Multi-barrel laundry treating apparatus

CN224754742UActive Publication Date: 2026-09-15QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202521939199.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2025-05-16
Filing Date
2025-09-09
Publication Date
2026-09-15
Estimated Expiration
2035-09-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

一方面,上下堆叠的双筒设计导致整体体积庞大,空间利用率低;为保证下方波轮组件可滑进滑出正常使用,还需在机体前方预留额外空间,进一步增加了空间占用

Benefits of technology

[0034]This utility model relates to a multi-tube garment processing device. By setting the axes of the second tube assembly and the first tube assembly to be in a non-planar relationship, the two tube assemblies are staggered vertically, effectively dispersing the mechanical vibrations generated during operation and avoiding the concentrated superposition of vibration energy, thereby significantly reducing the risk of resonance. This not only reduces operating noise but also reduces the wear and tear on the internal structure of the equipment caused by long-term vibration, thus improving the stability and reliability of the equipment in long-term use.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of multi-cylinder clothes processing equipment, including first clothes processing unit and second clothes processing unit, second clothes processing unit is located at the top of first clothes processing unit, first clothes processing unit includes first cylinder assembly, the axis of first cylinder assembly is vertically arranged, or it is inclined to vertical plane;Second clothes processing unit includes at least one second cylinder assembly, the axis of second cylinder assembly is horizontally arranged, or it is inclined to horizontal plane, the axis of first cylinder assembly and the axis of second cylinder assembly are non-planar relationship.The utility model sets the axis of second cylinder assembly and first cylinder assembly as non-planar relationship, realize the staggered layout of two cylinder assemblies, effectively disperse the mechanical vibration generated when equipment operates, can avoid vibration energy concentration superposition.The utility model not only reduces operating noise, more reduces the loss of long-term vibration to equipment internal structure, and then improves the stability and reliability of equipment long-term use.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of clothing processing equipment, specifically, it relates to a multi-tube clothing processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, washing machines on the market are mainly divided into two categories: top-loading and front-loading. These two types differ significantly in their washing principles and functional characteristics. Top-loading washing machines have a vertical or nearly vertical axis, and during operation, they powerfully agitate clothes with water flow, offering advantages such as a high washing ratio and short washing time. However, they also have drawbacks such as high water consumption and strong mechanical force, which can easily lead to clothes tangling and abrasion. Front-loading washing machines, on the other hand, have a horizontal or nearly horizontal axis, employing a tumbling washing principle. They consume less water and cause less abrasion to clothes, but their washing efficiency is lower, washing time is longer, and energy consumption is higher.

[0003] Because the two types of washing machines have different functional orientations, users who want to meet diverse washing needs often need to purchase two devices. This not only increases space occupation and operating costs but also brings many inconveniences. When attempting to integrate the two types of washing machines, the difference in axis direction becomes a major challenge. If the front-loading washing machine is placed on top, it will obstruct the axis of the lower-loading washing machine, affecting its normal operation.

[0004] Taking Chinese patent CN112481925A as an example, the twin-tub washing machine disclosed in this patent, although including space for both the drum and the pulsator, has obvious drawbacks. Firstly, the stacked twin-tub design results in a large overall size and low space utilization. To ensure the pulsator assembly can slide in and out for normal use, additional space needs to be reserved in front of the machine, further increasing space occupancy. Secondly, pulsator washing machines are suitable for quick washing of multiple items, while drum washing machines are suitable for delicate washing of fabrics. If both are designed with the same washing capacity, it would result in wasted functionality. Furthermore, when a horizontal or nearly horizontal drum washing machine is positioned above, it reduces the stability of the device, causing vibrations during operation that lead to loud noise, and in severe cases, the combined vibrations can even cause resonance.

[0005] In summary, existing washing machine designs and integration solutions have many shortcomings and urgently need improvement. Therefore, this utility model is proposed. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. Its primary objective is to provide a multi-tube garment processing device. This device achieves a staggered layout by setting the axis of the second tube component to be opposite to the axis of the first tube component, thereby dispersing mechanical vibration, reducing the risk of resonance during operation, and improving the reliability of long-term use.

[0007] The second objective of this invention is to provide a multi-tube clothing processing device. This device saves space by positioning the second housing off-axis from the axis of the first tube assembly at the top of the first housing, allowing the clothing loading port of the first housing to be directly connected to the outside.

[0008] The third objective of this utility model is to provide a multi-tube clothing processing device. This device utilizes the space formed by the rear side plate of the second housing protruding from the cavity of the first housing to install a drive motor, thereby relatively increasing the space at the top of the first clothing processing unit and avoiding the situation where the volume of the second tube assembly is reduced due to the space occupied by the drive motor.

[0009] The fourth objective of this invention is to provide a multi-tube clothing processing device that, by limiting the volume of the second tube assembly to be smaller than the volume of the first tube assembly, enables zoned processing of clothing to meet diverse needs.

