Small barrel assembly of washing machine and washing machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a small barrel assembly of a washing machine, which opens and closes at the large barrel inlet of the large barrel assembly of the washing machine; the small barrel assembly includes a barrel, a hinge assembly and a support member, the hinge assembly is located on one side of the large barrel inlet of the large barrel assembly of the washing machine, the barrel is connected to the support member, and the support member is rotatably connected to the hinge assembly; when the support member is pushed or pulled, the barrel and the support member open and close together at the large barrel inlet of the large barrel assembly of the washing machine. The small barrel assembly provided by the present invention opens and closes at the large barrel inlet of the large barrel assembly of the washing machine, and the small barrel assembly is opened and closed at the inlet of the large barrel assembly without changing the original large barrel assembly. In addition, the barrel of the small barrel assembly is connected to the hinge assembly via the support member, which can not only fix the barrel to prevent it from sagging, but also realize the overall opening and closing of the barrel and the support member at the large barrel inlet of the large barrel assembly of the washing machine. The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of washing machines, and in particular to a small barrel assembly of a washing machine and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] As people's quality of life continues to improve, independently designed twin-tub washing machines are becoming increasingly popular. Existing twin-tub washing machines are mostly double-layered, allowing for independent washing in each tub. These double-layered or side-by-side structures take up a lot of space and are not compatible with conventional washing countertops or cabinets. Furthermore, for users in smaller apartments, the selection options are limited.

[0003] Therefore, a new structure is needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a small barrel assembly of a washing machine and a washing machine.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is summarized as follows:

[0006] The present invention provides a small barrel assembly of a washing machine, wherein the small barrel assembly is opened and closed at a large barrel inlet of a large barrel assembly of the washing machine;

[0007] The small barrel assembly includes a barrel, a hinge assembly and a support member; wherein the hinge assembly is located on one side of the large barrel inlet of the large barrel assembly of the washing machine; the barrel is connected to the support member, and the support member is rotatably connected to the hinge assembly;

[0008] When the supporting member is pushed or pulled, the barrel and the supporting member are opened and closed together at the tub inlet of the washing machine tub assembly.

[0009] Furthermore, the hinge assembly includes a hinge seat and a hinge shaft;

[0010] The support member is rotatably connected to the hinge shaft, and the hinge shaft is rotatably connected or fixedly connected to the hinge seat; the hinge seat is fixed to one side of the tub inlet of the washing machine tub assembly.

[0011] Furthermore, through holes are provided at both ends of the hinge shaft, and a connecting opening is provided on the hinge seat, which is connected to the through holes to provide a pipeline routing channel for water-using equipment and / or electrical equipment in the washing machine door body.

[0012] Furthermore, the supporting member is annular, the supporting member is located on the outer periphery of the cylinder, and the cylinder is connected to the supporting member, and the cylinder rotates and opens and closes following the supporting member.

[0013] Furthermore, the size of the supporting member is greater than or equal to the barrel loading port of the barrel assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, part of the barrel protrudes from the supporting member, and the protruding part is located outside the tub inlet of the washing machine tub assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, the barrel assembly also includes a seal, which is located at the end of the cylinder and connects the cylinder and the rear door panel.

[0016] Furthermore, the seal includes an annular body, a bent end portion located at one end of the annular body, and a third connecting portion located at the other end of the annular body; the third connecting portion is connected to the outer surface of the cylinder; the annular body or the bent end portion is connected to the rear door panel.

[0017] Furthermore, an included angle is formed between the bent end and the annular body, the bent end is interference-fitted with the second door of the washing machine, and the second door opens and closes at the small barrel inlet of the small barrel assembly.

[0018] Furthermore, the cylinder body includes a small outer cylinder and a small inner cylinder; the small inner cylinder is located inside the small outer cylinder, and the small outer cylinder is fixedly connected to the supporting member.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a cover and a direct drive motor, the cover is located outside the barrel; the cover is sealed at the barrel inlet of the barrel assembly to form a washing area of ​​the barrel assembly; the direct drive motor is located between the barrel and the cover.

