Clothes processing equipment

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of household appliance technology and discloses a clothing processing device. The clothing processing device includes a housing, an outer cylinder disposed within the housing, and a drainage mechanism. The drainage mechanism includes a connecting container, a drain pipe, a water replenishment component, and a switching valve. The connecting container is connected to the bottom of the outer cylinder. One end of the drain pipe is located inside the connecting container, and the other end extends out of the connecting container and bends downwards. The water replenishment component is used to replenish water into the drain pipe. The switching valve is located at the bottom end of the drain pipe and is configured to open when the liquid level in the drain pipe reaches a preset level. Water can be replenished into the drain pipe through the water replenishment component. The water pressure of the replenished water opens the switching valve, triggering a siphon effect. Because the cross-sectional area of ​​the drain pipe is small, the required water replenishment is small, reducing water waste. The switching valve prevents polluted air from entering the drain pipe when drainage is not in progress, thereby maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and more particularly to a clothing processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, washing machines generally use drain valves or drain pumps for drainage. This not only increases the cost of the washing machine, but also generates significant noise during drainage, requires separate power consumption, and affects user satisfaction.

[0003] Washing machines utilizing the siphon principle for drainage have emerged in the industry. A water tank is added inside the washing machine, with an inlet pipe and a drain pipe connected to its bottom. The bottom end of the inlet pipe connects to the outer drum, and one end of the drain pipe extends into the water tank and protrudes inwards. This end of the drain pipe is equipped with a siphon cap. When the washing machine needs to drain, water is added to the water tank until the water level is higher than the siphon cap, creating a siphon effect between the drain pipe, the water tank, and the inlet pipe to facilitate drainage. However, this structure has the following problems:

[0004] 1. When the washing machine drains water, even if it is using a low water level wash, it still needs to fill the water tank with water and ensure that the water level is higher than the siphon cover before the siphon effect can be triggered, wasting a lot of tap water and losing the water-saving effect of the washing machine's low water level wash.

[0005] 2. After the main wash and rinse, the water needs to be drained before spin-drying. Draining is also necessary during spin-drying; otherwise, the water level will submerge some of the clothes again. However, in this structure, the siphon effect is interrupted after the first drain, and the water produced during spin-drying cannot be discharged. If drainage is required again, a large amount of water needs to be re-injected into the water tank to trigger the siphon effect. This re-injected water then comes into contact with the clothes inside the outer drum through the inlet pipe, rendering the previous spin-drying work useless.

[0006] 3. After the siphon effect is interrupted, the drain pipe is connected to the sewer, and the polluted air will enter the washing machine through the drain pipe and then enter the room.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a garment processing device to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a clothing treatment device that utilizes the siphon effect for drainage, thereby reducing water waste and preventing polluted air from entering the room.

[0009] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] A garment processing device includes a housing and an outer cylinder disposed within the housing, and further includes a drainage mechanism comprising:

[0011] A connecting container is disposed beside the outer cylinder, and the connecting container is connected to the bottom of the outer cylinder;

[0012] A drain pipe, one end of which is located inside the communicating container, and the other end of which extends out of the communicating container and bends downward;

[0013] A water replenishment component is connected to the drain pipe. The connection point between the water replenishment component and the drain pipe is located on the side of the drain pipe away from the connected container at the highest point. The water replenishment component is used to replenish water into the drain pipe.

[0014] A switching valve is located at the bottom end of the drain pipe and is configured to open when the liquid level in the drain pipe reaches a preset level.

[0015] The drainage mechanism further includes a float, which is disposed inside the communicating container and can float up and down with the liquid level inside the communicating container. One end of the drain pipe that extends into the communicating container is connected to the float.

[0016] The drain pipe includes:

[0017] The siphon tube head is located at the bottom of the float;

[0018] The flexible tube, with its bottom end connected to the siphon tube head;

[0019] The bend is in the shape of an inverted U, with one end connected to the top of the flexible tube and the other end of the bend facing downwards.

[0020] The straight pipe has its top end connected to the other end of the bend, and the water supply component is connected to the other end of the bend or the straight pipe.

[0021] The bottom end face of the siphon tube head is provided with at least two protrusions spaced apart, and the protrusions can abut against the bottom surface of the communicating container.

