Wall-mounted washing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wall-hung washing apparatus. The wall-hung washing apparatus includes an outer tub and a fan fixed on a top of the outer tub, the fan including a volute and an impeller arranged in the volute, the volute including: an upper volute having a first horizontal top surface, a spiral curved surface, and a second horizontal top surface successively connected, the first and second horizontal top surfaces being perpendicular to an axis of the impeller, the spiral curved surface being configured to extend spirally upward from the first horizontal top surface to the second horizontal top surface; and a lower volute butting against the upper volute to define an air outlet passage, and having a first horizontal bottom surface perpendicular to the axis, such that a height of the air outlet passage corresponding to a portion of the spiral curved surface gradually increases along an extension direction of the spiral curved surface. By arranging the spiral curved surface spirally rising on the upper volute, the air outlet amount of the wall-hung washing apparatus is increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of washing, and more specifically to a wall-mounted washing device. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, personalized home appliances are constantly emerging. Wall-mounted washing equipment (such as wall-mounted drum washing machines) has advantages such as compact structure, small footprint, low noise, and low cost, and is therefore increasingly favored by users. For example, some wall-mounted washing equipment can be used to wash small items of underwear or baby clothes, which not only enables the washing of lightweight clothes, but also prevents cross-contamination of bacteria between clothes, and has good economic and practical value.

[0003] Ordinary wall-mounted washing machines only have washing, rinsing, and spin-drying functions. To provide more functionality to meet diverse user needs, existing technologies have developed wall-mounted washing machines that also include drying capabilities. For example, Chinese invention patent application CN111809339A discloses a wall-mounted washing machine. This washing machine includes an outer drum and a drying unit, with the drying unit at least partially integrally formed on the side wall of the outer drum. The drying unit includes a first air duct and a second air duct. The first air duct connects to the air inlet of the outer drum, introducing hot, dry air into the drum. The second air duct connects to both the air outlet of the outer drum and the first air duct, condensing the hot, humid air received from the outer drum into cold, dry air. This wall-mounted washing machine can dry clothes and utilizes circulating air, improving drying efficiency. However, due to the small overall size and limited internal space of the wall-mounted washing machine, the size of the first air duct is small, resulting in low airflow and low drying efficiency. Therefore, there is potential for improvement in this wall-mounted washing machine.

[0004] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the technical problem of low airflow from fans in existing wall-mounted washing machines, this invention provides a wall-mounted washing machine comprising an outer drum and a fan fixed to the top of the outer drum. The fan includes a volute and an impeller disposed within the volute. The volute comprises: an upper volute having a first horizontal top surface, a helical surface, and a second horizontal top surface sequentially connected, the first and second horizontal top surfaces being perpendicular to the axis of the impeller; the helical surface being configured to spirally ascend from the first horizontal top surface to the second horizontal top surface; and a lower volute abutting the upper volute to define an air outlet channel, the lower volute having a first horizontal bottom surface perpendicular to the axis, such that the height of the portion of the air outlet channel corresponding to the helical surface gradually increases along the extension direction of the helical surface.

