A washing apparatus

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of washing, and specifically provides a washing device. The present application aims to solve the problems that the existing washing machine is easy to cause damage to clothes, incomplete cleaning and inconvenient cleaning of small clothes when cleaning clothes, and simultaneously improve the problems of complex installation, large space occupation and the like of the traditional extrusion type washing machine. For this purpose, the washing device of the present application comprises a support, an extrusion assembly, a driving assembly and a flexible barrel, the flexible barrel is fixedly arranged on the support, the driving assembly is connected with the extrusion assembly, the extrusion assembly is connected with the support, and the extrusion assembly is arranged to extrude or move away from the flexible barrel under the driving of the driving assembly, and the position of the extrusion assembly abutting against the flexible barrel is located on the side wall of the flexible barrel close to the barrel bottom. The present application can effectively solve the problems of poor washing effect and easy damage to clothes of the existing washing machine, and the swinging extrusion mode of the present application is more easy to realize the purpose of more gentle extrusion and more sufficient and effective washing of the clothes in the flexible barrel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of clothing washing technology, and specifically provides a washing device. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machines and other cleaning appliances are electrical appliances that use electricity to wash clothes. With the fast pace of life and people's high demands for comfort, washing machines have become indispensable household appliances in daily life. Taking front-loading washing machines as an example, a typical washing machine consists of an outer shell, an inner drum, an outer drum, and a drive mechanism that drives the inner drum to rotate. During operation, the washing machine mainly relies on the drive mechanism to drive the inner drum to rotate in both directions, causing the clothes to tumble inside the drum and rub against the lifting ribs of the inner drum to achieve washing. However, due to limitations in its principle and structure, washing machines inevitably have some problems.

[0003] First, because there are gaps between the inner and outer drums of a washing machine, dirt often accumulates in these gaps during washing and drainage. This dirt not only affects the normal operation and drainage of the washing machine but is also very difficult to clean. Second, washing machines primarily rely on the tumbling of clothes inside the drum and friction against the lifting ribs of the inner drum to wash them. While this washing method is theoretically closer to hand washing, the structural limitations of the inner drum mean that the tumbling and patting force is very weak. Therefore, this washing method cannot achieve the same effect as hand washing. Furthermore, the friction between the clothes and the lifting ribs inevitably leads to excessive wear and tear on the clothes, a common problem. This is also true for top-loading washing machines or other similar machines that rely on the rotation of the washing tub for friction. Finally, small items such as underwear and socks need to be changed more frequently, thus requiring more frequent washing and a gentler washing method. Therefore, some washing machines have begun to adopt a squeezing washing method to improve the shortcomings of existing washing machine washing methods. However, the traditional squeezing method is more complicated to install and takes up more space. At the same time, there may be problems with insufficient washing due to the squeezing method.

[0004] In other words, existing washing machines have problems such as easy accumulation of dirt, poor washing effect, and excessive wear and tear on clothes, especially for small items of clothing. Traditional washing machines also have problems such as complicated installation and large space occupation.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new washing device to solve the problems that existing washing machines tend to cause excessive wear and tear on clothes, incomplete cleaning, and inconvenience in washing small items of clothing. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, namely, that existing washing machines tend to cause excessive wear and tear on clothes, incomplete cleaning, and inconvenience in washing small items, the present invention provides a washing device, including a support, a squeezing assembly, a driving assembly, and a flexible tub. The flexible tub is fixedly mounted on the support, the driving assembly is connected to the squeezing assembly, the squeezing assembly is pivotally connected to the support, and the squeezing assembly is configured to reciprocate and squeeze or move away from the side wall of the flexible tub under the drive of the driving assembly to achieve washing.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the above washing device, the squeezing assembly includes a squeezing arm and a cam. The squeezing arm includes an upper squeezing arm and a lower squeezing arm, which are connected and the included angle between the upper squeezing arm and the lower squeezing arm is less than 180°. The squeezing arm is pivotally connected to the bracket, and the cam is rotatably connected to the bracket. The end of the upper squeezing arm away from the lower squeezing arm abuts against the flexible tub, and the end of the lower squeezing arm away from the upper squeezing arm abuts against the cam. Correspondingly, the driving assembly is a motor, and the motor is drivenly connected to the cam.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the washing device described above, an anti-jamming spring is further provided between the upper squeezing arm and the lower squeezing arm; and / or, a return spring is further provided between the upper squeezing arm and the bracket.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above washing device, a squeezing block is provided on the upper squeezing arm, and an airbag is also provided between the upper squeezing arm and the squeezing block.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the above washing device, the position where the extrusion assembly first contacts the side wall of the flexible tub during the extrusion process is less than half the height of the flexible tub.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the above washing device, both the top and bottom of the flexible tub are fixed to the bracket.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the above washing device, the flexible tub includes a flexible inner tub and a flexible outer tub, the flexible outer tub is fixedly mounted on the support, and the flexible inner tub is detachably mounted inside the flexible outer tub.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above washing device, the squeezing assembly includes a squeezing arm, which is pivotally connected to the bracket, and the driving assembly is a swing motor, with the squeezing arm fixedly connected to the output shaft of the swing motor; and / or, the squeezing assembly includes a squeezing arm and a hydraulic cylinder / air cylinder, with the squeezing arm pivotally connected to the bracket and the hydraulic cylinder / air cylinder connected to one end of the squeezing arm.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above washing device, the flexible tub is further provided with a drain outlet, which is located at the bottom of the flexible tub.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the washing device described above, the washing device further includes a dispensing port, on which a lid is provided, and the lid is sealed to the flexible tub.

