Dispensing device and laundry treatment apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a dispensing device and a clothes processing apparatus, wherein the dispensing device comprises a box body, a dispenser box, a push mechanism and a limiting mechanism, and the box body has a mixing cavity. The dispenser box is movably connected with the box body, and has a locking position and an unlocking position in the movement relative to the box body. The push mechanism is connected with the box body and is used for driving the dispenser box to move from the locking position to the unlocking position. The limiting mechanism is arranged on the dispenser box or the box body and is located on the movement path of the dispenser box, and is used for limiting the dispenser box in the mixing cavity when the dispenser box slides to the locking position. The technical scheme can improve the position degree of the dispenser box in the box body after being accommodated, ensure the stability, and solve the problem that the appearance gap and the step difference exceed the standard due to the influence of uneven external force on the dispenser box in the accommodated state in the mass production process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of home appliance technology, and in particular to a dispensing device and clothing processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, since clothing handling equipment (such as washing machines) requires the addition of clothing handling agents (such as laundry detergent and fabric softener) during the washing process, most clothing handling equipment is equipped with a dispensing device to deliver the clothing handling agent into the washing chamber. Existing detergent dispensing devices typically include a dispenser box that can move relative to another component and a housing for containing the dispenser box. During operation, the user first needs to place the clothing handling agent into the dispenser box. Subsequently, the dispenser box containing the clothing handling agent is placed in the housing so that the handling agent can be delivered to the washing chamber as needed during the washing process.

[0003] Currently, dispensing devices generally use an elephant trunk lock structure to connect with the dispenser box to maintain the stability of the dispenser box during the ejection process, locking position, and unlocking position. However, due to the single contact point between the elephant trunk lock mechanism and the dispenser box, the force is uneven. Furthermore, the elephant trunk lock mechanism is limited by the manufacturing size fluctuation of the stamped parts, resulting in a large error in its external dimensions. This error will affect the positional accuracy of the dispenser box, thereby affecting the step difference and gap between the dispenser box and the box body, leading to defects. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a dispensing device and a clothing processing equipment, which can improve the position accuracy of the dispenser box in the box body, while ensuring the stability when it is pushed out and fixed in position. It solves the problem of excessive appearance gaps and step differences caused by the dispenser box being affected by uneven external forces during mass production.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a dispensing device suitable for garment processing equipment, the dispensing device comprising:

[0006] The box body has a mixing chamber;

[0007] A dispenser box is slidably disposed within the mixing chamber, and the dispenser box has a locked position and an unlocked position during the sliding process relative to the box body;

[0008] A push mechanism, disposed in the housing and / or the dispenser housing, is used to drive the dispenser housing from the locked position to the unlocked position; and

[0009] A limiting mechanism is provided on the dispenser box or the box body and located on the sliding path of the dispenser box. The limiting mechanism is used to limit the dispenser box to the mixing cavity when the dispenser box slides to the locking position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the housing further has a mounting cavity communicating with the mixing chamber, the mounting cavity being used to accommodate at least a portion of the push mechanism, the housing having an mounting opening communicating with the mixing chamber, and the push mechanism including a stop member capable of pushing the dispenser box through the mounting opening to slide out of the mixing chamber;

[0011] Wherein, the abutment is fixedly connected to the end face of the distributor box opposite to the mounting opening; or, the abutment is engaged with or spaced apart from the end face of the distributor box opposite to the mounting opening.

[0012] In some embodiments, the pusher mechanism includes a housing, which is at least partially installed in the mounting cavity, and the housing has a through-hole communicating with the mixing cavity on the side facing the mounting opening. The abutment is slidably disposed on the housing and is capable of reciprocating along the sliding direction of the dispenser box to pass through the through-hole and abut against the dispenser box.

[0013] When the dispenser box is in the locked position, the abutment is spaced apart from the end face of the dispenser box that is away from the mounting opening.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the dispenser box is in the locked position, the abutment is at a first distance from the end face of the dispenser box opposite to the mounting opening, the first distance being not less than 0 mm and not greater than 0.5 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pusher mechanism further includes:

[0016] A swaying tongue is movably disposed within the housing at one end. A guide groove is provided at the end of the abutment near the swaying tongue, and the guide groove has a locking position. The other end of the swaying tongue is located within the guide groove.

[0017] An elastic element is disposed within the housing, one end of which abuts against the cavity wall of the housing, and the other end of which elastically abuts against the end of the abutment member away from the dispenser box.

