Washing electric appliance

Abstract

The utility model discloses a washing electric appliance. The washing electric appliance comprises an inner container, a heat pump drying system and a baffle, and the inner container is provided with a washing cavity; 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, a ventilation opening is formed in the end of the air duct component and communicated with the washing cavity, the evaporator and the condenser are both arranged in the air duct component, and the evaporator is used for cooling air flowing out of the inner container. The condenser is used for heating gas flowing into the inner container; the baffle is movably arranged at the ventilation opening and used for separating or communicating the washing cavity and the air duct component, and the washing cavity and the air duct component are separated by the baffle in the washing process, so that oil stains, washing agents and the like in the washing cavity are prevented from entering the air duct component, and an evaporator, a condenser and other appliances in the air duct component are prevented from being polluted; and the reliability of the heat pump drying system 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 container and a heat pump drying system. The washing machine has a drying mode for drying dishes, heating the dishes and achieving a drying effect. However, the long washing phase of the washing machine causes the air duct of the heat pump drying system to be enveloped in hot and humid steam for a long period of time, which easily leads to oil and detergent contamination of the heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present application provides a washing appliance, which at least solves the technical problem that a heat exchanger in the washing appliance is susceptible to contamination.

[0004] The present application provides a washing appliance. The washing appliance of an embodiment of the present application includes an inner tank, a heat pump drying system and a baffle, wherein: the inner tank is provided with a washing chamber; 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, 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 baffle is movably arranged at the vent, and the baffle is used to isolate or connect the washing chamber with the air duct component.

[0005] The washing appliance of the embodiment of the present application is provided with a movable baffle at the vent, which separates the washing chamber from the air duct component during the washing process, and connects the washing chamber to the air duct component when the heat pump drying system is performing dehumidification, thereby reducing the entry of oil, detergent, etc. in the washing chamber into the air duct component, avoiding contamination of the evaporator, condenser and other appliances in the air duct component, and improving the reliability of the heat pump drying system.

[0006] In some embodiments, the baffle is rotatably disposed relative to the air duct component.

[0007] In some embodiments, the washing appliance further includes a driving device connected to the baffle, wherein the driving device is configured to drive the baffle to rotate.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the evaporator and / or the condenser each includes a plurality of fins, an air flow channel is formed between the plurality of fins, and a flow guiding direction of the air flow channel is consistent with a flow guiding direction of the guide channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, 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.

[0010] In some embodiments, the air duct component is formed with a guide channel, both ends of which are connected to the washing chamber, the evaporator and the condenser are arranged in the same guide channel, and along the guide direction of the guide channel, the evaporator is located upstream of the condenser, 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.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air duct component includes an air duct housing, an air inlet pipe and an exhaust pipe, the air inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe are both connected to the air duct housing, 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 housing, and the air duct housing, the air inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe together form the guide channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air duct housing includes a main body and two interface parts, both of which are connected to the main body, and both of which are connected to the same side of the main body and are arranged at intervals, one of which is used for air intake and the other is used for air outlet, and the evaporator and the condenser are adjacently arranged in the main body.

[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 fan is installed on the air duct housing. The airflow flows out through the inner tank and passes through the evaporator and the condenser in sequence before entering the inner tank again.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the heat pump drying system includes a fan, and the number of the fans is at least two, at least one of the fans is installed on the air duct housing, and at least one of the fans is arranged on the air inlet pipe.

[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 2is 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 an air duct component 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-drive device, 1411-rotating shaft, 100-air duct component, 101-vent, 10-air duct shell, 11-guide channel, 12-main body, 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-inlet pipe, 71-air inlet, 80-exhaust pipe, 81-exhaust outlet, 82-first exhaust section, 83-second exhaust section, 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] In the washing appliance 1000 of the embodiment of the present application, the inner tank 1100 is provided with a washing chamber 1101; the heat pump drying system 1200 includes an air duct component 100, a compressor 60, a condenser 30, a throttling device 90, and an evaporator 20 connected in sequence to form a closed refrigerant circuit, a vent 101 is formed at the end of the air duct component 100, 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 100, 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; the baffle 1400 is movably arranged at the vent 101, and the baffle 1400 is used to separate or connect the washing chamber 1101 with the air duct component 100.

