Foam generator, foam generating device and washing machine

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of foam generator, foam generating device and washing machine, belong to foam generation technical field.The foam generator includes: main part, including negative pressure part, inside of negative pressure part is provided with suction chamber, negative pressure part is equipped with with the first outlet and the first inlet being communicated with suction chamber, wherein the first inlet is used for air inlet, and the first outlet is used as gas-liquid mixture outlet;Ejection part, the ejection part includes injection part, and the injection channel is formed in the inside of injection part, and the second inlet and the second outlet are communicated with injection channel;Wherein the second inlet is used for liquid inlet, and the second outlet is used for liquid outlet;The end of ejection part being equipped with second outlet is inserted into suction chamber and is close to first outlet, and annular negative pressure channel is formed between the inner circumferential wall of negative pressure part and the outer circumferential wall of injection part, and annular negative pressure channel constitutes suction chamber.This application can make inhaled gas and jet liquid more fully mixed, effectively increase foam production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of foam generation technology, and more particularly to a foam generator, a foam generating device, and a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Detergent foam plays a good role in cleaning and softening clothes during the washing process. Currently, most washing machines do not have an active foam generator, so foam is only produced after a period of washing. This results in a slower detergent effect, and some detergent may not completely dissolve in the water, affecting the cleaning effect.

[0003] Furthermore, regarding health and sterilization, gases like ozone, which have good sterilization properties, are difficult to dissolve in water and therefore cannot provide effective sterilization during washing. However, they can adhere to the surface of foam and be encased within it, achieving a good sterilization effect during foam-clothing contact. Current foam washing systems fail to fully integrate sterilization with their functions, focusing solely on washing performance.

[0004] Based on the above situation, there is an urgent need for a foam generating device that can reduce the size of the foam generator while increasing the foam output. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention propose a foam generator, a foam generating device, and a washing machine, which can utilize negative pressure to accelerate gas absorption, increase foam production, and enhance the foaming effect.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention disclose a foam generator. The foam generator includes:

[0007] The main body includes a negative pressure section, which has an air intake chamber inside. The negative pressure section has a first outlet and a first inlet communicating with the air intake chamber, wherein the first inlet is used for air intake and the first outlet is used as an outlet for a gas-liquid mixture.

[0008] The jet section includes an ejector section, which has an ejector channel formed inside. The ejector section is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet communicating with the ejector channel; wherein the second inlet is used for liquid inlet and the second outlet is used for liquid outlet.

[0009] One end of the jet section with the second outlet is inserted into the air intake chamber and close to the first outlet. An annular negative pressure channel is formed between the inner peripheral wall of the negative pressure section and the outer peripheral wall of the ejector section. The annular negative pressure channel constitutes the air intake chamber.

[0010] When the liquid used for foaming is ejected from the second outlet of the ejector section, a negative pressure is formed in the negative pressure channel, which draws the gas used for foaming into the suction chamber and mixes with the liquid in the negative pressure channel.

[0011] Optionally, in the above embodiments, the negative pressure section has an inverted conical constriction at one end where the first outlet is located, and the lower port of the constriction constitutes the first outlet. The ejector section has an inverted conical nozzle at one end where the second outlet is located, and the lower port of the nozzle constitutes the second outlet. The constriction and the nozzle form a conical negative pressure channel.

[0012] Optionally, in the above embodiments, the nozzle is located in the air intake chamber, the outlet end face of the second outlet is spaced apart from the outlet end face of the first outlet, and along the liquid flow direction, the second outlet is located upstream of the first outlet.

[0013] Optionally, in the above embodiments, the negative pressure section further includes a cylindrical section, which is located above the constricted section;

[0014] The main body also includes:

[0015] An air intake pipe section is connected to the side wall of the cylindrical part and communicates with the air intake chamber through the first inlet; an air inlet is formed at the end of the air intake pipe section away from the cylindrical part.

[0016] The main body also includes:

[0017] A gas-liquid mixing section is connected to the constricted portion of the main body at the first outlet and extends away from the first outlet; the end of the gas-liquid mixing section away from the first outlet is a bubble outlet.

[0018] Preferably, the jet section further includes:

[0019] A cover plate is provided on the upper port of the cylindrical part to seal the air intake chamber;

[0020] The ejector section also includes a drainage tube section, the outer peripheral wall of which is connected to the cover plate. One end of the drainage tube section extends out of the air intake chamber and forms the second inlet, while the other end communicates with the liquid inlet end of the ejector section inside the air intake chamber to form the ejector channel.

[0021] Optionally, in the above embodiments, the volume of the cylindrical part is greater than the volume of the constricted part, and the inner diameter of the cylindrical part is greater than the inner diameter of the inlet end of the constricted part.

[0022] Optionally, in the above embodiments, the width C of the negative pressure channel is in the range of 1mm-5mm and / or the inner diameter B of the gas-liquid mixing section is in the range of 3mm-11mm.

[0023] Optionally, in the above embodiments, the cover plate and the ejector section are integrally formed to constitute the jet section, and the gas-liquid mixing section, the negative pressure section and the air inlet pipe section are integrally formed to constitute the main body section; wherein the cover plate is detachably connected to the upper port of the cylinder section of the negative pressure section.

