Outer tub assembly and laundry treatment apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of laundry treatment. Provided are an outer tub assembly and a laundry treatment apparatus. A peripheral wall of an outer tub is provided with a drying air outlet, and a rear wall of the outer tub is provided with a water inlet channel; a condenser is arranged behind the drying air outlet and in front of the water inlet channel, a first condensing surface of the condenser is close to the water inlet channel, and a second condensing surface of the condenser is close to the drying air outlet; condensate in the water inlet channel can flow through the first condensing surface and an inner side surface of the rear wall of the outer tub in sequence from top to bottom, and a drying airflow in the outer tub can flow from bottom to top and can be discharged through the second condensing surface and the drying air outlet; and when flowing through the inner side surface of the rear wall of the outer tub, the drying airflow can exchange heat with the condensate, and when flowing through the second condensing surface, the drying airflow can exchange heat with the second condensing surface. Therefore, the heat exchange area between the drying airflow and the condensate is increased, the flow rate of the condensate is increased, and the condensate is more uniformly distributed and covers a larger area on the inner side surface of the rear wall of the outer tub, thereby causing the drying airflow to fully exchange heat with the condensate and the condenser, and achieving thorough dehumidification, a good drying effect and a high level of efficiency.

Description

An outer cylinder assembly and clothing processing equipment Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese application No. 202411705968.4, filed on November 26, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure belongs to the field of garment processing technology, and particularly relates to an outer tube assembly and garment processing equipment. Background Technology

[0003] For clothing processing equipment that uses water-cooled dehumidification, there are three types of condensation methods: ① Duct condensation, which involves setting up a condensation duct on the outside of the outer drum, through which condensed water and drying air flow; ② Outer drum rear wall condensation, which involves using the inner side of the outer drum rear wall as the condensation surface, through which condensed water and drying air flow; ③ Combining duct condensation and outer drum rear wall condensation.

[0004] Both duct condensation and outer cylinder rear wall condensation have their own advantages and disadvantages. Duct condensation, limited by the small flow area of ​​the condensing duct, results in high air resistance, low airflow rate of the drying air, and a small heat exchange area between the drying air and the condensate, leading to low drying efficiency. Outer cylinder rear wall condensation, limited by the design of the guide ribs and the shape of the outer cylinder rear wall, suffers from low condensate flow rate, uneven distribution, and a small coverage area, resulting in insufficient heat exchange and incomplete dehumidification between the condensate and the drying air. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present disclosure provides an outer cylinder assembly and a garment processing device to solve the problems in existing garment processing devices where condensation is performed on the rear wall of the outer cylinder or by combining the air duct and the rear wall of the outer cylinder. These problems are caused by the influence of the guide ribs and the shape of the rear wall of the outer cylinder, resulting in small flow rate, uneven distribution and small coverage area of ​​condensate, which leads to insufficient heat exchange between condensate and drying airflow, incomplete dehumidification and low drying efficiency.

[0006] This disclosure provides an outer tube assembly for a garment handling device; the outer tube assembly includes:

[0007] An outer cylinder includes a peripheral wall and a rear wall, the rear wall being disposed at one axial end of the peripheral wall; the upper end of the peripheral wall is provided with a drying air outlet communicating with the outer cylinder, and the upper end of the rear wall is provided with a water inlet communicating with the outer cylinder; and

[0008] A condenser is disposed inside the outer cylinder, the condenser being located behind the drying air outlet and in front of the water inlet; the condenser includes a first condensing surface and a second condensing surface arranged opposite to each other, the first condensing surface being close to the water inlet and the second condensing surface being close to the drying air outlet.

[0009] The condensate flowing into the outer cylinder from the inlet channel first flows to the first condensation surface, then flows down along the first condensation surface to the inner side of the rear wall of the outer cylinder, and then flows down along the inner side of the rear wall of the outer cylinder.

[0010] During the downward flow of the condensate, the drying airflow inside the outer cylinder flows upward and is discharged through the second condensation surface and the drying air outlet. When the drying airflow flows through the inner side of the rear wall of the outer cylinder, it can exchange heat with the condensate, and when it flows through the second condensation surface, it can exchange heat with the second condensation surface.

[0011] In some embodiments, the outlet end of the water inlet protrudes from the inner side of the rear wall of the outer cylinder;

[0012] Both the first and second condensation surfaces have raised ribs.

[0013] The condenser is a condenser plate, and the condenser is made of a thermally conductive metal material.

[0014] In some embodiments, the inner side of the rear wall of the outer cylinder is provided with guide ribs, the guide ribs including converging ribs and diverting ribs; the converging ribs are disposed above the diverting ribs, the converging ribs are used to collect condensate flowing from the first condensation surface to the inner side of the rear wall of the outer cylinder, and the diverting ribs are used to divert the condensate collected by the converging ribs.

[0015] In some embodiments, the flow-converging rib is located between the condenser and the rear wall of the outer cylinder, and the flow-converging rib includes a first flow-converging rib and a second flow-converging rib; the first flow-converging rib and the second flow-converging rib are arranged opposite each other to form a flow-converging channel; the flow-converging channel includes a flow-converging inlet and a flow-converging outlet arranged opposite each other vertically, the flow-converging inlet is located below the inlet channel, and the flow area of ​​the flow-converging inlet is larger than the flow area of ​​the flow-converging outlet.

