Drum-type laundry treatment device

Abstract

The present application provides a drum-type laundry treatment apparatus in which an air outlet communicating with an external space is provided in an outer drum for discharging air in the outer drum to the external space, one end of a first exhaust pipe is connected to the air outlet, the other end is connected to a first inlet of a valve member, one end of a second exhaust pipe is connected to a first outlet of the valve member, and the other end is connected to a second outlet of the valve member. One end of the first drain pipe is connected to a drain port in the outer cylinder, the other end of the first drain pipe is connected to a second inlet of the valve member, one end of the second drain pipe is connected to a second outlet of the valve member, the other end of the second drain pipe is communicated with the external space, and in the valve member, the first inlet and the first outlet are communicated to form a first passage; the second inlet and the second outlet communicate with each other to form a second passage, and the first passage and the second passage do not communicate with each other. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent sewage from flowing back into the exhaust pipe with a low-cost, simple structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a drum - type laundry treatment device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the demand for drum - type laundry treatment devices with a drying function is increasing. Such drum - type laundry treatment devices include all - in - one washing and drying machines that combine washing and drying functions, and dryers that only have a drying function, etc.

[0003] In existing drum - type laundry treatment devices with a drying function, in order to improve the drying efficiency, there is a structure that introduces dry air from outside the device into the device interior and discharges the moisture inside the device to the outside of the device. For example, CN210177222U (Patent Document 1) discloses that an air supply port and an air extraction port are provided on the outer cylinder of the device, and through the action of a fan assembly, outside air is introduced into the outer cylinder and the moisture in the outer cylinder is discharged to the outside of the device via an exhaust pipe.

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, the exhaust pipe is connected to the drain pipe through a three - way valve, and there is a risk that the sewage containing foreign matters such as lint in the drain pipe will flow back into the exhaust pipe. Even if a check valve or other components for preventing sewage backflow are provided at the connection part between the exhaust pipe and the drain pipe, with long - term use, the foreign matters in the sewage may cause a decrease in the reliability of the check valve. In addition, setting a solenoid valve or the like with higher reliability as a check component will also lead to an increase in the cost of the device. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] Problems to be Solved by the Utility Model

[0006] The present application is completed in view of the above - mentioned situation, and its purpose is to provide a drum - type laundry treatment device that can reliably avoid the backflow of sewage into the exhaust pipe with a simple structure at low cost.

[0007] Solutions for Solving the Problems

[0008] To achieve the above object, the present application provides a drum-type laundry treating apparatus, comprising: a housing; an outer tub supported within the housing; an inner tub rotatably installed within the outer tub for receiving laundry; and a drying device located above the outer tub for drying the laundry within the inner tub by using heated air. An air outlet is provided in the outer tub and is in communication with the external space of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus for discharging the air within the outer tub to the external space. The air outlet is connected to one end of a first exhaust pipe, and the other end of the first exhaust pipe is connected to a first inlet of a valve member. The valve member has a first outlet in communication with the first inlet, and one end of a second exhaust pipe is connected to the first outlet. The other end of the second exhaust pipe is in communication with the external space. A drain port for discharging washing water is provided in the outer tub, and the drain port is connected to one end of a first drain pipe. The valve member further has a second inlet connected to the other end of the first drain pipe and a second outlet in communication with the second inlet. One end of a second drain pipe is connected to the second outlet, and the other end of the second drain pipe is in communication with the external space. Within the valve member, the first inlet and the first outlet are in communication to form a first passage, and the second inlet and the second outlet are in communication to form a second passage, and the first passage and the second passage are not in communication with each other.

[0009] According to this structure, the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe are connected in communication by means of the valve member, and the first drain pipe and the second drain pipe are connected in communication by means of the valve member. Moreover, the exhaust passage (i.e., the first passage) within the valve member and the drain passage (i.e., the second passage) are not in communication with each other. Thus, compared with the case of using check valves, solenoid valves and other check components, it is possible to reliably isolate the exhaust passage in the exhaust pipe from the drain passage in the drain pipe while achieving pipeline connection with a simple structure, thereby reliably avoiding the backflow of sewage into the exhaust pipe with a simple and low-cost structure. Also, it is easy to arrange the second exhaust pipe on the side where the second drain pipe is located (usually the rear of the apparatus). Therefore, even if condensate water is discharged from the second exhaust pipe, it is not easily noticed by the user, which is beneficial to improving the user experience.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the first outlet is provided inside the second outlet, and the second exhaust pipe is provided inside the second drain pipe.

