U.S. patent application number 17/415914 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-03 for air washing apparatus used for laundry processing device, and laundry processing device.
This patent application is currently assigned to QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd., QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Bencai HUANG, Tao HUANG, Yonghong XU.
Application Number | 20220064844 17/415914 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006001178 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220064844 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HUANG; Tao ; et al. |
March 3, 2022 |
AIR WASHING APPARATUS USED FOR LAUNDRY PROCESSING DEVICE, AND
LAUNDRY PROCESSING DEVICE
Abstract
An air washing apparatus used for a laundry processing device
including a laundry processing drum; the air washing apparatus
includes a water supply valve, a connection mechanism, and a
vaporization generator; the water supply valve is connected to the
vaporization generator by the connection mechanism; the connection
mechanism is provided with a one-way check structure; the one-way
check structure is arranged so as to be isolated from the
atmosphere when the water supply valve is open and to be in
communication with the atmosphere when the water supply valve is
closed; the outlet of the vaporization generator is arranged facing
toward the inner chamber of the laundry processing drum. The device
can improve the laundry washing effectiveness of a laundry
processing device having a wash function, and improve the range of
applications of a garment, satisfying usage requirements of a user
and thereby improving user experience.
Inventors: |
HUANG; Tao; (Qingdao,
CN) ; XU; Yonghong; (Qingdao, CN) ; HUANG;
Bencai; (Qingdao, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD.
Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. |
Qingdao, Shandong
Qingdao, Shandong |
|
CN
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE
CO., LTD.
Qingdao, Shandong
CN
Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.
Qingdao, Shandong
CN
|
Family ID: |
1000006001178 |
Appl. No.: |
17/415914 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
November 17, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2019/125904 |
371 Date: |
June 18, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/088 20130101;
D06F 35/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/08 20060101
D06F039/08; D06F 35/00 20060101 D06F035/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 19, 2018 |
CN |
201811560196.4 |
Dec 19, 2018 |
CN |
201811560213.4 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An air washing device for a clothing treatment apparatus, the
clothing treatment apparatus including a clothing treatment drum,
and the air washing device comprises: a water supply valve, a
connection mechanism and an atomization generator; the water supply
valve is connected with the atomization generator through the
connection mechanism, the connection mechanism is provided with a
one-way check structure, the one-way check structure is arranged to
be isolated from the atmosphere when the water supply valve is
opened and to communicate with the atmosphere when the water supply
valve is closed, and an outlet of the atomization generator is
arranged facing an inner cavity of the clothing treatment drum.
22. The air washing device according to claim 21, wherein the
connection mechanism is a connection pipe.
23. The air washing device according to claim 21, wherein the
connection mechanism is a water delivery channel of a dispensing
device of the clothing treatment apparatus.
24. The air washing device according to claim 23, wherein the
one-way check structure is arranged close to a water inlet end of
the water delivery channel.
25. The air washing device according to claim 23, wherein the water
supply valve is arranged outside of the dispensing device.
26. The air washing device according to claim 21, wherein a
position where the one-way check structure is arranged is at a
different height from a position where the outlet of the
atomization generator is arranged.
27. The air washing device according to claim 26, wherein the
position where the one-way check structure is arranged is higher
than the position where the outlet of the atomization generator is
arranged.
28. The air washing device according to claim 21, wherein the
one-way check structure is a one-way check valve.
29. A clothing treatment apparatus, comprising the air washing
device according to claim 21.
30. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 29, wherein
the clothing treatment apparatus is a drum washing machine, and the
clothing treatment drum is a drum of the drum washing machine; and
wherein the drum washing machine further comprises a window gasket
connected with the drum, and the atomization generator is arranged
on the window gasket.
31. A clothing treatment apparatus, comprising a clothing treatment
drum, a water supply valve, a dispensing device and an atomization
generator, wherein the dispensing device comprises a water delivery
channel, the water supply valve is connected with the atomization
generator through the water delivery channel, an outlet of the
atomization generator is arranged facing an inner cavity of the
clothing treatment drum, and the water delivery channel is provided
with a water diversion structure which is arranged to be able to
communicate with the atmosphere.
32. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 31, wherein
the water diversion structure is a water diversion port provided on
the water delivery channel.
33. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 32, wherein
the dispensing device further comprises a clothing treatment agent
dispensing box, and the water diversion port is arranged above the
clothing treatment agent dispensing box.
34. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 31, wherein
the water diversion structure is a water diversion pipe connected
to the water delivery channel.
35. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 34, wherein
the dispensing device further comprises a clothing treatment agent
dispensing box, and an outlet of the water diversion pipe is
arranged above the clothing treatment agent dispensing box or
extends into the clothing treatment agent dispensing box.
36. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 31, wherein
a position where the water diversion structure is arranged is at a
different height from a position where the outlet of the
atomization generator is arranged.
37. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 36, wherein
the position where the water diversion structure is arranged is
higher than the position where the outlet of the atomization
generator is arranged.
38. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 31, wherein
the clothing treatment apparatus is a drum washing machine, and the
clothing treatment drum is a drum of the drum washing machine.
39. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 38, wherein
the drum washing machine further comprises a window gasket
connected to the drum, and the atomization generator is arranged on
the window gasket.
40. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 38, wherein
the atomization generator is arranged on an outer cylinder of the
drum.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of
clothing treatment, and specifically provides an air washing device
for a clothing treatment apparatus, and a clothing treatment
apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A clothing treatment apparatus is an apparatus capable of
washing, drying, sterilizing and/or deodorizing clothing. With the
continuous improvement of production level and ongoing growth of
users' needs, users have raised higher and higher requirements on
the clothing treatment apparatus.
[0003] In the prior art, taking a washing machine as an example,
the clothing is generally washed by water. The washing process is
accompanied by mechanical rotation, so that stains on the clothing
are washed away. However, this washing method has a limitation in
that if a large amount of water is injected into a washing drum at
the beginning, the stains on a surface of the clothing will
directly enter a lining of the clothing in a state where a washing
liquid is not completely dissolved, so that more time, water
amount, washing liquid and mechanical action are required for
washing the clothing clean in the subsequent washing process, thus
resulting in a poor washing effect. In existing clothing treatment
apparatuses, other functions are often added on the basis of a
washing machine, such as adding a drying function to become a
washing-drying integrated machine, etc. Such an improvement does
not significantly improve the washing effect of the washing
machine. Moreover, current washing machines still cannot achieve
in-depth treatment of clothing made of special materials, such as
cashmere, wool and other materials. If the traditional washing by
water is used, it is highly possible that fiber structures of the
clothing will be damaged, which will cause a very big limitation on
an applicable range of the clothing of the washing machine.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new air
washing device for a clothing treatment apparatus, and a
corresponding clothing treatment apparatus, so as to solve the
above problems.
SUMMARY
[0005] In order to solve the above problems in the prior art, that
is, to solve the problems of poor washing effect and very limited
applicable range of clothing of existing clothing treatment
apparatuses with a washing function, the present disclosure
provides an air washing device for a clothing treatment apparatus,
and a clothing treatment apparatus.
[0006] A first technical solution of the present disclosure
provides an air washing device for a clothing treatment apparatus,
the clothing treatment apparatus includes a clothing treatment
drum, and the air washing device includes a water supply valve, a
connection mechanism and an atomization generator; in which the
water supply valve is connected with the atomization generator
through the connection mechanism, the connection mechanism is
provided with a one-way check structure, the one-way check
structure is arranged to be isolated from the atmosphere when the
water supply valve is opened and to communicate with the atmosphere
when the water supply valve is closed, and an outlet of the
atomization generator is arranged facing an inner cavity of the
clothing treatment drum.
[0007] In a preferred technical solution of the above air washing
device, the connection mechanism is a connection pipe.
[0008] In a preferred technical solution of the above air washing
device, the connection mechanism is a water delivery channel of a
dispensing device of the clothing treatment apparatus.
[0009] In a preferred technical solution of the above air washing
device, the one-way check structure is arranged close to a water
inlet end of the water delivery channel.
[0010] In a preferred technical solution of the above air washing
device, the water supply valve is arranged outside of the
dispensing device.
[0011] In a preferred technical solution of the above air washing
device, a position where the one-way check structure is arranged is
at a different height from a position where the outlet of the
atomization generator is arranged.
[0012] In a preferred technical solution of the above air washing
device, the position where the one-way check structure is arranged
is higher than the position where the outlet of the atomization
generator is arranged.
