A washing machine having an inner tub higher than an outer tub

Abstract

The utility model relates to a washing machine with an inner cylinder higher than an outer cylinder, which comprises: an inner cylinder for containing fabrics; an outer cylinder for containing and supporting the inner cylinder; the cylinder wall height of the outer cylinder is lower than the cylinder wall of the inner cylinder; and there is a gap between the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder and the cylinder wall of the inner cylinder; a housing for containing and supporting the outer cylinder; a door seal made of a material with elasticity; the first edge of the door seal is mounted on the edge of the housing and sealed with the edge of the housing; and the second edge of the door seal is mounted on the edge of the outer cylinder and sealed with the edge of the outer cylinder. The utility model effectively optimizes the space layout and improves the space utilization rate without affecting the laundry space, and is more suitable for installation and placement in various home scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to electrical appliances, specifically to a washing machine in which the inner drum is higher than the outer drum. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional top-loading washing machines typically employ a design where the inner and outer drums are at similar or lower heights. This design results in two main problems: firstly, the overall product is larger, taking up more living space and making it unsuitable for use in small spaces; secondly, during the spin-drying process, when the clothes are unevenly distributed, the inner and outer drums are prone to colliding, generating significant noise and potentially shortening the washing machine's lifespan.

[0003] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model discloses a washing machine with an inner drum higher than the outer drum.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this embodiment of the utility model is as follows: A washing machine with an inner drum higher than an outer drum, the washing machine comprising: an inner drum for holding fabrics; an outer drum for supporting and holding the inner drum; the outer drum wall height being lower than the inner drum wall; and a gap being formed between the outer drum wall and the inner drum wall; a housing for supporting and holding the outer drum; and a door seal made of an elastic material; a first edge of the door seal being mounted on an edge of the housing and sealing between the edge of the housing; and a second edge of the door seal being mounted on an edge of the outer drum and sealing between the edge of the outer drum.

[0006] A further technical solution is that an overflow outlet and a water inlet are provided on the door seal; the water inlet is used to connect to an external water source; the overflow outlet is connected to the outside of the outer shell through an overflow pipe installed between the outer cylinder and the outer shell.

[0007] A further technical solution is that a first mounting edge that bends outward toward the outer side of the cylinder wall is provided on the edge of the outer cylinder; the second edge of the door seal includes a first mounting groove for accommodating the first mounting edge, the first groove wall of the first mounting groove extends to cover the inner side wall of the outer cylinder as an inner covering edge, and the second groove wall of the first mounting groove extends to cover the outer side wall of the outer cylinder as an outer covering edge.

[0008] A further technical solution is that the shell wall edge of the outer casing is provided with a second mounting edge that bends toward the inner side of the shell wall, and an annular second mounting groove is formed on the second mounting edge. The first edge of the door seal includes an annular protrusion for embedding into the second mounting groove.

[0009] A further technical solution is to have a bent reinforcing structure surrounding the door seal between the first edge and the second edge.

[0010] A further technical solution is that the washing machine further includes an air duct system; the air duct system is disposed on the outer wall of the outer drum; the air duct system includes an exhaust duct located between the outer drum and the outer shell; a first air port communicating with the bottom of the exhaust duct is provided at the bottom of the outer drum; and a second air port communicating with the outside of the outer shell is provided at the upper end of the exhaust duct near the outer drum.

[0011] A further technical solution is to provide a third air port and a sealing cap covering the third air port at the bottom end of the exhaust duct.

[0012] A further technical solution is that the washing machine also includes a spray system; the spray system includes a dispensing box disposed between the outer drum and the outer shell; the liquid outlet of the dispensing box is installed at the suction end of the peristaltic pump; the discharge end of the peristaltic pump is connected to the spray head through a discharge pipe; the spray head sprays washing liquid onto the inner drum through a spray liquid outlet disposed on the side of the door seal.

[0013] A further technical solution is that the washing machine includes multiple inner drums; the outer drum is an integral structure; multiple mounting positions are formed in the outer drum, and multiple independent inner drums are installed in the mounting positions; a door seal is installed between the edge of the outer shell and the edge of the mounting position to seal each mounting position and the outer shell.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model embodiment are as follows:

[0015] 1. The present invention adopts a structural design in which the inner drum is taller than the outer drum, which makes good use of vertical space. While ensuring that the washing space for clothes is not affected, the horizontal dimension of the inner drum is reduced, and the width of the whole machine and the area occupied on the ground are also compressed. This effectively optimizes the space layout, improves the space utilization rate, and is more suitable for installation and placement in various home scenarios.