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a multi-tube clothing processing device, including a first clothing processing unit and a second clothing processing unit disposed on top of the first clothing processing unit;

[0011] The first garment processing unit includes a first tubular assembly, the axis of which is vertically arranged or inclined relative to the vertical plane;

[0012] The second garment processing unit includes at least one second tube assembly, the axis of which is arranged horizontally or inclined relative to the horizontal plane;

[0013] The axis of the first cylindrical assembly and the axis of the second cylindrical assembly are out of plane.

[0014] Furthermore, the first garment processing unit includes a first housing that constitutes its exterior.

[0015] The second garment processing unit includes a second housing that forms its exterior.

[0016] The second housing is offset from the axis of the first cylindrical assembly;

[0017] Preferably, the top of the first housing is provided with a first clothing inlet communicating with the opening of the first cylinder assembly, and the downward orthographic projection of the second housing is located outside the first clothing inlet;

[0018] Preferably, the front side plate of the second housing is provided with a second clothing inlet communicating with the opening of the second cylinder assembly, and the downward orthogonal projection of the second clothing inlet is close to the first clothing inlet.

[0019] Furthermore, the downward orthographic projection of the rear side plate of the second housing on the side opposite to the axis of the first cylindrical assembly is at least partially located outside the first housing;

[0020] Preferably, the downward orthogonal projection of the left and right side plates of the second housing is located at the top of the first housing;

[0021] Preferably, the downward orthographic projection of the rear side plate of the second housing substantially overlaps with the downward orthographic projection of the rear contour of the pipes and / or lines located on the rear side of the first housing.

[0022] Furthermore, the rear side plate of the second housing is provided with a rearwardly protruding protrusion, the downward orthographic projection of which is located outside the first housing.

[0023] Furthermore, the protrusion forms a groove at a corresponding position on the front side of the rear side plate, and the opening of the groove matches the outer contour of the rear wall of the second cylinder assembly on the side opposite to the cylinder opening.

[0024] Furthermore, the protrusion is provided with a receiving cavity, the bottom wall of which protrudes rearward to accommodate the drive motor.

[0025] Alternatively, the above-mentioned alternative is that the rear side plate is provided with a receiving cavity, the bottom wall of the receiving cavity protrudes rearward to accommodate the drive motor, and the rearward protruding bottom wall of the receiving cavity forms the protrusion.

[0026] Furthermore, the rear wall of the second cylinder assembly on the side opposite to the cylinder opening is fixedly connected to the rear side plate of the second housing.

[0027] Furthermore, the first housing and the second housing are either separate structures or connected as a single unit.

[0028] Preferably, the second housing and the first housing have at least one integrally formed side plate on the same side.

[0029] Furthermore, the volume of the second cylindrical assembly is smaller than the volume of the first cylindrical assembly;

[0030] Preferably, the volume of the second cylindrical assembly is less than half the volume of the first cylindrical assembly;

[0031] Preferably, the volume of the second cylindrical assembly is less than one-quarter of the volume of the first cylindrical assembly;

[0032] Preferably, the volume of the second cylindrical assembly is less than one-eighth of the volume of the first cylindrical assembly.

[0033] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0034] This utility model relates to a multi-tube garment processing device. By setting the axes of the second tube assembly and the first tube assembly to be in a non-planar relationship, the two tube assemblies are staggered vertically, effectively dispersing the mechanical vibrations generated during operation and avoiding the concentrated superposition of vibration energy, thereby significantly reducing the risk of resonance. This not only reduces operating noise but also reduces the wear and tear on the internal structure of the equipment caused by long-term vibration, thus improving the stability and reliability of the equipment in long-term use.

[0035] This utility model relates to a multi-tube clothing processing device. The second housing is positioned off-axis from the first tube assembly at the top of the first housing. This ensures that the clothing inlet of the first housing is directly connected to the outside, guaranteeing the ease of use of the first clothing processing unit, while also achieving a compact layout of dual processing units. This design avoids the second housing obstructing or encroaching on the first inlet's space. While satisfying the vertical distribution of the two units, it also eliminates the need to increase the overall footprint of the device, significantly improving space utilization efficiency. It is particularly suitable for space-constrained scenarios such as small apartments.

[0036] This invention utilizes the space created by the protruding rear panel of the second housing beyond the rear of the first housing to mount the drive motor, achieving a rational spatial allocation of the drive components. This mounting structure not only avoids the drive motor occupying internal space of the second cylinder assembly, thus preventing a reduction in its volume and ensuring the effective usable capacity of the second garment processing unit, but also makes the internal structural layout of the second garment unit more rational, achieving efficient integration of functional components within a limited space, and relatively increasing the usable space at the top of the first garment processing unit. Secondly, only the downward projection of the protruding portion of the rear panel of the second housing is located outside the first housing, shifting the center of gravity of the second garment processing unit forward and placing it above the first garment processing unit, optimizing the overall stability of the equipment and enhancing anti-tipping moment. Furthermore, the rearward protrusion of the upper second housing also serves as a rear support, used to shield and protect the pipelines at the rear of the first garment processing unit.

