Door body of washing machine and double-barrel washing machine

Abstract

The application relates to a door body of a washing machine, which comprises a rear door plate, a first opening arranged on the rear door plate, a small barrel assembly used for containing clothes to be treated, a small barrel feeding opening arranged on the small barrel assembly, the small barrel feeding opening being opposite to the first opening, the rear door plate and the small barrel assembly being opened and closed to a large barrel feeding opening of a large barrel assembly of the washing machine, and a front door plate which is opened and closed to the first opening. The small barrel assembly is arranged on the body of the traditional washing machine, the small barrel assembly and the rear door plate are integrally opened and closed to the feeding opening of the large barrel assembly, the small barrel assembly is newly added on the basis of not affecting the use of the original large barrel assembly, the feeding openings of the large barrel assembly and the small barrel assembly are consistent in direction, the use of the large barrel assembly is not affected when the front door plate is opened and closed, and the large barrel assembly and the small barrel assembly are isolated. The application relates to a double-barrel washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of washing machine technology, specifically to a washing machine door and a twin-tub washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of science and technology, people's hands have gradually been freed from heavy physical labor. Especially in today's fast-paced life, almost every household uses washing machines to wash clothes instead of the traditional hand washing method.

[0003] Currently available washing machines are mainly divided into two categories: top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines. Whether top-loading or front-loading, most twin-tub washing machines on the market today have a double-layer structure. Both double-layer and side-by-side structures occupy a significant amount of space and cannot fit conventional laundry countertops or cabinets.

[0004] Therefore, a new twin-tub washing machine is needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a washing machine door and a twin-tub washing machine.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention is summarized as follows:

[0007] This invention provides a washing machine door, comprising:

[0008] The rear door panel serves as the opening and closing structure for forming the tub loading port of the washing machine tub assembly, and the rear door panel is provided with a first opening;

[0009] The small tub assembly is independent of the large tub assembly of the washing machine; the small tub assembly is provided with a small tub dispensing port.

[0010] The front door panel forms the opening and closing structure of the small bucket inlet; when the front door panel is closed at the small bucket inlet, a washing area independent of the large bucket assembly is formed inside the small bucket assembly.

[0011] Furthermore, the angle between the small barrel assembly and the horizontal direction is 0 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a connector located on the outer periphery of the barrel assembly, and the barrel assembly is connected to the connector.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a hinge assembly, to which the connector is hinged, and the small barrel assembly rotates and opens and closes following the connector.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a cover, which is located outside the small tub assembly; the cover is sealed at the large tub inlet to form the washing area of ​​the large tub assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, the small bucket assembly includes a small outer cylinder and a small inner cylinder, the small inner cylinder being located inside the small outer cylinder, and the small outer cylinder being connected to the rear door panel.

[0016] Furthermore, the small barrel assembly is driven by a direct drive motor, which is located between the small outer cylinder and the cover, and drives the small inner cylinder to rotate relative to the small outer cylinder.

[0017] Furthermore, the connector is annular; the connector is located on the outer periphery of the small outer cylinder, and the small outer cylinder is fixedly connected to the connector.

[0018] Furthermore, the connector is provided with a first connecting part, and the outer surface of the small outer cylinder protrudes with a second connecting part, and the first connecting part is connected to the second connecting part.

[0019] Furthermore, the hinge assembly includes a hinge base and a hinge shaft, with through holes at both ends of the hinge shaft, and a communicating opening on the hinge base, the communicating opening communicating with the through holes.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes a sealing element, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the rear door panel and the small bucket assembly.

[0021] Furthermore, the size of the connector is larger than the dispensing opening of the large bucket assembly.

[0022] Furthermore, the small tub assembly protrudes from the large tub inlet of the washing machine's large tub assembly.

[0023] Accordingly, the present invention also provides a twin-tub washing machine, including the door of the washing machine as described above, including a large tub assembly, the large tub assembly having a large tub loading port, and the door of the washing machine opening and closing at the large tub loading port.

[0024] Furthermore, the angle between the large barrel assembly and the horizontal direction is 0 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0025] Furthermore, the large barrel assembly is a pulsator or a roller; the small barrel assembly is a pulsator or a roller.