[0018] When an external force drives the dispenser box to slide into the mixing chamber and abut against the abutting member, causing the other end of the swing tongue to move along the guide groove and be limited to the locking position, the abutting member abuts and compresses the elastic member, while the dispenser box is located in the locking position.

[0019] When an external force drives the dispenser box to move further into the mixing chamber, causing the other end of the sway tongue to disengage from the locking position and move along the guide groove, the elastic element elastically resets to push the abutment to push the dispenser box to the unlocked position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the abutting member includes a fixed part and an abutting part connected together. The fixed part is provided with the guide groove at one end opposite to the abutting part. The fixed part is disposed inside the housing, and the abutting part passes through the opening and partially extends out of the housing.

[0021] The push mechanism further includes a damping element, which is disposed inside the housing, and both ends of the damping element abut against the inner wall of the housing where the opening is provided and the surface of the fixing part near the abutting part, respectively.

[0022] In some embodiments, the damping element is annular and is sleeved around the periphery of the abutment portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the limiting mechanism includes a first mating member and a second mating member, the first mating member being disposed in the box body and the second mating member being disposed in the dispenser box;

[0024] In the locked position, the first mating member and the second mating member are magnetically connected or snapped together.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first mating member and the second mating member are snapped together, and the first mating member includes a positioning groove;

[0026] The second mating component includes:

[0027] The container body, connected to the dispenser box, has a cavity and an opening communicating with the cavity;

[0028] An elastic element is disposed within the cavity; and

[0029] A rolling element, connected to the elastic member;

[0030] In the locked position, the rolling element at least partially protrudes from the opening to be fitted into the positioning groove.

[0031] In some embodiments, the dispenser box also has a limit position during the process of sliding into the mixing chamber, and the unlock position, the locking position and the limit position are set sequentially along the direction in which the dispenser box slides into the mixing chamber;

[0032] When the dispenser box slides to the limit position, the length of the rolling element extending out of the opening is a first length; when the dispenser box slides to the locking position, the length of the rolling element extending out of the opening is a second length, the first length being less than the second length, so that the dispenser box can automatically retract from the limit position to the locking position.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first mating component further includes a first ramp, which is disposed on the inner wall of the box and extends from the extreme position to the positioning groove;

[0034] As the dispenser box slides out of the box body, the height of the first ramp relative to the inner wall of the box gradually decreases, so that the rolling element located on the first ramp tends to roll toward the positioning groove.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first mating component further includes a second slip, which is disposed on the inner wall of the housing and located on the side of the positioning groove opposite to the first slip, and the surface of the second slip facing the first slip is used to abut against the rolling element.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second ramp gradually increases in height relative to the inner wall of the box along the direction in which the dispenser box slides into the box body.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least two limiting mechanisms are provided, wherein the two limiting mechanisms are respectively located on opposite sides of the sliding direction of the dispenser box.

[0038] In some embodiments, the two limiting mechanisms are symmetrically arranged along the central axis of the dispenser box.

[0039] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a garment processing device, which includes a main body and the aforementioned dispensing device, wherein the dispensing device is installed on the main body.

[0040] Based on the dispensing device and garment handling equipment of this application, a push-flick mechanism is introduced to drive the dispenser box to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. A limiting structure is also designed along the movement path of the dispenser box, which plays a crucial role when the dispenser box is in the locked position. The limiting structure securely connects the dispenser box to the box body, ensuring that the dispenser box maintains a stable and accurate position and posture, improving the positional accuracy of the dispenser box within the box body, and guaranteeing stability during ejection and fixing. Thus, through the combined action of the push-flick mechanism and the limiting mechanism, force is applied to the dispenser box at multiple contact points, effectively solving the problems of poor positional accuracy and excessive gap difference caused by uneven force distribution in previous designs. Furthermore, this design also demonstrates unique advantages when dealing with differences in ejection displacement due to varying detergent weights. Due to the presence of the limiting structure, even with different detergent weights, the interference encountered by the push-flick mechanism during the ejection of the dispenser box is greatly reduced, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the dispenser box in the stored state. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the dispensing device of this application;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the delivery device of this application;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the delivery device of this application from another perspective;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the dispenser box of the dispensing device of this application;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dispenser box of the delivery device in the unlocked position and the pusher mechanism in this application.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dispenser box of the delivery device in this application when it is in the locked position and the pusher mechanism.

[0048] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a partial enlarged view of the limiting structure and the box body of the dispensing device of this application.

