Inlet and outlet valves and garment processing equipment

Abstract

This invention relates to an inlet / drainage valve and a garment processing device. The inlet / drainage valve comprises: an upper valve assembly installed on the tank of the garment processing device, the upper valve assembly having a first water inlet channel and a first drain channel communicating with the interior of the tank; and a lower valve assembly installed on the base of the garment processing device, the lower valve assembly having a second water inlet channel and a second drain channel. The tank and base are fitted together, the upper valve assembly and the lower valve assembly are in an inserted state, and the first water inlet channel is connected to the second water inlet channel, and the first drain channel is connected to the second drain channel. When the tank and base are separated, the upper valve assembly and the lower valve assembly are separated, and the first water inlet channel is disconnected from the second water inlet channel, and the first drain channel is disconnected from the second drain channel. This invention enables automatic water supply and drainage of the tank, eliminating the need for manual water filling or manual emptying of wastewater, making water supply and drainage of the tank more convenient and improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clothing processing equipment technology, and more particularly to an inlet / outlet valve and clothing processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] This section provides only background information relevant to this disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] As living standards improve, people have higher requirements for laundry, needing to separate different types of clothing for washing. Split-tub washing machines offer a solution for separating different types of clothing or allowing different groups of people to share a washing machine. However, current split-tub washing machines lack automatic drainage or water intake functions. Manual intervention is required before and after the wash cycle, especially since clothes remain soaked in wastewater after washing. After removing the clothes, the water must be manually emptied from the tub, making water supply and drainage extremely inconvenient and resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to at least solve the problem of inconvenient water supply and drainage in washing tubs. This purpose is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] This objective is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] The first aspect of the present invention provides an inlet / outlet valve for a garment processing device. The inlet / outlet valve includes: an upper valve assembly installed on the tank of the garment processing device, the upper valve assembly having a first water inlet channel and a first drain channel communicating with the interior of the tank; and a lower valve assembly installed on the base of the garment processing device, the lower valve assembly having a second water inlet channel and a second drain channel. The tank and the base are fitted together, the upper valve assembly and the lower valve assembly are in an inserted state, and the first water inlet channel is connected to the second water inlet channel, and the first drain channel is connected to the second drain channel. When the tank and the base are separated, the upper valve assembly and the lower valve assembly are in a separated state, and the first water inlet channel is disconnected from the second water inlet channel, and the first drain channel is disconnected from the second drain channel.

[0007] According to the inlet and outlet valve proposed in this invention, the upper valve assembly has a first water inlet channel and a first drain channel communicating with the tank body, and the lower valve assembly has a second drain channel and a second water inlet channel. When the tank body is placed on the base, the upper valve assembly and the lower valve assembly are inserted into each other, so that the interior of the tank body is connected to the second water inlet channel of the lower valve assembly through the first water inlet channel, and is connected to the second water inlet channel of the lower valve assembly through the first drain channel. Thus, by utilizing the insertion and cooperation of the upper valve assembly and the lower valve assembly, the automatic water supply and drainage of the tank body can be realized simultaneously, without the need for manual water filling or manual sewage dumping, making the water supply and drainage of the tank body more convenient and improving the user experience.

