Drying system and laundry treatment apparatus

Abstract

A drying system and a laundry treatment apparatus. The drying system comprises: a first drying subsystem, the first drying subsystem comprising an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor which are connected by means of a refrigerant flow path; and a first fan, the first fan providing circulation power for drying air. In the circulation path of the drying air, the first fan and the evaporator are both located on the upstream side of the condenser.

Description

Drying systems and garment processing equipment Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Chinese patent application No. 202422943622.X, filed on November 29, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in this disclosure. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of clothing processing technology, and in particular to a drying system and clothing processing equipment. Background Technology

[0003] In related technologies, clothing processing equipment typically uses a heat pump system for drying clothes. A heat pump system usually includes an evaporator, condenser, compressor, and throttling components. Along the circulation path of the drying air, the evaporator, condenser, and fan are arranged sequentially. The high-humidity drying air first condenses into liquid water on the surface of the evaporator, then is heated by the condenser. The high-temperature, low-humidity drying air then passes through the fan and enters the drying drum under the drive of the fan. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a drying system is provided, comprising: a first drying subsystem, the first drying subsystem including an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor connected via a refrigerant flow path; a first fan, the first fan providing circulating power for drying air; wherein in the circulation path of the drying air, the first fan and the evaporator are both located upstream of the condenser.

[0005] In some embodiments, the evaporator, the first fan, and the condenser are arranged sequentially along the circulation path of the drying air.

[0006] In some embodiments, the drying system further includes a drying cylinder for carrying the object to be dried. Along the circulation path of the drying air, the evaporator, the first fan, the condenser, and the drying cylinder are arranged in sequence, wherein the evaporator is used to dehumidify the drying air, and the condenser is used to heat the dehumidified drying air.

[0007] In some embodiments, the drying system further includes a filter screen arranged in the circulation path of the drying air, along which the evaporator, the first fan, the condenser, the drying cylinder, and the filter screen are arranged in sequence.

[0008] In some embodiments, the drying system further includes a second drying subsystem, which includes a moisture absorption and dehumidification device and a regeneration device. The moisture absorption and dehumidification device is used to absorb moisture from the drying air, and the regeneration device is used to regenerate the moisture absorption and dehumidification device after it has absorbed moisture. Along the circulation path of the drying air, the moisture absorption and dehumidification device is located downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the condenser. The regeneration device includes a heating device for heating the regeneration air, which is used to desorb the moisture absorbed by the moisture absorption and dehumidification device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heating device is connected to at least the heat output end of the compressor via the refrigerant flow path.

[0010] In some embodiments, the regeneration apparatus further includes a cooler for dehumidifying the regeneration air passing through the dehumidification device. The cooler is connected to the evaporator at least through the refrigerant flow path. The cooler, the heating device, and the dehumidification device are arranged sequentially along the circulation path of the regeneration air.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first drying subsystem further includes a throttling component, and the compressor, the heating device, the condenser, the throttling component, the evaporator and the cooler are arranged sequentially along the refrigerant circulation path.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first drying subsystem further includes a throttling component, and the compressor, the heating device, the condenser, the throttling component, the cooler and the evaporator are arranged sequentially along the refrigerant circulation path.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first drying subsystem further includes a first water receiving tray, which is located below the gravity direction of the evaporator and is used to collect condensate on the surface of the evaporator.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second drying subsystem further includes a second water receiving tray, which is located below the gravity direction of the cooler and is used to collect condensate on the surface of the cooler.

[0015] In some embodiments, the dehumidification device includes a rotating mechanism and a dehumidification component. The rotating mechanism is configured to drive the dehumidification component to rotate through a dehumidification zone and a regeneration zone. The dehumidification zone is located in the circulation path of the drying air, and the regeneration zone is located in the circulation path of the regeneration air.

[0016] In some embodiments, the moisture absorption and dehumidification component includes a breathable porous structure, wherein the breathable porous structure is made of zeolite, lithium chloride, silica gel, modified silica gel, or molecular sieve.

[0017] In some embodiments, the drying system further includes a second fan located in the circulation path of the regeneration air, the second fan providing the circulation power for the regeneration air.

[0018] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a garment processing apparatus is provided, including the drying system provided in the first aspect above.

[0019] In some embodiments, the clothing processing equipment includes a dryer or a washer-dryer combo.