[0016] In some embodiments, the guide rib further includes a baffle rib; the baffle rib is disposed in the confluence channel and near the confluence outlet; the baffle rib contacts the first condensation surface and a plurality of baffle outlets are formed on the side of the baffle rib near the first condensation surface, and the plurality of baffle outlets are spaced apart at least in the left-right direction; at least a portion of the condensate in the confluence channel can flow downward through the plurality of baffle outlets respectively;

[0017] The flow area of ​​the flow-blocking outlet can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of the flow-blocking ribs and the width of the flow-blocking ribs in the axial direction of the outer cylinder.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of flow-blocking outlets include a plurality of first flow-blocking outlets and a plurality of second flow-blocking outlets; the flow-dividing rib includes an upper flow-dividing rib disposed at the bottom of the flow-blocking rib; the upper flow-dividing rib includes a first upper flow-dividing rib and a second upper flow-dividing rib spaced apart in the left-right direction;

[0019] A first upper diversion channel is formed between the first confluence rib and the first upper diversion rib. The first upper diversion channel includes a first upper diversion inlet and is connected to a first flow-blocking outlet. The condensate flowing through the first flow-blocking outlet can enter the first upper diversion channel through the first upper diversion inlet.

[0020] A second upper diversion channel is formed between the first upper diversion rib and the second upper diversion rib. The second upper diversion channel includes a second upper diversion inlet, and the second upper diversion inlet is connected to the second baffle outlet. The condensate flowing through the second baffle outlet can enter the second upper diversion channel through the second upper diversion inlet.

[0021] A third upper diversion channel is formed between the second upper diversion rib and the second confluence rib. The third upper diversion channel includes a third upper diversion inlet, which is connected to the confluence channel. Some of the condensate in the confluence channel can enter the third upper diversion channel through the third upper diversion inlet.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first upper diversion channel further includes a first upper diversion outlet, which is located below the first upper diversion inlet; the second upper diversion channel further includes a second upper diversion outlet, which is located below the second upper diversion inlet; the third upper diversion channel further includes a third upper diversion outlet, which is located below the third upper diversion inlet.

[0023] The diversion ribs also include intermediate diversion ribs, which include a first intermediate diversion rib, a second intermediate diversion rib, and a third intermediate diversion rib spaced apart in the left-right direction; one end of the first intermediate diversion rib is located at the first upper diversion outlet, and the other end of the first intermediate diversion rib extends towards the lower left end of the rear wall of the outer cylinder; one end of the second intermediate diversion rib is located at the second upper diversion outlet, and the other end of the second intermediate diversion rib extends towards the lower end of the rear wall of the outer cylinder; one end of the third intermediate diversion rib is located at the third upper diversion outlet, and the other end of the third intermediate diversion rib extends towards the lower right end of the rear wall of the outer cylinder;

[0024] A first middle diversion channel is formed between the first middle diversion rib and the second middle diversion rib, and at least a portion of the condensate in the first upper diversion channel and at least a portion of the condensate in the second upper diversion channel can enter the first middle diversion channel; a second middle diversion channel is formed between the second middle diversion rib and the third middle diversion rib, and at least a portion of the condensate in the second upper diversion channel and at least a portion of the condensate in the third upper diversion channel can enter the second middle diversion channel.

[0025] In some embodiments, the flow area of ​​the second upper diversion outlet is greater than the flow area of ​​the first upper diversion outlet, and the flow area of ​​the third upper diversion outlet is greater than the flow area of ​​the first upper diversion outlet.

[0026] In some embodiments, one end of the first middle diversion rib extends into the first upper diversion channel with an extension length of L1, one end of the second middle diversion rib extends into the second upper diversion channel with an extension length of L2, and one end of the third middle diversion rib extends into the third upper diversion channel with an extension length of L3; wherein L1, L2, and L3 satisfy:

[0027] 1mm≤L1≤5mm, 1mm≤L2≤5mm, 1mm≤L3≤5mm.

[0028] In some embodiments, the flow divider further includes a lower flow divider, which includes a first lower flow divider, a second lower flow divider, and a third lower flow divider that are at least spaced apart in the left-right direction; one end of the first lower flow divider, one end of the second lower flow divider, and one end of the third lower flow divider are all disposed within the first middle flow divider channel; the other end of the first lower flow divider extends toward the lower left end of the rear wall of the outer cylinder, and the other ends of the second lower flow divider and the second lower flow divider both extend toward the lower right end of the rear wall of the outer cylinder.

[0029] In some embodiments, the spacing between two adjacent guide ribs in each guide rib is s, where s satisfies: 5mm≤s≤15mm.

[0030] In some embodiments, the guide rib and the rear wall of the outer cylinder are integrally formed; the width of the guide rib in the axial direction of the outer cylinder is b, wherein b satisfies: 1.5mm≤b≤10mm; the thickness of the guide rib on the side near the rear wall of the outer cylinder is h, wherein h satisfies: 1.5mm≤h≤5mm.

