Household electrical appliances

Abstract

The present invention provides a household electrical appliance comprising: a washing tank; a water storage device connected to the washing tank via a dehydration path for temporarily storing washing water; and a suction unit connected to the water storage device via an exhaust path for sucking washing water in the washing tank into the water storage device. The water storage device comprises: a water inlet opening into the water storage device, through which washing water in the washing tank can be introduced into the water storage device from the water inlet via the dehydration path; an exhaust port opening into the water storage device, the suction unit connected to the exhaust port via the exhaust path; and a drain port opening into the water storage device for draining washing water in the water storage device. A defoaming unit is provided in the water storage device near the exhaust port, the defoaming unit being configured to eliminate foam and prevent it from entering the exhaust port. Thus, a household electrical appliance can be provided that reliably prevents foam from entering the suction unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to household electrical appliances such as pulsator-type, agitator-type, drum-type washing machines, washing and drying machines, dehydrators, dishwashers and the like. Background Art

[0002] Household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers are typically equipped with a gas-liquid separation device (water storage device). Currently, these devices on the market primarily feature a water inlet, an exhaust port, and a drain port. During gas-liquid separation, wash water and air enter through the upper water inlet. The air then enters the air pump, which acts as the suction unit, through the upper exhaust port. Wash water then flows out through the lower drain port, separating the wash water and gas.

[0003] Washing machines, dishwashers, and other household appliances commonly use detergents. This can create a large amount of foam within the gas-liquid separator (water storage device). If this foam is drawn into the exhaust port and then into the air pump, the pump's suction unit, it could compromise the pump's safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned current situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a household electric appliance that can reliably prevent foam from entering a suction portion.

[0006] Solutions for solving problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the first technical solution of the present invention provides a household appliance device, which comprises: a washing treatment tank, which is used to store laundry and washing water; a water storage device, which is connected to the washing treatment tank via a dehydration path and is used to temporarily store washing water; and a suction unit, which is connected to the water storage device via an exhaust path and is used to draw the washing water in the washing treatment tank into the water storage device, the water storage device comprising: a water inlet, which is open to the water storage device, and the washing water in the washing treatment tank can be introduced from the water inlet into the water storage device via the dehydration path; an exhaust port, which is open to the water storage device, the suction unit is connected to the exhaust port via the exhaust port; and a drain port, which is open to the water storage device and is used to discharge the washing water in the water storage device, and a defoaming unit is provided in the water storage device near the exhaust port, and the defoaming unit is used to eliminate foam and prevent foam from entering the exhaust port.

[0008] According to the first technical solution, even if the foam floats to the vicinity of the exhaust port under the action of the negative pressure of the suction part, the defoaming part can be used to eliminate the foam and prevent the foam from entering the exhaust port, thereby reliably preventing the foam from entering the suction part, thereby ensuring the reliable and safe operation of the air pump serving as the suction part.

[0009] According to a second technical solution, in the household electric appliance according to the first technical solution, the defoaming portion is formed of one or more protrusions, slits, or holes.

[0010] According to the second aspect, the defoaming portion can be easily formed.

[0011] The third technical solution is that, based on the household appliance device of the second technical solution, the defoaming portion has multiple raised portions, and the interval between adjacent raised portions is less than 1 mm; or the width of the slit is less than 1 mm; or the aperture of the hole is less than 1 mm.

[0012] According to the third technical solution, bubbles with a diameter greater than 1 mm can be effectively prevented from entering the exhaust port. On the other hand, the diameter of bubbles floating in the air is usually greater than 1 mm, so most of the bubbles can be effectively prevented from entering the exhaust port.

[0013] The fourth technical solution is that, based on the household appliance device of any one of the first to third technical solutions, one or more auxiliary exhaust ports facing downward and open to the water storage device are provided on the top of the water storage device, and the exhaust port is open to the water storage device via the auxiliary exhaust port.

[0014] According to the fourth aspect, the foam entering from the auxiliary exhaust port can be moved upward and collide with the top of the water storage device, thereby eliminating the foam before entering the exhaust port.

[0015] According to a fifth technical solution, in the household electric appliance according to the fourth technical solution, the defoaming portion is provided between the auxiliary exhaust port and the exhaust port.

[0016] According to the fifth technical solution, the foam can be eliminated more effectively before entering the exhaust port, thereby preventing the foam from entering the exhaust port.

[0017] The sixth technical solution is that, based on the household appliance device of any one of the first to third technical solutions, the water inlet opens upward in the water storage device, and the upper end surface of the water inlet is formed as an inclined surface that tilts downward toward the inner side of the water storage device.

[0018] According to the sixth technical solution, the water inlet can be easily formed in the water storage device, which is also beneficial for introducing washing water into the water storage device.

[0019] The seventh technical solution is that, based on the household appliance device of any one of the first to third technical solutions, the drain outlet is arranged close to the bottom wall of the water storage device, and the inner surface of the bottom wall of the water storage device is formed by one or more inclined surfaces that tilt downward toward the drain outlet.

[0020] According to the seventh technical solution, it is beneficial to guide the washing water and / or foam in the water storage device to the drain outlet, thereby avoiding residual washing water and / or foam in the water storage device.

[0021] An eighth technical solution is the household electrical appliance device according to any one of the first to third technical solutions, wherein the height of the exhaust port is higher than the height of the water inlet.

[0022] According to the eighth technical solution, the washing water and / or foam introduced from the water inlet can be effectively prevented from entering the exhaust port, thereby ensuring the reliable and safe operation of the suction part.

[0023] The 9th technical solution is that, based on the household appliance device of any one of the 1st to 3rd technical solutions, the water storage device also has a liquid level detection device, which is used to detect the liquid level height of the washing water and / or foam in the washing water in the water storage device.

[0024] According to the ninth technical solution, a liquid level detection device is used to detect the liquid level of the washing water and / or foam in the water storage device, so as to avoid the washing water and / or foam from entering the exhaust port due to the excessively high liquid level, thereby ensuring the reliable and safe operation of the suction part.

[0025] According to a tenth technical solution, based on the household electrical appliance of the ninth technical solution, the detection electrode of the liquid level detection device for detecting the maximum allowable liquid level is provided close to the exhaust port and is provided below the exhaust port.

[0026] According to the tenth technical solution, the liquid level detection device can be used to more accurately detect the liquid level of the washing water and / or foam near the exhaust port, thereby effectively preventing the washing water and / or foam from entering the exhaust port.

[0027] The 11th technical solution is that, on the basis of the household appliance device of any one of the 1st to 3rd technical solutions, a baffle is provided between the water inlet and the exhaust port in the water storage device, and the baffle is used to prevent the washing water and / or foam in the washing water introduced from the water inlet into the water storage device from entering the exhaust port.

[0028] According to the eleventh technical solution, the washing water and / or foam introduced into the water storage device from the water inlet can be effectively prevented from entering the exhaust port.

[0029] The 12th technical solution is that, based on the household appliance device of any one of the 1st to 3rd technical solutions, the household appliance device is a clothing processing device, and the clothing processing device comprises: a clothing processing tank, which is the washing processing tank and is in the shape of a bottomed cylinder; a clothing processing tank seal, which is used to seal the clothing processing tank; and an air pump, which is the suction part.