[0020] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution disclosed herein. In order to better understand the technical means of this disclosure and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of this disclosure are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the embodiments described below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a drying system provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a drying system provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a drying system provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0026] 10. Evaporator; 11. Condenser; 12. Throttling component; 13. Compressor; 14. Moisture absorption and dehumidification device; 15. Heating device; 16. Cooler; 17. Drying drum; 18. Filter screen; 19. First fan; 20. Second fan. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of the technical solutions disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions disclosed herein and are therefore intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure; the terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0029] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, technical terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary or secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0030] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0031] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, the technical terms "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this disclosure and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, operated, or used in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0032] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be interpreted broadly, and can be direct contact, contact through an intermediate medium layer, contact between two contacting parties with substantially no interaction force, or contact between two contacting parties with interaction force.

[0034] In related technologies, when the drying air passes through the fan, it comes into contact with the fan blades and exchanges heat, resulting in some heat loss at the fan. Furthermore, due to space limitations imposed by the fan, the circulation path of the drying air from the condenser to the drying drum cannot be further shortened. Therefore, reducing the heat loss of the drying air is one of the industry's research and development topics.

[0035] The following describes some embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a drying system provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a drying system provided in other embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a drying system provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] In a first aspect, as shown in FIG1, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a drying system, including: a first drying subsystem, the first drying subsystem including an evaporator 10, a condenser 11 and a compressor 13 connected by a refrigerant flow path; a first fan 19, the first fan 19 providing circulating power for drying air; in the circulation path of the drying air, the first fan 19 and the evaporator 10 are both located upstream of the condenser 11.

[0038] The drying system continuously provides high-temperature drying air to the garment processing equipment, constantly removing moisture from the clothes. The garment processing equipment uses the drying air to pass over the surface of the clothes, heating them and removing evaporated moisture, thus drying them quickly.

[0039] The drying system includes a first drying subsystem. The first drying subsystem is used for dehumidifying and heating the drying air.

[0040] The first drying subsystem includes an evaporator 10, a condenser 11, and a compressor 13. The first drying subsystem may also include a throttling device 12. The evaporator 10, condenser 11, throttling device 12, and compressor 13 are connected in series via a refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path sequentially passes through the evaporator 10, compressor 13, condenser 11, and throttling device 12, and returns from the throttling device 12 to the evaporator 10, forming a circulating refrigerant flow path.

[0041] The refrigerant in the evaporator 10 can exchange heat with the drying air, cooling and condensing the air, thereby reducing the humidity in the drying air. The refrigerant in the condenser 11 can exchange heat with the drying air, raising its temperature.

[0042] In operation, a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows into the evaporator 10 to absorb heat from the drying air, causing the air to cool and condense. The refrigerant absorbs heat and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. This low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows into the compressor 13 and is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows into the condenser 11 to release heat from the drying air, causing the air to heat up. The refrigerant releases heat and liquefies into a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid. The medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the throttling device 12, where it is throttled and depressurized into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.

[0043] The drying system also includes a first fan 19, which provides the power for circulating air for drying.

[0044] In the circulation path of the drying air, the first fan 19 is located upstream of the condenser 11. In some embodiments, the first fan 19, the evaporator 10, and the condenser 11 are arranged sequentially along the circulation path of the drying air. In other embodiments, the evaporator 10, the first fan 19, and the condenser 11 are arranged sequentially along the circulation path of the drying air.

[0045] After leaving the condenser 11, the drying air is used directly to dry the object to be dried. A drying cylinder 17 can be installed downstream of the condenser 11. The condenser 11 and the drying cylinder 17 can be installed close to each other, thereby reducing the heat loss in the drying air due to heat transfer and heat loss.

[0046] Since the evaporator 10, condenser 11, and compressor 13 are connected via a refrigerant flow path, the evaporator 10 can condense the moisture in the drying air, reducing its humidity. The condenser 11 can heat the drying air, enhancing its moisture absorption capacity. Because the evaporator 10, condenser 11, and first fan 19 are included in the drying air circulation path, dry, high-temperature drying air can be continuously provided. Since the first fan 19 is located upstream of the condenser 11 in the drying air circulation path, the drying air first obtains circulation power through the first fan 19, then is heated by the condenser 11. The heated drying air can then be directly delivered to the object to be dried, resulting in less heat loss compared to passing through the condenser 11 first and then the first fan 19. Furthermore, this reduces the transport path between the condenser 11 and the object to be dried, further reducing heat loss and improving dehumidification efficiency.