[0011] According to this structure, in the case where condensate water is discharged from the second exhaust pipe along with the air, the condensate water will enter the second drain pipe and be discharged into a floor drain where sewage from the second drain pipe flows in, or the condensate water is directly discharged from the second exhaust pipe into the floor drain. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the adverse experience caused by the user noticing the condensate water discharged along with the air.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the ratio of the outer diameter of the second exhaust pipe to the inner diameter of the second drain pipe is in the range of 0.2 to 0.8.

[0013] According to this structure, when the second exhaust pipe is arranged inside the second drain pipe, it is possible to ensure that the exhaust passage in the second exhaust pipe has sufficient space required for exhaust while avoiding the occurrence of poor drainage and easy blockage caused by the overly narrow drainage passage (the passage in the second drain pipe after removing the space occupied by the second exhaust pipe).

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the other end of the second exhaust pipe extends out from the other end of the second drain pipe.

[0015] According to this structure, when the second exhaust pipe is arranged inside the second drain pipe, it is possible to more reliably prevent the sewage in the second drain pipe from flowing back into the second exhaust pipe.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the second outlet is arranged inside the first outlet, and the second drain pipe is arranged inside the second exhaust pipe.

[0017] According to this structure, when there is condensate water discharged from the second exhaust pipe along with the air, the condensate water will be directly discharged from the second exhaust pipe into the floor drain where the sewage from the second drain pipe flows in. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the bad experience brought by the user noticing the condensate water discharged along with the air.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the ratio of the outer diameter of the second drain pipe to the inner diameter of the second exhaust pipe is in the range of 0.3 to 0.9.

[0019] According to this structure, when the second drain pipe is arranged inside the second exhaust pipe, it is possible to ensure that the exhaust passage in the second exhaust pipe (the passage in the second exhaust pipe after removing the space occupied by the second drain pipe) has sufficient space required for exhaust while avoiding the occurrence of poor drainage and easy blockage caused by insufficient space in the drainage passage of the second drain pipe.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the other end of the second drain pipe extends out from the other end of the second exhaust pipe.

[0021] According to this structure, when the second drain pipe is arranged inside the second exhaust pipe, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of bad conditions (such as poor exhaust caused by foreign matters such as lint adhering to the inner wall surface of the second exhaust pipe after long-term use) caused by the sewage from the second drain pipe flowing through the inner wall of the second exhaust pipe, and it is also possible to reliably prevent the sewage in the second drain pipe from flowing back into the second exhaust pipe.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, a cavity is provided on the first exhaust pipe, and the cavity is used to condense at least part of the water vapor contained in the air flowing in the first exhaust pipe into condensed water.

[0023] According to this structure, at least part of the water vapor in the air can be condensed into condensed water by the cavity and temporarily stored, thereby reducing the amount of condensed water discharged with the air, which is beneficial to further improving the user experience. In addition, it can also reduce the damage caused by condensed water to furniture and the like around the built-in drum-type laundry treatment device. Moreover, even if the foam generated during the washing process enters the exhaust pipe, the cavity can be used to temporarily store the foam to avoid the occurrence of the situation where the foam is discharged with the air.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, an opening and closing valve for opening and closing the first exhaust pipe is provided at a position between the air outlet and the cavity of the first exhaust pipe.

[0025] According to this structure, the first exhaust pipe can be opened and closed at an appropriate time by the opening and closing valve. For example, closing the first exhaust pipe at the initial stage of the operation of the drying device can avoid the situation where the drying air in the outer cylinder leaks to the outside through the first exhaust pipe, resulting in a reduction in drying efficiency. In addition, by closing the opening and closing valve during the washing process, it is possible to more reliably avoid the occurrence of the situation where the foam during the washing process is discharged through the exhaust pipe.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the valve member is provided at an upper position on the side of the drum-type laundry treatment device where the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe are provided.

[0027] According to this structure, since the valve member is provided at an upper position on the side where the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe are located, even in the case where the second exhaust pipe is inside the second drain pipe, it is possible to avoid the following adverse situation: there is residual water remaining after drainage in the second drain pipe, and the residual water blocks the outlet of the second exhaust pipe, resulting in poor exhaust of the second exhaust pipe and noise generated during exhaust.

[0028] Effect of the utility model

[0029] According to the present application, it is possible to provide a drum-type laundry treatment device that can reliably prevent sewage from flowing back into the exhaust pipe with a simple structure at low cost. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Figure 1 It is a perspective view obtained by observing the structure of the drum-type laundry treatment device of the present application after removing the top wall plate from the side front.