[0016] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in the technical solution of the present invention, a washing device is provided, which includes a support, a squeezing assembly, a driving assembly, and a flexible tub. The flexible tub is fixedly mounted on the support, the driving assembly is connected to the squeezing assembly, the squeezing assembly is pivotally connected to the support, and the squeezing assembly is configured to reciprocate to squeeze or move away from the side wall of the flexible tub under the drive of the driving assembly to achieve washing.

[0017] Through the above-described configuration, the washing device of this invention solves the problems of existing washing machines, such as easy damage to clothes, incomplete cleaning, and inconvenience for washing small items. For small items that need frequent washing, this washing device can achieve a result closer to hand washing, ensuring thorough cleaning without damaging the clothes. Furthermore, the device allows for the replacement of the flexible drum, ensuring dedicated use and preventing cross-contamination, thus promoting better hygiene. In addition, the squeezing mechanism of this washing device differs from the squeezing mechanism of traditional washing machines, offering advantages such as simple installation, small footprint, and good stability.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the driving component provides power for the oscillating extrusion of the extrusion component through a driving connection with the cam. During this process, the lower extrusion arm remains in contact with the cam, and the driving component drives the cam to operate the extrusion arm, causing the extrusion component to extrude or move away from the flexible tub. Consequently, the flexible tub continuously extrudes, beats, and kneads the clothes to be treated stored within it. Furthermore, the oscillating extrusion method in this embodiment differs from the traditional parallel extrusion method. Oscillating extrusion makes it easier to apply force to the flexible tub gradually and controllably. Based on this, a gentler and more thorough washing effect can be achieved when extruding the clothes within the flexible tub. It better mimics hand washing, significantly improving the cleanliness of the clothes and the washing effect of the garment processing device. Moreover, this driving extrusion method only requires one motor, achieving single-motor dual-drive, which simplifies installation and saves space. Secondly, a drainage mechanism is also provided, which includes an interconnected drainage pump and drainage pipe. The drainage pipe is located at the bottom of the flexible tank. The bottom drainage pipe, combined with the side squeezing method, allows the water level in the tank to rise when gravity drainage is required, resulting in greater pressure at the bottom. The drainage pipe being located at the bottom makes drainage smoother and reduces the power consumption of the drainage pump.

[0019] This invention also includes an exhaust pipe (not shown in the figure) at the top of the flexible tub. Before the squeezing wash, a certain squeezing force is applied to both sides of the flexible tub by the drive component and maintained. After being squeezed by the external force, the flexible tub is flattened and deformed, thereby squeezing the water and load inside the flexible tub. The water rises after being squeezed, and the gas inside the flexible tub is squeezed out through the exhaust pipe on the tub lid. At this time, the exhaust pipe is closed to ensure the reciprocating motion of the flexible tub. Furthermore, since the open end of the flexible tub is sealed to the inner wall of the washing tub, the washing water always remains in the flexible tub during the washing process and does not flow into the inner tub, outer tub, or the gap between the inner and outer tubs as in traditional washing machines. This greatly reduces the accumulation of dirt in these locations, and even if dirt remains in the flexible tub, it is easier to clean. Moreover, since the clothes to be treated do not rub against the inner tub and agitator blades as in traditional washing machines, but are instead patted, squeezed, and rubbed by the squeezing component during the washing process, the washing effect is improved while reducing wear and tear on the clothes, effectively protecting them. Meanwhile, the flexible tub is detachably fixed to the washing unit, ensuring dedicated use by one person and preventing cross-contamination. In summary, this solution effectively solves the problems of existing washing machines, such as easy accumulation of dirt, poor washing performance, and easy wear and tear on clothes. It greatly enriches the variety of clothing handling equipment. Unlike traditional washing units that compress clothes, it has the advantages of simple installation, small footprint, and better stability. Furthermore, the detachable flexible tub design allows for dedicated use by one person, preventing cross-contamination, making it suitable for large-scale promotion and application. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The washing apparatus of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a physical diagram of the washing device of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a physical diagram showing the connection between the drive assembly and the squeezing assembly of the washing device of the present invention.

