Duct housing assembly and laundry treatment device

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of air duct shell assemblies and clothes processing device, air duct shell assembly includes: air duct shell, air duct shell is suitable to define at least part of first air duct, second air duct and air inlet chamber, the import of first air duct, the import of second air duct is communicated with air inlet chamber;Switching device is used to open and close the import of second air duct to control the air flow between second air duct and air inlet chamber and break, switching device includes switching plate, in the state that switching device opens the import of second air duct, the side surface of switching plate facing away from first air duct is wind-sheltered surface, the wall surface of air duct shell and wind-sheltered surface opposite to wind-sheltered surface are parallel to each other, the air flow in this air duct shell assembly has different running path, so that it can be converted between different ventilation modes, and air flow can be changed during conversion Speed and flow, the adjustment effect of air flow speed and flow is better, improve the effect of clothes processing device to clothes processing, improve the use experience of user.

Description

[0001] This case is a divisional application of application number 202210727878.X, filed on June 22, 2022, entitled "Air Duct Shell Assembly and Clothing Processing Device". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of clothing processing device technology, and more specifically, to an air duct housing assembly and a clothing processing device. Background Technology

[0003] In the existing technology, only one fixed air duct can be formed in the air duct shell located behind the clothing processing chamber. The shape of the air inlet channel of the clothing processing device is fixed, which means that the clothing processing device can only adjust the flow rate and flow volume of the air entering the clothing processing chamber by means of a fan. Since the flow rate or flow volume will also change accordingly when the flow rate or flow volume is adjusted by means of a fan, it will affect the effect of the clothing processing device on clothing processing and affect the user experience. There is room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes an air duct shell assembly in which the airflow has different running paths, enabling the garment processing device to switch between different ventilation modes. During the switching process, the airflow velocity and flow rate can be changed, resulting in better adjustment of the airflow velocity and flow rate, improving the garment processing effect and enhancing the user experience.

[0005] The present invention also proposes a garment processing device having the above-mentioned air duct shell assembly.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a duct housing assembly includes: a duct housing adapted to define at least a portion of a first duct, a second duct, and an air inlet cavity, wherein the inlet of the first duct and the inlet of the second duct are both in communication with the air inlet cavity; and a switching device disposed on the duct housing for opening and closing the inlet of the second duct to control the airflow interruption between the second duct and the air inlet cavity, wherein the switching device includes a rotatable switching plate, and in the state where the inlet of the second duct is open, the side surface of the switching plate facing away from the first duct is a windproof surface, and the wall surface of the duct housing facing the windproof surface is parallel to the windproof surface.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the airflow within the airflow housing assembly has different running paths, enabling the garment processing device to switch between different ventilation modes and to change the airflow velocity and flow rate during the switching process. This results in better adjustment of the airflow velocity and flow rate, improving the garment processing effect and enhancing the user experience.

[0008] In addition, the air duct housing assembly according to the embodiments of the invention may also have the following additional technical features: According to some embodiments of the present invention, the inlet of the first air duct is located in the middle of the inlet of the second air duct, and the switching plate includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion for opening and closing different portions of the inlet of the second air duct.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the switching device opens the inlet of the second air duct, the opposite side surfaces of the first plate portion and the second plate portion are respectively parallel to the wall surface of the air duct shell that is directly opposite to that surface.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the rotation shafts of the first plate and the second plate are located on both sides of the inlet of the first air duct, and the rotation axis of the first plate and the rotation axis of the second plate are coplanar with the plane where the inlet of the first air duct is located. When the switching device closes the inlet of the second air duct, the first plate and the second plate are coplanar.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pivot of the first plate and the pivot of the second plate are located outside the inlet of the first air duct and are arranged opposite to each other.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the switching device further includes: A driving component is connected to the rotating shaft of the first plate and the rotating shaft of the second plate respectively, and is used to drive the first plate and the second plate to rotate synchronously.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the driving component includes at least two components, namely a first driving component and a second driving component, wherein the first driving component drives the first plate to rotate, and the second driving component drives the second plate to rotate.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the duct housing includes a cover and partition ribs, the partition ribs being located in the middle of the cover and connected to the bottom wall of the cover. The first air duct is located within the area enclosed by the partition ribs, and the second air duct is located between the side wall of the cover and the partition ribs.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the switching device closes the inlet of the second air duct, the two ends of the first plate portion and the second plate portion respectively abut against the side wall of the cover and the partition rib.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air duct shell includes a first cover and a second cover, the first cover being disposed in the middle of the second cover, wherein the first air duct is located in the area enclosed by the side wall of the first cover, a portion of the second air duct is located between the side wall of the first cover and the side wall of the second cover, and another portion of the second air duct is located between the bottom wall of the first cover and the bottom wall of the second cover.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first plate portion and the second plate portion respectively have a clearance portion, and when the switching device closes the inlet of the second air duct, the clearance portion corresponds to the opening position of the first air duct so that the inlet of the first air duct is in a normally open state.