[0024] Optionally, in the above embodiments, the foam generator is formed with respect to a surface, where the surface is the surface passing through the central axis of the jet section in the length direction; or,

[0025] The foam generator includes a first structure and a second structure combined together. The first structure and the second structure are symmetrical about a surface, which is a surface in space passing through the central axis of the jet section along its length.

[0026] Optionally, in the above embodiments, the air inlet is connected to the ozone generator.

[0027] The present invention also provides an embodiment of a foam generating device, which includes the foam generator described in the above embodiment; the foam generating device further includes: a spraying device, the spraying device including: a foam delivery pipe, the foam delivery pipe being connected to the first outlet for conveying a gas-liquid mixture flowing out from the first outlet; and

[0028] A foam nozzle is disposed at the end of the foam delivery tube and is used to introduce foam into the washing drum.

[0029] The present invention also provides another embodiment of a foam generating device, which includes the foam generator described in the above embodiments; the foam generating device further includes:

[0030] The spraying device includes:

[0031] A bubble delivery pipe, the bubble delivery pipe being connected to the bubble outlet of the gas-liquid mixing section and thus to the first outlet, for conveying the gas-liquid mixture flowing out from the bubble outlet; and

[0032] A foam nozzle is disposed at the end of the foam delivery tube and is used to introduce foam into the washing drum.

[0033] The present invention also provides another embodiment of a foam generating device, which is equipped with the foam generator described in the above embodiment;

[0034] The foam generating device further includes: a spraying device, the spraying device comprising:

[0035] A bubble delivery tube, connected to a first outlet, is used to deliver a gas-liquid mixture flowing out of the first outlet; and

[0036] A foam nozzle is disposed at the end of the foam delivery tube and is used to introduce foam into the washing drum;

[0037] The foam generating device further includes: an ozone generating device, the ozone generating device comprising:

[0038] An ozone generator, connected to the air inlet of the air intake chamber via a pipe, is used to provide ozone gas to the air intake chamber; an air pump, installed on the pipe, is used to provide power for ozone delivery.

[0039] The present invention also provides another embodiment of a washing machine, which includes a washing drum and a foam generator or foam generating device as described in any of the above embodiments;

[0040] The foam generating device is used to generate the foam required for fabric treatment by the washing drum;

[0041] An automatic detergent dispensing system, wherein the mixing box of the automatic detergent dispensing system is connected to the second inlet of the foam generating device to provide detergent liquid to the foam generating device; the foam nozzle of the foam generating device extends into the washing drum to introduce foaming liquid of detergent into the washing drum;

[0042] A manual detergent dispensing system; the manual detergent dispensing system is connected to the washing drum;

[0043] The water inlet system includes a first water inlet pipe, a second water inlet pipe, and a third water inlet pipe, wherein:

[0044] The first water inlet pipe is connected to the mixing box of the automatic detergent dispensing system;

[0045] The second water inlet pipe is directly connected to the washing tub;

[0046] The third water inlet pipe is connected to the dispensing box of the manual detergent dispensing system.

[0047] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial effects: it enables more thorough mixing of inhaled gas and jet liquid, effectively increasing foam production. Attached Figure Description

[0048] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a foam generating device, detergent dispensing and water inlet system, and washing drum of a washing machine disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a foam generating device disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a foam generating device disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the foam generating device, detergent dispensing and water inlet system, and washing drum installation position of a washing machine disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] In the attached image:

[0054] 1-Foam generating device; 11-Foam generator; 111-Suction chamber; 1110 First inlet; 1111-Air inlet; 1112-First outlet; 112-Main body; 1121-Cylinder body; 1122-Joint; 1123-Narrowing; 113-Jet section; 1131-Second inlet (liquid inlet); 1132-Drainage pipe section; 1133-Cover plate; 1134-Nozzle; 1135-Second outlet; 114-Gas-liquid mixing section; 1141-Bubble outlet; 115-Air inlet pipe section; 12-Ozone generating device; 121-Ozone generator; 122-Air pump; 123-One-way valve; 13-Spraying device; 131-Bubble delivery pipe; 132-Foam nozzle;

[0055] 2-Detergent dispensing and water inlet system; 21-First water inlet pipe; 22-Automatic detergent dispensing device; 221-Detergent storage chamber; 222-Fabric softener storage chamber; 223-Detergent dispensing pump; 224-Fabric softener dispensing pump; 225-Detergent and fabric softener dissolving chamber; 23-Second water inlet pipe; 24-Window gasket cleaning nozzle; 25-Third water inlet pipe; 26-Manual detergent dispensing device; 27-Detergent water delivery pipe;

[0056] 3-Washing drum; 31-Water storage chamber; 32-Washing chamber; 33-Window gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0057] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific examples and the accompanying drawings.

[0058] It should be noted that all uses of "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of distinguishing two entities or parameters with the same name but different names. It is clear that "first" and "second" are only for the convenience of expression and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present invention. Subsequent embodiments will not explain this in detail.

[0059] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the present invention exemplifies a foam generating device 1 for a fabric treatment apparatus. This foam generating device 1 is used to generate foam water from detergent water (a mixture of detergent and water, or a mixture of detergent, water, and fabric softener) to improve the washing effect.

