Bubble generating device and washing machine

Abstract

The invention discloses a bubble generating device which comprises an air pump, the air pump is connected with a bubble generator capable of generating bubbles through an air pipe, the bubble generator comprises a bottom cover and an air collecting disc installed above the bottom cover, and an air collecting cavity is formed between the bottom cover and the air collecting disc. The air pipe is arranged in the air collecting disc, the outlet end of the air pipe is communicated with the air collecting cavity, a plurality of air outlet holes are formed in the air collecting disc, the longitudinal section of the air collecting disc is in an inverted U shape, the longitudinal section of the bottom cover is in a U shape, the air collecting disc is embedded in the bottom cover, and the outer side wall of the air collecting disc is attached to the inner side wall of the bottom cover. The invention further discloses a washing machine applying the bubble generating device. The bubble generating device and the washing machine are easy to produce, convenient to clean, low in cost and higher in washing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of household appliances, and in particular relates to a bubble generating device and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] As people's living standards improve, they have higher and higher requirements for the washing ability of washing machines. When the performance of detergents has not been qualitatively improved, a bubble generating device can be added to the washing machine to allow the washing water and bubbles to merge into micro-bubble water. When the micro-bubbles explode during washing, high pressure will be generated locally, thereby destroying foreign matter such as organic matter floating in the liquid or attached to clothes, thereby improving the washing ability of clothes.

[0003] Chinese patent application number 201620727446.9 discloses a bubble generating device for a washing machine, including an electric air pump, which is connected to a ventilated bubble stone through an air duct. The electric air pump and the air duct are used to continuously compress air into the bubble stone, and then the air is discharged from multiple micro holes on the bubble stone to form a large number of micro bubbles. A large number of micro bubbles move upward under the action of buoyancy, enter the washing tub of the washing machine and contact the clothes, and the bubbles continuously collide with the clothes, break and impact, thereby separating the stains from the clothes and achieving the purpose of cleaning the clothes.

[0004] The patent discloses a bubble generating device for use in a washing machine, in which a bubble stone is used to discharge bubbles. The bubble stone is a one-time formed sand and gravel structure formed by high-temperature sintering. It is difficult to produce because it requires high-temperature firing. It is an one-piece formed structure and cannot be disassembled for cleaning if it becomes blocked. It is heavy and not conducive to transportation and daily use. The sand and gravel structure has low strength and is easily damaged by impact.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the invention

[0006] One purpose of the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to provide a bubble generating device which is easy to produce, convenient to clean and cost-effective.

[0007] A second object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having such an air bubble generating device.

[0008] To achieve the first purpose, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0009] A bubble generating device comprises an air pump, wherein the air pump is connected to a bubble generator capable of generating bubbles through an air pipe, the bubble generator comprises a bottom cover and an air collecting plate installed above the bottom cover, an air collecting cavity is formed between the bottom cover and the air collecting plate, the outlet end of the air pipe is connected to the air collecting cavity, and a plurality of air outlet holes are opened on the air collecting plate.

[0010] Preferably, the longitudinal section of the gas collecting plate is an inverted U-shape, the longitudinal section of the bottom cover is a U-shape, the gas collecting plate is embedded in the bottom cover and installed, and the outer side wall of the gas collecting plate fits the inner side wall of the bottom cover.

[0011] Preferably, the bottom cover, the gas collecting plate and the gas collecting cavity are arranged in a ring shape around the rotating shaft.

[0012] Preferably, the volume of the trachea is greater than the volume of the gas collecting cavity.

[0013] Preferably, the air pipe penetrates the bottom of the outer barrel and is connected to the air pump and the bottom cover, and a seal is installed at the connection between the air pipe and the bottom of the outer barrel.

[0014] Preferably, a one-way valve is provided on the air pipe to prevent accumulated water from flowing back into the air pump.

[0015] To achieve the second purpose, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0016] A washing machine comprises an outer barrel and an inner barrel, wherein the above-mentioned bubble generating device is installed at the bottom of the outer barrel, the bubble generator is installed inside the outer barrel, the air pump and the air pipe are installed below the outer barrel, and a plurality of vent holes are provided on the bottom of the inner barrel and the impeller of the washing machine corresponding to the bubble generator, and the bubbles generated by the bubble generator enter the washing chamber through the vent holes.

