U-shaped pipe anti-overflow structure and washing machine

Abstract

The present invention discloses a U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure and a washing machine, which includes a tube body portion with an open upper end and a closed lower end, wherein the upper end of the tube body forms a water inlet, and the side wall is provided with a water outlet; a first baffle portion, the top height of which is higher than the lower edge height of the water outlet, the bottom end of the first baffle is spaced apart from the bottom of the tube body, and a first water seal chamber and a second water seal chamber are formed on both sides thereof, the first water seal chamber is connected to the water inlet, and the second water seal chamber is connected to the water outlet; a second baffle portion is used to separate the water inlet and the water outlet, and an air vent connected to the water inlet is provided between the first baffle portion and the second baffle portion, and the air vent is located in the second water seal chamber. In the above-mentioned U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure, the water seal can prevent foam from overflowing from the water inlet. At the same time, the air vent can balance the air pressure on both sides of the U-shaped tube when the pressure in the drum is too high, ensuring that the pressure difference on both sides is not too large, so as to ensure smooth water inflow when water is inflowed again.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of washing machines, and in particular to a U-shaped pipe anti-overflow structure and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] Existing drum washing machines typically have a water inlet trough. The hose connecting the water inlet to the outer drum is usually a U-shaped tube, which serves to connect the detergent box to the inner and outer drum assemblies. This U-shaped tube creates a water seal at its base, providing a sealed environment for the inner drum. When the drum washing machine is drying or performing high-temperature washing, hot and humid air is ejected from the drum. The U-shaped tube's water seal prevents moisture and foam from escaping the water inlet trough. However, this solution can easily lead to high internal pressure in the washing machine, making it difficult to refill the water tank. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure and a washing machine that can prevent foam overflow and ensure smooth water inflow.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] A U-shaped pipe overflow prevention structure connected between the outer drum and the water inlet tank of a washing machine, comprising:

[0006] The tube body has an inner cavity with an open upper end and a closed lower end, wherein the upper end of the tube body forms a water inlet and the side wall thereof is provided with a water outlet;

[0007] a first baffle portion, the top of which is higher than the lower edge of the water outlet; a bottom end of the first baffle portion is spaced apart from the bottom of the tube body portion, and a first water seal chamber and a second water seal chamber are formed on both sides thereof, the first water seal chamber being in communication with the water inlet, and the second water seal chamber being in communication with the water outlet;

[0008] The second partition portion is used to separate the water inlet and the water outlet. An air vent connected to the water inlet is provided between the first partition portion and the second partition portion, and the air vent is located in the second water seal chamber; when the liquid level in the second water seal chamber drops below the air vent, the gas inside the washing machine is discharged outward through the air vent.

[0009] Furthermore, the first partition portion is vertically arranged in the tube body portion.

[0010] Furthermore, the second partition portion includes a transverse section connected to the inner wall of the tube body portion above the water outlet, and a vertical section extending vertically downward along the transverse section. The vertical section is spaced apart from the first partition portion, and the air vent is formed between the bottom end of the vertical section and the first partition portion.

[0011] Furthermore, the transverse section is arranged to be inclined downward along the inner wall of the tube body portion above the water outlet.

[0012] Furthermore, one end of the transverse section close to the first partition portion is located above the first water seal chamber, and the bottom end of the transverse section is connected to the vertical section via a bent connecting section.

[0013] Furthermore, the second partition portion is arranged to be tilted downward along the inner wall of the tube body portion above the water outlet, and the air vent is formed between the bottom end of the second partition portion and the first partition portion.

[0014] Furthermore, the top end of the first partition part and the bottom end of the second partition part are connected via a connecting part, and at least one through hole is formed at the bottom end of the connecting part, and the through hole forms the air vent.

[0015] Furthermore, the water outlet is connected to a water outlet pipe for communicating with the outer drum of the washing machine, and the water outlet pipe is provided with a threaded pipe portion.

