Drum-type laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The utility model provides a roller type clothes processing device. Roller type clothes processing device (1) includes shell (10), outer tube (20), inner tube (30) and drying device (40). Outer tube (20) has clothes throw in mouth (21), and the local part of the wall portion of outer tube (20) around clothes throw in mouth (21) is equipped with the connecting port (241) connected with drying device (40), and the connecting port (241) opens to the front of roller type clothes processing device (1). Thus, roller type clothes processing device (1) can realize the miniaturization in the height direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a drum-type garment processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there is a growing demand for drum-type garment handling units with drying functions. These units include washer-dryer combos that combine washing and drying functions, and dryers that only have a drying function. Among them, built-in drum-type garment handling units that can be installed on balconies or other suitable locations are particularly popular. Compared to conventional drum-type garment handling units, built-in drum-type units have higher requirements for miniaturization, especially in the height direction, which will help save installation space.

[0003] Furthermore, in drum-type garment handling units, heat pump systems are increasingly being used to achieve the drying function due to their advantages such as energy saving and gentleness on clothes. In drum-type garment handling units equipped with heat pump systems, the heat pump system is usually located above the outer drum, which further increases the difficulty of miniaturizing the height of the drum-type garment handling unit.

[0004] Furthermore, CN102108623A (Patent Document 1) discloses a drum-type washer-dryer with a heat pump device installed above the outer drum. In this design, an outlet is formed on the upper part of the peripheral wall of the outer drum, through which air inside the outer drum is discharged and enters the heat pump device. However, in Patent Document 1, because the outlet is located on the upper part of the peripheral wall of the outer drum and opens upwards, and the pipe connecting the outlet to the heat pump device extends further upwards from the outlet, the overall height dimension of the drum-type washer-dryer may be relatively large, potentially making it difficult to meet the miniaturization requirements in the height direction for embedded drum-type garment handling devices.

[0005] Therefore, for a drum-type garment processing device with a heat pump unit installed above the outer drum, developing a drum-type garment processing device that can achieve miniaturization in the height direction has become a research topic. Utility Model Content

[0006] Problems to be solved by utility models

[0007] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned situation, and its purpose is to provide a drum-type garment processing device that can achieve miniaturization in the height direction.

[0008] Solution for solving the problem

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a drum-type clothing handling device, comprising: a housing; an outer cylinder supported within the housing; an inner cylinder rotatably mounted within the outer cylinder for storing clothing; and a drying device located above the outer cylinder for drying the clothing in the inner cylinder using heated air. The outer cylinder has a clothing inlet, and a connection port for connecting the drying device is provided in a portion of the wall surrounding the clothing inlet of the outer cylinder, the connection port opening towards the front of the drum-type clothing handling device.

[0010] According to this structure, since the connection port to the drying device is located in a portion of the wall surrounding the clothing inlet (i.e., the front wall) of the outer drum and opens towards the front of the drum-type clothing handling device, the tube for connecting the connection port to the drying device, or the tube of the drying device connected to the connection port, extends forward from the connection port and then upward. Therefore, the height dimension of the portion of the tube located above the outer drum can be reduced, mitigating or even eliminating the increase in height dimension caused by the connection port compared to the case where the connection port is located on the upper part of the peripheral wall of the outer drum and opens upward. Thus, miniaturization in the height direction of the drum-type clothing handling device is possible.

[0011] Preferably, the connection port is shaped to extend circumferentially along the garment insertion port.

[0012] According to this structure, since the connection port is shaped to extend circumferentially along the clothing inlet, the opening area of ​​the connection port can be increased while making reasonable use of the narrow space of the annular wall of the outer drum surrounding the clothing inlet. This increases the airflow through the connection port and improves drying efficiency.

[0013] Preferably, the connection port is offset to one side in the left-right direction relative to the rotation axis of the inner cylinder.

[0014] According to this structure, by offsetting the connection port to one side in the left-right direction relative to the rotation axis of the inner cylinder, the vertical position of the connection port can be reduced, further reducing the height dimension of the portion of the tube connected to the connection port located above the outer cylinder. This allows for effective utilization of the space on the front and top of the outer cylinder while ensuring the overall miniaturization of the device.

[0015] Preferably, the connection port is an air intake port connected to the air inlet of the drying device.

[0016] According to this structure, the height dimension of the portion of the pipe connected to the connection port above the outer cylinder on the air inlet side of the drying device is reduced. As a result, the space above the outer cylinder on the air inlet side of the drying device can be increased, which facilitates the installation of various components on the air inlet side of the drying device.

[0017] Preferably, the drying apparatus has an air inlet member with the air inlet provided, and at least a portion of the air inlet member is made of an elastomer.

[0018] According to this structure, the air inlet of the air inlet, which is at least partially made of an elastomer, is connected to the connection port, thereby enabling the air inlet to undergo appropriate elastic deformation when connected to the connection port, which improves the ease of operation when connected to the connection port.

[0019] Preferably, the air intake is connected to the air intake in such a way that it guides the air flowing forward from the air intake upward.

[0020] According to this structure, by using an air intake element made at least partially of an elastomer to guide the air flowing forward from the air intake to the upward, the air flowing forward from the air intake can be smoothly flowed upward without the need for an additional airflow direction conversion mechanism. This enables smooth airflow at low cost and is beneficial for improving drying efficiency.

[0021] Preferably, the air inlet has a bellows section, and the pleats of the bellows section are arranged obliquely along the circumference of the garment inlet.

[0022] According to this structure, by having a bellows section in the air inlet, vibrations of the outer drum can be prevented from being transmitted to the drying unit via the air inlet. Furthermore, since the pleats of the bellows section are inclined circumferentially along the garment inlet, the space at the front of the outer drum can be effectively utilized, preventing interference between the bellows section and the outer drum during expansion and contraction, and allowing for smooth connection between the air inlet and the connection port through the expansion and contraction of the bellows section.

