Drainage device and washing machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of washing machines, and discloses a drainage device and a washing machine. The drainage device includes a drainage pump, a drainage pipe, a first anti-backflow structure, and a second anti-backflow structure. The drainage pipe is connected to the drainage pump. The first anti-backflow structure and the second anti-backflow structure are both arranged in the drainage pipe and are spaced apart along the drainage direction of the drainage pipe. The first anti-backflow structure and the second anti-backflow structure are both configured to be opened by the drainage water flow and closed by the return water flow. By providing an anti-backflow structure, the present invention can prevent water in the drainage pipe from flowing back into the drainage pump cavity, thereby avoiding vibration noise generated by the action of water and air when the drainage pump is restarted, and can also avoid the problem of water backflow causing the drainage pump to drain ineffectively again; further, by providing two anti-backflow structures, most of the water in the drainage pipe can be prevented from flowing back, and this part of the water can be directly sealed in situ, thereby avoiding the flow noise generated by the water in the drainage pipe flowing in the drainage pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of top-drainage washing machines, and in particular to a drainage device and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] Washing machines are classified into two main types based on their drainage method: top-drain and bottom-drain. Top-drain washing machines have their drain pipe located at the top of the machine, hanging high, requiring a drain pump to drain the wash water. Bottom-drain washing machines have their drain pipe located at the bottom of the machine, using the wash water's own pressure to drain the water directly. Because the drain pipe is high in the top-drain model, some water in the pipe remains trapped and eventually flows back into the drain pump chamber. This backflow creates backflow noise, and when the pump is restarted, the water reacts with the air, producing vibration noise.

[0003] In order to prevent the residual water in the drain pipe from flowing back, the prior art proposes a drainage device in which an anti-backflow structure is set in the drain pipe. The disadvantage of the drainage device proposed in the prior art is that if the anti-backflow structure is set near the lowest point in the drain pipe, then although most of the water in the drain pipe can be prevented from flowing back, there will be a large backflow noise when the water in the drain pipe flows back from the highest point to the anti-backflow structure; if the anti-backflow structure is set at a higher position in the drain pipe, then some water will still be able to flow back into the drainage pump chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a drainage device and a washing machine, which can prevent most of the water in the drainage pipe from flowing back and directly seal the water in situ, thereby avoiding the flow noise generated by the water flowing in the drainage pipe.

[0005] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A drainage device includes a drainage pump, a drainage pipe, a first anti-backflow structure and a second anti-backflow structure, the drainage pipe is connected to the drainage pump, the first anti-backflow structure and the second anti-backflow structure are both arranged in the drainage pipe, and the first anti-backflow structure and the second anti-backflow structure are spaced apart along the drainage direction of the drainage pipe, and the first anti-backflow structure and the second anti-backflow structure are both configured to be opened by drainage water flow and closed by backwater flow.

[0007] As a further preferred embodiment of the drainage device, the drainage pipe includes a first pipe section, a second pipe section and a third pipe section connected in sequence along the drainage direction, and the diameters of the first pipe section, the second pipe section and the third pipe section increase in sequence, the first anti-backflow structure is arranged at one end of the second pipe section close to the first pipe section, and the second anti-backflow structure is arranged at one end of the third pipe section close to the second pipe section.

[0008] As a further preferred solution of the drainage device, the first anti-backflow structure includes a first one-way sealing ball and a first limiting rope. The first one-way sealing ball is arranged at one end of the second pipe segment close to the first pipe segment. The diameter of the first one-way sealing ball is larger than the diameter of the first pipe segment and smaller than the diameter of the second pipe segment. One end of the first limiting rope is connected to the inner wall of the drainage pipe, and the other end is connected to the first one-way sealing ball.

[0009] As a further preferred solution of the drainage device, the number of the first limiting ropes is two.

[0010] As a further preferred embodiment of the drainage device, the two first limiting ropes are symmetrically distributed relative to the center line of the first one-way sealing ball.

[0011] As a further preferred solution of the drainage device, the second anti-backflow structure includes a second one-way sealing ball and a second limiting rope. The second one-way sealing ball is arranged at one end of the third pipe segment close to the second pipe segment. The diameter of the second one-way sealing ball is larger than the diameter of the second pipe segment and smaller than the diameter of the third pipe segment. One end of the second limiting rope is connected to the inner wall of the drainage pipe, and the other end is connected to the second one-way sealing ball.

[0012] As a further preferred solution of the drainage device, the number of the second limiting ropes is two.

[0013] As a further preferred embodiment of the drainage device, the two second limiting ropes are symmetrically distributed relative to the center line of the second one-way sealing ball.