[0030] According to the twelfth technical solution, by applying the above-mentioned structure to a clothes processing device, the above-mentioned advantageous effects can be more significantly achieved.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, a household electrical appliance capable of reliably preventing foam from entering a suction portion can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0034] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a washing machine of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the water storage device of the washing machine of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a top view of the water storage device.

[0037] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the water storage device.

[0038] Figure 5 It is a top perspective view of the water storage container of the water storage device.

[0039] Figure 6 It is a top view of the spray device of the water storage device.

[0040] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the back structure of the sprinkler device of the water storage device.

[0041] Figure 8 Schematic diagram showing the water flow in the sprinkler device of the water storage device.

[0042] Figure 9 is another schematic diagram showing the water flow in the sprinkler device of the water storage device.

[0043] Figure 10 Schematic diagram showing the defoaming and drainage process of the water storage device.

[0044] Figure 11 It is a top view of another spray device of the water storage device.

[0045] Figure 12 It is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the periphery of the exhaust port of the water storage device.

[0046] Figure 13 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the detection electrode of the liquid level detection device of the water storage device.

[0047] Figure 14 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the water storage device along line AA in FIG.

[0048] Figure 15 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the water storage device along line BB in FIG.

[0049] Figure 16 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the water storage device along the CC line in FIG.

[0050] Description of Reference Numerals

[0051] 1: Clothes treatment tank (washing tank); 11: Clothes (laundry); 12: Washing water; 13: Foam; 14: Clothes treatment tank seal; 15: Machine door; 16: Dehydration port; 17: Washing water inlet valve; 18: Air valve; 2: Air pump (suction unit); 3: Dehydration path; 31: Container-side dehydration path portion (at least a portion of the dehydration path); 32: Water inlet; 321: Upper end surface of the water inlet; 33: Dehydration path connection portion; 4: Water storage device; 44: First cover; 45: Second cover; 47: Drain port; 48: Drain path; 49: Drain valve; 5: Exhaust path; 51: Container-side exhaust path portion (at least a portion of the exhaust path) 52: Exhaust port; 53: Defoaming portion; 54: Auxiliary exhaust port; 541: First auxiliary exhaust port; 542: Second auxiliary exhaust port; 55: Exhaust path connection portion; 6: Baffle; 61: First baffle; 62: Second baffle; 7: Liquid level detection device; 71: First detection electrode; 711: Flat plate; 712: Electrode column; 72: Second detection electrode (detection electrode for detecting the maximum allowable liquid level); 8: Water storage container; 81: Side wall; 811: Front wall; 812: Rear wall; 813: Left wall; 814: Right wall; 815: Sealing groove; 82: Bottom wall; 820: Inner surface of the bottom wall; 821: First bottom wall; 82 11: Inner surface of the first bottom wall; 8212: Outer surface of the first bottom wall; 8213: Support rib; 822: Second bottom wall; 8221: Inner surface of the second bottom wall; 823: Step portion; 824: Guide groove; 831: First detection electrode mounting portion; 832: Second detection electrode mounting portion; 86: Container side fixing portion; 9: Spraying device; 90: Spraying plate; 91: Spraying water inlet; 92: Water distribution structure; 921: First water distribution branch; 922: Second water distribution branch; 923: Third water distribution branch; 924: Fourth water distribution branch; 925: Fifth water distribution branch; 93: Water outlet structure; 930: Spray hole; 9301: Annular peripheral wall ;931: First water outlet structure; 932: Second water outlet structure; 933: Side wall water flow forming port; 94: Ribs; 940: Annular ribs; 941: First ribs; 9411: First left and right rib portions; 9412: First front and rear rib portions; 942: Second ribs; 9421: Second left and right rib portions; 9422: Second front and rear rib portions; 943: Partitioning ribs; 95: Protrusions; 951: First protrusions; 952: Second protrusions; 96: Spray plate side fixing portion; 97: Positioning ribs; 98: Exhaust port forming portion; 981: First isolation strip portion; 982: Second isolation strip portion; 983: Annular wall portion; 99: Spray water inlet valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Next, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] As an example of a household electrical appliance to which the present invention can be applied, Figure 1 A washing machine capable of washing, rinsing, and spinning clothes is shown. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is applicable to a variety of clothing processing devices, including pulsator-type, agitator-type, and drum-type washing machines, washing and drying machines, and spin dryers. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to other household appliances, such as dishwashers. In other words, any household appliance with a water storage device is applicable to the present invention.

[0054] 1. Overall structure

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the washing machine comprises: a clothes treatment tank 1 for storing clothes 11 and washing water 12; a water storage device 4, which is connected to the clothes treatment tank 1 via a dehydration path 3 and is used to temporarily store the washing water 12; and an air pump 2, which is connected to the water storage device 4 via an exhaust path 5 and is used to draw the washing water 12 in the clothes treatment tank 1 into the water storage device 4. In addition, the washing machine also includes a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the washing machine. In addition, although not shown, the clothes treatment tank 1, the air pump 2 and the water storage device 4 are all arranged in a shell constituting the outer frame of the washing machine. Among them, the above-mentioned clothes treatment tank 1 is a specific example of a washing treatment tank, the above-mentioned clothes 11 are a specific example of a laundry object, and the above-mentioned air pump 2 is a specific example of a suction unit.

[0056] The laundry treatment tub 1 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open top, such as a bottomed circular cylinder, a bottomed square cylinder, or a bottomed polygonal cylinder. In other words, in the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "cylindrical" is not limited to a circular cylinder but also includes a square cylinder, a polygonal cylinder, etc. During use, the laundry treatment tub 1 is rotated by a motor (not shown), thereby washing and rinsing the laundry 11 in the laundry treatment tub 1.

[0057] A door 15 is installed at the upper end of the clothes treatment tank 1. The door 15 can rotate with one end as the base point to open and close the upper end opening of the clothes treatment tank 1, so that the user can put clothes 11 to be washed into the clothes treatment tank 1 or take out washed clothes 11 from the clothes treatment tank 1.

[0058] A laundry tub seal 14 is attached to the surface of the door 15 on the side facing the laundry tub 1. This seal 14 is roughly circular, similar in shape to the door 15, or is formed from a roughly circular plate with its center recessed toward the bottom of the laundry tub 1. It is made of a material such as an elastically deformable resin. When the door 15 is closed, the outer periphery of the seal 14 is airtightly held between the door 15 and the upper opening of the laundry tub 1, thereby creating a sealed space within the laundry tub 1. Furthermore, the side of the seal 14 opposite the laundry tub 1 is connected to the atmosphere via a slit or opening in the door 15.

[0059] The laundry tub 1 is also connected to a pipeline equipped with a wash water inlet valve 17, whose opening and closing is controlled by a control unit. This pipeline is connected to a household tap, etc. When the wash water inlet valve 17 is opened, water is supplied to the laundry tub 1. Furthermore, the laundry tub 1 is also connected to a pipeline equipped with an air valve 18, whose opening and closing is controlled by a control unit. This pipeline is connected to the atmosphere. When the air valve 18 is opened, air is added to the laundry tub 1, increasing the air pressure within the laundry tub 1. A dehydration port 16 is also provided at the bottom of the laundry tub 1 and is connected to the dehydration path 3. The wash water 12 in the laundry tub 1 and / or the foam 13 therein is injected into the water storage device 4 via the dehydration port 16 and the dehydration path 3.

[0060] The air pump 2 is a negative pressure pump with a negative pressure suction function, and is used to vacuum the clothes processing tank 1 during the dehydration process.