[0022] The bottom surface of the connecting container is provided with a water collection pit, which is located directly below the siphon head.

[0023] The float has a central hole, through which the siphon tube head and the flexible tube are connected.

[0024] The garment processing equipment includes a controller, and the drainage mechanism further includes:

[0025] A trigger element is disposed on the float;

[0026] A sensor is disposed on the outer wall of the communicating container and is communicatively connected to the controller. The sensor is not higher than the lowest point of the outer cylinder. The sensor is configured to be triggered by the triggering element. The controller is configured to start the dehydration program after the sensor is triggered.

[0027] The sensing element is a reed switch or a Hall element, and the trigger element is a magnet.

[0028] The drainage mechanism further includes a connecting pipe, through which the outer cylinder and the connecting container are connected. The end of the connecting pipe connected to the outer cylinder is higher than the end of the connecting pipe connected to the connecting container.

[0029] The switching valve includes:

[0030] The valve body has a drain pipe with its bottom end extending into it, and a water outlet is provided at the bottom of the valve body.

[0031] The stop valve is rotatably mounted inside the valve body;

[0032] An elastic element, connected to the stop valve, is configured to drive the stop valve to block the bottom port of the drain pipe.

[0033] The gate is provided with an elastic sealing layer, which can abut against the bottom end face of the drain pipe.

[0034] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0035] In the clothing treatment device of this invention, water can be replenished into the drain pipe through the water replenishment component. The water pressure of the replenished water opens the switch valve, triggering a siphon effect. Utilizing the siphon effect for drainage can save energy and reduce noise. Because the cross-sectional area of ​​the drain pipe is small, less water is required, thus reducing water waste. The switch valve can close the drain pipe when the liquid level in the drain pipe is lower than a preset level, allowing a water column to remain in the drain pipe. The drain pipe and its sealed water column prevent polluted air from entering the drain pipe when drainage is not in progress, thereby maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

[0036] By using a float to move one end of the drain pipe into the connecting container, the drainage speed is faster when the water level in the container is high, which helps to increase the drainage rate; when the water level is low, the drainage speed is slower, which can both absorb the washing water and prevent the siphon from being interrupted before the spin-drying begins. The drain pipe also avoids being blocked by lint when it floats with the float, eliminating the need for a lint filter, which saves costs and manual maintenance, and improves the product's economy and convenience.

[0037] By combining a water collection pit with a drain pipe that floats with the float, the remaining water in the connected container can be drained, preventing mold and odor, ensuring health and hygiene. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the clothing processing equipment provided by the present invention.

[0039] In the picture:

[0040] 1. Housing; 2. Outer cylinder; 21. Flexible joint; 31. Connecting container; 311. Water collection pit; 32. Float; 33. Drain pipe; 331. Siphon head; 332. Flexible hose; 333. Bend; 334. Straight pipe; 34. Switch valve; 341. Valve body; 342. Stop valve; 35. Connecting pipe; 36. Connecting pipe; 371. Sensor; 372. Trigger; 38. Water supply assembly; 381. Control valve; 382. Water supply pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0042] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0044] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0045] This embodiment provides a garment processing device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the garment processing equipment includes a housing 1, an outer drum 2 disposed inside the housing 1, and a drainage mechanism. The outer drum 2 is used to hold the washing liquid, and the washing liquid in the outer drum 2 is discharged through the drainage mechanism after washing and during the spin-drying process.

[0046] Among them, the clothing processing equipment can be a drum washing machine, a drum dryer, or a washer-dryer combo.

[0047] Existing clothing processing equipment mainly uses drain pumps or drain valves to drain water, which increases drainage energy consumption; some clothing processing equipment uses the siphon principle to drain water, but this results in serious water waste, and polluted air can easily enter the room through the washing machine.