[0006] Those skilled in the art will understand that the wall-mounted washing device of the present invention includes an outer drum and a fan fixed to the top of the outer drum. The fan includes a volute and an impeller disposed within the volute. The volute has an upper volute and a lower volute. The upper volute has a first horizontal top surface, a helical surface, and a second horizontal top surface that are sequentially connected. The first and second horizontal top surfaces are perpendicular to the axis of the impeller, and the helical surface is configured to spirally ascend from the first horizontal top surface to the second horizontal top surface. The lower volute abuts against the upper volute to define an air outlet passage for conveying drying air into the outer drum. The lower volute has a first horizontal bottom surface perpendicular to the axis of the impeller. The first horizontal bottom surface is parallel to the first horizontal top surface, therefore, the height of the portion of the air outlet passage corresponding to the first horizontal top surface remains constant. The helical surface spirally ascends from the first horizontal top surface to the second horizontal top surface, therefore, the height of the portion of the air outlet passage corresponding to the helical surface gradually increases along the extension direction of the helical surface. Understandably, compared to a simple horizontal design, the wall-mounted washing device of this invention, by configuring the upper volute into a first horizontal top surface, a spiral curved surface, and a second horizontal top surface connected in sequence, gradually increases the height of the air outlet channel corresponding to the spiral curved surface. Simultaneously, the second horizontal top surface is set higher than the first horizontal top surface, and the height of the air outlet channel corresponding to the second horizontal top surface also increases accordingly. Therefore, the overall space of the air outlet channel increases, reducing the kinetic energy loss of air passing through the air outlet channel and increasing the fan's airflow. Furthermore, since the height of the air outlet channel corresponding to the spiral curved surface gradually increases along the extension direction of the spiral curved surface, the cross-section of this section of the air outlet channel also gradually increases. The air velocity gradually decreases when passing through this section of the air outlet channel, converting some kinetic energy into static pressure energy, improving the transmission efficiency of this section of the air outlet channel, and correspondingly increasing the overall airflow of the fan. Even further, the spiral curved surface design gives the air outlet channel better airflow guidance, reducing wind resistance and further increasing the fan's airflow. In addition, a certain amount of installation space is usually reserved between the top of the volute and the housing of the wall-mounted washing machine. Therefore, by arranging a spiral surface that rises upwards and a second horizontal top surface that has a height difference from the first horizontal top surface on the upper volute, the reserved space can be fully utilized, making the structure of the wall-mounted washing machine more compact and the space utilization rate higher.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned wall-mounted washing equipment, the fan further includes a volute. The shortest line length from the center of the impeller to the volute is L1, and the radius of the impeller is R, where L1 = (1.05 - 1.2) × R. The volute design prevents some air from circulating within the volute casing, improving the fan's airflow efficiency. Furthermore, the shortest line length L1 from the center of the impeller to the volute and the radius R of the impeller satisfy L1 = (1.05 - 1.2) × R, ensuring that the gap between the volute and the outer diameter of the impeller is neither too large nor too small. This prevents a decrease in fan efficiency due to a large gap and also prevents excessive noise caused by a small gap.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned wall-mounted washing equipment, the outer contour of a portion of the projection surface of the volute perpendicular to the axis is an involute, and the maximum wrap angle α of the involute ranges from 250° to 300°. Air gains kinetic energy under the drive of the fan and is ejected under the centrifugal force of the fan. By setting a portion of the outer contour of the volute's projection surface as an involute, the cross-section of the air outlet channel gradually increases, the airflow velocity within the air outlet channel gradually decreases, and some kinetic energy is converted into static pressure energy, thereby reducing energy loss. Furthermore, the maximum wrap angle α of the involute ranges from 250° to 300° to obtain good fan performance and improve fan efficiency.

[0009] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned wall-mounted washing equipment, the involute has n baselines, wherein the first baseline l1 is the shortest line from the center of the impeller to the volute tongue and has the shortest line length L1, and the length of each baseline satisfies L n = (1.02-1.1)×L (n-1) Furthermore, a predetermined angle β is formed between every two adjacent baselines, the predetermined angle β ranging from 20° to 30°, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 3. Through this configuration, the profile of the volute is arranged as a smooth curve without inflection points, resulting in lower air resistance when air flows within the volute, thereby increasing fan efficiency and airflow volume.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the wall-mounted washing machine described above, the height difference H between the second horizontal top surface and the first horizontal top surface in the direction of the axis satisfies H = (0.2-0.6) × R. This configuration ensures that the height difference between the second and first horizontal top surfaces in the direction of the impeller axis is moderate, which allows for an increase in the overall space of the air outlet duct while preventing excessive height difference from occupying too much internal space of the wall-mounted washing machine.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned wall-mounted washing machine, the lower volute further includes an inclined curved surface and a second horizontal bottom surface. The second horizontal bottom surface is parallel to the second horizontal top surface and is higher than the first horizontal bottom surface in the direction of the axis. The inclined curved surface is configured to extend obliquely upward from the first horizontal bottom surface to the second horizontal bottom surface, and the inclined curved surface fits the arc-shaped wall at the top of the outer drum. Providing an inclined curved surface on the lower volute and configuring it to fit the arc-shaped wall at the top of the outer drum allows the volute to better conform to the outer drum, thereby improving the internal space utilization of the wall-mounted washing machine. Furthermore, the design of the inclined curved surface gradually reduces the cross-section of the air outlet channel, allowing some static pressure energy to be converted into kinetic energy. The air velocity increases when passing through the air outlet channel corresponding to the inclined curved surface, thereby improving the air outlet efficiency.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned wall-mounted washing equipment, the spiral surface extends in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and the second horizontal top surface and the second horizontal bottom surface extend towards the front end of the outer drum. The spiral surface can be configured to extend in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, thereby enriching the product types and meeting different user needs. Furthermore, the arrangement of the second horizontal top surface and the second horizontal bottom surface extending towards the front end of the outer drum facilitates the delivery of drying air from the air outlet duct into the outer drum.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned wall-mounted washing equipment, the impeller has multiple blades evenly spaced around the axis, and each blade has the same predetermined angle γ at its outlet, which ranges from 145° to 155°. The multiple blades evenly spaced around the axis on the impeller allow airflow between the blades to be generated by driving the impeller to rotate. Setting the same outlet angle for each blade ensures more even force distribution on the blades, resulting in a smoother airflow generated by the impeller rotation and extending the impeller's service life. Furthermore, setting the outlet angle to 145°-155°, i.e., using a forward-curved impeller (blade outlet angle greater than 90°), allows for higher pressure head and, under the same conditions (i.e., the same motor output power, blade size, number of blades, and blade spacing), a larger airflow. Furthermore, the blade outlet angle is set to 145°-155°, ensuring a suitable tilt angle for the forward-curved impeller blades. This avoids excessive tilt angles that could cause excessive pressure head and blade deformation, while also preventing insufficient tilt angles that could result in insufficient pressure head and affect airflow.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the wall-mounted washing equipment described above, a fan intake is formed at the center of the first horizontal bottom surface, and the ends of the second horizontal top surface and the second horizontal bottom surface define a fan exhaust outlet. The wall-mounted washing equipment further includes: an air supply duct connected to both the fan exhaust outlet and the air inlet of the outer drum; and a return air duct having a bottom inlet and a top outlet. The bottom inlet coincides with the air outlet of the outer drum, and the top outlet is configured to connect with the fan intake. Through this configuration, the wall-mounted washing equipment can form a closed circulating air loop, preventing the direct discharge of hot and humid air generated during the drying process from affecting the surrounding environment.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned wall-mounted washing equipment, a heating element is provided inside the volute and near the exhaust port of the fan. By placing the heating element inside the volute near the exhaust port, the air passing through the heating element is heated and converted into dry, hot air for drying. This dry air is then transported into the wall-mounted washing equipment to remove moisture from the clothes to be dried, thereby achieving the purpose of drying the clothes. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the wall-mounted washing equipment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a partial structure embodiment of the wall-mounted washing equipment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top view schematic diagram of a partial structure embodiment of the wall-mounted washing device of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a perspective schematic diagram of an embodiment of the fan of the wall-mounted washing equipment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a perspective schematic diagram of an embodiment of the volute casing of the wall-mounted washing device of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an embodiment of the wall-mounted washing device of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of part A inside the volute of the wall-mounted washing device of the present invention, as shown in the embodiment;

