Washing electric appliance

Abstract

The washing electric appliance comprises an inner container provided with a washing cavity and a heat pump drying system, the heat pump drying system comprises an air duct component, a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device and an evaporator, the compressor, the condenser, the throttling device and the evaporator are sequentially connected to form a closed refrigerant loop, and a ventilation opening is formed in the end of the air duct component; the air channel component is provided with a ventilation opening, the ventilation opening is communicated with the washing cavity, the evaporators and the condenser are arranged in the air channel component, the evaporators are used for cooling air flowing out of the inner container, the condenser is used for heating the air flowing into the inner container, the number of the evaporators is multiple, and the evaporators are arranged in the air channel component at intervals. According to the washing electric appliance, the heat pump drying system is matched with the multiple evaporators and the multiple condensers, the cooling and dehumidifying capacity of the heat pump drying system on humid and hot air is improved, and the drying efficiency of the washing electric appliance is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a washing appliance. Background Art

[0002] In related art, a washing machine includes an inner tank and a heat pump drying system, which has a drying mode for drying dishes. However, because the washing process uses high temperatures, the air temperature entering the heat pump drying system at the beginning of the drying mode is relatively high, making it difficult for the heat pump drying system to meet the cooling and dehumidification requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present application provides a washing appliance that at least solves the technical problem of high initial air temperature entering a heat pump drying system.

[0004] The present application provides a washing appliance. The washing appliance of an embodiment of the present application includes an inner tank provided with a washing chamber and a heat pump drying system. The heat pump drying system includes an air duct component, a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device and an evaporator connected in sequence to form a closed refrigerant circuit. A vent is formed at the end of the air duct component, and the vent is connected to the washing chamber. The evaporator and the condenser are both arranged in the air duct component. The evaporator is used to cool the gas flowing out of the inner tank, and the condenser is used to heat the gas flowing into the inner tank. The number of evaporators is multiple, and the multiple evaporators are arranged at intervals in the air duct component.

[0005] In the washing appliance of the embodiment of the present application, the heat pump drying system cooperates with multiple evaporators and condensers to improve the heat pump drying system's ability to cool and dehumidify hot and humid air, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the washing appliance.

[0006] In some embodiments, the air duct component is formed with a guide channel, both ends of which are connected to the washing chamber, all evaporators and condensers are arranged in the same guide channel, and along the guide direction of the guide channel, among all the evaporators and condensers, one evaporator is located at the upstream, and the heat pump drying system is configured to cool and dehumidify the air flowing out of the inner tank by the evaporator first, and then heat it by the condenser and return it to the inner tank.

[0007] In some embodiments, a condenser is provided between two adjacent evaporators along the flow guiding direction of the flow guiding channel.

[0008] In some embodiments, there are multiple condensers, and the multiple condensers are arranged at intervals.

[0009] In some embodiments, the evaporators and the condensers are alternately arranged along the flow guiding direction of the flow guiding channel.

[0010] In some embodiments, the evaporator and / or condenser includes multiple fins, and air flow channels are formed between the multiple fins. The guide direction of the air flow channel is consistent with the guide direction of the guide channel. The thickness direction of the fin is the same as the horizontal direction, and the height of the fin is greater than the width of the fin.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air duct component includes an air duct shell, an air inlet pipe and an exhaust pipe, the air inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe are both connected to the air duct shell, the air inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe are both connected to the inner tank, the evaporator and the condenser are arranged at intervals in the air duct shell, and the air duct shell, the air inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe together form a guide channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the ventilation port includes an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet is formed at the connection between the air inlet pipe and the inner tank, the air outlet is formed at the connection between the exhaust pipe and the inner tank, one end of the guide channel is connected to the washing chamber through the air inlet, and the other end of the guide channel is connected to the washing chamber through the air outlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the heat pump drying system includes a fan, which is used to form an airflow in the air duct housing. The number of fans is at least two, at least one fan is installed on the air duct housing, and at least one fan is arranged at the air inlet end of the air inlet pipe.

[0014] In some embodiments, the washing appliance includes a baffle, which is movably disposed at the vent, and is used to isolate or connect the washing chamber with the air duct component.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a washing appliance according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an air duct component according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0019] Figure 3 is a partial perspective cross-sectional schematic diagram of an air duct component according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0020] Figure 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of an air duct component according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0021] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an air duct component according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0022] Figure 6 is another partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a heat pump drying system according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0023] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of the fin of certain embodiments of the present application.

[0024] Description of reference numerals:

[0025] 1000-washing appliance, 1100-inner tank, 1101-washing chamber, 1200-heat pump drying system, 1300-water cup, 1400-baffle, 1410-driving device, 100-air duct component, 101-vent, 10-air duct shell, 11-guide channel, 12-main body, 13-interface, 121-first shell, 122-second shell, 13-interface, 131-vent, 14-water tray, 15-drain outlet, 20-evaporator, 21-fin, 22-air flow channel, 30-condenser, 40-fan, 50-tray, 60-compressor, 61-pipeline, 70-intake pipe, 71-air inlet, 80-exhaust pipe, 81-exhaust outlet, 90-throttling device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions from beginning to end. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the embodiments of the present application, and should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application.