[0034] The washing appliance 1000 of the embodiment of the present application is equipped with a movable baffle 1400 at the vent 101. During the washing process, the baffle 1400 separates the washing chamber 1101 from the air duct component 100, and connects the washing chamber 1101 with the air duct component 100 when the heat pump drying system 1200 is performing dehumidification, thereby reducing the entry of oil, detergent, etc. in the washing chamber 1101 into the air duct component 100, avoiding contamination of the evaporator 20, condenser 30 and other appliances in the air duct component 100, and improving the reliability of the heat pump drying system 1200.

[0035] Specifically, the washing chamber 1101 is used to place and wash dishes. During the washing process, water, detergent, and the like can be sprayed or injected into the washing chamber 1101 to clean the dishes. Grease, detergent, and other contaminants on the dishes are easily splashed into the washing chamber 1101 by the water flow and the operation of the cleaning device. The baffle 1400 maintains the cover over the vent 101 during the washing process, effectively preventing contaminants such as grease, detergent, and the like from entering the air duct component 100 through the vent 101.

[0036] A bracket for carrying and fixing tableware and a water cup 1300 placed under the bracket may be provided in the washing chamber 1101. The water cup 1300 is used to collect and contain water generated during the washing process.

[0037] After cleaning is complete, baffle 1400 moves relative to duct member 100, opening vent 101. Washing chamber 1101 communicates with the interior of duct member 100, and heat pump drying system 1200 operates to dehumidify and heat the air within washing chamber 1101 and duct member 100. After dish drying is complete, or before the next wash cycle begins, baffle 1400 moves relative to duct member 100 again, covering vent 101 and isolating washing chamber 1101 from duct member 100.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 during the washing process can be improved, thereby reducing the risk of contamination.

[0040] In some embodiments, the baffle is arranged at the ends of the air inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe in the air duct component, that is, the connection between the air duct component and the inner tank.

[0041] In other embodiments, the inner tank is formed with a first through hole (not shown) connected to the intake pipe and a second through hole (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe, and the baffle is arranged in the inner tank and is located at the first through hole and the second through hole respectively.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The condenser 30 and evaporator 20 are connected to the compressor 60 via pipelines. The compressor 60, condenser 30, throttling device 90, and evaporator 20 are sequentially 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 then transfers the dried air to the inner tank 1100 of the washing machine 1000.

[0045] 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.

[0046] See also Figure 1 In some embodiments, the baffle 1400 is rotatably disposed relative to the air duct component 100. In this way, the opening and closing of the vent 101 are effectively controlled by movably disposing the baffle 1400 relative to the air duct component 100.

[0047] Specifically, 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.

[0048] The center of rotation of baffle 1400 can be 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.

[0049] In some expanded embodiments, the baffle 1400 rotates in a direction parallel to the cross section of the vent 101 to cover and open the vent 101 .

[0050] See also Figure 1 In some embodiments, the washing appliance 1000 further includes a driving device 1410 connected to the baffle 1400, and the driving device 1410 is used to drive the baffle 1400 to rotate. In this way, 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.

[0051] 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 connects to the baffle 1400 to drive the baffle 1400 to rotate. For example, the drive device 1410 includes a rotating shaft 1411 connected to a side edge of the baffle 1400. The rotating shaft 1411 is disposed at the vent 101. The rotating shaft 1411 is connected to the baffle 1400 and serves as the rotation center of the baffle 1400. The rotating shaft 1411 is configured to rotate along the direction of airflow entering and exiting the vent 101.

[0052] In some embodiments, the driving device 1410 controls the rotation angle of the baffle 1400 by providing a braking force to the baffle 1400 .

[0053] 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 .

[0054] See also Figure 1-Figure 3 In some embodiments, the air duct component 100 is formed with a guide channel 11; both ends of the guide channel 11 are connected to the washing chamber 1101, and the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 are adjacently arranged in the guide channel 11. Along the guide direction of the guide channel 11, the evaporator 20 is located upstream of the condenser 30, and the heat pump drying system 1200 is configured to first cool and dehumidify the air flowing out of the inner tank 1100 by the evaporator 20, and then heat it by the condenser 30 and return it to the inner tank 1100.

[0055] In this way, by setting the evaporator 20 upstream of the condenser 30, 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 1200 to achieve the effect of drying items such as tableware.

[0056] Specifically, the guide channel 11 formed by the air duct component 100 is used to achieve a ventilation effect, allowing air to circulate between the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000 and the heat pump drying system 1200 to achieve the effect of drying items such as dishes. The guide channel 11 can be configured into a curved shape or other shape to meet the flow requirements of the airflow. The cross-sectional area of each position of the guide channel 11 can be different. For example, the cross-sectional area of the guide channel 11 at the position used to accommodate the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 is larger, and the cross-sectional area at other positions is smaller.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Both ends of the air duct component 100 are connected to the washing chamber 1101. Air circulates within the washing appliance 1000 along the path from inner liner 1100 to air duct component 100 and then to inner liner 1100. Each time the circulating air flows through the air duct component 100, it is dehumidified by the evaporator 20 and heated by the condenser 30, achieving a good drying and heating effect on the air in the inner liner 1100.