[0031] This disclosure also provides a garment processing device, including a drying fan, a heating duct, an inner drum, and an outer drum assembly as described in any one of the above; an outer drum opening is formed at the other axial end of the peripheral wall of the outer drum, and the outer drum opening is provided with a drying air inlet; the inner drum is rotatably disposed inside the outer drum, and garments to be processed can be placed inside the inner drum; the drying air outlet, the drying fan, the heating duct, the drying air inlet, and the outer drum are sequentially connected to form a drying circuit; the drying fan is used to provide power for the drying airflow to circulate in the drying circuit; a heating element is provided in the heating duct, and the heating element is used to heat the drying airflow flowing through the heating duct.

[0032] Compared with related technologies, the main advantages of this disclosure are:

[0033] The condenser is located behind the drying air outlet and in front of the water inlet. The first condensing surface of the condenser is close to the water inlet, and the second condensing surface is close to the drying air outlet. The condensate in the water inlet can flow from top to bottom through the first condensing surface and the inner side of the rear wall of the outer cylinder. The drying airflow in the outer cylinder can flow from bottom to top through the inner side of the rear wall of the outer cylinder, the second condensing surface, and the drying air outlet. When the drying airflow flows through the inner side of the rear wall of the outer cylinder, it can exchange heat with the condensate, and when it flows through the second condensing surface, it can exchange heat with the second condensing surface. This increases the heat exchange area between the drying airflow and the condensate, increases the flow rate of the condensate, and makes the condensate more evenly distributed and covering a larger area on the inner side of the rear wall of the outer cylinder. This allows for thorough heat exchange between the drying airflow, the condensate, and the condenser, resulting in thorough dehumidification, good drying effect, and high efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0035] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed herein, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this disclosure can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effectiveness and purpose that this disclosure can achieve, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed herein.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the outer cylinder assembly provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figures 2a and 2b are schematic diagrams of the outer cylinder axial structure provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2c is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 2a;

[0039] Figure 3a is a schematic diagram of the outer cylinder front view structure provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figures 3b and 3c are enlarged views of point B in Figure 3a;

[0041] Figures 4a and 4b are schematic cross-sectional views of the outer cylinder provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the condenser structure provided in the embodiment of this disclosure; Detailed Implementation

[0043] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this disclosure from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0044] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “Multiple” generally includes at least two, but does not exclude the inclusion of at least one.

[0045] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0046] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a product or system comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a product or system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the product or system that includes said element.

[0047] In this disclosure, the directional terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship indicated by the arrows in Figure 1.

[0048] In existing garment processing equipment, when condensation is achieved by using the rear wall of the outer drum or a combination of air duct and the rear wall of the outer drum, the flow rate of condensate is small, the distribution is uneven, and the coverage area is small due to the limitations of the guide ribs and the shape of the rear wall of the outer drum. This results in insufficient heat exchange between the condensate and the drying airflow, and incomplete dehumidification.

[0049] This disclosure inventively provides an outer cylinder assembly for a garment processing device; the outer cylinder peripheral wall is provided with a drying air outlet, and the outer cylinder rear wall is provided with a water inlet; a condenser is located behind the drying air outlet and in front of the water inlet; the first condensing surface of the condenser is close to the water inlet, and the second condensing surface is close to the drying air outlet;

[0050] The condensate in the inlet can flow from top to bottom through the first condensation surface and the inner side of the rear wall of the outer cylinder. The drying airflow in the outer cylinder can flow from bottom to top through the inner side of the rear wall of the outer cylinder, the second condensation surface, and the drying air outlet. When the drying airflow flows through the inner side of the rear wall of the outer cylinder, it can exchange heat with the condensate. When it flows through the second condensation surface, it can exchange heat with the second condensation surface. This increases the heat exchange area between the drying airflow and the condensate, increases the flow rate of the condensate, and ensures that the drying airflow, the condensate, and the condensing components can fully exchange heat, resulting in thorough dehumidification.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, this embodiment proposes an outer drum assembly for use in clothing processing equipment, particularly for clothing processing equipment with drying functions, such as washer-dryer combos or dryers; the outer drum assembly includes:

[0053] The outer cylinder 1 includes an outer cylinder peripheral wall 11 and an outer cylinder rear wall 12. The outer cylinder rear wall 12 is disposed at one axial end of the outer cylinder peripheral wall 11, and the other axial end of the outer cylinder peripheral wall 11 forms an outer cylinder opening. The upper end of the outer cylinder peripheral wall 11 is provided with a drying air outlet 111 communicating with the outer cylinder 1, and the upper end of the outer cylinder rear wall 12 is provided with a water inlet 121 communicating with the outer cylinder 1. The water inlet 121 can be integrally formed with the outer cylinder rear wall 12, or the outer cylinder rear wall 12 can form a water inlet, and the water inlet 121 can be provided at the water inlet.

[0054] The condenser 3 is disposed inside the outer cylinder 1. The condenser 3 is located behind the drying air outlet 111 and in front of the water inlet 121. The condenser 3 includes a first condensing surface 31 and a second condensing surface 32 arranged opposite to each other. The first condensing surface 31 is close to the water inlet 121, and the second condensing surface 32 is close to the drying air outlet 111.

[0055] The condensate flowing into the outer cylinder 1 from the inlet channel 121 first flows to the first condensation surface 31, then flows down along the first condensation surface 31 to the inner side of the rear wall 12 of the outer cylinder, and then flows down along the inner side of the rear wall 12 of the outer cylinder; the first condensation surface 31 can make the condensate flow slowly.