[0018] A garment handling apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an air duct housing assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention described above. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air duct shell assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air duct shell assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air duct shell assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air duct shell assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a duct shell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Sectional view at AA; Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Sectional view at BB; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a duct shell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a duct shell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Sectional view at CC; Figure 11 yes Figure 9Sectional view at DD; Figure 12 This is a structural schematic diagram of a duct shell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure label: The components include: air duct housing assembly 100, air duct housing 1, cover 11, partition rib 12, first cover 2, second cover 3, switching device 5, windproof surface 50, first plate 51, second plate 52, clearance part 53, drive component 54, first drive component 541, second drive component 542, fan 6, volute 7, first air duct 10, inlet 101 of the first air duct, second air duct 20, inlet 201 of the second air duct, and air inlet cavity 30. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated 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 intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0022] 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," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are 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.

[0023] 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 invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly 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 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 directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air duct shell assembly can be used in a clothing processing device, which can be a dryer. During the processing of clothing, dry airflow needs to be introduced into the clothing processing chamber through the air duct formed in the air duct shell located on the rear side of the clothing processing chamber, so as to dry the clothing using the dry airflow.

[0026] The housing of the garment processing device can protect the internal structure of the garment processing device from the outside, so that the garment processing device can maintain stable operation. The housing is equipped with a garment processing tank for holding the garments to be processed. The garments are processed in the inner cavity of the garment processing tank. The garment processing device dries the garments by passing dry airflow into the inner cavity of the garment processing tank. The housing can support and protect the garment processing tank from the outside.

[0027] The device has an air inlet on its casing, through which air can enter the garment processing device to create an airflow and process the garments.

[0028] In the existing technology, only one fixed air duct can be formed in the air duct shell located behind the clothing processing chamber, which makes the shape of the air inlet channel of the clothing processing device fixed. As a result, the clothing processing device can only adjust the flow rate and flow volume of the air entering the clothing processing chamber by means of a fan. Since the flow rate or flow volume will also change accordingly when the flow rate or flow volume is adjusted by means of a fan, it will affect the effect of the clothing processing device on clothing processing and affect the user's experience.

[0029] To address this, this invention provides an air duct shell assembly with two different air ducts for introducing dry airflow into the garment processing chamber. Furthermore, a switching device can control whether airflow enters one of the air ducts. Thus, by controlling the switching device, the airflow can have different running paths, allowing the garment processing device to switch between different ventilation modes and change the airflow velocity and flow rate during the switching process. This achieves the goal of better adjusting the airflow velocity and flow rate entering the garment processing chamber.

[0030] The following is for reference. Figures 1-12 The air duct housing 1 assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0031] The air duct housing 1 assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: air duct housing 1 and switching device 5.

[0032] The duct housing 1 is adapted to define at least a portion of the first duct 10, the second duct 20 and the air inlet cavity 30, wherein the first duct 10 and the second duct 20 are independent of each other and do not interfere with each other, and when airflow passes through one of the first duct 10 and the second duct 20, the airflow in that duct will not enter the other duct.

[0033] The inlet 101 of the first air duct and the inlet 201 of the second air duct are both connected to the air inlet cavity 30. That is to say, the air inlet cavity 30 is suitable for connecting the inlet 101 of the first air duct and the air inlet, and the inlet 201 of the second air duct and the air inlet. In other words, the airflow entering the garment processing device from the air inlet first enters the air inlet cavity 30, reaches the vicinity of the inlet 101 of the first air duct and the inlet 201 of the second air duct through the air inlet cavity 30, and then enters the inner cavity of the garment processing drum through the first air duct 10 and the second air duct 20, or only through the first air duct 10.

