Clothes dryer

Abstract

This application relates to the field of clothes dryer technology, and provides a clothes dryer including a casing, a condensate box, an evaporator, a spray pipe, and a flow pipe. The condensate box is disposed in the casing for collecting condensate, and the evaporator is installed inside the casing. The spray pipe is connected to the condensate box, and the spray direction of the spray pipe is directed towards the evaporator. The flow pipe is connected between the condensate box and the spray pipe, and a sterilization device is disposed in the flow pipe. The condensate treated by the sterilization device is transported to the spray pipe through the flow pipe and sprayed directionally onto the surface of the evaporator, rinsing the evaporator surface, reducing the accumulation of lint, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth, solving the odor problem caused by lint on the evaporator due to high temperature and humidity, and improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of clothes dryer technology, and particularly relates to a clothes dryer. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, with the improvement of people's living standards and the continuous development of science and technology, clothes dryers have gradually become one of the indispensable appliances in household life. Among them, heat pump clothes dryers occupy most of the market due to their advantages of energy saving and emission reduction. However, during the use of heat pump clothes dryers, the surface of the evaporator forms a high-humidity environment due to the interception of lint and condensate, which is prone to the growth of bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus and mold) and produces odors. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a clothes dryer to solve the problem that existing clothes dryer evaporators are prone to bacterial growth and odor.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a clothes dryer, comprising:

[0005] chassis;

[0006] A condensate box, located in the housing, is used to collect condensate.

[0007] The evaporator is installed inside the housing;

[0008] A spray pipe is connected to the condensate box, and the spray direction of the spray pipe is set towards the evaporator;

[0009] A flow pipe is connected between the condensate box and the spray pipe, and a sterilization device is provided in the flow pipe.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, a cover plate is provided above the evaporator, the spray pipe is installed on the cover plate, and the spray pipe is provided with a spray head for spraying water toward the evaporator.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the number of spray heads is multiple, and the multiple spray heads are spaced apart along the length direction of the evaporator.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the sterilization device includes at least one of an ultraviolet germicidal lamp and an electrolysis device.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the dryer further includes a first water pump, which is connected to the condensate box and the flow pipe, and the first water pump is equipped with a flow sensor;

[0014] And / or, the dryer further includes a second water pump, which is connected to the flow pipe and the spray pipe, and the second water pump is a pressure pump.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the clothes dryer further includes:

[0016] A detection component for detecting odor information and / or humidity information of the evaporator;

[0017] The controller is connected to the detection component, the sterilization device, the first water pump, and the second water pump.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the overflow pipe is connected to the spray pipe via a guide water pipe, and the housing is provided with a pipe clamp, with the guide water pipe engaging with the pipe clamp.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, a condensate pan is provided below the evaporator, and the condensate pan is connected to the outside of the casing via a drain pipe.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the flow pipe is provided with a water inlet, which is used to connect to an external water source.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the dryer further includes a detergent dispenser, which is installed in the housing and connected to the flow pipe for storing detergent.

[0022] The clothes dryer provided in this embodiment includes a casing, a condensate box, an evaporator, a spray pipe, and a flow pipe. The condensate box is disposed in the casing for collecting condensate, and the evaporator is installed inside the casing. The spray pipe is connected to the condensate box, and the spray direction of the spray pipe is directed towards the evaporator. The flow pipe is connected between the condensate box and the spray pipe, and a sterilization device is disposed in the flow pipe. The condensate treated by the sterilization device is transported to the spray pipe through the flow pipe and sprayed directionally onto the surface of the evaporator, rinsing the evaporator surface, reducing lint accumulation, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth, solving the odor problem caused by lint on the evaporator due to high temperature and humidity, and improving the user experience.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0024] 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 accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a clothes dryer provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the spray pipes provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the flow tube provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 100. Housing;

[0031] 200. Condensate box; 210. Water level sensor;

[0032] 300. Evaporator; 310. Cover plate; 320. Condensate pan;

[0033] 400. Spray pipe; 410. Spray head;

[0034] 500, flow tube;

[0035] 600, First water pump; 700, Second water pump; 800, Detection component; 900, Guide water pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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 or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0040] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0041] In related technologies, with the improvement of people's living standards and the continuous development of science and technology, clothes dryers have gradually become one of the indispensable appliances in household life. Among them, heat pump clothes dryers occupy most of the market due to their advantages of energy saving and emission reduction. However, during the use of heat pump clothes dryers, the surface of the evaporator forms a high-humidity environment due to the interception of lint and condensate, which is prone to the growth of bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus and mold) and produces odors.