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view obtained by observing the structure of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus of the present application after removing the top wall plate and the front wall plate from the side - front.

[0032] Figure 3 is a top view of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus of the present application after removing the top wall plate and the upper housing of the air duct housing of the drying device.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the lower housing of the air duct housing provided in the drying device of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus of the present application.

[0034] Figure 5 is a front view of a part of the filter device provided with an outside - air inlet and connected to the outside - air inlet pipe.

[0035] Figure 6 is a front view of a part of the filter device provided with an outside - air inlet and not connected to the outside - air inlet pipe.

[0036] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a partial A - A cross - sectional view of the filter device of

[0037] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view obtained by observing the upper structure of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus of the present application after removing the upper housing of the air duct housing of the drying device from the obliquely - upper.

[0038] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view obtained by observing the upper structure of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus of the present application after removing the drying device from the obliquely - upper.

[0039] Figure 10 is a rear view of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus of the present application.

[0040] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the valve member used in the drum - type laundry treating apparatus of the present application.

[0041] Figure 12 is a front view of the valve member used in the drum - type laundry treating apparatus of the present application.

[0042] Figure 13 is a front view showing the state where the valve member is connected to the first drain pipe and the second drain pipe.

[0043] Figure 14 is Figure 13 a partial enlarged cross - sectional view of the valve member and its peripheral structure of

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals

[0045] 1: Drum-type laundry treating device; 2: Outer casing; 21: Left wall panel; 22: Right wall panel; 23: Front wall panel; 24: Rear wall panel; 25: Front panel assembly; 28: Upper space portion; 250: Annular surface; 3: Outer cylinder; 31: Laundry inlet; 32: Shock absorber; 4: Inner cylinder; 5: Drying device; 50: Air duct housing; 501: Upper housing; 502: Lower housing; 503: Bottom wall portion; 504: Peripheral wall portion; 51: Air inlet member; 511: Air inlet; 52: Air outlet member; 521: Air outlet; 53: Evaporator; 54: Condenser; 55: Fan; 56: Compressor; 560: Compressor housing portion; 6: Outside air inlet; 61: Outside air inlet pipe; 7: Air outlet; 71: First exhaust pipe; 72: Second exhaust pipe; 73: Cavity; 81: First drain pipe; 82: Second drain pipe; 9: Filter device; 91: Loading / unloading portion; 92: Filter portion; 93: Opening; 94: Mounting portion; 100: Valve member; E1: First outlet; E2: Second outlet; H: Filter device pull-out port; I1: First inlet; I2: Second inlet; X: Axis of rotation; N: Vent nozzle. Detailed implementation manners

[0046] Next, the detailed implementation manners of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] As the drum-type laundry treating device of the present application, a washing and drying integrated machine having both washing function and drying function will be taken as an example for description below. Those skilled in the art can understand that the drum-type laundry treating device of the present application can also be a dryer having only drying function.

[0048] (1. Overall)

[0049] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the drum-type laundry treating device 1 includes: an outer casing 2; an outer cylinder 3 supported within the outer casing 2; an inner cylinder 4 rotatably installed within the outer cylinder 3 for accommodating laundry; and a drying device 5 located above the outer cylinder 3 for drying the laundry within the drum-type laundry treating device 1 (i.e., within the inner cylinder 4) using heated air. In addition, for ease of explanation, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are defined as shown in Figure 1 and these directions are followed in the subsequent drawings. It can be understood that these directions are not used to limit the actual configuration of the drum-type laundry treating device 1.

[0050] (2. Outer casing)

[0051] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the outer shell 2 forms a generally rectangular parallelepiped-shaped outline of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus 1, including a left wall plate 21, a right wall plate 22, a front wall plate 23, a rear wall plate 24 (refer to Figure 10 ) and a top wall plate (not shown), which are formed of plate materials such as metal plates and resin plates. In order to facilitate the observation of the structure inside the outer shell 2, some or all of the wall plates constituting the outer shell 2 are appropriately omitted in the respective drawings. The front wall plate 23 and other panel members located on the front surface side of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus 1 together constitute the front panel assembly 25. In other words, the outer shell 2 includes the front panel assembly 25 located on the front surface side of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus 1, and the front panel of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus 1 is constituted by the front panel assembly 25.

