Clothes treating agent slow-release device and clothes treating equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of clothes treatment, and provides a clothes treatment agent slow release device and clothes treatment equipment. The clothes treating agent slow-release device comprises a containing shell and a film, the containing shell is provided with an inner cavity, a clothes treating agent is arranged in the inner cavity, and at least part of the area of the containing shell is provided with a first through hole communicating with the inner cavity; the thin film is arranged on the containing shell and covers the first through hole, the thin film is a film prepared from a high polymer material, and the thin film is configured to swell in a liquid soaking state and form a hole for liquid to penetrate through, and the hole is shrunk in a non-swelling state so as to prevent the clothes treating agent from leaking. Thus, the purpose of controlling the clothes treating agent to be slowly released is achieved by arranging the needed clothes treating agent in the containing shell and arranging the thin film, so that the requirement of a user for sterilization and disinfection can be met, the requirement of the user for cleaning or other functions can also be met, and the service life of the carrier is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clothing treatment technology, and in particular to a slow-release device for clothing treatment agents and clothing treatment equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the application of long-acting slow-release carrier technology in garment processing equipment is relatively limited. On the one hand, the lifespan of slow-release carriers is generally short, mostly around 0.5 to 1 year. Compared with the lifespan of garment processing equipment, they can only be designed as replaceable consumables, which affects their convenience. On the other hand, the materials available for slow-release carriers are limited, and their functions are mainly bactericidal or long-lasting antibacterial, which is relatively simple.

[0003] In related technologies, a "small blue box" has been developed for the disinfection and sterilization function of washing machines. It contains Ficos slow-release tablets, whose main components are hypochlorous acid and hypobromous acid, produced using a compression process. The small blue box dissolves the Ficos acid after a certain period of soaking, achieving a sterilization effect. This carrier was primarily developed for sterilization and disinfection needs, utilizing a skeleton-type slow-release tablet for release. It has a good bactericidal effect, but it does not contribute to washing or other functions. Furthermore, according to records, its lifespan is approximately one year, which is relatively limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, or at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a garment treatment agent slow-release device and garment treatment equipment.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a slow-release device for a garment treatment agent, comprising:

[0006] A container shell having an internal cavity containing a clothing treatment agent, and at least a portion of the container shell having a first through hole communicating with the internal cavity;

[0007] A thin film, disposed on the container shell and covering the first through hole, the thin film being a membrane made of a polymer material, is configured to swell in a liquid immersion state to form pores for liquid permeation, and to shrink the pores in a non-swelling state to prevent the clothing treatment agent from leaking out.

[0008] The slow-release device for garment treatment provided by this invention involves placing garment treatment agent in the internal cavity of a container shell, creating a first through-hole communicating with the internal cavity on the container shell, and sealing the first through-hole with a thin film made of a polymer material. When the film is in a non-swollen state and not immersed in liquid, the pores in the film are small, preventing the garment treatment agent in the container shell from leaking out through the first through-hole and thus keeping the garment treatment agent in the container shell. When the film is immersed in liquid (e.g., water), the film swells and forms pores that allow the liquid to pass through. In this way, external liquid can enter the container shell through the pores in the film to contact and dissolve part of the garment treatment agent in the container shell. The dissolved part of the garment treatment agent leaks out through the pores in the film, thereby achieving the purpose of dispensing garment treatment agent into the garment treatment device. When the film is removed from the liquid and dries, the pores in the film shrink to prevent the garment treatment agent from leaking out, thus keeping the remaining garment treatment agent in the container shell. Thus, by placing the required garment treatment agent in the container and by setting a thin film, the purpose of controlling the slow release of the garment treatment agent can be achieved. This not only meets the user's needs for sterilization and disinfection, but also meets the user's needs for washing or other functions. Moreover, compared with the existing skeleton-type slow-release tablets, the garment treatment agent slow-release device of this invention can greatly increase the effective ingredient content of the entire carrier, and the load capacity is also increased, thereby extending the service life of the carrier.

[0009] In some embodiments, an installation groove is formed on the outer surface of the container shell, a first through hole is provided on the bottom wall of the installation groove, the film is disposed in the installation groove, a cover plate is provided at the opening of the installation groove, and a second through hole is provided on the cover plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the number of the first through hole and the number of the second through hole are both multiple, and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence; and / or, the ratio of the total area of ​​the second through hole to the total area of ​​the cover plate is greater than or equal to 0.5 and less than or equal to 0.7.

