A washing machine residual water discharge structure and a washing machine

Abstract

This invention discloses a residual water drainage structure for a washing machine and the washing machine itself. The residual water drainage structure includes a drain pump, an upper drain pipe connected to the outlet of the drain pump, a lower drain pipe connected to both the outlet of the drain pump and the upper drain pipe, and a middle drain pipe connecting the upper and lower drain pipes, dividing the upper and lower drain pipes into a front section, a rear section, a front section, and a rear section, respectively. A first one-way valve is located in the front section of the upper drain pipe, and a second one-way valve is located in the front section of the lower drain pipe. The opening force of the second one-way valve is greater than the water pressure in the front section of the lower drain pipe when the drain pump is draining, and less than the sum of the water pressure in front of the second one-way valve and the negative pressure in the water pipe behind the second one-way valve when the drain pump is draining. With this residual water drainage structure, the upper and lower drain pipes drain simultaneously, accelerating the drainage speed. When only residual water remains inside the washing machine, it can be discharged during the normal drainage process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a residual water drainage structure for a washing machine and the washing machine itself. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machines have become an essential household appliance, and users are increasingly demanding higher standards for the cleanliness and sterility of their interiors. However, front-loading washing machines, which use a drain pump system, inevitably retain residual water due to their structure. If this residual water is not cleaned promptly, bacteria will continuously grow inside the washing machine, contaminating clothes during the next wash.

[0003] Current drum washing machines all have drain pumps equipped with filters, allowing users to drain residual water simultaneously when cleaning the filter. However, user surveys have revealed that approximately 85% of users do not have the habit of cleaning the filter. Other solutions include installing a manual drain port at the bottom of the drain pump connected to a residual water drain pipe, as seen in patent publication CN104005205B, titled "Drainage Structure and Method for Drum Washing Machines." This patent features a first, second, and third drain port on the drain pump. The first and second drain passages are used for pump-driven drainage, while the third drain passage allows for manual drainage of residual water, reducing the amount of residual water through this secondary drainage. However, all of these residual water drainage methods require manual cleaning by the user, impacting the user experience.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this application, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problem of residual water inside the drain pump of a washing machine in the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a structure and washing machine for draining residual water in a washing machine, which can naturally carry away residual water during normal drainage, thereby effectively reducing the residual water inside the drain pump.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0007] A residual water drainage structure for a washing machine includes:

[0008] The drain pump is located at the bottom of the washing machine casing;

[0009] The upper drain pipe is connected to the outlet of the drain pump; the upper drain pipe extends from the bottom to the top of the housing.

[0010] The lower drain pipe is connected to the outlet of the drain pump and the upper drain pipe;

[0011] The intermediate drain pipe connects the upper drain pipe and the lower drain pipe, and the intermediate drain pipe divides the upper drain pipe and the lower drain pipe into the front section of the upper drain pipe, the rear section of the upper drain pipe, the front section of the lower drain pipe, and the rear section of the lower drain pipe, respectively.

[0012] The first one-way valve is located in the front section of the upper drain pipe;

[0013] The second check valve is located in the front section of the lower drain pipe. The opening force of the second check valve is greater than the water pressure in the front section of the lower drain pipe when the drain pump is discharging water, and less than the sum of the water pressure in front of the second check valve and the negative pressure in the water pipe behind the second check valve when the drain pump is discharging water.

[0014] Furthermore, the first one-way valve is located near the middle drain pipe on the upper side of the front section of the upper drain pipe.

[0015] Furthermore, the second check valve is located near the drain pump on the front side of the front section of the lower drain pipe.

[0016] Furthermore, the upper drain pipe extends downward after extending out of the washing machine casing and connects with the lower drain pipe.

[0017] Furthermore, the drain pipe is installed horizontally.

[0018] Furthermore, the upper and lower drain pipes are connected to the outlet of the drain pump via a T-junction.

[0019] Furthermore, the second check valve is provided with a damping structure to provide damping force when the second check valve is closed, thereby increasing the time required for the second check valve to close.

[0020] Furthermore, the damping structure is a damping grease.

[0021] Furthermore, the time required for the second check valve to close is half of the total drainage time.

[0022] The present invention also includes a washing machine that includes the above-described washing machine residual water drainage structure.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are:

[0024] The aforementioned residual water drainage structure of the washing machine can prevent washing water from being discharged when the drain pump is not working through the second one-way valve, eliminating the need for a solenoid valve and reducing costs. By setting up an intermediate drain pipe and a second one-way valve, the upper and lower drain pipes can drain simultaneously during the drainage process, accelerating the drainage speed and improving washing efficiency. At the same time, when only residual water remains inside the washing machine, it can be diverted to the outside of the washing machine cabinet and discharged during the normal drainage process, eliminating the need for user intervention. This provides a healthy washing environment while reducing the frequency of user operations.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the residual water drainage structure of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second one-way valve in the residual water drainage structure of the washing machine of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the residual water drainage structure of the washing machine in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] Drain pump 1;

[0032] 2. Upper drain pipe;

[0033] Front section 21 of the upper drain pipe; Rear section 22 of the upper drain pipe;

[0034] Intermediate drain pipe 3;

[0035] Down drain pipe 4; front section of down drain pipe 41; rear section of down drain pipe 42;

[0036] First check valve 5;

[0037] Second check valve 6; valve body 61; inlet 611; outlet 612; valve core 62; valve core body 621; spring 63. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, 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 this invention.