[0024] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower volute of an embodiment of the wall-mounted washing device of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the outline of the volute of the wall-mounted washing device of the present invention.

[0026] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0027] 1. Wall-mounted washing machine; 10. Outer drum; 11. Back panel; 12. Drum body; 121. Top; 122. Side wall; 1221. Outer drum air outlet; 123. Front end; 124. Rear end; 13. Outer drum cover; 131. Annular wall; 1311. Outer drum air inlet; 132. Window gasket; 1321. Window gasket body; 1322. Connecting part; 14. Opening; 15. Observation window; 20. Fan; 21. Volute; 211. Upper volute; 2111. First horizontal top surface; 21111. Motor mounting slot; 2112. Helical curved surface; 2113. Second horizontal top surface; 212. Lower volute; 2121. First horizontal bottom surface; 2122. Oblique curved surface; 2123. Second horizontal bottom surface; 213. Air outlet channel; 214. Volute tongue; 215. Fan air inlet; 216. Fan air outlet; 22. Impeller; 221. Blade; 23. Heating component; 30. Supply air duct; 31. First end; 32. Second end; 40. Return air duct; 41. Duct body; 411. Arc-shaped wall; 4111. Bottom inlet; 412. Inverted L-shaped peripheral wall; 413. Top wall; 4131. Top outlet; 414. Side opening; 42. Duct cover. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In order to solve the technical problem of low air volume of the fan in the existing wall-mounted washing equipment, the present invention provides a wall-mounted washing equipment 1. The wall-mounted washing machine 1 includes an outer drum 10 and a fan 20 fixed to the top 121 of the outer drum 10. The fan 20 includes a volute 21 and an impeller 22 arranged within the volute 21. The volute 21 includes: an upper volute 211 having a first horizontal top surface 2111, a helical surface 2112, and a second horizontal top surface 2113 connected sequentially, the first horizontal top surface 2111 and the second horizontal top surface 2113 being perpendicular to the axis C of the impeller 22; the helical surface 2112 being configured to extend helically upward from the first horizontal top surface 2111 to the second horizontal top surface 2113; and a lower volute 212 abutting against the upper volute 211 to define an air outlet channel 213, and the lower volute 212 having a first horizontal bottom surface 2121 perpendicular to the axis C, such that the height of the portion of the air outlet channel 213 corresponding to the helical surface 2112 gradually increases along the extension direction of the helical surface 2112. With the above configuration, the installation space reserved at the top of the wall-mounted washing equipment 1 is fully utilized, which makes the overall space of the air outlet channel 213 of the wall-mounted washing equipment 1 larger, and the cross section of the part of the air outlet channel 213 corresponding to the spiral curved surface 2112 gradually increases along the extension direction of the spiral curved surface 2112, reducing wind resistance and thus increasing the air volume of the fan.