[0020] Furthermore, a locking member is provided on the supporting member, and the locking member is locked to one side of the barrel loading port of the barrel assembly.

[0021] Correspondingly, the present invention also provides a washing machine, including the small barrel assembly of the washing machine as described above, including a large barrel assembly, the small barrel assembly and the large barrel assembly being relatively independent; the large barrel assembly is provided with a large barrel loading port, and the small barrel assembly of the washing machine opens and closes at the large barrel loading port.

[0022] Compared to the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: the small barrel assembly provided by the present invention opens and closes with the large barrel opening of the washing machine's large barrel assembly, without changing the existing large barrel assembly. Furthermore, the barrel body of the small barrel assembly is connected to the hinge assembly via a support member, which not only secures the barrel body to prevent it from sagging, but also allows the barrel body and support member to open and close as a whole with the large barrel opening of the washing machine's large barrel assembly.

[0023] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it according to the contents of the description, the following preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific implementation methods of the present invention are given in detail by the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this application. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a tub assembly of a washing machine according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a washing machine of the present invention with a tub assembly installed behind a rear door panel;

[0027] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a small tub assembly of a washing machine according to the present invention in an installed state;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a supporting member in the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the sealing member of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing member of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the hinge assembly of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a washing machine of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 It is a side schematic diagram of a washing machine of the present invention.

[0034] Description of reference numerals:

[0035] 100, washing machine body; 10, rear door panel; 11, first opening; 20, front door panel; 21, outer door shell; 22, inner door shell; 23, sealing ring; 231, sealing portion; 24, glass plate; 31, small outer cylinder; 311, second connecting portion; 312, fourth connecting portion; 32, small inner cylinder; 321, lifting rib; 33, direct drive motor; 40, cover; 50, support member; 501, bolt; 51, first connecting portion Part; 52. Main body; 53. Hinge part; 54. Armrest; 60. Seal; 61. Annular body; 611. Fixing part; 62. Bent end; 621. First bending section; 622. Transition section; 623. Second bending section; 63. Third connecting part; 631. Mounting hole; 64. Waterway connecting part; 70. Hinge assembly; 71. Hinge seat; 711. Connecting opening; 72. Hinge shaft; 721. Through hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present invention will be described in further detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above-mentioned and other purposes, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent so that those skilled in the art can implement them with reference to the text of the specification. In the accompanying drawings, for the sake of clarity, shapes and sizes may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals will be used in all figures to indicate the same or similar parts. In the following description, words such as center, thickness, height, length, front, back, rear, left, right, top, bottom, top, bottom, etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. In particular, "height" is equivalent to the size from top to bottom, "width" is equivalent to the size from left to right, and "depth" is equivalent to the size from front to back. These relative terms are for the sake of convenience of explanation and are generally not intended to require a specific orientation. Terms related to attachment, connection, etc. (e.g., "connection" and "attachment") refer to the relationship between these structures that are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other through an intermediate structure, as well as movable or rigid attachment or relationship, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0037] Next, the present invention will be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments. It should be understood that the terms "having," "including," and "comprising" used herein do not imply the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0038] like Figures 1-9As shown, the present invention provides a small barrel assembly of a washing machine, which opens and closes at the large barrel inlet of the large barrel assembly of the washing machine; the small barrel assembly includes a barrel body, a hinge assembly 70 and a support member 50; wherein the hinge assembly 70 is located on one side of the large barrel inlet of the large barrel assembly of the washing machine; the barrel body is connected to the support member 50, and the support member is rotatably connected to the hinge assembly 70; when the support member is pushed or pulled, the barrel body and the support member 50 open and close together at the large barrel inlet of the large barrel assembly of the washing machine.

