Ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, ultrasonic cleaning method, and laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses an ultrasonic cleaning device, an ultrasonic cleaning method and a clothes processing device, and belongs to the technical field of household appliances. The ultrasonic cleaning device comprises a cleaning tank, an ultrasonic generator and a siphon structure. The cleaning tank has a cleaning cavity, and the bottom of the cleaning cavity is provided with a water outlet. The ultrasonic generator is connected with the cleaning tank. The siphon structure is located in the cleaning tank and is communicated with the water outlet. The siphon structure comprises an overflow channel and a siphon channel. The overflow channel has an overflow hole communicated with the cleaning cavity. The highest point of the overflow hole is not higher than the siphon trigger point of the siphon channel, so that the fluid on the surface of the solution in the cleaning stage can flow out of the overflow hole, and the siphon can be triggered after the water inlet exceeds the overflow hole in the drainage stage. The ultrasonic cleaning method adopts the above ultrasonic cleaning device. The clothes processing device comprises the above ultrasonic cleaning device. Under the action of the ultrasonic wave, the fluid on the surface of the solution carries the stains and flows out of the overflow hole, so that the stains are prevented from adhering to the surface of the article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to an ultrasonic cleaning device, an ultrasonic cleaning method, and a clothing treatment equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasonic cleaning is a classic cleaning method, especially suitable for dirt adhering to hard materials. In daily life, ultrasonic cleaning is also widely used to clean various everyday items such as glasses, jewelry, and dentures.

[0003] When ultrasonic cleaning glasses is being performed, an ultrasonic generator produces ultrasonic waves, which are then transmitted to the object being cleaned through a solution. This solution can be water or a mixture of cleaning agent and water. The ultrasonic waves create a cavitation effect, producing numerous microbubbles. When these microbubbles burst, they remove dirt, grease, sebum, and other grime from the surface of the object, achieving the cleaning purpose.

[0004] Because dirt has a low density, it floats on the surface of the solution. As the water drains from the bottom after washing, the dirt re-adheres to the surface of the item to be cleaned, resulting in a poor cleaning effect. Users usually need to manually wipe the item after washing, which may re-apply grease and sebum to the surface, leading to a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ultrasonic cleaning device, an ultrasonic cleaning method, and a garment treatment equipment to solve the technical problem in the prior art where dirt floating in the cleaning solution adheres to the surface of the object to be cleaned during drainage.

[0006] Based on the above concept, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows:

[0007] An ultrasonic cleaning device, comprising:

[0008] A cleaning tank having a cleaning chamber, wherein a water outlet is provided at the bottom of the cleaning chamber;

[0009] An ultrasonic generator is connected to the cleaning tank;

[0010] A siphon structure is located inside the cleaning tank and communicates with the water outlet. The siphon structure includes an overflow channel and a siphon channel. The overflow channel has an overflow hole that communicates with the cleaning chamber.

[0011] The highest point of the overflow hole is not higher than the siphon trigger point of the siphon channel, so that the fluid on the surface of the solution during the cleaning stage can flow out from the overflow hole, and the siphon can be triggered after the water inlet exceeds the overflow hole during the drainage stage.

[0012] Preferably, the siphon structure includes an inner tube, a sleeve, and an overflow pipe. The bottom end of the inner tube is connected to the outlet. The sleeve is fitted vertically onto the inner tube, forming a siphon channel with an inverted U-shaped cross-section between the sleeve and the inner tube. The overflow pipe passes through the sleeve and the inner tube to form the overflow channel, and one end of the overflow pipe serves as the overflow hole.

[0013] Preferably, the sleeve includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, the outer sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the inner sleeve, the inner sleeve passes through the inner sleeve, the top end of the outer sleeve and the top end of the inner sleeve are sealed together, and the outlet end of the overflow pipe is connected to the inner sleeve.

[0014] Preferably, the top end of the inner sleeve is provided with an auxiliary overflow port that communicates with the overflow channel.

[0015] Preferably, the overflow hole extends in a long strip shape along the vertical direction;

[0016] Alternatively, the overflow orifice may be provided in at least two types, namely a low-level overflow orifice and a high-level overflow orifice, wherein the highest point of the high-level overflow orifice is higher than the highest point of the low-level overflow orifice, and the lowest point of the high-level overflow orifice is neither higher than the highest point of the low-level overflow orifice nor lower than the lowest point of the low-level overflow orifice.

[0017] Preferably, a water collection trough is recessed on the bottom wall of the cleaning chamber, the water outlet is located in the water collection trough, and the water inlet of the siphon channel is located in the water collection trough.

[0018] Alternatively, at least a portion of the bottom wall of the cleaning chamber extends downward at an angle, with the water inlet end of the siphon channel located at the lowest point of the bottom wall.

[0019] Preferably, the system also includes a drainage structure connected to the outlet, and a water immersion sensor is provided on the drainage path of the drainage structure to monitor whether water is being discharged.

[0020] Preferably, the drainage structure includes a housing with a receiving cavity, the cleaning tank is disposed in the receiving cavity, the housing is provided with a drain outlet communicating with the receiving cavity, and the water immersion sensor is disposed at the drain outlet;

[0021] Alternatively, the drainage structure includes a drain pipe, one end of which is connected to the water outlet, and the water immersion sensor is disposed inside the drain pipe.

[0022] Preferably, the drainage structure further includes a water receiving trough, which is disposed below the drain pipe to receive the water flowing out of the drain pipe, and the outlet end of the drain pipe does not exceed the water receiving area of ​​the water receiving trough.

