A laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a clothes processing device, which comprises an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, a condensing device and an air duct assembly. The inside of the inner cylinder constitutes a drying cavity. There is an installation gap between the inner cylinder and the cavity wall of the containing cavity. The condensing device is configured to condense air passing through the installation gap. The air duct assembly comprises a drying air duct, which can make air passing through the drying air duct form hot air. The drying air duct is connected to the inner cylinder. The air duct assembly further comprises a return air assembly, which comprises a return air duct and two air doors. The return air duct has two communication ports, and the two air doors are respectively arranged corresponding to the two communication ports. The opening degrees of the two air doors can be adjusted. The return air duct, the drying air duct, the inner cylinder and the installation gap jointly constitute a circulating air path, and the drying air duct, the inner cylinder and the installation gap jointly constitute a fresh air path. The application can improve the drying efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of washing equipment technology, and more particularly to a garment processing device. Background Technology

[0002] With the fast pace of life, people are increasingly demanding washing and drying equipment such as washing machines and garment processing devices for housework, with particular attention paid to the drying effect and efficiency of these devices.

[0003] Currently, washing and drying equipment, such as garment processing equipment, typically includes a built-in rotating drying drum. During operation, the clothes tumble and turn inside the drum as it rotates, while hot air is blown into the drum to remove moisture and achieve a drying effect.

[0004] However, most clothing processing equipment on the market currently suffers from poor drying efficiency and high energy consumption when drying clothes. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings in the related technologies, this application provides a garment processing device to solve the problems of poor drying efficiency and high energy consumption in the garment processing devices of the related technologies.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, in a first aspect, this application provides a garment processing device, which includes:

[0007] An outer cylinder having a receiving cavity;

[0008] The inner cylinder is rotatably disposed within the receiving cavity, and the interior of the inner cylinder forms a drying chamber for drying clothes. There is an installation gap between the bottom of the inner cylinder and the cavity wall of the receiving cavity.

[0009] A condensing device configured to condense air passing through the mounting gap to remove moisture from the air;

[0010] An air duct assembly, the air duct assembly including a drying air duct, the first end of the drying air duct being connected to the inner cylinder, and the drying air duct being able to form hot air for drying by the air passing through the drying air duct.

[0011] The air duct assembly further includes a return air assembly, which includes a return air duct and two dampers. One end of the return air duct is connected to the drying air duct, and the other end is connected to the installation gap. The return air duct has two connecting ports, which connect the outer space of the return air duct to the inner space of the return air duct. The two dampers are respectively provided corresponding to the two connecting ports, and the opening degree of the two dampers is adjustable. The two dampers are configured to open or close the corresponding connecting ports to control the connection or non-connection between the outer space and the inner space of the return air duct. The two dampers are also configured to restrict or prevent air from the installation gap from entering the drying air duct through the return air duct.

[0012] When both of the air dampers are closed, the second end of the drying air duct and the space outside the outer cylinder are not connected. The return air duct, the drying air duct, the inner cylinder and the installation gap are connected in sequence to form a circulating air path. The circulating air path is configured to allow the hot air to circulate along the circulating air path to dry the drying chamber.

[0013] When both dampers open their corresponding connecting ports, and the two dampers are configured to prevent air from entering the drying duct through the return air duct via the installation gap, the drying duct, the inner cylinder, and the installation gap together constitute a fresh air path, and the two connecting ports respectively constitute the air inlet and air outlet of the fresh air path; the fresh air path is configured to allow the hot air formed by fresh air from the outer space of the outer cylinder to flow along the fresh air path to dry the drying chamber.

[0014] With this setup, during drying, the circulating air path and the fresh air path can be flexibly switched via the damper based on the temperature and humidity of the clothes and air inside the drying chamber.

[0015] For example, when drying is in its initial stage (low temperature and humidity inside the drying chamber, high air moisture-carrying capacity), the control damper closes the corresponding connection port, preventing the second end of the drying duct from connecting with the space outside the outer cylinder. The return air duct connects with the second end of the drying duct and the installation gap, forming a circulating air path of "return air duct—drying duct—inner cylinder—installation gap." In this case, the hot air generated in the drying duct flows through the drying chamber and carries away moisture from the clothes. The resulting humid air can then enter the installation gap. After being cooled by the condenser, the water molecules in the humid air in the installation gap condense, reducing the humidity of the air. This air can then re-enter the drying duct to form hot air, achieving internal circulation drying and gradually reducing the humidity of the clothes.

[0016] When drying enters the middle or later stages (when the temperature and humidity inside the drying chamber increase and the air's moisture-carrying capacity decreases), the control damper opens the corresponding connecting port, connecting the space outside the outer cylinder with the second end of the drying duct, while disconnecting the return air duct from the second end of the drying duct and the installation gap. This forms a fresh air path of "drying duct—inner cylinder—installation gap," with the two connecting ports at different ends of the return air duct constituting the air inlet and outlet of the fresh air path, respectively. In this case, the fresh air introduced through the air inlet can form hot air within the drying duct. After the hot air flows through the drying chamber and carries away moisture from the clothes, the resulting humid and hot air can be discharged from the air outlet through the installation gap.

