An evaporator cleaning device and a laundry treating apparatus
By introducing an evaporator cleaning device with a liquid storage box and spray assembly into the dryer, and using antibacterial liquid and sensors to control the spray, the problem of impurities and bacteria on the evaporator surface is solved, achieving the cleaning and deodorizing effect of the evaporator and improving the user experience of the dryer.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TCL HOME APPLIANCES (HEFEI) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
Smart Images

Figure CN224478286U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of washing machine technology, and in particular relates to an evaporator cleaning device and a clothes processing equipment. Background Technology
[0002] During use, the evaporator of existing dryers creates a high-humidity environment due to the trapping of lint and condensate, which easily breeds bacteria (such as Staphylococcus and mold) and produces odors. Therefore, the problem of cleaning the evaporator urgently needs to be solved. Utility Model Content
[0003] This application provides an evaporator cleaning device and a clothing treatment equipment to solve the problem that existing dryer evaporators create a high-humidity environment due to the interception of lint and condensate, which easily breeds bacteria and produces odors.
[0004] This application provides an evaporator cleaning device, applicable to clothing processing equipment, wherein the clothing processing equipment includes an evaporator, and the evaporator cleaning device includes:
[0005] A liquid storage box is detachably installed on the garment treatment device, and the liquid storage box is used to store the disinfectant liquid;
[0006] A spray assembly is installed on the garment processing equipment and located around the evaporator. The spray assembly is connected to the liquid storage box and has a plurality of spray holes for spraying the evaporator after the garment processing equipment has finished drying.
[0007] Optionally, it also includes a humidity sensor, which is disposed on the evaporator and used to detect the humidity of the evaporator;
[0008] The humidity sensor is communicatively connected to the spray assembly. When the humidity sensor detects a value greater than a preset humidity value, the spray assembly sprays water onto the evaporator.
[0009] Optionally, it also includes an odor sensor, which is disposed on the evaporator for detecting the concentration of odor gases;
[0010] The odor sensor is communicatively connected to the spray assembly. When the detection result of the odor sensor is greater than the preset concentration, the spray assembly sprays water onto the evaporator.
[0011] Optionally, it also includes a booster pump connected to the liquid storage box and the spray assembly, the booster pump being used to pump the sterilization solution from the liquid storage box to the spray assembly.
[0012] Optionally, the liquid storage box is equipped with a check valve.
[0013] Optionally, a water collection tray is also included, which is disposed at the bottom of the evaporator and is used to collect water from the surface of the evaporator.
[0014] Optionally, a filter sheet is laid inside the water receiving tray, and the filter sheet is used to filter impurities.
[0015] Optionally, the disinfectant liquid includes a fragrance substance.
[0016] Optionally, the garment processing equipment is equipped with an alarm module, and the liquid storage box is equipped with a liquid level sensor. The liquid level sensor is communicatively connected to the alarm module. When the detection result of the liquid level sensor is lower than the preset liquid level, the alarm module will sound an alarm.
[0017] This application embodiment also provides a garment processing device, including:
[0018] Evaporator;
[0019] Such as the evaporator cleaning device described above.
[0020] The evaporator cleaning device provided in this application provides disinfectant to the spray assembly via a liquid storage box. After the drying process of the garment processing equipment ends, the spray assembly sprays the disinfectant onto the evaporator. This not only washes away accumulated lint, fibers, and other impurities on the evaporator but also eliminates bacteria on the evaporator surface, achieving a sterilization and deodorization effect. This prevents bacteria from multiplying for extended periods in the high-humidity environment of the evaporator surface, which could lead to odor growth and contamination of the entire garment processing equipment, affecting the cleaning or drying results. Furthermore, the liquid storage box is removable, allowing users to easily replace the box or add disinfectant when it runs out. Attached Figure Description
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0022] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the evaporator cleaning device provided in the embodiments of this application.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a garment processing device provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0025] Figure 3This is another structural schematic diagram of the clothing processing device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0027] In the description 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 orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing 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 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 this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0028] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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 communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0029] In 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.
[0030] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, 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. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, various specific examples of processes and materials are provided in this application, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.
[0031] This application provides an evaporator cleaning device and a clothing treatment equipment to solve the problem that existing dryer evaporators create a high-humidity environment due to the interception of lint and condensate, which easily breeds bacteria and produces odors. The following description is in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0032] The evaporator 7 cleaning device provided in this application embodiment is suitable for clothing processing equipment. The clothing processing equipment includes an evaporator 7, and the evaporator 7 cleaning device includes a liquid storage box 1 and a spray assembly 2. Please refer to... Figure 1 The liquid storage box 1 is detachably installed on the clothing processing equipment and is used to store the disinfectant liquid; the spray assembly 2 is installed on the clothing processing equipment and is located on the periphery of the evaporator 7. The spray assembly 2 is connected to the liquid storage box 1 and has a number of spray holes. The spray holes are used to spray the evaporator 7 after the clothing processing equipment has finished drying.
