Heating device and laundry treatment apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a heating device and a clothes processing equipment. The heating device comprises a heating module and a support. The heating module comprises a heating assembly and a heat conduction piece. The heating assembly has a heating cavity. The heating cavity has a liquid inlet for liquid to enter and a steam outlet for steam to flow out. The liquid entering the heating cavity is heated to form steam. The heat conduction piece is in heat transfer connection with the heating assembly. The heat conduction piece forms an air passing channel. The airflow passing through the air passing channel is heated. The support is connected with the heating module and is used for mounting the heating module. The application integrates the auxiliary heating function and the steam care function in one heating device, so that the internal space of the clothes processing equipment is saved and the production manufacturing cost is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of clothing processing equipment technology, and in particular to a heating device and clothing processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of technology, clothing processing equipment such as washing machines, washer-dryer combos, and dryers are becoming increasingly feature-rich. Taking dryers as an example, they not only have drying functions but also steam care functions. In addition, to improve drying efficiency, they are usually equipped with auxiliary heating functions, which means that heat is transferred to the clothing processing drum through heating elements.

[0003] In related technologies, most clothes dryers use independently set steam generating devices and auxiliary heating devices to achieve steam care and auxiliary heating functions. However, this design has the following problems: on the one hand, because the two independent devices have many components, they occupy a lot of internal space in the dryer, resulting in an increase in the overall size of the machine and wasting space; on the other hand, the complex structure makes the connection between parts complicated, increasing the manufacturing cost. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a heating device and a garment processing equipment that integrates auxiliary heating and steam care functions into a single heating device, thereby saving internal space and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of this application provides a heating device, comprising: A heating module includes a heating assembly and a heat-conducting component. The heating assembly has a heating chamber with a liquid inlet for liquid entry and a steam outlet for steam exit. Liquid entering the heating chamber is heated to form steam. The heat-conducting component is thermally connected to the heating assembly and forms an air passage through which airflow is heated. A bracket is connected to the heating module and is used to mount the heating module.

[0006] In some embodiments, the bracket has a mounting cavity for mounting the heating module, the wall of the mounting cavity being provided with a limiting structure for limiting the heating module in the depth direction of the mounting cavity.

[0007] In some embodiments, the limiting structure includes: Guide members, disposed on the two opposing inner sidewalls of the mounting cavity, are used for mounting and guiding the heating module; and A limiting member is provided at the opening of the mounting cavity to limit the heating module in the depth direction of the mounting cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the support includes: The outer frame has the mounting cavity; and A mounting plate covers a portion of the opening in the mounting cavity; The heating device also includes a water inlet pipe and a steam pipe. The water inlet pipe passes through the mounting plate and is connected to the liquid inlet. The steam pipe is connected to the steam outlet and extends out from the outer frame.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heating device further includes a water pump mounted on the mounting plate, with the water pump outlet connected to the water inlet pipe.

[0010] In some embodiments, one side of the outer frame has an airflow channel through which airflow passes.

[0011] In some embodiments, multiple airflow channels are provided, and the multiple airflow channels are spaced apart on the same side of the outer frame.

[0012] In some embodiments, the heating device is applied to a garment processing device having an air duct for drying garments, and the heating device is disposed within the air duct.

[0013] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the air duct has a slot, and the periphery of the bracket is provided with a snap-fit ​​element that mates with the slot.

[0014] In some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​element protrudes from at least one side of the bracket and extends in an elongated shape along the side.

[0015] In some embodiments, the heat-conducting element includes: Multiple fins are interconnected to form a plate structure with multiple holes, and the multiple holes form the air passage.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heating assembly includes a heating element that is thermally connected to the heat-conducting element, and the heating element has the heating cavity, the heating element being used to heat the liquid in the heating cavity to form steam; Alternatively, the heating assembly includes a heat exchanger and a heating element, the heat exchanger having the heating cavity, and at least a portion of the heating element being thermally connected between the heat exchanger and the heat conductor to supply heat to the heating cavity and the heat conductor.

[0017] In some embodiments, the heating assembly includes a heat exchanger and at least one heating element connected to the wall of the heating chamber for transferring heat generated by the heating element to the heating chamber to heat the liquid inside the heating chamber to form steam. At least one of the heat-conducting elements is thermally connected to the heating element for transferring the heat generated by the heating element to the air passage to heat the airflow flowing through the air passage.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heating assembly includes a heating element, the heating element including a plurality of heating plates, the plurality of heating plates being arranged to form the heating cavity; At least one side of the heating element facing away from the heating cavity is connected to the heat-conducting element to heat the airflow passing through the air passage.

[0019] In some embodiments, the heating element includes one of a PTC heating element and a heating tube.

[0020] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is elongated, the heating chamber extends along the length of the heat exchanger, the liquid inlet is located at one end of the heat exchanger, and the steam outlet is located at the other end of the heat exchanger.

[0021] In some embodiments, the heating element is fitted to the outer wall of the heat exchanger and extends along the length of the heat exchanger.