[0060] Specifically, the foam generating device 1 includes a foam generator 11, an ozone generating device 12, and a spraying device 13.

[0061] The foam generator 11 embodiment includes a main body 112 and a jet section 113;

[0062] As one example, the main body 112 preferably includes a negative pressure section, an air inlet section 115, and a gas-liquid mixing section 114. The negative pressure section includes a cylindrical section 1121 and a constricted section 1123. An air intake chamber 111 is formed inside the negative pressure section. The negative pressure section has a first outlet 1112 and a first inlet 1110 communicating with the air intake chamber 111. The first inlet 1110 is used for air intake, and the first outlet 1112 serves as an outlet for the gas-liquid mixture. Preferably, the first inlet 1110 is located on the side of the negative pressure section for air intake, such as ozone (a foaming gas); the first outlet 1112 is located at the lower part of the main body 112 and serves as an outlet for the gas-liquid mixture, such as a mixture of detergent and foaming gas.

[0063] In this embodiment, the foam generator 11 has an air intake chamber 111 inside the negative pressure section of the main body 112, which has a larger air intake space. The foam generator 11 can jet the delivered mixture of detergent and water to generate negative pressure, and accelerate the absorption of gas under the action of negative pressure.

[0064] An air inlet pipe section 115 is connected to the side wall of the cylindrical body 1121 and communicates with the air intake chamber 111 through a first inlet 1110; the end of the air inlet pipe section 115 away from the cylindrical body forms an air inlet 1111. As an optional embodiment, the air inlet 1111 is connected to an ozone generator; as another optional embodiment, the air inlet 1111 can also be configured to communicate simultaneously with the ozone generator and the air intake channel of the outside air. Furthermore, the ozone generator and the air intake channel can be controlled to open and close, and the flow rate ratio of the introduced airflow can be controlled.

[0065] The gas-liquid mixing section 114 is connected to the constricted portion 1123 of the main body 112 at the first outlet 1112 and extends away from the first outlet 1112; the end of the gas-liquid mixing section 114 away from the first outlet 1112 is the bubble outlet 1141.

[0066] As one example, the jet section 113 preferably includes an ejector section, the ejector section having an ejector channel formed inside, and the ejector section having a second inlet 1131 and a second outlet 1135 communicating with the ejector channel. The jet section 113 is inserted into the intake chamber 111, and the second outlet 1135 of the ejector section has a gap with the first outlet 1112 of the negative pressure section, and the inner peripheral wall of the negative pressure section and the outer peripheral wall of the ejector section cooperate to form an annular negative pressure channel. The second inlet 1131 is located outside the intake chamber 111 and is used for liquid intake, such as a mixture of detergent and water (referred to as detergent water), and the second outlet 1135 is the nozzle end of the jet section, used for liquid discharge, which is a mixture of foaming gas and detergent water.

[0067] Preferably, the jet section 113 further includes a cover plate 1133, which covers the upper port of the cylindrical section 1121 to seal the air intake chamber 111.

[0068] The ejector section includes a drainage tube section 1132 and a nozzle 1134. The outer peripheral wall of the drainage tube section 1132 is connected to the cover plate 1133. One end of the drainage tube section 1132 extends out of the suction chamber 111 and forms the second inlet 1131, while the other end communicates with the liquid inlet end of the nozzle 1134 inside the suction chamber 111 to form an ejector channel. In other embodiments of this application, the end of the drainage tube section 1132 forming the second inlet 1131 may be flush with the cover plate 1133. Alternatively, in other embodiments of this application, the drainage pipe segment 1132 has a multi-stage pressurization structure along the liquid flow direction. The multi-stage pressurization structure includes an upstream pipe segment and a downstream pipe segment along a coaxial line along the liquid flow direction, wherein the diameter of the upstream pipe segment is larger than the diameter of the downstream pipe segment; or, the multi-stage pressurization structure includes an upstream pipe segment, an intermediate pipe segment, and a downstream pipe segment along a coaxial line along the liquid flow direction, wherein the diameter of the upstream pipe segment is larger than the diameter of the intermediate pipe segment, and the diameter of the intermediate pipe segment is larger than the diameter of the intermediate and downstream pipe segments. Each of the upstream, intermediate, and downstream pipe segments can be a uniformly sized circular pipe or a tapered pipe with a diameter that gradually decreases along the liquid flow direction.

[0069] In the above embodiment, it is further preferred that the outlet of the ejector section (i.e., the second outlet 1135 of the nozzle) is closer to the interior of the negative pressure chamber (i.e., the suction chamber 111) than the outlet of the negative pressure section (i.e., the first outlet 1112), and the outlet end faces of the two are a certain distance apart. This allows the negative pressure section and the ejector section to cooperate to form a negative pressure channel, enabling the inhaled gas and jet liquid to mix at the negative pressure channel, effectively increasing foam production. For example, gas to be mixed is generated from the ozone generator 12 described below, and under the action of negative pressure, it is drawn into the suction chamber 111 from the inlet 1111 for mixing.

