washing machine
A dual-drum washing machine with varying drum sizes addresses the limitations of single-drum machines by enabling separate washing operations and optimizing space utilization.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- XIAOMI TECH (WUHAN) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-11
AI Technical Summary
Single-drum washing machines lack versatility in meeting user needs for separate washing operations and inefficient space utilization.
A washing machine with two drums of different diameters and volumes, where the first drum is larger than the second drum, allowing for separate washing options and improved space utilization.
Enhances user flexibility by allowing separate drum usage and improves structural compactness and stability, ensuring efficient washing for different clothing types.
Smart Images
Figure 2026076132000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of household appliance technology, and particularly to washing machines.
Background Art
[0002] With the rapid development of science and technology, many washing machines with washing functions have become essential equipment in people's daily lives. Single-drum washing machines are favored by users because they can meet the basic usage needs of households.
[0003] However, in related technologies, the number of drums in a single-drum washing machine is single and the functions are also single, so it cannot meet the user's need to wash clothes using separate drums.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] To solve the problems existing in the related technologies, the present disclosure provides a washing machine that solves the technical problems existing in the related technologies.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a housing, a first drum provided in the housing, and a second drum provided in the housing, where the diameter of the first drum is larger than the diameter of the second drum, and the value of the ratio of the diameter of the first drum to the diameter of the second drum is 1.2 to 4, and a washing machine is provided.
[0006] In some embodiments, the value of the ratio of the diameter of the first drum to the diameter of the second drum is 2.5 to 4.
[0007] In some embodiments, the diameter of the first drum is 516 mm to 567 mm, and the diameter of the second drum is 145 mm to 165 mm. The ratio of the diameter of the first drum to the diameter of the second drum is between 3.1 and 3.9.
[0008] In some embodiments, the volume of the first drum is the first volume, the volume of the second drum is the second volume, and the ratio of the first volume to the second volume is between 10 and 70.
[0009] In some embodiments, the first volume is 50L to 70L, and the second volume is 1L to 5L.
[0010] In some embodiments, the second drum is positioned diagonally above the first drum.
[0011] In some embodiments, the housing includes two housing side plates that are spaced apart and facing each other in a first direction, Both the first axis of the first drum and the second axis of the second drum extend along the second direction, and the first axis is the same distance from the two housing side plates in the first direction. Both the first and second directions are located in the horizontal plane and intersect each other.
[0012] In some embodiments, there are two second drums, the two second drums have the same diameter, the two second drums are arranged symmetrically in the first direction, or the two second drums have different diameters.
[0013] In some embodiments, the housing includes two housing side plates that are spaced apart and facing each other in a first direction, The first axis of the first drum extends along the second direction, and the first axis is the same distance from the two housing side plates in the first direction. At least one second drum is provided, and the second axis of at least one of the second drums extends along a third direction. Both the first and second directions are located in a horizontal plane and intersect each other, while the third direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.
[0014] In some embodiments, the first drum is one of a drying drum, a washing drum, and a washer-dryer drum, and the second drum is one of a drying drum, a washing drum, and a washer-dryer drum.
[0015] The inventions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can have the following beneficial technical effects. First, by providing a first drum and a second drum within the housing, the user can select and use the first drum and / or the second drum as needed, satisfying the needs of users who prefer to use separate drums and improving washing efficiency. Second, the diameter of the first drum is larger than the diameter of the second drum, i.e., the size designs of the first and second drums are different, and the different sizes of the first and second drums can satisfy the user's different clothing washing needs. Furthermore, by setting the ratio of the diameter of the first drum to the diameter of the second drum to 1.2 to 4, the first and second drums can effectively utilize the space within the housing, improving the compactness of the structural design.