[0032] Unless otherwise stated, the terms used herein are as follows: "wrap angle" refers to the angle between any two points on the involute portion of the outer contour of the volute and the center of the base circle; "maximum wrap angle" refers to the angle between the lines connecting the start and end points of the involute portion of the outer contour of the volute and the center of the base circle; "fit" refers to two related elements or objects that are similar in shape to each other, spaced a predetermined distance apart, and approximately parallel; "blade exit angle" refers to the angle between the tangent of the blade at the impeller outer diameter and the circumferential direction.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the wall-mounted washing equipment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a partial structure embodiment of the wall-mounted washing equipment of the present invention; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top view schematic diagram of a partial structure embodiment of the wall-mounted washing device of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 This is a perspective schematic diagram of an embodiment of the fan of the wall-mounted washing equipment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a perspective schematic diagram of an embodiment of the volute casing of the wall-mounted washing device of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an embodiment of the wall-mounted washing device of the present invention; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of part A inside the volute of the wall-mounted washing device of the present invention, as shown in the embodiment; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower volute of an embodiment of the wall-mounted washing device of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the outline of the volute of the wall-mounted washing device of the present invention.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the wall-mounted washing device 1 is a wall-mounted drum washing machine. Alternatively, the wall-mounted washing device 1 may also be a wall-mounted dryer or other suitable washing equipment. The wall-mounted washing device 1 includes components such as an outer drum 10, an inner drum (not shown in the figure), a fan 20, an air supply duct 30, and a return air duct 40, so that the wall-mounted washing device 1 has functions such as washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the outer cylinder 10 includes a back plate 11, a cylinder body 12, an outer cylinder cover 13, and an observation window 15. Based on Figure 1 As shown, the cylinder 12 has a front end 123 and an opposing rear end 124. The rear end 124 of the cylinder 12 is fixed to the front side of the back plate 11, the outer cylinder cover 13 covers the front end 123 of the cylinder 12, and the observation window 15 is fixed to the outer cylinder cover 13. Figure 1 As shown, the back panel 11 is generally flat. Mounting holes (not shown) are arranged at the four opposite corners of the back panel 11. These mounting holes can mate with mounting parts (not shown), allowing the wall-mounted washing machine 1 to be fixed to a predetermined wall using the back panel 11. The drum 12 is generally a cylindrical cavity, defining a space for accommodating laundry or other laundry items. Preferably, the back panel 11 and drum 12 can be integrally molded from PP, ABS, or other suitable resin materials by injection molding. Alternatively, the back panel 11 and drum 12 can be manufactured separately and then fixed together. The fixing method can be welding, screw fixing, bolt fixing, or other suitable fixing methods. The outer drum cover 13 can be integrally molded from PP, ABS, or other suitable resin materials by injection molding. The outer drum cover 13 can be fixed to the drum 12 by methods including but not limited to welding, screws, and bolts. Figure 2As shown, an annular wall 131 extending vertically outward around the central axis of the cylinder 12 is formed on the outer cap 13 to define a generally circular opening 14. Figure 3 As shown, in one or more embodiments, an outer cylinder air inlet 1311 is formed at the top of the annular wall 131 to connect with the air supply duct 30, thereby allowing hot, dry air for drying clothes or other items to be supplied into the cylinder 12. In one or more embodiments, the outer cylinder air inlet 1311 is configured as a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners. Alternatively, the outer cylinder air inlet 1311 may also be configured in other suitable shapes, such as trapezoidal, elliptical, etc. Figure 2 As shown, in one or more embodiments, a window gasket 132 is arranged on the inner side of the annular wall 131. The window gasket 132 includes a generally annular window gasket body 1321 and a hollow connecting portion 1322 extending radially and vertically outward from the window gasket body 1321. The connecting portion 1322 passes through the air inlet 1311 of the outer cylinder to mate with the air supply duct 30. The window gasket 132 can be integrally molded from a suitable material such as rubber using an injection molding process. Figure 1 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the observation window 15 is pivotally connected to the outer drum cover 13. The observation window 15 is configured to close the opening 14. The observation window 15 may be made of ABS, tempered glass, or other suitable materials. Preferably, the observation window 15 has a certain degree of transparency, allowing observation of the washing status of the clothes to be washed inside the inner drum.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the fan 20 is arranged at the top 121 of the cylinder 12 and near the right side of the cylinder 12. Alternatively, the fan 20 may also be arranged at the top 121 of the cylinder 12 and near the left side of the cylinder 12. The fan 20 includes a volute 21 and an impeller 22 disposed within the volute 21 (e.g., Figure 7 The impeller 22 is fixed to the impeller 22, and the motor is electrically connected to the controller (not shown) of the wall-mounted washing machine 1, so that the impeller 22 can be driven to rotate by controlling the power on and off of the motor. The motor includes, but is not limited to, a stepper motor, a brushless motor, a servo motor, or other suitable types of motors.

