Cylindrical vacuum compression dehydration equipment and laundry equipment

Abstract

We provide a cylindrical vacuum compression dehydration device and laundry equipment that reduces noise and vibration while maintaining dehydration efficiency. [Solution] A cylindrical vacuum squeeze-spinning device includes a washing chamber and a negative pressure assembly. The washing chamber includes a main body and a cover. The main body is used to store laundry, and the cover is connected to the opening of the main body. The main body has a flexible structure, and the washing chamber is provided with a suction port. The negative pressure assembly communicates with the suction port and deforms and contracts the main body through suction, thereby expelling moisture from the laundry out of the washing chamber through the pressure-suction port. Because the main body is flexible and the dehydration power comes from the suction of the washing chamber by the negative pressure assembly, the washing chamber itself squeezes the laundry and expels moisture. Compared to conventional centrifugal spin-spinning methods, this method does not generate large vibrations or noise, effectively improving the user experience. The laundry equipment of this invention includes the above-mentioned cylindrical vacuum squeeze-spinning device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of home appliances, and more particularly to a cylindrical vacuum dehydrator and laundry equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] The conventional spin-drying method in laundry equipment generally involves rotating a meshed inner cylinder at high speed to separate water from laundry using centrifugal force. However, if laundry is unevenly distributed inside the inner cylinder, the high-speed rotation during spin-drying can cause abnormal vibrations in the machine, resulting in loud noise. Therefore, current technology has issues such as high noise and vibration during spin-drying, occupying excessive installation space, and being prone to damaging laundry during the spin-drying process. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cylindrical vacuum compression dehydrator and laundry equipment that reduces noise and vibration while maintaining dehydration efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The cylindrical vacuum dehydrator of this invention comprises a washing chamber and a negative pressure assembly. The washing chamber is composed of a main body and a cover. The main body has a flexible structure for containing laundry. The cover is connected to the opening of the main body, and the washing chamber is provided with a suction port. The negative pressure assembly communicates with the suction port, and the main body deforms and contracts under suction, squeezing out the water from the laundry.

[0005] Preferably, the negative pressure assembly includes a gas-liquid mixed flow tube, a water tank, and an air pump, the water tank having an inlet and an outlet. One end of the gas-liquid mixed flow tube is connected to the suction port and the other end to the inlet of the water tank, and the air pump is connected to the outlet of the water tank. A first valve is installed in the gas-liquid mixed flow tube.

[0006] Preferably, the water box is provided with a drain outlet and a drain valve, the drain outlet being at a lower level than the exhaust outlet.

[0007] Preferably, the negative pressure assembly further includes a gas pipe and a multi-port valve. One end of the gas pipe is connected to the water box outlet and the other end to the multi-port valve, and the air pump intake end is connected to the multi-port valve. The multi-port valve can be switched to either connect the air pump intake end to the gas pipe or open it to the atmosphere.

[0008] Preferably, the water box is equipped with a water level detector.

[0009] Preferably, the body includes a base and a sidewall, the sidewall being connected to the base and facing the opening, the sidewall being made of a flexible structure, and the suction port being located on the base.

[0010] Preferably, the base includes a hard portion and a soft portion, the hard portion being located at the center of the base, and the soft portion surrounding the hard portion and connected to the side wall. The suction port is located in the hard portion.

[0011] Preferably, the washing chamber is provided with an auxiliary suction port, which is connected to the intake end of the auxiliary air pump, and a second valve is installed between the auxiliary suction port and the auxiliary air pump.

[0012] Preferably, the auxiliary suction port is located in the cover.

[0013] Preferably, a heater unit is provided to provide heat within the wash chamber.

