Heat exchanger cleaning structure and washing electric appliance

Abstract

The utility model discloses a heat exchanger cleaning structure and a washing electric appliance. The heat exchanger cleaning structure is used for washing the electric appliance and comprises an air duct component, a heat exchanger, a cleaning assembly and a driving assembly. The air duct component is provided with an accommodating space; the heat exchanger is located in the containing space. The cleaning assembly is connected with the air duct component and arranged on one side of the heat exchanger. The driving assembly is connected with the cleaning assembly and used for driving fluid to flow into the cleaning assembly so that the cleaning assembly can output the fluid towards the surface of the heat exchanger. The cleaning assembly can remove pollutants on the surface of the heat exchanger in a fluid output mode, and the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger is recovered or improved. Moreover, accumulation of pollutants can be reduced, so that damage to the heat exchanger caused by pollution is reduced, the service life of the heat exchanger is prolonged, and the service life of the heat exchanger cleaning structure is prolonged. In addition, the driving assembly can achieve automatic cleaning of the heat exchanger, and a more efficient cleaning mode is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and particularly to a heat exchanger cleaning structure and a washing appliance. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous improvement of living standards, various types of household appliances are widely used to improve the quality and convenience of life. Among them, in household appliances for washing objects, such as dishwashers, etc., usually include one or more heat exchangers for performing cooling or heating functions. The performance of the heat exchanger directly affects the working efficiency and energy consumption of the appliance. However, the heat exchanger is prone to being contaminated by pollutants during use, thereby reducing the heat exchange efficiency and service life of the heat exchanger. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] This application provides a heat exchanger cleaning structure and a washing appliance, which at least solve the technical problem that the heat exchange efficiency and service life of the heat exchanger in the heat exchanger cleaning structure are reduced after being contaminated by pollutants.

[0004] The heat exchanger cleaning structure of the embodiment of this application includes an air duct component, a heat exchanger, a cleaning component, and a driving component. The air duct component has an accommodating space; the heat exchanger is located in the accommodating space; the cleaning component is connected to the air duct component, and the cleaning component is arranged on one side of the heat exchanger; the driving component is connected to the cleaning component, and the driving component is used to drive fluid to flow into the cleaning component so that the cleaning component outputs the fluid towards the surface of the heat exchanger.

[0005] In the heat exchanger cleaning structure of the embodiment of this application, the cleaning component can remove the pollutants on the surface of the heat exchanger by outputting fluid, restoring or improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger. And this can reduce the accumulation of pollutants, thereby reducing the damage caused to the heat exchanger by pollution and extending the service life of the heat exchanger, thus extending the service life of the heat exchanger cleaning structure.

[0006] In addition, by setting the driving component to drive the cleaning component, the heat exchanger can be automatically cleaned, providing a more efficient cleaning method, which can reduce the difficulty and time cost of maintenance.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cleaning component includes a spraying body, the spraying body is provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid inlet is used to communicate with an external fluid storage device, and the fluid outlet is arranged towards the heat exchanger.

[0008] In some embodiments, the spraying body and the heat exchanger are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and the fluid outlet is located above the heat exchanger.

[0009] In some embodiments, the air duct component includes a main body portion and a cover body connected to the main body portion. The cover body is provided with a mounting groove, the mounting groove communicates with the accommodating space, the spraying body passes through the mounting groove, and the fluid outlet is located on a side of the spraying body facing the heat exchanger.

[0010] In some embodiments, the spraying body has a flow dividing cavity, the number of the fluid outlets is multiple, the multiple fluid outlets are arranged at intervals, the flow dividing cavity communicates with the fluid inlet and the multiple fluid outlets, the air duct component includes a main body portion and a cover body connected to the main body portion, the cover body is connected to the spraying body, the cover body is provided with a plurality of through holes, the through holes are arranged facing the heat exchanger, and the through holes correspond to the fluid outlets one by one.

[0011] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes an evaporator and a condenser that are adjacent to each other and arranged in the accommodating space. The number of the spraying bodies is multiple, and a part of the spraying bodies are arranged facing the evaporator, and the other part of the spraying bodies are arranged facing the condenser.

[0012] In some embodiments, the evaporator and / or the condenser each include a plurality of fins, the plurality of fins extend in the vertical direction, and air flow channels are formed between the plurality of fins. The spraying body is arranged facing the air flow channels of the fins.

[0013] In some embodiments, the main body portion and the cover body are integrally formed; or the main body portion and the cover body are separately formed.

[0014] In some embodiments, the air duct component includes a bottom wall, the bottom wall and the heat exchanger are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, the bottom wall is arranged below the heat exchanger, and the bottom wall is provided with a drain port.