[0048] To solve the above problems, such as Figure 1 The drainage mechanism shown includes a connecting container 31, a drain pipe 33, a water replenishment component 38, and a switch valve 34. The connecting container 31 is located beside the outer cylinder 2 and is connected to the bottom of the outer cylinder 2 so that water in the outer cylinder 2 can enter the connecting container 31, and the liquid level in the connecting container 31 is the same as that in the outer cylinder 2. One end of the drain pipe 33 is located inside the connecting container 31, and the other end extends from the upper end of the connecting container 31 and bends downward. The other end of the drain pipe 33 is used to connect to the outside of the clothing processing equipment. The water replenishment component 38 is connected to the drain pipe 33. The connection point between the water replenishment component 38 and the drain pipe 33 is lower than the highest point of the drain pipe 33 and is located on the side of the drain pipe 33 away from the housing 1. The water replenishment component 38 is used to replenish water into the drain pipe 33. The switch valve 34 is located at the bottom end of the drain pipe 33 and is configured to open when the liquid level in the drain pipe 33 reaches a preset level. Understandably, when the liquid level in the drain pipe 33 does not reach the preset liquid level, the switch valve 34 closes, thus sealing the bottom of the drain pipe 33.

[0049] When there is water in the outer cylinder 2, because the outer cylinder 2 is connected to the connecting container 31, the liquid level in the connecting container 31 is the same as the liquid level in the outer cylinder 2, and the end of the drain pipe 33 extending into the connecting container 31 is submerged in water. When drainage is needed, water is first added to the drain pipe 33. As the water volume increases, the liquid level in the drain pipe 33 reaches the preset level, the drain valve opens, and the water in the drain pipe 33 is discharged to the outside. This will cause the air pressure in the drain pipe 33 to decrease. Since the air pressure in the outer cylinder 2 is atmospheric pressure, the atmospheric pressure will compress the water in the outer cylinder 2, causing the water to pass through the connecting container 31 and enter the drain pipe 33, thereby triggering a siphon effect and realizing the drainage of the outer cylinder 2.

[0050] In this embodiment, drainage is performed using the siphon principle, which requires no energy and reduces the operating cost of the clothing processing equipment. By setting a switching valve 34 and replenishing water into the drain pipe 33, the small diameter of the drain pipe 33 reduces the amount of water needed to trigger the siphon effect. Furthermore, the switching valve 34 automatically closes when the water level in the drain pipe 33 falls below the preset level H in the later stages of drainage, leaving a certain amount of water in the drain pipe 33 and reducing the amount of water needed to replenish it during subsequent drainage, thereby avoiding water waste.

[0051] In addition, the switch valve 34 closes the drain pipe 33, which can isolate the drain pipe 33 from the sewer when drainage is not needed, preventing dirty air from entering the room through the drain pipe 33 and the outer cylinder 2, thus improving the user experience.

[0052] Specifically, the switching valve 34 includes a valve body 341, a damper 342, and an elastic element. The bottom end of the drain pipe 33 extends into the valve body 341, and an outlet is provided at the bottom of the valve body 341. The damper 342 is rotatably disposed within the valve body 341, and the elastic element is connected to the damper 342. The elastic element is configured to drive the damper 342 to block the bottom port of the drain pipe 33. When the liquid level in the drain pipe 33 is lower than the preset liquid level H, the driving force of the elastic element on the damper 342 is greater than the water pressure on the damper 342, allowing the damper 342 to block the bottom port of the drain pipe 33. When the water replenishment assembly 38 replenishes water into the drain pipe 33, the liquid level in the drain pipe 33 gradually rises, and the water pressure on the damper 342 gradually increases. Under the action of the water pressure, the damper 342 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element, opening the bottom port of the drain pipe 33, allowing the liquid in the drain pipe 33 to be discharged.

[0053] Alternatively, the elastic element can be a torsion spring or a compression spring.

[0054] To ensure a tight seal between the baffle 342 and the bottom end face of the drain pipe 33, an elastic sealing layer is provided on the baffle 342. The elastic sealing layer can abut against the bottom end face of the drain pipe 33 to prevent water in the drain pipe 33 from leaking out through the gap between the baffle 342 and the drain pipe 33.

[0055] As the water level in the outer cylinder 2 drops, the water level in the connecting container 31 also drops. To ensure that the water in the connecting container 31 can be completely drained, the end of the drain pipe 33 needs to be close to the bottom of the connecting container 31. This will greatly reduce the drainage speed and will inevitably be blocked by lint in the washing water, making drainage more difficult and even requiring manual handling. If the drain pipe 33 is set higher in the connecting container 31, although the drainage speed is accelerated and it will not be blocked by lint in the washing water, the siphon is likely to be interrupted when the water level in the connecting container 31 is low, making it impossible to drain the water in the connecting container 31 completely and also preventing the continued discharge of water generated during the dehydration stage.

