Air duct structure and washing electric appliance

Abstract

The utility model discloses an air duct structure and a washing electric appliance, the air duct structure comprises a heat exchange shell, an air inlet assembly and an exhaust pipe, the heat exchange shell comprises a heat exchange chamber and two interface parts, the two interface parts communicate with the heat exchange chamber and are arranged at intervals, and the heat exchange chamber is used for containing a heat exchanger of a heat pump drying system; at least one of the air inlet assembly and the exhaust pipe is connected with the corresponding connector part through an elastic air duct connector. According to the air duct structure, at least one of the air inlet assembly and the exhaust pipe is connected with the corresponding connector part through the elastic air duct connector, the air duct connector can provide buffering for the connecting position of the air inlet assembly and / or the exhaust pipe and the connector part, and therefore the damping and noise reduction effects are achieved; the problem that the joint of the heat exchange shell and the air inlet assembly and / or the exhaust pipe is prone to being damaged due to relative displacement is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to an air duct structure and a washing appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Washing appliances utilize the refrigeration cycle and heat transfer of a heat pump drying system to dry the washed objects. In related technologies, washing appliances include an inner tank for containing the washed objects and a heat exchanger for heat transfer, housed within a heat exchange shell. The inner tank and heat exchange shell are connected via an air inlet assembly and an exhaust pipe. To ensure the airtightness of the connection between the inner tank and the heat exchange shell, the assembly precision requirements at the connection points of the air inlet assembly and exhaust pipe to the heat exchange shell are high. However, during production, transportation, logistics, and use, these connections are prone to relative displacement of components due to external vibrations or internal operating noise from the heat pump drying system, which can easily lead to damage to the components at the connection points. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an air duct structure and a washing appliance, which at least solves the technical problem of how to better integrate the components of a heat pump drying system with the inner tank.

[0004] The air duct structure of this application embodiment is used in the heat pump drying system of a washing appliance. The air duct structure includes a heat exchange shell, an air inlet assembly, and an exhaust pipe. The heat exchange shell includes a heat exchange chamber and two interface portions. Both interface portions are connected to the heat exchange chamber and are spaced apart. The heat exchange chamber is used to accommodate the heat exchanger of the heat pump drying system. At least one of the air inlet assembly and the exhaust pipe is connected to the corresponding interface portion through a flexible air duct joint.

[0005] In the air duct structure of the present application embodiment, at least one of the air intake component and the exhaust pipe is connected to the corresponding interface through an air duct joint with elasticity. The air duct joint can provide a buffer for the connection between the air intake component and / or the exhaust pipe and the interface, thereby playing a role in shock absorption and noise reduction, and solving the problem that the connection between the heat exchange shell and the air intake component and / or the exhaust pipe is easily damaged due to relative displacement.

[0006] In some embodiments, the two interface portions are a first interface portion and a second interface portion, the air duct connector includes a first connector and a second connector, the air intake assembly is connected to the first interface portion through the first connector, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the second interface portion through the second connector.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first and second joints are disposed closer to the heat exchange housing; and / or,

[0008] Along the airflow direction of the intake assembly and the exhaust pipe, the lengths of the first connector and the second connector are much smaller than the lengths of the intake assembly and the exhaust pipe.

[0009] In some embodiments, the duct connector is provided with at least one fastener for securing the duct connector to at least one of the intake assembly and the exhaust pipe, and / or, the fastener secures the duct connector to a corresponding interface portion; the duct connector is provided with a stop flange, and the fastener includes a collar and a hook connected to the collar, the collar being sleeved on the outside of the duct connector and abutting against the stop flange along its own axial direction, and at least one of the intake assembly, the exhaust pipe and the interface portion engaging with a corresponding hook.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one fastener is provided at each end of the first connector, the fasteners being used to securely connect the first connector to the air intake assembly and to the first interface portion; and / or,

[0011] The second connector has at least one fastener at each end, which is used to fasten the second connector to the exhaust pipe and to the second interface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air intake assembly includes a vent pipe, an air intake section, and a connecting section. The connecting section is elastic, and its two ends are detachably connected to the air intake section and the vent pipe, respectively. The air intake section is equipped with a fan, and the connecting section is disposed adjacent to the fan.

[0013] In some embodiments, both the connector and the duct joint have a corrugated structure, and the connector and the duct joint are able to extend and retract along their own length.

[0014] In some implementations, the connection and duct joint are both shorter than the length of the vent pipe along the ventilation direction of the intake assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the air duct structure includes a connecting plate that is fixedly connected to an exhaust pipe and a vent pipe, and the intake pipe and the vent pipe are configured to be located on the same side of the inner tank of the washing appliance.

[0016] In some embodiments, the vent pipe includes a first inlet shell and a second inlet shell detachably covering the first inlet shell, the exhaust pipe includes a first outlet shell and a second outlet shell detachably covering the first outlet shell, and a connecting plate is fixedly connected to the first inlet shell and the first outlet shell, and the connecting plate, the first inlet shell and the first outlet shell are integrally formed structures.

[0017] The washing appliance of this application includes an inner tank and a heat pump drying system. The heat pump drying system includes the air duct structure of any of the above embodiments. The inner tank has a first through hole and a second through hole. The air intake component is connected to the first through hole, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the second through hole.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heat pump drying system includes an evaporator and a condenser, which are spaced apart in a heat exchange shell. Along the flow direction of the heat exchange shell, the evaporator is located upstream of the condenser. 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 heat pump drying system is configured to cool and dehumidify the gas flowing out of the inner tank first by the evaporator, and then heat it by the condenser before returning it to the inner tank.

[0019] In some embodiments, the inner liner includes a bottom wall and a side wall connected to the bottom wall, and the air duct connector extends along the vertical direction of the inner liner and is disposed adjacent to the connection between the bottom wall and the side wall.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a washing appliance according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inner liner structure of some embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the air duct structure according to some embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the air duct structure according to some embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the air intake assembly according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 This is another exploded schematic diagram of the air duct structure in some embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first assembly in some embodiments of this application from a left-side view.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure in some embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connection structure;

[0031] Figure 10This is an exploded view of the connection structure in some embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of the air duct connector according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the air duct joint;

[0034] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the corrugated structure of some embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fastener according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the drying principle of a washing appliance according to certain embodiments of this application.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 1000-Washing appliance, 1100-Inner tank, 1101-Side wall, 1102-First through hole, 1103-Second through hole, 1105-Top wall, 1106-Bottom wall, 1200-Heat pump drying system, 1201-Heat exchanger;