[0052] (3. Outer cylinder and inner cylinder)

[0053] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the outer cylinder 3 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with a laundry inlet 31 at one end. The outer cylinder 3 is installed inside the outer shell 2 with the laundry inlet 31 facing forward, and is elastically supported by the lower shock absorbers 32 and the upper suspension springs (not shown) on the outer shell 2, thereby preventing the vibration of the outer cylinder 3 from being transmitted to the outer shell 2.

[0054] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the inner cylinder 4 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end open and is used for storing laundry. The inner cylinder 4 is installed inside the outer cylinder 3 with the opening facing the laundry inlet 31 of the outer cylinder 3. A plurality of fine holes can be formed in the wall portion on the outer peripheral side and the bottom side wall portion of the inner cylinder 4, whereby washing water and heated air generated by the drying device 5 can flow between the outer cylinder 3 and the inner cylinder 4. In addition, the inner cylinder 4 is driven by a motor (not shown) and can rotate about a rotation axis X extending in the horizontal direction. Among them, the rotation direction of the inner cylinder 4 can be either the clockwise direction when viewed from the front in Figure 1 , or the counterclockwise direction, or can be continuously switched between the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction. In addition, the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 4 can also be inclined upward toward the laundry inlet 31.

[0055] (4. Drying device)

[0056] As Figure 2 shown, an integrally structured drying device 5 is disposed in the upper space portion 28 above the outer cylinder 3 inside the outer shell 2, and the drying device 5 dries the laundry in the inner cylinder 4 by using heated air. The upper space portion 28 refers to the space sandwiched between the top wall plate and the upper arc-shaped outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 3 in the vertical direction, and includes not only the space above the highest part of the outer cylinder 3 but also the spaces on the left and right sides of the highest part and slightly below the highest part.

[0057] As Figures 1 to 4 shown, the drying device 5 includes: an air duct housing 50 having an air inlet 511 and an air outlet 521. The air inlet 511 is located at the front side or the upper side of the outer cylinder 3, and the air outlet 521 is located at the rear side of the outer cylinder 3 or the upper side behind the air inlet 511. The air inlet 511 and the air outlet 521 are respectively communicated with the inner cavity of the drum-type laundry treating device 1 (i.e., the inner cavity of the inner cylinder 4); an evaporator 53 disposed in the air duct housing 50 for dehumidifying the air flowing in the air duct housing 50 and led out from the inner cylinder 4; a condenser 54 disposed in the air duct housing 50 at a position downstream of the evaporator 53 in the air flow direction for heating the air passing through the evaporator 53; and a blower 55 disposed in the air duct housing 50 at a position downstream of the condenser 54 in the air flow direction for causing the air to flow, thereby leading the air in the inner cylinder 4 into the air duct housing 50 through the air inlet 511 and leading the air passing through the evaporator 53 and the condenser 54 into the inner cylinder 4 through the air outlet 521. In addition, the drying device 5 further includes a compressor 56 for compressing the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator 53 and the condenser 54.

[0058] It should be noted that the evaporator 53 only needs to be able to dehumidify the air, and it can be a microchannel structure or a copper tube fin structure. The condenser 54 only needs to be able to heat the air, and it can be a microchannel structure, but is not limited to the microchannel structure, and can also be a copper tube fin structure. Since the microchannel evaporator and the microchannel condenser have a smaller volume under the same heat exchange energy efficiency compared with the traditional heat exchanger, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the drum-type laundry treating device. Therefore, considering both higher heat exchange energy efficiency and device miniaturization, preferably, at least one of the evaporator 53 and the condenser 54 is a microchannel structure, and particularly, the condenser 54 for heating the air is preferably a microchannel structure. In the present embodiment, the case where both the evaporator 53 and the condenser 54 are microchannel structures is shown.

[0059] By operating the compressor 56, the low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is compressed to become a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant; then, the refrigerant is sent into the interior of the condenser 54 and becomes a low-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant by releasing heat inside the condenser 54; then, the refrigerant passes through a throttling device and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant; then, the refrigerant enters the evaporator 53 and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant by absorbing heat; then, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 56 and is compressed again.

[0060] (4-1. Air duct housing)

[0061] As Figures 1 to 2 、 Figure 4As shown, the air duct housing 50 includes: an intake member 51 that extends substantially in the vertical direction and has an intake port 511 at its lower end. As Figure 2 shown, the lower end of the intake member 51 is connected to the outer cylinder 3 and communicates with the inner cavity of the inner cylinder 4 through the fine holes in the wall of the inner cylinder 4; an exhaust member 52 that has an exhaust port 521 at its lower end. The lower end of the exhaust member 52 is connected to the outer cylinder 3 at the rear side wall (i.e., the bottom wall) of the outer cylinder 3 and communicates with the inner cavity of the inner cylinder 4 through an air supply port (not shown) provided in the bottom wall of the outer cylinder 3. The air flowing out from the exhaust port 521 flows into the outer cylinder 3 through this air supply port; and a housing main body that is connected between the intake member 51 and the exhaust member 52.

