On-off assembly and laundry treating apparatus having the same

Abstract

This invention discloses a switching component and a clothing processing device having the same. The switching component includes: a housing having a water passage cavity, a first water passage hole, and a second water passage hole, both of which communicate with the water passage cavity. The first water passage hole is used to connect to the water tank of the clothing processing device, and the second water passage hole is used to connect to the drain pipe of the clothing processing device; and a sealing member adapted to be movably disposed within the water passage cavity under buoyancy, used to open and close the first water passage hole to control the connection between the water passage cavity and the water tank. According to the embodiments of this invention, the switching component itself is a single structure, allowing it to be connected at the outlet of the water tank without requiring a separate sealed chamber or any alteration to the structure of the drain pipe or water tank, resulting in lower cost and higher compatibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of garment processing technology, and more specifically, to an on / off component and a garment processing apparatus having the same. Background Technology

[0002] The clothing processing equipment in the related technology has a water tank. The clothing processing equipment can wash the clothes in the water tank. When adding laundry detergent into the water tank, the dissolution of laundry detergent requires the assistance of water flow. As the laundry detergent moves with the water flow, it is easy to fall into the drain pipe, which results in a low utilization rate of laundry detergent.

[0003] To address this issue, existing technologies incorporate a sealed chamber at the drain outlet of the garment processing equipment. This chamber is connected to both the water tank and the drain pipe. A sealing ball is positioned within the sealed chamber to open and close the connection with the water tank, reducing the amount of detergent entering the drain pipe when clothes are being washed in the water tank. However, this sealed chamber requires a tight seal with the water tank, placing high demands on both the sealing structure and the water tank's structure. Furthermore, in some models where controlling the flow between the drain pipe and the water tank is not necessary, the drain pipe cannot be directly connected to the water tank, resulting in low compatibility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a switching component, which is a structure in itself, so that the switching component is connected to the outlet of the water tank, without the need for a separate sealed chamber, and without requiring any changes to the structure of the drain pipe or the water tank, resulting in lower cost and higher compatibility.

[0005] The present invention also proposes a garment processing device having the aforementioned on / off component.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a switching component includes: a housing having a water passage cavity, a first water passage hole, and a second water passage hole, both the first water passage hole and the second water passage hole communicating with the water passage cavity; the first water passage hole communicating with a water tank of the clothing processing device, and the second water passage hole communicating with a drain pipe of the clothing processing device; and a sealing member adapted to be movably disposed within the water passage cavity under buoyancy, for opening and closing the first water passage hole to control the connection between the water passage cavity and the water tank.

[0007] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the switching component itself is a structure, which is connected to the outlet of the water tank. It does not require a separate sealed chamber, nor does it require any changes to the structure of the drain pipe or the water tank. It has low cost and high compatibility.

[0008] In addition, the switching component according to the above embodiments of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flow area of ​​the first water passage and the flow area of ​​the second water passage are both smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing member.

[0010] According to some optional embodiments of the present invention, the first water passage is a circular hole, and the sealing element is a sphere.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first water passage is provided on the top wall of the housing; at least one second water passage is provided on the bottom wall of the housing and is disposed opposite to the first water passage in the vertical direction; and / or, the number of the second water passages is multiple and at least a portion of the second water passages are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the housing.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer casing further has a pressure relief and return water hole, which is used to connect the water tank and the water passage cavity, and the pressure relief and return water hole is higher than the first water passage hole.

[0013] According to some optional embodiments of the present invention, the number of pressure relief return water holes is multiple, and the multiple pressure relief return water holes are arranged circumferentially in the first water passage hole.

[0014] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the top wall of the housing has an upwardly extending mounting protrusion, the top wall of the mounting protrusion being higher than the first water passage hole, and the pressure relief return water hole being disposed on the top wall of the mounting protrusion.

[0015] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, the mounting protrusion extends circumferentially along the first water passage hole; the top wall of the mounting protrusion is provided with the pressure relief return water hole, or the top wall of the mounting protrusion is provided with a plurality of pressure relief return water holes and the plurality of pressure relief return water holes are arranged in the extending direction of the mounting protrusion.

