BARREL OF CLOTHING PROCESSING MACHINE HAVING DRYING FUNCTION, AND CLOTHING PROCESSING MACHINE HAVING SAID BARREL

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a barrel (2) of a clothing processing machine having a drying function, the barrel (2) comprising an opening (9) through which air can pass outward from inside the barrel (2), the opening (9) being provided with a filter screen (11), such that air in the barrel (2) is permitted to flow outward after passing through the filter screen (11). The present invention further relates to a clothing processing machine (1) having a drying function and comprising a barrel (2), wherein an air driving means (4) can drive air through the filter screen (11) from inside the barrel (2) and then into an air channel (23) downstream of the filter screen (11). In the barrel (2) and clothing processing machine (1) according to the present invention, the filter screen (11) of the barrel can intercept most of the fluff in drying air, reducing accumulation of fluff downstream of the filter screen (11), so that the clothing processing machine (1) maintains a more stable drying effect.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a barrel of a clothing processing machine, further relates to a clothing processing machine having the barrel, and in particular relates to the technical field of fluff collection.

[0002] It is known that a clothing processing machine having a drying function comprises a barrel usually made of plastic, in which clothing is heated and dried. In the course of a drying program, fluff falling off clothing is liable to enter a downstream air channel from inside the barrel along with the airflow, and accumulates in the air channel, affecting the flow of air and thus affecting the drying result.

[0003] An object of the present invention is to improve a barrel of a clothing processing machine having a drying function, so that it can reduce the amount of fluff entering downstream air.

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a barrel of a clothing processing machine having a drying function, the barrel comprising an opening through which air can pass outward from inside the barrel; the opening is provided with a filter screen, such that air in the barrel is permitted to flow outward after passing through the filter screen.

[0005] An optional embodiment further comprises the following: the position of the filter screen is configured to be at a lower part of the barrel, and when the clothing processing machine in which the barrel is fitted runs a washing program, the water level in the barrel is higher than at least part of the filter screen.

[0006] An optional embodiment further comprises the following: the filter screen is independent with respect to a part of the barrel that forms the opening, and an edge of the filter screen is embedded in the part of the barrel that forms the opening.

[0007] An optional embodiment further comprises the following: the filter screen and the part of the barrel that forms the opening are made into a single piece by integrated injection molding.

[0008] An optional embodiment further comprises the following: the part of the barrel that forms the opening is made of plastic, and the filter screen is made of metal.

[0009] An optional embodiment further comprises the following: the barrel comprises a barrel wall, with a recess sunk from inside to outside being provided on the barrel wall, and comprises a cover, the cover covering the recess and being fixedly connected to the barrel, such that an air channel is formed between the cover and the recess, the cover having a first side facing toward the air channel, and a second side opposite to the first side, the air channel having an inlet end and an outlet end, the opening being located on the cover at a side close to the inlet end, and the filter screen being provided on the cover, such that air at the second side of the cover is permitted to enter the air channel after passing through the filter screen, and leave the air channel via the outlet end.

[0010] An optional embodiment further comprises the following: the cover comprises a frame part surrounding an edge of the filter screen, and a channel is formed on the frame part or between the frame part and the barrel wall, the channel being located below the filter screen, and used to discharge liquid in the air channel.

[0011] An optional embodiment further comprises the following: the frame part comprises a welding rib protruding toward the barrel wall, with a gap being provided in the welding rib; after the welding rib has been welded to the barrel wall, the channel is formed between the gap and the barrel wall.

[0012] An optional embodiment further comprises the following: the cover comprises a frame part surrounding an edge of the filter screen, the edge of the filter screen being embedded in the frame part, and the frame part being connected to the barrel wall.

[0013] Preferably, the filter screen and the cover are made into a single piece by integrated injection molding.

[0014] Preferably, the cover is made of plastic, and the filter screen is made of metal.

[0015] Where technical conditions permit, the various embodiments above may be combined arbitrarily in various ways.

[0016] The present invention further provides a clothing processing machine capable of reducing the amount of fluff entering an air channel.

[0017] A clothing processing machine having a drying function, wherein the clothing processing machine comprises a barrel of any type in the various embodiments above, and an air driving means can drive air through the filter screen from inside the barrel and then into an air channel downstream of the filter screen.

[0018] The clothing processing machine comprises a drum located in the barrel, and further comprises a controller configured to be able to run a drying program and a washing program, wherein, in the drying program, the air driving means is activated and air enters the air channel after passing through the filter screen from inside the barrel, and in the washing program, washing liquid enters the barrel and submerges at least part of the filter screen, the drum being driven to rotate and thereby driving washing liquid to scour the filter screen.

