Drying modules and combined washer-dryer machines

Abstract

The present invention provides a drying module and a combined washer-dryer washing machine, in which a circulation module (3) transports moist circulating airflow from within the drum to a dehumidifying module (1) for drying, and the dehumidifying module (1) adsorbs moisture from the moist circulating airflow from the drum and outputs a dried circulating airflow to the drum. A regeneration module (2) outputs a dried regenerated airflow to the dehumidifying module (1), desorbing at least a portion of the moisture from the dehumidifying module (1) and restoring its moisture adsorption capacity. A condensation module (4) condenses the regenerated airflow output from the regeneration module (2) to form a low-temperature dry regenerated airflow and discharges condensed water formed during the condensation process. The dehumidifying module (1), circulation module (3), and condensation module (4) are each independent modules, and the dehumidifying module can be fixedly connected to the circulation module (3) and condensation module (4) to form an integrated module that can be easily attached and detached from the frame, or can be used as an independent device to dry air.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of laundry appliances, and in particular to drying modules and combined washer-dryers. [Background technology]

[0002] As people's pursuit of health and quality of life continues to grow, and the pace of urban residents' lives continues to accelerate, other factors include the emergence of combined washer-dryer washing machines, which are popular with many consumers. Combined washer-dryer washing machines are particularly suitable for families in the south during the rainy season, and families in the north where outdoor drying is not suitable due to poor air quality, as well as for people who want to wash and wear their clothes and who want a softer, more comfortable garment.

[0003] It has been discovered that some existing drying systems for combined washer-dryer washing machines heat moist air in the inner tube of the washer-dryer in an evaporator to absorb moisture, obtaining high-temperature air that then re-enters the inner tube of the washer-dryer to evaporate moisture from clothes. However, because the temperature of the entire evaporator is constant, the evaporator's moisture absorption capacity for the moist air decreases as the humid air evaporates, resulting in problems such as low moisture absorption efficiency, long drying times, and high power consumption. In addition, some methods use condensate rinse or direct dehumidification of moist air using a condenser, but the treated air still contains a large amount of moisture and requires the air to be heated, cooled for dehumidification, and then heated again for recycling, resulting in low dehumidification efficiency and high power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a drying module and a washing / drying combination washing machine to solve the problems of the prior art, in which the dehumidified air still contains a high proportion of moisture and the air needs to be heated, cooled, dehumidified, and then heated again for circulation, resulting in low dehumidification efficiency and high power consumption.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, according to some embodiments, the present invention provides a drying module, a circulation module communicating with the drum and outputting the moist circulating airflow from the drum to the dehumidification module for dehumidification; a dehumidifying module in communication with the circulation module and the drum, the dehumidifying module being used to absorb moisture from the humid circulating airflow from the drum and output a dry circulating airflow to the drum; a regeneration module attached to the housing of the dehumidification module, the regeneration module being in airflow communication with a portion of the dehumidification module located in the regeneration airflow passage, outputting a dried regeneration airflow to the portion of the dehumidification module and desorbing moisture from at least a portion of the dehumidification module; a condensation module communicating with the regeneration airflow outlet of the regeneration module and used to condense the regeneration airflow output from the regeneration module to form a low-temperature dry airflow; The dehumidifying module is fixedly connected to the circulation module and the condensing module, respectively, to form an integrated module.

[0006] Additionally, lap joints are provided around the periphery of the integrated module and are used to fixedly connect the integrated module to the frame.

[0007] Further, the dehumidification module has a dehumidification module upper housing and a dehumidification module lower housing, the regeneration module has a regeneration module upper housing and a regeneration module lower housing, the circulation module has a circulation module upper housing and a circulation module lower housing, and the condensation module has a condensation module upper housing and a condensation module lower housing; The dehumidification module lower housing, the regeneration module lower housing, the circulation module lower housing, and the condensation module lower housing are integrally molded as the drying module lower housing; A lap joint is provided in the lower housing of the dryer module.

[0008] Furthermore, one end of the circulating air outlet passage communicates with the dehumidifying module, and the other end is connected to the drum via the first bellows hose.

[0009] Additionally, a circulation air inlet passage is attached to the drum, one end of which communicates with the drum and the other end of which communicates with the circulation module.

[0010] Additionally, a filter assembly is provided within the circulating air inlet passageway, which is used to filter impurities in the circulating air stream.

[0011] Furthermore, the dehumidifying module, regenerating module, circulating module, and condensing module are separate entities, and are formed as an integrated module by a fixed connection method.

[0012] Further, the regeneration module upper housing has a cavity for accommodating the heating module; The heating module is mounted in the heating module accommodating cavity, the heating module is disposed adjacent to the turntable in the dehumidifying module, the heating module accommodating cavity is in communication with the dehumidifying module, and the heating module is used to desorb moisture from at least a portion of the turntable by heating.

[0013] Furthermore, the heating module a heater installed in the first space; a heat conduction member for receiving heat conducted from the first space; a temperature detection module used to detect a temperature in the first space, the temperature detection module being attached in the third space, the third space being a space surrounded by a heat conductive member, and the third space and the first space being separated by the heat conductive member; and an air equalization member disposed adjacent to or spaced apart from the turntable in the dehumidification module, wherein the regenerated airflow enters the heating module accommodating cavity and passes through the air equalization member / heater, heater / air equalization member, and turntable in that order.

[0014] Furthermore, the heat conducting member is attached to the second space communicating with the first space, and the second space and the third space are separated by the heat conducting member.

[0015] Furthermore, the upper housing of the regeneration module has a base, a top wall, and a side wall protruding from the top wall, the top wall and the side wall being enclosed to form a first space, the base being provided along the outer periphery of the side wall, and the base extending outward away from the first space; A groove is provided on the bottom surface of the base, and the groove forms a second space.

[0016] Furthermore, the upper housing of the regeneration module has a fan-shaped structure; a heater air inlet is provided on the outer arc side surface of the upper housing of the regeneration module, and a heater air outlet is provided on the side opposite to the top wall, the heater air inlet, the first space, and the heater air outlet being sequentially connected to each other; The base has at least a first side edge, the first side edge extending along a radial direction of the sector, and the groove is located on the first side edge.