[0015] In some embodiments, the air duct component includes a bottom wall, and the heat exchanger cleaning structure further includes a water receiving tray. The water receiving tray is arranged on the bottom wall, the water receiving tray and the heat exchanger are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, the water receiving tray is arranged below the heat exchanger, and the water receiving tray is provided with a drain port.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger cleaning structure includes a support member. The support member is arranged on the bottom wall and extends towards the heat exchanger. The support member supports two adjacent side surfaces of the heat exchanger and the water receiving tray. Along the extending direction of the support member, the height of the support member is greater than the height of the water receiving tray.

[0017] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger cleaning structure further includes a first connecting pipe and a liquid reservoir. The first end of the first connecting pipe is communicated with the drain port, and the second end of the first connecting pipe is communicated with the liquid reservoir. The liquid reservoir is located outside the accommodation space.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger cleaning structure further includes a second connecting pipe. The first end of the second connecting pipe is communicated with the drain port, and the second end of the second connecting pipe is communicated with the fluid inlet.

[0019] In some embodiments, the air duct component is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet spaced from the air inlet. The air inlet and the air outlet are arranged on the same side of the air duct component.

[0020] The washing appliance according to the embodiment of the present application includes the heat exchanger cleaning structure described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0021] The additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be partially given in the following description, partially become apparent from the following description, or be understood through the practice of the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and be readily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, where:

[0023] Figure 1 is the first schematic structural diagram of the heat exchanger cleaning structure according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 2 is the disassembled schematic diagram of the heat exchanger cleaning structure according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 3 is the schematic structural diagram of the heat exchanger cleaning structure and the flow storage device according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 4 is the second schematic structural diagram of the heat exchanger cleaning structure according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 5 is the schematic structural diagram of the cleaning component according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 6 is the first schematic structural diagram of the air duct component according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 7 is the second schematic structural diagram of the air duct component according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Description of the Reference Numerals:

[0031] Heat exchanger cleaning structure 100; air duct component 10; accommodating space 11; heat exchanger 20; cleaning component 30; driving component 40; inner tank 101; heat pump drying system 102; washing chamber 1010; compressor 1020; throttling device 1021; diversion channel 103; pipeline 104; fan 1022; spraying body 31; fluid inlet 310; fluid outlet 311; flow storage device 200; fin 21; air flow channel 22; main body part 12; cover body 13; installation groove 130; shunt cavity 312; through hole 131; bottom wall 14; drain port 140; water receiving tray 50; support member 60; first connecting pipe 70; liquid storage device 80; first end 71 of the first connecting pipe; second end 72 of the first connecting pipe; second connecting pipe 90; first end 91 of the second connecting pipe; second end 92 of the second connecting pipe; air inlet 15; air outlet 16. Detailed implementation manners

[0032] The following details the implementation manners of the present application. Examples of the implementation manners are shown in the drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions throughout. The implementation manners described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application and should not be construed as a limitation of the present application.

[0033] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. These are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the described features. In the description of the present application, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0034] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows mutual communication; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0035] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but in contact through additional features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over", and "on top of" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicating that the first feature has a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "under", "below", and "beneath" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicating that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0036] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present application. To simplify the disclosure of the present application, the components and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present application. In addition, the present application may repeat reference numerals and / or reference letters in different examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present application provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art can realize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100 of the embodiment of the present application is used for a washing appliance. The heat exchanger cleaning structure 100 includes an air duct component 10, a heat exchanger 20, a cleaning component 30, and a driving component 40. The air duct component 10 has an accommodation space 11; the heat exchanger 20 is located in the accommodation space 11; the cleaning component 30 is connected to the air duct component 10, and the cleaning component 30 is disposed on one side of the heat exchanger 20; the driving component 40 is connected to the cleaning component 30, and the driving component 40 is used to drive fluid to flow into the cleaning component 30 so that the cleaning component 30 outputs fluid toward the surface of the heat exchanger 20.

[0038] In the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100 according to the embodiment of the present application, the cleaning assembly 30 can remove contaminants on the surface of the heat exchanger 20 by outputting a fluid, so as to restore or improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 20. Moreover, this can reduce the accumulation of contaminants, thereby reducing the damage to the heat exchanger 20 caused by contamination, extending the service life of the heat exchanger 20, and thus extending the service life of the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100.

[0039] In addition, by providing a driving assembly 40 to drive the cleaning assembly 30, the heat exchanger 20 can be automatically cleaned, providing a more efficient cleaning method, which can reduce the difficulty and time cost of maintenance.

[0040] Specifically, the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100 can be used to clean the heat exchanger 20. The air duct component 10 is an external structure of the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100, and the air duct component 10 is used to provide physical protection and accommodation space 11 for the internal components. The air duct component 10 can be made of various materials, such as plastics, metals or alloys.