[0008] In addition, the inlet and outlet valve according to the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper valve assembly includes: a housing assembly defining a receiving cavity, the housing assembly having a drain outlet communicating with the first drain channel and the second drain channel; a first valve core disposed within the receiving cavity, the first drain channel being defined between the first valve core and the housing assembly, the first valve core having an open position and a closed position, wherein in the plugged state, the first valve core is in the open position to open the drain outlet, and in the disassembled state, the first valve core is in the closed position to close the drain outlet; and a second valve core disposed within the first inlet channel, the second valve core being unidirectionally oriented.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first valve core includes: a reset tube movably disposed in the receiving cavity, the reset tube defining a first drainage channel between the housing assembly and the housing assembly; a first sealing assembly surrounding the drain outlet and disposed in the first drainage channel; when the first valve core is in the open position, the reset tube is separated from the first sealing assembly; when the first valve core is in the closed position, the reset tube abuts against the first sealing assembly to close the drain outlet.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the housing assembly includes: a first valve seat, wherein the drain outlet is disposed on the first valve seat; a valve cover connected to the side of the first valve seat away from the drain outlet, the valve cover having a plurality of leakage holes communicating with the first drain channel; wherein the valve cover has a support tube extending toward the drain outlet, the reset tube being movably inserted into the support tube, and the support tube communicating with the reset tube and defining the first water inlet channel.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper valve assembly further includes a reset assembly, the reset assembly comprising: a first support member fixedly disposed in the accommodating cavity; and a driving member connected to the first support member and the reset tube respectively, the driving member being used to drive the reset tube to move relative to the first sealing assembly.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the reset tube near the first sealing assembly is provided with a protrusion structure; the first support member has a first support portion, the first support portion is cylindrical and sleeved outside the reset tube, and the first support portion is located on the side of the protrusion structure away from the drain outlet; the driving member is an elastic member, the elastic member is disposed between the protrusion structure and the first support portion, one end of the elastic member is connected to the protrusion structure, and the other end of the elastic member is connected to the first support portion.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first support portion is provided with a stepped structure on the side away from the protruding structure; the protruding structure is provided with an annular groove on the side facing the first support portion, and the annular groove is coaxially arranged with the reset tube; the elastic member is sleeved on the first support portion, one end of the elastic member abuts against the stepped structure, and the other end of the elastic member extends into the annular groove and abuts against the bottom surface of the annular groove.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, along the water inlet direction of the first water inlet channel, the first support member includes a second support portion, a first connecting portion and the first support portion connected in sequence. The second support portion is annular. The side of the second support portion facing the drain outlet abuts against the first sealing assembly, and the side of the first support portion away from the drain outlet abuts against the support pipe body.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the interior of the support tube and the interior of the reset tube are hollow, the support tube communicates with the reset tube and defines the first water inlet channel; the lower valve assembly includes: a second valve seat disposed on the base, the second valve seat including a main body portion that inserts and engages with the first valve seat and a water supply portion formed within the main body portion, the interior of the water supply portion being hollow to define the second water inlet channel, and a second drainage channel being defined between the water supply portion and the inner wall of the main body portion; in the inserted state, the water supply portion passes through the drain port and inserts into the reset tube, and is capable of pushing the reset tube to separate from the first sealing assembly.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lower valve assembly further includes: a second sealing member, which is disposed around the inside of the second valve seat, and the second sealing member is annular; when the first valve seat and the second valve seat are inserted, the outer ring of the second sealing member abuts against the inner wall of the second valve seat, and the inner ring of the second sealing member abuts against the outer wall of the first valve seat.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second valve seat includes a drain section and a water inlet section. The drain section has a third drain channel communicating with the second drain channel and is used to connect an external drain pipe. The water inlet section has a third water inlet channel communicating with the second water inlet channel and is used to connect an external water inlet pipe.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a garment processing device is provided, the garment processing device comprising: an inlet and outlet valve as described in the first aspect of the present invention; a base, wherein the lower valve assembly of the inlet and outlet valve is mounted on the base; and a tub body, detachably disposed on the base, wherein the upper valve assembly of the inlet and outlet valve is mounted on the tub body.

[0020] The clothing processing device proposed in this invention can realize automatic water supply and drainage of the bucket, eliminating the need for manual water filling or manual wastewater emptying, making water supply and drainage of the bucket more convenient and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the inlet and outlet valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of an inlet / outlet valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the upper valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a housing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a lower valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 6A schematic diagram illustrating the reset tube, the first support member, and the first sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the inlet and outlet valves, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a transmission component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 9 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a drain valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically;

[0031] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of the reset tube according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a garment processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of the second valve core and reset tube according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second valve core according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0036] 100-Inlet and outlet valves

[0037] 10-Upper valve assembly, 101-First water inlet channel, 102-First drainage channel;

[0038] 11-Housing assembly, 111-Accommodation cavity, 112-First valve seat, 1121-Drain outlet, 113-Valve cover, 1131-Support pipe, 1132-Water inlet, 1133-Leakage hole, 114-Valve cap, 1141-First snap-fit ​​part, 1142-Cap part;

[0039] 12-First valve core, 121-Reset tube, 1211-Protruding structure, 12111-Annular groove, 1212 Relief groove, 122-First sealing assembly, 1221-First seal, 1222-First sealing ring, 1223-Second sealing ring;

[0040] 13-Second valve core, 131 Third sealing assembly, 1311 Third sealing element, 1312 Third sealing ring, 13111 First sealing part, 132 Second support element, 1321 Third support part, 1322 Second connecting part, 13221 Second snap-fit ​​part, 1323 Fourth support part, 133 Second valve core body, 1331 Sliding part, 1332 Second sealing part, 134 Fourth sealing ring, 135 Elastic element;

[0041] 14-Reset assembly, 141-First support member, 1411-First support portion, 14111-Step structure, 1412-First connecting portion, 1413-Second support portion, 142-Driver;

[0042] 20-Lower valve assembly, 201-Second water inlet channel, 202-Second drainage channel, 21-Second valve seat, 211-Main body, 212-Water supply unit, 213-Drainage unit, 2131-Third drainage channel, 214-Water inlet unit, 2141-Third water inlet channel, 22-Second seal;

[0043] 400 - Clothing processing equipment; 410 - Base; 420 - Drum body;

