Drying system of multi-drum washing machine

Abstract

The multi-drum washing machine drying system comprises a shell, at least two outer drums are arranged in the shell, corresponding rotary drums are arranged in the outer drums respectively, and a plurality of air holes are evenly distributed in the drum walls of the rotary drums; the air outlet channel is arranged on the outer cylinder, a ventilation opening communicating with the inner space of the outer cylinder is formed in the lower end of the air outlet channel, and a first temperature sensor is arranged in the ventilation opening; the upper cover is installed at the upper end of the outer barrel, air inlet channels communicated with the inner space of the outer barrel are formed in the upper cover, and air guide plates are arranged in the air inlet channels; an air outlet pipe is arranged on one side of the upper cover and is communicated with the air outlet channel; the drying assembly is fixedly installed on the side wall of the outer cylinder. The multiple independent drying branches extend out of the upper end of the drying air channel, the air doors driven by the stepping motors are used for controlling connection and disconnection between the branches and the corresponding air inlet channels, the use requirements in different scenes are met, and independent and flexible drying control over the multiple barrels is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of washing machine technology, specifically to a multi-drum washing machine drying system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the improvement of living standards and the diversification of family structures, multi-drum washing machines (such as twin-drum washing machines and double-drum washing machines) with partitioned and separate washing functions are gaining popularity because they can wash clothes of different colors, materials, or degrees of soiling simultaneously or independently, meeting diverse user needs. However, the drying functions of existing multi-drum washing machines are mostly simple or inadequate. Typically, either only one drum is equipped with a drying function, leaving clothes in the other drum still needing to be air-dried, failing to achieve independent or simultaneous drying of both drums; or although both drums can dry, the drying system shares a single heater and air duct, making it impossible to independently and precisely control temperature and airflow based on the amount, material, or degree of dryness of the clothes in each drum. This can easily lead to under-drying or over-drying, resulting in energy waste and even damage to clothes. Furthermore, the airflow design of general drying systems is often not optimized. When hot air enters the washing drum, it only blows directly onto the upper part of the drum, failing to directly reach the clothes, resulting in uneven heat distribution, low drying efficiency, and the possibility of foam flowing back into the drying air duct during washing, affecting the lifespan of the drying components. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-drum washing machine drying system to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A multi-drum washing machine drying system, comprising: The shell has at least two outer cylinders inside, and each outer cylinder has a corresponding rotating cylinder inside. The cylinder wall of the rotating cylinder has a number of vent holes evenly distributed. An air outlet channel is provided on the outer cylinder, and a ventilation opening is provided at the lower end of the air outlet channel to connect with the internal space of the outer cylinder. A first temperature sensor is provided in the ventilation opening. The top cover is installed on the upper end of the outer cylinder. The top cover is provided with air inlet channels that communicate with the internal space of the outer cylinder. Each air inlet channel is provided with an air guide plate. An air outlet pipe is opened on one side of the top cover and is connected to the air outlet channel. The drying assembly is fixedly installed on the side wall of the outer cylinder. The drying assembly includes a fixed bracket, a drying air duct is provided at the upper end of the fixed bracket, and a fan corresponding to the drying air duct is provided at the lower end of the fixed bracket. A multi-stage heating element is provided in the drying air duct, and multiple drying branches extend from the upper end of the drying air duct and are connected to the air inlet channel. A second temperature sensor is provided at the intersection of the drying branches. The damper is rotatably installed in the connection area between the drying branch and the air inlet channel.

[0005] Furthermore, the multi-stage heating element includes a first heating block and a second heating block that can operate independently, and both the first heating block and the second heating block are equipped with finned heat sinks.

[0006] Furthermore, a temperature control sensor and a fuse for monitoring the temperature of the multi-stage heating element are provided on one side of the multi-stage heating element.

[0007] Furthermore, the housing is provided with a ventilation perforation plate, which is connected to the air outlet pipe.

[0008] Furthermore, a sealing ring that can cooperate with the damper is provided at the entrance of the air intake channel.