[0042] Traditional filters only trap lint and cannot eliminate microbial contamination, requiring frequent manual cleaning by users and impacting the user experience. Existing evaporator self-cleaning technologies mostly rely on high-temperature steam, which is energy-intensive and can damage heat-sensitive components. Some products use ultrasonic vibration to remove lint, but this cannot kill microorganisms; others use hot air to dry the evaporator, increasing energy consumption by 30% with limited effectiveness; still others spray chemical disinfectants, posing a high risk of residue and corroding metal parts.

[0043] This application provides a clothes dryer to solve the problem of bacteria and odor growth in the evaporator of existing clothes dryers. The following will be discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figure 1-3 Please provide an explanation.

[0044] The clothes dryer provided in the embodiments of this application refers to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a housing 100, a condensate box 200, an evaporator 300, a spray pipe 400, and a flow pipe 500. The condensate box 200 is disposed in the housing 100 and is used to collect condensate. The evaporator 300 is installed inside the housing 100. The spray pipe 400 is connected to the condensate box 200, and the spray direction of the spray pipe 400 is set towards the evaporator 300. The flow pipe 500 is connected between the condensate box 200 and the spray pipe 400, and a sterilization device is provided in the flow pipe 500.

[0045] For example, the casing 100 is the main outer shell of the dryer, used to house and protect the various internal components. The condensate box 200 is usually located on the top of the casing 100, and its main function is to collect condensate from the humid and hot air during the drying process. The spray pipe 400 is connected to the condensate box 200, and the condensate can be sprayed out from the spray pipe 400 and sprayed toward the fins on the surface of the evaporator 300. A flow pipe 500 is provided between the condensate box 200 and the spray pipe 400. A sterilization device is provided in the flow pipe 500 for sterilizing the water in the flow pipe 500.

[0046] In this embodiment, the condensate first collects in the condensate box 200. Then, this condensate flows out through the overflow pipe 500. Inside the overflow pipe 500, the water flows through a sterilization device, which treats the water, killing bacteria, mold spores, and other microorganisms carried in the water, thus purifying the water. The clean condensate after sterilization is then transported to the spray pipe 400, which sprays the purified water directionally onto the surface of the evaporator 300. The sprayed water washes over the surface of the evaporator 300 fins, washing away and carrying away fibers, dust, and other impurities attached to them.

[0047] In this embodiment, the sterilization device is integrated into the flow pipe 500, and the evaporator 300 is automatically flushed with treated condensate. The condensate is sterilized before contacting the evaporator 300, ensuring that the water sprayed onto the evaporator 300 is clean. This not only washes away existing dirt and lint on the evaporator 300, but also prevents new bacteria from re-attaching to the evaporator 300 with the water flow, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mold at the source. Furthermore, the sterilization function is directly integrated into the pipe connecting the condensate box 200 and the spray pipe 400, resulting in a more compact overall structure and higher space utilization.

[0048] In one alternative embodiment, the sterilization device includes at least one of an ultraviolet germicidal lamp and an electrolysis device.

[0049] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet germicidal lamp can quickly and effectively kill bacteria and mold in the condensate, ensuring that the water sprayed onto the evaporator 300 is clean. It requires no chemical agents, produces no harmful byproducts, is environmentally friendly, and has a good killing effect on a variety of microorganisms.

[0050] The electrolysis device electrolyzes water using direct current, producing highly oxidizing reactive oxygen species (such as hypochlorous acid) and hydroxide ions. These active substances can destroy the cell walls and cell membranes of microorganisms, causing them to become inactive, thereby achieving a sterilization effect.

[0051] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet germicidal lamp and the electrolysis device can be set up separately or controlled in concert for sterilization. The specific design can be based on actual usage requirements.

[0052] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a cover plate 310 is provided above the evaporator 300, a spray pipe 400 is installed on the cover plate 310, and the spray pipe 400 is provided with a spray head 410 for spraying water toward the evaporator 300.

[0053] In this embodiment, a cover plate 310 is provided above the evaporator 300 to protect the evaporator 300 and to serve as a structural support for the spray pipe 400 for mounting the spray pipe 400. At least one spray head 410 is provided on the spray pipe 400, and the spray head 410 is designed to spray treated condensate onto the surface of the evaporator 300 to clean the lint accumulated on the evaporator 300.

[0054] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, there are multiple spray heads 410, and the multiple spray heads 410 are spaced apart along the length of the evaporator 300.