[0034] A switching device 5 is installed in the air duct housing 1 and is used to open and close the inlet 201 of the second air duct to control the airflow between the second air duct 20 and the air inlet cavity 30. Specifically, the switching device 5 can be installed at the connection between the second air duct 20 and the air inlet cavity 30, and is used to open and close the inlet 201 of the second air duct to control the airflow between the second air duct 20 and the air inlet cavity 30. The switching device 5 can open and close the inlet 201 of the second air duct. When the switching device 5 opens the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the airflow can enter the second air duct 20 through the inlet 201 of the second air duct and enter the inner cavity of the clothing processing drum through the second air duct 20.

[0035] In other words, when the switching device 5 opens the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the airflow entering the housing through the air inlet can simultaneously enter the inner cavity of the clothing processing drum through the first air duct 10 and the second air duct 20. At this time, since both air ducts in the clothing processing device can provide airflow, the airflow speed is relatively slow under a fixed gas flow rate.

[0036] Furthermore, when the switching device 5 closes the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the airflow cannot enter the second air duct 20 through the inlet 201, and therefore cannot enter the inner cavity of the garment processing drum through the second air duct 20. In other words, when the switching device 5 closes the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the airflow entering the housing through the air inlet can only enter the inner cavity of the garment processing drum through the first air duct 10. At this time, since there is only one air duct in the garment processing device that can provide airflow, the airflow velocity is relatively fast under a fixed gas flow rate.

[0037] In other words, the switching device 5 controls the airflow between the second air duct 20 and the air inlet by opening and closing the inlet 201 of the second air duct, so that the airflow has different running paths, thereby enabling the garment processing device to switch between different ventilation modes and change the flow rate and flow volume of the airflow during the switching process, so as to better adjust the flow rate and flow volume of the airflow entering the garment processing chamber.

[0038] The switching device 5 includes a rotatable switching plate that can block airflow to isolate the air duct. The switching plate can swing to a position that blocks airflow into the second air duct 20, and it can also swing to a position that does not block airflow into the second air duct 20. In other words, the switching device 5 switches between an open and closed state by swinging the switching plate.

[0039] In the closed state, the switching plate closes the inlet 201 of the second air duct to isolate the air inlet from the second air duct 20. At this time, the airflow cannot enter the second air duct 20 through the inlet 201, and therefore cannot enter the inner cavity of the garment processing drum through the second air duct 20. In other words, when the switching device 5 closes the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the airflow entering the housing through the air inlet can only enter the inner cavity of the garment processing drum through the first air duct 10. At this time, since there is only one air duct in the garment processing device that can provide airflow, the airflow velocity is relatively fast under a fixed gas flow rate.

[0040] In the open state, the switching plate opens the inlet 201 of the second air duct to connect the air inlet and the second air duct 20. Airflow can enter the second air duct 20 through the inlet 201 and then enter the inner cavity of the garment processing drum through the second air duct 20. That is, when the switching device 5 opens the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the airflow entering the housing through the air inlet can simultaneously enter the inner cavity of the garment processing drum through the first air duct 10 and the second air duct 20. At this time, since both air ducts in the garment processing device can provide airflow, the airflow velocity is relatively slow under a fixed gas flow rate.

[0041] In other words, by controlling the position of the switching plate, the opening and closing of the inlet 201 of the second air duct can be controlled, thereby controlling the airflow to change its operating path. This allows the garment processing device to switch between different ventilation modes and change the flow rate and volume of the airflow during the switching process, thereby achieving the purpose of better adjusting the flow rate and volume of the airflow entering the garment processing chamber.

[0042] Furthermore, with the inlet 201 of the second air duct open in the switching device 5, the surface of the switching plate facing away from the first air duct 10 is a windproof surface 50, and the wall surface of the air duct shell 1 facing the windproof surface 50 is parallel to the windproof surface 50. This avoids the arrangement of the switching plate affecting the air resistance within the air duct, ensuring that the airflow within the air duct is not affected by the switching plate, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the garment processing device.