[0016] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple mounting protrusions arranged circumferentially in the first water passage hole, and a water passage is provided between two adjacent mounting protrusions to allow water to flow through.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer casing includes a first casing and a second casing, the first casing being disposed above the second casing, the first water passage being disposed in the first casing, and the second water passage being disposed in the second casing.

[0018] According to some optional embodiments of the present invention, the second housing includes: a housing body, wherein the second water passage is disposed on the housing body; and a connecting ring, wherein the connecting ring is connected above the housing body and extends circumferentially along the housing body, and the second housing is connected to the first housing through the connecting ring.

[0019] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, the sealing element is a sphere, the inner surface of the shell body is a spherical surface, and the radial dimension of the spherical surface is greater than the radial dimension of the sphere.

[0020] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, the first housing is sleeved on the outside of the connecting ring.

[0021] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the first housing has a limiting step, which stops above the connecting ring.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a garment processing device is provided, the garment processing device comprising: a water tank having a drain outlet at its bottom; a drain assembly including a drain pipe and a drain pump, the drain pipe connecting the drain pump and the drain outlet; and an on / off assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention, the on / off assembly being detachably disposed at the connection between the drain outlet and the drain pipe, so as to control the on / off connection between the water tank and the drain pipe by controlling the on / off connection between the water passage chamber and the water tank.

[0023] The garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention utilizes the on / off component described in the first aspect of the present invention, making the on / off component itself a structure, and connecting the on / off component to the outlet of the water tank. It does not require a separate sealed chamber, nor does it require any changes to the structure of the drain pipe or the water tank, resulting in lower cost and higher compatibility.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a clothing processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a front view of a portion of the structure of a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view at point AA;

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0030] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a portion of the structure of a clothing processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention in one direction;

[0031] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of a portion of the structure of the garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in another direction;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the on / off component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a top view of the on / off component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a side view of an on / off component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of an on / off component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Reference numerals: 100, on / off assembly;

[0037] 10. Outer shell; 101. First water passage hole; 102. Second water passage hole; 103. Water passage cavity; 11. First housing; 111. Limiting step; 12. Second housing; 121. Housing body; 122. Connecting ring; 15. Mounting protrusion; 151. Pressure relief and return water hole; 16. Water passage; 17. Supporting protrusion; 18. Positioning step;

[0038] 20. Sealing component; 500. Water tank; 51. Drain outlet; 52. Recess; 53. Pipe joint; 61. Drain pipe; 611. Water inlet chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0040] The existing clothing handling device includes a water tank, a drain pipe and a drain pump. One end of the drain pipe is connected to the drain outlet at the bottom of the water tank, and the other end of the drain pipe is connected to the drain pump. When the drain pump is started, it can drive the water in the water tank to be discharged through the drain pipe.

[0041] When the garment processing device washes clothes, the clothes to be washed are placed in the water tank. It takes a certain amount of time for the laundry detergent to dissolve, so the laundry detergent tends to settle at the bottom of the water tank. When the water in the water tank is flowing and rotating, the laundry detergent settled at the bottom of the water tank is driven to rotate. At this time, the laundry detergent is likely to enter the drain pipe below the water tank, resulting in low utilization of the laundry detergent and affecting the washing effect.

[0042] Based on this, in existing technology, a sealing component is installed at the front end of the drain pipe and at the drain outlet of the water tank. This sealing component is used to open and close the drain outlet defined by the water tank, reducing the amount of laundry detergent entering the drain pipe when washing clothes in the water tank, thus reducing resource waste and pollution. However, this structure requires a sealed chamber at the front end of the drain pipe, partly connected to the water tank and partly connected to the drain pipe. In this case, the sealing structure is relatively complex and costly. Furthermore, in some models where controlling the flow of the drain pipe and water tank is not required, the connection between the drain pipe and water tank needs to be changed due to the lack of a sealed chamber, resulting in low compatibility.

[0043] The on / off component 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] like Figures 1-10 As shown, the on / off assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 10 and a sealing member 20.

[0045] The outer casing 10 has a water passage cavity 103, a first water passage hole 101, and a second water passage hole 102. Both the first water passage hole 101 and the second water passage hole 102 are connected to the water passage cavity 103. The first water passage hole 101 is used to connect to the water tank 500 of the clothing processing device, and the second water passage hole 102 is used to connect to the drain pipe 61 of the clothing processing device. When the clothing processing device drains water, the water in the water tank 500 enters the water passage cavity 103 through the first water passage hole 101, enters the drain pipe 61 through the second water passage hole 102, and is discharged along the drain pipe 61.