[0039] The small bucket assembly, serving as a separate washing tub assembly, opens and closes independently from the large tub opening of the washing machine's large tub assembly. In this embodiment, the small tub opening of the small bucket assembly faces the outside of the washing machine. This means that both the small tub opening of the small bucket assembly and the large tub opening of the large tub assembly face the outside of the washing machine, effectively isolating the large tub assembly from the small bucket assembly. This eliminates the need to open the large tub assembly when washing clothes with the small bucket assembly, resulting in a more environmentally friendly and clean environment. In other embodiments, the small tub opening of the small bucket assembly can also face opposite the large tub opening of the large tub assembly.

[0040] The present invention is developed by taking an example in which the small barrel introduction port of the small barrel assembly and the large barrel introduction port of the large barrel assembly are both facing the outside of the washing machine.

[0041] The small barrel assembly of the present invention can be connected to the original rear door panel 10 of the washing machine and opened and closed as a whole with the rear door panel 10. It can also be that after the small barrel assembly is opened and closed, the original rear door panel 10 is opened and closed again.

[0042] The rear door panel 10 serves as the opening and closing structure for the large tub opening of the washing machine's large tub assembly. It has a first opening 11, and the small tub assembly has a small tub opening opposite the first opening 11. The front door panel 20 forms the opening and closing structure for the small tub opening, opening and closing the front door panel 20 at the first opening 11. When the front door panel 20 is closed at the small tub opening, a washing area independent of the large tub assembly is formed within the small tub assembly.

[0043] The rear door panel 10 is provided with a first opening 11 on the basis of a conventional washing machine door panel, and the original function of the rear door panel 10 is not changed. The first door lock and the sealing member on the conventional door panel are both provided on the rear door panel 10 of the present invention.

[0044] In the present invention, the drum body is provided with a small bucket insertion port. The drum body comprises a small outer drum 31 and a small inner drum 32. The small inner drum 32 is located within the small outer drum 31 and is fixedly connected to the support member 50. Preferably, the small outer drum 31 and the small inner drum 32 have the same structure as conventional inner and outer drums. Several lifting ribs 321 are provided within the small inner drum 32 for lifting clothing, and the small inner drum 32 is provided with a water-permeable hole.

[0045] The bucket assembly is driven by a direct drive motor 33 ; therefore, the bucket assembly of the present invention further includes a direct drive motor and a cover body 40 .

[0046] The direct drive motor 33 drives the small inner drum 32 to rotate relative to the small outer drum 31 to process the clothes.

[0047] The cover 40 is located outside the small outer barrel 31. The cover 40 is a transparent cover. In the present invention, the cover 40 is protruding toward the barrel assembly, the cover is located outside the barrel, and the cover 40 is sealed at the barrel inlet of the barrel assembly to form a washing area of ​​the barrel assembly.

[0048] The direct-drive motor 33 is located between the barrel and the cover 40. Specifically, it is located between the small outer barrel 31 and the cover 40, and drives the small inner barrel 32 to rotate relative to the small outer barrel 31. Because the present invention utilizes an independent drive device to drive the small inner barrel of the small barrel assembly, the cover 40 is provided to prevent liquid from the large barrel assembly from splashing into the direct-drive motor 33. To prevent liquid from the small barrel assembly from splashing into the direct-drive motor 33, the direct-drive motor 33 is positioned on the outer surface of the small outer barrel 31.

[0049] In the present invention, the bottom shape of the cover 40 is adapted to the direct-drive motor 33, so that the cover 40 encloses the direct-drive motor 33. The direct-drive motor 33 is fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the small outer cylinder 31, and the rotating shaft passes through the small outer cylinder 31 to drive the rotation of the small inner cylinder 32. The small inner cylinder 32 is rotated by the rotating shaft and supported by bearings. This part is the same as the principle of a traditional single-barrel.