[0056] To address the aforementioned issues, the drainage mechanism also includes a float 32. The float 32 is positioned within the connecting container 31 and floats up and down in response to changes in the liquid level within the container. One end of the drain pipe 33 extending into the connecting container 31 is connected to the float 32. By incorporating the float 32, the end of the drain pipe 33 extending into the connecting container 31 can move with changes in the liquid level within the container. This allows for faster drainage when the water level in the container 31 is high, thus increasing the drainage speed. Conversely, when the water level is low, the drainage speed is slower, effectively absorbing the washing water while preventing siphon interruption before the spin-drying process begins.

[0057] Furthermore, the drain pipe 33 floats with the float 32, preventing lint blockage and eliminating the need for a lint filter or manual cleaning. When lint is present in the water entering the connecting container 31, some lint enters the drain pipe 33 and is discharged with the water, while some lint settles at the bottom of the connecting container 31 as the water level drops. When drainage occurs again, the water level in the connecting container 31 rises, causing the drain pipe 33 to rise with the float 32. This prevents accumulated lint from clogging the drain pipe 33, and the rising water level disperses the accumulated lint, allowing the lint at the bottom of the connecting container 31 to be discharged with the water.

[0058] In this embodiment, the float 32 and the connecting container 31 are provided with a guiding structure, so that the float 32 can move up and down with the liquid level, but will not rotate relative to the connecting container 31, so as to avoid the hose 332 from getting tangled and blocked.

[0059] Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity of the communicating container 31 and the cross-sectional shape of the float 32 are non-rotational shapes to limit the rotation of the float 32. Optionally, the cross-sectional shapes of the cavity and the float 32 can be polygonal, elliptical, or irregular shapes. For example, the cross-sectional shapes of both the cavity and the float 32 are rectangular.

[0060] To ensure that all the water in the outer cylinder 2 can be drained, the outer cylinder 2 is connected to the connecting container 31 by a connecting pipe 36. One end of the connecting pipe 36 is connected to the bottom of the outer cylinder 2, and the other end is connected to the connecting container 31. The connecting pipe 36 is set at an angle, so that the height of the end of the connecting pipe 36 connected to the outer cylinder 2 is higher than the height of the end of the connecting pipe 36 connected to the connecting container 31. This allows all the water in the outer cylinder 2 to enter the connecting container 31 under the action of gravity, so that all the water in the outer cylinder 2 can be drained.

[0061] Furthermore, the bottom of the outer drum 2 is provided with a flexible connector 21. The flexible connector 21 is made of flexible material and is connected to the connecting tube 36. It can be easily installed with the connecting tube 36 and prevents the vibration generated during the washing process from being directly transmitted to the connecting tube 36, thus avoiding accidental damage.

[0062] In this embodiment, the drain pipe 33 includes a siphon head 331, a flexible hose 332, a bend 333, and a straight pipe 334. The siphon head 331, flexible hose 332, bend 333, and straight pipe 334 are connected sequentially. The siphon head 331 is located at the bottom of the float 32 so that it always extends below the liquid surface, preventing interruption of the siphon. The bottom end of the flexible hose 332 is connected to the siphon head 331 and can deform as the float 32 floats, preventing interference with the float 32's movement. The bend 333 is U-shaped and connects the flexible hose 332 and the straight pipe 334, forming the highest point of the drain pipe 33 to create a siphon effect. Since there is negative pressure inside the drain pipe 33 during siphoning, all parts of the drain pipe 33 are made of pipe material resistant to negative pressure. For example, the flexible hose 332 is preferably made of lightweight and flexible corrugated pipe, while other pipe sections can be made of rigid pipe.

[0063] Optionally, the top opening of the communicating container 31 provides sufficient room for the flexible hose 332 to deform, allowing the hose 332 to float with the float 32. Furthermore, the float 32 can act as a top cover, preventing water from splashing inside the communicating container 31.

[0064] Optionally, the float 32 has a hollow structure and a central hole. The bottom end of the central hole is connected to the siphon head 331, and the top end is connected to the flexible tube 332. By providing a central hole, it is possible to facilitate the connection between the flexible tube 332 and the siphon head 331. On the other hand, it ensures that the center of gravity of the float 32 is located in the center, which helps to keep the siphon head 331 in a vertical position so that the bottom of the siphon head 331 can extend below the liquid surface and prevent the siphon from being interrupted.