[0013] In a preferred technical solution of the above air washing
device, the one-way check structure is a one-way check valve.
[0014] In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a
clothing treatment apparatus, which includes the air washing device
described above.
[0015] In a preferred technical solution of the above clothing
treatment apparatus, the clothing treatment apparatus is a drum
washing machine, and the clothing treatment drum is a drum of the
drum washing machine; the drum washing machine further includes a
window gasket connected with the drum, and the atomization
generator is arranged on the window gasket.
[0016] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that in the
preferred technical solutions of the present disclosure, by
providing a one-way check structure on the connection mechanism,
water can be injected into the connection mechanism when the water
supply valve is opened, and then the one-way check structure
communicates with the atmosphere when the water supply valve is
closed, so that the water in the connection mechanism is sprayed
from the atomization generator, and the water is converted into
small particles of atomized water droplets under the atomization
action of the atomization generator, thereby realizing a tender
treatment of the clothing by atomized air. Specifically, before
washing by water, the clothing can be moistened first by atomized
water droplets, so that the stains on the surface of the clothing
are removed first, preventing the stains on the surface of the
clothing from entering the lining of the clothing. Therefore, less
time, water amount, washing liquid and mechanical action can be
used to wash the clothing clean in the subsequent washing process
so that the washing effect on the clothing is improved and the
clothing treatment apparatus is more energy-saving. In addition,
the use of this atomized air washing method can treat clothing of
special materials such as cashmere, wool, etc., which not only can
make the surface of the clothing of this material smoother and
softer, but also can quickly remove stains on the clothing without
damaging the fiber structures of the clothing, thereby increasing
the applicable range of the clothing of the clothing treatment
apparatus and further improving the user experience.
[0017] Further, the connection mechanism is a connection pipe; with
such an arrangement, the atomized air washing of the clothing can
be realized through a very simple structure, thereby facilitating
the design of the product by the technicians and reducing the
cost.
[0018] Further, the connection mechanism is the water delivery
channel of the dispensing device of the clothing treatment
apparatus; that is, the one-way check structure is arranged on the
dispensing device, so as to achieve the atomized air washing of the
clothing without changing the original structure as much as
possible, thereby facilitating the design of the product by the
technicians and reducing the cost.
[0019] Further, by setting the position where the one-way check
structure is arranged at a different height from the position where
the outlet of the atomization generator is arranged, a certain
liquid level difference is formed, so that the water in the
connection mechanism can be smoothly sprayed from the outlet of the
atomization generator, which makes it easier to perform the
atomized air washing of the clothing and improves the user
experience.
[0020] In addition, on the basis of the above technical solutions,
the present disclosure also provides a clothing treatment
apparatus, which includes the air washing device described above,
and which therefore has the technical effects of the above air
washing device; moreover, as compared with the clothing treatment
apparatus before the improvement, the clothing treatment apparatus
of the present disclosure can improve the washing effect on the
clothing, increase the applicable range of the clothing, meet the
user's use requirements, and further improve the user
experience.
[0021] A second technical solution of the present disclosure
provides a clothing treatment apparatus, which includes a clothing
treatment drum, a water supply valve, a dispensing device and an
atomization generator, in which the dispensing device includes a
water delivery channel, the water supply valve is connected with
the atomization generator through the water delivery channel, an
outlet of the atomization generator is arranged facing an inner
cavity of the clothing treatment drum, and the water delivery
channel is provided with a water diversion structure which is
arranged to be able to communicate with the atmosphere.
[0022] In a preferred technical solution of the above clothing
treatment apparatus, the water diversion structure is a water
diversion port provided on the water delivery channel
[0023] In a preferred technical solution of the above clothing
treatment apparatus, the dispensing device further includes a
clothing treatment agent dispensing box, and the water diversion
port is arranged above the clothing treatment agent dispensing
box.
[0024] In a preferred technical solution of the above clothing
treatment apparatus, the water diversion structure is a water
diversion pipe connected to the water delivery channel
[0025] In a preferred technical solution of the above clothing
treatment apparatus, the dispensing device further includes a
clothing treatment agent dispensing box, and an outlet of the water
diversion pipe is arranged above the clothing treatment agent
dispensing box or extends into the clothing treatment agent
dispensing box.