[0022] In some embodiments, in the width direction of the heat exchanger, at least one heating element and at least one heat-conducting element are provided on opposite sides of the heat exchanger.

[0023] In some embodiments, four heating elements and four heat-conducting elements are provided, with each heating element connected to one heat-conducting element, and the heating elements and heat-conducting elements on both sides of the heat exchanger are symmetrically arranged about the heat exchanger.

[0024] A second aspect of this application provides a garment processing device, characterized in that it includes: The housing assembly is equipped with air ducts; A garment handling drum, installed within the housing assembly and connected to the air duct; and As described in the above embodiment, the steam outlet of the heating device is connected to the clothing processing drum, and the heat-conducting element is located inside the air duct.

[0025] In the heating device provided in this application embodiment, after the liquid enters the heating chamber from the liquid inlet, the temperature rises continuously under the continuous heating of the heating component until steam is formed. The steam is discharged to the clothes treatment drum through the steam outlet to steam care for the clothes in the drum. At the same time, part of the heat generated by the heating component is transferred to the air passage of the heat-conducting component, so that the airflow passing through the air passage is heated, realizing the function of drying auxiliary heating.

[0026] This application integrates auxiliary heating and steam generation functions into the heating device. On the one hand, it avoids the space-consuming problems caused by separately setting up auxiliary heating and steam generation devices in traditional designs, making the internal structure of the equipment more compact. On the other hand, it reduces the number of parts and the complex connection structure, thereby reducing production difficulty and cost.

[0027] In addition, this application also includes a bracket, which is used to install the heating device in the air duct of the clothing processing equipment, thereby improving the stability of the heating device installation and enabling the heating device to work more stably. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the heating device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat-conducting and heating elements provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a heat exchanger in one embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat exchanger and heating assembly in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat exchanger and heating assembly in the second embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat exchanger and heating assembly in the third embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat exchanger and heating assembly in the fourth embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat exchanger and heating assembly in the fifth embodiment of this application.

[0030] Explanation of icon numbers: 100. Heating module; 10. Heat-conducting component; 101. Air passage; 102. Hole; 11. Fin; 20. Heating assembly; 21. Heat exchanger; 2101. Heating chamber; 2102. Liquid inlet; 2103. Steam outlet; 2104. Water channel; 211. Partition; 212. End cap; 213. First section; 214. First connecting section; 215. Second section; 216. Second connecting section; 217. Connecting section; 22. Heating component; 30. Bracket; 301. Mounting cavity; 31. Outer frame; 3101. Airflow channel; 310. Limiting structure; 311. Guide component; 312. Limiting component; 313. Snap-fit ​​component; 32. Mounting plate; 40. Water inlet pipe; 50. Steam pipe; 60. Water pump; 70. Pressure relief valve.

[0031] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Where the following description relates to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0036] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they 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. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this application. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] This application provides a garment processing device to solve the problems of space waste and increased cost caused by the independent setting of auxiliary heating and steam care functions in existing garment processing devices.

[0038] The clothing processing equipment in this embodiment can be a dryer, washing machine, washer-dryer combo, garment care machine, etc. The following uses a dryer as an example to describe the clothing processing equipment in detail.

[0039] Specifically, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the heating device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat-conducting and heating elements provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0040] The clothing processing device of this embodiment includes a housing assembly, a clothing processing drum, and a heating device. The housing assembly serves as the basic frame of the dryer, providing stable support and safety protection for the internal components. Exemplarily, the housing assembly includes a support frame and an outer shell connected to the support frame, which together form an air duct for drying clothes. Taking a heat pump dryer as an example, the air duct is the key path for heat transfer. A heat pump assembly, including a compressor and a condenser, is installed inside the air duct. The compressor compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, which is then sent to the condenser. Inside the condenser, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas exchanges heat with the air in the air duct, releasing a large amount of heat and raising the temperature of the airflow within the air duct. The high-temperature airflow is then transported along the air duct to the clothing processing drum to dry the clothes.

[0041] To ensure that clothes can fully contact the hot airflow and achieve efficient drying, the clothes handling drum in this embodiment is rotatably installed inside the housing assembly and connected to the air duct. The clothes handling drum can be made of stainless steel, giving it high strength and good corrosion resistance, and enabling it to withstand the strong centrifugal force generated during high-speed rotation, ensuring the stability and safety of the equipment operation.

[0042] The clothes handling drum has a forward-opening loading and unloading port for easy loading and unloading of clothes. During the drying process, the clothes handling drum rotates under the drive of a motor, lifting the clothes from the bottom to the top of the drum, and then allowing them to fall freely to the bottom under gravity. Through this continuous cycle, the clothes are fully dispersed and agitated inside the drum, constantly changing their posture, ensuring that all parts of the clothes come into full contact with the high-temperature airflow flowing in from the air duct, effectively improving the uniformity and efficiency of drying. In this embodiment, the clothes handling drum is a hollow cylinder, with its rear side connected to the air duct.