[0023] Preferably, the system also includes a flow guiding structure for guiding gas or water flow within the cleaning tank, so that the solution in the cleaning tank flows spirally upward from the bottom and / or the center liquid level of the solution surface is higher than the outer liquid level.

[0024] An ultrasonic cleaning method, employing the ultrasonic cleaning device described above, includes a cleaning stage and a drainage stage.

[0025] During the cleaning phase, water is introduced into the cleaning tank up to the overflow hole, and the ultrasonic generator is turned on to drive the cleaning tank to vibrate. The fluid on the surface of the solution in the cleaning tank flows out from the overflow hole through the overflow channel.

[0026] During the drainage phase, water is introduced into the cleaning tank until the water level exceeds the overflow hole, triggering a siphon.

[0027] A garment processing device includes a body and an ultrasonic cleaning device as described above, wherein the cleaning tank is connected to the body.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0029] The ultrasonic cleaning device proposed in this invention transmits ultrasonic vibration energy generated by the ultrasonic generator to the solution within the cleaning tank after activation. This energy is then transferred through the solution to the stains on the surface of the item to be cleaned, causing the stains to peel off layer by layer. The peeled-off grease, sebum, and other stains, due to their low density, float on the solution surface. Under the vibration of the ultrasonic waves, the fluid on the solution surface flows out through the overflow hole of the siphon structure, allowing the floating grease, sebum, and other substances to flow out with the fluid, achieving overflow cleaning. Since the highest point of the overflow hole is not higher than the siphon trigger point of the siphon channel, during the drainage phase after cleaning, water is introduced into the cleaning tank, causing any remaining stains to continue overflowing through the overflow hole until the water level exceeds the overflow hole, triggering the siphon. During the water intake process, stains floating on the solution surface can overflow with the fluid, preventing stains from adhering to the surface of the item to be cleaned during siphon drainage, thus improving cleaning effectiveness and user experience. By integrating the overflow channel and siphon channel into the siphon structure, the structure is simplified, achieving both overflow cleaning and siphon drainage.

[0030] The ultrasonic cleaning method proposed in this invention involves the following steps: During the cleaning stage, water is introduced into the cleaning tank up to the overflow hole, and an ultrasonic generator is activated to vibrate the cleaning tank. The fluid on the surface of the solution in the cleaning tank flows out through the overflow hole and overflow channel, achieving simultaneous cleaning and overflow. This allows floating substances such as grease and sebum on the surface of the solution to flow out with the fluid. During the drainage stage, water is introduced into the cleaning tank until the water level exceeds the overflow hole, triggering a siphon. During the process of introducing water into the cleaning tank, any remaining dirt continues to overflow through the overflow hole.

[0031] The garment cleaning device proposed in this invention uses the aforementioned ultrasonic cleaning device. By overflowing during the cleaning stage and setting the highest point of the overflow hole not higher than the siphon trigger point of the siphon channel, the stains floating on the surface of the solution before siphon drainage can overflow with the fluid, preventing the stains from adhering to the surface of the item to be cleaned during siphon drainage, thus improving the cleaning effect and user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic cleaning device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the ultrasonic cleaning device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a partial top view of the ultrasonic cleaning device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the siphon structure provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the inner tube provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the sleeve provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the sleeve provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overflow pipe provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic cleaning device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic cleaning device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the sleeve and float structure provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the overflow pipe provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the overflow pipe provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 14This is a partial structural diagram of the ultrasonic cleaning device provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 15 This is a second schematic diagram of a partial structure of the ultrasonic cleaning device provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 16 This is a third schematic diagram of a partial structure of the ultrasonic cleaning device provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the clothing processing device provided in Embodiment Six of the present invention.

[0049] In the picture:

[0050] 100. Main body; 200. Ultrasonic cleaning device; 300. Dispenser box;

[0051] 210. Cleaning tank; 211. Cleaning chamber; 212. Water outlet; 213. Water collection tank; 214. Annular edge;

[0052] 220. Ultrasonic generator; 221. Power cord;

[0053] 230. Siphon structure; 231. Overflow channel; 2311. Overflow hole; 232. Siphon channel; 233. Inner tube; 2331. Limiting ring; 2332. Second mounting hole; 234. Sleeve; 2341. Outer sleeve; 2342. Inner sleeve; 2343. First mounting hole; 2344. Auxiliary overflow port; 2345. Flow-out groove; 235. Overflow pipe; 236. Elastic structure;

[0054] 240. Drainage structure; 241. Outer shell; 2411. Receiving cavity; 2412. Annular step; 2413. Drain outlet; 2414. Handle cavity; 2415. Power hole; 242. Vibration damping structure; 243. Drain connector; 244. Drain pipe; 245. Water receiving trough;

[0055] 250. Water immersion sensor;

[0056] 260. Float structure;

[0057] 270. Flow guiding structure; 271. Main water inlet pipe; 272. Branch water inlet pipe; 273. Bottom water inlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated 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 intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0059] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0060] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0061] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0062] Example 1

[0063] See Figures 1 to 8 This embodiment provides an ultrasonic cleaning device 200, including a cleaning tank 210, an ultrasonic generator 220, and a siphon structure 230. The cleaning tank 210 has a cleaning chamber 211, and a water outlet 212 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning chamber 211. The ultrasonic generator 220 is connected to the cleaning tank 210. The siphon structure 230 is located inside the cleaning tank 210 and communicates with the water outlet 212. The siphon structure 230 includes an overflow channel 231 and a siphon channel 232. The overflow channel 231 has an overflow hole 2311 that communicates with the cleaning chamber 211. The highest point of the overflow hole 2311 is not higher than the siphon trigger point of the siphon channel 232, so that the fluid on the surface of the solution can flow out from the overflow hole 2311 during the cleaning stage, and the siphon can be triggered after the water inlet exceeds the overflow hole 2311 during the drainage stage.