[0065] Furthermore, in order to prevent the bend 333 and straight pipe 334 in the drain pipe 33 from affecting the drainage effect due to the movement of the float 32, the bend 333 is fixed to the box 1 to prevent the bend 333 and straight pipe 334 from being affected by the float 32, thereby ensuring the stability of the drainage mechanism.

[0066] Optionally, the straight pipe 334 and part of the bend 333 can be installed outside the housing 1 to facilitate connection with the sewer.

[0067] In other embodiments, the straight pipe 334 and the bent pipe 333 can be arranged inside the housing 1, with only the bottom end of the straight pipe 334 extending out of the housing 1 to connect with the sewer.

[0068] Clothing processing equipment requires drainage after washing (including main wash and rinse). After drainage, a spin-drying program is usually performed. Although the amount of water generated during spin-drying is small, continuous drainage is necessary. To ensure that siphon drainage can proceed continuously between washing and spin-drying, and to avoid repeatedly adding water to the drain pipe 33, in this embodiment, the spin-drying program is started when all the water in the outer drum 2 is drained during the drainage phase (at which point there is water in the connecting pipe 36 and the connecting container 31). This ensures that water is present in the connecting container 31 at the beginning of the spin-drying program, preventing siphon interruption. Water generated after spin-drying begins enters the connecting container 31 for discharge, thus connecting the washing drainage and spin-drying drainage and preventing siphon interruption.

[0069] To prevent the siphon head 331 from completely sticking to the bottom surface of the connecting container 31 and blocking the siphon after the liquid level in the connecting container 31 drops, at least two protrusions are provided at intervals on the bottom end face of the siphon head 331. The protrusions can abut against the bottom surface of the connecting container 31 when the liquid level in the connecting container 31 is low, so that there is a gap between the bottom end face of the siphon head 331 and the bottom surface of the connecting container 31. The gap will always ensure that the inside of the siphon head 331 is connected to the inside of the connecting container 31.

[0070] In addition, by setting a protrusion on the bottom end face of the siphon tube head 331, the siphon can be interrupted when the water volume is abnormally low. After the siphon is interrupted, the outer cylinder 2 and the drain pipe 33 are connected through the above-mentioned gap, so that the air pressure in the drain pipe 33 is the same as the air pressure in the outer cylinder 2. This can avoid the problem of not being able to fill the outer cylinder 2 completely because the air pressure in the drain pipe 33 is low and the water level in the connected container 31 rises when water is injected into the outer cylinder 2 again.

[0071] Furthermore, a water collection pit 311 is provided on the bottom surface of the connecting container 31, and the water collection pit 311 is located directly below the siphon head 331. By providing the water collection pit 311, a small amount of water remaining in the connecting container 31 can be concentrated in the water collection pit 311 and discharged through the siphon head 331, ensuring that all the water in the connecting container 31 is discharged.

[0072] Optionally, the bottom height of the connecting container 31 can gradually decrease from the edge towards the water collection pit 311 to facilitate water flow and collection.

[0073] To facilitate accurate control of the dehydration timing, the garment processing equipment includes a controller, and the drainage mechanism includes a trigger 372 and a sensor 371. The trigger 372 is mounted on the float 32, changing its height according to the float's movement. The sensor 371 is located on the outer wall of the connecting container 31 and is communicatively connected to the controller. The sensor 371 is flush with the lowest point of the outer cylinder 2 and is configured to be triggered by the trigger 372. The controller is configured to initiate the dehydration program after the sensor 371 is triggered. Through the cooperation of the sensor 371 and the trigger 372, the garment processing equipment can begin dehydration when the liquid level in the connecting container 31 drops to the same level as the lowest point of the outer cylinder 2. Because the outer cylinder 2 is connected to the connecting container 31, all water in the outer cylinder 2 is drained at this time, ensuring timely dehydration and preventing siphon interruption.

[0074] In some embodiments, the height of the sensing element 371 may be lower than the lowest point of the outer cylinder 2, but it must be higher than the lowest point of the connecting container 31 to ensure that there is water in the connecting container 31 when dehydration begins.