[0016] Furthermore, the water outlet pipe is arranged to be inclined downward.

[0017] The present invention includes a washing machine including the above-mentioned U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are:

[0019] In the above-mentioned U-tube overflow prevention structure, the water seals in the first water seal chamber and the second water seal chamber can prevent foam from overflowing from the water inlet. At the same time, the air vent can balance the air pressure on both sides of the U-tube when the pressure in the cylinder is too high, ensuring that the pressure difference on both sides is not too large, so as to ensure smooth water inflow when water is filled again; in addition, the tube body of the U-tube overflow prevention structure is an integrated structure, the upper end of which is the water inlet, and the inner cavity is divided into a water inlet channel and a water outlet channel. The structure is simple and reliable, and the volume is smaller, which saves more space.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after reading the detailed description of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a partial enlarged view of the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid level in the second water seal chamber of the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure after it drops in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure in a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure in Example 3 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure in a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure in Example 5 of the present invention;

[0029] Description of reference numerals:

[0030] Tube body 100; water inlet 110; water outlet 120; first water seal chamber A; second water seal chamber B;

[0031] a first partition portion 200;

[0032] Second partition portion 310 / 320 / 330 / 340 / 350; transverse section 311 / 321 / 341 / 351; vertical section 312 / 322 / 342 / 352; bent connecting section 313;

[0033] Connecting portion 400;

[0034] Ventilation port 500;

[0035] Water outlet pipe 600; threaded pipe portion 610. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention in specific circumstances. In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0039] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure of this embodiment is connected between the outer drum and the water inlet of the washing machine. It can balance the water pressure of the water inlet and outlet, ensuring smooth water inflow while preventing foam overflow. In this embodiment, the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure includes a tube body 100, a first baffle portion 200, and a second baffle portion 310.

[0042] The tube body 100 has an inner cavity with an open upper end and a closed lower end. A water inlet 110 is formed at the upper end of the tube body 100 , and a water outlet 120 is opened on the side wall thereof.

[0043] The top height H1 of the first baffle 200 is higher than the bottom edge height H3 of the water outlet 120, that is, H3 < H1. The bottom end of the first baffle is spaced apart from the bottom of the tube body 100, and the two sides form a first water seal chamber A and a second water seal chamber B that are connected at the bottom. The first water seal chamber A is connected to the water inlet 110, and the second water seal chamber B is connected to the water outlet 120. In this embodiment, see Figure 1The water outlet 120 is located on the right side of the tube body 100. The chamber on the left is the first water seal chamber A, and the chamber on the right is the second water seal chamber B. In this embodiment, the first baffle 200 is vertically disposed within the tube body 100. Preferably, the first baffle 200 is disposed along the central axis of the tube body 100, that is, the height to which the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops is equal to the height to which the liquid level in the first water seal chamber A rises.

[0044] The second partition 310 is used to separate the water inlet 110 from the water outlet 120. A vent 500 is provided between the first partition 200 and the second partition 310, communicating with the water inlet 110. The vent 500 is located within the second water seal chamber B. When the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops below the vent 500, gas within the washing machine is discharged through the vent 500. In this embodiment, the top of the second partition 310 is connected to the inner wall of the tubular body 100 above the water outlet 120. The bottom of the second partition 310 is inserted into the second water seal chamber B, spaced apart from the first partition 200. The bottom height H2 of the second partition 310 (the bottom height of the vent 500) is lower than the bottom edge height H3 of the water outlet 120, i.e., H2 < H3. In order to ensure that when the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops below the air vent 500, the liquid level in the first water seal chamber A will not be higher than the top of the first partition portion 200, so that the gas inside the washing machine is discharged outward through the air vent 500, the height difference between H1, H2, and H3 meets the following conditions: the height difference between the top height H1 of the first partition portion 200 and the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 is greater than the height difference between the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 and the bottom end height H2 of the second partition portion 310, that is, ΔH13>ΔH32, that is, (H1-H3)>(H3-H2).

