A laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a garment processing device. The garment processing device includes a first cylindrical assembly, a second cylindrical assembly, and a water collector. The first cylindrical assembly is positioned above the second cylindrical assembly, and both the first and second cylindrical assemblies have drain outlets. The water collector includes a housing and a flow guiding structure located within the housing. The housing has an outlet and multiple inlets, with each inlet communicating with a corresponding drain outlet. The outlet is used to discharge fluid from the housing. The flow guiding structure divides the space within the housing into multiple sub-cavities, each of which communicates with an outlet. Each sub-cavity communicates with at least one inlet, with a portion of the outlet formed on the wall of one sub-cavity and another portion formed on the wall of another sub-cavity. The garment processing device provided by this application has a relatively simple drainage structure and can drain water along the site.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of clothing processing technology, and more particularly to a clothing processing device. Background Technology

[0002] This section is intended to provide background or context for the implementation of this application. The description herein is not intended to imply that it is prior art simply because it is included in this section.

[0003] In related technologies, multi-drum washing machines have multiple clothes handling drums to achieve zoned washing of clothes. Currently available products suffer from complex drainage structures and redundant piping. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present application aims to provide a clothing processing device with a relatively simple drainage structure that can drain water along the site.

[0005] This application provides a garment processing device, including:

[0006] A first cylindrical assembly and a second cylindrical assembly, wherein the first cylindrical assembly is disposed above the second cylindrical assembly, and both the first cylindrical assembly and the second cylindrical assembly have a drain outlet;

[0007] A water collector includes a housing and a flow guiding structure located inside the housing. The housing has an outlet and multiple inlets. The inlets are connected to corresponding drain outlets, and the outlet is used to discharge fluid from the housing.

[0008] The flow guiding structure divides the space inside the box into multiple sub-cavities, each of which is connected to the outlet, and each sub-cavity is connected to at least one inlet.

[0009] In some embodiments, the water collector includes a partition wall connected to the flow guiding structure and at least a portion of the partition wall located outside the housing to divide a portion of the space downstream of the outlet into multiple flow sections.

[0010] In some embodiments, the water collector further includes a pipe joint, the partition wall being at least partially disposed within the pipe joint, the pipe joint being disposed outside the housing and connected to the outlet.

[0011] In some embodiments, the plurality of sub-cavities includes a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity; the partition wall divides a portion of the pipe fitting near the outlet end into two parts, one part of which communicates with the first sub-cavity and the other part of which communicates with the second sub-cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the garment processing device includes a housing and a water outlet pipe, with the first tubular assembly, the second tubular assembly, and the water collector located inside the housing. The housing includes a back panel, with the pipe connector passing through the back panel. One end of the pipe connector is connected to the outlet in a front-to-back direction, and the water outlet pipe is located outside the housing and connected to the pipe connector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the volume of the first cylindrical assembly is smaller than the volume of the second cylindrical assembly, and the inlet corresponding to the drain port of the first cylindrical assembly is positioned higher than the outlet.

[0014] In some embodiments, the number of the first cylindrical assembly is at least two, and the box body is disposed on the rear side of one of the first cylindrical assemblies. The box body includes two first sidewalls disposed opposite to each other in the front-back direction of the garment processing device, two second sidewalls disposed opposite to each other in the left-right direction of the garment processing device, and two third sidewalls disposed opposite to each other in the height direction of the garment processing device.

[0015] An inlet communicating with the drain outlet of the corresponding first cylinder assembly is provided on a first side wall near one of the first cylinder assemblies and a second side wall near the other first cylinder assembly. An inlet communicating with the drain outlet of the second cylinder assembly is provided on a lower third side wall.

[0016] In some embodiments, the water collector includes a spacer structure, and the inlet corresponding to the drain port of the first cylindrical assembly is disposed on the cavity wall of one of the sub-cavities;

[0017] The spacer structure is disposed in another sub-cavity and divides the sub-cavity into a first channel, a second channel, and a connecting channel. The first channel and the second channel are located on opposite sides of the spacer structure, and the connecting channel is located above the spacer structure. The inlet corresponding to the drain port of the second cylinder assembly is disposed on the cavity wall of the first channel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet is not greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​its fluid at any location along the flow path of the corresponding sub-cavity.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​any one of the inlets.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the length of any of the subcavities has a non-circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the fluid flow direction.