[0037] This invention designs the volume of the second drum component to be smaller than that of the first drum component, creating a differentiated partitioning processing structure that can meet users' needs for classifying and processing different types and quantities of clothing. For example, a small amount of underwear and small items of clothing can be placed in the second drum component for processing, while a large amount of regular clothing can be placed in the first drum component for processing. This not only avoids cross-contamination that may be caused by mixed washing, but also improves the targeting and flexibility of clothing processing, adapts to diverse usage scenarios, and enhances the user experience.

[0038] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The accompanying drawings, as part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present utility model are used to explain the present utility model, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the present utility model. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments; those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the clothing processing equipment of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along section AA;

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the second clothing processing unit;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second housing of the second clothing processing unit of this utility model;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a top view of one embodiment of the clothing processing equipment of this utility model;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the clothing processing equipment of this utility model;

[0046] Figure 7 This is a top view of another embodiment of the clothing processing equipment of this utility model;

[0047] In the diagram: 100, First garment processing unit; 110, First housing; 111, First garment loading port; 112, Tray base; 113, Back panel; 120, First cylinder assembly; 121, First outer cylinder; 122, First inner cylinder; 123, Hanging rod; 124, Impeller;

[0048] 200. Second garment processing unit; 210. Second housing; 211. Second garment loading port; 212. Front side panel; 213. Rear side panel; 2130. Through opening; 2131. Protrusion; 2132. Groove; 2133. Receiving cavity; 2134. Bottom wall; 2135. Mounting hole; 214. Left side panel; 215. Right side panel; 220. Second cylinder assembly; 2201. Rear wall of cylinder; 2202. Air outlet; 2203. Mounting column; 221. Second outer cylinder; 222. Second inner cylinder; 230. Drive motor; 240. Drying module; 300. Balancing unit.

[0049] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0051] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", and "outer" 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 this utility model 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 this utility model.

[0052] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] In the following description, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configuration of the device or the control method described below are only for illustrating embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and the same reference numerals denote the same constituent elements throughout the specification.

[0054] Multi-drum laundry handling equipment has at least two laundry handling units, each capable of independently processing clothes. These units are categorized as front-loading or top-loading, distinguished by the method of loading the clothes. In a front-loading unit, the loading port is located at the front, while in a top-loading unit, it is located at the top. Top-loading units wash clothes by causing water to tumble and rub against each other through the action of the impeller and inner drum. The inner drum of a top-loading unit is either vertically oriented or inclined relative to a vertical plane. Conversely, front-loading units use a drop mechanism, where the inner drum's rotation lifts the clothes to a height before they fall and tumble, washing them. The inner drum of a front-loading unit is either horizontally oriented or inclined relative to a horizontal plane.

[0055] In existing multi-tube garment processing equipment, the axes of the two tubes are parallel or intersecting. One type of multi-tube garment processing equipment includes a front-loading garment processing unit located above and a top-loading garment processing unit located below. Since the loading port of the top-loading garment processing unit is on top, to avoid the problem of not being able to load or unload clothes, the top-loading garment processing unit is usually designed to be installed below the front-loading garment processing unit in the form of a drawer. This design results in the top-loading garment processing unit being movable, which leads to structural instability, high noise during operation, and the need to pull it out of the housing to load or unload clothes. In addition, in order to stably support the upper garment processing unit, the axis of the inner tube of the top-loading garment processing unit intersects with the axis of the inner tube of the front-loading garment processing unit, and the inner tube of the top-loading garment processing unit also needs to be designed with a large volume.

[0056] The axes of the two cylinders in the aforementioned equipment are coplanar. This layout causes the vibration directions to be consistent or similar during operation, making it easy for vibration energy to superimpose and form resonance. Resonance not only produces harsh noise but also exacerbates fatigue wear on core structures such as vibration damping components and bearings, shortening the equipment's lifespan and affecting the user experience.