[0011] In some embodiments, an annular rib is provided on the outer bottom of the container shell, and the annular rib and the outer bottom surface of the container shell together form the mounting groove; a snap-fit ​​groove is provided on one of the inner peripheral wall of the annular rib and the outer peripheral wall of the cover plate, and a snap-fit ​​protrusion is provided on the other, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion engages with the snap-fit ​​groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, the container shell includes a cylindrical shell body; the shell body includes a first flow guide wall, a second flow guide wall, and a container wall, the first flow guide wall, the second flow guide wall, and the container wall together form a cylindrical structure, the top of the first flow guide wall and the top of the second flow guide wall are connected, the first flow guide wall and the second flow guide wall gradually extend from the top to the bottom in a direction away from each other, the container wall is connected between the bottom of the first flow guide wall and the bottom of the second flow guide wall, and the container wall has a first through hole.

[0013] In some embodiments, both the first guide wall and the second guide wall are provided with guide ribs, which extend from the top of the first guide wall or the second guide wall to the bottom.

[0014] In some embodiments, the container shell further includes a first end cap and a second end cap, the first end cap being connected to one end of the shell body along the axial direction and sealing one axial opening of the shell body, the second end cap being connected to the other end of the shell body along the axial direction and sealing the other axial opening of the shell body; the guide rib extends obliquely along the axial direction of the shell body toward the first end cap.

[0015] In some embodiments, the garment treatment agent slow-release device further includes a housing; the housing has a receiving cavity, the film and at least a portion of the container shell are located in the receiving cavity, and the housing is provided with an inlet and an outlet communicating with the receiving cavity, the inlet being located at the top of the housing and the outlet being located at the bottom of the housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, a gap for containing liquid is provided between the outer bottom of the container and the inner bottom of the outer shell.

[0017] In some embodiments, the container shell includes a cylindrical shell body, a first end cap, and a second end cap. The first end cap is connected to one end of the shell body along the axial direction and closes one end opening of the shell body. The second end cap is connected to the other end of the shell body along the axial direction and covers the other end opening of the shell body. The film is disposed at the bottom of the shell body. The outer shell is a cylindrical structure with one open end. The outer shell is sleeved on the outside of the shell body and the second end cap along the axial direction of the shell body. The open end of the outer shell is inserted into the first end cap.

[0018] A second aspect of the present invention provides a garment treatment apparatus, including a garment treatment agent slow-release device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0019] In some embodiments, the garment treatment device includes a dispensing component with a receiving groove, and the garment treatment agent slow-release device is disposed in the receiving groove. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0021] 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, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the garment treatment agent slow-release device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the garment treatment agent slow-release device from another perspective;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the garment treatment agent slow-release device after removing the outer casing.

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the garment treatment agent slow-release device with the second end cap removed.

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A bottom view of the structure of the garment treatment agent slow-release device shown.

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the garment treatment agent slow-release device with the cover removed.

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A side view of the slow-release device for garment treatment shown.

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the garment treatment agent slow-release device shown.

[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the garment treatment agent slow-release device from another perspective;

[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the outer casing of the garment treatment agent slow-release device shown;

[0032] Figure 11 This is a microstructure diagram of the slow-release device for clothing treatment agents according to an embodiment of the present invention before the film swells;

[0033] Figure 12 The microstructure of the film swelling of the slow-release device for clothing treatment agent according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 13 The microstructure of the film swelling of the slow-release device for clothing treatment agent according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0035] Figure 14 The microstructure of the film swelling of the slow-release device for clothing treatment agent according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0036] Among them, 100, clothing treatment agent slow-release device;

[0037] 1. Container shell; 11. Shell body; 111. First through hole; 112. Mounting groove; 113. Snap-fit ​​groove; 114. First guide wall; 115. Second guide wall; 116. Container wall; 117. Guide rib; 12. First end cap; 121. Limiting step; 122. Snap-fit ​​part; 13. Second end cap; 131. Inner sealing cap; 132. Outer end cap;

[0038] 2. Film;

[0039] 3. Cover plate; 31. Second through hole; 32. Snap-fit ​​protrusion;

[0040] 4. Outer shell; 41. Liquid inlet; 42. Liquid outlet; 43. Insertion rib; 44. Snap-fit ​​hole. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the solutions of the present invention will be further described below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other.

[0042] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention, but the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein; obviously, the embodiments in the specification are only some embodiments of the invention, and not all embodiments.

[0043] Reference Figures 1 to 10As shown, some embodiments of the present invention provide a garment treatment agent slow-release device 100, including a container shell 1 and a film 2.

[0044] The container shell 1 has an internal cavity containing a clothing treatment agent. At least a portion of the container shell 1 has a first through-hole 111 communicating with the internal cavity. The clothing treatment agent can be an active substance such as sodium chloride, and can be selected to have functions such as sterilization, disinfection, or cleaning, depending on requirements. The clothing treatment agent can be a solid powder or a solution. The present invention does not specifically limit the specific composition of the clothing treatment agent.