[0043] It should be noted that the wall surface of the duct shell 1 that is directly opposite the windproof surface 50 can always be parallel to the rotation axis of the switching plate. When the switching device 5 opens the inlet 201 of the second duct, the switching plate rotates to a position parallel to the wall surface to avoid the arrangement of the switching plate affecting the air resistance in the duct.

[0044] According to the clothing processing device of the present invention, the airflow within the clothing processing device has different running paths, the clothing processing device can switch between different ventilation modes, and can change the flow rate and flow volume of the airflow during the switching process, resulting in better adjustment of the flow rate and flow volume of the airflow, improving the effect of the clothing processing device on clothing processing, and enhancing the user experience.

[0045] Combination Figures 1-3 , Figures 5-8 In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 101 of the first air duct is located in the middle of the inlet 201 of the second air duct, so as to make the overall structure of the garment handling device more reasonable, make the widths of both sides of the second air duct 20 similar, and make the ventilation effect more uniform. The switching plate includes a first plate portion 51 and a second plate portion 52, which are used to open and close different parts of the inlet 201 of the second air duct.

[0046] Furthermore, the switching plate includes two parts, namely a first plate portion 51 and a second plate portion 52, which are used to open and close different parts of the inlet 201 of the second air duct. This allows for joint control of the opening and closing of the inlet 201 of the second air duct through the two inlets 201, resulting in better control performance.

[0047] Furthermore, the arrangement of the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can avoid the switching plate occupying more installation space, making the overall structure more reasonable.

[0048] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, with the inlet 201 of the second air duct open by the switching device 5, the opposing surfaces of the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 are parallel to the wall surface of the air duct shell 1 that is directly opposite to that surface. This prevents the arrangement of the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 from affecting the air resistance within the air duct, ensuring that the airflow within the air duct is not affected by the switching plate, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the garment processing device.

[0049] Combination Figures 8-9 In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation axis of the first plate portion 51 and the rotation axis of the second plate portion 52 are located on both sides of the inlet 101 of the first air duct, and the rotation axis of the first plate portion 51 and the rotation axis of the second plate portion 52 are coplanar with the plane where the inlet 101 of the first air duct is located (e.g., Figure 5 and Figure 8 The plane shown in S1 (i.e., the plane perpendicular to the paper) minimizes the air resistance in the air duct, avoids vortices near the first plate 51 and the second plate 52, ensures the air volume entering the garment processing chamber, and improves the garment processing effect of the garment processing device.

[0050] With the switching device 5 closing the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 are coplanar (e.g., ...). Figure 5 The plane shown as S2 (i.e., the plane perpendicular to the paper) ensures that airflow does not leak between the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 when the inlet 201 of the second air duct is closed, thus ensuring the amount of airflow entering the garment processing chamber of the garment processing device. Planes S1 and S2 can coincide, meaning they are the same plane.

[0051] Furthermore, the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 are coplanar with the plane where the inlet 101 of the first air duct is located, so as to minimize the air resistance in the air duct, avoid the generation of vortices near the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52, ensure the air volume entering the garment processing chamber, and make the garment processing device have a better garment processing effect.

[0052] Furthermore, the fact that the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 are coplanar with the plane where the inlet 101 of the first air duct is located allows the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 to be set as small as possible, so that the structure of the air duct shell 1 assembly 100 is more compact and the processing cost is reduced.

[0053] Reference Figures 1-3 The pivot of the first plate 51 and the pivot of the second plate 52 are located outside the inlet 101 of the first air duct and are arranged opposite to each other. Thus, one side of the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can be rotated to both sides of the inlet of the first air duct 10, and the other side of the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can be rotated to the outer sidewall of the second air duct 20, thereby opening and closing the second air duct 20.

[0054] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 10 The switching device 5 also includes a driving component 54, which provides power for the movement of the switching device 5. The driving component 54 is connected to the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 and is used to drive the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 to rotate synchronously.