[0017] As can be seen from the above description, by switching the circulating air path to a fresh air path according to the different temperatures and humidity inside the drying chamber, and by expelling hot and humid air, the absolute humidity inside the drying chamber can be reduced, the thermodynamic balance can be broken, and the driving force for the evaporation of moisture from the clothes can be restored. This is conducive to restoring the moisture-carrying capacity of the air. Compared with related technologies that only use the circulating air path for drying, this can improve drying efficiency, shorten drying time, save water, and reduce energy consumption.

[0018] In addition, since the opening of the two dampers is adjustable, the amount of fresh air introduced and the amount of humid and hot air discharged can be controlled at different stages of drying. This allows for a large volume of fresh air and dehumidified air to be achieved without damaging the clothes, thus ensuring drying efficiency and avoiding heat waste caused by excessive exhaust.

[0019] Optionally, the drying air duct is further configured to allow fresh air to flow along the fresh air path to replace the air in the inner cylinder.

[0020] With this design, if the user does not open the door to retrieve clothes for an extended period after washing or drying, fresh air can continuously enter the inner drum to replace the air, effectively preventing odors from developing in the inner drum due to the sealed environment, residual moisture, and residual heat from the clothes, thus improving the user experience.

[0021] Optionally, when both of the connecting ports are open and the return air duct is closed, the drying air duct, the inner cylinder and the installation gap are connected in sequence to form the fresh air duct.

[0022] When both of the aforementioned connecting ports are closed and the return air duct is open, the return air duct, the drying air duct, the inner cylinder, and the installation gap are sequentially connected to form the circulating air path.

[0023] When both of the connecting ports are open and the return air duct is partially open, the drying air duct, the inner cylinder, and the installation gap are connected in sequence to form the fresh air path. At the same time, the return air duct, the drying air duct, the inner cylinder, and the installation gap are connected in sequence to form the circulating air path.

[0024] This setup allows for drying using either the circulating air path or the fresh air path alone, or simultaneously using both, thus enhancing the flexibility of air path usage during drying.

[0025] When using both circulating and fresh air ducts for drying, a low-humidity environment can be maintained by introducing fresh air, while excessive heat loss can be reduced by using circulating air ducts. This allows for dynamic optimization of drying effect and energy saving.

[0026] Optionally, the damper is rotatably disposed at the corresponding connection port, and when the damper rotates relative to the connection port, the damper selectively blocks the connection port or blocks the end of the return air duct adjacent to the connection port;

[0027] The area of ​​the damper that blocks the connection port and the return air duct changes with the opening degree of the damper.

[0028] With this setup, since the obstruction area changes with the opening of the damper, adjusting the damper opening not only helps to adjust the degree of opening of the connection port, but also helps to adjust the degree of opening of the return air duct. In this way, it is possible to adjust not only the amount of fresh air introduced and the amount of humid and hot air discharged, but also the amount of circulating air.

[0029] In this way, when using both the circulating air path and the fresh air path at the same time, fine-tuning the damper opening helps to accurately control the proportion of fresh air, circulating air, and hot and humid air. This allows for flexible adaptation to the needs of the temperature and humidity transition from low to high in the drying chamber, avoiding sudden changes in air volume that could lead to fluctuations in drying efficiency or energy waste.

[0030] Optionally, the two connecting ports include a fresh air connecting port and an exhaust connecting port, the fresh air connecting port being located at the first end of the return air duct connecting to the drying air duct, and the exhaust connecting port being located at the second end of the return air duct connecting to the installation gap;

[0031] The damper includes a first damper and a second damper. The first damper and the fresh air connection port are respectively provided and configured to control the opening and closing state of the fresh air connection port and the first end of the return air duct.

[0032] The second damper and the exhaust port are respectively provided and configured to control the opening and closing state of the exhaust port and the second end of the return air duct.

[0033] This configuration allows for simultaneous dual control of the opening and closing of the connecting port and the on / off state of the return air duct through a single damper, eliminating the need for separate control components for each. This simplifies the overall structure of the duct assembly, reduces the number of parts, lowers the production and assembly costs of the duct assembly, reduces the space occupied by the duct assembly structure, and also reduces potential failure points in multi-component collaborative control, thereby improving operational reliability.

[0034] Optionally, when the first damper is at its maximum opening, the first damper completely closes the return air duct; and / or,

[0035] When the second damper is at its maximum opening, the second damper completely closes the return air duct.

[0036] With this setup, when the first or second air damper is adjusted to its maximum opening, on the one hand, it can completely seal the return air duct, thus preventing the hot and humid air in the return air duct from flowing back into the inner drum and affecting the drying effect, helping to quickly break the high humidity environment and restore the driving force for moisture evaporation from the clothes; on the other hand, it is conducive to improving the efficiency of fresh air introduction and humid air exhaust, thereby improving the drying efficiency.

[0037] Optionally, a door frame is provided at the communication opening, and the damper is rotatably mounted on the door frame;

[0038] The air duct assembly also includes:

[0039] A damper drive is disposed on the door frame and is used to drive the damper to rotate so that the damper has multiple opening degrees.

[0040] This design ensures that the door frame provides a stable installation base for the damper, guaranteeing that the damper remains precisely aligned with the connection opening during long-term rotation and adjustment.

[0041] On the other hand, the design of integrating the damper drive unit into the door frame shortens the transmission distance between the damper drive unit and the damper, which not only reduces power loss but also makes the damper opening adjustment response faster.

