A laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a clothes processing device, comprising a device main body, an inner drum, a drying assembly and an atomization assembly. The inner drum has a drying cavity. The drying assembly comprises an air duct, a condenser and an evaporator arranged in the air duct. The atomization assembly comprises a water collecting member, an atomization device, a water inlet pipe, a driving unit and a water return pipe. The water collecting member is used for containing condensed water. The atomization device has an atomization cavity. The atomization cavity has a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and an atomization port. The atomization port is communicated with the drying cavity. The atomization device is used for generating water mist. The water inlet pipe is communicated with the liquid inlet and the water collecting member. The driving unit is arranged in the water inlet pipe and can pump the condensed water in the water collecting member into the atomization cavity through the water inlet pipe. The water return pipe is communicated with the liquid outlet, so that the condensed water in the atomization cavity which is not atomized can flow back to the water collecting member. The driving unit can pump the condensed water into the atomization cavity through the water inlet pipe to supply water to the atomization device. Therefore, the atomization device can maintain the clothes without the user adding liquid manually, and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Clothing drying equipment is a type of household appliance that can quickly dry clothes, improving users' quality of life.

[0003] Current garment drying equipment incorporates a built-in atomizing device and a rotating inner drum. Garments can be dried within the drum, which rotates to tumble the clothes, thus accelerating the drying process and improving the drying effect. The atomizing device atomizes liquid and generates a water mist within the drum to care for the garments.

[0004] However, adding liquid to the atomizing device is inconvenient and affects the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application discloses a clothing treatment device that allows for easy addition of liquid to the atomizing device, thereby improving the user experience.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses a garment processing device, comprising: a main body, an inner drum, a drying assembly, and an atomizing assembly. The inner drum is rotatably disposed within the main body and has a drying chamber for drying garments. The drying assembly includes an air duct that communicates with the drying chamber and is used for the flow of gas. The drying assembly also includes a condenser and an evaporator. The condenser is disposed within the air duct and is used to heat the gas flowing into the drying chamber, while the evaporator is disposed within the air duct and is used to condense the gas flowing out of the drying chamber.

[0007] The atomizing assembly includes a water collection component, an atomizing device, a water inlet pipe, a drive unit, and a water return pipe. The water collection component is configured to collect condensate produced by the evaporator condensing gas. The atomizing device has an atomizing chamber with a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and an atomizing port. The atomizing port is connected to the drying chamber. The atomizing device is configured to atomize the liquid in the atomizing chamber to generate water mist, and discharge the water mist into the drying chamber through the atomizing port.

[0008] The water inlet pipe connects the liquid inlet and the water collection device. The drive unit is located in the water inlet pipe and is configured to pump the condensate in the water collection device into the atomization chamber through the water inlet pipe. The return water pipe is connected to the liquid outlet and is configured to allow the un-atomized condensate in the atomization chamber to flow back to the water collection device.

[0009] With the above setup, the water collection unit can hold the condensate generated during the drying process. The drive unit can pump the condensate to the atomizing chamber through the water inlet pipe to supply water to the atomizing device, so that the atomizing device can atomize the condensate and generate water mist. Thus, the atomizing device can maintain the clothes without the user having to add liquid, and ensures that the atomizing device can continuously atomize, so that the clothes maintenance function of the entire clothes processing equipment can be continuously automated, reducing the user's workload and providing a better user experience.

[0010] Optionally, the atomizing assembly also includes a pressure relief pipe having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. The first end of the pressure relief pipe is connected to the drive unit, which is configured to pump condensate from the water collection device into the pressure relief pipe through the water inlet pipe. The second end of the pressure relief pipe is connected to the return water pipe.

[0011] With the above settings, when the water inlet pipe or atomizing device is blocked by debris such as lint or thread, or when the internal pressure is too high for other reasons, the drive unit can pump the condensate into the water collection device through the pressure relief pipe, so that the condensate is discharged directly without passing through the atomizing device, thereby avoiding damage caused by the increased pressure inside the atomizing component and improving the safety of the clothing processing equipment.

[0012] Optionally, a return water pipe is connected between the liquid outlet and the water collection device to allow un-atomized condensate in the atomization chamber to flow back to the water collection device. This configuration allows for the reuse of condensate.

[0013] Optionally, the garment processing equipment also includes a lower tray, which is located on the main body of the equipment and above the atomizing device. The lower tray is connected to the water collection device, and the return water pipe is connected between the liquid outlet and the lower tray so that the un-atomized condensate in the atomizing chamber flows back to the lower tray.

[0014] With the above configuration, the return pipe of the atomizing component can discharge the residual liquid (i.e., the liquid that was not atomized) from the atomizing device and guide it to a suitable storage location. On the one hand, this avoids excessive liquid inside the atomizing device, which could affect its normal operation. On the other hand, the return pipe discharges the un-atomized liquid to a water collection device or a lower tray, which can collect the residual liquid. Compared with directly discharging the un-atomized liquid from the clothing processing equipment, this avoids the impact of the clothing processing equipment on the external environment during operation, keeps the external working environment of the clothing processing equipment clean and tidy, and also allows for the reuse of condensate.

[0015] Optionally, the water collecting component has a water collecting chamber and a water inlet chamber spaced apart from each other. The water collecting chamber is used to collect condensate, and the water inlet chamber is connected to the water inlet pipe. The atomizing component also includes a drainage unit, which is connected to the water collecting chamber and is used to discharge the condensate in the water collecting chamber to the clothing processing device. The drainage unit is also connected between the water collecting chamber and the water inlet chamber to pump a portion of the condensate in the water collecting chamber to the water inlet chamber.

[0016] With the above settings, the drainage unit can discharge some of the condensate from the clothing processing equipment and pump the rest of the condensate into the water inlet chamber for the atomizing device to generate water mist. This can prevent the atomizing device from not being able to fully utilize the condensate in the water collection device, which would cause the condensate to remain in the water collection device for a long time.