[0023] List of reference numerals:

[0024] 1-Flexible bucket, 11-Bucket lid, 2-Support, 3-Extrusion assembly, 31-Extrusion arm, 32-Cam, 311-Extrusion block, 312-Upper extrusion arm, 313-Lower extrusion arm, 314-Anti-jamming spring, 315-Returning spring, 4-Drive assembly, 41-Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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 invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific applications. For example, although the specification describes the oscillating compression of the flexible barrel as achieved by driving the extrusion arm in the extrusion assembly 3 with the drive assembly 4, the extrusion assembly 3 of the present invention can obviously employ similar devices and components such as extrusion plates, as long as the extrusion method can achieve the effect of oscillating compression.

[0026] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., which indicate directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0027] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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 mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 2 The washing apparatus of the present invention will be described below.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, in order to solve the problems of existing washing machines such as easy accumulation of dirt, poor washing effect, easy wear and tear on clothes, and to improve the problems of complex installation, large space occupation and poor stability of traditional squeeze-type washing machines, the present invention provides a washing device. The washing device includes a bracket 2, a squeezing component 3, a driving component 4 and a flexible tub 1. The flexible tub 1 is fixedly mounted on the bracket 2. The driving component 4 is connected to the squeezing component 3. The squeezing component 3 is pivotally connected to the bracket 2. The squeezing component 3 is configured to reciprocate to squeeze or move away from the side wall of the flexible tub 1 under the drive of the driving component 4 to achieve washing. In a preferred embodiment, the position where the squeezing component 3 first abuts against the side wall of the flexible tub 1 during the squeezing process is lower than half the height of the flexible tub 1.

[0030] The advantages of the above setup are as follows: During the washing process, the drive component 4 drives the squeezing component 3 to squeeze the two sides of the flexible tub 1 with a certain acceleration and pressure. The squeezing force can flatten the flexible tub 1 and make it fit tightly against the load, squeezing quickly and releasing quickly, and so on repeatedly. The water and load in the flexible tub 1 will rise under the squeezing force, and after the squeezing force is removed, the water and load will fall under the weight. Therefore, in order to enable the clothes to tumble effectively in the flexible tub 1 and improve the uniformity of washing, the position where the squeezing component 3 abuts against the flexible tub 1 is set below half the height of the flexible tub 1. At the same time, this setup is closer to hand washing, solving the problems of poor washing effect of washing machines and excessive wear and tear on clothes.

[0031] The following is further reference Figures 1 to 2 The specific structure and driving method of the washing device of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, in one possible implementation, the extrusion assembly 3 is pivotally connected to the support 2, and the drive assembly 4 drives the extrusion assembly 3 to swing, thereby achieving swing extrusion of the flexible barrel 1. The extrusion assembly 3 is composed of an extrusion arm 31 and a cam 32. The extrusion arm 31 includes an upper extrusion arm 312 and a lower extrusion arm 313, which are connected. Specifically, an anti-jamming spring 314 is provided between the upper extrusion arm 312 and the lower extrusion arm 313, and the included angle between the upper extrusion arm 312 and the lower extrusion arm 313 is less than 180°. The extrusion arm 31 is pivotally connected to the support 2, and a return spring 315 is also provided between the upper extrusion arm 312 and the support 2. Furthermore, an extrusion block 311 is provided on the upper extrusion arm 312, and an airbag (not shown) is provided between the upper extrusion arm 312 and the extrusion block 311. The cam 32 is rotatably connected to the bracket 2. The end of the upper extrusion arm 312 away from the lower extrusion arm 313 abuts against the flexible barrel 1, and the end of the lower extrusion arm 313 away from the upper extrusion arm 312 abuts against the cam 32. Correspondingly, the drive component 4 is a motor 41, that is, the motor 41 is driven by the cam 32.