[0070] In a further preferred embodiment, the guide tube section 1132 and the nozzle 1134 are integrally formed to constitute the ejector section, the cover plate 1133 is integrally formed with the ejector section to constitute the jet section 113, and the gas-liquid mixing section 114, the negative pressure section, and the air inlet section 115 are integrally formed to constitute the main body section 112; wherein the cover plate 113 is detachably inserted into the upper port of the cylindrical section 1121 of the negative pressure section. This structural design makes the foam generator structure more compact, occupies less space, has lower cost, and is more conducive to productization.

[0071] As another embodiment, the foam generator can also be prepared in the following manner:

[0072] The main body 112 and the jet section 113 are designed as two or more independent shell structures. The two or more shell components are pressed together and assembled and sealed by means of snap-fit, hot plate welding, screw fastening, etc., to obtain the foam generator.

[0073] As another embodiment, the foam generator can also be prepared in the following manner:

[0074] The foam generator is formed (e.g., integrally molded) as a symmetrical structure about a surface, which is a surface in space passing through the central axis of the jet section along its length; or,

[0075] The foam generator includes a first structure and a second structure combined together. The first structure and the second structure are symmetrical about a surface, which is a surface in space passing through the central axis of the jet section along its length.

[0076] Specifically, for the up, down, left, and right directions mentioned in the various embodiments of this application, please refer to... Figure 4 The center indicates the up, down, left, and right directions of the washing machine.

[0077] like Figures 2-3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a foam generator is provided. The foam generator includes a main body 112 and a jet section 113.

[0078] The main body 112 includes a negative pressure section, and an air intake chamber 111 is provided inside the negative pressure section. The negative pressure section is provided with a first outlet 1112 and a first inlet 1110 that communicate with the air intake chamber 111. The first inlet 1110 is used for air intake, and the first outlet 1112 is used as an outlet for a gas-liquid mixture.

[0079] The jet section 113 includes an ejector section, which has an ejector channel inside. The ejector section is provided with a second inlet 1131 and a second outlet 1135 that communicate with the ejector channel. The second inlet 1131 is located outside the air intake chamber 111 and is used for liquid intake, while the second outlet 1135 is used for liquid discharge.

[0080] The nozzle end of the jet section 113 is inserted into the suction chamber 111 and close to the first outlet 1112. An annular negative pressure channel is formed between the inner peripheral wall of the negative pressure section and the outer peripheral wall of the ejector section, and the annular negative pressure channel constitutes the suction chamber 111. When the liquid for foaming is ejected from the second outlet 1135 of the ejector section, a negative pressure is formed in the negative pressure channel, which draws the gas for foaming into the suction chamber 111 and mixes it with the liquid in the negative pressure channel. For example, the gas for foaming is drawn into the suction chamber 111 and mixes with the liquid downstream of the second outlet 1135 in the negative pressure channel.

[0081] Optionally, in one implementation of this embodiment, the negative pressure section has a constricted portion 1123 in the shape of an inverted cone at one end where the first outlet 1112 is provided, and the lower end of the constricted portion 1123 constitutes the first outlet 1112. The ejector section has a nozzle 1134 in the shape of an inverted cone at one end where the second outlet 1135 is provided, and the lower part of the nozzle 1134 forms the second outlet 1135. A conical channel is formed between the constricted portion 1123 and the nozzle 1134. ， The annular conical channel increases the contact area between the inhaled gas and the injected liquid.

[0082] Optionally, in one implementation of this embodiment, the nozzle 1134 is located inside the suction chamber 111, the outlet end face of the second outlet 1135 is spaced apart from the outlet end face of the first outlet 1112, and along the liquid flow direction, the second outlet 1135 is located upstream of the first outlet 1112.

[0083] like Figures 2-3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the negative pressure section further includes a cylindrical section 1121. This cylindrical section 1121 is located above the constricted section 1123. The main body 112 also includes an air inlet pipe section 115, which is connected to the side wall of the cylindrical section 1121 and communicates with the intake chamber 111 through the first inlet 1110; one end of the air inlet pipe section 115 away from the cylindrical section 1121 forms an air inlet 1111, which communicates with the intake chamber 111 for air intake.

[0084] For example, the cylindrical portion 1121 has a cylindrical cavity inside.

[0085] The main body 112 also includes a gas-liquid mixing section 114, which connects to the constricted portion 1123 of the main body at the first outlet 1112 and extends away from the first outlet 1112; the end of the gas-liquid mixing section 114 away from the first outlet 1112 is a bubble outlet 1141. Figures 2-3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the jet section 113 further includes a cover plate 1133, which covers the upper port of the cylindrical section 1121 to seal the air intake chamber 111.

[0086] The ejector section of the jet section 113 also includes a drainage pipe section 1132. The outer peripheral wall of the drainage pipe section 1132 is connected to the cover plate 1133. One end of the drainage pipe section 1132 extends out of the air intake chamber 111 and forms the second inlet 1131. The other end is connected to the liquid inlet end of the nozzle 1134 inside the air intake chamber 111 to form the ejector channel.