[0041] The number of heat exchangers 20 can be one or more, such as two, three, four or even more. The heat exchanger 20 can be used as a condenser or an evaporator. The number and type of the heat exchangers 20 can both be set according to requirements. For example, the number of heat exchangers 20 is two, and both of the two heat exchangers 20 are used as condensers. For another example, the number of heat exchangers 20 is two, one of which is a condenser and the other is an evaporator.

[0042] The cleaning assembly 30 can be a component for outputting a fluid such as a cleaning liquid or a high-pressure gas towards the heat exchanger 20. The cleaning liquid can flow towards the surface of the heat exchanger 20 under the action of gravity, or can be sprayed towards the surface of the heat exchanger 20 with a certain pressure. Among them, the cleaning liquid can be tap water, condensed water, or other liquids suitable for cleaning the heat exchanger 20. The high-pressure gas can be a gas suitable for cleaning the heat exchanger 20, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

[0043] In one embodiment, the cleaning assembly 30 includes a plurality of hoses, and the plurality of hoses are connected to different positions on the air duct component 10, and the driving assembly 40 is used to pump the cleaning liquid into the hoses so that the cleaning liquid flows towards the heat exchanger 20.

[0044] In one embodiment, the cleaning assembly 30 includes a gas distributor and a nozzle. The nozzle can generate a high-pressure air flow for cleaning the surface of the heat exchanger 20. The nozzle is connected to the gas distributor, and the gas distributor is used to evenly distribute the high-pressure gas to the nozzle so that the fluid is sprayed towards the heat exchanger 20 from the nozzle in a larger range.

[0045] The cleaning component 30 and the air duct component 10 can be non-detachably connected by means such as welding and riveting, or can be detachably connected by means such as threaded connection and snap connection. The cleaning component 30 can be spaced apart from the heat exchanger 20 and can be disposed on either side of the heat exchanger 20. For example, along the length direction of the heat exchanger 20, the cleaning component 30 can be disposed above, on the side, below or at any other orientation of the heat exchanger 20.

[0046] The driving component 40 is used to provide power for the fluid to drive the fluid to flow into the cleaning component 30. The driving component 40 can include structures such as an electric pump, a pneumatic pump, and an air compressor. For example, the driving component 40 can be a water pump. Under the action of the driving component 40, the fluid is output from the cleaning component 30 to clean the heat exchanger 20.

[0047] The cleaning component 30 and the driving component 40 can be connected through a series of pipes and connectors. In one embodiment, the driving component 40 includes an air compressor, and the output end of the air compressor is connected to the input end of the cleaning component 30 through a high-pressure hose so that the gas can flow from the output end of the air compressor to the input end of the cleaning component 30.

[0048] It should be noted that in Figure 3 , the flow direction of the fluid is shown by a dotted line with an arrow. This is only for the convenience of understanding and cannot be used as a limitation to the embodiments of the present application.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , in some embodiments, the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100 can include an inner tank 101 and a heat pump drying system 102. The inner tank 101 is provided with a washing chamber 1010. The heat pump drying system 102 includes an air duct component 10, a compressor 1020, a heat exchanger 20, and a throttling device 1021. The heat exchanger 20 can include a condenser 21 and an evaporator 22. Among them, the compressor 1020, the condenser 21, the throttling device 1021, and the evaporator 22 are connected in sequence to form a closed refrigerant circuit.

[0050] The air duct component 10 is communicated with the washing chamber 1010. Both the evaporator 22 and the condenser 21 are disposed in the accommodating space 11 of the air duct component 10. The evaporator 22 is used to cool the gas flowing out of the inner tank 101, and the condenser 21 is used to heat the gas flowing to the inner tank 101.

[0051] The heat pump drying system 102 is used to dry the humid and hot air flowing out of the inner tank 101 and heat the dried air so that the heated and dried air flows into the inner tank 101 again. In this way, the cycle is realized to achieve the effect of drying objects such as tableware. It should be noted that the dried air mentioned above is relative to the humid and hot air in the inner tank 101, and does not mean that the air does not contain water vapor at all.

[0052] When the heat pump drying system 102 is operating, the evaporator 22 can refrigerate, thereby absorbing the heat of the air around the evaporator 22 to reduce the temperature of the surrounding air, so that the gas flowing through the evaporator 22 condenses to form condensed water, achieving the effect of drying the air.

[0053] The evaporator 22 is generally flat. The evaporator 22 can be placed vertically, or rather, the thickness direction of the evaporator 22 is arranged substantially horizontally, and the thickness direction of the evaporator 22 is substantially parallel to the central axis of the diversion channel 103, so as to increase the contact area between the gas in the diversion channel 103 and the evaporator 22, which is beneficial to improving the drying effect on the air flowing through the evaporator 22.