[0016] The above general explanation and the following detailed explanation are for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and do not limit this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0017] The drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and constitute part of this specification, illustrating embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and are used together with the specification to illustrate the principles of the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing a partial structure of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the first drum shown in this figure is located in the central part of the housing in a first direction, and a second drum is provided, located diagonally above the first drum. [Figure 2]The schematic front view of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the first drum shown in this figure is located at the central part in the first direction of the housing, one second drum is provided, and this second drum is provided diagonally above the first drum. [Figure 3] The schematic front view of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the first drum shown in this figure is located at the central part in the first direction of the housing, two second drums are provided, and the two second drums are located diagonally above both sides in the first direction of the first drum. [Figure 4] The schematic side view of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment, in which both the first axis of the first drum and the second axis of the second drum in this figure extend along the second direction. [Figure 5] The schematic side view of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the first axis of the first drum in this figure extends along the second direction, and the second axis of the second drum extends along the third direction.
Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
[0018] Here, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, and the examples are shown in the drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise expressed, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure, which are described in detail in the appended claims.
[0019] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, directional terms such as "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside of a specific structural contour, and the directional terms "above", "below", "front", "rear", "left", and "right" refer to "above", "below", "front", "rear", "left", and "right" defined when the washing machine is in a normal use state. Specifically, reference can be made to FIG. 1. The directional term "first direction" may be the same as the left-right direction, and the directional term "second direction" may be the same as the front-rear direction, and specifically, reference can also be made to FIG. 1. The directional term "third direction" can specifically refer to FIG. 5. The terms "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one element from another and have no order or importance.
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the present disclosure provides a washing machine, which includes a housing 1, a first drum 2 and a second drum 3 provided in the housing 1. The diameter of the first drum 2 is larger than the diameter of the second drum 3, and the value of the ratio of the diameter of the first drum 2 to the diameter of the second drum 3 is 1.2 to 4.
[0021] In the above technical solution, first, by providing the first drum 2 and the second drum 3 in the housing 1, the user can select and use the first drum 2 and / or the second drum 3 as needed, meeting the user's need to use different drums and improving the washing efficiency. Second, the diameter of the first drum 2 is larger than the diameter of the second drum 3, that is, the dimensional designs of the first drum 2 and the second drum 3 are different, and the first drum 2 and the second drum 3 with different sizes can meet the different clothing washing needs of the user. Also, by setting the value of the ratio of the diameter of the first drum 2 to the diameter of the second drum 3 to 1.2 to 4, the first drum 2 and the second drum 3 can effectively utilize the space in the housing 1 and improve the compactness of the structural design. Furthermore, according to this ratio, the dimensional combination of the first drum 2 and the second drum 3 ensures that the two drums cooperate with each other in the housing 1 and can prevent the housing 1 from tipping over when the two drums operate simultaneously.
[0022] The number of the first drum 2 and the second drum 3 described above is not limited by this disclosure and can be set as needed. Furthermore, the specific types of the first drum 2 and the second drum 3 may be drying drums, washing drums, or washer-drying drums, and this disclosure is not limited to these types.
[0023] The first drum 2 includes a first outer tank (not shown) and a first inner drum (not shown), with the first inner drum being movably mounted within the first outer tank. The second drum 3 includes a second outer tank (not shown) and a second inner drum (not shown), with the second inner drum being movably mounted within the second outer tank. Here, the ratio of the diameter of the first drum 2 to the diameter of the second drum 3, as defined above, refers to the ratio of the diameter of the first outer tank to the diameter of the second outer tank.
[0024] The specific ratio of the diameter of the first drum 2 to the diameter of the second drum 3 may be 1.2, 3, or 4, and is not limited to this disclosure.
[0025] Selectively, the ratio of the diameter of the first drum 2 to the diameter of the second drum 3 is between 2.5 and 4. For example, the ratio may be 2.5, or 3, or 4. Within the range of 2.5 to 4, even in the limited space of the enclosure, the volume of the two drums can be secured, and for different washing applications of the two drums, such as using one drum for large clothes and the other for small clothes, sufficient washing volume can be ensured for each drum, improving the washing ratio of the two drums and enhancing the washing effect.
[0026] In one embodiment, the diameter of the first drum 2 is 516 mm to 567 mm, the diameter of the second drum 3 is 145 mm to 165 mm, and the ratio of the diameter of the first drum 2 to the diameter of the second drum 3 is 3.1 to 3.9. Within this range, the overlap of the two drums within the limited enclosure space can be further reduced, thereby also reducing the overlap of the drum doors corresponding to the two drums, and thus avoiding interference when the drum doors are opened simultaneously.