[0014] A washing machine comprises a drainage device as described in any one of the above items, wherein an extension port is provided on the upper part of the casing of the washing machine, the drainage pump is arranged at the inner bottom of the casing, the drainage pipe extends from the extension port, the first anti-backflow structure is arranged near the lowest point of the drainage pipe, and the second anti-backflow structure is arranged near the highest point of the drainage pipe.

[0015] As a further preferred solution of the washing machine, the first anti-backflow structure is 25-35 mm away from the lowest point of the drain pipe, and the second anti-backflow structure is 15-25 mm away from the highest point of the drain pipe.

[0016] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0017] The drainage device provided by the present invention can prevent water in the drainage pipe from flowing back into the drainage pump chamber by providing an anti-backflow structure, thereby avoiding the vibration noise generated by the action of water and air when the drainage pump is started again, and can also avoid the problem of water backflow causing the drainage pump to drain ineffectively again; further, by providing two anti-backflow structures, most of the water in the drainage pipe can be prevented from flowing back, and this part of the water can be directly sealed in situ, avoiding the flow noise generated by the water flowing in the drainage pipe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the washing machine provided by the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the drainage device provided by the present invention in the drainage state;

[0020] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the drainage device provided by the present invention in the backwater state.

[0021] In the picture:

[0022] 10. Drain pipe; 11. First pipe section; 12. Second pipe section; 13. Third pipe section; 20. First backflow prevention structure; 21. First one-way blocking ball; 22. First limiting rope; 30. Second backflow prevention structure; 31. Second one-way blocking ball; 32. Second limiting rope; 40. Casing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The technical solution of the present invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for the purpose of explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only show portions relevant to the present invention, not all of them.

[0024] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention in specific circumstances.

[0025] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0026] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely for ease of description and simplified operation. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and have no special meanings.

[0027] Washing machines are divided into two main types according to drainage methods, namely upper drainage type and lower drainage type. Figure 1 As shown, the outlet of the drain pipe 10 of the top-drain washing machine is located at the upper part of the washing machine. The drain pipe 10 is in a high-hanging state, and a drain pump is needed to drain the washing water; the outlet of the drain pipe of the bottom-drain washing machine is located at the lower part of the washing machine, and the water can be directly drained by using the pressure of the washing water itself. Among them, since the drain pipe 10 of the top-drain washing machine is hung high, there is always a part of the water in the drain pipe 10 that cannot be discharged, and finally flows back into the drain pump cavity. The water in the drain pipe 10 will generate backflow noise when it flows back, and the water that flows back into the drain pump cavity will also react with the air to generate vibration noise when the drain pump is started again. In addition, the backflow water may cause the water level sensor in the inner drum to misjudge and cause invalid drainage again, thereby reducing the drainage efficiency. Based on this, the present invention proposes a drainage device mainly used for top-drain washing machines.

[0028] Combine Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the drainage device provided by the present invention includes a drainage pump, a drainage pipe 10, a first anti-backflow structure 20 and a second anti-backflow structure 30. The drainage pipe 10 is connected to the drainage pump. The first anti-backflow structure 20 and the second anti-backflow structure 30 are both arranged in the drainage pipe 10, and the first anti-backflow structure 20 and the second anti-backflow structure 30 are spaced apart along the drainage direction of the drainage pipe 10. The first anti-backflow structure 20 and the second anti-backflow structure 30 are both configured to be opened by drainage water flow and closed by backwater flow. When the drainage device is applied to a top-drain washing machine, the drain pipe 10 is suspended, and the first backflow prevention structure 20 is close to the lowest point A of the drain pipe 10, and the second backflow prevention structure 30 is close to the highest point B of the drain pipe 10. Therefore, after drainage is completed, the water that has not exceeded the highest point of the drain pipe 10 can be sealed and temporarily stored between the first backflow prevention structure 20 and the second backflow prevention structure 30, preventing it from flowing back into the drain pump cavity. This avoids the vibration noise generated by the interaction between water and air when the drain pump is restarted, and can also prevent the problem of water backflow causing the drain pump to drain ineffectively again. Furthermore, by providing two backflow prevention structures, the vast majority of the water in the drain pipe 10 can be prevented from flowing back, and this part of the water can be directly sealed in place, avoiding the flow noise generated by the water flowing in the drain pipe 10.