[0050] refer to Figure 3 The cover 40 is roughly bowl-shaped, with a protrusion at the bottom of the bowl facing the large barrel assembly. This protrusion houses the direct-drive motor 33 that drives the small barrel assembly. Preferably, the small outer barrel 31 is recessed toward the small inner barrel 32 to form a receiving groove. The groove corresponds to the protrusion of the cover 40, and the direct-drive motor 33 is located within the groove and the protrusion. Furthermore, the diameter or width of the cover 40 gradually decreases toward the large barrel assembly to prevent interference between the cover 40 and the large barrel assembly during opening and closing.

[0051] In this embodiment, the cover body 40 and the small outer cylinder 31 are both connected to the support member 50 , and the space between the two accommodates the direct drive motor 33 .

[0052] In other embodiments, the cover 40 can be directly and hermetically connected to the small outer cylinder 31, serving as a protective cover for the direct-drive motor 33, and is sealed to the small outer cylinder 31, with the direct-drive motor 33 located between the cover 40 and the small outer cylinder 31. Alternatively, the cover 40 can be independently formed as a sealed cover to enclose the direct-drive motor 33, and then mounted on the outer surface of the small outer cylinder 31.

[0053] In the present invention, the direct-drive motor 33 is the driving device of a conventional drum washing machine. It drives the small inner drum to rotate forward and backward, while the clothes are lifted by the lifting ribs 321, simulating hand rubbing. The direct-drive motor can be replaced with a dedicated pulsator drive motor, which is the driving device of a conventional pulsator washing machine. The pulsator drive motor drives the small inner drum 32, forming a vortex within the small inner drum 32 to wash the clothes. If the small drum assembly is a drum assembly, the small drum assembly may also include a rotating shaft, driven by the direct-drive motor 33; the rotating shaft is linked to the small inner drum 32.

[0054] The angle between the drum and the horizontal direction ranges from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. This means that when the angle between the drum and the horizontal direction is 0 degrees, the small bucket opening is horizontal, which is suitable for drum washers. When the angle between the drum and the horizontal direction is 90 degrees, the small bucket opening is perpendicular to the horizontal direction, which is suitable for pulsator washers. At other angles, the small bucket opening is tilted relative to the horizontal direction.

[0055] The support member 50 is annular and is located on the outer periphery of the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to the support member 50 and the cylinder rotates and opens and closes following the support member 50. It can be understood that the support member 50 is used to connect the cylinder.

[0056] In conventional single-tub or twin-tub washing machines, the outer tub is typically secured by a suspension spring, which acts as a shock absorber. However, in the present invention, considering the smaller capacity of the newly added small tub assembly and its need to open and close within the large tub opening of the large tub assembly, a support member 50 is added. This supports both the tub's fixed position and its rotational opening and closing.

[0057] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The support member is located on the outer periphery of the small outer cylinder 31, and the small outer cylinder 31 is fixedly connected to the annular support member 50, and the cover is fixedly connected to the annular support member 50. Specifically, the minimum diameter of the annular support member is larger than the maximum diameter of the small outer cylinder 31, and the space between the two can accommodate a water pipe, etc., and the space between the two allows the small outer cylinder 31 to slightly shake due to the operation of the small inner cylinder 32.

[0058] The supporting member 50 includes a first connecting portion 51 , a main body portion 52 , a hinge portion 53 , and an armrest portion 54 .

[0059] A first connecting portion 51 is provided on the annular supporting member, and a second connecting portion 311 protrudes from the outer surface of the small outer cylinder 31 . The first connecting portion 51 is connected to the second connecting portion 311 .

[0060] A first connecting portion 51 is positioned on the main body 52 and projects toward the bucket assembly. A hinge portion 53 protrudes from the main body 52 and is a circular hinge. An armrest 54 protrudes from the main body 52 and is positioned opposite the hinge portion 53, allowing the user to conveniently grasp the armrest 54 to rotate the entire annular support member open and close.