[0057] To solve this problem, this utility model provides a multi-tube clothing processing device, which sets the axes of the two tubes to be in an eccentric relationship, and achieves vibration dispersion through the staggered spatial layout.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the multi-tube garment processing device of this utility model includes a first garment processing unit 100 and a second garment processing unit 200. The second garment processing unit 200 is disposed on top of the first garment processing unit 100. The first garment processing unit 100 includes a first housing 110 constituting its appearance and a first tube assembly 120 disposed within the first housing 110. The axis L1 of the first tube assembly 120 is vertically arranged or inclined relative to the vertical plane. The top of the first housing 110 is provided with a first garment inlet 111 communicating with the opening of the first tube assembly 120. The second garment processing unit 200 includes a second housing 210 constituting its appearance and a second tube assembly 220 disposed within the second housing 210. The axis L2 of the second tube assembly 220 is horizontally arranged or inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The front side plate 212 of the second housing 210 is provided with a second garment inlet 211 communicating with the opening of the second tube assembly 220. The axis L1 of the first tube assembly 120 and the axis L2 of the second tube assembly 220 are in a non-planar relationship. In this invention, the side of the device relative to its position when the user operates the device is defined as the front side.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first garment processing unit 100 serves as the main processing structure. The axis L1 of its first tubular assembly 120 is vertically oriented or slightly inclined relative to the vertical plane. The inclination angle α is generally controlled to not exceed 15°, preferably not exceeding 10°, falling within the category of essentially vertical. The tubular opening faces upwards to accommodate the loading and processing of large garments. The first tubular assembly 120 can be a combination structure of an outer tub and an inner tub, as in existing technology; or it can be a water-saving, non-perforated inner tub structure. This non-perforated inner tub is rotatably installed within the first housing 110 and is used to hold water and garments. In this embodiment, the first tubular assembly 120 includes a first outer tub 121 and a first inner tub 122 as an example (see [reference]). Figure 2 The axis L1 of the first cylinder assembly 120 refers to the axis of the first inner cylinder 122. The first outer cylinder 121 is suspended inside the first housing 110 by the hanger 123. A shock-absorbing component is provided between the first outer cylinder 121 and the hanger 123 to absorb the vibration generated during operation. The first inner cylinder 122 is coaxially installed in the first outer cylinder 121. A rotatable impeller 124 is provided in the first inner cylinder 122. Generally, the impeller 124 drives the water flow to rotate rapidly, or the impeller 124 and the first inner cylinder 122 rotate relative to each other to agitate the water flow and turn the clothes over. It is suitable for washing large clothes.

[0060] The second garment processing unit 200 is located on top of the first garment processing unit 100, that is, on the tray base 112 (see reference). Figure 1 The axis L2 of its second cylinder assembly 220 is set horizontally or slightly inclined relative to the horizontal plane (see...). Figure 3The tilt angle is generally controlled to not exceed 15°, preferably not exceeding 10°, falling within the basic horizontal range. The opening faces forward to accommodate the placement and handling of small items of clothing. Similarly, the second cylinder assembly 220 can be a combination structure of an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder in the prior art; it can also be a water-saving non-perforated inner cylinder structure. This non-perforated inner cylinder is rotatably installed inside the second housing 210 and is used to hold water and place clothing. In the embodiment of this utility model, the second cylinder assembly 220 preferably includes a second outer cylinder 221 and a second inner cylinder 222 (see...). Figure 3 The axis L2 of the second drum assembly 220 refers to the axis of the second inner drum 222. The second inner drum 222 is driven to rotate by the rear drive motor 230. The second inner drum 222 uses internal lifting ribs to gently tumble the clothes up and down, a process suitable for washing and caring for clothes made of special materials, forming a functional layer of "washing + care". The first drum assembly 120 and the second drum assembly 220 of this utility model are suitable for different washing modes, which can meet the diverse needs of users.

[0061] The axis L1 of the first cylindrical assembly 120 and the axis L2 of the second cylindrical assembly 220 are neither parallel nor intersecting, i.e., they are in a non-planar relationship. For example, the axis L1 of the first cylindrical assembly 120 passes through the first housing 110 in a vertical direction, while the axis L2 of the second cylindrical assembly 220 passes through the second housing 210 in a horizontal direction. The two axes have no intersection point in space and have different directions, forming a stable staggered layout (see reference). Figure 1 , Figures 5 to 7 ).

[0062] The non-planar layout of the two axes in this invention fundamentally changes the transmission direction of vibration of the two cylinder components. The vibration of the first cylinder component is mainly transmitted in the vertical direction, while the vibration of the second cylinder component is mainly transmitted in the horizontal direction. The vibration directions of the two are perpendicular, but since the axes do not intersect, the energy cannot be superimposed and resonate, which significantly reduces the operating noise of the equipment. At the same time, the dispersion of vibration energy reduces the impact on the vibration damping components, bearings and other structures of each unit, extends the service life of the components, and improves the long-term stability of the equipment.

[0063] A further solution is to offset the second housing 210 from the axis L1 of the first cylinder assembly 120 to avoid motion interference between the first cylinder assembly 120 and the second cylinder assembly 220. Compared with the traditional side-by-side layout, the eccentric layout of the second cylinder assembly 220 with the axis direction horizontal or basically horizontal can effectively disperse the vibration energy when the two systems are operating at the same time.

[0064] Preferably, the downward orthographic projection of the second housing 210 is located outside the first clothing inlet 111 (see...). Figure 2 , Figures 5 to 7In other words, the second housing 210 does not block the first clothing inlet 111, meaning that users can directly put clothes into the first cylinder assembly 120 from the first clothing inlet 111, thereby saving the space occupied by the clothing processing equipment and making it suitable for home use.

[0065] A further preferred embodiment is that the downward projection of the second clothing inlet 211 is close to the first clothing inlet 111. The second housing 210 is located on the rear side of the first clothing inlet 111 (i.e., the side away from user operation), with the front panel 212 of the second housing 210 close to the first clothing inlet 111 and the rear panel 213 of the second housing 210 away from the first clothing inlet 111 (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0066] Specifically, the second housing 210 of this invention is not centrally located at the top of the first housing 110, but is offset from the axis L1 of the first cylindrical assembly 120 to the rear side of the first housing 110 (see [reference]). Figure 1 and Figure 2 This deviation is achieved by adjusting the relative connection position of the second housing 210 and the first housing 110, ensuring that the center of gravity of the second housing 210 is shifted to the rear side of the first housing 110 and does not intersect with the axis L1 of the first cylinder assembly 120, so that at least half of the channel for dispensing clothes to the first clothing dispensing port 111 (i.e. the front half) is exposed.