[0023] Preferably, the air intake component is fixedly connected to the air inlet of the outer cylinder by a fixing member. The fixing member has a cylindrical main body and a flange extending radially outward from one end of the main body. The air inlet of the air intake component is elastically sleeved on the main body. The flange and the air inlet edge of the outer cylinder located around the air inlet clamp the air inlet edge of the air intake component located around the air inlet. A through hole is formed in the flange so that the fastening member passes through the through hole and is fastened to the wall of the outer cylinder.

[0024] According to this structure, the edge of the air inlet of the air inlet component is clamped by the fixing component and the edge of the air inlet of the outer cylinder. On this basis, the fixing component is fastened to the wall of the outer cylinder by the fastening component. In this way, the air inlet of the air inlet component can be reliably and firmly connected to the air inlet of the outer cylinder, and the air inlet component is prevented from falling off the air inlet of the outer cylinder.

[0025] Preferably, the drying apparatus has an evaporator and a condenser, the condenser being a microchannel condenser, and / or the evaporator being a microchannel evaporator, the evaporator and the condenser being arranged along the rotation direction of the inner cylinder and in a generally inverted V-shaped configuration.

[0026] According to this structure, the condenser adopts a microchannel condenser, and / or the evaporator adopts a microchannel evaporator. Compared with traditional heat exchangers, the microchannel evaporator and microchannel condenser are smaller in size while maintaining the same heat exchange efficiency, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the drum-type garment handling device. In addition, since the evaporator and condenser are arranged along the rotation direction of the inner drum and in a roughly inverted V-shape, the space above the outer drum can be fully utilized to maximize the heat exchange area of ​​the evaporator and condenser. This allows for improved drying efficiency and shorter drying time while ensuring miniaturization in the height direction of the drum-type garment handling device.

[0027] Preferably, the drum-type garment handling device also has a filter device for filtering foreign objects in the airflow within the air duct of the drying device, the filter device being able to be pulled out toward the front of the drum-type garment handling device.

[0028] This structure allows for the filtration of foreign objects in the airflow within the air duct, preventing or reducing the adhesion of lint and other debris to components within the drying unit, thus improving drying efficiency. Furthermore, since the filter can be pulled forward of the drum-type garment processor, it can be installed and removed from the front of the unit, eliminating the need for overhead space above the unit. This contributes to saving installation space.

[0029] Effects of the utility model

[0030] According to this utility model, a drum-type garment processing device that can achieve miniaturization in the height direction can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the present invention together with the specification and serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the drum-type garment handling unit with the door assembly open, viewed from the side front.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the drum-type garment processing device after the outer casing has been removed, viewed from the side and rear.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view obtained by observing from the side front, after removing the outer shell of the drum-type garment handling device and the upper shell of the drying device, showing the inner drum, outer drum, and drying device.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a top view of the drum-type garment handling unit after the top panel of the outer casing has been removed.

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a drum-type garment processing device.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a right view of the drying unit of a drum-type garment processing device.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the upper housing of the air duct shell of the drying unit in a drum-type garment processing device.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a 3D view of the drying unit of a drum-type garment processing device after the upper casing of the air duct housing has been removed.

[0040] Figure 9 It is a drying unit of a drum-type garment handling device and Figure 5 The corresponding sectional view.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a 3D view of the drying unit in a drum-type garment processing device.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the drum-type garment processing unit after removing the outer casing and door assembly, viewed from the front and above.

[0043] Figure 12 From Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the filter device and foreign object receiving components obtained from observing the filter device from a certain perspective.

[0044] Figure 13 This is a partial sectional view obtained by cutting through the part of a drum-type garment processing device, including the filter device.

[0045] Figure 14 It means Figure 2A partial perspective view of the portion including the outer cylinder 20 and the drying device 40, wherein the second pipe of the air outlet has been removed.

[0046] Figure 15 This is a partial side view of the drum-type garment handling device, including the second pipe with the air outlet, viewed from the left.

[0047] Figure 16 From Figure 15 Side view of the auxiliary heating device after the second pipe of the venting unit has been removed.

[0048] Figure 17 This is a 3D view of the second pipe of the air outlet.

[0049] Figure 18 The cross-sectional view is obtained by cutting the second pipe with a plane including the central axis of the air inlet of the second pipe containing the air outlet.

[0050] Figure 19 This is a three-dimensional view obtained from the side front, showing the inner drum, outer drum, and drying unit after removing the outer shell of the drum-type garment handling device and the air intake of the drying unit.

[0051] Figure 20 This is a front view of a portion of the drum-type garment handling unit after the outer casing and door assembly have been removed.

[0052] Figure 21 It is along Figure 20 The enlarged sectional view obtained by cutting along the BB line.

[0053] Figure 22 This is a rear view showing the installation status of the fasteners from behind.

[0054] Figure 23 In the context of Figure 22 The cross-sectional view is obtained by cutting around the connection port of the outer cylinder at the position corresponding to the CC line.