[0019] In the barrel and clothing processing machine according to the present invention, the filter screen of the barrel can intercept most of the fluff in drying air, reducing accumulation of fluff downstream of the filter screen, so that the clothing processing machine maintains a more stable drying effect. When the position of the filter screen is such that at least part of the filter screen is lower than the water level in the barrel in the washing program, further advantages also include the fact that washing water can flush fluff on the filter screen, and discharge it from the machine. In this way, the filter screen can be automatically cleaned, and the fluff is automatically discharged. Compared with a conventional mechanical connection, the fact that the filter screen is formed on the barrel by integrated injection molding not only reduces the number of installation steps but also results in neater edges, avoiding a situation where fluff and dirt are left behind on a mechanical installation structure, causing secondary contamination of clothing. The use of a metal filter screen allows the mesh holes to be made finer, to capture a greater amount of finer fluff, and furthermore, the high temperature in the drying process makes the connection between the metal filter screen and the plastic barrel tighter and more secure. In an embodiment in which the barrel comprises a cover forming part of the air channel, having the filter screen provided on the cover makes the overall union of the filter screen and the barrel more ingenious and simple.

[0020] Some specific embodiments of the present invention are explained with examples below with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of the clothing processing machine.

Fig. 2 is a drawing of the internal structure of the barrel when the cover is not fitted.

Fig. 3 is a drawing of the internal structure of the barrel with the cover fitted.

Fig. 4 is a partial structural drawing of the cover at the position where the filter screen is fitted.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, a clothing processing machine 1 comprises a barrel 2, and a rotatable drum 3 located in the barrel 2. An air channel 23 is formed in the barrel 2. An inlet end 23a of the air channel 23 is located in a space formed by the barrel 2, and faces toward the drum 3. An outlet end 23b of the air channel 23 is connected to a fan 4. An air heating channel 5 is connected downstream of the fan 4. An extremity of the air heating channel 5 is connected to the interior space of the barrel 2 again. A heat exchange medium is provided in the air channel 23 in the barrel 2, e.g. the cooling water apparatus 6 shown in Fig. 1. Thus, in the course of the clothing processing machine 1 running a drying program, process air drops in temperature when passing through the air channel 23 from inside the barrel 2, and moisture therein is condensed. The process air then enters the air heating channel 5 under the action of the fan 4, rises in temperature therein, and then re-enters the barrel 2, contacting the clothing in the drum and causing moisture in the clothing to evaporate.

[0022] The clothing processing machine 1 comprises a controller 10. The controller 10 is configured to be able to run a washing program alone, a drying program alone, or a washing program and a drying program consecutively.

[0023] The air channel 23 may be formed on a rear wall 22 of the barrel 2 as shown in Figs. 1 - 3, but may also be formed on a peripheral wall 21 of the barrel 2 in other embodiments.

[0024] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 - 3, a recess 24 sunk from inside to outside is provided on the rear wall 22 of the barrel 2. The recess 24 forms an outlet 240 on the rear wall 22. The outlet 240 is close to the fan 4, and in fluid communication with the fan 4.

[0025] A cover 8 formed independently of the rear barrel 22 covers the recess 24 from inside the rear wall 22 and is fixedly connected to the rear wall 22, thereby forming the air channel 23 between the cover 8 and the recess 24. The cover 8 has a first side 81 facing toward the air channel 23, and a second side 82 that is opposite the first side 81 and thus faces toward the drum 3. In the direction of air circulation, the air channel 23 has the inlet end 23a and outlet end 23b. An opening 9 through which air can pass outward from inside the barrel 2 is located on the cover 8, at a side close to the inlet end 23a. The outlet end 23b of the air channel 23 is close to the outlet 240 of the recess 24.

[0026] In other embodiments, a recess may also be formed on the peripheral wall 21, and the air channel formed together with the cover may thus also be formed on the peripheral wall 21.

[0027] In other embodiments, the opening 9 through which air can pass outward from inside the barrel 2 may be directly located on the peripheral wall 21 or rear wall 22 of the barrel 2, with a heat exchange channel or vent channel being connected downstream of the opening 9.

[0028] A filter screen 11 is provided on the opening 9, such that air in the barrel 2 is permitted to flow outward after passing through the filter screen 11. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the clothing processing machine 1 is running a drying program, air at the second side 82 of the cover 8 can enter the air channel 23 after passing through the filter screen 11 under the driving action of the fan 4, and then leave the barrel 2.

[0029] Preferably, the filter screen is independent with respect to a part of the barrel 2 that forms the opening 9, and an edge of the filter screen 11 is embedded in the part of the barrel 2 that forms the opening 9. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1-3, the part of the barrel 2 that forms the opening 9 is the cover 8. In other embodiments, the part of the barrel 2 that forms the opening 9 may also be the peripheral wall or rear wall of the barrel.

[0030] Preferably, the filter screen 11 and the part of the barrel 2 that forms the opening 9 are made into a single piece by integrated injection molding. For example, the filter screen 11 may be made from metal in advance, then integrated injection molding may be used to form a single piece from the filter screen 11 and the barrel 2. The part of the barrel 3 that forms the opening 9 is made of plastic.

