EP4692440A1

EP4692440A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: EP4692440A1
Application number: EP25172200.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yinghua Chen
Original assignee: Xiaomi Smart Appliances Wuhan Co Ltd; Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co Ltd; Xiaomi Technology Wuhan Co Ltd
Current assignee: Xiaomi Smart Appliances Wuhan Co Ltd; Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co Ltd; Xiaomi Technology Wuhan Co Ltd
Priority date: 2024-08-08
Filing date: 2025-04-24
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: CN121496694A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine. The washing machine includes an outer frame, a first cylinder, a second cylinder, an exhaust structure, and a drying structure. An accommodation space is provided in the outer frame. The first cylinder is located above the second cylinder. The drying structure and the exhaust structure are provided on two portions of an outer side wall of the first cylinder that are arranged back-to-back along a left-right direction. The first cylinder is formed with an exhaust port and a drying port. The exhaust structure is communicated with the exhaust port to discharge water from the first cylinder. The drying structure is communicated with the drying port and is capable of delivering hot air into the first cylinder. The clothes in the first cylinder can be dried by using the drying structure, improving the drying efficiency.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the technology field of washing equipment and, specifically, to a washing machine.

BACKGROUND

With the continuous development of the household appliance technology, the drying function is added to the washing machine in order to quickly dry clothes in a humid environment.
In the related art, two zones are provided in the washing machine, and each of the zones is provided with a drum. One drum is used for washing, and the other drum is used for drying. Such a washing machine having the structure of two zones has a large volume and occupies more space. When drying is performed, it is required to transfer the clothes from one drum to another drum, and the efficiency of drying is low.

SUMMARY

In order to overcome the problems in the related art, the present disclosure provides a washing machine to solve the technical problems in the related art.
In embodiments of the present disclosure, a washing machine is provided, where the washing machine includes an outer frame, a first cylinder, a second cylinder, an exhaust structure, and a drying structure; where an accommodation space is provided in the outer frame; and the first cylinder, the second cylinder, the exhaust structure, and the drying structure are all provided in the accommodation space;

an axis of the first cylinder and an axis of the second cylinder are both arranged to extend along a front-rear direction, the first cylinder is located above the second cylinder, and the drying structure and the exhaust structure are provided on two portions of an outer side wall of the first cylinder that are arranged back-to-back along a left-right direction; and
the first cylinder is formed with an exhaust port and a drying port, the exhaust structure is communicated with the exhaust port to discharge water from the first cylinder, and the drying structure is communicated with the drying port and is capable of delivering hot air into the first cylinder.

In some embodiments, the drying structure includes a fan, a drying channel and a heating member, where the drying channel is provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder in an extending manner along the front-rear direction, the fan is provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder, a first end of the drying channel is communicated with the fan, a second end of the drying channel is communicated with the drying port, and the heating member is provided in the drying channel;

the exhaust structure includes an exhaust pipe and a drainage ventilation box, where a ventilation chamber is provided in the drainage ventilation box, the drainage ventilation box is provided with an air inlet port and an external exhaust port communicated with the ventilation chamber, the exhaust pipe is provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder in an extending manner along the front-rear direction and is communicated with the exhaust port and the air inlet port, and the external exhaust port is configured to communicate with an external atmosphere; and
the drainage ventilation box is provided at a rear side of the first cylinder and is spaced apart from the first cylinder along the front-rear direction.

In some embodiments, the first cylinder includes a door seal and a cylinder body, an axis of the cylinder body is arranged to extend along the front-rear direction, an opening is formed at a front end of the cylinder body, and the door seal is connected to the front end of the cylinder body and exposes the opening;

the drying structure and the exhaust structure are provided on two portions of an outer side wall of the cylinder body that are arranged back-to-back along the left-right direction;
the door seal is formed with a through air inlet channel extending along the left-right direction, a first end of the air inlet channel is constructed as the drying port and is communicated with an interior of the cylinder body, and a second end of the air inlet channel is communicated with the second end of the drying channel.

In some embodiments, the exhaust port is formed on a side wall of the first cylinder located a side of the first cylinder along the left-right direction, and the exhaust pipe is integrally provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder and is communicated with the exhaust port;

the exhaust port is provided at a rear side edge of the side wall of the first cylinder, and the exhaust pipe is provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder in a protruding manner along the left-right direction, and protrudes rearwardly from a rear cylinder wall of the first cylinder; and
a lower end of the drainage ventilation box protrudes downwardly from a lower end of the first cylinder, and an upper end of the drainage ventilation box is provided flush with an upper end of the first cylinder.

In some embodiments, the outer frame includes a first frame side plate, a second frame side plate and a frame rear plate;

the first frame side plate and the second frame side plate are provided opposite to each other along the left-right direction and is spaced apart from each other along the left-right direction, and the frame rear plate is connected between the first frame side plate and the second frame side plate to enclose the accommodation space, the axis of the second cylinder is provided at a middle position of the first frame side plate and the second frame side plate along the left-right direction, and the axis of the first cylinder is spaced apart from the axis of the second cylinder along the left-right direction; and
the first cylinder is provided adjacent to the first frame side plate in the left-right direction, the exhaust structure is located between the first cylinder and the first frame side plate, and the drying structure is provided at a side of the first cylinder away from the first frame side plate.