[0037] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the volute 21 includes an upper volute 211 and a lower volute 212. The upper volute 211 and the lower volute 212 are mated together to define an air outlet passage 213. The upper volute 211 can be integrally molded from PP, ABS, or other suitable resin materials by injection molding to simplify the manufacturing process. The upper volute 211 has a first horizontal top surface 2111, a helical curved surface 2112, and a second horizontal top surface 2113 that are sequentially connected. Based on Figure 4As shown, the first horizontal top surface 2111 extends approximately horizontally. For example... Figure 5 As shown, an inwardly recessed motor mounting groove 21111 is formed on the first horizontal top surface 2111. The motor mounting groove 21111 is configured to accommodate a motor, allowing the motor to be fixed within the motor mounting groove 21111. The motor shaft extends from the motor mounting groove 21111 into the interior of the volute 21 and connects with the impeller 22 (e.g., Figure 6 (As shown) a fixed connection is formed. The fixing methods between the motor shaft and the impeller 22 include, but are not limited to, screw fixing, bolt fixing, and rivet fixing. The impeller 22 is arranged directly below the first horizontal top surface 2111, that is, the first horizontal top surface 2111 is approximately perpendicular to the axis C of the impeller 22. The helical surface 2112 extends from the first horizontal top surface 2111 in a counterclockwise direction to the second horizontal top surface 2113. Alternatively, the helical curve 2112 can also be configured to extend from the first horizontal top surface 2111 in a clockwise direction to the second horizontal top surface 2113 (in which case, the volute 21 is arranged on the top 121 of the cylinder 12 and near the left side of the cylinder 12). The second horizontal top surface 2113 extends from the end of the helical surface 2112 in a direction perpendicular to the axis C of the impeller 22. When the volute 21 is fixed on the top 121 of the cylinder 12, the second horizontal top surface 2113 faces the front end of the outer cylinder 10. The second horizontal top surface 2113 and the first horizontal top surface 2111 have a height difference H in the direction of the axis C of the impeller 22 (the second horizontal top surface 2113 is higher than the first horizontal top surface 2111). The height difference H satisfies H = (0.2-0.6) × R (where R is the radius of the impeller 22), so that the second horizontal top surface 2113 and the first horizontal top surface 2111 have a moderate height difference H in the direction of the axis C of the impeller 22. This not only meets the requirement of increasing the overall space of the air outlet duct 213, but also avoids the height difference H being too large and occupying too much space.

[0038] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the lower volute 212 is configured to abut against the upper volute 211. The lower volute 212 and the upper volute 211 can be fixed together by welding, screw fixing, bolt fixing, or other suitable methods. The lower volute 212 can also be integrally molded from PP, ABS, or other suitable resin materials through injection molding to simplify the manufacturing process. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the lower volute 212 has a first horizontal bottom surface 2121, an oblique curved surface 2122, and a second horizontal bottom surface 2123 connected in sequence. The first horizontal bottom surface 2121 extends along a direction perpendicular to the axis C of the impeller 22. Figure 8As shown, a fan intake 215 is formed on the first horizontal bottom surface 2121. The fan intake 215 is positioned directly below the impeller 22, so that when the impeller 22 rotates, air is drawn in from the fan intake 215 and pushed into the outlet channel 213, and then propelled outward along the outlet channel 213. Preferably, the fan intake 215 is configured in a generally circular shape and has a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the impeller 22. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the oblique curved surface 2122 extends obliquely upward from the first horizontal bottom surface 2121 onto the second horizontal bottom surface 2123. Based on Figure 4 As shown, the oblique curved surface 2122 is arranged to extend upward to the left. Alternatively, the oblique curved surface 2122 can also be arranged to extend upward to the right (in which case the volute 21 is arranged at the top 121 of the drum 12 and near the left side of the drum 12). In one or more embodiments, the oblique curved surface 2122 is arranged to fit the arcuate wall of the top 121 of the outer drum 10, so that the volute 21 can fit more closely to the top 121 of the outer drum 10, and the structure of the wall-mounted washing device 1 is more compact. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second horizontal bottom surface 2123 extends from the end of the inclined curved surface 2122 in a direction perpendicular to the axis C of the impeller 22, and the second horizontal bottom surface 2123 is higher than the first horizontal bottom surface 2121 along the axis C of the impeller 22. When the volute 21 is fixed to the top 121 of the cylinder 12, the second horizontal bottom surface 2123 faces the front end of the outer cylinder 10. The ends of the second horizontal bottom surface 2123 and the second horizontal top surface 2113 (near the front end of the outer cylinder 10) define the fan exhaust port 216. The fan exhaust port 216 is configured to connect with the air supply duct 30 to deliver dry, hot air generated by the fan 20 into the outer cylinder 10.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, in one or more embodiments, a volute tongue 214 is also formed inside the volute 21. The volute tongue 214 is arranged at the position where the inner sides of the first horizontal bottom surface 2121 and the inclined curved surface 2122 meet, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the first horizontal bottom surface 2121. The arrangement of the volute tongue 214 can prevent some air from circulating inside the volute 21, thereby improving the air delivery efficiency of the fan 20 and reducing noise. The curvature of the volute tongue 214 can be obtained through experiments or experience, so that the noise is smaller when the air passes over the surface of the volute tongue 214.