[0045] In summary, the top height H1 of the first baffle portion 200, the bottom height H2 of the second baffle portion 310, and the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 satisfy the following conditions: H1>H3>H2, and ΔH13>ΔH32. In this way, the first water seal chamber A and the second water seal chamber B can form a water seal after water is introduced, which can prevent a small amount of foam and liquid from overflowing from the washing machine; Figure 3 As shown, when the air pressure inside the washing machine is too high, causing the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B on the right to drop, the liquid level in the first water seal chamber A on the left to rise under the action of the U-shaped tube. When the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops, causing the air vent 500 to be exposed to the liquid surface, the gas inside the washing machine can be discharged to the outside through the air vent, which can balance the air pressure in the first water seal chamber A and the second water seal chamber B on both sides, ensuring that the pressure difference on both sides is not too large. When the washing machine is filled with water again, water can be filled smoothly.

[0046] In the above-mentioned U-tube overflow prevention structure, the water seals in the first water seal chamber A and the second water seal chamber B can prevent foam from overflowing from the water inlet 110. At the same time, the air vent can balance the air pressure on both sides of the U-tube when the pressure in the cylinder is too high, ensuring that the pressure difference on both sides is not too large, so as to ensure smooth water inflow when water is inducted again; in addition, the tube body 100 of the U-tube overflow prevention structure is an integrated structure, the upper end of which is the water inlet 110, and the inner cavity is divided into a water inlet channel and a water outlet channel. The structure is simple and reliable, and the volume is smaller, which saves more space.

[0047] In this embodiment, the second baffle portion 310 includes a transverse section 311 connected to the inner wall of the tubular body 100 above the water outlet 120, a vertical section 312 extending vertically downward along the transverse section 311, and a bent connecting section 313 connecting the transverse section 311 and the vertical section 312. The vertical section 312 is spaced apart from the first baffle portion 200, and a vent 500 is formed between the bottom end of the vertical section 312 and the first baffle portion 200. The transverse section 311 is tilted downward along the inner wall of the tubular body 100 above the water outlet 120. This allows the upper end of the tubular body 100 to be fully open, forming the water inlet 110, allowing water to flow rapidly downward along the inclined transverse section 311. In this embodiment, the end of the transverse section 311 closest to the first baffle portion 200 is located above the first water seal chamber A. The bottom end of the transverse section 311 is connected to the vertical section 312 by the bent connecting section 313. In this embodiment, the bent connecting section 313 is L-shaped. When the washing machine overflows a lot of foam, a small amount of foam may overflow from the vent 500. The bent connecting section 313 can further block the foam overflowing from the vent 500 and prevent the foam from overflowing from the water inlet 110.

[0048] The water outlet 120 is connected to a water outlet pipe 600, which communicates with the outer drum of the washing machine. The water outlet pipe 600 is provided with a threaded tube portion 610. The water outlet pipe 600 is tilted downward to facilitate smooth water flow into the washing machine while also slowing down the entry of foam. The threaded tube portion 610 has a certain degree of elasticity, providing a buffering effect and ensuring the stability of the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure during operation. The water outlet pipe 600 can be integral with the pipe body 100 or connected to the water outlet 120 via a threaded structure.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] See also Figure 4 In this embodiment, the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure includes a tube body portion 100 , a first partition portion 200 and a second partition portion 320 .

[0051] The tube body 100 has an inner cavity with an open upper end and a closed lower end. A water inlet 110 is formed at the upper end of the tube body 100 , and a water outlet 120 is opened on the side wall thereof.