In some embodiments, the exhaust pipe includes an exhaust pipe body and a front end plate, where the exhaust pipe body is provided through along the front-rear direction, and the exhaust pipe body is connected to the outer side wall of the first cylinder, the front end plate connects the outer side wall of the first cylinder and a front end of the exhaust pipe body, thereby sealing the front end of the exhaust pipe body, a side pipe wall of the exhaust pipe body in the left-right direction is formed with a ventilation notch communicated with the exhaust port, and a rear end of the exhaust pipe body is communicated with the air inlet port.
In some embodiments, the front end plate is formed with a guiding slope, where the guiding slope is arranged angularly relative to the outer side wall of the first cylinder, and the guiding slope is arranged to extend rearwardly in a direction away from the first cylinder.
In some embodiments, the exhaust structure further includes a connection pipe, where the connection pipe is arranged to extend along the front-rear direction, a front end of the connection pipe is detachably communicated with a rear end of the exhaust pipe, and a rear end of the connection pipe is detachably communicated with the air inlet port.
In some embodiments, the exhaust structure further includes a first clamp and a second clamp, and an air inlet pipe is provided at the air inlet port;

the connection pipe is constructed as a rubber pipe, the front end of the rubber pipe is detachably connected to the rear end of the exhaust pipe via the first clamp, and the rear end of the rubber pipe is detachably connected to the air inlet pipe via the second clamp; and
an axis of the exhaust pipe, an axis of the connection pipe, and an axis of the air inlet port are collinearly arranged along the front-rear direction.

In some embodiments, the drainage ventilation box includes a first shell, a second shell and a third shell; and the ventilation chamber includes a first exhaust channel and a second exhaust channel communicated with each other;

the first shell is provided with the through first exhaust channel, the second shell is provided with the external exhaust port, and the third shell is provided with the through second exhaust channel;
the third shell and the second shell are provided at two sides of the first shell; and
a first end of the second exhaust channel is constructed as the air inlet port and is communicated with the exhaust pipe, a second end of the second exhaust channel is communicated with a first end of the first exhaust channel, and a second end of the first exhaust channel is communicated with the external exhaust port.

In some embodiments, the drainage ventilation box further includes an air inlet pipe, an external exhaust pipe, a defoaming pipe body, and a defoaming pipe head, where the air inlet pipe is connected to an outer wall of the third shell and is communicated with the air inlet port, the air inlet pipe is communicated with the exhaust pipe, and the external exhaust pipe is connected to an outer wall of the second shell and is communicated with the external exhaust port; and

the first cylinder is formed with a first defoaming hole, the third shell is formed with a second defoaming hole, the second defoaming hole is communicated with the second exhaust channel, and the defoaming pipe head is connected to the outer wall of the third shell and is communicated with the second defoaming hole; and
one end of the defoaming pipe body is communicated with the first defoaming hole, and another end of the defoaming pipe body is communicated with the defoaming pipe head.

The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following beneficial effects. Firstly, the outer frame is capable of effectively protecting the first cylinder, the second cylinder, the exhaust structure, and the drying structure. Secondly, the drying structure and the exhaust structure are provided on the two portions of the outer side wall of the first cylinder that are arranged back-to-back along the left-right direction, and drain water away from the first cylinder and dry the first cylinder respectively. The first cylinder is capable of working independently of the second cylinder. After the clothes in the first cylinder are washed, the clothes do not need to be taken out and put into another drying cylinder for drying. The clothes in the first cylinder can be dried by using the drying structure, improving the drying efficiency.
It should be understood that the above general description and the subsequent detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, and are used in conjunction with the specification to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first cylinder, an exhaust structure and a drying structure of a washing machine illustrated in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a first cylinder and an exhaust structure of a washing machine illustrated in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a first cylinder, a drying structure, and an exhaust pipe of an exhaust structure of a washing machine illustrated in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a drying structure and a door seal of a first cylinder of a washing machine illustrated in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a drainage ventilation box illustrated in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic structural diagrams of a first shell of a drainage ventilation box illustrated in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic structural diagrams of a second shell of a drainage ventilation box illustrated in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a third shell of a drainage ventilation box illustrated in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams of a partial structure of a washing machine illustrated in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Description of reference numerals