[0021] The garment processing device provided in this application embodiment drains multiple cylindrical components through a water collector. The flow guiding structure inside the water collector ensures that the drainage of multiple cylindrical components does not affect each other. Furthermore, the design of multiple sub-cavities sharing a single outlet saves on the layout and length of external pipelines, thereby simplifying the drainage structure of the garment processing device and reducing space occupation. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a garment processing device according to one embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure from another perspective;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the middle structure along the AA direction;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the central structure, including the water collector;

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure from another perspective;

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A structural diagram of the middle structure from another perspective;

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the middle structure along the BB direction;

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the middle structure along the CC direction;

[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 4 Internal structural diagram of the structure;

[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the structure in the DD direction;

[0032] Figure 11 for Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the structure in the EE direction;

[0033] Figure 12 for Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the structure in the FF direction.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0035] 11. First cylindrical assembly; 12. Second cylindrical assembly; 21. First pipe section; 22. Second pipe section; 30. Water collector; 31. Box body; 31a1. First inlet; 31a2. Second inlet; 31a3. Third inlet; 31b. Outlet; 311. First sidewall; 312. Second sidewall; 313. Third sidewall; 32. Flow-blocking structure; 33. Flow-guiding structure; 33a. First sub-cavity; 33b. Second sub-cavity; 34. Spacing structure; 34a. First channel; 34b. Second channel; 34c. Connecting channel; 40. Pipe joint; 41. Partition wall; 50. Water outlet pipe; 60. Drain pump. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature and the second feature are in direct contact, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0040] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example that is included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0041] This application provides a garment processing device; please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 4 as well as Figure 8 , Figure 4 The dashed arrows in the middle indicate the direction of fluid flow. The garment processing equipment includes a first drum assembly 11 and a second drum assembly 12. Multiple drum assemblies can process different types of garments, such as baby clothes and adult clothes; or, multiple drum assemblies can be designed to perform different functions, such as the first drum assembly 11 for drying and care, and the second drum assembly 12 for washing and dehydration.

[0042] The first drum assembly 11 is positioned above the second drum assembly 12. It should be noted that, along the height direction of the garment processing equipment, the second drum assembly 12 can be positioned directly above or diagonally above the first drum assembly 11. The form of the garment processing equipment is not limited, and it can be a washing machine, a washer-dryer combo, a washer-dryer set, etc.

[0043] The first tubular assembly 11 and the second tubular assembly 12 have multiple drain outlets (not shown), and each tubular assembly discharges internal fluid through its respective drain outlet. Exemplarily, the first tubular assembly 11 has a first garment processing chamber for containing garments to be processed and performing operations such as detergenting or dehydration on them, with fluids such as wash water or condensate water being discharged through the drain outlet.

[0044] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 4 The garment processor also includes a water collector 30, which comprises a housing 31 and a flow guiding structure 33 located within the housing 31. The housing 31 has an outlet 31b and multiple inlets, each inlet communicating with a corresponding drain outlet. Each cylindrical assembly allows internal liquid to flow into the housing 31 through its corresponding connected inlet. The outlet 31b is used to discharge fluid from the housing 31; that is, both the first cylindrical assembly 11 and the second cylindrical assembly 12 drain water through the outlet 31b of the water collector 30.

[0045] Compared to traditional single-tube garment processing equipment, when a garment processing equipment is equipped with multiple first-tube components 11, the internal space of the equipment is relatively cramped while maintaining the same overall external dimensions. This necessitates efficient space utilization to ensure the equipment size is not excessively large, thus facilitating installation in users' home environments and promoting marketability. For example, the garment processing equipment includes a housing, with multiple tube components and a water collector 30 all located inside the housing. Compared to setting up independent drainage pipes for each tube component, the water collector 30 solution not only saves on pipe length but also saves on the space occupied by the pipes within the housing.

[0046] Please see Figures 7 to 9 The flow guiding structure 33 divides the space within the housing 31 into multiple sub-cavities, each of which is connected to the outlet 31b. Each sub-cavity is also connected to at least one inlet. The fluid supplied to each sub-cavity through its corresponding inlet flows independently within that sub-cavity. The drainage from the first cylindrical assembly 11 and the second cylindrical assembly 12 does not affect each other, and backflow is virtually nonexistent. The flow guiding structure 33 serves to separate and guide the flow, preventing fluid mixing between two different sub-cavities.