[0017] Furthermore, the base-passing thermal buffer member is connected and attached to the heating module receiving cavity by the thermal buffer member.

[0018] Furthermore, the thermal buffer member includes a heat insulating member, which is provided on the periphery of the base and is used to prevent the high temperature of the heating member from being directly transmitted to the housing.

[0019] Furthermore, the thermal buffer member further includes a seal gasket, which is disposed around the exterior of the thermal insulation member.

[0020] Furthermore, there is a predetermined gap between the installation position of the seal gasket and the bottom of the mounting portion.

[0021] Furthermore, the predetermined gap is 0.2 to 5 mm.

[0022] The heating module further includes a mounting base, the mounting base being fixedly connected to the first side edge, the mounting base being located on another side of the first side edge away from the groove; a mounting hole is provided through the mounting base, the mounting base has a substantially hexahedral shape with one face open, the temperature detection module is provided inside the mounting hole, and a space formed by the heat conduction member surrounding the open face of the mounting base is a third space; The mounting hole is adapted to accommodate a temperature sensing module.

[0023] Additionally, the thermally conductive member contacts the contact points of the temperature detection module.

[0024] Furthermore, a heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant coating is provided on the surface of the heat-conducting member.

[0025] Furthermore, the air uniformizing member includes an air uniformizing plate and a side plate protruding from a periphery of the air uniformizing plate, the air uniformizing plate and the side plate together form a surrounding heater accommodating region, and the heater is provided within the heater accommodating region; The air equalization plate is sector-shaped and has air holes distributed at intervals on the air equalization plate.

[0026] Further, the heater includes a plurality of heating tubes connected end to end, the heating tubes being spaced apart along a radial direction of the sector; A length of heater tube runs parallel to the side wall opposite the heater air inlet.

[0027] Furthermore, the air holes are arranged in rows, and the installation positions of the air holes in each row correspond to the positions of the heating tubes; The diameter of the air holes tends to decrease along the radial direction of the sector from the outer arc towards the center of the circle.

[0028] Furthermore, the heating tube is located below the air hole, The axis of the heater tube is offset from the centerline of the air holes in each corresponding row, and the centerline of the air holes in each row is closer to the heater air inlet than the axis of the heater tube.

[0029] Furthermore, the direction of the regeneration airflow entering the heating module accommodating cavity is set to be opposite to or the same as the rotation direction of the turntable.

[0030] Another aspect of the present invention provides a washing and drying combination washing machine, comprising a drum, a frame, and a drying module in any one of the above technical solutions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] In order to more clearly describe the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings that need to be used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these accompanying drawings without any creative work. [Figure 1] 1 is a three-dimensional view of a drying module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of a drying module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a heating module provided by an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is another schematic perspective view of a heating module provided by an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a heating module provided by an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic assembly diagram of a heating module and a dehumidifying module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of an air equalization member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a drying module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic assembly diagram of a turntable and a regeneration module in a dehumidification module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of a heating module and a regeneration fan in a regeneration module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a condensation module in a drying module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 1 Dehumidification module 2 Playback Module 21 Heating Module 22 Play Fan 3 Circulation Module 4 Condensation Module 50 Lap Joint 21 Heating Module 210 Regeneration module upper housing 211 Heater air inlet 212 Top Wall 213 Side wall 214 base 240 Heating tube 218 Mounting base 250 Thermal Conduction Materials 100 turntables 110 Turntable upper housing 120 Turntable lower housing 210 Regeneration module upper housing 230 Air equalization plate 231 Air vent 270 Heat buffer material 271 Heat insulating materials 272 Sealing gasket 401 Condensation Module Upper Housing 402 Condensation Module Lower Housing 43 Condenser 3013 First connecting member 3014 Second connecting member DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Currently, in prior art, the dehumidified air still contains a high percentage of moisture, and the air must be heated, cooled, dehumidified, and then heated again for circulation, resulting in low dehumidification efficiency and high power consumption.

[0034] To solve the above problems, as shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention provides a drying module comprising: a circulation module 3 connected to the drum of a combined washer-dryer washing machine and outputting a wet circulating airflow from the drum to a dehumidifying module 1 for dehumidification; a dehumidifying module 1 connected to the circulation module 3 and the drum, respectively, for adsorbing moisture from the wet circulating airflow from the drum and outputting a dry circulating airflow to the drum; a regeneration module 2 attached to the housing of the dehumidifying module 1, connected to the dehumidifying module 1 and outputting a dried regenerated airflow to the dehumidifying module 1, thereby desorbing at least a portion of the moisture from the dehumidifying module 1 and restoring its moisture adsorption capacity; and a condensation module 4 connected to the regenerated air outlet of the regeneration module 2 and used to condense the regenerated airflow output from the regeneration module 2 to form a low-temperature dry regenerated airflow, wherein the dehumidifying module 1 is fixedly connected to the circulation module 3 and the condensation module 4, respectively, to form an integrated module.

[0035] In this embodiment, the drying module is used to dry the wet airflow, which is defined as the regeneration airflow. The circulation module 3 is used to circulate the airflow between the drum and the dehumidification module 1. The circulation module 3 transports the wet regeneration airflow from the drum to the dehumidification module 1 for moisture absorption. The dehumidification module 1 adsorbs moisture from the wet regeneration airflow from the drum and outputs a dry regeneration airflow to the drum. The regeneration module 2 communicates with a portion of the dehumidification module 1 and outputs a dried regeneration airflow to this portion, desorbing at least a portion of the moisture from the dehumidification module 1 and restoring its moisture adsorption capacity. The condensation module 4 communicates with the regeneration air outlet of the regeneration module 2 and condenses the regeneration airflow output from the regeneration module 2 to form a low-temperature, dry regeneration airflow and discharging condensed water formed during the condensation process. The dehumidifying module 1, the circulation module 3 and the condensation module 4 are each independent modules, and the dehumidifying module is fixedly connected to the circulation module 3 and the condensation module 4, respectively, to form an integrated module, which can be easily attached and detached to the frame, or it can be used as an independent device to dry the air.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 2 and 10, in the drying module, lap joints 50 are provided on the outer periphery of the integrated module and are used to securely connect the integrated module to the frame. Specifically, at least one lap joint 50 is provided in each of the dehumidifying module 1, circulation module 3, and condensing module 4 to ensure uniform force is applied to the integrated module.