10, housing; 101, external exhaust port; 102, air inlet port; 103, external drainage port; 104, water inlet port; 1041, first water inlet port; 1042, second water inlet port; 105, first shell; 1051, first base plate; 1052, first side enclosing plate; 106, second shell; 107, separating plate; 1071, first separating plate; 1072, second separating plate; 1073, straight plate segment; 1074, arcuate plate segment; 108, third shell;
20, ventilation chamber; 201, first exhaust channel; 202, second exhaust channel;
30, drainage chamber; 301, drainage channel; 3011, first drainage channel; 3012, second drainage channel; 3013, first channel segment; 3014, second channel segment; 300, channel notch;
40, first water inlet pipe; 50, second water inlet pipe; 60, external drainage pipe; 70, air inlet pipe; 80, external exhaust pipe; 90, defoaming pipe head; 100, drainage ventilation box;
200, exhaust pipe; 2001, exhaust pipe body; 2002, front end plate; 2003, guiding slope;
400, connection pipe; 500, first clamp; 600, second clamp;
700, drying structure; 7001, fan; 7002, drying channel;
1000, exhaust structure; 2000, accommodation space;
1, outer frame; 11, first frame side plate; 12, second frame side plate; 13, frame rear plate;
2, second cylinder;
3, first cylinder; 31, door seal; 310, air inlet channel; 32, cylinder body; 320, opening;
A, first direction; B, second direction; C, third direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments are described in detail here, examples of which are indicated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description involves the accompanying drawings, the same numerals in different accompanying drawings indicate the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. On the contrary, they are only examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.
In the present disclosure, in the absence of any explanation to the contrary, the direction words "first direction, second direction, and third direction" as used refer to three intersecting directions. Specifically, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction may be perpendicular to each other in pairs, and reference may be made to FIG. 5 for details . The direction words "up, down, left, right, front, and rear" refer to the up, down, left, right, front, and rear defined relative to the washing machine in a normal state of use, and reference may be made to FIG. 11 for details. Furthermore, the first direction described above may be an up-down direction, the second direction may be a left-right direction, and the third direction may be a front-rear direction. Terms such as "first, second" as used are only to distinguish one element from another element, and do not have sequence or importance.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, the present disclosure provides a washing machine. The washing machine includes an outer frame 1, a first cylinder 3, a second cylinder 2, an exhaust structure 1000, and a drying structure 700. An accommodation space 2000 is provided in the outer frame 1. The first cylinder 3, the second cylinder 2, the exhaust structure 1000, and the drying structure 700 are all provided in the accommodation space 2000.
An axis of the first cylinder 3 and an axis of the second cylinder 2 are both arranged to extend along a front-rear direction. The first cylinder 3 is located above the second cylinder 2. The drying structure 700 and the exhaust structure 1000 are respectively provided on outer side walls of the first cylinder 3 that are arranged back-to-back along a left-right direction. In an embodiment, the drying structure 700 and the exhaust structure 1000 are provided on two portions of an outer side wall of the first cylinder 3 that are arranged back-to-back along a left-right direction.
The first cylinder 3 is formed with an exhaust port and a drying port. The exhaust structure 1000 is communicated with the exhaust port to drain water in the first cylinder 3. The drying structure 700 is communicated with the drying port, and is capable of delivering hot air into the first cylinder 3.
In the above technical solution, firstly, the outer frame 1 is capable of effectively protecting the first cylinder 3, the second cylinder 2, the exhaust structure 1000, and the drying structure 700; secondly, the drying structure 700 and the exhaust structure 1000 are provided on two portions of the outer side wall of the first cylinder 3 that are arranged back-to-back along the left-right direction, and drain water away from the first cylinder 3 and dry the first cylinder 3 respectively. The first cylinder 3 is capable of working independently of the second cylinder 2. After the clothes in the first cylinder 3 are washed, the clothes do not need to be taken out and put into another drying cylinder for drying. The clothes in the first cylinder 3 can be dried by using the drying structure 700, improving the drying efficiency.
Optionally, the diameter of the first cylinder 3 described above may be smaller than the diameter of the second cylinder 2. The first cylinder 3 is disposed diagonally above the second cylinder 2, and is located at a corner of the top of the accommodation space 2000. In addition, a structural member for drying may be provided separately for the second cylinder 2, i.e., the second cylinder 2 is also capable of washing and drying, and the present disclosure does not make any limitations on this.
Optionally, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the drying structure 700 described above includes a fan 7001, a drying channel 7002 and a heating member. The drying channel 7002 is provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder 3 in an extending manner along the front-rear direction. The fan 7001 is provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder 3. A first end of the drying channel 7002 is communicated with the fan 7001. A second end of the drying channel 7002 is communicated with the drying port. The heating member is provided in the drying channel 7002.
In this embodiment, the fan 7001 is provided with a motor and a blade. The motor drives the blade to rotate, thereby generating an airflow. The airflow enters the drying channel 7002, and is heated into dry hot air via the heating member. The dry hot air as heated enters the first cylinder 3 to dry the clothes in the first cylinder 3.
Optionally, referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the exhaust structure 1000 includes an exhaust pipe 200 and a drainage ventilation box 100. A ventilation chamber 20 is provided in the drainage ventilation box 100. The drainage ventilation box 100 is provided with an air inlet port 102 and an external exhaust port 101 communicated with the ventilation chamber 20. The exhaust pipe 200 is provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder 3 in an extending manner along the front-rear direction, and is communicated with the exhaust port and the air inlet port 102. The external exhaust port 101 is configured to communicate with an external atmosphere. The drainage ventilation box 100 is provided at a rear side of the first cylinder 3 and is spaced apart from the first cylinder 3 along the front-rear direction.
In this embodiment, after the hot dry air that enters the first cylinder 3 exchanges heat with the cold wet clothes, the hot wet air enters the ventilation chamber 20 in the drainage ventilation box 100 by passing through the exhaust pipe 200, and is then discharged via the external exhaust port 101. However, the present disclosure does not limit the specific structure of the exhaust structure 1000, and the exhaust structure 1000 may be constructed in any suitable structure. In addition, the drainage ventilation box 100 is provided at a rear side of the first cylinder 3 and is spaced apart from the first cylinder 3 along the front-rear direction, so that the rear space of the first cylinder 3 can be effectively utilized, the space utilization is improved, and the arrangement is compact.
In other embodiments, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first cylinder 3 may include a door seal 31 and a cylinder body 32. An axis of the cylinder body 32 is arranged to extend along the front-rear direction. An opening 320 is formed at a front end of the cylinder body 32. The door seal 31 is connected to the front end of the cylinder body 32 and exposes the opening 320. The drying structure 700 and the exhaust structure 1000 are respectively provided on outer side walls of the cylinder body 32 that are arranged back-to-back along the left-right direction. The door seal 31 is formed with a through air inlet channel 310 extending along the left-right direction. A first end of the air inlet channel 310 is constructed as the drying port, and is communicated with an interior of the cylinder body 32. A second end of the air inlet channel 310 is communicated with the second end of the drying channel 7002. In an embodiment, the drying structure 700 and the exhaust structure 1000 are provided on two portions of an outer side wall of the cylinder body 32 that are arranged back-to-back along the left-right direction.
