A waterproof steam device and a washing machine

Abstract

This application provides a waterproof steam device and a washing machine. The waterproof steam device includes: a first connecting surface; a second connecting surface connected to the first connecting surface; the second connecting surface and the first connecting surface form a first predetermined angle; a rotating shaft connected to a second connecting rod and disposed on a side close to the first connecting surface; a water tank rotatably connected to the rotating shaft via a rotating surface, the bottom surface of the water tank having a water outlet that penetrates the bottom surface of the water tank, partly disposed inside the water tank and partly disposed outside the water tank; the open position of the water tank is located in the vertical direction of the water inlet; this addresses the problem that water vapor generated during the drying process of current washing machines leaks out, causing damage to washing machine components or short circuits; it also causes water vapor to flow out of the washing machine, increasing ambient humidity and creating a poor user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of home appliance technology, and more particularly to a waterproof steam device and a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of intelligent washing machine products, washer-dryer combos have become popular among users. After washing clothes, users can choose the drying program to dry the clothes, eliminating the need for air drying.

[0003] However, the drying process generates a large amount of water vapor, which travels through the pipes to components such as the washing machine's water inlet tray. This vapor condenses in the cold air, forming condensate that remains inside these components, potentially damaging them or causing short circuits. It can also cause water vapor to leak out of the washing machine, increasing ambient humidity and creating a poor user experience. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a way to prevent water vapor leakage during the drying process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a waterproof steam device and a washing machine to solve the technical problem that water vapor generated during the drying process of current washing machines can leak out, causing damage to the washing machine components or short circuits; it can also cause water vapor to flow out of the washing machine, increasing the ambient humidity and causing a bad user experience.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a waterproof vapor device, comprising:

[0006] A first connecting surface is provided with a water inlet;

[0007] A second connecting surface is connected to the first connecting surface; the second connecting surface and the first connecting surface form a first predetermined angle; a vent is provided on the second connecting surface;

[0008] A rotating shaft, which is connected to the second connecting surface and is disposed on the side close to the first connecting surface;

[0009] A water tank is rotatably connected to a rotating shaft via a rotating surface. The water tank has a first and a second surface, a third and a fourth surface, and a bottom surface that are relatively parallel to each other. The first, third, second, and fourth surfaces are sequentially connected and together with the bottom surface to form the water tank. The first surface forms a first predetermined angle with the bottom surface, and the second surface forms a second predetermined angle with the bottom surface. The sum of the first and second predetermined angles is 180°. An outlet is provided on the bottom surface of the water tank, penetrating the bottom surface and partially located inside and outside the water tank. The open portion of the water tank is located vertically to the inlet.

[0010] The water tank is provided with a first state position and a second state position. When the water tank is in the first state position, the second surface abuts against the side of the second connecting surface near the water inlet, and the vent is blocked by the second surface. When the water tank is in the second state position, the second surface and the second connecting surface form a third set angle, and the sum of the third set angle and the second set angle is 90°.

[0011] In some embodiments, the water tank is provided with a U-shaped connecting surface, which is connected to the water outlet; the U-shaped connecting surface is provided with a fourth, a fifth, and a sixth surface that are relatively parallel, one side of the fourth surface is connected to one side of the sixth surface, the other side of the fourth surface is connected to one side of the water outlet, one side of the fifth surface is connected to the other side of the sixth surface, and the other side of the fifth surface is connected to the other side of the water outlet; a U-shaped groove is formed between the U-shaped connecting surface and the water outlet;

[0012] When the water level in the water tank is higher than the height of the sixth surface, the water in the water tank flows through the U-shaped channel and is discharged through the outlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the U-shaped connecting surface is connected to the water outlet by a plurality of connecting rods;

[0014] The connecting rods are spaced equally apart.

[0015] In some embodiments, a slot is provided on the side of the rotating shaft away from the second connecting surface;

[0016] The rotating surface is provided with a strip-shaped hole, and the rotating surface is engaged in the slot through the strip-shaped hole and rotatably connected to the rotating shaft.

[0017] In some embodiments, a return spring is connected between the rotating shaft and the rotating surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the water tank is provided with an anti-rust coating.

[0019] In some embodiments, a soft rubber layer is provided on the side of the second connecting surface near the water tank.