[0061] Furthermore, the support structure 50 is provided with a lock that locks to one side of the tub loading port of the washing machine assembly. Specifically, the lock is located on the armrest 54 (not shown) of the support structure 50. When the washing machine drum and support structure 50 are closed together in the tub loading port of the washing machine assembly, the lock completes the connection. The lock can be a conventional mechanical lock, an electronic lock, or the like.

[0062] Because the addition of the bucket assembly to the door increases its weight, conventional door hinge assemblies can easily cause the door to sag due to structural reasons. In the present invention, this can be understood as a new support member 50 with at least three first connecting portions 51 evenly distributed from the main body 52 toward the bucket assembly. This means that the support member 50 connects to the barrel assembly at multiple, uniform points, distributing stress. Compared to conventional hinges that connect to the door at a single point, this invention is more suitable for heavier doors.

[0063] Specifically, the annular support member comprises an annular piece of a certain hardness, and a first connecting portion 51 is provided with a connecting hole. The second connecting portion 311 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the small outer cylinder 31 toward the annular support member. The second connecting portion 311 is provided with a connecting hole, and the two connecting holes are connected by a bolt 501. There are at least three first connecting portions 51, and the relative positions and numbers of the first connecting portions 5 and the second connecting portions 311 are the same. The protruding arrangement of the second connecting portion 311 creates a gap between the cover body 40 and the small outer cylinder 31. The protruding height of the second connecting portion 311 is the height of the gap between the cover body 40 and the small outer cylinder 31. The gap formed between the cover body 40 and the small outer cylinder 31 can accommodate circuit lines connected to the direct drive motor 33 and water pipes leading to the interior of the small inner cylinder 32.

[0064] The tub opening of the existing washing machine's tub assembly is flush or concave with the outer surface of the washing machine body 100. Therefore, in order to increase the capacity of the small tub assembly without changing the original washing machine body and the existing tub assembly, the barrel of the small tub assembly is protruded from the tub opening of the washing machine's tub assembly. This protrusion of the small tub assembly's barrel facilitates sealing between the front door panel 20 and the barrel of the small tub assembly, improving the sealing performance of the small tub assembly. Furthermore, the size of the support member 50 is equal to or larger than the tub opening of the tub assembly, preventing the support member 50 from opening and closing inward while maintaining the capacity of the tub assembly. A portion of the barrel protrudes from the support member 50, with the protruding portion of the barrel located outside the tub opening of the tub assembly.

[0065] The support member 50 is hinged to the hinge assembly 70 , and the barrel assembly connected to the support member 50 rotates and opens and closes along with the support member 50 .

[0066] The hinge assembly 70 includes a hinge seat 71 and a hinge shaft 72; the hinge shaft 72 is rotatably connected or fixedly connected to the hinge seat 71; the hinge seat 71 is fixed to one side of the tub loading port of the washing machine tub assembly.

[0067] A through hole 721 is provided on the hinge shaft 72, and a communication opening 711 is provided on the hinge seat 71. The communication opening 711 is connected to the through hole 721 to provide a pipeline routing channel for water-using equipment and / or electrical equipment in the washing machine door body.

[0068] Specifically, the hinge portion 53 on the annular support member 50 is rotatably connected to the hinge shaft 72. A slip ring may be provided between the two to reduce friction. Through holes 721 are located at both ends of the hinge shaft 72, and the communication opening 711 is positioned toward the washing machine body 100. Water pipes and electrical wiring pass through the communication opening 711 and through hole 721. In other words, the hinge assembly 70 can accommodate electrical wiring and water pipes.

[0069] In the present invention, the small outer cylinder 31 is connected to the annular support member 50, the annular support member 50 is rotatably connected to the hinge shaft 72 of the hinge assembly 70, and the hinge seat 71 of the hinge assembly 70 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the washing machine body 100. Therefore, in order not to change the position of the original hinge assembly, the annular support member 50 needs to be flush with the hinge assembly 70 and located on the outer surface of the washing machine body 100.