[0042] Optionally, a sealing element is provided on the door frame and / or the damper, the sealing element being used to seal the gap between the door frame and the damper when the communication port is closed.

[0043] With this configuration, when switching to the circulating air path (connection port closed), the seal can completely block the gap between the door frame and the damper, preventing low-temperature air from the outside of the outer cylinder from seeping in or hot air from leaking into the circulating air path, avoiding increased energy consumption due to heat loss, and ensuring stable airflow circulation in the circulating air path to guarantee drying efficiency.

[0044] Optionally, the condensation device is a condensation plate disposed on the inner bottom wall of the receiving cavity, the condensation plate is provided with a coolant flow channel for coolant to flow through, and the top of the outer cylinder is provided with a liquid inlet, the liquid inlet being connected to the coolant flow channel.

[0045] This configuration allows the condenser plate, located on the inner bottom wall of the cavity, to fully contact the humid and hot air flowing through the installation gap. Combined with the circulation of coolant in the coolant channel, this efficiently absorbs heat from the humid and hot air, causing water vapor to condense quickly into liquid water, significantly improving dehumidification efficiency. This provides a reliable dehumidification guarantee for the stable operation of the circulating air path and avoids a decrease in drying efficiency caused by the circulation of humid and hot air within the cavity.

[0046] On the other hand, the liquid inlet is located at the top of the outer cylinder. Under the action of gravity, it helps to ensure that the coolant fully fills the coolant flow channel, which can cool the condenser plate over a larger area and avoid the local coolant flow channel not flowing through the coolant, thus affecting the condensation effect.

[0047] Optionally, the air duct assembly further includes:

[0048] A heating device is disposed in the drying air duct and configured to heat the air in the drying air duct to form hot air for drying;

[0049] A fan is provided in the drying duct and is used to blow hot air in the drying duct toward the first end of the drying duct.

[0050] With this setup, the heating device can directly act on the air in the drying duct, quickly heating the air to the target drying temperature. At the same time, once the hot air is formed in the drying duct, it can be immediately blown into the drying chamber by the fan, avoiding local overheating or uneven temperature caused by the hot air lingering in the drying duct. This ensures that the temperature of the hot air blown into the drying chamber is stable, providing a uniform and continuous heat source for drying clothes, and improving drying uniformity and efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0051] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments 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 these drawings without creative effort.

[0052] Figure 1 A perspective view of the garment processing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 2 Right view of the garment processing device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along the middle AA direction;

[0055] Figure 4 One of the left views of the garment processing device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 5 A second left view of the garment processing device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 6 One of the schematic diagrams of the garment processing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 7 A second schematic diagram of the garment processing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 8 This is the third schematic diagram of the clothing processing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 9 Assembly drawings of the door frame, damper, and damper drive component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction.

[0062] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0063] 1-Outer cylinder; 11-Receiving cavity;

[0064] 2-Inner cylinder; 21-Drying chamber;

[0065] 3-Installation clearance; 4-Condensation device; 5-Drying air duct;

[0066] 6 - Return air duct; 61 - Connecting port; 611 - Fresh air connecting port; 612 - Exhaust connecting port;

[0067] 7-Air damper; 71-First air damper; 72-Second air damper;

[0068] 8-Liquid inlet; 9-Heating device; 10-Fan; 20-Door frame; 30-Damper drive; 40-Sealing component. Detailed Implementation

[0069] 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 some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0070] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0071] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0072] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; 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, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0073] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0074] As described in the background section of this application, with the accelerating pace of life, the demand for washing and drying equipment such as washing machines and clothing handling equipment is increasing in housework, with particular attention paid to the drying effect and efficiency of such equipment.

[0075] Currently, washing and drying equipment, such as garment processing equipment, typically includes a built-in rotating drying drum. During operation, the clothes tumble and turn inside the drum as it rotates, while hot air is blown into the drum to remove moisture and achieve a drying effect.

[0076] However, most clothing processing equipment on the market currently suffers from poor drying efficiency and high energy consumption when drying clothes.

[0077] In view of the above-mentioned problems, this application provides a garment processing device to solve the problems of poor drying efficiency and high energy consumption in garment processing devices in the related art.

[0078] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings:

[0079] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the garment processing equipment includes an outer cylinder 1 and an inner cylinder 2. The outer cylinder 1 has a receiving cavity 11, and the inner cylinder 2 is rotatably disposed within the receiving cavity 11. The interior of the inner cylinder 2 forms a drying cavity 21 for drying garments, and there is an installation gap 3 between the bottom of the inner cylinder 2 and the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 11.

[0080] With this configuration, firstly, the receiving cavity 11 inside the outer cylinder 1 can provide a stable and independent installation space for the inner cylinder 2; secondly, the inner cylinder 2 is rotatably set inside the receiving cavity 11, and the drying cavity 21 formed inside it can continuously tumble inside the cavity as the inner cylinder 2 rotates, so that the clothes can fully contact the hot air, avoid the problem of uneven drying of clothes in certain areas, greatly improve the drying quality, and allow all parts of the clothes to reach the ideal drying degree.

[0081] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the garment processing equipment also includes a condenser 4, which is configured to condense the air passing through the installation gap 3 to remove moisture from the air.