[0027] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0028] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or mutual communication; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to internal connectivity between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application based on specific circumstances.

[0029] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0030] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples for realizing different structures of the embodiments of the present application. In order to simplify the disclosure of the embodiments 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. The embodiments of the present application may repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples, and such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the embodiments of the present application provide examples of various specific processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0031] See also Figure 1 The washing machine 1000 of the embodiment of the present application includes an inner tank 1100 and a heat pump drying system 1200. The heat pump drying system 1200 is connected to the inner tank 1100 and is used to dry the hot and humid air flowing out of the inner tank 1100 and heat the dried air so that the heated dry air flows back into the inner tank 1100. This cycle achieves the effect of drying objects such as dishes. The washing machine 1000 is, for example, a dishwasher.

[0032] It should be pointed out that the dried air mentioned above refers to the hot and humid air in the inner liner 1100, and does not mean that the air contains no water vapor at all.

[0033] See also Figure 1-Figure 4 In the washing appliance 1000 of the embodiment of the present application, the inner tank 1100 is provided with a washing chamber 1101, and the heat pump drying system 1200 includes an air duct component 100, an evaporator 20, a condenser 30, a compressor 60 and a throttling device 90. A vent 101 is formed at the end of the air duct component 100, and the vent 101 is connected to the washing chamber 1101. The evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 are both arranged in the air duct component. The evaporator 20 is used to cool the gas flowing out of the inner tank 1100, and the condenser 30 is used to heat the gas flowing into the inner tank 1100. There are multiple evaporators 30, and the multiple evaporators 30 are arranged at intervals in the air duct component 100.

[0034] In the washing appliance 1000 of the embodiment of the present application, the heat pump drying system 1200 cooperates with multiple evaporators 20 and condensers 30 to improve the cooling and dehumidification ability of the heat pump drying system 1200 on hot and humid air, and improves the drying efficiency of the washing appliance 1200 in the drying mode.

[0035] Specifically, the washing chamber 1101 is used to place dishes to be washed and provides a place for washing the dishes. During the washing process, the washing appliance can spray water, detergent, etc. into the washing chamber 1101 through a spray assembly to soak, wash, or rinse the dishes. To improve the washing effect, the washing water is usually at a higher temperature. During the spray washing process, the humidity and temperature of the air in the inner tank 1100 are kept high.

[0036] The evaporator 20 is a heat exchanger in the heat pump drying system 1200. When the heat pump drying system 1200 is operating, the evaporator 20 generates cooling energy, thereby absorbing heat from the air surrounding the evaporator 20 to lower the temperature of the surrounding air. This allows the gas flowing through the evaporator 20 to condense into condensed water, thereby drying the air.

[0037] The condenser 30 is also a heat exchanger in the heat pump drying system 1200. When the heat pump drying system 1200 is operating, the condenser 30 generates heat, thereby absorbing heat from the surrounding air to raise the temperature of the surrounding air. This allows the air flowing through the condenser 30 to re-enter the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000, thereby drying items such as dishes.

[0038] The condenser 30 and evaporator 20 are connected to the compressor 60 via a pipe 61. The compressor 60, condenser 30, throttling device 90, and multiple evaporators 20 are connected to form a closed refrigerant circuit. The compressor is used to provide power for the refrigerant to circulate within the refrigerant circuit. The compressor 60, evaporator 20, and condenser 30 are the main components of the heat pump drying system 1200 of the washing machine 1000. The three work together to enable the heat pump drying system 1200 to achieve the effect of drying dishes and other objects. When the compressor 60 is in operation, the refrigerant flows through the condenser 30 and evaporator 20 in sequence, causing the condenser 30 to generate heat and the evaporator 20 to cool. This causes the evaporator 20 to dry the hot and humid air and form condensed water. The condenser 30 further heats the dried air before it re-enters the inner tank 1100 of the washing machine 1000.

[0039] When the heat pump drying system 1200 is in the heating phase, the compressor 60 operates, pumping high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to the condenser 30 to heat the air. After the refrigerant and the air complete heat exchange, they flow out of the condenser 30, are throttled by the throttling device 90, and then become low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant before flowing into the evaporator 20 to exchange heat with the air and evaporate. The refrigerant then returns to the compressor 60 to complete the entire heat pump heating cycle. The dried air is heated by the condenser 30 and then reenters the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000. The throttling device 90 may be an expansion valve, and further, the throttling device 90 may be an electronic expansion valve.

[0040] There are multiple evaporators 20, and the multiple evaporators 20 are arranged at intervals in the air duct component 100. Therefore, the air entering the air duct component 100 can flow through the evaporators 20 multiple times to be cooled and dehumidified multiple times, thereby improving the drying effect.

