Patent Application
20240368820
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of household appliances, in particular to a laundry machine, such as a washer, a dryer, or an integrated washing and drying system (e.g., a built-in, integrated, or all-in-one washer dryer), and methods of operating the same.
With the improvement of the living standard, the living style is changing continuously. People are no longer satisfied with the basic functions of the consumer appliances.
For example, in the washing machine industry, the fully automatic integrated washer dryer can dry the clothes after finish washing the clothes. This function is particularly suitable for humid weather. As such, the fully automatic integrated washer dryer is favored by more consumers. The drying system of the existing integrated washer dryer utilizes an evaporator to heat and absorb the moisture from the damp air in the inner drum of the integrated washer dryer. The obtained heated air enters the inner drum of the integrated washer dryer again, so that the moisture in clothes can be evaporated. However, the overall temperature of the evaporator is consistent. In the process of heating and absorbing moisture from the humid air, the moisture absorption capacity of the evaporator to the humid air is reduced, resulting in low moisture absorption efficiency, long drying time, and high power consumption. Particularly in areas with lower temperatures, the temperature of the humid air is also lower. As a result, the temperature of the evaporator is difficult to reach the moisture absorption temperature, which further results in reduced the moisture absorption efficiency, longer drying time, and higher power consumption.
In another example, for different members of the family, people have different washing and drying requirements for different laundry items, hence the twin load washing machines (or double load, dual load, etc.) become suitable. For example, the upper washing area of the twin load washing machine can be used for washing and drying laundry items made of particular fabrics, such as children's clothes and women's underwear, etc., to provide better care during the washing process. Meanwhile, the lower washing area can be mainly used for washing and drying common laundry items, such as adults' daily clothes. However, in the existing twin load washing machines, the upper washing area and the lower washing area use independent and separate washing systems and drying systems, respectively, resulting in the washing machine being too high, too bulky, inconvenient for users to operate, and high in cost.
Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a laundry machine is provided. The laundry machine comprises a container for containing laundry; and a dehumidifier including a circulation fan configured to circulate moist air flowing out of the container toward a moisture absorption and removal structure configured to absorb moisture in the moist air, a regeneration fan configured to generate airflow to exhaust the moisture absorbed by the moisture absorption and removal structure and drive the airflow to flow toward a condenser configured to condense water from the generated airflow, wherein the moisture absorption and removal structure is disposed adjacent to the circulation fan, the regeneration fan, and the condenser; wherein the moisture absorption and removal structure comprises a roller assembly, a functional roller is provided on at least one of a bottom portion of the roller assembly or a side of the roller assembly.
In some embodiments, the circulation fan and the condenser are disposed adjacent to and on opposite sides of the regeneration fan.
In some embodiments, the moisture absorption and removal structure is disposed in a common plane with at least one of the circulation fan, the regeneration fan, and the condenser.
In some embodiments, the circulation fan, the moisture absorption and removal structure, the regeneration fan, and the condenser are disposed in a common plane.
In some embodiments, two or more of respective rotation axes of the circulation fan, the roller assembly, and the regeneration fan in the dehumidifier are parallel to each other.
In some embodiments, the the functional roller further comprises a plurality of auxiliary rollers provided on the side of the roller assembly, the plurality of auxiliary rollers are contained in respective housings on a lower casing for containing one or more parts of the dehumidifier, wherein rotation axes of the plurality of auxiliary rollers are placed parallel to a rotation axis of a roller of the roller assembly.
In some embodiments, the functional roller further comprises: a plurality of vertical rollers provided on the bottom portion of the roller assembly, wherein the plurality of vertical rollers are distributed on a lower casing for containing one or more parts of the dehumidifier and rotation axes of the plurality of vertical rollers are placed vertically relative to a rotation axis of a roller of the roller assembly.
In some embodiments, one or more of respective rotation axes of the circulation fan, the roller assembly, and the regeneration fan in the dehumidifier are perpendicular to a rotation axis of the container.
In some embodiments, one or more of respective rotation axes of the circulation fan, the roller assembly, and the regeneration fan in the dehumidifier are parallel to a rotation axis of the container.
In some embodiments, the laundry machine further comprises a lower casing including a plurality of areas configured to contain two or more of the circulation fan, the moisture absorption and removal structure, the regeneration fan, and the condenser, respectively.
In some embodiments, the lower casing is a single integrated part.
In some embodiments, the moisture absorption and removal structure comprises a moisture absorption area and a moisture removal area. In some embodiments, the moisture absorption area comprises at least a first portion of the moisture absorption and removal structure for absorbing the moisture from the moist air circulated from the circulation fan. In some embodiments, the moisture removal area comprises a heating section disposed over a second portion of the moisture absorption and removal structure adjacent the regeneration fan.
In some embodiments, the dehumidifier further comprises a moisture absorption passage, wherein the moisture absorption area is disposed on the moisture absorption passage, and wherein the moisture absorption passage is configured to flow airflow generated by circulation fan from the container to the moisture absorption area.
In some embodiments, the dehumidifier further comprises a moisture removal passage, wherein the moisture removal area is disposed on the moisture removal passage, and wherein the moisture removal passage is configured to flow airflow generated by regeneration fan to flow toward condenser for removing moisture in the airflow.
In some embodiments, the heating section comprises a plurality of heating elements placed adjacent a plurality of air holes in a mesh plate.
In some embodiments, the heating section has a fan-shaped structure, and the plurality of air holes have respective diameters reducing along a radius direction toward a center of the fan-shaped structure.
In some embodiments, the plurality of heating elements are disposed adjacent the plurality of air holes and with an offset along the radius direction toward the center of the fan-shaped structure.
In some embodiments, the laundry machine further comprises an air exhaust passage coupled to an air outlet of the container; and a filter assembly disposed on the air exhaust passage, the filter assembly including a filter screen; and a filter self-cleaning device for cleaning the filter screen.
In some embodiments, the dehumidifier further comprises: a volute casing configured to cover and attach the circulation fan to a lower casing for containing one or more parts of the dehumidifier.
There is also provided an integrated washer dryer including an inner drum, a drying module, a circulation fan, and a regeneration fan, wherein the circulation fan is disposed on the moisture absorption passage to form circulating airflow in the inner drum and the moisture absorption passage, and the regeneration fan is disposed on the regeneration passage to form a dehumidification airflow in the regeneration passage; and wherein the moisture absorption component is disposed on the moisture absorption passage and the regeneration passage to enable the circulating airflow and the dehumidification airflow to flow through the moisture absorption component, wherein the moisture absorption component is configured to absorb moisture of the circulating airflow in the moisture absorption passage during rotation of the moisture absorption component, and discharge the moisture through the moisture exhaust airflow of the regeneration passage.
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further comprises a water inlet and a water outlet respectively coupled with the inner drum.
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further comprises a driving coupled with the inner drum and configured to drive the inner drum to rotate.
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further comprises a filtering part is disposed on the moisture absorption passage, and the filtering part is disposed at the upstream of the moisture absorption component.
In some embodiments, a filtering part is disposed on the regeneration passage.
In some embodiments, a heating member is further disposed on the moisture absorption passage.
In some embodiments, moisture absorption component comprises a moisture absorption rotary disc and a heating assembly.
In some embodiments, the heating assembly covers the regeneration area of the moisture absorption rotary disc, and the moisture absorption area of the moisture absorption rotary disc is positioned in the moisture absorption passage; the regeneration area is an area on the moisture absorption rotary disc, through which the moisture exhaust airflow flows, and the moisture absorption area is an area on the moisture absorption rotary disc, through which the circulating airflow flows.
In some embodiments, the heating assembly comprises a cover; the cover covers a regeneration area of the moisture absorption rotating disc, an area of the cover corresponding to the regeneration area includes an opening connected to a regeneration passage, and a regeneration heating portion is disposed on the housing.
In some embodiments, the moisture absorption rotary disc comprises a moisture absorption roller and a rotary part coupled to the moisture absorption roller; a shell is covered outside the moisture absorption roller, and the moisture absorption roller is configured to rotate relative to the shell when driving by the rotary part; the shell is respectively connected to the moisture absorption passage and the regeneration passage.
In some embodiments, a condensing member is disposed on the regeneration passage, and the condensing member is configured to cool the dehumidification airflow in the regeneration passage to dry the dehumidification airflow.
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further comprises a controller, a temperature sensor is further arranged in the moisture absorption passage, and the controller is electrically connected with the temperature sensor and the heating member respectively; the controller is used for controlling the heating member to be switched on or switched off according to the detected temperature of the temperature sensor.
In some embodiments, a humidity sensor for detecting humidity of the inner drum is further arranged in the inner drum.
In some embodiments, the number of the humidity sensors includes two or more, and the temperature sensors are located at different locations of the inner drum.