[0009] Furthermore, the air outlet channel includes an air guide groove and a partition. The air guide groove is integrally formed with the outer cylinder. A slot is provided at the opening of the air guide groove, and a partition is provided in the slot. A support block for supporting the partition is provided on the bottom plate of the outer cylinder at the lower end of the air guide groove.

[0010] Furthermore, a stepper motor for driving the damper is provided on the drying branch, and the output shaft of the stepper motor is connected to the rotating shaft of the damper.

[0011] Furthermore, the air guide plate is provided with an air guide arc surface, and the side wall of the air inlet channel is provided with a smooth transition surface that can cooperate with the air guide arc surface.

[0012] Furthermore, the fan is a stepless speed-regulating fan.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This invention extends multiple independent drying branches from the upper end of the drying air duct and controls the opening and closing of each branch and the corresponding air inlet channel through a stepper motor-driven damper. This allows users to choose to dry a single washing drum or multiple washing drums simultaneously, meeting the needs of different scenarios and achieving independent and flexible drying control of multiple drums.

[0014] 2. The system is equipped with a first temperature sensor (located at the air outlet of the air duct) and a second temperature sensor (located at the intersection of the drying branches). By monitoring the temperature difference and its changing trend of the airflow in and out of the drum in real time, it can intelligently determine the dryness of the clothes, thereby providing accurate feedback signals to the control system to realize the automatic termination or cyclic adjustment of the drying process, avoiding over-drying or under-drying, thus protecting the clothes and saving energy. The drying branches share the second temperature sensor on the main pipe for temperature monitoring, avoiding the need to repeatedly place sensors in each branch, effectively controlling costs while ensuring functionality.

[0015] 3. The heating element in the drying duct adopts a multi-stage heating element design consisting of a first heating block and a second heating block that can operate independently. Combined with a stepless speed-regulating fan, the system can flexibly adjust the heating power and air volume according to the quantity and material of the clothes to be dried and the selected drying mode (such as single-drum / double-drum, high temperature / low temperature).