[0087] Specifically, the nozzle 1134 is preferably an inverted conical structure, which cooperates with the inverted conical constriction 1123 to form a narrow annular conical channel. Washing water containing detergent enters the drainage pipe section 1132 from the liquid inlet 1131, and is sprayed into the gas-liquid mixing section 114 through the nozzle 1134. At the same time, a negative pressure is formed at the annular conical channel around the nozzle 1134, which draws external gas into the suction chamber 111 from the air inlet 1111. The annular suction chamber 111 and the annular conical channel increase the contact area between the gas and the liquid flow, resulting in a better foaming effect.

[0088] Optionally, an outwardly extending joint 1122 is provided at the upper open edge of the cylindrical portion 1121 of the main body 112. The air inlet 1111 is located on one side of the cylindrical portion 1121 and communicates with the internal intake chamber 111, i.e., the cylindrical chamber. The constricted portion 1123 is located on the lower side of the cylindrical portion 1121 and is generally in the shape of an inverted cone. The inner side of the constricted portion 1123 is another part of the intake chamber 111, i.e., the conical chamber. The first outlet 1112 is located at the point where the constricted portion 1123 connects to the gas-liquid mixing section 114.

[0089] The drainage pipe section 1132 is a long, narrow pipe. The upper end of this drainage pipe section 1132 is the second inlet 1131 (or liquid inlet). A cover plate 1133 is located in the middle of the drainage pipe section 1132 and can be pressed together with the joint 1122 to seal the suction chamber 111. Preferably, the sealed suction chamber 111 can be formed by welding, adhesive bonding, screw fastening, or other methods. The lower end of the drainage pipe section 1132 is a nozzle 1134. The function of the nozzle 1134 is to spray the liquid entering the drainage pipe section 1132 into the gas-liquid mixing section 114.

[0090] Alternatively, the jetting part 113 and the main body 112 can be integrally formed without the joint 1122, thereby reducing the inconvenience of assembly and increasing airtightness.

[0091] Optionally, in one implementation of this embodiment, the volume of the cylindrical portion 1121 is larger than the volume of the constricted portion 1123, and the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 1121 is larger than the inner diameter of the inlet end of the constricted portion 1123. This design is beneficial for improving the gas-liquid mixing effect.

[0092] Optionally, in one implementation of this embodiment, the cover plate 1133 and the ejector section are integrally formed to constitute the jet section 113, and the gas-liquid mixing section 114, the negative pressure section and the air inlet pipe section 115 are integrally formed to constitute the main body section 112; wherein the cover plate 1133 is detachably inserted into the upper port of the cylinder section 1121 of the negative pressure section.

[0093] likeFigure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner diameter A of the nozzle 1134 ranges from 1 to 5 mm, and the width C of the annular conical channel ranges from 1 to 5 mm. The side of the gas-liquid mixing section 114 away from the first outlet 1112 is the bubble outlet 1141, wherein the inner diameter B of the gas-liquid mixing section 114 ranges from 3 to 11 mm.

[0094] Specifically, a bubble outlet 1141 is provided at the lower end of the gas-liquid mixing section 114, through which the gas-liquid mixing section 114 is connected to the injection device 13. In this application, in order to better achieve the jet and suction foaming effect and keep the foam generator 11 small in size, the key design parameters of the jet suction structure of the foam generator 11 are limited. Among them, the inner diameter A of the nozzle 1134 is 1-5 mm, preferably between 1.5-3.5 mm. The angle α between the nozzle 1134 and the axis of the guide tube section 1132 is 10-60°, preferably between 15-45°. The angle β between the constricted portion 1123 of the main body 112 and the axis of the guide tube section 1132 is 10-60°, preferably between 15-45°. The inner diameter B of the gas-liquid mixing section 114 is 3-11 mm, preferably between 4-8 mm. The width C of the annular conical channel is 1-5 mm, preferably between 1.5-3.5 mm. The inner diameter D of the air inlet 1111 is 2-6 mm, preferably between 3-5 mm. The inner diameter E of the liquid inlet 1131 is 3-11 mm, preferably between 4-8 mm. The inner diameter of the cylindrical chamber portion of the suction chamber 111 is 10-30 mm, preferably between 15-25 mm. The inner height of the suction chamber 111 is 5-30 mm, preferably between 10-20 mm.

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown, along the direction of liquid flow, the second outlet is located upstream of the first outlet 1112, allowing the gas and liquid to mix from the annular conical channel, thus improving the mixing effect.

[0096] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the foam generator is formed as a symmetrical structure about a surface, wherein the surface is the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the jet section. Alternatively, the foam generator includes a first structure and a second structure combined together, wherein the first and second structures are symmetrical about a surface, wherein the surface is the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the jet section. The central axis in the longitudinal direction of the jet section is coaxial with the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the intake chamber, the central axis of the first outlet perpendicular to the plane containing the first outlet, and the central axis of the second outlet perpendicular to the plane containing the second outlet.

[0097] For example, such asFigure 3 The structure shown can serve as a side view of both the first and second structures, and the two can be combined to obtain... Figure 2 The foam generating device shown can be assembled using existing technologies such as welding and threaded connections.

[0098] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a foam generating device 1 is provided, which, in addition to including a foam generator 11, also includes an ozone generating device 12. The ozone generating device 12 includes an ozone generator 121 and an air pump 122. The ozone generator 121 is connected to the air inlet 1111 of the intake chamber 111 via a pipe, and is used to provide ozone gas to the intake chamber 111. The air pump 122 is disposed on the pipe and is used to provide ozone delivery capability.

