laundry equipment

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of laundry technology, specifically providing a laundry device aimed at solving the problem that residual water in the drum assembly after washing clothes in existing laundry devices easily leads to bacterial growth and affects the user's ability to rewash. To this end, the laundry device of this invention includes a drum assembly, a valve assembly, and a fan. The valve assembly includes a blocking mechanism and a valve housing having independently arranged air inlet and air outlet chambers. An air inlet pipe connecting the outside to the drum assembly is connected to the air inlet chamber, and an air outlet pipe connecting the outside to the drum assembly is connected to the air outlet chamber. The air inlet chamber and / or air outlet chamber are provided with vents connecting to the outside. When the blocking mechanism blocks the air inlet and air outlet pipes from the outside, the vents are connected to the drum assembly; when the blocking mechanism blocks the vents from the drum assembly, the air inlet and air outlet pipes are connected to the outside. This invention achieves air drying of the drum assembly, avoiding bacterial growth and the need for the user to rewash.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laundry technology, and specifically provides a laundry device. Background Technology

[0002] Laundry equipment is a garment processing device that can wash, rinse, dehydrate and / or dry clothes. Some laundry equipment also adds functions such as air washing, disinfection, sterilization and fragrance. There are many types of laundry equipment, such as the most common drum washing machine, top-loading washing machine and washer-dryer combo.

[0003] Taking drum washing machines as an example, existing drum washing machines include an outer drum and an inner drum. During washing, a certain amount of water is first injected into the outer drum, and then the inner drum tumbles the clothes to achieve washing. It is designed to mimic the principle of beating clothes with a stick. After washing the clothes, the outer drum and the window gasket connected to the outer drum are damp, that is, there is residual water on its inner wall. Over time, bacteria can easily grow. If the door glass is simply opened to allow the outer drum and window gasket to dry naturally, the effect is very limited. Moreover, the window gasket has folds, which is not conducive to the dissipation of moisture. When the user uses the drum washing machine a second time, the bacteria and dirt on the inner wall of the outer drum and the window gasket can easily cause secondary contamination of the clothes, seriously affecting the washing effect and resulting in a poor user experience. Washer-dryer combos add a drying system to traditional drum washing machines, giving them a drying function. Some models can even perform air washing. However, while the drying system can dry the residual water in the outer drum and door seal after washing, washer-dryer combos use an internal circulation system. This means that moisture still circulates between the drying duct and the outer drum. Furthermore, the dehumidification of washer-dryer combos mainly relies on the dehumidification device of the drying system. This means that if the residual water in the outer drum and door seal is to be further removed after the drying cycle, the drying system needs to continue running, which significantly increases the washing machine's energy consumption and is very detrimental to energy conservation.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the field for a new type of laundry equipment to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that residual water in the drum assembly of existing washing equipment after washing clothes can easily lead to the growth of bacteria and affect the user's secondary washing.

[0006] This invention provides a washing machine, comprising a drum assembly, a valve assembly, and a fan. The valve assembly includes a blocking mechanism and a valve housing having independently disposed air inlet and air outlet chambers. An air inlet pipe connecting the air inlet chamber to the outside environment is connected to the drum assembly. An air outlet pipe connecting the air outlet chamber to the outside environment is also connected to the drum assembly. The fan is configured to introduce air into the drum assembly through the air inlet pipe. A vent connecting the air inlet chamber and / or the air outlet chamber to the outside environment is provided.

[0007] When the blocking mechanism isolates the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe from the outside, the vent is connected to the cylinder assembly.

[0008] When the blocking mechanism blocks the vent from the cylinder assembly, the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe are connected to the outside.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing equipment, the vent is located on the air outlet chamber, the fan is connected to the air inlet of the air inlet chamber, and the air outlet of the air inlet chamber is connected to the drum assembly through the air inlet pipe.

[0010] The blocking mechanism is configured to block the vent so that the air inlet and air outlet of the air outlet cavity are connected, and the air inlet and air outlet of the air inlet cavity are also connected.