[0050] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0051] 100. Dispensing device; 10. Box body; 10A. Mixing chamber; 10C. Mounting opening; 10D. Mounting chamber; 20. Dispenser box; 21. Dispensing slot; 30. Pushing mechanism; 31. Housing; 32. Swinging tongue; 33. Abutting part; 331. Fixing part; 3311. Guide groove; 331a. Locking position; 332. Abutting part; 34. Elastic element; 35. Damping element; 40. Limiting mechanism; 41. First mating part; 411. Positioning groove; 412. First slide; 413. Second slide; 42. Second mating part; 421. Chamber body; 422. Spring; 423. Rolling element.

[0052] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Where the following description relates to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0055] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0057] The first aspect of this application discloses a garment processing device. This garment processing device can be a washing machine or a washer-dryer combo, etc. The garment processing device includes a main body and a dispensing device, the dispensing device being installed in the main body. The main body has a washing chamber for holding the garments to be processed. The dispensing device is used to dispense a garment processing agent into the main body. The garment processing agent can be, but is not limited to, laundry detergent, fabric softener, etc., and after being dispensed, it is transported into the washing chamber to achieve the washing treatment of the garments.

[0058] Existing detergent dispensing devices typically consist of a dispenser box that can move relative to another component and a housing for containing the dispenser box. During operation, the user first needs to put the laundry detergent into the dispenser box, and then the dispenser box containing the detergent is placed in the housing so that the detergent can be delivered to the washing chamber as needed during the washing process.

[0059] However, when the dispenser box is stored in the housing, the fit between the two is not precise enough. The dispenser box is prone to shaking when the device is running or when it is affected by external forces. This shaking may affect the normal operation of the dispensing device, causing uneven dispensing of clothing treatment agent and reducing the user experience.

[0060] To resolve the above issues, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 3 The second aspect of this application proposes a dispensing device 100, which, in the embodiments of this application, includes a box body 10, a dispenser box 20, a pusher mechanism 30, and a limiting mechanism 40.

[0061] Both the housing 10 and the dispenser box 20 can be rectangular for easy fitting. The housing 10 has a mixing chamber 10A. The dispenser box 20 and the housing 10 can be connected by a sliding rail or slider, allowing the dispenser box 20 to slide within the mixing chamber 10A. This sliding design not only simplifies the operation of the dispenser box 20 and improves ease of use, but also ensures the stability and smoothness of the dispenser box 20 during movement, reducing shaking or jamming caused by improper operation or external interference, thereby extending its service life.

[0062] The dispenser box 20 has a locked position and an unlocked position during its movement relative to the box body 10. Thus, when the dispenser box 20 is moved to the unlocked position, it is positioned outside the garment processing device, allowing the user to easily dispense garment processing agents, such as laundry detergent and fabric softener, as directed. Figure 4The detergent is dispensed into the pre-set dispensing slots 21 on the dispenser box 20. After dispensing, the dispenser box 20 is operated again to return to the locked position, thus placing the dispenser box 20 inside the garment processing equipment. During this process, the garment processing agent in the dispenser box 20 can flow in naturally by gravity or be effectively transported to the mixing chamber 10A of the box body 10 for temporary storage by a built-in pump or other driving device. This design not only makes it convenient for users to dispense different types of garment processing agents according to their needs, but also ensures that the processing agent can smoothly enter the box body 10 and be finally ready to be delivered into the washing chamber, thereby improving the convenience and efficiency of garment processing.

[0063] The push-touch mechanism 30 is located on either the housing 10 or the dispenser box 20; alternatively, it can be located on both. The push-touch mechanism 30 drives the dispenser box 20 from the locked position to the unlocked position. This automatic movement of the dispenser box 20 from the locked to the unlocked position greatly simplifies the user's operation and improves ease of use.

[0064] A limiting mechanism 40 is disposed on the dispenser box 20 or the box body 10 and located on the sliding path of the dispenser box 20. Thus, the limiting mechanism 40 is always in contact with the dispenser box 20 along its sliding path. The limiting mechanism 40 is used to confine the dispenser box 20 within the mixing chamber 10A when it slides to the locked position. It is understood that the elastic force provided by the pushing mechanism 30 is set to be greater than the locking force of the limiting mechanism 40. This means that when the user needs to operate the dispenser box 20, the pushing mechanism 30 can overcome the locking force of the limiting mechanism 40 and smoothly push the dispenser box 20 from the locked position to the unlocked position. This design not only ensures the stability of the dispenser box 20 in the locked position but also ensures that the user can easily move the dispenser box 20 to the unlocked position when needed, thereby achieving convenient and efficient operation.