[0047] In some embodiments, the evaporator 10, the first fan 19, and the condenser 11 are arranged sequentially along the circulation path of the drying air.

[0048] Thus, the first fan 19 provides the power for the circulation of drying air. The high-humidity drying air first passes through the evaporator 10 to cool and dehumidify. The low-temperature and low-humidity drying air passes through the first fan 19, where moisture does not easily accumulate and bacteria do not easily grow. The low-temperature and low-humidity drying air is heated by the condenser 11, providing high-temperature drying air to the items to be dried.

[0049] In some embodiments, continuing to refer to FIG1, the drying system further includes a drying cylinder 17, which is used to carry the object to be dried. Along the circulation path of the drying air, the evaporator 10, the first fan 19, the condenser 11, and the drying cylinder 17 are arranged in sequence. The evaporator 10 is used to dehumidify the drying air, and the condenser 11 is used to heat the dehumidified drying air.

[0050] The drying air is heated by the condenser 11 and then enters the drying cylinder 17 directly. It passes through the material to be dried in the drying cylinder 17, leaves the drying cylinder 17 and goes to the evaporator 10. Then, starting from the evaporator 10, it passes through the first fan 19 and the condenser 11 in sequence, and finally returns to the drying cylinder 17 to continue the cycle.

[0051] Thus, the drying cylinder 17 provides space for the items to be dried. In the circulation path of the drying air, there may be no component between the condenser 11 and the drying cylinder 17 or they may be close to each other. The drying air enters the drying cylinder 17 as soon as possible after passing through the condenser 11. This not only prevents the heat of the drying air from being lost by other components, but also helps to reduce the transport path between the condenser 11 and the drying cylinder 17, thus reducing heat loss in the transport path.

[0052] In some embodiments, the drying system further includes a filter 18, which is arranged in the circulation path of the drying air. Along the circulation path of the drying air, the evaporator 10, the first fan 19, the condenser 11, the drying cylinder 17, and the filter 18 are arranged in sequence.

[0053] The filter 18 is disposed on the circulation path of the drying air between the drying cylinder 17 and the evaporator 10. The filter 18 may be disposed in the channel through which the drying air leaves the drying cylinder 17, or at the connection interface between the drying cylinder 17 and the channel through which the drying air flows. In some embodiments, the filter 18 is detachable.

[0054] In the circulation path of the drying air, there may be no component between the condenser 11 and the drying cylinder 17, or they may be placed close together, to reduce the heat loss of the drying air. Since there may be no component between the condenser 11 and the drying cylinder 17, in actual installation, the condenser 11 can be placed close to the drying cylinder 17 to shorten the path length of the drying air from the condenser 11 to the drying cylinder 17, further reducing heat loss.

[0055] Therefore, the drying air leaving the drying cylinder 17 is filtered by the filter screen 18 before entering the circulation path starting with the evaporator 10, which helps to reduce the probability of debris clogging the circulation path.

[0056] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the drying system further includes a second drying subsystem, which includes a moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14 and a regeneration device. The moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14 is used to absorb moisture from the drying air, and the regeneration device is used to regenerate the moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14 that has absorbed moisture. Along the circulation path of the drying air, the moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14 is located downstream of the evaporator 10 and upstream of the condenser 11. The regeneration device includes a heating device 15, which is used to heat the regeneration air, and the regeneration air is used to desorb the moisture absorbed in the moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14.

[0057] In some embodiments, the heating device 15 is connected to at least the heat output terminal of the compressor 13 via a refrigerant flow path. In other embodiments, the heating device 15 may also be an electric heating device. In still other embodiments, the heating device 15 may be a combination of multiple heaters, such as a combination of two heaters, one of which is an electric heater, and the other heater is connected to the refrigerant circulation path, for example, connected to the heat output terminal of the compressor. The heating device or heater connected to the heat output terminal of the compressor uses the heat carried by the high-temperature refrigerant to heat the regeneration air. The heating device or heater may include a heat dissipation structure for facilitating heat transfer between the high-temperature refrigerant and the regeneration air, which may come into contact with the heat dissipation structure and be heated.