[0017] Preferably, the total area of ​​the air holes of the bottom of the inner barrel and the impeller is not greater than the total area of ​​the air outlet holes of the air collecting plate.

[0018] Preferably, an annular inner barrel bottom retaining rib is extended downward from the bottom of the inner barrel, and an annular impeller retaining rib is extended downward from the bottom of the impeller, and the inner diameters of the inner barrel bottom retaining rib and the impeller retaining rib in the horizontal direction are not greater than the outer diameter of the air collecting plate.

[0019] Preferably, the air holes at the bottom of the inner barrel are arranged within the inner barrel bottom retaining ribs, and the air holes of the impeller are arranged within the impeller retaining ribs.

[0020] After adopting the above technical solution, the bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0021] (1) The bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention have a split bubble generator design, which is easy to produce, easy to clean, and cost-saving.

[0022] (2) In the bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention, the gas collecting plate and the bottom cover are tightly fitted, so that all the gas can be emitted from the air outlet, thereby improving the bubble generating efficiency.

[0023] (3) In the bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention, the volume of the air pipe is larger than the volume of the air collecting chamber, so that all the washing water remaining in the air collecting chamber can flow into the air pipe, thereby preventing the washing water remaining in the air collecting plate from making abnormal noises or entering the washing chamber during the dehydration process of the clothes, thereby improving the user experience.

[0024] (4) In the bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention, the bubble generator is arranged in a ring shape around the rotating shaft, so that the washing machine is subjected to uniform force during operation.

[0025] (5) The bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention are provided with a sealing member at the place where the air pipe penetrates the bottom of the outer tub, which can prevent water leakage from the outer tub.

[0026] (6) The bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention are provided with a one-way valve at the air outlet of the air pump to prevent water from flowing back into the air pump.

[0027] (7) The bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention are provided with inner barrel bottom baffle ribs and impeller baffle ribs to provide a sealed space. The total area of ​​the air holes of the inner barrel bottom and the impeller is not larger than the total area of ​​the air holes of the air collecting plate. The air holes of the inner barrel bottom and the impeller are both arranged within the inner barrel bottom baffle ribs and the impeller baffle ribs, which can make the bubbles be released more concentratedly and ensure the impact force of the bubbles when entering the washing chamber.

[0028] The specific implementation modes of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments. For ordinary technicians in this field, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these accompanying drawings without creative work.

[0030] In the attached picture:

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the bubble generating device of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the bubble generating device of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the bubble generating device of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the bubble generating device and the washing machine of the present invention.

[0035] Description of the main components in the figure:

[0036] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, an air pump 1, an air pipe 2, a bubble generator 3, an air collecting plate 31, a bottom cover 32, an air collecting chamber 33, a seal 4, a one-way valve 5, an outer barrel 6, an inner barrel 7, an impeller 8, an inner barrel bottom retaining rib 9, and an impeller retaining rib 10.

[0037] It should be noted that the drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0039] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “inside” and “outside” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0040] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0041] As people's living standards improve, they have higher and higher requirements for the washing ability of washing machines. When the performance of detergents has not been improved, a bubble generator can be added to the washing machine to fuse the washing water with bubbles to form microbubble water. When the microbubbles explode during washing, high pressure will be generated locally, thereby destroying foreign matter such as organic matter floating in the liquid or attached to clothes, thereby improving the washing ability of clothes. The existing bubble generator used in washing machines uses a bubble stone to discharge bubbles. Because the bubble stone is a one-time formed sandstone structure formed by high-temperature sintering; it is difficult to produce because it needs to be fired at high temperature; it is an integrated structure, and if it is blocked, it cannot be disassembled for cleaning; it is heavy and not conducive to transportation and daily use; the sandstone structure has low strength and is easily damaged by impact.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a bubble generating device provided by the present invention includes a bubble generator 3, an air pipe 2, and an air pump 1. The washing machine includes an outer barrel 6, an inner barrel 7, a pulsator 8, and a washing chamber, etc. The bubble generating device is installed at the bottom of the outer barrel 6, the bubble generator 3 is installed inside the bottom of the outer barrel 6, the air pump 1 and the air pipe 2 are installed below the outer barrel 6, and the air pipe 2 penetrates the bottom of the outer barrel 6 and is respectively connected to the air pump 1 and the bubble generator 3. To prevent the outer barrel 6 from leaking, a seal 4 is provided at the connection between the air pipe 2 and the bottom of the outer barrel 6. The seal 4 is wrapped around the surface of the air pipe in a closed loop, and is in contact with and fits with the bottom of the outer barrel 6. The seal 4 is squeezed toward the center by the bottom of the outer barrel 6, so that the seal 4 expands to achieve a sealing effect.