[0020] A second aspect of this application provides a washing machine, comprising:

[0021] A waterproof vapor device as described in any of the first aspects above;

[0022] The washing machine is equipped with a water inlet box, which has a water inlet end and a vent end;

[0023] The waterproof vapor device is installed inside the water inlet box. The water inlet is connected to the water inlet end via a connecting pipe, and the vent is connected to the vent end via a connecting pipe.

[0024] This application provides a waterproof steam device and a washing machine. The waterproof steam device includes: a first connecting surface with a water inlet; a second connecting surface connected to the first connecting surface; the second connecting surface and the first connecting surface forming a first predetermined angle; a vent on the second connecting surface; a rotating shaft connected to a second connecting rod and disposed near the first connecting surface; and a water tank rotatably connected to the rotating shaft via a rotating surface. The water tank has a first and a second parallel surface, a third and a fourth parallel surface, and a bottom surface. The first, third, second, and fourth surfaces are sequentially connected and together with the bottom surface to form the water tank. The first surface and the bottom surface form a first predetermined angle, and the second surface and the bottom surface form a first predetermined angle. The second set angle; the sum of the first set angle and the second set angle is 180°; the bottom surface of the water tank is provided with a water outlet, which penetrates the bottom surface of the water tank, partly located inside the water tank and partly located outside the water tank; the open position of the water tank is located in the vertical direction of the water inlet; wherein, the water tank is provided with a first state position and a second state position; when the water tank is in the first state position, the second surface and the second connecting surface near the water inlet abut against each other, and the vent is blocked by the second surface; when the water tank is in the second state position, the second surface and the second connecting surface form a third set angle, the sum of the third set angle and the second set angle is 90°, so as to effectively control the leakage of water vapor during the drying process of the washing machine. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the waterproof vapor device in one embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the waterproof vapor device in another embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the U-shaped connection surface in this application;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a strip hole;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting rod.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 1-First connecting surface; 11-Water inlet; 2-Second connecting surface; 21-Ventilation port; 3-Rotating shaft; 4-Water tank; 41-Rotating surface; 411-Strip hole; 42-First surface; 43-Second surface; 44-Water outlet; 45-U-shaped connecting surface; 451-Fourth surface; 452-Fifth surface; 453-Sixth surface; 454-Connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] In some technologies, water vapor generated during the drying process of a washing machine can leak out, causing damage to the washing machine's components or short circuits. It can also cause water vapor to escape from the washing machine, increasing ambient humidity and creating a poor user experience. This application provides a waterproof steam device and a washing machine. The structure of each part of the waterproof steam device and washing machine is described below:

[0035] Depend on Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be seen, this application provides a waterproof steam device, including: a first connecting surface 1, on which a water inlet 11 is provided; the waterproof steam device is disposed inside the water inlet box of a washing machine, the first connecting surface 1 is connected to the top surface of the water inlet box, and the water inlet 11 of the first connecting surface 1 is connected to the water inlet end inside the water inlet box through a connecting pipe; a second connecting surface 2, which is connected to the first connecting surface 1; the second connecting surface 2 and the first connecting surface 1 form a first predetermined angle; and a vent is provided on the second connecting surface 2. 21; The second connecting surface 2 is connected to the side of the water inlet box, and the vent 21 of the second connecting surface 2 is connected to the vent end inside the water inlet box through a connecting pipe; Rotating shaft 3, the rotating shaft 3 is connected to the second connecting surface 2 and is located on the side close to the first connecting surface 1; Water tank 4, the water tank 4 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 3 through a rotating surface 41, the water tank 4 is provided with a relatively parallel first surface 42 and second surface 43, a relatively parallel third surface and fourth surface, and a bottom surface; the first surface 42, the third surface, the second surface 43, and the fourth surface are arranged in a... The first surface 42 is connected to the bottom surface to form the water tank 4; the first surface 42 forms a first predetermined angle with the bottom surface, the first predetermined angle ranging from 120° to 180°; the second surface 43 forms a second predetermined angle with the bottom surface; the sum of the first predetermined angle and the second predetermined angle is 180°; that is, the first surface 42 and the second surface 43 are parallel to each other; the bottom surface of the water tank 4 is provided with a water outlet 44, the water outlet 44 penetrates the bottom surface of the water tank 4, partly located inside the water tank 4, and partly located at the water outlet. The outer side of the tank 4; the open position of the water tank 4 is located in the vertical direction of the water inlet 11; wherein, the water tank 4 is provided with a first state position and a second state position; when the water tank 4 is in the first state position, the second surface 43 abuts against the side of the second connecting surface 2 near the water inlet 11, and the vent 21 is blocked by the second surface 43; when the water tank 4 is in the second state position, the second surface 43 and the second connecting surface 2 form a third set angle, and the sum of the third set angle and the second set angle is 90°.