[0058] The drying system also includes a second drying subsystem. The second drying subsystem is used to dehumidify the drying air.

[0059] The second drying subsystem includes a moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14. The moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14 includes an adsorbent capable of absorbing moisture; in some embodiments, the adsorbent may be silica gel, alumina, zeolite molecular sieve, or carbon molecular sieve. The moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14 absorbs moisture from the drying air using the adsorbent.

[0060] Along the circulation path of the drying air, the dehumidification device 14 is located downstream of the evaporator 10 and upstream of the condenser 11. The drying air first passes through the evaporator 10 and is dehumidified for the first time; then it passes through the dehumidification device 14 and is dehumidified for the second time; finally, it passes through the condenser 11 and is heated to a higher temperature, ultimately becoming dry, high-temperature drying air. The dry, high-temperature drying air returns to the evaporator 10 after passing through the material to be dried, thus realizing the circulation of the drying air.

[0061] In one embodiment, along the circulation path of the drying air, the evaporator 10, the moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14, the first fan 19, the condenser 11, the drying cylinder 17, and the filter screen 18 are arranged in sequence. The first fan 19 may also be located on the path of the drying air between the evaporator 10 and the moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14, and the first fan 19 may also be located on the path of the drying air between the filter screen 18 and the evaporator 10.

[0062] The second drying subsystem also includes a regeneration device. The regeneration device provides regeneration air to the moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14, which can remove the moisture absorbed by the moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14 from the drying air, thereby regenerating the moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14.

[0063] The regeneration device includes a heating device 15, which is connected to the refrigerant flow path and communicates with the heat output terminal of the compressor 13. The refrigerant flow path sequentially passes through the evaporator 10, compressor 13, heating device 15, condenser 11, and throttling device 12, and returns from the throttling device 12 to the evaporator 10, forming a circulating refrigerant flow path. The heating device 15 is equipped with a refrigerant pipe for passing the refrigerant and a regeneration air duct for passing the regeneration air. The refrigerant pipe and the regeneration air duct are independent of each other, and they exchange heat within the heating device 15. The refrigerant is used to release heat to the regeneration air, thereby raising the temperature of the regeneration air.

[0064] In operation, a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows into the evaporator 10 to absorb heat from the drying air, causing it to cool and condense. The refrigerant absorbs heat and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. This low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows into the compressor 13 and is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the heating device 15 to release heat from the regeneration air, raising its temperature. It then flows into the condenser 11 to release heat from the drying air, raising its temperature, and the refrigerant liquefies into a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid. This medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the throttling device 12, where it is throttled and depressurized into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.

[0065] Because an evaporator 10 and a dehumidification device 14 are provided, and the drying air first passes through the evaporator 10 and then the dehumidification device 14, the high-humidity drying air undergoes a first dehumidification process in the evaporator 10, reducing its humidity. Then, it undergoes a second dehumidification process in the dehumidification device 14, further reducing its humidity. This lower humidity allows the drying air to carry more moisture from the items being dried, thus increasing the drying speed. Because a heating device 15 is provided for heating and regenerating the air, the regenerated air can remove moisture from the dehumidification device 14, maintaining its effective adsorption of moisture from the drying air. Since the heating device 15 is connected to the compressor 13 via a refrigerant flow path, there is no need for an additional electric heating device to regenerate the dehumidification device 14, reducing heat loss at the hot end of the compressor 13 and increasing energy efficiency.

[0066] In some embodiments, the heating device 15 is connected downstream of the compressor 13 and upstream of the condenser 11 along the refrigerant circulation path.

[0067] As a result, the high-temperature refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 13 flows into the heating device 15, enabling the heating device 15 to exchange heat with the regeneration air, thereby raising the temperature of the regeneration air. This helps to improve the adsorption efficiency of the regeneration air on the moisture in the desiccant device 14 and accelerates the regeneration of the desiccant device 14.

[0068] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the regeneration device further includes a cooler 16 for dehumidifying the regeneration air. The cooler 16 is connected to the evaporator 10 via a refrigerant flow path. The cooler 16, the heating device 15, and the moisture absorption and dehumidification device 14 are arranged sequentially along the circulation path of the regeneration air.