[0014] Preferably, the heater unit is installed on at least one of the base and the lid.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a laundry facility including a cylindrical vacuum dehydration device having the above-mentioned configuration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The present invention provides the following beneficial effects: 1. By utilizing the deformation of the soft body to perform compression dewatering, vibration and noise can be significantly reduced compared to conventional centrifugal dewatering. 2. The system is compact and lightweight, eliminating the need for seismic isolation devices and excessive weight distribution, saving installation space and contributing to cost reduction. 3. Pre-depressurization of the water box improves the vacuum generation speed, increasing dewatering efficiency and shortening the total processing time. 4. Reduces mechanical stress on laundry and prevents damage to clothes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] In order to more clearly explain the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope. Those skilled in the art can also obtain other related drawings from these drawings without additional creative efforts. [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a cylindrical vacuum dehydration device before dehydration in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of the device during dehydration DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Existing related spin-drying solutions typically use a separate inner and outer drum, where the meshed inner drum rotates at high speed to separate the water from the laundry using centrifugal force. However, if the laundry is not evenly distributed in the inner drum, the high-speed spinning can cause the machine to vibrate abnormally and generate loud noises. Furthermore, dirt can easily accumulate between the inner and outer drums, leading to bacterial growth and adverse health effects. Other related technologies use a drying method to dry laundry by heating and evaporating the water from the laundry. However, the drying method places certain requirements on the condition of the laundry after washing, and it must maintain a relatively fluffy state, which increases the size of the washing chamber and makes the internal structure more complex. Therefore, some systems use a flexible inner and outer drum, where air is filled between the inner and outer drums during the process, compressing the inner drum inward, pushing the clothes in the inner drum upward and discharging the water through the upper drain pipe. However, this method still uses the conventional water level difference drainage mode, which has limited drainage effect and requires further water removal through high-temperature evaporation in the post-processing, resulting in insufficient dehydration. Furthermore, there is also a related technology that uses extrusion ribs to squeeze and dehydrate clothes, but this method requires constant kneading of the clothes, which is prone to causing damage due to friction.

[0019] To address at least one of the shortcomings of the spin-drying methods in the related art, an embodiment of the present invention provides a cylindrical vacuum squeeze-out dehydration device and washing machine. By applying suction to a flexible washing chamber, the washing chamber is deformed, squeezing out the water from the laundry and discharging it from the washing chamber. This new spin-drying method not only effectively removes water from the laundry, but also reduces the problems of conventional spin-drying methods, such as shaking and noise.

[0020] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in combination with the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations.

[0021] Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can obtain without creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] Please note: In the following drawings, like reference numerals and letters represent like items, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, no further definition or explanation is required in subsequent drawings.

[0023] In describing the present invention, it should be noted that the orientations or positions indicated by terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer" are based on the orientations or positions shown in the drawings or the orientations or positions in which the product of the invention is normally disposed when in use. These are intended to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention, and do not suggest or imply that the devices or elements shown must have a particular orientation, be constructed, or operate in a particular orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and the like are used only to distinguish between different elements and should not be understood as implying relative importance.

[0024] In describing the present invention, it is further clarified that unless otherwise specified or limited, terms such as "installation," "mounting," "connection," and "coupling" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They may refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cylindrical vacuum extractor 010 according to an embodiment of the present invention before spin-drying. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the cylindrical vacuum extractor 010 according to an embodiment of the present invention during spin-drying. Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. The cylindrical vacuum extractor 010 provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes a washing chamber 100 and a negative pressure assembly 200. The washing chamber 100 includes a main body 110 and a cover 120. The main body 110 is used to accommodate laundry items 020. The cover 120 is connected to an opening of the main body 110. The main body 110 has a flexible structure. The washing chamber 100 is provided with a suction port. The negative pressure assembly 200 communicates with the suction port and is used to deform and contract the main body 110 through suction, thereby squeezing out moisture from the laundry items 020 and discharging it from the washing chamber 100 through the suction port.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry 020 can be loaded and unloaded by opening the cover 120. Alternatively, the cover 120 may be detachably connected to the opening of the main body 110 (e.g., detachably connected to the opening by a latch structure). Alternatively, one side of the cover 120 may be hinged to the edge of the opening of the main body 110, and the other side may be provided with a latch structure, so that the opening of the main body 110 can be opened and closed by flipping the cover 120.

[0027] In this embodiment, the main body 110 has a cylindrical shape in an unspinned state. The main body 110 includes a base 111 and a sidewall 112. The sidewall 112 is connected to the base 111. The opening of the main body 110 and the base 111 are located at opposite ends of the main body 110. A suction port is provided on the base 111. When the cylindrical vacuum extractor 010 is in normal use, the base 111 faces downward and the opening faces upward. Because moisture in the laundry 020 tends to collect at the bottom under the action of gravity, providing the suction port on the base 111 allows moisture to be more easily removed from the washing chamber 100. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the suction port may be provided on the sidewall 112 or the cover 120.

