Water collecting box and laundry treating apparatus having the same
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510488935.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-23
Smart Images
Figure CN122959982A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of clothing processing equipment, specifically providing a water collection box and clothing processing equipment having the water collection box. Background Technology
[0002] With rising health awareness, people are pursuing a more refined quality of life, and separate laundry washing has become a popular trend in recent years. To meet the need for separate washing of different types of clothing, laundry processing equipment typically includes multiple drums. Such equipment needs to ensure independent drainage for each drum. Unpublished patent applications suggest solutions where each drum uses top drainage. In this case, the drain pipes need to be inserted into multiple floor drains to prevent backflow or cross-contamination. However, residential bathrooms usually only have a single pre-installed floor drain, forcing users to alternately insert and remove drain pipes or connect external diversion valves. This is not only cumbersome but also poses a risk of backflow due to timed or simultaneous drainage.
[0003] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new water collection box and a garment processing device having the water collection box to solve the above problems. Application content
[0004] This application aims to solve the aforementioned technical problem, namely, the problem that when the top drainage scheme is adopted for each drum of the garment processing equipment, it is impossible to both collect the drain pipes and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a water collection box, comprising: a shell, the shell having an outlet, a first inlet and a second inlet, the shell having a water collection cavity, a first inlet channel and a second inlet channel, the inlet end of the first inlet channel being connected to the first inlet, the inlet end of the second inlet channel being connected to the second inlet, the outlet ends of the first inlet channel and the outlet ends of the second inlet channel being connected to the water collection cavity, and the water collection cavity being connected to the outlet.
[0006] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned water collection box, the second water inlet channel includes a first sub-channel and a second sub-channel, and the second sub-channel is bent downward from the top of the first sub-channel and communicates with the water collection cavity.
[0007] In the above-mentioned optional technical solution of the water collection box, the first water inlet channel includes a third sub-channel and a fourth sub-channel, and the fourth sub-channel is connected to the water collection cavity after being bent downward from the top of the third sub-channel.
[0008] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned water collection box, the shell has a first partition and a second partition. The first partition is arranged vertically along the water collection box and has a gap with the top wall of the shell to divide the shell into a first cavity and a second cavity that communicate with each other at the top. The second partition is at least partially intersecting the upper part of the first partition and connected to the shell at its periphery to separate the first cavity and the second cavity to form a first water inlet channel and a second water inlet channel. The part of the second cavity below the intersection of the first partition and the second partition constitutes the water collection cavity.
[0009] In the above-mentioned optional technical solutions for the water collection box, the first water inlet channel is a straight-through channel.
[0010] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned water collection box, the housing has a third partition and a fourth partition. The third partition is arranged vertically along the water collection box. The top of the third partition has a notch so that the remaining part of the top of the third partition forms a protrusion. The protrusion is spaced from the top wall of the housing so that the third partition divides the housing into a third cavity and a fourth cavity that communicate with each other at the top. The fourth partition is at least partially intersecting the protrusion and is connected to the housing at its periphery to separate the third cavity and the fourth cavity to form a second water inlet channel and a first water inlet channel in which the notch is located. The part of the fourth cavity below the intersection of the third partition and the fourth partition constitutes the water collection cavity.
[0011] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned water collection box, the housing also has a third water inlet that is directly connected to the water collection cavity, and the third water inlet is used to receive water from the cleaning pipe.
[0012] In the above-mentioned optional technical solutions for the water collection box, the width of the first water inlet channel is greater than the width of the second water inlet channel; and / or the outlet end of the first water inlet channel and the outlet end of the second water inlet channel are both connected to the top of the water collection chamber; and / or the water collection box further includes a first one-way valve, which is disposed in the first water inlet channel to prevent water in the water collection chamber from flowing back into the first water inlet channel; and / or the water collection box further includes a second one-way valve, which is disposed in the second water inlet channel to prevent water in the water collection chamber from flowing back into the second water inlet channel.