[0011] The blocking mechanism is also configured to block the air outlet of the air outlet cavity so that the air inlet of the air outlet cavity is connected to the vent and to block the air inlet and air outlet of the air inlet cavity.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing equipment, the air inlet and air outlet of the air outlet cavity are located on opposite sides of the valve housing, the air outlet of the air outlet cavity and the air outlet of the air inlet cavity are located on the same side of the valve housing, and the vent, the air inlet, and the air outlet of the air outlet cavity are all located on adjacent sides adapted to the valve housing.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing equipment, the barrier mechanism includes a rotating motor, a first barrier plate, and a second barrier plate. The first barrier plate is located in the air outlet cavity, and the second barrier plate is located in the air inlet cavity. The output shaft of the rotating motor is connected to a transmission shaft. Both the first barrier plate and the second barrier plate are mounted on the transmission shaft. The rotating motor can drive the transmission shaft to rotate so that the first barrier plate and the second barrier plate rotate together.

[0014] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing equipment, a first sealing structure and a second sealing structure are respectively provided on the two surfaces of the first barrier plate. The first barrier plate can seal the air outlet of the air outlet cavity through the first sealing structure and seal the vent through the second sealing structure.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing equipment, the barrier mechanism includes a first rotating motor, a first barrier plate, and an on / off valve. The first barrier plate is disposed in the air outlet cavity, and the output shaft of the first rotating motor is connected to the first barrier plate to drive the first barrier plate to rotate. The on / off valve is disposed in the air inlet cavity or the air inlet pipe.

[0016] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing equipment, a first sealing structure and a second sealing structure are respectively provided on the two surfaces of the first barrier plate. The first barrier plate can seal the air outlet of the air outlet cavity through the first sealing structure and seal the vent through the second sealing structure.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing equipment, the opening and closing valve includes a second rotating motor and a second baffle plate. The second baffle plate is disposed in the air inlet cavity or the air inlet pipe. The output shaft of the second rotating motor is connected to the second baffle plate to drive the second baffle plate to rotate.

[0018] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing equipment, the opening and closing valve is a solenoid valve.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing equipment, the drum assembly includes a connected outer drum and a window gasket, the air inlet pipe is connected to the window gasket, and the air outlet pipe is connected to the outer drum.

[0020] When using the above technical solution, the present invention can start the fan when drying the drum assembly, allowing outside air to enter the drum assembly through the air inlet pipe and then be discharged through the air outlet pipe, thereby removing the humid air from the drum assembly and drying the drum assembly. This prevents bacteria growth inside the drum assembly and avoids affecting the user's secondary washing. When washing clothes, the air inlet and outlet pipes can be isolated from the outside to prevent dirt from entering the drum assembly. At this time, the vent can balance the air pressure inside and outside the drum assembly, preventing pressure imbalance and improving the service life of the washing equipment.

[0021] Furthermore, by rotating the motor, the transmission shaft can be driven to rotate, thereby realizing the rotation of the first and second barrier plates, thus achieving simultaneous isolation of the air inlet and outlet pipes from the outside world. This setting can minimize the space required by the barrier mechanism, which is more conducive to the layout design of the overall spatial structure of the washing equipment. Moreover, the structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0022] Furthermore, the barrier structures in the air outlet and vent of the air outlet cavity are set independently from each other as the barrier structures in the air inlet cavity, which enables independent control of the air outlet and air inlet sections, providing more flexibility in the design of washing equipment.

[0023] Furthermore, the first sealing structure and the second sealing structure on the first barrier plate can achieve sealing when the air outlet and the vent of the air outlet cavity are switched to block, preventing air leakage, improving the sealing performance of the washing equipment, and thus improving the safety of the washing equipment.

[0024] Furthermore, the air inlet duct is connected to the window gasket, and the air outlet duct is connected to the outer cylinder, allowing outside air to enter through the window gasket to dry it first, then the outer cylinder to dry, and finally the humid air is discharged through the air outlet duct. This allows the outer cylinder and the window gasket to be dried simultaneously, avoiding secondary pollution when users wash their clothes again, thus avoiding affecting the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with a drum washing machine, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the drum washing machine of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the fan and valve assembly of the drum washing machine of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the fan and valve assembly of the drum washing machine of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the fan and valve assembly of the drum washing machine of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the fan and valve assembly of the drum washing machine of the present invention. Figure 4 ;

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 5AA sectional view (under fresh air condition);

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 AA cross-sectional view (in washing mode);

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the fan and valve assembly of the drum washing machine of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely for explaining the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, although the present invention is described in conjunction with a drum washing machine, the technical principles of the present invention are obviously also applicable to washer-dryer combos or multi-layer garment processing equipment. Adjustments or changes to these applications do not constitute a limitation of the present invention and should all be limited to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "middle," "upper," "lower," "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.