[0026] In a preferred technical solution of the above clothing
treatment apparatus, a position where the water diversion structure
is arranged is at a different height from a position where the
outlet of the atomization generator is arranged.
[0027] In a preferred technical solution of the above clothing
treatment apparatus, the position where the water diversion
structure is arranged is higher than the position where the outlet
of the atomization generator is arranged.
[0028] In a preferred technical solution of the above clothing
treatment apparatus, the clothing treatment apparatus is a drum
washing machine, and the clothing treatment drum is a drum of the
drum washing machine.
[0029] In a preferred technical solution of the above clothing
treatment apparatus, the drum washing machine further includes a
window gasket connected to the drum, and the atomization generator
is arranged on the window gasket.
[0030] In a preferred technical solution of the above clothing
treatment apparatus, the atomization generator is arranged on an
outer cylinder of the drum.
[0031] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that in the
preferred technical solutions of the present disclosure, a water
diversion structure is provided on the water delivery channel, so
that when the water supply valve is opened, water can be injected
into the water delivery channel, and then when the water supply
valve is closed, the water diversion structure communicates with
the atmosphere so that a part of the water in the water delivery
channel is sprayed from the atomization generator, and the water is
converted into small particles of atomized water droplets under the
atomization action of the atomization generator, thereby realizing
a tender treatment of the clothing by atomized air. Specifically,
before washing by water, the clothing can be moistened first by
atomized water droplets, so that the stains on the surface of the
clothing are removed first, preventing the stains on the surface of
the clothing from entering the lining of the clothing. Therefore,
less time, water amount, washing liquid and mechanical action can
be used to wash the clothing clean in the subsequent washing
process so that the washing effect on the clothing is improved and
the clothing treatment apparatus is more energy-saving. In
addition, the use of this atomized air washing method can treat
clothing of special materials such as cashmere, wool, etc., which
not only can make the surface of the clothing of this material
smoother and softer, but also can quickly remove stains on the
clothing without damaging the fiber structures of the clothing,
thereby increasing the applicable range of the clothing of the
clothing treatment apparatus and further improving the user
experience.
[0032] Further, the water diversion structure is a water diversion
port, through which the water in the water delivery channel can be
injected into the clothing treatment agent dispensing box when the
water supply valve is opened, so that the clothing treatment agent
in the clothing treatment agent dispensing box is diluted, and
finally flows into the clothing treatment drum. When the water
supply valve is closed, the water in the water delivery channel can
also be drained since the water diversion port communicates with
the atmosphere. A part of the water enters the clothing treatment
agent dispensing box, and the other part of the water is converted
into atomized water droplets by the atomization generator and
sprayed onto the clothing. With such an arrangement, the water can
be prevented from remaining in the water delivery channel, thereby
avoiding the growth of bacteria in the water delivery channel, so
that the user does not need to repeatedly clean the dispensing
device and the user experience is improved.
[0033] Further, the water diversion structure is a water diversion
pipe, through which the water in the water delivery channel can be
injected into the clothing treatment agent dispensing box when the
water supply valve is opened, so that the clothing treatment agent
in the clothing treatment agent dispensing box is diluted, and
finally flows into the clothing treatment drum. When the water
supply valve is closed, the water in the water delivery channel can
also be drained since the water diversion pipe communicates with
the atmosphere. A part of the water enters the clothing treatment
agent dispensing box, and the other part of the water is converted
into atomized water droplets by the atomization generator and
sprayed onto the clothing. With such an arrangement, the water can
be prevented from remaining in the water delivery channel, thereby
avoiding the growth of bacteria in the water delivery channel, so
that the user does not need to repeatedly clean the dispensing
device and the user experience is improved.
[0034] Further, by setting the position where the water diversion
structure is arranged at a different height from the position where
the outlet of the atomization generator is arranged, a certain
liquid level difference is formed, so that the water in the water
delivery channel can be smoothly sprayed from the outlet of the
atomization generator, which makes it easier to perform the
atomized air washing of the clothing and improves the user
experience.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is a structural view showing the principle of an air
washing device according to a first technical solution of the
present disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a partial schematic view showing the structure of
a drum washing machine according to the first technical solution of
the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 3 is a partial structural view showing the principle of
a drum washing machine according to a second technical solution of
the present disclosure; and
[0038] FIG. 4 is a partial schematic view showing the structure of
the drum washing machine according to the second technical solution
of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It
should be understood by those skilled in the art that these
embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of
the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of
protection of the present disclosure.