[0070] Because the rear door panel 10 is located outside the support member 50, the rear door panel 10, indirectly connected to the annular support member 50, protrudes from the outer surface of the washing machine body 100. In other words, the rear door panel 10 is located outside the outer surface of the washing machine body 100. At this point, the front door panel 20, located outside the rear door panel 10, protrudes from the outer surface of the washing machine body 100. In other words, there is a certain distance between the front door panel 20 and the outer surface of the washing machine body 100. To ensure that the front door panel 20 can seal the small tub assembly's small tub inlet, the small inner tub 32 and / or small outer tub 31 protrude from the outer surface of the washing machine body 100. This design increases the washing space of the small tub assembly without reducing the washing space of the original large tub assembly.

[0071] The present invention also includes a seal 60. Located at the end of the drum, the seal 60 not only seals the small barrel assembly but also connects the drum to the rear door panel 10. Specifically, the ends of the seal 60 connect the rear door panel 10 and the small outer barrel 31, respectively, to enable the drum and rear door panel 10 of the small barrel assembly to open and close as a whole. Furthermore, the seal 60 is used to wrap around the protruding portion of the drum protruding from the support member 50. Thus, the seal 60 and the small outer barrel 31 of the drum form a sealed outer barrel that wraps around the small inner barrel 32, increasing the washing space while preventing liquid spillage. In other embodiments, the seal 60 can be integral with the small outer barrel 31.

[0072] Specifically, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The sealing member 60 includes an annular body 61, a bent end portion 62 at one end of the annular body, and a third connecting portion 63 at the other end of the annular body 61. The third connecting portion is connected to the outer surface of the cylinder, and the annular body 61 or the bent end portion 62 is connected to the rear door panel 10.

[0073] Specifically, the outer surface of the small outer cylinder 31 is provided with a fourth connecting portion 312, and the third connecting portion is connected to the fourth connecting portion 312. The third connecting portion 63 is provided with a mounting hole 631, and the fourth connecting portion 312 is provided with a connecting hole or connecting groove, and the two are fixed by bolts or screws.

[0074] In this embodiment, the annular body 61 is provided with a fixing portion 611, which is fixedly connected to the rear door panel 10. In other embodiments, the bent end portion 62 is fixedly connected to the rear door panel 10, and the fixing connection method is not limited to screwing, welding, bonding, etc.

[0075] The bent end portion 62 is located in the direction of the annular body 61 away from the small outer tube 31. To prevent water from overflowing from the small outer tube 31, an angle is formed between the bent end portion 62 and the annular body 61. Furthermore, the edge of the small inner tube 32 seals against the inner surface of the seal, with the edge located in the direction of the small inner tube 32 toward the front door panel 20. Specifically, the edge of the small inner tube 32 seals against the bent end portion 62.

[0076] The bent end portion 62 is interference-fitted with the second door 20 of the washing machine, thereby achieving complete sealing of the drum.

[0077] Specifically, the bent end portion 62 includes a first bent section 621, a transition section 622, and a second bent section 623. The first bent section 621 is perpendicular to the annular body 61, with the outer surface of the first bent section 621 in close contact with the rear door panel 10, and the inner surface of the first bent section 621 abutting the edge of the small inner tube 32. The transition section 622 transitionally connects the first bent section 621 to the second bent section 623, and is perpendicular to the first bent section 621. The angle between the second bent section 623 and the transition section 622 is acute, which can also be understood as the angle between the second bent section 623 and a plane perpendicular to the axis of the small barrel assembly being acute. That is, the second bent section 623 bends toward the interior of the small inner tube 32, which can better prevent liquid in the small barrel assembly from spilling out.

[0078] A water connection portion 64 protrudes from the annular body 61, housing the water inlet and outlet for the small bucket. This placement of the water connection 64 facilitates access to the valve body at the water inlet and outlet locations. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for water connections on the small outer barrel 31, allowing the small outer barrel 31 to be manufactured using conventional processes without requiring a new manufacturing process. Furthermore, the seal 60 is an annular member and a newly added component of the present invention; therefore, only the production process for the seal 60 needs to be added during production.