[0069] The regeneration device also includes a cooler 16, which is connected to the refrigerant flow path and is at least connected to the evaporator 10 via the refrigerant flow path. The cooler 16 can be located in the refrigerant flow path between the evaporator 10 and the compressor 13, or it can be located in the refrigerant flow path between the evaporator 10 and the heating device 15. The cooler 16 contains a refrigerant pipe for the refrigerant and a regeneration air duct for the regeneration air. The refrigerant pipe and the regeneration air duct are independent of each other, and they exchange heat within the cooler 16. The refrigerant is used to absorb heat from the regeneration air, cooling it and causing condensation, thereby reducing the humidity of the regeneration air.

[0070] In the circulation path of the regenerated air, the dehumidification device 14, the cooler 16, and the heating device 15 are arranged sequentially. The regenerated air first passes through the dehumidification device 14, which carries away the water inside; then it passes through the cooler 16 and is dehumidified; finally, it passes through the heating device 15 and is heated to become dry, high-temperature regenerated air. The regenerated air is then circulated through the dehumidification device 14 to achieve the circulation of the regenerated air.

[0071] Therefore, the cooler 16 can condense the moisture in the regeneration air and continuously supply the dehumidifier 14 with low humidity regeneration air, so that the dehumidifier 14 can regenerate stably and help maintain the dehumidification capacity and efficiency of the dehumidifier 14.

[0072] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3, the first drying subsystem further includes a throttling component 12, and along the circulation path of the refrigerant, the compressor 13, the heating device 15, the condenser 11, the throttling component 12, the evaporator 10 and the cooler 16 are arranged in sequence.

[0073] The cooler 16 is located in the refrigerant flow path between the evaporator 10 and the compressor 13. The refrigerant flow path flows sequentially through the compressor 13, the heating device 15, the condenser 11, the throttling device 12, the evaporator 10, and the cooler 16, and returns from the cooler 16 to the compressor 13 to form a circulating refrigerant flow path.

[0074] The low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing out of the throttling device 12 first flows through the evaporator 10 to provide cooling for the drying air, and then flows through the cooler 16 to provide cooling for the regeneration air. The refrigerant itself absorbs heat and vaporizes into low-temperature, low-pressure gas step by step.

[0075] Since the refrigerant passes through the evaporator 10 first and then the cooler 16, the condensation effect of the evaporator 10 can be improved, which is beneficial to improving the drying capacity of the first drying system. The first drying system can be used as the main drying system and the second drying system as the auxiliary drying system.

[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the first drying subsystem further includes a throttling component 12, and along the circulation path of the refrigerant, the compressor 13, the heating device 15, the condenser 11, the throttling component 12, the cooler 16 and the evaporator 10 are arranged in sequence.

[0077] The cooler 16 is located in the refrigerant flow path between the throttling device 12 and the evaporator 10. The refrigerant flow path flows sequentially through the compressor 13, the heating device 15, the condenser 11, the throttling device 12, the cooler 16, and the evaporator 10, and returns from the evaporator 10 to the compressor 13 to form a circulating refrigerant flow path.

[0078] The low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing out of the throttling device 12 first flows through the cooler 16 to provide cooling for the regeneration air, and then flows through the evaporator 10 to provide cooling for the drying air. The refrigerant itself absorbs heat and vaporizes into low-temperature, low-pressure gas step by step.

[0079] Since the refrigerant passes through the cooler 16 first and then the evaporator 10, the condensation effect of the cooler 16 can be improved, which is beneficial to improving the drying capacity of the second drying system. The second drying system can be used as the main drying system and the first drying system as the auxiliary drying system.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first drying subsystem further includes a first water receiving tray, which is located below the gravity direction of the evaporator 10 and is used to collect condensate water that condenses on the surface of the evaporator 10.

[0081] The first drying subsystem also includes a first water receiving tray. The first water receiving tray is located below the direction of gravity of the evaporator 10. The condensate that condenses on the surface of the evaporator 10 drips into the first water receiving tray, where it is collected and stored.

[0082] Furthermore, a drain pipe can be installed to connect to the first water collection tray. One end of the drain pipe is connected to the first water collection tray, and the other end can be connected to a water storage box, which can store the condensate. A drain pump can be installed in the drain pipe or the water storage box to provide the power for draining the condensate.