[0067] The area directly above the first clothing inlet 111 is the core operating area for users to deposit large items of clothing. The design of the second housing 210 further complements this layout. The second housing 210 is located on the top rear side of the first housing 110, and the first clothing inlet 111 is completely exposed outside the projection range of the second housing 210. When the user is standing, their arm can naturally reach in without having to avoid any structure. The second clothing inlet 211 is located on the front side panel 212 of the second housing 210, and its downward projection position is close to the first clothing inlet 111. The user can complete the operation of both clothing inlets without significant movement.

[0068] A further embodiment is that the downward orthographic projection of the rear side plate 213 of the second housing 210 is at least partially located outside the first housing 110. In other words, the rear side plate 213 of the second housing 210 protrudes rearward at least partially from the rear back plate 113 of the first housing 110, generally not exceeding 10cm, preferably controlled within 5cm, and optimally controlled within 3cm.

[0069] Preferably, the downward projection of the left side plate 214 and right side plate 215 of the second housing 210 is located on the base 112 at the top of the first housing 110 (see reference). Figure 1The overall projection range of the second housing 210 is basically limited to the area of ​​the plate base 112 of the first housing 110, without exceeding to the left or right sides, ensuring that the overall width of the equipment is consistent with that of the single-tube equipment and does not occupy additional space.

[0070] Preferably, the downward orthographic projection of the rear side plate 213 of the second housing 210 substantially overlaps with the downward orthographic projection of the pipeline and / or line located on the rear side of the first housing 110 (not shown in the figure).

[0071] The downward projection of the rear side panel 213 of the second housing 210 is located behind the rear back panel 113 of the first housing 110, which can protect and shield the pipelines at the rear of the first clothing processing unit 100. Generally, according to the installation requirements of clothing processing equipment, space needs to be reserved between its rear panel and the wall. Since the second clothing processing unit 200 is provided on the top of the first clothing processing unit 100, and the water inlet pipe, drain pipe and power cord of the first clothing processing unit 100 basically extend backward from the rear back panel 113 of the first housing 110, this utility model moves the rear panel 213 of the second housing 210 away from the rear back panel 113 of the first housing 110. The distance moved away is the distance by which the pipeline of the first clothing processing unit 100 protrudes backward relative to the rear back panel 113 of the first housing 110, which relatively increases the front-rear dimension of the second housing and can increase the volume of the internal second cylinder assembly 220. The water inlet and drain pipes and power cord of the second clothing processing unit can be installed on the left and right sides or top of the second housing or on the bottom side of the second housing at the position corresponding to the rear protrusion of the rear back panel of the first housing (not shown in the figure).

[0072] In this utility model of multi-tube clothing processing equipment, the vertical positioning of the two clothing processing units achieves the dual goals of "convenient loading" and "compact space". The first clothing loading port is unobstructed, allowing for a natural operating posture, which is especially convenient for elderly users or those who are shorter. The second shell is offset backward rather than to the side, so the horizontal dimension of the equipment is not increased, making it easy to fit into small spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens. The dual loading ports are located close to each other, so users do not need to move back and forth when sorting and loading clothes, significantly improving operating efficiency.

[0073] Further solutions include, for example Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the rear side plate 213 of the second housing 210 is provided with a rearward protrusion 2131, and the downward orthogonal projection of the protrusion 2131 is located outside the first housing 110.

[0074] In one embodiment, the protrusion 2131 forms a groove 2132 at a corresponding position on the front side of the rear side plate 213. The opening of the groove 2132 matches the outer contour of the rear wall 2201 of the second cylinder assembly 220 on the side opposite to the cylinder opening. Here, the outer contour may not only be the outer contour of the rear wall of the cylinder, but may also include the contour of other components installed on the outer periphery of the rear end of the second cylinder assembly 220, such as air ducts or other accessories. Therefore, its outer contour may be circular, or it may be a combination of partial arcs and other shapes. Its shape is not limited here. The purpose of forming the contour is firstly for the compact assembly of the rear end of the second cylinder assembly 220 and the rear side plate 213, and secondly for pre-installation positioning. To enhance the stability of the second cylinder assembly 220, the protrusion 2131 forms a groove 2132 on the front side of the rear side plate 213 (i.e. the side facing the second cylinder assembly). The shape of the groove opening is perfectly matched with the outer contour of the rear wall 2201 of the second cylinder assembly 220 on the side away from the cylinder opening. The rear wall 2201 extends a certain distance backward to approach the opening of the groove, which not only increases the volume of the second cylinder assembly but also makes the structural layout more compact.