[0036] For example, currently, a large amount of water vapor is generated during the drying process of a washing machine. This water vapor is transported through pipes to components such as the water inlet box of the washing machine, where it condenses into condensate after being cooled by cold air. This condensate remains inside the water inlet box and other components, causing damage to the washing machine components or short circuits. It can also cause water vapor to leak out of the washing machine, increasing ambient humidity and creating a poor user experience. To prevent the above-mentioned effects, this application provides a water vapor-proof device, including a water tank 4, a rotating shaft 3, a siphon cover (i.e., a U-shaped groove), a water outlet pipe, and a fixing structure (i.e., a first connecting surface 1 and a second connecting surface 2). The water tank 4 is provided with a siphon structure (i.e., a U-shaped groove). During the drying process, the washing machine periodically injects condensate water to cool the condenser. To ensure smooth water injection, the water inlet box is equipped with a vent to maintain stable air pressure inside the box. However, this can also cause water vapor generated during the drying process to overflow from the vent into the washing machine and onto the outside, potentially causing a short circuit or increasing ambient humidity. To prevent this, the device provided in this application is installed inside the water inlet box and fixed therewith by a fixing structure, namely the first connecting surface 1 and the second connecting surface 2. The device's inlet 11 is connected to the water inlet of the water inlet box via a connecting pipe, and the device's outlet 44 is connected to the outlet of the water inlet box via a connecting pipe.

[0037] For example, water is injected into the water tank 4 through the inlet 11. As water accumulates in the water tank 4, its weight increases. When the weight of the water tank 4 exceeds the force of the return spring in the rotating shaft 3, the rotating shaft 3 rotates. Simultaneously, the rotating shaft 3 causes the rotating surface 41 to rotate, thereby separating the water tank 4 from the second connecting surface 2. The vent 21 opens to maintain unobstructed airflow within the water inlet box, ensuring smooth water intake. When the water level in the water tank 4 is higher than the height of the sixth surface 453, a siphon effect is triggered, and water flows out through the U-shaped channel into the condensate. In the washing machine, when the water inlet 11 stops filling with water, the weight of the water tank 4 will be reduced. When the elastic force of the return spring is greater than the weight of the water tank 4, the return spring will drive the water tank 4 to return to its original position, that is, the water tank 4 will abut against the second connecting surface 2, and the vent 21 will be blocked again, thereby preventing water vapor generated by the washing machine during the drying process from leaking out of the vent 21 into the washing machine. This process is repeated to ensure that the washing machine effectively controls water vapor leakage during the drying process, avoiding damage to the washing machine's wiring due to water vapor leakage and the occurrence of excessively high external humidity affecting the user experience.

[0038] Depend on Figure 3It is known that the water tank 4 is provided with a U-shaped connecting surface 45, which is connected to the water outlet 44; the U-shaped connecting surface 45 is provided with a fourth surface 451, a fifth surface 452 and a sixth surface 453 that are relatively parallel to each other; one side of the fourth surface 451 is connected to one side of the sixth surface 453, and the other side of the fourth surface 451 is connected to one side of the water outlet 44; one side of the fifth surface 452 is connected to the other side of the sixth surface 453, and the other side of the fifth surface 452 is connected to the other side of the water outlet 44; a U-shaped groove is formed between the U-shaped connecting surface 45 and the water outlet 44; wherein, when the water level in the water tank 4 is higher than the height of the sixth surface 453, the water in the water tank 4 flows through the U-shaped groove and is discharged through the water outlet 44. The U-shaped groove creates a siphon effect. When water is injected into the water tank 4 through the inlet 11, if the water level in the water tank 4 is lower than the height of the sixth surface 453, the water will not flow out of the U-shaped groove. When the water level in the water tank 4 is at a certain height, due to the increased weight of the water tank 4, the water tank 4 rotates through the rotating surface 41. The direction of the rotating surface 41 is vertical, allowing the vent 21 to leak out, thus ensuring unobstructed water intake. When the water level in the water tank 4 is higher than the height of the sixth surface 453, a siphon effect is triggered, and the water in the water tank 4 flows out from the U-shaped groove. When the water inlet 11 stops filling with water, the water level in the water tank 4 drops to a certain level, and the weight of the water tank 4 is reduced, so that the second surface 43 abuts against the second connecting surface 2, and the vent 21 is blocked, thereby preventing water vapor generated during the drying process from overflowing from the vent 21 into the washing machine's wiring or other components, as well as from dissipating to the outside of the washing machine.