[0083] Therefore, the first drip tray collects the condensate that condenses on the evaporator 10, which helps to centrally treat the condensate in the subsequent process.

[0084] In some embodiments, the second drying subsystem further includes a second water receiving tray, which is located below the gravity direction of the cooler 16 and is used to collect condensate water that condenses on the surface of the cooler 16.

[0085] The second drying subsystem also includes a second water receiving tray. The second water receiving tray is located below the direction of gravity of the cooler 16. The condensate that condenses on the surface of the cooler 16 drips into the second water receiving tray, where it is collected and stored.

[0086] Furthermore, a drain pipe can be installed to connect to a second water collection tray. One end of the drain pipe is connected to the second water collection tray, and the other end can be connected to a water storage box to store the condensate. Two drain pipes can be installed, one connecting to the first water collection tray and the other to the second water collection tray, and both drain pipes are connected to the same water storage box, to collect the condensate on the evaporator 10 and the cooler 16 together. A drain pump can be installed in at least one drain pipe or water storage box to provide the power for draining the condensate.

[0087] Therefore, the second water collection tray collects the condensate that condenses on the cooler 16, which helps to centrally treat the condensate in the later stage.

[0088] In some embodiments, the dehumidification device 14 includes a rotating mechanism and a dehumidification component. The rotating mechanism is configured to drive the dehumidification component to rotate through a dehumidification zone and a regeneration zone. The dehumidification zone is located in the circulation path of the drying air, and the regeneration zone is located in the circulation path of the regeneration air.

[0089] The moisture absorption zone is located in the circulation path of the drying air. In the moisture absorption zone, the moisture absorption and dehumidification components can absorb moisture from the drying air. The regeneration zone is located in the circulation path of the regeneration air. In the regeneration zone, the moisture in the moisture absorption and dehumidification components can be desorbed by the regeneration air.

[0090] Along the circulation path of the drying air, the moisture absorption zone can be located between the evaporator 10 and the condenser 11. Along the circulation path of the regeneration air, the regeneration zone is located downstream of the heating device 15.

[0091] In some embodiments, the desiccant assembly can be a desiccant disc, which can be a honeycomb or corrugated disc carrying a desiccant, capable of adsorbing and desorbing absorbed moisture to achieve repeated desorption and regeneration. In some embodiments, the desiccant disc can include an inorganic / organic fiber carrier (such as ceramics, glass fibers, MOFs, COFs, cordierite, etc.), coated with a desiccant such as a molecular sieve, which is uniformly distributed between and on the surface of the fiber carrier to achieve adsorption of moisture in the airflow. The desiccant can be, for example, zeolite, modified / synthetic zeolite, molecular sieves (including but not limited to single-crystal or mixed-crystal molecular sieves such as A-type molecular sieves, X / Y-type molecular sieves, ZSM molecular sieves, Beta molecular sieves, etc.), polymeric desiccant, alkali metal aluminosilicates (13X molecular sieves), lithium chloride, silica gel, modified silica gel, activated alumina, and other materials with hygroscopic properties.

[0092] Regarding the rotating mechanism, in some embodiments, it may include a rotary motor and a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is connected to the output end of the rotary motor and to the moisture absorption and dehumidification assembly (e.g., the center of the dehumidification turntable), and drives the moisture absorption and dehumidification assembly to rotate around the rotating shaft.

[0093] Therefore, by rotating the moisture-absorbing and dehumidifying component, repeated moisture absorption and regeneration of the component can be achieved. Moreover, dehumidification and regeneration are carried out in two separate areas, allowing the regeneration air and drying air to circulate independently. This enables the moisture-absorbing and dehumidifying component to be regenerated while clothes are being dried, which helps to improve the drying speed.

[0094] In some embodiments, the moisture absorption and dehumidification component includes a breathable porous structure, the material of which is zeolite, lithium chloride, silica gel, modified silica gel, or molecular sieve.

[0095] Therefore, moisture adsorption and desorption can be achieved easily and effectively. The moisture absorption and dehumidification components are reusable and have low cost.

[0096] In some embodiments, the drying system further includes a second fan 20 located in the circulation path of the regeneration air, the second fan 20 providing circulation power for the regeneration air.