[0075] A further embodiment is that the protrusion 2131 is provided with a receiving cavity 2133, and the bottom wall 2134 of the receiving cavity 2133 protrudes rearward (see reference). Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cavity 2133 is used to accommodate the drive motor 230. Here, the bottom wall 2134 of the cavity 2133 is axially away from the second cylinder assembly 220 and protrudes from the protrusion 2131. This solution provides a rearward protrusion on the rear side plate of the second housing 210 and opens a cavity in the protrusion to install the drive motor in the space, thus avoiding occupying the internal volume of the second cylinder assembly.

[0076] Preferably, the rear side plate of the second housing 210 is integrally formed with a rearwardly protruding protrusion 2131. The position of the protrusion is precisely designed so that its downward projection is completely outside the first housing 110. Preferably, the receiving cavity 2133 and the protrusion 2131 are integrally formed. A closed receiving cavity 2133 can be formed inside the protrusion 2131. The drive motor 230 of the second cylinder assembly 220 is located in the receiving cavity 2133. The motor output shaft is connected to the second inner cylinder of the second cylinder assembly through a transmission structure to realize power transmission and reduce noise.

[0077] Alternatively, another option is that the rear side plate 213 has a receiving cavity 2133, the bottom wall 2134 of which protrudes rearward to accommodate the drive motor 230, and the protruding bottom wall 2134 of the receiving cavity 2133 forms the protrusion. Compared with the above option, the rear side plate reduces the groove structure and directly opens the receiving cavity in the rear side plate of the second housing. The bottom wall of the receiving cavity protrudes rearward to form the protrusion, eliminating the groove structure while still achieving the functions of motor accommodation and volume protection.

[0078] The above solution relocates the drive motor 230 to the rear-protruding receiving cavity 2133, completely avoiding the encroachment of the drive motor on the internal space of the second cylinder assembly. This ensures that the actual volume of the second outer cylinder matches the design value, meeting the processing needs of small garments (such as multiple pieces of underwear and socks). Simultaneously, the receiving cavity utilizes the redundant space of the protrusion on the rear side panel of the second housing, eliminating the need to expand the volume of the second housing and ensuring the overall compactness of the equipment. The motor's installation within an independent cavity also reduces noise transmission during operation, further enhancing the user experience. Finally, only the downward projection of the protrusion on the rear side panel of the second housing is located outside the first housing, shifting the center of gravity of the second garment processing unit 200 forward and placing it above the first garment processing unit 100, thus optimizing the overall stability of the equipment.

[0079] In a further embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, the multi-tube garment processing equipment also includes a balancing unit 300. Specifically, the balancing unit 300 is disposed at the bottom of the first garment processing unit 100, and the balancing unit 300 and the second garment processing unit 200 are respectively disposed on the front and rear sides of the axis L1 of the first tube assembly 120 in the first garment processing unit 100.

[0080] By incorporating the balancing unit 300, the weight shift caused by the second garment handling unit 200 can be offset. Combined with the relative position design of the second housing on top of the first housing and the installation layout design of the second garment handling unit's drive motor, the vertical projection of the entire machine's center of gravity is always located within a small area of ​​the base center, further enhancing anti-tipping torque and improving equipment stability. Simultaneously, the balancing unit 300 reduces vibration, making the equipment quieter during operation and extending its service life. The balancing unit 300 requires high-density materials for effective weight distribution. Alternatively, the balancing unit 300 can also be a container structure, achieving weight distribution through water injection, which can be external tap water or drainage from the first garment handling unit 100 or the second garment handling unit 200.

[0081] A further embodiment of this invention involves fixing the rear wall 2201 of the second cylindrical assembly 220, on the side opposite to the cylinder opening, to the rear side plate 213 of the second housing 210. Preferably, the rear wall 2201 of the second cylindrical assembly 220 is provided with a plurality of outwardly protruding mounting posts 2203, and the rear side plate 213 is provided with mounting holes 2135 at positions opposite to the rear wall 2201 of the second cylindrical assembly 220 (see reference). Figure 3 The mounting holes 2135 correspond one-to-one with the mounting posts 2203, and screws are used to fix the mounting holes 2135 to the mounting posts 2203; preferably, the mounting holes 2135 on the rear side plate 213 are distributed on the protrusions 2131 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0082] In other words, there is no shock-absorbing component between the second drum assembly 220 and the second housing 210 of this utility model; the two are relatively fixed. The second garment processing unit directly dries the garments after the washing and / or rinsing drainage is completed, eliminating the centrifugal dehydration operation. Its drying module 240 can adopt an existing direct-exhaust drying structure, including air ducts, fans, heaters, etc. The heater heats the air, which is then drawn in from the front end of the second drum assembly 220 by the fan. After heat exchange with the clothes in the second inner drum 222, the hot and humid air is discharged from the air outlet 2202 on the rear wall 2201 of the drum. Preferably, the air outlet 2202 on the rear wall 2201 extends rearward to cooperate with the through-hole 2130 on the rear side plate 213 (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 4 The hot and humid air is exhausted to the outside air at the rear of the second housing; more preferably, the through-hole 2130 is provided on the protrusion 2131 of the rear side plate 213, so that the air outlet 2202 of the rear wall 2201 of the cylinder extends rearward without protruding beyond the outside of the rear side plate 213. More preferably, the drying module 240 is located near the front side plate, which further shifts the center of gravity of the second clothing processing unit 200 forward.