[0099] Specifically, the foam generator 11 is a liquid jet injector with an air intake chamber 111. It generates negative pressure through a nozzle 1134, drawing in gas through the ozone generator 12 via the air inlet 1111 of the air intake chamber 111 for mixing and foaming. The ozone generator 12 includes an ozone generator 121 and an air pump 122. The air pump 122 is connected to the air inlet 1111 via a pipe, and its operation further increases the air intake, thereby increasing foam production. Furthermore, the gas introduced into the foam generator 11 is ozone generated by the ozone generator 121, resulting in ozone components in the foam, which provide functions such as sterilization, enhanced cleaning, and prevention of color bleeding.

[0100] Preferably, a one-way valve 123 can also be installed on the pipeline between the air pump 122 and the air inlet 1111 to control the flow of gas.

[0101] Preferably, in addition to ozone generated by ozone generator 121, other gases can also be used, such as functional gases with components like plasma and hydroxyl radicals, or conventional air.

[0102] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a foam generating organization 1 is provided, which, in addition to including a foam generator 11, also includes a spraying device 13, which includes a foam delivery pipe 131 and a foam nozzle 132. The foam delivery pipe 131 is connected to a foam outlet 1141 (or connected to a first outlet 1112 via a gas-liquid mixing section 114) for delivering foam emitted from the foam outlet 1141; the foam nozzle 132 is disposed at the end of the foam delivery pipe 131 for introducing foam into the washing drum.

[0103] Specifically, the spraying device 13, connected to the first outlet 1112 of the suction chamber 111, can spray foam into the washing drum of the washing machine described below. The foam delivery pipe 131 is a long, narrow tube. The foam generator 11 is installed above the washing machine window gasket 33 near the center and to the right of the automatic detergent dispensing device 22 described below, so as to connect with the foam nozzle 132 located at the center of the top of the observation window and the detergent water delivery pipe 27 on the upper left of the washing machine.

[0104] The foam generating device 1 provided by the present invention includes a foam generator 11, an ozone generator 12, and a jetting device 13. The foam generator 11 can inject fluid into the jetting device 13 and generate negative pressure during jetting, thereby accelerating the absorption of gas.

[0105] The foam generator 11 with the suction chamber 111 has a larger air intake space, which allows the intake gas and jet liquid to mix more fully at the nozzle 1134, effectively increasing foam production.

[0106] The foam generator 11 is composed of a jetting device consisting of a cylindrical and a conical chamber, which is more compact, occupies less space, has lower cost, and is more conducive to productization.

[0107] The lower end of the main body 112 of the foam generator 11 is an inverted conical constriction 1123, and the lower end of the jet section 113 is an inverted conical nozzle 1134. The nozzle 1134 and the constriction 1123 form an annular conical channel, that is, an annular air intake chamber, which increases the contact area between the intake gas and the liquid flow, resulting in a better foaming effect.

[0108] The generated foam is placed into the washing drum 3. An ozone generator 121 and an air pump 122 can be connected to the air inlet 1111. Ozone gas is introduced at the same time as foaming, so that it adheres to the surface of the foam film and is wrapped inside the foam to form a high-concentration ozone foam, which has good sterilization, enhanced cleaning, softening and color protection effects.

[0109] With sufficient air intake, the air pump 122 can be omitted, further reducing operating costs.

[0110] like Figures 1-4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention also discloses a washing machine, which includes a washing drum 3, the aforementioned foam generating device 1, one of an automatic detergent dispensing system and a manual detergent dispensing system, and a water inlet system.

[0111] The mixing box of the automatic detergent dispensing system is connected to the second inlet 1131 of the foam generating device to provide detergent liquid to the foam generating device; the foam nozzle of the foam generating device extends into the washing drum to introduce foaming liquid of detergent into the washing drum.

[0112] The manual detergent dispensing system is connected to the washing drum. The water inlet system includes a first inlet pipe, a second inlet pipe, and a third inlet pipe. The first inlet pipe is connected to the mixing box of the automatic detergent dispensing system; the second inlet pipe is directly connected to the washing drum; and the third inlet pipe is connected to the dispensing box of the manual detergent dispensing system.

[0113] like Figures 1-4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention also discloses a washing machine, which includes a washing drum 3, the aforementioned foam generating device 1, and a detergent dispensing and water inlet system 2. The foam generating device 1 is connected to the washing drum; the detergent dispensing and water inlet system 2 is connected to the foam generating device 1 and the washing drum 3, and is used to introduce a mixture of detergent and water into the foam generating device 1 or the washing drum 3 respectively.

[0114] The detergent dispensing and water inlet system 2 is used to dispense the mixture of detergent and water into the washing drum 3 and the foam generator 11.

[0115] The detergent dispensing and water inlet system 2 includes a first water inlet pipe 21 connected to the automatic detergent dispensing device 22 for automatic detergent dispensing and water inlet; a second water inlet pipe 23 connected to the window gasket 33 cleaning nozzle 24 for spraying water into the folds of the window gasket 33; and a third water inlet pipe 25 connected to the manual detergent dispensing device 26 for manual detergent dispensing and water inlet.