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further comprises a housing; the inner drum and the driving part are positioned in the housing, and the regeneration passage is at least partially positioned between the inner drum and the housing; and a second air outlet and a second air inlet are arranged on the side surface of the housing, the second air outlet is connected to the air outlet end of the regeneration passage, and the second air inlet is connected to the air inlet end of the regeneration passage.
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further comprises a housing, the moisture absorption component is located in the housing, the moisture absorption component is fixed, and the housing rotates relative to the moisture absorption component.
According to the integrated washer dryer provided by the embodiments of the disclosure, the moisture absorption component is used for absorbing the moisture of the humid air entering the moisture absorption passage from the inner drum, and then the air after moisture absorption is discharged into the inner drum, so that the moisture in the inner drum is gradually reduced to achieve the drying purpose. Therefore, the integrated washer dryer does not need an evaporator to heat and dehumidify the humid air in the inner drum. Further, by using dehumidifying component insensitive to temperature, the application range of the integrated washer dryer is increased, and the dehumidifying effect is good. Compared with a washer dryer with a heat pump, the integrated washer dryer disclosed in the present disclosure has smaller size, higher economic efficiency, and lower energy consumption.
There is further provided a laundry machine including a housing including a plurality of containers for holding laundry, each of the plurality of containers including an air inlet passage and an air outlet passage; and a dehumidification device configured to selectively dehumidify laundry from a selected container of the plurality of containers, the dehumidification device including an air inlet for connecting with the air outlet passage of the selected container and an air outlet for connecting with the air inlet passage of the selected container.
In some embodiments, the laundry machine further includes a filter assembly, comprising a filter, arranged on the air outlet passage of the selected container or the air inlet of the dehumidification device; and a filter self-cleaning device for cleaning the filter.
In some embodiments, the dehumidification device selectively communicates with one of the plurality of containers in fluid communication through a switching mechanism.
In some embodiments, the dehumidification device includes a moisture absorption channel, a moisture removal channel, and a moisture absorption and moisture removal member, the moisture absorption and moisture removal member includes a moisture absorption area that communicates with the moisture absorption channel and a moisture removal area that communicates with the moisture removal channel; the moisture absorption channel includes the air inlet of the dehumidification device located at an air inlet side on the moisture absorption area of the moisture absorption and moisture removal member and the air outlet of the dehumidification device located at an air outlet side of the moisture absorption area of the moisture absorption and moisture removal member; the moisture removal channel includes an air intake section located on the air inlet side of a moisture removal area of the moisture absorption and moisture removal member, and an air removal section located at the air outlet side of the moisture removal area of the moisture absorption and moisture removal member; the air inlet section of the moisture absorption channel is selectively in communication with the air outlet passage of the selected container, and the air outlet section of the moisture absorption channel is in communication with the air inlet passage of the selected container; or the moisture absorption and moisture removal member is rotatably arranged on the moisture absorption channel and the moisture removal channel.
In some embodiments, the laundry machine further comprises a switching structure including a first switching mechanism and a second switching mechanism, the air inlet passage of the selected container being connected with the air outlet section of the moisture absorption channel through the first switching mechanism, and the air outlet passage of the selected container is connected with the air inlet section of the moisture absorption channel through the second switching mechanism.
In some embodiments, the filter and the filter self-cleaning device are arranged in the air inlet section of the dehumidification device and between the second switching mechanism and the moisture absorption and moisture removal member.
In some embodiments, the second switching mechanism is placed at a joint between the air inlet section of the dehumidification device and the air outlet passage of the container; or the laundry machine includes more than one second of the switching mechanisms arranged in the air outlet passage of the container.
In some embodiments, the laundry machine further comprises more than one set of the filter and the filter self-cleaning device respectively arranged on the air outlet passage of the container and located upstream or downstream of the second switching mechanism.
In some embodiments, the filter self-cleaning device includes a spray mechanism for spraying the filter; or the filter self-cleaning device includes a vibration mechanism for vibrating the filter; or the filter self-cleaning device includes a blowing mechanism for blowing the filter; or the filter self-cleaning device includes a scraping mechanism for scraping the filter.
In some embodiments, a direction in which the fluid of the spray mechanism flows through the filter is opposite to a direction of the airflow through the filter; or the filter and the filter self-cleaning device are arranged in the air inlet section of the dehumidification device, and are located between a switching mechanism and the moisture absorption and moisture removal member, the filter self-cleaning device including a spraying mechanism for spraying the filter, wherein the fluid spraying direction of the spraying mechanism is a direction away from the moisture absorption and moisture removal member.
In some embodiments, a nozzle of the spray mechanism is arranged above a centerline of the filter; or the nozzle of the spray mechanism is arranged on the side of an air outlet of the filter.
In some embodiments, the laundry machine further comprises a fan and a heater are arranged in the moisture removal channel, the heater being located in a vicinity of the moisture removal area of the moisture absorption and moisture removal member.
In some embodiments, the laundry machine further comprises a heat exchanger arranged in the moisture removal channel, the heat exchanger being located on the air outlet side of the moisture removal area, and the heat exchanger includes a ventilation passage in communication with the moisture removal area and a water outlet for draining condensed water; wherein the heat exchanger includes a cooling passage for a coolant to pass through, and an exhaust port of the ventilation passage of the heat exchanger communicates with an air inlet of the fan; or the heat exchanger includes a cooling passage for the coolant to pass through, and the exhaust port of the ventilation passage of the heat exchanger communicates with the outside of the laundry machine; or the fan includes an air inlet passage that passes through the interior of the heat exchanger.
In some embodiments, the laundry machine further comprises a heat exchanger on the air outlet passage of the selected container or in the air inlet section of the dehumidification device to dehumidify and lower the temperature of the air flow discharged from the selected container, the moisture exhaust channel being located upstream of a moisture removal area through inside of the heat exchanger, so that hot and humid air in the air outlet passage of the container or in the air inlet section of the dehumidification device can perform heat exchange with dry and cold air in a moisture discharge passage located on an upstream of the moisture removal area.
In some embodiments, the plurality of containers include an upper tub and a lower tub stacked on top of each other, and the dehumidification device is located between the upper tub and the lower tub, above the upper tub, or below the lower tub.
In some embodiments, the upper tub and the lower tub are both inner tubs of the laundry machine; or the upper tub is the inner tub of a dryer and the lower tub is the inner tub of a washing machine; or the upper tub is the inner tub of the washing machine and the lower tub is the inner tub of the dryer.
There is further provided a method of operating a laundry machine comprising a housing including a plurality of containers for holding laundry, a dehumidification device, and a filter assembly between the dehumidification device and the plurality of containers, the filter assembly including a filter and a filter self-cleaning device. The method comprises performing a dehumidification step including performing moisture removal of one of the containers selected and connected by the dehumidification device, wherein an air flow exhaust from the selected container flows into the dehumidification device via the filter assembly; and performing a cleaning step including cleaning, by the filter self-cleaning device, the filter.
In some embodiments, the filter self-cleaning device cleans the filter by a spraying method, a blowing method, a vibration method, or a scraping method.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. Other features of the present invention will become apparent by a review of the specification, claims, and appended figures.
The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers refer to the same or similar parts. While several illustrative embodiments are described herein, modifications, adaptations and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions or modifications may be made to the components illustrated in the drawings. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and examples. Instead, the proper scope is defined by the appended claims.
In the following description, numerous embodiments are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of these specific embodiments.
It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular format may include the plural format unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this disclosure, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
In some embodiments, integrated washer dryer 100 may further include, but is not limited to, a housing 10, a controller (not shown), and the like. Inner drum 30 and the driving component are located in housing 10. In some embodiments, inner drum 30 has a receiving space for receiving laundry such as clothes, and an opening 301 (e.g., pick-and-place opening) is formed in a side surface of housing 10 for placing and picking the laundry into and from inner drum 30. A door 101 is opened in housing 10 at a position corresponding to opening 301, and door 101 is pivotably connected to housing 10. The opening and closing of door 101 may be manually operated by a user or electronically controlled.
In some embodiments, the side or upper part of housing 10 is provided with a display device (not shown) for displaying information related to the working state of integrated washer dryer 100. The display device may include, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode, and the like. In some embodiments, housing 10 is further provided with one or more buttons, such as mechanical buttons operated by pressing, or touch buttons operated by touching. In some embodiments, the one or more buttons are used for inputting a control instruction to operate integrated washer dryer 100 to the controller, so that the controller controls the corresponding component to execute the control instruction accordingly. The controller may be implemented using, among other things, various Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), micro-controllers, microprocessors, or other electronic components.