[0040] It should be noted that in the description of the present
disclosure, terms indicating directional or positional
relationships, such as "in", "above", "below", "inside", "outside"
and the like, are based on the directional or positional
relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only
used for ease of description, and do not indicate or imply that the
device or element must have a specific orientation, or be
constructed or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore
they should not be considered as limitations to the present
disclosure.
[0041] In addition, it should also be noted that in the description
of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and
defined, terms "arrange", "install", "connect" and "connection"
should be understood in a broad sense; for example, the connection
may be a fixed connection, or may also be a detachable connection,
or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection, or an
electrical connection; it may be a direct connection, or an
indirect connection implemented through an intermediate medium, or
it may be an internal communication between two elements. For those
skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the
present disclosure can be understood according to specific
situations.
[0042] In view of the problems of poor washing effect and very
limited applicable range of clothing of existing clothing treatment
apparatuses with a washing function, the present disclosure
provides an air washing device for a clothing treatment apparatus,
and a clothing treatment apparatus, aiming at improving the washing
effect of the clothing treatment apparatuses with the washing
function on the clothing, increasing the applicable range of the
clothing, meeting user's requirements on use, and thereby improving
the user experience.
[0043] First Technical Solution
[0044] The clothing treatment apparatus of the present disclosure
includes a clothing treatment drum. As shown in FIG. 1, the air
washing device includes a water supply valve 1, a connection
mechanism, and an atomization generator 2. The water supply valve 1
is connected with the atomization generator 2 through the
connection mechanism. The connection mechanism is provided with a
one-way check structure, and the one-way check structure is
arranged to be isolated from the atmosphere when the water supply
valve 1 is opened and to communicate with the atmosphere when the
water supply valve 1 is closed. An outlet of the atomization
generator 2 is arranged facing an inner cavity of the clothing
treatment drum. The connection mechanism may be a separate
connection pipe, or it may be a water delivery mechanism of the
clothing treatment apparatus itself (for example, a dispensing
device 5 of the drum washing machine). Those skilled in the art may
flexibly set the specific structure of the connection mechanism in
practical applications, as long as the water can be contained by
the connection mechanism. The atomization generator 2 may be an
ultrasonic atomization generator or a compressed atomization
generator. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the specific
structure of the atomization generator 2 in practical applications,
as long as the atomization generator 2 can convert the water in the
connection mechanism into atomized water droplets when the one-way
check structure communicates with the atmosphere so as to perform
atomized air washing of the clothing. In addition, a one-way check
valve 7 may be used as the one-way check structure, such as the
one-way check valve 7 in the patent No. 201721853840.8. The
principle of the one-way check valve 7 belongs to the prior art, so
it will not be described in detail herein. Of course, in the
present disclosure, other one-way check structures may also be
used. For example, the one-way check structure includes a cylinder,
a movable block arranged in the cylinder, and a spring connected
between the cylinder and the movable block. The movable block
divides an internal cavity of the cylinder into two parts. A top
part of the cylinder is provided with an air inlet, a bottom part
of the cylinder is provided with a water inlet, and a middle part
of the cylinder is provided with an outlet. The spring allows the
movable block to move between a top limit position, a middle
position and a bottom limit position. When the spring is in its
natural state, it enables the movable block to be maintained at the
bottom limit position. At this time, the air inlet communicates
with the outlet, and the water inlet is isolated from the outlet by
the movable block, so as to realize the communication between the
one-way check structure and the atmosphere. When water inflows from
the water inlet, the water pressure moves the movable block to the
top limit position against the force of the spring, so that the
water inlet communicates with the outlet, and that the air inlet is
isolated from the outlet by the movable block. The one-way check
structure allows water to pass through and be isolated from the
atmosphere. It should be noted that the above-mentioned top part
and bottom part are defined relative to the cylinder, and they do
not constitute restrictions to the direction and specific positions
of arranging the one-way check structure. Alternatively, the
one-way check structure may also be a plug structure. Specifically,
an opening is provided at the highest point of the connection
mechanism, and a plug is provided at the opening. When water
inflows from the water supply valve 1, the opening is closed by the
plug, and when the water supply valve 1 is closed, the plug is
removed and the opening communicates with the atmosphere, so that
the water in the connection mechanism is sprayed from the outlet of
the atomization generator 2. Those skilled in the art may flexibly
set the specific structure of the one-way check structure in
practical applications, as long as the one-way check structure can
be isolated from the atmosphere when the water supply valve 1 is
opened and can communicate with the atmosphere when the water
supply valve 1 is closed.