[0028] In this embodiment, the main body 110 has a flexible structure. Specifically, the sidewalls 112 are flexible, and may be made of, for example, silicone, rubber, or other materials having a certain degree of flexibility and tensile strength. In this embodiment, the base 111 also has a certain degree of flexibility. As shown in FIG. 1 , the base 111 includes a hard portion 1111 and a soft portion 1112. The hard portion 1111 is located at the center of the base. The soft portion 1112 surrounds the hard portion and is connected to the sidewalls 112. A suction port is installed in the hard portion 1111. By configuring the portion of the base 111 connected to the sidewalls 112 as a flexible structure, the entire main body 110 can more effectively squeeze the laundry 020. In another embodiment, the cover 120 may also be flexible, allowing the washing chamber 100 to deform under negative pressure during spin-drying. Optionally, the hard portion 1111 of the base 111 and the lid 120 may have higher rigidity than the sidewall 112, facilitating the fixing of the entire washing chamber 100. The hard portion 1111 and the lid 120 may be made of metal or hard plastic.

[0029] 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the negative pressure assembly 200 includes a gas-liquid mixed flow tube 220, a water tank 210, and an air pump 230. The water tank 210 has an inlet and an outlet. One end of the gas-liquid mixed flow tube 220 is connected to the suction port, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the water tank 210. The air pump 230 is connected to the outlet of the water tank 210. A first valve is installed on the gas-liquid mixed flow tube 220. In this embodiment, the gas-liquid mixed flow tube 220 is connected to the top of the water tank 210.

[0030] It should be understood that the phrase "the air pump 230 is connected to the exhaust port of the water tank 210" means that the air pump 230 is in communication with the exhaust port of the water tank 210 at least in some state, and that the air pump 230 can generate negative pressure in the space within the water tank 210 when suction is applied. The air pump 230 may be directly connected to the exhaust port of the water tank 210 or indirectly connected via a pipeline. Specifically, in this embodiment, the negative pressure assembly 200 further includes a gas pipe 250 and a multi-port valve 240. One end of the gas pipe 250 is connected to the exhaust port of the water tank 210, and the other end is connected to the multi-port valve 240. The intake end of the air pump 230 is connected to the multi-port valve 240. The multi-port valve 240 can be switched to selectively connect the intake end of the air pump 230 to the gas pipe 250 or to the atmosphere. When spin-drying is required, the intake end of air pump 230 can be connected to gas pipe 250 to supply negative pressure to water box 210 and thus washing chamber 100. When spin-drying needs to be temporarily stopped, it is not necessary to stop air pump 230; the intake end of air pump 230 can simply be connected to the atmosphere.

[0031] Of course, other connection methods are also possible between multi-port valve 240 and air pump 230. For example, the exhaust end of air pump 230 can also be connected to multi-port valve 240, and when the spin cycle is finished, multi-port valve 240 can be switched to connect the exhaust end of air pump 230 to gas pipe 250 and the intake end to the atmosphere, so that air can automatically enter washing chamber 100 or be pumped into washing chamber 100 by air pump 230, thereby quickly restoring washing chamber 100 to its state before spin cycle.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first valve may be installed at the suction port of the washing chamber 100, at the inlet of the water box 210, or at the middle of the gas-liquid mixed flow tube 220. In this embodiment, the first valve installed in the gas-liquid mixed flow tube 220 prevents water in the washing chamber 100 from unnecessarily flowing into the water box 210 when the washing chamber 100 is not in a spin-drying operation. For example, when laundry items 020 are being washed in the washing chamber 100, it is necessary to maintain the water level, and at this time the first valve is closed to prevent water loss. Of course, in some embodiments, such as when the washing chamber 100 is used only for spin-drying, the first valve may be omitted.

[0033] In this embodiment, the water tank 210 is further provided with a drain port 211, which is equipped with a drain valve. The height of the drain port 211 is lower than the height of the exhaust port. When gas and liquid enter the water tank 210 through its inlet under suction, the liquid settles to the bottom of the water tank 210, and the gas is expelled from the water tank 210 through the exhaust port and transported to the air pump 230. Obviously, if the air pump 230 does not have a gas-liquid separation function, the height of the exhaust port must be higher than the liquid level in the water tank 210 to prevent water from being sucked in through the exhaust port and sent to the air pump 230. Therefore, in this embodiment, the gas-liquid mixture transported from the washing chamber 100 to the water tank 210 is separated in the water tank 210, with the water remaining in the water tank 210 and the gas being expelled from the water tank 210 by suction. When the water level in the water tank 210 reaches a certain height, the drain valve can be opened to discharge the water from the water tank 210.