[0037] The dehumidifying module (1) has an upper dehumidifying module housing and a lower dehumidifying module housing, the regenerating module (2) has an upper regenerating module housing (210) and a lower regenerating module housing, the circulation module (3) has an upper circulation module housing and a lower circulation module housing, and the condensing module has an upper condensing module housing and a lower condensing module housing, and the lower dehumidifying module housing, the lower regenerating module housing, the lower circulation module housing, and the lower condensing module housing are integrally molded as a dryer module lower housing, and a lap joint 50 is provided on at least the lower dryer module housing. In this technical solution, the integrally molded lower dryer module housing has good sealing properties and provides a certain support force for the dryer module, so that the entire dryer module can be stacked on the frame simply by providing a lap joint 50 on the outer periphery of the lower dryer module housing.

[0038] The dehumidification module 1, regeneration module 2, circulation module 3, and condensation module 4 are fixedly connected to the frame, so the air inlets and outlets on the housings of these four modules are fixedly connected. The circulation module 3 is softly connected to the drum to avoid damage caused by differences in amplitude and frequency of vibration between the drum and frame.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the dehumidifying module 1, one end of the air outlet passage communicates with the dehumidifying module 1, and the other end is connected to the drum via a first bellows hose.

[0040] In this embodiment, the dehumidifying module 1 communicates with the interior of the drum through a first bellows hose, preventing damage to the circulating air outlet passage and the dehumidifying module 1 caused by drum rotation. The circulating air outlet passage serves as a passage through which dry air obtained by moisture absorption in the rotating roller module enters the drum. Optionally, a filter assembly is provided in the drum air outlet passage to filter the airflow entering the dehumidifying module from the drum.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dehumidification module 1 is attached to the drum and has an air inlet passage with one end communicating with the drum and the other end communicating with the circulation module 3. The dehumidification module further includes a filter assembly disposed within the circulation air inlet passage for filtering impurities in the circulation airflow. By providing a filter assembly (which may be a filter wire) within the circulation air inlet passage to remove impurities from the circulation airflow, it is possible to prevent lint and dust impurities from entering the circulation module 3 and the dehumidification module 1, thereby further preventing clogging of the modules or impurity combustion. Because lint and dust impurities exit the drum, attaching the circulation air inlet passage to the drum facilitates direct filtering of the circulation airflow and prevents clogging of the circulation air inlet passage and the circulation module 3.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the regeneration module 2 includes a regeneration module upper housing 210, which has a cavity for accommodating the heating module 21; The heating module 21 is mounted in the heating module accommodating cavity, and is disposed adjacent to the turntable 100 in the dehumidification module. The accommodating cavity of the heating module 21 is connected to the dehumidification module 1. The heating module 21 is used to desorb at least a portion of the moisture on the turntable 100 by heating. The regeneration fan 22 is mounted to the mounting portion of the regeneration fan 22 and connected to the condensation module 4. The regeneration fan 22 transports the low-temperature dry regeneration airflow formed by condensation by the condensation module 4 to the heating module 21. The heating module 21 heats a portion of the dehumidification module 1 and evaporates the adsorbed moisture. The regeneration fan 22 transports the air to the heating module 21 to form a high-temperature regeneration airflow, accelerating the recovery of the moisture adsorption capacity of the dehumidification module 1.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heating module 21 includes a heater installed in the first space, a heat conduction member 250 used to receive heat transferred from the first space, a temperature detection module installed in the third space used to detect the temperature of the first space, the third space being a space surrounded by the heat conduction member 250, the third space and the first space being separated by the heat conduction member 250, and an air equalization member installed adjacent to or spaced apart from the turntable 100 in the dehumidification module, wherein the regenerated airflow enters the heating module accommodating cavity and passes through the air equalization member / heater, heater / air equalization member, and turntable 100 in that order. Note that the heat conduction member 250 may completely isolate the first space from the third space without gas exchange, or an opening may be provided in the heat conduction member 250 to allow partial gas exchange between the first space and the third space, and the temperature detection module determines the temperature of the first space by detecting the temperature of the heat conduction member 250.

[0044] The temperature detection module is used to detect the temperature of the heating region, including the temperature required for heating and dehumidifying the clothes or intermediate medium. The heating module 21 includes a heater and is provided with a power source. The airflow in the first space is heated by the heater and then flows to remove moisture from the intermediate medium to be dehydrated. The intermediate medium here may be, for example, a turntable 100. The turntable 100 may be made of a material with good moisture absorption properties, such as zeolite, lithium chloride, silica gel, modified silica gel, or 13X (sodium X-type) molecular sieve. Therefore, moisture adsorbed by the turntable 100 is dehydrated and dried by the heated airflow. During the rotation of the turntable 100, at least a portion of the turntable 100 is continuously absorbed, and at least another portion is continuously dehydrated and dried. The turntable 100 is detached immediately after absorbing moisture, and thus can be repeatedly recycled and used. The airflow in the first space in this embodiment of the present invention may be defined as a recycled airflow.

[0045] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the heating module 21 includes a heater and a temperature detection module. The heater is installed in the first space, and the temperature detection module is used to detect the temperature of the first space. The temperature detection module is installed in the third space, and a thermal conductive member 250 covers the temperature detection module. The thermal conductive member 250 transfers the heat received from the first space to the temperature detection module in the third space and measures the temperature of the regeneration airflow in the first space. The thermal conductive member 250 is made of a metal material with good thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. The thermal conductive member 250 receives the heat of the high-temperature regeneration airflow in the second space and transfers it to the temperature detection module in the third space, thereby facilitating uniform heat transfer and stabilizing the temperature detected by the temperature detection module and improving the accuracy of the detection result. This avoids frequent fluctuations in the detection result due to the temperature detection module directly detecting the regeneration airflow in the first space, which can lead to turbulence or / and disturbances in the regeneration airflow in the first space.