[0054] When the heat pump drying system 102 is operating, the condenser 21 can heat, thereby absorbing the heat to heat the surrounding air to increase the temperature of the surrounding air, so that after the gas flowing through the condenser 21 enters the inner tank 101 of the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100 again, the effect of drying objects such as tableware is achieved.

[0055] The condenser 21 is generally flat. The condenser 21 can be placed vertically, or rather, the thickness direction of the condenser 21 is arranged substantially horizontally, and the thickness direction of the condenser 21 can be substantially parallel to the central axis of the diversion channel 103, so as to increase the contact area between the gas in the diversion channel 103 and the condenser 21, which is beneficial to improving the heating effect on the air flowing through the condenser 21.

[0056] The condenser 21 and the evaporator 22 can be connected to the compressor 1020 through a pipeline 104. The compressor 1020, the condenser 21, the throttling device 1021 and the evaporator 22 are the main components of the heat pump drying system 102 of the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100, and are connected in sequence to form a closed refrigerant circuit, so that the refrigerant as the refrigerant can circulate in the sealed refrigerant circuit composed of the compressor 1020, the condenser 21, the throttling device 1021 and the evaporator 22. The cooperation of the four can enable the heat pump drying system 102 to achieve the effect of drying objects such as tableware.

[0057] When the heat pump drying system 102 is in the drying stage, the compressor 1020 operates to pump the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant to the condenser 21 to heat the air. After the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air, it flows out of the condenser 21, and then passes through the throttling device 1021 to be throttled and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant and flows into the evaporator 22 to exchange heat and evaporate with the air, and then returns to the compressor 1020 to complete the entire heat pump heating cycle. The dried air enters the inner tank 101 of the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100 again after being heated by the condenser 21.

[0058] The throttling device 1021 can be an expansion valve. Further, the throttling device 1021 can be an electronic expansion valve.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 4

[0060] In some embodiments, the heat pump drying system 102 includes a blower 1022 for forming an air flow in the diversion channel 103. Thus, the blower 1022 can provide power for the gas flow in the diversion channel 103. Specifically, the blower 1022 can be an axial flow blower 1022 or a centrifugal blower 1022. Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5

[0061] In some embodiments, the cleaning assembly 30 includes a spray body 31 having a fluid inlet 310 and a fluid outlet 311. The fluid inlet 310 is used to communicate with an external fluid storage device 200, and the fluid outlet 311 faces the heat exchanger 20.

[0062] Thus, the fluid inlet 310 allows the cleaning assembly 30 to communicate with the external fluid storage device 200, improving the stable supply of the cleaning fluid. The fluid outlet 311 faces the heat exchanger 20, enabling the cleaning fluid to be accurately sprayed onto the surface of the heat exchanger 20 to remove contaminants.

[0063] Specifically, the spray body 31 is the main component of the cleaning assembly 30. Both the fluid inlet 310 and the fluid outlet 311 can be interfaces provided on the spray body 31, and the number of the fluid inlet 310 and the fluid outlet 311 can be one or more. The fluid inlet 310 is used to connect to the external fluid storage device 200 to allow fluid to enter the spray body 31. The external fluid storage device 200 can be a water tank, a pressure tank, or other types of containers for storing cleaning fluids such as cleaning liquids or high-pressure gases.

[0064] The fluid outlet 311 can be spaced from the fluid inlet 310 and can serve as an opening for the fluid to flow out or spray out from the spray body 31 of the cleaning assembly 30. For example, the fluid outlet 311 can be a nozzle with different jet patterns, such as a fan nozzle, a direct jet nozzle, etc.

[0065] A driving assembly 40 can be provided between the external fluid storage device 200 and the cleaning assembly 30. The driving assembly 40 can extract the fluid stored in the external fluid storage device 200 and introduce the extracted fluid into the cleaning assembly 30.

[0066] Among them, the number of the spraying bodies 31 can be two, three, four or even more. The number of the spraying bodies 31 facing the evaporator and the number of the spraying bodies 31 facing the condenser can be the same or different. For example, the number of the spraying bodies 31 is four, and both the spraying bodies 31 for cleaning the evaporator and the spraying bodies 31 for cleaning the condenser are two. For another example, the number of the spraying bodies 31 is four, the number of the spraying bodies 31 for cleaning the evaporator is one, and the number of the spraying bodies 31 for cleaning the condenser is three.

[0067] It should be noted that the spraying bodies 31 facing the evaporator or the condenser are not only used to clean one of the components. For example, most of the fluid output by the spraying body 31 facing the evaporator is used to clean the evaporator, but another part of the fluid is used to clean the condenser.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 3 , in some embodiments, the evaporator includes a plurality of fins 21, and an air flow channel 22 is formed between the plurality of fins 21.