When washing the laundry, a user first puts the laundry into integrated washer dryer 100 through opening 301, adds cleaning solution from a cleaning solution adding opening, and closes door 101. Water is flown into inner drum 30 via a water inlet through a water inlet pipe connected to a water source and under the control of the controller according to the user's instruction. The user inputs instructions for washing and spin-drying via one or more buttons. The controller controls the driving component to drive inner drum 30 to rotate according to the washing instruction so as to wash the laundry. During the washing process, drain water can flow to a drain outlet through the drain hose to finish washing. Then the controller can control the driving component to continuously drive the inner drum 30 to spin according to the spin-drying instruction, so that the excess water remained on the washed laundry is removed by centrifugal force and is discharged through the water outlet, so as to accelerate the drying process of the washed laundry.
After the laundry is dried, according to a drying command input by the user, the controller activates circulation fan 203 and regeneration fan 205, and controls moisture absorption member 206 to rotate. As shown by arrows in
Meanwhile, regeneration fan 205 is used to form a moisture exhaust airflow in regeneration passage 202. An air inlet end 2022, and an air outlet end 2021 (e.g., see
During the drying process, moisture absorption member 206 continuously rotates, so that when a part of moisture absorption member 206 in moisture absorption passage 201 that absorbs moisture from the humid air rotates to regeneration passage 202, the moisture on this part of moisture absorption member 206 is carried away by the regeneration airflow. After the moisture content of this part of moisture absorption member 206 is reduced, this part of moisture absorption member 206 can absorb more moisture when rotating moisture absorption passage 201. As such, the reduction of the absorption effect due to the saturation of moisture absorption member 206 is avoided.
Integrated washer dryer 100 in the present disclosure can remove the moisture of the humid air entering moisture absorption passage 201 from inner drum 30 by moisture absorption member 206, and then discharge the dried air after moisture absorption to inner drum 30, so as to reduce the moisture in inner drum 30 by continuous circulation, and achieve the purpose of drying. As disclosed herein, integrated washer dryer 100 provided in the present disclosure does not need an evaporator to heat and dehumidify the humid air in inner drum 30. The moisture absorption performance of moisture absorption member 206 is also not very sensitive to the temperature change. Moisture absorption member 206 is heated to discharge the moisture in the moisture desorption process. Accordingly, the defect of having poor dehumidification in a low-temperature environment effect in the conventional condensing or dehumidification system using a heat pump can be avoided, to provide a wider application environment.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, filter member 204 may have a mesh structure, or any other structures capable of blocking debris, which is not limited in this embodiment.
In some embodiments, filter member 204 is disposed on the side of moisture absorption member 206 close to first air inlet 2011, so as to filter the moist air entering moisture absorption passage 201, and prevent the debris in the moist air from contacting moisture absorption member 206 to affect the working performance of moisture absorption member 206. At the same time, the lint in the laundry is prevented from adhering to moisture absorption member 206, to avoid damage to moisture absorption member 206 by possibly igniting the lint when moisture absorption member 206 is heated and desorbed.
In some embodiments, a filter member for filtering debris, such as a screen, may be disposed upstream of regeneration fan 205 to prevent external contaminants from damaging regeneration fan 205 and to prevent the air pollution by the airflow discharged to the outside.
In some embodiments, a heating member is provided on moisture absorption passage 201.
In some embodiments, in the heat exchange process in inner drum 30, the temperature of the entering drying air is higher, which can accelerate the moisture to be exchanged out from the laundry, thereby shortening the drying time. In some embodiments, a heating member can be added to moisture absorption passage 201, and the heating member can be disposed at the upstream or downstream of moisture absorption member 206, so that the moisture from the heated moist air can be absorbed, or the dried air after moisture absorption can be heated, and the dried heated air can enter inner drum 30 from first air outlet 2012. As the air heated by the heating member has a higher temperature, it can increase the temperature in inner drum 30, thereby accelerating the evaporation of the moisture from the laundry, making the drying efficiency higher and the drying effect better.
In some embodiments, the heating member and moisture absorption member 206 perform the drying process on the humid air together, so that the temperature of the heating member is not too high, thereby reducing the power consumption of the heating member and saving resources. In some embodiments, the heating member may be an electric heating wire, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater, or the like having a heating function. In some embodiments, the PTC heater is composed of a ceramic heating element and an aluminum tube. In some embodiments, the PTC heater has the advantages of having a small thermal resistance and high heat exchange efficiency, and is an automatic, constant-temperature, and electricity-saving electric heater.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the area of the regeneration region and the area of the moisture absorption region can be determined according to the radial cross-sectional areas of the moisture absorption pipeline and the regeneration pipeline. In some embodiments, the radial cross-sectional area of the moisture absorption pipeline is larger than the radial cross-sectional area of the regeneration pipeline, and the area of the regeneration region is smaller than the area of the moisture absorption region, so that the air flow rate of the moisture absorption pipeline can be increased, and most of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 can be in the moisture absorption region, to further increase the moisture absorption efficiency and improve the moisture absorption effect.
During the rotation of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062, each part of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 rotates from moisture absorption passage 201 to regeneration passage 202, then rotates from regeneration passage 202 to moisture absorption passage 201. In some embodiments, each part of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 rotates from the moisture absorption region to the regeneration region, and then rotates from the regeneration region to the moisture absorption region, so that the part of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 located in the moisture absorption region absorbs the moisture in the humid air in moisture absorption passage 201, then rotates to the regeneration region, and is heated by heating assembly 2061 to rapidly desorb the moisture in the part. The moisture is then carried by the moisture exhaust airflow to air outlet end 2021 of regeneration passage 202 to be exhausted to the outside. As such, during the rotation of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062, the moisture in the humid air in moisture absorption passage 201 can be continuously absorbed by moisture absorption roller assembly 2062, and the moisture absorbed by moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 can be continuously exhausted, so that moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 has good water absorbing capacity all the time, thereby improving the moisture absorbing efficiency and effect.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, cover 20611 covers the regeneration area of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062, and is located on the side of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 that is away from first air inlet 2011, so that the contact between the moisture exhaust airflow and the part of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 in the regeneration area is not blocked. In some embodiments, the contact area between the moisture exhaust airflow in regeneration passage 202 and moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 is maximized, so that more moisture can be carried away and removed. In some embodiments, cover 20611 is used to partition the moisture absorption region and the regeneration region of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062, and fix regeneration heating portion 20612. In some embodiments, cover 20611 and heating assembly 2061 do not rotate during the rotation of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062. In some embodiments, moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 rotates relative to cover 20611 and heating assembly 2061, so that regeneration heating portion 20612 can heat the region of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 that rotates to the vicinity of regeneration heating portion 20612. In some embodiments, regeneration heating portion 20612 is located as close to moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 as possible for the purpose of better heating and desorbing moisture in the regeneration region of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062.
In some embodiments, under effect of regeneration fan 205, the airflow enters regeneration passage 202 from the outside, passes through regeneration heating portion 20612 and the regeneration area of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 in sequence, and then is discharged to the outside from the outlet of regeneration passage 202. In some embodiments, regeneration heating portion 20612 is located upstream of the regeneration region, and the heated airflow exchanges heat with the regeneration region to desorb moisture therein. In some embodiments, regeneration heating portion 20612 may be located downstream of the regeneration region. In some embodiments, regeneration heating portion 20612 may be provided both upstream and downstream of the regeneration region.
In some embodiments, in order to prevent regeneration fan 205 from being damaged by external contaminants and prevent air from being polluted by the airflow discharged to the outside, a filtering member, such as a filter screen, may be provided upstream of regeneration fan 205. In some embodiments, an air filter member, such as a hepa filter screen, is provided in regeneration passage 202 downstream of moisture absorption roller 20622.
In some embodiments, regeneration heating portion 20612 may use a heating element such as a heating wire or a PTC heater.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, moisture absorption roller 20622 has a disk-like structure with a certain thickness, so that the space occupied by moisture absorption roller 20622 can be reduced, thereby reducing the overall volume of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062. In some embodiments, moisture absorption roller 20622 is made of a material having a high absorption capacity, such as cotton cloth or fiber. In some embodiments, the rotating portion includes a rotating shaft 20621 and a motor connected to rotating shaft 20621. Rotating shaft 20621 is provided in the middle of moisture absorption roller 20622, so that rotating shaft 20621 is driven by the motor to rotate rotating moisture absorption roller 20622 connected to rotating shaft 20621. In some embodiments, shell 207 can be used for accommodating moisture absorption roller 20622, rotating shaft 20621, and the motor. The edge of cover 20611 is fixedly connected to shell 207, so that moisture absorption roller 20622 can rotate, while cover 20611 does not rotate. In some embodiments, shell 207 is connected to moisture absorption passage 201 and regeneration passage 202, so as to smoothly circulate the airflow in moisture absorption passage 201 and the airflow in regeneration passage 202.