[0061] In addition, the water storage device 4 is located between the clothing treatment tank 1 and the air pump 2, and has: a water inlet 32, which is open to the water storage device 4, and the washing water 12 in the clothing treatment tank 1 can be introduced from the water inlet 32 ​​into the water storage device 4 via the dehydration path 3; an exhaust port 52, which is open to the water storage device 4, and the air pump 2 is connected to the exhaust port 52 via the exhaust path 5; and a drain port 47, which is open to the water storage device 4 and is used to discharge the washing water 12 in the water storage device 4.

[0062] Specifically, the water inlet 32 ​​is located at the top of the water storage device 4 and communicates with the laundry treatment tub 1 via the dehydration port 16 at the bottom of the laundry treatment tub 1 and the dehydration path 3. The exhaust port 52 is located at the top of the water storage device 4 and communicates with the air pump 2 via the exhaust path 5. The drain port 47 is located at the bottom of the water storage device 4 and communicates with the drain valve 49 via the drain path 48. Within the water storage device 4, air enters through the water inlet 32 ​​and is discharged through the exhaust port 52 and the exhaust path 5. Wash water 12 and / or foam 13 in the wash water 12 enter through the water inlet 32 ​​and accumulate in the bottom of the water storage device 4 due to gravity, thereby achieving gas-liquid separation. The wash water 12 and / or foam 13 accumulated in the water storage device 4 can ultimately be discharged to the outside of the washing machine via the drain port 47, the drain path 48, and the drain valve 49.

[0063] The water storage device 4 also includes a liquid level detection device 7 for detecting the liquid level of the wash water 12 and / or foam 13 within the water storage device 4. When only wash water 12 is present in the water storage device 4, the "liquid level" refers to the height of the wash water surface. When both wash water 12 and foam 13 are present in the water storage device 4, with the foam 13 floating on the surface of the wash water 12, the liquid level refers to the height of the foam 13 surface. The liquid level detection device 7 includes a first detection electrode 71 and a second detection electrode 72 mounted on the side wall 81 of the water storage device 4. The first detection electrode 71 is mounted near the bottom of the side wall 81 of the water storage device 4, and the second detection electrode 72 is mounted above the side wall 81 of the water storage device 4. When the liquid level within the water storage device 4 reaches the mounting position of the second detection electrode 72, the wash water 12 and / or foam 13 establish electrical conduction between the first and second detection electrodes 71 and 72. Therefore, the control unit can determine whether the liquid level in the water storage device 4 has reached the maximum allowable liquid level by detecting whether there is electrical continuity between the first detection electrode 71 and the second detection electrode 72. In other words, the installation position of the second detection electrode 72 corresponds to the maximum allowable liquid level, and the second detection electrode 72 serves as a detection electrode for detecting the maximum allowable liquid level.

[0064] The water storage device 4 also includes a spray device 9, which is located at an upper position within the water storage device 4 and is used to spray water into the water storage device 4 to remove foam 13 within the water storage device 4. A spray water inlet 91 of the spray device 9 is connected to a pipeline equipped with a spray water inlet valve 99, which is controlled by a control unit. The pipeline is connected to a household tap, etc. When the spray water inlet valve 99 is opened, water is supplied to the spray device 9.

[0065] The following describes the dehydration process of a washing machine with the above-described structure. After the washing and rinsing cycles are completed and the dehydration process begins, the control unit controls the wash water inlet valve 17, air valve 18, drain valve 49, and shower water inlet valve 99 to close. The control unit then controls the air pump 2 to start operating and perform a suction operation. At this point, the clothes treatment tub 1 and water storage device 4 are connected via the dehydration path 3, forming a sealed space.

[0066] As the air pump 2 continues to operate, air within the laundry tub 1 and water storage device 4 is continuously drawn out through the exhaust port 52, causing the pressure within the laundry tub 1 and water storage device 4 to become negative. At this point, the atmospheric pressure on the outer surface of the laundry tub seal 14 is greater than the pressure within the laundry tub 1 on the inner surface. Under the influence of this pressure differential, the laundry tub seal 14 elastically deforms along the sidewalls of the tub 1 toward the bottom wall of the tub 1, thereby squeezing the laundry 11 within the tub 1 toward the bottom wall and squeezing out the wash water 12.

[0067] Under negative pressure, wash water 12, along with the air within the laundry tub 1, enters the dehydration path 3 through the dehydration port 16 at the bottom of the laundry tub 1 and flows into the water storage device 4 through the water inlet 32. Furthermore, the wash water 12 within the laundry tub 1 may contain a certain amount of foam. Furthermore, if detergent remains in the wash water 12, the mixing of the detergent-laden wash water and air may further generate some foam when the mixture enters the water storage device 4. This foam, along with the foam drawn from the laundry tub 1 (collectively referred to as "foam 13"), floats above the accumulated wash water 12 within the water storage device 4.

[0068] During this process, the control unit monitors the continuity between the first detection electrode 71 and the second detection electrode 72 in real time. If the wash water 12 and / or foam 13 in the water storage device 4 has not reached the maximum allowable liquid level, there is no conduction between the first detection electrode 71 and the second detection electrode 72, and the air pump 2 continues to operate. As the level of the wash water 12 and / or foam 13 in the water storage device 4 continues to rise, when the control unit detects conduction between the first detection electrode 71 and the second detection electrode 72, it determines that the wash water 12 and / or foam 13 in the water storage device 4 has reached the maximum allowable liquid level. At this point, the control unit stops the air pump 2 and begins draining the water from the water storage device 4.

[0069] When draining begins, the control unit closes the air pump 2, wash water inlet valve 17, and shower water inlet valve 99, and opens the air valve 18 and drain valve 49. Wash water 12 and / or foam 13 within the water storage device 4 then flows out of the washing machine via the drain path 48 and drain valve 49. Simultaneously, air is replenished into the water storage device 4 through the open air valve 18, via the laundry tub 1 and the spin path 3, regulating the air pressure balance within the water storage device 4 and allowing the wash water 12 and / or foam 13 within the water storage device 4 to drain smoothly.

[0070] Furthermore, even after the drainage process is complete, foam 13 may remain in the water storage device 4, making it difficult to drain smoothly. If the suction process is performed again directly after the drainage process is complete, as the wash water 12 re-enters the water storage device 4, the remaining foam 13 in the water storage device 4 will quickly rise to the position of the second detection electrode 72. The control unit will then determine that the liquid level in the water storage device 4 has reached the predetermined position and begin the drainage process again. This will cause the suction and drainage processes to switch at an abnormally high frequency, wasting time and energy. To avoid this, in the present invention, after the drainage process is complete, the control unit controls the air pump 2 and the wash water inlet valve 17 to close them, and controls the air valve 18, the drain valve 49, and the shower water inlet valve 99 to open them. This allows water to be supplied to the shower device 9 via the shower water inlet 91, removing the foam 13 in the water storage device 4 and mitigating the adverse effects of the foam.

[0071] After that, the control unit continues to repeat the next round of suction action, drainage action and foam removal action until the total time of the dehydration process reaches the set dehydration time, and then completes the last drainage action, and the entire process ends.