[0047] Outlet 31b connects to an external pipe (e.g., outlet pipe 50 described below) of the water collector 30 to discharge fluid to the external environment (e.g., backflow pipe, washbasin, etc.). Multiple sub-cavities share the same outlet 31b, which can save on the arrangement and length of the external pipe of the water collector 30 and simplify the drainage structure of the laundry handling equipment. Exemplarily, a portion of outlet 31b is formed in the cavity wall of one sub-cavity, and another portion of outlet 31b is formed in the cavity wall of another sub-cavity.

[0048] As can be seen, in the clothing processing device of this application embodiment, multiple cylinder components are drained through the water collector 30. The flow guiding structure 33 in the water collector 30 ensures that the multiple cylinder components do not affect each other when draining. Furthermore, the design of multiple sub-cavities sharing a single outlet 31b saves on the layout and length of external pipelines, thereby simplifying the drainage structure of the clothing processing device and reducing space occupation.

[0049] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 11 The water collector 30 includes a partition wall 41, which is connected to the flow guiding structure 33, and at least a portion of the partition wall 41 is located outside the housing 31 to divide the space downstream of the outlet 31b into multiple flow sections. These multiple flow sections refer to the partition wall 41's function of separating the space downstream of the outlet 31b, ensuring that after fluid flows out of the outlet 31b, regardless of which part of the outlet 31b it exits from, it enters different flow sections under the guidance of the partition wall 41.

[0050] It is understandable that when fluid enters different flow sections, the partition wall 41 can ensure that the fluid in different flow sections maintains independent flow, and basically will not flow back into other flow sections, thus not affecting the fluid flow in other flow sections.

[0051] In this embodiment, the shape of the box 31 is not limited. It can be spherical, columnar, cubic, cuboid, or other shapes that can form an internal cavity. The outer side of the box 31 refers to the outer side of the outer wall or its extension surface that forms the internal cavity, or the outer side of the surface that forms the entrance or its extension surface, or the outer side of the surface that forms the exit or its extension surface.

[0052] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 10 The water collector 30 also includes a pipe connector 40. A partition wall 41 is at least partially disposed within the pipe connector 40. The pipe connector 40 is located outside the housing 31 and connected to the outlet 31b. The pipe connector 40 communicates with the outlet 31b, allowing the outlet 31b to be connected to an external pipeline. The form of the pipe connector 40 is not limited; for example, the pipe connector 40 can be an elbow or a straight connector, etc.

[0053] It is understood that the partition wall 41 divides the internal space of the pipe connector 40 into multiple flow sections, and the inner wall of the pipe connector 40 can also provide support for the partition wall 41. For example, the partition wall 41 may be integrally formed with the pipe connector 40, or the partition wall 41 may be integrally formed with the flow guiding structure 33.

[0054] In some embodiments, the multiple sub-cavities include a first sub-cavity 33a and a second sub-cavity 33b. A partition wall 41 divides a portion of the pipe fitting 40 near the outlet 31b into two parts, one part communicating with the first sub-cavity 33a and the other with the second sub-cavity 33b. That is, the orientation of the partition wall 41 is similar to that of the flow guiding structure 33, meaning that fluid flowing on one side of the flow guiding structure 33 continues to flow along the same side of the partition wall 41. The partition wall 41 can regulate the flow direction of the fluid at the outlet 31b and prevent the mixing of fluids drained from different parts of the outlet 31b, thereby further preventing liquid discharged from the first cylinder assembly 11 from entering the second cylinder assembly 12, and also preventing liquid discharged from the second cylinder assembly 12 from entering the first cylinder assembly 11.

[0055] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5The garment processing equipment includes a housing and a drain pipe 50. A first tubular assembly 11, a second tubular assembly 12, and a water collector 30 are located inside the housing. The housing includes a back panel, and a pipe connector 40 passes through the back panel. One end of the pipe connector 40 is connected to an outlet 31b in a front-to-back direction. The drain pipe 50 is located outside the housing and is connected to the pipe connector 40. It is understood that the pipe connector 40 draws fluid from the water collector 30 through the outlet 31b and discharges it through the drain pipe 50.