[0017] Optionally, the atomizing assembly also includes a first diverter pipe and a second diverter pipe that are interconnected. Both the first diverter pipe and the second diverter pipe are connected to the drainage unit, and the second diverter pipe is connected between the water collection chamber and the water inlet chamber. The drainage unit is configured to discharge the condensate in the water collection chamber to the outside of the clothing treatment device through the first diverter pipe, and to discharge part of the condensate in the water collection chamber into the water inlet chamber through the second diverter pipe.

[0018] With the above configuration, the drainage unit can discharge part of the condensate water from the clothing processing equipment through the first diversion pipe, and pump the other part of the condensate water to the water inlet chamber through the second diversion pipe for the atomizing device to generate water mist. This can avoid the atomizing device not being able to fully utilize the condensate water in the water collection device, which would cause the condensate water to remain in the water collection device for a long time.

[0019] Optionally, the atomizing device further includes a first liquid level detection element located inside the atomizing chamber and used to detect the liquid level inside the atomizing chamber. The atomizing device is configured to stop atomizing when the liquid level inside the atomizing chamber is lower than the liquid level height where the first liquid level detection element is located.

[0020] The above settings can prevent problems such as overheating or even damage caused by vibration of the atomizing plate when there is no liquid or the liquid level is too low, thus extending the service life of the atomizing device and enabling the clothing processing equipment to work safely and stably.

[0021] Optionally, the water collection device includes a second liquid level detection element located inside the water collection device and used to detect the liquid level inside the water collection device. The second liquid level detection element is electrically connected to a drive unit, which is configured to stop working when the liquid level inside the water collection device is lower than the liquid level height where the second liquid level detection element is located.

[0022] The above settings prevent the drive unit from running dry when there is no condensate in the liquid inlet chamber or the liquid level is too low, thereby extending the service life of the drive unit and enabling the garment processing equipment to work safely and stably.

[0023] Optionally, the atomizing device is detachably mounted on the main body of the device. This design allows users to easily remove the atomizing device for inspection or replacement, reducing maintenance costs for the garment processing equipment. Furthermore, users can conveniently add liquids such as water, garment fragrance, disinfectant, or antistatic agent to the atomizing chamber, improving the user experience.

[0024] Optionally, the atomizing device also has a liquid inlet, which is connected to the atomizing chamber. The atomizing assembly also includes a liquid injection box, which has a liquid injection chamber, a liquid injection port, and a connecting port. The liquid injection box is configured to add liquid into the liquid injection chamber through the liquid injection port, and the connecting port is connected to the liquid inlet to add the liquid in the liquid injection chamber into the atomizing chamber.

[0025] With the above settings, users can conveniently add different liquids such as water, fabric fragrance, disinfectant, or antistatic agent to the atomizing device through the liquid inlet of the liquid box, thereby improving the user experience, enhancing the garment care effect of the garment treatment equipment, and meeting the user's different garment care needs.

[0026] Optionally, the main body of the equipment is provided with an installation groove and an openable and closable liquid injection channel. The first end of the liquid injection channel is connected to the installation groove, and the second end of the liquid injection channel is connected to the liquid filling port. The liquid injection box is detachably installed in the installation groove. When the liquid injection box is located in the installation groove, the connecting port and the first end of the liquid injection channel are connected, and the liquid injection channel is opened.

[0027] With the above-described design, the liquid injection box is detachably mounted to the main body of the device via a mounting slot, allowing users to easily remove the box and conveniently add liquid to both the injection box and the atomizing device. This improves the user experience and increases the frequency of use. Furthermore, it facilitates cleaning of the injection box, reducing the probability of malfunctions due to scale buildup, and makes it easier for users to inspect or replace parts, thus lowering the maintenance costs of the garment processing equipment.

[0028] Optionally, the atomizing device also includes a housing and a control circuit board. The housing forms an atomizing chamber, and the liquid inlet, liquid outlet and atomizing port are all located in the housing. The housing also has a receiving groove, and the control circuit board is located in the receiving groove and is used to control the atomizing device to perform atomization.

[0029] With the above configuration, the control circuit board is placed on the housing that forms the atomization chamber. The control circuit board can be placed using the housing structure of the atomization device itself, thereby saving space. The structure of the atomization device is relatively compact, which helps to reduce the size of the atomization device and reduce the space occupied by the atomization device in the clothing processing equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0030] 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.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a garment processing device in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the front support, inner drum, and atomizing component of the clothing processing device in another embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the clothing processing device in another embodiment of this application; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the atomizing device in the clothing processing equipment shown. Figure 5 for Figure 4 Exploded view of the atomizing device shown; Figure 6 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the garment processing equipment shown; Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged diagram of section A in the middle; Figure 8 for Figure 6 Enlarged diagram of section B in the middle; Figure 9 for Figure 3 Another structural schematic diagram of the garment processing equipment shown; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the clothing processing equipment in Embodiment 4 of this application; Figure 11 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the liquid injection box in the garment processing equipment shown; Figure 12 for Figure 10 Exploded view of the garment processing equipment shown; Figure 13 for Figure 12 Enlarged schematic diagram of section C.

[0032] Explanation of key figure labels: 10-Clothing processing equipment; 100-Equipment body; 110-Front panel; 120-Front support; 121-Injection port; 130-Base; 140-Mounting groove; 141-Second snap-fit ​​structure; 142-Slide groove; 150-Liquid injection channel; 151-Valve body; 200-Inner cylinder; 210-Drying chamber; 300-Atomizing component; 310-Water collection component; 311-Water collection chamber; 312-Water inlet chamber; 313-Second liquid level detection component; 320-Drainage unit; 331-First diversion pipe; 332-Water inlet pipe; 333-Second diversion pipe; 334-Return water pipe; 3 341-Adding port; 335-Pressure relief pipe; 336-Return pipe; 340-Atomizing device; 341-Housing shell; 342-Atomizing chamber; 343-Liquid inlet; 344-Liquid outlet; 345-Atomizing port; 346-Atomizing plate; 347-Containing groove; 348-First liquid level detection element; 350-Drive unit; 400-Lower support box; 410-Cavity; 420-Return groove; 500-Injection box; 510-Injection chamber; 511-Injection port; 512-Connecting port; 520-Slider; 530-First snap-fit ​​structure; 540-Viewing window; 20 - Floor drain. Detailed Implementation

[0033] 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.