[0043] The heating device of this application is installed in the air duct, specifically on the air inlet side or air outlet side of the condenser.

[0044] The heating device includes a heating module 100, which comprises a heating element 20 and a heat-conducting component 10. The heating element 20 has a heating chamber 2101 with a liquid inlet 2102 for liquids (such as water, fragrances, etc.) to enter and a steam outlet 2103 for steam to exit. The heat-conducting component 10 is heat-transferringly connected to the heating element 20 and forms an air passage 101. When the heating device is working, the heating element 20 heats the liquid in the heating chamber 2101 to generate steam. The steam enters the garment processing drum from the steam outlet 2103, realizing the steam care function for the garments. At the same time, a portion of the heat generated by the heating element 20 is transferred to the heat-conducting component 10, thereby heating the airflow passing through the air passage 101, realizing the auxiliary heating function for drying.

[0045] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the heating assembly 20 is thermally connected between the heating cavity 2101 and the heat-conducting element 10, for supplying heat to the heating cavity 2101 and the heat-conducting element 10. Exemplarily, the heating assembly 20 may include a heating element 22, which has a heating cavity 2101, with a portion of the heating element 22 located between the heating cavity 2101 and the heat-conducting element 10, supplying heat to both the heating cavity 2101 and the heat-conducting element 10. Alternatively, the heating assembly 20 may include a heating element 22 and a heat exchanger 21, which has a heating cavity 2101, with the heating element 22 located between the heat exchanger 21 and the heat-conducting element 10, supplying heat to both the heating cavity 2101 and the heat-conducting element 10.

[0046] The heating element 22 is used to heat the liquid inside the heating chamber 2101 to form steam. Specifically, one end of the heating element 22 is connected to a conductive wire. When current passes through the conductive wire through the heating element 22, the heating element 22 rapidly heats up, transferring heat to the heating chamber 2101 and raising the temperature of the liquid inside the heating chamber 2101. As the temperature continues to rise, the liquid reaches its boiling point and begins to vaporize, forming steam.

[0047] The heating element 22 includes one of a PTC heating element and a heating tube.

[0048] A PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating element is a thermistor material with a positive temperature coefficient. It has the characteristic of automatic temperature control. When the temperature rises to a certain level, its resistance value will increase sharply, thereby limiting the current and keeping the temperature of the heating element within a relatively stable range.

[0049] A heating element typically consists of a resistance layer and an insulating sleeve. When current passes through the resistance layer, the layer generates heat, which is then transferred to the surrounding liquid through the insulating sleeve.

[0050] In one configuration, the heating assembly 20 includes a heating element 22 forming a heating cavity 2101. Exemplarily, the heating element 22 includes multiple heating plates, which enclose the heating cavity 2101. The multiple heating plates can be connected by welding, snap-fit ​​connections, bolts, etc., to form the heating cavity 2101. A liquid inlet 2102 and a steam outlet 2103 can be located at opposite ends of the heating element 22. The heating plates can be made of conductive heating materials (such as PTC ceramic plates, nickel-chromium alloy plates, etc.). At least one side of the heating element 22 facing away from the heating cavity 2101 is connected to a heat-conducting element 10 (e.g., by bolts, welding, die casting, etc.), meaning at least one heat-conducting element 10 is connected to the outside of the heating plate. Heat is transferred from the heating plate to the heat-conducting element 10, thereby heating the airflow. The enclosed structure of the heating element 22 makes the heating cavity 2101 more uniformly heated, resulting in more stable and efficient steam generation. When the heating device is running, the heating element 22 is energized and generates heat. On the one hand, it heats the liquid in the heating chamber 2101 to produce steam; on the other hand, the heat is transferred to the heat-conducting element 10 through heat conduction, and the heated airflow passes through the air duct 101 to assist in drying. In this embodiment, the heating assembly 20 only includes the heating element 22, which reduces the number of connecting parts, shortens the heat transfer path, and has a compact structure, thereby saving installation space inside the clothing processing equipment.

[0051] In another setting, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the heating assembly 20 includes a heat exchanger 21 and a heating element 22. The heat exchanger 21 can be made of cast aluminum, stainless steel, etc., and forms a heating cavity 2101. At least a portion of the heating element 22 is sandwiched between the heat exchanger 21 and the heat-conducting element 10. Part of the heat generated by the heating element 22 is transferred to the heat exchanger 21 through heat conduction, causing the liquid in the heating cavity 2101 to generate steam; the other part is transferred to the heat-conducting element 10 to heat the airflow. Exemplarily, at least one heating element 22 (such as a PTC heating element provided on each side along the width direction of the cavity wall) is connected to the wall of the heating cavity 2101 of the heat exchanger 21. The heat generated by the heating element 22 during operation is directly transferred to the wall, causing the liquid in the cavity to rapidly heat up and vaporize to form steam. At the same time, at least one heat-conducting element 10 is heat-transferringly connected to the heating element 22 (such as the heat-conducting element 10 being directly attached to the side of the heating element 22), and part of the heat from the heating element 22 is transferred to the airflow in the air passage 101 through the heat-conducting element 10. In the drying process of the dryer, the airflow initially heated by the heat pump component is heated a second time by the heat-conducting component 10 when it flows through the air channel, thus realizing the auxiliary heating function of drying; when steam treatment is performed, the heating component 22 supplies heat to the heat exchange component 21, so that the liquid in the heating chamber 2101 forms steam.