[0065] Based on the dispensing device 100 and garment handling equipment of this application, a push-spring structure 30 is introduced to drive the dispenser box 20 to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. A limiting structure 40 is also designed along the movement path of the dispenser box 20, which plays a crucial role when the dispenser box 20 is in the locked position. The limiting structure 40 securely connects the dispenser box 20 to the box body 10, ensuring that the dispenser box 20 maintains a stable and accurate position and posture, improving the positional accuracy of the dispenser box 20 within the box body 10, and ensuring stability during ejection and fixing. Thus, through the combined action of the push-spring mechanism 30 and the limiting mechanism 40, uniform force is applied to the dispenser box 20 at multiple contact points, effectively solving the problems of poor positional accuracy and excessive gap difference caused by uneven force application in previous applications. Furthermore, this design also demonstrates unique advantages when dealing with differences in ejection displacement caused by varying detergent weights. Due to the presence of the limiting structure, even if the detergent weight is different, the interference encountered by the push mechanism 30 during the process of pushing out the dispenser box 20 will be greatly reduced, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the dispenser box 20 in the stored state.

[0066] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the housing 10 further has a mounting cavity 10D communicating with the mixing chamber 10A. The mounting cavity 10D is used to accommodate at least part of the push-spring mechanism 30. The housing 10 has a mounting opening 10C communicating with the mixing chamber 10A. The push-spring mechanism 30 includes a stop member 33, which can push the dispenser box 20 out of the mixing chamber through the mounting opening 10C in a sliding manner. It should be noted that the stop member 33 can be arranged in the shape of a long rod. The mounting cavity 10D can be located on the side of the mixing chamber 10A away from the mounting opening 10C. This layout allows the stop member 33 to drive the dispenser box 20 to slide linearly with a small force to achieve a large displacement, thereby improving the driving efficiency. At the same time, the position of the push-spring mechanism 30 away from the mounting opening 10C also avoids unnecessary interference to the dispenser box 20 when operating it, ensuring smooth operation. The limiting mechanism 40 is positioned closer to the mounting opening 10C than the pushing mechanism 30, thus distancing itself from the pushing mechanism 30. This reduces the obstruction of the limiting mechanism 40 when the pushing mechanism 30 is activated, allowing the dispenser box 20 to move smoothly from the locked position to the unlocked position with greater freedom. This not only improves operational smoothness but also ensures the stability and accuracy of the dispenser box 20 during movement. Secondly, the positioning of the limiting mechanism 40 near the mounting opening 10C and away from the pushing mechanism 30 provides additional support and stability to the side of the dispenser box 20 near the mounting opening 10C when it is in the unlocked position. This design reduces wobbling and tilting of the dispenser box 20 in the unlocked position, ensuring a flat and stable surface for the dispensing device 100.

[0067] In some implementations, the abutment 33 is fixedly connected to the end face of the dispenser box 20 opposite to the mounting opening 10C. It should be noted that this connection can be a screw connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, or other reliable fixing methods. This design maintains the connection stability between the abutment 33 and the dispenser box 20, further improving the stability of the abutment 33 in pushing the dispenser box from the locked position to the unlocked position. This not only ensures the smoothness and reliability of the dispenser box 20 during movement but also greatly enhances the convenience and comfort of operation.

[0068] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In another embodiment, the push mechanism 30 abuts against the end face of the dispenser box 20 opposite to the mounting opening 10C. It is understood that when the dispenser box 20 needs to move, the abutting member 33 can form a tight abutting engagement with the end face of the dispenser box 20 opposite to the mounting opening 10C. This abutting engagement allows the abutting member 33 to effectively push the dispenser box 20 to move. Alternatively, of course, the abutting member 33 can also maintain an abutting engagement with the dispenser box 20 when the dispenser box 20 is in the locked and unlocked positions, thereby improving the stability of the force applied.