[0045] The film 2 is disposed on the container shell 1 and covers the first through hole 111. Specifically, the film 2 is a film made of polymer material. The film 2 is configured to swell and form pores for liquid to pass through in the liquid immersion state, and to shrink the pores to prevent the clothing treatment agent from leaking in the non-swelling state.

[0046] In other words, the membrane 2 can change its pore structure and pore size when immersed in a liquid (such as water). When immersed in liquid, the membrane 2 swells, and the pore size of its membrane structure increases, forming pores that allow liquid to permeate through, enabling the solution to permeate from one side of the membrane 2 to the other. When the membrane 2 dehydrates, its swelling rate decreases, and the pores on the membrane 2 shrink or even close, thereby reducing or preventing solution leakage. Thus, the membrane 2 has both "on" and "off" states. The "on" and "off" states of the membrane 2 are a dynamic and reversible process that does not disrupt the continuity of the membrane 2. Therefore, by utilizing the characteristics of the membrane 2 and applying it to the garment treatment agent slow-release device 100, the purpose of controlling the slow release of the garment treatment agent can be achieved.

[0047] It should be noted that "swelling" is the phenomenon in which the volume of a polymer expands in a solvent. For example, ion exchange resin is a hydrophilic polymer compound. When a dry ion exchange resin is immersed in water, its volume often increases. This phenomenon is called swelling.

[0048] The film used in the slow-release device for garment treatment agents in this embodiment of the invention is a film made of polymer material. The film swells when immersed in liquid, its volume increases, and pores are formed inside to allow liquid to pass through, thus giving the film the property of allowing liquid to pass through in the swollen state. When the film is in a non-swollen state, for example, when the film is in a dehydrated or dry state, its volume shrinks back to the state before swelling, and the pores inside shrink, thus preventing liquid from passing through.

[0049] The present invention does not impose specific limitations on the specific preparation method of the thin film. It can be prepared according to conventional preparation methods, as long as it has the characteristics of the thin film described above.

[0050] To better understand the embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figures 11 to 14 The figure shown is a schematic diagram of the microstructure of a thin film with the above-mentioned properties before and after swelling.

[0051] Reference Figure 11 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the microstructure of the film before it is soaked in water, that is, before it swells. As can be seen from the diagram, before swelling, the film has very few pores, and the pore size is very small, which effectively traps water, thus preventing the leakage of the garment treatment agent. (Refer to...) Figures 12 to 14 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the microstructure of the film after it has been soaked in water, that is, a schematic diagram of the microstructure of the film after it has swollen. As can be seen from the figure, after the film has swollen, there are a large number of pores inside, and the pore size is large, which can achieve the purpose of water supply or the permeation of dissolved clothing treatment agent.

[0052] It should be noted that the above is only one specific embodiment of the thin film. The present invention does not specifically limit the specific composition of the thin film or its specific preparation method, and can make reasonable settings and adjustments according to actual needs.

[0053] The slow-release device 100 for garment treatment provided in this embodiment of the invention involves placing a garment treatment agent in the internal cavity of a container shell 1, and opening a first through-hole 111 communicating with the internal cavity in at least a portion of the container shell 1. A thin film 2, made of a polymer material, is provided on the container shell 1 to seal the first through-hole 111. When the film 2 is in a dry state without being soaked in liquid, the pores in the film 2 are small, preventing the garment treatment agent in the container shell 1 from leaking out through the first through-hole 111 and through the film 2, thus maintaining the garment treatment agent within the container. In the housing 1; when the membrane 2 is soaked in a liquid (e.g., water), the membrane 2 swells and forms pores for the liquid to pass through. In this way, the external liquid can enter the housing 1 through the pores in the membrane 2 to contact the laundry detergent in the housing 1 and dissolve part of the laundry detergent. The dissolved laundry detergent leaks out through the pores in the membrane 2 to achieve the purpose of dispensing laundry detergent into the laundry treatment equipment. When the membrane 2 is removed from the liquid and dries, the pores in the membrane 2 will shrink to prevent the laundry detergent from leaking out, thereby keeping the remaining laundry detergent in the housing 1.

[0054] Thus, by setting the required garment treatment agent in the container shell 1 and by setting the film 2, the purpose of controlling the slow release of the garment treatment agent is achieved. This not only meets the user's needs for sterilization and disinfection, but also meets the user's needs for washing or other functions. Moreover, compared with the existing skeleton-type slow-release tablets, the garment treatment agent slow-release device 100 of the present invention can greatly increase the effective ingredient content of the entire carrier, and the load capacity is also increased, thereby extending the service life of the carrier.

[0055] It should be noted that whether the garment treatment agent can leak out through the membrane 2 depends on the concentration difference between the inside and outside of the membrane 2. If there is no liquid environment outside the membrane 2, the garment treatment agent stored in the container 1 will not leak out through the membrane 2, thus keeping the garment treatment agent in the container 1.