[0016] 2. In this embodiment of the utility model, the outer drum is connected to the outer shell of the washing machine through a door seal made of elastic material. Therefore, during washing and spin-drying, even if the inner drum shakes significantly due to uneven distribution of clothes, the door seal can still play a buffering role, preventing hard impact between the inner drum and the outer drum. This reduces noise during operation, reduces wear and tear on parts, and helps extend the service life of the washing machine.

[0017] 3. In this embodiment of the utility model, the inner cylinder is higher than the outer cylinder, and an air duct system is provided. When dry and hot air enters, the path is shorter and the resistance is less. Humid air will be concentrated at the bottom of the outer cylinder and then enter the exhaust structure to be discharged, which ensures good gas flow, meets the user's need for quick drying of clothes, improves user experience, and increases drying efficiency.

[0018] 4. In this embodiment of the utility model, the inner drum is higher than the outer drum, and the door seal is made of a material with good sealing performance and elasticity. Therefore, the water flow can be more evenly distributed inside the washing machine during washing, and the clothes can be more fully contacted during the rising and falling process in the inner drum. There is no need to raise the overall water level in order to cover all the clothes with water, thereby reducing the total amount of water injected. At the same time, the rubber door seal can prevent water leakage during washing, reduce unnecessary water circulation, and further reduce water consumption.

[0019] 5. In this embodiment of the utility model, because the washing machine has the structural characteristics of low water consumption, optimized gas flow structure, no collision between the inner and outer drums during operation, and low noise, the energy required for heating washing water and drying clothes is reduced after the water consumption is reduced; the optimized air flow structure makes the drying process more efficient and reduces energy waste in the drying process; moreover, each component can work stably and efficiently, reducing the additional energy consumption caused by component collision and friction. Taking all these factors into account, the energy consumption level of the washing machine is effectively improved, which is in line with the development trend of energy conservation and environmental protection. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a top view of the washing machine after the drum cover has been removed in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the door seal in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Cross-sectional view.

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line BB.

[0026] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the CC line.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Inner cylinder; 2. Outer cylinder; 201. First mounting edge; 3. Outer shell; 301. Second mounting edge; 302. Second mounting groove; 4. Door seal; 401. First edge; 4011. Annular protrusion; 402. Second edge; 4021. First mounting groove; 4022. Outer cover edge; 4023. Inner cover edge; 403. Reinforcing structure; 404. Overflow outlet; 405. Water inlet; 406. Spray liquid outlet; 5. Air duct system; 501. Exhaust duct; 502. Second air inlet; 503. First air inlet; 504. Exhaust bellows; 505. Sealing cover; 6. Spray system; 601. Dispensing box; 602. Dispensing port; 603. Peristaltic pump; 604. Spray head; 605. Discharge pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the device proposed by this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The advantages and features of this utility model will become clearer according to the following description. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, only used to conveniently and clearly assist in illustrating the purpose of the embodiments of this utility model. Please refer to the accompanying drawings to make the objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable. It should be understood that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., depicted in the accompanying drawings are only used to complement the content disclosed in the specification, for those skilled in the art to understand and read, and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of this utility model. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportional relationships, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives that this utility model can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this utility model.