[0046] The sealing element 20 is adapted to be movably disposed in the water passage cavity 103 under the action of buoyancy, and is used to open and close the first water passage hole 101 to control the connection and disconnection between the water passage cavity 103 and the water tank 500.

[0047] When washing clothes in the water tank 500, the sealing part 20 closes the first water passage hole 101 to reduce the amount of laundry detergent entering the drain pipe 61, thereby improving the utilization rate of laundry detergent in the water tank 500.

[0048] Specifically, when washing clothes in the water tank 500, and adding laundry detergent to the water tank 500, the laundry detergent tends to settle at the bottom of the water tank 500. If there is no sealing part 20, when the water in the water tank 500 rotates to wash the clothes, the laundry detergent at the bottom of the water tank 500 tends to fall into the drain pipe 61 and the water passage chamber 103, resulting in low utilization of the laundry detergent and easily affecting the washing effect of the clothes to be washed.

[0049] Therefore, by setting the sealing component 20 to block the first water passage hole 101, when the water in the water tank 500 rotates, the amount of laundry detergent falling into the drain pipe 61 and the water passage cavity 103 can be reduced, thereby improving the utilization rate of laundry detergent and improving the cleaning effect on the clothes to be washed.

[0050] It should be noted that when the clothing processing device is needed to wash the clothes and water is added to the water tank 500, the drain pipe 61 is disconnected from the outside. At this time, the drain pipe 61 is in a closed state, and water can fill the drain pipe 61. Specifically, water first enters the drain pipe 61 through the first water passage 101 and the second water passage 102. At this time, the water level in the water passage cavity 103 gradually rises, and the sealing member 20 floats upward under the action of buoyancy and closes the first water passage 101. When water is added to the water tank 500, the water level in the water tank 500 gradually rises to be used for washing the clothes in the water tank 500.

[0051] When it is necessary to drain the water in the water tank 500, the drain pipe 61 is connected to the outside. At this time, the water in the drain pipe 61 is drained, and the water level in the water passage 103 gradually decreases. The sealing member 20 floats down with the water level in the water passage 103. The sealing member 20 opens the first water passage hole 101, and the water in the water tank 500 enters the water passage 103 through the first water passage hole 101, enters the drain pipe 61 through the second water passage hole 102, and is discharged outward along the drain pipe 61.

[0052] This allows the sealing element 20 to automatically open or close the first water passage hole 101 during water addition and drainage, eliminating the need for additional control components, thus reducing complexity and saving costs.

[0053] Furthermore, this invention separates the on / off component 100 from the drain pipe 61, making the on / off component 100 a self-contained structure. Compared to the prior art where the sealing element is placed at the drain outlet of the water tank and the inlet of the drain pipe, this structure requires a separate, highly airtight sealing chamber to accommodate the sealing element, which is then connected to the drain pipe. This arrangement not only requires a high level of airtightness between the sealing chamber and the water tank, resulting in higher costs. Additionally, in some models where the on / off control of the drain pipe and the water tank is not required, and the drain pipe is directly connected to the water tank, a separate connection structure and method are needed, leading to lower compatibility and an intangible increase in cost. In contrast, this application sets the sealing element 20 as a separate structure, which can be processed as a separate component and then assembled with the drain outlet 51, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.

[0054] Meanwhile, the present invention places the sealing component 20 inside the outer shell 10, so that the first water passage hole 101 of the outer shell 10 is connected to the water tank 500. The sealing component 20 opens and closes the first water passage hole 101. In this way, there is no need to consider the position of the drain pipe 61 and the space inside the drain pipe 61, and no need to change any structure of the drain pipe 61 or the water tank 500. The on / off component 100 can be used to realize the on / off connection between the water tank 500 and the drain pipe 61, which has low cost and high compatibility.

[0055] In addition, this also makes it easier to set the first water passage 101 at a higher position, so that the first water passage 101 is at a sufficient distance from the drain pump of the clothing handling device, thereby reducing the difficulty of drainage and smoothly draining the water in the water tank 500.