[0029] In this embodiment, specifically, the drain pipe 10 includes a first pipe section 11, a second pipe section 12, and a third pipe section 13, which are sequentially connected along the drainage direction. The diameters of the first pipe section 11, the second pipe section 12, and the third pipe section 13 increase in sequence. The first backflow prevention structure 20 is provided at an end of the second pipe section 12 near the first pipe section 11, and the second backflow prevention structure 30 is provided at an end of the third pipe section 13 near the second pipe section 12. This arrangement facilitates determining the lowest bending position and the highest hanging position of the drain pipe 10 when assembling the drainage device to a top-drain washing machine, thereby ensuring that the first backflow prevention structure 20 is close to the lowest point of the drain pipe 10 and the second backflow prevention structure 30 is close to the highest point of the drain pipe 10. It also facilitates the distribution and placement of the first backflow prevention structure 20 and the second backflow prevention structure 30.

[0030] The first anti-backflow structure 20 includes a first one-way blocking ball 21 and a first limiting rope 22. The first one-way blocking ball 21 is arranged at one end of the second pipe section 12 close to the first pipe section 11. The diameter of the first one-way blocking ball 21 is larger than the diameter of the first pipe section 11 and smaller than the diameter of the second pipe section 12. One end of the first limiting rope 22 is connected to the inner wall of the drainage pipe 10, and the other end is connected to the first one-way blocking ball 21. Figure 2When draining, the first one-way blocking ball 21 moves to the second pipe section 12 under the action of the drainage water flow. Since the diameter of the first one-way blocking ball 21 is smaller than that of the second pipe section 12, the drainage water flow can flow through the gap between the second pipe section 12 and the first one-way blocking ball 21. During the drainage process, the first one-way blocking ball 21 can move within a preset range under the limitation of the first limiting rope 22 and will not be washed away by the water flow; see Figure 3 When the drainage is completed, there will be residual water in the drainage pipe 10. The first one-way sealing ball 21 moves toward the first pipe section 11 under the action of the return water pressure. Since the diameter of the first one-way sealing ball 21 is larger than the diameter of the first pipe section 11, the first one-way sealing ball 21 can press against the pipe opening of the first pipe section 11, thereby blocking the first pipe section 11.

[0031] The second backflow prevention structure 30 includes a second one-way blocking ball 31 and a second limiting rope 32. The second one-way blocking ball 31 is arranged at one end of the third pipe section 13 close to the second pipe section 12. The diameter of the second one-way blocking ball 31 is larger than the diameter of the second pipe section 12 and smaller than the diameter of the third pipe section 13. One end of the second limiting rope 32 is connected to the inner wall of the drainage pipe 10, and the other end is connected to the second one-way blocking ball 31. Figure 2 When draining, the second one-way blocking ball 31 moves to the third pipe section 13 under the action of the drainage water flow. Since the diameter of the second one-way blocking ball 31 is smaller than that of the third pipe section 13, the drainage water flow can flow through the gap between the third pipe section 13 and the second one-way blocking ball 31. During the drainage process, the second one-way blocking ball 31 can move within the preset range under the limitation of the second limiting rope 32 and will not be washed away by the water flow; see Figure 3 When drainage is complete, some water may remain in the drainpipe 10. The second one-way sealing ball 31, under the pressure of the return water, moves toward the second pipe segment 12. Because the diameter of the second one-way sealing ball 31 is larger than that of the second pipe segment 12, it can press against the opening of the second pipe segment 12, thereby sealing the second pipe segment 12. In summary, the water in the drainpipe 10 can be temporarily stored in the second pipe segment 12, waiting to be discharged together with the next drainage.

[0032] In this embodiment, optionally, there are two first limiting ropes 22, and the two first limiting ropes 22 are symmetrically distributed relative to the centerline of the first one-way sealing ball 21. Providing two first limiting ropes 22 provides dual protection. Furthermore, by symmetrically distributing the two first limiting ropes 22 relative to the centerline of the first one-way sealing ball 21, the first one-way sealing ball 21 is prevented from deflecting as it moves with the drainage flow, ensuring even distribution of the water flow around the circumference of the first one-way sealing ball 21 and preventing vibration of the first one-way sealing ball 21, thereby increasing the service life of the first limiting ropes 22. Similarly, there are also two second limiting ropes 32, and the two second limiting ropes 32 are symmetrically distributed relative to the centerline of the second one-way sealing ball 31. By setting up two second limiting ropes 32, a double protection effect can be achieved. Moreover, by symmetrically distributing the two second limiting ropes 32 relative to the center line of the second one-way sealing ball 31, the second one-way sealing ball 31 can be prevented from being deflected when moving with the drainage water flow, ensuring that the water flow is evenly distributed around the circumference of the second one-way sealing ball 31, and avoiding vibration of the second one-way sealing ball 31, thereby increasing the service life of the second limiting rope 32.