[0041] Alternatively, in one example, one end of the air duct component 100 is connected to the washing chamber 1101 via a vent 101, and the other end is connected to the external environment of the washing appliance 1000. The evaporator 20 is disposed within the air duct component 100. Hot and humid air in the washing chamber 1101 enters the air duct component 100, is dehumidified by the evaporator 20, and then is discharged through the other end of the air duct component 100. The air is discharged along a path from the inner liner 1100 to the evaporator 20 and then to the external environment. In this embodiment, the inner liner 1100 can be connected to the external environment, allowing air with lower humidity from the external environment to be introduced into the washing chamber 1101.

[0042] Furthermore, the condenser 30 is also provided in the air duct component 100 , and the gas discharged from the inner tank 1100 by the air duct component 100 can be dehumidified and heated by the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 and then discharged to the outside of the washing appliance 1000 .

[0043] Optionally, two ventilation openings 101 are formed at both ends of the air duct component 100 and are both connected to the washing chamber 1101, and the gas circulates along the path of inner liner 1100 → air inlet pipe 70 → air duct shell 10 → exhaust pipe 80 → inner liner 1100.

[0044] See also Figure 2-Figure 5 In some embodiments, the air duct component 100 is formed with a guide channel 11, both ends of which are connected to the washing chamber, and all evaporators 20 and condensers 30 are arranged in the same guide channel 11. Along the guide direction of the guide channel 11, among all the evaporators 20 and condensers 30, one evaporator is located at the upstream, and the heat pump drying system 1200 is configured to cool and dehumidify the air flowing out of the inner tank 1100 by the evaporator 20 first, and then heat it by the condenser 30 and return it to the inner tank 1100.

[0045] In this way, by arranging an evaporator 20 at the upstream of the guide channel 11 among all the evaporators 20 and condensers 30, the gas entering the guide channel 11 is first pre-cooled by the evaporator 20, thereby reducing the temperature of the air flow entering other evaporators 20, thereby reducing the ineffective cooling consumption of other evaporators 20 and improving the energy utilization rate of the evaporator 20 for dehumidification in the heat pump drying system 1200.

[0046] Specifically, the guide channel 11 formed by the air duct component 100 is used to achieve a ventilation effect, so that the gas can circulate between the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000 and the heat pump drying system 1200. The evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 cooperate with each other to first cool and dry the air in the same guide channel 11 and then heat it, so that the washing appliance 1000 can use the heat pump drying system to achieve the effect of drying items such as tableware.

[0047] The flow channel 11 can be configured in a curved shape or other shape to meet the flow requirements of the airflow. The cross-sectional area of each position of the flow channel 11 can be different. For example, the cross-sectional area of the flow channel 11 where the evaporator 20 and condenser 30 are located can be larger, while the cross-sectional area of other positions can be smaller.

[0048] The evaporator 20 is generally flat and can be placed vertically, or in other words, the thickness of the evaporator 20 is arranged generally horizontally. The thickness of the evaporator 20 is generally parallel to the central axis of the guide channel 11, so that the contact area between the gas in the guide channel 11 and the evaporator 20 is increased, which is conducive to improving the drying effect of the air flowing through the evaporator 20.

[0049] The condenser 30 is generally flat and can be placed vertically, or in other words, the thickness of the condenser 30 is arranged generally horizontally. The thickness of the condenser 30 is generally parallel to the central axis of the guide channel 11, so that the contact area between the gas in the guide channel 11 and the condenser 30 is increased, which is conducive to improving the heating effect of the air flowing through the condenser 30.

[0050] The multiple evaporators 20 and condensers 30 can be arranged in various ways along the flow direction of the flow channel 11. For example, among the multiple evaporators 20, one evaporator 20 can be located upstream of the condenser 30 and the other evaporators 20 along the flow direction of the flow channel 11, and the condenser 30 can be located upstream of the other evaporators 20. The air entering the flow channel 11 first flows through the evaporator 20 and then through the condenser 30. After being dried and heated, the airflow in the flow channel 11 flows through the other evaporators 20 for further drying and dehumidification.

[0051] For another example, among the multiple evaporators 20, one evaporator 20 is located upstream of the condenser 30 and the other evaporators 20 along the flow direction of the flow guide channel 11, and at least one evaporator 20 is disposed between the most upstream evaporator 20 and the condenser 30. In this embodiment, air entering the flow guide channel 11 first flows through the most upstream evaporator 20, where its temperature is lowered, and then flows through the second evaporator 20 for drying, thereby pre-cooling the airflow before flowing into the second evaporator 20.

[0052] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, a condenser 30 is disposed between two adjacent evaporators 20 along the flow direction of the flow channel 11. Thus, the gas in the flow channel 11 first flows through the evaporator 20 for dehumidification, then passes through the condenser 30 to be heated and then passes through the evaporator 20 again for dehumidification. This double dehumidification and heating process improves the drying effect of the airflow in the flow channel 11 and forms dry hot air.