[0013] In the above-mentioned optional technical solution for the water collection box, there are two second water inlet channels and two second water inlets. The water inlet end of one of the second water inlet channels is connected to one of the second water inlets, and the water inlet end of the other second water inlet channel is connected to the other second water inlet. The water outlet end of each of the second water inlet channels is connected to the water collection cavity.
[0014] On the other hand, this application also provides a garment processing device, which includes a water collection box as described in any of the above embodiments, and further includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a drain main pipe. The second cylinder is located above the first cylinder, and the volume of the second cylinder is smaller than the volume of the first cylinder. The drain outlet of the first cylinder is connected to the first water inlet through a first drain pipe, and the drain outlet of the second cylinder is connected to the corresponding second water inlet through a second drain pipe. Both the first drain pipe and the second drain pipe are configured to drain upwards, and both the first drain pipe and the second drain pipe are equipped with a drain pump. The drain main pipe is connected to the water outlet and is configured to drain downwards.
[0015] Those skilled in the art will understand that this application provides a water collection box, including a shell, a water outlet, a first water inlet and a second water inlet on the shell, a water collection cavity, a first water inlet channel and a second water inlet channel inside the shell, the water inlet end of the first water inlet channel being connected to the first water inlet, the water inlet end of the second water inlet channel being connected to the second water inlet, the water outlet end of the first water inlet channel and the water outlet end of the second water inlet channel being connected to the water collection cavity, and the water collection cavity being connected to the water outlet.
[0016] The above-described configuration allows the drain pipes of each tub to be connected to the first and second water inlets, respectively. This enables water to enter the collection chamber through the first and second water inlets and channels, and then exit through the outlet. This application incorporates a collection chamber within the collection box, which is not a shared channel in the water pipes. This allows water entering the first and second water inlets to converge in the larger collection chamber when all tubs drain simultaneously, effectively reducing water pressure and mitigating backflow during collection. During time-sharing drainage, if the water flow velocity is low, the three-dimensional space of the collection chamber creates a potential energy difference, forming a physical barrier. Water in the collection chamber must overcome gravity to flow back into the other channel, thus reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Furthermore, at the end of drainage, the collection chamber can also collect water flowing back from the outlet, preventing backflow and cross-contamination. Attached Figure Description
[0017] The preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the garment processing equipment of this application;
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water collection box of this application;
[0020] Figure 3This is a front cross-sectional view of the water collection box of this application with the first water inlet channel having an "inverted U-shaped" channel;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a sectional view of the rear of the water collection box of this application with the first water inlet channel having an "inverted U-shaped" channel;
[0022] Figure 5 This is a sectional view of the side of the water inlet channel of the water collection box of this application when it has an "inverted U-shaped" channel;
[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the front of the water collection box in this application when the first water inlet channel does not have an "inverted U-shaped" channel;
[0024] Figure 7 This is a sectional view of the rear of the water collection box in the case where the first water inlet channel does not have an "inverted U-shaped" channel;
[0025] Figure 8 This is a sectional view of the side of the water inlet channel of the water collection box of this application when it does not have an "inverted U-shaped" channel.
[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0027] 10-Water collection box; 100-Shell; 110-Outlet; 120-First inlet; 130-Second inlet; 140-First inlet channel; 141-Third sub-channel; 142-Fourth sub-channel; 150-Second inlet channel; 151-First sub-channel; 152-Second sub-channel; 160-Water collection chamber; 171-First partition; 172-Second partition; 1721-First dividing section; 1722- Second partition; 181-Third partition; 1811-Notch; 1812-Protrusion; 182-Fourth partition; 1821-Third partition; 1822-Fourth partition; 190-Third inlet; 210-First check valve; 220-Second check valve; 20-Casing; 31-First cylinder; 32-Second cylinder; 41-First drain pipe; 42-Second drain pipe; 50-Drain pump; 60-Main drain pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0028] Preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.