[0083] In a further embodiment, the first housing 110 and the second housing 210 are either separate structures or connected as a single unit.

[0084] The multi-tube garment processing device in this embodiment is an integral structure, that is, the first garment processing unit 100 and the second garment processing unit 200 have an integral frame structure. Alternatively, at least one side plate of the multi-tube garment processing device forms part of the structure of the first housing 110 and the second housing 210, that is, the first housing 110 and the second housing 210 have at least one integrally formed side plate on the same side.

[0085] One embodiment is that the left side panel of the second housing 210 and the left side panel of the first housing 110 are integral structures, and / or the right side panel of the second housing 210 and the right side panel of the first housing 110 are integral structures, and / or the rear side panel 213 of the second housing 210 and the rear back panel 113 of the first housing 110 are integral structures, thereby forming an integral structure multi-tube clothing processing device.

[0086] Another implementation scheme involves connecting the first garment processing unit 100 and the second garment processing unit 200 with an integrated frame structure, forming a single cavity. The two garment processing units are located at different positions within the cavity, and a shell is installed on the outside of the frame. In terms of structural strength, the integrated frame structure improves overall rigidity, enhances structural performance, eliminates stress concentration points in traditional spliced ​​structures, and significantly improves the torsional stiffness of the entire machine, effectively reducing vibration and deformation, especially under high load conditions. In terms of ease of installation, the integrated frame structure eliminates the need to assemble multiple parts, reducing installation time and complexity. In terms of space optimization, the integrated frame structure is potentially more compact, saving space, and reduces vibration interference between the first garment processing unit 100 and the second garment processing unit 200, making it more suitable for users in small apartments.

[0087] Alternatively, the first garment processing unit 100 and the second garment processing unit 200 of this utility model are both independent devices, connected by a connector. Specifically, the bottom of the second housing 210 is connected to the tray 112 on the top of the first housing 110 by a connector.

[0088] When the first garment processing unit 100 and the second garment processing unit 200 are independently connected by connectors, they offer the greatest flexibility and modularity, facilitating disassembly and upgrades. Users can replace or upgrade individual units as needed, adapting to different environments and allowing for different configurations, such as separate installation when space is limited. In terms of transportation convenience, the split design makes it easier to transport and handle the equipment. Furthermore, different materials can be used for different components, further optimizing cost and performance.

[0089] A further embodiment of this invention, in the multi-tube garment processing device, is that the volume of the second tube assembly 220 is smaller than the volume of the first tube assembly 120 (see reference). Figures 1 to 7 ).

[0090] In this embodiment, the first tub assembly 120 and the second tub assembly 220 achieve functional complementarity through differentiated volume design. The first tub assembly 120 serves as the main washing unit to handle large items of clothing, while the second tub assembly 220 serves as the auxiliary washing unit to focus on the quick washing or special care of small items of clothing, forming a functional layer of "main washing + auxiliary washing". At the same time, separate tub processing of clothing can reduce cross-contamination and reduce water consumption.

[0091] Preferably, the volume of the second cylindrical assembly 220 is less than half the volume of the first cylindrical assembly 120.

[0092] Preferably, the volume of the second cylindrical assembly 220 is less than one-quarter of the volume of the first cylindrical assembly 120.

[0093] Preferably, the volume of the second cylindrical assembly 220 is less than one-eighth the volume of the first cylindrical assembly 120.

[0094] When the volume of the second tube assembly 220 is small, the second garment processing unit 200 may be provided with at least two second tube assemblies 220 (see...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 For example, two second cylinder assemblies 220 can be arranged side by side in the second housing 210, or three can be arranged in the same direction, or they can be arranged in pairs along the height direction; preferably, the second outer cylinder of the two second cylinder assemblies 220 can be an integral injection molded structure, or the two cylinders can be connected into an integral structure by a connector.

[0095] In this embodiment, reducing the volume of the second tube assembly 220 can effectively reduce the overall height of the equipment. On the other hand, a smaller volume reduces the rotational inertia of the second tube assembly 220, thereby enhancing dynamic balance. Moreover, the modular design allows for the replacement of tubes with different volumes, further improving the flexibility of the garment processing equipment.

[0096] The following is one application scheme, but not the only one. For example: when the capacity of the second tub assembly 220 is less than half the volume of the first tub assembly 120, it is positioned as a "secondary tub unit," and an appropriate tub can be selected according to the amount of clothing needed, thereby saving energy consumption; when the capacity of the second tub assembly 220 is less than one-quarter the volume of the first tub assembly 120, it is positioned as a "dedicated unit for underwear," and cross-contamination with the main washing unit is avoided through an independent water system; when the capacity of the second tub assembly 220 is less than one-quarter the volume of the first tub assembly 120, it is positioned as a "dedicated unit for infant and toddler clothing," and the inner liner can be made with an antibacterial nano-coating and a high-temperature boiling wash mode can be added to achieve deep cleaning.