[0053] It should be noted that the upstream and downstream order of the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 along the guide direction of the guide channel 11 has nothing to do with the order in which the refrigerant flows through the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 in the refrigerant circuit. The order in which the refrigerant flows through the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 usually depends on the direction in which the compressor 60 pumps the refrigerant and the connection path of the pipeline 61.

[0054] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 5In some embodiments, there are multiple condensers 30, which are arranged at intervals. In this way, the gas in the guide channel 11 is preheated and heated multiple times by the multiple condensers 30, thereby improving the effect of drying items such as dishes using the washing machine 1000.

[0055] Specifically, the condenser 30 located most upstream along the guide direction of the guide channel 11 among the multiple condensers 30 preheats the airflow passing through it, and the preheated airflow flows downstream along the guide channel 11 through other condensers 30, and the other condensers 30 further heat the airflow.

[0056] The plurality of condensers 30 are spaced apart along the flow direction of the flow guiding channel 11. In some examples, an evaporator 20 is disposed between two adjacent condensers 30 along the flow guiding direction. In other examples, no other heat exchanger is disposed between two adjacent condensers 30 along the flow guiding direction.

[0057] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 are alternately arranged along the flow direction of the flow guide channel 11. Thus, by alternately arranging the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 along the flow direction of the flow guide channel 11, the airflow in the flow guide channel 11 is repeatedly dried and heated multiple times, thereby improving the drying effect.

[0058] Specifically, taking a washing appliance 1000 provided in one embodiment as an example, which has two sets of alternating evaporators 20 and condensers 30, one evaporator 20 is located at the most upstream position in the flow-guiding channel 11 along the flow-guiding direction, and the condenser 30, the other evaporator 20, and the other condenser 30 are arranged sequentially along the flow-guiding direction. In this embodiment, the airflow in the flow-guiding channel 11 first passes through the upstream-most evaporator 20 for dehumidification, then flows through the upstream condenser for heating, then flows through the downstream evaporator 20 for further drying and dehumidification, and finally flows through the downstream condenser for further heating. The two sets of evaporators 20 and condensers 30 work together to dry and heat the airflow in the flow-guiding channel 11, producing dry, hot air with improved heat exchange efficiency.

[0059] In the washing appliance 1000 of the embodiment of the present application, multiple evaporators 20 of the same power can be used, or evaporators 20 of different models, sizes, and types can be used to match the size and installation space of the air duct component 100 and achieve appropriate cooling and dehumidification effects at different locations of the guide channel 11. Similarly, multiple condensers can all have the same power or different powers.

[0060] See also Figure 7In some embodiments, the evaporator 20 and / or the condenser 30 includes a plurality of fins 21 , and an air flow channel 22 is formed between the plurality of fins 21 . The guide direction of the air flow channel 22 is consistent with the guide direction of the guide channel 11 .

[0061] In this way, the fins 21 can increase the contact area between the evaporator 20 and / or condenser 30 and the air, so that the refrigerant can quickly absorb the heat in the air and continuously introduce the hot air in the environment into the air flow channel 22, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0062] Specifically, the evaporator 20 may be provided with multiple fins 21, the condenser 30 may be provided with multiple fins 21, or both the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 may be provided with multiple fins 21. The multiple fins 21 are arranged in a spaced relationship perpendicular to the flow direction of the flow channel 11. After the refrigerant passes through the throttling device 90, its temperature is reduced to below the ambient temperature. Therefore, when the airflow entering the evaporator 20 has a high humidity, water vapor in the airflow easily condenses on the evaporator 144 to form condensed water, which then flows down through the airflow channel 22.

[0063] The fins 21 may be in the shape of a square sheet, and the material of the fins 21 may be a metal material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper. It is understood that the fins 21 may also be in other shapes, which are not specifically limited.

[0064] See also Figure 3-Figure 7 In some embodiments, the thickness direction of the fin 21 is the same as the horizontal direction, and the height of the fin 21 is greater than the width of the fin 21.

[0065] In this way, the width of the fin 21 is smaller, which can reduce the area occupied by the evaporator 20 and / or condenser 30 in the guide channel 11, and further reduce the area occupied by the air duct component 100 on the heat pump drying system 1200, thereby making the washing appliance 1000 compact.

[0066] Specifically, the width direction of the fin 21 is the guide direction of the guide channel 11, the thickness direction of the fin 21 is the horizontal direction perpendicular to the width direction of the fin 21, and the height direction of the fin 21 is the vertical direction perpendicular to the thickness and width directions of the fin 21. The width direction of the fin 21 can be parallel to the width direction of the condenser 20 and / or the condenser 30.

[0067] See also Figure 1-Figure 5In some embodiments, the air duct component 100 includes an air duct housing 10, an air inlet pipe 70 and an exhaust pipe 80. The air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 are both connected to the air duct housing 10. The air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 are both connected to the inner tank 1100. The evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 are adjacently arranged in the air duct housing 10. The air duct housing 10, the air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 together form a guide channel 11.