[0033] The evaporator 7 cleaning device provided in this embodiment provides disinfectant to the spray assembly 2 through the liquid storage box 1. After the drying process of the garment processing equipment is completed, the spray assembly 2 sprays disinfectant onto the evaporator 7. This not only washes away accumulated lint, fuzz, and other impurities on the evaporator 7, but also eliminates bacteria on the surface of the evaporator 7, achieving a sterilization and deodorization effect. This prevents bacteria from multiplying for a long time in the high-humidity environment on the surface of the evaporator 7, which could lead to odor growth and contaminate the entire garment processing equipment, affecting the cleaning or drying effect. Furthermore, the liquid storage box 1 is removable, allowing users to easily replace the liquid storage box 1 or add disinfectant when it runs out.
[0034] Optionally, the evaporator 7 cleaning device provided in this application embodiment further includes a humidity sensor 3. The humidity sensor 3 is disposed on the evaporator 7 and is used to detect the humidity of the evaporator 7. The humidity sensor 3 is communicatively connected to the spray assembly 2. When the detection result of the humidity sensor 3 is greater than the preset humidity value, the spray assembly 2 sprays the evaporator 7.
[0035] Optionally, the spray assembly 2 can be located on top of the evaporator 7.
[0036] Since bacteria multiply more frequently and at a higher rate when the surface humidity of the evaporator 7 is high, a humidity sensor 3 is installed on the surface of the evaporator 7 to monitor the humidity value. When the detection result of the humidity sensor 3 is greater than the preset humidity value, the spray assembly 2 is turned on to spray the evaporator 7 for cleaning and maintenance. It should be noted that the humidity sensor 3 is turned on and monitors the humidity of the evaporator 7 surface only after the clothes processing equipment has finished drying, so as to avoid spraying the evaporator 7 during the drying process of the clothes processing equipment, which would affect the drying effect of the clothes processing equipment.
[0037] In some examples, the preset humidity value can be 80% RH.
[0038] Optionally, the evaporator 7 cleaning device provided in this application embodiment further includes an odor sensor 4, which is installed on the evaporator 7 and used to detect the concentration of odor gas; the odor sensor 4 is communicatively connected to the spray assembly 2, and when the detection result of the odor sensor 4 is greater than the preset concentration, the spray assembly 2 sprays the evaporator 7.
[0039] Among them, the odor sensor 4 is an electronic device used to detect, identify, and measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs), malodorous gases, or other odorous substances in the air. The odor sensor 4 is typically based on the following technologies: Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS): The resistance of the sensitive material (such as SnO2, ZnO) changes when it comes into contact with odorous gases, and this change is converted into an electrical signal by a circuit. Alternatively, an electrochemical sensor: Detects specific gases (such as H2S, NH3) by generating current through a chemical reaction between the gas and an electrolyte. Alternatively, a photoionization detector (PID): Detects VOCs by measuring the ion current using ultraviolet light to ionize gas molecules. Alternatively, a biosensor: Simulates biological olfaction (such as a bionic electronic nose), generating a signal through the binding of biological materials with gas molecules. Alternatively, infrared / spectroscopy: Identifies components by the absorption of specific wavelengths of light by gas molecules.
[0040] By setting the odor sensor 4, the gas around the evaporator 7 can be accurately monitored. When the concentration of odor gas around the evaporator 7 is greater than the preset concentration, the spray assembly 2 is controlled to spray the evaporator 7 to improve the accuracy of odor monitoring around the evaporator 7, prevent bacteria on the evaporator 7 from further multiplying and producing odor, and affect the drying effect of the load.
[0041] In some examples, the preset concentration can be 500 ppb.
[0042] Optionally, the evaporator 7 cleaning device provided in this application embodiment further includes a booster pump 5, connected to the liquid storage box 1 and the spray assembly 2. The booster pump 5 is used to pump the sterilizing solution in the liquid storage box 1 to the spray assembly 2. By setting the booster pump 5, the spray speed and pressure of the spray assembly 2 are increased, achieving a greater impact force on the surface of the evaporator 7, thereby improving the cleaning effect. The type of booster pump 5 is not further limited here.
[0043] Optionally, a check valve is provided in the liquid storage box 1. By providing the check valve, the sterilization solution in the spray assembly 2 is prevented from flowing back into the liquid storage box 1.
[0044] As is understandable, a check valve (also known as a one-way valve or non-return valve) is a mechanical device used to prevent the reverse flow of fluids (gas or liquid), ensuring that the medium can only pass in one direction. A check valve achieves unidirectional flow through the automatic opening and closing of a valve disc (or valve core): fluid pressure pushes the valve disc open; when the fluid pressure disappears or reverses, the valve disc closes under gravity, spring force, or medium pressure, blocking backflow. No further limitations are made on the types of check valves here.