[0055] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0056] 1: Drum-type garment handling device; 10: Outer shell; 11: Right wall panel; 12: Front wall panel; 120: Annular surface; 13: Front panel assembly; 14: Upper space; 15: Door assembly; 16: Top wall panel; 20: Outer drum; 201: Air outlet; 202: Reinforcing rib; 203: Recess; 204: Edge of air intake; 20U: Highest part; 21: Garment inlet; 22: Vibration damper; 23: Front wall; 24: Outer cylinder fittings; 241: Connection port (air intake); 30: Inner cylinder; 40: Drying device; 50: Air duct housing; 51: Air inlet; 511: Corrugated pipe section; 512: Air inlet edge; 52: Air outlet; 521: First pipe; 5211: Corrugated pipe section; 522: Second pipe; 523: Air inlet; 524: Air outlet; 53: Housing body; 55: Inlet 56: Air outlet; 57: Upper casing; 571: Baffle plate; 58: Lower casing; 581: Bottom wall; 582: Peripheral wall; 583: Compressor housing; 584: Condensate drain; 585: External air inlet; 586: On / off valve; 588: Air outlet; 60: Evaporator; 61: Windward side; 62: Air outlet; 63: Upper end; 64: Lower end; 70: Condenser; 71: Windward side; 72: Air outlet side; 73: Upper end; 74: Lower end; 80: Fan; 85: Compressor; 90: Filter device; 91: Foreign object receiving component; A: Auxiliary heating device; F: Fixing component; F1: Main body; F2: Flange; H: Filter device pull-out port; O: Central axis; X: Rotation axis; S1: First airflow area; S2: Second airflow area; S3: Third airflow area. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Next, specific embodiments of this application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] As a drum-type garment processing device of this utility model, a washer-dryer combo that combines washing and drying functions will be used as an example for the following description. Those skilled in the art will understand that the drum-type garment processing device of this utility model can also be a dryer with only a drying function.

[0059] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the drum-type garment handling device 1 includes: a housing 10; an outer drum 20 supported within the housing 10; an inner drum 30 rotatably mounted within the outer drum 20 for storing garments; and a drying device 40 that uses heated air to dry the garments inside the drum-type garment handling device 1 (i.e., inside the inner drum 30). Furthermore, for ease of explanation, as... Figure 1 The front-back, left-right, and up-down directions are defined as shown, and these directions will be used in subsequent attached figures.

[0060] like Figure 1As shown, the outer casing 10 forms a generally rectangular parallelepiped outline of the drum-type garment handling device 1, including a left wall panel (not shown), a right wall panel 11, a front wall panel 12, a rear wall panel (not shown), and a top wall panel 16 formed of sheet metal, resin, or other materials. To facilitate observation of the internal structure of the outer casing 10, some or all of the wall panels constituting the outer casing 10 are appropriately omitted in the various figures. The front wall panel 12, together with other panel members located on the front surface side of the drum-type garment handling device 1, constitutes the front panel assembly 13. In other words, the outer casing 10 includes the front panel assembly 13 located on the front surface side of the drum-type garment handling device 1, and the front panel assembly 13 constitutes the front panel of the drum-type garment handling device 1. At the upper part of the front panel assembly 13 (in... Figure 1 The detergent dispenser has a pull-out opening on the upper left side.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the outer tube 20 is a bottomed cylinder with a clothing inlet 21 at one end. The outer tube 20 is installed inside the outer casing 10 with the clothing inlet 21 facing forward, and is elastically supported by a lower shock absorber 22 and an upper suspension spring (not shown) to prevent vibrations of the outer tube 20 from being transmitted to the outer casing 10. Additionally, as... Figure 1 As shown, a door assembly 15 for opening and closing the garment inlet 21 is installed on the front panel assembly 13. When the door assembly 15 is closed, a portion of the front panel assembly 13 is covered by the door assembly 15.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the inner drum 30 is a bottomed cylinder with one open end, used for storing clothes. The inner drum 30 is installed inside the outer drum 20 with its opening facing the clothes inlet 21 of the outer drum 20. Numerous fine holes can be formed on the outer peripheral wall and bottom wall of the inner drum 30, allowing washing water and heated air generated by the drying unit 40 to flow between the outer drum 20 and the inner drum 30. Furthermore, the inner drum 30 is driven by a motor (not shown) and can rotate about a horizontally extending axis of rotation X. The direction of rotation of the inner drum 30 can be from... Figure 3 The rotation direction when viewed from the front can be clockwise or counterclockwise, or it can switch between clockwise and counterclockwise directions continuously. In addition, the rotation axis X of the inner tube 30 can also be tilted upwards towards the clothing inlet 21.

[0063] like Figure 5As shown, an integrally constructed drying device 40 is disposed in the upper space 14 located above the outer cylinder 20 within the outer casing 10. This drying device 40 uses heated air to dry the clothes inside the inner cylinder 30. The upper space 14 refers to the space in the vertical direction sandwiched between the top wall plate 16 and the arc-shaped outer peripheral surface of the upper side of the outer cylinder 20. It includes not only the space above the highest part 20U of the outer cylinder 20, but also the spaces on the left and right sides of the highest part 20U and slightly below the highest part 20U.

[0064] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the drying device 40 includes: an air duct housing 50 having an air inlet 55 and an air outlet 56, the air inlet 55 being located on the front or upper side of the outer drum 20, and the air outlet 56 being located on the rear side of the outer drum 30; the air inlet 55 and the air outlet 56 being connected to the inner cavity of the drum-type clothes handling device 1 (i.e., the inner cavity of the inner drum 30); an evaporator 60 disposed within the air duct housing 50 for dehumidifying the air flowing within the air duct housing 50 drawn from the inner drum 30; and a condenser 70. The air duct housing 50 is positioned downstream of the evaporator 60 in the airflow direction to heat the air passing through the evaporator 60. A fan 80, also positioned downstream of the condenser 70 in the airflow direction, circulates air, drawing air from the inner cylinder 30 into the air duct housing 50 via the air inlet 55 and drawing air that has passed through the evaporator 60 and condenser 70 into the inner cylinder 30 via the air outlet 56. Furthermore, the drying device 40 includes a compressor 85 for compressing the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator 60 and condenser 70.