[0055] In some embodiments, the driving component 54 can be a motor, with its motor shaft connected to the first plate 51 and the second plate 52. The rotation of the motor shaft drives the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 to rotate synchronously. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the motor, the positions of the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can be controlled, thereby controlling the switching device 5 to switch between an open state and a closed state. This controls the airflow to change its path, enabling the garment processing device to switch between different ventilation modes and change the airflow velocity and flow rate during the switching process. This achieves the purpose of better adjusting the airflow velocity and flow rate entering the garment processing chamber.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the drive component 54 includes at least two components, namely a first drive component 541 and a second drive component 542. The first drive component 541 drives the first plate portion 51 to rotate, and the second drive component 542 drives the second plate portion 52 to rotate. By controlling the movement of the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 respectively through the first drive component 541 and the second drive component 542, the stability of the operation of the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 can be ensured. Furthermore, by directly controlling the operation of the switching plate through the drive component 54, there is no need to arrange a transmission structure, which can simplify the overall structure of the air duct shell 1 assembly 100 and reduce production costs.

[0057] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the air duct shell 1 includes a cover 11 and a partition rib 12. The partition rib 12 is located in the middle of the cover 11 and is connected to the bottom wall of the cover 11 to divide the space inside the cover 11 into two parts. The two parts are respectively formed as a first air duct 10 and a second air duct 20. The first air duct 10 and the second air duct 20 are independent of each other and do not interfere with each other. When airflow passes through one air duct, the airflow in that air duct will not enter the other air duct.

[0058] The first air duct 10 is located within the area enclosed by the partition rib 12, and the second air duct 20 is located between the side wall of the cover 11 and the partition rib 12. That is, the first air duct 10 is defined within the area enclosed by the partition rib 12, and the second air duct 20 is defined outside the area enclosed by the partition rib 12. This allows multiple air ducts to be formed inside the cover 11, and the air ducts are divided by the partition rib 12, making the overall structure of the air duct shell 1 assembly 100 simpler. The air duct shell 1 is integrally formed, which is convenient for processing.

[0059] The two ends of the partition rib 12 define the inlet 201 of the second air duct 20 with the side wall of the air duct shell 1, that is, the second air duct 20 has two inlets 201.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 When the switching device 5 closes the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the two ends of the first plate 51 abut against the side wall of the cover 11 and one end of the partition rib 12, respectively, and the two ends of the second plate 52 abut against the side wall of the cover 11 and the other end of the partition rib 12, respectively, so that the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can seal the second air duct 20, prevent airflow from entering the second air duct 20 through the gap, and avoid loss of airflow, thus ensuring the amount of air entering the processing chamber, and thus ensuring the clothing processing effect of the clothing processing device.

[0061] Combination Figures 5-12 In the embodiment shown, the air duct shell 1 includes a first cover 2 and a second cover 3. The first cover 2, the second cover 3 and the shell together form two different air ducts, the first air duct 10 and the second air duct 20. The first air duct 10 and the second air duct 20 are independent of each other and do not interfere with each other. When airflow passes through one air duct, the airflow in that air duct will not enter the other air duct.

[0062] Specifically, the second cover 3 is placed on the outside of the first cover 2. In other words, the second cover 3 is fitted on the outside of the first cover 2. A space is formed inside the first cover 2 for airflow to pass through. A space is also formed between the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 for airflow to pass through. Furthermore, the two spaces are independent of each other, meaning that the airflow passing through the two spaces will not interact.

[0063] The first cover 2 is located in the middle of the second cover 3, so that the overall structure of the clothing handling device is more reasonable, the widths on both sides of the second air duct 20 are similar, and the ventilation effect is more uniform.

[0064] The sidewalls and bottomwalls of the first cover 2 and the sidewalls and bottomwalls of the second cover 3 define the inlet 201 of the second air duct 20, that is, the second air duct 20 can have an inlet 201.

[0065] The first air duct 10 is located within the area enclosed by the side walls of the first housing 2. A portion of the second air duct 20 is located between the side walls of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, and another portion is located between the bottom walls of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3. Both the first air duct 10 and the second air duct 20 connect to the air inlet and the inner cavity of the clothing processing drum. This means that air enters the housing through the air inlet and forms an airflow, which can enter the inner cavity of the clothing processing drum through both the first air duct 10 and the second air duct 20.

[0066] The second cover 3 is equipped with a switching device 5, which can control the flow of air in the second air duct 20 by controlling the switching device 5.