[0062] As Figures 1 to 4 shown, the housing main body of the air duct housing 50 has an upper housing 501 and a lower housing 502. The lower housing 502 is substantially cup-shaped with an upward opening and has a bottom wall portion 503 and a peripheral wall portion 504. The intake member 51 is connected near the front end of the bottom wall portion 503, and the exhaust member 52 is connected to the peripheral wall portion 504 at the rear side. The upper housing 501 is substantially plate-shaped and is fixed to the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 504 of the lower housing 502 using screws or the like. Inside the internal space of the air duct housing 50 surrounded by the upper housing 501 and the lower housing 502, an evaporator 53, a condenser 54, and a blower 55 are arranged. As Figure 3 shown, the blower 55 is arranged behind the condenser 54 within the housing main body of the air duct housing 50. In other words, in the air flow direction within the air duct housing 50, the blower 55 is located on the downstream side of the evaporator 53 and the condenser 54.

[0063] In addition, a compressor accommodation portion 560 is continuously provided forward from the peripheral wall portion 504 at the front side. The compressor accommodation portion 560 is substantially cylindrical with a bottom and an upward opening. The compressor 56 is arranged outside the internal space of the housing main body of the air duct housing 50 by being installed within the compressor accommodation portion 560. Thus, the evaporator 53, the condenser 54, the blower 55, and the compressor 56 are arranged in the upper space portion 28 in an integrated structure using the housing main body of the air duct housing 50.

[0064] (5. Filter device)

[0065] As Figures 2 to 3 、 Figure 5As shown, the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1 further includes a filtering device 9 for filtering foreign matters such as lint in the air flowing in the air passage of the drying device 5. The filtering device 9 is located upstream of the evaporator 53, the condenser 54, and the blower 55 in the air flow direction. More specifically, the filtering device 9 is located between the air inlet 511 and the evaporator 53 in the air flow direction. Thus, the air is filtered by the filtering device 9 before passing through the evaporator 53, the condenser 54, and the blower 55, which can avoid the situation that foreign matters such as lint contained in the air adhere to the evaporator 53, the condenser 54, and the blower 55, resulting in a reduction in drying efficiency. Therefore, it can contribute to improving the drying efficiency of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1.

[0066] As Figure 3 and Figure 5 shown, the filtering device 9 includes a loading and unloading part 91 and a filtering part 92. The loading and unloading part 91 is a part for the user to operate when loading and unloading the filtering device 9 with respect to a filtering device draw - out port H described later. The filtering part 92 is a part for filtering foreign matters such as lint.

[0067] (6. Filtering device draw - out port)

[0068] In Figures 1 to 2 the structure shown, the front - panel assembly 25 has an annular surface 250 that is drawn backward from the front surface at the laundry inlet 31. A filtering device draw - out port H is provided on the annular surface 250, and the filtering device 9 can be loaded and unloaded with respect to the filtering device draw - out port H. Preferably, as Figure 1 shown, the filtering device draw - out port H is located directly above the rotation axis X of the inner drum 4. At this time, the air inlet 511 is offset to one side in the left - right direction with respect to the rotation axis X of the inner drum 4 (the case of offset to the right is shown in Figure 2 ), and the filtering device 9 is located between the air inlet 511 and the evaporator 53 in the air flow direction. Preferably, when the evaporator 53 is located directly above the rotation axis X of the inner drum 4, the filtering device 9 is located directly in front of the evaporator 53. Thus, the filtering device 9 can be arranged at a height position convenient for the user to perform the loading and unloading operation, which is beneficial for the loading and unloading operation of the filtering device 9.

[0069] It should be noted that the filtering device draw - out port H is not limited to being provided on the annular surface 250. As long as the filtering device 9 installed in the filtering device draw - out port H is located between the air inlet 511 and the evaporator 53 in the air flow direction, the filtering device draw - out port H can be provided at any position on the front - panel assembly 25. It is also possible that the filtering device 9 is loaded and unloaded with respect to the filtering device draw - out port H in an inclined manner with the front end close to the rotation axis X of the inner drum 4 and the rear end far from the rotation axis X of the inner drum 4.