[0056] During the process of the condensate flowing from top to bottom, the drying airflow inside the outer cylinder 1 flows from bottom to top and can be discharged through the second condensation surface 32 and the drying air outlet 111; when the drying airflow flows through the inner side of the rear wall 12 of the outer cylinder, it can exchange heat with the condensate, and when it flows through the second condensation surface 32, it can exchange heat with the second condensation surface 32.

[0057] Specifically, the condenser 3 is a condenser plate, and the condenser 3 is made of a thermally conductive metal material, such as aluminum alloy and copper alloy (304 stainless steel plate), to ensure high-efficiency heat exchange; the projection of the condenser 3 falls between the projection of the drying air outlet 111 and the projection of the water inlet 121; wherein, the projection of the condenser 3 is the projection of the condenser 3 along the vertical direction, the projection of the drying air outlet 111 is the projection of the drying air outlet 111 along the vertical direction, and the projection of the water inlet 121 is the projection of the water inlet 121 along the vertical direction.

[0058] Furthermore, both the first condensing surface 31 and the second condensing surface 32 are provided with multiple ribs 33, which can increase the heat exchange area of ​​the first condensing surface 31 and the second condensing surface 32.

[0059] The water outlet of the water inlet channel 121 protrudes from the inner side of the rear wall 12 of the outer cylinder, so that the water inlet of the water inlet channel 121 and the first condensing surface 31 are spaced apart. After the condensed water flows out of the water inlet channel 121, it is directly sprayed onto the first condensing surface 31 under pressure. This allows the drying airflow to fully contact and exchange heat with the second condensing surface 32 when it flows through it.

[0060] When condensate flows through the inner side of the outer cylinder rear wall 12, the flow rate and distribution of the condensate affect the heat exchange between the condensate and the drying airflow. This will be further explained below. The inner side of the outer cylinder rear wall 12 is provided with guide ribs, which include converging ribs 21, diverting ribs 23 and baffle ribs 22. The converging rib 21 is located above the diverting rib 23. The converging rib 21 is used to collect the condensate flowing from the first condensation surface 31 to the inner side of the outer cylinder rear wall 12. The diverting rib 23 is used to divert the condensate collected by the converging rib 21.

[0061] The flow guide ribs will be further explained below from three aspects: flow guide rib 21, flow divider rib 23, and flow barrier rib 22.

[0062] First, a flow-collecting rib 21; the flow-collecting rib 21 is located between the condenser 3 and the rear wall 12 of the outer cylinder. The flow-collecting rib 21 includes a first flow-collecting rib 211 and a second flow-collecting rib 212. One end of the first flow-collecting rib 211 and one end of the second flow-collecting rib 212 extend between the condenser 3 and the rear wall 12 of the outer cylinder. The other ends of the first flow-collecting rib 211 and the second flow-collecting rib 212 are arranged opposite each other to form a flow-collecting channel 213. The flow-collecting channel 213 includes a flow-collecting inlet 214 and a flow-collecting outlet 215 arranged opposite each other. The flow-collecting inlet 214 is located below the inlet channel 121. The flow area of ​​the flow-collecting inlet 214 is larger than the flow area of ​​the flow-collecting outlet 215. The condensed water in the inlet channel 121 flows to the first condensing surface 31 and then enters the flow-collecting channel 213.

[0063] Second, the flow-blocking rib 22; the flow-blocking rib 22 is set in the confluence channel 213 and near the confluence outlet 215; the flow-blocking rib 22 contacts the first condensation surface 31 and the side of the flow-blocking rib 22 near the first condensation surface 31 forms multiple flow-blocking outlets, and the multiple flow-blocking outlets are spaced apart at least in the left and right directions; at least part of the condensate in the confluence channel 213 can flow downward through the multiple flow-blocking outlets.

[0064] The flow area of ​​the flow-blocking outlet can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of the flow-blocking rib 22 and the width of the flow-blocking rib 22 in the axial direction of the outer cylinder 1.

[0065] Specifically, the first condensation surface 31 abuts against the flow-blocking rib 22; the plurality of flow-blocking outlets include a plurality of first flow-blocking outlets 221 and a plurality of second flow-blocking outlets 222; at least a portion of the condensate in the confluence channel 213 can flow through the first flow-blocking outlets 221 and at least a portion of the condensate can flow through the second flow-blocking outlets 222.

[0066] Third, the diversion rib 23; the diversion rib 23 includes an upper diversion rib, a middle diversion rib, and a lower diversion rib arranged sequentially from top to bottom; the diversion rib 23 is further explained from the three aspects of the upper diversion rib, the middle diversion rib, and the lower diversion rib.

[0067] ① The upper diversion rib is set at the bottom of the flow-blocking rib 22, and the upper diversion rib and the flow-blocking rib 22 are integrally formed; the upper diversion rib includes a first upper diversion rib 231 and a second upper diversion rib 232 that are spaced apart in the left and right directions.

[0068] A first upper diversion channel 241 is formed between the first confluence rib 211 and the first upper diversion rib 231. The first upper diversion channel 241 includes a first upper diversion inlet 244 and a first upper diversion outlet 245. The first upper diversion outlet 245 is located below the first upper diversion inlet 244. The first upper diversion inlet 244 is connected to the first baffle outlet 221. The condensate flowing through the first baffle outlet 221 can enter the first upper diversion channel 241 through the first upper diversion inlet 244. That is, part of the condensate in the confluence channel 213 can enter the first upper diversion channel 241 through the first baffle outlet 221 and the first upper diversion inlet 244.