[0069] Furthermore, the push mechanism 30 includes a housing 31, which is at least partially installed within the mounting cavity 10D. The housing 31 has an opening on its side facing the mounting opening 10C, communicating with the mixing cavity 10A. A stop member 33 is slidably disposed on the housing 31 and can reciprocate along the sliding direction of the distributor box 20 to pass through the opening and abut against the distributor box 20. The opening in the housing 31 limits the stop member 33, thus guiding its sliding process. When the distributor box 20 is in the locked position, the stop member 33 is spaced apart from the end face of the distributor box 20 opposite to the mounting opening 10C. Thus, when the distributor box 20 is in the locked position, a certain distance is maintained between the stop member 33 and the aforementioned end face of the distributor box 20, preventing direct contact. This design ensures that the distributor box 20 is only subject to the limiting mechanism 40 in the locked position, preventing it from being pushed outwards and thus improving its stability and reliability in the locked position. Of course, when the distributor box 20 is in the unlocked position, a certain distance can also be maintained between the abutment 33 and the end face of the distributor box 20 facing away from the mounting opening 10C, which also improves the stability and reliability of the distributor box 20 in the unlocked position.

[0070] Furthermore, in the locked position, the end of the abutment 33 facing away from the swing tongue 32 has a first gap with the end face of the distributor box 20 facing away from the mounting opening 10C. The first gap is not less than 0 mm and not more than 0.5 mm. When the distributor box 20 is in the locked position, the first gap can be 0 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm, etc., so that the abutment 33 does not exert any force on the distributor box 20, while also keeping the overall internal structure compact and optimizing space utilization.

[0071] Furthermore, the push mechanism 30 also includes a swing tongue 32, a stop 33, and an elastic element 34. One end of the swing tongue 32 is movably mounted on the housing 31. This movable connection can be a flexible form such as a rotatable connection. The stop 33 is movably mounted on the housing 31 and can reciprocate along the sliding direction of the dispenser box 20. The end of the stop 33 near the swing tongue 32 is provided with a guide groove 3311, which has a locking position 331a for locking the swing tongue 32. The elastic element 34 is disposed inside the housing 31. One end of the elastic element 34 abuts against the cavity wall surface of the housing 31, and the other end of the elastic element 34 elastically abuts against the end of the stop 33 away from the dispenser box 20.

[0072] In actual use, when the dispenser box 20 slides into the mixing chamber 10A under the action of external force and comes into contact with the abutment 33, the other end of the swing tongue 32 moves along the guide groove 3311 until it is restricted to the locking position 331a. At this time, the abutment 33 compresses the elastic member 34, and the dispenser box 20 is also firmly locked in the locking position. When the external force continues to drive the dispenser box 20 to slide deeper into the mixing chamber 10A, the other end of the swing tongue 32 will be released from the locking position 331a and continue to move along the guide groove 3311. At this time, the elastic member 34 will reset due to its inherent elasticity, thereby pushing the abutment 33. After being pushed, the abutment 33 will further push the dispenser box 20. At the same time, the limiting mechanism 40 will also be unlocked, allowing the dispenser box 20 to move freely to the unlocked position. This design not only ensures stable transitions between the locked and unlocked positions of the dispenser box 20, but also achieves smooth and reliable pushing of the dispenser box 20 through the elastic action of the elastic element 34. The elastic element 34 can be a spring or other components with similar elastic properties, such as elastic sheets, elastic rubber, etc.

[0073] Furthermore, the abutment 33 includes a fixed part 331 and an abutment part 332 connected together. The fixed part 331 has a guide groove 3311 at one end facing away from the abutment part 332. The fixed part 331 is located inside the housing 31. The housing 31 has a clearance through-hole on the side near the dispenser box 20, communicating with the interior. The abutment part 332 passes through the clearance through-hole and partially extends out of the housing 31. The fixed part 331 and the abutment part 332 can be an integral structure to ensure the structural strength of the abutment 33. Simultaneously, the abutment part 332 extends out of the housing 31 from the surface facing away from the fixed part 331 to push the dispenser box 20 from the locked position to the unlocked position. The surface of the abutment part 332 facing away from the fixed part 331 can be planar to improve the stability of abutting the dispenser box 20.

[0074] The push mechanism 30 also includes a damping element 35, which is disposed inside the housing 31. The opposite ends of the damping element 35 abut against the inner wall of the housing 31 with the clearance through hole and the surface of the fixing part 331 near the abutment part 332, respectively. By setting the damping element 35, the dispenser box 20 has a damping effect when pushed into the locking position and during the unlocking process of the push mechanism 30, thereby improving the user's operating experience.

[0075] Optionally, the damping element 35 is annular and is fitted around the periphery of the abutment portion 332. This arrangement not only ensures the stability of the damping element 35 and saves space, but also effectively provides damping, making the overall structure more compact and functionally complete.