[0034] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Furthermore, the terms "upper" and "lower," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, components, or parts whose specific types and structures may be the same or different, and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, components, or parts. Unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0038] As mentioned in the background section, garment drying equipment is a household appliance that can quickly dry clothes, improving users' quality of life. Currently, garment drying equipment includes a built-in atomizing device and a rotating inner drum. Clothes are dried within the drum, which rotates to tumble the clothes, thus accelerating the drying process and improving the drying effect. The atomizing device atomizes liquid and produces a water mist within the drum to care for the clothes. However, adding liquid to the atomizing device is inconvenient, affecting the user experience.

[0039] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a garment processing device to resolve the problem in the related art where adding liquid to the atomizing device is inconvenient and affects the user experience.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 The clothing processing device 10 of this application embodiment includes: a device body 100, an inner drum 200, a drying assembly, and an atomizing assembly 300. The inner drum 200 is rotatably disposed on the device body 100 and has a drying chamber 210 for drying clothing. The drying assembly includes an air duct that communicates with the drying chamber 210 and is used for circulating gas. The drying assembly also includes a condenser and an evaporator. The condenser is disposed within the air duct and is used to heat the gas flowing into the drying chamber 210, while the evaporator is disposed within the air duct and is used to condense the gas flowing out of the drying chamber 210.

[0041] The atomizing assembly 300 includes a water collection element 310, an atomizing device 340, a water inlet pipe 332, a drive unit 350, and a water return pipe 334. The water collection element 310 is configured to contain condensate generated by the evaporator condensing gas. The atomizing device 340 has an atomizing chamber 342, which has a liquid inlet 343, a liquid outlet 344, and an atomizing port 345. The atomizing port 345 is connected to the drying chamber 210. The atomizing device 340 is configured to atomize the liquid in the atomizing chamber 342 to generate water mist, and discharge the water mist into the drying chamber 210 through the atomizing port 345.

[0042] The water inlet pipe 332 connects the liquid inlet 343 and the water collector 310. The drive unit 350 is located in the water inlet pipe 332 and is configured to pump the condensate in the water collector 310 into the atomizing chamber 342 through the water inlet pipe 332. The return water pipe 334 is connected to the liquid outlet 344 and is configured to allow the un-atomized condensate in the atomizing chamber 342 to flow back to the water collector 310.

[0043] With the above configuration, the water collection unit 310 can hold the condensate generated during the drying process. The drive unit 350 can pump the condensate to the atomizing chamber 342 through the water inlet pipe 332 to supply water to the atomizing device 340, so that the atomizing device 340 can atomize the condensate and generate water mist. Thus, the atomizing device 340 can maintain the clothes without the user having to add liquid, and ensure that the atomizing device 340 can continuously atomize, so that the clothes maintenance function of the entire clothes processing equipment 10 can be continuously automated, reducing the user's workload and providing a better user experience.

[0044] The components and technical solutions of the garment processing device 10 of this application will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0045] The garment processing device 10 provided in this application embodiment can have at least one of the garment processing functions such as drying, cleaning, care, or maintenance. The garment processing device 10 can be used not only for processing garments, but also for processing other fabrics such as towels, sheets, and quilts. The following embodiments of this application will use the garment processing device 10 for processing garments as an example, but of course, the application of the garment processing device 10 is not limited to garments.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 1 The garment processing device 10 includes a device body 100, which may include a housing. The housing may be used to house, support and protect other components of the garment processing device 10. For example, the housing may include a front panel 110, which may be located on the front side of the garment processing device 10, and the front panel 110 may be provided with an openable and closable door (not shown in the figure).

[0047] The main body 100 of the equipment may further include a base 130 and a front support 120 disposed on the base 130, both of which may be located within the housing. The base 130 may be disposed near the bottom of the housing, and the front support 120 may be disposed on the side of the base 130 near the front panel 110, so as to correspond to the compartment door. Correspondingly, the base 130 is located on the side of the front support 120 opposite to the front panel 110.

[0048] The garment handling device 10 includes an inner drum 200, which is rotatably disposed on the device body 100. For example, the inner drum 200 may be disposed on the front support 120 and located above the base 130. In some examples, the device body 100 may also include a back panel (not shown), which may be disposed on the opposite side of the base 130 relative to the front support 120, and the inner drum 200 may be disposed between the back panel and the front support 120.

[0049] The inner drum 200 has a drying chamber 210, and the front support 120 is provided with a loading port 121 that communicates with the drying chamber 210, allowing users to load and unload clothes from the drying chamber 210 through the loading port 121. The drying chamber 210 is configured to allow hot airflow to pass through it to dry clothes, and the inner drum 200 can also rotate relative to the front support 120 to tumble the clothes, thereby accelerating the drying speed and improving the drying effect.

[0050] The garment handling equipment 10 also includes a drying assembly (not shown in the figure), which includes an air duct located inside the housing and outside the inner drum 200. For example, the air duct may be located on the side of the back panel away from the inner drum 200. The air duct communicates with the inner drum 200 to facilitate the flow of gas between the air duct and the inner drum 200.

[0051] The drying assembly also includes a condenser located in the air duct. The gas in the air duct enters the drying chamber 210 after passing through the condenser. The condenser can heat the gas in the air duct through the phase change of the internal refrigerant to form a hot airflow that flows into the drying chamber 210, thereby drying the clothes.