In some embodiments, integrated washer dryer 100 includes shell 207, and moisture absorption member 206 is located in the shell 207. Moisture absorption member 206 is configured to be fixed and shell 207 is configured to rotate relative to moisture absorption member 206. For example, moisture absorption roller 20622 is configured to be fixed and shell 207 is configured to rotate relative to moisture absorption roller 20622 via rotating shaft 20621. In some embodiments, shell 207 may be provided with inlet and outlet openings at the center positions of both sides to communicate with moisture absorption passage 201 and regeneration passage 202, In some embodiments, regeneration heating portion 20612 may be configured to rotate relative to moisture absorption roller 20622, and whether regeneration heating portion 20612 may rotate synchronously or asynchronously with shell 207, and it is not limited herein, as long as regeneration heating portion 20612 can divide moisture absorption roller 20622 into a moisture absorption region and a regeneration region during the rotation. In some embodiments, it is possible to provide shell 207 with openings communicating with moisture absorption passage 201 and regeneration passage 202, which are offset from the center. This can be achieved by means of the general knowledge in the art, and the embodiments provided in the present disclosure are not intended to be limiting.
In other embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, condensation component 40 may be an existing condensation device. In some embodiments, air inlet 2022 and air outlet 2021 of regeneration passage 202 both pass through the condensation device, so that the air entering regeneration passage 202 from air inlet 2022 is cooled by condensation component 40, and part of moisture in the air is condensed into liquid, so as to dry the air. The dried air then passes through the regeneration region of moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 to remove the moisture on moisture absorption roller assembly 2062. The air carrying the moisture from moisture absorption roller assembly 2062 then passes through condensation component 40 to condense the absorbed moisture into liquid, so as to reduce the moisture discharged to the outside air, thereby preventing a large amount of moisture from being discharged to the outside air, to affect the outside humidity and environment. In some embodiments, the condensed moisture can be discharged through a drain pipe 401 of condensation component 40. In some embodiments, drain pipe 401 and the drain pipe for discharging the drain water from inner drum 30 can share the same pipe in order to make the structure more compact and facilitate the user operation.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, humidity sensor 50 is used to detect the humidity of the air in moisture absorption passage 201. The controller may compare the humidity detected by humidity sensor 50 and a preset humidity threshold, and further controls and adjusts one or more parts of the dehumidifier to keep the humidity in control. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the air in moisture absorption passage 201. Then the controller compares the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and a preset temperature. If the detected temperature is higher than or equal to the preset temperature, then the controller turns off the heating member. If the detected temperature is lower than the preset temperature, then the controller turns on the heating member. As such, it can be guaranteed that the circulating airflow has relatively stable temperature, and damages to the laundry in inner drum 30 caused by high-temperature circulating airflow can be possibly avoided.
In some embodiments, a humidity sensor for detecting humidity of inner drum 30 is further disposed in inner drum 30.
In some embodiments, the humidity sensor may detect humidity in inner drum 30 and display the detected humidity value on the display device of housing 10, so that a user can know the drying condition in the inner drum 30. The user can also control the drying time according to the humidity value.
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer can include two or more humidity sensors 50, and one or more temperature sensors is located at different positions of the inner drum 30.
In some embodiments, the number of humidity sensors is increased to detect the humidity at different locations in the inner drum 30, so that the humidity condition of the inner drum 30 can be comprehensively known, and inaccurate detection caused by detecting one location using a single humidity sensor can be avoided. The number of humidity sensors can be designed according to the size of inner drum 30, and the embodiment is not limited strictly.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the side of housing 10 with second air outlet 102 and second air inlet 103 is the side with door 101. As such, in the process of drying the laundry in the integrated washer dryer, second air outlet 102 and second air inlet 103 will not be blocked by external objects (such as a wall), so that sufficient air can be ensured to enter regeneration passage 202, and the air can also be discharged from regeneration passage 202.
In some embodiments, regeneration passage 202 is arranged between inner drum 30 and housing 10, and the space between inner drum 30 and housing 10 can be fully utilized, so that the structure of the integrated washer dryer is more compact.
In some embodiments, each container includes an air inlet passage 732 and an air outlet passage 734.
In some embodiments, dehumidification device 750 selects to dehumidify the laundry in one container 730 at a time. In some embodiments, dehumidification device 750 includes an air inlet section 522 for connecting with air outlet passage 734 of container 730, and an air outlet section 524 for connecting with air inlet passage 732 of container 730.
In some embodiments, dehumidification device 750 includes a moisture absorption passage 520, a moisture exhaust passage 540, and a moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560.
In some embodiments, moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 is rotatably disposed on moisture absorption passage 520 and moisture exhaust passage 540. During rotation, moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 is configured to absorb the moisture from the circulating airflow discharged from container 730 into moisture absorption passage 520, and exhaust the moisture via the moisture exhaust airflow through moisture exhaust passage 540. In some embodiments, moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 includes a moisture absorption area connected to moisture absorption passage 520, and a moisture exhaust area (or moisture removal area) connected to moisture exhaust passage 540. In some embodiments, moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 includes a disc-shaped structure with a certain thickness. In some embodiments, moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 is made of materials with strong absorption capacity, such as cotton cloth and/or fibers, etc. In some embodiments, moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 is driven by a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a driving motor to rotate relative to moisture absorption passage 520 the moisture removal passage 540.
In some embodiments, moisture absorption passage 520 includes an air inlet section 522 located on the air incoming side of moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 (e.g., the moisture absorption area of the moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560), and an air outlet section 524 located on the air outgoing side of moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 (e.g., the moisture exhaust area of the moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560). In some embodiments, air inlet section 522 of moisture absorption passage 520 forms air inlet section 522 of the dehumidification device 750, and air outlet section 524 of moisture absorption passage 520 forms air outlet section 524 of the dehumidification device 750. In some embodiments, air inlet section 522 and air outlet section 524 are in fluid communication with air outlet passage 734 and air inlet passage 732 of container 730, respectively. In some embodiments, when the laundries in one of containers 730 are to be dried, air inlet section 522 and air outlet section 524 of moisture absorption passage 520 are in fluid communication with air outlet passage 734 and air inlet passage 732 of the corresponding container 730, respectively. In some embodiments, the communication with air outlet passages 734 and air inlet passages 732 of one or more other containers 730 that are not in drying process is cut off. In some embodiments, a fan 526 is disposed in moisture absorption passage 520 to form the circulating airflow in container 730 and moisture absorption passage 520. In some embodiments, a heater is provided in air outlet section 524 of moisture absorption passage 520 to increase the temperature of the drying airflow entering container 730 to be dried laundries and speed up the drying process of the laundries in this container 730. In some embodiments, a condenser is provided in air inlet section 522 of moisture absorption passage 520 for pre-dehumidifying the airflow discharged from this container 730 to be dried. In some embodiments, the condenser is disposed upstream of the airflow direction of filter assembly 770. Accordingly, the humidity of the airflow entering moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 can be reduced, and further, part of the fluff or lint can be taken away by the condensed water, thereby increasing the single-use duration of a filter 720 of filter assembly 770. For example, the cleaning frequency of filter assembly 770 can be reduced. In some embodiments, a heater 542, a heat exchanger 544, and a fan 546 are provided in moisture exhaust passage 540. In some embodiments, heater 542 is located on the air inlet side of the moisture exhaust area, and heat exchanger 544 is located on the air outlet side of the moisture exhaust area. In some embodiments, fan 546 operates to generate a forced airflow, and the airflow is heated when passing through heater 542. The heated dry airflow flows through the moisture exhaust area, thereby taking away the moisture in the moisture exhaust area. In some embodiments, heater 542 can also be located at the air outlet side of the moisture exhaust area and close to moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560, to heat the moisture exhaust area of moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560, and to accelerate the dehumidification of the moisture in the moisture exhaust area. In some embodiments, heater 542 may not be provided, and the air exhaust section of heat exchanger 544 may be used to heat the airflow. In some embodiments, a filter device such as a filter screen may be disposed in the air intake section of the moisture removal channel 540. In some embodiments, the filter device is located in the upstream side of the moisture exhaust area, and/or heater 542, and/or fan 546, to protect the moisture exhaust area, and/or heater 542, and/or fan 546. During operation, the airflow (e.g., the moist airflow) discharged from container 730 to be dried passes through filter assembly 770, and then enters the moisture absorption area. The part of moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 located in the moisture absorption area absorbs the moisture in the airflow passing through it, e.g., the water vapor, so that the humidity of the airflow passing through it is reduced to form a dry airflow. The dry airflow flowing out from the moisture absorption area flows back into container 730 through air outlet section 524 of the moisture absorption passage 520 and air inlet passage 732 of container 730, for the next circulation, thereby forming a circulating airflow, until the humidity in container 730 reaches a predetermined value. In some embodiments, as moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 rotates, the part of moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 located in the moisture absorption area that has absorbed moisture rotates to enter the moisture exhaust area. The moisture is then carried away by the heated dry airflow in the moisture exhaust area, so that the dry portion of moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 can absorb moisture again when it rotates to the moisture absorption area next time.