[0065] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the air duct housing 50 includes: an air intake 51 extending generally vertically, having an air inlet 55 at its lower end; at least a portion of the air intake 51 is made of an elastomer such as rubber, for example... Figure 3 As shown, the lower end of the air inlet 51 is connected to the outer cylinder 20 via the outer cylinder fitting 24 (described later), and communicates with the inner cavity of the inner cylinder 30 through a small hole in the wall of the inner cylinder 30; the air outlet 52 has an air outlet 56 at its lower end, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the lower end of the air outlet 52 is connected to the outer cylinder 20 via the rear side wall (i.e., the bottom wall) of the outer cylinder 20, and communicates with the inner cavity of the inner cylinder 30 via an air inlet (not shown) provided on the bottom wall of the outer cylinder 20. Air flowing out from the air outlet 56 flows into the outer cylinder 20 through this air inlet; and the housing body 53 is connected between the air inlet 51 and the air outlet 52. Additionally, as... Figure 6As shown, the air intake 51 includes a retractable bellows section 511, thereby preventing vibrations of the outer cylinder 20 from being transmitted to the housing body 53 via the air intake 51. Figure 2 As shown, the air outlet 52 includes a first pipe 521 with a retractable bellows section 5211 connected to the housing body 53 and a second pipe 522 connected to the first pipe 521, thereby preventing the vibration of the outer cylinder 20 from being transmitted to the housing body 53 via the air outlet 52.

[0066] like Figure 19 As shown, a connection port 241 for connection with the drying device 40 is provided in a portion of the wall surrounding the clothes inlet 21 of the outer drum 20. Specifically, the clothes inlet 21 is formed in an annular front wall portion 23 extending radially inward from the outer peripheral wall of the outer drum 20, and the connection port 241 is provided in a portion of this front wall portion 23. The connection port 241 opens towards the front of the drum-type clothes handling device 1, and preferably, the connection port 241 is offset to one side in the left-right direction relative to the rotation axis X of the inner drum 30. Figure 19 In the outer drum 20, a hollow outer drum fitting 24 protruding forward is integrally formed on the front wall portion 23. The front opening of the outer drum fitting 24 forms a connection port 241, and the hollow portion of the outer drum fitting 24 communicates with the connection port 241. The connection port 241 is connected to the air inlet 55 of the air inlet 51 and communicates with the inner cavity of the outer drum 20; that is, the connection port 241 is an air intake connected to the air inlet 55 of the drying device 40. The connection port 241 is shaped to extend circumferentially along the clothing inlet 21. It should be noted that the outer drum fitting 24 is not a necessary component and may not be provided. In this case, the connection port 241 can be directly provided in a portion of the wall of the outer drum 20 surrounding the clothing inlet 21. Therefore, the statement "a connection port 241 for connecting to the drying device 40 is provided in a part of the wall of the outer drum 20 surrounding the clothing inlet 21" includes both cases where the connection port 241 is provided directly in a part of the wall of the outer drum 20 surrounding the clothing inlet 21, and cases where the connection port 241 is provided in a part of the wall of the outer drum 20 surrounding the clothing inlet 21 by means of other structures such as the outer drum fitting 24.

[0067] like Figure 3 , Figure 19 , Figure 20 As shown, the air inlet 51 is connected to the connection port 241 in such a way that it guides the air flowing forward from the connection port 241, which serves as a suction port, upward. The pleats of the bellows portion 511 of the air inlet 51 are arranged obliquely along the circumference of the clothing inlet 21.

[0068] The air intake component 51 is fixedly connected to the connection port 241 of the outer cylinder 20, i.e., the air intake port, via the fixing member F. When the outer cylinder 20 is integrally equipped with the outer cylinder accessory 24, the air intake component 51 is fixedly connected to the front opening of the outer cylinder accessory 24 via the fixing member F, thereby achieving a fixed connection with the connection port 241 (in this case, the front opening of the outer cylinder accessory 24 can be regarded as the connection port, i.e., the air intake port, on the outer cylinder 20). Specifically, as follows... Figures 21-23 As shown, the fixing member F has a cylindrical main body F1 and a flange F2 extending radially outward from one end of the main body F1. The air inlet 55 of the air inlet member 51 is elastically fitted onto the main body F1. The flange F2 and the air inlet edge 204 of the outer cylinder 20, located around the air inlet (i.e., the front opening of the outer cylinder fitting 24), clamp the air inlet edge 512 of the air inlet member 51 located around the air inlet 55. A through hole is formed in the flange F2 (see reference). Figure 22 The screw or bolt (not shown) is passed through the through hole and fastened to the wall of the outer cylinder 20. There is no limit to the number and location of the through holes, as long as the air inlet 51 can be firmly fixed to the air inlet of the outer cylinder 20.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, the first tube 521 and the second tube 522 are independent of each other. The first tube 521 is connected to the main body 53 of the housing, and one end of the second tube 522 is connected to the first tube 521. Figure 14 As shown, an air outlet 201 is provided on the rear side wall of the outer cylinder 20, and the other end of the second pipe 522 is connected to the air outlet 201. That is, the second pipe 522 connects the first pipe 521 to the air outlet 201. Thus, the housing body 53 and the air outlet 201 are connected by the air outlet 52, and the air flowing out from the air outlet 56 of the air outlet 52 flows into the outer cylinder 20 through the air outlet 201. Figure 15 As shown, the second pipe 522 extends in a roughly L-shape when viewed from the side. Furthermore, the shape of the second pipe 522 is not limited and can be appropriately modified as long as the first pipe 521 can be connected to the air outlet 201.