[0033] The squeezing component 3 is pivotally connected to the bracket 2, and the driving component 4 drives the squeezing component 3 to swing, so as to realize the swing squeezing of the flexible tub 1. The swing squeezing method is different from the traditional parallel squeezing. The swing squeezing makes it easier to apply force to the flexible tub 1 gradually by controlling it. On this basis, when squeezing the clothes in the flexible tub 1, a gentler and more thorough washing effect can be achieved. During the washing process, the drive assembly 4 provides power to the washing machine and transmits the power to the squeezing assembly 3. The drive assembly 4 provides power to the squeezing assembly 3 for its oscillating squeezing through a drive connection with the cam 32. During this process, due to the presence of the return spring 315, the lower squeezing arm 313 always remains in contact with the cam 32. The drive assembly 4 drives the cam 32, thereby making the squeezing arm 31 work and swing left and right, thus realizing the oscillating squeezing of the flexible tub 1 by the squeezing arm 31. Since the upper squeezing arm 312 and the lower squeezing arm 313 are pivotally connected by the anti-jamming spring 314, even if there are too many clothes in the flexible tub 1 and the upper squeezing arm 312 cannot compress, the lower squeezing arm 313 can still overcome the torsional movement of the anti-jamming spring 314, effectively preventing the motor 41 from burning out due to the cam 32 jamming. When the washing equipment stops, the squeezing arm 31 returns to its initial state, and the upper squeezing arm 312 retracts by relying on the return spring 315, so that the lower squeezing arm 313 always remains in contact with the cam 32, while reducing the noise generated by the clutch. In addition, a squeezing block 311 is provided on the squeezing arm 31, and an air bladder is provided between the squeezing blocks 311. The air bladder is not reciprocated to move the squeezing blocks 311 back and forth, but is always kept in an inflated state. When the power is cut off due to external conditions, the motor 41, cam 32 and squeezing arm 311 may be stuck, so the flexible tub 1 may be in a state of being squeezed. At this time, the air in the air bladder will overflow, so that the squeezing block 311 no longer squeezes the flexible tub 1 with strong force, and the user can take out the clothes in the power-off state.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, in one possible embodiment, the top and bottom of the flexible tub 1 are both fixed to the support 2. The flexible tub 1 includes a flexible inner tub and a flexible outer tub (not shown in the figure). The flexible outer tub is fixedly mounted on the support 2, and the flexible inner tub is detachably mounted inside the flexible outer tub. The washing device also includes a dispensing port, on which a tub lid 11 is provided, and the tub lid 11 is sealed to the flexible tub 1. The flexible tub 1 is also provided with a drain outlet, which is located at the bottom of the flexible tub 1.

[0035] The advantages of the above-mentioned setup are as follows: Fixing the top and bottom of the flexible bucket 1 to the support 2 ensures the stability of the flexible bucket 1 and the safety and reliability of its operation. The flexible bucket 1 is designed with a flexible inner bucket and a flexible outer bucket; the flexible outer bucket is fixed to the support 2, and the flexible inner bucket is detachably installed inside the flexible outer bucket. This ensures the stability of the flexible bucket 1, and the detachable flexible inner bucket can be replaced at any time, allowing for dedicated use by a single person, preventing cross-contamination, and making it suitable for large-scale promotion and use. It also greatly reduces the accumulation of dirt in the aforementioned locations, and even if dirt remains in the flexible bucket 1, it reduces the difficulty of cleaning. Furthermore, the flexible bucket 1 is equipped with a lid 11 at its dispensing opening. The lid 11 is sealed to the flexible tub 1 in a closable manner, facilitating the loading of clothes. Furthermore, the lid 11, which is also sealed to the flexible tub 1, not only facilitates the loading of clothes but also ensures that the flexible tub 1, once sealed, prevents water overflow during washing. This allows for a higher washing frequency or stronger washing intensity, maximizing the effective compression of clothes inside the washing machine. The drain outlet of the flexible tub 1 is located at the bottom, allowing for natural drainage by gravity, saving energy compared to designing it on the side or top. This drainage method, under sealed conditions, can also be supplemented by compression. The drain outlet at the bottom of the flexible tub 1 ensures that water can drain smoothly from the bottom during the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes. Combined with the aforementioned compression washing method, when drainage is needed, compression raises the water level inside the flexible tub 1, increasing pressure and effectively draining the water.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the extrusion assembly 3 is configured to include only one extrusion arm, while the drive assembly 4 is configured as a swing motor (not shown in the figure), the extrusion arm is connected to the output shaft of the swing motor, and the extrusion arm is driven to swing by the swing motor.