[0068] In this way, the air inlet pipe 70 can direct the gas in the inner liner 1100 into the air duct housing 10, and the exhaust pipe 80 can direct the gas after passing through the evaporator 20 and condenser 30 into the inner liner 1100, thereby achieving a gas circulation between the air duct component 100 and the inner liner 1100. In addition, the evaporator 20 and condenser 30 are arranged in the air duct housing 10, so that the air duct housing 10, evaporator 20, and condenser 30 can form an integrated module, which is convenient for assembly to form the washing machine 1000 and helps reduce the manufacturing cost of the washing machine 1000.

[0069] Specifically, the air duct component 100 includes a heat exchange module with a heat exchange function. The heat exchange module has at least some heat exchange components of the heat pump drying system 1200 of the washing appliance 1000, that is, the heat exchange module includes at least an evaporator 20 and a condenser 30, so that the washing appliance 1000 can achieve the effect of drying items such as tableware through the air duct component 100.

[0070] The air duct housing 10 is used for ventilation. The entire air duct housing 10 can be made of easily moldable materials such as plastic, making it easy to manufacture. The air duct housing 10 can be configured with a specific external structure based on the installation location of the air duct component 100, so that the air duct component 100 fits more compactly with surrounding components. The air duct housing 10 is in communication with the inner liner 1100.

[0071] In the embodiment of the present application, the modular design of the air duct component 100 can reduce the number of parts that need to be assembled in the washing appliance 1000 during assembly, improve the assembly effect of the washing appliance 1000, and thus reduce the manufacturing cost of the washing appliance 1000.

[0072] The air inlet pipe 70 and the air duct housing 10 can be an integrally formed structure or a split and detachable structure. Similarly, the exhaust pipe 80 and the air duct housing 10 can be an integrally formed structure or a split and detachable structure.

[0073] Since the hot and humid air in the inner liner 1100 flows upward, and objects such as tableware are located below the top of the inner liner 1100, in order to achieve just the right drying effect, in some embodiments, the end where the air inlet pipe 70 is connected to the inner liner 1100 is higher than the end where the exhaust pipe 80 is connected to the inner liner 1100, so that the air inlet pipe 70 can more easily extract the hot and humid air in the inner liner 1100, and the exhaust pipe 80 can discharge the dry hot air to a position below the top of the inner liner 1100, thereby better drying objects such as tableware.

[0074] See also Figure 1 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the ventilation opening 101 includes an air inlet 71 and an air outlet 81. The air inlet 71 is formed at the connection between the air inlet pipe 70 and the inner liner 1100, and the air outlet 81 is formed at the connection between the air outlet pipe 80 and the inner liner 1100. One end of the guide channel 11 is connected to the washing chamber 1101 through the air inlet 71. The hot and humid air in the washing chamber 1101 flows into the guide channel 11 through the air inlet 71. The other end of the guide channel 11 is connected to the washing chamber 1101 through the air outlet 81. This creates an internal circulation airflow in the guide channel 11, flowing along the path from the inner liner 1100 to the air inlet pipe 70, the air duct housing 10, the air outlet pipe 80, and finally the inner liner 1100, which helps improve ventilation and drying effects.

[0075] In some embodiments, the air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 can both be connected to the side walls of the inner tank 1100. For example, the air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 can both be connected to the left side wall, right side wall or rear side wall of the inner tank 1100, thereby reducing the interference between the air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 and other components of the washing appliance 1000 and improving the reliability of the washing appliance 1000.

[0076] In some embodiments, the air inlet pipe 70 may be connected to the top wall of the inner liner 1100 , while the air outlet pipe 80 is connected to the side wall of the inner liner 1100 .

[0077] Combine Figure 1 The connection between the air inlet pipe 70 and the inner liner 1100 forms an air inlet 71, and the connection between the exhaust pipe 80 and the inner liner 1100 forms an air outlet 81. One end of the guide channel 11 is connected to the washing chamber 1101 through the air inlet 71. The hot and humid air in the washing chamber 1101 flows into the guide channel 11 through the air inlet 71. The other end of the guide channel 11 is connected to the washing chamber 1101 through the air outlet 81. The dried and heated air in the guide channel 11 flows into the washing chamber 1101 through the air outlet 81. The vent 101 includes an air inlet 71 and an air outlet 81. A baffle 1400 can be provided at each of the air inlet 71 and the air outlet 81. The baffle 1400 can also be provided only at the air inlet 71 or the air outlet 81.

[0078] See also Figure 2-Figure 5 In some embodiments, the air duct housing 10 includes a main body 12 and two interface portions 13. The two interface portions 13 are both connected to the main body 12. The two interface portions 13 are both connected to the same side of the main body 12 and are arranged at intervals. One interface portion 13 is used for air intake and the other interface portion 13 is used for air outlet. The evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 are both arranged in the main body 12.

[0079] In this way, the air duct housing 10 is formed with a main body 12 and an interface portion 13 according to different functions, allowing the air duct housing 10 to meet the requirements of installing the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30, while also achieving ventilation. In addition, both interface portions 13 are connected to the same side of the main body 12, so that the air inlet and outlet of the air duct housing 10 are located on the same side. This facilitates the assembly of the air duct housing 10 with other components, reduces interference between the air duct housing 10 and surrounding components, and simplifies the structure.