[0067] Specifically, the switching device 5 can open and close the inlet 201 of the second air duct. When the switching device 5 opens the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the airflow can enter the second air duct 20 through the inlet 201 and then enter the inner cavity of the garment processing drum through the second air duct 20. In other words, when the switching device 5 opens the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the airflow entering the housing through the air inlet can simultaneously enter the inner cavity of the garment processing drum through the first air duct 10 and the second air duct 20. At this time, since both air ducts in the garment processing device can provide airflow, the airflow velocity is relatively slow under a fixed gas flow rate.

[0068] Furthermore, when the switching device 5 closes the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the airflow cannot enter the second air duct 20 through the inlet 201, and therefore cannot enter the inner cavity of the garment processing drum through the second air duct 20. In other words, when the switching device 5 closes the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the airflow entering the housing through the air inlet can only enter the inner cavity of the garment processing drum through the first air duct 10. At this time, since there is only one air duct in the garment processing device that can provide airflow, the airflow velocity is relatively fast under a fixed gas flow rate.

[0069] In other words, the switching device 5 controls the airflow between the second air duct 20 and the air inlet by opening and closing the inlet 201 of the second air duct, so that the airflow has different running paths, thereby enabling the garment processing device to switch between different ventilation modes and change the flow rate and flow volume of the airflow during the switching process, so as to better adjust the flow rate and flow volume of the airflow entering the garment processing chamber.

[0070] Furthermore, the switching plate includes two parts, namely a first plate portion 51 and a second plate portion 52. The first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 are used to close different parts of the inlet 201 of the second air duct, so as to jointly control the opening and closing of the inlet 201 of the second air duct from both sides, thereby improving the control effect and avoiding the switching plate from occupying more installation space, making the overall structure more reasonable. In addition, the pivot of the first plate portion 51 and the pivot of the second plate portion 52 are located on opposite sides of the second cover 3, so as to make the structure of the second cover 3 more uniform, ensure that the wind resistance on both sides of the cover is the same, and make the air volume in the second air duct 20 more uniform.

[0071] The pivot of the first plate 51 and the pivot of the second plate 52 are located on opposite sides of the second cover 3 to make the structure of the second cover 3 more uniform, ensure that the wind resistance on both sides of the cover is the same, and make the air volume in the second air duct 20 more uniform.

[0072] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 each have a clearance portion 53. When the switching device 5 closes the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the clearance portion 53 corresponds to the opening position of the first air duct 10, so that the inlet 101 of the first air duct is in a normally open state. The clearance portion 53 is provided to prevent the arrangement of the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 from affecting the ventilation effect of the first air duct 10. The first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 can close the inlet 201 of the second air duct when the switching device 5 is closed, and the clearance portion 53 can avoid the inlet 101 of the first air duct when the switching device 5 is closed. Thus, it is ensured that the first air duct 10 can maintain a good ventilation state, and the ventilation effect of the inlet 101 of the first air duct is not affected when the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 close the inlet 201 of the second air duct.

[0073] like Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, a fan 6 is also installed in the flow duct. The fan 6 can provide power for the flow of air so that the clothing processing device can have a continuous flow of air into the inner cavity of the clothing processing drum.

[0074] A volute tongue 7 may also be provided on the inner wall of the second cover 3. The volute tongue 7 is located between the fan 6 and the inlet 201 of the first air duct 10 / second air duct to improve the gas flow effect in the air duct.

[0075] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the garment processing apparatus includes the air duct housing 1 assembly 100 described in the above embodiments. By employing the air duct housing 1 assembly 100, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention achieves better garment processing results.

[0076] A specific embodiment of the garment processing device is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] The clothing processing device in this embodiment of the invention can be a clothes dryer. The clothes dryer includes a housing, a clothing processing drum, an air duct housing 1 assembly, and a fan 6.

[0078] In some embodiments, the air duct housing 1 assembly includes: a cover 11, a partition 12, and a switching device 5.

[0079] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the partition rib 12 is located in the middle of the cover 11 and is connected to the bottom wall of the cover 11 to divide the space inside the cover 11 into two parts. The two parts are respectively formed as a first air duct 10 and a second air duct 20. The first air duct 10 and the second air duct 20 are independent of each other and do not interfere with each other. When airflow passes through one air duct, the airflow in that air duct will not enter the other air duct.