[0040] like Figure 9 As shown, a portion of the outer contour of the volute 21 is configured as an involute. In one or more embodiments, the involute has 13 baselines, namely, a first baseline l1, a second baseline l2, ..., a twelfth baseline l1 12 and the thirteenth baseline 13The first baseline l1 is set as the shortest line from the center O of the impeller 22 to the volute tongue 214. In one or more embodiments, the maximum wrap angle α of the involute ranges from 250° to 300°, i.e., the first baseline l1 and the thirteenth baseline l1. 13 The angle α relative to the center O of the impeller 22 ranges from 250° to 300°. By setting a larger range of maximum wrap angle α, good fan performance can be obtained, improving the air delivery efficiency of the fan 20 and increasing the air volume. In one or more embodiments, the length L1 of the first baseline l1, that is, the length of the shortest line connecting the center O of the impeller 22 to the volute tongue 214, is L1. The length of the second baseline l2 is L2, and satisfies L2 = (1.02 - 1.1) × L1. And so on, the third baseline l3, the fourth baseline l4, ..., the twelfth baseline l 12 Thirteenth Baseline 13 The lengths of all satisfy L n = (1.02-1.1)×L (n-1) Where n is an integer greater than or equal to 3 and less than or equal to 13. The ratio of the length of each baseline to the length of its adjacent baseline is the same, for example, 1.05, or other suitable ratio greater than or less than 1.05. Furthermore, the second baseline l2 and the first baseline l1 form a predetermined angle β. Correspondingly, the third baseline l3, the fourth baseline l4, ..., the twelfth baseline l... 12 Thirteenth Baseline 13 The same predetermined angle β is also maintained between every two adjacent baselines. The predetermined angle β ranges from 20° to 30°, and the predetermined angle β satisfies α = (n-1) × β with respect to the maximum wrap angle α. Alternatively, the number of baselines can be configured to be more or less than 13, such as 9, 15, etc. It can be understood that the starting point of the involute is the endpoint on the first baseline l1 opposite to the center O, and the ending point of the involute is the nth baseline l1. n The involute passes through the endpoints opposite to the center O on each baseline, forming an arc-shaped involute by fitting these discrete endpoints to a curve. It should be noted that "fitting" here refers to establishing data relationships or models from given discrete data points using curve fitting methods to create a smooth curve.

[0041] When the upper volute 211 and lower volute 212 are assembled together, the volute 21 defines the air outlet passage 213. Since part of the outer contour of the volute 21 is configured as an involute, the cross-section of the air outlet passage 213 gradually increases radially (i.e., in the direction perpendicular to the axis C of the impeller 22) along the air outlet direction. The air velocity passing through this section of the air outlet passage 213 decreases accordingly, and some kinetic energy is converted into static pressure energy. Furthermore, the helical surface 2112 on the upper volute 211 is configured to spirally ascend from the first horizontal top surface 2111 to the second horizontal top surface 2113. This causes the height of the air outlet passage 213 corresponding to the portion of the helical surface 2112 in the axial direction (i.e., in the direction parallel to the axis C of the impeller 22) to gradually increase along the extension direction of the helical surface 2112. The cross-section of this section of the air outlet passage 213 also gradually increases, and the air velocity passing through this section of the air outlet passage 213 gradually decreases accordingly, further converting some kinetic energy into static pressure energy. When air passes through the part of the air outlet channel 213 corresponding to the inclined curved surface 2122, the cross section of the air outlet channel 213 gradually decreases because the inclined curved surface 2122 extends upward at an angle. The air velocity increases when passing through this section of the air outlet channel 213, causing some static pressure energy to be converted into kinetic energy. Therefore, the air volume increases and the air delivery efficiency of the fan 20 increases.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the impeller 22 is integrally molded from PP, PPS, or other suitable resin materials by injection molding to simplify the manufacturing process. The impeller 22 has a generally circular shape. In one or more embodiments, the length L1 of the shortest line l1 from the center O of the impeller 22 to the volute tongue 214 satisfies L1 = (1.05-1.2) × R with respect to the radius R of the impeller 22, ensuring a moderate gap between the volute tongue 214 and the outer diameter of the impeller 22. This avoids a decrease in the efficiency of the fan 20 due to an excessively large gap, and also prevents excessive noise due to an excessively small gap. The impeller 22 has a plurality of blades 221 evenly spaced around its axis C. It is understood that the number of blades 221 and the spacing between adjacent blades 221 can be adjusted according to actual needs. In one or more embodiments, the impeller 22 is arranged as a forward impeller (i.e., the blade outlet angle is greater than 90°). Arranging impeller 22 as a forward-curved impeller allows for a higher pressure head and, under the same conditions (i.e., the same motor output power, blade size, number of blades, blade spacing, etc.), a larger airflow. Alternatively, impeller 22 can also be arranged as a radial impeller or a backward-curved impeller. Figure 7As shown, the blade outlet angle of each blade 221 is configured with the same predetermined angle γ, which makes the force on each blade 221 more uniform. This not only makes the airflow generated when the impeller 22 rotates more smoothly, but also extends the service life of the impeller 22. The predetermined angle γ is in the range of 145°-155° to obtain a suitable blade outlet angle. This avoids excessive tilt angle causing excessive pressure head and blade deformation, and also prevents insufficient tilt angle causing insufficient pressure head and affecting airflow.