In some embodiments, heat exchanger 544 can also be omitted, and the airflow discharged from the air outlet side of moisture exhaust passage 540 is directly discharged to the outside of the laundry machine 100.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, moisture absorption passage 520 of dehumidification device 750 can choose to establish fluid communication with any one of containers 730 through switching mechanisms 790, 792, and 794. In some embodiments, switching mechanisms 790, 792, and 794 include a first switching mechanism 790 disposed at the connection between air outlet section 524 of dehumidification device 750 and air inlet passage 732 of container 730. In some embodiments, switching mechanisms 790, 792, and 794 further include second switching mechanism 792 and 794 disposed on air outlet passages 734 of respective containers 730. In some embodiments, first switching mechanism 790 and second switching mechanism 792 can provide connection between one container 730 and air inlet section 522 and air outlet section 524 of dehumidification device 750, and cut off connection between the other container(s) 730 and air inlet section 522 and air outlet section 524 of dehumidification device 750. In some embodiments, first switching mechanism 790 and/or second switching mechanisms 792, 794 may be disposed at the connection between air outlet section 524 and/or air inlet section 522 of dehumidifier apparatus 750 and air inlet passage 732 and/or air outlet passage 734 of container 730. In some embodiments, laundry machine 700 includes a plurality of first switching mechanisms 790 and/or second switching mechanisms 792, and they are respectively provided in air inlet passage 732 and/or air outlet passage 734 of each container 730 of the plurality of containers. In some embodiments,
Switching mechanisms 790 and the other one of 792 and 794 are closed, so that one of the containers 730 is in fluid communication with dehumidifier apparatus 750, and the fluid communication between the other container(s) 730 and dehumidifier apparatus 750 is cut off. In some embodiments, filter assembly 770 is used to filter the airflow discharged from container 730 and before it enters dehumidification device 750, so as to prevent foreign matters, such as flying fluff, flint, discharged from container 730 from entering dehumidification device 750. For example, filter assembly 770 is used to prevent the flying fluff discharged from container 730 from entering into the interior of the moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560, or covering the surface of the moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 to affect the dehumidification effect of the moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560.
In some embodiments, filter assembly 770 is used to filter the airflow discharged from container 730 before entering the dehumidification device 750, so as to prevent foreign matter such as flying fluff discharged from container 730 from entering the dehumidification device 750. For example, filter assembly 770 is used to prevent the flying fluff discharged from container 730 from entering into the interior of the moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560, or covering the surface of the moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560 to affect the moisture absorption and moisture exhaust effect of moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560.
In some embodiments, the filter assembly 770 is disposed in air inlet section 522 of dehumidification device 750, e.g., between the second switching mechanism and the dehumidification device (e.g., the moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560). In some embodiments, filter assembly 770 can also be disposed on air outlet passage 734 of container 730, and the second switching mechanism can be located downstream of filter assembly 770 in the airflow direction. For example, along the airflow direction, filter assembly 770 is located between the second switching mechanism and container 730, or the second switching mechanism is located between filter assembly 770 and the dehumidification device 750. In some embodiments, the second switching mechanism can be located upstream of filter assembly 770 in the airflow direction. For example, along the airflow direction, the second switching mechanism is located between filter assembly 770 and container 730, or filter assembly 770 is located between the second switching mechanism and dehumidification device 750. In some embodiments, there are one or more filter assemblies 770. In some embodiments, when there is one filter assembly 770, it can be provided on air inlet section 522 of dehumidification device 750. In some embodiments, if there are multiple filter assemblies 770, they can be respectively arranged on air outlet passages 734 of the multiple containers 730.
In some embodiments, filter assembly 770 includes a filter 720 and a filter self-cleaning device 740. In some embodiments, filter assembly 770 includes a detachable filter 720 and its mounting bracket. When filter 720 is detachable, the user can manually clean filter 720 according to the sensing data of the sensor. In some embodiments, filter 720 can also be cleaned after each job is completed, or it can be cleaned as suitable, or as wanted. In some embodiments, filter 720 can be manually disassembled and removed, rinsed, wiped, and/or washed, etc.
In some embodiments, filter 720 includes, but not limited to, a filter screen. In some embodiments, the mesh number of the filter screen is not restricted, and can be set as suitable or required by the system. In some embodiments, one-stage filtration can be used, and filter 720 is set on air outlet passage 734 of container 730, or air inlet section 522 of dehumidification device 750. In some embodiments, two-stage or multi-stage filtration can also be used. In some embodiments, a filter 720 is provided on air outlet passage 734 of container 30 and air inlet section 522 of dehumidifier apparatus 750 to enhance the filtering effect.
In some embodiments, filter self-cleaning device 740 is used to automatically clean filter 720 to ensure that the filtering function of filter 720 functions properly. In some embodiments, the cleaning method of filter self-cleaning device 740 includes liquid spray, vibration, blowing, scraping, or sweeping. In some embodiments, filter self-cleaning device 740 includes a spray mechanism for spraying at filter 720, a vibration mechanism for vibrating filter 720 (e.g., a vibration motor is used to vibrate the filter screen), an air blowing mechanism for blowing at filter 720, and/or a scraping mechanism for scraping the filter 720. In some embodiments, the air blowing mechanism includes a reverse air flow generated by the reversed rotation of fan 526 of moisture absorption passage 520. For example, the direction of the reverse air flow through filter 720 during cleaning has an opposite direction from the air flow through filter 720 during drying. In some embodiments, when fan 526 is arranged in air inlet section 522 of moisture absorption passage 520, the effect is better. In some embodiments, a fan for generating reverse air flow for blowing at filter 720 can be a separate and different fan from fan 526. In some embodiments, the scraping mechanism includes a scraper that can be manpowered, or an electric scraper. For example, when it is detected according to the sensor signal that filter 720 is blocked to a certain extent, the control system controls the electric scraper to scrape along the absorption surface of filter 720 to remove the lint and other debris absorbed thereon. In some embodiments, the controller of the laundry machine can control filter self-cleaning device 740 to proactively and automatically clean filter 720 as suitable.
Taking the liquid spraying method as an example, in some embodiments, the spray mechanism of filter self-cleaning device 740 includes a nozzle 742 and a water supply system 744 for supplying water to the nozzle. In some embodiments, nozzle 742 is facing filter 720, and water supply system 744 is connected to the water inlet water circuit (not shown) of the laundry machine through a switch such as a valve (not shown). The switch may be turned on or off through the controller of the laundry machine. In some embodiments, nozzle 742 of the spray mechanism of filter self-cleaning device 740 is arranged on the side of filter 720 close to dehumidification device 750 (e.g., the side away from the air outlet of container 730). Foreign matters, such as fluff, discharged from container 730 is usually absorbed on the side of filter 720 that is away from dehumidification device 750 (e.g., the side close to the air outlet of container 730). Accordingly, the direction in which the fluid, such as water, sprayed by the spray mechanism of filter self-cleaning device 740 flows through filter 720 is opposite to the direction in which the airflow discharged from container 730 flows through filter 720. In this way, the fluid sprayed by the spray mechanism of filter self-cleaning device 740 can easily make the fluff absorbed on filter 720 detached from filter 720 and enter the drainage passage of laundry machine 700 together with the water flow to be discharged from the laundry machine. For example, when filter 720, such as the filter screen, is inclined in the air outlet channel of container 730 or air inlet section 522 of moisture absorption passage 520, nozzle 742 of the spray mechanism is disposed on the side of the filter screen close to dehumidification device 750 and located above the middle line of the filter screen, so that the liquid sprayed from nozzle 744 can cover the entire filter screen as much as possible, to effectively clean the filter screen. It some embodiments, the filter screen can be arranged horizontally, vertically, partially inclined and partially vertical, or partially horizontal and partially inclined, etc. The spraying direction of nozzle 742 can be set to facilitate spraying to the full area of filter 720 as much as possible when starting the self-cleaning process.