[0060] See also Figure 5-Figure 7 In 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 at intervals perpendicular to the flow direction of the flow channel 11. After the refrigerant passes through the throttling device 90143, 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 5-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 4 In 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 arranged at intervals in the air duct housing 10. The air duct housing 100, 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] 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.

[0075] 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 .

[0076] 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 the air inlet 71 and the air outlet 81. Furthermore, the air inlet 71 and the vent 101 are each provided with a baffle 1400.

[0077] The air inlet pipe 70, the air duct housing 10 and the exhaust pipe 80 are arranged in sequence along the guide direction of the guide channel 11. The air in the washing chamber 1101 first enters the air inlet pipe 70, then enters the air duct housing 10 and exchanges heat with the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 in the air duct housing 10, and then enters the exhaust pipe 80 after being dried and heated.

[0078] See also Figure 4 In some embodiments, the exhaust duct 80 has a plurality of exhaust ports 81, which are spaced apart along the height direction of the inner container 1100. Thus, the plurality of exhaust ports 81 of the exhaust duct 80 are spaced apart along the height direction of the inner container 1100, so that the exhaust ports 81 can discharge the dried hot air to different positions of the inner container 1100, thereby achieving a better drying effect.

[0079] The number of the exhaust ports 81 may be two, three, four, etc., and the present application does not limit the specific number of the exhaust ports 81 .

[0080] See also Figure 2-Figure 4 In some embodiments, the heat pump system 1200 further includes a tray 50, on which the compressor 60 and the air duct housing 10 are mounted. Thus, the compressor 60 and the air duct housing 10 are integrated by the tray 50, which facilitates the installation of the air duct component 100 as a whole, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the washing appliance 1000.

[0081] See also Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the air duct housing 10 includes a main body 12 and two interface portions 13, both of which are connected to the main body 12, and both of which are connected to the same side of the main body 12 and are arranged at intervals, one of which is used for air intake and the other is used for air outlet, and the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 are adjacently arranged in the main body 12.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] It can be understood that the main body 13 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.

[0086] In some embodiments, one end of the air inlet pipe 70 is connected to one of the interface portions 13, and the other end of the air inlet pipe 70 is connected to the inner liner 1100. One end of the exhaust pipe 80 is connected to the other interface portion 13, and the other end of the exhaust pipe 80 is connected to the inner liner 1100. Both the air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 can be flat tubes to facilitate installation on the outer wall of the inner liner 1100.

[0087] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the interface portion 13 is formed with a vent 131, and the vents 131 of the two interface portions 13 are oriented in the same direction. Thus, the vent 131 allows air to enter the air duct housing 10 or to flow out of the air duct housing 10. The same orientation of the two vents 131 allows other pipes connected to the interface portion 13 to extend in the same direction, facilitating assembly of the air duct component 100.

[0088] like Figure 5 In the embodiment, the vents 131 of the two interface portions 13 are all facing upward. In this way, the gas enters the air duct housing 10 from top to bottom, and then flows out from the air duct housing 10 upward.

[0089] The evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 are adjacently arranged in the main body 12 , which means that the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 are arranged side by side in the main body 12 with a small distance therebetween, or the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 are closely arranged in the main body 12 .

[0090] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 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 allows for detachable connection between the first shell 121 and the second shell 122, making it easier to install the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 within the main body 12, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the air duct component 100. Furthermore, the integral structure of the interface portion 13 and the first shell 121 improves the sealing performance of the connection between the interface portion 13 and the first shell 121, reducing the risk of air leakage in the guide channel 11.

[0091] 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.

[0092] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6In 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] See also Figure 5 and 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 As shown, 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, and a drain pump can be installed on the drain pipe to pump out the condensed water in the water receiving tray 14 through the drain pipe.

[0096] 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 .

[0097] 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 in the guide channel 11. The fan 40 is mounted on the air duct housing 10. The airflow flows out of the inner container 1100, passes through the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30, and then re-enters the inner container 1100. In this way, the fan 40 can provide power for the flow of air in the guide channel 11.

[0098] 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.