[0056] In some embodiments, when at least a portion of the on / off assembly 100 is disposed within the drain pipe 61, the on / off assembly 100 does not occupy any space at the bottom of the water tank 500.

[0057] Therefore, the on / off component 100 according to the present invention is a structure in itself. When the on / off component 100 is connected to the outlet of the water tank 500, there is no need to set up a separate sealed chamber, nor is there any need to change the structure of the drain pipe 61 or the water tank 500. The cost is low and the compatibility is high.

[0058] Furthermore, by setting the sealing component 20 as a structure, this application allows it to be manufactured as a separate part and then assembled with the drain outlet 51, resulting in simple manufacturing and low cost. In addition, the on / off component 100 does not occupy any space at the bottom of the water tank 500, thus saving space.

[0059] The on / off component 100 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1-10As shown, the on / off assembly 100 includes a housing 10 and a sealing element 20.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the flow area of ​​the first water passage 101 and the flow area of ​​the second water passage 102 are both smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing member 20, so as to limit the floating range of the sealing member 20.

[0062] Specifically, the flow area of ​​the first water passage 101 is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing member 20 to prevent the sealing member 20 from entering the water tank 500, and the flow area of ​​the second water passage 102 is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing member 20 to prevent the sealing member 20 from entering the drain pipe 61.

[0063] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first water passage 101 is a circular hole, and the sealing member 20 is a sphere, so that the shape of the sealing member 20 is adapted to the shape of the first water passage 101, thereby enabling the sealing member 20 to fit against the hole wall of the first water passage 101 to fully seal the first water passage 101.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 7-10 As shown, the first water passage 101 is provided on the top wall of the outer casing 10, and at least one second water passage 102 is provided on the bottom wall of the outer casing 10 and is arranged opposite to the first water passage 101 in the vertical direction, so that when the water in the water container 500 is discharged, the water entering from the first water passage 101 can flow smoothly to the second water passage 102, enter the drain pipe 61 from the second water passage 102, and be discharged along the drain pipe 61.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the first water passage 101 is provided on the top wall of the outer casing 10, and there are multiple second water passages 102, and at least some of the second water passages 102 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the outer casing 10, so that when the water in the water container 500 is discharged, the water entering from the first water passage 101 can flow smoothly to the second water passage 102, enter the drain pipe 61 from the second water passage 102, and be discharged along the drain pipe 61.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the outer casing 10 also has a pressure relief and return water hole 151, which is used to connect the water tank 500 and the water passage chamber 103. After the water in the water tank 500 is discharged, the water passage chamber 103, the drain pipe 61 and the water tank 500 are connected through the pressure relief and return water hole 151, so that the pressure in the water passage chamber 103 and the drain pipe 61 is atmospheric pressure. In this way, when the water flows back into the drain pipe 61, the pressure in the drain pipe 61 and the water passage chamber 103 is prevented from changing, so as not to interfere with the water level detection component in the clothing treatment device.

[0067] Specifically, the garment handling device includes a structure defining an air chamber and a water level detection element. The air chamber is connected to a drain pipe 61. The water level detection element detects the water level in the water tank 500 based on the air pressure change in the air chamber. When water is added to the water tank 500, the gas in the air chamber is compressed. As the water level in the water tank 500 gradually rises, the air pressure in the air chamber gradually increases, so as to detect the water level in the water tank 500 by detecting the change in air pressure in the air chamber.

[0068] When water is drained from the water tank 500, since the drain pipe 61 does not extend continuously downwards but consists of multiple downward and upward drain sections, water will flow back into the water passage chamber 103 when the drain pump stops draining. If there is no pressure relief return hole 151, the impact force on the air during the water backflow will cause the sealing part 20 to move upwards, and the air pressure in the air chamber will be compressed. At this time, although no water is added to the water tank 500, the air pressure in the air chamber suddenly increases for a period of time. The detection structure of the water level detection device mistakenly believes that water is being added to the water tank 500 at this time, which is inconsistent with the actual situation.

[0069] The pressure relief return water hole 151 is provided so that when water flows back, the air pressure inside the drain pipe 61 will not change, and the air pressure in the air chamber will not change or will change very little, so that the detection result of the water level detection device is consistent with the actual situation.