[0064] After the ultrasonic generator 220 is started, it can transmit the generated ultrasonic vibration energy to the solution in the cleaning tank 210 through the cleaning tank 210 to induce cavitation. The microbubbles generated by the cavitation effect burst and transfer energy to the stains on the surface of the item to be cleaned, causing the stains to peel off layer by layer and detach from the item to be cleaned. The detached grease, sebum and other stains, due to their low density, will float on the surface of the solution. Under the action of ultrasonic vibration, the fluid on the surface of the solution flows out from the overflow hole 2311 of the siphon structure 230, allowing the grease, sebum and other floating matter to flow out with the fluid, realizing overflow cleaning. Since the highest point of the overflow hole 2311 is not higher than the siphon trigger point of the siphon channel 232, during the drainage stage after cleaning, water is introduced into the cleaning tank 210, allowing the remaining stains to continue to overflow through the overflow hole 2311 until the water level exceeds the overflow hole 2311, triggering the siphon. During the water intake process, the stains floating on the surface of the solution can overflow with the fluid, preventing the stains from adhering to the surface of the item to be cleaned when the siphon drainage water level drops, thus improving the cleaning effect and user experience. By integrating the overflow channel 231 and the siphon channel 232 onto the siphon structure 230, the structure is simplified, enabling overflow cleaning and siphon drainage.

[0065] The siphon structure 230 includes an inner tube 233, a sleeve 234, and an overflow pipe 235. The bottom end of the inner tube 233 is connected to the outlet 212. The sleeve 234 is vertically fitted onto the inner tube 233, forming a siphon channel 232 between the sleeve 234 and the inner tube 233. The overflow pipe 235 passes through the sleeve 234 and the inner tube 233 to form an overflow channel 231. One end of the overflow pipe 235 serves as an overflow hole 2311. One function of the overflow pipe 235 is for overflow, and another function is to maintain the distance between the inner tube 233 and the sleeve 234, thus ensuring the unobstructed flow of the siphon channel 232. The position indicated by the horizontal line a in the figure is the lowest point of the overflow hole 2311. When the water level reaches line a, continuing to inject water will achieve the overflow of the upper layer of water. The position indicated by the horizontal line b in the figure is the siphon trigger point. When the water level rises to line b, continuing to inject water will achieve siphon drainage.

[0066] Among them, the siphon channel 232 formed between the sleeve 234 and the inner tube 233 is a siphon channel 232 with an inverted U-shaped cross section, and the siphon trigger point of the siphon channel 232 is the highest point inside the inverted U-shaped structure.

[0067] The inner tube 233 has openings at both ends, and the bottom end of the inner tube 233 is inserted into the water outlet 212. A limit ring 2331 is provided on the outer circumference of the inner tube 233 near the bottom for easy installation and limiting. A sealing gasket can be placed between the limit ring 2331 and the cleaning tank 210 to prevent water leakage.

[0068] The sleeve 234 includes an outer sleeve 2341 and an inner sleeve 2342. The outer sleeve 2341 is fitted over the outer side of the inner sleeve 233, and the inner sleeve 2342 passes through the inner sleeve 233. The top ends of the outer sleeve 2341 and the inner sleeve 2342 are sealed together. The outlet end of the overflow pipe 235 is connected to the inner sleeve 2342. A siphon inlet is formed between the bottom end of the outer sleeve 2341 and the bottom wall of the cleaning tank 210, and a siphon outlet is formed between the bottom end of the inner sleeve 2342 and the inner sleeve 233. The bottom end of the inner sleeve 2342 is lower than the bottom end of the outer sleeve 2341 to facilitate the provision of suction for siphoning. Water overflowing from the overflow hole 2311 flows out of the cleaning tank 210 through the overflow pipe 235 and the inner sleeve 2342.

[0069] To ensure that the inner pipe 233 and the inner sleeve 2342 can accommodate a sufficient amount of siphon water flow to increase the siphon drainage speed, the cross-sections of the inner pipe 233 and the sleeve 234 are not circular, but rather resemble a racetrack shape with rounded corners.

[0070] The overflow pipe 235 is installed through the sleeve 234 and the inner pipe 233 to form an overflow channel 231. The overflow pipe 235 can be installed horizontally through the sleeve 234 and the inner pipe 233, or the overflow pipe 235 can be at a set angle to the horizontal direction, so that the overflow pipe 235 gradually tilts downward along the direction of water flow, so as to facilitate the outflow of water.

[0071] The sleeve 234 is provided with a first mounting hole 2343, which penetrates the outer sleeve 2341 and the inner sleeve 2342. The inner sleeve 233 is provided with a second mounting hole 2332 at a corresponding position. The overflow pipe 235 passes through the first mounting hole 2343 and the second mounting hole 2332.