In some embodiments, when using the liquid spraying method, filter 720 and filter self-cleaning device 740 can be arranged in air inlet section 522 of the dehumidification channel. The fluid after cleaning can pass from air inlet section 522 of moisture absorption passage 520, through air outlet passage 734 of one of containers 730 that is connected to air inlet section 522, flow toward the drainage passage of the connected container 730, and then discharge from laundry machine 700. For example, when containers 730 are stacked vertically up and down, during the cleaning process or after cleaning is completed, container 730 in the lower part is connected to air inlet section 522 of moisture absorption passage 520, while the connection between container 730 in the upper part and air inlet section 522 of moisture absorption passage 520 is cut off by second switching mechanisms 792 and 794. For example, when the clothes in upper container 730 in
In some embodiments, during the drying process of the upper container 730, second switching mechanism 792 connects air outlet passage 734 of the upper container 730 with air inlet section 522 of dehumidification device 750, while second switching mechanism 792 also cuts off the connection between air outlet passage 734 of the lower container 730 and air inlet section 522 of dehumidification device 750. When filter 720 is sprayed and cleaned, second switching mechanism 794 is controlled to open for a short time to discharge the sprayed water to the lower container 730 or the drainage passage. During the drying process of the lower container 730, second switching mechanism 792 cuts off the connection between air outlet passage 734 of the upper container 730 and air inlet section 522 of dehumidification device 750, while second switching mechanism 794 keeps the connection between air outlet passage 734 of the lower container 730 and air inlet section 522 of dehumidification device 750, so that the air flow of the lower container 730 can pass through filter 720 and flow to dehumidification device 750, and the liquid used for spraying and cleaning filter 720 flows to the lower container 730 or the drainage passage in the opposite direction of that of the above air flow.
In some embodiments, when using the liquid spraying method, filter 720 and filter self-cleaning device 740 can also be arranged on air outlet passage 734 of container 730. For example, filter 720 and filter self-cleaning device 740 can be arranged on air outlet passage 734 of each container 730. The liquid after cleaning can pass through air outlet passage 734 of the corresponding container 730 and then be discharged through the drain passage of the container 730.
In some embodiments, the water flow of filter self-cleaning device 740 can flow to the water storage bucket or the drainage pipeline of one of the containers 30 through a separately provided fluid pipeline, such as the water storage bucket or the drainage pipeline of the lowermost container 730. In this case, a second switching mechanism can be provided at the junction of air outlet passage 734 of the upper container 730 and air outlet passage 734 of the lower container 730, so that the connection between air outlet passage 734 of the upper and lower containers 730 and air inlet section 522 of dehumidification device 750 can be either connected or switched off.
In some embodiments, the cleaning frequency can be set. For example, filter 720 is cleaned after each dehumidification treatment of the laundry. Filter 720 may also be cleaned after multiple dehumidification treatments. Parameters such as spray time and spray water speed for each cleaning process can also be set. The spray time and spray water speed for each cleaning process can be fixed or adjustable. For example, if filter 720 is cleaned after each dehumidification treatment, the spraying time can be relatively short and the speed of water spraying can be relatively slow. If filter 720 is cleaned after multiple dehumidification treatments, the spraying time can be relatively long and the speed of spraying water can also be relatively fast. A sensor can be set on filter 720, and when it is sensed that filter 720 is more blocked, e.g., when an air pressure on the pipeline drops to a certain threshold, indicating that filter 720 is clogged seriously, the controller of the laundry machine can increase the spraying time and/or the speed of the spraying water of the spraying mechanism, thereby increasing the cleaning strength.
In some embodiments, container 730 for containing clothes may be a clothes containing tub of a washing machine or a clothes containing tub of a dryer. In some embodiments, at least two containers 730 for containing clothes can be stacked vertically on top of each other or horizontally. In some embodiments, laundry machine 700 of
Some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a method for using the laundry machine. The method includes the following steps.
In the dehumidification step, dehumidification device 750 is fluidly connected to one of the containers 730 and dehumidifies the clothes contained therein. The air flow out of the connected container 730 enters dehumidification device 750 after passing through filter assembly 770.
In the cleaning step, filter self-cleaning device 740 cleans filter 720.
In some embodiments, the dehumidification step further includes: controlling the temperature of the airflow entering container 730 after being discharged from dehumidification device 750 to be lower than a predetermined temperature. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor can be provided near the air inlet of container 730. When the sensor senses that the temperature of the airflow entering the air inlet of container 730 is higher than the predetermined temperature, such as 75° C., the controller will control the heating temperature of heater 542, such as reducing the heating temperature, thereby reducing the temperature of the airflow entering the moisture exhaust area, so as to reduce the temperature of the moisture absorption and moisture exhaust member 560, and reduce the temperature of the airflow flowing out of the moisture absorption area and entering container 730.
In some embodiments, filter self-cleaning device 740 can clean filter 720 by spraying, blowing, vibrating, or scraping, etc.
In some embodiments, laundry machine 700 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure has at least the following features and benefits.
Multiple containers share the same dehumidification device 750, which can simplify the structure of laundry machine 700, reduce the overall height or width of the laundry machine 700, thereby reducing the volume and cost of the entire device. The use of filters can prevent foreign matter, such as flying fluff, from entering the inside of dehumidification device 750, or covering the surface of dehumidification device 750, which can affect the dehumidification effect. In some embodiments, filter assembly 770 includes a filter self-cleaning device 740 used to automatically clean filter 720 to ensure that the filter function of filter 720 does not degrade with the extension of use time, thereby providing strong protection and extend the life of dehumidification device 750.
In some embodiments, the moisture absorption passage is a passage that allows airflow generated by a fan (e.g., circulation fan 1210) to flow from drum 1302 to an area on moisture absorption and removal structure for absorbing the moisture contained in the airflow. In some embodiments shown in
In some embodiments, the moisture removal passage is a passage that allows airflow driven by a fan (e.g., regeneration fan 1220) to flow through the roller assembly 1900, e.g., after moisture absorption area 1240 rotates to moisture removal area 1250 or after heated by heating section 1150, towards one or more components disposed in the moisture removal passage to remove the moisture from moisture removal area 1250 of roller assembly 1900. In some embodiments shown in
In some embodiments, dehumidifier 1100 includes a connector 1180 extending from a casing coupled to at least a portion of roller section 1140 (e.g., a roller upper casing 1170 of
In some embodiments, regeneration fan 1220 (similar to regeneration fan 205) is configured to form moisture exhaust airflow in a regeneration passage. In some embodiments, moisture absorption area 1240 is disposed in the moisture absorption passage, and the circulating airflow passes through moisture absorption area 1240. In some embodiments, moisture removal area 1250 is disposed in the regeneration passage, and the moisture exhaust airflow passes through moisture removal area 1250. In some embodiments, a portion of roller assembly 1900 disposed in moisture absorption area 1240 is configured to absorb moisture from the circulating airflow in the moisture absorption passage. When this portion with absorbed moisture rotates to moisture removal area 1250, the absorbed moisture is discharged through the moisture exhaust airflow. In some embodiments, after the moisture is removed and discharged, and when this “regenerated” portion of roller assembly 1900 rotates back to moisture absorption area 1240, it is capable of absorbing more moisture from the circulating airflow.
In some embodiments, roller section 1140 can be divided into more than two zones, such as three zones. For example, in addition to moisture absorption area 1240 (e.g., dehumidification area) and moisture removal area 1250 (e.g., regeneration area or heating area), a fan-shaped cooling zone (not shown) can also be placed downstream of the regeneration area. Accordingly, the heated air exiting the regeneration area (after being heated) can subsequently pass through the cooling zone, to reach the moisture absorption zone, so as to improve dehumidification effect.
In some embodiments, more than one roller, such as two rollers can be used for alternately performing the moisture absorption and regeneration processes. Accordingly, an air inlet and an air outlet will be provided on the drum for each of the two or more rollers. In some embodiments, one pair of air inlet and air outlet is provided on the drum, and the air inlet and air outlet are branched into two pipelines connected to the two rollers respectively. In some embodiments, while the first roller performs moisture absorption, the second roller performs the moisture removal (regeneration process). In some embodiments, when a predetermined switching mechanism is triggered, such as a predefined time period, or it is detected that the moisture absorption roller is saturated, the airflow path is switched through the switching mechanism to start the first roller for moisture removal, and the second roller for moisture absorption.
In some embodiments, instead of using a rotational roller, other types of moisture absorption and removal structure(s) can be used, such as crawler transmission for transmitting from moisture absorption channel to moisture removal channel, or a planar moisture absorption and moisture removal components that perform reciprocating motion. For example, moisture absorption channels and moisture removal channels can be alternately distributed on a plane. By applying a translation movement of the moisture absorption and removal structure relative to the two channels, the absorption part and removal part can perform moisture absorption and moisture removal processes, respectively, and these two parts can alternatively perform during the translation movement. After the translation occurs, the moisture absorption and moisture removal processes are alternatingly performed to different areas.
In some embodiments, in a circular moisture absorption and removal structure, the driving mechanism can drive the circular structure to rotate relative to the moisture absorption channel and the regeneration channel, or drive the moisture absorption channel and the regeneration channel to rotate relative to the rotating disk. In some embodiments, when the moisture absorption and removal structure includes a belt, the driving mechanism can drive the belt to perform a linear motion (or a translation movement) relative to the moisture absorption channel and the regeneration channel, or drive the moisture absorption channel and the regeneration channel to perform linear motion relative to the belt. In some embodiments, two or more moisture absorption members may be provided, and the driving mechanism is used to drive different moisture absorption members (or drive the moisture absorption channel and the regeneration channel), so that different moisture absorption members are alternately located on the moisture absorption channel and the regeneration channel.