[0070] In addition, the drum - type laundry treatment device 1 further includes a door assembly (not shown) installed on the front - panel assembly 25. The door assembly is used to open and close the laundry inlet 31 of the outer cylinder 3. When the door assembly is closed, the annular surface 250 is covered by the door assembly. That is, the filter device drawer opening H is provided at a position on the front - panel assembly 25 that is covered by the door assembly when the door assembly is closed.

[0071] (7. Outside - air inlet)

[0072] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the drum - type laundry treatment device 1 has an outside - air inlet 6. As Figure 3 and Figure 5 shown, the outside - air inlet 6 is connected via an outside - air inlet pipeline 61 to a position between the evaporator 53 and the condenser 54 in the air - duct housing 50, so that the outside air introduced from the outside - air inlet 6 flows into the air - duct in the drying device 5. That is, the outside air introduced from the outside - air inlet 6 merges with the air flowing through the evaporator 53 and then flows towards the condenser 54.

[0073] There is no limitation on the specific installation position of the outside - air inlet 6. For example, the outside - air inlet 6 can be provided at the front part of the drum - type laundry treatment device 1, or can be provided on one side part in the crossing direction (for example, the left - right direction) of the drum - type laundry treatment device 1 that crosses the rotation axis X of the inner cylinder 4. However, preferably, the outside - air inlet 6 is provided at a position on the front - panel assembly 25 that is covered by the door assembly when the door assembly is closed. At this time, a gap is left between the outside - air inlet 6 and the door assembly to ensure that the outside - air inlet 6 is not blocked by the door assembly. For example, in the case where the annular surface 250 is provided, preferably, the outside - air inlet 6 is provided on the annular surface 250.

[0074] In the present embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 , Figure 5 shown, more preferably, the outside - air inlet 6 is provided on the exposed surface (that is, the housing wall surface facing forward) of the filter device 9 (specifically, the loading and unloading part 91) that is exposed from the filter - device drawer opening H when the filter device 9 is installed in the filter - device drawer opening H.

[0075] As Figure 5As shown, the outside air inlet 6 is composed of a number of small holes scattered on the housing wall surface of the loading and unloading section 91 of the filtering device 9. However, the outside air inlet 6 is not limited thereto. For example, the shape, size, quantity, layout, etc. of the small holes can be changed according to the actual situation, and the outside air inlet 6 can also be formed by one opening. Preferably, the ratio of the opening area of the outside air inlet 6 to the opening area of the air inlet 511 is 3% to 30%. In the case where the outside air inlet 6 is composed of a number of small holes, the opening area of the outside air inlet 6 refers to the sum of the opening areas of all the small holes.

[0076] As Figures 5 to 7 shown, an air vent N communicating with the outside air inlet 6 is installed on the filtering device 9 (specifically, the loading and unloading section 91), and an outside air introduction pipe 61 for guiding outside air to the space between the evaporator 53 and the condenser 54 is connected to the air vent N. Specifically, an opening 93 communicating with the outside air inlet 6 through the internal space of the loading and unloading section 91 is provided on the filtering device 9 (specifically, the loading and unloading section 91). An installation portion 94 for installing the air vent N is formed at the opening 93. When the air vent N is installed in the installation portion 94, the air vent N communicates with the outside air inlet 6 through the opening 93. The air vent N may have any structure as long as it can communicate the outside air inlet 6 with the outside air introduction pipe 61, and there is no particular limitation.

[0077] The structure of the outside air introduction pipe 61 is not limited as long as it can introduce outside air between the evaporator 53 and the condenser 54. In the present embodiment, as Figures 2 to 4 shown, the outside air introduction pipe 61 extends from the air vent N along the front side portion, the left side portion, and the rear side portion of the peripheral wall portion 504 of the lower housing 502 in sequence, and reaches the position between the evaporator 53 and the condenser 54.

[0078] (8. Air outlet and drain outlet)

[0079] As Figure 9 shown, an air outlet 7 is provided on the outer cylinder 3 (specifically, the upper part at the rear), and the air outlet 7 communicates with the external space of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus 1 for discharging the air in the outer cylinder 3 to the external space. The air outlet 7 communicates with the external space of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus 1 through an air discharge pipe (for example, an air discharge pipe formed by a first exhaust pipe 71 and a second exhaust pipe 72).