[0039] Depend on Figure 5 It can be seen that the U-shaped connecting surface 45 and the water outlet 44 are connected by multiple connecting rods 454; the distance between the connecting rods 454 is equal. The U-shaped connecting surface 45 is used to use the siphon effect to allow water in the water tank 4 to enter the U-shaped channel through the drain holes between the connecting rods 454 and then be discharged; by setting the distance between the connecting rods 454 to be equal, the water in the water tank 4 can enter the U-shaped channel more smoothly.

[0040] Depend on Figure 4It is known that a slot is provided on the side of the rotating shaft 3 away from the second connecting surface 2; a strip-shaped hole 411 is provided on the rotating surface 41, and the rotating surface 41 is engaged with the rotating shaft 3 through the strip-shaped hole 411 in the slot. The slot provided by the strip-shaped hole 411 engaging with the rotating surface 41 in the second connecting surface 2 allows the rotating surface 41 to be engaged with the rotating shaft 3, thereby facilitating the connection between the water tank 4 and the fixed structure, namely the first connecting surface 1 and the second connecting surface 2, so as to facilitate subsequent production and installation and improve production efficiency; it also facilitates the user's use, so as to improve the replacement rate if the waterproof steam device is damaged or needs to be replaced.

[0041] In this embodiment, a return spring connects the rotating shaft 3 and the rotating surface 41. The return spring ensures that when the weight of the water tank 4 exceeds the spring force, the rotating shaft 3 rotates. Simultaneously, the rotating shaft 3 rotates, causing the rotating surface 41 to rotate, thus separating the water tank 4 from the second connecting surface 2. This opens the vent 21, maintaining unobstructed airflow within the water inlet box and ensuring smooth water intake. When the water level in the water tank 4 exceeds the height of the sixth surface 453, a siphon effect is triggered, causing water to flow out through the U-shaped channel and into the condenser. When the water inlet 11 stops filling, [the water flow ceases]. The weight of the water tank 4 will be reduced. When the elastic force of the return spring is greater than the weight of the water tank 4, the return spring will drive the water tank 4 to return to its original position, that is, the water tank 4 will abut against the second connecting surface 2, and the vent 21 will be blocked again, thereby preventing water vapor generated by the washing machine during the drying process from leaking out of the vent 21 into the washing machine. This process is repeated to ensure that the washing machine effectively controls water vapor leakage during the drying process, avoiding damage to the washing machine's wiring due to water vapor leakage and the occurrence of excessively high external humidity affecting the user experience.

[0042] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the water tank 4 is provided with an anti-rust coating. Since the water tank 4 is immersed in water for a long time and is located inside the water inlet box of the washing machine, it is prone to rusting and bacterial growth. By providing an anti-rust coating on the inner wall of the water tank 4, the rate of rusting and bacterial growth inside the water tank 4 is slowed down, thereby improving the service life of the waterproof steam device.

[0043] In this embodiment, a soft rubber layer is provided on the side of the second connecting surface 2 near the water tank 4. Because the second connecting surface 2 and the water tank 4 will frequently come into contact, a soft rubber layer is provided on the side of the second connecting surface 2 near the water tank 4 to prevent damage and impact to the wall surface of the second surface 43 near the second connecting surface 2 and the wall surface of the second connecting surface 2 near the second surface 43, thereby increasing the service life of the waterproof vapor device.