[0055] In this embodiment, multiple spray heads 410 can more precisely control the water flow distribution, ensuring that each area is thoroughly cleaned and avoiding incomplete cleaning of some areas due to uneven water flow. Multiple spray heads 410 can work simultaneously to form a denser water curtain, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and more quickly washing away dirt and impurities from the surface of the evaporator 300, reducing cleaning time. The positions of the spray heads 410 can also be flexibly arranged and adjusted according to the length and shape of the evaporator 300 to ensure that the spray water covers every corner of the evaporator 300, avoiding cleaning dead spots.

[0056] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the dryer also includes a first water pump 600, which is connected to the condensate box 200 and the flow pipe 500, and the first water pump 600 is equipped with a flow sensor.

[0057] The first water pump 600 is used to draw condensate from the condensate box 200 into the flow pipe 500, where it stays for a period of time for thorough sterilization. The first water pump 600 is equipped with a flow sensor, allowing it to draw a certain amount of condensate into the flow pipe 500 each time.

[0058] The flow sensor also has a flow monitoring function, which helps to detect and deal with problems such as pipe blockage, water shortage or water pump failure in a timely manner, improving the reliability of the system and the convenience of maintenance.

[0059] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the dryer also includes a second water pump 700, which is connected to the flow pipe 500 and the spray pipe 400, and the second water pump 700 is a pressure pump.

[0060] In this embodiment, the second water pump 700 is used to pump the sterilized water from the flow pipe 500 into the spray pipe 400, and then spray it onto the surface of the evaporator 300 through the spray head 410 of the spray pipe 400. The second water pump 700 is a pressure pump, which can increase the water pressure. The high-pressure water flow can more effectively wash away lint, dirt, and sterilization residues on the surface of the evaporator 300, resulting in a better cleaning effect.

[0061] In one optional implementation, combined with Figures 1-3 As shown, the dryer also includes: a detection component 800 for detecting odor information and / or humidity information of the evaporator 300; and a controller connected to the detection component 800, the sterilization device, the first water pump 600, and the second water pump 700, configured to control the operation of the sterilization device, the first water pump 600, and the second water pump 700 based on the odor information and / or humidity information.

[0062] For example, the detection component 800 is used to detect the operating status of the evaporator 300, specifically detecting odor information around the evaporator 300 (e.g., detecting the concentration of specific volatile organic compounds or bacterial metabolites via a gas sensor) and / or humidity information (e.g., detecting the relative humidity of the surface of the evaporator 300 via a humidity sensor).

[0063] When an odor concentration or humidity level is detected to be higher than a certain level, the controller can activate the sterilization device and water pump to automatically clean the evaporator 300 without requiring manual operation by the user.

[0064] In one optional implementation, combined with Figures 1-3As shown, the overflow pipe 500 and the spray pipe 400 are connected by the guide water pipe 900. The housing 100 is equipped with a pipe clamp (not shown in the figure), and the guide water pipe 900 is snapped into the pipe clamp.

[0065] In this embodiment, the guide pipe 900 is used to connect the overflow pipe 500, the second water pump 700 and the spray pipe 400. The pipe clamp can be a snap-on or clamp-type structure, which is used to snap and fix the guide pipe 900. This can effectively prevent the water pipe from shifting, shaking or falling off during the operation of the dryer (such as vibration), and is convenient for installation and disassembly.

[0066] In one optional implementation, combined with Figures 1-3 As shown, a condensate pan 320 is provided below the evaporator 300, and the condensate pan 320 is connected to the outside of the casing 100 through a drain pipe.

[0067] In this embodiment, the condensate tray 320 is used to collect the condensate water condensed from the surface of the evaporator 300 and the water sprayed from the spray pipe 400, and then discharge it to the outside through the drain pipe to prevent the water from breeding bacteria or producing odors inside the machine, which helps to keep the dryer clean and hygienic.

[0068] In an optional implementation, the flow pipe 500 is provided with a water inlet for connecting to an external water source.

[0069] In this embodiment, when the amount of condensate collected in the condensate box 200 is insufficient to meet the needs of spray cleaning the evaporator 300 (for example, when drying clothes with low humidity, less condensate is generated), or when the sterilization device needs additional water for more thorough sterilization, water can be replenished from an external water source through the water inlet, reducing dependence on condensate and ensuring the cleaning efficiency and effect of the evaporator 300.

[0070] In one optional implementation, combined with Figures 1-3 As shown, a water level sensor 210 is installed in the condensate box 200 to detect the water level in the condensate box 200. When the water level is lower than a certain threshold, a signal can be sent through the display screen to prompt the user to manually add water.

[0071] In an optional embodiment, the dryer also includes a detergent dispenser (not shown), which is installed in the housing 100 and connected to the flow pipe 500 for storing detergent.