[0030] Traditional top-loading washing machines typically employ a design where the inner and outer drums are at similar or lower heights. Besides resulting in larger product sizes and higher noise levels, this design also leads to lower drying efficiency due to poor airflow caused by structural limitations, failing to meet users' needs for quick clothes drying. Furthermore, traditional top-loading washing machines perform poorly in terms of water and energy consumption, struggling to achieve high energy efficiency ratings and contradicting the trend towards energy conservation and environmental protection.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a top view of the washing machine after removing the drum cover in an embodiment of this utility model. Structures unrelated to the technical content of this utility model, such as the washing machine top cover, are omitted from the figure. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line AA. Figure 3 for Figure 2 An enlarged diagram of part A in the diagram. (See attached image.) Figures 1-3 As shown, this utility model embodiment discloses a washing machine with an inner drum 1 higher than the outer drum 2. The washing machine includes an inner drum 1, an outer drum 2, a shell 3, and a door seal 4. The inner drum 1 is used to hold clothes and other fabrics to be washed. The washing structure is installed on the inner drum 1. The washing structure is a pulsator assembly. The pulsator is driven to rotate by a motor. The motor is connected to a controller, which can control the speed and direction of the motor according to different washing programs, thereby achieving different washing effects. In other optional embodiments, the washing structure can also be other agitation or tumbling washing components. The outer drum 2 is used to support and accommodate the inner drum 1. The height of the outer drum 2's wall is lower than that of the inner drum 1. There is a gap between the wall of the outer drum 2 and the wall of the inner drum 1. The shell 3 is used to support and accommodate the outer drum 2. The door seal 4 is made of an elastic material, generally rubber. The first edge 401 of the door seal 4 is installed on the edge of the shell 3 and seals between the edges of the shell 3 and the outer edge 402.

[0032] In this embodiment, the outer drum 2 is designed with a lower wall height than the inner drum 1. By increasing the height of the inner drum 1, the washing capacity is ensured. Furthermore, with the same washing capacity, the radius of the inner drum 1 can be reduced, significantly decreasing the overall machine width and floor space. This allows it to fit into narrow spaces, effectively utilizing vertical space. The outer drum 2 is connected to the outer casing 3 of the machine via a door seal 4, preferably made of rubber, thus achieving a seal. The door seal 4, with its good elasticity and sealing properties, effectively prevents water leakage during the washing process. Simultaneously, during spin-drying, even if the inner drum 1 experiences significant shaking due to the eccentricity of the clothes, the door seal 4 acts as a buffer, preventing rigid collisions between the inner drum 1 and the outer drum 2, eliminating the risk of collision, and greatly reducing operating noise.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the door seal in an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 5 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view. For example... Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, an overflow outlet 404 and a water inlet 405 are further provided on the door seal 4. The water inlet 405 is used to connect to an external water source. The overflow outlet 404 is connected to the outside of the outer shell 3 through an overflow pipe installed between the outer cylinder 2 and the outer shell 3. In this embodiment, the water inlet 405 provided on the door seal 4 allows water to flow directly from the upper part of the gap between the inner cylinder 1 and the outer cylinder 2, directly immersing the clothes in the upper part of the inner cylinder 1, without needing to raise the overall water level to cover all the clothes, thus reducing the total water volume. The overflow outlet 404 provided on the outer cylinder 2 can control the water level to not exceed the upper limit of the outer cylinder 2. Combined with the relatively short structure of the outer cylinder 2, it avoids water waste caused by excessive water level. The drain outlet can be designed at the bottom of the outer cylinder 2. In this embodiment of the utility model, when designing the water circulation system, based on the structural feature that the inner cylinder 1 is higher than the outer cylinder 2, the positions of the water inlet 405 and the drain outlet and the design of the water flow channel are optimized to achieve uniform water flow distribution and low water consumption.

[0034] Combination Figures 3-5 Specifically, a first mounting edge 201 that bends outward toward the outer side of the outer cylinder 2 is provided at the edge of the cylinder wall. The second edge 402 of the door seal 4 includes a first mounting groove 4021 for receiving the first mounting edge 201. The first groove wall of the first mounting groove 4021 extends to form an inner covering edge 4023 covering the inner side wall of the outer cylinder 2, and the second groove wall of the first mounting groove 4021 extends to form an outer covering edge 4022 covering the outer side wall of the outer cylinder 2.

[0035] The outer casing 3 has a second mounting edge 301 that bends toward the inner side of the casing wall. An annular second mounting groove 302 is formed on the second mounting edge 301. The first edge 401 of the door seal 4 includes an annular protrusion 4011 for embedding into the second mounting groove 302.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first mounting groove 4021 tightly wraps around the first mounting edge 201 of the outer tub 2, forming a basic seal that interlocks with each other. Combined with the extended inner cover edge 4023 and outer cover edge 4022, this effectively forms a three-dimensional wrapping seal at the edge of the outer tub 2, preventing water from seeping out from the gap between the outer tub 2 and the door seal 4 during washing. Furthermore, this wrapping design also limits the radial displacement of the door seal 4 to a certain extent, preventing it from shifting due to the shaking of the inner tub 1 during washing, ensuring that the door seal 4 always remains coaxial with the outer tub 2.