[0072] In some embodiments, the overflow hole 2311 is a circular hole, and the corresponding overflow pipe 235 is a circular pipe. In some embodiments, the overflow hole 2311 is provided with at least two types, namely a low-level overflow hole and a high-level overflow hole. The highest point of the high-level overflow hole is higher than the highest point of the low-level overflow hole, and the lowest point of the high-level overflow hole is neither higher than nor lower than the highest point of the low-level overflow hole. Corresponding to the two types of overflow pipes 235, the overflow pipes 235 are staggered to ensure that overflow drainage can be carried out for a period of time when the water level rises, so as to remove dirt such as grease and sebum floating on the water surface.

[0073] In this embodiment, the overflow hole 2311 extends in a long strip along the vertical direction. The corresponding overflow pipe 235 is a flat pipe, which is intended to ensure that overflow drainage can be carried out for a period of time during which the water level rises, so as to remove dirt such as grease and sebum floating on the water surface.

[0074] In this embodiment, the top end of the inner sleeve 2342 is provided with an auxiliary overflow port 2344 that communicates with the overflow channel 231. In special circumstances, although the siphon is triggered, if the water injection does not stop and / or is too fast, and the water level rises above the siphon structure 230, it can overflow from the auxiliary overflow port 2344, achieving simultaneous drainage from multiple channels to prevent water from overflowing above the upper edge of the cleaning tank 210. In addition, the setting of the auxiliary overflow port 2344 makes the water flowing out of the overflow channel 231 more smoothly. Conversely, if the auxiliary overflow port 2344 is not provided here, negative pressure will be generated here, affecting the smoothness of overflow drainage.

[0075] During installation, first fix the inner tube 233 to the outlet 212, then fit the sleeve 234 onto the inner tube 233. Specifically, the inner sleeve 2342 passes inside the inner tube 233, and the outer sleeve 2341 is located outside the inner tube 233, so that the first mounting hole 2343 on the sleeve 234 is aligned with the second mounting hole 2332 on the inner tube 233. Insert the overflow pipe 235 into the first mounting hole 2343 and the second mounting hole 2332. The overflow pipe 235 is preferably made of a flexible material, which helps to ensure the airtightness of the connection between the overflow pipe 235, the inner tube 233, and the sleeve 234, and avoids siphon failure due to air leakage.

[0076] After installation, as water injection begins, the water level rises continuously. Once it reaches line a, water begins to overflow from overflow pipe 235. The overflow water flows from cleaning tank 210 into overflow pipe 235 and then into inner sleeve 2342, where it is drained downwards by gravity. The water level continues to rise, and after crossing line b, the water level between inner sleeve 233 and outer sleeve 2341 simultaneously crosses line b. Under the influence of gravity, the water that has crossed line b flows downwards along the gap between inner sleeve 2342 and inner sleeve 233. When the water between inner sleeve 2342 and inner sleeve 233 flows downwards to a level below the bottom wall of water collection tank 213, a siphon is triggered, at which point water injection stops. Under atmospheric pressure, the water in cleaning tank 210 also continuously flows out and is drained away through the siphon.

[0077] A water collection trough 213 is recessed in the bottom wall of the cleaning chamber 211, and a water outlet 212 is located within the water collection trough 213. The inlet end of the siphon channel 232 is located within the water collection trough 213; alternatively, at least a portion of the bottom wall of the cleaning chamber 211 extends downwards at an angle, with the inlet end of the siphon channel 232 located at the lowest point of the bottom wall. This facilitates the smooth flow of water in the cleaning tank 210 to the inlet end of the siphon structure 230, allowing the water in the cleaning tank 210 to be quickly drawn out and drained by the siphon structure 230.

[0078] The ultrasonic cleaning device 200 also includes a drainage structure 240, which is connected to the water outlet 212. A water immersion sensor 250 is installed along the drainage path of the drainage structure 240 to monitor whether water is being discharged. Whenever water flows through the water immersion sensor 250, its electrodes become conductive, thus determining whether water is being discharged. During the cleaning phase, water is introduced into the cleaning tank 210, and the water immersion sensor 250 monitors whether water is being discharged from the drain outlet 2413. If water is discharged, it indicates that water has reached the overflow hole 2311, and the water supply can be stopped.

[0079] In this embodiment, the drainage structure 240 includes a housing 241, the housing 241 has a receiving cavity 2411, a cleaning tank 210 is disposed in the receiving cavity 2411, the housing 241 is provided with a drain outlet 2413 communicating with the receiving cavity 2411, and a water immersion sensor 250 is disposed at the drain outlet 2413.

[0080] The housing 241 has a top opening in its receiving cavity 2411, and the cleaning tank 210 is placed inside the receiving cavity 2411 from top to bottom. The cleaning tank 210 is detachably connected to the housing 241. The top of the receiving cavity 2411 is provided with an annular step 2412, and the edge of the corresponding cleaning tank 210 is provided with an annular edge 214. During installation, the cleaning tank 210 is placed into the receiving cavity 2411 of the housing 241, so that the annular edge 214 overlaps with the annular step 2412 to complete the installation. The operation is simple and can also prevent the cleaning tank 210 from vibrating and shifting.

[0081] A vibration damping structure 242 is provided between the cleaning tank 210 and the outer casing 241. This structure prevents the vibration of the cleaning tank 210 from being transmitted to the outer casing 241 during the vibration process driven by the ultrasonic generator 220, reducing ultrasonic energy consumption and ensuring that the ultrasonic energy primarily acts on the items to be cleaned. Specifically, the vibration damping structure 242 is sandwiched between the annular step 2412 of the outer casing 241 and the annular edge 214 of the cleaning tank 210. The vibration damping structure 242 can be a flexible pad, such as a rubber pad or a silicone pad. The placement of the vibration damping structure 242 makes the installation of the cleaning tank 210 more gentle, preventing damage from impacts and reducing operating noise.