[0026] Furthermore, the rear door panel faces the same direction as the front door panel when it is opened.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention sets a small tub assembly on the body of a traditional washing machine. The small tub assembly and the rear door panel open and close together at the loading port of the large tub assembly, thereby adding a small tub assembly without affecting the use of the original large tub assembly. Moreover, the loading ports of the large tub assembly and the small tub assembly face the same direction, and the opening and closing of the front door panel will not affect the use of the large tub assembly, thus achieving isolation between the large tub assembly and the small tub assembly.

[0028] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it according to the contents of the specification, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific embodiments of the present invention are given in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the door of a washing machine according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is another three-dimensional schematic diagram of the door of a washing machine according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the door of a washing machine according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a partial anatomical diagram of the door of a washing machine according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connector in the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing element in this invention;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing element in this invention;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge assembly in this invention;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a twin-tub washing machine according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 10 This is a side view of a twin-tub washing machine according to the present invention.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0041] 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 part; 24. Glass plate; 30. Small tub assembly; 31. Small outer tub; 311. Second connecting part; 312. Fourth connecting part; 32. Small inner tub; 321. Lifting rib; 33. Direct drive motor; 40. Cover; 50. Connecting piece; 501. Bolt; 51. 52. First connecting part; 53. Main body part; 54. Hinge part; 65. Handrail part; 66. Sealing element; 67. Annular body; 68. Fixing part; 69. Bending end; 60. First bending section; 61. Transition section; 62. Second bending section; 63. Third connecting part; 64. Mounting hole; 75. Water channel connecting part; 76. Hinge assembly; 77. Hinge seat; 78. Communicating opening; 79. Hinge shaft; 70. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will make the foregoing and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the invention more apparent, enabling those skilled in the art to practice it upon referring to the text of the specification. In the drawings, shapes and dimensions are enlarged for clarity, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts. In the following description, terms such as center, thickness, height, length, front, back, rear, left, right, top, bottom, upper, lower, etc., are used based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. In particular, “height” corresponds to the dimension from top to bottom, “width” corresponds to the dimension from left to right, and “depth” corresponds to the dimension from front to back. These relative terms are for ease of explanation and are not generally intended to require a specific orientation. Terms relating to attachment, connection, etc. (e.g., “connection” and “attachment”) refer to the relationship in which these structures are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other by an intermediate structure, and to movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0043] Next, the present invention will be further described with reference to 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 terms such as "having," "comprising," and "including" as used herein do not imply the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0044] like Figures 1-10 As shown, the present invention provides a washing machine door, including a rear door panel 10, a small tub assembly 30, and a front door panel 20.

[0045] The rear door panel 10 forms the opening and closing structure for the large tub inlet of the washing machine assembly, and has a first opening 11. The small tub assembly 30 is used to hold clothes to be processed and is relatively independent from the large tub assembly; the small tub assembly 30 is located at the first opening 11, and has a small tub inlet opposite to the first opening 11; the front door panel 20 forms the opening and closing structure for the small tub inlet, and opens and closes at the first opening 11. The rear door panel 10 and the small tub assembly 30 are opened and closed together at the large tub inlet of the washing machine assembly; and when the front door panel 20 is closed at the small tub inlet, a washing area independent of the large tub assembly is formed inside the small tub assembly 30.

[0046] Preferably, the first opening 11 is located in the middle of the rear door panel 10 and faces outwards from the washing machine. The small tub inlet of the small tub assembly 30 also faces outwards from the washing machine. This can be understood as both the small tub inlet of the small tub assembly 30 and the large tub inlet of the large tub assembly facing outwards from the washing machine. When the front door panel 20 is opened or closed, it will not affect the use of the large tub assembly, thus isolating the large tub assembly from the small tub assembly. When the user uses the small tub assembly to wash clothes, there is no need to open the large tub assembly, which is more environmentally friendly and cleaner.

[0047] The rear door panel 10 is based on a traditional washing machine door panel with a first opening 11. A small tub assembly 30 is installed in the first opening 1111 facing the inside of the washing machine. The original function of the rear door panel 10 is not changed. The first door lock and sealing element on the traditional door panel are also provided on the rear door panel 10 of this invention. Details are omitted here.