[0043] During the process of washing clothes in the washing machine, lint, fibers, etc. on the clothes can easily enter the bubble generator 3 through the air holes, causing the bubble generator 3 to be blocked. In order to facilitate disassembly and cleaning of the bubble generator 3 when it is blocked, the bubble generator 3 provided in the present invention includes a bottom cover 32 and an air collecting plate 31 installed above the bottom cover 32, an air collecting cavity 33 is formed between the bottom cover 32 and the air collecting plate 31, the outlet end of the air pipe 2 is connected to the air collecting cavity 33, and a plurality of air outlet holes are opened on the air collecting plate 31.

[0044] The longitudinal section of the gas collecting plate 31 is an inverted U-shape, and the longitudinal section of the bottom cover 32 is a U-shape. The gas collecting plate 31 is embedded in the bottom cover 32, and the outer wall of the gas collecting plate 31 fits the inner wall of the bottom cover 32. The gas collecting plate 31 fits tightly with the bottom cover 32, which can produce a better sealing effect, so that all the gas can emerge from the gas outlet holes of the gas collecting plate 31, thereby improving the efficiency of bubble generation.

[0045] The bubble generator 3 can be made of plastic material, which has high plasticity, small mass, high strength, is easy to produce and transport, and is durable and not easy to damage.

[0046] The sealing member 4 can be an elastic sleeve such as a rubber sleeve, or an elastic sealing pad such as a rubber pad.

[0047] In order to prevent the accumulated water from flowing back into the air pump 1 , a one-way valve 5 is arranged on the air pipe 2 , and the one-way valve 5 is arranged near the air outlet of the air pump 1 .

[0048] After the washing water is discharged during the rinsing stage of the washing machine, the bubble generating device is turned off. At this time, due to the closure of the air pump 1, the air pipe 2 stops supplying gas to the bubble generator 3, and the residual washing water in the air collecting chamber 33 will flow into the air pipe 2. Therefore, it is preferred that the volume of the air pipe 2 is larger than the volume of the air collecting chamber 33, so that all the residual washing water in the air collecting chamber 33 can flow into the air pipe 2, so as to avoid the residual washing water in the air collecting chamber 33 from making abnormal noises or entering the washing chamber during the dehydration process of the clothes.

[0049] The air pipe 2 and the air pump 1, and the air pipe 2 and the bubble generator 3 are preferably connected by plugging or spiraling, so that the user can clean the washing water by unplugging the air pipe 2. The air pipe 2 is spirally arranged at the bottom of the outer barrel 6 to reduce the space occupied by the air pipe 2.

[0050] Factors influencing the size and number of the air outlet holes of the air collecting plate 31 include the area of ​​the bubble generator 3, the power of the air pump 1, the washing load amount and the load type.

[0051] When the load type of the washing machine is different, the power of the air pump 1 is different, the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 is also different, and accordingly, the size and number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 may also be different.

[0052] In this embodiment, the washing machine may be divided into a washing machine for washing large items such as curtains and bedding and a washing machine for washing underwear, and the load types of the two are different; the power of the air pump 1 is different, and the power of the air pump 1 of the washing machine for washing large items is greater than the power of the air pump 1 of the washing machine for washing underwear; the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 is also different, and the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine for washing large items is greater than the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine for washing underwear; accordingly, the size and number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 may also be different, and the number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine for washing large items is more than the number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine for washing underwear, and the size of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine for washing large items may be greater than the size of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine for washing underwear.