[0082] After the cleaning tank 210 is placed in the receiving cavity 2411 of the housing 241, the bottom of the cleaning tank 210 is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the receiving cavity 2411 to facilitate drainage from the housing 241. The drain outlet 2413 is located at the bottom of the housing 241 or at the side of the housing 241 near the bottom, and water flowing from the siphon structure 230 can flow out through the drain outlet 2413. In this embodiment, the drain outlet 2413 is located at the side of the housing 241 near the bottom.

[0083] Specifically, a drain connector 243 is provided at the drain outlet 2413. The drain connector 243 can be detachably connected to the housing 241 or integrally formed. The water immersion sensor 250 is installed on the drain connector 243. By providing the drain connector 243, it is convenient to install, remove, and replace the water immersion sensor 250. The drain connector 243 can be connected to a corrugated hose or directly injected into a groove with an opening at the bottom. The open groove connects the hose directly to the floor drain or the drain pipe of the washing machine or other drain pipes.

[0084] At least a portion of the bottom wall of the receiving cavity 2411 extends downward at an angle, and the drain outlet 2413 is located at the lowest point of the bottom wall to facilitate the smooth drainage of water from the receiving cavity 2411. A handle cavity 2414 is recessed on the side wall of the outer shell 241 to facilitate pushing and pulling the outer shell 241.

[0085] The ultrasonic generator 220 can adopt an existing structure, and its structure and working principle will not be described in detail here. The ultrasonic generator 220 can be set at the bottom or side of the cleaning tank 210. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic generator 220 is set at the bottom of the cleaning tank 210.

[0086] The power cord 221 of the ultrasonic generator 220 passes through the power hole 2415 provided on the housing 241. The power hole 2415 is set at a distance in the vertical direction above the highest point of the overflow in the overflow area to ensure that water will not overflow from the power hole 2415 outside the housing 241.

[0087] Optionally, the ultrasonic generator 220 is equipped with a waterproof cover. This prevents water flowing down the outer wall of the cleaning tank 210 from contacting the ultrasonic generator 220 and the connector of its power cord 221, thus ensuring circuit reliability.

[0088] Example 2

[0089] Figure 9 Embodiment 2 is shown, wherein components that are the same as or corresponding to those in Embodiment 1 are referred to using the same reference numerals as those in Embodiment 1. For simplicity, only the differences between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 are described. The difference is that the drainage structure 240 includes a drain pipe 244, one end of which is connected to the water outlet 212, and the water immersion sensor 250 is disposed inside the drain pipe 244. The outer casing 241 is unnecessary, simplifying the structure and preventing water from entering the ultrasonic generator 220, thus eliminating the need for a waterproof cover. The drain pipe 244 can be connected to a floor drain or other drainage channel.

[0090] The water collection tank 213 can be set on one side of the cleaning tank 210, and the ultrasonic generator 220 is set close to the water collection tank 213. After drainage, the residual water can be atomized and evaporated by the ultrasonic generator 220 to ensure that the cleaning tank 210 is dry.

[0091] Optionally, the drainage structure 240 also includes a water receiving trough 245, which is located below the drain pipe 244 to receive water flowing out of the drain pipe 244. The outlet end of the drain pipe 244 does not extend beyond the water receiving area of ​​the water receiving trough 245. By providing the water receiving trough 245, even if the cleaning tank 210 is pushed or pulled, it will not affect the drain pipe 244 from discharging water into the water receiving trough 245.

[0092] Example 3

[0093] Figures 10 to 13 Embodiment 3 is shown, wherein components that are the same as or corresponding to those in Embodiment 1 are referred to using the same reference numerals as those in Embodiment 1. For simplicity, only the differences between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 1 are described. The difference is that the ultrasonic cleaning device 200 further includes a float structure 260, which is connected to the sleeve 234. The float structure 260 rises and falls with the water level to move the sleeve 234 up and down to adjust the size of the siphon inlet of the siphon channel 232. At the end of drainage, the bottom end of the sleeve 234 abuts against the bottom wall of the cleaning chamber 211 to minimize the siphon inlet.

[0094] By setting the float structure 260, the size of the siphon inlet can be adjusted. When the water level is high, the siphon inlet is larger, so that enough water can be discharged when the siphon action occurs. As the siphon drainage proceeds, the water level gradually decreases, and the float drives the sleeve 234 to descend until the bottom end of the sleeve 234 abuts against the bottom wall of the cleaning chamber 211, so that the siphon inlet is minimized and airtight, which does not affect the siphon drainage and can also drain the residual water.

[0095] The float structure 260 is sleeved on the outside of the sleeve 234 and close to the bottom end of the sleeve 234, so that the float structure 260 can float as the water level rises when water is injected into the cleaning tank 210. The float structure 260 and the sleeve 234 are detachably connected for easy maintenance and replacement.