[0046] The heat conduction member 250 is attached to the second space communicating with the first space, and the second space and the third space are separated by the heat conduction member 250. The regeneration airflow is heated by a heater in the first space to become a high-temperature regeneration airflow, and since the second space communicates with the first space, the high-temperature regeneration airflow diffuses into the second space, so that the temperature in the first space can be determined by detecting the temperature in the second space.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper housing 210 of the regeneration module has a base 214, a top wall 212, and a side wall 213 protruding from the top wall 212, the top wall 212 and the side wall 213 being surrounded to form a first space, the base 214 being arranged along the outer periphery of the side wall 213, the base 214 extending outward away from the first space, and a groove being formed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of the base 214, the groove forming a second space.

[0048] Specifically, the heating module 21 heats the regeneration airflow, and the high-temperature regeneration airflow removes moisture adsorbed by the turntable 100. The top wall 212 and side wall 213 of the regeneration module upper housing 210 enclose a first space, the heater is installed in the first space, a groove is provided on the bottom surface of the base 214, and the heat conduction member 250 is installed in the groove and covers the temperature detection module.

[0049] 6, the regeneration module upper housing 210 has a fan-shaped structure, a heater air inlet 211 is provided on the outer arc side of the regeneration module upper housing 210, a heater air outlet is provided on the side facing the top wall 212, the heater air inlet 211, the first space and the heater air outlet are connected in sequence, and the base 214 has a first side edge that extends along the radial direction of the fan, and a groove is located on the first side edge. Of course, for more accurate detection, a similar groove can be provided on a second side edge opposite the first side edge, and a temperature detection module can be located there.

[0050] Specifically, the regenerative airflow enters through the heater air inlet 211, is heated by the heater in the first space, and finally exits through the heater air outlet. The groove is located on the first side edge and communicates with the first space. The heated high-temperature regenerative airflow diffuses into the groove, and the heat conduction member 250 receives the heat and transfers it to the temperature detection module. The temperature detection module is directly blown by the regenerative airflow flowing in the first space, which can avoid fluctuations in the detection results due to turbulence / disturbances.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heating module 21 further includes a mounting base 218, which is fixedly connected to the first side edge and located on the other side away from the groove of the first side edge. The mounting base 218 has a through-hole formed therein, which forms a substantially hexahedral shape with one side open. The temperature detection module is mounted within the mounting hole. The space formed by the thermally conductive member 250 surrounding the open side of the mounting base 218 is a third space, and the mounting hole is adapted to accommodate the temperature detection module. Specifically, the temperature detection module is mounted within the mounting hole and covered by the thermally conductive member 250, isolating the temperature detection module from the second space and preventing leakage of the regeneration airflow. The mounting base 218 may also be provided with a fixing member, which is used to fix an electrical cable connected to the temperature detection module.

[0052] Furthermore, the thermal conduction member 250 contacts the contact points of the temperature detection module. Because turbulence / disturbances may occur in the regeneration airflow flowing through the first space, causing the regeneration airflow temperature to be unstable within a local area, a protruding rib structure may be optionally provided on one side of the thermal conduction member 250 facing the second space to increase the contact area with the high-temperature regeneration airflow, extend the conduction path, and tend to stabilize the temperature conducted to the temperature detection module. The thermal conduction member 250 may be easily molded and provided as a thermally conductive sheet to cover the temperature detection module. For example, one side of the thermal conduction member 250 facing the second space may have a protrusion and a corresponding recess on the other side. The temperature detection module is embedded in the recess, and the contact points of the temperature detection module contact the recess. The protrusions increase the contact area between the thermal conduction member 250 and the regeneration airflow.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 7, the base 214 is attached by being connected to the mounting portion by a thermal buffer member 270 .

[0054] In the drying module of the above embodiment, the heat buffering member 270 is provided between the heating module 21 and the upper housing of the dehumidifying module to buffer the heat generated by the heating module 21 and prevent damage caused by high temperatures being directly transferred to the upper housing of the dehumidifying module. This delays deterioration of the upper housing of the dehumidifying module and extends the service life of the drying module.

[0055] In this embodiment, the dehumidifying module upper housing of the storage turntable 100 is an integrated, divided type dehumidifying module upper housing, which has a moisture absorption area and a dehumidifying area, and the moisture absorption area and the dehumidifying area are divided into at least two functional areas by at least two radial ribs. A mounting portion for the heating module 21 is provided in the dehumidifying area of ​​the dehumidifying module upper housing, facilitating modular assembly of the heating module 21. The shape of the heating module 21 is adapted to the shape of the dehumidifying area. When the dehumidifying module upper housing has a circular structure and the dehumidifying area is a sector-shaped area, the heating module 21 also has a sector-shaped structure and is a space formed by upper and lower walls and two radial side walls. A base and a heating element provided below the base are provided in the space, and a temperature control element mounting portion is provided extending from one side wall of the lower wall. Air holes are provided on the base, and air is blown radially from the air inlet of the heating module 21 onto the base, blown downward from the air holes onto the heating element, and then flows onto the rotating roller portion of the moisture absorption area, thereby achieving the effect of heating the rotating roller portion of the moisture absorption area and desorbing moisture. The heating element is provided adjacent to the base so as not to create significant resistance to the air passing through the air holes, and the heating element is positioned directly below the air holes and slightly offset in the radial direction; this is because when the air is blown radially inward and passes through the air holes, it has a velocity in the radial direction indicated by the arrow, so by setting a slight offset, the air passing through the air holes can be directed directly toward the heating element.

[0056] In some embodiments, the thermal buffer member 270 includes a thermal insulating member 271; A heat insulating member 271 is provided around the periphery of the base to prevent the high temperature of the heating member from being directly transmitted to the upper housing of the dehumidification module.