[0056] In specific implementation, the first through hole 111 can be opened at the bottom of the container shell 1, or at the side of the container shell 1, or at both the bottom and the side of the container shell 1 as needed. Of course, the first through hole 111 can also be opened at other parts of the container shell 1 as needed.

[0057] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 3 to 8 As shown, an installation groove 112 is formed on the outer surface of the container shell 1. A first through hole 111 is provided on the bottom wall of the installation groove 112. The film 2 is placed in the installation groove 112. A cover plate 3 is provided at the opening of the installation groove 112. A second through hole 31 is provided on the cover plate 3.

[0058] In specific assembly, the film 2 can be placed in the mounting groove 112 on the outer surface of the container shell 1 first, and then the cover plate 3 can be placed on the opening of the mounting groove 112. The cover plate 3 is connected and fixed to the container shell 1, thereby clamping the film 2 between the bottom of the container shell 1 and the cover plate 3. Specifically, the cover plate 3 and the container shell 1 can be connected and fixed by a snap-fit ​​and slot engagement method. For example, the cover plate 3 has a snap-fit ​​protrusion 32 on its periphery edge, and a snap-fit ​​groove is provided on the periphery of the mounting groove 112. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 32 snaps into the snap-fit ​​groove, thereby installing the cover plate 3 at the opening of the mounting groove 112 of the container shell 1. Of course, screw fixing or other methods can also be used to install the cover plate 3 at the opening of the mounting groove 112 of the container shell 1 and press down the film 2.

[0059] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, there are multiple first through holes 111 and second through holes 31, and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. This arrangement ensures that the solution has a large flow area at the bottom of the container shell 1, which facilitates the external solution to enter the container shell 1 through the second through hole 31, the membrane 2 and the first through hole 111 in sequence to dissolve part of the clothing treatment agent. It also facilitates the leakage of the dissolved clothing treatment agent outward through the first through hole 111, the membrane 2 and the second through hole 31 in sequence.

[0060] The shape and size of the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 31 are not specifically limited here. As long as the solution has a large flow area between the inside and outside of the container shell 1 and the container shell 1 and the cover plate 3 have sufficient structural strength, they can be reasonably set and adjusted according to the actual situation.

[0061] In some embodiments, the ratio of the total area of ​​the second through hole 31 to the total area of ​​the cover plate 3 is greater than or equal to 0.5 and less than or equal to 0.7. This arrangement avoids both situations where the total area of ​​the second through hole 31 is too small, affecting the flow area of ​​the solution inside and outside the container shell 1, and situations where the total area of ​​the second through hole 31 is too large, resulting in insufficient structural strength of the cover plate 3 to meet strength requirements. Specifically, the ratio of the total area of ​​the second through hole 31 to the total area of ​​the cover plate 3 can be 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, etc.

[0062] In one specific embodiment, the ratio of the total area of ​​the second through hole 31 to the total area of ​​the cover plate 3 is 0.65, and the total area of ​​the second through hole 31 on the cover plate 3 is approximately 12.74 cm². 2 This is equivalent to the contact area between film 2 and water, which mainly affects the release rate of the garment treatment agent.

[0063] It should be noted that the release life of the membrane 2 is related to the type of laundry detergent contained in it and the contact area between the membrane 2 and the water. Tests have shown that when sodium chloride is used as the laundry detergent, the load of the laundry detergent slow-release device 100 is approximately 60g, and its soaking life is about 168 hours. This means that, assuming the membrane 2 is soaked for 5 minutes per wash, the load of the laundry detergent slow-release device 100 can slow the release for 2016 wash cycles, approximately 5.5-6 years, thus achieving a long-lasting slow-release effect.

[0064] In some embodiments, a sealing ring (not shown) is provided between the peripheral edge of the cover plate 3 and the groove wall of the mounting groove 112, and the sealing ring is located in the peripheral area of ​​the first through hole 111. This arrangement ensures the sealing between the peripheral edge of the cover plate 3 and the groove wall of the mounting groove 112, so as to prevent some external solution from entering the container shell 1 without passing through the membrane 2, or some of the clothing treatment agent in the container shell 1 from leaking to the outside without passing through the membrane 2.

[0065] In specific implementation, the number of sealing rings is not limited to one, but can also be two. One sealing ring can be set on the side of the film 2 facing away from the cover plate 3, specifically between the surface of the film 2 facing away from the cover plate 3 and the bottom wall of the mounting groove 112; the other sealing ring can be set on the side of the film 2 facing the cover plate 3, specifically between the surface of the film 2 facing the cover plate 3 and the cover plate 3.