[0082] With this setup, during the drying process, the air carrying moisture from the clothes can be condensed by the condenser 4 as it flows through the installation gap 3, thus removing the moisture from the air and helping to restore the air's moisture-carrying capacity, ensuring the drying effect.

[0083] In some alternative embodiments, the garment handling device further includes an air duct assembly, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the air duct assembly includes a drying air duct 5, which is disposed outside the inner cylinder 2, and the first end a of the drying air duct 5 is connected to the inner cylinder 2. Figure 6 As shown), the drying air duct 5 can make the air passing through the drying air duct 5 form hot air for drying.

[0084] With this configuration, the drying air duct 5 can convert the passing air into hot air for drying, thus providing a stable heat source for the drying process. This ensures that there is always enough hot air in the drying chamber 21 to participate in the drying of clothes, effectively avoiding problems such as slow drying speed and uneven drying of clothes due to insufficient hot air supply, and greatly improving drying quality and efficiency.

[0085] In some alternative embodiments, the duct assembly further includes a return air assembly, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the return air assembly includes a return air duct 6 and two dampers 7. One end of the return air duct 6 is connected to the drying air duct 5, and the other end is connected to the installation gap 3, and as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the return air duct 6 has two connecting ports 61, which connect the outer space of the return air duct 6 to the inner space of the return air duct 6.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, two dampers 7 are respectively provided for two connecting ports 61. The opening of the two dampers 7 can be adjusted. The two dampers 7 are configured to open or close the corresponding connecting ports 61 to control the connection or non-connection between the outer space of the return air duct 6 and the inner space of the return air duct 6. The two dampers 7 are also configured to restrict or prevent the air from entering the drying air duct 5 through the return air duct 6 via the installation gap 3.

[0087] like Figure 6 As shown, when both dampers 7 are closed, the second end b of the drying duct 5 and the space outside the outer cylinder 1 are not connected. The return air duct 6, the drying air duct 5, the inner cylinder 2 and the installation gap 3 are connected in sequence to form a circulating air path. The circulating air path is configured so that the heating air circulates along the circulating air path to dry the drying chamber 21.

[0088] like Figure 7 As shown, when both dampers 7 open their corresponding connecting ports 61, and the two dampers 7 are configured to prevent air from entering the drying duct 5 through the return air duct 6 via the installation gap 3, the drying duct 5, the inner cylinder 2, and the installation gap 3 together constitute the fresh air path, and the two connecting ports 61 respectively constitute the air inlet and air outlet of the fresh air path; the fresh air path is configured to allow hot air formed by fresh air from the outer space of the outer cylinder 1 to flow along the fresh air path to dry the drying chamber 21.

[0089] With this setup, during drying, the circulating air path and the fresh air path can be flexibly switched via the damper 7 based on the temperature and humidity of the clothes and air inside the drying chamber 21.

[0090] For example, when drying is in its initial stage (the temperature and humidity inside the drying chamber 21 are low, and the air's moisture-carrying capacity is high), such as Figure 6As shown, the control damper 7 closes the corresponding connecting port 61, preventing the second end b of the drying duct 5 from communicating with the space outside the outer cylinder 1, and connecting the return air duct 6 with the second end b of the drying duct 5 and the installation gap 3, forming a circulating air path of "return air duct 6—drying duct 5—inner cylinder 2—installation gap 3". In this case, the hot air formed in the drying duct 5 flows through the drying chamber 21 and carries away the moisture from the clothes. The resulting humid and hot air can enter the installation gap 3. After being cooled by the condenser 4, the water molecules in the humid and hot air in the installation gap 3 can form condensate, thereby reducing the humidity of the air. The air can then re-enter the drying duct 5 to form hot air, achieving internal circulation drying and gradually reducing the humidity of the clothes.

[0091] When the drying process enters the middle or later stages (when the temperature and humidity inside the drying chamber 21 increase and the air's moisture-carrying capacity decreases), such as Figure 7 As shown, the control damper 7 opens the corresponding connecting port 61, connecting the space outside the outer cylinder 1 with the second end b of the drying duct 5, and disconnecting the return air duct 6 from the second end b of the drying duct 5 and the installation gap 3, forming a fresh air path of "drying duct 5 - inner cylinder 2 - installation gap 3". The two connecting ports 61 at different ends of the return air duct 6 respectively constitute the air inlet and air outlet of the fresh air path. In this case, the fresh air introduced through the air inlet can form hot air in the drying duct 5, and after the hot air flows through the drying chamber 21 and carries away the moisture from the clothes, the resulting humid and hot air can be discharged from the air outlet through the installation gap 3.

[0092] As can be seen from the above description, by switching the circulating air path to a fresh air path according to the different temperatures and humidity inside the drying chamber 21, and by expelling the hot and humid air, the absolute humidity inside the drying chamber 21 can be reduced, the thermodynamic balance can be broken, and the driving force for the evaporation of moisture from the clothes can be restored. This is conducive to restoring the moisture-carrying capacity of the air. Compared with the related technologies that only use the circulating air path for drying, this can improve the drying efficiency, thereby shortening the drying time, saving water and reducing energy consumption.

[0093] In addition, since the opening of the two dampers 7 is adjustable, the amount of fresh air introduced and the amount of humid air discharged can be controlled at different stages of drying. This allows for a large volume of fresh air and dehumidified air to be achieved without damaging the clothes, thus ensuring drying efficiency and avoiding heat waste caused by excessive exhaust.