[0044] 401-Inlet pipe, 402-Drain pipe, 40-Drain valve assembly, 41-Drain valve body, 411-Inner cavity, 412-Drain opening, 42-Piston assembly, 421-Transmission component, 4211-Transmission part, 4212-Sliding part, 4213-Third connecting part, 422-Piston, 4221-Sealing part, 4222-Telescopic part, 4223-Blocking part, 423-Drain valve cover, 4231-Sliding hole, 43-Drive device. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0046] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” as used herein may also include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0047] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used in this document to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0048] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "over," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" would subsequently be oriented as "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used in the text will be interpreted accordingly.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an inlet / outlet valve 100 is provided. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 5 and combined Figure 11As shown, the inlet and outlet valve 100 includes an upper valve assembly 10 and a lower valve assembly 20. The upper valve assembly 10 is mounted on the tank body 420. Specifically, the upper valve assembly 10 is provided with a first water inlet channel 101 and a first drain channel 102. The upper valve assembly 10 is located at the bottom of the tank body 420, with one end extending into the interior of the tank body 420 and the other end located outside the tank body 420, so that both the first water inlet channel 101 and the first drain channel 102 are in communication with the interior of the tank body 420. The tank body 420 can be placed on the base 410 or lifted from the base 410. The lower valve assembly 20 is mounted on the base 410 and has a second drain channel 202 and a second water inlet channel 201. The lower valve assembly 20 can be plugged into and detached from the upper valve assembly 10. When the tank 420 is placed on the base 410, the upper valve assembly 10 and the lower valve assembly 20 are plugged into each other, connecting the first water inlet channel 101 and the second water inlet channel 201, and connecting the first drain channel 102 and the second drain channel 202. Therefore, water can be supplied to the tank 420 through the second water inlet channel 201 and the first water inlet channel 101, or water inside the tank 420 can be discharged through the first drain channel 102 and the second drain channel 202. During the process of supplying or draining water to the tank 420, it is not necessary to pull the tank 420 off the base 410 for manual water filling or manual wastewater emptying, realizing automatic water supply and drainage of the tank 420, making water supply and drainage of the tank 420 more convenient and improving the user experience.

[0050] It should also be emphasized that the inlet and outlet valve 100 proposed in this invention has both an inlet channel and an outlet channel, integrating the functions of water supply and drainage into one. While realizing the functions of water supply and drainage, it reduces the number of valve bodies set on the tank body 420, making the inlet and outlet structure simpler and more compact.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, when the upper valve assembly 10 and the lower valve assembly 20 are connected, the water flow direction in the first water inlet channel and the second water inlet channel is the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in the figure, and the water flow direction in the first drainage channel and the second drainage channel is the direction indicated by the solid arrow in the figure.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the upper valve assembly 10 includes a housing assembly 11, a first valve core 12, and a second valve core 13.

[0053] Specifically, the housing assembly 11 includes a first valve seat 112 and a valve cover 113, defining a receiving cavity 111 between the first valve seat 112 and the valve cover 113. A drain outlet 1121 is provided on the first valve seat 112, located on the side of the first valve seat 112 away from the valve cover 113. The first valve seat 112 is specifically disposed at the bottom of the barrel 420 and extends through the bottom of the barrel 420. The valve cover 113 is located inside the barrel 420, and the drain outlet 1121 is located outside the barrel 420. The drain outlet 1121 is essentially an opening of the first drain channel 102 facing the lower valve assembly 20. When the upper valve assembly 10 is inserted into the lower valve assembly 20, the first drain channel 102 and the second drain channel 202 can communicate through the drain outlet 1121. The first valve core 12 is disposed in the accommodating cavity 111, and the gap between the first valve core 12 and the first valve seat 112 is the first drainage channel 102 for the sewage inside the tank 420 to be discharged.

[0054] When the tank 420 is placed on the base 410, the first valve seat 112 is inserted into the second valve seat 21, the first valve core 12 is in the open position, the drain port 1121 is in the open state, the first drain channel 102 and the second drain channel 202 are connected through the drain port 1121, so the sewage inside the tank 420 can be discharged through the connected first drain channel 102 and second drain channel 202.

[0055] When the barrel 420 is pulled off the base 410, the first valve seat 112 separates from the second valve seat 21, the first valve core 12 is in the closed position, the first valve core 12 seals the drain outlet 1121, the drain outlet 1121 is in the closed state, so as to prevent sewage inside the barrel 420 from flowing out through the first drain channel 102.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the second valve core 13 is disposed within the first water inlet channel 101. The second valve core 13 is used to limit the liquid flow direction within the first water inlet channel 101, ensuring that the liquid can only flow from the first water inlet channel 101 towards the interior of the tank 420. In essence, the second valve core 13 is a one-way valve disposed within the reset tube 121 or the support tube 1131. When water flows from the first water inlet channel 101 towards the interior of the tank 420, the second valve core 13 is in the open state. When the water in the first water inlet channel 101 flows in the reverse direction (i.e., the liquid flows from the interior of the tank 420 towards the first water inlet channel 101), the second valve core 13 is in the closed state.

[0057] In this embodiment, by providing a second valve core 13, the liquid inside the barrel 420 can be prevented from being discharged through the first water inlet channel 101 when the barrel 420 is lifted from the base 410.

[0058] In this embodiment, by setting the first valve core 12, when the bucket 420 is detached from the base 410, the first valve core 12 closes the drain outlet 1121 to prevent sewage from leaking out of the bucket 420. When the bucket 420 is placed on the base 410, the first valve core 12 opens the drain outlet 1121, so that the sewage inside the bucket 420 can be automatically discharged through the first drain channel 102 and the second drain channel 202.

[0059] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the valve cover 113 is provided with multiple drainage holes 1133, which are connected to the first drainage channel 102. The multiple drainage holes 1133 are evenly distributed around the axis of the valve cover 113. The drainage holes 1133 are mainly used to filter the sewage in the tank 420 and to block the drainage channel in the inlet and outlet valve 100.