[0052] The drying assembly also includes an evaporator located within an air duct. The evaporator is arranged in the same direction as the condenser within the air duct, allowing gas flowing out of the drying chamber 210 to pass through the evaporator. During the drying process of the clothes handling equipment 10, the humidity of the hot airflow within the drying chamber 210 increases. The evaporator can condense the humid hot airflow flowing out of the drying chamber 210 through the phase change of the internal refrigerant, thereby reducing the humidity of the airflow.

[0053] In one embodiment, the garment handling device 10 may further include a lower tray 400, which is disposed on the device body 100, for example, the lower tray 400 may be disposed on the front support 120. The lower tray 400 may be located between the front support 120 and the back plate, and located circumferentially outside the inner drum 200. In the height direction of the garment handling device 10, the lower tray 400 may be located above the inner drum 200. The lower tray 400 has a cavity 410 inside, which may extend along the rotation axis of the inner drum 200.

[0054] In some examples, the garment treatment device 10 may also include a dispensing box, which is slidably disposed within the cavity 410. When the dispensing box is located in the lower tray 400, it is connected to the inner drum 200. Thus, the user can pull the dispensing box out of the lower tray 400 and add different liquids such as garment fragrance, disinfectant, or antistatic agent to the dispensing box, and then push the dispensing box back into the lower tray 400, allowing the liquid in the lower tray 400 to be added to the inner drum 200 for garment care.

[0055] In other examples, cavity 410 can be used to collect lint, loose threads, and other debris generated during the drying process of clothes by the clothing handling device 10, so that the user can open the lower tray 400 and clean it.

[0056] Of course, the lower tray 400 can also be used to realize other functions of the garment processing equipment 10. This application embodiment does not limit the function of the lower tray 400.

[0057] Please combine Figure 1 and Figure 2 The garment processing device 10 also includes an atomizing component 300, which includes a water collecting element 310. The water collecting element 310 is located on the main body 100 of the device. For example, the water collecting element 310 can be installed on the base 130 and located on the side of the base 130 opposite to the inner drum 200. In the height direction of the garment processing device 10, the water collecting element 310 can be located below the inner drum 200 and the drying component. The water collecting element 310 can be provided with a water collecting chamber 311, through which the water collecting element 310 can receive and contain the condensate generated during the drying process, so that the user can reuse the condensate.

[0058] In some implementations, the atomizing component 300 may further include a drainage unit 320 and a first diversion pipe 331. The drainage unit 320 is connected to the water collection chamber 311, and the first diversion pipe 331 is connected to the drainage unit 320. The drainage unit 320 can pump the condensate in the water collection chamber 311 to the outside of the clothing treatment device 10 through the first diversion pipe 331 to prevent the condensate from overflowing or remaining in the water collection chamber 311 for a long time and becoming stagnant water.

[0059] The drainage unit 320 may include at least one of a water pump such as an electromagnetic pump, a peristaltic pump or a brushless DC pump. The drainage unit 320 can pump condensate to the drainage system such as the floor drain 20 through the first diversion pipe 331.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 3 The atomizing component 300 also includes an atomizing device 340, which is located on the main body 100 of the device. For example, the atomizing device 340 can be located on the front support 120 and on the side of the front support 120 away from the inner cylinder 200.

[0061] Please combine Figure 4 and Figure 5 The atomizing device 340 has a housing 341 that forms an atomizing cavity 342. Exemplarily, the housing 341 may have at least two shell structures, which can be interconnected to jointly form the atomizing cavity 342. The shell structures can be interconnected by ultrasonic heat fusion welding to improve the sealing of the housing 341 and prevent leakage from the atomizing device 340. Of course, the shell structures can also be interconnected in other ways.

[0062] The atomizing chamber 342 has a liquid inlet 343, a liquid outlet 344, and an atomizing port 345 located on the housing 341. The atomizing device 340 can add liquid into the atomizing chamber 342 through the liquid inlet 343 and discharge the liquid from the atomizing chamber 342 through the liquid outlet 344. The atomizing port 345 is configured to communicate with the drying chamber 210. The atomizing device 340 can atomize the liquid in the atomizing chamber 342 to produce water mist, and discharge the water mist into the drying chamber 210 through the atomizing port 345 to protect the clothes.

[0063] The liquid inlet 343, liquid outlet 344, and atomizing port 345 can be respectively located on different outer walls of the housing 341 to facilitate connection with different pipelines. In the height direction of the clothing processing device 10, the liquid inlet 343 can be lower than the liquid outlet 344 to prevent all the liquid in the atomizing chamber 342 from being discharged.

[0064] In the above example, the atomizing device 340 may further include an atomizing plate 346, which is sheet-shaped and disposed in the housing 341. The shape of the atomizing plate 346 may be adapted to fit the atomizing port 345 and cover the atomizing port 345. The atomizing plate 346 can atomize the liquid in the atomizing chamber 342 to form water mist, and discharge the water mist into the drying chamber 210 through the atomizing port 345.

[0065] The material used to fabricate the atomizing plate 346 may include at least one of piezoelectric ceramics, metals, and polymers. For example, the atomizing plate 346 may include an interconnected piezoelectric part and a vibrating part. The material used to fabricate the piezoelectric part may include piezoelectric ceramics, and the material used to fabricate the vibrating part may include metals such as stainless steel, nickel, or titanium alloys. The piezoelectric part is configured to be connected to a high-frequency alternating current to generate high-frequency vibration. The vibrating part has multiple micropores, and the pore size of the micropores may be in the range of 2-10 μm.

[0066] When the atomizing chamber 342 contains liquid, the piezoelectric part can drive the vibrating part to vibrate, causing the liquid to pass through the micropores of the vibrating part to form water mist, and the water mist is discharged into the drying chamber 210 through the atomizing port 345. The droplet size in the water mist can be mainly distributed in the micrometer (μm) scale range.