[0069] In some embodiments, the condenser includes a plurality of fins 21, and an air flow channel 22 is formed between the plurality of fins 21.

[0070] In some embodiments, both the evaporator and the condenser include a plurality of fins 21, and an air flow channel 22 is formed between the plurality of fins 21.

[0071] Among them, the spraying body 31 is arranged facing the air flow channel 22 of the fin 21. In this way, the fluid output by the spraying body 31 can clean the fins 21 on both sides of the air flow channel 22, thereby improving the cleaning effect. In addition, since the plurality of fins 21 all extend in the vertical direction, the fluid output by the spraying body 31 can clean the fins 21 downward, and the cleaning process is not easily blocked, so as to improve the cleaning effect.

[0072] Please refer to Figure 3 , in some embodiments, the spraying body 31 and the heat exchanger 20 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction H, and the fluid outlet 311 is located above the heat exchanger 20.

[0073] In this way, due to the positional relationship between the spraying body 31 and the heat exchanger 20, the fluid can flow more naturally to the surface of the heat exchanger 20 under the action of gravity, which makes the fluid flow rate reaching the surface of the heat exchanger 20 larger and improves the cleaning efficiency.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the air duct component 10 includes a main body portion 12 and a cover body 13 connected to the main body portion 12. The cover body 13 is provided with a mounting groove 130 which communicates with the accommodation space 11. The spraying body 31 passes through the mounting groove 130, and the fluid outlet 311 is located on the side of the spraying body 31 facing the heat exchanger 20.

[0075] In this way, by providing the mounting groove 130 on the cover body 13, the spraying body 31 of the cleaning assembly 30 can be conveniently passed through the mounting groove 130, which is convenient for installation and disassembly and simplifies the maintenance process. In addition, the mounting groove 130 helps to improve the stability of the cleaning assembly 30 during use and reduces the reduction or failure of the cleaning efficiency caused by the movement or vibration of the cleaning assembly 30.

[0076] Specifically, the main body portion 12 is the main component of the air duct component 10. The cover body 13 and the main body portion 12 can be non-removably connected by welding, riveting, etc., or can be removably connected by threaded connection, snap connection, etc. The main body portion 12 and the cover body 13 can jointly enclose the accommodation space 11. The main body portion 12 can have an opening, and the cover body 13 can be used to cover the opening to protect the components located in the accommodation space 11, such as the heat exchanger 20, etc.

[0077] The mounting groove 130 can be a through groove provided on the cover body 13. The shape of the mounting groove 130 can be a regular shape such as a rectangle, a circle, etc., or an irregular shape. The mounting groove 130 and the spraying body 31 can be connected by bonding, interference fit connection, transitional fit connection, etc.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the spraying body 31 has a flow splitting cavity 312. The number of fluid outlets 311 is multiple, and the multiple fluid outlets 311 are arranged at intervals. The flow splitting cavity 312 communicates with both the fluid inlet 310 and the multiple fluid outlets 311. The cover body 13 is connected to the spraying body 31, and the cover body 13 is provided with multiple through holes 131 which are arranged facing the heat exchanger 20, and the through holes 131 correspond to the fluid outlets 311 one by one.

[0079] In this way, by evenly distributing the fluid to the multiple fluid outlets 311 through the flow splitting cavity 312, each area of the heat exchanger 20 can be evenly cleaned, avoiding the reduction of the heat exchange efficiency caused by uneven cleaning in some areas. In addition, the flow splitting cavity 312 can reduce the pressure loss of the fluid during the flow process, so that the fluid has sufficient pressure when passing through the fluid outlet 311 to effectively clean the heat exchanger 20.

[0080] Specifically, the flow - dividing cavity 312 can be a cavity inside the spraying body 31, which is used to evenly distribute the fluid entering from the fluid inlet 310 to a plurality of fluid outlets 311. The shape of the flow - dividing cavity 312 can be a regular shape such as a circle or a rectangle, or an irregular shape. The number of flow - dividing cavities 312 can be one or more.

[0081] The number of fluid outlets 311 can be two, three, four or even more. The plurality of fluid outlets 311 can be arranged at intervals along the length direction, width direction or other preset ways of the spraying body 31.

[0082] The through - hole 131 can be a through - hole opened on the cover body 13 for the fluid to pass through. The shape of the through - hole 131 can be a regular shape such as a circle or a rectangle, or an irregular shape.

[0083] In some embodiments, the main body part 12 and the cover body 13 are integrally formed. When the main body part 12 and the cover body 13 are integrally formed, it can reduce the assembly time and processes, and reduce the number of parts and the assembly process, thus shortening the production cycle. Furthermore, it can reduce the assembly steps and costs. In addition, the integrally - formed main body part 12 and cover body 13 can provide better structural stability and integrity because they are manufactured as a single component, reducing seams and potential weaknesses.