[0039] 100-Air duct structure, 10-Heat exchange shell, 11-Flow guide channel, 12-Heat exchange chamber, 13-Interface part, 133-First interface part, 134-Second interface part, 150-Air duct connector, 151-First connector, 152-Second connector, 161-Connecting plate, 162-Connecting rib, 163-Hollow hole, 171-First assembly, 172-Second assembly, 1721-Decorative plate, S1-First direction, S2-Second direction, 180-Fastener, 181-Loop ring, 1811-Ring body, 1812-Step surface, 182-Hook, 191-Block, 192-Limiting rib, 200-Connecting structure;

[0040] 20-Evaporator, 30-Condenser, 40-Fan, 50-Tray, 60-Compressor, 70-Inlet assembly, 71-Vent pipe, 711-First inlet housing, 712-Second inlet housing, 713-First inlet end, 714-Second inlet end, 72-Inlet section, 721-Receiving housing, 722-Plug-in end, 73-Connecting part, 731-Corrugated structure, 732-Stop flange, 80-Exhaust pipe, 82-First exhaust section, 83-Second exhaust section, 84-First outlet housing, 85-Second outlet housing, 86-Outlet end, 90-Throttling device. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the embodiments of this application, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application.

[0042] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0043] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows for communication; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] In embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0045] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the embodiments of this application. To simplify the disclosure of the embodiments of this application, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Reference numerals and / or reference letters may be repeated in different examples of the embodiments of this application; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. Furthermore, the embodiments of this application provide examples of various specific processes and materials, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0046] Please see Figure 1 The washing appliance 1000 includes an inner tank 1100 and a heat pump drying system 1200. The inner tank 1100 provides a place for washing and containing objects to be cleaned, therefore, moisture easily accumulates in the inner tank 1100 after washing, making the air humid. The heat pump drying system 1200 is connected to the inner tank 1100 through an air duct structure 100 and is used to dry the hot and humid air flowing out of the inner tank 1100, so that the hot and humid air in the inner tank 1100 can flow into the heat pump drying system 1200, and the dried air flows back into the inner tank 1100, thus achieving the effect of drying the objects in the inner tank 1100. The washing appliance 1000 is, for example, a dishwasher, and the objects to be cleaned are, for example, tableware, cups, kitchen utensils, etc.

[0047] It should be noted that the dried air mentioned above is relative to the humid and hot air in the inner liner 1100, and does not mean that the air contains no moisture at all.

[0048] The heat pump drying system 1200 includes a heat exchanger 1201, which achieves the effect of drying the air by exchanging heat with the flowing air.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The air duct structure 100 of this application embodiment is used in the heat pump drying system 1200 of the washing appliance 1000. The air duct structure 100 includes a heat exchange housing 10, an air inlet assembly 70 and an exhaust pipe 80. The heat exchange housing 10 includes a heat exchange chamber 12 and two interface portions 13. The two interface portions 13 are connected to the heat exchange chamber 12 and are spaced apart. The heat exchange chamber 12 is used to accommodate the heat exchanger 1201 of the heat pump drying system 1200. At least one of the air inlet assembly 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 is connected to the corresponding interface portion 13 through a flexible air duct connector 150.

[0050] In the air duct structure 100 of this application embodiment, at least one of the air intake assembly 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 is connected to the corresponding interface portion 13 through an elastic air duct connector 150. The air duct connector 150 can provide a buffer for the connection between the air intake assembly 70 and / or the exhaust pipe 80 and the interface portion 13, thereby playing a role in shock absorption and noise reduction, and solving the problem that the connection between the heat exchange housing 10 and the air intake assembly 70 and / or the exhaust pipe 80 is easily damaged due to relative displacement.

[0051] Specifically, the air duct structure 100 is connected to the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000 and the heat pump drying system 1200 respectively. The air intake assembly 70 is used to circulate the airflow from the inner tank 1100 into the heat pump drying system 1200; the exhaust pipe 80 is used to circulate the airflow that has been dried by the heat pump drying system 1200 and flows back to the inner tank 1100. The heat exchange shell 10 can form a flow guide channel 11. The air intake assembly 70, the flow guide channel 11 and the exhaust pipe 80 are connected in sequence to form a circulating airflow.

[0052] Combination Figure 2 The inner tank 1100 includes a top wall 1105 and a bottom wall 1106, which are defined as the vertical direction in this application. The heat exchange housing 10 can be disposed on either side of the inner tank 1100. For example, the heat exchange housing 10 is installed at the bottom of the washing appliance 1000. The air inlet assembly 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 can both be installed above the heat exchange housing 10. The interface portion 13 can be disposed above the heat exchange chamber 12 and extend upward from the top surface of the heat exchange chamber 12 to be correspondingly connected to the air inlet assembly 70 and the exhaust pipe 80.

[0053] The inner and outer contours of the heat exchange shell 10 can be matched with the heat exchanger 1201 housed therein.

[0054] Optionally, the air intake assembly 70 is connected to the corresponding interface 13 via a flexible air duct connector 150, and the exhaust pipe 80 is also connected to another interface 13 via a flexible air duct connector 150. It is easy to understand that the air duct connector 150, air intake assembly 70, exhaust pipe 80, and interface 13 are all airtight connections with high assembly precision. During the production, transportation, and use of the washing appliance 1000, even if significant vibrations cause relative displacement between the air intake assembly 70, exhaust pipe 80, or interface 13 and the air duct connector 150, the elastic deformation of the air duct connector 150 can maintain stable connections between the air duct connector 150 and other components. Furthermore, the elasticity of the air duct connector 150 also reduces the transmission of operating noise from the heat pump drying system 1200 to the inner tank 1100.

[0055] Optionally, the intake assembly 70 is connected to the corresponding interface 13 via a flexible air duct connector 150, while the exhaust pipe 80 can be directly connected to another interface 13 or connected to another interface 13 via a rigid connector.

[0056] Conversely, the exhaust pipe 80 can be connected to the corresponding interface 13 via a flexible air duct connector 150, while the intake assembly 70 can be directly connected to another interface 13, or the intake assembly 70 can be connected to another interface 13 via a rigid connector.

[0057] Optionally, the air duct connector 150 may have a hollow section inside, and the air duct connector 150 is connected to the guide channel 11 and correspondingly connected to the intake assembly 70 or the exhaust pipe 80.

[0058] Optionally, the duct connector 150 may be made of a flexible material, such as rubber or silicone.

[0059] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the two interface portions 13 are respectively the first interface portion 133 and the second interface portion 134, the air duct connector 150 includes the first connector 151 and the second connector 152, the air intake assembly 70 is connected to the first interface portion 133 through the first connector 151, and the exhaust pipe 80 is connected to the second interface portion 134 through the second connector 152.