[0027] With respect to the first drum 2, for example, the diameter of the first drum 2 may be 516 mm, or the diameter of the first drum 2 may be 540 mm, or the diameter of the first drum 2 may be 567 mm, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0028] With respect to the second drum 3, for example, the diameter of the second drum 3 may be 145 mm, or the diameter of the second drum 3 may be 158 mm, or the diameter of the second drum 3 may be 165 mm, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0029] The ratio of the diameter of the first drum 2 to the diameter of the second drum 3 may be 3.2, 3.5, or 3.8, and is not limited thereto in this disclosure.
[0030] Selectively, the volume of the first drum 2 is the first volume, the volume of the second drum 3 is the second volume, and the ratio of the first volume to the second volume is between 10 and 70.
[0031] In other words, by making the volume of the first drum 2 much larger than the volume of the second drum 3, the user's different laundry needs for different amounts of clothing can be met. For example, the smaller volume of the second drum 3 can be used to wash the user's underwear, while the larger volume of the first drum 2 can be used to wash the user's larger clothes. The ratio of the first volume to the second volume may be 10, 20, or 70, and is not limited to this disclosure.
[0032] The first drum 2 includes a first outer tub (not shown) and a first inner drum (not shown), the first inner drum being movably installed inside the first outer tub, and clothes being placed inside the first inner drum for washing. Specifically, a plurality of removable first lifting ribs (not shown) are provided protruding from the inner wall of the first inner drum. The first volume of this first drum 2 refers to the internal volume of the first inner drum after removing the plurality of first lifting ribs. The specific measurement method can be as follows: First, the plurality of first lifting ribs are removed from the inner wall of the first inner drum, then a water bag is tightly attached to the inner wall of the first inner drum over its entire surface, water is then injected into the water bag, and once the water reaches the drum opening of the first inner drum, the water injection is stopped, and the volume of water in the water bag is measured, and this volume of water in the water bag is the first volume of the first drum 2.
[0033] Furthermore, the second drum 3 includes a second outer tub (not shown) and a second inner drum (not shown), the second inner drum being movably installed inside the second outer tub, and clothes being placed inside the second inner drum for washing. Specifically, a plurality of removable second lifting ribs (not shown) are provided protruding from the inner wall of the second inner drum. The second volume of the second drum 3 refers to the internal volume of the second inner drum after removing the plurality of second lifting ribs, and the specific measurement method can be as follows. First, the plurality of second lifting ribs are removed from the inner wall of the second inner drum, then a water bag is tightly attached to the inner wall of the second inner drum over its entire surface, water is then injected into the water bag, and once the water reaches the drum opening of the second inner drum, the water injection is stopped, and then the volume of water in the water bag is measured, and the volume of water in the water bag is the second volume of the second drum 3.
[0034] Selectively, the first drum 2 has a first volume of 50 liters to 70 liters, and the second drum 3 has a second volume of 1 liter to 5 liters.
[0035] For example, the first volume of the first drum 2 may be 50L, or the first volume of the first drum 2 may be 61L, or the first volume of the first drum 2 may be 70L, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0036] For example, the second volume of the second drum 3 may be 1 L, or the second volume of the second drum 3 may be 3 L, or the second volume of the second drum 3 may be 5 L, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0037] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1-3, the second drum 3 can be positioned diagonally above the first drum 2.
[0038] In this embodiment, by placing the second drum 3, which has a smaller diameter, diagonally above the first drum 2, the space at the upper corner of the housing 1 can be effectively utilized, improving the space utilization rate inside the housing 1 and the compactness of the structural design.
[0039] In another modified embodiment, the second drum 3 may be positioned diagonally below the first drum 2 (not shown). By positioning the smaller diameter second drum 3 diagonally below the first drum 2, the space at the lower corner of the housing 1 can be effectively utilized, improving the space utilization rate inside the housing 1 and the compactness of the structural design.