[0057] In this embodiment, the heat insulating member 271 is provided on the periphery of the base, i.e., between the heating module 21 and the upper housing of the dehumidifying module. This allows the heat insulating member 271 to block the heat generated by the heating module 21 and prevent the high temperature generated by the heating module 21 from being directly transferred to the upper housing of the dehumidifying module, thereby preventing the upper housing of the dehumidifying module from being damaged by the high temperature being directly transferred to the upper housing of the dehumidifying module. This delays deterioration of the upper housing of the dehumidifying module and extends the service life of the dehumidifying module.

[0058] In some embodiments, the material of the thermal insulation member 271 is a thermal insulating material or a metallic material.

[0059] In this embodiment, thermal insulation material is a general term for heat and cold insulation materials, and its properties include a small thermal conductivity coefficient, stable material performance, a clear thermal conductivity coefficient equation, a wide temperature range, low density, resistance to vibration, mechanical strength, good chemical stability, no corrosion, good waterproof performance, and low moisture absorption. It also has low flammable components, self-extinguishing properties, and non-combustibility. To reduce costs, metal materials, such as hardware, can be used, which have a certain thermal insulation effect, a long service life, and good thermoplasticity.

[0060] In some embodiments, the thermal buffer 270 further comprises a sealing gasket 272. The sealing gasket 272 may be arranged around the outside of the insulating member 271, or the sealing gaskets 272 may be arranged on both sides of the insulating member 271, i.e., the heating module 21, sealing gasket 272, insulating member 271, sealing gasket 272, and upper housing of the dehumidification module may be arranged in that order, or the sealing gasket 272 may be arranged only between the insulating member 271 and the upper housing of the dehumidification module.

[0061] In this embodiment, the sealing gasket 272 is arranged along the insulating member 271 to further prevent heat from escaping, allowing the heat to be transferred along a predetermined path, ensuring efficient heat utilization while preventing damage to the upper housing of the dehumidification module and other modules due to heat.

[0062] In some embodiments, the material of the sealing gasket 272 is a foam material, a silica gel material, or a soft rubber material.

[0063] In this embodiment, the material of the sealing gasket 272 may be a relatively soft and elastic material, which changes with the structural changes of the heat insulating member 271, thereby further improving the sealing performance of the dehumidifying area.

[0064] In some embodiments, there is a predetermined gap between the seating position of the sealing gasket 272 and the bottom of the mounting portion.

[0065] In this embodiment, the purpose of providing a certain predetermined gap is to reduce the resistance between the drying module and other modules. For example, if a rotating roller is provided below the drying module and the sealing gasket 272 is in full contact with the rotating roller, the rotation resistance of the rotating roller will increase, which will not only affect the rotation of the rotating roller but also shorten the service life of the rotating roller.

[0066] In some embodiments, the predetermined gap is between 0.2 and 5 mm.

[0067] In this embodiment, a preferred predetermined gap range is provided, within which the seal gasket 272 does not come into contact with adjacent components or modules, providing a certain sealing effect and preventing heat loss. After repeated research and experiments, it was found that controlling the predetermined gap to 0.6 to 0.8 mm is more effective.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, a heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant coating is provided on the surface of the heat conduction member 250, which can extend the service life of the heat conduction member 250 and prevent the heat conduction member 250 from rusting in a high-temperature and humid environment.

[0069] The heating module 21 is mounted in a receiving cavity of the heating module 21, the heating module 21 is positioned above the turntable 100, the receiving cavity of the heating module 21 is in communication with the turntable 100, and the heating module 21 heats the regenerated airflow and desorbs moisture adsorbed by the turntable 100. In some embodiments, the turntable 100 member includes the turntable 100 and a drive assembly, the drive assembly includes a motor, and the motor can drive the rotation of the turntable 100. The turntable 100 is made of a material with good moisture absorption performance, such as zeolite, lithium chloride, silica gel, modified silica gel, or 13X (sodium X-type) molecular sieve. The moist circulating airflow discharged from the drum enters the bottom of the turntable 100 housing cavity, and the moist circulating airflow in the dehumidifying zone passes through the turntable 100 from bottom to top. The turntable 100 absorbs the moisture in the moist circulating airflow, turning it into a dry circulating airflow. The dry circulating air then enters the drum through the drum air inlet and comes into full contact with the clothes, improving drying efficiency and reducing energy consumption. The regenerating element includes a heater used to heat the regenerating airflow. The heated regenerating airflow passes through the heating module 21 housing cavity and passes through the turntable 100 from top to bottom, dehydrating and drying the part of the turntable 100 in the regenerating zone. During the rotation of the turntable 100, it passes through the dehumidifying zone and the regenerating zone repeatedly, repeatedly absorbing and desorbing moisture. This allows the dry circulating airflow to continuously enter the drum and come into full contact with the clothes, improving drying efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

[0070] Specifically, the upper housing 210 of the regeneration module has a first top wall and a first side wall protruding from the periphery of the first top wall to form a cavity for accommodating the heating module 21, and further has a base 214 protruding outward along the first side wall, and mounting holes are provided in the base 214, so that the upper housing 210 can be fixedly connected to the upper housing 110 of the turntable 100 through the mounting holes.

[0071] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, in order to more uniformly heat the incoming regenerative airflow and more uniformly dehydrate and dry the turntable 100, a preferred solution is for the heating module 21 to include a stacked air equalization member and a heater, the heater being disposed on the air equalization member and the turntable 100, and the regenerative airflow entering the heating module 21 accommodating cavity and passing through the air equalization member, the heater, and the turntable 100 in turn. The air equalization member may be disposed upstream or downstream of the heater, and is preferably disposed upstream, so that the air equalization member can guide the airflow entering the heater accommodating space and the regenerative airflow can fully transfer the heat of the heater to the turntable 100. In this case, the heater may be disposed closer to the turntable 100 and the air equalization member may be disposed at a distance from the turntable 100, or the air equalization member may be disposed downstream of the heater, which advantageously allows the regenerative airflow to first fully contact the heater and to be uniformly heated. The heater is heated to a temperature of 10 ...