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, in one or more embodiments, a heating element 23 is provided inside the volute 21 and near the fan exhaust port 216. The heating element 23 can heat the air generated by the fan 20 and convert it into dry, hot drying air. The heating element 23 includes a heater that can convert electrical energy into heat energy. The heater can be a heating tube, heating wire, heating plate, or other suitable components. Preferably, the heating element 23 also includes a temperature control switch (not shown) for controlling the heater temperature. The heater is electrically connected to the control system of the wall-mounted washing machine 1 through the temperature control switch so that the heater can be automatically powered off when it overheats.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the air supply duct 30 includes a first end 31 connected to the fan exhaust port 216 of the volute 21, and a second end 32 connected to the air inlet 1311 of the outer cylinder. In one or more embodiments, the air supply duct 30 includes an upper air supply duct shell and a lower air supply duct shell (not shown in the figure), and the upper air supply duct shell and the upper volute 211, and the lower air supply duct shell and the lower volute 212 are all integrally formed by injection molding, so that when air passes through the first end 31, the increased wind resistance due to the installation gap will not affect the air supply efficiency. The second end 32 of the air supply duct 30 has a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners. Alternatively, the second end 32 can also be provided with other suitable cross-sections, such as trapezoidal, elliptical, etc. The second end 32 of the air supply duct 30 is configured to be inserted into the connecting part 1322 of the window gasket 132 and extend into the air inlet 1311 of the outer cylinder, so that the air supply duct 30 can effectively seal with the air inlet 1311 of the outer cylinder, preventing the drying air from flowing out from the installation gap, affecting the drying efficiency and generating noise.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the return air duct 40 includes a duct body 41 and a duct cover 42. The return air duct 40 is configured to convert hot, humid air inside the outer casing 10 into dry, cold air and condensate. Based on Figure 1As shown, the return air duct 40 is arranged on the right side of the drum 12 and extends vertically. Alternatively, the return air duct 40 can also be arranged on the left side of the drum 12 and extend vertically (in which case the volute 21 is arranged on the top 121 of the drum 12 and close to the left side of the drum 12). The duct body 41 is configured to be integral with the side wall 122 on the right side of the drum 12 and extend vertically, making the structure of the entire wall-mounted washing machine 1 more compact. Based on Figure 1 As shown, the main body 41 of the air duct includes a partially arc-shaped wall 411 formed on the right side wall 122 of the cylinder 12, an inverted L-shaped peripheral wall 412 extending to the right in a generally horizontal direction from the edge of the arc-shaped wall 411, and a top wall 413 formed on the top of the inverted L-shaped peripheral wall 412. A bottom inlet 4111 is provided near the bottom of the arc-shaped wall 411. The bottom inlet 4111 coincides with the outer cylinder outlet 1221. A top outlet 4131 is provided on the top wall 413. The top outlet 4131 is configured to connect with the fan intake 215. Figure 2 As shown, the inverted L-shaped peripheral wall 412 and top wall 413 define a lateral opening 414 extending generally vertically. The duct cover 42 is detachably fixed to the lateral opening 414 and can close the lateral opening 414. The arrangement of the duct cover 42 and the lateral opening 414 satisfies the process requirement of integrally forming the duct body 41 and the outer cylinder 10. The fixing methods of the duct cover 42 and the duct body 41 include, but are not limited to, screw connections, bolt connections, or rivet connections, so that the user can remove the duct cover 42 and easily clean the interior of the return air duct 40 through the lateral opening 414. Preferably, a sealing element (not shown in the figure) is also provided between the duct cover 42 and the lateral opening 414, so that the duct cover 42 can effectively seal the duct body 41 and prevent air from flowing out from the installation gap.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, a condenser assembly (not shown) is also provided within the return air duct 40. The condenser assembly is positioned appropriately within the return air duct 40, for example, near the upper part of the bottom inlet 4111, to condense the humid and hot air flowing in from the bottom inlet 4111. The condenser assembly has a condenser (not shown), which can be a tube-plate condenser, a tube-strip condenser, or other suitable condensing components. The humid and hot air inside the cylinder 12 flows into the return air duct 40 through the outer cylinder outlet 1221 (i.e., the bottom inlet 4111), and is converted into dry and cold air and condensate after passing over the condenser surface. Alternatively, a condensation spray device (e.g., a cold water spray device) can also be provided within the return air duct 40 to cool and dehumidify the humid and hot air. The rotation of the impeller 22 creates a negative pressure within the return air duct 40 below the fan intake 215, thereby drawing dry and cold air into the volute 21, forming an air circulation. Under its own gravity, the condensate flows along the inner wall of the vertically extending return air duct 40, from the bottom inlet 4111 located at the bottom of the return air duct 40 to the inside of the cylinder 12, and is discharged from the drain outlet (not shown in the figure) along the bottom wall of the cylinder 12, preventing the condensate from remaining in the return air duct 40 to breed bacteria and produce odors.

