unit time is increased, and the fast drying function of the clothing treatment device is better realized.

[0105] The high-temperature, high-humidity airflow discharged from the clothing processing chamber 201 enters the air duct 300 through the inlet. It first passes through the first evaporator 4 located in the air duct 300, where it exchanges heat with the medium-low temperature refrigerant. As the heat decreases, some of the water vapor in the airflow condenses into condensate, reducing the humidity and forming a medium-temperature, medium-humidity airflow. This medium-temperature, medium-humidity airflow then flows through the second evaporator 6, where it exchanges heat with the even lower-temperature refrigerant, further cooling and dehumidifying the airflow and forming a low-temperature, dry airflow. This low-temperature, dry airflow then flows through the second condenser 3, where it absorbs heat from the refrigerant, forming a medium-temperature, dry airflow. It then passes through the first condenser 2, further absorbing heat from the refrigerant, forming a high-temperature, dry airflow. Finally, it returns to the clothing processing chamber 201 through the outlet of the air duct 300, drying the clothing inside the chamber.

[0106] It should be emphasized that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0107] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "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 invention 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 invention.

[0108] In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more. In the description of this invention, "above" or "below" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or it may include contact between the first and second features not being in direct contact but through another feature between them. In the description of this invention, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0109] Other configurations and operations of the garment processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0110] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0111] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A heat pump system, characterized in that, include: The compressor has an inlet, a first exhaust port, and a second exhaust port; A first condenser and a second condenser, wherein the first condenser is connected to the first exhaust port and the second condenser is connected to the second exhaust port; At least one evaporator is disposed in a duct and is connected to the first condenser and the second condenser.

2. The heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of evaporators is at least two, and includes: A first evaporator is connected between the first condenser and the inlet, and a first throttling element is provided between the first evaporator and the second condenser; A second evaporator is connected between the second condenser and the first evaporator, and a second throttling element is provided between the second evaporator and the second condenser; In the airflow direction within the duct, the first evaporator is located upstream of the second evaporator.

3. The heat pump system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first evaporator and the second evaporator are two independently arranged evaporators and are located close to each other; or, the first evaporator and the second evaporator are integrated into one unit.

4. The heat pump system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first evaporator includes a first heat exchange tube and a plurality of spaced-apart first heat exchange fins, the first heat exchange tube passing through the plurality of first heat exchange fins; the second evaporator includes a second heat exchange tube and a plurality of spaced-apart second heat exchange fins, the second heat exchange tube passing through the plurality of second heat exchange fins. Wherein, one end of the first heat exchange tube is connected to the first throttling device and the other end is connected to the inlet, and one end of the second heat exchange tube is connected to the second throttling device and the other end is connected to the first heat exchange tube.

5. The heat pump system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The length of the first heat exchange tube is greater than the length of the second heat exchange tube.

6. The heat pump system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Multiple first heat exchange fins are spaced apart in a first direction and each first heat exchange fin extends along a second direction. The first heat exchange tube includes multiple first straight pipe sections and multiple first bent pipe sections. The length direction of each first straight pipe section extends along the first direction. The multiple first straight pipe sections are arranged in at least one column and the multiple first straight pipe sections in each column are arranged in the second direction. Two adjacent first straight pipe sections are connected through the first bent pipe section. Multiple second heat exchange fins are spaced apart in the first direction and each second heat exchange fin extends along the second direction. The second heat exchange tube includes multiple second straight pipe sections and multiple second bent pipe sections. The length direction of each second straight pipe section extends along the first direction. The multiple second straight pipe sections are arranged in at least one column and the multiple second straight pipe sections in each column are arranged in the second direction. Adjacent two second straight pipe sections are connected through the second bent pipe sections.

7. The heat pump system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of first straight pipe segments in each column is equal to the number of second straight pipe segments in each column, and the number of columns of the first straight pipe segments is greater than the number of columns of the second straight pipe segments.

8. The heat pump system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of the first heat exchange fins and the number of the second heat exchange fins are equal and their positions correspond one-to-one; The first heat exchange fin and the corresponding second heat exchange fin are separately arranged and arranged side by side; or the first heat exchange fin and the corresponding second heat exchange fin are integrally formed.

9. The heat pump system according to any one of claims 2-8, characterized in that, The heat exchange area between the first evaporator and the airflow in the duct is S1, and the heat exchange area between the second evaporator and the airflow in the duct is S2, with S2 / S1+S2 being 0.25-0.

4.

10. The heat pump system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first condenser and the second condenser are adapted to be disposed within the air duct, and in the airflow direction within the air duct, the second condenser is located upstream of the first condenser.

11. The heat pump system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first condenser and the second condenser are two independently installed condensers located close to each other, or the first condenser and the second condenser are integrated into one unit.

12. A garment processing device, characterized in that, Including the heat pump system according to any one of claims 1-11.

13. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The garment processing device has a garment processing chamber and an air duct, and the inlet and outlet of the air duct are both connected to the garment processing chamber. The first condenser, the second condenser, and the evaporator are all located in the air duct. In the airflow direction within the air duct, the evaporator is located upstream of the first condenser and the second condenser.

Images