[0070] like Figures 6 to 8As shown, the housing body 53 has an upper housing 57 and a lower housing 58. The lower housing 58 is generally cup-shaped with an upward opening, and has a bottom wall portion 581 and a peripheral wall portion 582. An air inlet 51 is connected near the front end of the bottom wall portion 581, and an air outlet 52 is connected to the rear peripheral wall portion 582. The upper housing 57 is generally plate-shaped and is fixed to the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 582 of the lower housing 58 by screws or the like. An evaporator 60, a condenser 70, and a fan 80 are arranged within the internal space of the housing body 53, which is surrounded by the upper housing 57 and the lower housing 58. In addition, a compressor housing portion 583 is continuously provided forward on the front peripheral wall portion 582. This compressor housing portion 583 is generally cylindrical with an upward opening. The compressor 85 is disposed outside the internal space of the housing body 53 by being installed in the compressor housing portion 583. Thus, the evaporator 60, condenser 70, fan 80 and compressor 85 are arranged in an integral manner within the upper space 14 using the housing body 53.

[0071] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the evaporator 60 is a generally plate-shaped microchannel evaporator, with a pair of opposing plate surfaces forming the air-facing surface 61 and the air-discharging surface 62, respectively. Air flows through the evaporator 60 from top to bottom. The evaporator 60 cools the highly humid air flowing through it by absorbing heat from the refrigerant flowing inside, causing water vapor in the air to condense on the surface of the evaporator 60 as condensate, thus obtaining dry air. Figure 5 As shown, within the upper space 14, the evaporator 60 is arranged with its windward side 61 on the upper side and its air outlet side 62 on the lower side, both inclined relative to the horizontal line in the left-right direction. The height of the right end is higher than that of the left end, meaning the right end is the upper end 63 and the left end is the lower end 64. Thus, humid air drawn from the inner cylinder 30 enters the evaporator 60 from the upper windward side 61. Water vapor in the air condenses on the surface of the evaporator 60 as condensate. This condensate separates from the surface of the evaporator 60 under the combined action of its own gravity and the downward flow of air, facilitating the discharge of condensate. Furthermore, the evaporator 60 is located directly above the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30. Here, "the evaporator 60 is located directly above the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30" means that the orthographic projection of the evaporator 60 on the horizontal plane intersects with the orthographic projection of the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30 on the horizontal plane at more than one point.

[0072] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the condenser 70 is a generally plate-shaped microchannel condenser, with a pair of opposing plate surfaces forming the air-facing surface 71 and the air-discharging surface 72, respectively. Air passes through the condenser 70 from bottom to top. The condenser 70 heats the dry air flowing through it by releasing heat from the refrigerant flowing inside, thereby obtaining high-temperature and dry air. Figure 5 As shown, within the upper space 14, the condenser 70 is arranged with the windward side 71 on the lower side and the air outlet side 72 on the upper side, and the windward side 71 and the air outlet side 72 are inclined relative to the horizontal line in the left and right directions. The height of the left end is higher than the height of the right end, that is, the left end becomes the upper end 73 and the right end becomes the lower end 74.

[0073] It should be noted that the evaporator 60 only needs to be able to dehumidify the air and is not limited to a microchannel structure. For example, the evaporator 60 can also be a copper tube fin structure. The condenser 70 only needs to be able to heat the air and is also not limited to a microchannel structure. Compared with traditional heat exchangers, microchannel evaporators and microchannel condensers are smaller in size while maintaining the same heat exchange efficiency, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the drum-type clothes handling device. Therefore, considering both high heat exchange efficiency and device miniaturization, it is preferable that at least one of the evaporator 60 and condenser 70 is a microchannel structure, especially the condenser 70 for heating the air is preferably a microchannel structure.

[0074] like Figure 5As shown, within the upper space 14, the condenser 70 is located to the right of the evaporator 60. The evaporator 60 and condenser 70 are arranged in a left-right direction; in other words, they are arranged along the rotational direction of the inner cylinder 30 about its rotation axis X. Specifically, the upper ends 63 of the evaporator 60 and 70 are close to each other, and the lower end 64 of the evaporator 60 extends downwards at one side (left) of the rotational direction of the inner cylinder 30, while the lower end 74 of the condenser 70 extends downwards at the other side (right) of the rotational direction of the inner cylinder 30. Viewed along the rotational axis X (front-back direction) of the inner cylinder 30, the evaporator 60 and condenser 70 are arranged in an inverted V-shape. Furthermore, the height of the lower end 64 of the evaporator 60 is higher than the height of the lower end 74 of the condenser 70, thus extending the condenser 70 downwards further and making the condenser 70 larger. Furthermore, a V-shaped baffle 571 is provided on the surface of the upper housing 57 in a downwardly recessed manner. This baffle 571 is located between the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70, and abuts against the upper end 63 of the evaporator 60 and the upper end 73 of the condenser 70, respectively. By arranging the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70 along the rotation direction of the inner cylinder 30 and in a roughly inverted V-shape, the space above the outer cylinder 20 can be fully utilized, and the heat exchange area of ​​the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70 can be maximized. This allows for miniaturization in the height direction of the drum-type garment handling device while improving drying efficiency and shortening drying time.

[0075] The phrase "evaporator 60 and condenser 70 are arranged along the rotation direction of inner cylinder 30" means that, when viewed along the rotation axis X of inner cylinder 30, the position of evaporator 60 in the rotation direction of inner cylinder 30 differs from the position of condenser 70. A typical example is that the orthographic projection of evaporator 60 onto a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-back direction and the orthographic projection of condenser 70 onto a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-back direction do not intersect.