[0052] The top height H1 of the first baffle 200 is higher than the bottom edge height H3 of the water outlet 120, that is, H3 < H1. The bottom end of the first baffle is spaced apart from the bottom of the tube body 100, and the two sides form a first water seal chamber A and a second water seal chamber B that are connected at the bottom. The first water seal chamber A is connected to the water inlet 110, and the second water seal chamber B is connected to the water outlet 120. In this embodiment, see Figure 1 The water outlet 120 is located on the right side of the tube body 100. The chamber on the left is the first water seal chamber A, and the chamber on the right is the second water seal chamber B. In this embodiment, the first baffle 200 is vertically disposed within the tube body 100. Preferably, the first baffle 200 is disposed along the central axis of the tube body 100, that is, the height to which the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops is equal to the height to which the liquid level in the first water seal chamber A rises.

[0053] The second partition 320 separates the water inlet 110 from the water outlet 120. A vent 500 communicating with the water inlet 110 is provided between the first partition 200 and the second partition 320. The vent 500 is located within the second water seal chamber B. When the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops below the vent 500, gas within the washing machine is discharged through the vent 500. In this embodiment, the top of the second partition 320 is connected to the inner wall of the tubular body 100 above the water outlet 120. The bottom of the second partition 320 is inserted into the second water seal chamber B, spaced apart from the first partition 200. The bottom height H2 of the second partition 320 (the bottom height of the vent 500) is lower than the bottom edge height H3 of the water outlet 120, i.e., H2 < H3. In order to ensure that when the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops below the air vent 500, the liquid level in the first water seal chamber A will not be higher than the top of the first partition portion 200, so that the gas inside the washing machine is discharged outward through the air vent 500, the height difference between H1, H2, and H3 meets the following conditions: the height difference between the top height H1 of the first partition portion 200 and the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 is greater than the height difference between the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 and the bottom end height H2 of the second partition portion 320, that is, ΔH13>ΔH32, that is, (H1-H3)>(H3-H2).

[0054] In summary, the top height H1 of the first partition part 200, the bottom height H2 of the second partition part 320, and the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 meet the following conditions: H1>H3>H2, and ΔH13>ΔH32. In this way, the first water seal chamber A and the second water seal chamber B can form a water seal after water is taken in, which can prevent a small amount of foam and liquid from overflowing inside the washing machine; when the air pressure inside the washing machine is too high, causing the liquid level of the second water seal chamber B on the right to drop, under the action of the U-shaped tube, the liquid level of the first water seal chamber A on the left rises, and when the liquid level of the second water seal chamber B drops and the air vent is exposed to the liquid surface, the gas inside the washing machine can be discharged outward through the air vent, which can balance the air pressure of the first water seal chamber A and the second water seal chamber B on both sides, ensuring that the pressure difference on both sides is not too large, and when the washing machine is filled with water again, water can be taken in smoothly.

[0055] In this embodiment, see Figure 7 The second baffle portion 320 includes a transverse section 321 connected to the inner wall of the tube body 100 above the water outlet 120, and a vertical section 322 extending vertically downward along the transverse section 321. The vertical section 322 is spaced apart from the first baffle portion 200, and a vent 500 is formed between the bottom end of the vertical section 322 and the first baffle portion 200. The transverse section 321 is arranged downwardly and tilted along the inner wall of the tube body 100 above the water outlet 120. This allows the upper end of the tube body 100 to be completely open to form the water inlet 110, allowing water to flow rapidly downward along the tilted transverse section 321.

[0056] The water outlet 120 is connected to a water outlet pipe 600, which communicates with the outer drum of the washing machine. The water outlet pipe 600 is provided with a threaded tube portion 610. The water outlet pipe 600 is tilted downward to facilitate smooth water flow into the washing machine while also slowing down the entry of foam. The threaded tube portion 610 has a certain degree of elasticity, providing a buffering effect and ensuring the stability of the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure during operation. The water outlet pipe 600 can be integral with the pipe body 100 or connected to the water outlet 120 via a threaded structure.

[0057] Example 3

[0058] See also Figure 5 In this embodiment, the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure includes a tube body portion 100 , a first partition portion 200 and a second partition portion 330 .