[0096] Multiple draining grooves 2345 are provided on the end face of the bottom end of the sleeve 234. When the bottom end of the sleeve 234 abuts against the bottom wall of the cleaning chamber 211, the draining grooves 2345 connect the siphon channel 232 and the cleaning chamber 211. After the bottom end of the sleeve 234 abuts against the bottom wall of the cleaning chamber 211, the residual water will continue to be siphoned away through the space enclosed by the draining grooves 2345 and the bottom wall of the cleaning tank 210. Before the water between the inner tube 233 and the inner sleeve 2342 is drained, the draining grooves 2345 will continue to pump water. Due to the small size of the draining grooves 2345, the siphon discharge flow rate will eventually decrease until the mixture of water and air is finally drawn out, and the residual water can be completely drained.

[0097] Because of the relative movement between the sleeve 234 and the inner tube 233, the overflow pipe 235 will undergo elastic deformation. In this embodiment, the overflow pipe 235 is a circular pipe, and the corresponding overflow hole 2311 is a circular hole. Optionally, an elastic structure 236 is provided inside the overflow pipe 235. This enhances the elasticity of the overflow pipe 235, prevents the overflow pipe 235 from becoming too flat when deformed, thus avoiding affecting the overflow, and also prevents the overflow pipe 235 from moving too far up and down, thus affecting the siphon drainage speed. The elastic structure 236 can be an existing spring, which can be inserted into the overflow pipe 235.

[0098] In this embodiment, the overflow pipe 235 is arranged in at least two rows along the vertical direction to ensure that overflow drainage can be carried out during the process of water level rise, so as to remove dirt such as grease and sebum floating on the water surface.

[0099] Example 4

[0100] Figures 14 to 16 Embodiment 4 is shown, wherein components that are the same as or corresponding to those in Embodiment 1 are represented by the same reference numerals as those in Embodiment 1. For simplicity, only the differences between Embodiment 4 and Embodiment 1 are described. The difference is that the ultrasonic cleaning device 200 further includes a flow guiding structure 270, which is used to guide the flow of gas or water within the cleaning tank 210, so that the solution within the cleaning tank 210 flows spirally upward from the bottom and / or the central liquid level of the solution surface is higher than the peripheral liquid level.

[0101] The purpose is to immediately remove stains that have detached from the item being cleaned from the surface of the item being cleaned. Whether the stains are floating, suspended, or sunken, they can be agitated and drained away through the overflow hole 2311, resulting in higher cleaning efficiency and better cleaning effect.

[0102] To achieve a spiral upward flow of the solution within the cleaning tank 210, water inlets are provided on both opposite sides of the cleaning tank 210, with the inlets staggered and located close to the edge of the tank. When water is injected into the cleaning tank 210 through these two inlets, the water flow is guided along the circumference of the tank, thus forming a spiral upward flow. The staggered arrangement of the water inlets can be achieved by offsetting them both horizontally and vertically.

[0103] It is understandable that if the flow guiding structure 270 introduces water into the cleaning tank 210, then the flow guiding structure 270 not only has a flow guiding function but also a water inlet function, and can be used for water intake into the cleaning tank 210. If the flow guiding structure 270 introduces airflow into the cleaning tank 210, then the flow guiding structure 270 only has a flow guiding function, used to guide the water flow in the cleaning tank 210.

[0104] For example, see Figure 14 and Figure 15The flow guiding structure 270 includes a main water inlet pipe 271 and at least two branch water inlet pipes 272. One end of the branch water inlet pipe 272 is connected to the main water inlet pipe 271, and the other end of the branch water inlet pipe 272 is connected to the cleaning tank 210. Each branch water inlet pipe 272 is connected to a different position in the cleaning tank 210 so that each branch water inlet pipe 272 guides the water flow in the cleaning tank 210. Figure 15 The middle arrow indicates the direction of water flow.

[0105] The cleaning tank 210 is a rectangular tank with two long sides and two short sides. There are two water inlet branch pipes 272, namely the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe. The first branch pipe is connected to the first corner of the cleaning tank 210 and the water outlet direction is along one of the long sides of the cleaning tank 210. The second branch pipe is connected to the second corner of the cleaning tank 210 and the water outlet direction is along the other long side of the cleaning tank 210. The first corner and the second corner are diagonally arranged. The water outlet end of the first branch pipe is lower than the water outlet end of the second branch pipe, so that the solution in the cleaning tank 210 flows spirally upward from the bottom.

[0106] For example, see Figure 16 The flow guiding structure 270 includes a bottom water inlet pipe 273, which is connected to the bottom of the cleaning tank 210 and has a vertically upward water outlet direction, so that the center liquid level on the solution surface is higher than the outer liquid level. The bottom water inlet pipe 273 can be set in the middle of the cleaning tank 210, and the extension length of the bottom water inlet pipe 273 in the cleaning tank 210 can be set according to actual needs.

[0107] The two water inlet branch pipes 272 and the bottom water inlet pipe 273 mentioned above can coexist. During the drainage stage, water is introduced into the cleaning tank 210, causing the solution in the cleaning tank 210 to flow spirally upward from the bottom. At the same time, the central liquid level on the surface of the solution is higher than the outer liquid level. Whether the stains are floating, suspended or sunken, they can be stirred and discharged through the overflow hole 2311.

[0108] The ultrasonic cleaning device 200 in any of the above embodiments can be used independently to achieve automated washing and maintain ultra-high cleanliness. It is understood that the above embodiments can be selectively combined as needed, provided that the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described, and these unspecified embodiments should also be considered within the scope of this specification.