[0045] Optionally, the evaporator 7 cleaning device provided in this application embodiment further includes a water receiving tray 6, which is disposed at the bottom of the evaporator 7 and is used to collect water from the surface of the evaporator 7. By providing a water receiving tray 6 at the bottom of the evaporator 7 to collect the condensate on the surface of the evaporator 7 and the disinfecting solution used to clean the evaporator 7, water is prevented from flowing inside the clothing processing equipment and affecting its operation.
[0046] Optionally, a filter disc is installed inside the water receiving tray 6 to filter impurities. By installing a filter disc inside the water receiving tray 6, impurities such as lint and fuzz that fall off after cleaning the surface of the evaporator 7 are filtered out, preventing impurities from clogging the drain pipe when discharged with water and ensuring that the drain pipe can drain normally.
[0047] The shape and size of the filter are not further limited here; they can be selected according to the specific circumstances.
[0048] Optionally, the disinfectant solution includes fragrance substances. By adding fragrance substances to the disinfectant solution, the scent within the garment processing equipment can be enhanced, increasing user satisfaction with the equipment. These fragrance substances can include a variety of scents, such as floral, fruity, woody, spicy, or marine fragrances, allowing users to add the appropriate type according to their preferences.
[0049] Optionally, the garment processing equipment is equipped with an alarm module. A liquid level sensor is installed in the liquid storage box 1, and the liquid level sensor is communicatively connected to the alarm module. When the liquid level sensor detects a level below a preset level, the alarm module sounds an alarm. By setting the liquid level sensor, the liquid level of the disinfectant in the liquid storage box 1 is monitored, and an alarm is triggered promptly when the disinfectant is insufficient, reminding the user to replace the liquid storage box 1 or add disinfectant in a timely manner. The alarm method of the alarm module is not further limited here; in some examples, it can be a vibration alarm; in others, a light alarm; and in still others, an audible alarm.
[0050] Optionally, the spray assembly 2 can be turned on with a default preset spray duration, such as 8 minutes or 10 minutes. As an alternative implementation, the spray duration of the spray assembly 2 can be adjusted according to the detection results of the humidity sensor 3 or the odor sensor 4.
[0051] This application embodiment also provides a garment processing device, including an evaporator 7 and an evaporator 7 cleaning device as described above. The evaporator 7 cleaning device includes a liquid storage box 1 and a spray assembly 2. The liquid storage box 1 is detachably installed in the garment processing device and is used to store a disinfectant solution; the spray assembly 2 is installed in the garment processing device and located around the evaporator 7, the spray assembly 2 is connected to the liquid storage box 1, and the spray assembly 2 has a plurality of spray holes for spraying the evaporator 7 after the garment processing device has finished drying.
[0052] The type of garment processing equipment is not further limited here; for some examples, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 It can be a dryer; in other examples, it can be a washing machine; in still other examples, please refer to Figure 3 It can be a washer-dryer combo.
[0053] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.
[0054] The evaporator cleaning device and clothing treatment equipment provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
Claims
1. An evaporator cleaning device, suitable for clothing processing equipment, the clothing processing equipment comprising an evaporator, characterized in that, The evaporator cleaning device includes: A liquid storage box is detachably installed on the garment treatment device, and the liquid storage box is used to store the disinfectant liquid; A spray assembly is installed on the garment processing equipment and located around the evaporator. The spray assembly is connected to the liquid storage box and has a plurality of spray holes for spraying the evaporator after the garment processing equipment has finished drying.
2. The evaporator cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a humidity sensor, which is disposed on the evaporator and used to detect the humidity of the evaporator; The humidity sensor is communicatively connected to the spray assembly. When the humidity sensor detects a value greater than a preset humidity value, the spray assembly sprays water onto the evaporator.
3. The evaporator cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an odor sensor, which is installed on the evaporator to detect the concentration of odor gases; The odor sensor is communicatively connected to the spray assembly. When the detection result of the odor sensor is greater than the preset concentration, the spray assembly sprays water onto the evaporator.
4. The evaporator cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a booster pump connected to the liquid storage box and the spray assembly, the booster pump being used to pump the sterilization solution from the liquid storage box to the spray assembly.
5. The evaporator cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage box is equipped with a check valve.
6. The evaporator cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water collection tray, which is located at the bottom of the evaporator and is used to collect water from the surface of the evaporator.
7. The evaporator cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The water receiving tray is lined with filter plates, which are used to filter impurities.
8. The evaporator cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The disinfectant solution includes fragrance substances.
9. The evaporator cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment is equipped with an alarm module, and the liquid storage box is equipped with a liquid level sensor. The liquid level sensor is communicatively connected to the alarm module. When the detection result of the liquid level sensor is lower than the preset liquid level, the alarm module will sound an alarm.
10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: Evaporator; The evaporator cleaning apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-9.