[0072] 2. Water storage device

[0073] Hereinafter, the water storage device 4 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the water storage device 4 is substantially L-shaped with the left lower corner missing when viewed from the front. Figure 3 As shown, the water storage device 4 is substantially L-shaped with a missing left rear corner when viewed from above. However, the water storage device 4 is not limited to this shape and may be formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape both when viewed from the front and when viewed from above, or in a polygonal cylindrical shape, or a cylindrical shape.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, the water storage device 4 includes a water storage container 8, a spraying device 9, a first cover 44, a second cover 45 and a liquid level detection device 7.

[0076] 2-1. Water storage container

[0077] like Figures 4-5 As shown, water container 8, the main body of water storage device 4, is roughly L-shaped with the lower left corner missing when viewed from the front, and with the rear left corner missing when viewed from above. Furthermore, the upper surface of water container 8 is open, forming a space within for storing used wash water 12 and / or foam 13 contained in wash water 12. Water container 8 is formed from a material such as resin or plastic, making it easy to integrally mold water container 8. More preferably, water container 8 is formed from a transparent material such as resin or plastic, making it easy to check the conditions within water storage device 4.

[0078] The water storage container 8 includes side walls 81 and a bottom wall 82. The bottom wall 82 of the water storage container 8 constitutes the bottom wall of the water storage device 4. From right to left, the bottom wall 82 includes, in order: a first bottom wall 821, a step 823, and a second bottom wall 822. The first bottom wall 821 is vertically lower than the second bottom wall 822, and the step 823 connects the first and second bottom walls 821 and 822. The step 823 is provided with a drain port 47 protruding out of the water storage container 8. As described above, the drain port 47 communicates with the drain valve 49 via the drain path 48, allowing the wash water 12 and / or foam 13 within the water storage container 8 to be discharged to the outside through the drain port 47.

[0079] In addition, if Figure 14 As shown, the inner surface 8211 of the first bottom wall 821 is formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the drain outlet 47. The inner surface 8221 of the second bottom wall 822 is also formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the drain outlet 47. The location of the drain outlet 47 is not limited to the step portion 823. The drain outlet 47 may also be located near the bottom wall 82 on the side wall 81 of the water storage container 8. In other words, the drain outlet 47 can be located close to the bottom wall 82. Furthermore, while the inner surface 820 of the bottom wall 82 described above includes two inclined surfaces, it may also be a single inclined surface, for example, with only the inner surface 8211 of the first bottom wall 821 being an inclined surface. Furthermore, there may be three or more inclined surfaces, for example, by dividing the inner surface 8211 of the first bottom wall 821 into two inclined surfaces in the front-to-back direction, with both inclined surfaces further sloped downward toward the inner side in the front-to-back direction. In short, the inner surface 820 of the bottom wall 82 may be formed of one or more inclined surfaces that incline downward toward the drain outlet 47 .

[0080] In addition, if Figure 5 and Figure 15As shown, a guide groove 824 recessed downward is formed on the first bottom wall 821 , and the guide groove 824 extends to the position where the drain outlet 47 is set on the step portion 823 , and is used to guide the washing water 12 and / or foam 13 in the water storage container 8 to the drain outlet 47 .

[0081] In addition, if Figure 14 As shown, the lower end of the side wall 81 and the lower end of the step portion 823 extend below the outer surface 8212 of the first bottom wall 821. Furthermore, downwardly projecting support ribs 8213 are formed on the outer surface 8212 of the first bottom wall 821. The lower end surface of the side wall 81, the lower end surface of the step portion 823, and the lower end surface of the support rib 8213 are flush, thereby forming a placement surface for the water storage container 8, allowing the water storage container 8 to be stably placed on a horizontal surface.

[0082] like Figure 2 、 Figure 5 As shown, the sidewalls 81 of the water storage container 8 constitute the sidewalls of the water storage device 4 and include a front wall 811, a rear wall 812, a left wall 813, and a right wall 814. The front wall 811 and rear wall 812 face each other in the front-to-back direction. The front wall 811 is generally flat, while the rear wall 812 is bent rearward in the middle. The lower end of the right side of the front wall 811, corresponding to the first bottom wall 821, extends below the lower end of the left side, corresponding to the second bottom wall 822. Similarly, the lower end of the right side of the rear wall 812, corresponding to the first bottom wall 821, extends below the lower end of the left side, corresponding to the second bottom wall 822. Furthermore, the left wall 813 and the right wall 814 face each other in the left-to-right direction, both generally flat, and connect the front wall 811 and rear wall 812. The lower end of the right wall 814 extends below the lower end of the left wall 813.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, a container-side dehydration path portion 31 is formed on the front wall 811 in an integrally formed manner with the front wall 811, and the container-side dehydration path portion 31 constitutes at least a portion of the dehydration path 3. Specifically, the container-side dehydration path portion 31 is formed at a position of the front wall 811 corresponding to the step portion 823, and is formed on the inner surface of the front wall 811, extending in the up-down direction, with the upper end extending to near the upper end portion of the front wall 811, and the lower end extending to a position connected to the first bottom wall 821. The cross-sectional shape of the container-side dehydration path portion 31 obtained by cutting in the horizontal direction is roughly rectangular. The water inlet 32 ​​is located at the upper end of the container-side dehydration path portion 31, and opens upward in the water storage device 4. As shown Figure 15As shown, the upper end surface 321 of the water inlet 32 ​​is formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward as it approaches the rear. In other words, the upper end surface 321 of the water inlet 32 ​​is formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward as it approaches the interior of the water storage device 4. A dehydration path connection portion 33 is provided near the lower end of the container-side dehydration path portion 31, projecting forward from the outer surface of the front wall 811. The water inlet 32 ​​communicates with the dehydration port 16 of the clothing treatment tub 1 via the container-side dehydration path portion 31, the dehydration path connection portion 33, and the portion of the dehydration path 3 excluding the container-side dehydration path portion 31. During the suction operation of the dehydration step, the air pump 2 is operated to draw the wash water 12 within the clothing treatment tub 1, along with air, into the water storage device 4 via the dehydration port 16 of the clothing treatment tub 1, the portion of the dehydration path 3 excluding the container-side dehydration path portion 31, the dehydration path connection portion 33, the container-side dehydration path portion 31, and the water inlet 32.