[0053] When the washing load of the washing machine is different, the power of the air pump 1 is different, the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 is also different, and accordingly, the size and number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 may also be different.

[0054] In this embodiment, the washing machine may be divided into a washing machine with a washing load of 8kg and a washing machine with a washing load of 10kg, and the washing loads of the two are different; the power of the air pump 1 is different, and the power of the air pump 1 of the washing machine with a washing load of 10kg is greater than the power of the air pump 1 of the washing machine with a washing load of 8kg; the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 is also different, and the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine with a washing load of 10kg is greater than the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine with a washing load of 8kg; accordingly, the size and number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 may also be different, and the number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine with a washing load of 10kg is more than the number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine with a washing load of 8kg, and the size of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine with a washing load of 10kg may be greater than the size of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine with a washing load of 8kg.

[0055] The bottom cover 32, the air collecting plate 31 and the air collecting chamber 33 are arranged in a ring shape around the rotating axis, so that the bubble generator 3 can be installed in the middle of the bottom of the washing machine. The driving shaft of the washing machine passes through the hollow part in the middle of the bubble generator 3, thereby ensuring that the inner barrel 7 and the impeller 8 are subjected to more uniform force during rotation.

[0056] The inner drum 7 of the washing machine is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes at the bottom, and the impeller 8 is also provided with a plurality of ventilation holes; the bubbles pass through the air outlet holes of the bubble generator 3, enter between the inner drum 7 and the outer drum 6; then pass through the air outlet holes at the bottom of the inner drum 7, enter between the inner drum 7 and the impeller 8; finally, pass through the air outlet holes of the impeller 8, enter the washing chamber and react with the washed clothes; the total area of ​​the ventilation holes at the bottom of the inner drum 7 and the impeller 8 is not greater than the total area of ​​the air outlet holes of the bubble generator 3, so as to ensure the impact force of the bubbles after passing through the multiple layers of air holes.

[0057] In order to improve the efficiency of bubble generation, it is preferred that the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3, the air vent holes at the bottom of the inner barrel 7, and the air vent holes on the impeller 8 are all circular through holes.

[0058] In order to achieve a certain sealing effect, the bubbles emerging from the bubble generator 3 can be concentrated through the vent holes of the inner tub 7 and the impeller 8 to ensure the impact force of the bubbles when entering the washing chamber:

[0059] An annular inner barrel bottom retaining rib 9 is extended downward from the bottom of the inner barrel 7, and the inner barrel bottom retaining rib 9 extends downward to a position where it does not contact the outer barrel 7, so as to prevent the inner barrel bottom retaining rib 9 from rubbing against the outer barrel 7 when the inner barrel 7 rotates.

[0060] An annular impeller retaining rib 10 is extended downward from the bottom of the impeller 8, and the impeller retaining rib 10 extends downward to a position where it does not contact the inner barrel 7, so as to prevent the inner barrel bottom retaining rib 10 from rubbing against the outer barrel 6 when the inner barrel 7 rotates.

[0061] The vent hole at the bottom of the inner barrel 7 is arranged within the inner barrel bottom retaining rib 9, and the vent hole of the impeller 8 is arranged within the impeller retaining rib 10; and the inner diameters of the inner barrel bottom retaining rib 9 and the impeller retaining rib 10 in the horizontal direction are not greater than the outer diameter of the bubble generator 3.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a washing machine provided by the present invention has a bubble generating device at the bottom thereof. After the bubbles generated by the bubble generating device enter the washing chamber, they explode during the process of washing clothes in the washing machine, and locally generate high pressure, which can strongly break down stains and improve the cleaning ratio.