[0052] In this embodiment, the heat-conducting component 10 is a component with an air passage 101 and is heat-transferringly connected to the heating assembly 20. There are various ways to connect the heat-conducting component 10 and the heating assembly 20, such as direct contact heat conduction or connection via a heat-conducting material. Direct contact heat conduction involves directly attaching the heat-conducting component 10 to the heating element of the heating assembly 20, allowing heat to be directly transferred from the heating element to the heat-conducting component 10; this method has high heat transfer efficiency. Connection via a heat-conducting material involves filling the space between the heat-conducting component 10 and the heating assembly 20 with heat-conducting silicone, heat-conducting paste, or other heat-conducting materials. These materials can effectively conduct heat and also act as a buffer.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the heat-conducting element 10 includes multiple fins 11. The heat-conducting element 10 is formed by interconnecting the multiple fins 11 to form a plate structure with multiple holes 102. These holes 102 constitute an airflow channel 101. The shape of the fins 11 can be rectangular, triangular, or trapezoidal, etc. Exemplarily, adjacent fins 11 are arranged at an angle to form triangular holes 102. In this way, the airflow is in full contact with the fins 11, improving the heat transfer efficiency.

[0054] In this embodiment, the heat-conducting element 10 is thermally connected to the heating element 22 to transfer the heat generated by the heating element 22 to the air duct, thereby heating the airflow within the air duct. When the heating element 22 generates heat, the heat is transferred to the fins 11 of the heat-conducting element 10 through conduction. Since the fins 11 have a large surface area, they can fully contact the airflow flowing through the air duct 101, rapidly transferring heat to the airflow and raising its temperature. The high-temperature airflow then enters the clothes processing drum along the air duct, providing additional heat for clothes drying.

[0055] In this embodiment, the heat-conducting element 10 is composed of multiple fins 11. On the one hand, the fin structure greatly increases the heat exchange area, enabling heat to be transferred more efficiently from the heating element 22 to the airflow, thus improving heating efficiency. On the other hand, this structure is relatively simple, easy to manufacture and install, and reduces production costs.

[0056] To improve assembly efficiency, in some embodiments, the heat-conducting component 10 and the heat exchanger 21 are integrated into a single structure. For example, the heat-conducting component 10 and the heat exchanger 21 are directly formed as a single unit through a casting process. Thus, the heat-conducting component 10 and the heat exchanger 21 are no longer independent parts, reducing the number of components and assembly steps from an assembly perspective. In actual production, there is no need to separately install, position, and connect the heat-conducting component 10 and the heat exchanger 21; the integrated heat-conducting component 10 and the heat exchanger 21 can be directly installed into the heating device, thereby simplifying the assembly process and improving production efficiency. Simultaneously, the integrated structure also reduces heat loss during the heat transfer process, improves heat transfer efficiency, and enhances the overall performance of the heating device.

[0057] In other embodiments, the heating element 22 and the heat exchanger 21 are an integral structure. Exemplarily, the heating element 22 and the heat exchanger 21 are directly formed as a single unit through a casting process. Thus, the heating element 22 and the heat exchanger 21 are no longer independent components, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps from an assembly perspective. In actual production, there is no need for separate installation, positioning, and connection of the heating element 22 and the heat exchanger 21; the integral heating element 22 and the heat exchanger 21 can be directly installed into the heating device, thereby simplifying the assembly process and improving production efficiency. Furthermore, the integrally formed structure makes heat transfer between the heating element 22 and the heat exchanger 21 more direct and efficient, reducing heat loss during the transfer process, thereby enabling faster heating of the liquid within the heat exchanger 21 and improving steam generation efficiency.

[0058] In the heating device of this application, after the liquid enters the heating chamber 2101 through the liquid inlet 2102, its temperature rises continuously under the continuous heating of the heating component 20 until steam is formed. The steam is discharged through the steam outlet 2103. The steam outlet 2103 can be connected to a dedicated pipe to guide the steam into the clothes processing drum. After the steam enters the clothes processing drum, it can perform steam care on the clothes inside the drum, such as removing wrinkles, killing bacteria, and making the clothes fragrant. At the same time, the heat-conducting component 10 transfers a portion of the heat generated by the heating component 20 to the air passage 101, so that the airflow passing through the air passage 101 is heated, realizing the function of auxiliary heating for drying.