[0066] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 3 to 8 As shown, a mounting groove 112 is formed on the outer bottom of the container shell 1. A first through hole 111 is provided on the bottom wall of the mounting groove 112. The film 2 is placed in the mounting groove 112. A cover plate 3 is provided at the opening of the mounting groove 112. A second through hole 31 is provided on the cover plate 3. That is, the film 2 is placed in the mounting groove 112 on the outer bottom of the container shell 1, and the cover plate 3 presses the film 2 down.

[0067] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 8 As shown, an annular rib is provided on the outer bottom of the container shell 1. The annular rib and the outer bottom surface of the container shell 1 together form an installation groove 112. A snap-fit ​​groove 113 is provided on one of the inner peripheral wall of the annular rib and the outer peripheral wall of the cover plate 3, and a snap-fit ​​protrusion 32 is provided on the other. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 32 engages with the snap-fit ​​groove 113.

[0068] In other words, the mounting groove 112 is set to protrude from the bottom surface of the container shell 1. Compared with the mounting groove 112 being set to be recessed into the bottom surface of the container shell 1, this not only makes the processing of the container shell 1 easier, but also makes it easier to form the inner bottom surface of the container shell 1 into a flat surface, so that the clothing treatment agent inside the container shell 1 can be dissolved and seeped out smoothly.

[0069] In a specific implementation, a snap-fit ​​groove 113 can be provided on the inner peripheral wall of the annular rib, and a snap-fit ​​protrusion 32 can be provided on the outer peripheral wall of the cover plate 3. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 32 engages with the snap-fit ​​groove 113 to install the cover plate 3 at the opening of the mounting groove 112, with the film 2 sandwiched between the cover plate 3 and the bottom wall of the mounting groove 112. Alternatively, in a specific implementation, a snap-fit ​​protrusion 32 can be provided on the inner peripheral wall of the annular rib, and a snap-fit ​​groove 113 can be provided on the outer peripheral wall of the cover plate 3. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 32 engages with the snap-fit ​​groove 113 to similarly install the cover plate 3 at the opening of the mounting groove 112.

[0070] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown, the container shell 1 includes a cylindrical shell body 11; the shell body 11 includes a first flow guide wall 114, a second flow guide wall 115, and a container wall 116. The first flow guide wall 114, the second flow guide wall 115, and the container wall 116 together form a cylindrical structure. The top of the first flow guide wall 114 and the top of the second flow guide wall 115 are connected. Specifically, the top of the first flow guide wall 114 and the top of the second flow guide wall 115 can be smoothly connected by an arc surface. The first flow guide wall 114 and the second flow guide wall 115 gradually extend from the top to the bottom in a direction away from each other. The container wall 116 is connected between the bottom of the first flow guide wall 114 and the bottom of the second flow guide wall 115. A first through hole 111 is opened on the container wall 116. The film 2 is disposed at the bottom of the container wall 116 and covers the first through hole 111.

[0071] It should be noted that, in actual use, the central axis of the cylindrical shell body 11 is set horizontally, that is, the cylindrical shell body 11 is placed flat, and the cylindrical shell body 11 can be formed into a cylindrical structure with a small top and a large bottom. The external solution (e.g., water) can flow down from the top of the container shell 1, and then flow along the first guide wall 114 and the second guide wall 115 on both sides of the shell body 11, and flow to the bottom of the container wall 116 of the shell body 11, thereby immersing the film 2 located at the bottom of the container wall 116. This arrangement allows the external solution to reach the bottom of the container wall 116 better, thereby achieving the immersion of the film 2 located at the bottom of the container wall 116.

[0072] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, both the first guide wall 114 and the second guide wall 115 are provided with guide ribs 117, which extend from the top of the first guide wall 114 or the second guide wall 115 to the bottom. With this arrangement, when the external solution (e.g., water) flows down from the top of the container 1, it can flow along the guide ribs 117 on the first guide wall 114 and the second guide wall 115 on both sides of the container body 11. This facilitates better flow of the external solution to the bottom of the container wall 116 of the container body 11, thereby immersing the film 2 located at the bottom of the container wall 116.

[0073] Of course, in specific implementations, the shell body is not limited to forming a triangular cylindrical structure with a small top and a large bottom; the first guide wall 114 and the second guide wall 115 of the shell body can also be formed as arc-shaped walls, so that the first guide wall 114, the second guide wall 115 and the container wall 116 together form a semi-circular cylindrical structure, which can also realize that the external solution (e.g., water) flows down from the top of the container shell 1, and then flows along the first guide wall 114 and the second guide wall 115 on both sides of the shell body 11, and flows to the bottom of the container wall 116 of the shell body 11, thereby immersing the film 2 located at the bottom of the container wall 116.

[0074] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the container shell 1 also includes a first end cap 12, which is connected to one axial end of the shell body 11 and seals the axial opening of the shell body 11. In the direction from the top to the bottom of the first or second guide rib 117, the guide rib 117 extends obliquely along the axial direction of the shell body 11 towards the first end cap 12. That is, the guide rib 117 extends obliquely from its top to its bottom towards the first end cap 12.