In this embodiment, by providing the air inlet channel 310 at the door seal 31, the communication with the drying channel 7002 of the drying structure 700 can be performed conveniently, thereby achieving air guiding. In this way, the hot air can be allowed to enter the first cylinder 3, and the setting length of the drying channel 7002 can be shortened. In addition, by making the air inlet channel 310 extend along the left-right direction, the dimension of the air inlet channel 310 in the up-down direction can be increased as much as possible, without being subject to the limitation that exists when the drying channel 7002 of the drying structure 700 is connected to the door seal 31, improving the amount of air entering the first cylinder 3. In addition, the drying channel 7002 may be integrally molded with the door seal 31 for ease of manufacture and processing.
Optionally, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the exhaust port is formed on a side wall of the first cylinder 3 located a side of the first cylinder 3 along the left-right direction. The exhaust pipe 200 is integrally provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder 3, and is communicated with the exhaust port. The exhaust port is provided at a rear side edge of the side wall of the first cylinder 3. The exhaust pipe 200 is provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder 3 in a protruding manner along the left-right direction, and protrudes rearwardly from a rear cylinder wall of the first cylinder 3. A lower end of the drainage ventilation box 100 protrudes downwardly from a lower end of the first cylinder 3. An upper end of the drainage ventilation box 100 is located below an upper end of the first cylinder 3. In an embodiment, an upper end of the drainage ventilation box 100 is provided flush with an upper end of the first cylinder 3.
In this embodiment, firstly, the exhaust port is provided at the rear side edge of the side wall of the first cylinder 3, and the exhaust pipe 200 protrudes rearwardly from the rear cylinder wall of the first cylinder 3, which facilitates the connection with the drainage ventilation box 100 provided at the rear side of the first cylinder 3, and effectively shortens the design length of the exhaust pipe 200. However, the present disclosure does not limit the specific setting position of the exhaust port. Secondly, by integrally providing the exhaust pipe 200 on the outer side wall of the first cylinder 3, and communicating the exhaust pipe 200 with the exhaust port, there is no need to install or disassemble the exhaust pipe 200, resulting in a high degree of integration and effectively ensuring the structural strength of the exhaust pipe 200. In addition, the lower end of the drainage ventilation box 100 protrudes downwardly from the lower end of the first cylinder 3, and the upper end of the drainage ventilation box 100 is located below the upper end of the first cylinder 3, effectively utilizing the lower space without occupying too much upper space, which is conducive to the arrangement and installation of other structural components.
Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the outer frame 1 may include a first frame side plate 11, a second frame side plate 12 and a frame rear plate 13. Along the left-right direction, the first frame side plate 11 and the second frame side plate 12 are provided opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other. The frame rear plate 13 is connected between the first frame side plate 11 and the second frame side plate 12 to enclose the accommodation space 2000. The axis of the second cylinder 2 is provided at a middle position of the first frame side plate 11 and the second frame side plate 12 along the left-right direction. The axis of the first cylinder 3 is spaced apart from the axis of the second cylinder 2 along the left-right direction. The first cylinder 3 is provided adjacent to the first frame side plate 11 in the left-right direction. The exhaust structure 1000 is located between the first cylinder 3 and the first frame side plate 11. The drying structure 700 is provided at a side of the first cylinder 3 away from the first frame side plate 11. That is, the drying structure 700 is arranged closer to the middle of the accommodation space 2000 in the left-right direction than the exhaust structure 1000. The structural arrangement is reasonable and can effectively utilize positional spaces of the accommodation space 2000. The present disclosure does not limit the specific arrangement position.
Referring to FIG. 3, the exhaust pipe 200 includes an exhaust pipe body 2001 and a front end plate 2002. The exhaust pipe body 2001 is provided through along the front-rear direction. The exhaust pipe body 2001 is connected to the outer side wall of the first cylinder 3. The front end plate 2002 connects the outer side wall of the first cylinder 3 and a front end of the exhaust pipe body 2001, thereby sealing the front end of the exhaust pipe body 2001. A side pipe wall of the exhaust pipe body 2001 in the left-right direction is formed with a ventilation notch communicated with the exhaust port. A rear end of the exhaust pipe body 2001 is communicated with the air inlet port 102. The exhaust pipe 200 is simple in structure and can be integrally formed on the first cylinder 3. However, the present disclosure does not limit the specific structure of the exhaust pipe 200.
In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, the front end plate 2002 is formed with a guiding slope 2003. The guiding slope 2003 is arranged angularly relative to the outer side wall of the first cylinder 3. The guiding slope 2003 is arranged to extend rearwardly in a direction away from the first cylinder 3. By providing the guiding slope 2003, the air discharged from the first cylinder 3 can be conveniently guided to be discharged rearwardly.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exhaust structure 1000 further includes a connection pipe 400. The connection pipe 400 is arranged to extend along the front-rear direction. A front end of the connection pipe 400 is detachably communicated with a rear end of the exhaust pipe 200. A rear end of the connection pipe 400 is detachably communicated with the air inlet port 102. By providing the connection pipe 400, the convenience of connecting the exhaust pipe 200 with the drainage ventilation box 100 can be improved. The connection pipe 400 can be constructed in any appropriate shape and material, and the present disclosure does not make any limitations on this.
Optionally, referring to FIG. 2, the exhaust structure 1000 further includes a first clamp 500 and a second clamp 600. An air inlet pipe 70 is provided at the air inlet port 102. The connection pipe 400 is constructed as a rubber pipe. The front end of the rubber pipe is detachably connected to the rear end of the exhaust pipe 200 via the first clamp 500. The rear end of the rubber pipe is detachably connected to the air inlet pipe 70 via the second clamp 600. An axis of the exhaust pipe 200, an axis of the connection pipe 400, and an axis of the air inlet port 102 are collinearly arranged along the front-rear direction. By providing the connection pipe 400 as a rubber pipe, the convenience of connection is improved. For example, the dimensions of two ends of the rubber pipe may be slightly larger than the dimension of the exhaust pipe 200 and the dimension of the air inlet pipe 70. To ensure sealing, an interference fit may be used for connection.
In an embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, the drainage ventilation box 100 includes a first shell 105, a second shell 106 and a third shell 108. The ventilation chamber 20 includes a first exhaust channel 201 and a second exhaust channel 202 communicated with each other. The first shell 105 is provided with the through first exhaust channel 201. The second shell 106 is provided with the external exhaust port 101. The third shell 108 is provided with the through second exhaust channel 202. The third shell 108 and the second shell 106 are provided at two sides of the first shell 105 respectively. A first end of the second exhaust channel 202 is constructed as the air inlet port 102, and is communicated with the exhaust pipe 200. A second end of the second exhaust channel 202 is communicated with a first end of the first exhaust channel 201. A second end of the first exhaust channel 201 is communicated with the external exhaust port 101.
In this embodiment, air enters the second exhaust channel 202 via the air inlet port 102 first, and is then discharged to the first exhaust channel 201 provided in the first shell 105. Then, the air is discharged from the ventilation chamber 20 via the external exhaust port 101, achieving the exhaust of the first cylinder 3. The third shell 108 and the second shell 106 may be arranged at two sides of the first shell 105 in any appropriate manner. For example, the third shell 108 and the second shell 106 may be detachably connected to two sides of the first shell 105 via connection manners by using fasteners such as bolts. The present disclosure does not make any limitations on this.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, the drainage ventilation box 100 may further include an air inlet pipe 70, an external exhaust pipe 80, a defoaming pipe body (not shown in the figures), and a defoaming pipe head 90. The air inlet pipe 70 is connected to an outer wall of the third shell 108, and is communicated with the air inlet port 102. The air inlet pipe 70 is communicated with the exhaust pipe 200. The external exhaust pipe 80 is connected to an outer wall of the second shell 106, and is communicated with the external exhaust port 101. The first cylinder 3 is formed with a first defoaming hole. The third shell 108 is formed with a second defoaming hole. The second defoaming hole is communicated with the second exhaust channel 202. The defoaming pipe head is connected to the outer wall of the third shell 108, and is communicated with the second defoaming hole. One end of the defoaming pipe body is communicated with the first defoaming hole, and another end of the defoaming pipe body is communicated with the defoaming pipe head 90.