[0059] This application integrates auxiliary heating and steam generation functions into the heating device. On the one hand, it avoids the space-consuming problems caused by separately setting up auxiliary heating and steam generation devices in traditional designs, making the internal structure of the equipment more compact. On the other hand, it reduces the number of parts and the complex connection structure, thereby reducing production difficulty and cost.

[0060] To facilitate the installation of the heating device within the air duct, the heating device of this application also includes a bracket 30 for mounting the heating module 100. The bracket 30 is connected to the heating module 100 and can be fixed to the heating module 100 by bolts, clips, or other means.

[0061] The bracket 30 has a mounting cavity 301 for mounting the heating module 100. The wall of the mounting cavity 301 is provided with a limiting structure 310 to limit the displacement of the heating module 100 in the depth direction of the mounting cavity 301, thereby further enhancing the installation stability.

[0062] The limiting structure 310 has various structural forms, such as a stop block, a locking block, or a protruding strip. Exemplarily, the limiting structure 310 includes a guide member 311 and a limiting member 312. The guide member 311 is disposed on the two opposing inner sidewalls of the mounting cavity 301. The guide member 311 can be a guide rail, guide rib, or other structure. When installing the heating module 100, the heating module 100 is aligned with the guide member 311 and slid along the direction of the guide member 311, thereby introducing the heating assembly 20 into the mounting cavity 301. In this embodiment, the guide member 311 prevents deviations during installation, ensuring that the heating module 100 is accurately installed in the predetermined position, while also reducing adjustment time and difficulty during installation.

[0063] A limiting member 312 is located at the opening of the mounting cavity 301. The limiting member 312 can be in the form of a baffle, a locking block, or the like. When the heating module 100 slides along the guide member 311 to a suitable position in the mounting cavity 301, the limiting member 312 can limit the heating module 100 in the depth direction of the mounting cavity 301, preventing displacement of the heating module 100 due to vibration or other reasons during equipment operation. Through the function of the limiting member 312, the stability of the heating module 100 installation is ensured, enabling the heating device to operate stably.

[0064] In some embodiments, the bracket 30 includes an outer frame 31 and a mounting plate 32. The outer frame 31 has a mounting cavity 301, and the mounting plate 32 covers a portion of the opening of the mounting cavity 301, providing partial enclosure protection for the heating module 100 and providing an interface for pipeline connections.

[0065] The heating device also includes a water inlet pipe 40 and a steam pipe 50. One end of the water inlet pipe 40 passes through the mounting plate 32 and is connected to the liquid inlet 2102 of the heating component 20, and the other end is connected to the water source of the dryer (such as a water pump, water tank, tap water interface, etc.); one end of the steam pipe 50 is connected to the steam outlet 2103 of the heating component 20, and the other end extends out from the opening of the outer frame 31 and is connected to the steam nozzle of the dryer.

[0066] When the dryer is working, the water inlet pipe 40 is prevented from shaking by the fixing structure of the mounting plate 32, ensuring a stable water supply; the steam pipe 50 extends from the outer frame 31 and fits against the inner wall of the air duct, making the overall structure of the heating device more compact.

[0067] In some embodiments, the heating device further includes a water pump 60, which is mounted on the mounting plate 32, and the outlet of the water pump 60 is connected to the inlet pipe 40. When the heating device is working, the water pump 60 delivers water or other liquids through the outlet to the liquid inlet 2102, and then into the heating chamber 2101. This installation method makes the position of the water pump 60 reasonable, facilitates connection with other components, and also facilitates maintenance and repair of the water pump 60. Moreover, the mounting plate 32 can also provide some protection for other components in the mounting chamber 301, reducing the impact of external factors on the heating component 20.

[0068] In some embodiments, an airflow channel 3101 is provided on one side of the outer frame 31. The airflow channel 3101 can serve as an alternative flow path for airflow in the air duct to solve the problem that the air passage 101 may be blocked by lint.

[0069] When the dryer is running, clothing fibers and lint will enter the air duct with the airflow. After long-term use, they may accumulate in the air passage 101 of the heat-conducting component 10 (such as the gap between the fins 11), causing airflow obstruction, reduced drying efficiency, or even local overheating due to poor airflow.

[0070] In this embodiment, the airflow channel 3101 can be a rectangular or circular through hole 102 on the side wall of the outer frame 31. For example, multiple airflow channels 3101 can be provided and arranged at intervals on the same side of the outer frame 31 (e.g., three to five rectangular through holes). When the airflow channel 101 is unobstructed, most of the airflow preferentially flows through the airflow channel 101 with a larger airflow area; if the airflow channel 101 is blocked, the airflow can still pass through the airflow channel 3101, avoiding complete blockage of the airflow duct and reducing the risk of failure due to lint accumulation. In some embodiments, to simplify the assembly of the heating device and the air duct, the inner wall of the air duct is provided with a slot, and the bracket 30 is provided with a corresponding snap-fit ​​member 313 that mates with the slot on its periphery. Exemplarily, the snap-fit ​​member 313 protrudes from at least one side (such as the left and right sides) of the bracket 30 and extends in a long strip along the side (specifically the side of the outer frame 31).