[0097] This solution creates a differentiated zoned processing structure by limiting the volume of the second drum assembly to be smaller than that of the first drum assembly, adapting to the processing needs of different types of clothing. The first clothing processing unit, as the main processing unit, has a larger volume, suitable for processing large items of clothing (such as coats, sheets, and duvet covers). Its internal space is sufficient to accommodate a large number of garments, ensuring that the clothes can fully expand and be evenly stressed during washing and spin-drying. The second clothing processing unit, as an auxiliary processing unit, has a smaller volume than the first drum assembly, specifically designed for processing small items of clothing (such as underwear, socks, and children's clothing). By adjusting the diameter and height of the second drum assembly, its volume is matched to the typical processing volume of small items of clothing, avoiding space waste and allowing for targeted optimization of washing parameters. To accommodate volume differences and achieve precise processing, the equipment control system has corresponding operating modes: the first garment processing unit defaults to "large item mode", which uses a higher water level, a longer washing time, and a higher spin speed; the second garment processing unit defaults to "small item mode", which uses a lower water level, a shorter washing time, and a moderate spin speed. It can also add "baby mode" (high temperature sterilization), "quick mode", etc., to meet diverse needs.

[0098] The differentiated volume design enables precise zoning of clothing, completely separating large and small items and avoiding cross-contamination of bacteria and hair that may result from mixed washing. This is especially suitable for families with infants or users with sensitive skin. When the second clothing processing unit processes small items, its water and electricity consumption is significantly lower than that of the first unit, reducing resource waste and aligning with energy conservation and environmental protection principles. Users can flexibly choose between single-drum operation or simultaneous operation of both drums depending on the amount of clothing, enhancing usability. When only a small amount of clothing needs to be processed, the second clothing processing unit can be activated separately to avoid the large drum running idle. When different types of clothing need to be processed simultaneously, the simultaneous operation of the two clothing processing units can shorten the overall processing time.

[0099] This utility model of a multi-tube garment processing device eliminates the risk of resonance by arranging the axes of the two tube components in opposite directions, thus improving operational stability and quietness. The design of offsetting the second shell from the first garment inlet balances ease of operation with compact space. The protrusion and cavity design on the rear panel of the second shell ensure the volume of the second tube component, optimizing internal space utilization. The differentiated volume design between the second and first tube components enables refined zoning, reducing resource waste and cross-contamination. This utility model, while maintaining a compact footprint, also boasts stable operation, convenient operation, and precise sorting, enhancing the user experience.

[0100] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-roller garment processing device, comprising a first garment processing unit (100) and a second garment processing unit (200) disposed on top of the first garment processing unit (100), characterized in that, The first garment processing unit (100) includes a first tube assembly (120), the axis of which is vertically arranged or inclined relative to the vertical plane; The second garment processing unit (200) includes at least one second tube assembly (220), the axis of which is arranged horizontally or inclined relative to the horizontal plane; The axis of the first cylindrical assembly (120) and the axis of the second cylindrical assembly (220) are out of plane.

2. The multi-tube garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first garment processing unit (100) includes a first housing (110) that forms its exterior; The second garment processing unit (200) includes a second housing (210) that forms its appearance; The second housing (210) is offset from the axis of the first cylindrical assembly (120).

3. The multi-tube garment processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The downward orthographic projection of the rear side plate (213) of the second housing (210) on the side opposite to the axis of the first cylinder assembly (120) is at least partially located outside the first housing (110).

4. The multi-tube garment processing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rear side plate (213) of the second housing (210) is provided with a rearward protrusion (2131), and the downward orthogonal projection of the protrusion (2131) is located outside the first housing (110).

5. The multi-tube garment processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protrusion (2131) forms a groove (2132) at a corresponding position on the front side of the rear side plate (213), and the opening of the groove (2132) matches the outer contour of the rear wall (2201) of the second cylinder assembly (220) on the side opposite to the cylinder opening.

6. The multi-tube garment processing equipment according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The protrusion (2131) is provided with a receiving cavity (2133), and the bottom wall (2134) of the receiving cavity (2133) protrudes rearward to accommodate the drive motor (230).

7. The multi-tube garment processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rear side plate is provided with a receiving cavity (2133), and the bottom wall (2134) of the receiving cavity (2133) protrudes rearward to accommodate the drive motor (230). The bottom wall (2134) of the receiving cavity (2133) protrudes rearward to form the protrusion.

8. The multi-tube garment processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rear wall (2201) of the second cylinder assembly (220) on the side opposite to the cylinder opening is fixedly connected to the rear side plate (213) of the second housing (210).

9. The multi-tube garment processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first housing (110) and the second housing (210) are either separate structures or connected as a single structure.

10. The multi-tube garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The volume of the second cylindrical assembly (220) is smaller than the volume of the first cylindrical assembly (120).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Double-drum washing machine

    CN112481925A