[0056] In this embodiment, the pipe connector 40 passes directly through the back panel, and the water outlet pipe 50 is located outside the housing, so that the water collector 30 can be set close to the inner surface of the back panel, reducing the space occupied on the rear side of the cylinder assembly, thereby making the structure of the clothing processing equipment compact.

[0057] In some embodiments, the volume of the first cylindrical assembly 11 is smaller than the volume of the second cylindrical assembly 12, and the inlet corresponding to the drain port of the first cylindrical assembly 11 is positioned higher than the outlet 31b. That is, the second cylindrical assembly 12 can hold more clothing, meaning the overall weight of the second cylindrical assembly 12 can be greater than that of the first cylindrical assembly 11. Correspondingly, the single drainage capacity of the second cylindrical assembly 12 will also be greater than that of the first cylindrical assembly 11. Thus, the second cylindrical assembly 12 can handle larger or larger quantities of clothing, such as outerwear, while the first cylindrical assembly 11 can handle smaller or smaller quantities of clothing, such as socks, underwear, or baby clothes.

[0058] By placing the lighter first cylinder assembly 11 above the heavier second cylinder assembly 12, the center of gravity of the garment processing equipment can be lowered, reducing swaying, and drainage of the first cylinder assembly 11 can be facilitated.

[0059] In addition, the first cylindrical assembly 11, which has a smaller volume and smaller drainage capacity, is located above the second cylindrical assembly 12, which has a larger volume and larger drainage capacity, so that each of the multiple cylindrical assemblies can use its own drainage method.

[0060] For example, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The water collector 30 is positioned lower than the first cylindrical assembly 11 so that the water discharged from the first cylindrical assembly 11 can flow to the water collector 30 under the action of gravity. In this way, the first cylindrical assembly 11 is positioned higher than the second cylindrical assembly 12 to achieve the drainage method of "bottom drainage". The structure is simple and convenient for drainage.

[0061] For example, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The garment processing equipment includes a drain pump 60, which is located on the path connecting the drain outlet of the second cylindrical assembly 12 to the inlet. The drain pump 60 drives the liquid discharged from the second cylindrical assembly 12 towards the inlet. Under the action of the drain pump 60, the liquid discharged from the second cylindrical assembly 12 can overcome gravity and move upwards. In other words, the second cylindrical assembly 12 can adopt a "top-drainage" method, resulting in higher drainage efficiency. Furthermore, due to the drain pump 60, backflow is virtually eliminated during drainage from the second cylindrical assembly 12.

[0062] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The number of first cylindrical components 11 is at least two. For example, in some embodiments where there are two first cylindrical components 11, one first cylindrical component 11 is located at the upper left of the second cylindrical component 12, and the other first cylindrical component 11 is located at the upper right of the second cylindrical component 12.

[0063] In this embodiment, the box body 31 is disposed on the rear side of one of the first cylindrical components 11. The box body 31 includes two first side walls 311 arranged opposite each other along the front-back direction of the garment processing device, two second side walls 312 arranged opposite each other along the left-right direction of the garment processing device, and two third side walls 313 arranged opposite each other along the height direction of the garment processing device. The first side walls 311, second side walls 312, and third side walls 313 enclose and form the box body 31.

[0064] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each of the first sidewalls 311 near one of the first cylindrical components 11 and the second sidewall 312 near the other first cylindrical component 11 is provided with an inlet that communicates with the drain outlet of the corresponding first cylindrical component 11. That is, one inlet (which may be called the first inlet 31a1) is oriented along the front-back direction of the clothing processing device, and the other inlet (which may be called the second inlet 31a2) is oriented along the left-right direction of the clothing processing device. In this way, it is convenient for the first inlet 31a1 and the second inlet 31a2 to be connected to the drain outlet of the first cylindrical component 11 respectively. The water collector 30 can be connected to the first cylindrical component 11 from different directions, and the pipes of the two first cylindrical components 11 are less likely to cross, thereby simplifying the clothing drainage structure and saving installation space inside the box.

[0065] For example, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the garment processing equipment includes a first pipe section 21 and a second pipe section 22. The first pipe section 21 is located on the left or right side of the first cylindrical assembly 11, and one end of the first pipe section 21 is connected to the first inlet 31a1 in the front-back direction, while the other end is connected to a first cylindrical assembly 11. The first pipe section 21 guides the liquid discharged from the drain port of a first cylindrical assembly 11 to the first inlet 31a1. This pipe arrangement utilizes the lateral space around the first cylindrical assembly 11, making the garment processing equipment compact.