[0044] The waterproof vapor device provided in this application has the characteristics of simple structure, compatibility with any model of washing machine, convenient production and low cost, and easy replacement by users in the future.

[0045] A second aspect of this application provides a washing machine, comprising: a waterproof steam device as described in any of the above embodiments; the washing machine is provided with a water inlet box, the water inlet box having a water inlet end and a vent end; the waterproof steam device is disposed inside the water inlet box, the water inlet 11 of the device being connected to the water inlet end of the water inlet box in the washing machine via a connecting pipe, and the vent 21 of the device being connected to the vent end of the water inlet box in the washing machine via a connecting pipe. The effects of each part of the washing machine during operation can be found in the above embodiments of the waterproof steam device, and will not be repeated here.

[0046] The above detailed embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the above are merely specific embodiments of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made on the basis of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A waterproof vapor device, characterized in that, include: First connecting surface (1), on which a water inlet (11) is provided; The second connecting surface (2) is connected to the first connecting surface (1); the second connecting surface (2) and the first connecting surface (1) are at a first set angle; the second connecting surface (2) is provided with a vent (21); A rotating shaft (3) is connected to the second connecting surface (2) and is disposed on the side close to the first connecting surface (1); A water tank (4) is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft (3) via a rotating surface (41). The water tank (4) is provided with a bottom surface, a first surface (42) and a second surface (43) that are relatively parallel, and a third surface and a fourth surface that are relatively parallel. The first surface (42), the third surface, the second surface (43), and the fourth surface are connected in sequence and together with the bottom surface to form the water tank (4). The first surface (42) is at a first set angle to the bottom surface, and the second surface (43) is at a second set angle to the bottom surface. The sum of the first set angle and the second set angle is 180°. The bottom surface of the water tank (4) is provided with a water outlet (44). The water outlet (44) penetrates the bottom surface of the water tank (4), and is partially located inside the water tank (4) and partially located outside the water tank (4). The open position of the water tank (4) is located in the vertical direction of the water inlet (11). The water tank (4) is provided with a first state position and a second state position. When the water tank (4) is in the first state position, the second surface (43) abuts against the side of the second connecting surface (2) near the water inlet (11), and the vent (21) is blocked by the second surface (43). When the water tank (4) is in the second state position, the second surface (43) and the second connecting surface (2) form a third set angle, and the sum of the third set angle and the second set angle is 90°.

2. The waterproof vapor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water tank (4) is provided with a U-shaped connecting surface (45), which is connected to the water outlet (44). The U-shaped connecting surface (45) is provided with a sixth surface (453), a fourth surface (451) and a fifth surface (452) that are relatively parallel to each other. One side of the fourth surface (451) is connected to one side of the sixth surface (453), and the other side of the fourth surface (451) is connected to one side of the water outlet (44). One side of the fifth surface (452) is connected to the other side of the sixth surface (453), and the other side of the fifth surface (452) is connected to the other side of the water outlet (44). A U-shaped groove is formed between the U-shaped connecting surface (45) and the water outlet (44). When the water level in the water tank (4) is higher than the height of the sixth surface (453), the water in the water tank (4) flows through the U-shaped channel and is discharged through the outlet (44).

3. A waterproof vapor device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The U-shaped connecting surface (45) and the outlet (44) are connected by multiple connecting rods (454); The connecting rods (454) are spaced equally apart.

4. A waterproof vapor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A slot is provided on the side of the rotating shaft (3) away from the second connecting surface (2); The rotating surface (41) is provided with a strip hole (411), and the rotating surface (41) is engaged in the slot through the strip hole (411) and rotatably connected to the rotating shaft (3).

5. A waterproof vapor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A return spring is connected between the rotating shaft (3) and the rotating surface (41).

6. A waterproof vapor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the water tank (4) is provided with an anti-rust coating.

7. A waterproof vapor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connecting surface (2) is provided with a soft rubber layer on the side near the water tank (4).

8. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: A waterproof vapor device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 above; The washing machine is equipped with a water inlet box, which has a water inlet end and a vent end; The waterproof vapor device is installed inside the water inlet box. The water inlet (11) is connected to the water inlet end through a connecting pipe, and the vent (21) is connected to the vent end through a connecting pipe.

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