[0040] Selectively, referring to Figures 2-4, the housing 1 includes two housing side plates 11 spaced apart and facing each other in a first direction, both of which have a first axis a of the first drum and a second axis b of the second drum extending along a second direction B, the first axis a being the same distance from the two housing side plates 11 in the first direction A, and both the first direction A and the second direction B being located in a horizontal plane and intersecting each other.
[0041] In this embodiment, both the first drum 2 and the second drum 3 may be provided as a single unit. The first axis a of the first drum 2 is the same distance from the two housing side plates 11 in the first direction A, meaning that the first drum 2 is located in the center of the housing 1 in the first direction A. This ensures that the center of gravity of the washing machine is in a relatively stable position, which helps reduce vibration and displacement due to rotation during operation, thereby improving the stability of the washing machine. Furthermore, by making the space diagonally above or diagonally below both sides of the first drum 2 as large as possible, the placement and installation of the second drum 3 becomes easier. In addition, both the first axis a of the first drum 2 and the second axis b of the second drum 3 extend along the second direction B, and to improve the stability of the washing machine, a counterweight (not shown) can be placed diagonally above or diagonally below the opposite side of the first drum 2 to distribute the weight evenly.
[0042] Referring to Figure 3, there may be two second drums 3, the two second drums 3 having the same diameter, and positioned diagonally above both sides of the first drum 2, with the two second drums 3 positioned symmetrically in the first direction A. By providing two second drums 3, and positioning them diagonally above both sides of the first drum 2, the space at the two upper corners of the housing 1 can be utilized more effectively, further improving the utilization rate of space within the housing 1. Furthermore, since the second drums 3 are provided diagonally above both sides of the first drum 2, the weight on both sides can be balanced, eliminating the need for counterweights to balance the weight and reducing the number of parts. The diameters of the two second drums 3 may also be different, and this is not limited to this disclosure.
[0043] In another embodiment (not shown), there may be two second drums 3, the two second drums 3 having the same diameter, and positioned diagonally below both sides of the first drum 2, with the two second drums 3 positioned symmetrically in the first direction A. By providing two second drums 3, and positioning them diagonally below both sides of the first drum 2, the space at the two lower corners of the housing 1 can be utilized more effectively, further improving the utilization rate of space within the housing 1. Furthermore, since the second drums 3 are provided diagonally below both sides of the first drum 2, the weight on both sides can be balanced, eliminating the need for counterweights to balance the weight and reducing the number of parts. The diameters of the two second drums 3 may also be different, and this is not limited to this disclosure.
[0044] Selectively, referring to Figure 5, the housing 1 includes two housing side plates 11 spaced apart and facing each other in a first direction, the first axis a of the first drum 2 extends along a second direction, the first axis a is the same distance from the two housing side plates 11 in the first direction A, there is at least one second drum 3, the second axis b of at least one second drum 3 extends along a third direction C, both the first direction A and the second direction B are located in a horizontal plane and intersect each other, and the third direction C is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.
[0045] In other words, the second drum 3 in this embodiment is provided at an inclination with respect to the horizontal plane, and specifically, the second drum 3 is arranged to extend upward inclined from the bottom to the opening. This makes it easier for the user to load and unload clothes when using the second drum 3.
[0046] Regarding the specific degree of inclination of the second drum 3, the bottom of the second drum 3 will be used as an example to illustrate the point. Comparing the inclined second drum 3 with the second drum 3 that extends along the second direction B, the height difference between the bottom of the inclined second drum 3 and the bottom of the non-inclined second drum 3 is 100 mm or less, which makes it easier for the user to put clothes in and take them out.
[0047] In another embodiment, there may be two second drums 3, the second axis b of one of the second drums 3 extending along the third direction, and the second axis b of the other second drum 3 extending along the second direction B. That is, one of the second drums 3 is positioned horizontally, and the other second drum 3 is positioned at an angle to the horizontal.
[0048] Alternatively, there may be two second drums 3, both of which have second axes b extending along the third direction, and the two second drums 3 are arranged symmetrically in the first direction A.