[0099] The fan 40 is mounted on the air duct housing 10, so that the air duct housing 10 can provide a larger space for the installation of the fan 40. For example, the fan 40 can be installed on the outside of the air duct housing 10, or on an installation position inside the air duct housing 10.

[0100] In certain embodiments, the heat pump drying system 1200 includes at least two fans 40, at least one of which is mounted on the air duct housing 10 and at least one of which is located on 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 system 1200.

[0101] For example, there are two fans 40 , one of which can be mounted on the air duct housing 10 by screws, forming a whole with the air duct housing 10 , so that the air duct component 100 is easy to assemble.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] In some embodiments, the fan 40 is only installed on the air duct housing 10. That is, the heat pump drying system 1200 is provided with at least one fan 40 in the guide channel 11 to provide power for the gas flow in the guide channel 11.

[0106] See also Figure 3-Figure 4 In some embodiments, the exhaust duct 80 includes a first exhaust section 82 and multiple second exhaust sections 83. Each second exhaust section 83 has an exhaust port 81 formed at its end. The middle portion of each second exhaust section 83 is curved and arched upward. This allows the first exhaust section 82 to direct air into the second exhaust sections 83. The upward curvature of the middle portion of the second exhaust sections 83 prevents condensed water from forming within the exhaust duct 80 from re-entering the inner tank 1100, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the washing machine 1000. Furthermore, the upward curvature of the middle portion of the second exhaust sections 83 prevents water from the inner tank 1100 from directly entering the exhaust duct 80, thereby enhancing the reliability of the heat pump system 1200.

[0107] In one embodiment, after the washing appliance 1000 completes washing and enters the drying mode, the fan 40 and the heat pump drying system 1200 start working, the baffle 1400 rotates relative to the air duct component 100 and opens the vent 101, the washing chamber 1101 is connected to the air duct component 100, and the fan 40 allows the gas to circulate in the inner tank 1100, the air inlet pipe 70, the air duct shell 10 and the exhaust pipe 80. After the hot and humid gas passes through the evaporator 20, the evaporator 20 can cool the hot and humid air and form condensed water, which drips into the water receiving tray 14; after being dried by the evaporator 20, the air is heated after passing through the condenser 30 and enters the inner tank 1100 again to dry the dishes. This cycle achieves the effect of drying the dishes.

[0108] Before the washing appliance 1000 enters the washing mode, the baffle 1400 rotates relative to the air duct component 100 and fully blocks and seals the vent 101, isolating the washing chamber 1101 from the air duct component 100, ensuring that the cleaning water, detergent, oil, etc. in the washing chamber 1101 will not enter the air duct component 100 from the vent 101 during the washing process, thereby reducing the contamination of the heat pump drying system 1200, and allowing the air duct component 100, evaporator 20, condenser 30 and other components to be in a dry atmosphere for a long time, thereby improving the service life and reliability of the heat pump drying system 1200.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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, comprising an air duct component, a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator connected in sequence to form a closed refrigerant circuit, wherein a vent is formed at an end of the air duct component, the vent being connected to the washing chamber, the evaporator and the condenser being both disposed in the air duct component, the evaporator being used to cool the gas flowing out of the liner, and the condenser being used to heat the gas flowing into the liner; and A baffle is movably arranged at the vent, and is used to separate or connect the washing chamber with the air duct component.

2. The washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The baffle is rotatably arranged relative to the air duct component.

3. The washing appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that: The washing appliance further comprises a driving device connected to the baffle, and the driving device is used to drive the baffle to rotate.

4. 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, the evaporator and the condenser are arranged in the same guide channel, and along the guide direction of the guide channel, the evaporator is located upstream of the condenser, 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.

5. The washing appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that: The evaporator and / or the condenser each includes a plurality of fins, an air flow channel is formed between the plurality of fins, and a flow guiding direction of the air flow channel is consistent with a flow guiding direction of the guide channel.

6. The washing appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that: 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 4, 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 air duct housing includes a main body and two interface parts, both of which are connected to the main body, and both of which are connected to the same side of the main body and are arranged at intervals, one of which is used for air intake and the other is used for air outlet, and the evaporator and the condenser are arranged adjacent to each other in the main body.

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 fan is installed on the air duct housing. The airflow flows out through the inner tank and passes through the evaporator and the condenser in sequence before entering the inner tank again.

10. The washing appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that: The heat pump drying system includes fans, and the number of the fans is at least two. At least one of the fans is installed on the air duct housing, and at least one of the fans is arranged on the air inlet pipe.

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