[0070] The pressure relief return hole 151 is higher than the first water passage hole 101, so that laundry detergent is less likely to accumulate at the pressure relief return hole 151. Specifically, when the laundry detergent falls to the bottom of the water tank 500 and the water in the water tank 500 rotates, the laundry detergent is less likely to enter the higher pressure relief return hole 151, thereby reducing the amount of laundry detergent entering the water passage cavity 103 and the drain pipe 61 from the pressure relief return hole 151, thus improving the utilization rate of laundry detergent.

[0071] In some embodiments, the drain pipe 61 is a tee pipe, with one end connected to the drain pump of the clothing processing equipment, one end connected to the drain outlet of the water tank, and the other end connected to the air chamber.

[0072] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, there are multiple pressure relief return water holes 151, which are arranged circumferentially around the first water passage hole 101. After the water in the water tank 500 is discharged, the multiple pressure relief return water holes 151 connect the outside atmosphere, the water passage cavity 103, and the drain pipe 61. In this way, when water flows back, the multiple pressure relief return water holes 151 keep the pressure in the drain pipe 61 and the water passage cavity 103 unchanged or very small, thereby avoiding interference with the water level detection components in the clothing processing device.

[0073] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown, the top wall of the outer casing 10 has an upwardly extending mounting protrusion 15. The top wall of the mounting protrusion 15 is higher than the first water passage hole 101. The pressure relief return hole 151 is provided on the top wall of the mounting protrusion 15. By setting the pressure relief return hole 151 at a higher position, when the water in the water tank 500 rotates, the laundry detergent is less likely to remain on the mounting protrusion 15, thereby reducing the amount of laundry detergent entering the drain pipe 61 through the pressure relief return hole 151 and improving the utilization rate of the laundry detergent.

[0074] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the water tank 500 has a recess 52 that is recessed outward along the radial direction of the water tank 500. The drain outlet 51 is located on the bottom wall of the recess 52 so that the water in the water tank 500 can be smoothly discharged from the drain outlet 51. The pressure relief return hole 151 is higher than the bottom wall of the recess 52, so the laundry detergent is easy to accumulate on the bottom wall of the recess 52, but difficult to accumulate at the pressure relief return hole 151. This makes it easier to reduce the amount of laundry detergent entering the drain pipe 61 from the pressure relief return hole 151, thereby improving the utilization rate of the laundry detergent.

[0075] Specifically, when the water in the water tank 500 rotates, it can move the laundry detergent accumulated on the bottom wall of the recess 52 to dissolve the laundry detergent, so that the pressure relief return hole 151 is higher than the bottom wall of the recess 52, so that the laundry detergent is less likely to accumulate at the pressure relief return hole 151, thereby reducing the amount of laundry detergent entering the drain pipe 61 from the pressure relief return hole 151, and improving the utilization rate of the laundry detergent.

[0076] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 7 As shown, the mounting protrusion 15 extends circumferentially along the first water passage 101, and the top wall of the mounting protrusion 15 is provided with a pressure relief return water hole 151.

[0077] In other specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 7As shown, the top wall of the mounting protrusion 15 is provided with multiple pressure relief return water holes 151, and the multiple pressure relief return water holes 151 are arranged in the extending direction of the mounting protrusion 15 to reasonably arrange the positions of the multiple pressure relief return water holes 151, so as to ensure the pressure relief area and avoid the hole diameter of the pressure relief return water holes 151 being too large, thereby reducing the amount of laundry detergent entering the water passage chamber 103 and the drain pipe 61 through the pressure relief return water holes 151.

[0078] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 7 As shown, there are multiple mounting protrusions 15, which are arranged circumferentially in the first water passage hole 101. There is a water passage channel 16 between two adjacent mounting protrusions 15 to allow water to flow through, so that the liquid remaining at the bottom of the water tank 500 can flow to the first water passage hole 101 through the water passage channel 16, avoiding excessive water remaining at the bottom of the water tank 500, and preventing water remaining for a long time from producing odors or breeding bacteria.

[0079] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 6-10 As shown, the outer casing 10 includes a first casing 11 and a second casing 12. The first casing 11 covers the second casing 12. A first water passage 101 is provided in the first casing 11 and a second water passage 102 is provided in the second casing 12, so that the sealing part can be placed inside the outer casing 10, and the sealing member 20 can open and close the first water passage 101.