[0036] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connect," and "connect" 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 or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] Based on the background art, existing drum washing machines have residual water inside the drum assembly after washing clothes, which can easily lead to bacterial growth and affect the user's secondary washing. The present invention provides a drum washing machine that aims to dry the drum assembly, avoid bacterial growth inside the drum assembly, and avoid affecting the user's secondary washing.

[0038] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, the drum washing machine of the present invention includes a cabinet 1 and a drum assembly disposed within the cabinet 1. The drum assembly includes an inner drum 2, an outer drum 3, and a window gasket 4. The inner drum 2 is rotatably disposed within the outer drum 3. The window gasket 4 connects the opening of the outer drum 3 to the clothes loading port of the cabinet 1. The inner drum 2 can be directly driven to rotate by a direct drive motor, or it can be driven to rotate by a belt driven by a motor. The outer drum 3 is used to contain washing water, the inner drum 2 is used to tumble the clothes, and the window gasket 4 ensures a seal between the outer drum 3 and the cabinet 1.

[0039] It should be noted that the conventional washing program of a drum washing machine includes a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, and a draining process. In some drum washing machines, the spin-drying process may be omitted. Such adjustments or changes to the conventional washing program of a drum washing machine do not constitute a limitation of the present invention and should be limited to the protection scope of the present invention. In particular, the washing process generates a large amount of foam due to the presence of detergent / laundry powder, and after the draining process is completed, there will be residual water on the inner surface of the outer drum 3 and the inner surface of the window gasket 4.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the drum washing machine of the present invention also includes a valve assembly and a fan 5. The valve assembly includes a blocking mechanism and a valve housing 6 having an air inlet chamber 61 and an air outlet chamber 62 that are independently arranged. An air inlet pipe 7 is connected to the air inlet chamber 61 to connect the outside world with the drum assembly, and an air outlet pipe 8 is connected to the air outlet chamber 62 to connect the outside world with the drum assembly. The fan 5 is configured to introduce air into the drum assembly from the air inlet pipe 7, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the air inlet duct 7 is preferably connected to the window gasket 4, and the air outlet duct 8 is preferably connected to the outer drum 3. The fan 5 can be installed on the air inlet duct 7 or the air outlet duct 8. Of course, the fan 5 can also be installed at the air inlet 61a or air outlet 61b of the air inlet cavity 61, or at the air inlet 62a or air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62, as long as it can introduce outside air into the drum assembly when the drum washing machine is drying the drum assembly. The air inlet duct 7 connected to the air inlet cavity 61 to connect the outside to the drum assembly can be that the outside is directly connected to the air inlet 61a of the air inlet cavity 61, and then the air outlet 61b of the air inlet cavity 61 is connected to the drum assembly through the air inlet duct 7, or the air inlet duct 7 has two sections, one section connecting the outside to the air inlet 61a of the air inlet cavity 61, and the other section connecting the air outlet 61b of the air inlet cavity 61 to the drum assembly. Similarly, the air outlet duct 8 connected to the air outlet cavity 62 to connect the outside world with the cylinder assembly can be that the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 is directly connected to the outside world, and then the cylinder assembly is connected to the air inlet 62a of the air outlet cavity 62 through the air outlet duct 8. Alternatively, the air outlet duct 8 can have two sections, one section connecting the cylinder assembly to the air inlet 62a of the air outlet cavity 62, and the other section connecting the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 to the outside world.