[0048] In other embodiments, the inlet of the small tub assembly 30 may also face the same direction as the inlet of the large tub assembly. This invention will be carried out with the example that both the inlet of the small tub assembly 30 and the inlet of the large tub assembly face the outside of the washing machine.

[0049] The small tub assembly includes a small outer tub 31 and a small inner tub 32. The small tub assembly is driven by a direct-drive motor 33. The small inner tub 32 is located inside the small outer tub 31, and the direct-drive motor 33 drives the small inner tub 32 to rotate relative to the small outer tub 31 to process the clothes. The small outer tub 31 is connected to the rear door panel 10 so that the small tub assembly 30 and the rear door panel 10 can open and close together at the large tub inlet of the washing machine. The small outer tub 31 and the rear door panel 10 can be connected indirectly or directly; the specific connection method will be described later.

[0050] Preferably, the outer tube 31 and the inner tube 32 are the same as the traditional inner and outer tube structures. The inner tube 32 is provided with several lifting ribs 321 for lifting clothes. The inner tube 32 is provided with several water-permeable holes.

[0051] The washing machine door also includes a cover 40, which is located outside the small tub assembly 30 and is transparent. In this invention, the cover 40 protrudes towards the large tub assembly and seals the large tub inlet to form the washing area of ​​the large tub assembly.

[0052] Specifically, the direct drive motor 33 is located between the small outer cylinder 31 and the cover 40, and the direct drive motor 33 drives the small inner cylinder 32 to rotate relative to the small outer cylinder 31. Since the present invention uses an independent drive device to drive the small inner cylinder of the small bucket assembly 30 to work, and the small bucket inlet of the small bucket assembly 30 is away from the large bucket assembly, and the bottom of the small bucket assembly 30 faces the large bucket assembly (that is, the small bucket inlet of the small bucket assembly 30 and the large bucket inlet of the large bucket assembly face the same direction), the cover 40 is provided to prevent liquid in the large bucket assembly from splashing into the direct drive motor 33, and the direct drive motor 33 is set on the outer surface of the small outer cylinder 31 to prevent liquid in the small bucket assembly from splashing into the direct drive motor 33.

[0053] In this invention, the bottom shape of the cover 40 is adapted to the direct drive motor 33 so that the cover 40 can enclose the direct drive motor 33. The direct drive motor 33 is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the small outer cylinder 31 and drives the rotation of the small inner cylinder 32 through the small outer cylinder 31 via a rotating shaft. The small inner cylinder 32 is driven to rotate by the rotating shaft and supported by bearings. This part is the same as the traditional single-bucket principle.

[0054] refer to Figure 3 The cover 40 is generally bowl-shaped, with a protrusion at the bottom facing the large bucket assembly. This protrusion accommodates the direct-drive motor 33 that drives the small bucket assembly 30. Preferably, the outer cylinder 31 is recessed towards the inner cylinder 32 to form a receiving groove, which corresponds to the position of the protrusion on the cover 40. The direct-drive motor 33 is located within both the receiving groove and the protrusion. Furthermore, the diameter or width of the cover 40 gradually decreases towards the large bucket assembly to prevent interference between the cover 40 and the large bucket assembly during opening and closing.

[0055] In this embodiment, both the cover 40 and the small outer cylinder 31 are connected to the connector 50, and the space between them accommodates the direct drive motor 33.

[0056] In other embodiments, the cover 40 can be directly and sealingly connected to the small outer cylinder 31, serving as a protective cover for the direct drive motor 33, 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 installed on the outer surface of the small outer cylinder 31.

[0057] In this invention, the direct drive motor 33 is a conventional drive device for drum washing machines. The direct drive motor drives the inner drum to rotate in both directions, while the clothes are lifted by the lifting ribs 321, simulating hand washing. The direct drive motor can be replaced with a dedicated pulsator drive motor, a conventional drive device for pulsator washing machines. The pulsator drive motor drives the inner drum 32 to form a vortex within the inner drum 32, washing the clothes. Furthermore, when the inner drum assembly is a drum assembly, the inner drum assembly may also include a rotating shaft, which is driven by the direct drive motor 33; the rotating shaft is linked to the inner drum 32.