In this embodiment, by providing the air inlet pipe 70, the communication with the exhaust pipe 200 is convenient, where the air inlet pipe 70 may be integrally molded on the third shell 108, or may be detachably connected to the third shell 108. By providing the external exhaust pipe 80, the discharge of the air from the ventilation chamber 20 is convenient, where the external exhaust pipe 80 may be integrally molded on the second shell 106, or may be detachably provided on the second shell 106, and the present disclosure does not make any limitations on this. In addition, by providing the defoaming pipe body and connecting the two ends of the defoaming pipe body to the first defoaming hole and the second defoaming hole respectively, the external air can be allowed to enter the first cylinder 3, thereby breaking the foam in the first cylinder 3 and preventing too much foam from affecting the normal operation of the washing machine.
Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, the drainage ventilation box 100 may include a housing 10. The ventilation chamber 20 described above and a drainage chamber 30 that are provided independently of each other and are separated from each other are provided in the housing 10. A plurality of interconnected drainage channels 301 are provided in the drainage chamber 3. The housing 10 is provided with an external drainage port 103 and a plurality of water inlet ports 104. The water inlet ports 104 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the drainage channels 301. The water inlet port 104 is communicated with an upstream end of the corresponding drainage channel 301. The external drainage port 103 is communicated with a plurality of downstream ends of the plurality of drainage channels 301.
In the technical solutions described above, by providing the ventilation chamber 20 and the drainage chamber 30 in the housing 10, the air that enters via the air inlet port 102 can be discharged via the external exhaust port 101 after entering the ventilation chamber 20. Water enters a plurality of drainage channels 301 via a plurality of water inlet ports 104, and since the plurality of drainage channels 301 are interconnected in the drainage chamber 30, the water can be discharged from the drainage chamber 30 via the external drainage port 103. In addition, the ventilation chamber 20 and the drainage chamber 30 are provided independently of each other and are separated from each other. In other words, the drainage ventilation box 100 of the present disclosure integrates the ventilation chamber 20 and the drainage chamber 30 in one housing 10, which is capable of both draining and venting, with a compact structural design and a high degree of integration, effectively reducing the number of components and costs.
In a use scenario applied to a washing machine, the drainage water of the washing cylinder of the washing machine may be discharged through the drainage chamber 30, and ventilation of the washing cylinder may be carried out through the ventilation chamber 20.
The washing machine may further include the first cylinder 3 and the second cylinder 2 described above, a first drainage pipe, and a second drainage pipe. One end of the first drainage pipe is communicated with the drainage port of the first cylinder 3, and another end of the first drainage pipe is communicated with the second water inlet port 1042. One end of the second drainage pipe is communicated with the drainage port of the second cylinder 2, and another end of the second drainage pipe is communicated with the first water inlet port 1041. In some embodiments, the first direction A may be constructed as the up-down direction, the second direction B may be constructed as the left-right direction, and the third direction C may be constructed as the front-back direction. That is, the drainage water of the first cylinder 3 and the drainage water of the second cylinder 2 are both discharged into the drainage chamber 30, realizing the drainage of the first cylinder 3 and the drainage of the second cylinder 2, and the exhaust of the first cylinder 3, which is conducive to the simplification of the structure, and the drainage and exhaust do not interfere with each other.
In an embodiment, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the plurality of drainage channels 301 include a first drainage channel 3011 and a second drainage channel 3012, and the plurality of water inlet ports 104 include a first water inlet port 1041 and a second water inlet port 1042. An upstream end of the first drainage channel 3011 is communicated with the first water inlet port 1041, and a downstream end of the first drainage channel 3011 is communicated with the external drainage port 103. An upstream end of the second drainage channel 3012 is communicated with the second water inlet port 1042, and a downstream end of the second drainage channel 3012 is communicated with the downstream end of the first drainage channel 3011 and is communicated with the external drainage port 103. The first drainage channel 3011 includes a plurality of interconnected channel segments. At least a portion of the channel segment is arranged to extend along the first direction A. The plurality of channel segments are arranged at intervals in pairs in the second direction B. The first direction A and the second direction B are intersected with each other.
In this embodiment, the first drainage channel 3011 includes a plurality of interconnected channel segments, at least a portion of the channel segment is arranged to extend along the first direction A, and the plurality of channel segments are arranged at intervals in pairs in the second direction B. Then, the first drainage channel 3011 may be provided in the shape of a meandering channel to satisfy the need for drainage. However, the present disclosure does not limit the specific shape of the first drainage channel 3011. Also, the present disclosure does not limit the number of the drainage channels 301 and the number of the water inlet ports 104.
Optionally, referring to FIG. 6, the plurality of channel segments include a first channel segment 3013 and a second channel segment 3014. At least a portion of the first channel segment 3013 and at least a portion of the second channel segment 3014 are arranged to extend along the first direction A. The first channel segment 3013 and the second channel segment 3014 are arranged at intervals in the second direction B. The upstream end of the first channel segment 3013 is communicated with the first water inlet port 1041. The downstream end of the first channel segment 3013 is communicated with the upstream end of the second channel segment 3014. The downstream end of the second channel segment 3014 is communicated with the external drainage port 103. The downstream end of the second drainage channel 3012 is communicated with the downstream end of the second channel segment 3014, and is communicated with the external drainage port 103.
That is, in this embodiment, the first channel segment 3013 and the second channel segment 3014 jointly define a U-shaped channel shape. When water enters the drainage chamber 30 via the first water inlet port 1041, the water first passes through the first channel segment 3013 and then flows to the second channel segment 3014, and then is discharged from the drainage chamber 30 via the external drainage port 103. When water enters the drainage chamber 30 via the second water inlet port 1042, the water enters the second drainage channel 3012, then the water at the downstream end of the second drainage channel 3012 is capable of converging with the water at the downstream of the second channel segment 3014, and then the water is discharged via the external drainage port 103.
In other embodiments, referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the housing 10 includes a first shell 105, a second shell 106 and a separating plate 107. The first shell 105 and the second shell 106 are capable of being coupled and connected to each other along the third direction C to define the drainage chamber 30. The separating plate 107 is provided at the first shell 105 and/or the second shell 106, and is located in the drainage chamber 30. Two sides of the separating plate 107 in the third direction C are attached to the inner wall of the first shell 105 and the inner wall of the second shell 106 respectively, thereby being capable of separating the drainage chamber 30 into the first drainage channel 3011 and the second drainage channel 3012. The first direction A, the second direction B, and the third direction C are intersected with each other in pairs.
In this embodiment, the first shell 105 and the second shell 106 are coupled to each other to define the drainage chamber 30 for easy installation and removal, but the present disclosure does not limit the specific structure of the housing 10.