[0079] Thus, the annular support member 50 allows the cover 40 to be fixedly mounted on the support member 50, and the small outer tub 31 to be fixedly connected to the support member 50. The seal 60 connects the small outer tub 31 to the rear door panel 10, enabling the integrated movement of the small tub assembly and the rear door panel 10. Furthermore, the support member 50 is rotatably mounted on the washing machine body 100 via the hinge assembly 70, enabling the integrated rotational opening and closing of the small tub assembly and the rear door panel 10.

[0080] In addition, the front door panel 20 includes an outer door shell 21, an inner door shell 22, a sealing ring 23, and a glass plate 24. The sealing ring 23 has an interference fit with the sealing member 60. Specifically, the sealing ring 23 has a sealing portion 231 protruding toward the keg assembly, and the sealing portion 231 has an interference fit with the bent end portion 62.

[0081] A sealing ring 23 is located between the inner door shell 22 and the outer door shell 21. When the outer and inner door shells 21 and 22 are fixedly connected, a receiving groove is formed between them. The sealing ring 23 is located within the receiving groove between the inner and outer door shells 22 and 21. A glass panel mounting groove is provided in the center of the front door panel 20, and a glass panel 24 is installed in the glass panel mounting groove within the sealing ring 23. The glass panel 24 allows the user to easily check the current washing status.

[0082] The sealing ring 23 has a sealing portion 231 protruding toward the barrel assembly, and the sealing portion 231 has an interference fit with the bent end. Preferably, the sealing ring 23 is a soft sealing ring as a whole, and the interference fit between the sealing portion 231 and the bent end does not damage the bent end, and the soft sealing ring makes it easier to install the glass plate 24.

[0083] The front door panel 20 also includes a second door lock, and the rear door panel 10 is equipped with a locking element that mates with the second door lock. To achieve a sealed structure, the rear door panel 10 is recessed with a first recessed groove and a second recessed groove. The first recessed groove houses a rotating element for rotational connection with the front door panel 20, while the second recessed groove houses a locking element that mates with the second door lock. The principles and structure of this design are conventional and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0084] Accordingly, if Figure 8-9 As shown, the present invention also provides a washing machine, including the door body of the above washing machine, including the washing machine body 100, the large barrel assembly and the door body and small barrel assembly of the washing machine; the large barrel assembly and the small barrel assembly are relatively independent, the large barrel assembly is provided with a large barrel loading port, and the small barrel assembly opens and closes at the large barrel loading port.

[0085] The main body of the washing machine includes a rear door panel 10 and a front door panel 20 . The small barrel assembly of the washing machine is installed on the rear door panel 10 , and the front door panel 20 opens and closes at the small barrel introduction port of the small barrel assembly.

[0086] The washing machine body 100 may be understood as all components except the door of the washing machine provided by the present invention.

[0087] The washing machine body 100 is provided with a washing machine housing on its exterior, with the tub assembly located within the housing. The tub assembly is positioned at an angle of 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal. It can be understood that when the tub assembly is positioned at a 0-degree angle with respect to the horizontal, the tub loading opening is horizontally positioned, which is suitable for drum washers. When the tub assembly is positioned at a 90-degree angle with respect to the horizontal, the tub loading opening is perpendicular to the horizontal, which is suitable for pulsator washers. At other angles, the tub loading opening is tilted relative to the horizontal.

[0088] The large tub assembly is a pulsator or drum; the small tub assembly is a pulsator or drum. It can be understood that the twin-tub washing machine provided by the present invention can be capable of performing drum washing with both the large tub and the small tub; performing pulsator washing with both the large tub and the small tub; performing drum washing with both the large tub and the small tub; or performing pulsator washing with both the large tub and the small tub. It can also be understood that the large tub and the small tub can be used for any conventional washing method. As long as the small tub assembly is provided on the rear door panel, and the above-described structure realizes the provision of the small tub assembly on the rear door panel, it falls within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0089] In addition, the rear door panel 10 and the front door panel 20 are oriented in the same direction when opened, both facing the outside of the washing machine, which does not affect the original user experience. The consistent direction allows the large barrel assembly and the small barrel assembly to be used independently of each other.