[0116] The washing drum 3 consists of components such as a water storage chamber 31, a washing chamber 32, and a window gasket 33. The window gasket 33 also serves as a door seal that contacts the observation window (glass bowl).

[0117] The water entering through the first water inlet pipe 21 is mixed with the detergent in the detergent automatic dispensing device 22 to form detergent-containing washing water, which is then transported to the foam generator 11.

[0118] The automatic detergent dispensing device 22 consists of a detergent storage chamber 221, a fabric softener storage chamber 222, a detergent dispensing pump 223, a fabric softener dispensing pump 224, and a detergent and fabric softener dissolving chamber 225. The main components involved in foaming are the detergent storage chamber 221 and the detergent dispensing pump 223.

[0119] Preferably, the jet foam generator is installed above the washing machine window gasket, near the center, and to the right of the automatic detergent dispensing device, so as to connect with the foam nozzle at the top center of the observation window and the detergent water delivery pipe at the upper left of the washing machine. See Figure 3As shown. The air inlet of the jet foam generator can draw in air from inside the washing machine casing and mix it with jet washing water to create foam. Furthermore, an ozone generator can be added and connected to the air inlet so that the foam contains ozone and other components, which can achieve the effects of sterilization, enhanced cleaning, and prevention of color bleeding.

[0120] The generated foam is placed into the washing drum. An ozone generator and an air pump can be connected to the air inlet to introduce ozone gas while foaming, so that it adheres to the surface of the foam film and is wrapped inside the foam to form a high-concentration ozone foam, which has good sterilization, enhanced cleaning, softening and color protection effects.

[0121] According to the various embodiments or implementations disclosed in this application, at least one of the following beneficial effects is achieved:

[0122] The foam generator provided by the present invention has a negative pressure section with an air intake chamber, which has a larger air intake space, enabling the intake gas and jet liquid to mix more fully at the nozzle, effectively increasing foam production.

[0123] The foam generator provided by this invention is composed of a jetting device consisting of a cylindrical and a conical chamber. It has a more compact structure, occupies less space, has a lower cost, and is more conducive to productization.

[0124] The lower end of the main body of the foam generator provided by the present invention is an inverted conical constriction, and the lower end of the jet part is an inverted conical nozzle. The nozzle and the constriction form an annular conical channel, that is, an annular air intake chamber, which increases the contact area between the intake gas and the liquid flow, resulting in a better foaming effect.

[0125] The foam generator and ozone generator provided by this invention produce foam that is placed into the washing drum. While foaming, ozone gas is introduced, causing it to adhere to the surface of the foam film and wrap inside the foam, forming a high-concentration ozone foam with good sterilization, enhanced cleaning, softening, and colorfastness prevention effects.

[0126] Furthermore, by adopting this application, at least one of the following problems can be solved: miniaturization design of foam generators for ozone foam washing machines, size and proportion of the jet structure of ozone foam generators for washing machines, and pressurized spraying during ozone foam dispensing.

[0127] It should be noted that the components or steps in the above embodiments can be interchanged, substituted, added, or deleted. Therefore, the combinations formed by these reasonable permutations and transformations should also fall within the protection scope of this invention, and the protection scope of this invention should not be limited to the above embodiments.

[0128] The above are exemplary embodiments disclosed in this invention. The order of the disclosed embodiments is merely for descriptive purposes and does not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments. However, it should be noted that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of the disclosed embodiments of this invention (including the claims) is limited to these examples. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope defined by the claims. The functions, steps, and / or actions of the methods according to the disclosed embodiments described herein do not need to be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, although the elements disclosed in the embodiments of this invention may be described or claimed individually, they may be understood as multiple unless explicitly limited to a singular.

[0129] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of the invention (including the claims) is limited to these examples. Within the framework of the invention, technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can be combined, and many other variations of the different aspects of the invention as described above exist, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the invention should be included within the protection scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A foam generator, characterized in that: The foam generator includes: The main body includes a negative pressure section with an intake chamber inside. The negative pressure section has a first outlet and a first inlet communicating with the intake chamber, wherein the first inlet is for air intake and the first outlet is for a gas-liquid mixture outlet. The negative pressure section has an inverted conical constriction at the end with the first outlet, the lower end of which constitutes the first outlet. The negative pressure section also includes a cylindrical section located above the constriction. The main body further includes an air inlet pipe section connected to the side wall of the cylindrical section and communicating with the intake chamber through the first inlet. The air inlet pipe section is located away from the cylindrical section. One end of the cylindrical body forms an air inlet; a gas-liquid mixing section connects to the constricted portion of the main body at the first outlet and extends away from the first outlet; the end of the gas-liquid mixing section away from the first outlet is a bubble outlet; wherein, the inner diameter of the air inlet is 2-6 mm; the inner diameter of the gas-liquid mixing section is 4-8 mm; the interior of the cylindrical body is provided with a cylindrical suction chamber, the inner diameter of the suction chamber is 10-30 mm, and the inner height of the suction chamber is 5-30 mm; and the volume of the cylindrical body is greater than the volume of the constricted portion, and the inner diameter of the cylindrical body is greater than the inner diameter of the inlet end of the constricted portion; The jet section includes an ejector section with an ejector channel formed inside. The ejector section has a second inlet and a second outlet communicating with the ejector channel. The second inlet is located outside the intake chamber for liquid inlet, and the second outlet is for liquid outlet. The ejector section has an inverted conical nozzle at the end with the second outlet. The ejector section also includes a drainage pipe section. One end of the drainage pipe section extends out of the intake chamber and forms the second inlet, while the other end communicates with the liquid inlet end of the nozzle inside the intake chamber to form the ejector channel. The inner diameter of the second inlet is 3-11 mm; the inner diameter of the nozzle is 1-5 mm; and the angle α between the nozzle and the axis of the drainage pipe section is 10-60°. One end of the jet section, which has the second outlet, is inserted into the air intake chamber and close to the first outlet. An annular negative pressure channel is formed between the inner peripheral wall of the negative pressure section and the outer peripheral wall of the ejector section. The annular negative pressure channel constitutes part of the air intake chamber. When the liquid used for foaming is ejected from the second outlet of the ejector section, a negative pressure is formed in the negative pressure channel, which draws the gas used for foaming into the suction chamber and mixes with the liquid in the negative pressure channel.