[0067] With the above settings, during the care and maintenance of clothing by the clothing treatment equipment 10, the atomizing plate 346 can atomize the liquid in the atomizing chamber 342 and generate water mist with small droplet size. The water mist enters the drying chamber 210 and can penetrate into the gaps between the fibers of the clothing to achieve effects such as stain removal, wrinkle removal, odor removal and fluffing of the clothing. It can reduce or even avoid damage to clothing during the maintenance process and can be applied to clothing of different fabrics or materials.

[0068] In the above example, the atomizing device 340 can be detachably connected to the device body 100. For example, the atomizing device 340 can be detachably connected to the device body 100 by at least one of the following connection methods: bolt connection, magnetic connection or snap-fit ​​connection.

[0069] The above-mentioned settings allow users to easily remove the atomizing device 340 for inspection or replacement, reducing the maintenance cost of the clothing treatment equipment 10. Furthermore, users can conveniently add liquids such as water, clothing fragrance, disinfectant, or antistatic agent to the atomizing chamber 342, improving the user experience.

[0070] In one embodiment, the atomizing device 340 may further include a control circuit board (not shown in the figure), which is disposed on the housing 341, for example, on the outer wall of the housing 341. A controller may be mounted on the control circuit board, and the controller may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a system-on-chip (SOC), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control circuit board and the controller may be electrically connected to the atomizing plate 346 to control the operation of the atomizing plate 346 and to control the atomizing device 340 to perform atomization.

[0071] In some implementations, such as Figure 4 As shown, the housing 341 may also be provided with a receiving groove 347, and the control circuit board may be located in the receiving groove 347.

[0072] With the above configuration, the control circuit board is mounted on the housing 341 that forms the atomizing chamber 342. The control circuit board can be mounted on the housing structure of the atomizing device 340 itself, thereby saving space and making the structure of the atomizing device 340 more compact. This is beneficial to reduce the volume of the atomizing device 340 and reduce the space occupied by the atomizing device 340 in the clothing processing equipment 10.

[0073] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the atomizing device 340 may also include a first liquid level detection element 348, which may be disposed on the housing 341 and located in the atomizing chamber 342 to detect the liquid level in the atomizing chamber 342.

[0074] In some implementations, the material used to fabricate the first liquid level detection element 348 may include at least one of conductive materials such as stainless steel, copper, nickel, or gold. The first liquid level detection element 348 may be electrically connected to a control circuit board and a controller, and is configured to generate a capacitance change when in contact with the liquid in the atomization chamber 342, thereby sending an electrical signal to the controller to detect the liquid level in the atomization chamber 342.

[0075] For example, when the controller receives the electrical signal sent by the first liquid level detection element 348, the controller can determine that the liquid level in the atomization chamber 342 is higher than or equal to the height of the first liquid level detection element 348; when the controller cannot receive the electrical signal sent by the first liquid level detection element 348, the controller can determine that the liquid level in the atomization chamber 342 is lower than the height of the first liquid level detection element 348.

[0076] When the controller determines that the liquid level in the atomizing chamber 342 is higher than or equal to the first liquid level detection element 348, the controller can control the atomizing plate 346 to atomize. When the controller determines that the liquid level in the atomizing chamber 342 is lower than the first liquid level detection element 348, the controller can control the atomizing plate 346 to stop working, so as to avoid problems such as overheating or even damage caused by vibration of the atomizing plate 346 when there is no liquid or the liquid level is too low, thus extending the service life of the atomizing device 340 and enabling the clothing processing equipment 10 to work safely and stably.

[0077] Please combine Figure 6 and Figure 7The atomizing assembly 300 also includes a water inlet pipe 332 and a drive unit 350. The water inlet pipe 332 can be located on the main body 100 and connects to the water inlet of the water collection component 310 and the atomizing device 340. The drive unit 350 is located on the water inlet pipe 332 and can pump the condensate in the water collection component 310 into the atomizing chamber 342 through the water inlet pipe 332. The drive unit 350 can be an electromagnetic pump, thus reducing its size and space requirements. Alternatively, the drive unit 350 can also be at least one of a peristaltic pump or a brushless DC pump.

[0078] With the above configuration, the drive unit 350 can pump the condensate in the water collection unit 310 to the atomizing chamber 342 through the water inlet pipe 332 to supply water to the atomizing device 340, so that the atomizing device 340 can atomize the condensate and generate water mist. This eliminates the need for the user to add liquid to the atomizing device 340 and ensures that the atomizing device 340 can continuously atomize, so that the clothing care function of the entire clothing treatment equipment 10 can be continuously automated, reducing the user's workload and providing a better user experience.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the components for supplying water to the atomizing device 340 have simple structures, low production costs, and occupy less space. Moreover, there is no need to set up additional components for adding liquid to the atomizing device 340, which helps to reduce the size of the clothing processing equipment 10 and improve the cost-effectiveness of the clothing processing equipment 10.

[0080] In some implementations, the main body 100 may also include a shock-absorbing bracket, and the drive unit 350 may be mounted on the main body 100 via the shock-absorbing bracket to reduce the vibration generated by the drive unit 350 during operation.

[0081] In one embodiment, please refer back to Figure 2 The water collecting component 310 may also have a water inlet chamber 312 spaced apart from the water collecting chamber 311. The drainage unit 320 is also connected between the water collecting chamber 311 and the water inlet chamber 312 to pump a portion of the condensate in the water collecting chamber 311 to the water inlet chamber 312. The water inlet pipe 332 may be connected to the water inlet chamber 312 so that the drive unit 350 pumps the condensate in the water inlet chamber 312 to the atomizing chamber 342.