[0041] In the above, such as Figures 4 to 8 As shown, the air inlet chamber 61 and / or air outlet chamber 62 are provided with vents 9 that communicate with the outside (the figure shows the case where the air outlet chamber 62 is provided with vents 9). When the drum washing machine executes the washing program and the blocking mechanism blocks the air inlet pipe 7 and the air outlet pipe 8 from the outside, the vents 9 are connected to the drum assembly. In this way, the air pressure inside and outside the drum assembly can be balanced through the vents 9, avoiding the imbalance of air pressure inside and outside the drum assembly. Moreover, since both the air inlet pipe 7 and the air outlet pipe 8 are blocked from the outside (it should be noted that in this invention, the air inlet pipe 7 and the air outlet pipe 8 being blocked from the outside means that the drum assembly can only communicate with the outside through the vents 9), it can be ensured that the foam in the drum assembly will not overflow to the outside. At the same time, in order to ensure that the foam will not overflow from the vents 9, the vents 9 can be connected to a vent pipe with multiple bends or Other anti-foam overflow structures prevent foam overflow from the vent 9. When the drum washing machine finishes the washing program and needs fresh air to dry the drum assembly or to deodorize the clothes in the drum assembly, and the blocking mechanism blocks the vent 9 from the drum assembly, the air inlet pipe 7 and the air outlet pipe 8 are connected to the outside. In this way, outside air can be introduced into the drum assembly through the air inlet pipe 7 and then discharged to the outside through the air outlet pipe 8. Closing the vent 9 can prevent air from escaping from the vent 9. In a preferred embodiment, the front panel of the cabinet 1 has an opening that connects to the outside, and the air outlet pipe 8 is connected to this opening. The user can feel the air escaping at this opening. Closing the vent 9 can ensure that the opening has sufficient airflow, allowing the user to check whether the fresh air function is operating normally, improving the user's intuitive experience. In this invention, the vent 9 can be provided separately on the air inlet cavity 61, separately on the air outlet cavity 62, or both on the air inlet cavity 61 and the air outlet cavity 62. For example, in one possible situation, such as Figures 2 to 8As shown, the fan 5 is located at the air inlet 61a of the air inlet chamber 61. After the fan 5 starts, its blades draw outside air into the fan 5 casing and then into the air inlet 61a of the air inlet chamber 61. The air is then sent into the cylinder assembly via the air outlet 61b of the air inlet chamber 61. The air in the cylinder assembly then enters the air outlet chamber 62 through the air inlet 62a of the air outlet chamber 62 (the description of the air inlet and outlet pipes 7 and 8 is omitted above). At this time, the vent 9 can be installed on the air outlet chamber 62, and the blocking mechanism can selectively close the air outlet chamber 62. The air outlet 62b and the vent 9 are either closed or closed. When the drum washing machine is running a washing program, the blocking mechanism closes the air outlet 62b of the air outlet 62, blocks the air inlet 61, and opens the vent 9 to balance the air pressure and prevent foam from overflowing. When the drum washing machine finishes washing and the drum assembly needs to be dried or the clothes need to be deodorized, the blocking mechanism opens the air outlet 62b of the air outlet 62, opens the air inlet 61, and closes the vent 9. For example, in another possible scenario, the fan 5 is located at the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62. In this case, the vent 9 can be located on the air inlet cavity 61. The blocking mechanism can selectively close one of the air inlet 61a and the vent 9 of the air inlet cavity 61, that is, close the air inlet 61a of the air inlet cavity 61 and open the vent 9, or close the vent 9 and open the air inlet 61a of the air inlet cavity 61. When the drum washing machine is running a washing program, the blocking mechanism closes the air inlet 61a of the air inlet cavity 61, blocks the air outlet cavity 62, and opens the vent 9 to balance the air pressure and prevent foam from overflowing. When the drum washing machine finishes washing and the drum assembly needs to be dried or the clothes need to be dried, the blocking mechanism can be used to dry the drum assembly and prevent foam from overflowing. When deodorizing, the barrier mechanism opens the air inlet 61a of the air inlet chamber 61, opens the air outlet chamber 62, and closes the vent 9. The fan 5 starts to introduce outside air into the air inlet chamber 61 through the air inlet 61a, and then sends the air into the cylinder assembly through the air outlet 61b of the air inlet chamber 61. The air in the cylinder assembly then enters the air outlet chamber 62 through the air inlet 62a, and the air in the air outlet chamber 62 then enters the casing of the fan 5 through the air outlet 62b, and is finally discharged to the outside through the air outlet of the fan 5 casing (the above process omits the description of the air inlet and outlet pipes 7 and 8). In this invention, the fan 5 is preferably a centrifugal fan.