[0109] Example 5

[0110] This embodiment provides an ultrasonic cleaning method using the ultrasonic cleaning device 200 in any of the above embodiments, including a cleaning stage and a drainage stage. In the cleaning stage, water is introduced into the cleaning tank 210 up to the overflow hole 2311, and the ultrasonic generator 220 is turned on to drive the cleaning tank 210 to vibrate. The fluid on the surface of the solution in the cleaning tank 210 flows out from the overflow hole 2311 through the overflow channel 231. In the drainage stage, water is introduced into the cleaning tank 210 until the water level exceeds the overflow hole 2311, after which a siphon is triggered.

[0111] After the ultrasonic generator 220 is started, it can transmit the generated ultrasonic vibration energy to the solution in the cleaning tank 210 through the cleaning tank 210 to generate a cavitation effect. The microbubbles generated by the cavitation effect burst and transfer energy to the stains on the surface of the item to be cleaned, so that the stains are peeled off layer by layer and removed from the item to be cleaned. The grease, sebum and other stains that have been peeled off will float on the surface of the solution due to their low density. Under the action of ultrasonic vibration, the fluid on the surface of the solution flows out from the overflow hole 2311, so that the grease, sebum and other floating objects flow out with the fluid, realizing overflow cleaning.

[0112] In some embodiments, during the cleaning stage, water is introduced into the cleaning tank 210 up to the overflow hole 2311, the water supply is stopped, and the cleaning tank 210 is vibrated by the ultrasonic generator 220, so that the fluid on the surface of the solution in the cleaning tank 210 flows out from the overflow hole 2311 through the overflow channel 231.

[0113] In some embodiments, during the cleaning phase, after the ultrasonic generator 220 is turned on, water is poured out while cleaning, ensuring that the liquid level in the cleaning tank 210 does not exceed the highest point of the overflow hole 2311. By rinsing while water is poured out, the fluid on the surface of the solution continues to flow out, thereby carrying away floating matter such as grease and sebum with the fluid, maintaining overflow cleaning.

[0114] In some embodiments, during the cleaning phase, after the ultrasonic generator 220 is turned on, water is added to the cleaning tank 210 at least once to cause the fluid on the surface of the solution in the cleaning tank 210 to flow out from the overflow hole 2311. The addition of water causes the water level in the cleaning tank 210 to rise, thereby causing floating matter such as grease and sebum to flow out with the fluid.

[0115] During the cleaning phase, water is introduced into the cleaning tank 210, including: first, water is added to a first set water level, and cleaning agent is injected into the cleaning tank 210; the ultrasonic generator 220 is turned on for a first duration to allow the cleaning agent and water to mix thoroughly; then the ultrasonic generator 220 is turned off, and water continues to be introduced until it reaches the overflow hole 2311. The first set water level is lower than the overflow hole 2311.

[0116] During the cleaning stage, after water is introduced into the cleaning tank 210 to the overflow hole 2311 and before the ultrasonic generator 220 is turned on, the item to be cleaned is immersed for a second time, which helps to improve the cleaning effect.

[0117] The status of the water immersion sensor 250 determines whether water has entered the overflow hole 2311. During the cleaning phase, when water is introduced into the cleaning tank 210, if the water immersion sensor 250 is activated, it indicates that water is being discharged, and this is considered as water entering the overflow hole 2311. During the drainage phase, the status of the water immersion sensor 250 determines whether drainage has ended. During the drainage phase, if the water immersion sensor 250 is activated and then deactivated, it indicates that drainage has ended.

[0118] To improve the effectiveness of dirt removal, in some embodiments, during the cleaning phase, when water is introduced into the cleaning tank 210, the injected water flows spirally upward from the bottom of the cleaning tank 210. This water injection method allows dirt floating or suspended in the solution to move away from the object to be cleaned, and float on the surface of the solution with the rising water flow, flowing towards the edge of the cleaning tank 210, thereby facilitating dirt removal.

[0119] To ensure that the dirt floating on the solution surface can be discharged smoothly through overflow, in some embodiments, during the cleaning stage, gas or water is blown from the bottom center of the cleaning tank 210 to the top, so that the central liquid level of the solution surface in the cleaning tank 210 is higher than the peripheral liquid level, so that the solution on the surface has a tendency to flow from the center to the periphery, so that the solution surface in the cleaning tank 210 forms a water surface that gradually decreases from the center to the periphery, thereby allowing the dirt floating on the solution surface to be discharged through the overflow outlets set in the periphery.

[0120] Example 6

[0121] See Figure 17 This embodiment provides a garment cleaning device, including a body 100 and the aforementioned ultrasonic cleaning device 200, with a cleaning tank 210 connected to the body 100. By employing the ultrasonic cleaning device 200, and ensuring that the overflow during the cleaning stage is not higher than the siphon trigger point of the siphon structure 230, stains floating on the solution surface before siphon drainage can overflow with the fluid, preventing stains from adhering to the surface of the items to be cleaned during siphon drainage, thus improving cleaning effectiveness and user experience.

[0122] The garment processing equipment can be existing equipment such as washing machines or washer-dryers. The garment processing equipment includes a control component that is electrically connected to the ultrasonic cleaning device 200 to perform the ultrasonic cleaning method in Embodiment 5.

[0123] When the garment processing equipment integrates an ultrasonic cleaning device 200, the equipment itself has cleaning agent, water, and power, making it convenient to supply water, power, and cleaning agent to the ultrasonic cleaning device 200, and also facilitating drainage through a shared drainage channel. A separate cleaning program is set within the control unit, utilizing these convenient conditions to clean the items to be cleaned.