[0034] Optionally, the water box 210 may be equipped with a water level detector for detecting the water level in the water box 210, thereby enabling real-time monitoring of the water level. If the water level rises excessively, the drain valve can be opened to drain the water, preventing the water from flowing into the gas pipe 250 or the air pump 230 due to excessive water level. Furthermore, a pressure detector can be installed in the water box 210 to provide real-time feedback of pressure information, enabling quick identification of the cause if an abnormality occurs in the dehydration process.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the washing chamber 100 may further include an auxiliary air intake port and auxiliary air intake pipe, and the cylindrical vacuum dehydration device 010 may further include an auxiliary air pump (not shown). The intake end of the auxiliary air pump is connected to the auxiliary air intake port, and a second valve is installed between the auxiliary air intake port and the auxiliary air pump. When not spinning, the second valve remains normally closed to prevent communication between the inside and outside of the washing chamber. When spinning, the auxiliary air pump, together with the vacuum assembly 200, draws air into the washing chamber 100. The installation of the auxiliary air intake port and auxiliary air pump allows gas within the washing chamber 100 to be exhausted from multiple directions, preventing laundry 020 from piling up at the bottom and clogging the suction port, which can hinder smooth exhaust (liquid), affecting the squeezing effect of the main body 110. Drawing air through the auxiliary air intake port makes it easier to exhaust gas from the washing chamber 100, ensuring sufficient compression at the top of the washing chamber 100. Optionally, the auxiliary air pump may also be connected to the water box 210 of the vacuum assembly 200, so that even when water is discharged from the auxiliary air intake, it can be isolated by the water box 210. In this embodiment, the auxiliary air intake is installed in the cover 120. In another embodiment, the auxiliary air intake may be installed on the side wall 112 of the main body 110. In this case, the auxiliary air intake pipe must be a flexible pipe, and the pipe itself must have a bellows structure or the like to maintain communication.

[0036] In another alternative embodiment, the water tank 210 can be directly connected to the auxiliary intake port by a pipe, allowing one air pump 230 to simultaneously suck air from two different locations, the suction port and the auxiliary intake port, thereby improving the squeezing effect of the main body 110.

[0037] Optionally, the cylindrical vacuum extractor 010 may further include a heating component (not shown). The heating component is used to supply heat into the washing chamber 100 and increase the temperature within the washing chamber 100. As can be understood, the higher the temperature, the greater the saturated vapor pressure, and the more moisture in the laundry 020 will evaporate and be expelled. Therefore, adding a heating component can improve the dehydration effect. Optionally, the heating component is installed in at least one of the base 111 and the cover 120 of the main body 110. The heating component may be a heating coil, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating component may be attached to the outside of the washing chamber 100 or installed within the washing chamber 100.

[0038] In this embodiment, the drain valve, the first valve, the second valve, the air pump 230, the multi-port valve 240, the water level detector, the auxiliary air pump, the heating components, etc. are all electrically connected to a controller (not shown) and are controlled to perform corresponding operations.

[0039] The dehydration process using the cylindrical vacuum compressing dehydration device 010 provided in the embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0040] The laundry items 020 to be dehydrated are placed in the washing chamber 100. After the air pump 230 applies vacuum to the water box 210, the first valve on the air-liquid mixed flow tube 220 is opened, allowing the water in the washing chamber 100 to flow into the water box 210 through the air-liquid mixed flow tube 220. During this process, if the remaining capacity of the water box 210 is sufficient, suction continues. After the flowing water around the laundry items 020 is sent to the water box 210 through the air-liquid mixed flow tube 220, a large negative pressure still exists within the washing chamber 100. Therefore, the main body 110 continues to deform, squeezing the laundry items 020 inside and draining the water originally contained within the laundry items 020. If a water level detector or other detection device detects that the water box 210 is full, suction to the washing chamber 100 must be temporarily stopped, and the drain valve of the water box 210 must be opened to drain the wastewater accumulated in the water box 210. After the wastewater is discharged, the drain valve is closed and the above-mentioned suction spin-drying step is repeated until the squeezing spin-drying is completed. After the water box 210 has sucked most of the flowing water from the washing chamber 100, the heating component is activated to heat the washing chamber 100, vaporizing the water in the laundry 020, and then the water vapor is discharged under negative pressure, further improving the drying effect.