[0045] It should be noted that by using the one-way check
structure, the present disclosure enables the atomization generator
2 to smoothly generate atomized water droplets. This is because
when the water supply valve 1 is always open, it is very difficult
for the atomization generator 2 to form atomized water droplets
under the action of water pressure. Therefore, the water supply
valve 1 can be opened to accumulate water in the connection
mechanism, and then the water supply valve 1 can be closed. At this
time, the water in the connection mechanism can be sprayed onto the
clothing in the form of atomized water droplets from the
atomization generator 2 according to the principle of atmospheric
communication, so as to ensure that the atomization generator 2 can
perform atomized air washing of the clothing.
[0046] In addition, it should be noted that the clothing treatment
apparatus of the present disclosure may be a drum washing machine,
a pulsator washing machine, a washing-drying integrated machine, a
clothing care machine, etc., and those skilled in the art may
flexibly set the application objects of the technical solutions of
the present disclosure. Such adjustments and changes to the
application objects do not deviate from the principle of the
present disclosure, and should be defined within the scope of
protection of the present disclosure. The technical solutions of
the present disclosure will be further explained below in
conjunction with a drum washing machine.
[0047] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the drum washing machine
of the present disclosure includes a cabinet, a drum 3 arranged in
the cabinet, and a window gasket 4 connected between an outer
cylinder of the drum 3 and the cabinet. The atomization generator 2
is preferably arranged on the window gasket 4, and an outlet of the
atomization generator 2 is arranged facing an inner cavity of the
drum 3. Of course, the atomization generator 2 may also be arranged
on the outer cylinder of the drum 3, as long as it can spray
atomized water droplets onto the clothing in an inner cylinder of
the drum 3 so as to perform atomized air washing. In addition, the
drum washing machine also includes a dispensing device 5 arranged
on the cabinet. The dispensing device 5 includes a clothing
treatment agent dispensing cavity, and a water box arranged on a
top of the clothing treatment agent dispensing cavity. A water
delivery channel 51 is formed in the water box to deliver water. A
water inlet end of the water delivery channel 51 is connected to
the water supply valve 1 arranged outside of the dispensing device
5, and a water outlet end of the water delivery channel 51 is
connected to the atomization generator 2. The water outlet end of
the water delivery channel 51 may be directly connected to the
atomization generator 2 through a pipe, or a water tank 6 may also
be arranged between the water delivery channel 51 and the
atomization generator 2. That is, the water outlet end of the water
delivery channel 51 is first connected to the water tank 6 through
a pipe, and the water tank 6 is then connected to the atomization
generator 2 through another pipe. The water tank 6 has a function
of accumulating water, and the one-way check valve 7 is arranged on
the water delivery channel 51. For example, the one-way check valve
7 may be arranged close to the water inlet end of the water
delivery channel 51. Of course, the one-way check valve 7 may also
be arranged at other positions of the water delivery channel 51,
and those skilled in the art may flexibly set the position where
the one-way check valve 7 is arranged on the water delivery channel
51 in practical applications. Such adjustments and changes to the
position where the one-way check valve 7 is arranged do not
constitute restrictions to the present disclosure, and should be
defined within the scope of protection of the present
disclosure.
[0048] Preferably, the position where the one-way check valve 7 is
arranged is at a different height from the position where the
outlet of the atomization generator 2 is arranged, that is, when
the one-way check valve 7 communicates with the atmosphere, a
certain liquid level difference can be formed between the one-way
check valve 7 and the outlet of the atomization generator 2, so
that the water accumulated in the water delivery channel 51 can be
sprayed onto the clothing more easily in the form of atomized water
droplets through the atomization generator 2. Since the position
where the dispensing device 5 is arranged is generally higher than
the position where the drum 3 is arranged in the drum washing
machine, it is more preferable to set the position where the
one-way check valve 7 is arranged to be higher than the position
where the outlet of the atomization generator 2 is arranged,
thereby making full use of the original structure of the drum
washing machine.