[0076] Reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, at least two limiting mechanisms 40 are provided, with the two limiting mechanisms 40 respectively located on opposite sides of the dispenser box 20 in the sliding direction. This arrangement not only ensures that the dispenser box 20 is evenly and stably restricted during sliding, preventing it from shifting or shaking on either side, but also greatly improves the stability and accuracy of the dispenser box 20's movement between the locked and unlocked positions. Simultaneously, the presence of the dual limiting mechanisms 40 enhances the rigidity and durability of the overall structure, reduces single-point stress, and allows the dispensing device 100 to better withstand various stresses and loads during long-term use.

[0077] Furthermore, the two limiting mechanisms 40 are symmetrically arranged along the central axis of the distributor box 20. This arrangement further enhances the stability of the distributor box 20 during the sliding process, so that the distributor box 20 is subjected to balanced forces when locked, avoiding deviation or shaking, and improving the accuracy and reliability of the overall operation.

[0078] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the limiting mechanism 40 includes a first mating member 41 and a second mating member 42. The first mating member 41 is disposed on the inner wall of the housing 10 forming the mixing cavity 10A, and the second mating member 42 is disposed on the dispenser box 20. In the locked position, the first mating member 41 and the second mating member 42 are magnetically connected or snapped together. This design not only provides a stable and reliable fixation for the dispenser box 20 in the locked position, but also makes it easy for the user to unlock the dispenser box 20 from the locked position and slide it to the unlocked position when needed, making the unlocking method relatively simple. In addition, the magnetic connection or snap-fit ​​as the connection method of the limiting mechanism 40 is not only simple to set up and reduces the overall manufacturing cost of the dispensing device 100, but also makes the dispensing device 100 more economical and practical while maintaining high efficiency.

[0079] Combined with reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 Furthermore, the first mating member 41 and the second mating member 42 engage, with the first mating member 41 including a positioning groove 411. In the locked position, the second mating member 42 is at least partially embedded within the positioning groove 411. This engagement not only enhances the stability of the connection but also ensures the precise positioning of the dispenser box 20 in its stored state. In addition, the surface of the positioning groove 411 is cleverly designed as a curved surface. This design not only improves the smoothness and aesthetics of the structure but also optimizes the process of the second mating member 42 embedding into the positioning groove 411, making operation smoother and reducing resistance that may be caused by friction or jamming.

[0080] Furthermore, the second mating component 42 includes a housing 421, a spring 422, and a rolling element 423. The housing 421 is connected to the dispenser box 20 and fixed to the outer wall of the dispenser box 20. The dispenser box 20 drives the housing 421 to move synchronously. The housing 421 includes a cavity and an opening communicating with the cavity. The spring 422 is disposed within the cavity. The rolling element 423 is connected to the spring 422. In the locked position, the rolling element 423, under the action of the spring 422, at least partially protrudes from the opening and is embedded in the positioning groove 411. Thus, the positioning groove 411, through the embedding of the rolling element 423, limits the position of the dispenser box 20 and the box body 10. When the rolling element 423 rolls out of the positioning groove 411, the rolling element 423 presses against the spring 422, so that both the rolling element 423 and the spring 422 are located within the cavity, allowing the dispenser box 20 to move towards the unlocked position. This design not only enhances the connection stability and reliability between the second mating part 42 and the positioning groove 411, making the dispenser box 20 more stable in the locked position, but also ensures that the dispenser box 20 can easily disengage from the limit when it needs to be moved, achieving convenient and efficient operation.

[0081] It should be noted that the rolling element 423 is designed in the form of a ball or roller. This design not only optimizes the contact between the rolling element 423 and the positioning groove 411, reducing friction and wear, but also makes the movement of the distributor box 20 smoother and more stable during sliding. Meanwhile, the spring 422 can be a spring or other components with similar elastic properties, such as an elastic sheet or elastic rubber, and can also be selected as the spring 422.

[0082] Furthermore, the dispenser box 20 has limit positions during its sliding into the mixing chamber 10A. Along the direction in which the dispenser box 20 slides into the mixing chamber 10A, the unlock position, locking position, and limit positions are sequentially set. When the dispenser box 20 slides to the limit position, the length of the rolling element 423 extending from the opening is the first length; when the dispenser box 20 slides to the locking position, the length of the rolling element 423 extending from the opening is the second length. The first length is less than the second length, so that the dispenser box 20 can automatically return from the limit position to the locking position. This design cleverly utilizes the change in the extension length of the rolling element 423 to influence the movement state of the dispenser box 20.