[0060] Thus, the intake assembly 70 is connected to the first interface 133 via the first connector 151, and the exhaust pipe 80 is connected to the second interface 134 via the second connector 152. The first connector 151 and the second connector 152 are elastic, thereby ensuring sealing while preventing damage to the connection between the intake assembly 70 and the heat exchange housing 10 and the exhaust pipe 80 and the heat exchange housing 10 under severe vibration, thus playing a role in buffering and shock absorption.

[0061] Specifically, the end of the intake assembly 70 along its own ventilation direction is connected to the first interface portion 133 via the first connector 151, and the beginning of the exhaust pipe 80 along its own ventilation direction is connected to the second interface portion 134 via the second connector 152. Both the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 are elastic, so that the intake assembly 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 are flexibly connected to the heat exchange housing 10.

[0062] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 are located closer to the heat exchange chamber 12.

[0063] Thus, by placing the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 closer to the heat exchange chamber 12, the intake assembly 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 can form a longer continuous air duct at the end connected to the inner liner 1100, thereby improving the airflow guiding effect of the intake assembly 70 and the exhaust pipe 80.

[0064] Specifically, along the airflow direction of the intake assembly 70 and the exhaust pipe 80, the lengths of the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 are much shorter than the lengths of the intake assembly 70 and the exhaust pipe 80, and the lengths of the first interface portion 133 and the second interface portion 134 are also significantly shorter than the lengths of the intake assembly 70 and the exhaust pipe 80; the lengths of the first connector 151, the second connector 152, the first interface portion 133 and the second interface portion 134 can be relatively close to each other.

[0065] Optionally, the heat exchange chamber 12 is located below the intake assembly 70 and the exhaust pipe 80. The first connector 151, the second connector 152, the first interface portion 133, and the second interface portion 134 can all extend in the vertical direction. The upper end of the first connector 151 is connected to the intake assembly 70, and the lower end of the first connector 151 is connected to the first interface portion 133 and the heat exchange chamber 12. The upper end of the second connector 152 is connected to the exhaust pipe 80, and the lower end of the second connector 152 is connected to the second interface portion 134 and the heat exchange chamber 12.

[0066] In this embodiment, the heat exchange chamber 12 houses the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30. It is heavier than the hollow air duct, which also makes the first joint 151 and the second joint 152 closer to the center of gravity of the air duct structure 100, thereby improving the overall stability of the air duct structure 100.

[0067] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the first connector 151 is detachably plugged into the intake assembly 70; and / or, the first connector 151 is detachably plugged into the first interface portion 133.

[0068] Thus, the detachable plug-in connection of the first connector 151 enables quick disassembly and assembly of the first connector 151 with the air intake assembly 70 or the first interface 133, thereby improving the convenience of disassembly and assembly, increasing assembly efficiency, and ensuring connection reliability.

[0069] Specifically, the first connector 151 is inserted into the air intake assembly 70, either by inserting the end of the first connector 151 into the air intake assembly 70 or by inserting the end of the air intake assembly 70 into the first connector 151. The first connector 151 is also inserted into the first interface portion 133, either by inserting the first connector 151 into the first interface portion 133 or by inserting the first interface portion 133 into the first connector 151.

[0070] For example, the end of the intake assembly 70 that is connected to the first connector 151 is inserted into the end of the first connector 151, and the end of the first interface portion 133 is inserted into the other end of the first connector 151 that is away from the intake assembly 70.

[0071] Without elastic deformation, the radial dimension of the first connector 151 can be the same as or slightly smaller than the radial dimension of the intake assembly 70 and / or the first interface portion 133. The outer peripheral surface of the intake assembly 70 inserted into the first connector 151 and the outer peripheral surface of the first interface portion 133 inserted into the second connector 152 can be interference-fitted with the inner wall surface of the first connector 151 to ensure the sealing of the insertion point.

[0072] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the first connector 151 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the air intake assembly 70 and the first interface portion 133. The air intake assembly 70 includes a vent pipe 71 that inserts into the first interface portion 133. The vent pipe 71 can be a flat pipe, a square pipe, or a round pipe. For example, the vent pipe 71 is a flat pipe with a flat racetrack-shaped cross-section. The cross-sectional shape of the end of the first connector 151 connected to the vent pipe 71 is also flat and racetrack-shaped. The cross-sectional shape of the first interface portion 133 includes, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, or a racetrack shape. For example, the first interface portion 133 is racetrack-shaped, and the cross-sectional shape of the end of the first connector 151 connected to the first interface portion 133 is also racetrack-shaped. The cross-sectional shape and size of the first interface portion 133 can be matched with the cross-sectional shape and size of the vent pipe 71 to make the structure of the first connector 151 more uniform and regular, facilitating its fabrication.

[0073] In some embodiments, the second connector 152 is detachably inserted into the exhaust pipe 80; and / or, the second connector 152 is detachably inserted into the second interface portion 134. Both the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 can be connected by a plug-in method, improving the ease of assembly and disassembly. The cooperation method between the second connector 152 and the exhaust pipe 80 and the second interface portion 134 is similar to the cooperation method between the first connector 151 and the intake assembly 70 and the first interface portion 133, and will not be described again here.

[0074] Please see Figures 3 to 5 In some embodiments, the air intake assembly 70 includes an air duct 71, an air intake section 72, and a connecting section 73. The connecting section 73 is elastic, and its two ends are detachably connected to the air intake section 72 and the air duct 71, respectively. The air intake section 72 is provided with a fan 40, and the connecting section 73 is disposed adjacent to the fan 40.

[0075] Thus, the intake section 72 and the vent pipe 71 are detachably connected at both ends of the connecting part 73. The connecting part 73 is elastic, which allows the intake section 72 and the vent pipe 71 to be easily and quickly connected through the connecting part 73, thereby improving the ease of installation of the intake assembly 70. The multi-section structure also facilitates disassembly and compatibility with components of different functions, improving the integration performance of the intake assembly 70.

[0076] Specifically, the connecting part 73 can be connected to the air intake part 72 and the vent pipe 71 by one or more of the following methods: plug-in connection, snap-fit ​​connection, or detachable fastener connection. The air intake part 72, the connecting part 73, and the vent pipe 71 are connected sequentially along the airflow direction in the air intake assembly 70. One end of the air intake part 72 is connected to the inner liner 1100, and the other end of the air intake part 72 can be plugged into the connecting part 73. One end of the vent pipe 71 can be plugged into the connecting part 73, and the end of the vent pipe 71 away from the connecting part 73 can be plugged into the first connector 151 and connected to the first interface part 133 through the first connector 151.

[0077] The two ends of the connecting part 73 can be detachably inserted into the outer periphery of the air intake part 72 and the outer periphery of the vent pipe 71, that is, one end of the air intake part 72 and one end of the vent pipe 71 respectively extend into the two ends of the connecting part 73.