[0084] In some embodiments, the main body part 12 and the cover body 13 are separately formed. When the main body part 12 and the cover body 13 are separately formed, the repair and replacement of the main body part 12 and the cover body 13 are more convenient because they can be replaced as separate components without replacing the entire assembly, which can reduce the maintenance cost.

[0085] Specifically, integral forming means that the main body part 12 and the cover body 13 are simultaneously manufactured and completed in one forming process to form a continuous component. Separate forming is to manufacture the main body part 12 and the cover body 13 separately, and then assemble them together through connection means such as welding, screw fastening or bonding.

[0086] Please refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 7 , in some embodiments, the air duct component 10 includes a bottom wall 14. The bottom wall 14 and the heat exchanger 20 are arranged at intervals along the vertical direction H. The bottom wall 14 is arranged below the heat exchanger 20, and the bottom wall 14 is provided with a drain port 140.

[0087] In this way, the bottom wall 14 can receive the fluid after cleaning the heat exchanger 20 and the pollutants attached to the heat exchanger 20. The drain port 140 can prevent the fluid and pollutants used for cleaning from staying at the bottom wall 14, reducing the bacterial growth or other problems that may be caused by the accumulation of fluid and pollutants.

[0088] Specifically, the shape of the bottom wall 14 can be a horizontal plate, an inclined plate, or other shaped plates, discs, etc. The bottom wall 14 can receive the fluid after cleaning the heat exchanger 20 and the pollutants attached to the heat exchanger 20. Moreover, the bottom wall 14 can temporarily store the fluid and pollutants for subsequent treatment.

[0089] The drain port 140 can be a through hole formed in the bottom wall 14 or a connector provided on the bottom wall 14. The number of drain ports 140 can be one or more, and the fluid after cleaning the heat exchanger 20 and the pollutants attached to the heat exchanger 20 can be discharged from the duct component 10 through the drain port 140. The functions of different drain ports 140 can be the same or different.

[0090] In one embodiment, two drain ports 140 are provided on the bottom wall 14. The two drain ports 140 can be arranged at the lowest point of the bottom wall 14, and both are used to timely discharge the fluid flowing to the bottom wall 14 and the pollutants attached to the heat exchanger 20 to prevent the heat exchanger 20 from being re - contaminated.

[0091] In one embodiment, two drain ports 140 are provided on the bottom wall 14. During cleaning, one of the drain ports 140 is closed, and the other drain port 140 is used to discharge part of the fluid flowing to the bottom wall 14 and the pollutants attached to the heat exchanger 20 to prevent the heat exchanger 20 from being re - contaminated. After cleaning for a period of time or after cleaning is completed, the previously closed drain port 140 can be opened and connected to the fluid inlet 310. At this time, the fluid can continue to be used to clean the heat exchanger 20 to achieve the recycling of the fluid.

[0092] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100 can include a detection device. The detection device can be a water level sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. The detection device is used to detect the water level of the fluid on the bottom wall 14 and drive the drain port 140 to open or remain closed to achieve automatic control and prevent the heat exchanger 20 from being re - contaminated due to excessive water level.

[0093] During cleaning, the path of the fluid can be the fluid inlet 310, the diversion chamber 312, the fluid outlet 311, the heat exchanger 20, the bottom wall 14, and the drain port 140.

[0094] In one embodiment, the bottom wall 14 can also be provided with a drainage path, which can be composed of a plurality of blind grooves to facilitate the flow of the fluid and pollutants after cleaning to the drain port 140.

[0095] In one embodiment, a filter screen or a collection tank can be provided at the drain port 140 to collect the pollutants during the cleaning process to achieve the separation of pollutants and fluid.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100 further includes a water receiving tray 50. The water receiving tray 50 is disposed on the bottom wall 14. The water receiving tray 50 and the heat exchanger 20 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction H. The water receiving tray 50 is disposed below the heat exchanger 20, and the water receiving tray 50 is provided with a drain port 140.

[0097] In this way, the water receiving tray 50 can receive the fluid and contaminants attached to the heat exchanger 20 after cleaning the heat exchanger 20, reducing the possible bacterial growth or other problems caused by the accumulation of the fluid and contaminants. At the same time, the water receiving tray 50 can be used to temporarily store the fluid and contaminants for subsequent treatment. The water receiving tray 50 can be replaced independently for easy maintenance.

[0098] Specifically, the water receiving tray 50 can be a structure such as a box or a tray for receiving fluid disposed below the heat exchanger 20. The water receiving tray 50 can be directly placed on the bottom wall 14 or fixed to the bottom wall 14 by means of bolt connection, snap connection, etc. A through hole corresponding to the drain port 140 provided on the water receiving tray 50 can be provided on the bottom wall 14 for the fluid or contaminants to pass through.