[0084] In addition, the height of the water inlet 32 ​​is higher than the maximum liquid level in the washing tank 1. The maximum liquid level in the washing tank 1 is defined, for example, by the height of an overflow port in the washing tank 1. If the height of the water inlet 32 ​​were lower than the maximum liquid level in the washing tank 1, during the pumping operation of the dehydration process, when the liquid level of the washing water 12 in the water storage device 4 reaches the same level as the maximum liquid level in the washing tank 1 due to the suction and siphon effects of the air pump 2, the washing water 12 in the water storage device 4 would submerge the water inlet 32. At this time, the air drawn in through the water inlet 32 ​​along with the washing water 12 would cause the washing water 12 in the water storage device 4 to generate a large amount of foam 13. The foam 13 would then rapidly rise to the position of the second detection electrode 72, causing the control unit to determine that the liquid level in the water storage device 4 has reached the predetermined position and then initiate the drainage operation. This would result in abnormally high-frequency switching between the suction and drainage operations, which would be time-consuming and energy-consuming. In contrast, in the present invention, the height of the water inlet 32 ​​is set higher than the maximum liquid level position in the washing treatment tub 1, thereby effectively avoiding the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0085] Furthermore, the container-side dehydration path portion 31 is not necessarily formed on the front wall 811; it may also be formed on the rear wall 812, the left wall 813, or the right wall 814. This can be modified appropriately depending on the relative position of the clothes treatment tub 1 and the water storage device 4. In other words, the container-side dehydration path portion 31 can be formed on the side wall 81 of the dehydration container 8. Furthermore, the container-side dehydration path portion 31 is not necessarily formed on the inner surface of the side wall 81; it may also be formed on the outer surface of the side wall 81. However, forming the container-side dehydration path portion 31 on the inner surface of the side wall 81 is more conducive to miniaturization of the water storage device 4 than forming it on the outer surface of the side wall 81, and it also avoids interference between the container-side dehydration path portion 31 and other components. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the container-side dehydration path portion 31, taken along a horizontal direction, is not necessarily a substantially rectangular shape; for example, it may be a substantially trapezoidal, triangular, or semicircular shape.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, at the corner between the front wall 811 and the right wall 814, a container-side exhaust path portion 51 is formed in a manner integrally formed with the front wall 811 and the right wall 814. The container-side exhaust path portion 51 constitutes at least a portion of the exhaust path 5. Specifically, the container-side exhaust path portion 51 is formed on the inner surface of the corner between the front wall 811 and the right wall 814 and extends in the vertical direction. Figure 14 As shown, the upper end of the container-side exhaust path portion 51 extends to the upper ends of the front wall 811 and the right wall 814, becoming flush with their upper end surfaces. The lower end extends to a point where it connects to the first bottom wall 821. A horizontal cross-section of the container-side exhaust path portion 51 is generally fan-shaped. Furthermore, an exhaust port 52 is formed in the sprinkler device 9. By attaching the sprinkler device 9 to the upper end surface of the side wall 81 of the water storage container 8, the exhaust port 52 is located at the upper end of the container-side exhaust path portion 51. The exhaust port 52 will be described in detail later. An exhaust path connection portion 55 is provided near the lower end of the container-side exhaust path portion 51, protruding forward from the outer surface of the front wall 811. The exhaust port 52 communicates with the air pump 2 via the container-side exhaust path portion 51, the exhaust path connection portion 55, and the portion of the exhaust path 5 excluding the container-side exhaust path portion 51. During the suction action of the dehydration process, by running the air pump 2, the air in the clothing treatment tank 1 and the water storage device 4 is sucked into the air pump 2 through the exhaust port 52, the container side exhaust path portion 51, the exhaust path connecting portion 55, and the portion of the exhaust path 5 except the container side exhaust path portion 51.

[0087] Furthermore, the container-side exhaust path portion 51 is not necessarily formed at the corner between the front wall 811 and the right wall 814. It can also be formed at the corner between other side walls 81, or at the front wall 811, rear wall 812, left wall 813, or right wall 814. This can be modified appropriately depending on the relative position of the water storage device 4 and the air pump 2. In other words, the container-side exhaust path portion 51 can be formed on the side wall 81 of the dehydration container 8. Furthermore, the container-side exhaust path portion 51 is not necessarily formed on the inner surface of the side wall 81; it can also be formed on the outer surface of the side wall 81. However, forming the container-side exhaust path portion 51 on the inner surface of the side wall 81 facilitates miniaturization of the water storage device 4 compared to a configuration where the container-side exhaust path portion 51 is formed on the outer surface of the side wall 81, while also preventing interference between the container-side exhaust path portion 51 and other components. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the container-side exhaust path portion 51, taken along a horizontal direction, is not necessarily a substantially sectoral shape; for example, it can be a substantially rectangular, substantially trapezoidal, substantially triangular, or substantially semicircular shape.

[0088] like Figure 2 、 Figure 4 As shown, a first detection electrode mounting portion 831 is formed on the outer surface of the front wall 811 of the water storage container 8. The first detection electrode mounting portion 831 is located slightly higher than the inner surface 8211 of the first bottom wall 821. The first detection electrode mounting portion 831 is formed with a through hole that passes through the inside and outside of the water storage container 8. Figure 13 As shown, the first detection electrode 71 is formed of a conductive metal and includes a flat plate portion 711 and an electrode post 712 extending upward from the flat plate portion 711. When the first detection electrode 71 is mounted on the first detection electrode mounting portion 831, the electrode post 712 of the first detection electrode 71 is inserted into the through hole of the first detection electrode mounting portion 831 and is exposed within the water storage device 4.

[0089] A second detection electrode mounting portion 832 is formed on the outer surface of the right wall 814 of the water storage container 8. The second detection electrode mounting portion 832 is located above the first detection electrode mounting portion 831. Furthermore, the second detection electrode mounting portion 832 is positioned near the exhaust port 52 and below it. Like the first detection electrode mounting portion 831, the second detection electrode mounting portion 832 has a through-hole extending through the interior and exterior of the water storage container 8. Like the first detection electrode 71, the second detection electrode 72 is formed of a conductive metal and includes a flat plate and an electrode post extending upward from the flat plate. When the second detection electrode 72 is mounted on the second detection electrode mounting portion 832, the electrode post is inserted into the through-hole of the second detection electrode mounting portion 832, thereby being exposed within the water storage device 4. Furthermore, the second detection electrode 72 is positioned near the exhaust port 52 and below it.

[0090] The first detection electrode 71 and the second detection electrode 72 constitute the liquid level detection device 7. When the liquid level in the water storage device 4 reaches the installation position of the second detection electrode 72, the washing water 12 and / or foam 13 conduct electricity between the electrode post 712 of the first detection electrode 71 and the electrode post of the second detection electrode 72. As a result, the control unit determines that the liquid level in the water storage device 4 has reached the maximum allowable liquid level.

[0091] Furthermore, the first detection electrode 71 is not necessarily mounted on the front wall 811 of the water storage container 8, and the second detection electrode 72 is not necessarily mounted on the right wall 814 of the water storage container 8. Both electrodes may be mounted on the front wall 811 or the right wall 814 of the water storage container 8. Furthermore, when the position of the exhaust port 52 is changed, the mounting positions of the first detection electrode 71 and the second detection electrode 72 may be changed accordingly. Furthermore, additional detection electrodes may be mounted between the first detection electrode 71 and the second detection electrode 72 to enable multi-level detection of the liquid level within the water storage device 4.

[0092] 2-2. Spraying device

[0093] like Figure 2 、 Figure 4 As shown, the spray device 9 is provided above the water storage container 8 and is used to spray water into the water storage device 4 to remove the foam 13 in the water storage device 4. Like the water storage container 8, the spray device 9 is preferably formed of a transparent resin, plastic or other material.

[0094] like Figures 6-7 As shown, the spray device 9 has: a spray water inlet 91, through which the spray water enters the spray device 9; a water diversion structure 92, which includes a first water diversion branch 921 and a second water diversion branch 922, and the spray water entering from the spray water inlet 91 is guided to the first water diversion branch 921 and the second water diversion branch 922 respectively and branches out; and a water outlet structure 93, which includes a first water outlet structure 931 and a second water outlet structure 932, the first water outlet structure 931 is located in an area close to the spray water inlet 91, and the spray water of the first water diversion branch 921 is sprayed into the water storage device 4 via the first water outlet structure 931, and the second water outlet structure 932 is located in an area far away from the spray water inlet 91, and the spray water of the second water diversion branch 922 is sprayed into the water storage device 4 via the second water outlet structure 932.