[0063] The bubble generating device includes a bubble generator 3, an air pipe 2, and an air pump 1. The washing machine includes an outer barrel 6, an inner barrel 7, a pulsator 8, and a washing chamber, etc. The bubble generating device is installed at the bottom of the outer barrel 6, the bubble generator 3 is installed inside the bottom of the outer barrel 6, the air pump 1 and the air pipe 2 are installed below the outer barrel 6, the air pipe 2 penetrates the bottom of the outer barrel 6 and is respectively connected to the air pump 1 and the bubble generator 3. To prevent the outer barrel 6 from leaking, a seal 4 is provided at the connection between the air pipe 2 and the bottom of the outer barrel 6. The seal 4 is wrapped around the surface of the air pipe in a closed loop, and is in contact with and fits the bottom of the outer barrel 6. The seal 4 is squeezed toward the center by the bottom of the outer barrel 6, so that the seal 4 expands to achieve a sealing effect.

[0064] During the process of washing clothes in the washing machine, lint, fibers, etc. on the clothes can easily enter the bubble generator 3 through the air holes, causing the bubble generator 3 to be blocked. In order to facilitate disassembly and cleaning of the bubble generator 3 when it is blocked, the bubble generator 3 provided in the present invention includes a bottom cover 32 and an air collecting plate 31 installed above the bottom cover 32, an air collecting cavity 33 is formed between the bottom cover 32 and the air collecting plate 31, the outlet end of the air pipe 2 is connected to the air collecting cavity 33, and a plurality of air outlet holes are opened on the air collecting plate 31.

[0065] The longitudinal section of the gas collecting plate 31 is an inverted U-shape, and the longitudinal section of the bottom cover 32 is a U-shape. The gas collecting plate 31 is embedded in the bottom cover 32, and the outer wall of the gas collecting plate 31 fits the inner wall of the bottom cover 32. The gas collecting plate 31 fits tightly with the bottom cover 32, which can produce a better sealing effect, so that all the gas can emerge from the gas outlet holes of the gas collecting plate 31, thereby improving the efficiency of bubble generation.

[0066] The bubble generator 3 can be made of plastic material, which has high plasticity, small mass, high strength, is easy to produce and transport, and is durable and not easy to damage.

[0067] The sealing member 4 can be an elastic sleeve such as a rubber sleeve, or an elastic sealing pad such as a rubber pad.

[0068] In order to prevent the accumulated water from flowing back into the air pump 1 , a one-way valve 5 is arranged on the air pipe 2 , and the one-way valve 5 is arranged near the air outlet of the air pump 1 .

[0069] After the washing water is discharged during the rinsing stage of the washing machine, the bubble generating device is turned off. At this time, due to the closure of the air pump 1, the air pipe 2 stops supplying gas to the bubble generator 3, and the residual washing water in the air collecting chamber 33 will flow into the air pipe 2. Therefore, it is preferred that the volume of the air pipe 2 is larger than the volume of the air collecting chamber 33, so that all the residual washing water in the air collecting chamber 33 can flow into the air pipe 2, so as to avoid the residual washing water in the air collecting chamber 33 from making abnormal noises or entering the washing chamber during the dehydration process of the clothes.

[0070] The air pipe 2 and the air pump 1, and the air pipe 2 and the bubble generator 3 are preferably connected by plugging or spiraling, so that the user can clean the washing water by unplugging the air pipe 2. The air pipe 2 is spirally arranged at the bottom of the outer barrel 6 to reduce the space occupied by the air pipe 2.

[0071] Factors influencing the size and number of the air outlet holes of the air collecting plate 31 include the area of ​​the bubble generator 3, the power of the air pump 1, the washing load amount and the load type.

[0072] When the load type of the washing machine is different, the power of the air pump 1 is different, the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 is also different, and accordingly, the size and number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 may also be different.

[0073] In this embodiment, the washing machine may be divided into a washing machine for washing large items such as curtains and bedding and a washing machine for washing underwear, and the load types of the two are different; the power of the air pump 1 is different, and the power of the air pump 1 of the washing machine for washing large items is greater than the power of the air pump 1 of the washing machine for washing underwear; the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 is also different, and the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine for washing large items is greater than the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine for washing underwear; accordingly, the size and number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 may also be different, and the number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine for washing large items is more than the number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine for washing underwear, and the size of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine for washing large items may be greater than the size of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine for washing underwear.