[0076] like Figure 8As shown, the fan 80 is disposed behind the condenser 70 within the housing body 53 of the air duct housing 50, and is located at the point where the housing body 53 connects to the air outlet 52. In other words, the condenser 70 and the fan 80 are arranged along the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30 (i.e., the front-to-back direction). Furthermore, in the airflow direction within the air duct housing 50, the fan 80 is located downstream of the condenser 70. Thus, by sequentially arranging the evaporator 60, condenser 70, and fan 80 from the upstream side in the airflow direction, and by placing the filter device 90 upstream of the evaporator 60 in the airflow direction, the structure described later, where the filter device 90 is located upstream of the evaporator 60, condenser 70, and fan 80 in the airflow direction, can be achieved. This also facilitates the installation and removal of the filter device 90 relative to the filter device pull-out port H provided on the front panel assembly 13.

[0077] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the fan 80 is located on the right side of the rotation axis X relative to the inner cylinder 30 in the left-right direction, and the air outlet 56 of the air outlet 52 is located on the left side of the rotation axis X relative to the inner cylinder 30 in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the fan 80 can be located on the left side of the rotation axis X relative to the inner cylinder 30 in the left-right direction, and the air outlet 56 of the air outlet 52 can be located on the right side of the rotation axis X relative to the inner cylinder 30 in the left-right direction. In other words, it is sufficient as long as the fan 80 and the air outlet 56 are located on opposite sides of the rotation axis X relative to the inner cylinder 30 in the left-right direction. This ensures that there is a large enough space for the air supply duct (i.e., the air outlet 52) ​​located between the fan 80 and the air outlet 56 of the air duct housing 50, avoiding increased air loss in the air outlet 52 due to multiple bends in a small space, thus reducing air loss and allowing for smoother airflow from the fan 80.

[0078] Furthermore, the fan 80 is configured such that its rotating shaft extends approximately perpendicular to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 20. By operating the fan 80, low-temperature, high-humidity air from the inner cylinder 30 is drawn from the front side of the inner cylinder 30 into the housing body 53 via the air inlet 51; the low-temperature, high-humidity air drawn into the housing body 53 passes through the evaporator 60 from the upper windward side 61, and the water vapor in the air condenses on the surface of the evaporator 60 as condensate due to the heat absorption of the refrigerant in the evaporator 60, thus obtaining low-temperature, dry air; the low-temperature, dry air exiting from the air outlet side 62 of the evaporator 60 passes through the lower windward side 71. The air is heated by the refrigerant in the condenser 70, resulting in high-temperature dry air. The high-temperature dry air exiting from the air outlet 72 of the condenser 70 enters the inner cylinder 30 from the rear side through the air outlet 52. The high-temperature dry air comes into contact with the damp clothes in the inner cylinder 30, evaporating the moisture contained in the clothes into water vapor and carrying it away, thus becoming low-temperature, high-humidity air. The low-temperature, high-humidity air is then drawn back into the shell body 53 from the front side of the inner cylinder 30 through the air inlet 51.

[0079] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the airflow within the airflow housing 50 is divided into: a first airflow region S1, which is the region from the air inlet 55 of the air inlet 51 to the windward surface 61 of the evaporator 60 within the housing body 53, in other words, the region located upstream of the evaporator 60 in the airflow direction; a second airflow region S2, which is the region within the housing body 53 located between the air outlet surface 62 of the evaporator 60 and the windward surface 71 of the condenser 70, in other words, the region located below the evaporator 60 and the condenser 70; and a third airflow region S3, which is the region from the air outlet surface 72 of the condenser 70 to the air outlet 56 of the air outlet 52, in other words, the region located downstream of the condenser 70 in the airflow direction.

[0080] like Figure 8 As shown, the first airflow area S1 is formed such that the air flowing in from the air inlet 55 under the negative pressure when the fan 80 is working flows from bottom to top, and then flows from right to left, so as to flow from the front of the evaporator 60 toward the windward side 61 of the evaporator 60.

[0081] like Figure 9 As shown, the bottom wall portion 581 of the air duct housing 50 defining the second air duct region S2 extends in an arc shape along the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 20, and a condensate drain outlet 584 is provided on the bottom wall portion 581 of the air duct housing 50 defining the second air duct region S2 (see reference). Figure 8Specifically, a condensate drain outlet 584 is provided near the portion of the bottom wall 581 located below the condenser 70. This condensate drain outlet 584 is used to drain the condensate that forms on the surface of the evaporator 60. The condensate is connected via a hose (not shown) to a drainage structure for draining washing water from the outer cylinder 20. Thus, the condensate flows along the curvature of the bottom wall 581 to the condensate drain outlet 584. Since the condensate drain outlet 584 is located above the inner cylinder 30, the condensate can flow directly to the drain pipe for draining washing water from the outer cylinder 20 by gravity. This design is simple and low-cost. Furthermore, the flow direction of the condensate is consistent with the flow direction of the air passing through the evaporator 60, which further facilitates the drainage of condensate.

[0082] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the compressor 85 is located within the upper space 14, positioned in front of the condenser 70 within the compressor housing 583, and near the upper side of the air inlet 51. This shortens the length of the connecting pipes between the compressor 85 and the evaporator 60 and condenser 70. Furthermore, during manufacturing, after the outer drum 20 and inner drum 30 are installed, the drying unit 40, including the evaporator 60, condenser 70, fan 80, and compressor 85, can be integrally installed within the upper space 14, significantly improving assembly convenience compared to the case where the compressor 85 is located below the outer drum 20. Additionally, in the direction of the rotation axis X of the inner drum 30, the compressor 85 is positioned closer to the clothes inlet 21 (front side) than the condenser 70, and the fan 80 is positioned opposite the condenser 70 (rear side) of the compressor 85.