[0095] Specifically, if Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6As shown, the spray device 9 includes a spray plate 90 disposed above the water storage container 8. The spray plate 90 is generally plate-shaped and has a shape substantially the same as the water storage container 8 when viewed from above, being generally L-shaped with the left rear corner missing. A plurality of spray plate-side fixing portions 96 are formed on the outer periphery of the spray plate 90. By placing the spray plate 90 on the upper end surface of the side wall 81 of the water storage container 8, aligning the plurality of spray plate-side fixing portions 96 with the plurality of container-side fixing portions 86 disposed on the upper end of the side wall 81 of the water storage container 8, and joining the spray plate-side fixing portions 96 and the container-side fixing portions 86 with screws or the like, the spray plate 90 can be fixed to the water storage container 8. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of positioning ribs 97 are formed along the outer periphery of the lower surface of the spray plate 90. The plurality of positioning ribs 97 are used to position the spray plate 90 when the spray plate 90 is installed on the water storage container 8. Figure 15 As shown, when the shower plate 90 is fixed to the water storage container 8, the plurality of positioning ribs 97 are located on the inner side of the inner surface of the side wall 81 of the water storage container 8. In addition, a sealing ring (not shown) is sandwiched between the lower surface of the shower plate 90 and the upper end surface of the side wall 81 of the water storage container 8. Specifically, Figure 5 As shown, an annular sealing groove 815 is formed along the entire circumference of the upper end surface of the side wall 81 of the water storage container 8. When the water storage device 4 is assembled, an annular sealing ring is inserted into the sealing groove 815 to seal the lower surface of the spray plate 90 and the upper end surface of the side wall 81 of the water storage container 8.

[0096] like Figure 6As shown, the water diversion structure 92 is formed by ribs 94 that are erected upward from the upper surface of the spray plate 90. The ribs 94 include an annular rib 940, a first rib 941, and a second rib 942. The annular rib 940 forms a closed loop along the outer periphery of the spray plate 90. The area enclosed by the annular rib 940 is roughly L-shaped, roughly similar to the spray plate 90, and this area becomes the area where the spray device 9 sprays the spray water. The spray water inlet 91 is provided at a position near the front corner of the left rib portion of the annular rib 940, is connected to the area enclosed by the annular rib 940, and introduces spray water into this area. The first rib 941 and the second rib 942 are formed in the area enclosed by the annular rib 940, and both are roughly L-shaped when viewed from above. The first rib 941 includes a first left-right rib portion 9411 extending rightward from near the spray water inlet 91, and a first front-back rib portion 9412 that bends at the center, extends rearward, and is connected to the annular rib 940. The second rib 942 includes a second left-right rib portion 9421 extending rightward from near the spray water inlet 91, and a second front-back rib portion 9422 that bends at the center, extends rearward, and is connected to the annular rib 940. The first left-right rib portion 9411 is substantially parallel to the second left-right rib portion 9421, and is located behind the second left-right rib portion 9421. The first front-back rib portion 9412 is substantially parallel to the second front-back rib portion 9422, and is located to the left of the second front-back rib portion 9422.

[0097] The first water diversion branch 921 is formed by the left portion of the rear rib portion of the annular rib 940 and the first rib 941. Multiple spray holes 930 are formed throughout the substantially entire area of ​​the first water diversion branch 921, extending through the spray plate 90. These spray holes 930 constitute a first water outlet structure 931. Furthermore, the rib 94 that defines the first water diversion branch 921 is formed with one or more protrusions 95 that protrude into the first water diversion branch 921. Specifically, a first protrusion 951 is formed on the first left and right rib portions 9411 of the first rib 941, protruding rearward. A second protrusion 952 is formed on the rear rib portion of the annular rib 940, opposite the first left and right rib portions 9411, protruding forward. The first and second protrusions 951 and 952 are staggered in the left-right direction, with the first protrusion 951 located to the left of the second protrusion 952. The first protrusion 951 and the second protrusion 952 provide the first water diversion branch 921 with a meandering shape, preventing the spray water from flowing solely along the ribs 94 and being ejected only from the spray holes 930 near the ribs 94. This ensures a more uniform amount of spray water ejected from each spray hole 930. The protrusion 95 does not necessarily need to include the first protrusion 951 and the second protrusion 952; only one of the first protrusion 951 and the second protrusion 952 may be provided, or other protrusions may be provided in addition to the first protrusion 951 and the second protrusion 952.

[0098] A second water diversion branch 922 is formed by first rib 941, second rib 942, and the right side of the rear rib portion of annular rib 940. Within second water diversion branch 922, a plurality of spray holes 930 are formed between first front-rear rib portion 9412 and second front-rear rib portion 9422, extending through spray plate 90. These spray holes 930 constitute a second water outlet structure 932. Furthermore, ribs 94 also include a partition rib 943, which rises upward from the upper surface of spray plate 90 and is located within the second water diversion branch 922, between first front-rear rib portion 9412 and second front-rear rib portion 9422. This partition rib 943 is not connected to the other ribs 94. The second water diversion branch 922 is divided into a third water diversion branch 923 and a fourth water diversion branch 924 by a partition rib 943 . The third water diversion branch 923 and the fourth water diversion branch 924 are connected at both the upstream and downstream sides of the partition rib 943 .

[0099] Furthermore, the density of the spray holes 930 in the first water outlet structure 931 is smaller than the density of the spray holes 930 in the second water outlet structure 932. This is because the flow of the spray water weakens as it moves away from the spray water inlet 91. By increasing the density of the spray holes 930 at locations farther from the spray water inlet 91, the spray water is more easily directed toward locations farther from the spray water inlet 91, thereby making the amount of spray water sprayed from the spray holes 930 in the first water outlet structure 931 and the amount of spray water sprayed from the spray holes 930 in the second water outlet structure 932 more uniform. Alternatively, or in addition to changing the density of the spray holes 930, the diameter of the spray holes 930 in the first water outlet structure 931 can be made smaller than the diameter of the spray holes 930 in the second water outlet structure 932. Changing the diameter of the spray holes 930 can achieve the same effect as described above.

[0100] Furthermore, the plurality of spray holes 930 of the first water outlet structure 931 are arranged in a manner that increases in density as they move away from the spray water inlet 91, and the plurality of spray holes 930 of the second water outlet structure 932 are arranged in a manner that increases in density as they move away from the spray water inlet 91. Furthermore, instead of changing the density of the spray holes 930, or in addition to changing the density of the spray holes 930, the plurality of spray holes 930 of the first water outlet structure 931 may be arranged in a manner that increases in diameter as they move away from the spray water inlet 91, and the plurality of spray holes 930 of the second water outlet structure 932 may be arranged in a manner that increases in diameter as they move away from the spray water inlet 91.

[0101] In addition, if Figure 7 、 Figures 14-15 As shown, the spray holes 930 protrude downward relative to the lower surface of the spray plate 90. Specifically, an annular peripheral wall 9301 is formed on the lower surface of the spray plate 90 so as to extend the length of each spray hole 930 and surround each spray hole 930. This prevents the spray water in the spray holes 930 from spreading along the lower surface of the spray plate 90 and failing to effectively form a spray water flow.