[0037] The second mounting groove 302 and the annular protrusion 4011 form a fitting structure. On the one hand, the complete filling of the two avoids the formation of gaps, and on the other hand, it ensures that the sealing range covers the entire edge of the outer shell 3, preventing leakage from the connection between the door seal 4 and the outer shell 3.

[0038] Furthermore, a bent reinforcing structure 403 surrounds the door seal 4 between the first edge 401 and the second edge 402. Due to the design of the inner cylinder 1 being higher than the outer cylinder 2, the center of gravity of the inner cylinder 1 is higher and more prone to swaying. The bent reinforcing structure 403 on the door seal 4, compared with a straight structure, can improve the overall deformation resistance of the door seal 4, prevent collapse or tensile deformation, and extend its service life. Moreover, the arc-shaped structure at the bend also reserves deformation space. When the inner cylinder 1 sways and drives the outer cylinder 2 to squeeze the door seal 4 towards the outer shell 3, the bent structure can absorb the impact energy and further reduce swaying noise.

[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line BB. (See attached image.) Figure 6 As shown, the washing machine also includes an air duct system 5. The air duct system 5 is located outside the outer drum 2 and includes a vertically oriented exhaust duct 501 situated between the outer drum 2 and the outer casing 3. A first air port 503, communicating with the bottom of the exhaust duct 501, is located at the bottom of the outer drum 2. A second air port 502 is located on the exhaust duct 501 at a height near the upper end of the outer drum 2. The second air port 502 is connected to the outside of the outer casing 3 via an exhaust bellows.

[0040] During drying, the dry, hot air generated by the washing machine's drying module enters the inner drum 1 from the top. For example, the dry, hot air inlet can also be located on the door seal 4. Since the edge of the outer drum 2 is lower than that of the inner drum 1, the upper part of the inner drum 1 is not obstructed by the outer drum 2, allowing the dry, hot air to blow directly and unobstructed into the inner drum 1 without needing to bypass the top of the outer drum 2. This results in a smaller air intake path and less resistance. As the inner drum 1 rotates and tumbles the clothes, the dry, hot air absorbs moisture and transforms into humid air. Humid air has a higher density and therefore flows downwards. Because the edge of the outer drum 2 is lower than that of the inner drum 1, the humid air discharged from the holes in the drum wall of the inner drum 1 does not escape upwards to the edge of the outer drum 2 but instead gathers at the bottom of the outer drum 2. It then enters the exhaust duct 501 through the first air inlet 503. During this process, the lower outer drum 2 plays a certain role in directional guidance, preventing moisture retention. Afterward, the humid air is discharged vertically upwards along the exhaust duct 501 and finally exits the outer casing 3 through the second air inlet 502 and the exhaust bellows.

[0041] In terms of structural design, the inner drum 1 is positioned higher than the outer drum 2, which, combined with the aforementioned specific air duct design, ensures effective airflow within the washing machine. During the drying process, hot air can circulate more smoothly between the clothes and the inner drum 1 and outer drum 2, making full contact with the clothes and accelerating moisture evaporation, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the pulsator washing machine.

[0042] Furthermore, a third air port and a sealing cover 505 covering the third air port are provided at the bottom of the exhaust duct 501 for draining condensate or for maintenance of the exhaust duct 501.

[0043] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the CC line. (See attached image.) Figure 7 As shown, the washing machine also includes a spray system 6. The spray system 6 includes a dispensing box 601 disposed between the outer drum 2 and the outer casing 3. Washing liquid is dispensed through a dispensing port 602 above the dispensing box 601. The outlet of the dispensing box 601 is installed at the suction end of a peristaltic pump 603. The discharge end of the peristaltic pump 603 is connected to a spray head 604 through a discharge pipe 605. The spray head 604 sprays washing liquid into the inner drum 1 through a spray nozzle 406 disposed on the side of the door seal 4.

[0044] In this embodiment, since the outer drum 2 is lower than the inner drum 1, the spray head 604 is located on the door seal 4, allowing it to directly spray detergent onto the upper and middle sections of the inner drum 1, thus preventing uneven washing of the upper sections due to insufficient detergent contact. Furthermore, the door seal 4 is an elastic seal, integrating the spray nozzle 406 into it prevents detergent from seeping into the gap between the outer drum 2 and the outer shell 3, protecting internal components and effectively utilizing the space between the outer drum 2 and the outer shell 3, resulting in a more compact overall design.