[0083] In actual use, even if the user applies excessive force or applies the force for too long when pushing the dispenser box 20 from the unlocked position back to the locked position, causing the dispenser box 20 to accidentally move to its limit position, there is no need to worry too much. This is because the rolling element 423, under the action of the spring 422, will still extend a certain length beyond the opening (i.e., the first length). Since this first length is less than the second length in the locked position, the dispenser box 20 will automatically retract from the limit position to the locked position under the drive of the spring 422. This design not only reduces the difficulty for the user to push the dispenser box 20 from the unlocked position back to the locked position, but also improves the device's fault tolerance and user experience. Even if the user makes a slight mistake during operation, the device can correct it through its own mechanism, ensuring that the dispenser box 20 can stably remain in the locked position, providing strong support for subsequent clothing processing.

[0084] Furthermore, the first mating component 41 also includes a first ramp 412, which is disposed on the inner wall of the housing 10 and extends from the extreme position to the positioning groove 411. Along the direction in which the dispenser housing 20 slides out of the housing 10, the height of the first ramp 412 relative to the inner wall of the housing 10 gradually decreases, so that the rolling element 423 located on the first ramp 412 has a tendency to roll toward the positioning groove 411.

[0085] As the dispenser box 20 moves along the direction it slides out of the box body 10, the rolling element 423 contacts the first ramp 412. The height of the first ramp 412 is designed to gradually decrease relative to the inner wall of the box body 10; this ingenious height change provides a natural rolling guide for the rolling element 423. Specifically, as the rolling element 423 rolls along the first ramp 412, it is guided by a force toward the positioning groove 411. This guiding force is generated by the combined effect of the inclination angle of the first ramp 412 and the rolling characteristics of the rolling element 423 itself. Therefore, as the rolling element 423 rolls along the first ramp 412, it naturally rolls toward the positioning groove 411 until it finally falls into it. This design not only simplifies the positioning process between the dispenser box 20 and the box body 10 but also improves the stability and accuracy of positioning. At the same time, it provides users with a smoother and more convenient operating experience, as users do not need to expend extra effort to ensure that the dispenser box 20 is accurately positioned within the box body 10.

[0086] Furthermore, the first mating component 41 also includes a second slide 413, which is located on the inner wall of the housing 10 and on the side of the positioning groove 411 opposite to the first slide 412. The surface of the second slide 413 facing the first slide 412 is used to abut against the rolling element 423. This arrangement ensures that when the rolling element 423 rolls to the vicinity of the positioning groove 411 under the guidance of the first slide 412, even if the rolling element 423 fails to fall accurately into the positioning groove due to excessive force applied by the user or excessive time, it will still contact the surface of the second slide 413. This contact not only provides an additional support point for the rolling element 423, preventing it from slipping or deviating due to loss of support, but also further enhances the stability and accuracy of the rolling of the rolling element 423 through the guidance of the second slide 413.

[0087] More importantly, the presence of the second slip ramp 413 adds a crucial layer of safety to the sliding process of the distributor box 20. In actual operation, due to various factors (such as improper operation, external interference, etc.), the rolling element 423 may deviate or become unstable during rolling. However, with the timely correction and guidance of the second slip ramp 413, the rolling element can always maintain the correct rolling trajectory and eventually fall smoothly into the positioning groove 411. This design undoubtedly greatly improves the product's fault tolerance and reliability.

[0088] Furthermore, along the direction in which the dispenser box 20 slides into the box body 10, the height of the second ramp 413 relative to the inner wall of the box body 10 gradually increases. In this way, the second ramp 413 will drive the rolling element 423 to fall into the positioning groove 411 more quickly, increasing the speed at which the dispenser box moves to the unlocked position.

[0089] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0090] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A dispensing device, suitable for garment processing equipment, characterized in that, The dispensing device includes: The box body has a mixing chamber; A dispenser box is slidably disposed within the mixing chamber, and the dispenser box has a locked position and an unlocked position during the sliding process relative to the box body; A push mechanism, disposed in the housing and / or the dispenser housing, is used to drive the dispenser housing from the locked position to the unlocked position; and A limiting mechanism is provided on the dispenser box or the box body and located on the sliding path of the dispenser box. The limiting mechanism is used to limit the dispenser box to the mixing cavity when the dispenser box slides to the locking position.