[0042] It should be noted that the vent 9 is used to balance the internal and external air pressure of the cylinder assembly, while the air inlet duct 7, the air outlet duct 8, the air inlet 61a and air outlet 61b of the air inlet cavity 61, and the air inlet 62a and air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 are all used to introduce and deliver fresh air. The diameter of the vent 9 is generally smaller than the diameter of the air inlet duct 7, the air outlet duct 8, the air inlet 61a and air outlet 61b of the air inlet cavity 61, and the air inlet 62a and air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62. For example, the vent 9 can be set to 0.5 to 1 cm. The diameter of the air outlet 61b and the diameter of the air inlet 62a and air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 can be set to 4 to 8 cm. That is, the diameter of the air inlet pipe 7, the air outlet pipe 8, the diameter of the air inlet 61a and air outlet 61b of the air inlet cavity 61, and the diameter of the air inlet 62a and air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 can be 4 to 16 times the diameter of the vent 9. Therefore, when the drum washing machine is running the fresh air program, it is necessary to use the air inlet pipe 7, the air outlet pipe 8, and the air inlet cavity 61 and air outlet cavity 62 to ensure sufficient air volume. When the drum washing machine is running the washing program, only the vent 9 is needed to achieve the balance of air pressure inside and outside the drum assembly. Of course, the specific numerical ranges of the above-mentioned air vent 9, air inlet pipe 7, air outlet pipe 8, air inlet 61a and air outlet 61b of air inlet cavity 61, and air inlet 62a and air outlet 62b of air outlet cavity 62 are merely exemplary and do not constitute a limitation on the present invention.

[0043] like Figures 2 to 8 As shown, the technical solution of the present invention will be further illustrated below with an example of a preferred configuration in which the vent 9 is provided on the air outlet 62, the fan 5 is connected to the air inlet 61a of the air inlet 61, and the air outlet 61b of the air inlet 61 is connected to the cylinder assembly through the air inlet pipe 7.

[0044] Specifically, in this case, the blocking mechanism is configured to block the vent 9 so that the air inlet 62a and the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 are connected and the air inlet 61a and the air outlet 61b of the air inlet cavity 61 are connected. The blocking mechanism is also configured to block the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 so that the air inlet 62a of the air outlet cavity 62 is connected to the vent 9 and the air inlet 61a and the air outlet 61b of the air inlet cavity 61 are blocked.

[0045] Preferably, such as Figures 2 to 8 As shown, the air inlet 62a and air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 are located on opposite sides of the valve housing 6, the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 and the air outlet 61b of the air inlet cavity 61 are located on the same side of the valve housing 6, and the vent 9 and the air inlet 62a and air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 are all located on adjacent sides adapted to the valve housing 6.

[0046] In this invention, those skilled in the art can flexibly set the positions of the air inlet 61a of the air inlet cavity 61, the air outlet 61b of the air inlet cavity 61, the air inlet 62a of the air outlet cavity 62, the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62, and the vent 9 on the valve shell 6. The blocking mechanism can use one set of blocking structures to achieve selective blocking of the air inlet pipe 7 and the air outlet pipe 8 from the outside world and the opening and closing of the vent 9. The blocking mechanism can also use two sets of blocking structures to achieve selective blocking of the air inlet pipe 7 and the air outlet pipe 8 from the outside world and the opening and closing of the vent 9.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the blocking mechanism includes a rotary motor 10, a first blocking plate 11, and a second blocking plate 12. The first blocking plate 11 is located in the air outlet cavity 62, and the second blocking plate 12 is located in the air inlet cavity 61. The output shaft of the rotary motor 10 is connected to the drive shaft. Both the first blocking plate 11 and the second blocking plate 12 are mounted on the drive shaft. The rotary motor 10 can drive the drive shaft to rotate so that the first blocking plate 11 and the second blocking plate 12 rotate together. When the drum washing machine executes a washing program, the rotary motor 10 drives the drive shaft to rotate so that the first blocking plate 11 and the second blocking plate 12 rotate together. The first blocking plate 11 covers the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62, and the second blocking plate 12 covers the air outlet 61b of the air inlet cavity 61. At the same time, the first blocking plate 11 opens the vent 9 (see...). Figure 7 This allows for ventilation of the drum assembly, ensuring a balance of internal and external air pressure. When the drum washing machine finishes its washing cycle and needs to dry the drum assembly, or when the user needs to deodorize the clothes before removing them, the rotating motor 10 drives the drive shaft to rotate, causing the first barrier plate 11 and the second barrier plate 12 to rotate together. The first barrier plate 11 covers the vent 9, and the first barrier plate 11 and the second barrier plate 12 connect the air inlet and outlet of the air inlet cavity 61 and the air outlet cavity 62 (see...). Figure 6 After the fan 5 is started, outside air can enter the cylinder assembly through the air inlet pipe 7 and be discharged to the outside through the air outlet pipe 8, thereby drying the cylinder assembly or removing odors from the clothes.