In some embodiments, in order to minimize the height of laundry machine 1300, two or more parts of dehumidifier 1100 placed on top of the rotary drum 1302, including roller section 1140 including moisture absorption area 1240 and moisture removal area 1250 (or regeneration area), circulation section 1110 including circulation fan 1210, regeneration section 1120 including regeneration fan 1220, and/or condensing section 1130 including condenser 1230, are disposed within a plane, e.g., a horizontal plane substantially parallel to the ground, or a vertical plane substantially perpendicular to the ground. In some embodiments, roller section 1140 including roller assembly 1900 is disposed adjacent to at least one of circulation section 1110 including circulation fan 1210, regeneration section 1120 including regeneration fan 1220, and condensing section 1130 including the condenser 1230. For example, these four components may be all adject to each other. In another example, roller assembly 1900 (or a moisture absorption and removal structure in other shape) is adjacent to each of circulation section 1110 including circulation fan 1210, regeneration section 1120 including regeneration fan 1220, and condensing section 1130 including the condenser 1230, as shown in one embodiment in
In some embodiments, two or more rotation axes of two or more rotational parts of roller assembly 1900 (
In some embodiments, the overall height of the laundry machine is related to a combined dimension of the diameter of rotatory drum 1302 and the thickness of dehumidifier 1100 (including the shell containing dehumidifier 1100) placed above the rotatory drum. In some embodiments, the overall width or the overall depth of the laundry machine is related to a combined dimension of the diameter of rotatory drum 1302 and the diameter of roller section 1140. In some embodiments, circulation fan 1210, regeneration fan 1220, and/or condenser 1230 are disposed in one or more corners between the outer shell and the rotary drum 1302 of laundry machine 1300, to provide more compact design of the laundry machine. In some embodiments, circulation fan 1210, regeneration fan 1220, condenser 1230, the water pipelines connecting different parts, air pipelines connecting different parts, and/or electrical wires connecting different parts can be arranged in suitable horizontal or vertical space for more compact design without compromising the performance.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, lower casing 1160 of dehumidifier 1100 is a continuous and integrated shell. In some embodiments, lower casing 1160 includes a plurality of mounting brackets 1190 for mounting and fixing the entire module of dehumidifier 1100 to the frame of the laundry machine (e.g., as illustrated in
In some embodiments, roller assembly 1900 includes a peripheral upper casing 1910, a peripheral damper 1912, a roller 1914, a peripheral lower casing 1916, a sealing ring 1918, an upper center member 1920, a center damping member 1922, and a lower center member 1924. In some embodiments, roller 1914 is made of a molecular sieve, or at least a center area of roller 1914 includes a molecular sieve (e.g., a moisture absorption disk) for absorbing moisture in the humid air. In some embodiments, peripheral upper casing 1910 is coupled to peripheral lower casing 1916 using a suitable method, such as snapping, clamping, screwing, or gluing etc., and roller 1914 is contained and fixed there between to form roller assembly 1900.
In some embodiments, peripheral damper 1912 includes any suitable damping material, such as a foam ring, and is attached to the outer peripheral of roller 1914, to form a buffer between the outer ring of roller 1914 and the inner surfaces of peripheral upper casing 1910 and peripheral lower casing 1916 to avoid direct friction or collision between roller 1914 (e.g., the molecular sieve) and peripheral upper casing 1910 and peripheral lower casing 1916 during rotation to cause damage.
In some embodiments as shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, sealing ring 1918 is formed of a suitable sealing material, such as foam, softer rubber, wool felt, etc. and with small resistance during rotation. In some embodiments, sealing ring 1918 seals the joint of peripheral upper casing 1910 and peripheral lower casing 1916. In some embodiments, when roller assembly 1900 rotates, sealing ring 1918 also forms a sealing and a buffer between roller assembly 1900 and a sealing ring 1928 on lower casing 1160 during rotation, so that most of the moisture air coming from rotary drum 1302 of laundry machine 1300 can pass through roller 1914 to be absorbed by the molecular sieve. The rolling seal can prevent air leak through the gap between the outer circumference of roller 1914 and the inner circumference of roller area 1660 on lower casing 1160. In some embodiments, sealing ring 1918 is used for sealing a gap between an inner surface of the lower casing 1160 and peripheral upper casing 1910 and/or peripheral lower casing 1916.
In some embodiments, upper center member 1920 and lower center member 1924 pass through the center hole of roller 1914, and can be coupled together by a suitable method such as snapping, bolting, gluing, etc., to form a rotational connection with a shaft 1926 extending from roller area 1660 on lower casing 1160. In some embodiments, central damping member 1922 can be provided between lower center member 1924 and roller 1914.
In some embodiments as shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments as shown in
In some embodiments, the driving transmission is mainly through coordinated motion between gear teeth, pulleys, belts, etc. As shown in
In some embodiments, roller area 1660 includes partitioning or dividing members 2110, such as brackets, for dividing roller area 1660 of lower casing 1160 into moisture absorption area 1240 (e.g., the dehumidification area) and moisture removal area 1250 (e.g., the regeneration area). In some embodiments, upper casings, such as a separate circulating fan upper casing (e.g., volute casing 1620), or condenser upper casing are also provided.
In some embodiments, roller area 1660 of lower casing 1160 includes a divider 2100 for separating the airflow circulated within roller assembly 1900. In some embodiments, an air outlet of circulation fan 1210 is coupled to an air inlet 1649 of roller section 1140 located on roller area 1660 of lower casing 1160 for forming airflow communication between circulation section 1110 and roller section 1140. Roller section 1140 may include an air outlet 1647 at a casing (e.g., roller upper casing 1170 of
In some embodiments, heat insulator 2240 is disposed on sealant 2230 (e.g., made of foam, silica gel, or soft glue). For example, sealant 2230 is in direct contact with heating area upper casing 2210 and the heating section 1150. Heat insulator 2240 in combination with sealant 2230 can separate moisture absorption area 1240 and moisture removal area 1250 (e.g., regeneration area), and allow the regeneration air flow to smoothly pass through roller 1914. In some embodiments, sealant 2230 is installed to have a distance between 0.2 mm and 2 mm from roller 1914, such as 0.8 mm, so that while having a certain sealing effect, during the rotation of roller 1914, roller 1914 does not directly contact sealant 2230 to increase the rotational resistance. In some embodiments, heat insulator 2240 can form a heat transmission buffer so that heating section 1150 is not in direct contact with the plastic roller upper casing 1170, which can be deformed or burned by the heat for a long time.
In some embodiments, the airflow enters from side 2410 from the regeneration airflow passage, passes radially across mesh plate 2420, and flows down toward heating elements 2450 through a plurality of air holes 2430 on mesh plate 2420. The heated airflow then flows to the regeneration area of the roller, thus having the effect of heating and dehumidification at the regeneration area (e.g., moisture removal). In some embodiments, air holes 2430 are distributed to have reduced diameters inward along the radius. In some embodiments, the airflow can enter heating section 1150 from a different side, such as a side 2409 as shown in
In some embodiments, heating elements 2450 are distributed next to mesh plate 2420, e.g., in close proximity, so as not to form a large resistance for the airflow passing through air holes 2430. In some embodiments, heating elements 2450 are placed next to the air holes 2430 and with an offset inward along the radius, so that when the airflow blows inward along the radius and passes through air holes 2430, a speed can be generated along the radius pointed by the arrow, and the offset can make the airflow passing through air holes 2430 facing the heating elements 2450.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, instead of using heating regeneration methods, other types of regeneration methods can be used, such as ultrasonic regeneration, microwave regeneration, etc. When using another type of regeneration method, a corresponding change to the roller material can adopted. In some embodiments, lithium chloride, zeolite, modified silica gel, etc. are moisture absorption roller materials, and are suitable for heating generation process. In some embodiments, silica gel can be used for ultrasonic regeneration. In some embodiments, roller materials can also include activated alumina, Molecular Sieve 13X (e.g., sodium type) molecular sieve, etc. In some embodiments, moisture absorption can include a container containing liquid solvent, gel, or solid agents for absorbing water.
In some embodiments, the main principle of condensation is that when the hot and humid air encounters a low-temperature object, such as cooling water running in the pipelines of condenser 1230, the moisture in the hot and humid air gets condensed into water. In some embodiments shown in
In some embodiments, in addition to one condenser placed in the regeneration passage, a second condenser or a condensing member can also be arranged between the air outlet of the rotary drum of the laundry machine and the roller, so as to first condense the hot and humid airflow with a relatively high temperature exhaust from the drum to reduce the water content, and then use roller for the moisture absorption process.