2. The dispensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The box body also has a mounting cavity communicating with the mixing cavity, the mounting cavity being used to accommodate at least part of the push mechanism, the box body having a mounting opening communicating with the mixing cavity, the push mechanism including a stop member, the stop member being able to push the dispenser box out of the mixing cavity in a sliding manner through the mounting opening; Wherein, the abutment is fixedly connected to the end face of the distributor box opposite to the mounting opening; or, the abutment is engaged with or spaced apart from the end face of the distributor box opposite to the mounting opening.

3. The dispensing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The pusher mechanism includes a housing, which is at least partially installed in the mounting cavity. The housing has an opening on the side facing the mounting opening that communicates with the mixing cavity. The abutment is slidably disposed on the housing and can reciprocate along the sliding direction of the dispenser box to pass through the opening and abut against the dispenser box. When the dispenser box is in the locked position, the abutment is spaced apart from the end face of the dispenser box that is away from the mounting opening.

4. The dispensing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, When the dispenser box is in the locked position, the abutment and the end face of the dispenser box opposite to the mounting opening have a first distance, the first distance being not less than 0 mm and not greater than 0.5 mm.

5. The dispensing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The projectile pushing mechanism also includes: A swaying tongue is movably disposed within the housing at one end. A guide groove is provided at the end of the abutment near the swaying tongue, and the guide groove has a locking position. The other end of the swaying tongue is located within the guide groove. An elastic element is disposed within the housing, one end of which abuts against the cavity wall of the housing, and the other end of which elastically abuts against the end of the abutment member away from the dispenser box. When an external force drives the dispenser box to slide into the mixing chamber and abut against the abutting member, causing the other end of the swing tongue to move along the guide groove and be limited to the locking position, the abutting member abuts and compresses the elastic member, while the dispenser box is located in the locking position. When an external force drives the dispenser box to move further into the mixing chamber, causing the other end of the sway tongue to disengage from the locking position and move along the guide groove, the elastic element elastically resets to push the abutment to push the dispenser box to the unlocked position.

6. The dispensing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The abutting member includes a fixed part and an abutting part connected to each other. The fixed part is provided with the guide groove at one end away from the abutting part. The fixed part is located inside the housing, and the abutting part passes through the opening and partially extends out of the housing. The push mechanism further includes a damping element, which is disposed inside the housing, and both ends of the damping element abut against the inner wall of the housing where the opening is provided and the surface of the fixing part near the abutting part, respectively.

7. The dispensing device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The damping element is annular and is sleeved around the periphery of the abutment portion.

8. The dispensing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism includes a first mating component and a second mating component, wherein the first mating component is disposed inside the box body and the second mating component is disposed inside the dispenser box; In the locked position, the first mating member and the second mating member are magnetically connected or snapped together.

9. The dispensing device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first mating component and the second mating component are engaged, and the first mating component includes a positioning groove; The second mating component includes: The compartment body, connected to the dispenser box, has a cavity and an opening communicating with the cavity; A spring is disposed within the cavity; and A rolling element, connected to the spring; In the locked position, the rolling element at least partially protrudes from the opening to be fitted into the positioning groove.

10. The dispensing device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The dispenser box also has limit positions during the process of sliding into the mixing chamber. The unlock position, the locking position and the limit position are set sequentially along the direction in which the dispenser box slides into the mixing chamber. When the dispenser box slides to the limit position, the length of the rolling element extending out of the opening is a first length; when the dispenser box slides to the locking position, the length of the rolling element extending out of the opening is a second length, the first length being less than the second length, so that the dispenser box can automatically retract from the limit position to the locking position.

11. The dispensing device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The first mating component further includes a first slip slope, which is disposed on the inner wall of the box body and extends from the extreme position to the positioning groove; As the dispenser box slides out of the box body, the height of the first ramp relative to the inner wall of the box gradually decreases, so that the rolling element located on the first ramp tends to roll toward the positioning groove.

12. The dispensing device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The first mating component further includes a second slip, which is disposed on the inner wall of the box body and located on the side of the positioning groove opposite to the first slip. The surface of the second slip facing the first slip is used to abut against the rolling element.

13. The dispensing device as described in claim 12, characterized in that, As the dispenser box slides into the box body, the height of the second ramp relative to the inner wall of the box body gradually increases.

14. The dispensing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism is provided in at least two parts, wherein the two limiting mechanisms are respectively located on opposite sides of the sliding direction of the dispenser box.

15. The dispensing device as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The two limiting mechanisms are symmetrically arranged along the central axis of the dispenser box.

16. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: main body; and The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the dispensing device is installed on the main body.

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