[0060] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first valve core 12 includes a reset tube 121 and a first sealing assembly 122. Specifically, a first drainage channel 102 is defined between the reset tube 121 and the housing assembly 122, a first seal 1221 is disposed within the first drainage channel 102, and the first sealing assembly 122 is annular and arranged around the drain outlet 1121. The reset tube 121 is movably disposed within the receiving cavity 111, allowing the reset tube 121 to move relative to the first sealing assembly 122.

[0061] When the reset tube 121 moves toward the first sealing assembly 122 until the reset tube 121 abuts against the first sealing assembly 122, the first sealing assembly 122 seals the drain outlet 1121 along the circumference of the reset tube 121, thereby closing the drain outlet 1121.

[0062] When the reset tube 121 moves toward the side away from the first sealing assembly 122, a gap appears between the reset tube 121 and the first sealing assembly 122, thereby opening the drain outlet 1121.

[0063] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, a support tube 1131 is provided on the valve cover 113. The support tube 1131 is tubular and has a water inlet 1132. The interior of the support tube 1131 can communicate with the interior of the tank 420 through the water inlet 1132. The support tube 1131 is located on the side of the valve cover 113 facing the receiving cavity 111 and extends towards the drain outlet 1121. The first valve core 12 includes a reset tube 121 and a first sealing assembly 122. The reset tube 121 is tubular, and a first drainage channel 102 is formed in the gap between the outer wall of the reset tube 121 and the inner wall of the first valve seat 112. The reset tube 121 is located between the support tube body 1131 and the first sealing assembly 122. The reset tube 121 is inserted into the interior of the support tube body 1131 and can slide on the support tube body 1131 in the axial direction relative to the support tube body 1131 and the first sealing assembly 122. A first water inlet channel 101 is formed inside the reset tube 121 and inside the support tube body 1131.

[0064] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the state in which the reset tube 121 is separated from the first sealing component 122 is the open position, and the state in which the reset tube 121 is in contact with the first sealing component 122 is the closed position.

[0065] In detail, in this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the first sealing assembly 122 specifically includes a first sealing element 1221, a first sealing ring 1222, and a second sealing ring 1223. The first sealing element 1221 is annular and is disposed around the drain outlet 1121 at the bottom of the first valve seat 112. An annular sealing groove is formed on the outer ring of the first sealing element 1221 along its circumferential direction. The first sealing ring 1222 is fitted inside the sealing groove, with its outer ring abutting against the inner wall of the first valve seat 112 and its inner ring abutting against the bottom wall of the sealing groove, thereby circumferentially sealing the gap between the first sealing element 1221 and the first valve seat 112. A recess for placing the second sealing ring 1223 is formed on the side of the first sealing element 1221 facing the reset tube 121. The second sealing ring 1223 is disposed in the recess and is coaxially arranged with the first sealing element 1221. The second sealing ring 1223 is used to cooperate with the reset tube 121 to seal the drain port 1121.

[0066] Specifically, the reset tube 121 has a tapered surface at its first end facing the second sealing ring 1223, which mates with the second sealing ring 1223. On the one hand, the tapered surface has a guiding function, guiding the reset tube 121 to move to the closed position after it begins to contact the second sealing ring 1223; on the other hand, the tapered surface can increase the contact area between the reset tube 121 and the second sealing ring 1223, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, in order to realize the automatic reset of the reset tube 121 to close the drain port 1121, the first valve core 12 also includes a reset assembly 14, which includes a first support member 141 and a drive member 142.

[0068] Specifically, the first support member 141 is disposed within the accommodating cavity 111 and is fixedly disposed within the first valve seat 112. The driving member 142 is connected to the first support member 141 and the reset tube 121 respectively. The first support member 141 provides support for the driving member 142, and the driving member 142 is used to drive the reset tube 121 to move, so as to realize the displacement of the reset tube 121 relative to the first sealing assembly 122.

[0069] In this embodiment, the driving component can be either a device that provides bidirectional driving force to the reset tube or a device that provides unidirectional driving force to the reset tube. For example, the driving component is a motor with a power output shaft. The motor housing is connected to the first support member, and the power output shaft of the motor is connected to the reset tube through a transmission mechanism, so that the driving component can drive the reset tube to move towards the side of the first sealing assembly or to move the reset tube away from the first sealing assembly.

[0070] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the driving member 142 is an elastic element, such as a spring. A protruding structure 1211 is provided on the reset tube 121, formed on the outer peripheral surface of the reset tube 121, and located on the side of the reset tube 121 closest to the drain outlet 1121. The first support member 141 includes a first support portion 1411, a first connecting portion 1412, and a second support portion 1413.