[0040] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0041] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] Reference Figures 1-2 This is one embodiment of the residual water drainage structure of the washing machine according to the present invention. The residual water drainage structure of the washing machine includes a drain pump 1, an upper drain pipe 2, a lower drain pipe 4, a middle drain pipe 3, a first one-way valve 5, and a second one-way valve 6.

[0044] The drain pump 1 is located at the bottom of the washing machine casing and is used to drain the washing wastewater inside the washing machine during drainage.

[0045] The upper drain pipe 2 is connected to the outlet 612 of the drain pump 1. The upper drain pipe 2 extends upward at an angle from the washing machine casing.

[0046] The lower drain pipe 4 is connected to the outlet 612 of the drain pump 1 and the upper drain pipe 2. In this embodiment, the upper drain pipe 2, the lower drain pipe 4, and the outlet pipe of the drain pump 1 are connected by a T-junction.

[0047] The intermediate drain pipe 3 connects the upper drain pipe 2 and the lower drain pipe 4. Defining the flow direction of the drain water in the upper drain pipe 2 and the lower drain pipe 4 as the front-to-back direction, the intermediate drain pipe 3 divides the upper drain pipe 2 into a front section 21 and a rear section 22. Similarly, the intermediate drain pipe 3 divides the lower drain pipe 4 into a front section 41 and a rear section 42.

[0048] The first check valve 5 is located in the front section 21 of the upper drain pipe. The opening force of the first check valve 5 is less than the water pressure in the front section 21 of the upper drain pipe when the drain pump 1 is draining water.

[0049] The second one-way valve 6 is located inside the front section 41 of the lower drain pipe. The opening force of the second one-way valve 6 is greater than the water pressure in the front section 41 of the lower drain pipe when the drain pump 1 is draining water, and less than the sum of the water pressure in front of the second one-way valve 6 and the negative pressure in the water pipe behind the second one-way valve 6 when the drain pump 1 is draining water.

[0050] The working principle of the residual water drainage structure of the washing machine of this invention is as follows:

[0051] (1) When the drain pump 1 is not working, the opening force of the second check valve 6 is greater than the static water pressure inside the second check valve 6 when the drain pump 1 is not working. At this time, the second check valve 6 is in the closed state, and the washing water inside the washing machine cabinet cannot flow out.

[0052] (2) When the drain pump 1 starts to operate, because the opening force of the second check valve 6 is greater than the water pressure in the front section 41 of the lower drain pipe when the drain pump 1 drains, the second check valve 6 in the front section 41 of the lower drain pipe is closed, and the washing sewage flows out from the upper drain pipe 2.

[0053] (3) When the washing wastewater flows out through the intermediate pipe, a negative pressure is generated in the front section 41 of the lower drain pipe. Since the opening force of the second check valve 6 is less than the sum of the water pressure in front of the second check valve 6 and the negative pressure in the water pipe behind the second check valve 6 when the drain pump 1 drains, the second check valve 6 opens at this time, and the upper drain pipe 2 and the lower drain pipe 4 drain at the same time, which can greatly shorten the drainage time.

[0054] (4) When there is only residual water inside the washing machine, the residual water is discharged under the action of the drain pump 1, but it cannot flow out of the washing machine through the upper drain pipe 2, thus causing backflow. Because of the first one-way valve 5, the water cannot flow back into the drain pump 1, but flows out of the machine through the middle drain pipe 3. At the same time, the negative pressure will further guide the second one-way valve 6 in the lower drain pipe 4 to open, and further guide the residual water to the outside of the washing machine.

[0055] The residual water drainage structure of the washing machine of the present invention can prevent the washing water from being discharged when the drain pump 1 is not working by using the second one-way valve 6, eliminating the need for a solenoid valve and reducing costs. By setting the intermediate drain pipe 3 and the second one-way valve 6, the upper drain pipe 2 and the lower drain pipe 4 can drain water simultaneously during the drainage process, accelerating the drainage speed and improving washing efficiency. At the same time, when only residual water remains inside the washing machine, the residual water can be diverted to the outside of the washing machine cabinet and discharged during the normal drainage process, eliminating the need for user operation to drain the water. This provides a healthy washing environment while reducing the frequency of user operations.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first one-way valve 5 is located near the middle drain pipe 3 on the upper side of the front section 21 of the upper drain pipe. When only residual water remains inside the washing machine, the water in the upper drain pipe 2 is discharged from the middle drain pipe 3 when it flows back due to the first one-way valve 5 being located near the middle drain pipe 3, which can prevent water from remaining in the front section 21 of the upper drain pipe.