[0124] Optionally, the washing tank 210 is movably connected to the body 100 via a pull-out mechanism. The body 100 has a receiving cavity with an opening at the front. The washing tank 210 can be pushed into or pulled out of the receiving cavity through the front opening. The top of the receiving cavity acts as a shield for the top surface of the washing tank 210. The power cord 221 of the ultrasonic generator 220 can be connected to a push-button contact. When the entire washing tank 210 is pushed into the receiving cavity of the garment processing equipment, the push-button contact makes contact with the contacts inside the receiving cavity, thus supplying power.

[0125] In some embodiments, the main body 100 includes a housing and a clothes drum disposed within the housing. The clothes handling equipment also includes a dispenser box 300 for introducing a mixture of water and detergent into the clothes drum. To simplify the structure, in some embodiments, the dispenser box 300 is switchably connected to either the clothes drum or the washing tank 210 to introduce water and detergent into the washing tank 210.

[0126] The above embodiments merely illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic cleaning device, characterized in that, include: The cleaning tank (210) has a cleaning chamber (211), and the bottom of the cleaning chamber (211) is provided with a water outlet (212); An ultrasonic generator (220) is connected to the cleaning tank (210); A siphon structure (230) is located in the cleaning tank (210) and communicates with the outlet (212). The siphon structure (230) includes an overflow channel (231) and a siphon channel (232). The overflow channel (231) has an overflow hole (2311) communicating with the cleaning chamber (211). The highest point of the overflow hole (2311) is not higher than the siphon trigger point of the siphon channel (232), so that the fluid on the surface of the solution during the cleaning stage can flow out from the overflow hole (2311), and the siphon can be triggered after the water inlet exceeds the overflow hole (2311) during the drainage stage.

2. The ultrasonic cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The siphon structure (230) includes an inner tube (233), a sleeve (234), and an overflow pipe (235). The bottom end of the inner tube (233) is connected to the outlet (212). The sleeve (234) is sleeved vertically on the inner tube (233), and the sleeve (234) and the inner tube (233) form the siphon channel (232). The overflow pipe (235) passes through the sleeve (234) and the inner tube (233) to form the overflow channel (231). One end of the overflow pipe (235) serves as the overflow hole (2311).

3. The ultrasonic cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sleeve (234) includes an outer sleeve (2341) and an inner sleeve (2342). The outer sleeve (2341) is sleeved on the outside of the inner sleeve (233), and the inner sleeve (2342) passes through the inner sleeve (233). The top end of the outer sleeve (2341) and the top end of the inner sleeve (2342) are sealed together. The outlet end of the overflow pipe (235) is connected to the inner sleeve (2342).

4. The ultrasonic cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top end of the inner sleeve (2342) is provided with an auxiliary overflow port (2344) that communicates with the overflow channel (231).

5. The ultrasonic cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overflow hole (2311) extends in a long strip shape along the vertical direction; Alternatively, the overflow hole (2311) may be provided in at least two types, namely a low-level overflow hole and a high-level overflow hole, wherein the highest point of the high-level overflow hole is higher than the highest point of the low-level overflow hole, and the lowest point of the high-level overflow hole is neither higher than the highest point of the low-level overflow hole nor lower than the lowest point of the low-level overflow hole.

6. The ultrasonic cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the cleaning chamber (211) is recessed with a water collection trough (213), the water outlet (212) is located in the water collection trough (213), and the water inlet of the siphon channel (232) is located in the water collection trough (213). Alternatively, at least a portion of the bottom wall of the cleaning chamber (211) extends downward at an angle, with the inlet end of the siphon channel (232) located at the lowest point of the bottom wall.

7. The ultrasonic cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a drainage structure (240) connected to the outlet (212), and a water immersion sensor (250) is provided on the drainage path of the drainage structure (240) to monitor whether water is discharged.

8. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drainage structure (240) includes a housing (241), the housing (241) having a receiving cavity (2411), the cleaning tank (210) being disposed in the receiving cavity (2411), the housing (241) being provided with a drain outlet (2413) communicating with the receiving cavity (2411), and the water immersion sensor (250) being disposed at the drain outlet (2413); Alternatively, the drainage structure (240) includes a drain pipe (244), one end of which is connected to the outlet (212), and the water immersion sensor (250) is disposed inside the drain pipe (244).

9. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drainage structure (240) further includes a water receiving trough (245), which is located below the drain pipe (244) to receive the water flowing out of the drain pipe (244). The outlet end of the drain pipe (244) does not exceed the water receiving area of ​​the water receiving trough (245).

10. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, It also includes a flow guiding structure (270) for guiding gas or water flow within the cleaning tank (210) so that the solution in the cleaning tank (210) flows spirally upward from the bottom and / or the center liquid level of the solution surface is higher than the outer liquid level.

11. An ultrasonic cleaning method, characterized in that, The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1-10 includes a cleaning stage and a drainage stage; During the cleaning stage, water is introduced into the cleaning tank (210) up to the overflow hole (2311), and the ultrasonic generator (220) is turned on to drive the cleaning tank (210) to vibrate. The fluid on the surface of the solution in the cleaning tank (210) flows out from the overflow hole (2311) through the overflow channel (231). During the drainage phase, water is introduced into the cleaning tank (210) until the water level exceeds the overflow hole (2311), triggering a siphon.

12. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The device includes a body (100) and an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the cleaning tank (210) is connected to the body (100).

Images