[0016] 4. The air guide plate (with air guide arc surface) set in the air inlet channel cooperates with the smooth transition surface of the side wall to guide the hot air into the drum more smoothly and vertically, reduce airflow turbulence and heat loss, and the hot air blows directly onto the surface of the clothes inside the drum, greatly improving the drying efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the outer cylinder and drying assembly structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the external contour structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-stage heating element structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the air outlet channel structure of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Shell; 2. Outer cylinder; 3. Rotating cylinder; 4. Ventilation hole; 5. Air outlet channel; 6. Ventilation port; 7. First temperature sensor; 8. Top cover; 9. Air inlet channel; 10. Air guide plate; 11. Air outlet pipe; 12. Fixed bracket; 13. Drying air duct; 14. Fan; 15. Multi-stage heating element; 16. Drying branch; 17. Second temperature sensor; 18. Air damper; 19. First heating block; 20. Second heating block; 21. Finned heat sink; 22. Temperature control sensor; 23. Fuse; 24. Ventilation perforation plate; 25. Sealing ring; 26. Air guide groove; 27. Partition plate; 28. Support block; 29. ​​Stepper motor; 30. Rotating shaft; 31. Air guide arc surface; 32. Smooth transition surface; 33. Slot. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Please see Figure 1-6The present invention provides a multi-drum washing machine drying system, including a housing 1, which serves as the outer shell of the machine and provides installation space for various components; The housing 1 is provided with at least two outer cylinders 2, which are not connected to each other and are used to hold water during washing. Each outer cylinder 2 is provided with a corresponding rotating drum 3, which is used to put clothes to be washed. Several ventilation holes 4 are evenly distributed on the wall of the rotating drum 3. During washing, the ventilation holes 4 also facilitate the flow of water into and out of the rotating drum 3. During drying, hot air can seep out from the rotating drum 3 through the ventilation holes 4 into the outer cylinder 2. Air outlet duct 5 is provided on the outer cylinder 2. The lower end of the air outlet duct 5 is provided with a ventilation port 6 that connects to the internal space of the outer cylinder 2. During drying, the hot airflow inside the outer cylinder 2 can enter the air outlet duct 5 through the ventilation port 6 and be discharged outward. A first temperature sensor 7 is installed inside the vent 6. The first temperature sensor 7 is used to monitor the airflow temperature inside the vent 6. During washing, the first temperature sensor 7 can also detect the water temperature inside the outer drum 2. The upper cover 8 is installed at the upper end of the outer cylinder 2. The upper cover 8 is provided with air inlet channels 9 that communicate with the internal space of the outer cylinder 2. The hot air flow for drying can enter the outer cylinder 2 through the air inlet channels 9 to dry the clothes. Air guide plates 10 are installed in the air inlet channel 9. The air guide plates 10 guide the hot airflow to enter the outer cylinder 2 better, and avoid the hot airflow directly impacting the side wall of the air inlet channel 9, thereby improving the drying effect. An air outlet pipe 11 is provided on one side of the top cover 8. The air outlet pipe 11 is connected to the air outlet channel 5. The air outlet pipe 11 extends to the outside of the housing. The gas in the air outlet channel 5 is discharged to the outside through the air outlet pipe 11. The drying assembly is fixedly installed on the side wall of the outer cylinder 2. The drying assembly includes a fixed bracket 12, a drying air duct 13 is provided at the upper end of the fixed bracket 12, and a fan 14 corresponding to the drying air duct 13 is provided at the lower end of the fixed bracket 12. A multi-stage heating element 15 is provided inside the drying air duct 13, and multiple drying branches 16 extending from the upper end of the drying air duct 13 are connected to the air inlet channel 9. A second temperature sensor 17 is provided at the intersection of the drying branches 16. During the drying process, the first temperature sensor 7 can monitor the temperature at the vent 6, and the second temperature sensor 17 can monitor the temperature of the hot airflow in the drying branch 16. By comparing and calculating, the dryness or wetness of the clothes can be determined. If the temperature of the hot airflow is 75°C, and the temperature at the vent 6 after entering the drum 3 to dry the clothes is 20°C and continues to rise over a period of time, it indicates that the clothes have not yet been dried. If the temperature at vent 6 is 45°C and remains unchanged for a period of time, it means the clothes have been dried. When the multi-stage heating element 15 is powered on, it can generate heat. When the fan is working, the airflow drives the heat generated by the multi-stage heating element 15 to form a hot airflow, which enters the inner space of the outer cylinder 2 along the path of drying air duct 13-drying branch 16-air inlet channel 9. The temperature in the main air duct of drying air duct 13 can be detected by the second temperature sensor 17, eliminating the need to arrange multiple sensors in drying branch 16 and saving costs. The damper 18 is rotatably installed in the connection area between the drying branch 16 and the air inlet channel 9. The damper 18 can open or close the drying branch 16, which is suitable for different drying scenarios (for example, if the clothes in both drums 3 need to be dried, both dampers 18 are open; if only the clothes in one drum 3 need to be dried, the damper 18 can be opened and closed). At the same time, when the damper 18 is closed, it can also prevent the foam from washing into the drying branch 16.

[0021] Furthermore, the multi-stage heating element 15 includes a first heating block 19 and a second heating block 20 that can operate independently. When the first heating block 19 and the second heating block 20 work together, the drying temperature is the highest. However, if only clothes in one drum 3 need to be dried, the first heating block 19 can be operated and the second heating block 20 can be turned off, saving energy while still meeting the drying needs of the clothes. Alternatively, if the clothes are made of special materials and require a lower drying temperature, the first heating block 19 can be operated alone for drying. Both the first heating block 19 and the second heating block 20 are equipped with finned heat sinks 21, which facilitate better heat dissipation from the first heating block 19 and the second heating block 20.