[0059] The tube body 100 has an inner cavity with an open upper end and a closed lower end. A water inlet 110 is formed at the upper end of the tube body 100 , and a water outlet 120 is opened on the side wall thereof.

[0060] The top height H1 of the first baffle 200 is higher than the bottom edge height H3 of the water outlet 120, that is, H3 < H1. The bottom end of the first baffle is spaced apart from the bottom of the tube body 100, and the two sides form a first water seal chamber A and a second water seal chamber B that are connected at the bottom. The first water seal chamber A is connected to the water inlet 110, and the second water seal chamber B is connected to the water outlet 120. In this embodiment, see Figure 1 The water outlet 120 is located on the right side of the tube body 100. The chamber on the left is the first water seal chamber A, and the chamber on the right is the second water seal chamber B. In this embodiment, the first baffle 200 is vertically disposed within the tube body 100. Preferably, the first baffle 200 is disposed along the central axis of the tube body 100, that is, the height to which the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops is equal to the height to which the liquid level in the first water seal chamber A rises.

[0061] The second partition 330 separates the water inlet 110 from the water outlet 120. A vent 500 communicating with the water inlet 110 is provided between the first partition 200 and the second partition 330. The vent 500 is located within the second water seal chamber B. When the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops below the vent 500, gas within the washing machine is discharged through the vent 500. In this embodiment, the top of the second partition 330 is connected to the inner wall of the tubular body 100 above the water outlet 120. The bottom of the second partition 330 is inserted into the second water seal chamber B, spaced apart from the first partition 200. The bottom height H2 of the second partition 330 (the bottom height of the vent 500) is lower than the bottom edge height H3 of the water outlet 120, i.e., H2 < H3. In order to ensure that when the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops below the air vent 500, the liquid level in the first water seal chamber A will not be higher than the top of the first partition portion 200, so that the gas inside the washing machine is discharged outward through the air vent 500, the height difference between H1, H2, and H3 meets the following conditions: the height difference between the top height H1 of the first partition portion 200 and the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 is greater than the height difference between the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 and the bottom end height H2 of the second partition portion 330, that is, ΔH13>ΔH32, that is, (H1-H3)>(H3-H2).

[0062] In summary, the top height H1 of the first partition part 200, the bottom height H2 of the second partition part 330, and the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 meet the following conditions: H1>H3>H2, and ΔH13>ΔH32. In this way, the first water seal chamber A and the second water seal chamber B can form a water seal after water is taken in, which can prevent a small amount of foam and liquid from overflowing inside the washing machine; when the air pressure inside the washing machine is too high, causing the liquid level of the second water seal chamber B on the right to drop, under the action of the U-shaped tube, the liquid level of the first water seal chamber A on the left rises, and when the liquid level of the second water seal chamber B drops and the air vent is exposed to the liquid surface, the gas inside the washing machine can be discharged outward through the air vent, which can balance the air pressure of the first water seal chamber A and the second water seal chamber B on both sides, ensuring that the pressure difference on both sides is not too large, and when the washing machine is filled with water again, water can be taken in smoothly.

[0063] In this embodiment, see Figure 4 The second baffle portion 330 is arranged downwardly along the inner wall of the tube body portion 100 above the water outlet 120, and a vent 500 is formed between the bottom end of the second baffle portion 330 and the first baffle portion 200. The upper end of the tube body portion 100 is completely open to form the water inlet 110, allowing water to flow rapidly downward along the downwardly inclined second baffle portion 330.

[0064] The water outlet 120 is connected to a water outlet pipe 600, which communicates with the outer drum of the washing machine. The water outlet pipe 600 is provided with a threaded tube portion 610. The water outlet pipe 600 is tilted downward to facilitate smooth water flow into the washing machine while also slowing down the entry of foam. The threaded tube portion 610 has a certain degree of elasticity, providing a buffering effect and ensuring the stability of the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure during operation. The water outlet pipe 600 can be integral with the pipe body 100 or connected to the water outlet 120 via a threaded structure.