[0080] Specifically, the volume of the main body 12 is larger than that of the interface 13, allowing the main body to accommodate the evaporator 20 and condenser 30 and facilitating connection of the interface 13 with other pipes. The main body 12 is generally block-shaped. The evaporator 20 and condenser 30 can be secured within the main body 12 by means of a snap-fit, threaded connection, or other methods.

[0081] The interface portion 13 protrudes from the surface of the main body 12. The interface portion 13 is similar to a flat tube. The interface portion 13 can be located on one side of the main body 12 in the length direction or the width direction. The shape, structure, and size of the two interface portions 13 can be identical, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the air duct housing 10.

[0082] It can be understood that the main body 12 and the two interface parts 13 all form a part of the guide channel 11. When the air duct housing 10 is ventilated, the gas passes through one of the interface parts 13, the main body 12 and the other interface part 13 in sequence.

[0083] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, two interface portions 13 extend upward from the main body 12 toward the sidewalls of the inner liner 1100. The air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 are located above the two interface portions 13. The interface portions 13, the air inlet pipe 70, and the exhaust pipe 80 are located on the same side of the inner liner 1100. This avoids the connection between the inner liner 1100 and the air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80, facilitating the assembly of the inner liner 1100 with other components, reducing interference between the inner liner 1100 and surrounding components, and simplifying the structure.

[0084] Specifically, if Figure 5In the embodiment, the interface portion 13 is formed with a vent 131. The vents 131 of both interface portions 13 face upward, and the lower ends of the intake pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 are connected to the two interface portions 13 through the two vents 131. In this way, the vents 131 allow air to enter the air duct housing 10 from top to bottom through the intake pipe 70, and then flow upward from the air duct housing 10 to the exhaust pipe 80.

[0085] See also Figure 4-Figure 6 In some embodiments, the main body 12 includes a first shell 121 and a second shell 122 detachably connected to the first shell 121. The two interface portions 13 are integrally formed with the first shell 121. This detachable connection between the first shell 121 and the second shell 122 facilitates the installation of the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 within the main body 12, improving the assembly efficiency of the heat pump drying system 1200. Furthermore, the integral structure of the interface portion 13 and the first shell 121 enhances the sealing performance of the connection between the interface portion 13 and the first shell 121, reducing the risk of air leakage in the flow channel 11.

[0086] Specifically, the first shell 121 is located above the second shell 122. Therefore, the first shell 121 can be referred to as the upper shell, and the second shell 122 can be referred to as the lower shell. The first shell 121 and the second shell 122 can be connected by means of snaps, screws, etc. The interface portion 13 and the first shell 121 can be formed into an integral structure through an injection molding process.

[0087] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, a water tray 14 is provided within the air duct housing 10 and is located below the evaporator 20. The evaporator 20 condenses moisture in the air into condensed water, which then drips under the action of gravity. Therefore, the water tray 14 can receive the condensed water formed by the evaporator 20, reducing the risk of the condensed water being deposited elsewhere and causing adverse effects.

[0088] In one example, the water receiving tray 14 can be formed on the inner surface of the air duct housing 10, or in other words, the water receiving tray 14 is an integral structure with the air duct housing 10. For example, the surface of the air duct housing 10 is recessed downward to form the water receiving tray 14.

[0089] In another example, the water receiving tray 14 and the air duct housing 10 are detachable structures, so that the air duct housing 10 and the water receiving tray 14 can be independently molded and then assembled together, making the shape of the air duct housing 10 simpler and reducing the manufacturing cost of the air duct housing 10. It is understood that when the water receiving tray 14 and the air duct housing 10 are detachably connected, the water receiving tray 14 can be removed from the air duct housing 10 to pour out the condensed water in the water receiving tray 14.

[0090] See also Figure 5and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the air duct housing 10 is provided with a drain port 15 connected to the water receiving tray 14. In this way, the drain port 15 is conducive to draining the condensed water received by the water receiving tray 14. In one example, the drain port 15 can be connected to the water cup 1300 (such as the washing machine 1000) of the washing machine 1000. Figure 1 The condensed water in the water receiving tray 14 can be drained into the water cup 1300 of the washing machine 1000 and then drained out of the washing machine 1000 through the water cup 1300 of the washing machine 1000. For example, the drain port 15 can be connected to a drain pipe (not shown), and a drain pump 16 can be installed on the drain pipe to pump out the condensed water in the water receiving tray 14 through the drain pipe.

[0091] In one example, in order to facilitate drainage through the drain port 15 , the drain port 15 may be disposed at a lower portion of the water receiving tray 14 .

[0092] In some embodiments, the heat pump drying system further includes a tray, on which the compressor and the air duct housing are mounted. The compressor 60 and the air duct housing 10 are integrated by the tray 50, which facilitates the integral installation of the heat exchange module 100 and improves the assembly efficiency of the washing appliance 1000.