[0072] In some embodiments, the regeneration module upper housing 210 has a fan-shaped structure, and the heater air inlet 211 is provided on the outer arc side of the regeneration module upper housing 210. In the embodiments of the present invention, as a preferred solution, the regeneration module upper housing 210 has a fan-shaped structure, but the regeneration module upper housing 210 may also have an irregular structure, and is not excessively limited here. The regeneration module upper housing 210 is matingly connected to the turntable 100 upper housing 110, which separates the dehumidification area and the regeneration area, i.e., the humid circulating airflow in the dehumidification area and the regeneration airflow in the regeneration area can be kept substantially isolated.

[0073] In some embodiments, a gap is provided between the air equalization member and the top wall of the regeneration module upper housing 210 to form a third airflow passage, which communicates with the heater air inlet 211. A gap is provided between the bottom surface of the turntable 100 and the inner wall of the regeneration area of ​​the turntable 100 lower housing 120 to form a fourth airflow passage. The regeneration airflow enters the third airflow passage through the heater air inlet 211, and the air equalization member allows the regeneration airflow to more uniformly contact the heater, and the uniformly heated regeneration airflow desorbs moisture on the portion of the turntable 100 within the regeneration area.

[0074] In some embodiments, the air uniformity member includes an air uniformity plate 230 and side plates protruding from the periphery of the air uniformity plate 230, the air uniformity plate 230 and the side plates surrounding the heater receiving area defining the heater receiving area, the air uniformity plate 230 being fan-shaped, and the air uniformity plate 230 having air holes 231 spaced apart on it. The air holes allow the regenerative airflow to uniformly enter the heater below.

[0075] In some embodiments, the heater includes a plurality of end-to-end connected heating tubes 240, the heating tubes 240 being spaced apart along the radial direction of the fan, and the lengths of the heating tubes 240 being substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the fan. The heating tubes 240 are distributed in an S-shape, which increases the length distribution of the heating tubes 240 in the heater-accommodating region, increasing the contact area with the regeneration airflow and improving the heat exchange efficiency with the regeneration airflow.

[0076] In some embodiments, the air holes are arranged in rows, the locations of the air holes in each row substantially corresponding to the locations of the heater tubes 240, and the diameters of the air holes tend to decrease along the radial direction of the sector from the outer arc toward the center of the circle. The heater air inlet 211 is located on the outer arc side of the regeneration module upper housing 210, and the diameters of the air holes closer to the heater air inlet 211 are set to be relatively large, and the diameters of the air holes farther from the heater air inlet 211 are set to be relatively small.

[0077] In some embodiments, the heating tubes 240 are located below the air holes, and the axes of the heating tubes 240 are offset from the centerlines of the air holes in each corresponding row, and the centerlines of the air holes in each row are closer to the heater air inlet 211 than the axes of the heating tubes 240. The heating tubes 240 are located below the air holes, and are disposed near or adjacent to the air uniformization plate 230 so as not to create significant resistance to the regeneration airflow passing through the air holes. The heating tubes 240 may be fixed to the air uniformization plate 230 with a pipe clamp, and a certain gap may be provided between the heating tubes 240 and the air uniformization plate 230 to allow the regeneration air to pass through. The regeneration airflow is blown in from the heater air inlet 211 and blown inward along the radial direction of the fan, and has a velocity in the flow direction of the regeneration airflow. Therefore, by slightly offsetting the center line of each row of air holes, the regeneration airflow passing through the air holes can be made to face the heating tube 240 directly, thereby achieving higher heat exchange efficiency between the regeneration airflow and the heating tube 240.

[0078] In some embodiments, the regeneration module upper housing 210 has a fan-shaped structure, and the heater air inlet 211 is provided on the side wall of the regeneration module upper housing 210, the side wall is arranged along the radial direction of the fan, and the direction in which the regeneration airflow enters the heating module 21 accommodating cavity is opposite to the rotation direction of the turntable 100. That is, the regeneration airflow is blown from the fan-shaped regeneration module into the heater accommodating space in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radius, along the opposite or same direction as the rotation direction of the turntable 100, so that the airflow is more uniformly heated by the heater.

[0079] In some embodiments, the heater includes a plurality of heating tubes 240 connected end to end, the heating tubes 240 being spaced apart along the radial direction of a fan, and the lengths of the heating tubes 240 being parallel to each other along opposite sidewalls of the heater air inlet 211. Of course, the heating tubes 240 may also be arranged substantially along the radial direction of the heating module, with the air inlet direction perpendicular to the radial direction being adopted to achieve better uniformity of the air flow and heating effect.

[0080] The regeneration module provided by the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below in relation to the flow direction of the regeneration airflow.

[0081] Example 1 The heater air inlet 211 is located on the outer arc side of the regeneration module upper housing 210, which has a fan-shaped structure. The regeneration airflow enters the third airflow passage along the radial direction from the heater air inlet 211, enters the heater accommodating area through the air holes on the air equalization plate 230, and exchanges heat with the heating tube 240. The heated high-temperature regeneration airflow passes through the turntable 100 and dehydrates and dries the turntable 100 part in the regeneration area. The diameter of the air holes tends to decrease along the radial direction of the fan from the outer arc to the center of the circle. The heating pipes 240 are distributed in an S-shape, with the heating pipes 240 spaced apart along the radial direction of the fan. The length of the heating pipes 240 is perpendicular to the radial direction of the fan. The air holes on the air homogenizing plate 230 are arranged corresponding to the heating pipes 240. Therefore, the diameter of the air holes close to the heater air inlet 211 is set to be relatively large, and the diameter of the air holes far from the heater air inlet 211 is set to be relatively small. In other words, the flow rate of the heated high-temperature regeneration airflow received in the regeneration area of ​​the turntable 100 decreases uniformly or non-uniformly along the radial direction of the fan from the outer arc to the center of the circle, thereby achieving more uniform heating and drying of the turntable 100.