[0065] Example 4

[0066] See also Figure 6 In this embodiment, the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure includes a tube body portion 100 , a first baffle portion 200 , a second baffle portion 340 , and a connecting portion 400 connecting the first baffle portion 200 and the second baffle portion 340 .

[0067] The tube body 100 has an inner cavity with an open upper end and a closed lower end. A water inlet 110 is formed at the upper end of the tube body 100 , and a water outlet 120 is opened on the side wall thereof.

[0068] The top height H1 of the first baffle 200 is higher than the bottom edge height H3 of the water outlet 120, that is, H3 < H1. The bottom end of the first baffle is spaced apart from the bottom of the tube body 100, and the two sides form a first water seal chamber A and a second water seal chamber B that are connected at the bottom. The first water seal chamber A is connected to the water inlet 110, and the second water seal chamber B is connected to the water outlet 120. In this embodiment, see Figure 1 The water outlet 120 is located on the right side of the tube body 100. The chamber on the left is the first water seal chamber A, and the chamber on the right is the second water seal chamber B. In this embodiment, the first baffle 200 is vertically disposed within the tube body 100. Preferably, the first baffle 200 is disposed along the central axis of the tube body 100, that is, the height to which the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops is equal to the height to which the liquid level in the first water seal chamber A rises.

[0069] The second baffle portion 340 is used to separate the water inlet 110 from the water outlet 120. The top of the first baffle portion 200 is connected to the bottom of the second baffle portion 340 via a connecting portion 400. The bottom of the connecting portion 400 has at least one through-hole formed into a vent 500. The vent 500 is located within the second water seal chamber B. When the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops below the vent 500, air inside the washing machine is discharged through the vent 500. In this embodiment, the top of the second baffle portion 340 is connected to the inner wall of the tubular portion 100 above the water outlet 120. The bottom of the second baffle portion 340 is inserted into the second water seal chamber B, spaced apart from the first baffle portion 200. The bottom height H2 of the second baffle portion 340 (the bottom height of the vent 500) is lower than the bottom edge height H3 of the water outlet 120, i.e., H2 < H3. In order to ensure that when the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops below the air vent 500, the liquid level in the first water seal chamber A will not be higher than the top of the first partition portion 200, so that the gas inside the washing machine is discharged outward through the air vent 500, the height difference between H1, H2, and H3 meets the following conditions: the height difference between the top height H1 of the first partition portion 200 and the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 is greater than the height difference between the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 and the bottom end height H2 of the second partition portion 340, that is, ΔH13>ΔH32, that is, (H1-H3)>(H3-H2).

[0070] In summary, the top height H1 of the first partition part 200, the bottom height H2 of the second partition part 340, and the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 meet the following conditions: H1>H3>H2, and ΔH13>ΔH32. In this way, the first water seal chamber A and the second water seal chamber B can form a water seal after water is taken in, which can prevent a small amount of foam and liquid from overflowing inside the washing machine; when the air pressure inside the washing machine is too high, causing the liquid level of the second water seal chamber B on the right to drop, under the action of the U-shaped tube, the liquid level of the first water seal chamber A on the left rises, and when the liquid level of the second water seal chamber B drops and the air vent is exposed to the liquid surface, the gas inside the washing machine can be discharged outward through the air vent, which can balance the air pressure of the first water seal chamber A and the second water seal chamber B on both sides, ensuring that the pressure difference on both sides is not too large, and when the washing machine is filled with water again, water can be taken in smoothly.