[0047] The technical solutions of the present invention have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can combine technical features from different embodiments, or make equivalent changes or substitutions to related technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wall-mounted washing machine, characterized in that, The wall-mounted washing machine includes an outer tub and a fan fixed to the top of the outer tub. The fan includes a volute and an impeller arranged within the volute. The volute includes: An upper volute has a first horizontal top surface, a helical surface, and a second horizontal top surface that are sequentially connected, the first and second horizontal top surfaces being perpendicular to the axis of the impeller, and the helical surface being configured to spirally ascend from the first horizontal top surface to the second horizontal top surface; and The lower volute is connected to the upper volute to define an air outlet channel, and the lower volute has a first horizontal bottom surface perpendicular to the axis, such that the height of the portion of the air outlet channel corresponding to the helical surface gradually increases along the extension direction of the helical surface. The lower volute further includes an oblique curved surface and a second horizontal bottom surface, the second horizontal bottom surface being parallel to the second horizontal top surface and higher than the first horizontal bottom surface in the direction of the axis, the oblique curved surface being configured to extend obliquely upward from the first horizontal bottom surface to the second horizontal bottom surface, and the oblique curved surface fitting the arcuate wall of the top of the outer cylinder; When air passes through the portion of the air outlet channel corresponding to the inclined curved surface, the cross-section of the corresponding air outlet channel gradually decreases because the inclined curved surface extends upward at an angle.

2. The wall-mounted washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fan also includes a volute, the shortest line length from the center of the impeller to the volute is L1, the radius of the impeller is R, and L1 = (1.05-1.2) × R.

3. The wall-mounted washing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer contour of the projection plane of the volute perpendicular to the axis is an involute, and the maximum wrap angle α of the involute ranges from 250° to 300°.

4. The wall-mounted washing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The involute has n baselines. Wherein, the first baseline l1 is the shortest line from the center of the impeller to the volute tongue and has the shortest line length L1, and the length of each baseline satisfies L n = (1.02 - 1.1) × L （n-1） Furthermore, a predetermined angle β is formed between every two adjacent baselines, the predetermined angle β being in the range of 20°-30°, and n being an integer greater than or equal to 3.

5. The wall-mounted washing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The height difference H between the second horizontal top surface and the first horizontal top surface in the direction of the axis satisfies H = (0.2 - 0.6) × R.

6. The wall-mounted washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spiral surface extends in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and the second horizontal top surface and the second horizontal bottom surface extend toward the front end of the outer cylinder.

7. The wall-mounted washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The impeller has a plurality of blades evenly spaced around the axis, and each blade has the same predetermined angle γ at its outlet, the predetermined angle γ being in the range of 145°-155°.

8. The wall-mounted washing equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, A fan intake is formed at the center of the first horizontal bottom surface, and the ends of the second horizontal top surface and the second horizontal bottom surface define fan exhaust outlets. The wall-mounted washing equipment also includes: An air supply duct, wherein the air supply duct is connected to both the exhaust port of the fan and the air inlet of the outer cylinder; and The return air duct has a bottom inlet and a top outlet. The bottom inlet coincides with the air outlet of the outer cylinder, and the top outlet is configured to connect with the air intake of the fan.

9. The wall-mounted washing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, A heating element is provided inside the volute and near the exhaust port of the fan.

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