[0071] Specifically, the first connecting portion 1412 is connected to the first supporting portion 1411 and the second supporting portion 1413 respectively. The first connecting portion 1412 is located between the first supporting portion 1411 and the second supporting portion 1413. The second supporting portion 1413 is located on the side closer to the first sealing assembly 122 relative to the first supporting portion 1411. The second supporting portion 1413 abuts against the first sealing assembly 122, and the first supporting portion 1411 abuts against the end of the supporting tube 1131 facing the drain outlet 1121, thereby fixing the first supporting member 141 in the receiving cavity 111. Both the first supporting portion 1411 and the second supporting portion 1413 are cylindrical, and the first supporting portion 1411 is sleeved on the reset tube 121. One end of the reset tube 121 with a protruding structure 1211 passes through the first supporting portion 1411, so that the protruding structure 1211 is located between the first supporting portion 1411 and the first sealing assembly 122. An elastic element is sleeved on the reset tube 121, with one end connected to the protruding structure 1211 and the other end connected to the first support portion 1411. The elastic element provides an elastic force to the reset tube 121 to move toward the first sealing assembly 122. When the upper valve assembly 10 and the lower valve assembly 20 are separated, the reset tube 121 is only subjected to the elastic force of the elastic element, causing the reset tube 121 to abut against the first sealing assembly 122 to close the first drainage channel 102.

[0072] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, a stepped structure 14111 is provided on the first support portion 1411. The stepped structure 14111 is located on the side of the first support portion 1411 away from the protruding structure 1211, and the first connecting portion 1412 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the stepped structure 14111. Figure 10 As shown, the protruding structure 1211 has an annular groove 12111 on the side facing the first support portion 1411, and the annular groove 12111 is coaxially arranged with the reset tube 121.

[0073] Specifically, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 The driving component 142 is a compression spring, which is sleeved on the reset tube 121 and the first support part 1411. One end of the compression spring abuts against the stepped structure 14111, and the other end extends into the annular groove 12111 and abuts against the bottom wall of the annular groove 12111. The annular groove 12111 can prevent the compression spring from coming off the protrusion 1211 of the reset tube 121, thereby improving the connection stability between the compression spring and the protrusion 1211 and the stepped structure 14111.

[0074] In this embodiment, the annular groove can be formed by bending the outer periphery of the protruding structure toward the side closer to the first support, or by machining the groove on the side of the protruding structure facing the first support using a metal cutting process.

[0075] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, the second valve core 13 is disposed within the reset tube 121. The second valve core 13 includes a third sealing assembly 131, a second support member 132, and a second valve core body 133. Specifically, the third sealing assembly 131 and the second support member 132 are both fixedly disposed within the reset tube 121. The third sealing assembly 131 is annular, surrounding the reset tube 121 and positioned on the side furthest from the barrel relative to the second support member 132. Specifically, the second sealing assembly includes a third sealing member 1311 and a third sealing ring 1312. The outer ring of the third sealing member 1311 has a sealing groove, and the third sealing ring 1312 is fitted into the sealing groove to seal the gap between the third sealing ring 1312 and the inner wall of the reset tube 121. The third sealing member 1311 has a first sealing portion 13111 on the side facing the second support member 132. The second valve core body 133 is disposed between the second support member 132 and the second sealing assembly. The second valve core body 133 includes a sliding portion 1331 and a second sealing portion 1332 formed at one end of the sliding portion 1331. The sliding portion 1331 is slidably disposed on the second support member 132, allowing the second valve core body 133 to move relative to the second sealing assembly along the axial direction of the reset tube 121. The second sealing portion 1332 is disposed on the side facing the first sealing portion 13111 relative to the sliding portion 1331. When the water flow direction in the first water inlet channel is from the reset tube 121 to the interior of the tank, the water flow pushes the second sealing portion 1332 to separate from the first sealing portion 13111, thus opening the first water inlet channel. When the water flow direction in the first water inlet channel is from the interior of the tank to the reset tube 121, the water flow pushes the second sealing portion 1332 to abut against the first sealing portion 13111, thus closing the first water inlet channel.

[0076] like Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the second valve core 13 also includes an elastic element 135. Along the water flow direction of the first inlet channel, the second support member 132 includes a third support portion 1321, a second connecting portion 1322, and a fourth support portion 1323 connected sequentially. Both the third support portion 1321 and the fourth support portion 1323 are tubular, with the diameter of the third support portion 1321 being larger than the diameter of the fourth support portion 1323. Specifically, the third support portion 1321 is sleeved on the third sealing member 1311 and is secured between the outer ring of the third sealing member 1311 and the inner wall of the reset tube 121. The fourth support portion 1323 supports the second valve core body 133. A sliding portion 1331 is rod-shaped and slidably inserted within the fourth support portion 1323. The second sealing portion 1332 is located between the fourth support portion 1323 and the first sealing portion 13111. The fourth support portion 1323 is used to limit the second valve core body 133 to slide only in the axial direction of the fourth support portion 1323. This allows the first sealing portion 13111 and the second sealing portion 1332 to be in a separated state and an abutting state. One end of the second connecting portion 1322 is connected to the third support portion 1321, and the other end of the second connecting portion 1322 is connected to the outer wall of the fourth support portion 1323, forming a gap between the second connecting portion 1322 and the outer wall of the fourth support portion 1323. The elastic member 135 is sleeved on the fourth support portion 1323 and located in the gap between the second connecting portion 1322 and the fourth support portion 1323, with one end of the elastic member 135 abutting against the second connecting portion 1322 and the other end of the elastic member 135 abutting against the second sealing portion 1332. When the water flow direction in the first water inlet channel is from the reset pipe 121 to the inside of the tank, the water flow pushes the second sealing part 1332 towards one side of the tank, compressing the elastic element 135, thereby separating the second sealing part 1332 from the first sealing part 13111, and opening the first water inlet channel. When the water flow direction in the first water inlet channel is from the inside of the tank to the reset pipe 121, the compressed elastic element 135, when extended, pushes the second valve core body 133 towards one side of the first sealing part 13111, causing the second sealing part 1332 to abut against the first sealing part 13111, closing the first water inlet channel.