[0071] In this embodiment, see Figure 6The second baffle portion 340 includes a transverse section 341 connected to the inner wall of the tube body 100 above the water outlet 120, and a vertical section 342 extending vertically downward along the transverse section 341. The vertical section 342 is spaced apart from the first baffle portion 200, and the bottom end of the vertical section 342 is connected to the connecting portion 400. The transverse section 341 is arranged to be inclined downward along the inner wall of the tube body 100 above the water outlet 120. This allows the upper end of the tube body 100 to be fully open to form the water inlet 110, allowing water to flow rapidly downward along the inclined transverse section 341.

[0072] The water outlet 120 is connected to a water outlet pipe 600, which communicates with the outer drum of the washing machine. The water outlet pipe 600 is provided with a threaded tube portion 610. The water outlet pipe 600 is tilted downward to facilitate smooth water flow into the washing machine while also slowing down the entry of foam. The threaded tube portion 610 has a certain degree of elasticity, providing a buffering effect and ensuring the stability of the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure during operation. The water outlet pipe 600 can be integral with the pipe body 100 or connected to the water outlet 120 via a threaded structure.

[0073] Example 5

[0074] See also Figure 7 In this embodiment, the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure includes a tube body portion 100 , a first partition portion 200 and a second partition portion 350 .

[0075] The tube body 100 has an inner cavity with an open upper end and a closed lower end. A water inlet 110 is formed at the upper end of the tube body 100 , and a water outlet 120 is opened on the side wall thereof.

[0076] The top height H1 of the first baffle 200 is higher than the bottom edge height H3 of the water outlet 120, that is, H3 < H1. The bottom end of the first baffle is spaced apart from the bottom of the tube body 100, and the two sides form a first water seal chamber A and a second water seal chamber B that are connected at the bottom. The first water seal chamber A is connected to the water inlet 110, and the second water seal chamber B is connected to the water outlet 120. In this embodiment, see Figure 1 The water outlet 120 is located on the right side of the tube body 100. The chamber on the left is the first water seal chamber A, and the chamber on the right is the second water seal chamber B. In this embodiment, the first baffle 200 is vertically disposed within the tube body 100. Preferably, the first baffle 200 is disposed along the central axis of the tube body 100, that is, the height to which the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops is equal to the height to which the liquid level in the first water seal chamber A rises.

[0077] The second partition 350 separates the water inlet 110 from the water outlet 120. A vent 500 communicating with the water inlet 110 is provided between the first partition 200 and the second partition 350. The vent 500 is located within the second water seal chamber B. When the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops below the vent 500, gas within the washing machine is discharged through the vent 500. In this embodiment, the top of the second partition 350 is connected to the inner wall of the tubular body 100 above the water outlet 120. The bottom of the second partition 350 is inserted into the second water seal chamber B, spaced apart from the first partition 200. The bottom height H2 of the second partition 350 (the bottom height of the vent 500) is lower than the bottom edge height H3 of the water outlet 120, i.e., H2 < H3. In order to ensure that when the liquid level in the second water seal chamber B drops below the air vent 500, the liquid level in the first water seal chamber A will not be higher than the top of the first partition portion 200, so that the gas inside the washing machine is discharged outward through the air vent 500, the height difference between H1, H2, and H3 meets the following conditions: the height difference between the top height H1 of the first partition portion 200 and the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 is greater than the height difference between the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 and the bottom end height H2 of the second partition portion 350, that is, ΔH13>ΔH32, that is, (H1-H3)>(H3-H2).

[0078] In summary, the top height H1 of the first partition part 200, the bottom height H2 of the second partition part 350, and the lower edge height H3 of the water outlet 120 meet the following conditions: H1>H3>H2, and ΔH13>ΔH32. In this way, the first water seal chamber A and the second water seal chamber B can form a water seal after water is taken in, which can prevent a small amount of foam and liquid from overflowing inside the washing machine; when the air pressure inside the washing machine is too high, causing the liquid level of the second water seal chamber B on the right to drop, under the action of the U-shaped tube, the liquid level of the first water seal chamber A on the left rises, and when the liquid level of the second water seal chamber B drops and the air vent is exposed to the liquid surface, the gas inside the washing machine can be discharged outward through the air vent, which can balance the air pressure of the first water seal chamber A and the second water seal chamber B on both sides, ensuring that the pressure difference on both sides is not too large, and when the washing machine is filled with water again, water can be taken in smoothly.