[0071] During installation, align the snap-fit ​​part 313 of the bracket 30 with the slot in the air duct and slide it in along the length of the slot to secure it. When the dryer is operating, airflow impact and equipment vibration may cause the heating element to shift. The long, strip-shaped snap-fit ​​part 313 has a larger contact area with the slot (compared to point-type or block-type snap-fits), thus improving the stability of the connection. At the same time, this sliding connection method improves installation efficiency and facilitates later disassembly and maintenance (such as cleaning lint and replacing parts). Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​structure does not occupy internal space in the air duct, reducing obstruction of airflow within the duct.

[0072] In some embodiments, the wall of the heat exchanger 21 is provided with a slot, into which the heating element 22 is inserted. This embodiment utilizes a slot-insertion method, ensuring a tight fit between the heating element 22 and the wall of the heat exchanger 21, reducing thermal resistance and allowing the heat generated by the heating element 22 to be efficiently conducted to the heating chamber 2101. When maintenance or replacement of the heating element 22 is required, it can simply be pulled out of the slot without disassembling other complex components, greatly reducing maintenance difficulty.

[0073] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 21 also includes an end cap 212 covering the slot opening. The end cap 212 has a wire passage hole for the power cord of the heating element 22 to pass through. The end cap 212 not only prevents dust or liquid from entering the slot and affecting the heating element 22, but also organizes the wiring through the wire passage hole, avoids cable tangling, and makes the internal wiring of the device more orderly.

[0074] In some embodiments, the heat exchange component 21 adopts a split structure. Specifically, the heat exchange component 21 includes a main body and a cover. The main body provides a heating chamber 2101, and the cover fits over the opening of the heating chamber 2101 and can be fixedly connected by bolts, clips, or other means. During assembly, the heating chamber 2101 can be closed simply by aligning and fixing the cover to the main body. Compared to a monolithic molding process, the split structure of this embodiment facilitates maintenance and reduces processing difficulty and mold costs. In addition, the split structure also facilitates the creation of channels such as a liquid inlet 2102 and a steam outlet 2103 in the cover or main body, thereby facilitating subsequent maintenance of the interior of the heating chamber 2101.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the heat exchanger 21 also includes multiple baffles 211, which are spaced apart within the heating chamber 2101 of the heat exchanger 21. The baffles 211 and the inner wall of the heating chamber 2101 enclose a curved and extending water channel 2104. When liquid enters the heating chamber 2101 from the liquid inlet 2102, it must flow in a circuitous manner along the flow channel formed by the baffles 211, rather than flowing directly from the inlet to the outlet. This prolongs the residence time and heating path of the liquid in the heating chamber 2101, allowing the liquid to absorb heat more fully and improving the steam generation efficiency. At the same time, the curved flow channel also increases the contact area between the liquid and the wall of the heating chamber 2101, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency and further enhancing the steam generation efficiency.

[0076] In the operating environment of a heat pump dryer, efficient steam generation is crucial for the steam care function of clothing. Therefore, this application optimizes the structure of the heat exchanger 21.

[0077] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 21 is elongated, the heating chamber 2101 extends along the length of the heat exchanger 21, and the liquid inlet 2102 is located at one end of the heat exchanger 21, while the steam outlet 2103 is located at the other end of the heat exchanger 21. This provides a longer heating path and a larger heating area for the liquid.

[0078] When liquid enters the heating chamber 2101 through the liquid inlet 2102, the liquid has a longer contact time and a larger contact area with the wall of the heating chamber 2101 during its flow, because the heating chamber 2101 extends along its length. This allows the heat transferred from the heating element 22 to the wall of the heating chamber 2101 to be more fully absorbed by the liquid, thereby accelerating the liquid's heating process, reaching the boiling point more quickly, and forming steam. Compared to the traditional box-shaped heat exchanger 21 design, this elongated structure with the heating chamber 2101 extending along its length significantly improves the speed and efficiency of steam generation, thus enhancing the steam care effect on clothing.

[0079] To further optimize heat transfer and ensure that the heat generated by the heating element 22 can be efficiently transferred to the heating cavity 2101 inside the heat exchanger 21, in some embodiments, the heating element 22 is fitted to the outer wall of the heat exchanger 21 and extends along the length of the heat exchanger 21.

[0080] The heating element 22 is attached to the outer wall of the heat exchanger 21, and this close contact reduces thermal resistance during heat transfer. Heat can be directly conducted from the heating element 22 to the wall of the heat exchanger 21, and then rapidly transferred to the liquid in the heating chamber 2101. Furthermore, the heating element 22 extends along the length of the heat exchanger 21, consistent with the extension direction of the heating chamber 2101, ensuring uniform heating throughout the entire heating chamber 2101. In this way, the liquid is effectively heated at all locations within the heating chamber 2101, avoiding localized overheating or uneven heating, and further improving steam generation efficiency.