[0037] In addition, a drain pump (not shown in the figure) is installed at the bottom of the washing unit. After washing, the drain pump at the bottom draws out the water in the flexible tub 1 and also drains some of the water in the load. At the same time, in the rinsing stage of the washing machine, the rinsing is carried out in the same way as the washing. The drive component 4 drives the squeezing component 3 to achieve oscillating squeezing, thereby repeatedly pressurizing the flexible tub 1 for rinsing. In the final spin-drying stage of the washing machine, the bottom drain pump sucks and applies a certain amount of squeezing force to the flexible tub 1 to achieve spin-drying.

[0038] In summary, this invention, through a swinging and squeezing method on the flexible tub 1, effectively solves the problems of poor washing performance and excessive wear on clothes in existing washing machines. Furthermore, this swinging and squeezing method differs from the traditional parallel squeezing method; it allows for more controlled and gradual application of force to the flexible tub 1. This also results in gentler and more thorough squeezing of the clothes inside the tub. The detachable flexible tub 1 also allows for dedicated use by one person, preventing cross-contamination and making it suitable for large-scale deployment.

[0039] It should be noted that the above embodiments are merely used to illustrate the principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can adjust the above structure so that the present invention can be applied to more specific application scenarios.

[0040] For example, in an alternative embodiment, the drive component 4 can also consist of a hydraulic device and matching transmission components, or it can be a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder. Taking a two-way pneumatic cylinder as an example, the two-way pneumatic cylinder can be set in... Figure 1 At the cam 32, the reciprocating push of the extrusion arm 31 is achieved by the extension and retraction of both ends of the cylinder. As long as the drive component 4 can provide power to the washing machine and transmit the power to the extrusion component 3 and drive the extrusion component 3 to achieve the swing extrusion of the washing machine, these do not deviate from the principle of the present invention, and therefore all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0041] For example, in another alternative embodiment, although the drive assembly 4 uses a single swing motor 41 to drive the extrusion assembly 3 to extrude the extrusion assembly 3 to extrude the flexible tub 1 of the washing machine, the number of swing motors 41 in the drive assembly 4 can be two or more as long as they can drive the extrusion assembly 3 to extrude the flexible tub 1. These do not deviate from the principle of the present invention and therefore all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0042] For example, in another alternative embodiment, the mechanical form of applying force can be to drive the squeezing component 3 by driving the drive component 4 and the cam 32, or it can be done by mechanical means such as crank slider, roller, gear rack, etc., as long as the method can effectively squeeze the flexible tub 1 and reduce the wear of clothes during washing. These do not deviate from the principle of the present invention and therefore fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0043] The technical solution of the present invention has 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 make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing device, characterized in that, The device includes a support frame, a squeezing assembly, a drive assembly, and a flexible tub. The flexible tub is fixedly mounted on the support frame. The drive assembly is connected to the squeezing assembly, and the squeezing assembly is pivotally connected to the support frame. The squeezing assembly is configured to reciprocate and squeeze or move away from the side wall of the flexible tub under the drive of the drive assembly to achieve washing. The extrusion assembly includes an extrusion arm and a cam. The extrusion arm includes an upper extrusion arm and a lower extrusion arm, which are connected and the included angle between them is less than 180°. The extrusion arm is pivotally connected to the support. The cam is rotatably connected to the support. The end of the upper extrusion arm away from the lower extrusion arm abuts against the flexible barrel, and the end of the lower extrusion arm away from the upper extrusion arm abuts against the cam. Correspondingly, the driving assembly is a motor, which is drivenly connected to the cam.

2. The washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An anti-jamming spring is also provided between the upper extrusion arm and the lower extrusion arm; and / or, a return spring is also provided between the upper extrusion arm and the bracket.

3. The washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An extrusion block is provided on the upper extrusion arm, and an air bladder is also provided between the upper extrusion arm and the extrusion block.

4. The washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the process of the extrusion assembly extruding the flexible barrel, the position where it first comes into contact with the side wall of the flexible barrel is less than half the height of the flexible barrel.

5. The washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top and bottom of the flexible bucket are both fixed to the bracket.

6. The washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible bucket includes a flexible inner bucket and a flexible outer bucket. The flexible outer bucket is fixedly mounted on the support, and the flexible inner bucket is detachably mounted inside the flexible outer bucket.

7. The washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible bucket is also provided with a drain outlet, which is located at the bottom of the flexible bucket.

8. The washing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The washing device also includes a dispensing port, on which a lid is provided, and the lid is sealed to the flexible tub.

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