[0058] The angle between the small tub assembly 30 and the horizontal direction ranges from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. This can be understood as follows: when the angle between the small tub assembly 30 and the horizontal direction is 0 degrees, the inlet of the small tub assembly 30 is horizontal; this angle is suitable for scenarios where the small tub assembly 30 is a drum washing machine. When the angle between the small tub assembly 30 and the horizontal direction is 90 degrees, the inlet of the small tub assembly 30 is perpendicular to the horizontal direction; this angle is suitable for scenarios where the small tub assembly 30 is a pulsator washing machine. Other angles indicate that the inlet of the small tub assembly 30 is tilted towards the horizontal direction.

[0059] In order to connect the small outer tub 31 and the rear door panel 10 so that the two can be opened and closed together at the large tub loading port of the large tub assembly, the door of the washing machine also includes a connector 50, a seal 60, and a hinge assembly 70.

[0060] The connector 50 is located on the outer periphery of the small bucket assembly 30, and the small bucket assembly 30 is connected to the connector 50. It can be understood that the connector 50 is used to fix the small bucket assembly 30.

[0061] In traditional single-tub or twin-tub washing machines, the outer tub is usually fixed by suspension springs, which serve to absorb shock. However, this invention takes into account the small capacity of the newly added small tub assembly and the fact that the small tub assembly needs to open and close with the rear door panel 10 to the large tub loading opening of the large tub assembly, and therefore designs a completely new structure.

[0062] The connector 50 is ring-shaped; it can serve as a door ring for connection. (Reference) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The connector is located on the outer periphery of the small outer cylinder 31, and the small outer cylinder 31 is fixedly connected to the annular connector 50. The cover is also fixedly connected to the annular connector 50. Specifically, the minimum diameter of the annular connector is greater than the maximum diameter of the small outer cylinder 31. The space between the two can accommodate water pipes, etc., and the space between the two allows for slight shaking of the small outer cylinder 31 caused by the operation of the small inner cylinder 32.

[0063] The connector 50 includes a first connecting part 51, a main body part 52, and a hinge part 53. It also includes a handrail part 54.

[0064] The annular connector is provided with a first connecting part 51, and the outer surface of the small outer cylinder 31 has a second connecting part 311 protruding from it. The first connecting part 51 is connected to the second connecting part 311.

[0065] The first connecting part 51 is located on the main body 52 and protrudes in the direction towards the small barrel assembly. The hinge part 53 protrudes from the main body 52 and is a circular hinge part. The handrail part 54 protrudes from the main body 52 and is arranged opposite to the hinge part 53, so that the user can hold the handrail part 54 to rotate and open the entire ring-shaped connecting part.

[0066] The addition of the small barrel assembly 30 to the door increases its weight, making it prone to sagging due to the structural limitations of traditional door hinges. In this invention, a connector 50 is added, with at least three first connecting portions 51 evenly distributed along the main body 52 towards the small barrel assembly. This multi-point connection between the connector 50 and the small barrel assembly disperses stress. Compared to traditional hinges that connect to the door at only one point, this invention is more suitable for heavier doors.

[0067] Specifically, the annular connector is an annular component with a certain degree of hardness, and the first connecting part 51 has a connecting hole. The second connecting part 311 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the small outer cylinder 31 in the direction of the annular connector, and the second connecting part 311 has a connecting hole. The two connecting holes are connected by bolts 501. There are at least three first connecting parts 51, and the relative number of the first connecting parts 51 and the second connecting parts 311 is the same. The protrusion of the second connecting part 311 creates a gap between the cover 40 and the small outer cylinder 31. The protrusion height of the second connecting part 311 is the height of the gap between the cover 40 and the small outer cylinder 31. The gap formed between the cover 40 and the small outer cylinder 31 can accommodate the circuit wires connecting the direct drive motor 33 and the water pipes leading into the small inner cylinder 32.

[0068] The connector 50 is hinged to the hinge assembly 70, and the small barrel assembly 30 connected to the connector 50 rotates and opens and closes with the connector 50.

[0069] The hinge assembly 70 includes a hinge base 71 and a hinge shaft 72. The hinge shaft 72 is provided with a through hole 721, and the hinge base 71 is provided with a communicating opening 711, which communicates with the through hole 721.