[0094] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the garment processing equipment includes an outer drum 1, an inner drum 2, and a condenser 4. The outer drum 1 has a receiving cavity 11, and the inner drum 2 is rotatably disposed within the receiving cavity 11. The interior of the inner drum 2 forms a drying chamber 21 for drying garments, and an installation gap 3 exists between the bottom of the inner drum 2 and the wall of the receiving cavity 11. The condenser 4 is configured to condense the air passing through the installation gap 3 to remove moisture from the air.

[0095] Garment processing equipment also includes air duct components, such as Figure 3 As shown, the air duct assembly includes a drying air duct 5, which is disposed outside the inner cylinder 2, and the first end a of the drying air duct 5 is connected to the inner cylinder 2. Figure 6 As shown), the drying air duct 5 can make the air passing through the drying air duct 5 form hot air for drying.

[0096] The air duct assembly also includes return air components, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the return air assembly includes a return air duct 6 and two dampers 7. One end of the return air duct 6 is connected to the drying air duct 5, and the other end is connected to the installation gap 3, and as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the return air duct 6 has two connecting ports 61, which connect the outer space of the return air duct 6 to the inner space of the return air duct 6.

[0097] like Figure 5 As shown, two dampers 7 are respectively provided for two connecting ports 61. The opening of the two dampers 7 can be adjusted. The two dampers 7 are configured to open or close the corresponding connecting ports 61 to control the connection or non-connection between the outer space of the return air duct 6 and the inner space of the return air duct 6. The two dampers 7 are also configured to restrict or prevent the air from entering the drying air duct 5 through the return air duct 6 via the installation gap 3.

[0098] like Figure 6 As shown, when both dampers 7 are closed, the second end b of the drying duct 5 and the space outside the outer cylinder 1 are not connected. The return air duct 6, the drying air duct 5, the inner cylinder 2 and the installation gap 3 are connected in sequence to form a circulating air path. The circulating air path is configured so that the heating air circulates along the circulating air path to dry the drying chamber 21.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown, when both dampers 7 open their corresponding connecting ports 61, and the two dampers 7 are configured to prevent air from entering the drying duct 5 through the return air duct 6 via the installation gap 3, the drying duct 5, the inner cylinder 2, and the installation gap 3 together constitute the fresh air path, and the two connecting ports 61 respectively constitute the air inlet and air outlet of the fresh air path; the fresh air path is configured to allow hot air formed by fresh air from the outer space of the outer cylinder 1 to flow along the fresh air path to dry the drying chamber 21.

[0100] With this setup, during the initial drying stage, the clothes have a high moisture content, the air temperature inside the drying chamber 21 is low (approximately 30-40℃), and the relative humidity is low (e.g., 40%), allowing each cubic meter of air to carry a large amount of moisture. At this time, if... Figure 6 As shown, the control damper 7 closes the corresponding connecting port 61, preventing the second end b of the drying duct 5 from communicating with the space outside the outer cylinder 1, and connecting the return air duct 6 with the second end b of the drying duct 5 and the installation gap 3, forming a circulating air path of "return air duct 6—drying duct 5—inner cylinder 2—installation gap 3". In this case, the hot air formed in the drying duct 5 flows through the drying chamber 21 and carries away the moisture from the clothes. The resulting humid and hot air can enter the installation gap 3. After being cooled by the condenser 4, the water molecules in the humid and hot air in the installation gap 3 can form condensate, thereby reducing the humidity of the air. The air can then re-enter the drying duct 5 to form hot air, achieving internal circulation drying and gradually reducing the humidity of the clothes.

[0101] As the drying time using the circulating air path increases, the temperature and humidity inside the drying chamber 21 will gradually rise. When the drying process enters the middle or later stages, the temperature inside the drying chamber 21 will rise to 60℃+, and the relative humidity will reach over 80%. The saturated absolute humidity of the high-temperature air will increase sharply (the maximum moisture carrying capacity of air at 60℃ is approximately 130g / m³). 3 The drying chamber 21 is in a high temperature and high humidity state, the air's moisture-carrying capacity decreases, and the driving force for moisture to diffuse from the clothes into the air weakens.

[0102] When the relative humidity inside the drying chamber 21 is ≥75% and the moisture content of the clothes decreases to 30%, such as Figure 7 As shown, the control damper 7 opens the corresponding connecting port 61, connecting the space outside the outer cylinder 1 with the second end b of the drying duct 5, and disconnecting the return air duct 6 from the second end b and the installation gap 3 of the drying duct 5, forming a new air path of "drying duct 5 - inner cylinder 2 - installation gap 3". At this time, the absolute humidity of the high-temperature air (60-65℃) in the drying chamber 21 is close to saturation (≈130g / m³). 3 The dehumidification efficiency of the condenser 4 has decreased by more than 40%. At this time, the two connecting ports 61 at different ends of the return air duct 6 constitute the air inlet and outlet of the fresh air path, respectively. In this situation, the fresh air introduced through the air inlet can form hot air within the drying duct 5. After the hot air flows through the drying chamber 21 and carries away the moisture from the clothes, the resulting humid and hot air can be discharged from the air outlet through the installation gap 3.