[0075] For ease of description, the case where the external solution is water will be used. When water flows from the top of the guide rib 117 to its bottom, the water flow simultaneously flows at an angle towards the first end cap 12. When the water flow contacts the first end cap 12, the first end cap 12 obstructs the water flow, causing the water to flow in the opposite direction and reach the film 2 located at the bottom of the container shell 1, thereby immersing the film 2. This arrangement lengthens the water flow path, allowing the water to better converge at the bottom of the container shell 1 and immerse the film 2.

[0076] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the container 1 includes a cylindrical shell body 11, a first end cap 12, and a second end cap 13. The first end cap 12 is connected to one axial end of the shell body 11 and seals the axial opening of the shell body 11. The second end cap 13 is connected to the other axial end of the shell body 11 and seals the axial opening of the shell body 11. A film 2 is disposed at the bottom of the shell body 11. This arrangement allows the cylindrical shell body 11, the first end cap 12, and the second end cap 13 to form a cavity structure with both ends closed, in which the garment cleaning agent is disposed. A first through hole 111 is provided at the bottom of the cylindrical shell body 11, and the first through hole 111 is sealed with the film 2. External solution can enter the cavity structure through the film 2 and the first through hole 111 to dissolve part of the garment cleaning agent. The dissolved garment cleaning agent can leak to the outside through the first through hole 111 and the film 2.

[0077] Specifically, the first end cap 12 and the shell body 11 can be either separate structures or integrally formed structures; the second end cap 13 and the shell body 11 can also be either separate structures or integrally formed structures. In the case where both the first end cap 12 and the second end cap 13 are integrally formed with the shell body 11, the garment treatment agent can be added to the cavity structure through the first through hole 111 at the bottom of the shell body 11.

[0078] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the slow-release device 100 for laundry detergent also includes an outer shell 4. The outer shell 4 has a receiving cavity in which the film 2 and at least part of the container shell 1 are located. The outer shell 4 is provided with an inlet 41 and an outlet 42 communicating with the receiving cavity. The inlet 41 is located at the top of the outer shell 4, and the outlet 42 is located at the bottom of the outer shell 4. By providing the outer shell 4, the container shell 1 and the film 2 inside can be contained and protected. The inlet 41 and the outlet 42 are provided on the outer shell 4. The inlet 41 is located at the top of the outer shell 4 so that the solution can be sprayed from the top of the container shell 1 through the inlet 41, so that the solution flows from the top of the container shell 1 to the outer bottom of the container shell 1 to soak the film 2 located at the bottom of the container shell 1. The outlet 42 is located at the bottom of the outer shell 4 so that the dissolved laundry detergent that leaks from the bottom of the container shell 1 can be discharged from the outlet 42 at the bottom of the outer shell 4.

[0079] In specific implementation, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the liquid inlet 41 can be configured as an elongated liquid inlet 41 extending axially along the cylindrical shell body 11 of the container shell 1, and the liquid outlet 42 can include multiple dispersed liquid outlet holes, the arrangement area of ​​which can be adapted to the arrangement area of ​​multiple first through holes 111 provided at the bottom of the container shell 1. In order to ensure that the external solution can be collected at the bottom of the container shell 1, the area of ​​the liquid inlet 41 can be set to be larger than the area of ​​the liquid outlet 42.

[0080] In some embodiments, a gap for containing liquid is provided between the outer bottom of the container 1 and the inner bottom of the outer shell 4. This arrangement ensures that the solution flowing into the outer shell 4 from the outside can better collect at the bottom of the container 1 to soak the film 2 located at the bottom of the container 1. The width of the gap formed between the outer bottom of the container 1 and the inner bottom of the outer shell 4 is not specifically limited here and can be reasonably set according to the actual situation.

[0081] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the container shell 1 includes a cylindrical shell body 11, a first end cap 12, and a second end cap 13. The first end cap 12 is connected to one end of the shell body 11 along the axial direction and closes one end opening of the shell body 11. The second end cap 13 is connected to the other end of the shell body 11 along the axial direction and closes the other end opening of the shell body 11. A thin film 2 is disposed at the bottom of the shell body 11. The outer shell 4 is a cylindrical structure with one open end. The outer shell 4 is sleeved on the outside of the shell body 11 and the second end cap 13 along the axial direction of the shell body 11. The open end of the outer shell 4 is inserted into the first end cap 12.

[0082] In a practical implementation, the circumferential dimension of the first end cap 12 can be set to be larger than that of the second end cap 13. The main function of the second end cap 13 is to close one axial opening of the shell body 11. In addition to closing one axial opening of the shell body 11, the first end cap 12 is also used to insert and cooperate with the open end formed by one axial end of the outer shell 4. Thus, the first end cap 12 and the open outer shell 4 together constitute the exterior components of the entire garment treatment agent slow-release device 100. This configuration simplifies the structure of the garment treatment slow-release device and makes assembly more convenient.