[0080] In some examples, the upper end of the first housing 11 defines a first water passage 101, and the lower end of the second housing 12 defines a second water passage 102. The flow areas of the first water passage 101 and the second water passage 102 are both smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing member 20, so that the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are separate structures, so that the sealing member 20 can be installed from the lower end of the first housing 11 and the upper end of the second housing 12 into the water passage cavity 103, so that the sealing member 20 can float with the water level in the water passage cavity 103.

[0081] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 10 As shown, the second housing 12 includes a housing body 121 and a connecting ring 122. A second water passage 102 is provided on the housing body 121. The connecting ring 122 is connected above the housing body 121 and extends along the circumference of the housing body 121. The second housing 12 is connected to the first housing 11 through the connecting ring 122 to fix the second housing 12 and the first housing 11 together.

[0082] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 10As shown, the sealing element 20 is a sphere, and the inner surface of the shell body 121 is a spherical surface. The radial dimension of the spherical surface is larger than the radial dimension of the sphere, so that when the sealing element 20 abuts against the inner surface of the shell body 121, the sealing element 20 can be prevented from completely blocking the second water passage hole 102, thereby avoiding affecting the drainage of the water tank 500.

[0083] Specifically, when the water in the water tank 500 is drained, the drain pipe 61 is connected to the outside. At this time, the water in the drain pipe 61 is drained, and the water level in the water passage cavity 103 gradually decreases. The sealing member 20 floats down with the water level in the water passage cavity 103 to a position where it abuts against the shell body 121, so that the inner surface of the shell body 121 is a spherical surface. The radial dimension of the spherical surface is larger than the radial dimension of the sphere. When part of the sealing member 20 abuts against the inner wall of the spherical surface, the sealing member 20 cannot completely block the second water passage hole 102. At least part of the second water passage hole 102 is connected to the water passage cavity 103 and the drain pipe 61, so that water can enter the drain pipe 61 from the second water passage hole 102 and be discharged outward along the drain pipe 61.

[0084] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the first housing 11 is sleeved on the outside of the connecting ring 122.

[0085] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the first housing 11 is fitted over the second housing 12, and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting ring 122 is engaged with the inner peripheral wall of the first housing 11. That is, at least a portion of the first housing 11 and the connecting ring 122 are directly opposite each other. This facilitates the formation of a bent gap between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. Compared to forming a straight gap between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, forming a bent gap between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can reduce the possibility of water in the water passage cavity 103 flowing out through the gap between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12.

[0086] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, the inner surface of the first housing 11 has a limiting step 111, which stops above the connecting ring 122 to limit the position of the connecting ring 122 when it is assembled.

[0087] Specifically, when the connecting ring 122 moves upward and its upper end stops at the limiting step 111, the connecting ring 122 is in position. The limiting step 111 can restrict the upward movement of the connecting ring 122, thereby limiting the position of the connecting ring 122.

[0088] The following describes a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a water tank 500, a drainage assembly, and an on / off assembly 100 according to the above embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] The bottom of the water tank 500 has a drain outlet 51. The drainage assembly includes a drain pipe 61 and a drain pump. The drain pipe 61 connects the drain pump and the drain outlet 51. The assembly is detachably located at the connection between the drain outlet 51 and the drain pipe 61 so as to control the connection between the water tank 500 and the drain pipe 61 by controlling the connection between the water passage chamber 103 and the water tank 500.

[0090] The on / off component 100 is detachably disposed between the drain outlet 51 and the drain pipe 61, which facilitates the installation and disassembly of the on / off component 100, and thus facilitates the replacement and maintenance of the on / off component 100. Specifically, compared with placing the sealing component 20 inside the drain pipe 61, the on / off component 100 is a structure of its own, and the on / off component 100 and the drain pipe 61 can be detachably matched, which reduces the processing difficulty and makes maintenance more convenient.

[0091] Specifically, when the drain pump drives the water in the water tank 500 to be discharged outward, the drain pipe 61 is connected to the outside. At this time, the water in the drain pipe 61 is discharged, and the water level in the water passage chamber 103 gradually decreases. The sealing member 20 floats down with the water level in the water passage chamber 103. The sealing member 20 opens the first water passage hole 101, and the water in the water tank 500 enters the water passage chamber 103 through the first water passage hole 101, enters the drain pipe 61 through the second water passage hole 102, and is discharged outward along the drain pipe 61.