[0077] like Figure 12 and 13 The second support member 132 has a second snap-fit ​​portion 13221 on the outer periphery of the second connecting portion 1322. The inner wall of the reset tube 121 along the circumferential direction of the reset tube 121 is provided with a relief groove 1212 that cooperates with the second snap-fit ​​portion 13221. The second support member 132 is snap-fitted to the reset tube 121 so as to quickly fix the second valve core 13 in the reset tube 121.

[0078] like Figure 12 and 13To improve the sealing performance between the first sealing part 13111 and the second sealing part 1332, a sealing groove is provided circumferentially along the second sealing part 1332, and a fourth sealing ring 134 is provided in the sealing groove. When the first sealing part 13111 and the second sealing part 1332 abut against each other, the fourth sealing ring 134 is located between the first sealing part 13111 and the second sealing part 1332. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, the lower valve assembly 20 includes a second valve seat 21 and a second sealing element 22. The second valve seat 21 can be integrally cast by injection molding or machined by cutting. The material of the second valve seat 21 can be a metal alloy or an engineering plastic, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0079] like Figure 11 As shown, the second valve seat 21 is fixedly installed on the base 410. When the barrel 420 is placed on the base 410, the first valve seat 112 is inserted into the second valve seat 21. The second valve seat 21 includes a main body 211 and a water supply part 212 formed in the main body 211. The main body 211 is hollow inside, and the water supply part 212 is a hollow tube. A second water inlet channel 201 is formed inside the water supply part 212. The gap between the outer wall of the water supply part 212 and the inner wall of the main body 211 is the second drainage channel 202.

[0080] Please refer to Figure 2 When the first valve seat 112 is inserted into the second valve seat 21, the end of the first valve seat 112 facing the second valve seat 21 extends into the interior of the second valve seat 21. The water supply part 212 extends into the first valve seat 112 through the drain port 1121, and the end of the water supply part 212 facing the first valve seat 112 is inserted into the reset tube 121, so that the first water inlet channel 101 and the second water inlet channel 201 are connected. At the same time, the water supply part 212 also pushes the reset tube 121 to move away from the first sealing assembly 122 in the support tube body 1131, opening the drain port 1121, thereby allowing the first drain channel 102 to connect with the second drain channel 202 through the drain port 1121.

[0081] When the first valve seat 112 separates from the second valve seat 21, the reset tube 121 is only subjected to the elastic force of the elastic element. Therefore, under the push of the elastic element, the reset tube 121 abuts against the first sealing assembly 122, closing the drain port 1121 and preventing water inside the tank 420 from being discharged through the first drain channel 102. The second sealing element 22 is disposed inside the second valve seat 21. The second sealing element 22 is annular. When the first valve seat 112 is inserted into the second valve seat 21, the second sealing element 22 is used to circumferentially seal the gap between the first valve seat 112 and the second valve seat 21, preventing sewage from leaking out from the gap between the first valve seat 112 and the second valve seat 21.

[0082] Furthermore, such as Figure 5and Figure 7 As shown, the second valve seat 21 is provided with a drain section 213 and a water inlet section 214. The drain section 213 and the water inlet section 214 are hollow inside, and the interior of the water inlet section 214 forms a third water inlet channel 2141, while the interior of the drain section 213 forms a third drain channel 2131. The interior of the drain section 213 is connected to the second drain channel 202, and the interior of the water inlet section 214 is connected to the second water inlet section 214. The drain section 213 is mainly used for connecting an external drain pipe, and the water inlet section 214 is used for connecting an external water inlet pipe, so as to facilitate the connection of the inlet / drain valve 100 to the external water inlet and drain pipes more conveniently.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the housing assembly 11 also includes a valve cap 114, which is disposed at the water inlet 1132. Specifically, the valve cap 114 includes a first snap-fit ​​portion 1141 and a cap portion 1142 connected together. A snap-fit ​​structure is provided inside the water inlet 1132, and the first snap-fit ​​portion 1141 extends into the water inlet 1132 and snaps into the snap-fit ​​structure. The cap portion 1142 is umbrella-shaped and inverted at the water inlet 1132. Multiple sub-inlets are provided on the first snap-fit ​​portion 1141, and each sub-inlet connects the water outlet to the interior of the barrel 420. In this embodiment, the cap portion 1142 is used to change the flow direction of the water flowing out of the first water inlet channel 101, preventing the water in the first water inlet channel 101 from spraying directly upward from the water outlet, thereby avoiding water splashing out of the barrel 420 and improving the user experience.