[0072] By incorporating cleaning agents during the spraying process, stubborn stains such as mineral deposits (scale), grease, and biofilm can be dissolved and broken down more effectively, resulting in a deeper clean of the evaporator 300. The type of cleaning agent can be selected as needed, but it is essential to ensure that the cleaning agent is compatible with the dryer's materials and will not corrode the pipes or casing 100.

[0073] For example, the dryer in this embodiment can be configured with two working modes: daily maintenance mode and deep sterilization mode.

[0074] In routine maintenance mode, after the drying program ends, when the humidity sensor detects that the surface humidity of the evaporator 300 is >80% RH, self-cleaning is triggered; the first water pump 600 turns on, drawing 200ml of condensate, which is then treated with UV-C (irradiance intensity 5mW / cm²). 2 (Pause for 8 seconds) When the water level is insufficient, tap water is introduced for emergency water replenishment (when it is inconvenient to connect the dryer to tap water, the water level sensor 210 transmits a signal to the dryer's computer board, and sends a signal through the display screen to prompt the user to manually add water to the condensate box 200); the second water pump 700 pressurizes to 0.2MPa and washes the evaporator 300 fins through the top spray pipe 400; the wastewater flows to the condensate pan 320 and is discharged normally, with a cleaning cycle of 10 minutes.

[0075] In deep sterilization mode, if the detection component 800 (such as an odor sensor) detects a concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) > 500 ppb, it is determined to be heavily polluted. In daily maintenance mode, repeat the procedure 3 times or until the odor sensor passes the test within 3 times, then cleaning can be stopped. If it still fails to pass the test after 3 cleanings, then cleaning agent is introduced into the flow pipe 500, or a signal is sent through the display screen to prompt the user to add special cleaning agent into the condensate box 200 to continue the cleaning work. After cleaning is completed, the wastewater is discharged.

[0076] The clothes dryer provided in this embodiment includes a casing 100, a condensate box 200, an evaporator 300, a spray pipe 400, and a flow pipe 500. The condensate box 200 is disposed in the casing 100 for collecting condensate, and the evaporator 300 is installed inside the casing 100. The spray pipe 400 is connected to the condensate box 200, and the spray direction of the spray pipe 400 is directed towards the evaporator 300. The flow pipe 500 is connected between the condensate box 200 and the spray pipe 400, and a sterilization device is provided in the flow pipe 500. The condensate treated by the sterilization device is transported to the spray pipe 400 through the flow pipe 500 and sprayed directionally onto the surface of the evaporator 300, rinsing the surface of the evaporator 300, reducing the accumulation of lint, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth, solving the odor problem caused by lint on the evaporator 300 due to the high temperature and humidity environment, and improving the user experience.

[0077] It is understood that the dryer in this embodiment may include, but is not limited to, dryers with only drying function, as well as household appliances such as washer-dryer combos.

[0078] 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.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of this application do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application and should all be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A clothes dryer, characterized in that, include: chassis; A condensate box, located in the housing, is used to collect condensate. The evaporator is installed inside the housing; A spray pipe is connected to the condensate box, and the spray direction of the spray pipe is set towards the evaporator; A flow pipe is connected between the condensate box and the spray pipe, and a sterilization device is provided in the flow pipe; The dryer further includes a first water pump, which is connected to the condensate box and the flow pipe, and the first water pump is equipped with a flow sensor; and / or, the dryer further includes a second water pump, which is connected to the flow pipe and the spray pipe, and the second water pump is a pressure pump.

2. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cover plate is provided above the evaporator, and the spray pipe is installed on the cover plate. The spray pipe is provided with a spray head for spraying water toward the evaporator.

3. The clothes dryer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of spray heads is multiple, and the multiple spray heads are spaced apart along the length direction of the evaporator.

4. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sterilization device includes at least one of an ultraviolet germicidal lamp and an electrolysis device.

5. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dryer also includes: A detection component for detecting odor information and / or humidity information of the evaporator; The controller is connected to the detection component, the sterilization device, the first water pump, and the second water pump.

6. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overflow pipe is connected to the spray pipe via a guide water pipe, and the housing is equipped with a pipe clamp, which engages with the guide water pipe.

7. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A condensate pan is provided below the evaporator, and the condensate pan is connected to the outside of the casing through a drain pipe.

8. The clothes dryer according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The flow pipe is equipped with a water inlet, which is used to connect to an external water source.

9. The clothes dryer according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The dryer also includes a detergent dispenser, which is installed in the housing and connected to the flow pipe for storing detergent.

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