[0070] Specifically, the hinge portion 53 on the annular connector 50 is rotatably connected to the hinge shaft 72, and a slip ring can be provided between them to reduce friction. Through holes 721 are located at both ends of the hinge shaft 72, and the connecting opening 711 is oriented towards the washing machine body 100. Water pipes and electrical wires pass through the connecting opening 711 and the through hole 721. That is, the hinge assembly 70 can accommodate electrical wires and water pipes.

[0071] In this invention, the outer tub 31 of the small tub assembly 30 is connected to the annular connector 50. The annular connector 50 is rotatably connected to the hinge shaft 72 of the hinge assembly 70. 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 connector 50 needs to be flush with the hinge assembly 70 and located on the outer surface of the washing machine body 100.

[0072] Since the rear door panel 10 is located outside the connector 50, it protrudes from the outer surface of the washing machine body 100, meaning the rear door panel 10 is located outside the outer surface of the washing machine body 100. At this time, the front door panel 20, located outside the rear door panel 10, protrudes from the outer surface of the washing machine body 100, meaning 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 tub inlet of the tub assembly 30, the inner tub 32 and / or outer tub 31 within the tub assembly 30 protrude from the outer surface of the washing machine body 100.

[0073] The original washing machine's large tub assembly has its inlet flush with or recessed into the outer surface of the washing machine body 100. Therefore, to increase the capacity of the small tub assembly without altering the original washing machine body and large tub assembly, the small tub assembly 30 protrudes beyond the inlet of the large tub assembly. This protrusion also facilitates a better seal between the front door panel 20 and the small tub assembly, improving its sealing performance. Furthermore, the connector 50 is larger than the inlet of the large tub assembly to prevent it from opening inwards and to maintain the capacity of the large tub assembly.

[0074] To achieve a seal between the small bucket assembly 30 and the front door panel 20, the present invention also includes a sealing element 60. The sealing element 60 not only seals the small bucket assembly 30, but also connects the rear door panel 10 and the small outer cylinder 31 at both ends, so as to realize the overall opening and closing of the small bucket assembly 30 and the rear door panel 10.

[0075] Specifically, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The sealing element 60 includes an annular body 61, a bent end 62 at one end of the annular body, and a third connecting portion 63 at the other end of the annular body. A fourth connecting portion 312 is provided on the outer surface of the small outer cylinder 31, and the third connecting portion is connected to the fourth connecting portion 312. The third connecting portion 63 has a mounting hole 631, and the fourth connecting portion 312 has a connecting hole or connecting groove; the two are fixed together by bolts or screws.

[0076] The annular body 61 is provided with a fixing part 611, which is fixedly connected to the rear door panel 10. The fixing connection method is not limited to screwing, welding, bonding, etc.

[0077] The bent end 62 is located in the direction away from the outer cylinder 31 of the annular body 61. To prevent water from overflowing from the outer cylinder 31, the bent section 62 and the annular body 61 form an angle. Furthermore, the edge of the inner cylinder 32 is in sealing contact with the inner surface of the seal, and the edge is located in the direction of the inner cylinder 32 toward the front door panel 20. Specifically, the edge of the inner cylinder 32 is in sealing contact with the bent end 62.

[0078] Specifically, the bent end 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, and its outer surface is flush with the rear door panel 10. The inner surface of the first bent section 621 abuts against the edge of the small inner cylinder 32. The transition section 622 connects the first bent section 621 and 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 an acute angle, which can also be understood as the angle between the second bent section 623 and the vertical plane of the axis of the small cylinder assembly being an acute angle. That is, the second bent section 623 bends inward toward the inside of the small inner cylinder 32, which can better prevent liquid from overflowing from the small cylinder assembly 30.

[0079] A water passage connection portion 64 protrudes from the annular body 61, and the water passage connection portion 64 has a small bucket inlet and a small bucket outlet. The water passage connection portion 64 is located at this position, which facilitates the inspection and maintenance of the valve body at the inlet and outlet positions. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for a water passage connection port on the small outer cylinder 31, allowing the small outer cylinder 31 to be manufactured using conventional processes without requiring additional manufacturing procedures. Moreover, the sealing element 60 is an annular component and a new addition to this invention; therefore, only the manufacturing process for the sealing element 60 needs to be added during production.