[0048] In the above, such as Figure 6 and 7 As shown, preferably, a first sealing structure 13 and a second sealing structure 14 are respectively provided on the two surfaces of the first barrier plate 11. The first barrier plate 11 can seal the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 through the first sealing structure 13 and seal the vent 9 through the second sealing structure 14. That is, when the drum washing machine is running the washing program, the first barrier plate 11 rotates and seals the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 through the first sealing structure 13 (see...). Figure 7When the drum washing machine executes the fresh air program, the first barrier plate 11 rotates and seals the vent 9 through the second sealing structure 14 (see...). Figure 6 ),according to Figure 6 , 7 In the orientation of the first barrier plate 11, when it is in a horizontal position, it seals the vent 9; when it is in a vertical position, it seals the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62. The first sealing structure 13 and the second sealing structure 14 can be a sealing ring, a sealing gasket, or other structures that can achieve sealing. Those skilled in the art can flexibly set the specific structure of the first sealing structure 13 and the second sealing structure 14 in practical applications, as long as the first sealing structure 13 and the second sealing structure 14 respectively achieve the sealing of the vent 9 and the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62.

[0049] In another preferred case, such as Figure 8As shown, the barrier mechanism includes a first rotating motor 10a, a first barrier plate, and an on / off valve. The first barrier plate is disposed in the air outlet chamber 62. The output shaft of the first rotating motor 10a is connected to the first barrier plate to drive it to rotate. The on / off valve is disposed in the air inlet chamber 61 or the air inlet pipe 7. The first rotating motor 10a can be directly connected to the first barrier plate via its output shaft, or indirectly connected to it via a drive shaft. Taking the connection of the output shaft of the first rotating motor 10a to the first barrier plate via the first drive shaft as an example, when the drum washing machine executes a washing program, the first rotating motor 10a drives the first drive shaft to rotate, causing the first barrier plate to rotate. The first barrier plate covers the air outlet 62b of the air outlet chamber 62, and the on / off valve closes the air inlet chamber 61 or the air inlet pipe 7. At the same time, the first barrier plate opens the vent 9, thereby achieving ventilation of the drum assembly and ensuring the balance of its internal and external air pressure. When the drum washing machine finishes the washing program and needs to dry the drum assembly, or when the user needs to deodorize the clothes before removing them, the first rotating motor 10a drives the first transmission shaft to rotate, causing the first baffle plate to rotate. The first baffle plate covers the vent 9. At the same time, the first baffle plate and the opening and closing valve connect the air inlet and outlet of the air inlet chamber 61 and the air inlet and outlet of the air outlet chamber 62. After the fan 5 is started, outside air can enter the drum assembly through the air inlet pipe 7 and be discharged to the outside through the air outlet pipe 8, thereby achieving the drying of the drum assembly or the deodorization of the clothes. In this embodiment, the on / off valve can be a solenoid valve. Alternatively, the on / off valve can also employ a structure combining a rotary motor and a baffle plate. For example, the on / off valve includes a second rotary motor 10b and a second baffle plate. The second rotary motor 10b is independent of the first rotary motor 10a. The second baffle plate is disposed in the air inlet cavity 61 or the air inlet duct 7. The output shaft of the second rotary motor 10b is connected to the second baffle plate to drive its rotation. The second rotary motor 10b can be directly connected to the second baffle plate via its output shaft, or indirectly connected via a transmission shaft. Taking the output shaft of the washing machine as an example, which is connected to the second barrier plate via the second transmission shaft, the second rotating motor 10b can be set on the air inlet cavity 61 or the air inlet pipe 7. When the drum washing machine executes the washing program, the second rotating motor 10b drives the second transmission shaft to rotate so that the second barrier plate rotates. The second barrier plate blocks the air inlet cavity 61 or the air inlet pipe 7. When the drum washing machine finishes the washing program and needs to dry the drum assembly or when the user needs to deodorize the clothes before taking them out, the second rotating motor 10b drives the second transmission shaft to rotate so that the second barrier plate rotates. The second barrier plate opens the air inlet cavity 61 or the air inlet pipe 7.