[0082] With the above settings, the drainage unit 320 can discharge some of the condensate water from the clothing processing equipment 10 and pump the other part of the condensate water to the water inlet chamber 312 for the atomizing device 340 to generate water mist. This can prevent the atomizing device 340 from being unable to fully utilize the condensate water in the water collecting part 310, which would cause the condensate water to remain in the water collecting part 310 for a long time.

[0083] Of course, in other embodiments, the water inlet pipe 332 can also be directly connected to the water collection chamber 311.

[0084] In some implementations, the atomizing assembly 300 further includes a second diverter pipe 333, which connects the drainage unit 320 and the water inlet chamber 312, so that the drainage unit 320 can pump condensate from the water collection chamber 311 to the water inlet chamber 312 through the second diverter pipe 333. The second diverter pipe 333 may connect to the first diverter pipe 331 and, together with the first diverter pipe 331, connect to the pumping unit.

[0085] With the above configuration, the drainage unit 320 can discharge part of the condensate water from the clothing processing equipment 10 through the first diversion pipe 331, and pump the remaining part of the condensate water to the water inlet chamber 312 through the second diversion pipe 333 so that the atomizing device 340 can generate water mist. This can prevent the atomizing device 340 from not being able to fully utilize the condensate water in the water collecting component 310, which would cause the condensate water to remain in the water collecting component 310 for a long time.

[0086] In the above example, the water collection component 310 may include a first filter screen, which may be disposed in the water inlet chamber 312 and located between the second diversion pipe 333 and the water inlet pipe 332. The first filter screen can be used to filter out debris such as lint and thread ends in the condensate water to prevent them from entering the water inlet pipe 332, the drive unit 350, or the atomizing device 340 and causing blockage.

[0087] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the water collecting component 310 may further include a second liquid level detection component 313. The second liquid level detection component 313 is disposed within the water collecting component 310 and is used to detect the liquid level within the water collecting component 310. For example, the second liquid level detection component 313 may be disposed within the liquid inlet chamber. The second liquid level detection component 313 is electrically connected to the drive unit 350. When the second liquid level detection component 313 detects that the liquid level in the liquid inlet chamber is lower than the height of the first liquid level detection component 348, the drive unit 350 stops working.

[0088] The above settings can prevent the drive unit 350 from running dry when there is no condensate in the liquid inlet chamber or the liquid level is too low, thereby extending the service life of the drive unit 350 and enabling the garment processing equipment 10 to work safely and stably.

[0089] In the above example, the method by which the second liquid level detector 313 detects the liquid level can be the same as that of the first liquid level detector 348, and will not be repeated here.

[0090] The atomizing assembly 300 also includes a return water pipe 334, which is connected to the liquid outlet 344 and is used to discharge the un-atomized condensate in the atomizing chamber 342 into the water collection component 310, thereby allowing the condensate to be reused.

[0091] In some implementations, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the return water pipe 334 can be connected between the liquid outlet 344 and the water collection component 310 so that the un-atomized condensate in the atomization chamber 342 flows back to the water collection component 310.

[0092] In other implementations, such as Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, the return water pipe 334 can also be connected between the liquid outlet 344 and the lower tray 400. The lower tray 400 is connected to the water collection component 310. For example, the atomizing assembly 300 can also include a return pipe 336 connecting the lower tray 400 and the water collection component 310. Thus, the un-atomized condensate in the atomizing chamber 342 can flow back to the water collection component 310 in sequence through the return water pipe 334, the lower tray 400, and the return pipe 336.

[0093] The lower tray 400 may also have a return groove 420 that communicates with the cavity 410. The return groove 420 may be connected to the return water pipe 334 and the return water pipe 336 so that the condensate can flow back to the water collection component 310 through the return groove 420.

[0094] With the above configuration, the return water pipe 334 of the atomizing component 300 can discharge the residual liquid (i.e., the liquid that was not atomized) after atomization by the atomizing device 340 and guide it to a suitable storage location. On the one hand, this can prevent excessive liquid inside the atomizing device 340 from affecting normal operation. On the other hand, the return water pipe 334 discharges the un-atomized liquid to the water collection component 310 or the lower tray 400, etc., which can collect the residual liquid. Compared with directly discharging the un-atomized liquid into the clothing processing equipment 10, this avoids the impact of the clothing processing equipment 10 on the external environment during operation, keeps the external working environment of the clothing processing equipment 10 clean and tidy, and also allows for the reuse of condensate.

[0095] In the above example, a second filter screen can be provided inside the return water pipe 334. The second filter screen can be used to filter out debris such as lint and thread in the condensate water to prevent it from entering the water collection component 310.

[0096] Please refer to the above again. Figure 2 In one embodiment, the atomizing assembly 300 further includes a pressure relief pipe 335 having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. The first end of the pressure relief pipe 335 is connected to the drive unit 350, such that the drive unit 350 is configured to pump condensate from the water collection member 310 into the pressure relief pipe 335 via the water inlet pipe 332.

[0097] For example, the first end of the pressure relief pipe 335 can be provided on the drive unit 350 to communicate with the drive unit 350. Alternatively, the pressure relief pipe 335 can be connected to a portion of the water inlet pipe 332 between the drive unit 350 and the atomizing device 340 to communicate with the drive unit 350 through the water inlet pipe 332.

[0098] The second end of the pressure relief pipe 335 is connected to the return water pipe 334 so that the condensate in the pressure relief pipe 335 can flow back to the water collection component 310 through the return water pipe 334.

[0099] With the above settings, when the water inlet pipe 332 or the atomizing device 340 is blocked by debris such as lint or thread, or when the internal pressure is too high due to other reasons, the drive unit 350 can pump the condensate into the water collection device 310 through the pressure relief pipe 335, so that the condensate is discharged directly without passing through the atomizing device 340, thereby avoiding damage caused by the increased internal pressure of the atomizing component 300 and improving the safety of the clothing processing equipment 10.