[0102] like Figure 6As shown, the water diversion structure 92 further includes a fifth water diversion branch 925, which is formed by the front and right ribs of the annular rib 940 and the second rib 942. The water outlet structure 93 further includes a sidewall water flow forming opening 933, which is located within the fifth water diversion branch 925 between the right rib of the annular rib 940 and the second front and rear ribs 9422 of the second rib 942. The sidewall water flow forming opening 933 extends through the spray plate 90 to form a generally rectangular opening. Spray water entering from the spray water inlet 91 is guided toward the sidewall water flow forming opening 933 by the fifth water diversion branch 925, thereby forming a sidewall water flow that flows into the water storage container 8 along the sidewall 81 (specifically, the right wall 814) of the water storage container 8 at a location away from the drain outlet 47.

[0103] In addition, if Figure 2 、 Figure 4 As shown, a first cover 44 covers the top of the shower device 9. The first cover 44 is formed into a plate and is roughly L-shaped when viewed from above. Similar to the water storage container 8, the first cover 44 is preferably formed from a transparent resin, plastic, or other material. By attaching the first cover 44 to the upper end surface of the rib 94, the lower surface of the first cover 44 abuts against the upper end surfaces of the annular rib 940, the first rib 941, the second rib 942, and the partition rib 943. The connection between the first cover 44 and the rib 94 can be achieved by, for example, snap-fitting, screwing, bonding, or welding. However, snap-fitting, screwing, or bonding is preferred for ease of assembly and disassembly.

[0104] The following reference Figures 8-10 The operation of the spray device 9 will be described. Figure 8This figure shows the flow state when the inlet pressure of the spray water is high. At this time, the spray water entering from the spray water inlet 91 is split into three streams by the action of the ribs 94, and is respectively directed to the first water diversion branch 921, the second water diversion branch 922, and the fifth water diversion branch 925. The spray water introduced into the first water diversion branch 921 forms a vortex-like flow under the action of the first protrusions 951 and the second protrusions 952. As it flows, it is ejected into the water storage container 8 through the various spray holes 930 of the first water outlet structure 931. The spray water introduced into the second water diversion branch 922 is further split into two streams by the action of the dividing ribs 943, and is respectively directed to the third water diversion branch 923 and the fourth water diversion branch 924. The shower water introduced into the third water diversion branch 923 and the shower water introduced into the fourth water diversion branch 924 flow through the spray holes 930 of the second water outlet structure 932 and are ejected into the water storage container 8. Furthermore, the excess shower water introduced into the fourth water diversion branch 924 flows back into the third water diversion branch 923 on the downstream side of the partition rib 943, thereby replenishing the shower water in the third water diversion branch 923. The shower water introduced into the fifth water diversion branch 925 flows down the sidewall 81 of the water storage container 8 through the sidewall water flow forming opening 933, forming a sidewall water flow.

[0105] Figure 9 Indicates the water flow state when the inlet pressure of the spray water is low. Figure 8 Due to the low water inlet pressure, the spray water introduced into the first water diversion branch 921 forms a dispersed stream, which is ejected into the water storage container 8 through the various spray holes 930 of the first water outlet structure 931. Furthermore, the excess spray water introduced into the third water diversion branch 923 flows downstream of the partition rib 943 to the fourth water diversion branch 924, thereby replenishing the spray water in the fourth water diversion branch 924.

[0106] like Figure 10 As shown, the shower water jetted into the water storage container 8 through the spray holes 930 of the first and second water outlet structures 931, 932, sprays onto the bubbles 13. The shower water breaks up the bubbles 13, reducing larger bubbles to smaller ones. Furthermore, the sidewall water stream flowing down the sidewall 81 of the water storage container 8 through the sidewall water stream forming opening 933 flows along the bottom wall 82 of the water storage container 8, forming a tumbling water stream within the wash water 12 accumulated within the water storage container 8. The tumbling water stream draws the broken bubbles 13 into the wash water 12 and then drains them from the drain path 48 via the drain valve 49.

[0107] Additionally, the aforementioned spray device 9 may be modified appropriately. For example, other branch waterways for forming the spray water flow may be added in addition to the first water branch 921 and the second water branch 922; the fifth water branch 925 may be omitted, leaving only the first water branch 921 and the second water branch 922; or the dividing rib 943 may be omitted, leaving the second water branch 922 undivided into the third water branch 923 and the fourth water branch 924.

[0108] In addition, for example, Figure 11 As shown, the first water diversion branch 921 and the second water diversion branch 922 (specifically, the third branch water channel 923) can also be connected downstream in the direction of the spray water flow. Specifically, the first front and rear rib portions 9412 of the first rib 941 are not connected to the rear rib portion of the annular rib 940. An opening is formed between the first front and rear rib portions 9412 and the rear rib portion of the annular rib 940, connecting the first water diversion branch 921 and the third branch water channel 923. This structure allows the spray water from the first water diversion branch 921 and the third branch water channel 923 to complement each other, facilitating a more uniform spray flow.

[0109] In addition, if Figure 6 、 Figure 12 As shown, an exhaust port forming portion 98 is provided near the right front corner of the shower plate 90 , and the exhaust port forming portion 98 is provided with an exhaust port 52 , a defoaming portion 53 , and an auxiliary exhaust port 54 .

[0110] Specifically, near the right front corner of the spray plate 90, an exhaust port 52 is excavated to penetrate the spray plate 90, and the exhaust port 52 is roughly fan-shaped. The auxiliary exhaust port 54 includes a first auxiliary exhaust port 541 and a second auxiliary exhaust port 542, both of which are roughly right-angled triangles. On the left side of the exhaust port 52, a first auxiliary exhaust port 541 is excavated to penetrate the spray plate 90 near the exhaust port 52; on the rear side of the exhaust port 52, a second auxiliary exhaust port 542 is excavated to penetrate the spray plate 90 near the exhaust port 52. The portion of the spray plate 90 that remains between the exhaust port 52 and the first auxiliary exhaust port 541 becomes the first isolation strip portion 981, and the portion of the spray plate 90 that remains between the exhaust port 52 and the second auxiliary exhaust port 542 becomes the second isolation strip portion 982. The upper and lower surfaces of the first isolation strip portion 981 and the second isolation strip portion 982 are flush with the upper and lower surfaces of the spray plate 90. An annular wall portion 983 is formed on the upper surface of the shower plate 90 to protrude upward so as to surround the exhaust port 52 , the first auxiliary exhaust port 541 , and the second auxiliary exhaust port 542 . The annular wall portion 983 is substantially in the shape of an isosceles right triangle in a plan view.

[0111] In addition, if Figure 2 、 Figure 4 As shown, the exhaust port forming portion 98 is covered with a second cover 45. The second cover 45 is formed in a plate shape and has a substantially isosceles right triangle shape when viewed from above. Similar to the water storage container 8, the second cover 45 is preferably formed from a transparent resin, plastic, or other material. By attaching the second cover 45 to the upper end surface of the annular wall portion 983, the lower surface of the second cover 45 abuts against the upper end surface of the annular wall portion 983. The connection between the second cover 45 and the annular wall portion 983 can be achieved by, for example, snap-fitting, screwing, bonding, or welding. However, snap-fitting, screwing, or bonding is preferred for ease of assembly and disassembly.