[0022] Furthermore, a temperature control sensor 22 and a fuse 23 are provided on one side of the multi-stage heating element 15 for monitoring the temperature of the multi-stage heating element 15. The temperature control sensor 22 is used to detect the temperature of the multi-stage heating element 15. When the temperature of the multi-stage heating element 15 exceeds the set temperature, the multi-stage heating element 15 is powered off. After the temperature drops, the multi-stage heating element 15 is powered back on. The fuse 23 is used to protect the multi-stage heating element 15 from overheating.

[0023] Furthermore, the housing 1 is provided with a ventilation perforation plate 24, which is connected to the air outlet pipe 11. The ventilation perforation plate 24 enables the air outlet pipe 11 to discharge air normally while preventing debris from entering the air outlet pipe 11.

[0024] Furthermore, a sealing ring 25 that can cooperate with the damper 18 is provided at the entrance of the air inlet channel 9. The sealing ring 25 ensures that the air inlet channel 9 and the drying branch 16 are completely isolated when the damper 18 is closed. This can effectively prevent foam from overflowing into the air inlet channel 9 during washing, protect the safety of components such as the multi-stage heating element 15, and avoid electrical safety hazards.

[0025] Furthermore, the air outlet channel 5 includes an air guide groove 26 and a partition 27. The air guide groove 26 is integrally formed with the outer cylinder 2. A slot 33 is provided at the opening of the air guide groove 26, and the partition 27 is provided in the slot 33. The partition 27 and the air guide groove 26 are combined to form the air outlet channel 5. If the washing machine does not require a drying system, the partition 27 does not need to be installed, thus saving costs.

[0026] A support block 28 for supporting the partition 27 is provided on the bottom plate of the outer cylinder 2 at the lower end of the air guide duct 26. The support block 28 is used to support the partition 27. The partition 27 and the air guide duct 26 together form an air outlet channel 5. The opening at the lower end of the channel is the ventilation port 6.

[0027] Furthermore, the drying branch 16 is equipped with a stepper motor 29 for driving the damper 18. The output shaft of the stepper motor 29 is connected to the rotating shaft 30 of the damper 18. The stepper motor 29 moves accurately and can precisely control the opening and closing of the damper 18. It can also control the rotation angle of the damper in special scenarios to adjust the air volume (by adjusting the air volume, the drying temperature inside the outer cylinder 2 is controlled so as to dry clothes of different materials, such as silk).

[0028] Furthermore, the air guide plate 10 is provided with an air guide arc surface 31, and the side wall of the air inlet channel 9 is provided with a smooth transition surface 32 that can cooperate with the air guide arc surface 31. The smooth transition surface 32 cooperates with the air guide arc surface 31 to make the drying hot airflow enter the rotating drum 3 more smoothly and vertically, reducing airflow turbulence and heat loss.

[0029] Furthermore, the fan 14 is a stepless speed-regulating fan 14, which can adjust the flow rate of hot air by adjusting the speed, thereby adapting to the drying of clothes of different materials.

[0030] Working principle: When drying clothes, the fan 14 operates and the multi-stage heating element 15 is powered on. The multi-stage heating element 15 generates heat, and the air generated by the fan 14 is heated to form a hot airflow. When the damper is opened, the hot airflow passes through the drying branch 16 and enters the rotating drum 3 downward from the air inlet channel 9. The hot airflow enters the outer drum 2 through the vent 4 on the rotating drum 3 and then enters the air outlet channel 5 downward through the vent 6. The air outlet channel 5 is connected to the air outlet 11 upward, and the airflow is discharged from the air outlet 11. The hot airflow carries the moisture in the clothes out, thus achieving the purpose of drying the clothes. During the drying process, the first temperature sensor 7 can monitor the temperature at the vent 6, and the second temperature sensor 17 can monitor the temperature of the hot airflow in the drying branch 13. By comparison, the dryness or wetness of the clothes can be determined. For example, if the temperature of the hot airflow is 75° (the value detected by the second temperature sensor 17), and the temperature at the vent 6 after entering the drum 3 to dry the clothes is 20° (the value detected by the first temperature sensor 7), and continues to rise over a period of time, it indicates that the clothes have not yet been dried. If the temperature at vent 6 is 45°C and remains unchanged for a period of time, it means the clothes have been dried. During the drying process, if clothes in a single drum 3 need to be dried, the corresponding air inlet 9 door 18 is opened and the other air inlets 18 are closed to achieve single-drum drying. During the drying process, if the clothing material is special and the drying temperature requirement is low, the first heating block 19 can be operated alone and the second heating block 20 can be turned off to reduce the temperature of the hot airflow and avoid damaging the clothing inside the drum 3. During the drying process, if continuous high-temperature drying is required, the first heating block 19 and the second heating block 20 will operate simultaneously. The multi-stage heating element 15 will work for a long time, and the temperature will inevitably be too high. When the temperature control sensor 22 detects that the temperature of the multi-stage heating element 15 exceeds the set temperature, the system controls the multi-stage heating element 15 to cut off the power. After the temperature drops, the system controls the multi-stage heating element 15 to restore the power supply. At the same time, the fuse 23 is used to provide overheat protection.