[0082] Example 2 The commonalities between Example 2 and Example 1 will not be repeated, and the differences from Example 1 are as follows: The heater air inlet 211 is located on the side wall of the regeneration module upper housing 210, and the side wall is arranged along the radial direction of the fan. The flow direction of the regeneration airflow is set to be opposite to or the same as the rotation direction of the turntable 100. The regeneration airflow enters the third airflow passage from the heater air inlet 211, enters the heater accommodating area through the air holes on the air equalization plate 230, and exchanges heat with the heating tube 240. The heated high-temperature regeneration airflow passes through the turntable 100 from top to bottom, dehydrating and drying the turntable 100 part in the regeneration area. The heating tubes 240 are arranged in an S-shape, with their lengths parallel to the side walls of the heater air inlet 211 and spaced apart along the radial direction of the fan. Air holes on the air equalizing plate 230 are provided corresponding to the heating tubes 240, so that the air holes on the air equalizing plate 230 are denser and larger in diameter on one side away from the heater air inlet 211, thereby controlling the flow rate of the heated high-temperature regeneration airflow. The turntable 100 absorbs moisture from the humid circulating airflow through the dehumidifying zone. As the turntable 100 rotates into the regeneration zone, it first dehydrates and dries the turntable 100 with a high flow rate of high-temperature regeneration airflow. As the turntable 100 rotates through the regeneration zone, the flow rate of the high-temperature regeneration airflow gradually decreases, thereby achieving more uniform heating and drying of the turntable 100.

[0083] 12, the condensing module 4 specifically includes an upper condensing module housing 401 and a lower condensing module housing 402, which are mated together to form a condenser cavity, and the condenser 43 is accommodated in the condenser cavity. The arrows in FIG. 9 indicate the flow direction of the regenerated airflow, which passes from top to bottom through the turntable 100 and reaches the fourth airflow passage, becoming a high-temperature and humid regenerated airflow that flows into the lower condensing module housing 402 and then into the condenser 43 for heat exchange and cooling.

[0084] In some embodiments, the drying module further includes a first connecting member 3013, both ends of which are connected to the condenser and the regenerative fan 22, respectively, so that the regenerative airflow enters the regenerative fan 22 via the condenser 43; and a second connecting member 3014, both ends of which are connected to the regenerative fan 22 and the heater air inlet, respectively, so that the regenerative airflow enters the third airflow passage via the regenerative fan 22. Because the condenser 43 is very close to the regenerative fan 22, the rigid pipe connector shown in FIG. 11 can be used to not only support the regenerative fan 22, but also to make the overall structure of the drying module compact and occupy a small space. Of course, the first connecting member 3013 can also be a flexible member, which can be easily docked to the two rigid structures of the condenser and the air inlet of the regenerative fan 22.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first connecting member 3013 has a first air inlet and a first air outlet, the first air inlet is adapted to communicate with the condenser air outlet, and the first air outlet is adapted to communicate with the air inlet of the regeneration fan 22, the first air inlet is a substantially rectangular opening, the first air outlet is a substantially circular opening, and the plane on which the first air inlet is located is set to be substantially perpendicular to the plane on which the first air outlet is located, thereby adjusting the flow direction of the regeneration airflow. The first air inlet end surface of the first connecting member 3013 may be provided with a rectangular connecting flange or a flexible boundary that can be deformed to position the condenser air outlet and fixedly connect the condensing module upper housing 401 and the condensing module lower housing 402, and the housing structure of the first connecting member 3013 is irregular, and the air duct in the first connecting member 3013 gradually transitions from a rectangular cross-section at the first air inlet to a circular cross-section at the first air outlet, ensuring that the first connecting member 3013 can smoothly transport air.

[0086] In some embodiments, the second connecting member 3014 has a second air inlet and a second air outlet, the second air inlet is adapted to communicate with the air outlet of the regeneration fan 22, the second air outlet is adapted to communicate with the heater air inlet, the second air inlet is a substantially rectangular opening, the second air outlet is a circular-arc opening, the plane on which the second air inlet is located is set substantially parallel to the plane on which the second air outlet is located, and the area of ​​the second air outlet is larger than that of the second air inlet. The air duct in the second connecting member 3014 gradually expands from the second air inlet to the second air outlet, so that the kinetic pressure energy of the airflow is further converted into static pressure energy, improving the kinetic pressure energy conversion ability, improving the operating performance of the fan, and minimizing the formation of turbulence.

[0087] The present invention provides an integrated washing and drying washing machine, which comprises a drum, a frame, and a drying module in any one of the above technical solutions, and thus has all the advantages and beneficial effects of the drying module in any one of the above technical solutions.

[0088] It should be noted that the above-described specific embodiments of the present invention are only used to exemplify or explain the principles of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention are all intended to be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, the appended claims of the present invention are intended to cover all variations and modifications within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

Claims

1. a circulation module (3) communicating with the drum and outputting the moist circulating airflow from the drum to the dehumidification module (1) for dehumidification; a dehumidifying module (1) in communication with the circulation module (3) and the drum, used to absorb moisture in the humid circulation airflow from the drum and output a dry circulation airflow to the drum; a regeneration module (2) attached to the housing of the dehumidification module (1), the regeneration module (2) being in airflow communication with a portion of the dehumidification module (1) located in a regeneration airflow passage, outputting a dried regeneration airflow to the portion of the dehumidification module (1) and desorbing at least a portion of the moisture in the dehumidification module (1); a condensation module (4) communicating with the regeneration airflow outlet of the regeneration module (2) and used to condense the regeneration airflow output from the regeneration module (2) to form a low-temperature dry airflow; The dehumidifying module (1) is fixedly connected to the circulation module (3) and the condensation module (4) to form an integrated module.

2. 2. The dryer module of claim 1, wherein a lap joint (50) is provided around the periphery of the integrated module and is used to fixedly connect the integrated module to a frame.