[0080] The first air duct 10 is located within the area enclosed by the partition rib 12, and the second air duct 20 is located between the side wall of the cover 11 and the partition rib 12. That is, the first air duct 10 is defined within the area enclosed by the partition rib 12, and the second air duct 20 is defined outside the area enclosed by the partition rib 12. This allows multiple air ducts to be formed inside the cover 11, and the air ducts are divided by the partition rib 12, making the overall structure of the air duct shell 1 assembly 100 simpler. The air duct shell 1 is integrally formed, which is convenient for processing.

[0081] The switching device 5 is located at the connection between the second air duct 20 and the flow duct. The switching device 5 includes a drive component 54 and a switching plate. When the switching device 5 opens the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the switching plate and the inner surface of the side wall of the air duct shell 1 at the inlet 201 of the second air duct are parallel. This avoids the arrangement of the switching plate from affecting the air resistance in the air duct, ensuring that the air volume in the air duct is not affected by the switching plate, and thus ensuring the effectiveness of the garment processing device.

[0082] Furthermore, the switching plate includes two parts, namely a first plate portion 51 and a second plate portion 52, which are used to open and close different parts of the inlet 201 of the second air duct. This allows for joint control of the opening and closing of the inlet 201 of the second air duct through the two inlets 201, resulting in better control performance.

[0083] Reference Figures 1-3The pivot of the first plate 51 and the pivot of the second plate 52 are located outside the inlet 101 of the first air duct and are arranged opposite to each other. Thus, one side of the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can be rotated to both sides of the inlet of the first air duct 10, and the other side of the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can be rotated to the outer sidewall of the second air duct 20, thereby opening and closing the second air duct 20.

[0084] Reference Figure 3 When the switching device 5 closes the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the two ends of the switching plate abut against the side wall of the cover 11 and the partition rib 12 respectively, so that the switching plate can seal the second air duct 20, prevent airflow from entering the second air duct 20 through the gap, and prevent airflow loss, thus ensuring the amount of air entering the processing chamber, and thus ensuring the clothing processing effect of the clothing processing device.

[0085] The drive component 54 includes at least two components, namely a first drive component 541 and a second drive component 542. The first drive component 541 drives the first plate portion 51 to rotate, and the second drive component 542 drives the second plate portion 52 to rotate. By controlling the movement of the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 respectively through the first drive component 541 and the second drive component 542, the stability of the operation of the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 can be ensured. Furthermore, by directly controlling the operation of the switching plate through the drive component 54, there is no need to arrange a transmission structure, which can simplify the overall structure of the air duct housing 1 assembly 100 and reduce production costs.

[0086] In other embodiments, the air duct housing 1 assembly 100 includes: a first cover 2, a second cover 3, and a switching device 5.

[0087] The housing contains a clothing processing bin for holding clothing to be processed. The clothing is processed inside the clothing processing bin. An air inlet is provided on the housing. A second cover 3 is located outside the housing, and a certain space is formed between the second cover 3 and the housing. The first cover 2 and the fan 6 are located in the space formed between the second cover 3 and the housing. The fan 6 is located near the air inlet in the space formed between the second cover 3 and the housing so that airflow can be generated in the space formed between the second cover 3 and the housing. The generated airflow flows into the inner cavity of the clothing processing bin along the flow channel defined between the second cover 3 and the housing.

[0088] The first cover 2 is disposed inside the second cover 3 and between the shell and the second cover 3. Thus, the second cover 3, the first cover 2 and the shell together form two air ducts, one inside and one outside. The first air duct 10 is defined between the first cover 2 and the shell, and the second air duct 20 is defined between the second cover 3, the first cover 2 and the shell. The first air duct 10 and the second air duct 20 can be connected to the airflow duct and the inner cavity of the clothing processing tub.

[0089] The switching device 5 is located at the connection between the second air duct 20 and the flow duct. The switching device 5 includes a motor, a first plate 51, and a second plate 52. One end of the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 are rotatably connected to both sides of the second cover 3 and can swing within the second cover 3 driven by the motor. The switching device 5 switches between an open state and a closed state by swinging the first plate 51 and the second plate 52.

[0090] In the closed state, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 close the inlet 201 of the second air duct to isolate the air inlet from the second air duct 20. At this time, the airflow cannot enter the second air duct 20 through the inlet 201, and therefore cannot enter the inner cavity of the clothing processing drum through the second air duct 20. That is to say, when the switching device 5 closes the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the airflow entering the housing through the air inlet can only enter the inner cavity of the clothing processing drum through the first air duct 10. At this time, since there is only one air duct in the clothing processing device that can provide airflow, the airflow velocity is relatively fast under a fixed gas flow rate.