[0081] To further improve the overall efficiency of the heating device, in some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the width direction of the heat exchanger 21, at least one heating element 22 and at least one heat-conducting element 10 are provided on each of the opposite sides of the heat exchanger 21.

[0082] The aforementioned dual-sided arrangement fully utilizes the space on both sides of the heat exchanger 21, achieving multi-directional heating and further improving heating efficiency. The number of heating elements 22 and heat-conducting elements 10 can be set according to installation space, installation location, heating power, and other conditions. For example, if there is ample internal installation space, the number of heating elements 22 and heat-conducting elements 10 can be appropriately increased to improve overall heating power and accelerate steam generation and airflow heating efficiency.

[0083] To ensure uniform heat distribution and efficient heat transfer, in some embodiments, four heating elements 22 and four heat-conducting elements 10 are provided. Each heating element 22 is connected to one heat-conducting element 10, and the heating elements 22 and heat-conducting elements 10 on both sides of the heat exchanger 21 are symmetrically arranged about the heat exchanger 21. This symmetrical layout design ensures that the heat exchanger 21 is heated uniformly in the width direction. When the dryer is working, the four heating elements 22 work synchronously, and the heat generated is transferred to the airflow in the air duct through the corresponding heat-conducting elements 10, while simultaneously heating the liquid inside the heat exchanger 21.

[0084] Due to the symmetrical distribution, the heat transfer in the heat exchanger 21 and the air duct is more balanced. On the one hand, this makes the steam generation process more stable and can continuously provide uniform steam care for clothes. On the other hand, the uniformly heated airflow can achieve uniform drying of clothes after entering the clothes processing drum.

[0085] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 21 includes a first segment 213, a first connecting segment 214, a second segment 215, and a second connecting segment 216 connected end to end, forming a ring structure. The first segment 213 and the second segment 215 are arranged opposite each other, as are the first connecting segment 214 and the second connecting segment 216. The first connecting segment 214 has a liquid inlet 2102, and the second connecting segment 216 has a steam outlet 2103. This ring structure design allows liquid to flow along the ring path of the heat exchanger 21, extending the heating time and improving steam generation efficiency. Simultaneously, the heat exchanger 21 is arranged around at least one heating element 22 and at least one heat-conducting element 10, achieving efficient heat utilization through three different layout methods: In the first layout method, such as Figure 6 As shown, a heating element 22 is connected to each of the two opposing sides of the first segment 213 and the second segment 215, and at least one heat-conducting element 10 connects the two heating elements 22. When the dryer is running, the heat generated by the two heating elements 22 is transferred to the first segment 213 and the second segment 215 respectively, accelerating the heating of the liquid to generate steam. At the same time, the heat-conducting element 10 transfers heat to the airflow in the air duct, realizing the dual functions of steam generation and clothes drying. This layout increases the heat exchange area and improves the overall heat exchange efficiency.

[0086] In the second layout method, such as Figure 7 As shown, a heating element 22 is connected to both sides of the first segment 213 and the second segment 215 facing each other. A heat-conducting element 10, a heating element 22, and a heat-conducting element 10 are sequentially connected between the two heating elements 22. This layout increases the number of heating elements 22, further enhancing the heating power and accelerating steam generation. The two heat-conducting elements 10 form a multi-channel airflow heating path, making the airflow temperature distribution within the duct more uniform.

[0087] In the third layout method, such as Figure 8 As shown, a heat exchanger 21 surrounds a heating element 22 and a heat-conducting element 10. The heating element 22 is connected to the first segment 213, and the heat-conducting element 10 is connected to the heating element 22 on one side and to the second segment 215 on the other side. A heating element 22 and a heat-conducting element 10 are sequentially connected to the side of the second segment 215 facing away from the first segment 213. In this arrangement, the heating element 22 on the inner side of the heat exchanger 21 ring heats the liquid in the first segment 213, while the heating element 22 on the outer side of the heat exchanger 21 ring heats the liquid in the second segment 215, resulting in more uniform heating of the liquid within the heat exchanger 21.

[0088] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 21 includes a first segment 213, a connecting segment, and a second segment 215 connected in sequence. The first segment 213 and the second segment 215 are arranged opposite to each other, and the first segment 213 is provided with a liquid inlet 2102, and the second segment 215 is provided with a steam outlet 2103. This embodiment has the following two layout arrangements for the heating element 22 and the heat-conducting element 10: In one of the layout methods, such as Figure 9 As shown, a heating element 22 is connected to both sides of the first segment 213 and the second segment 215 facing each other, and at least one heat-conducting element 10 is connected between the two heating elements 22. The above symmetrical layout ensures that the heat exchange element 21 is heated evenly on both sides, ensuring that the liquid heats up evenly in the heating chamber 2101 and generates a stable steam flow. At the same time, the heat-conducting element 10 efficiently transfers the heat from the heating elements 22 on both sides to the airflow in the air duct, achieving uniform drying of the clothes.