[0074] When the washing load of the washing machine is different, the power of the air pump 1 is different, the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 is also different, and accordingly, the size and number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 may also be different.

[0075] In this embodiment, the washing machine may be divided into a washing machine with a washing load of 8kg and a washing machine with a washing load of 10kg, and the washing loads of the two are different; the power of the air pump 1 is different, and the power of the air pump 1 of the washing machine with a washing load of 10kg is greater than the power of the air pump 1 of the washing machine with a washing load of 8kg; the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 is also different, and the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine with a washing load of 10kg is greater than the area of ​​the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine with a washing load of 8kg; accordingly, the size and number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 may also be different, and the number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine with a washing load of 10kg is more than the number of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine with a washing load of 8kg, and the size of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine with a washing load of 10kg may be greater than the size of the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3 of the washing machine with a washing load of 8kg.

[0076] The bottom cover 32, the air collecting plate 31 and the air collecting chamber 33 are arranged in a ring shape around the rotating axis, so that the bubble generator 3 can be installed in the middle of the bottom of the washing machine. The driving shaft of the washing machine passes through the hollow part in the middle of the bubble generator 3, thereby ensuring that the inner barrel 7 and the impeller 8 are subjected to more uniform force during rotation.

[0077] The inner drum 7 of the washing machine is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes at the bottom, and the impeller 8 is also provided with a plurality of ventilation holes; the bubbles pass through the air outlet holes of the bubble generator 3, enter between the inner drum 7 and the outer drum 6; then pass through the air outlet holes at the bottom of the inner drum 7, enter between the inner drum 7 and the impeller 8; finally, pass through the air outlet holes of the impeller 8, enter the washing chamber and react with the washed clothes; the total area of ​​the ventilation holes at the bottom of the inner drum 7 and the impeller 8 is not greater than the total area of ​​the air outlet holes of the bubble generator 3, so as to ensure the impact force of the bubbles after passing through the multiple layers of air holes.

[0078] In order to improve the efficiency of bubble generation, it is preferred that the air outlet holes on the bubble generator 3, the air vent holes at the bottom of the inner barrel 7, and the air vent holes on the impeller 8 are all circular through holes.

[0079] In order to achieve a certain sealing effect, the bubbles emerging from the bubble generator 3 can be concentrated through the vent holes of the inner tub 7 and the impeller 8 to ensure the impact force of the bubbles when entering the washing chamber:

[0080] An annular inner barrel bottom retaining rib 9 is extended downward from the bottom of the inner barrel 7, and the inner barrel bottom retaining rib 9 extends downward to a position where it does not contact the outer barrel 7, so as to prevent the inner barrel bottom retaining rib 9 from rubbing against the outer barrel 7 when the inner barrel 7 rotates.

[0081] An annular impeller retaining rib 10 is extended downward from the bottom of the impeller 8, and the impeller retaining rib 10 extends downward to a position where it does not contact the inner barrel 7, so as to prevent the inner barrel bottom retaining rib 10 from rubbing against the outer barrel 6 when the inner barrel 7 rotates.

[0082] The vent hole at the bottom of the inner barrel 7 is arranged within the inner barrel bottom retaining rib 9, and the vent hole of the impeller 8 is arranged within the impeller retaining rib 10; and the inner diameters of the inner barrel bottom retaining rib 9 and the impeller retaining rib 10 in the horizontal direction are not greater than the outer diameter of the bubble generator 3.

[0083] After adopting the above technical solution, the bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0084] (1) The bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention have a split bubble generator design, which is easy to produce, easy to clean, and cost-saving.

[0085] (2) In the bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention, the size and number of the air outlet holes of the air collecting plate are set according to the area of ​​the air collecting plate, the power of the air pump and the washing load. The air outlet holes are reasonably set, so that the washing efficiency of the washing machine is higher.