[0029] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, terms such as "upper" and "lower," indicating direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. This is merely for ease of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0030] To address the issue that existing garment processing equipment using top-drainage systems cannot simultaneously consolidate all drain pipes while minimizing the risk of cross-contamination, such as... Figure 3 As shown, this application provides a water collection box, including a housing 100. The housing 100 has a water outlet 110, a first water inlet 120 and a second water inlet 130. The housing 100 has a water collection cavity 160, a first water inlet channel 140 and a second water inlet channel 150 inside. The water inlet end of the first water inlet channel 140 is connected to the first water inlet 120, and the water inlet end of the second water inlet channel 150 is connected to the second water inlet 130. The water outlet ends of the first water inlet channel 140 and the second water inlet channel 150 are both connected to the water collection cavity 160. The water collection cavity 160 is connected to the water outlet 110.
[0031] The above configuration allows the drain pipes of each tub to be connected to the first inlet 120 and the second inlet 130, respectively. This enables water to enter the water collection chamber 160 through the first inlet 120 and the first inlet channel 140, and through the second inlet 130 and the second inlet channel 150, before being discharged from the outlet 110. This application provides a water collection chamber 160 within the water collection box 10. This water collection chamber 160 is not a common channel in the water pipes. This allows water entering the first inlet channel 140 and the second inlet channel 150 to collect in the larger water collection chamber 160 when all the washing tubs drain simultaneously, effectively relieving water pressure and reducing backflow during the water collection process. During time-sharing drainage, if the water flow velocity is low, the three-dimensional space of the box-type water collection chamber 160 can be used to create a water level potential energy difference, forming a physical isolation. The water in the water collection chamber 160 needs to overcome gravity to rise and flow back into another channel, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination. In addition, at the end of drainage, the water collection chamber 160 can also collect the water flowing back from the outlet 110 to prevent backflow and cross-contamination.
[0032] The specific implementation methods of the clothing processing device and water collection box of this application are described below.
[0033] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the garment processing equipment of this application can be a drum washing machine or a drum washer-dryer combo, etc. The garment processing equipment includes a housing 20, a first drum 31, two second drums 32, a drain pump 50, a water collection box 10, and a drain main pipe 60. Both the first drum 31 and the second drum 32 are located inside the housing 20. The volume of the first drum 31 is larger than the volume of the second drum 32. The two second drums 32 are arranged side-by-side above the first drum 31 along the width direction of the housing 20. Rotatable inner drums can be installed inside both the first drum 31 and the second drum 32. In practical use, the lower first drum 31 is suitable for washing and caring for ordinary clothes and bedding, while the second drum 32 is more suitable for washing and / or caring for small items of clothing, such as underwear and socks. In addition, the water collection box 10 includes a housing 100, which has an outlet 110, a first inlet 120 and two second inlets 130. The drain outlet of the first cylinder 31 is connected to the first inlet 120 through a first drain pipe 41. The drain outlets of the two second cylinders 32 are respectively connected to the two second inlets 130 through two second drain pipes 42. The first drain pipe 41 and each of the second drain pipes 42 are configured to drain upwards. A drain pump 50 is provided on the first drain pipe 41 and each of the second drain pipes 42. The housing 100 includes a water collection chamber 160, a first water inlet channel 140, and two second water inlet channels 150. The inlet end of the first water inlet channel 140 is connected to the first water inlet 120, and the inlet ends of the two second water inlet channels 150 are respectively connected to the two second water inlets 130. The outlet ends of the first water inlet channel 140 and the two second water inlet channels 150 are all connected to the top of the water collection chamber 160. The water collection chamber 160 is connected to the outlet 110, which is connected to the drain main pipe 60, which is downwardly oriented. Each of the two independent second water inlet channels 150 includes a first sub-channel 151 and a second sub-channel 152. The second sub-channel 152 bends downward from the top of the first sub-channel 151 and then connects to the water collection chamber 160.