In some embodiments, the separating plate 107 may be provided only at the first shell 105, e.g., a side of the separating plate 107 in the third direction C is connected to the inner wall of the first shell 105, and another side of the separating plate 107 in the third direction C abuts against the inner wall of the second shell 106. Or, the separating plate 107 may be provided only at the second shell 106, e.g., a side of the separating plate 107 in the third direction C is connected to the inner wall of the second shell 106, and another side of the separating plate 107 in the third direction C abuts against the inner wall of the first shell 105. Or, the separating plate 107 includes two portions, one portion of the separating plate 107 is connected to the inner wall of the first shell 105, another portion of the separating plate 107 is connected to the inner wall of the second shell 106, and the two portions of the separating plate 107 abut against each other. In addition, the separating plate 107 may be constructed in any suitable shape and arrangement orientation, and the present disclosure does not make any limitations on this.
For example, referring to FIGS. 6 and 9, the separating plate 107 includes a first separating plate 1071 and a second separating plate 1072. The first separating plate 1071 is provided in the middle of the drainage chamber 30 in the second direction B, and is arranged to extend along the first direction A. The second separating plate 1072 is connected angularly to the first separating plate 1071, and is spaced apart from an inner side wall of the drainage chamber 30. The first channel segment 3013 is provided at a side of the first separating plate 1071 in the second direction B. At another side of the first separating plate 1071 in the second direction B, a second channel segment 3014 and a second drainage channel 3012 communicated with each other are separated through the second separating plate 1072. The first separating plate 1071 and the second separating plate 1072 may be constructed as two structures independent of each other and molded by means of connection. Or, the first separating plate 1071 and the second separating plate 1072 may be integrally molded. Or, the first separating plate 1071 and the second separating plate 1072 may be integrally molded with the first shell 105, or the first separating plate 1071 and the second separating plate 1072 may be integrally molded with the second shell 106, and the present disclosure does not make any limitations on this.
Referring to FIG. 6, a first end of the first separating plate 1071 in the first direction A is connected to the inner side wall of the drainage chamber 30, and a second end of the first separating plate 1071 in the first direction A is spaced apart from the inner side wall of the drainage chamber 30 to form a channel notch 300. The channel notch 300 is communicated with the first channel segment 3013 and the second channel segment 3014. By providing the channel notch 300 for communicating the first channel segment 3013 and the second channel segment 3014, it is convenient to realize the communicating relationship between the channel segments.
In an embodiment, referring to FIGS. 6 and 9, the second separating plate 1072 includes a straight plate segment 1073 and an arcuate plate segment 1074 connected to each other. One end of the straight plate segment 1073 is angularly connected to the first separating plate 1071, and another end of the straight plate segment 1073 is connected to the arcuate plate segment 1074. The arcuate plate segment 1074 is bent towards the first separating plate 1071, and is spaced apart from the first separating plate 1071.
In some embodiments, the outer wall of the straight plate segment 1073 and the outer wall of the arcuate plate segment 1074 are spaced apart from the inner side wall of the drainage chamber 30, and the outer wall of the straight plate segment 1073, the outer wall of the arcuate plate segment 1074, and the inner side wall of the drainage chamber 30 define the second channel segment 3014 described above. The outer wall of the straight plate segment 1073, the outer wall of the arcuate plate segment 1074, and the first separating plate 1071 define the second drainage channel 3012 described above. In addition, the arcuate plate segment 1074 is bent towards the first separating plate 1071, and is spaced apart from the first separating plate 1071, enabling the second channel segment 3014 and the second drainage channel 3012 to be communicated with each other. However, the present disclosure does not limit the specific shape of the second separating plate 1072.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first shell 105 includes a first base plate 1051 and a first side enclosing plate 1052. The first side enclosing plate 1052 is connected to an outer peripheral edge of the first base plate 1051 in an enclosing manner. The second shell 106 is coupled and connected to the first side enclosing plate 1052. The first water inlet port 1041 is provided on the first side enclosing plate 1052. The second water inlet port 1042 is provided on the first base plate 1051, and is located between the first separating plate 1071 and the second separating plate 1072. The external drainage port 103 is provided on the second shell 106. The first shell 105 may be constructed in any suitable shape and structure, and the present disclosure does not make any limitations on this. In addition, for the specific setting positions of the first water inlet port 1041, the second water inlet port 1042, and the external drainage port 103, the present disclosure does not make any limitations.
In addition, referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, the drainage ventilation box 100 may further include a first water inlet pipe 40, a second water inlet pipe 50 and an external drainage pipe 60. The first water inlet pipe 40 is provided on the outer wall of the first side enclosing plate 1052 in an extending manner along the first direction A. The first water inlet pipe 40 is communicated with the first water inlet port 1041. The second water inlet pipe 50 is provided on the outer wall of the first base plate 1051 in an extending manner along the third direction C. The second water inlet pipe 50 is communicated with the second water inlet port 1042. The external drainage pipe 60 is provided on the outer wall of the second shell 106 in an extending manner along the third direction C. The external drainage pipe 60 is communicated with the external drainage port 103. By providing the first water inlet pipe 40, the second water inlet pipe 50, and the external drainage pipe 60, the communication with the external pipe is convenient.
In other embodiments, the washing machine may further include a drainage pump and a drainage valve. In some embodiments, the first cylinder 3 and the drainage ventilation box 100 are both provided above the second cylinder 2. The drainage port of the small cylinder is located above the second water inlet port 1042. The drainage valve is provided on the drainage pipe of the small cylinder. The drainage port of the large cylinder is provided below the first water inlet port 1041. The drainage pump is provided on the drainage pipe of the large cylinder.
In this embodiment, since the drainage port of the large cylinder is provided below the first water inlet port 1041, it is convenient to realize upward conveyance of drainage water by providing the drainage pump. The drainage port of the small cylinder is located above the second water inlet port 1042, then water can be conveyed into the drainage chamber 30 by using the action of the gravity. By providing the drainage valve, it is convenient to control the opening and closing of the drainage pipe.
Optionally, the second end of the first separating plate 1071 is constructed as an upper end of the first separating plate 1071. The second end of the first separating plate 1071 is located above the air inlet port 102, and the second end of the first separating plate 1071 is located above the washing maximum water level and the abnormal alarm water level of the first cylinder 3.
Firstly, through the action of the pumping pressure of the drainage pump, the drainage water of the first cylinder 3 can be prevented from flowing back into the second cylinder 2. In the case of a blockage of the external drainage pipe 60, the drainage water of the first cylinder 3 is discharged into the second drainage channel 3012, and when the second drainage channel 3012 is filled with the drainage water, the drainage water flows back into the second channel segment 3014. As the second end of the first separating plate 1071 is located above the washing maximum water level and the abnormal alarm water level of the first cylinder 3, then in the case that the water in the first cylinder 3 reaches the washing maximum water level and the abnormal alarm water level, no water will continue to be fed into the first cylinder 3, i.e., the drainage water will not flow back through the second channel segment 3014 into the first channel segment 3013, i.e., the drainage water will not flow back into the second cylinder 2.
After considering the specification and practicing the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will easily come up with other implementation solutions of the present invention. The present application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptive changes of the present disclosure, and the variations, uses or adaptive changes follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or commonly used technical means in the technical field that is not disclosed in the present disclosure. The specification and embodiments are only considered to be exemplary, and the true scope of the present disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