[0089] In another layout, such as Figure 10 As shown, a heating element 22 is sandwiched between the first segment 213 and the second segment 215. A heating element 22 and a heat-conducting element 10 are sequentially connected to the side of the first segment 213 facing away from the second segment 215, and a heating element 22 and a heat-conducting element 10 are also sequentially connected to the side of the second segment 215 facing away from the first segment 213. In this layout, heating elements 22 are provided on both sides of the first segment 213 and the second segment 215 for heating, greatly improving steam generation efficiency. Simultaneously, the combination of the heating elements 22 and heat-conducting elements 10 on both outer sides can enhance the heating of the airflow in the duct, achieving rapid drying.

[0090] During the steam generation and discharge process, the pressure inside the heating chamber 2101 will change continuously. If the pressure is too high and not released in time, it may cause damage to the heat exchange component 21.

[0091] Therefore, in some embodiments, a pressure relief valve 70 is provided at the liquid inlet 2102 and / or the steam outlet 2103 to improve the safety of the heating device.

[0092] When the pressure inside the heating chamber 2101 exceeds the set pressure of the pressure relief valve 70, the pressure relief valve 70 will automatically open to release the excess pressure. The pressure relief valve 70 at the liquid inlet 2102 prevents damage to the equipment due to abnormal pressure increases when liquid enters the heating chamber 2101; the pressure relief valve 70 at the steam outlet 2103 ensures that the pressure remains within a safe range during steam discharge, thus avoiding safety hazards caused by excessive pressure and ensuring the stable operation of the heating device and user safety.

[0093] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A heating device, characterized in that, include: A heating module includes a heating component and a heat-conducting component. The heating component has a heating cavity with a liquid inlet for liquid to enter and a steam outlet for steam to exit. Liquid entering the heating cavity is heated to form steam. The heat-conducting component is thermally connected to the heating component and forms an air passage. Airflow passing through the air passage is heated. as well as A bracket is connected to the heating module and is used to mount the heating module.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket has a mounting cavity for mounting the heating module, and the wall of the mounting cavity is provided with a limiting structure for limiting the heating module in the depth direction of the mounting cavity.

3. The heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes: Guide members, disposed on the two opposing inner sidewalls of the mounting cavity, are used for mounting and guiding the heating module; and A limiting member is provided at the opening of the mounting cavity to limit the heating module in the depth direction of the mounting cavity.

4. The heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support includes: The outer frame has the mounting cavity; and A mounting plate covers a portion of the opening in the mounting cavity; The heating device also includes a water inlet pipe and a steam pipe. The water inlet pipe passes through the mounting plate and is connected to the liquid inlet. The steam pipe is connected to the steam outlet and extends out from the outer frame.

5. The heating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heating device also includes a water pump, which is mounted on the mounting plate and the outlet of the water pump is connected to the inlet pipe.

6. The heating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, One side of the outer frame has an airflow channel for airflow to pass through.

7. The heating device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Multiple airflow channels are provided, and the multiple airflow channels are spaced apart on the same side of the outer frame.

8. The heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating device is applied to a clothing processing equipment, which has an air duct for drying clothes, and the heating device is disposed within the air duct.

9. The heating device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The inner wall of the air duct has a slot, and the periphery of the bracket is provided with a snap-fit ​​component that mates with the slot.

10. The heating device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​member (313) protrudes from at least one side of the bracket (30) and extends in a long strip along the side.

11. The heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat-conducting component includes: Multiple fins are interconnected to form a plate structure with multiple holes, and the multiple holes form the air passage.

12. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The heating assembly includes a heat exchanger and at least one heating element, the at least one heating element being connected to the wall of the heating chamber for transferring the heat generated by the heating element to the heating chamber to heat the liquid in the heating chamber to form steam; At least one of the heat-conducting elements is thermally connected to the heating element for transferring the heat generated by the heating element to the air passage to heat the airflow flowing through the air passage.

13. The heating device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The heating element includes one of a PTC heating element and a heating tube.

14. The heating device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The heat exchanger is elongated, the heating chamber extends along the length of the heat exchanger, the liquid inlet is located at one end of the heat exchanger, and the steam outlet is located at the other end of the heat exchanger.

15. The heating device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The heating element is fitted onto the outer wall of the heat exchanger and extends along the length of the heat exchanger.

16. The heating device according to claim 15, characterized in that, In the width direction of the heat exchanger, at least one heating element and at least one heat-conducting element are provided on each of the opposite sides of the heat exchanger.

17. The heating device according to claim 16, characterized in that, Four heating elements and four heat-conducting elements are provided, with each heating element connected to one heat-conducting element, and the heating elements and heat-conducting elements on both sides of the heat exchanger are symmetrically arranged about the heat exchanger.

18. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: The housing assembly is equipped with air ducts; A clothing handling drum is installed inside the housing assembly and is connected to the air duct; as well as The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the steam outlet is connected to the clothing treatment drum, and the heat-conducting element is located in the air duct.

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