[0091] In the open state, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 open the inlet 201 of the second air duct to connect the air inlet and the second air duct 20. Airflow can enter the second air duct 20 through the inlet 201 and then enter the inner cavity of the garment processing drum through the second air duct 20. That is, when the switching device 5 opens the inlet 201 of the second air duct, the airflow entering the housing through the air inlet can simultaneously enter the inner cavity of the garment processing drum through the first air duct 10 and the second air duct 20. At this time, since both air ducts in the garment processing device can provide airflow, the airflow velocity is relatively slow under a fixed gas flow rate.

[0092] In other words, by controlling the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 to be in different positions by the motor, the opening and closing of the inlet 201 of the second air duct can be controlled, thereby controlling the airflow to change its running path. This allows the garment processing device to switch between different ventilation modes and change the flow rate and volume of the airflow during the switching process, thereby achieving the purpose of better adjusting the flow rate and volume of the airflow entering the garment processing chamber.

[0093] Other structures of the garment processing apparatus are already known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not described in detail here.

[0094] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are 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. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0095] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A duct housing assembly, characterized in that, include: A duct housing adapted to define at least a portion of a first duct, a second duct, and an air inlet cavity, wherein the inlet of the first duct and the inlet of the second duct are both in communication with the air inlet cavity; A switching device, disposed in the air duct shell, is used to open and close the inlet of the second air duct to control the airflow between the second air duct and the air inlet chamber. The switching device includes a rotatable switching plate. When the inlet of the second air duct is open, the side surface of the switching plate facing away from the first air duct is a windproof surface. The wall surface of the air duct shell that faces the windproof surface is parallel to the windproof surface.

2. The air duct shell assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet of the first air duct is located in the middle of the inlet of the second air duct, and the switching plate includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion for opening and closing different parts of the inlet of the second air duct.

3. The air duct shell assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the inlet of the second air duct is open by the switching device, the opposite sides of the first plate and the second plate are parallel to the wall surface of the air duct shell that is directly opposite to that surface.

4. The air duct shell assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pivots of the first plate and the second plate are located on both sides of the inlet of the first air duct, and the rotation axes of the first plate and the second plate are coplanar with the plane where the inlet of the first air duct is located. When the switching device closes the inlet of the second air duct, the first plate and the second plate are coplanar.

5. The air duct housing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pivots of the first plate and the second plate are located outside the inlet of the first air duct and are arranged opposite to each other.

6. The air duct housing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switching device further includes: A driving component is connected to the rotating shaft of the first plate and the rotating shaft of the second plate respectively, and is used to drive the first plate and the second plate to rotate synchronously.

7. The air duct housing assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The driving components include at least two, namely a first driving component and a second driving component, wherein the first driving component drives the first plate to rotate, and the second driving component drives the second plate to rotate.

8. The duct housing assembly according to any one of claims 2-7, characterized in that, The air duct shell includes a cover and partition ribs, the partition ribs being located in the middle of the cover and connected to the bottom wall of the cover. The first air duct is located within the area enclosed by the partition ribs, and the second air duct is located between the side wall of the cover and the partition ribs.

9. The air duct housing assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the switching device closes the inlet of the second air duct, the two ends of the first plate and the second plate respectively abut against the side wall of the cover and the partition rib.

10. The duct housing assembly according to any one of claims 2-7, characterized in that, The air duct shell includes a first cover and a second cover, with the first cover located in the middle of the second cover. The first air duct is located within the area enclosed by the side wall of the first cover, a portion of the second air duct is located between the side wall of the first cover and the side wall of the second cover, and another portion of the second air duct is located between the bottom wall of the first cover and the bottom wall of the second cover.

11. The duct housing assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first plate and the second plate each have a clearance portion. When the switching device closes the inlet of the second air duct, the clearance portion corresponds to the opening position of the first air duct so that the inlet of the first air duct is in a normally open state.

12. A garment processing device, characterized in that, Includes the air duct housing assembly according to any one of claims 1-11.

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