Claims

A washing machine, characterized in that the washing machine comprises an outer frame (1), a first cylinder (3), a second cylinder (2), an exhaust structure (1000), and a drying structure (700); an accommodation space (2000) is provided in the outer frame (1); and the first cylinder (3), the second cylinder (2), the exhaust structure (1000), and the drying structure (700) are provided in the accommodation space (2000);
an axis of the first cylinder (3) and an axis of the second cylinder (2) are arranged to extend along a front-rear direction, the first cylinder (3) is located above the second cylinder (2), and the drying structure (700) and the exhaust structure (1000) are provided on two portions of an outer side wall of the first cylinder (3) that are arranged back-to-back along a left-right direction; and

the first cylinder (3) is formed with an exhaust port and a drying port, the exhaust structure (1000) is communicated with the exhaust port to discharge water from the first cylinder (3), and the drying structure (700) is communicated with the drying port and is capable of delivering hot air into the first cylinder (3).
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the drying structure (700) comprises a fan (7001), a drying channel (7002) and a heating member, the drying channel (7002) is provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder (3) in an extending manner along the front-rear direction, the fan (7001) is provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder (3), a first end of the drying channel (7002) is communicated with the fan (7001), a second end of the drying channel (7002) is communicated with the drying port, and the heating member is provided in the drying channel (7002);
the exhaust structure (1000) comprises an exhaust pipe (200) and a drainage ventilation box (100), a ventilation chamber (30) is provided in the drainage ventilation box (100), the drainage ventilation box (100) is provided with an air inlet port (102) and an external exhaust port (101) communicated with the ventilation chamber (30), the exhaust pipe (200) is provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder (3) in an extending manner along the front-rear direction and is communicated with the exhaust port and the air inlet port (102), and the external exhaust port (101) is configured to communicate with an external atmosphere; and