[0090] The small barrel assembly provided by the present invention opens and closes with the large barrel opening of the washing machine's large barrel assembly, without changing the existing large barrel assembly. Furthermore, the barrel of the small barrel assembly is connected to the hinge assembly 40 via a support member 50, which not only secures the barrel to prevent it from sagging, but also allows the barrel and support member 50 to open and close as a whole with the large barrel opening of the washing machine's large barrel assembly.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the description and implementation methods. They can be fully applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. For those familiar with the art, additional modifications can be easily implemented. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and the scope of equivalents, the present invention is not limited to specific details.

Claims

1. A small barrel assembly of a washing machine, characterized in that: The small barrel assembly opens and closes on the large barrel inlet of the washing machine large barrel assembly; The small barrel assembly includes a barrel body, a hinge assembly and a support member; the barrel body includes a small outer barrel and a small inner barrel; the small inner barrel is located in the small outer barrel, and the small outer barrel is fixedly connected to the support member; Wherein, the hinge assembly is located on one side of the tub inlet of the washing machine tub assembly; the barrel is connected to the support member, and the support member is rotatably connected to the hinge assembly; When the support member is pushed or pulled, the drum and the support member together open and close at the tub loading port of the washing machine tub assembly; The hinge assembly includes a hinge seat and a hinge shaft; The support member is rotatably connected to the hinge shaft, and the hinge shaft is rotatably connected or fixedly connected to the hinge seat; the hinge seat is fixed to one side of the tub inlet of the washing machine tub assembly; Through holes are provided at both ends of the hinge shaft, and a communication opening is provided on the hinge seat. The communication opening is communicated with the through holes to provide a pipeline routing channel for water-consuming equipment and / or electrical equipment in the door body of the washing machine.

2. The small barrel assembly of the washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting member is annular and is located at the outer periphery of the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to the supporting member, and the cylinder rotates and opens and closes following the supporting member.

3. The small barrel assembly of the washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The size of the supporting member is greater than or equal to the barrel loading port of the barrel assembly.

4. The small barrel assembly of the washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: Part of the barrel protrudes from the supporting member, and the protruding part is located outside the tub inlet of the washing machine tub assembly.

5. The small barrel assembly of the washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The keg assembly further comprises a seal, which is located at the end of the cylinder and connects the cylinder and the rear door panel.

6. The small barrel assembly of the washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The sealing member includes an annular body, a bent end portion located at one end of the annular body, and a third connecting portion located at the other end of the annular body; the third connecting portion is connected to the outer surface of the cylinder; the annular body or the bent end portion is connected to the rear door panel.

7. The small barrel assembly of the washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: An included angle is formed between the bent end and the annular body, and the bent end is interference-fitted with the second door of the washing machine, and the second door opens and closes at the small barrel insertion port of the small barrel assembly.

8. The small barrel assembly of the washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a cover and a direct drive motor, the cover is located outside the barrel; the cover is sealed at the barrel inlet of the barrel assembly to form a washing area of ​​the barrel assembly; the direct drive motor is located between the barrel and the cover.

9. The small barrel assembly of the washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting member is provided with a locking member, which is locked to one side of the barrel loading port of the barrel assembly.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that: It comprises the small barrel assembly of the washing machine as claimed in claim 1, and the large barrel assembly, wherein the small barrel assembly is relatively independent of the large barrel assembly; the large barrel assembly is provided with a large barrel delivery port, and the small barrel assembly of the washing machine opens and closes at the large barrel delivery port.

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