In some embodiments, an air exhaust passage 2850 is connected to air outlet of the drum. Driven by the circulating fan, the humid air in the drum is introduced into the dehumidification area of the roller for dehumidification. In some embodiments, a filter screen is arranged in the exhaust passage 2850 for intercepting and filtering the fluff that may be generated in the drum when washing or drying clothes, so as to prevent the fluff from entering and blocking the roller area to affect the dehumidification effect. In some embodiments, if the fluff gets adhered to the dehumidification area on the roller, the fluff may further be brought into the regeneration area due to the rotation of the roller. Because the regeneration area has a heating mechanism, the fluff may be ignited.
In some embodiments, self-cleaning water flows from water inlet 2910, through nozzle 2920, gets sprayed toward filter screen 2900. Meanwhile, moisture from the drum flows in an opposite direction. For example, the moisture flow first passes through one surface of the filter screen 2900 (which can be defined as the filter surface, used to intercept fluff, etc.), and then goes through the filter screen 2900, and continue to go up to the roller moisture absorption area. In some embodiments, the self-cleaning water flows out of water inlet 2910, reaches nozzle 2920, and flows through nozzle extension 2930, to rinse filter screen 2900 to wash away the fluff adhered to it. As shown in
In some embodiments, after rinsing filter screen 2900, the self-cleaning water flows to the drain port of the laundry machine to be discharged out of the laundry machine. In some embodiments, this drain port can be used for discharging self-cleaning water only. In some embodiments, this drain port can be a water outlet combined with the drain port of the drum of the laundry machine.
In some embodiments, the air exhaust passage 2850 can also extend from the rear left to the front left of the drum, and other structures can be modified accordingly. For example, the filter screen may be manual removed. Because the filter screen is taken out manually, the filter screen box with the filter screen can be placed on a certain part of the front panel of the laundry machine, and at least a part of the air intake pipeline is close to the front panel of the laundry machine.
A laundry machine is provided and includes:
In some embodiments, the circulation fan and the condenser are disposed adjacent to and on opposite sides of the regeneration fan.
In some embodiments, the moisture absorption and removal structure is disposed in a common plane with at least one of the circulation fan, the regeneration fan, and the condenser.
In some embodiments, the circulation fan, the moisture absorption and removal structure, the regeneration fan, and the condenser are disposed in a common plane.
In some embodiments, the moisture absorption and removal structure includes a roller assembly.
In some embodiments, two or more of respective rotation axes of the circulation fan, the roller assembly, and the regeneration fan in the dehumidifier are parallel to each other.
In some embodiments, the roller assembly further includes:
In some embodiments, wherein the roller assembly further includes:
In some embodiments, one or more of respective rotation axes of the circulation fan, the roller assembly, and the regeneration fan in the dehumidifier are perpendicular to a rotation axis of the container.
In some embodiments, one or more of respective rotation axes of the circulation fan, the roller assembly, and the regeneration fan in the dehumidifier are parallel to a rotation axis of the container.
In some embodiments, the laundry machine further includes
In some embodiments, the lower casing is a single integrated part.
In some embodiments, the moisture absorption and removal structure includes a moisture absorption area and a moisture removal area;
In some embodiments, the dehumidifier further includes a moisture absorption passage, wherein the moisture absorption area is disposed on the moisture absorption passage, and wherein the moisture absorption passage is configured to flow airflow generated by the circulation fan from the container to the moisture absorption area.
In some embodiments, the dehumidifier further includes a moisture removal passage, wherein the moisture removal area is disposed on the moisture removal passage, and wherein the moisture removal passage is configured to flow airflow generated by the regeneration fan to flow toward the condenser for removing moisture in the airflow.
In some embodiments, the heating section includes a plurality of heating elements placed adjacent a plurality of air holes in a mesh plate.
In some embodiments, the heating section has a fan-shaped structure, and the plurality of air holes have respective diameters reducing along a radius direction toward a center of the fan-shaped structure.
In some embodiments, the plurality of heating elements are disposed adjacent the plurality of air holes and with an offset along the radius direction toward the center of the fan-shaped structure.
In some embodiments, the laundry machine further includes
In some embodiments, the dehumidifier further includes:
for containing one or more parts of the dehumidifier.
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further includes:
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further includes:
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further includes: a filtering part disposed on the moisture absorption passage, the filtering part being disposed at upstream of the moisture absorption component.
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further includes: a filtering part disposed on the regeneration passage.
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further includes: the moisture absorption passage further includes a heating member.
In some embodiments, the moisture absorption component includes a moisture absorption rotary disc and a heating assembly,
In some embodiments, the heating assembly includes a cover, wherein the cover covers the regeneration area of the moisture absorption rotary disc, a part of the cover corresponding to the regeneration area includes an opening coupled with the regeneration passage, and the cover includes a regeneration heating portion.
In some embodiments, the moisture absorption rotary disc includes a moisture absorption roller and a rotary part coupled to the moisture absorption roller, and wherein a shell covers an outside the moisture absorption rotary disc, and the moisture absorption rotary disc is configured to rotate relative to the shell when driven by the rotary part; the shell is respectively connected to the moisture absorption passage and the regeneration passage.
In some embodiments, a condensing member is disposed on the regeneration passage, and the condensing member is configured to cool the dehumidification airflow in the regeneration passage to dry the dehumidification air flow.
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further includes a controller, wherein a temperature sensor is disposed in the moisture absorption passage, and the controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and a heating member; and wherein the controller is configured to control the heating member to be switched on or switched off according to a detected temperature of the temperature sensor.
In some embodiments, a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the inner drum is disposed in the inner drum.
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further includes two or more of the humidity sensors, wherein the temperature sensor is located at a different position than the humidity sensors of the inner drum.
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further includes a housing;
In some embodiments, the integrated washer dryer further includes a housing,
A laundry machine is provided and includes
In some embodiments, the laundry machine further includes:
In some embodiments, the dehumidification device selectively communicates with one of the plurality of containers in fluid communication through a switching mechanism.
In some embodiments, the dehumidification device includes a moisture absorption channel, a moisture removal channel, and a moisture absorption and moisture removal member, the moisture absorption and moisture removal member includes a moisture absorption area that communicates with the moisture absorption channel and a moisture removal area that communicates with the moisture removal channel;
In some embodiments, the laundry machine further includes a switching structure including a first switching mechanism and a second switching mechanism, the air inlet passage of the selected container being connected with the air outlet section of the moisture absorption channel through the first switching mechanism, and the air outlet passage of the selected container is connected with the air inlet section of the moisture absorption channel through the second switching mechanism.
In some embodiments, the filter and the filter self-cleaning device are arranged in the air inlet section of the dehumidification device and between the second switching mechanism and the moisture absorption and moisture removal member.
In some embodiments, the second switching mechanism is placed at a joint between the air inlet section of the dehumidification device and the air outlet passage of the container; or
In some embodiments, the filter self-cleaning device includes a spray mechanism for spraying the filter; or
In some embodiments, a direction in which the fluid of the spray mechanism flows through the filter is opposite to a direction of the airflow through the filter; or
In some embodiments, a nozzle of the spray mechanism is arranged above a centerline of the filter; or
In some embodiments, the plurality of containers include an upper tub and a lower tub stacked on top of each other, and the dehumidification device is located between the upper tub and the lower tub, above the upper tub, or below the lower tub.
In some embodiments, the upper tub and the lower tub are both inner tubs of the laundry machine; or
A method of operating a laundry machine is provided and the laundry machine includes a housing including a plurality of containers for holding laundry, a dehumidification device, and a filter assembly between the dehumidification device and the plurality of containers, the filter assembly including a filter and a filter self-cleaning device, the method includes:
In some embodiment, the filter self-cleaning device cleans the filter by a spraying method, a blowing method, a vibration method, or a scraping method.
It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not necessarily limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the above description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the examples. The disclosed embodiments are capable of variations, or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed devices and systems. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed devices and systems. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202111023112.5 | Sep 2021 | CN | national |
| 202111450553.3 | Nov 2021 | CN | national |
| PCTCN2022116142 | Aug 2022 | WO | international |
| PCTCN2022116242 | Aug 2022 | WO | international |
| PCTCN2022116387 | Aug 2022 | WO | international |
This application a U.S. National Stage of International Application No. PCT/IB2022/058200, filed on Sep. 1, 2022, entitled “DRYING SYSTEM AND LAUNDRY MACHINES USING THE SAME”, which claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202111023112.5, filed on Sep. 1, 2021, Chinese Patent Application No. CN202111450553.3, filed on Nov. 30, 2021, a PCT International Application No. PCT/CN2022/116142, filed on Aug. 31, 2022, a PCT International Application No. PCT/CN2022/116242, filed on Aug. 31, 2022, and a PCT International Application No. PCT/CN2022/116387, filed on Aug. 31, 2022, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2022/058200 | 9/1/2022 | WO |