[0086] (3) In the bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention, the volume of the air pipe is larger than the volume of the air collecting chamber, so that all the washing water remaining in the air collecting chamber can flow into the air pipe, thereby preventing the washing water remaining in the air collecting plate from making abnormal noises or entering the washing chamber during the dehydration process of the clothes, thereby improving the user experience.

[0087] (4) In the bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention, the bubble generator is made of plastic. Plastic has high plasticity, small weight, high strength, is easy to produce and transport, and is durable and not easy to damage.

[0088] (5) The bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention are provided with a sealing member at the place where the air pipe penetrates the bottom of the outer tub, which can prevent water leakage from the outer tub.

[0089] (6) The bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention are provided with a one-way valve at the air outlet of the air pump to prevent water from flowing back into the air pump.

[0090] (7) The bubble generating device and washing machine provided by the present invention are provided with inner barrel bottom baffle ribs and impeller baffle ribs to provide a sealed space. The total area of ​​the air holes of the inner barrel bottom and the impeller is not larger than the total area of ​​the air holes of the air collecting plate. The air holes of the inner barrel bottom and the impeller are both arranged within the inner barrel bottom baffle ribs and the impeller baffle ribs, which can make the bubbles be released more concentratedly and ensure the impact force of the bubbles when entering the washing chamber.

[0091] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in the preferred embodiment, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes by using the technical content suggested above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. The implementation scheme in the above embodiment can be further combined or replaced. However, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiment according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still falls within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bubble generating device, comprising an air pump (1), wherein the air pump (1) is connected to a bubble generator (3) capable of generating bubbles through an air pipe (2), wherein: The bubble generator (3) comprises a bottom cover (32) and an air collecting plate (31) installed above the bottom cover, an air collecting cavity (33) is formed between the bottom cover (32) and the air collecting plate (31), the outlet end of the air pipe (2) is connected to the air collecting cavity (33), and a plurality of air outlet holes are provided on the air collecting plate (31).

2. The bubble generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The longitudinal section of the gas collecting plate (31) is an inverted U-shape, the longitudinal section of the bottom cover (32) is a U-shape, the gas collecting plate (31) is embedded in the bottom cover (32), and the outer side wall of the gas collecting plate (31) fits the inner side wall of the bottom cover (32).

3. The bubble generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom cover (32), the gas collecting plate (31) and the gas collecting chamber (33) are arranged in a ring shape around the rotating shaft.

4. The bubble generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The volume of the air pipe (2) is greater than the volume of the air collecting cavity (33).

5. The bubble generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air pipe (2) penetrates the bottom of the outer barrel (6) and is connected to the air pump (1) and the bottom cover (32). A sealing member (4) is installed at the connection between the air pipe (2) and the bottom of the outer barrel (6).

6. The bubble generating device according to claims 1-5, characterized in that: The air pipe (2) is provided with a one-way valve (5) for preventing accumulated water from flowing back into the air pump (1).

7. A washing machine, comprising an outer tub (6) and an inner tub (7), characterized in that: A bubble generating device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 is installed at the bottom of the outer barrel (6), the bubble generator (3) is installed inside the outer barrel (6), the air pump (1) and the air pipe (2) are installed below the outer barrel (6), and a plurality of ventilation holes are provided on the bottom of the inner barrel (7) and the impeller (8) of the washing machine corresponding to the bubble generator (3), and the bubbles generated by the bubble generator (3) enter the washing chamber through the ventilation holes.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The total area of ​​the air holes at the bottom of the inner barrel (7) and the impeller (8) is no greater than the total area of ​​the air outlet holes of the air collecting plate (31).

9. The washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: An annular inner barrel bottom retaining rib (9) is extended downwardly from the bottom of the inner barrel (7), and an annular impeller retaining rib (10) is extended downwardly from the bottom of the impeller (8), wherein the inner diameters of the inner barrel bottom retaining rib (9) and the impeller retaining rib (10) in the horizontal direction are not greater than the outer diameter of the air collecting plate (31).

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The air holes at the bottom of the inner barrel (7) are arranged inside the inner barrel bottom retaining ribs (9), and the air holes of the impeller (8) are arranged inside the impeller retaining ribs (10).

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