the drainage ventilation box (100) is provided at a rear side of the first cylinder (3) and is spaced apart from the first cylinder (3) along the front-rear direction.
The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the first cylinder (3) comprises a door seal (31) and a cylinder body (32), an axis of the cylinder body (32) is arranged to extend along the front-rear direction, an opening (320) is formed at a front end of the cylinder body (32), and the door seal (31) is connected to the front end of the cylinder body (32) and exposes the opening (320);
the drying structure (700) and the exhaust structure (1000) are provided on two portions of an outer side wall of the cylinder body (32) that are arranged back-to-back along the left-right direction; and

the door seal (31) is formed with a through air inlet channel (310) extending along the left-right direction, a first end of the air inlet channel (310) is constructed as the drying port and is communicated with an interior of the cylinder body (32), and a second end of the air inlet channel (310) is communicated with the second end of the drying channel (7002).
The washing machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the exhaust port is formed on a side wall of the first cylinder (3) located a side of the first cylinder (3) along the left-right direction, the exhaust pipe (200) is integrally provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder (3) and is communicated with the exhaust port, the exhaust port is provided at a rear side edge of the side wall of the first cylinder (3), and the exhaust pipe (200) is provided on the outer side wall of the first cylinder (3) in a protruding manner along the left-right direction, and protrudes rearwardly from a rear cylinder wall of the first cylinder (3); and
a lower end of the drainage ventilation box (100) protrudes downwardly from a lower end of the first cylinder (3), and an upper end of the drainage ventilation box (100) is provided flush with an upper end of the first cylinder (3).
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the outer frame (1) comprises a first frame side plate (11), a second frame side plate (12) and a frame rear plate (13);
the first frame side plate (11) and the second frame side plate (12) are provided opposite to each other along the left-right direction and is spaced apart from each other along the left-right direction, and the frame rear plate (13) is connected between the first frame side plate (11) and the second frame side plate (12) to enclose the accommodation space (2000), the axis of the second cylinder (2) is provided at a middle position of the first frame side plate (11) and the second frame side plate (12) along the left-right direction, and the axis of the first cylinder (3) is spaced apart from the axis of the second cylinder (2) along the left-right direction; and

the first cylinder (3) is provided adjacent to the first frame side plate (11) in the left-right direction, the exhaust structure (1000) is located between the first cylinder (3) and the first frame side plate (11), and the drying structure (700) is provided at a side of the first cylinder (3) away from the first frame side plate (11).
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the exhaust pipe (200) comprises an exhaust pipe body (2001) and a front end plate (2002), the exhaust pipe body (2001) is provided through along the front-rear direction, and the exhaust pipe body (2001) is connected to the outer side wall of the first cylinder (3), the front end plate (2002) connects the outer side wall of the first cylinder (3) and a front end of the exhaust pipe body (2001), thereby sealing the front end of the exhaust pipe body (2001), a side pipe wall of the exhaust pipe body (2001) in the left-right direction is formed with a ventilation notch communicated with the exhaust port, and a rear end of the exhaust pipe body (2001) is communicated with the air inlet port (102).
The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the front end plate (2002) is formed with a guiding slope (2003), the guiding slope (2003) is arranged angularly relative to the outer side wall of the first cylinder (3), and the guiding slope (2003) is arranged to extend rearwardly in a direction away from the first cylinder (3).
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the exhaust structure (1000) further comprises a connection pipe (400), the connection pipe (400) is arranged to extend along the front-rear direction, a front end of the connection pipe (400) is detachably communicated with a rear end of the exhaust pipe (200), and a rear end of the connection pipe (400) is detachably communicated with the air inlet port (102).
The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the exhaust structure (1000) further comprises a first clamp (500) and a second clamp (600), and an air inlet pipe (70) is provided at the air inlet port (102);
the connection pipe (400) is constructed as a rubber pipe, the front end of the rubber pipe is detachably connected to the rear end of the exhaust pipe (200) via the first clamp (500), and the rear end of the rubber pipe is detachably connected to the air inlet pipe (70) via the second clamp (600); and

an axis of the exhaust pipe (200), an axis of the connection pipe (400), and an axis of the air inlet port (102) are collinearly arranged along the front-rear direction.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the drainage ventilation box (100) comprises a first shell (105), a second shell (106) and a third shell (108);
the first shell (105) is provided with a through first exhaust channel (201), the second shell (106) is provided with the external exhaust port (101), and the third shell (108) is provided with a through second exhaust channel (202); and the ventilation chamber (30) comprises the through first exhaust channel (201) and the through second exhaust channel (202) communicated with each other;

the third shell (108) and the second shell (106) are provided at two sides of the first shell (105); and

a first end of the second exhaust channel (202) is constructed as the air inlet port (102) and is communicated with the exhaust pipe (200), a second end of the second exhaust channel (202) is communicated with a first end of the first exhaust channel (201), and a second end of the first exhaust channel (201) is communicated with the external exhaust port (101).
The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the drainage ventilation box (100) further comprises an air inlet pipe (70), an external exhaust pipe (80), a defoaming pipe body, and a defoaming pipe head (90), the air inlet pipe (70) is connected to an outer wall of the third shell (108) and is communicated with the air inlet port (102), the air inlet pipe (70) is communicated with the exhaust pipe (200), and the external exhaust pipe (80) is connected to an outer wall of the second shell (106) and is communicated with the external exhaust port (101); and
the first cylinder (3) is formed with a first defoaming hole, the third shell (108) is formed with a second defoaming hole, the second defoaming hole is communicated with the second exhaust channel (202), and the defoaming pipe head (90) is connected to the outer wall of the third shell (108) and is communicated with the second defoaming hole; and

one end of the defoaming pipe body is communicated with the first defoaming hole, and another end of the defoaming pipe body is communicated with the defoaming pipe head (90).