[0103] As can be seen from the above description, by switching the circulating air path to a fresh air path according to the different temperatures and humidity inside the drying chamber 21, and by expelling the hot and humid air, the absolute humidity inside the drying chamber 21 can be reduced, the thermodynamic balance can be broken, and the driving force for the evaporation of moisture from the clothes can be restored. This is conducive to restoring the moisture-carrying capacity of the air. Compared with the related technologies that only use the circulating air path for drying, this can improve the drying efficiency, thereby shortening the drying time, saving water and reducing energy consumption.

[0104] In addition, since the opening of the two dampers 7 is adjustable, the amount of fresh air introduced and the amount of humid air discharged can be controlled at different stages of drying. This allows for a large volume of fresh air and dehumidified air to be achieved without damaging the clothes, thus ensuring drying efficiency and avoiding heat waste caused by excessive exhaust.

[0105] When the relative humidity in the drying chamber 21 drops to ≤40%, the control damper 7 closes the two connecting ports 61 to prevent excessive heat discharge and heat loss. This saves energy and prevents over-drying from damaging clothes. At the same time, the closed system can maintain stable airflow and prevent residual moisture from being reabsorbed.

[0106] For the condensation device 4, further, in some optional embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the condensing device 4 is a condensing plate installed on the inner bottom wall of the receiving cavity 11. The condensing plate has coolant flow channels for the coolant to pass through, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the top of the outer cylinder 1 is provided with a liquid inlet 8, which is connected to the coolant flow channel.

[0107] With this configuration, on the one hand, since the condenser is located on the inner bottom wall of the receiving cavity 11, the condenser can fully contact the humid and hot air flowing through the installation gap 3. Combined with the circulation of coolant in the coolant channel, it can efficiently absorb the heat in the humid and hot air, promote the rapid condensation of water vapor into liquid water, greatly improve the dehumidification efficiency, provide reliable dehumidification guarantee for the stable operation of the circulating air path, and avoid the decrease in drying efficiency caused by the circulation of humid and hot air in the cavity.

[0108] On the other hand, the liquid inlet 8 is located at the top of the outer cylinder 1. Under the action of gravity, it helps to ensure that the coolant fully fills the coolant flow channel, which can cool the condenser plate over a larger area and avoid the local coolant flow channel not flowing through the coolant, thus affecting the condensation effect.

[0109] In other embodiments, the condensation device 4 can also be a spray head, which sprays low-temperature coolant onto the air. The coolant directly contacts the flowing, humid, and hot air, absorbing heat from the air through heat exchange, causing water vapor to condense into condensate. This configuration eliminates the need for metal heat exchange components, resulting in lower initial costs.

[0110] Furthermore, in some optional embodiments, the drying duct 5 is also configured to allow fresh air to flow along the fresh air path to replace the air in the inner cylinder 2.

[0111] With this setup, if the user does not open the door to retrieve clothes for an extended period after washing or drying, fresh air can continuously enter the inner drum 2 to replace the air, effectively preventing odors from developing in the inner drum 2 due to the sealed environment, residual moisture, and residual heat of the clothes, thereby improving the user experience.

[0112] For the air duct assembly, further, in some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the air duct assembly also includes a heating device 9 and a fan 10. The heating device 9 is disposed in the drying air duct 5 and is configured to heat the air in the drying air duct 5 to form hot air for drying. The fan 10 is disposed in the drying air duct 5 and is used to blow the hot air in the drying air duct 5 toward the first end a of the drying air duct 5.

[0113] With this configuration, the heating device 9 can directly act on the air in the drying duct 5, quickly heating the air to the target drying temperature. At the same time, after the hot air is formed in the drying duct 5, it can be immediately blown into the drying chamber 21 by the fan 10, avoiding local overheating or uneven temperature caused by the hot air lingering in the drying duct 5. This ensures that the temperature of the hot air blown into the drying chamber 21 is stable, providing a uniform and continuous heat source for drying clothes, and improving drying uniformity and efficiency.

[0114] In this embodiment, the heating device 9 can be an electric heating tube or an infrared heating tube, etc. The type of heating device 9 is flexible and can be selected according to actual needs. This embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0115] In some optional embodiments, when the air in the drying chamber 21 is replaced by a fresh air duct, the heating device 9 may or may not heat the fresh air. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this. The fan 10 is used to blow the fresh air along the fresh air duct.

[0116] With this configuration, the fresh air is blown by the fan 10 along the fresh air path, eliminating the need for a separate fan to blow fresh air. This simplifies the structure of the air duct components, thereby reducing costs and facilitating assembly.

[0117] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, when both connecting ports 61 are open and the return air duct 6 is closed, the drying air duct 5, the inner cylinder 2 and the installation gap 3 are connected in sequence to form a fresh air path.

[0118] like Figure 6As shown, when both connecting ports 61 are closed and the return air duct 6 is open, the return air duct 6, the drying air duct 5, the inner cylinder 2 and the installation gap 3 are connected in sequence to form a circulating air path.

[0119] like Figure 8 As shown, when both connecting ports 61 are open and the return air duct 6 is partially open, the drying air duct 5, the inner cylinder 2 and the installation gap 3 are connected in sequence to form a fresh air path. At the same time, the return air duct 6, the drying air duct 5, the inner cylinder 2 and the installation gap 3 are connected in sequence to form a circulating air path.