[0066] Please continue reading. Figure 6 and Figure 7 A third sidewall 313, located at a lower position, is provided with an inlet (which may be referred to as the third inlet 31a3) communicating with the drain outlet of the second cylindrical assembly 12. Thus, fluid from the third inlet 31a3 is sprayed upwards into the housing 31 and discharged through the outlet 31b. It can be understood that the third inlet 31a3 is located near the lowest point of the space within the housing 31. When fluid enters the third inlet 31a3, the fluid submerges the third inlet 31a3, and the liquid level gradually rises. This process reduces the vibration of the air cavity when fluid enters the third inlet 31a3, effectively reducing drainage noise. Furthermore, the third inlet 31a3 is located on the lower third sidewall 313, facilitating pipe routing along the height direction to connect the second cylindrical assembly 12 to the third inlet 31a3.

[0067] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 7 to 9 The water collector 30 includes a partition structure 34. The inlet corresponding to the drain outlet of the first cylindrical assembly 11 is disposed on the wall of one sub-cavity. The partition structure 34 is disposed in another sub-cavity and divides the sub-cavity into a first channel 34a, a second channel 34b, and a connecting channel 34c. The first channel 34a and the second channel 34b are located on opposite sides of the partition structure 34, and the connecting channel 34c is located above the partition structure 34. The inlet corresponding to the drain outlet of the second cylindrical assembly 12 (i.e., the third inlet 31a3) is disposed on the wall of the first channel 34a.

[0068] Fluid entering through the third inlet 31a3 flows into the first channel 34a and overflows from the top of the spacer structure 34, flowing through the connecting channel 34c to the second channel 34b. In the second sub-cavity 33b, fluid discharged from the second cylinder assembly 12 enters the housing 31 through the inlet connected to the first channel 34a, flowing sequentially through the first channel 34a and the second channel 34b. The top of the spacer structure 34 extends upward, allowing fluid to overflow from the first channel 34a before passing through the spacer structure 34 and entering the second channel 34b.

[0069] In this embodiment, on the one hand, the partition structure 34 defines the first channel 34a and the second channel 34b, so that the fluid discharged from the second cylinder assembly 12 is guided to the outlet 31b and guided slowly. This can reduce the turbulence or vortex phenomenon caused by the large change in the flow cross section of the fluid in the second sub-cavity 33b, and facilitate the smooth discharge of the fluid through the outlet 31b. On the other hand, the bottom of the partition structure 34 is connected to the box body 31 and the top extends upward, so that even if the fluid in the first sub-cavity 33a enters the second sub-cavity 33b, it will not flow back into the first channel 34a, thereby preventing the fluid in the second sub-cavity 33b from flowing back into the second cylinder assembly 12.

[0070] In some embodiments, the other end of the flow guiding structure 33 extends downward to the lateral side of the partition structure 34 facing the second channel 34b. That is, the second channel 34b is defined between the lateral surface of the partition structure 34 and the surface of the flow guiding structure 33 near the partition structure 34. The flow guiding structure 33 not only divides the space within the housing 31 into a first sub-cavity 33a and a second sub-cavity 33b, but also guides the flow of fluid. In this embodiment, the fluid in the first sub-cavity 33a can flow along the flow guiding structure 33. For example, the first sub-cavity 33a connects to two inlets, one of which is near one end of the flow guiding structure 33. Fluid entering the housing 31 can flow along the flow guiding structure 33 to the other end, where an outlet 31b is provided to discharge the fluid out of the housing 31.

[0071] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 The partition structure 34 is plate-shaped, with a first channel 34a and a second channel 34b respectively provided on opposite sides of the plate. Part of the edge of the plate is spaced apart from the flow guiding structure 33, and liquid can overflow the edge and enter the adjacent sub-cavity. That is, the edge position of the partition structure 34 is the overflow level, and the space between the edge and the third side wall 313 of the box body 31 is the connecting channel 34c.