[0049] Second Technical Solution
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the drum washing machine of the
present disclosure includes a cabinet, a drum 1, a water supply
valve 2, a dispensing device 3, and an atomization generator 4. The
dispensing device 3 includes a water delivery channel 31, through
which the water supply valve 2 is connected to the atomization
generator 4. An outlet of the atomization generator 4 is arranged
facing an inner cavity of the drum 1. The water delivery channel 31
is provided with a water diversion structure 5, which is arranged
to be able to communicate with the atmosphere. The water diversion
structure 5 may be a water diversion port provided on the water
delivery channel 31, or a water diversion pipe provided on the
water delivery channel 31. The structure of the water diversion
port or the water diversion pipe can realize water diversion of the
water diversion channel 31. Of course, the water diversion
structure 5 may also be a plug structure provided on the water
delivery channel 31. Specifically, when the water diversion
structure 5 is the plug structure, an opening is provided on the
water delivery channel 31, and a plug is provided at the opening.
When water inflows from the water supply valve 2, the opening is
closed by the plug, and when the water supply valve 2 is closed,
the plug is removed and the opening communicates with the
atmosphere, so that a part of the water in the water delivery
channel 31 is diverted from the opening, and the other part of the
water is sprayed from the outlet of the atomization generator 4. In
addition, the atomization generator 4 may be arranged on a window
gasket 6 of the drum 1. The window gasket 6 is connected between
the cabinet and the drum 1, and a nozzle of the atomization
generator 4 is arranged facing the inner cavity of the drum 1. Of
course, the atomization generator 4 may also be arranged on the
outer cylinder of the drum 1, as long as it can spray atomized
water droplets onto the clothing in the inner cylinder of the drum
1 to perform atomized air washing. The atomization generator 4 may
be an ultrasonic atomization generator or a compressed atomization
generator. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the specific
structure of the atomization generator 4 in practical applications,
as long as the atomization generator 4 can convert the water in the
water delivery channel 31 into atomized water droplets when the
water diversion structure 5 communicates with the atmosphere so as
to perform atomized air washing of the clothing.
[0051] It should be noted that by using the water diversion
structure 5, the present disclosure enables the atomization
generator 4 to smoothly generate atomized water droplets. This is
because when the water supply valve 2 is always open, it is very
difficult for the atomization generator 4 to form atomized water
droplets under the action of water pressure. Therefore, the water
supply valve 2 can be opened to accumulate water in the water
delivery channel 31, and then the water supply valve 2 can be
closed. At this time, the water in the water delivery channel 31
can be sprayed onto the clothing in the form of atomized water
droplets from the atomization generator 4 according to the
principle of atmospheric communication, so as to ensure that the
atomization generator 4 can perform atomized air washing of the
clothing.
[0052] In addition, it should also be noted that in the present
disclosure, a water inlet end of the water delivery channel 31 is
connected to the water supply valve 2 arranged outside of the
dispensing device 3, and a water outlet end of the water delivery
channel 31 is connected to the atomization generator 4. The water
outlet end of the water delivery channel 31 may be directly
connected to the atomization generator 4 through a pipe, or a water
tank 7 (the structure as shown in FIG. 4) may also be arranged
between the water delivery channel 31 and the atomization generator
4. That is, the water outlet end of the water delivery channel 31
is first connected to the water tank 7 through a pipe, and the
water tank 7 is then connected to the atomization generator 4
through another pipe. The water tank 7 has a function of
accumulating water. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the
way in which the water delivery channel 31 and the atomization
generator 4 are connected. Such adjustments and changes to the way
of connection do not constitute restrictions to the present
disclosure, and should be defined within the scope of protection of
the present disclosure.
[0053] In a possible situation, the water diversion structure 5 is
a water diversion port provided on the water delivery channel 31.
The water diversion port may be directly connected to the drum 1
through a communication structure (such as a pipe) to inject water
into the drum 1, or the drum washing machine has another component
that requires water/accumulates water. Then, the water diversion
port is connected with this component through a communication
structure (such as a pipe) to inject water into this component. For
another example, the dispensing device 3 further includes a
clothing treatment agent dispensing box, and the water diversion
port is arranged above the clothing treatment agent dispensing box.