[0084] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 11 As shown, a garment processing device 400 is proposed, which includes: as follows Figure 1 As shown, the garment processing device 400 includes: an inlet / drain valve 100, a base 410, and a tub 420. The lower valve assembly 20 of the inlet / drain valve 100 is mounted on the base. The upper valve assembly 10 of the inlet / drain valve 100 passes through the bottom of the tub 420. When the tub 420 is mounted on the base 410, the first valve seat and the second valve seat are plugged into each other, enabling the tub 420 to automatically fill and drain water through the inlet / drain valve 100.

[0085] Specifically, such as Figure 7As shown, the clothing processing device 400 also includes: a water inlet pipe 401, a drain pipe 402, and a drain valve assembly 40. The water inlet and drain valve 100 has a water inlet channel (a first water inlet channel 101, a second water inlet channel 201, and a third water inlet channel 2141) and a drain channel (a first drain channel 102, a second drain channel 202, and a third drain channel 2131). One end of the water inlet channel is connected to the bottom of the tank 420, and the other end of the water inlet channel is connected to the water inlet pipe 401. The water inlet pipe 401 is connected to an external water supply pipe. After the external water supply pipe (e.g., a municipal water supply pipe) is opened, water in the external water supply pipe can enter the tank 420 through the water supply pipe and the water supply channel in sequence, realizing automatic water supply to the tank 420. One end of the drainage channel is connected to the bottom of the bucket 420, and the other end of the drainage channel is connected to the drain pipe 402. The drain valve assembly 40 is installed on the drain pipe 402. When the drain valve assembly 40 controls the drain pipe 402 to open, the sewage in the bucket 420 will automatically flow out through the drainage channel and the drain pipe 402 due to gravity, thereby realizing the automatic drainage of the bucket 420. There is no need to manually add water to the bucket 420 or manually pour out the sewage in the bucket 420, making the water supply and drainage of the bucket 420 more convenient and improving the user experience.

[0086] It should be noted that during the use of the laundry processing equipment 400, the drain valve assembly 40 seals the drain pipe 402 to prevent water in the tub 420 from flowing out through the drain pipe 402. After the laundry is washed, the drain valve assembly 40 opens the drain valve to automatically discharge the wastewater in the tub 420. The drain outlet of the drain pipe 402 is lower than the bottom of the tub 420 so that the wastewater in the tub 420 can be completely discharged under gravity.

[0087] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the drain valve assembly 40 includes a drain valve body 41, a piston assembly 42, and a drive device 43. Specifically, the drain valve body 41 is hollow, forming an inner cavity 411, which communicates with the drain pipe 402. The drain valve body 41 also has a drain opening 412, which connects the inner cavity 411 to the outside of the drain valve body 41, allowing wastewater discharged from the drain pipe 402 to first enter the inner cavity 411 and then be discharged outwards through the drain opening 412. The piston assembly 42 includes a transmission member 421 and a piston 422. The piston 422 is disposed within the inner cavity 411 and can slide within it. One end of the transmission member 421 is connected to the piston 422, and the other end is connected to the drive device 43. The drive device 43 drives the transmission member 421 to move, causing the piston 422 to slide within the inner cavity 411, thereby closing or opening the drain opening 412.

[0088] In one exemplary embodiment, the transmission member 421 may be a rod-shaped member hinged to the piston 422, and a crank-connecting rod structure is formed between the piston 422, the transmission member 421 and the drive device 43.

[0089] In another exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the piston assembly 42 includes a drain valve cover 423, a transmission member 421, and a piston 422. The drain valve body 41 has an opening at its end away from the drain pipe 402 for the transmission member 421 to extend into. The drain valve cover 423 is specifically disc-shaped and is connected to the drain valve body 41, sealing the opening. Figure 10 As shown, the drain valve cover 423 has a sliding hole 4231, which connects the inner cavity 411 with the external space of the drain valve body 41. The transmission component 421 extends into the inner cavity 411 through the sliding hole 4231. Specifically, the transmission component 421 includes a transmission part 4211, a sliding part 4212, and a third connecting part 4213. The transmission part 4211 has a rack-like structure with multiple sequentially arranged gear teeth. The drive device 43 is specifically an electrode. A spur gear is fixedly mounted on the motor shaft. The spur gear meshes with the gear teeth on the transmission part 4211. Through the cooperation between the gear and the transmission part 4211, the rotational motion of the motor shaft is converted into the linear motion of the transmission component 421. In detail, the sliding part 4212 is slidably engaged with the sliding hole 4231. The sliding hole 4231 restricts the radial movement of the transmission member 421, so that under the drive of the motor, the third connecting part 4213 of the transmission member 421 can drive the piston 422 to slide linearly in the inner cavity 411. By controlling the rotation direction of the motor shaft, the piston 422 can move in the inner cavity 411, thus completing the opening or closing action of the drain opening 412.