3. The dehumidification module (1) has a dehumidification module upper housing and a dehumidification module lower housing, the regeneration module (2) has a regeneration module upper housing (210) and a regeneration module lower housing, the circulation module (3) has a circulation module upper housing and a circulation module lower housing, and the condensation module has a condensation module upper housing and a condensation module lower housing, the dehumidification module lower housing, the regeneration module lower housing, the circulation module lower housing, and the condensation module lower housing are integrally molded as a drying module lower housing; The dryer module of claim 1, wherein the lap joint (50) is provided in the dryer module lower housing.

4. 2. The drying module according to claim 1, wherein one end of the circulating air outlet passage communicates with the dehumidifying module (1) and the other end is connected to the drum via a first bellows hose.

5. 2. The drying module according to claim 1, wherein the circulation air inlet passage is attached to the drum and communicates with the drum at one end and with the circulation module (3) at the other end.

6. 6. The drying module of claim 5, wherein a filter assembly is provided within the circulating air inlet passageway, the filter assembly being used to filter impurities in the circulating air stream.

7. 2. The drying module according to claim 1, wherein the dehumidifying module (1), the regenerating module (2), the circulating module (3) and the condensing module (4) are separate and are fixedly connected to form an integrated module.

8. The regeneration module upper housing (210) has a cavity for accommodating the heating module; 2. The drying module of claim 1, wherein a heating module (21) is mounted in the heating module accommodating cavity, the heating module (21) is disposed adjacent to the turntable in the dehumidifying module, the heating module accommodating cavity is in communication with the dehumidifying module (1), and the heating module (21) is used to desorb moisture from at least a portion of the turntable (100) by heating.

9. The heating module includes: a heater mounted in the first space; a heat conducting member (250) for receiving heat conducted from the first space; a temperature detection module used to detect the temperature of the first space, the temperature detection module being attached in a third space, the third space being a space formed by being surrounded by a heat conduction member (250), and the third space and the first space being separated by the heat conduction member (250); an air equalization member disposed adjacent to or spaced apart from the turntable in the dehumidification module (1); 10. The drying module of claim 8, wherein the regeneration airflow enters the heating module housing cavity and passes sequentially through the air uniformity member / heater, the heater / air uniformity member, and the turntable.

10. The drying module according to claim 9, wherein the heat conducting member (250) is attached to a second space communicating with the first space, and the second space and the third space are separated by the heat conducting member (250).

11. The regeneration module upper housing (210) has a base (214), a top wall (212), and a side wall (213) protruding from the top wall (212), the top wall (212) and the side wall (213) being surrounded to form the first space, the base (214) being provided along the outer periphery of the side wall (213), and the base (214) extending outward away from the first space; The drying module of claim 9, wherein a groove is provided on a bottom surface of the base (214), the groove defining the second space.

12. The regeneration module upper housing (210) has a sector-shaped structure; A heater air inlet (211) is provided on the outer arc side surface of the upper housing (210) of the regeneration module, and a heater air outlet is provided on the side opposite to the top wall (212), and the heater air inlet (211), the first space, and the heater air outlet are sequentially connected to each other; 12. The dryer module of claim 11, wherein the base (214) has at least a first side edge, the first side edge extending along a radial direction of the sector, and the groove is located on the first side edge.

13. The dryer module of claim 12, wherein the base (214) is connected to and attached to the heating module receiving cavity by a thermal buffer (270).

14. The drying module of claim 12, wherein the thermal buffer member (270) includes an insulating member (271), which is provided on the periphery of the base and is used to prevent high temperatures of the heating member from being directly transferred to the housing.

15. The drying module of claim 12, wherein the thermal buffer member (270) further includes a sealing gasket (272), the sealing gasket (272) being disposed around the exterior of the thermal insulation member (271).

16. The drying module of claim 15, wherein a predetermined gap is provided between the installation position of the sealing gasket (272) and the bottom of the mounting portion.

17. The drying module according to claim 16, wherein the predetermined gap is 0.2 to 5 mm.

18. The heating module has a mounting base (218), the mounting base (218) is fixedly connected to a first side edge, and the mounting base (218) is located on another side of the first side edge away from the groove; a mounting hole penetrating the mounting base (218), the mounting base (218) forming a substantially hexahedral shape with one side open, the temperature detection module being installed inside the mounting hole, and a space formed by a heat conduction member (250) surrounding the open surface of the mounting base (218) being a third space; The dryer module of claim 12 , wherein a mounting hole is adapted to accommodate the temperature sensing module.

19. 10. The dryer module of claim 9, wherein the heat transfer member (250) contacts a contact point of the temperature detection module.

20. 10. The drying module of claim 9, wherein the surface of the heat transfer member (250) is provided with a heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant coating.

21. the air uniformizing member includes an air uniformizing plate (230) and side plates protruding from the periphery of the air uniformizing plate (230), the air uniformizing plate (230) and the side plates surrounding the air uniformizing plate (230) form a heater accommodating region, and the heater is provided within the heater accommodating region; 10. The drying module of claim 9, wherein the air equalization plate (230) is fan-shaped and is provided with air holes (231) distributed at intervals on the air equalization plate (230).

22. the heater includes a plurality of heating tubes connected end to end, the heating tubes being spaced apart along a radial direction of the sector; 10. The dryer module of claim 9, wherein the length of the heater tube is disposed parallel to the sidewall opposite the heater air inlet.

23. The air holes (231) are arranged in rows, and the installation positions of the air holes (231) in each row correspond to the positions of the heating tubes; 23. A regeneration module according to claim 22, wherein the diameter of the air holes (231) tends to decrease along the radial direction of the sector from the outer arc towards the centre of the circle.

24. The heating tube is located below the air hole (231), 24. The regeneration module of claim 23, wherein the axis of the heating tube is offset from the centerline of the air holes (231) in each corresponding row, and the centerline of the air holes (231) in each row is closer to the heater air inlet than the axis of the heating tube.

25. 21. The regeneration module of claim 20, wherein the regeneration airflow enters the heating module cavity in a direction opposite to or the same as the rotation direction of the turntable.

26. An all-in-one washing and drying machine comprising a drum, a frame, and a drying module according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

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