[0083] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 10 As shown, the open end of the outer shell 4 is provided with an annular insertion rib 43, and the annular insertion rib 43 is provided with a plurality of snap-fit ​​holes 44 spaced apart along the circumferential direction. Correspondingly, referring to Figure 7 As shown, the first end cap 12 is provided with an annular enclosure extending toward the second end cap 13. An annular limiting step 121 is formed on the inner side of the annular enclosure. Multiple snap-fit ​​parts 122 are provided circumferentially on the inner wall surface of the annular enclosure. When the outer shell 4 is inserted into the first end cap 12, the insertion rib 43 on the outer shell 4 is inserted into the inner side of the annular enclosure of the first end cap 12 and abuts against the annular limiting step 121. The multiple snap-fit ​​parts 122 and the multiple snap-fit ​​holes 44 are engaged in a one-to-one snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0084] It should be noted that, in specific implementation, the specific structure of the container shell 1 and the outer shell 4 is not limited to the above-mentioned limitations. It can be reasonably set according to the actual situation, as long as it can realize that the part of the container shell 1 with the film 2 is placed in the internal cavity of the outer shell 4 so that the solution entering the internal cavity of the outer shell 4 can soak the film 2.

[0085] In practice, the garment treatment agent slow-release device 100 may not have an outer shell 4, as long as the film 2 at the bottom of the container shell 1 can be soaked in the external solution during use.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first end cap portion 12 is a closed end cap structure; the second end cap portion 13 includes an inner sealing cap 131 and an outer end cap 132. The inner sealing cap 131 is disposed inside the outer end cap 132, and the inner sealing cap 131 covers the other end of the housing body 11 along the axial direction. The outer end cap 132 is an end cap structure with holes or a closed end cap structure. That is, the outer end cap 132 of the second end cap portion 13 may or may not have holes, and can be reasonably set according to the actual situation.

[0087] Other embodiments of the present invention provide a garment treatment apparatus, including a garment treatment agent slow-release device 100 as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0088] The garment treatment device provided in this embodiment of the invention delivers a garment treatment agent into the garment treatment chamber of the garment treatment device via a garment treatment agent slow-release device 100. The garment treatment agent can be selected to have functions such as sterilization and disinfection or washing, depending on the requirements. Furthermore, by setting a thin film 2 at the bottom of the container shell 1 of the garment treatment agent slow-release device 100, the slow release of the garment treatment agent can be controlled, thereby satisfying not only the user's need for sterilization and disinfection but also the user's need for washing or other functions. Moreover, the garment treatment agent slow-release device 100 of this invention, compared with existing skeleton-type slow-release tablets, can greatly increase the effective ingredient content of the entire carrier and also increase the load capacity, thereby extending the service life of the carrier. In other words, compared with existing skeleton-type slow-release tablets, the garment treatment agent slow-release device 100 of this invention has a longer service life and can better meet user needs.

[0089] In some embodiments, the garment treatment apparatus includes a dispensing component with a receiving tank, and a garment treatment agent slow-release device 100 is disposed in the receiving tank.

[0090] When the garment processing equipment supplies water to the garment processing chamber (e.g., washing chamber) through the dispensing component, the water can be sprayed onto the garment processing slow-release device located in the receiving tank of the dispensing component. This allows the water to soak the membrane 2 located at the bottom of the holding shell 1. After being soaked in water, the membrane 2 swells and forms pores through which water can pass. In this way, external water can enter the holding shell 1 through the pores in the membrane 2 to contact and dissolve part of the garment processing agent in the holding shell 1. The dissolved garment processing agent seeps out through the pores in the membrane 2 and into the receiving tank of the dispensing component. Then, under the flushing action of the water, the dissolved garment processing agent is flushed into the garment processing chamber, thus achieving the purpose of dispensing garment processing agent into the garment processing equipment. When the water supply stops, the membrane 2 will gradually dehydrate, the swelling rate of the membrane 2 will gradually decrease, and the pores in the membrane 2 will shrink to prevent the garment processing agent from seeping out, thereby keeping the remaining garment processing agent in the holding shell 1. When water is supplied again, the membrane 2 will swell again after being soaked in water and form pores through which water can pass, thereby achieving the purpose of re-adding the garment treatment agent to the garment treatment equipment.

[0091] After testing, the membrane 2 basically reached the equilibrium stage 2 minutes after soaking. At this time, pores were formed on the membrane 2 to allow water to pass through, so that water could enter the container shell 1 through the pores on the membrane 2 to dissolve some of the clothing treatment agent. The dissolved clothing treatment agent could also seep out through the membrane 2. After dehydration, its swelling rate dropped to 40% of the equilibrium level within 30 minutes, so that the membrane 2 could be closed in time to reduce leakage.