2. The foam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower port of the nozzle forms the second outlet, and the constricted portion and the nozzle form an annular conical channel.

3. The foam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The nozzle is located in the air intake chamber, and there is a distance between the outlet end face of the second outlet and the outlet end face of the first outlet. Along the liquid flow direction, the second outlet is located upstream of the first outlet.

4. The foam generator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The jet section further includes: A cover plate is placed over the upper port of the cylinder to seal the air intake chamber; the outer peripheral wall of the drainage pipe section is connected to the cover plate.

5. The foam generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The volume of the cylindrical part is greater than the volume of the constricted part, and the inner diameter of the cylindrical part is greater than the inner diameter of the inlet end of the constricted part.

6. The foam generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The width C of the negative pressure channel is in the range of 1mm-5mm and / or the inner diameter B of the gas-liquid mixing section is in the range of 3mm-11mm.

7. The foam generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cover plate and the ejector section are integrally formed to constitute the jet section, and the gas-liquid mixing section, the negative pressure section and the air inlet pipe section are integrally formed to constitute the main body section; wherein the cover plate is detachably inserted into the upper port of the cylinder section of the negative pressure section.

8. The foam generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The foam generator is configured with a symmetrical structure about a surface, which is the surface in space passing through the central axis of the jet section along its length; or, The foam generator includes a first structure and a second structure combined together. The first structure and the second structure are symmetrical about a surface, which is a surface in space passing through the central axis of the jet section along its length.

9. The foam generator according to any one of claims 4-8, characterized in that, The air inlet is connected to the ozone generator.

10. A foam generating device, characterized in that: The device is equipped with a foam generator as described in any one of claims 1-9; The foam generating device further includes: a spraying device, the spraying device comprising: A bubble delivery tube, connected to the first outlet, is used to deliver a gas-liquid mixture flowing out of the first outlet; and A foam nozzle is disposed at the end of the foam delivery tube and is used to introduce foam into the washing drum.

11. A foam generating device, characterized in that: The device is equipped with a foam generator as described in any one of claims 4-9; The foam generating device further includes: a spraying device, the spraying device comprising: A bubble delivery pipe, the bubble delivery pipe being connected to the bubble outlet of the gas-liquid mixing section and thus to the first outlet, for conveying the gas-liquid mixture flowing out from the bubble outlet; and A foam nozzle is disposed at the end of the foam delivery tube and is used to introduce foam into the washing drum.

12. A foam generating device, characterized in that: The foam generator as described in claim 9 is provided; The foam generating device further includes: a spraying device, the spraying device comprising: A bubble delivery tube, connected to the first outlet, is used to deliver a gas-liquid mixture flowing out of the first outlet; and A foam nozzle is disposed at the end of the foam delivery tube and is used to introduce foam into the washing drum; The foam generating device further includes: an ozone generating device, the ozone generating device comprising: An ozone generator, connected to the air inlet of the air intake chamber via a pipe, is used to provide ozone gas to the air intake chamber; an air pump, installed on the pipe, is used to provide power for ozone delivery.

13. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: Washing drum; The foam generating apparatus according to any one of claims 10-12, the foam generating apparatus being used to generate foam required for fabric treatment by the washing drum; An automatic detergent dispensing system, wherein the mixing box of the automatic detergent dispensing system is connected to the second inlet of the foam generating device to provide detergent liquid to the foam generating device; the foam nozzle of the foam generating device extends into the washing drum to introduce foaming liquid of detergent into the washing drum; A manual detergent dispensing system, wherein the manual detergent dispensing system is connected to the washing drum; The water inlet system includes a first water inlet pipe, a second water inlet pipe, and a third water inlet pipe, wherein: The first water inlet pipe is connected to the mixing box of the automatic detergent dispensing system; The second water inlet pipe is directly connected to the washing drum; The third water inlet pipe is connected to the dispensing box of the manual detergent dispensing system.

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