[0069] A second upper diversion channel 242 is formed between the first upper diversion rib 231 and the second upper diversion rib 232. The second upper diversion channel 242 includes a second upper diversion inlet 246 and a second upper diversion outlet 247. The second upper diversion outlet 247 is located below the second upper diversion inlet 246. The second upper diversion inlet 246 is connected to the second baffle outlet 222. The condensate flowing through the second baffle outlet 222 can enter the second upper diversion channel 242 through the second upper diversion inlet 246. That is, part of the condensate in the confluence channel 213 can enter the second upper diversion channel 242 through the second baffle outlet 222 and the second upper diversion inlet 246.

[0070] A third upper diversion channel 243 is formed between the second upper diversion rib 232 and the second confluence rib 212. The third upper diversion channel 243 includes a third upper diversion inlet 248 and a third upper diversion outlet 249. The third upper diversion outlet 249 is located below the third upper diversion inlet 248. The third upper diversion inlet 248 is connected to the confluence channel 213. Some of the condensate in the confluence channel 213 can enter the third upper diversion channel 243 through the third upper diversion inlet 248. That is, some of the condensate in the confluence channel 213 can enter the third upper diversion channel 243 through the third upper diversion inlet 248.

[0071] In summary, the condensate in the manifold 213 is divided into three streams, which enter the first upper diversion channel 241, the second upper diversion channel 242, and the third upper diversion channel 243 respectively.

[0072] Specifically, the flow area of ​​the second upper branch outlet 247 is greater than that of the first upper branch outlet 245, and the flow area of ​​the third upper branch outlet 249 is greater than that of the first upper branch outlet 245; so that the flow rate of condensate flowing through the second upper branch channel 242 and the third upper branch channel 243 is greater than the flow rate of condensate flowing through the first upper branch channel 241.

[0073] The ratio of the flow area of ​​the first baffle outlet 221, the flow area of ​​the second baffle outlet 222, and the flow area of ​​the third upper diversion inlet 248 is 1:2:3, that is, the condensate flow rates of the first baffle outlet 221, the second baffle outlet 222, and the third upper diversion inlet 248 account for 1 / 6, 1 / 3, and 1 / 2 of the total condensate flow rate, respectively. The main function of the baffle rib 22 is to block the condensate for subsequent condensate diversion, that is, to first converge and then divert. An upper diversion rib is set at the bottom of the baffle rib 22 to guide the condensate flow to the middle diversion rib, so as to achieve precise control of the condensate flow rate distribution.

[0074] The inclination angle of the guide ribs is controlled within the range of [30°, 60°]. When the guide ribs are straight, the inclination angle is the angle between the extension direction of the guide ribs and the horizontal plane. When the guide ribs are curved, the inclination angle is the angle between the tangent direction of the guide ribs and the horizontal plane. If the inclination angle of the guide ribs is too small (less than 30°), the flow velocity of the condensate on the guide ribs is too slow, causing the condensate to flow directly downwards along the direction of gravity after passing over the guide ribs. If the inclination angle of the guide ribs is too large (greater than 60°), the flow velocity of the condensate on the guide ribs is too fast, resulting in an excessively fast flow velocity on subsequent guide ribs and a short "residence" time of the condensate on the rear wall 12 of the outer cylinder, leading to insufficient heat exchange. Therefore, setting the inclination angle of the guide ribs within the range of [30°, 60°] achieves a reasonable flow velocity of the condensate on the guide ribs, ensuring a relatively ideal heat exchange efficiency.

[0075] The flow-blocking outlet is formed by the condenser 3 and the flow-blocking rib 22. By controlling the thickness of the flow-blocking rib 22 and the width of the flow-blocking rib 22 in the axial direction of the outer cylinder 1, the flow area of ​​the flow-blocking outlet can be controlled, thereby controlling the flow rate of condensate flowing through the flow-blocking outlet. By setting the flow-blocking rib 22, the condensate can be collected. That is, the condensate that passes through the first condensation surface 31 is collected at the flow-blocking rib 22 under the obstruction of the flow-blocking rib 22. After being collected at the flow-blocking rib 22, it flows downward along each flow-blocking outlet.

[0076] ② The middle diversion ribs include a first middle diversion rib 233, a second middle diversion rib 234, and a third middle diversion rib 235 spaced apart in the left and right directions; one end of the first middle diversion rib 233 is located at the first upper diversion outlet 245, and the other end of the first middle diversion rib 233 extends to the lower left end of the outer cylinder rear wall 12; one end of the second middle diversion rib 234 is located at the second upper diversion outlet 247, and the other end of the second middle diversion rib 234 extends to the lower end of the outer cylinder rear wall 12; one end of the third middle diversion rib 235 is located at the third upper diversion outlet 249, and the other end of the third middle diversion rib 235 extends to the lower right end of the outer cylinder rear wall 12.

[0077] A first middle diversion channel 251 is formed between the first middle diversion rib 233 and the second middle diversion rib 234. At least a portion of the condensate in the first upper diversion channel 241 and at least a portion of the condensate in the second upper diversion channel 242 can enter the first middle diversion channel 251.