[0080] Preferably, when the outside air inlet 6 is provided at the front of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1, the air outlet 7 communicates with the outside space behind the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1 via an air outlet pipe. Additionally, it is also possible that when the outside air inlet 6 is provided at one side portion of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1 in the crossing direction (e.g., the left - right direction) that crosses the rotation axis X of the inner drum 4, the air outlet 7 communicates with the outside space on the other side of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1 in the said crossing direction via an air outlet pipe. For example, a wall - plate opening communicating with the outside space is provided on the rear wall - plate, left wall - plate or right wall - plate of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1, and the air outlet pipe communicates with this wall - plate opening.

[0081] It can be understood that the specific installation positions of the outside air inlet 6 and the air outlet 7 are not limited to this, and can be adjusted according to the actual situation. For example, it is also possible that the outside air inlet 6 is provided at the front of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1, and the air outlet 7 communicates with the outside space on one side of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1 in the said crossing direction via an air outlet pipe.

[0082] A drain port (not shown) for discharging washing water is provided in the outer cylinder 3. The drain port communicates with the outside space of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1 via a drain pipe (for example, a drain pipe formed by a first drain pipe 81 and a second drain pipe 82).

[0083] (9. Connection of the valve member with the exhaust pipe and the drain pipe)

[0084] As Figures 10 to 14 shown, the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1 connects the first exhaust pipe 71, the second exhaust pipe 72, the first drain pipe 81, and the second drain pipe 82 by means of a valve member 100. As Figure 10 shown, the valve member 100 is provided at an upper position ( Figure 10 the upper - right end portion in []) on the side (rear side) of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1 where the first drain pipe 81 and the second drain pipe 82 are provided. For example, the valve member 100 is fixed to the rear wall - plate 24 of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus 1 by means of connection methods such as screw fastening.

[0085] As Figures 11 to 14As shown, the valve member 100 includes a first inlet I1 connected to the first exhaust pipe 71, a first outlet E1 connected to the second exhaust pipe 72, a second inlet I2 connected to the first drain pipe 81, and a second outlet E2 connected to the second drain pipe 82. Inside the valve member 100, the first inlet I1 and the first outlet E1 are connected to form a first passage (exhaust passage), the second inlet I2 and the second outlet E2 are connected to form a second passage (drain passage), and the first passage and the second passage are not connected to each other. For example, a switching mechanism may be provided at a portion between the first inlet I1 and the first outlet E1 inside the valve member 100 to switch the connection and disconnection between the first inlet I1 and the first outlet E1.

[0086] Specifically, one end of the first exhaust pipe 71 (in Figure 9 this case, the lower end) is connected to the air outlet 7, the other end of the first exhaust pipe 71 (in Figure 9 this case, the rear end) is connected to the first inlet I1 of the valve member 100, one end of the second exhaust pipe 72 (in Figure 14 this case, the right end) is connected to the first outlet E1, and the other end of the second exhaust pipe (in Figure 10 this case, the lower end) is in communication with the external space of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus 1 (in Figure 10 this case, the external space at the rear of the apparatus).

[0087] One end of the first drain pipe 81 (in Figure 10 this case, the lower end) is connected to the drain port on the outer tub 3, the other end of the first drain pipe 81 (in Figure 10 this case, the upper end) is connected to the second inlet I2, one end of the second drain pipe 82 (in Figure 10 this case, the right end) is connected to the second outlet E2, and the other end of the second drain pipe 82 (in Figure 10 this case, the lower end) is in communication with the external space of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus 1 (in Figure 10 this case, the external space at the rear of the apparatus).

[0088] As Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, the first inlet I1, the first outlet E1, the second inlet I2, and the second outlet E2 of the valve member 100 are all circular in shape. The first outlet E1 is provided inside (radially inside) the second outlet E2 and is located to the left of the second outlet E2. As Figure 14 shown, the second exhaust pipe 72 is provided inside the second drain pipe 82. At this time, it is preferable that the ratio of the outer diameter of the second exhaust pipe 72 to the inner diameter of the second drain pipe 82 is in the range of 0.2 to 0.8. In addition, it is preferable that, as Figure 10 and Figure 13As shown, the lower end of the second exhaust pipe 72 (corresponding to the other end in the technical solution) extends from the lower end of the second drain pipe 82 (corresponding to the other end in the technical solution).