[0049] Alternatively, two second drums 3 may be provided, the second axis b of one of the second drums 3 extending along the third direction, and the second axis b of the other second drum 3 extending along a fourth direction (not shown), the fourth direction being inclined with respect to the horizontal plane and intersecting the third direction.
[0050] In summary, the number of second drums 3 is not limited in this disclosure and can be set according to the requirements and the specific space available in the enclosure 1. Furthermore, the direction of extension of the second drums 3 is also not limited in this disclosure. In addition, for second drums 3 of a number greater than one, the diameters of each second drum 3 may be the same or different, and this is not limited in this disclosure.
[0051] Regarding the above enclosure 1, the width of enclosure 1 may be 550 mm to 650 mm, and the height of enclosure 1 may be 800 mm to 900 mm. Regarding the width of enclosure 1, the dimensions in either the first direction A or the second direction B of enclosure 1 may fall within this width range.
[0052] For example, the dimensions of the housing 1 in the first direction A are 550 mm to 650 mm, and may be 550 mm, 600 mm, or 650 mm, and are not limited thereto in this disclosure.
[0053] For example, the dimensions of the housing 1 in the second direction B are 50 mm to 650 mm, and may be 550 mm, 600 mm, or 650 mm, and are not limited thereto in this disclosure.
[0054] For example, the height of the enclosure 1 may be 800 mm, 850 mm, or 900 mm, and this disclosure does not limit the specific height of the enclosure 1.
[0055] A person skilled in the art, after reviewing the specification and putting the disclosure into practice, will readily conceive of other embodiments of the disclosure. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or appropriate modifications of the disclosure, which will adhere to the general principles of the disclosure and include common or conventional art means of the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are for illustrative purposes only, and the true scope and spirit of the disclosure are indicated by the following claims.
[0056] This disclosure is not limited to the exact structure described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes may be made as long as they do not deviate from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only to the attached claims. [Explanation of symbols]
[0057] 1 cabinet 11. Side panel of the enclosure 2. First drum 3. Second drum A First direction B. Second direction C Third direction a. First axis b. The second axis.
Claims
1. It is a washing machine, The casing and A first drum provided inside the aforementioned housing, This includes a second drum provided within the aforementioned housing, The diameter of the first drum is larger than the diameter of the second drum, and the ratio of the diameter of the first drum to the diameter of the second drum is between 1.2 and 4. A washing machine characterized by the following features.
2. The ratio of the diameter of the first drum to the diameter of the second drum is between 2.5 and 4. The washing machine according to feature 1.
3. The diameter of the first drum is 516 mm to 567 mm, and the diameter of the second drum is 145 mm to 165 mm. The ratio of the diameter of the first drum to the diameter of the second drum is between 3.1 and 3.
9. The washing machine according to feature 1.
4. The volume of the first drum is the first volume, the volume of the second drum is the second volume, and the ratio of the first volume to the second volume is between 10 and 70. The washing machine according to feature 1.
5. The first volume is 50L to 70L, and the second volume is 1L to 5L. The washing machine according to feature 4.
6. The second drum is positioned diagonally above the first drum. A washing machine according to any one of the features 1 to 5.
7. The housing includes two housing side plates that are spaced apart and facing each other in the first direction, Both the first axis of the first drum and the second axis of the second drum extend along the second direction, and the first axis is the same distance from the two housing side plates in the first direction. Both the first and second directions are located in the horizontal plane and intersect each other. The washing machine according to feature 6.
8. The second drum is provided in two such configurations, where the two second drums have the same diameter, where the two second drums are arranged symmetrically in the first direction, or where the two second drums have different diameters. The washing machine according to feature 7.
9. The housing includes two housing side plates that are spaced apart and facing each other in the first direction, The first axis of the first drum extends along the second direction, and the first axis is the same distance from the two housing side plates in the first direction. At least one second drum is provided, and the second axis of at least one of the second drums extends along a third direction. Both the first and second directions are located in the horizontal plane and intersect each other, and the third direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The washing machine according to feature 6.
10. The first drum is one of a drying drum, a washing drum, and a washer-dryer drum, and the second drum is one of a drying drum, a washing drum, and a washer-dryer drum. A washing machine according to any one of the features 1 to 5.