[0078] A second middle diversion channel 252 is formed between the second middle diversion rib 234 and the third middle diversion rib 235. At least a portion of the condensate in the second upper diversion channel 242 and at least a portion of the condensate in the third upper diversion channel 243 can enter the second middle diversion channel 252.

[0079] In summary, the condensate in the first upper diversion channel 241, the second upper diversion channel 242, and the third upper diversion channel 243 is divided into four streams, which enter the left side of the first middle diversion channel 251, the right side of the first middle diversion channel 251, the second middle diversion channel 252, and the second middle diversion channel 252, respectively.

[0080] Specifically, one end of the first middle diversion rib 233 extends into the first upper diversion channel 241 with an extension length of L1, one end of the second middle diversion rib 234 extends into the second upper diversion channel 242 with an extension length of L2, and one end of the third middle diversion rib 235 extends into the third upper diversion channel 243 with an extension length of L3; L1, L2 and L3 satisfy: 1mm≤L1≤5mm, 1mm≤L2≤5mm, 1mm≤L3≤5mm, in order to achieve a better flow guiding effect.

[0081] ③ The lower diversion ribs include a first lower diversion rib 236, a second lower diversion rib 237, and a third lower diversion rib 238, which are at least spaced apart in the left and right directions; one end of the first lower diversion rib 236, one end of the second lower diversion rib 237, and one end of the third lower diversion rib 238 are all located in the second middle diversion channel 252; the other end of the first lower diversion rib 236 extends to the lower left end of the outer cylinder rear wall 12, and the other ends of the second lower diversion rib 237 and the third lower diversion rib 238 extend to the lower right end of the outer cylinder rear wall 12.

[0082] Specifically, the first lower diversion rib 236 and the first middle diversion rib 233 extend in roughly the same direction, and the third lower diversion rib 238 and the third middle diversion rib 235 extend in roughly the same direction; the condensate in the first middle diversion channel 251 and part of the condensate in the second middle diversion channel 252 can flow along the first lower diversion rib 236 to the lower left end of the outer cylinder rear wall 12, part of the condensate in the second middle diversion channel 252 can flow along the second lower diversion rib 237 to the lower right end of the outer cylinder rear wall 12, and the condensate in the third upper diversion channel 243 can flow along the third lower diversion rib 238 to the lower right end of the outer cylinder rear wall 12.

[0083] The spacing between two adjacent guide ribs in each of the above-mentioned guide ribs is s, and s satisfies: 5mm≤s≤15mm; to ensure that the guide ribs are not overturned when the amount of condensate is large.

[0084] In addition, the guide rib and the rear wall 12 of the outer cylinder are integrally formed; the width of the guide rib in the axial direction of the outer cylinder 1 is b, and b satisfies: 1.5mm≤b≤10mm.

[0085] The thickness of the guide rib on the side near the rear wall 12 of the outer cylinder is h, and h satisfies: 1.5mm≤h≤5mm; to ensure the forming quality of the guide rib.

[0086] In summary, the external condensate flows through the inlet channel 121 to the first condensation surface 31, then along the first condensation surface 31 to the inner side of the outer cylinder rear wall 12, and then flows downward along the inner side of the outer cylinder rear wall 12. During the downward flow of the condensate, the drying airflow flows from bottom to top and is discharged through the second condensation surface 32 and the drying air outlet 111. When flowing through the inner side of the outer cylinder rear wall 12, it completes a first-stage heat exchange with the condensate, and when flowing through the second condensation surface 32, it completes a second-stage heat exchange. Through these two stages of heat exchange, sufficient heat exchange of the drying airflow is ensured. The design optimizes the high air resistance of the condenser duct, achieving smoother heat exchange. Under the action of the drying fan, the drying airflow circulates in the drying circuit at maximum flow rate. It also improves upon the shortcomings of the existing outer cylinder rear wall 12, which cannot effectively increase the condensate flow rate during condensation (when the condensate flow rate is high, it is easy to enter the inner cylinder and wet the clothes). This disclosure achieves flow convergence through the flow-gathering rib 21 and flow diversion through the flow-diversion rib 23, allowing the condensate to flow along a predetermined route. By controlling the size of the diversion outlet, the flow rate of the diversion channel is distributed, achieving a more precise condensation effect.

[0087] The condenser 3 not only serves as the first condensing surface 31 for heat exchange with condensate and the second condensing surface 32 for heat exchange with drying airflow, but also as a baffle of the water inlet channel 121 to ensure the stability of condensate flowing from the water inlet channel 121 to the first condensing surface 31, so that the condensate flows slowly.

[0088] The condensate in the confluence channel 213 is divided into three streams, which enter the first upper diversion channel 241, the second upper diversion channel 242, and the third upper diversion channel 243 respectively; then it is further divided into four streams, which enter the left side of the first middle diversion channel 251, the right side of the first middle diversion channel 251, the second middle diversion channel 252, and the second middle diversion channel 252 respectively; then it flows along the first lower diversion rib 236 to the lower left end of the outer cylinder rear wall 12, along the second lower diversion rib 237 to the lower right end of the outer cylinder rear wall 12, and along the third lower diversion rib 238 to the lower right end of the outer cylinder rear wall 12; this expands the coverage area of ​​the condensate on the inner side of the outer cylinder rear wall 12, allowing the condensate and the drying airflow to fully contact; by increasing the condensate flow rate, the heat exchange efficiency is further improved, while avoiding the condensate from flowing into the inner cylinder and wetting the clothes when the condensate flow rate is too large.