[0099] Please refer to Figure 3 , in some embodiments, the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100 includes a support member 60. The support member 60 is disposed on the bottom wall 14 and extends toward the heat exchanger 20. The support member 60 supports the adjacent two side surfaces of the heat exchanger 20 and the water receiving tray 50. Along the extending direction of the support member 60, the height G1 of the support member 60 is greater than the height G2 of the water receiving tray 50.

[0100] In this way, the support member 60 can lift the heat exchanger 20, thereby reducing the secondary pollution of the heat exchanger 20 by contaminants. At the same time, the support member 60 can provide additional vertical space for the water receiving tray 50, enabling the water receiving tray 50 to store more fluid and contaminants, reducing the frequent disassembly and assembly of the water receiving tray 50, and improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0101] Specifically, the support member 60 can be a block, rod, column, etc. disposed on the bottom wall 14. The support member 60 can be disposed on the bottom wall 14 by means of bolt connection, snap connection, etc. to maintain the stability of the heat exchanger 20. The number of the support members 60 can be multiple, and the multiple support members 60 can respectively support the adjacent two side surfaces of the heat exchanger 20 and the water receiving tray 50. For example, the number of the support members 60 is four, and the four support members 60 can enclose a rectangular shape, and the four support members 60 respectively support the adjacent two side surfaces of the heat exchanger 20 and the water receiving tray 50 in four regions.

[0102] Please refer to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100 further includes a first connecting pipe 70 and a liquid reservoir 80. The first end 71 of the first connecting pipe 70 communicates with the drain port 140, and the second end 72 of the first connecting pipe 70 communicates with the liquid reservoir 80. The liquid reservoir 80 is located outside the accommodation space 11.

[0103] In this way, the first connecting pipe 70 connects the drain port 140 and the liquid reservoir 80, enabling the cleaned fluid and contaminants to be transferred to the liquid reservoir 80, thereby facilitating the subsequent treatment of the fluid and contaminants. In addition, since the liquid reservoir 80 is arranged outside the accommodation space 11, the shape and size of the liquid reservoir 80 can be set according to requirements, thus providing a larger storage space.

[0104] Specifically, the first connecting pipe 70 is a pipe connecting the drain port 140 and the liquid reservoir 80, and can be made of plastic, metal or other durable materials. The first connecting pipe 70 can be a flexible hose, a rigid pipe or a pipe system with valve control. The first end 71 and the second end 72 of the first connecting pipe 70 are opposite ends on the first connecting pipe 70.

[0105] The liquid reservoir 80 is a container or tank arranged outside the air duct component 10, and is used to receive and store the fluid flowing out of the first connecting pipe 70. The liquid reservoir 80 can be an open container, a sealed tank or a collecting device with a filtering function.

[0106] In one embodiment, the connection between the first connecting pipe 70 and the drain port 140 is made by a quick connector or a flange connection to ensure tightness and facilitate disassembly.

[0107] In one embodiment, a sealing ring can be arranged between the first connecting pipe 70 and the drain port 140 to prevent the leakage of fluid and contaminants.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 3 , in some embodiments, the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100 further includes a second connecting pipe 90. The first end 91 of the second connecting pipe 90 communicates with the drain port 140, and the second end 92 of the second connecting pipe 90 communicates with the fluid inlet 310.

[0109] In this way, the second connecting pipe 90 connects the drain port 140 and the fluid inlet 310 to form a closed-loop system, enabling the cleaned fluid to re-enter the cleaning assembly 30 for recycling. Through the design of the closed-loop system, the waste of water resources is reduced, and the utilization rate of water resources in the cleaning process is improved.

[0110] Specifically, the second connecting pipe 90 is a pipe connecting the drain port 140 and the fluid inlet 310, and can be made of plastic, metal or other durable materials. The second connecting pipe 90 can be a flexible hose, a rigid pipe or a pipe system with valve control. The connection of the second connecting pipe 90 to the drain port 140 and the fluid inlet 310 can adopt quick connectors or flange connections to ensure tightness and facilitate disassembly. The first end 91 and the second end 92 of the second connecting pipe 90 are opposite ends on the first connecting pipe 70.

[0111] It can be understood that the number of fluid inlets 310 can be multiple. Some of the fluid inlets 310 can be connected to the second connecting pipe 90 to realize the recycling of the fluid, and the other part of the fluid inlets 310 can still receive the fluid in the external fluid storage device 200.

[0112] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 , in some embodiments, the air duct component 10 is provided with an air inlet 15 and an air outlet 16 spaced from the air inlet 15, and the air inlet 15 and the air outlet 16 are arranged on the same side of the air duct component 10.

[0113] In this way, the positions of the air inlet 15 and the air outlet 16 are beneficial to the layout of the air duct component 10, so that the air duct component 10 has a larger installation space, thus facilitating the installation of the air duct component 10.