[0041] The cylindrical vacuum squeeze dehydrator 010 according to the present invention uses an air pump 230 as its dehydration power source. Compared to conventional centrifugal dehydration systems, this system does not generate significant vibration or noise, eliminating the need for additional weights or vibration-damping devices. Its overall structure is simple and compact, making it suitable for smaller, lighter machines. Compared to systems that apply pressure from the outside of the washing chamber 100 using hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic methods, it saves on the corresponding mounting components and installation space. The water box 210 of the negative pressure assembly 200 according to the present invention achieves a high vacuum through suction, and by connecting to the washing chamber 100, it can quickly squeeze the main body 110. The main body 110 squeezes the laundry 020, eliminating the need for a separate filter during the process, allowing the wastewater inside the laundry 020 to be quickly discharged. Compared to conventional systems such as gravity drainage plus centrifugal dehydration or squeeze filtration dehydration, this system offers faster dehydration speeds and higher efficiency. Furthermore, the dehydration process can be started, paused, and resumed with a single multi-port valve 240, and the air pump 230 corresponding to the multi-port valve 240 does not require frequent start-stop or direction change, effectively extending the life of the air pump 230. The operation method is also relatively simple. The cylindrical vacuum compression dehydration device 010 provided by the embodiment of the present invention can meet the dehydration requirements of clothes or other flexible and absorbent items.

[0042] The washing machine provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes the cylindrical vacuum dewatering device 010 provided by the above embodiment of the present invention, and therefore has corresponding beneficial effects. The washing machine may be a washing machine.

[0043] Obviously, the described embodiments are not all embodiments but only some of the embodiments of the present invention. It goes without saying that any other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can obtain based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative ingenuity are included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0044] 010: Cylindrical vacuum compression dehydration device 100: Washing chamber 110: Main unit 111: Bass 1111: Hard part 1112: Soft part 112: Side wall 120: Lid 200: Vacuum assembly 210: Water box 211: Drain 220: Gas-liquid mixed flow tube 230: Air pump 240: Multiport valve 250: Gas pipe 020: Laundry

Claims

1. a washing chamber and a vacuum assembly; The washing chamber includes a body and a cover, The main body has a flexible structure for accommodating laundry, The cover is connected to the opening of the main body, The washing chamber is provided with a suction port, the negative pressure assembly communicates with a suction port; The suction causes the body to deform and shrink, squeezing out the water from the laundry and expelling it from the washing chamber through the suction port. A cylindrical vacuum compression dewatering device characterized by the above.

2. The negative pressure assembly includes a gas-liquid mixed flow tube, a water box, and an air pump; the water box has an inlet and an outlet; One end of the gas-liquid mixed flow tube is connected to the suction port, and the other end is connected to the water box inlet; The air pump is connected to the water box exhaust port, A first valve is installed in the gas-liquid mixed flow tube; 2. The cylindrical vacuum compression dewatering device according to claim 1.

3. The water box is provided with a drain port and a drain valve; The height of the drain outlet is lower than the exhaust outlet.

3. The cylindrical vacuum compression dewatering device according to claim 2.

4. the negative pressure assembly further comprising a gas line and a multi-port valve; One end of the gas pipe is connected to the water box exhaust port, and the other end is connected to the multi-port valve; The intake end of the air pump is connected to a multi-port valve; The multi-port valve can be switched to either connect the air pump intake end to the gas pipe or open to the atmosphere.

3. The cylindrical vacuum compression dewatering device according to claim 2.

5. the body including a base and a sidewall; the sidewall is connected to a base; the opening and the base are located at opposite ends of the body; The sidewall has a flexible structure, The suction port is located on the base.

5. The cylindrical vacuum compression dewatering device according to claim 1.

6. An auxiliary suction port is provided in the washing chamber; The intake end of the auxiliary air pump communicates with the auxiliary suction port, a second valve is installed between the auxiliary suction port and the auxiliary air pump; 6. The cylindrical vacuum compression dewatering device according to claim 5.

7. The auxiliary suction port is installed on the cover.

7. The cylindrical vacuum compression dewatering device according to claim 6.

8. A heater unit is provided to supply heat to the washing chamber.

7. The cylindrical vacuum compression dewatering device according to claim 6.

9. The heater unit is installed on at least one of the base and the lid.

9. The cylindrical vacuum compression dewatering device according to claim 8.

10. Equipped with a cylindrical vacuum compression dewatering device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A laundry facility characterized by:

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