[0089] Example 2

[0090] Based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment proposes a garment processing device, including a drying fan, a heating duct, an inner drum, and an outer drum assembly as described in any of the above. An outer drum opening is formed at the other axial end of the outer drum peripheral wall 11, and the outer drum opening is provided with a drying air inlet. The inner drum is rotatably disposed inside the outer drum 1, and the garments to be processed can be placed inside the inner drum. The drying air outlet 111, the drying fan, the heating duct, the drying air inlet, and the outer drum 1 are sequentially connected to form a drying circuit. The drying fan is used to provide power for the drying airflow to circulate in the drying circuit. A heating element is provided in the heating duct, and the heating element is used to heat the drying airflow flowing through the heating duct.

[0091] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described above. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the detailed structures, arrangements, or implementations described herein; rather, this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements contained within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An outer tube assembly for a garment handling device, the outer tube assembly comprising: An outer cylinder (1) includes an outer cylinder peripheral wall (11) and an outer cylinder rear wall (12), wherein the outer cylinder rear wall (12) is disposed at one axial end of the outer cylinder peripheral wall (11); the upper end of the outer cylinder peripheral wall (11) is provided with a drying air outlet (111) communicating with the outer cylinder (1), and the upper end of the outer cylinder rear wall (12) is provided with a water inlet (121) communicating with the outer cylinder (1); and A condenser (3) is disposed inside the outer cylinder (1). The condenser (3) is located behind the drying air outlet (111) and in front of the water inlet (121). The condenser (3) includes a first condensing surface (31) and a second condensing surface (32) arranged opposite to each other. The first condensing surface (31) is close to the water inlet (121), and the second condensing surface (32) is close to the drying air outlet (111). The condensate flowing into the outer cylinder (1) from the water inlet (121) first flows to the first condensation surface (31), then flows down along the first condensation surface (31) to the inner side of the rear wall (12) of the outer cylinder, and then flows down along the inner side of the rear wall (12) of the outer cylinder. During the process of the condensate flowing from top to bottom, the drying airflow in the outer cylinder (1) flows from bottom to top and is discharged through the second condensation surface (32) and the drying air outlet (111); when the drying airflow flows through the inner side of the rear wall (12) of the outer cylinder, it can exchange heat with the condensate, and when it flows through the second condensation surface (32), it can exchange heat with the second condensation surface (32).

2. The outer cylinder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the water outlet end of the water inlet channel (121) protrudes from the inner side of the rear wall (12) of the outer cylinder; Both the first condensation surface (31) and the second condensation surface (32) are formed with raised ribs (33); The condenser (3) is a condenser plate, and the condenser (3) is made of a thermally conductive metal material.

3. The outer cylinder assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner side of the rear wall (12) of the outer cylinder is provided with a guide rib, the guide rib including a converging rib (21) and a diverting rib (23); the converging rib (21) is used to collect condensate flowing from the first condensation surface (31) to the inner side of the rear wall (12) of the outer cylinder, and the diverting rib (23) is used to divert the condensate collected by the converging rib (21).

4. The outer cylinder assembly according to claim 3, wherein the flow-converting rib (21) is located between the condenser (3) and the rear wall (12) of the outer cylinder, the flow-converting rib (21) includes a first flow-converting rib (211) and a second flow-converting rib (212); the first flow-converting rib (211) and the second flow-converting rib (212) are arranged opposite to each other and form a flow-converting channel (213); the flow-converting channel (213) includes a flow-converting inlet (214) and a flow-converting outlet (215) arranged opposite to each other, the flow-converting inlet (214) is located below the inlet channel (121), and the flow area of ​​the flow-converting inlet (214) is larger than the flow area of ​​the flow-converting outlet (215).

5. The outer cylinder assembly according to claim 4, wherein the guide rib further includes a baffle rib (22); the baffle rib (22) is disposed in the confluence channel (213) and near the confluence outlet (215); the baffle rib (22) contacts the first condensation surface (31) and a plurality of baffle outlets are formed on the side of the baffle rib (22) near the first condensation surface (31), and the plurality of baffle outlets are spaced apart at least in the left-right direction; at least a portion of the condensate in the confluence channel (213) can flow downward through the plurality of baffle outlets respectively; The flow area of ​​the flow-blocking outlet can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of the flow-blocking rib (22) and the width of the flow-blocking rib (22) in the axial direction of the outer cylinder (1).