[0092] When the drain pump stops working, the drain pipe 61 is in a closed state. When water is added to the water tank 500, the water can fill the drain pipe 61. Specifically, the water first enters the drain pipe 61 through the first water passage 101 and the second water passage 102. At this time, the water level in the water passage cavity 103 gradually rises. The sealing part 20 floats upward under the action of buoyancy and closes the first water passage 101. When water is added to the water tank 500 again, the water level in the water tank 500 gradually rises.

[0093] By setting the sealing component 20, the sealing component 20 can block the first water passage hole 101. In this way, when the water in the water tank 500 rotates, the amount of laundry detergent falling into the drain pipe 61 and the water passage cavity 103 can be reduced, thereby improving the utilization rate of laundry detergent and improving the cleaning effect of the clothes to be washed.

[0094] The garment processing apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention utilizes the on / off component 100 according to the above embodiments of the present invention, so that the on / off component 100 itself is a structure, without the need to set up a separate sealed chamber, and without changing any structure of the drain pipe 61 or the water tank 500, resulting in lower cost and higher compatibility.

[0095] Furthermore, by setting the sealing component 20 as a structure, this application can process it as a separate part and then assemble it with the drain outlet 51, which is simple to manufacture and has low cost. In addition, the on / off component 100 does not occupy any space at the bottom of the water tank 500, which helps to save space.

[0096] In some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom of the water tank 500 has a pipe joint 53, the pipe joint 53 is arranged around the drain outlet 51, and the drain pipe 61 is sleeved on the pipe joint 53 and fixedly connected to the pipe joint 53.

[0097] The drain pipe 61 defines the water inlet cavity 611, and the lower part of the outer shell 10 extends into the water inlet cavity 611. The second water passage hole 102 at the lower end of the outer shell 10 is connected to the water inlet cavity 611. Compared with connecting the drain pipe 61 to the second water passage hole 102, this arrangement allows the drain pipe 61 to be placed at a higher position, thereby creating a certain distance between the water inlet of the drain pipe 61 and the drain pump, reducing the difficulty of drainage and enabling the drain pump to drain smoothly.

[0098] In some embodiments, the outer casing 10 includes a first casing 11 and a second casing 12. The first casing 11 covers the second casing 12. A first water passage 101 is located at the upper end of the first casing 11, and a second water passage 102 is located at the lower end of the second casing 12. The first casing 11 defines a mounting protrusion 15. The mounting protrusion 15 extends from the drain outlet 51 into the water tank 500 and is higher than the bottom of the water tank 500. The mounting protrusion 15 is provided with a pressure relief return water hole 151. In this way, when the water in the water tank 500 rotates, the laundry detergent is less likely to remain on the mounting protrusion 15, thereby reducing the amount of laundry detergent entering the drain pipe 61 through the pressure relief return water hole 151 and improving the utilization rate of the laundry detergent.

[0099] The pressure relief return hole 151 connects the water tank 500 and the water passage chamber 103. After the water in the water tank 500 is discharged, the water passage chamber 103, the drain pipe 61 and the water tank 500 are connected through the pressure relief return hole 151, so that the pressure in the water passage chamber 103 and the drain pipe 61 is atmospheric pressure. In this way, when the water flows back into the drain pipe 61, the pressure in the drain pipe 61 and the water passage chamber 103 is prevented from changing, so as not to interfere with the water level detection component in the clothing treatment device.

[0100] The second housing 12 is located inside the water inlet cavity 611. The second water passage hole 102 is spaced apart from the cavity wall of the water inlet cavity 611 to connect the drain pipe 61 and the water passage cavity 103, so that the water in the water passage cavity 103 can enter the drain pipe 61 through the second water passage hole 102.

[0101] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the outer periphery of the housing 10 has a positioning step 18, and the edge of the drain outlet 51 is stopped above the positioning step 18 to limit the relative position of the housing 10 and the water tank 500, so as to prevent the entire housing 10 of the switch assembly 100 from entering the water tank 500.