[0093] See also Figure 1-Figure 5 In some embodiments, the heat pump drying system 1200 includes a fan 40, which is used to generate airflow within the air duct housing 10. There are at least two fans 40, at least one of which is mounted on the air duct housing 70, and at least one of which is located at the air inlet end of the air inlet pipe 70. The airflow flows out of the inner liner 1100, passes through the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30, and then reenters the inner liner 1100. In this way, the fan 40 can provide power for the flow of gas within the guide channel 11. Providing two or more fans 40 can help improve gas flow.

[0094] Specifically, the fan 40 can be an axial flow fan 40 or a centrifugal fan 40. When the fan 40 is in operation, a negative pressure is formed in the guide channel 11, so that the gas circulates along the path of the inner liner 1100 → the air inlet pipe 70 → the air duct housing 10 → the exhaust pipe 80 → the inner liner 1100.

[0095] Optionally, in some embodiments, there are two fans 40, one of which is mounted on the air duct housing 10 and the other is located at the air inlet end of the air inlet pipe 70. Thus, the two fans 40 can increase the flow rate of the gas in the guide channel 11, thereby enhancing the drying effect of the heat pump drying system 1200.

[0096] Specifically, one of the fans 40 can be an axial fan 40 or a centrifugal fan 40. For example, the fan 40 can be mounted on the air duct housing 10 by screws.

[0097] Furthermore, the fan 40 is mounted on the main body 12 of the air duct housing 10, thereby providing more space for the installation of the fan 40. At least a portion of the fan 40 is located in the flow guide channel 11, downstream of the condenser 30. When the fan 40 is activated, it can create a negative pressure on the side facing the condenser 30, thereby drawing air around the condenser 30 to promote gas flow.

[0098] Since the guide channel 11 between the main body 12 and the interface 13 is non-linear, in order to reduce the resistance to gas flow, the fan 40 adopts a centrifugal fan 40, and the air outlet of the fan 40 faces the interface 13, so that the gas can be discharged directly to the interface 13.

[0099] Another fan 40 is disposed at the air inlet end of the air inlet duct 70, that is, at the end of the air inlet duct 70 where the air inlet 71 is formed, or at a section of the duct near the air inlet 71. This allows the air inlet end of the air inlet duct 70 to provide more space for the installation of the fan 40. At least a portion of the fan 40 is located in the air inlet duct 70, upstream of the evaporator 20. When the fan 40 is activated, it creates positive pressure on the side facing the evaporator 20, thereby driving the air around the evaporator 20 and causing gas to flow.

[0100] See also Figure 1 In some embodiments, the washing appliance 1000 includes a baffle 1400 movably disposed at the vent 101. The baffle 1400 is used to separate or connect the washing chamber 1101 and the air duct component 100. Thus, the baffle 1400 separates the washing chamber 1101 from the air duct component 100 during the washing process, while connecting the washing chamber 1101 to the air duct component 100 during the drying process. This reduces the amount of oil, detergent, and other substances in the washing chamber 1101 that enter the air duct component 100, prevents contamination of the evaporator 20, condenser 30, and other components in the air duct component 100, and improves the reliability of the heat pump drying system 1200.

[0101] Specifically, after washing is complete, baffle 1400 moves relative to duct component 100 and opens vent 101, allowing the washing chamber 1101 to communicate with the interior of duct component 100. Heat pump drying system 1200 operates to dehumidify and heat the air within washing chamber 1101 and duct component 100. After drying the dishes, or before the next wash cycle begins, baffle 1400 can again move relative to duct component 100 to cover vent 101, isolating washing chamber 1101 from duct component 100.

[0102] Baffle 1400 may be a thin plate or sheet structure, with an area of baffle 1400 greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of vent 101 to ensure that baffle 1400 can fully cover vent 101. The cross-sectional area of vent 101 refers to a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of air flow through vent 101. This application does not limit the shape of baffle 1400. The shape of baffle 1400 can match the cross-sectional shape of vent 101. For example, the cross-sectional areas of baffle 1400 and vent 101 are both elliptical, and the cross-sectional areas of baffle 1400 and vent 101 are concentric. The major axis of baffle 1400 is greater than the minor axis of the cross-sectional area of vent 101, and the minor axis of baffle 1400 is greater than the minor axis of the cross-sectional area of vent 101. For another example, the shape of baffle 1400 may be different from that of vent 101, and the dimensions of baffle 1400 in all directions are greater than the dimensions of the cross-sectional area of vent 101 in the same direction.

[0103] Furthermore, by closely cooperating between the baffle 1400 and the channel wall surface at the vent 101, the sealing effect of the washing chamber 1101 and the interior of the air duct component 100 can be improved during the washing process, thereby reducing the risk of contamination of the heat pump drying system.

[0104] The present application does not limit the movable manner of the baffle 1400 relative to the air duct component 100. The baffle 1400 can be movably arranged relative to the air duct component 100 in various manners such as rotation, swinging, translation, sliding, and twisting.