[0114] Specifically, the shape of the air inlet 15 can be a regular shape such as a rectangle or a circle, or an irregular shape. The shape of the air outlet 16 can be the same as or different from the shape of the air inlet 15. The air inlet 15 is used for external air to pass through. When these air flows through the heat exchanger 20, it will exchange heat with the coolant or heating element in the heat exchanger 20. The cold air is heated and the hot air is cooled, thus realizing heat exchange. The air after heat exchange can flow out of the air duct component 10 from the air outlet 16.

[0115] The washing appliance according to the embodiment of the present application includes the heat exchanger cleaning structure 100 described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0116] Since the washing appliance includes the above-mentioned heat exchanger cleaning structure 100, the washing appliance at least includes all the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned heat exchanger cleaning structure 100, which will not be elaborated here.

[0117] Among them, the washing appliance can also be an appliance with a washing function such as a dishwasher or a fruit and vegetable cleaner.

[0118] In the description of this specification, the descriptions with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "certain embodiments", "schematic embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples", etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or examples. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0119] Although the embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and purposes of this application, and the scope of this application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger cleaning structure for a washing appliance, characterized in that The heat exchanger cleaning structure includes: An air duct component having an accommodation space; A heat exchanger located within the accommodation space; A cleaning assembly connected to the air duct component and disposed on one side of the heat exchanger; A driving assembly connected to the cleaning assembly for driving a fluid to flow into the cleaning assembly so that the cleaning assembly outputs the fluid toward the surface of the heat exchanger.

2. The heat exchanger cleaning structure according to claim 1, wherein, The cleaning assembly includes a spray body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet is used to communicate with an external fluid storage device, and the fluid outlet is oriented toward the heat exchanger.

3. The heat exchanger cleaning structure according to claim 2, wherein, The spray body and the heat exchanger are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and the fluid outlet is located above the heat exchanger.

4. The heat exchanger cleaning structure according to claim 2, wherein, The air duct component includes a main body portion and a cover connected to the main body portion. The cover is provided with a mounting groove that communicates with the accommodation space. The spray body passes through the mounting groove, and the fluid outlet is located on the side of the spray body facing the heat exchanger.

5. The heat exchanger cleaning structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spray body has a diversion cavity. The number of fluid outlets is multiple, and the multiple fluid outlets are arranged at intervals. The diversion cavity communicates with the fluid inlet and the multiple fluid outlets. The air duct component includes a main body portion and a cover connected to the main body portion. The cover is connected to the spray body and is provided with multiple through holes that are oriented toward the heat exchanger, and the through holes correspond to the fluid outlets one by one.

6. The heat exchanger cleaning structure according to claim 2, wherein, The heat exchanger includes an evaporator and a condenser that are adjacent to each other and arranged within the accommodation space. The number of spray bodies is multiple, and a part of the spray bodies are oriented toward the evaporator, and the other part of the spray bodies are oriented toward the condenser.

7. The heat exchanger cleaning structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the evaporator and / or the condenser include multiple fins that extend in the vertical direction, and air flow channels are formed between the multiple fins. The spray body is oriented toward the air flow channels of the fins.

8. The heat exchanger cleaning structure according to claim 2, characterized in that The air duct component includes a bottom wall. The bottom wall and the heat exchanger are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. The bottom wall is disposed below the heat exchanger, and the bottom wall is provided with a drain port.

9. The heat exchanger cleaning structure according to claim 2, wherein, The air duct component includes a bottom wall. The heat exchanger cleaning structure further includes a water receiving tray disposed on the bottom wall. The water receiving tray and the heat exchanger are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. The water receiving tray is disposed below the heat exchanger, and the water receiving tray is provided with a drain port.

10. The heat exchanger cleaning structure according to claim 9, wherein, The heat exchanger cleaning structure includes a support member disposed on the bottom wall and extending toward the heat exchanger. The support member supports adjacent two side surfaces of the heat exchanger and the water receiving tray. Along the extending direction of the support member, the height of the support member is greater than the height of the water receiving tray.

11. The heat exchanger cleaning structure according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The heat exchanger cleaning structure further includes a first connecting pipe and a liquid storage device. The first end of the first connecting pipe communicates with the drain port, and the second end of the first connecting pipe communicates with the liquid storage device. The liquid storage device is located outside the accommodation space.

12. The heat exchanger cleaning structure according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The heat exchanger cleaning structure further includes a second connecting pipe, a first end of the second connecting pipe is communicated with the drain port, and a second end of the second connecting pipe is communicated with the fluid inlet.

13. A washing appliance, characterized in that, The washing appliance includes the heat exchanger cleaning structure according to any one of claims 1-12.

Images