[0057] The second check valve 6 is located near the drain pump 1 on the front side of the lower drain pipe section 41. In this way, when the washing sewage flows out through the middle pipe, a large negative pressure can be generated in the lower drain pipe section 41, causing the second check valve 6 to open.

[0058] In this embodiment, the intermediate drain pipe 3 is inclined downwards, and the outlet end of the intermediate drain pipe 3 is close to the inner wall of the box, which can increase the length of the front section of the drain pipe. When the washing sewage flows out through the intermediate pipe, a large negative pressure can be generated in the front section 41 of the lower drain pipe, causing the second one-way valve 6 to open.

[0059] In this embodiment, the upper drain pipe 2 extends downward from the washing machine casing and connects with the lower drain pipe 4. The washing machine ultimately drains water through the lower drain pipe 4. The lower drain pipe 4 can be installed horizontally or inclined downward.

[0060] For details on the structure of the second one-way valve 6, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 The second one-way valve 6 includes a valve body 61, a valve core 62 disposed within the valve body 61, and a spring 63. The valve core 62 has a channel, and the spring 63 is disposed within the valve core 62. When washing water flows in from the inlet 611, the water pressure and the force of the spring 63 press the valve core 62 against the valve body 61, preventing water from passing through. When washing water flows in from the outlet 612, it overcomes the force of the spring 63 and pushes the valve core 62, opening the channel and allowing water to pass through.

[0061] The second check valve 6 is equipped with a damping structure to provide damping force when it closes, thereby increasing the time required for the closing process. At the end of the drainage phase, the water volume is low, and the drainage water pressure before the second check valve 6 is low, causing it to close. Due to the damping structure, the closing process is slow, ensuring that residual water is completely removed from the system and reducing the risk of bacterial growth from contaminated water. In this embodiment, the damping structure is damping grease, located between the valve core body 621 and the valve body 61 of the valve core 62. This damping structure allows the second check valve 6 to close slowly. Preferably, the time required to control the closing process of the second check valve 6 is equal to half of the total drainage time.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] See Figure 3 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment one is that the upper drain pipe 2 does not connect with the lower drain pipe 4 after it extends out of the washing machine body. The washing machine can drain water simultaneously through the upper drain pipe 2 and the lower drain pipe 4.

[0064] The present invention also includes a washing machine comprising the aforementioned residual water drainage structure. When the drain pump is not operating, a second one-way valve can prevent the washing water from draining, eliminating the need for a solenoid valve and reducing costs. By incorporating an intermediate drain pipe and a second one-way valve, the upper and lower drain pipes can drain simultaneously during the drainage process, accelerating drainage and improving washing efficiency. Furthermore, when only residual water remains inside the washing machine, it can be diverted to the outside of the washing machine casing and discharged during normal drainage, eliminating the need for user intervention. This provides a healthier washing environment while reducing the frequency of user intervention.

[0065] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A residual water drainage structure for a washing machine, characterized in that, include: The drain pump is located at the bottom of the washing machine casing; The upper drain pipe is connected to the outlet of the drain pump; the upper drain pipe extends from the bottom to the top of the housing. The lower drain pipe is connected to the outlet of the drain pump and the upper drain pipe; The intermediate drain pipe connects the upper drain pipe and the lower drain pipe, and the intermediate drain pipe divides the upper drain pipe and the lower drain pipe into the front section of the upper drain pipe, the rear section of the upper drain pipe, the front section of the lower drain pipe, and the rear section of the lower drain pipe, respectively. The first one-way valve is located in the front section of the upper drain pipe; The second check valve is located in the front section of the lower drain pipe; the opening force of the second check valve is greater than the water pressure in the front section of the lower drain pipe when the drain pump is draining, and less than the sum of the water pressure in front of the second check valve and the negative pressure in the water pipe behind the second check valve when the drain pump is draining. The upper and lower drain pipes are connected to the outlet of the drain pump via a T-junction. The second check valve is provided with a damping structure to provide damping force when the second check valve is closed, thereby increasing the time required for the second check valve to close.

2. The washing machine residual water drainage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first one-way valve is located near the middle drain pipe on the upper side of the front section of the upper drain pipe.

3. The washing machine residual water drainage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second one-way valve is located near the drain pump on the front side of the front section of the lower drain pipe.

4. The washing machine residual water drainage structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper drain pipe extends out of the washing machine casing and downwards, connecting with the lower drain pipe.

5. The washing machine residual water drainage structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drain pipe is installed horizontally.

6. The washing machine residual water drainage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping structure is a damping grease.

7. The washing machine residual water drainage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The time required for the second check valve to close is half of the total drainage time.

8. A washing machine, characterized in that, Includes the residual water drainage structure of the washing machine as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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