[0075] For example, the sensing element 371 is a reed switch, and the trigger element 372 is a magnet. The magnet and the reed switch do not need to be in contact. The magnet can trigger the reed switch inside the communicating container 31, avoiding the need to make holes in the communicating container 31.

[0076] In other embodiments, the sensing element 371 and the trigger element 372 can be other structures, such as the sensing element 371 being a Hall element. In short, as long as the trigger element 372 can trigger the sensing element 371 to transmit a signal to the controller so as to start the dehydration program in time.

[0077] Furthermore, the drainage mechanism also includes a connecting pipe 35, which is connected to the outlet of the valve body 341. Optionally, the connecting pipe 35 is a corrugated pipe, which does not collapse during siphon drainage and can provide siphon power, especially when the water level in the connecting container 31 is low, it can achieve low-flow siphon drainage.

[0078] In this embodiment, the water replenishment component 38 includes a water replenishment pipe 382 and a control valve 381. The water replenishment pipe 382 is used to replenish water to the drain pipe 33, and the controller is used to control the opening and closing of the water replenishment pipe 382 so as to start or stop water replenishment.

[0079] When drainage begins, water needs to be added to the drain pipe 33 so that the water level above the switch valve 34 in the straight pipe 334 reaches the preset level, allowing the damper 342 to open the drain pipe 33 under water pressure. To stop water replenishment promptly and avoid water waste, the control valve 381 can control the amount of water replenished by controlling the opening time.

[0080] Specifically, before leaving the factory, the garment processing equipment tests the time required for the liquid level in the straight pipe 334 to reach the preset water level, and stores the preset water replenishment time (e.g., 3 seconds) in the controller using the time data. When drainage is started, the control valve 381 opens to allow the water replenishment pipe 382 to replenish water into the drain pipe 33, and closes after the preset water replenishment time when the control valve 381 is open to avoid water waste.

[0081] Furthermore, the preset water replenishment time can be determined based on data on the time it takes for tap water to reach the lowest water pressure, so as to ensure that the valve 342 can be opened within the preset water replenishment time even when the tap water pressure in the user's home is low.

[0082] When the garment processing equipment is used for the first time, there is no water in the straight pipe 334, and the amount of water added when replenishing to the preset water level H is relatively large. When the garment processing equipment needs to drain again, there is residual water in the straight pipe 334 from the previous drainage, so the amount of water that needs to be added is less than the amount of water added the first time. For this reason, the controller can store two preset water replenishment times, one is the first preset water replenishment time for the first use, and the other is the second preset water replenishment time for the second and subsequent uses.

[0083] The drainage process of the clothing processing equipment in this embodiment is as follows:

[0084] When the garment processing equipment is used for the first time, there is no water in the drain pipe 33, and the door 342 closes the bottom end of the drain pipe 33 under the action of the elastic element.

[0085] After the washing program is started, as water is continuously added to the outer drum 2, the water level in the connecting container 31 rises synchronously, the float 32 rises with the water level in the connecting container 31, and the siphon head 331 is submerged in the water. When the water filling in the outer drum 2 is finished, the hose 332 is coiled on the float 32.

[0086] After the main wash is completed and drainage is required, the controller first energizes the sensor 371 and opens the control valve 381, causing the water replenishment component 38 to replenish water into the drain pipe 33. After the water level in the straight pipe 334 reaches the preset water level H, the baffle 342 is pushed open by the water pressure, and the drain pipe 33 is connected to the sewer, triggering the siphon effect.

[0087] As the drain float 32 descends, it triggers the trigger element 372, which in turn triggers the sensor element 371. The sensor element 371 sends a signal to the controller, which then initiates the dehydration process based on the received signal. The water produced during dehydration enters the connecting container 31, where it is then drained through a siphon effect.

[0088] After all the water in the connected container 31 is drained, the water level in the drain pipe 33 gradually decreases. When the liquid level in the drain pipe 33 drops to the preset water level H, the water pressure on the baffle 342 is less than the pushing force of the elastic element on the baffle 342. The baffle 342 will close the drain pipe 33 under the action of the elastic element, ending the drainage, and leaving a water column in the straight pipe 334.