[0078] Optionally, the fan 40 is installed in the air inlet 72, which can be connected to the top wall 1105 or any side wall 1101 of the inner liner 1100. When the fan 40 is running, it creates negative pressure, which can promote the airflow speed, accelerate the airflow circulation, and improve the drying efficiency.

[0079] Optionally, the air intake 72 may include a housing 721 for accommodating the fan 40 and a plug-in end 722 connected to the housing 721. The housing 721 may be generally disc-shaped and is located on the top wall 1105 of the inner liner 1100, near the edge where the top wall 1105 connects to the side wall 1101. The plug-in end 722 may be located at the edge where the top wall 1105 connects to the side wall 1101 and form an opening downwards for connection with the connecting portion 73.

[0080] Optionally, the rigidity and hardness of the vent pipe 71 are greater than those of the connecting part 73, and may also be greater than those of the first connector 151. The rigidity and hardness of the exhaust pipe 80 are greater than those of the second connector 152.

[0081] Optionally, the connector 73 is made of a flexible material, such as rubber or silicone.

[0082] Optionally, the cross-sectional profile of the ventilator 71 can be circular, elliptical, square, triangular, polygonal, racetrack-shaped, or other shapes, and the cross-sectional profiles of the connecting portion 73 and the first connector 151 match the cross-sectional profile of the ventilator 71. For example, the cross-sectional profile of the ventilator 71 can be rectangular, and the cross-sectional profiles of the connecting portion 73 and the first connector 151 can be flat racetrack-shaped.

[0083] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, both the connecting portion 73 and the air duct connector 150 have a corrugated structure 731, and the connecting portion 73 and the air duct connector 150 can extend and retract along their own length direction.

[0084] Thus, since both the connecting part 73 and the air duct connector 150 have corrugated structures 731, the connecting part 73 and the air duct connector 150 can extend and retract along their own length direction. This not only ensures the assembly accuracy requirements of the connection, but also helps to reduce vibration and noise, and solves the problem of damage to the connection due to displacement of interconnected parts during transportation and use.

[0085] Specifically, both the connecting part 73 and the air duct connector 150 are hollow tubular structures. The connecting part 73 and the air duct connector 150 can extend in a wavy pattern on the wall surface between their two ends in their own axial direction, that is, a corrugated structure 731. When the two ends of the connecting part 73 and the air duct connector 150 are stretched, the corrugated structure 731 can elongate under tension or compress under pressure, so that the connecting part 73 and the air duct connector 150 can correspondingly elongate or shorten along their own length direction. Thus, the structure connected to the two ends of the connecting part 73 and the air duct connector 150 can still maintain a stable and reliable connection under tension.

[0086] In some embodiments, the air duct connector 150 includes a first connector 151 connected to the air intake assembly 70 and a second connector 152 connected to the exhaust pipe 80, both the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 having a corrugated structure 731.

[0087] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the connection portion 73 and the air duct connector 150 are both shorter than the length of the air duct 71 along the air intake assembly 70 ventilation direction.

[0088] Thus, since both the connecting part 73 and the air duct connector 150 are shorter than the length of the vent pipe 71, the vent pipe 71 has a longer, continuous, and smooth air duct length, achieving a better airflow guiding effect.

[0089] As is easily understood, the connecting part 73 and the air duct connector 150 are made of flexible materials, while the vent pipe 71 is made of rigid materials. Furthermore, the connecting part 73 and the air duct connector 150 can undergo elastic deformation under stress, while the vent pipe 71 maintains a fixed shape and structure. Therefore, the air resistance of the airflow in the vent pipe 71 is smaller than that of the connecting part 73 and the air duct connector 150. Maintaining the length of the vent pipe 71 is significantly greater than that of the connecting part 73 and the air duct connector 150 is beneficial to improving the airflow circulation efficiency. It is also beneficial to maintain a smaller range of changes in the overall dimensions of the air intake assembly 70, resulting in a more stable structure.

[0090] In some embodiments, the length ratio of the connecting part 73 to the vent pipe 71 ranges from 1 / 20 to 1 / 3. Thus, by setting the length ratio of the connecting part 73 to the vent pipe 71 within a reasonable range, the connecting part 73 does not occupy a large portion of the length of the intake pipe 70, thereby reducing dimensional fluctuations in the intake pipe 70, improving structural stability, and also optimizing the airflow guiding effect of the intake pipe 70.

[0091] For example, the length ratio of the connecting part 73 to the vent pipe 71 can be 1 / 20, 1 / 18, 1 / 15, 1 / 11, 1 / 7, 1 / 4, 1 / 3, etc.

[0092] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the air duct structure 100 includes a connecting plate 161, which is fixedly connected to an exhaust pipe 80 and a vent pipe 71, the exhaust pipe 80 and the vent pipe 71 being configured to be located on the same side of the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000.

[0093] Thus, the exhaust pipe 80 and the vent pipe 71 are fixedly connected by the connecting plate 161. The exhaust pipe 80 and the vent pipe 71 are located on the same side of the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000, thereby saving space, reducing the number of parts, reducing assembly errors, saving costs, and facilitating the assembly of the exhaust pipe 80 and the vent pipe 71 with the inner tank 1100.

[0094] Specifically, the connecting plate 161, the exhaust pipe 80, and the vent pipe 71 can be integrally molded parts, for example, the connecting plate 161, the exhaust pipe 80, and the vent pipe 71 can be integrally molded. The connecting plate 161, the exhaust pipe 80, and the vent pipe 71 can also be separate parts, and the connecting plate 161 can be fixedly connected to the exhaust pipe 80 and the vent pipe 71 by at least one of the following methods: snap-fit ​​connection, pressure fit, welding, fusion, bonding, fastener connection, etc.

[0095] The exhaust pipe 80 and the vent pipe 71 can be installed on one of the side walls 1101 of the inner liner 1100, on the left, right, or rear side. The exhaust pipe 80 and the vent pipe 71 can be connected in parallel via a connecting plate 161 so that the exhaust pipe 80, the vent pipe 71, and the connecting plate 161 are generally flat, saving installation space.

[0096] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the vent pipe 71 includes a first air inlet shell 711 and a second air inlet shell 712 detachably covered on the first air inlet shell 711, the exhaust pipe 80 includes a first air outlet shell 84 and a second air outlet shell 85 detachably covered on the first air outlet shell 84, and the connecting plate 161 is fixedly connected to the first air inlet shell 711 and the first air outlet shell 84. The connecting plate 161, the first air inlet shell 711 and the first air outlet shell 84 are integrally formed structures.

[0097] Thus, the second air inlet shell 712 is detachably mounted on the first air inlet shell 711, and the second air outlet shell 85 is detachably mounted on the first air outlet shell 84. The connecting plate 161, the first air inlet shell 711, and the first air outlet shell 84 are integrally formed, thereby reducing the number of parts, which is beneficial to reducing costs and assembly errors.