[0105] See also Figure 1 In some embodiments, the washing appliance 1000 further includes a driving device 1410 connected to the baffle 1400, the driving device being configured to drive the baffle to rotate. Thus, the driving device 1410 is connected to the baffle 1400 to provide driving force for the baffle 1400, further ensuring the reliability of the movable structure of the baffle 1400.

[0106] Specifically, the drive device 1410 is a structure capable of providing a driving force to rotate the baffle 1400. The drive methods of the drive device 1410 include, but are not limited to, motor drive, hydraulic drive, air pump drive, thermal drive, etc. The drive device 1410 may include one or more transmission structures selected from the group consisting of a rotating shaft, a rotating rod, a gear, a chain, a cam, and a bearing. The transmission structure is connected to the baffle 1400 to drive the baffle 1400 to rotate. For example, the drive device 1410 includes a rotating shaft connected to a side edge of the baffle 1400. The rotating shaft is disposed at the exhaust port, connected to the baffle 1400 and serving as the rotation center of the baffle 1400. The rotating shaft is configured to rotate along the direction of airflow entering and exiting the exhaust port.

[0107] In some embodiments, the driving device 1410 controls the rotation angle of the baffle 1400 by providing a braking force to the baffle 1400 .

[0108] In other embodiments, a limiting device, such as a protrusion, a slot, etc., may be provided in the air duct component 100 to limit the rotation angle of the baffle 1400 .

[0109] Before washing begins, the baffle 1400 rotates a certain angle relative to the air duct component 100 until it completely blocks the vent 101, isolating the washing chamber 1101 from the air duct component 100. After washing is completed, before the compressor 60, evaporator 20, and condenser 30 in the heat pump drying system 1200 are started, the baffle 1400 rotates from blocking the vent 101 to another angle to open the vent 101, connecting the washing chamber 1101 and the air duct component 100.

[0110] In some embodiments, the center of rotation of baffle 1400 is located at a side edge of vent 101. Baffle 1400 rotates in the direction of air flow through vent 101, forming a door-like structure. When baffle 1400 rotates relative to duct component 100 until vent 101 is fully open, baffle 1400 can be located in air guide channel 11 and form an angle slightly less than 90° with the plane of vent 101.

[0111] In other embodiments, the baffle 1400 rotates in a direction parallel to the cross section of the vent 101 to cover and open the vent 101 .

[0112] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations 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 any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0113] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above implementation methods within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A washing appliance, characterized in that: include: An inner tank, provided with a washing chamber; A heat pump drying system, the heat pump drying system includes an air duct component, a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device and an evaporator connected in sequence to form a closed refrigerant circuit, a vent formed at the end of the air duct component, the vent being connected to the washing chamber, the evaporator and the condenser being both arranged in the air duct component, the evaporator being used to cool the gas flowing out of the inner tank, and the condenser being used to heat the gas flowing into the inner tank, wherein the number of the evaporators is multiple, and the multiple evaporators are arranged at intervals in the air duct component.

2. The washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air duct component is formed with a guide channel, both ends of which are connected to the washing chamber, all the evaporators and the condensers are arranged in the same guide channel, and along the guide direction of the guide channel, among all the evaporators and the condensers, one of the evaporators is located at the upstream, and the heat pump drying system is configured to first cool and dehumidify the air flowing out of the inner tank by the evaporator, and then heat it by the condenser and return it to the inner tank.

3. The washing appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that: Along the flow guiding direction of the flow guiding channel, one condenser is arranged between two adjacent evaporators.

4. The washing appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that: There are multiple condensers, and the multiple condensers are arranged at intervals.

5. The washing appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that: Along the flow guiding direction of the flow guiding channel, the evaporator and the condenser are arranged alternately.

6. The washing appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that: The evaporator and / or the condenser each include a plurality of fins, an air flow channel is formed between the plurality of fins, the guide direction of the air flow channel is consistent with the guide direction of the guide channel, the thickness direction of the fin is the same as the horizontal direction, and the height of the fin is greater than the width of the fin.

7. The washing appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air duct component includes an air duct shell, an air inlet pipe and an exhaust pipe. The air inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe are both connected to the air duct shell. The air inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe are both connected to the inner tank. The evaporator and the condenser are arranged at intervals in the air duct shell. The air duct shell, the air inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe together form the guide channel.

8. The washing appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that: The ventilation port includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is formed at the connection between the air inlet pipe and the inner tank, and the air outlet is formed at the connection between the exhaust pipe and the inner tank. One end of the guide channel is connected to the washing chamber through the air inlet, and the other end of the guide channel is connected to the washing chamber through the air outlet.

9. The washing appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that: The heat pump drying system includes a fan, which is used to form an airflow in the air duct housing. The number of the fans is at least two, at least one of which is installed on the air duct housing, and at least one of which is arranged at the air inlet end of the air inlet pipe.

10. The washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The washing appliance comprises a baffle which is movably arranged at the vent and is used to separate or connect the washing chamber with the air duct component.

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