[0033] The present invention also provides a washing machine, in particular a top-drainage washing machine, which can be seen in Figure 1 The washing machine includes a drainage device as described above, wherein a protrusion is provided on the upper portion of the housing 40 of the washing machine, a drainage pump is provided at the inner bottom of the housing 40, a drainage pipe 10 extends from the protrusion, a first backflow prevention structure 20 is provided near the lowest point A of the drainage pipe 10, and a second backflow prevention structure 30 is provided near the highest point B of the drainage pipe 10. Preferably, the first backflow prevention structure 20 is 25-35 mm away from the lowest point A of the drainage pipe 10, and the second backflow prevention structure 30 is 15-25 mm away from the highest point B of the drainage pipe 10.

[0034] When the washing process of the washing machine reaches the drainage stage, the drain pump starts to work and drainage begins; the water level sensor in the inner drum continuously monitors the water level value of the inner drum. Since the drainage process is dynamic, the water level detection needs to be maintained for a preset time (for example, 4 seconds). When the water level in the inner drum of the washing machine does not reach the limit within the preset time, the drainage process continues; if the water level in the inner drum reaches the limit within the preset time, the drain pump stops working. At this time, the water flow continues to flow out along the drain pipe 10 to the drain pump cavity due to the siphon effect. After the siphon is interrupted, the water flows from the lowest point A of the drain pipe 10 Due to gravity, the water flowing between the drain pump chamber and the highest point, point B, tends to flow back into the drain pump chamber. At this time, the first and second anti-backflow structures 20 and 30 in the drain pipe 10 are activated, closing the drain pipe 10 and preventing the water from flowing back. After the inner drum stabilizes, a second water level check is performed to determine whether the water level is within the limit. If it exceeds the limit, drainage is required again, and a third water level check is performed at the same time. This process is repeated until the water level in the washing machine inner drum reaches the limit. If the detected water level reaches the limit, drainage ends and the next wash cycle begins. This method can improve drainage efficiency.

[0035] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that: The invention comprises a drainage device, wherein the drainage device comprises a drainage pump, a drainage pipe (10), a first backflow prevention structure (20) and a second backflow prevention structure (30), wherein the drainage pipe (10) is connected to the drainage pump, the first backflow prevention structure (20) and the second backflow prevention structure (30) are both arranged in the drainage pipe (10), and the first backflow prevention structure (20) and the second backflow prevention structure (30) are spaced apart along the drainage direction of the drainage pipe (10), and the first backflow prevention structure (20) and the second backflow prevention structure (30) are both configured to be opened by drainage water flow and closed by backflow water flow; The upper portion of the casing (40) of the washing machine is provided with a protruding opening, the drain pump is arranged at the inner bottom of the casing (40), the drain pipe (10) extends out from the protruding opening, the first anti-backflow structure (20) is arranged near the lowest point of the drain pipe (10), and the second anti-backflow structure (30) is arranged near the highest point of the drain pipe (10).

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The drainage pipe (10) comprises a first pipe section (11), a second pipe section (12) and a third pipe section (13) which are sequentially connected along a drainage direction, and the diameters of the first pipe section (11), the second pipe section (12) and the third pipe section (13) increase sequentially, the first anti-backflow structure (20) is arranged at one end of the second pipe section (12) close to the first pipe section (11), and the second anti-backflow structure (30) is arranged at one end of the third pipe section (13) close to the second pipe section (12).

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that The first anti-backflow structure (20) comprises a first one-way sealing ball (21) and a first limiting rope (22); the first one-way sealing ball (21) is arranged at one end of the second pipe section (12) close to the first pipe section (11); the diameter of the first one-way sealing ball (21) is larger than the diameter of the first pipe section (11) and smaller than the diameter of the second pipe section (12); one end of the first limiting rope (22) is connected to the inner wall of the drainage pipe (10), and the other end is connected to the first one-way sealing ball (21).

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The number of the first limiting ropes (22) is two.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that The two first limiting ropes (22) are symmetrically distributed relative to the center line of the first one-way blocking ball (21).

6. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein: The second anti-backflow structure (30) includes a second one-way sealing ball (31) and a second limiting rope (32). The second one-way sealing ball (31) is arranged at one end of the third pipe section (13) close to the second pipe section (12). The diameter of the second one-way sealing ball (31) is larger than the diameter of the second pipe section (12) and smaller than the diameter of the third pipe section (13). One end of the second limiting rope (32) is connected to the inner wall of the drainage pipe (10), and the other end is connected to the second one-way sealing ball (31).

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that The number of the second limiting ropes (32) is two.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that The two second limiting ropes (32) are symmetrically distributed relative to the center line of the second one-way blocking ball (31).

9. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The distance between the first anti-backflow structure (20) and the lowest point of the drain pipe (10) is 25-35 mm, and the distance between the second anti-backflow structure (30) and the highest point of the drain pipe (10) is 15-25 mm.

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