[0098] Specifically, the first air inlet housing 711 and the second air inlet housing 712, as well as the first air outlet housing 84 and the second air outlet housing 85, can be connected by one or more of the following methods: threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection, fastener connection, hinge connection, clip connection, or snap-fit ​​connection. The connecting plate 161, the first air inlet housing 711, and the first air outlet housing 84 can be integrally molded, and the second air inlet housing 712 and the second air outlet housing 85 can also be connected to each other. The second air inlet housing 712 can be detachably connected to the second air outlet housing 85 or fixedly connected to it.

[0099] In some embodiments, to further reduce the number of parts and simplify the assembly steps, the second air inlet shell 712 and the second air outlet shell 85 are fixedly connected and are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the first assembly 171 includes a connecting plate 161, the first air inlet shell 711 and the first air outlet shell 84 connected as one piece, and the second assembly 172 includes the second air inlet shell 712 and the second air outlet shell 85 connected as one piece. The first assembly 171 and the second assembly 172 can be detachably connected relative to each other along the thickness direction of the connecting plate 161.

[0100] Optionally, the vent pipe 71 and the exhaust pipe 80 are arranged side by side along a first direction S1, which forms an angle with the vertical direction and is approximately parallel to the side wall 1101 of the inner liner 1100 where the vent pipe 71 and the exhaust pipe 80 are located. The first air inlet shell 711 and the second air inlet shell 712 are opposite each other along a second direction S2, and the first air outlet shell 84 and the second air outlet shell 85 are also opposite each other along the second direction S2. The second direction S2 intersects the first direction S1 and the vertical direction in pairs. Further, the second direction S2 can be perpendicular to the side wall 1101 of the inner liner 1100 where the vent pipe 71 and the exhaust pipe 80 are located, so that the side wall 1101 and the air duct structure 100 are installed more compactly. The second direction S2 can be the thickness direction of the connecting plate 161.

[0101] Optionally, the connecting plate 161 is provided with a plurality of connecting ribs 162, which are fixedly connected to the exhaust pipe 80 and the vent pipe 71. The plurality of connecting ribs 162 form perforated holes 163. The connecting ribs 162 protrude from the surface of the connecting plate 161 along the thickness direction. In this way, the connection strength between the exhaust pipe 80 and the vent pipe 71 and the overall structural strength of the air duct structure 100 can be further strengthened, while the weight can be reduced, which is beneficial to the lightweighting of the product.

[0102] Optionally, the plurality of connecting ribs 162 may extend along the first direction S1 and the vertical direction and intersect each other.

[0103] Optionally, the second assembly 172 also includes a decorative plate 1721 connecting the second air intake housing 712 and the second air outlet housing 85. The decorative plate 1721 is opposite to the connecting plate 161 along the thickness direction of the connecting plate 161 and covers the connecting rib 162 to improve the appearance of the air duct structure 100 and prevent the connecting rib 162 from being uncomfortable to the touch or causing scratches. The protruding top of the connecting rib 162 can abut against the second assembly 172 to provide structural support.

[0104] Optionally, the vent pipe 71 has a first air inlet end 713 and a second air inlet end 714 formed at its two ends in the same direction, and both the first air inlet end 713 and the second air inlet end 714 have a wall surface that completely surrounds the circumference. The first air inlet end 713 is used to connect to the connecting part 73, and the second air inlet end 714 is used to connect to the first connector 151.

[0105] Furthermore, the first air intake end 713 and the second air intake end 714 can be connected to the end of one of the first air intake housing 711 and the second air intake housing 712. For example, the first air intake end 713 and the second air intake end 714 are connected to the two ends of the first air intake housing 711 along the ventilation direction.

[0106] Optionally, the end of the exhaust pipe 80 that connects to the second connector 152 forms an exhaust end 86. The exhaust end 86 has a wall that completely surrounds the entire circumference and can be disposed in one of the first exhaust housing 84 and the second exhaust housing 85. For example, the exhaust end 86 is connected to the end of the first exhaust housing 84.

[0107] Please see Figures 3 to 5 In some embodiments, the connecting part 73 is an elastic element, the air inlet 72 is equipped with a fan 40, and the connecting part 73 is disposed adjacent to the fan 40. In this way, the fan 40 is disposed close to the top wall 1105 of the inner liner 1100, which helps to accelerate the airflow speed, improve the drying efficiency, and the connecting part 73 can also play a role in shock absorption and noise reduction.

[0108] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the duct connector 150 is provided with at least one fastener 180 for fastening the duct connector 150 to at least one of the exhaust pipe 80 and the vent pipe 71, and / or, the fastener 180 for fastening the duct connector 150 to the corresponding interface portion 13.

[0109] The air duct connector 150 is provided with a stop flange 732. The fastener 180 includes a collar 181 and a hook 182 connected to the collar. The collar 181 is sleeved on the outside of the air duct connector 150 and abuts against the stop flange 732 along its own axial direction. At least one of the air intake assembly 70, the exhaust pipe 80 and the interface portion 13 is engaged with the corresponding hook 182.

[0110] In this way, the exhaust pipe 80 and / or the vent pipe 71 are fastened to the corresponding air duct connector 150 by fastener 180, and the air duct connector 150 is fastened to the corresponding interface part 13, thereby improving the connection strength between the air duct connector 150 and the vent pipe 71, the exhaust pipe 80 and the heat exchange housing 10, limiting the relative position of the air intake assembly 70 / exhaust pipe 80 and the heat exchange housing 10, and improving the connection reliability.

[0111] For ease of explanation, this application uses Figures 8 to 10 The connection structure 200 shown indicates the connection method between the air duct connector 150 and the corresponding interface part 13, the corresponding vent pipe 71 or the exhaust pipe 80.

[0112] Specifically, the fastener 180 can be fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the vent pipe 71, the exhaust pipe 80, and the interface portion 13, respectively. The fastener 180 can be fixedly connected to the vent pipe 71, the exhaust pipe 80, and the interface portion 13 by at least one of the following methods: snap-fit, fastening, clamping, gluing, threaded connection, etc. A limiting structure is formed on the fastener 180 to limit the relative position of the air duct connector 150 with the vent pipe 71, the exhaust pipe 80, and the interface portion 13 while being fixedly connected to them.

[0113] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, at least one fastener 180 is provided at each end of the first connector 151. The fastener 180 is used to securely connect the first connector 151 to the vent pipe 71 and to the first interface portion 133; and / or,

[0114] At least one fastener 180 is provided at each end of the second connector 152. The fastener 180 is used to fasten the second connector 152 to the exhaust pipe 80 and to fasten the second connector 152 to the second interface portion 134.