[0080] Thus, the cover 40 is fixedly mounted on the connector 50 via the annular connector 50, and the small outer tub 31 is fixedly connected to the connector 50. Simultaneously, the small outer tub 31 is connected to the rear door panel 10 via the sealing member 60, enabling the overall movement of the small tub assembly and the rear door panel 10. Furthermore, the connector 50 is rotatably mounted on the washing machine body 100 via the hinge assembly 70, enabling the overall rotational opening and closing of the small tub assembly and the rear door panel 10.

[0081] 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 is interference-fitted with the sealing element 60. Specifically, the sealing ring 23 has a sealing portion 231 protruding towards the small barrel assembly 30, and the sealing portion 231 is interference-fitted with the bent end 62.

[0082] The sealing ring 23 is located between the inner door shell 22 and the outer door shell 21. After the outer door shell 21 and the inner door shell 22 are fixedly connected, a receiving groove is formed between them, and the sealing ring 23 is located in the receiving groove between the inner door shell 22 and the outer door shell 21. The sealing ring 23 has a glass plate mounting groove at the center position facing the front door panel 20, and the glass plate 24 is installed in the glass plate mounting groove in the sealing ring 23.

[0083] The glass panel 24 allows users to easily view the current washing status.

[0084] The sealing ring 23 has a sealing portion 231 protruding towards the small bucket assembly, and the sealing portion 231 is press-fitted with the bent end. Preferably, the sealing ring 23 is a soft sealing ring as a whole, and the press-fit between the sealing portion 231 and the bent end will not damage the bent section, and the soft sealing ring is easier to install the glass plate 24.

[0085] In addition, the front door panel 20 includes a second door lock, and the rear door panel 10 is provided with a locking element that cooperates with the second door lock. To achieve a sealed structure, the rear door panel 10 has a first recessed groove and a second recessed groove. A rotating component is installed in the first recessed groove for rotatably connecting with the front door panel 20, and a locking element that cooperates with the second door lock is installed in the second recessed groove. Its principle and structure adopt a conventional design and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0086] Accordingly, such as Figure 9-10 As shown, the present invention also provides a twin-tub washing machine, including the door of the washing machine as described above, including the washing machine body 100 and a large tub assembly, the large tub assembly having a large tub loading port, and the washing machine door opening and closing at the large tub loading port.

[0087] The washing machine body 100 can be understood as all components except the door of the washing machine provided by the present invention.

[0088] The washing machine body 100 has a washing machine shell on its outer surface, and the large tub assembly is located inside the washing machine shell. The angle between the large tub assembly and the horizontal direction is 0 degrees to 90 degrees. This can be understood as follows: when the angle between the large tub assembly and the horizontal direction is 0 degrees, the large tub inlet is horizontally positioned; this angle is suitable for scenarios where the large tub assembly is a drum washing machine. When the angle between the large tub assembly and the horizontal direction is 90 degrees, the large tub inlet is perpendicular to the horizontal direction; this angle is suitable for scenarios where the large tub assembly is a pulsator washing machine. At other angles, the large tub inlet is tilted towards the horizontal direction.

[0089] The large tub assembly is either a pulsator or a drum; the small tub assembly is either a pulsator or a drum. It can be understood that the twin-tub washing machine provided by this invention can perform drum washing simultaneously in both the large and small tubs; it can perform pulsator washing simultaneously in both the large and small tubs; it can perform drum washing in the large tub and pulsator washing in the small tub; or it can perform pulsator washing in the large tub and drum washing in the small tub. It can also be understood that the large and small tubs can perform any washing method existing in the prior art, as long as the small tub assembly is provided on the rear door panel, or the above-described structure enables the small tub assembly to be provided on the rear door panel, all of which fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0090] In addition, the rear door panel 10 and the front door panel 20 face the same direction when opened, both facing outwards from the washing machine, which does not affect the original user experience. Moreover, the consistent orientation allows the large tub component and the small tub component to be used independently.