[0102] The drain pipe 61 defines the water inlet cavity 611, the second housing 12 extends into the water inlet cavity 611, and the first housing 11 extends into the water tank 500, so that the edge of the drain outlet 51 is stopped above the positioning step 18 to limit the relative position of the outer shell 10 and prevent the outer shell 10 from entering the water tank 500 completely.

[0103] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the outer periphery of the outer casing 10 is provided with a support protrusion 17, which surrounds the outer periphery of the outer casing 10 and supports the inner wall surface of the drain pipe 61 to limit the relative position of the outer casing 10 and the drain pipe 61, so that the second water passage hole 102 avoids the inner wall surface of the drain pipe 61, and prevents the inner wall of the drain pipe 61 from blocking the second water passage hole 102, so that the water in the water tank 500 can smoothly enter the drain pipe 61 through the first water passage hole 101 and the second water passage hole 102.

[0104] Other configurations and operations of the garment processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0105] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. In the description of this invention, "above" or "below" a second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or it may include contact between the first and second features not being in direct contact but through another feature between them.

[0106] In the description of this invention, the terms "above," "over," and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0107] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0108] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0109] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A switching component for a garment handling device, characterized in that, include: The outer casing has a water passage cavity, a first water passage hole, and a second water passage hole. Both the first water passage hole and the second water passage hole are connected to the water passage cavity. The first water passage hole is used to connect to the water tank of the clothing processing device, and the second water passage hole is used to connect to the drain pipe of the clothing processing device. A sealing element, which is adapted to be movably disposed in the water passage cavity under the action of buoyancy, for opening and closing the first water passage hole to control the connection and disconnection between the water passage cavity and the water tank.

2. The on / off component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow area of ​​the first water passage and the flow area of ​​the second water passage are both smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing component.

3. The on / off component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first water passage is a circular hole, and the sealing element is a sphere.

4. The on / off component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first water passage is located on the top wall of the outer casing; At least one second water passage is provided on the bottom wall of the housing and is disposed opposite to the first water passage in the vertical direction; and / or, the number of second water passages is multiple and at least a portion of the second water passages are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the housing.

5. The on / off component according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The outer casing also has a pressure relief and return water hole, which is used to connect the water tank and the water passage cavity. The pressure relief and return water hole is higher than the first water passage hole.

6. The on / off component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of pressure relief return water holes is multiple, and the multiple pressure relief return water holes are arranged circumferentially around the first water passage hole.

7. The on / off component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top wall of the outer casing has an upwardly extending mounting protrusion, the top wall of which is higher than the first water passage hole, and the pressure relief return water hole is located on the top wall of the mounting protrusion.

8. The on / off component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting protrusion extends circumferentially along the first water passage hole; The top wall of the mounting protrusion is provided with a pressure relief return water hole, or the top wall of the mounting protrusion is provided with a plurality of pressure relief return water holes and the plurality of pressure relief return water holes are arranged in the extending direction of the mounting protrusion.

9. The on / off component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of mounting protrusions is multiple, and the multiple mounting protrusions are arranged circumferentially in the first water passage hole. There is a water passage between two adjacent mounting protrusions to allow water to flow through.

10. The on / off component according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The outer casing includes a first casing and a second casing, with the first casing covering the top of the second casing, the first water passage being located in the first casing, and the second water passage being located in the second casing.

11. The on / off component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second housing includes: The shell body, wherein the second water passage is provided on the shell body; A connecting ring is attached above the shell body and extends circumferentially along the shell body, and the second shell is connected to the first shell via the connecting ring.

12. The on / off component according to claim 11, characterized in that, The sealing element is a sphere, and the inner surface of the shell body is a spherical surface, the radial dimension of the spherical surface being larger than the radial dimension of the sphere.

13. The on / off component according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first housing is fitted onto the outside of the connecting ring.

14. The on / off component according to claim 13, characterized in that, The inner surface of the first housing has a limiting step, which stops above the connecting ring.

15. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: A water container, wherein the bottom of the water container has a drain outlet; A drainage assembly, comprising a drain pipe and a drain pump, wherein the drain pipe connects the drain pump and the drain outlet; A switching component, wherein the switching component is the switching component according to any one of claims 1-14, the switching component is detachably disposed at the connection between the drain outlet and the drain pipe, so as to control the switching between the water tank and the drain pipe by controlling the switching between the water passage chamber and the water tank.

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