[0112] like Figure 14 、 Figure 16 As shown, when the shower plate 90 is attached to the water storage container 8 and the second cover 45 is attached to the annular wall portion 983, the lower surface of the shower plate 90 abuts the upper end surface of the side wall 81 of the water storage container 8, the lower surfaces of the first and second isolation strips 981 and 982 abut the upper end surface of the container-side exhaust path portion 51, and the upper end surface of the annular wall portion 983 abuts the lower surface of the second cover 45. As a result, the exhaust port 52 is located at the upper end of the container-side exhaust path portion 51 and communicates with the container-side exhaust path portion 51. The first and second auxiliary exhaust ports 541 and 542 open downward into the water storage device 4. The exhaust port 52 opens into the water storage device 4 through the gap between the upper surfaces of the first and second isolation strips 981 and 982 and the lower surface of the second cover 45, and through the first and second auxiliary exhaust ports 541 and 542. In addition, since the water inlet 32 ​​is located below the spray plate 90 and the exhaust port 52 is provided on the spray plate 90 , the height of the exhaust port 52 is higher than that of the water inlet 32 ​​.

[0113] The number of the auxiliary exhaust ports 54 is not necessarily two as described above, but may be one, or three or more. In short, it is sufficient to provide one or more auxiliary exhaust ports 54.

[0114] Furthermore, four cylindrical protrusions are formed on the upper surfaces of the first and second isolation strips 981 and 982, projecting upward. These protrusions are slightly lower than the protrusion of the annular wall 983, and these protrusions constitute the defoaming portions 53. Thus, the defoaming portions 53 are provided within the water storage device 4 near the exhaust port 52, that is, between the auxiliary exhaust port 54 and the exhaust port 52. Specifically, when the air pump 2 is operating during the suction operation of the dehydration process, there is a risk that foam 13, along with air, will be drawn into the air pump 2 through the exhaust port 52 and the exhaust path 5. If foam 13 enters the air pump 2, it could disrupt the suction operation and even cause the air pump 2 to malfunction. The provision of these protrusions ensures that the foam 13 collides with the protrusions and ruptures before entering the exhaust port 52. This eliminates the foam 13 and prevents it from entering the exhaust port 52, thus functioning as the defoaming portions 53.

[0115] Furthermore, the intervals between adjacent protrusions in the defoaming portion 53 are preferably 1 mm or less. This effectively prevents bubbles 13 having a diameter greater than 1 mm from entering the exhaust port 52. Meanwhile, since bubbles 13 floating in the air generally have a diameter greater than 1 mm, most bubbles 13 can be effectively prevented from entering the exhaust port 52.

[0116] The number of protrusions constituting the defoaming portion 53 is not limited to four and may be one or more than four. In short, the number of protrusions may be one or more. Furthermore, the shape of the protrusion is not necessarily cylindrical; other shapes such as a polygonal column or a polygonal pyramid may also be used.

[0117] Furthermore, the defoaming portion 53 may also be formed by one or more slits or holes. Specifically, for example, a plate-like portion extending upward along the upper surfaces of the first and second isolation strips 981 and 982, respectively, may be formed. Each plate-like portion may be provided with one or more slits or holes extending in the vertical direction. Similar to the raised portion, the slit width is preferably 1 mm or less, and the hole diameter is preferably 1 mm or less.

[0118] In addition, if Figure 4 、 Figure 7 As shown, a baffle 6 is provided extending downward from the lower surface of the spray plate 90. Specifically, the baffle 6 includes a first baffle 61 and a second baffle 62. The first baffle 61 is plate-shaped and extends in the front-to-back direction as a whole. In order to accommodate the configuration of the spray holes 930, a bend is provided in the middle of the front-to-back direction. The second baffle 62 is flat and extends in the left-right direction. When the spray plate 90 is installed in the water storage container 8, as shown in FIG. Figure 14As shown, the first baffle 61 is located between the water inlet 32 ​​and the exhaust port 52 in the water storage device 4, thereby preventing the washing water 12 introduced from the water inlet 32 ​​into the water storage device 4 and / or the foam 13 in the washing water 12 from entering the exhaust port 52. Figure 16 As shown, the second baffle 62 is located between the side wall water flow forming port 933 and the exhaust port 52, thereby preventing the spray water from entering the exhaust port 52. In addition, the first baffle 61 and the second baffle 62 can also prevent the washing water 12 and / or foam 13, and the spray water from splashing toward the second detection electrode 72, thereby preventing the liquid level detection device 7 from making erroneous detections.

[0119] In addition, the baffle 6 does not necessarily have to include the first baffle 61 and the second baffle 62 . For example, the second baffle 62 may be omitted.

[0120] The present invention has been described above using embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, other embodiments achieved by arbitrarily combining the components described in this specification or excluding some of the components may also be used as embodiments of the present invention. In addition, within the scope of the present invention, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art to the embodiments described above are also included in the present invention, without departing from the gist of the present invention, that is, the meaning expressed in the claims.

Claims

1. A household electrical appliance, characterized in that: The household appliance device comprises: a washing treatment tank for receiving laundry and washing water; a water storage device connected to the washing treatment tank via a dehydration path for temporarily storing washing water; and a suction portion connected to the water storage device via an exhaust path, for sucking the washing water in the washing treatment tank into the water storage device, The water storage device comprises: a water inlet, which is open to the water storage device, and the washing water in the washing treatment tank can be introduced into the water storage device from the water inlet via the dehydration path; an exhaust port, which is open to the water storage device, and the suction part is connected to the exhaust port via the exhaust path; and a drain port, which is open to the water storage device and is used to drain the washing water in the water storage device. A defoaming portion is provided in the water storage device near the exhaust port, and is used to eliminate foam and prevent it from entering the exhaust port. At least one auxiliary exhaust port is provided on the top of the water storage device, facing downward and opening into the water storage device, and the exhaust port is opened into the water storage device via the auxiliary exhaust port. At least a portion of the exhaust path is formed on the inner surface of the side wall of the water storage device and extends in the up-down direction. The exhaust port is located at the upper end of the exhaust path formed on the side wall of the water storage device, and the exhaust port is open upward in the water storage device. The defoaming portion is provided between the auxiliary exhaust port and the exhaust port.

2. The household electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein: The defoaming portion is formed by one or more protrusions, slits or holes.

3. The household electrical appliance according to claim 2, wherein: The defoaming portion has a plurality of protrusions, and an interval between adjacent protrusions is 1 mm or less; or the slit has a width of 1 mm or less; or the hole has a diameter of 1 mm or less.

4. The household electrical appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The water inlet opens upward in the water storage device, and an upper end surface of the water inlet is formed as an inclined surface that inclines downward toward the inner side of the water storage device.

5. The household electrical appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The drain port is provided close to the bottom wall of the water storage device, and the inner surface of the bottom wall of the water storage device is formed by one or more inclined surfaces that are inclined downward toward the drain port.

6. The household electrical appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The height of the exhaust port is higher than that of the water inlet.

7. The household electrical appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The water storage device further comprises a liquid level detection device, which is used to detect the liquid level of the washing water and / or the foam in the washing water in the water storage device.

8. The household electrical appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that: The detection electrode of the liquid level detection device for detecting the maximum allowable liquid level is provided close to the exhaust port and is provided below the exhaust port.

9. The household electrical appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A baffle is provided between the water inlet and the exhaust port in the water storage device, and is used to prevent the washing water and / or foam in the washing water introduced from the water inlet into the water storage device from entering the exhaust port.

10. The household electrical appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The household appliance is a clothes processing device, The laundry processing device includes: a laundry processing tank, which is the washing processing tank and is in a bottomed cylindrical shape; a laundry processing tank sealer for sealing the laundry processing tank; and an air pump, which is the suction part.

Images