[0091] This invention incorporates a small tub assembly 30 into the body of a traditional washing machine. The small tub assembly 30 and the rear door panel 10 open and close together at the large tub inlet of the large tub assembly, allowing the addition of the small tub assembly 30 without affecting the use of the original large tub assembly. Furthermore, the inlets of both the large and small tub assemblies 30 face the outside of the washing machine, and the opening and closing of the front door panel 20 does not affect the use of the large tub assembly, thus isolating the large and small tub assemblies 30. The small tub assembly is driven by a separate direct-drive motor 33, ensuring independent operation of the large and small tub assemblies. This invention also utilizes a ring-shaped connector 50 to connect the small outer tub of the small tub assembly to the ring-shaped connector. The ring-shaped connector is indirectly or directly connected to the rear door panel 10, and simultaneously hinged to the washing machine body, increasing support for the small tub assembly 30 and preventing the door from sagging. This ingenious structure achieves the goal of the small tub assembly and the rear door panel opening and closing at the large tub inlet of the large tub assembly. The present invention also includes a sealing element connected to the annular connector, which on the one hand realizes the connection between the annular connector and the rear door panel, and on the other hand realizes the sealing with the front door panel, thereby achieving the sealing of the dispensing port of the small bucket assembly.

[0092] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details.

Claims

1. A washing machine door, characterized in that, include: The rear door panel serves as the opening and closing structure for forming the tub loading port of the washing machine tub assembly, and the rear door panel is provided with a first opening; The small tub assembly is independent of the large tub assembly of the washing machine; the small tub assembly is provided with a small tub dispensing port. The front door panel forms the opening and closing structure of the small tub inlet; when the front door panel is closed to the small tub inlet, a washing area independent of the large tub assembly is formed inside the small tub assembly. A connector, located on the outer periphery of the small barrel assembly and connected to the connector, wherein the connector is annular; A hinge assembly is provided, wherein the connecting member is hinged to the hinge assembly, and the small bucket assembly rotates and opens and closes following the connecting member; the hinge assembly includes a hinge base and a hinge shaft, both ends of the hinge shaft are provided with through holes, and the hinge base is provided with a communicating opening, the communicating opening communicating with the through holes; the hinge portion on the connecting member is rotatably connected to the hinge shaft; the through holes are located at both ends of the hinge shaft, and the communicating opening is arranged towards the washing machine body, and the water pipes and electrical wires of the washing machine pass through the communicating opening and the through holes.

2. The door of the washing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the small barrel assembly and the horizontal direction is 0 degrees to 90 degrees.

3. The door of the washing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The size of the connector is larger than the dispensing opening of the large bucket assembly.

4. The door of the washing machine as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a cover, which is located outside the small tub assembly; the cover is sealed at the large tub inlet to form the washing area of ​​the large tub assembly.

5. The door of the washing machine as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The small barrel assembly includes a small outer cylinder and a small inner cylinder, with the small inner cylinder located inside the small outer cylinder and the small outer cylinder connected to the rear door panel.

6. The door of the washing machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The small barrel assembly is driven by a direct drive motor located between the small outer cylinder and the cover, and the direct drive motor drives the small inner cylinder to rotate relative to the small outer cylinder.

7. The door of the washing machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The above; The connector is located on the outer periphery of the small outer cylinder, and the small outer cylinder is fixedly connected to the connector.

8. The door of the washing machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The connector is provided with a first connecting part, and the outer surface of the small outer cylinder has a second connecting part protruding therefrom, and the first connecting part is connected to the second connecting part.

9. The door of the washing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a seal, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the rear door panel and the small bucket assembly.

10. The door of the washing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The small tub assembly protrudes from the large tub inlet of the washing machine's large tub assembly.

11. A twin-tub washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine includes the door of the washing machine as described in claim 1, and includes a large tub assembly, the large tub assembly having a large tub loading port, the washing machine door opening and closing at the large tub loading port.

12. The twin-tub washing machine as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The angle between the large barrel assembly and the horizontal direction is 0 degrees to 90 degrees.

13. The twin-tub washing machine as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The large barrel assembly is a pulsator or a roller; the small barrel assembly is a pulsator or a roller.

14. The twin-tub washing machine as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The rear door panel faces the same direction as the front door panel when it is opened.

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