[0092] In practice, the garment treatment slow-release device can be detachably placed in the receiving slot of the dispensing component to facilitate removal and replacement of the garment treatment slow-release device.

[0093] It should be noted that the garment treatment slow-release device is not limited to being installed in the receiving tank of the dispensing component. It can also be installed in other parts of the garment treatment equipment that can come into contact with water, such as the inner wall of the box, the outer wall of the outer tub, or other parts, as needed.

[0094] In specific implementation, the clothing processing equipment can be a washing machine, a dryer, a washer-dryer combo, etc.

[0095] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0096] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A laundry treatment agent release device, characterised in that, The laundry treatment agent slow-release device comprises: a containing shell having an internal cavity in which a laundry treatment agent is arranged, at least a part of the containing shell being provided with a first through hole communicating with the internal cavity; a film arranged on the containing shell and covering the first through hole, the film being a film prepared from a high polymer material, configured to swell and form pores for liquid permeation in a liquid-soaked state, and to reduce the pores to prevent the laundry treatment agent from leaking in a non-swollen state.

2. The laundry treatment agent release device according to claim 1, wherein An installation groove is formed on the outer side surface of the containing shell, a bottom wall of the installation groove being provided with the first through hole, the film being arranged in the installation groove, and a cover plate being arranged at the opening of the installation groove, the cover plate being provided with a second through hole.

3. The laundry treatment agent release device according to claim 2, wherein The number of the first through holes and the second through holes is both plural, and the first through holes and the second through holes are arranged one by one in correspondence. The ratio of the total area of the second through holes to the total area of the cover plate is greater than or equal to 0.5 and less than or equal to 0.

7.

4. The laundry treatment agent release device according to claim 2, wherein An annular rib is arranged on the outer side bottom of the containing shell, and the annular rib and the outer side bottom surface of the containing shell jointly form the installation groove. One of the inner peripheral wall of the annular rib and the outer peripheral wall of the cover plate is provided with a clamping groove, and the other is provided with a clamping protrusion, the clamping protrusion and the clamping groove being clamped and matched.

5. The laundry treatment agent release device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The containing shell comprises a cylindrical shell body. The shell body comprises a first flow guide wall, a second flow guide wall and a containing wall, the first flow guide wall, the second flow guide wall and the containing wall jointly forming a cylindrical structure, the top of the first flow guide wall and the top of the second flow guide wall being connected, the first flow guide wall and the second flow guide wall gradually extending in a direction away from each other from the top to the bottom, and the containing wall being connected between the bottom of the first flow guide wall and the bottom of the second flow guide wall, the containing wall being provided with the first through hole.

6. The laundry treatment agent release device according to claim 5, wherein The first flow guide wall and the second flow guide wall are both provided with flow guide ribs extending from the top to the bottom of the first flow guide wall or the second flow guide wall.

7. The laundry treatment agent release device according to claim 6, wherein The containing shell further comprises a first end cover portion and a second end cover portion, the first end cover portion being connected with one end portion of the shell body in the axial direction and covering the opening of one end of the shell body in the axial direction, and the second end cover portion being connected with the other end portion of the shell body in the axial direction and covering the opening of the other end of the shell body in the axial direction. The flow guide ribs extend in the axial direction of the shell body and incline towards the first end cover portion.

8. The laundry treatment agent release device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The laundry treatment agent slow-release device further comprises an outer shell body; The outer shell body has a containing cavity, the film and at least part of the containing shell being arranged in the containing cavity, the outer shell body being provided with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet communicating with the containing cavity, the liquid inlet being arranged at the top of the outer shell body, and the liquid outlet being arranged at the bottom of the outer shell body.

9. The laundry treatment agent release device according to claim 8, wherein The outer side bottom of the containing shell and the inner side bottom of the outer shell body have a gap for containing liquid.

10. The laundry treatment agent release device according to claim 8, wherein The containing shell comprises a cylindrical shell body, a first end cover part and a second end cover part, the first end cover part is connected to an axial end of the shell body and closes an end opening of the shell body, the second end cover part is connected to another axial end of the shell body and covers another end opening of the shell body, and the film is arranged at a bottom of the shell body; The outer shell is a cylindrical structure with one end open, the outer shell is sleeved outside the shell body and the second end cover part along the axial direction of the shell body, and the open end of the outer shell is inserted and matched with the first end cover part. 11.A laundry treating apparatus, characterized by, A laundry treatment agent slow-release device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10. 12.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The laundry treatment device comprises a dispensing assembly, the dispensing assembly is provided with a containing groove, and the laundry treatment agent slow-release device is arranged in the containing groove.

Images