[0031] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-drum washing machine drying system, characterized in that, include: The shell (1) is provided with at least two outer cylinders (2), and each outer cylinder (2) is provided with a corresponding rotating cylinder (3). Several vent holes (4) are evenly distributed on the cylinder wall of the rotating cylinder (3). Air outlet channel (5), the air outlet channel (5) is set on the outer cylinder (2), and the lower end of the air outlet channel (5) is provided with a ventilation opening (6) that connects to the internal space of the outer cylinder (2). A first temperature sensor (7) is set in the ventilation opening (6). The upper cover (8) is installed on the upper end of the outer cylinder (2). The upper cover (8) is provided with air inlet channels (9) that communicate with the internal space of the outer cylinder (2). The air inlet channels (9) are provided with air guide plates (10). An air outlet pipe (11) is opened on one side of the upper cover (8). The air outlet pipe (11) is connected to the air outlet channel (5). The drying assembly is fixedly installed on the side wall of the outer cylinder (2). The drying assembly includes a fixed bracket (12), a drying air duct (13) is provided at the upper end of the fixed bracket (12), and a fan (14) corresponding to the drying air duct (13) is provided at the lower end of the fixed bracket (12). A multi-stage heating element (15) is provided in the drying air duct (13), and a plurality of drying branches (16) connected to the air inlet channel (9) extend from the upper end of the drying air duct (13). A second temperature sensor (17) is provided at the intersection of the drying branches (16). Air damper (18) is rotatably installed in the connection area between the drying branch (16) and the air inlet channel (9).

2. The multi-drum washing machine drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-stage heating element (15) includes a first heating block (19) and a second heating block (20) that can operate independently, and both the first heating block (19) and the second heating block (20) are equipped with finned heat sinks (21).

3. The multi-drum washing machine drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A temperature control sensor (22) and a fuse (23) for monitoring the temperature of the multi-stage heating element (15) are provided on one side of the multi-stage heating element (15).

4. A multi-drum washing machine drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) is provided with a ventilation perforated plate (24), which is connected to the air outlet pipe (11).

5. A multi-drum washing machine drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet channel (9) is provided with a sealing ring (25) that can cooperate with the damper (18).

6. A multi-drum washing machine drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlet channel (5) includes an air guide groove (26) and a partition (27). The air guide groove (26) is integrally formed with the outer cylinder (2). A slot (33) is provided at the opening of the air guide groove (26), and a partition (27) is provided in the slot (33). A support block (28) for supporting the partition (27) is provided on the bottom plate of the outer cylinder (2) at the lower end of the air guide groove (26).

7. A multi-drum washing machine drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying branch (16) is equipped with a stepper motor (29) for driving the damper (18) to move. The output shaft of the stepper motor (29) is connected to the rotating shaft (30) of the damper (18).

8. A multi-drum washing machine drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air guide plate (10) is provided with an air guide arc surface (31); the side wall of the air inlet channel (9) is provided with a smooth transition surface (32) that can cooperate with the air guide arc surface (31).

9. A multi-drum washing machine drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fan (14) is a stepless speed regulating fan (14).

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