[0089] It can be understood that the specific structure of the valve member 100 is not limited to the structure shown in the figure as long as the first passage and the second passage are not connected to each other. For example, it can also be that the first outlet E1 is not arranged inside the second outlet E2, but the first outlet E1 is arranged at a position deviating from the second outlet E2. At this time, the second exhaust pipe 72 connected to the first outlet E1 can be arranged at a position deviating from the second drain pipe 82. However, for the purpose of simplifying the structure and facilitating the discharge of gas (or gas containing condensed water) from the second exhaust pipe 72 to the floor drain, preferably, the first outlet E1 is arranged inside the second outlet E2, and the second exhaust pipe 72 is arranged inside the second drain pipe 82. It can also be that the second outlet E2 is arranged inside the first outlet E1, and the second drain pipe 82 is arranged inside the second exhaust pipe 72.

[0090] When the second drain pipe 82 is arranged inside the second exhaust pipe 72, preferably, the ratio of the outer diameter of the second drain pipe 82 to the inner diameter of the second exhaust pipe 72 is in the range of 0.3 to 0.9. In addition, preferably, one end of the second drain pipe 82 communicating with the external space (corresponding to Figure 10 the lower end in Figure 10 and the other end in the technical solution) extends from one end of the second exhaust pipe 72 communicating with the external space (corresponding to

[0091] the lower end in Figure 8 and Figure 9 the other end in the technical solution).

[0091] As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, a cavity 73 is provided in the first exhaust pipe 71 (specifically, at an intermediate position of the first exhaust pipe 71). The cavity 73 is used to condense at least part of the water vapor contained in the air flowing in the first exhaust pipe 71 into condensed water. The structure of the cavity 73 is not limited as long as it is a container that can condense at least part of the water vapor into condensed water and temporarily store the condensed water. In addition, it can also be that the cavity 73 is detachably connected to the first exhaust pipe 71. It can also be that the cavity 73 is non-detachably connected to the first exhaust pipe 71, and the condensed water stored in the cavity 73 is discharged into the outer cylinder 3 via a pipeline. In addition, the detergent box provided in the drum-type laundry treatment device 1 can also be used as the cavity 73.

[0092] It can also be that an opening and closing valve (not shown) for opening and closing the first exhaust pipe 71 is provided at a portion of the first exhaust pipe 71 located between the air outlet 7 and the cavity 73. However, the specific installation position of the opening and closing valve can also be adjusted according to actual needs as long as the first exhaust pipe 71 can be opened and closed.

Claims

1. A drum - type laundry treating apparatus, characterized in that, the drum - type laundry treating apparatus includes: a housing; an outer drum, which is supported within the housing; an inner drum, which is rotatably installed within the outer drum for receiving laundry; and a drying device, which is located above the outer drum and uses heated air to dry the laundry within the inner drum, an air outlet is provided in the outer drum, and the air outlet communicates with the external space of the drum - type laundry treating apparatus for discharging the air within the outer drum to the external space, the air outlet is connected to one end of a first exhaust pipe, the other end of the first exhaust pipe is connected to a first inlet of a valve member, the valve member has a first outlet communicating with the first inlet, and one end of a second exhaust pipe is connected to the first outlet, and the other end of the second exhaust pipe communicates with the external space, a drain port for discharging washing water is provided in the outer drum, the drain port is connected to one end of a first drain pipe, the valve member further has a second inlet connected to the other end of the first drain pipe and a second outlet communicating with the second inlet, the second outlet is connected to one end of a second drain pipe, and the other end of the second drain pipe communicates with the external space, within the valve member, the first inlet and the first outlet communicate to form a first passage, the second inlet and the second outlet communicate to form a second passage, and the first passage and the second passage do not communicate with each other.

2. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first outlet is provided inside the second outlet, and the second exhaust pipe is provided inside the second drain pipe.

3. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, the ratio of the outer diameter of the second exhaust pipe to the inner diameter of the second drain pipe is in the range of 0.2 - 0.

8.

4. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, the other end of the second exhaust pipe extends out from the other end of the second drain pipe.

5. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, the second outlet is provided inside the first outlet, and the second drain pipe is provided inside the second exhaust pipe.

6. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, the ratio of the outer diameter of the second drain pipe to the inner diameter of the second exhaust pipe is in the range of 0.3 - 0.

9.

7. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, the other end of the second drain pipe extends out from the other end of the second exhaust pipe.

8. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, a cavity is provided on the first exhaust pipe, and the cavity is used to condense at least part of the water vapor contained in the air flowing in the first exhaust pipe into condensed water.

9. The drum - type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, An opening and closing valve for opening and closing the first exhaust pipe is provided at a portion of the first exhaust pipe between the air outlet and the cavity.

10. The drum-type laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the valve member is disposed at an upper position on the side of the drum-type laundry treating apparatus where the first drain pipe and the second drain pipe are provided.

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