[0100] In some implementations, the atomizing assembly 300 may also include a tee connector, which can be mounted on a shock-absorbing bracket for mounting the drive unit 350. One port of the tee connector can connect to the second end of the pressure relief pipe 335, and the other two ports can connect to different sections of the return water pipe 334. This facilitates interconnection between the drive unit 350, the pressure relief pipe 335, and the return water pipe 334, simplifies the overall structure of the atomizing assembly 300, and limits the movement of the pressure relief pipe 335 and the return water pipe 334 to prevent friction with other components of the clothing processing device 10.

[0101] In the above embodiments, when there is no condensate in the water collection device 310, the user can also add liquid to the atomizing device 340 or the water collection device 310 to generate water mist. For example, the return water pipe 334 may be provided with an inlet 3341, which can be connected to the inner cylinder 200 and can be located on the side of the second filter screen away from the water collection device 310. The user can add liquid to the water collection device 310 through the inlet 3341.

[0102] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11The garment processing device 10 may further include a liquid injection box 500, which may be located on the main body 100, for example, on the upper part of the front panel 110. The liquid injection box 500 has an injection chamber 510 inside, which includes an injection port 511 and a connecting port 512. The user can add liquid to the injection chamber 510 through the injection port 511. The atomizing device 340 may further include a liquid inlet communicating with the atomizing chamber 342. The connecting port 512 can communicate with the liquid inlet of the atomizing device 340 to add liquid from the injection chamber 510 into the atomizing chamber 342, enabling the atomizing device 340 to generate water mist.

[0103] With the above settings, users can conveniently add different liquids such as water, clothing fragrance, disinfectant or antistatic agent to the atomizing device 340 as needed through the liquid inlet 511 of the liquid inlet box 500. This improves the user experience, enhances the clothing care effect of the clothing treatment equipment 10, and meets the user's care needs for different types of clothing.

[0104] In the above example, the injection port 511 may be provided with an openable and closable injection cap, so that the user can add liquid into the injection chamber 510, and the injection cap can prevent the injection box 500 from leaking, thus improving the user experience.

[0105] In some implementation methods, please refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The main body 100 of the equipment is provided with a mounting groove 140, which can be located on the side of the front panel 110 away from the inner cylinder 200 and the front support 120. The main body 100 of the equipment is also provided with an openable and closable liquid injection channel 150. For example, the liquid injection channel 150 can be located on the front support 120 and between the front support 120 and the front panel 110. The first end of the liquid injection channel 150 is connected to the mounting groove 140 and is correspondingly set with the connecting port 512. The second end of the liquid injection channel 150 is connected to the liquid filling port.

[0106] The injection box 500 is detachably installed in the mounting groove 140. The shape of the mounting groove 140 can be adapted to the shape of the injection box 500 so that the injection box 500 can be embedded in the mounting groove 140. When the injection box 500 is located in the mounting groove 140, the connecting port 512 and the first end of the injection channel 150 are connected, and the injection channel 150 is open so that the liquid in the injection chamber 510 can be added to the atomizing chamber 342.

[0107] With the above-described configuration, the liquid injection box 500 is detachably mounted on the main body 100 of the device via the mounting slot 140, allowing users to easily remove the liquid injection box 500 and conveniently add liquid to the liquid injection box 500 and the atomizing device 340. This improves the user experience and increases the frequency of use. Furthermore, it facilitates cleaning of the liquid injection box 500, reducing the probability of malfunctions due to scale buildup, and makes it easier for users to inspect or replace parts, thus lowering the maintenance costs of the clothing processing equipment 10.

[0108] In the above embodiment, a sliding groove 142 may be provided on the wall of the mounting groove 140. The sliding groove 142 extends along the bottom of the mounting groove 140 towards the opening of the mounting groove 140. A slider 520 adapted to the sliding groove 142 may be provided on the injection box 500. The slider 520 is configured to slide in contact with the wall of the sliding groove 142 and can slide along the extension direction of the sliding groove 142, so as to facilitate the user to disassemble and assemble the injection box 500, thereby making it easier to add liquid to the injection box 500 and the atomizing device 340, and improving the user experience.

[0109] In one example, the injection box 500 may be provided with a first snap-fit ​​structure 530, and the mounting groove 140 may be provided with a second snap-fit ​​structure 141 corresponding to the first snap-fit ​​structure 530. The first snap-fit ​​structure 530 can snap into the second snap-fit ​​structure 141 to detachably install the injection box 500 in the mounting groove 140.

[0110] The second locking structure 141 can undergo elastic deformation to engage with the first locking structure 530 through its own elastic force. When the first locking structure 530 moves toward the second locking structure 141, the first locking structure 530 can drive the second locking structure 141 to undergo elastic deformation and release the first locking structure 530. Therefore, the user can easily remove the liquid injection box 500 from the mounting slot 140 by pressing it into the mounting slot 140, facilitating the addition of liquid to the liquid injection box 500 and the atomizing device 340, thus improving the user experience.

[0111] At this time, the second locking structure 141 can be configured as a press-type elastic self-locking mechanism, and can alternately lock or unlock with each external press. When pressure is applied to the injection box 500 in the mounting groove 140, the injection box 500 will also drive the second locking structure 141 to change its locking state. The second locking structure 141 can be any type of press-type elastic self-locking mechanism commonly used in the prior art, and the specific structure of the second locking structure 141 is not limited here.

[0112] In other examples, the injection box 500 can also be detachably installed in the mounting slot 140 by at least one of the following connection methods: magnetic connection or bolt connection.

[0113] In some implementations, a valve body 151 may be provided at the first end of the injection channel 150. The valve body 151 is used to open or close the injection channel 150. When the injection box 500 is installed in the mounting slot 140, the injection box 500 can be inserted into the valve body 151 to connect the communication port 512 to the valve body 151. The valve body 151 is configured to open when connected to the injection box 500, so that the liquid in the injection chamber 510 can be added to the atomizing chamber 342 through the communication port 512. When the injection box 500 is removed from the mounting slot 140, the valve body 151 closes the injection channel 150. Through the above settings, leakage of the injection channel 150 can be avoided, improving the user experience.