[0045] The washing machine disclosed in this embodiment has an inner drum 1 that is higher than the outer drum 2, and the washing machine includes two inner drums 1. The outer drum 2 is a one-piece structure. Two mounting positions are formed on the outer drum 2, and two independent inner drums 1 are installed in the mounting positions. A door seal 4 is installed between the edge of the outer casing 3 and the edge of the mounting position, sealing each mounting position and the outer casing 3. It can be understood that the structure in this embodiment can also be used for washing machines with one or three inner drums 1.

[0046] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0047] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine with an inner drum higher than the outer drum, characterized in that, The washing machine includes: Inner tube (1), used to hold fabrics; The outer cylinder (2) is used to hold and support the inner cylinder (1); the height of the outer cylinder (2) is lower than that of the inner cylinder (1); and there is a gap between the outer cylinder (2) and the inner cylinder (1). The outer shell (3) is used to house and support the outer cylinder (2); The door seal (4) is made of a flexible material; the first edge (401) of the door seal (4) is installed on the edge of the outer shell (3) and seals between the edge of the outer shell (3); the second edge (402) of the door seal (4) is installed on the edge of the outer cylinder (2) and seals between the edge of the outer cylinder (2).

2. The washing machine with an inner drum higher than the outer drum according to claim 1, characterized in that, An overflow outlet (404) and an inlet outlet (405) are provided on the door seal (4); the inlet outlet (405) is used to connect to an external water source; the overflow outlet (404) is connected to the outside of the outer shell (3) through an overflow pipe installed between the outer cylinder (2) and the outer shell (3).

3. The washing machine with an inner drum higher than the outer drum according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first mounting edge (201) that bends toward the outside of the cylinder wall is provided on the edge of the outer cylinder (2); the second edge (402) of the door seal (4) includes a first mounting groove (4021) for receiving the first mounting edge (201), the first groove wall of the first mounting groove (4021) extends to form an inner covering edge (4023) covering the inner side wall of the outer cylinder (2), and the second groove wall of the first mounting groove (4021) extends to form an outer covering edge (4022) covering the outer side wall of the outer cylinder (2).

4. The washing machine with an inner drum higher than the outer drum according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell (3) has a second mounting edge (301) that bends toward the inner side of the shell wall, and an annular second mounting groove (302) is formed on the second mounting edge (301). The first edge of the door seal (4) includes an annular protrusion (4011) for embedding into the second mounting groove (302).

5. The washing machine with an inner drum higher than the outer drum according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is a bent reinforcing structure (403) surrounding the door seal (4) between the first edge (401) and the second edge (402).

6. The washing machine with an inner drum higher than the outer drum according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing machine also includes an air duct system (5); the air duct system (5) is disposed on the outer wall of the outer drum (2); the air duct system (5) includes an exhaust duct (501) located between the outer drum (2) and the outer shell (3); a first air port (503) communicating with the bottom of the exhaust duct (501) is provided at the bottom of the outer drum (2); and a second air port (502) communicating with the outside of the outer shell (3) is provided at the upper end of the outer drum (2).

7. The washing machine with an inner drum higher than the outer drum according to claim 6, characterized in that, A third air port and a sealing cap (505) covering the third air port are also provided at the bottom end of the exhaust duct (501).

8. The washing machine with an inner drum higher than the outer drum according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing machine also includes a spray system (6); the spray system (6) includes a dispensing box (601) disposed between the outer drum (2) and the outer shell (3); the outlet of the dispensing box (601) is installed at the suction end of the peristaltic pump (603); the discharge end of the peristaltic pump (603) is connected to the spray head (604) through the discharge pipe (605); the spray head (604) sprays washing liquid onto the inner drum (1) through the spray liquid port (406) disposed on the side of the door seal (4).

9. The washing machine with an inner drum higher than the outer drum according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing machine includes multiple inner drums (1); the outer drum (2) is an integral structure; multiple mounting positions are formed in the outer drum (2), and multiple independent inner drums (1) are installed in the mounting positions; a door seal (4) is installed between the edge of the outer shell (3) and the edge of the mounting position to seal between each mounting position and the outer shell (3).

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