6. The outer cylinder assembly according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of flow-blocking outlets include a plurality of first flow-blocking outlets (221) and a plurality of second flow-blocking outlets (222); the flow-dividing rib (23) includes an upper flow-dividing rib, the upper flow-dividing rib being disposed at the bottom of the flow-blocking rib (22); the upper flow-dividing rib includes a first upper flow-dividing rib (231) and a second upper flow-dividing rib (232) spaced apart in the left-right direction; A first upper diversion channel (241) is formed between the first confluence rib (211) and the first upper diversion rib (231). The first upper diversion channel (241) includes a first upper diversion inlet (244), which is connected to a first baffle outlet (221). The condensate flowing through the first baffle outlet (221) can enter the first upper diversion channel (241) through the first upper diversion inlet (244). A second upper diversion channel (242) is formed between the first upper diversion rib (231) and the second upper diversion rib (232). The second upper diversion channel (242) includes a second upper diversion inlet (246), which is connected to a second baffle outlet (222). The condensate flowing through the second baffle outlet (222) can enter the second upper diversion channel (242) through the second upper diversion inlet (246). A third upper diversion channel (243) is formed between the second upper diversion rib (232) and the second confluence rib (212). The third upper diversion channel (243) includes a third upper diversion inlet (248), which is connected to the confluence channel (213). Some of the condensate in the confluence channel (213) can enter the third upper diversion channel (243) through the third upper diversion inlet (248).

7. The outer cylinder assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first upper diversion channel (241) further includes a first upper diversion outlet (245), the first upper diversion outlet (245) being located below the first upper diversion inlet (244); the second upper diversion channel (242) further includes a second upper diversion outlet (247), the second upper diversion outlet (247) being located below the second upper diversion inlet (246); the third upper diversion channel (243) further includes a third upper diversion outlet (249), the third upper diversion outlet (249) being located below the third upper diversion inlet (248); The diversion rib (23) further includes a middle diversion rib, which includes a first middle diversion rib (233), a second middle diversion rib (234), and a third middle diversion rib (235) spaced apart in the left and right directions; one end of the first middle diversion rib (233) is located at the first upper diversion outlet (245), and the other end of the first middle diversion rib (233) extends to the lower left end of the outer cylinder rear wall (12); one end of the second middle diversion rib (234) is located at the second upper diversion outlet (247), and the other end of the second middle diversion rib (234) extends to the lower end of the outer cylinder rear wall (12); one end of the third middle diversion rib (235) is located at the third upper diversion outlet (249), and the other end of the third middle diversion rib (235) extends to the lower right end of the outer cylinder rear wall (12); A first middle diversion channel (251) is formed between the first middle diversion rib (233) and the second middle diversion rib (234), and at least a portion of the condensate in the first upper diversion channel (241) and at least a portion of the condensate in the second upper diversion channel (242) can enter the first middle diversion channel (251); a second middle diversion channel (252) is formed between the second middle diversion rib (234) and the third middle diversion rib (235), and at least a portion of the condensate in the second upper diversion channel (242) and at least a portion of the condensate in the third upper diversion channel (243) can enter the second middle diversion channel (252).

8. The outer cylinder assembly according to claim 7, wherein the flow area of ​​the second upper branch outlet (247) is greater than the flow area of ​​the first upper branch outlet (245), and the flow area of ​​the third upper branch outlet (249) is greater than the flow area of ​​the first upper branch outlet (245).

9. The outer cylinder assembly according to claim 7 or 8, wherein one end of the first middle diversion rib (233) extends into the first upper diversion channel (241) for a length of L1, one end of the second middle diversion rib (234) extends into the second upper diversion channel (242) for a length of L2, and one end of the third middle diversion rib (235) extends into the third upper diversion channel (243) for a length of L3; wherein L1, L2 and L3 satisfy: 1mm≤L1≤5mm, 1mm≤L2≤5mm, 1mm≤L3≤5mm.

10. The outer cylinder assembly according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the flow divider (23) further comprises a lower flow divider, the lower flow divider comprising a first lower flow divider (236), a second lower flow divider (237) and a third lower flow divider (238) spaced apart in at least the left and right directions; one end of the first lower flow divider (236), one end of the second lower flow divider (237) and one end of the third lower flow divider (238) are all disposed in the second middle flow divider channel (252); the other end of the first lower flow divider (236) extends toward the lower left end of the outer cylinder rear wall (12), and the other ends of the second lower flow divider (237) and the other ends of the second lower flow divider (237) both extend toward the lower right end of the outer cylinder rear wall (12).

11. The outer cylinder assembly according to claim 10, wherein the spacing between two adjacent guide ribs in each guide rib is s, wherein s satisfies: 5mm≤s≤15mm.

12. The outer cylinder assembly according to any one of claims 3-11, wherein the guide rib and the rear wall (12) of the outer cylinder are integrally formed; the width of the guide rib in the axial direction of the outer cylinder (1) is b, wherein b satisfies: 1.5mm≤b≤10mm; the thickness of the guide rib on the side near the rear wall (12) of the outer cylinder is h, wherein h satisfies: 1.5mm≤h≤5mm.

13. A garment processing device, comprising a drying fan, a heating duct, an inner cylinder, and an outer cylinder assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 12; an outer cylinder opening is formed at the other axial end of the peripheral wall (11) of the outer cylinder, and the outer cylinder opening is provided with a drying air inlet; the inner cylinder is rotatably disposed inside the outer cylinder (1), and garments to be processed can be placed inside the inner cylinder; the drying air outlet (111), the drying fan, the heating duct, the drying air inlet, and the outer cylinder (1) are sequentially connected to form a drying circuit; the drying fan is used to provide power for the drying airflow to circulate in the drying circuit; a heating element is provided inside the heating duct, and the heating element is used to heat the drying airflow flowing through the heating duct.

Images