[0120] This setup allows for drying using either the circulating air path or the fresh air path alone, or simultaneously using both, thus enhancing the flexibility of air path usage during drying.

[0121] When using both circulating and fresh air ducts for drying, a low-humidity environment can be maintained by introducing fresh air, while excessive heat loss can be reduced by using circulating air ducts. This allows for dynamic optimization of drying effect and energy saving.

[0122] In some optional embodiments, the damper 7 is rotatably disposed at the corresponding connection port 61, and when the damper 7 rotates relative to the connection port 61, the damper 7 selectively blocks the connection port 61, or blocks the end of the return air duct 6 adjacent to the connection port 61.

[0123] The area blocked by the damper 7 to the connecting port 61 and the return air duct 6 changes with the opening degree of the damper 7.

[0124] With this setup, since the obstruction area changes with the opening of the damper 7, adjusting the opening of the damper 7 not only helps to adjust the opening degree of the connecting port 61, but also helps to adjust the opening degree of the return air duct 6. In this way, it is possible to adjust not only the amount of fresh air introduced and the amount of humid and hot air discharged, but also the amount of circulating air.

[0125] Thus, when using both the circulating air path and the fresh air path simultaneously, fine-tuning the opening of the damper 7 helps to precisely control the proportion of fresh air, circulating air, and hot and humid air. This allows for flexible adaptation to the needs of the temperature and humidity transition from low to high within the drying chamber 21, avoiding sudden changes in air volume that could lead to fluctuations in drying efficiency or energy waste.

[0126] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the two connecting ports 61 include a fresh air connecting port 611 and an exhaust connecting port 612. The fresh air connecting port 611 is located at the first end of the return air duct 6 connecting to the drying air duct 5, and the exhaust connecting port 612 is located at the second end of the return air duct 6 connecting to the installation gap 3.

[0127] like Figure 5 As shown, the damper 7 includes a first damper 71 and a second damper 72. The first damper 71 is correspondingly provided with the fresh air connection port 611 and is configured to control the opening and closing state of the fresh air connection port 611 and the first end of the return air duct 6. The second damper 72 is correspondingly provided with the exhaust connection port 612 and is configured to control the opening and closing state of the exhaust connection port 612 and the second end of the return air duct 6.

[0128] With this configuration, a single damper 7 can simultaneously control both the opening and closing of the connecting port 61 and the on / off state of the return air duct 6, eliminating the need for separate control components for each. This simplifies the overall structure of the duct assembly, reduces the number of parts, lowers the production and assembly costs of the duct assembly, reduces the space occupied by the duct assembly structure, and also reduces potential failure points in multi-component collaborative control, thereby improving operational reliability.

[0129] Furthermore, in some optional embodiments, when the first damper 71 has its maximum opening, the first damper 71 completely closes the return air duct 6.

[0130] With this setting, when the first damper 71 is adjusted to its maximum opening, on the one hand, it can completely seal the return air duct 6, thus preventing the hot and humid air in the return air duct 6 from flowing back into the inner drum 2 and affecting the drying effect, helping to quickly break the high humidity environment and restore the driving force for the evaporation of moisture from the clothes; on the other hand, it is conducive to improving the efficiency of fresh air introduction, which in turn is conducive to improving the drying efficiency.

[0131] In some alternative embodiments, when the second damper 72 is at its maximum opening, the second damper 72 completely closes the return air duct 6.

[0132] With this setting, when the second air damper 72 is adjusted to its maximum opening, on the one hand, it can completely seal the return air duct 6, thus preventing the hot and humid air in the return air duct 6 from flowing back into the inner drum 2 and affecting the drying effect, helping to quickly break the high humidity environment and restore the driving force for the evaporation of moisture from the clothes; on the other hand, it is conducive to improving the efficiency of moisture exhaust, which in turn is conducive to improving the drying efficiency.

[0133] In some alternative embodiments, when the first damper 71 has its maximum opening, the first damper 71 completely closes the return air duct 6, and when the second damper 72 has its maximum opening, the second damper 72 completely closes the return air duct 6.

[0134] With this configuration, when the first damper 71 or the second damper 72 is adjusted to its maximum opening, on the one hand, since the return air duct 6 can be completely closed, it can prevent the hot and humid air in the return air duct 6 from flowing back into the inner drum 2 and affecting the drying effect, thus helping to quickly break the high humidity environment and restore the driving force for the evaporation of moisture from the clothes; on the other hand, it is conducive to improving the efficiency of fresh air introduction and wet air exhaust, thereby improving the drying efficiency.

[0135] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, a door frame 20 is provided at the connecting port 61, and the damper 7 is rotatably installed on the door frame 20.

[0136] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the air duct assembly also includes a damper drive 30, which is disposed on the door frame 20 and is used to drive the damper 7 to rotate so that the damper 7 has multiple opening degrees.

[0137] With this configuration, on the one hand, the door frame 20 can provide a stable installation base for the damper 7, ensuring that the damper 7 always maintains precise alignment with the connection port 61 during long-term rotation and adjustment.

[0138] On the other hand, the design of integrating the damper drive component 30 into the door frame 20 shortens the transmission distance between the damper drive component 30 and the damper 7, which not only reduces power loss, but also makes the opening adjustment response of the damper 7 faster.