[0050] Similar to the above, it is preferable that a first sealing structure and a second sealing structure are respectively provided on the two surfaces of the first barrier plate. The first barrier plate can seal the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 through the first sealing structure and seal the vent 9 through the second sealing structure. That is, when the drum washing machine is running the washing program, the first barrier plate rotates and seals the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 through the first sealing structure. When the drum washing machine is running the fresh air program, the first barrier plate rotates and seals the vent 9 through the second sealing structure. According to the orientation in the figure, the vent 9 is sealed when the first barrier plate is in a horizontal position, and the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62 is sealed when the first barrier plate is in a vertical position. The first sealing structure and the second sealing structure can be a sealing ring, a sealing gasket, or other structures that can achieve sealing. Those skilled in the art can flexibly set the specific structure of the first sealing structure and the second sealing structure in practical applications, as long as the first sealing structure and the second sealing structure respectively achieve the sealing of the vent 9 and the air outlet 62b of the air outlet cavity 62.

[0051] 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 laundry appliance, characterized in that, The washing equipment includes a drum assembly, a valve assembly, and a fan. The valve assembly includes a blocking mechanism and a valve housing with independently arranged air inlet and air outlet chambers. An air inlet pipe connecting the outside to the drum assembly is connected to the air inlet chamber, and an air outlet pipe connecting the outside to the drum assembly is connected to the air outlet chamber. The fan is configured to introduce air into the drum assembly through the air inlet pipe. A vent connecting to the outside is provided in either the air inlet or the air outlet chamber. When the blocking mechanism isolates the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe from the outside, the vent is connected to the cylinder assembly. When the blocking mechanism blocks the vent from the cylinder assembly, the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe are connected to the outside. When the vent is located on the air outlet cavity, the blocking mechanism can selectively close one of the air outlet cavity and the vent. When the washing machine executes a washing program, the blocking mechanism closes the air outlet cavity, blocks the air inlet cavity, and opens the vent. When the washing machine needs to air dry the drum assembly or deodorize the clothes, the blocking mechanism opens the air outlet cavity, opens the air inlet cavity, and closes the vent. Alternatively, when the vent is located on the air inlet cavity, the blocking mechanism can selectively close one of the air inlet of the air inlet cavity and the vent. When the washing machine executes a washing program, the blocking mechanism closes the air inlet of the air inlet cavity, blocks the air outlet cavity, and opens the vent. When the washing machine needs to air dry the drum assembly or deodorize the clothes, the blocking mechanism opens the air inlet of the air inlet cavity, opens the air outlet cavity, and closes the vent.

2. The washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet and air outlet of the air outlet cavity are located on opposite sides of the valve housing. The air outlet of the air outlet cavity and the air outlet of the air inlet cavity are located on the same side of the valve housing. When the vent is provided on the air outlet cavity, the vent, the air inlet and the air outlet of the air outlet cavity are all located on adjacent sides adapted to the valve housing.

3. The washing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The barrier mechanism includes a rotating motor, a first barrier plate, and a second barrier plate. The first barrier plate is located in the air outlet cavity, and the second barrier plate is located in the air inlet cavity. The output shaft of the rotating motor is connected to a transmission shaft. Both the first barrier plate and the second barrier plate are mounted on the transmission shaft. The rotating motor can drive the transmission shaft to rotate so that the first barrier plate and the second barrier plate rotate together.

4. The washing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first barrier plate has a first sealing structure and a second sealing structure respectively on its two surfaces. When the vent is located on the air outlet cavity, the first barrier plate can seal the air outlet cavity through the first sealing structure and seal the vent through the second sealing structure.

5. The washing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The barrier mechanism includes a first rotating motor, a first barrier plate, and an on / off valve. The first barrier plate is disposed in the air outlet cavity. The output shaft of the first rotating motor is connected to the first barrier plate to drive the first barrier plate to rotate. The on / off valve is disposed in the air inlet cavity or the air inlet duct.

6. The washing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first barrier plate has a first sealing structure and a second sealing structure respectively on its two surfaces. When the vent is located on the air outlet cavity, the first barrier plate can seal the air outlet cavity through the first sealing structure and seal the vent through the second sealing structure.

7. The washing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The opening and closing valve includes a second rotating motor and a second baffle plate. The second baffle plate is disposed in the air inlet cavity or the air inlet pipe. The output shaft of the second rotating motor is connected to the second baffle plate to drive the second baffle plate to rotate.

8. The washing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The on / off valve is a solenoid valve.

9. The washing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The cylinder assembly includes a connected outer cylinder and a window gasket, the air inlet duct is connected to the window gasket, and the air outlet duct is connected to the outer cylinder.

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