[0115] In this way, while reducing vibration and noise, the connection strength between the first joint 151 and the second joint 152 and the corresponding pipe body and heat exchange shell 10 can be improved, thereby improving the connection reliability of the air duct structure 100.

[0116] Specifically, the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 are both flexible tubes, the vent pipe 71 and the exhaust pipe 80 are both rigid tubes, and the heat exchange shell 10 (including the first interface portion 133 and the second interface portion 134) is a rigid shell.

[0117] Please see Figures 8 to 10 In some embodiments, the outer sides of the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 are provided with a stop flange 732, and the fastener 180 includes a collar 181 and a hook 182 connected to the collar 181. The collar 181 abuts against the stop flange 732 along the axial direction of the collar 181. At least one of the vent pipe 71 and the first interface portion 133 is engaged with the corresponding hook 182, and at least one of the exhaust pipe 80 and the second interface portion 134 is engaged with the corresponding hook 182.

[0118] Thus, by abutting the collar 181 along the axial direction of the collar 181 against the stop flange 732, the vent pipe 71, the exhaust pipe 80, the first interface portion 133 and the second interface portion 134 can be engaged with the corresponding hook 182. The hook 182 cooperates with the collar 181 and the stop flange 732 to achieve a tight fastening connection and play an axial limiting role, preventing loosening or falling off due to tensile force, and improving the reliability of the connection.

[0119] Specifically, in combination Figure 11 The collar 181 can be sleeved on the end of the air duct connector 150. The radial dimension of the stop flange 732 is larger than the inner diameter of the collar 181. The stop flange 732 protrudes slightly from the outer circumferential surface of the air duct connector 150 in the radial direction and forms a discontinuity on the outer circumferential surface of the air duct connector 150, and abuts against the collar 181 to play a limiting role and prevent the collar 181 from falling off.

[0120] like Figure 9 As shown, the connection structure 200 of the vent pipe 71, the first connector 151, and the first interface 133 is described as an example. The end of the vent pipe 71 can extend into the first connector 151. The collar 181 can be tightly fitted axially around the vent pipe 71 at the end of the push stop flange 732 and the first connector 151, and the collar 181 can apply a radial fastening force to the first connector 151 and the vent pipe 71.

[0121] Optionally, the inner circumferential side of the duct connector 150 (including the first connector 151 and the second connector 152) can be press-fitted with the outer circumferential surface of the vent pipe 71 or the exhaust pipe 80, the first interface portion 133 or the second interface portion 134, and the outer circumferential surface of the duct connector 150 can be press-fitted with the inner circumferential surface of the collar 181. In this way, a radial sealing effect can be achieved.

[0122] Please see Figures 12 to 14 The collar 181 includes a ring body 1811 and a stepped surface 1812. The ring body 1811 is circumferentially encircled and extends along the axial direction of the collar 181. One end of the ring body 1811 along the axial direction abuts against the stop flange 732. The stepped surface 1812 may form an angle with the axial direction of the collar 181 and extends outward from the point where the ring body 1811 abuts against the stop flange 732 away from the air duct connector 150.

[0123] Optionally, the hook 182 is provided on the step surface 1812 and extends a certain length away from the step surface 1812 along the axial direction, so as to reserve a pluggable allowance for the air duct connector 150 to be connected to the vent pipe 71 or exhaust pipe 80, the first interface part 133 or the second interface part 134.

[0124] Optionally, the hook 182 abuts against the stop flange 732 radially, thereby enhancing the limiting effect.

[0125] Taking the connection of the first connector 151 to the first interface 133 and the vent pipe 71 as an example, the connection process is as follows: First, insert one end of the first interface 133 and one end of the vent pipe 71 into the two ends of the first connector 151 respectively. Each end of the first connector 151 is provided with a fastener 180. The collars 181 of the two fasteners 180 are pushed towards the two ends of the first connector 151 respectively, pressing the two ends of the first connector 151 so that the first connector 151 is tightly fitted with the first interface 133 and the vent pipe 71.

[0126] Please see Figures 8 to 10 In some embodiments, at least one of the vent pipe 71, exhaust pipe 80, first interface portion 133 and second interface portion 134 is provided with a locking block 191, and a hook 182 is engaged with the locking block 191.

[0127] Thus, by engaging the hook 182 with the locking block 191, the axial displacement of the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 along the corresponding collar 181 is restricted, preventing the first connector 151 and the second connector 152 from detaching from the connected pipe.

[0128] Specifically, the locking block 191 can be disposed on the outer periphery of the vent pipe 71, the exhaust pipe 80, the first interface portion 133, and the second interface portion 134, and protrude from the outer periphery of the corresponding pipe body or interface. The locking block 191 has a certain axial distance from the port of the pipe body or interface, and the axial distance between the locking block 191 and the port of the pipe body or interface matches the axial length of the hook 182.

[0129] Optionally, the collar 181 is provided with at least one hook 182 at each of its radially opposite ends to increase connection strength and balance.

[0130] Optionally, the vent pipe 71 and the exhaust pipe 80 are flat pipes, and the collar 181 and the air duct connector 150 match the cross-sectional profile of the vent pipe 71 (or exhaust pipe 80). The collar 181 is flat and racetrack-shaped. The collar 181 has a major axis and a minor axis, and the hook 182 and the locking block 191 are correspondingly arranged on opposite sides of the vent pipe 71 or the exhaust pipe 80 along the major axis.

[0131] Please continue reading. Figures 8 to 10 In some embodiments, at least one of the vent pipe 71, exhaust pipe 80, first interface portion 133 and second interface portion 134 is provided with a limiting rib 192, which abuts against the stop flange 732 along the axial direction of the collar 181 to play the role of axial limiting.

[0132] Optionally, taking the connection between the vent pipe 71, the first connector 151, and the first interface portion 133 as an example, the vent pipe 71 has a flat tube structure, and both the first connector 151 and the first interface portion 133 have flat ports. The limiting rib 192 can be provided on opposite sides of the vent pipe 71 and the first interface portion 133 along the short axis direction of the collar 181. Furthermore, the limiting rib 192 can extend along the long axis direction of the collar 181.

[0133] The limiting ribs 192 are provided on the vent pipe 71, the exhaust pipe 80 and the two interface parts 13, and can limit the connection part 73 in opposite directions at both ends of the axial direction, thereby enhancing the limiting effect.

[0134] Once the connection is complete, the stop flange 732 abuts against the collar 181 and the limiting rib 192 on both sides along the axial direction, thereby enhancing the limiting effect.

[0135] The connecting part 73 connects the air intake part 72 and the vent pipe 71. It can adopt a connection method similar to or the same as that of the air duct connector 150 to increase the standardization of parts and facilitate assembly operations.