An upper part of the clothing treatment agent dispensing box may
have an opening structure, and the water diversion port is aligned
with the opening structure. When the water supply valve 2 is
opened, water enters the water delivery channel 31, flows out of
the water diversion port, enters the clothing treatment agent
dispensing box through the opening structure for dilution of the
clothing treatment agent, and finally flows into the drum 1. When
the water supply valve 2 is closed, the atomization generator 4 is
opened, and since the water diversion port communicates with the
atmosphere, a part of the water in the water delivery channel 31
flows into the clothing treatment agent dispensing box through the
water diversion port, and the other part of the water forms
atomized water droplets under the action of the atomization
generator 4, which are then sprayed onto the clothing. Moreover,
under the action of the atmosphere, if the atomization generator 4
is always turned on, the water in the water delivery channel 31 can
be fully drained to avoid residual water and growth of bacteria. In
this embodiment, the number of water diversion ports may be one or
plural. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the number and
distribution of the water diversion ports in practical
applications, as long as the diversion of water and the
communication with the atmosphere can be realized through the water
diversion ports.
[0054] In another possible situation, the water diversion structure
5 is a water diversion pipe provided on the water delivery channel
31. The water diversion pipe may be directly connected to the drum
1 through a communication structure (such as a pipe) to inject
water into the drum 1, or the drum washing machine has another
component that requires water/accumulates water. Then, the water
diversion pipe is connected with this component through a
communication structure (such as a pipe) to inject water into this
component. For another example, the dispensing device 3 further
includes a clothing treatment agent dispensing box, and an outlet
of the water diversion pipe is arranged above the clothing
treatment agent dispensing box or extends into the clothing
treatment agent dispensing box. When the outlet of the water
diversion pipe is arranged above the clothing treatment agent
dispensing box, an upper part of the clothing treatment agent
dispensing box may have an opening structure, and the outlet of the
water diversion pipe is aligned with the opening structure. When
the outlet of the water diversion pipe extends into the clothing
treatment agent dispensing box, it is only required to provide an
opening on the clothing treatment agent dispensing box for docking
with the outlet of the water diversion pipe. When the water supply
valve 2 is opened, water enters the water delivery channel 31,
flows out of the outlet of the water diversion pipe, then enters
the clothing treatment agent dispensing box for dilution of the
clothing treatment agent, and finally flows into the drum 1. When
the water supply valve 2 is closed, the atomization generator 4 is
opened, and since the water diversion pipe communicates with the
atmosphere, a part of the water in the water delivery channel 31
flows into the clothing treatment agent dispensing box through the
outlet of the water diversion pipe, and the other part of the water
forms atomized water droplets under the action of the atomization
generator 4, which are then sprayed onto the clothing. Moreover,
under the action of the atmosphere, if the atomization generator 4
is always turned on, the water in the water delivery channel 31 can
be fully drained to avoid residual water and growth of bacteria. In
this embodiment, the number of water diversion pipes may be one or
plural. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the number and
distribution of the water diversion pipes in practical
applications, as long as the diversion of water and the
communication with the atmosphere can be realized through the water
diversion pipes.
[0055] Preferably, the position where the water diversion structure
5 is arranged is at a different height from the position where the
outlet of the atomization generator 4 is arranged, that is, when
the water diversion structure 5 communicates with the atmosphere, a
certain liquid level difference can be formed between the water
diversion structure 5 and the outlet of the atomization generator
4, so that the water accumulated in the water delivery channel 31
can be sprayed onto the clothing more easily in the form of
atomized water droplets through the atomization generator 4. Since
the position where the dispensing device 3 is arranged is generally
higher than the position where the drum 1 is arranged in the drum
washing machine, it is more preferable to set the position where
the water diversion structure 5 is arranged to be higher than the
position where the outlet of the atomization generator 4 is
arranged, thereby making full use of the original structure of the
drum washing machine.
[0056] Hitherto, the technical solutions of the present disclosure
have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments
shown in the accompanying drawings, but it is easily understood by
those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the
present disclosure is obviously not limited to these specific
embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present
disclosure, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or
replacements to relevant technical features, and all the technical
solutions after these changes or replacements will fall within the
scope of protection of the present disclosure.
* * * * *