[0114] In some examples, a viewing window 540 may be provided on the surface of the injection box 500 facing the outside of the mounting groove 140. The viewing window 540 may be made of at least one transparent material such as plastic or glass. This allows the user to observe the liquid level in the injection chamber 510 through the viewing window 540, facilitating the determination of the operating status of the atomizing device 340 and the decision of whether liquid needs to be added to the injection box 500, thus improving the user experience.

[0115] In other examples, a prompting module may be provided on the surface of the liquid filling box 500 facing the outside of the mounting groove 140. The prompting module may include a light-emitting diode (LED) or a display screen. The prompting module is configured to display liquid level information within the liquid filling chamber 510, allowing the user to determine the operating status of the atomizing device 340 and whether liquid needs to be added to the liquid filling box 500, thus improving the user experience. Furthermore, the display module also enhances the visual appeal of the garment processing device 10.

[0116] In the above example, the liquid injection box 500 can be positioned close to the atomizing device 340 to shorten the length of the liquid injection channel 150 and reduce the loss of liquids such as clothing fragrance, disinfectant or antistatic agent in the liquid injection chamber 510, thereby improving the utilization rate of the liquid.

[0117] 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: Equipment body; The inner drum is rotatably disposed on the main body of the device, and the inner drum has a drying chamber for drying clothes; Drying assembly, the drying assembly comprising: An air duct, which is connected to the drying chamber and is used for the circulation of gas; A condenser is disposed in the air duct and is used to heat the gas flowing into the drying chamber; An evaporator, located within the air duct, is used to condense the gas flowing out of the drying chamber; Atomizing component, the atomizing component comprising: A water collection device, configured to collect condensate produced by the condensation gas from the evaporator; An atomizing device having an atomizing chamber having a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and an atomizing port, the atomizing port being connected to the drying chamber, the atomizing device being configured to atomize the liquid in the atomizing chamber to generate water mist, and to discharge the water mist into the drying chamber through the atomizing port; A water inlet pipe, which connects the liquid inlet and the water collection device; A drive unit is disposed on the water inlet pipe and is configured to pump condensate from the water collection component into the atomizing chamber through the water inlet pipe. A return water pipe is connected to the liquid outlet and is configured to allow un-atomized condensate in the atomization chamber to flow back to the water collection component.

2. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The atomizing component further includes a pressure relief pipe having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. The first end of the pressure relief pipe is connected to the drive unit, and the drive unit is configured to pump condensate from the water collection device into the pressure relief pipe through the water inlet pipe. The second end of the pressure relief pipe is connected to the return water pipe.

3. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The return water pipe connects the liquid outlet and the water collection component, so that the un-atomized condensate in the atomizing chamber flows back to the water collection component; or... The garment processing equipment also includes a lower tray, which is located on the main body of the equipment and above the atomizing device. The lower tray is connected to the water collection component. The return water pipe is connected between the liquid outlet and the lower tray so that the un-atomized condensate in the atomizing chamber flows back to the lower tray.

4. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water collection component has a water collection chamber and a water inlet chamber that are spaced apart from each other. The water collection chamber is used to collect condensate, and the water inlet chamber is connected to the water inlet pipe. The atomizing component also includes a drainage unit, which is connected to the water collection chamber and is used to discharge the condensate in the water collection chamber into the clothing treatment device; the drainage unit is also connected between the water collection chamber and the water inlet chamber to pump a portion of the condensate in the water collection chamber into the water inlet chamber.

5. The garment processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The atomizing assembly also includes a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe that are interconnected. Both the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe are connected to the drainage unit, and the second branch pipe is connected between the water collection chamber and the water inlet chamber. The drainage unit is configured to discharge the condensate in the water collection chamber to the outside of the clothing processing equipment through the first diversion pipe, and to discharge a portion of the condensate in the water collection chamber into the water inlet chamber through the second diversion pipe.

6. The garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The atomizing device further includes a first liquid level detection element, which is located within the atomizing chamber and is used to detect the liquid level within the atomizing chamber; the atomizing device is configured to stop atomizing when the liquid level within the atomizing chamber is lower than the liquid level height at which the first liquid level detection element is located; and / or, The water collection device includes a second liquid level detection element, which is located inside the water collection device and is used to detect the liquid level inside the water collection device; the second liquid level detection element is electrically connected to the drive unit, and the drive unit is configured to stop working when the liquid level inside the water collection device is lower than the liquid level height where the second liquid level detection element is located.

7. The garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The atomizing device is detachably mounted on the main body of the device.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The atomizing device also has a liquid inlet, which is connected to the atomizing chamber; The atomizing component further includes a liquid injection box, which has a liquid injection chamber, and the liquid injection chamber has a liquid injection port and a connecting port; The injection box is configured to add liquid into the injection chamber through the injection port, and the connecting port is connected to the liquid filling port to add the liquid in the injection chamber into the atomizing chamber.

9. The garment processing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The main body of the device is provided with an installation groove and an openable and closable liquid injection channel. The first end of the liquid injection channel is connected to the installation groove, and the second end of the liquid injection channel is connected to the liquid filling port. The injection box is detachably installed in the mounting slot. When the injection box is located in the mounting slot, the communication port and the first end of the injection channel are connected, and the injection channel is opened.

10. The garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The atomizing device further includes a housing and a control circuit board. The housing forms the atomizing chamber, and the liquid inlet, the liquid outlet, and the atomizing port are all located in the housing. The housing also has a receiving groove, and the control circuit board is located in the receiving groove and is used to control the atomizing device to perform atomization.

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