[0097] Therefore, the regenerated air can circulate under the drive of the second fan 20, thus enabling rapid and effective drying and desorption.

[0098] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a garment processing apparatus, including the drying system provided in the first aspect above.

[0099] Because the garment processing equipment includes a drying system that reduces heat loss from the drying air, it can dry clothes in an energy-efficient and efficient manner, thus improving the user experience.

[0100] In some embodiments, the clothing handling equipment includes a dryer or a washer-dryer combo.

[0101] Therefore, it can dry clothes in an energy-efficient and effective manner after washing, allowing users to use them immediately after washing and improving the user experience.

[0102] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and all should be covered within the scope of this disclosure. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way.

Claims

1. A drying system, comprising: A first drying subsystem, comprising an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor connected via a refrigerant flow path; The first fan provides the circulating power for the drying air; In the circulation path of the drying air, both the first fan and the evaporator are located upstream of the condenser.

2. The drying system according to claim 1, wherein, The evaporator, the first fan, and the condenser are arranged in sequence along the circulation path of the drying air.

3. The drying system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The drying system further includes a drying cylinder for carrying the object to be dried. Along the circulation path of the drying air, the evaporator, the first fan, the condenser, and the drying cylinder are arranged in sequence. The evaporator is used to dehumidify the drying air, and the condenser is used to heat the dehumidified drying air.

4. The drying system according to claim 3, wherein, The drying system also includes a filter screen, which is arranged in the circulation path of the drying air. Along the circulation path of the drying air, the evaporator, the first fan, the condenser, the drying cylinder, and the filter screen are arranged in sequence.

5. The drying system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The drying system further includes a second drying subsystem, which includes a moisture absorption and dehumidification device and a regeneration device. The moisture absorption and dehumidification device is used to absorb moisture from the drying air, and the regeneration device is used to regenerate the moisture absorption and dehumidification device that has absorbed moisture. Along the circulation path of the drying air, the moisture absorption and dehumidification device is located downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the condenser; The regeneration device includes a heating device for heating the regeneration air, which is used to desorb the moisture adsorbed in the dehumidification device.

6. The drying system according to claim 5, wherein, The heating device is connected to at least the heat output end of the compressor through the refrigerant flow path.

7. The drying system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The regeneration device further includes a cooler for dehumidifying the regeneration air passing through the dehumidification device. The cooler is connected to at least the evaporator via the refrigerant flow path. Along the circulation path of the regenerated air, the cooler, the heating device, and the moisture absorption and dehumidification device are arranged in sequence.

8. The drying system according to claim 7, wherein, The first drying subsystem also includes a throttling component. Along the refrigerant circulation path, the compressor, the heating device, the condenser, the throttling device, the evaporator, and the cooler are arranged in sequence.

9. The drying system according to claim 7, wherein, The first drying subsystem also includes a throttling component. Along the refrigerant circulation path, the compressor, the heating device, the condenser, the throttling device, the cooler, and the evaporator are arranged in sequence.

10. The drying system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The first drying subsystem also includes a first water receiving tray, which is located below the gravity direction of the evaporator and is used to collect condensate on the surface of the evaporator.

11. The drying system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The second drying subsystem also includes a second water receiving tray, which is located below the gravity direction of the cooler and is used to collect condensate on the surface of the cooler.

12. The drying system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, 11, wherein, The moisture absorption and dehumidification device includes a rotating mechanism and a moisture absorption and dehumidification component. The rotating mechanism is configured to drive the moisture absorption and dehumidification component to rotate through the moisture absorption area and the regeneration area. The moisture absorption area is located in the circulation path of the drying air, and the regeneration area is located in the circulation path of the regeneration air.

13. The drying system according to claim 12, wherein, The moisture absorption and dehumidification component includes a breathable porous structure, and the material of the breathable porous structure is zeolite, lithium chloride, silica gel, modified silica gel, or molecular sieve.

14. The drying system according to any one of claims 5 to 9 and 11 to 13, wherein, The drying system also includes a second fan located in the circulation path of the regeneration air, the second fan providing the circulation power for the regeneration air.

15. A garment processing apparatus comprising the drying system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The garment processing equipment according to claim 15, characterized in that, The clothing processing equipment includes a dryer or a dryer-washer combo.

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