[0072] In some embodiments of this application, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet is not greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid at any position along the flow path of the corresponding flow channel. The aforementioned cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet refers to the area of ​​the maximum flow cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction when the fluid enters the inlet. For example, in embodiments where the inlet is circular, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the circle. The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet reflects the fluid's capacity at the inlet; the larger the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet, the stronger the fluid's capacity.

[0073] The cross-sectional area of ​​a fluid at any point along its flow path in a corresponding flow channel refers to the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow at any point within that portion of the flow channel. This cross-sectional area is equal to the area of ​​the maximum flow cross-section at that location. This cross-sectional area reflects the fluid's capacity to pass through at any point in the flow channel.

[0074] It can be understood that the inlet cross-sectional area is S1, and the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid at all locations along the flow path of the corresponding flow channel is S. min Then S1≤S min Thus, when the inlet fluid flows along the corresponding flow channel, its maximum flow cross-section will not shrink, and the fluid will not be squeezed by the cavity wall of the flow channel. In other words, when the inlet fluid flows along the corresponding flow channel, it will not flow through the narrowing section. Therefore, the flow channel's fluid throughput capacity is stronger than that of the inlet, which can improve the flow channel's drainage capacity, accelerate the fluid discharge speed from outlet 31b, avoid water accumulation and fluid blockage, and reduce the possibility of backflow.

[0075] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​outlet 31b is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​any inlet. The cross-sectional area of ​​outlet 31b refers to the area of ​​the maximum flow cross-section of outlet 31b. For example, in embodiments where outlet 31b is a rounded rectangle, the cross-sectional area of ​​outlet 31b is equal to the area of ​​the rounded rectangle. In embodiments where outlet 31b is not a planar geometry (i.e., the inner surface of the housing 31 where the inlet is located is non-planar), the cross-sectional area of ​​outlet 31b refers to the area of ​​the maximum flow cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction when fluid flows out of outlet 31b. The cross-sectional area of ​​outlet 31b reflects the fluid carrying capacity at outlet 31b; the larger the cross-sectional area of ​​outlet 31b, the stronger the fluid carrying capacity.

[0076] It is understandable that if the cross-sectional area of ​​outlet 31b is S2, then S2 > S1. In this way, outlet 31b drains water faster, reducing the accumulation of fluid inside the box 31 and minimizing the possibility of fluid backflow into other inlets connected to the inside of the box 31, thus reducing the possibility of backflow.

[0077] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the length of any sub-cavity has a non-circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the fluid flow direction. The cross-section of the flow channel perpendicular to the internal fluid flow direction can also be called the flow cross-section. It should be noted that the flow cross-sections at any location of the flow channel can be the same or different. The entire length of the flow channel can be a non-circular flow cross-section, or only a portion of its length can be a non-circular flow cross-section.

[0078] Non-circular cross-sections can be rectangular, rounded rectangles, semicircles, or ellipses, etc. Unlike circular cross-sections, in the length of the flow channel corresponding to a non-circular cross-section, the fluid velocity varies at different locations on the same cross-section. Non-circular cross-sections make it easy for turbulence or even vortices to form at the corners of the flow channel walls, and they are also prone to leaving air bubbles. The flow channel is not completely filled with liquid, and the continuity of the fluid is affected.

[0079] When fluid is introduced into the housing 31 through one of the inlets and discharged through the outlet 31b, a negative pressure can easily form inside the housing 31. This can potentially create a suction effect on the inlets that have not been drained, and on the liquid in the corresponding cylindrical components. The non-circular design of certain length sections of the flow channel serves two purposes: firstly, it can agitate the fluid, reduce the amount of air expelled, and suppress the formation of negative pressure; secondly, it prevents liquid from continuously flowing to the outlet 31b even after being drawn into the flow channel by negative pressure, thus preventing the formation of a siphon effect and minimizing the impact of one cylindrical component draining on other cylindrical components.

[0080] For example, please refer to Figure 11 The flow channel has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. A polygon is a geometric shape formed by N (N≥3) line segments. Flow channels with polygonal cross-sections are easier to manufacture and can better prevent the formation of siphoning phenomena. Polygons can be quadrilaterals, pentagons, or hexagons, etc.

[0081] For example, please refer to Figure 11 The flow channel's cross-sectional shape is a combination of straight lines and curves, such as a semi-circle. Flow channels with this combined cross-sectional shape are easy to manufacture and can effectively prevent the formation of siphoning phenomena.