[0136] In some embodiments, the air intake 72, the connecting part 73 and the vent pipe 71, the vent pipe 71, the first connector 151 and the first interface part 133, and the exhaust pipe 80, the second connector 152 and the second interface part 134 are all equipped with Figures 8 to 10 The connection structure 200 shown achieves a fastening connection.

[0137] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 15 The heat exchanger 1201 includes an evaporator 20 and a condenser 30, which are spaced apart within the heat exchange housing 10. Thus, the evaporator cools the air by absorbing heat from the flowing humid air, lowering its temperature, while the condenser heats the air, thereby achieving the effect of drying the air.

[0138] Specifically, the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 can be generally flat, and the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 can be placed side by side and spaced apart in the heat exchange chamber 12 in a generally horizontal posture in their own thickness direction.

[0139] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 15In some embodiments, along the flow direction of the heat exchange housing 10, the evaporator 20 is located upstream of the condenser 30. The evaporator 20 is used to cool the gas flowing out of the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000, and the condenser 30 is used to heat the gas flowing into the inner tank 1100. The heat pump drying system 1200 is configured to cool and dehumidify the gas flowing out of the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000 first by the evaporator 20, and then heat it by the condenser 30 before returning it to the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000.

[0140] Specifically, when the heat pump drying system 1200 is working, the evaporator 20 can cool, thereby absorbing heat from the air around the evaporator 20 to lower the temperature of the surrounding air, so that the gas flowing through the evaporator 20 condenses to form condensate water, thus achieving the effect of drying the air.

[0141] When the heat pump drying system 1200 is working, the condenser 30 can generate heat, thereby heating the surrounding air and increasing the temperature of the surrounding air. This allows the gas flowing through the condenser 30 to re-enter the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000, thus achieving the effect of drying tableware and other items.

[0142] The evaporator 20 is located upstream of the condenser 30. The heat pump drying system 1200 first cools and dehumidifies the humid gas flowing out of the inner tank 1100, and then heats it to obtain dry high-temperature air, which is then introduced into the inner tank 1100 to achieve a good drying effect on the objects in the inner tank 1100.

[0143] Optionally, the heat pump drying system 1200 includes a compressor 60, a condenser 30, a throttling device 90, and an evaporator 20. The compressor 60, condenser 30, throttling device 90, and evaporator 20 can be connected by pipelines to form a closed refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant, as the refrigerant, can circulate in the refrigerant circuit. The compressor 60, condenser 30, throttling device 90, and evaporator 20 work together to enable the heat pump drying system 1200 to achieve better air drying and heating effects.

[0144] When the heat pump drying system 1200 is in the drying stage, the compressor 60 operates, pumping high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to the condenser 30 to heat the air. After heat exchange with the air, the refrigerant flows out of the condenser 30, then passes through the throttling device 90 to become low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, flowing into the evaporator 20 to exchange heat with the air and evaporate. It then returns to the compressor 60 to complete the entire heat pump heating cycle. The dried air is then heated by the condenser 30 and re-enters the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000. The throttling device 90 can be an expansion valve; more specifically, it can be an electronic expansion valve.

[0145] The air duct structure 100 causes the air in the inner liner 1100 to form a circulating airflow. For example, the gas in the inner liner 1100 enters the air duct structure 100 from the air intake end of the air intake assembly 70, passes through the air duct structure 100, and is then discharged into the inner liner 1100 from the exhaust end of the exhaust pipe 80.

[0146] Optionally, the compressor 60, condenser 30, throttling device 90 and evaporator 20 are connected in sequence.

[0147] Optionally, the heat pump drying system 1200 also includes a tray 50, on which the compressor 60 and the heat exchange housing 10 are mounted, and the compressor 60 and the heat exchange housing 10 are arranged along the depth direction of the inner liner 1100.

[0148] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The washing appliance 1000 of this application includes an inner tank 1100 and a heat pump drying system 1200. The heat pump drying system 1200 has an air duct structure 100 in any of the above embodiments. The inner tank 1100 has a first through hole 1102 and a second through hole 1103. The air intake component 70 is connected to the first through hole 1102, and the exhaust pipe 80 is connected to the second through hole 1103.

[0149] The washing appliance 1000 of this application embodiment is connected to the first through hole 1102 through the air inlet assembly 70 and to the second through hole 1103 through the exhaust pipe 80, so that the inner tank 1100 is connected to the heat pump drying system 1200 through the air duct structure 100, and a circulating airflow of inner tank 1100 → air inlet assembly 70 → heat pump drying system 1200 → exhaust pipe 80 → inner tank 1100 is formed, so as to achieve a good drying effect on the objects in the inner tank 1100.

[0150] Specifically, the inner tank 1100 includes a top wall 1105 and a bottom wall 1106 that are vertically opposed, and a side wall 1101 connecting the top wall 1105 and the bottom wall 1106. The washing appliance 1000 is, for example, a dishwasher, and the front side of the inner tank 1100 may have an opening for a door or drawer to be opened and closed. The first through hole 1102 and the second through hole 1103 may be located on the same side wall 1101 or on different walls of the inner tank 1100. For example, the first through hole 1102 is located on the top wall 1105 of the inner tank 1100, the air intake portion 72 of the air intake assembly 70 communicates with the first through hole 1102, the air intake portion 72 is at least partially located above the inner tank 1100, and the second through hole 1103 is located on the side wall 1101 of the inner tank 1100.

[0151] Optionally, the number of second through holes 1103 can be one, two, three, four, etc., and this application does not limit the specific number of second through holes 1103. Multiple second through holes 1103 can be spaced apart on the side wall 1101 along the height direction of the inner liner 1100 (the up and down direction as shown in the figure).

[0152] For example, there are two second through holes 1103. The two second through holes 1103 can be positioned close to the upper and lower edges of the side wall 1101 in the vertical direction, respectively, so that the returning air is evenly distributed in the inner liner 1100. The vertical positions of the multiple second through holes 1103 can also correspond to the height of the objects placed in the inner liner 1100, so that the air returning to the inner liner 1100 can specifically dry objects at different heights.

[0153] Optionally, the exhaust pipe 80 has a first exhaust section 82 and a plurality of second exhaust sections 83, each end of which is connected to a corresponding second through hole 1103. The first exhaust section 82 can introduce gas into the second exhaust section 83, and the middle portion of the second exhaust section 83 can be bent upwards to prevent condensate formed inside the exhaust pipe 80 from re-entering the inner tank 1100, thus improving the drying efficiency of the washing appliance 1000. Furthermore, the upward bending of the middle portion of the second exhaust section 83 can also prevent water in the inner tank 1100 from directly entering the exhaust pipe 80, improving the reliability of the heat pump drying system 1200 during normal operation.