[0083] like Figure 3 As shown, an external air inlet 585 is formed in the compressor housing 583. Furthermore, the compressor housing 583 communicates with the internal space of the housing body 53 (specifically, the third airflow region S3) via a channel not shown. The external airflow introduced from the external air inlet 585 passes through the outer peripheral surface of the compressor 85 and merges with the air flowing through the condenser 70 downstream of the condenser 70 (i.e., within the third airflow region S3), flowing towards the outlet 56. The external air inlet 585 is located in the negative pressure region of the airflow housing 50 generated when the fan 80 is operating. Preferably, the external air inlet 585 is located on the side (front side) of the compressor housing 583 opposite to the side (rear side) where the condenser 70 is located. The external air inlet 585 can be located on the side or bottom of the compressor housing 583. The opening shape of the external air inlet 585 can be circular or polygonal, and the ratio of the opening area of ​​the external air inlet 585 to the opening area of ​​the air inlet 55 is preferably 5% to 30%.

[0084] like Figure 10As shown, an on / off valve 586, controlled by a control unit, can also be connected to the external air inlet 585, allowing the external air inlet 585 to be opened and closed. Figure 11 As shown, an air outlet 588 may also be provided on the outer drum 20 to discharge air from inside the outer drum 20 to the outside. The air outlet 588 is located in the upper part of the outer drum 20 and can be connected to the space inside the detergent dispenser of the drum-type clothes handling device 1 via a pipe (not shown), thereby discharging air from inside the outer drum 20 to the outside. Alternatively, an on / off valve (not shown) controlled by a control unit may be connected to the air outlet 588, allowing the air outlet 588 to be opened and closed. Alternatively, the drain outlet (not shown) provided on the outer drum 20 for discharging washing water from inside the outer drum 20 may also be used as the air outlet 588. Since the drain outlet is connected to the outside of the drum-type clothes handling device 1 and no longer drains water when the drying device 40 is operating, the drain outlet can function as the air outlet 588 when the drying device 40 is operating. At this time, the air outlet 588 can be opened and closed using the opening and closing valve of the drain pipe provided for draining the washing water in the outer drum 20.

[0085] By operating the compressor 85, the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Then, the refrigerant is sent into the condenser 70, where it releases heat and becomes a low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. Next, the refrigerant passes through a throttling device and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. Then, the refrigerant enters the evaporator 60, where it absorbs heat and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Finally, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 85 and is compressed again.

[0086] like Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, the drum-type garment handling device 1 also includes a filter device 90 for filtering foreign objects such as lint from the air flowing within the airflow path of the drying unit. The filter device 90 is located upstream of the evaporator 60, condenser 70, and fan 80 in the airflow direction; more specifically, it is located between the air inlet 55 and the evaporator 60. Thus, the air is filtered by the filter device 90 before passing through the evaporator 60, condenser 70, and fan 80, preventing foreign objects such as lint from adhering to these components and reducing drying efficiency. Therefore, this helps improve the drying efficiency of the drum-type garment handling device.

[0087] like Figure 1As shown, a filter device pull-out port H is provided on the front panel assembly 13, and the filter device 90 can be installed and removed relative to the filter device pull-out port H. That is, the filter device 90 can be pulled towards the front of the drum-type garment handling device 1. Therefore, the filter device 90 can be installed and removed from the space in front of the front panel assembly 13, eliminating the need to reserve operating space above the drum-type garment handling device for installing and removing the filter device 90. This helps save installation space. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the filter device 90 is tilted relative to the filter device pull-out port H, with its front end close to the rotation axis X of the inner drum 30 and its rear end away from the rotation axis X of the inner drum 30. Therefore, compared to a structure where the filter device 90 is installed and removed relative to the filter device pull-out port H parallel to the rotation axis X of the inner drum 30, this arrangement increases the filtration area of ​​the filter device 90, thereby improving its filtration capacity. Furthermore, it makes it easier to position the filter device pull-out port H on the annular surface 120 of the front panel assembly 13 (described later). Moreover, the filter device pull-out port H is located on the front panel assembly 13 and is covered by the door assembly 15 when the door assembly 15 is closed. Thus, when the door assembly 15 is closed during operation of the drum-type garment handling device, the user cannot see the filter device pull-out port H or the filter device 90, improving the overall appearance of the drum-type garment handling device.

[0088] In addition, Figure 3In the structure shown, the front panel assembly 13 has an annular surface 120 formed by drawing the garment inlet 21 from the front surface to the rear. The filter device pull-out port H is disposed on the annular surface 120, and the annular surface 120 is covered by the door assembly 15 when the door assembly 15 is closed. Thus, the filter device pull-out port H can be effectively disposed using the annular surface 120 formed by drawing the front panel assembly 13, and the filter device 90 can be easily inserted into the air passage housing 50 for airflow through the filter device pull-out port H disposed on the annular surface 120. Preferably, the filter device pull-out port H is located directly above the rotation axis X of the inner drum 30. At this time, the air inlet 55 is offset to the right or left relative to the rotation axis X of the inner drum 30, and the filter device 90 is located between the air inlet 55 and the evaporator 60 in the airflow direction. Since the filter pull-out port H is located directly above the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30, it has a good appearance and facilitates the user's installation and removal of the filter 90 relative to the filter pull-out port H. Furthermore, by offsetting the air inlet 55 to one side in the left-right direction relative to the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30, the space on the front and top of the outer cylinder 20 can be effectively utilized while ensuring miniaturization. In addition, since the filter 90 is located between the air inlet 55 and the evaporator 60 in the airflow direction, the air from the air inlet 55 is filtered by the filter 90 before flowing into the evaporator 60, preventing foreign matter such as lint from adhering to other components besides the filter 90. Preferably, with the evaporator 60 located directly above the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30, the filter 90 is located directly in front of the evaporator 60, thus allowing the filter 90 to be positioned at a height convenient for the user to install and remove, facilitating the installation and removal of the filter 90.