[0082] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 9 The following describes the fluid flow direction within the water collector 30 in a specific embodiment of this application.

[0083] The fluid discharged from the drain port of the first cylindrical assembly 11 enters two first inlets 31a1 respectively. The fluid in the first inlet 31a1 flows along the first flow channel and then exits the box 31 through the part corresponding to the outlet 31b on the cavity wall of the first flow channel, enters the pipe joint 40, and is discharged to the external environment through the water outlet pipe 50.

[0084] The fluid discharged from the drain port of the second cylindrical assembly 12 enters the third inlet 31a3 and flows along the second flow channel. The liquid in the third inlet 31a3 enters the first channel 34a upward. The liquid level in the first channel 34a gradually rises until it overflows to the height of the top of the partition structure 34. The fluid enters the second channel 34b through the connecting channel 34c, and then exits the box 31 through the part of the cavity wall of the second flow channel corresponding to the outlet 31b, enters the pipe joint 40, and is discharged to the external environment through the water outlet pipe 50.

[0085] The first cylindrical assembly 11 and the second cylindrical assembly 12 can drain water simultaneously or sequentially.

[0086] The various embodiments / implementations provided in this application can be combined with each other without creating contradictions.

[0087] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A laundry treating apparatus, characterized by, include: A first cylindrical assembly and a second cylindrical assembly, wherein the first cylindrical assembly is disposed above the second cylindrical assembly, and both the first cylindrical assembly and the second cylindrical assembly have a drain outlet; A water collector includes a housing and a flow guiding structure located inside the housing. The housing has an outlet and multiple inlets. The inlets are connected to corresponding drain outlets, and the outlet is used to discharge fluid from the housing. The flow guiding structure divides the space inside the box into multiple sub-cavities, each of which is connected to the outlet, and each sub-cavity is connected to at least one inlet. 2.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein The water collector includes a partition wall connected to the flow guiding structure, with at least a portion of the partition wall located outside the housing to divide a portion of the space downstream of the outlet into multiple flow sections. 3.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The water collector also includes a pipe joint, and the partition wall is at least partially disposed inside the pipe joint. The pipe joint is disposed outside the box and connected to the outlet. 4.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 3, wherein The plurality of sub-cavities includes a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity; the partition wall divides a portion of the pipe joint into two parts within a certain length of the pipe joint near the outlet end, one part of which communicates with the first sub-cavity and the other part of which communicates with the second sub-cavity.

5. The garment processing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment includes a housing and a water outlet pipe. The first cylinder assembly, the second cylinder assembly, and the water collector are located inside the housing. The housing includes a back panel. The pipe connector passes through the back panel. One end of the pipe connector is connected to the outlet in the front-to-back direction. The water outlet pipe is located outside the housing and is connected to the pipe connector.

6. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The volume of the first cylindrical assembly is smaller than the volume of the second cylindrical assembly, and the inlet corresponding to the drain port of the first cylindrical assembly is positioned higher than the outlet.

7. The garment processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of the first cylindrical assembly is at least two, and the box body is disposed on the rear side of one of the first cylindrical assemblies. The box body includes two first side walls that are arranged opposite each other in the front-back direction of the garment processing device, two second side walls that are arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction of the garment processing device, and two third side walls that are arranged opposite each other in the height direction of the garment processing device. An inlet communicating with the drain outlet of the corresponding first cylinder assembly is provided on a first side wall near one of the first cylinder assemblies and a second side wall near the other first cylinder assembly. An inlet communicating with the drain outlet of the second cylinder assembly is provided on a lower third side wall.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The water collector includes a spacer structure, and the inlet corresponding to the drain port of the first cylindrical assembly is disposed on the cavity wall of one of the sub-cavities; The spacer structure is disposed in another sub-cavity and divides the sub-cavity into a first channel, a second channel, and a connecting channel. The first channel and the second channel are located on opposite sides of the spacer structure, and the connecting channel is located above the spacer structure. The inlet corresponding to the drain port of the second cylinder assembly is disposed on the cavity wall of the first channel.

9. The garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet is not greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid at any position on the flow path of the corresponding sub-cavity.

10. The garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the exit is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​any one of the inlets.

11. The garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, At least a portion of the length of any of the subcavities has a non-circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the fluid flow direction.

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