[0139] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, a seal 40 is provided on the door frame 20 and / or the damper 7, the seal 40 being used to seal the gap between the door frame 20 and the damper 7 when the communication port 61 is closed.

[0140] With this configuration, when switching to the circulating air path (connection port 61 closed), the seal 40 can completely block the gap between the door frame 20 and the damper 7, preventing low-temperature air from the outside of the outer cylinder 1 from seeping in or hot air from leaking in the circulating air path, avoiding increased energy consumption due to heat loss, and ensuring stable airflow circulation in the circulating air path to guarantee drying efficiency.

[0141] In this embodiment, the sealing element 40 can be a rubber sealing ring or a rubber sealing gasket, or it can be a silicone sealing ring or a silicone sealing gasket. The type of sealing element 40 is flexible and can be selected according to actual needs; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0142] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: An outer cylinder having a receiving cavity; The inner cylinder is rotatably disposed within the receiving cavity, and the interior of the inner cylinder forms a drying chamber for drying clothes. There is an installation gap between the bottom of the inner cylinder and the cavity wall of the receiving cavity. A condensing device configured to condense air passing through the mounting gap to remove moisture from the air; An air duct assembly, the air duct assembly including a drying air duct, the first end of the drying air duct being connected to the inner cylinder, and the drying air duct being able to form hot air for drying by the air passing through the drying air duct. The air duct assembly further includes a return air assembly, which includes a return air duct and two dampers. One end of the return air duct is connected to the drying air duct, and the other end is connected to the installation gap. The return air duct has two connecting ports, which connect the outer space of the return air duct to the inner space of the return air duct. The two dampers are respectively provided corresponding to the two connecting ports, and the opening degree of the two dampers is adjustable. The two dampers are configured to open or close the corresponding connecting ports to control the connection or non-connection between the outer space and the inner space of the return air duct. The two dampers are also configured to restrict or prevent air from the installation gap from entering the drying air duct through the return air duct. When both of the air dampers are closed, the second end of the drying air duct and the space outside the outer cylinder are not connected. The return air duct, the drying air duct, the inner cylinder and the installation gap are connected in sequence to form a circulating air path. The circulating air path is configured to allow the hot air to circulate along the circulating air path to dry the drying chamber. When both dampers open their corresponding connecting ports, and the two dampers are configured to prevent air from entering the drying duct through the return air duct via the installation gap, the drying duct, the inner cylinder, and the installation gap together constitute a fresh air path, and the two connecting ports respectively constitute the air inlet and air outlet of the fresh air path; the fresh air path is configured to allow the hot air formed by fresh air from the outer space of the outer cylinder to flow along the fresh air path to dry the drying chamber.

2. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying duct is also configured to allow fresh air to flow along the fresh air path to replace the air in the inner cylinder.

3. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When both of the aforementioned connecting ports are open and the return air duct is closed, the drying air duct, the inner cylinder, and the installation gap are sequentially connected to form the fresh air path. When both of the aforementioned connecting ports are closed and the return air duct is open, the return air duct, the drying air duct, the inner cylinder, and the installation gap are sequentially connected to form the circulating air path. When both of the connecting ports are open and the return air duct is partially open, the drying air duct, the inner cylinder, and the installation gap are connected in sequence to form the fresh air path. At the same time, the return air duct, the drying air duct, the inner cylinder, and the installation gap are connected in sequence to form the circulating air path.

4. The garment processing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The damper is rotatably disposed at the corresponding connection port, and when the damper rotates relative to the connection port, the damper selectively blocks the connection port or blocks the end of the return air duct adjacent to the connection port. The area of ​​the damper that blocks the connection port and the return air duct changes with the opening degree of the damper.

5. The garment processing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two connecting ports include a fresh air connecting port and an exhaust connecting port. The fresh air connecting port is located at the first end of the return air duct that connects to the drying air duct, and the exhaust connecting port is located at the second end of the return air duct that connects to the installation gap. The damper includes a first damper and a second damper. The first damper and the fresh air connection port are respectively provided and configured to control the opening and closing state of the fresh air connection port and the first end of the return air duct. The second damper and the exhaust port are respectively provided and configured to control the opening and closing state of the exhaust port and the second end of the return air duct.

6. The garment processing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the first damper is at its maximum opening, the first damper completely closes the return air duct; and / or, When the second damper is at its maximum opening, the second damper completely closes the return air duct.

7. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A door frame is provided at the connection opening, and the damper is rotatably mounted on the door frame; The air duct assembly also includes: A damper drive is disposed on the door frame and is used to drive the damper to rotate so that the damper has multiple opening degrees.

8. The garment processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, A sealing element is provided on the door frame and / or the damper, the sealing element being used to seal the gap between the door frame and the damper when the communication port is closed.

9. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The condensation device is a condensation plate disposed on the inner bottom wall of the receiving cavity. The condensation plate is provided with a coolant flow channel for coolant to flow through. The top of the outer cylinder is provided with a liquid inlet, which is connected to the coolant flow channel.

10. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The air duct assembly also includes: A heating device is disposed in the drying air duct and configured to heat the air in the drying air duct to form hot air for drying; A fan is provided in the drying duct and is used to blow hot air in the drying duct toward the first end of the drying duct.

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