[0034] This application designs the second water inlet channel 150, which connects to the smaller second drum 32, to have a first sub-channel 151 and a second sub-channel 152. The second sub-channel 152 bends downward from the top of the first sub-channel 151 and connects to the water collection chamber 160. In other words, at least a portion of the second water inlet channel 150 can form an inverted U-shaped channel, while the first water inlet channel 140 is not restricted. This is because the first drum 31 has a larger volume and is typically used for washing ordinary clothing, which may contain pockets. If the user fails to remove foreign objects (such as shredded paper) from the pockets, larger lint will flow out with the water during drainage. The second drum 32, with its smaller volume, is typically used for washing small items of clothing, such as underwear and socks. These items do not have pockets and produce less lint, avoiding the generation of large lint. Furthermore, because the first drum 31 has a larger volume, the drain pump 50 used is typically more powerful, resulting in a larger drainage flow rate. When the first cylinder 31 drains, under the strong water pressure, water entering the water collection chamber 160 from the first water inlet channel 140 may flow back into the second water inlet channel 150. Since the second sub-channel 152 bends downward from the top of the first sub-channel 151, the water in the water collection chamber 160 must first enter the second sub-channel 152 and then continue to flow upward to the top before it can flow back into the second cylinder 32 through the second drain pipe 42, increasing the difficulty of water cross-contamination. Therefore, the above design of this application can further reduce the possibility of water cross-contamination. Moreover, since the second cylinder 32 produces small thread debris, it will not cause thread debris blockage when draining the second cylinder 32. Because the volume of the second cylinder 32 is small, the power of the drainage pump 50 used is also small. When the second cylinder 32 drains water, the setting of the water collection chamber 160 can effectively reduce the possibility of water flowing back to the first water inlet channel 140. Therefore, the first water inlet channel 140 can be spared this "inverted U-shaped" design. When the first cylinder 31 drains water, it provides a more spacious flow path for the large wire debris in the first cylinder 31 and will not cause wire debris blockage.
[0035] Of course, the first water inlet channel 140 of this application may also include a third sub-channel 141 and a fourth sub-channel 142, with the fourth sub-channel 142 bending downwards from the top of the third sub-channel 141 and communicating with the water collection chamber 160. That is, at least a portion of the first water inlet channel 140 can form an "inverted U-shaped" channel. This arrangement can further reduce the possibility of water cross-contamination when the second cylinder 32 drains water.
[0036] The following describes the possible specific implementations of the first water inlet channel 140, which have an "inverted U-shaped" channel and those that do not.
[0037] An embodiment where the first water inlet channel 140 has an inverted U-shaped channel:
[0038] like Figures 3 to 5As shown, the housing 100 has a first partition 171 and a second partition 172. The first partition 171 is vertically arranged along the water collection box 10 and has a gap with the top wall of the housing 100 to divide the housing 100 into a first cavity and a second cavity that communicate with each other at the top. The second partition 172 includes a lower first partition section 1721 and an upper second partition section 1722. The first partition section 1721 is located in the first cavity, and the second partition section 1722 is arranged to intersect with the upper part of the first partition 171 and is connected to the housing 100 at its periphery to divide the first cavity and the second cavity into a first water inlet channel 140 and a second water inlet channel 150. The part of the second cavity below the second partition section 1722 constitutes a water collection cavity 160. It should be noted that if there are two second water inlet channels 150, there are also two second partitions 172. The two second partitions 172 divide the first cavity and the second cavity into two second water inlet channels 150 and one first water inlet channel 140.
[0039] The distance between the first partition 171 and the top of the housing 100 forms a top communication area. Combined with the intersecting separation of the second partition 172, this allows water to flow smoothly through predetermined channels in the water collection box 10 without interference from overlapping or intersecting paths, ensuring both drainage efficiency and maintaining the independence of each path. It also accommodates the design of the water inlet channel and water collection chamber 160 within the water collection box 10, achieving various functions while making the structure more compact and maximizing the use of internal space. Furthermore, it avoids the accumulation of wire debris caused by complex bends. In addition, this intersecting arrangement of partitions forms a labyrinthine flow channel, requiring water to undergo multiple directional changes and kinetic energy consumption before reversing, further reducing the possibility of backflow.
[0040] The first partition 171 and the second partition 172 can be integrally formed with the shell 100 or they can be connected separately. When connected separately, they can be bonded together or sealed with a sealing strip, and then fixed with bolts or buckles after sealing.