[0089] like Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, a foreign object receiving component 91 is provided at the rear of the filter device 90. This component can receive foreign objects such as lint that fall from the filter device 90 when it is pulled out. This facilitates the collection and centralized cleaning of foreign objects, preventing them from scattering inside the air duct housing 50 and adhering to the evaporator 60, condenser 70, fan 80, etc., during the operation of the drying device 40. Preferably, the foreign object receiving component 91 is a filter element capable of filtering air and is arranged approximately parallel to the filter device 90. The foreign object receiving component 91 can be fixed inside the air duct housing 50 or detachably installed inside it. Thus, the foreign object receiving component 91, as a filter element, can filter and collect foreign objects falling from the filter device 90, and it allows airflow, thereby reducing resistance to airflow and ensuring smooth airflow. Furthermore, since the foreign object receiving component 91 is arranged approximately parallel to the filter device 90, foreign objects can be collected more reliably, and the space required to install the foreign object receiving component 91 can be saved, which is beneficial for miniaturization.

[0090] like Figures 14-18 As shown, the drum-type garment handling device 1 also includes an auxiliary heating device A for heating the air flowing out from the main body 53 of the air passage housing 50. The auxiliary heating device A is located between the fan 80 and the air outlet 201 in the airflow direction. Specifically, the auxiliary heating device A is disposed within the second pipe 522 of the air outlet 52. The second pipe 522 has an upward-facing air inlet 523 and a forward-facing air outlet 524 (i.e., air outlet 56). The air inlet 523 is generally circular and communicates with the first pipe 521. The air outlet 524 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the air outlet 201 provided on the rear side wall of the outer drum 20 and communicates with the air outlet 201. Furthermore, the shape of the air inlet 523 is not limited to a circle; other shapes such as polygons can be used as needed. The auxiliary heating device A extends meanderingly within the second pipe 522 in the direction from the air inlet 523 towards the air outlet 524.

[0091] like Figure 14 As shown, a rearwardly protruding reinforcing rib 202 is provided on the outer surface of the rear sidewall of the outer cylinder 20. The reinforcing rib 202 is used to improve the strength of the rear sidewall. A recess 203 is provided in the reinforcing rib 202 by means of removing a portion of the reinforcing rib 202. A portion of the second tube 522 is provided in the recess 203.

[0092] like Figures 16-18As shown, the longitudinal section of auxiliary heating device A is approximately parallel to the central axis O of the air inlet 523 of the second pipe 522, and the longitudinal section of auxiliary heating device A is approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30. Alternatively, the longitudinal section of auxiliary heating device A may be inclined at an angle of 90 to 180 degrees to the axially outward side of the inner cylinder 30 relative to the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 30. It should be noted that the longitudinal section of auxiliary heating device A refers to the section obtained by cutting auxiliary heating device A using a plane parallel to the front-back direction (i.e., a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction) including the central axis O of the air inlet 523.

[0093] The drum-type garment processing device 1 of this embodiment operates as follows: Garments are placed into the inner drum 30 through the garment inlet 21 and washed like a conventional washing machine. When drying is required, the fan 80 and compressor 85 are activated. High-temperature, dry air, filtered by the filter device 90, is generated by the evaporator 60 and condenser 70 to dry the garments in the inner drum 30. During this process, at appropriate stages (e.g., the initial operation of the drying device 40), the air is assisted by the auxiliary heating device A, thereby shortening the time required for the air to reach a high temperature at the beginning of drying. Furthermore, after the compressor 85 has been operating continuously for a certain period and is at a high temperature, cooler outside air is introduced through the outside air inlet 585 to cool the compressor 85, while the air inside the device is discharged through the air outlet 588 to ensure that the internal air pressure of the device remains within a specified range.

Claims

1. A drum-type garment processing device, characterized in that, The drum-type garment processing device includes: shell; The outer cylinder is supported within the outer shell; An inner tube, rotatably mounted inside the outer tube, is used to store clothing; and A drying device, located above the outer drum, uses heated air to dry the clothes inside the inner drum. The outer drum has a clothing inlet, and a connection port for connecting to the drying device is provided in a portion of the wall surrounding the clothing inlet of the outer drum. The connection port opens towards the front of the drum-type clothing handling device.

2. The drum-type garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection port is shaped to extend circumferentially along the garment insertion port.

3. The drum-type garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection port is offset to one side in the left-right direction relative to the rotation axis of the inner cylinder.

4. The drum-type garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection port is an air intake port that is connected to the air inlet of the drying device.

5. The drum-type garment processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drying apparatus has an air inlet member with the air inlet provided, and at least a portion of the air inlet member is made of an elastomer.

6. The drum-type garment processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air intake is connected to the air intake in such a way that it guides the air flowing forward from the air intake upward.

7. The drum-type garment processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air intake has a bellows section, and the pleats of the bellows section are arranged obliquely along the circumference of the clothing inlet.

8. The drum-type garment processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air intake component is fixedly connected to the air inlet of the outer cylinder by a fixing member, the fixing member having a cylindrical main body and a flange extending radially outward from one end of the main body. The air inlet of the air inlet component is elastically sleeved on the main body, and the flange portion and the air inlet edge portion of the outer cylinder located around the air inlet clamp the air inlet edge portion of the air inlet component located around the air inlet. A through hole is formed in the flange portion, through which the fastening member passes and is fastened to the wall portion of the outer cylinder.

9. The drum-type garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying device includes an evaporator and a condenser. The condenser is a microchannel condenser, and / or the evaporator is a microchannel evaporator. The evaporator and the condenser are arranged along the rotation direction of the inner cylinder and are configured in a roughly inverted V shape.

10. The drum-type garment processing device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The drum-type garment processing device also includes a filter device for filtering foreign objects in the airflow within the air duct of the drying device. The filter can be pulled forward toward the front of the drum-type garment processing device.

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