[0079] In this embodiment, see Figure 7 The second baffle portion 350 includes a transverse section 351 connected to the inner wall of the tube body 100 above the water outlet 120, and a vertical section 352 extending vertically downward along the transverse section 351. The vertical section 352 is spaced apart from the first baffle portion 200, and a vent 500 is formed between the bottom end of the vertical section 352 and the first baffle portion 200. The transverse section 351 is arranged horizontally, with one end connected to the upper edge of the tube body 100. In this way, only the left portion of the upper end of the tube body 100 forms the water inlet 110. However, since the water inlet 110 is relatively small, it may reduce the water inlet speed. Therefore, this embodiment is only an optional embodiment.

[0080] The water outlet 120 is connected to a water outlet pipe 600, which communicates with the outer drum of the washing machine. The water outlet pipe 600 is provided with a threaded tube portion 610. The water outlet pipe 600 is tilted downward to facilitate smooth water flow into the washing machine while also slowing down the entry of foam. The threaded tube portion 610 has a certain degree of elasticity, providing a buffering effect and ensuring the stability of the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure during operation. The water outlet pipe 600 can be integral with the pipe body 100 or connected to the water outlet 120 via a threaded structure.

[0081] The present invention also includes a washing machine having a water inlet trough connected to an outer tub via the aforementioned U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure, wherein the water inlet of the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure is connected to the water outlet of the water inlet trough, and the water outlet of the U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure is connected to the outer tub.

[0082] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0083] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure connected between the outer drum and the water inlet tank of a washing machine, characterized in that: include: The tube body has an inner cavity with an open upper end and a closed lower end, wherein the upper end of the tube body forms a water inlet and the side wall thereof is provided with a water outlet; a first baffle portion, the top of which is higher than the lower edge of the water outlet; a bottom end of the first baffle portion is spaced apart from the bottom of the tube body portion, and a first water seal chamber and a second water seal chamber are formed on both sides thereof, the first water seal chamber being in communication with the water inlet, and the second water seal chamber being in communication with the water outlet; The second partition portion is used to separate the water inlet and the water outlet. An air vent connected to the water inlet is provided between the first partition portion and the second partition portion, and the air vent is located in the second water seal chamber; when the liquid level in the second water seal chamber drops below the air vent, the gas inside the washing machine is discharged outward through the air vent.

2. The U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first partition portion is vertically arranged in the tube body portion.

3. The U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second partition portion includes a transverse section connected to the inner wall of the tube body portion above the water outlet and a vertical section extending vertically downward along the transverse section. The vertical section is spaced apart from the first partition portion, and the air vent is formed between the bottom end of the vertical section and the first partition portion.

4. The U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transverse section is arranged to be inclined downward along the inner wall of the tube body portion above the water outlet.

5. The U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: One end of the transverse section close to the first partition portion is located above the first water seal chamber, and the bottom end of the transverse section is connected to the vertical section via a bent connecting section.

6. The U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second partition portion is arranged to tilt downward along the inner wall of the tube body portion above the water outlet, and the air vent is formed between the bottom end of the second partition portion and the first partition portion.

7. The U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top end of the first partition part and the bottom end of the second partition part are connected via a connecting part. The bottom end of the connecting part is provided with at least one through hole, and the through hole forms the air vent.

8. The U-shaped tube anti-overflow structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The water outlet is connected to a water outlet pipe for communicating with the outer drum of the washing machine, and a threaded pipe portion is provided on the water outlet pipe.

9. The U-shaped tube overflow prevention structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The water outlet pipe is arranged to be inclined downward.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that: It comprises the U-tube anti-overflow structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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