[0154] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the inner liner 1100 includes a bottom wall 1106 and a side wall 1101 connected to the bottom wall 1106, and the air duct connector 150 extends along the vertical direction of the inner liner 1100 and is disposed adjacent to the connection between the bottom wall 1106 and the side wall 1101.

[0155] Thus, the air duct connector 150 extends along the vertical direction of the inner liner 1100 and is located near the connection between the bottom wall 1106 and the side wall 1101, making the structure between the air duct structure 100 and the inner liner 1100 more compact. The support from the bottom of the inner liner 1100 and the side wall 1101 also makes the structure of the air duct structure 100 more stable.

[0156] Specifically, the bottom wall 1106 is the side wall 1101 of the inner tank 1100 facing the mounting surface (e.g., the ground) of the washing appliance 1000. The mounting surface (not shown) of the washing appliance 1000 is usually a horizontal plane, the bottom wall 1106 can be approximately parallel to the horizontal direction, the vertical direction of the inner tank 1100 is perpendicular to the horizontal direction, and the side wall 1101 can be approximately parallel to the vertical direction.

[0157] The heat exchange chamber 12 of the heat exchange housing 10 houses the condenser 30 and evaporator 20 of the heat pump drying system 1200, and is located below the bottom wall 1106 near the junction of the bottom wall 1106 and the side wall 1101. The air inlet assembly 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 can extend vertically and are inserted into the air duct connector 150 from top to bottom, and the interface portion 13 of the heat exchange housing 10 can be inserted into the air duct connector 150 from bottom to top.

[0158] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the air intake assembly 70 includes a vent pipe 71, an air intake portion 72, and a connecting portion 73. The two ends of the connecting portion 73 are detachably connected to the air intake portion 72 and the vent pipe 71, respectively. The air intake portion 72 is connected to the top wall 1105 of the inner liner 1100. The connecting portion 73 extends along the vertical direction of the inner liner 1100 and is disposed adjacent to the connection between the top wall 1105 and the side wall 1101 of the inner liner 1100.

[0159] Thus, by extending the connecting part 73 along the vertical direction of the inner liner 1100 and being located near the connection between the top wall 1105 and the side wall 1101 of the inner liner 1100, the airflow from the air intake 72 upward and toward the side wall 1101 is guided to the vent pipe 71 downward. The support from the top wall 1105 and the side wall 1101 makes the structure of the air duct structure 100 more stable and also makes the structure between the air duct structure 100 and the inner liner 1100 more compact.

[0160] Specifically, the air intake 72 is provided on the top wall 1105 near the connection between the top wall 1105 and the side wall 1101. The insertion end 722 of the air intake 72 can be provided at the connection between the top wall 1105 and the side wall 1101, and connected to the connecting part 73 at a position near the connection between the top wall 1105 and the side wall 1101.

[0161] Optionally, the exhaust pipe 80 and the vent pipe 71 are disposed on the same side wall 1101 and extend from the second through hole 1103 from top to bottom to the heat exchange shell 10 disposed at the bottom of the inner liner 1100.

[0162] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0163] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A duct structure for a heat pump drying system, characterized in that, The air duct structure includes: A heat exchange housing, comprising a heat exchange chamber and two interface sections, the two interface sections being connected to the heat exchange chamber and spaced apart, the heat exchange chamber being used to accommodate the heat exchanger of the heat pump drying system; An intake assembly and an exhaust pipe, at least one of which is connected to the corresponding interface via a flexible duct connector.

2. The air duct structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two interface sections are a first interface section and a second interface section, the air duct connector includes a first connector and a second connector, the air intake assembly is connected to the first interface section through the first connector, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the second interface section through the second connector.

3. The air duct structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first and second connectors are located closer to the heat exchange housing; and / or, Along the airflow direction of the intake assembly and the exhaust pipe, the lengths of the first connector and the second connector are much smaller than the lengths of the intake assembly and the exhaust pipe.

4. The air duct structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air duct connector is provided with at least one fastener, which is used to securely connect the air duct connector to at least one of the air intake assembly and the exhaust pipe, and / or, the fastener securely connects the air duct connector to the corresponding interface portion; the air duct connector is provided with a stop flange, and the fastener includes a collar and a hook connected to the collar, the collar is sleeved on the outside of the air duct connector, and the collar abuts against the stop flange along its own axial direction, and at least one of the air intake assembly, the exhaust pipe and the interface portion is engaged with the corresponding hook.

5. The air duct structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least one fastener is provided at each end of the first connector, the fasteners being used to securely connect the first connector to the air intake assembly and to the first interface portion. And / or, The second connector has at least one fastener at each end, which is used to fasten the second connector to the exhaust pipe and to the second interface portion.

6. The air duct structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air intake assembly includes a vent pipe, an air intake section, and a connecting section. The connecting section is elastic, and its two ends are detachably connected to the air intake section and the vent pipe, respectively. The air intake section is equipped with a fan, and the connecting section is disposed adjacent to the fan.

7. The air duct structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the connecting part and the air duct joint have a corrugated structure, and the connecting part and the air duct joint can extend and retract along their own length.

8. The air duct structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the air intake assembly's ventilation direction, both the connecting portion and the air duct connector are shorter than the length of the ventilation pipe.

9. The air duct structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air duct structure includes a connecting plate, which is fixedly connected to the exhaust pipe and the vent pipe. The exhaust pipe and the vent pipe are configured to be located on the same side of the inner tank of the washing appliance.

10. The air duct structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The vent pipe includes a first air inlet shell and a second air inlet shell detachably covered on the first air inlet shell. The exhaust pipe includes a first air outlet shell and a second air outlet shell detachably covered on the first air outlet shell. The connecting plate is fixedly connected to the first air inlet shell and the first air outlet shell. The connecting plate, the first air inlet shell, and the first air outlet shell are integrally formed structures.

11. A washing appliance, characterized in that, include: The inner liner, having a first through hole and a second through hole; and A heat pump drying system, the heat pump drying system comprising the air duct structure according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the air intake assembly is connected to the first through hole and the exhaust pipe is connected to the second through hole.

12. The washing appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The heat pump drying system includes an evaporator and a condenser, which are spaced apart in the heat exchange shell. Along the flow direction of the heat exchange shell, the evaporator is located upstream of the condenser. The evaporator is used to cool the gas flowing out of the inner liner, and the condenser is used to heat the gas flowing into the inner liner. The heat pump drying system is configured to first cool and dehumidify the gas flowing out of the inner liner by the evaporator, and then heat it by the condenser before returning it to the inner liner.

13. The washing appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The inner liner includes a bottom wall and a side wall connected to the bottom wall. The air duct connector extends along the vertical direction of the inner liner and is disposed adjacent to the connection between the bottom wall and the side wall.

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