[0031] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1-3, the cover 8 comprises a frame part 80 surrounding the edge of the filter screen 11. The filter screen 11 is made of metal, and the edge thereof is embedded in the frame part 80 by integrated injection molding. The frame part 80 is fixedly connected to the rear wall 22 of the barrel 2.

[0032] Between the frame part 80 and the rear wall 22, there might be a residue of washing liquid entering the air channel 23 or cooling water or condensed water flowing down within the air channel 23. To discharge these liquids and avoid secondary contamination of clothing, a channel 30 is formed on the frame part 80 or between the frame part 80 and the rear wall 22. The channel 30 is located below the filter screen 11, and used to discharge liquid in the air channel 23. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the frame part 80 comprises a welding rib 83 protruding toward the rear wall 22. A gap 84 is provided in the welding rib 83. Thus, when the welding rib 83 has been welded to the rear wall 22, the channel 30 is formed between the gap 84 and the rear wall 22, so that liquid flows into the bottom of the barrel 2 from the air channel 23 and is discharged.

[0033] Preferably, the position of the filter screen 11 is configured to be at a lower part of the barrel 2, and when the clothing processing machine 1 runs a washing program, the water level in the barrel 2 is higher than at least part of the filter screen 11. Here, the "lower part" is a lower part with respect to the direction of gravity, and for example is located below a center line of the barrel 2. Thus, in the course of washing, the drum 3 rotates, driving the water flow in the barrel 2 to move violently, scouring the filter screen 11. Fluff on the filter screen 11 is flushed and mixes into the washing water, finally being discharged from the barrel 2. Thus, the filter screen 11 can be cleaned as the washing program proceeds.

[0034] The various specific embodiments described above and shown in the drawings are merely intended to explain the present invention. Changes of any form made to the present invention by those skilled in the art within the scope of the basic technical thinking of the present invention are included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A barrel of a clothing processing machine having a drying function, the barrel comprising an opening (9) through which air can pass outward from inside the barrel (2), wherein the opening is provided with a filter screen (11), such that air in the barrel is permitted to flow outward after passing through the filter screen.

2. The barrel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the position of the filter screen is configured to be at a lower part of the barrel (2), and when the clothing processing machine in which the barrel is fitted runs a washing program, the water level in the barrel is higher than at least part of the filter screen (11).

3. The barrel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter screen is independent with respect to a part of the barrel that forms the opening, and an edge of the filter screen is embedded in the part of the barrel that forms the opening.

4. The barrel as claimed in claim 3, wherein the filter screen and the part of the barrel that forms the opening are made into a single piece by integrated injection molding.

5. The barrel as claimed in claim 4, wherein the part of the barrel that forms the opening is made of plastic, and the filter screen is made of metal.

6. The barrel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrel comprises a barrel wall (21, 22), with a recess (24) sunk from inside to outside being provided on the barrel wall, and comprises a cover (8), the cover (8) covering the recess and being fixedly connected to the barrel, such that an air channel (23) is formed between the cover and the recess, the cover having a first side (81) facing toward the air channel, and a second side (82) opposite to the first side, the air channel having an inlet end (23a) and an outlet end (23b), the opening (9) being located on the cover (8) at a side close to the inlet end (23a), and the filter screen (11) being provided on the cover, such that air at the second side (82) of the cover is permitted to enter the air channel after passing through the filter screen, and leave the air channel via the outlet end.

7. The barrel as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cover comprises a frame part (80) surrounding an edge of the filter screen, and a channel (30) is formed on the frame part or between the frame part and the barrel wall, the channel being located below the filter screen, and used to discharge liquid in the air channel.

8. The barrel as claimed in claim 7, wherein the frame part comprises a welding rib (83) protruding toward the barrel wall, with a gap (84) being provided in the welding rib; after the welding rib has been welded to the barrel wall, the channel (30) is formed between the gap (84) and the barrel wall.

9. The barrel as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cover comprises a frame part (80) surrounding an edge of the filter screen, the edge of the filter screen being embedded in the frame part, and the frame part being connected to the barrel wall (21, 22).

10. The barrel as claimed in claim 9, wherein the filter screen (11) and the cover (8) are made into a single piece by integrated injection molding.

11. The barrel as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cover is made of plastic, and the filter screen is made of metal.

12. A clothing processing machine having a drying function, wherein the clothing processing machine comprises the barrel (2) as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 11, and an air driving means (4) can drive air through the filter screen from inside the barrel and then into an air channel downstream of the filter screen.

13. The clothing processing machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein the clothing processing machine comprises a drum (3) located in the barrel, and comprises a controller (10) configured to be able to run a drying program and a washing program, wherein, in the drying program, the air driving means (4) is activated and air enters the air channel after passing through the filter screen from inside the barrel, and in the washing program, washing liquid enters the barrel and submerges at least part of the filter screen (11), the drum being driven to rotate and thereby driving washing liquid to scour the filter screen.

Drawing