[0090] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A water inlet and drain valve for a laundry treating apparatus, characterized in that, The water inlet and outlet valve comprises: An upper valve assembly installed in a tub of the laundry treating apparatus, the upper valve assembly having a first water inlet passage and a first water outlet passage in communication with an interior of the tub; A lower valve assembly installed in a base of the laundry treating apparatus, the lower valve assembly having a second water inlet passage and a second water outlet passage; The tub and the base are coupled, the upper valve assembly and the lower valve assembly are in a coupled state, and the first water inlet passage and the second water inlet passage are in communication, and the first water outlet passage and the second water outlet passage are in communication; The tub and the base are separated, the upper valve assembly and the lower valve assembly are in a separated state, and the first water inlet passage and the second water inlet passage are disconnected, and the first water outlet passage and the second water outlet passage are disconnected; The upper valve assembly comprises: A housing assembly defining a receiving cavity, the housing assembly being provided with a water outlet passage in communication with the first water outlet passage and the second water outlet passage; A first valve core provided in the receiving cavity, the first valve core and the housing assembly defining the first water outlet passage therebetween, the first valve core having an open position and a closed position, in the coupled state, the first valve core is in the open position to open the water outlet passage, and in the separated state, the first valve core is in the closed position to close the water outlet passage; A second valve core provided in the first water inlet passage, the second valve core being unidirectional; The first valve core comprises: A reset tube movably provided between the receiving cavity and the housing assembly, the reset tube and the housing assembly defining the first water outlet passage therebetween; A first sealing assembly surrounding the water outlet passage and provided in the first water outlet passage; When the first valve core is in the open position, the reset tube is separated from the first sealing assembly; when the first valve core is in the closed position, the reset tube abuts against the first sealing assembly to close the water outlet passage; The upper valve assembly further comprises a reset assembly, the reset assembly comprising: A first support fixedly provided in the receiving cavity; A driving member connected to the first support and the reset tube, respectively, the driving member being used to drive the reset tube to move relative to the first sealing assembly; An outer peripheral surface of a side of the reset tube close to the first sealing assembly is provided with a protruding structure; The first support has a first support portion, the first support portion being in a cylindrical shape and sleeved outside the reset tube, the first support portion being located on a side of the protruding structure away from the water outlet passage; The driving member is an elastic member, one end of the elastic member being connected to the protruding structure, and the other end of the elastic member being connected to the first support portion; The first sealing assembly comprises a first sealing member, a first sealing ring, and a second sealing ring.

2. The water inlet and outlet valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing assembly comprises: A first valve seat, the water outlet passage being provided in the first valve seat; A valve cover connected to a side of the first valve seat away from the water outlet passage, the valve cover being provided with a plurality of water leakage holes in communication with the first water outlet passage; The valve cover has a support pipe body extending to the drain port, the reset pipe is movably inserted into the support pipe body, and the support pipe body communicates with the reset pipe and defines the first water inlet channel.

3. The water inlet and outlet valve according to claim 2, wherein the first support portion is provided with a stepped structure on a side away from the protruding structure. The protruding structure is provided with an annular groove on a side facing the first support portion, and the annular groove is coaxially arranged with the reset pipe. The elastic member is sleeved on the first support portion, one end of the elastic member abuts against the stepped structure, and the other end of the elastic member extends into the annular groove and abuts against the bottom surface of the annular groove.

4. The water inlet and outlet valve according to claim 2, wherein along the water inlet direction of the first water inlet channel, the first support member includes a second support portion, a first connecting portion and the first support portion connected in sequence, the second support portion is annular, a side of the second support portion facing the drain port abuts against the first sealing assembly, and a side of the first support portion away from the drain port abuts against the support pipe body.

5. The water inlet and outlet valve according to claim 2, wherein the lower valve assembly includes: a second valve seat arranged on the base, the second valve seat includes a main body portion inserted and matched with the first valve seat and a water supply portion formed in the main body portion, the water supply portion is hollow inside to define the second water inlet channel, and a second drain channel is defined between the water supply portion and the inner wall of the main body portion; in the inserted state, the water supply portion passes through the drain port and is inserted with the reset pipe, and the reset pipe can be pushed away from the first sealing assembly. the lower valve assembly further includes: a second sealing member annularly arranged inside the second valve seat, the second sealing member is annular; in the inserted state of the first valve seat and the second valve seat, the outer ring of the second sealing member abuts against the inner wall of the second valve seat, and the inner ring of the second sealing member abuts against the outer wall of the first valve seat.

6. The water inlet and outlet valve according to claim 5, characterized in that 7. The water inlet and outlet valve according to claim 5, wherein the second valve seat includes a drain portion and a water inlet portion, the drain portion has a third drain channel communicating with the second drain channel, and the drain portion is used for externally connecting a drain pipe, the water inlet portion has a third water inlet channel communicating with the second water inlet channel, and the water supply portion is used for externally connecting a water inlet pipe. The laundry treatment apparatus includes: the water inlet and outlet valve according to any one of claims 1-7; a base, the lower valve assembly in the water inlet and outlet valve is installed on the base; a tub body detachably arranged on the base, and the upper valve assembly in the water inlet and outlet valve is installed on the tub body. 8.A laundry treating apparatus, characterized by, ​ ​ ​ ​

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