[0089] Understandably, after the main wash, the water will be drained and dehydrated. After dehydration, at least two rinses will be performed, with draining and dehydration performed after each rinse. The draining and dehydration procedures are the same as those described above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0090] After the first drainage, the straight pipe 334 retains a water column. This water column can prevent dirty air from the sewer from entering the room through the laundry detergent, keeping the air in the home fresh. It also allows only a small amount of water to be added each time the siphon drainage is triggered to activate the siphon effect.

[0091] It should be noted that the water column retained in the straight pipe 334 is fundamentally different from the residual water retained in existing drum washing machines. Existing top-drain drum washing machines leave 500-600 ml of water in the lint filter and pipes after draining, and this residual water will mix with the water in the main wash stage during the next wash. However, in this invention, the residual water column does not participate in the washing process at all, making it more hygienic.

[0092] The garment processing device in this embodiment drains water using a siphon effect. Compared to using a drain pump, this method can completely dry the residual water in the outer cylinder 2 and the connecting container 31, ensuring the garment processing device remains dry when not in use, reducing bacterial growth, and making it more hygienic and healthier. It also prevents clogging, eliminates the need for a lint filter and manual cleaning, greatly improving product economics and convenience. Drainage requires no electricity, saving costs and reducing noise.

[0093] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, comprising a housing (1) and an outer cylinder (2) disposed within the housing (1), characterized in that, It also includes a drainage mechanism, which comprises: A connecting container (31) is disposed on the side of the outer cylinder (2), and the connecting container (31) is connected to the bottom of the outer cylinder (2); Drain pipe (33), one end of which is located inside the connecting container (31), and the other end extends out of the connecting container (31) and bends downward; A water replenishment component (38) is connected to the drain pipe (33). The connection point between the water replenishment component (38) and the drain pipe (33) is located on the side of the drain pipe (33) away from the connecting container (31) at the highest point of the drain pipe (33). The water replenishment component (38) is used to replenish water into the drain pipe (33). A switch valve (34) is provided at the bottom end of the drain pipe (33), and the switch valve (34) is configured to open when the liquid level in the drain pipe (33) reaches a preset liquid level; The drainage mechanism also includes a float (32), which is disposed in the communicating container (31) and can float up and down with the liquid level in the communicating container (31). One end of the drain pipe (33) extending into the communicating container (31) is connected to the float (32). The drain pipe (33) includes: The siphon tube head (331) is located at the bottom of the float (32); The bottom end of the flexible tube (332) is connected to the siphon tube head (331); The bend (333) is in the shape of an inverted U. One end of the bend (333) is connected to the top end of the hose (332), and the other end of the bend (333) is open downwards. The top end of the straight pipe (334) is connected to the other end of the bend (333), and the water supply component (38) is connected to the other end of the bend (333) or the straight pipe (334). The bottom surface of the connecting container (31) is provided with a water collection pit (311), which is located directly below the siphon head (331). The garment handling device includes a controller, and the drainage mechanism further includes: A trigger (372) is disposed on the float (32); A sensor (371) is disposed on the outer wall of the communicating container (31) and communicates with the controller. The sensor (371) is not higher than the lowest point of the outer cylinder (2). The sensor (371) is configured to be triggered by the trigger (372). The controller is configured to start the dehydration process after the sensor (371) is triggered.

2. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom end face of the siphon tube head (331) is provided with at least two protrusions at intervals, and the protrusions can abut against the bottom surface of the communicating container (31).

3. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The float (32) is provided with a central hole, and the siphon head (331) and the hose (332) are connected through the central hole.

4. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing element (371) is a reed switch or a Hall element, and the trigger element (372) is a magnet.

5. The garment processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The drainage mechanism also includes a connecting pipe (36), the outer cylinder (2) and the connecting container (31) are connected through the connecting pipe (36), and the end of the connecting pipe (36) connected to the outer cylinder (2) is higher than the end of the connecting pipe (36) connected to the connecting container (31).

6. The garment processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The switching valve (34) includes: Valve body (341), the bottom end of the drain pipe (33) extends into the valve body (341), and the bottom of the valve body (341) is provided with a water outlet; The stop valve (342) is rotatably disposed within the valve body (341); An elastic element, connected to the stop (342), is configured to drive the stop (342) to block the bottom port of the drain pipe (33).

7. The garment processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gate (342) is provided with an elastic sealing layer, which can abut against the bottom end face of the drain pipe (33).

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