[0041] It should be noted that although the above description uses the example of the second partition 172 including a lower first partition segment 1721 and an upper second partition segment 1722, with the first partition segment 1721 located in the first cavity and the second partition segment 1722 intersecting the upper part of the first partition 171, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, the first partition segment 1721 can be omitted. In this case, the second partition 172 is intersecting the upper part of the first partition 171 and its periphery is connected to the housing 100. The portion of the second cavity below the intersection of the first partition 171 and the second partition 172 constitutes the water collection cavity 160. At the same time, the first water inlet 120 and the second water inlet 130 can be lifted upwards accordingly.
[0042] The first water inlet channel 140 can be either without an inverted U-shaped channel or, in other embodiments, as follows:
[0043] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown (a schematic diagram without the "inverted U-shaped" channel), the housing 100 has a third partition 181 and a fourth partition 182. The third partition 181 is vertically arranged along the water collection box 10. The top of the third partition 181 has a notch 1811, so that the remaining part of the top of the third partition 181 forms a protrusion 1812. The protrusion 1812 is spaced from the top wall of the housing 100 to divide the housing 100 into a third cavity and a fourth cavity that communicate with each other at the top. The partition 182 includes a lower third partition section 1821 and an upper fourth partition section 1822. The third partition section 1821 is located in the third cavity, and the fourth partition section 1822 is intersecting with the protrusion 1812 and connected to the outer periphery of the housing 100, thereby separating the third cavity and the fourth cavity to form a second water inlet channel 150 and a first water inlet channel 140 in which the notch 1811 is located. The portion of the fourth cavity below the fourth partition section 1822 constitutes a water collection cavity 160. It should be noted that if there are two second water inlet channels 150, there are also two fourth partitions 182. The two fourth partitions 182 separate the first cavity and the second cavity to form two second water inlet channels 150 and two first water inlet channels 140.
[0044] This application does not limit the shape of the notch 1811. The notch 1811 is preferably located at the top edge of the third partition 181, but it is not limited to being located at the top center of the third partition 181. It can be an L-shaped notch, a U-shaped notch, or a V-shaped notch with its width gradually decreasing from top to bottom, etc. These adjustments do not deviate from the principles of this application and are all within the scope of protection of this application. It is understood that when the first water inlet channel 140 has an "inverted U-shaped" channel, the lowest point of the notch 1811 can be higher than the water outlet end of the second water inlet channel 150.
[0045] The distance between the third partition 181 and the top of the housing 100 forms a top communication area. Combined with the cross-separation of the fourth partition 182, this allows the water flow within the collection box 10 to flow smoothly along predetermined channels without interference from overlapping or intersecting paths, ensuring both drainage efficiency and maintaining the independence of each path. It also accommodates the design of the water inlet channel and collection chamber 160 within the collection box 10, achieving various functions while making the structure more compact and maximizing the use of internal space. Furthermore, since the notch 1811 is located in the first water inlet channel 140, the first water inlet channel 140 can form a straight flow channel or a widened "inverted U-shaped" channel, effectively preventing blockage by large wire debris in the first cylinder 31. In addition, this cross-separated partition forms a labyrinthine flow channel, requiring the water to undergo multiple directional changes and kinetic energy consumption before reversing, further reducing the possibility of backflow.
[0046] The third partition 181 and the fourth partition 182 can be integrally formed with the shell 100 or they can be connected separately. When connected separately, they can be bonded together or sealed with a sealing strip, and then fixed with bolts or clips after sealing.
[0047] It should be noted that although the above description uses the fourth partition 182, which includes a lower third partition section 1821 and an upper fourth partition section 1822, with the third partition section 1821 located in the third cavity and the fourth partition section 1822 intersecting with the protrusion 1812, as an example, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, the third partition section 1821 can be omitted. In this case, the fourth partition 182 is intersecting with the protrusion 1812 and its periphery is connected to the housing 100. The portion of the fourth cavity below the intersection of the third partition 181 and the fourth partition 182 constitutes the water collection cavity 160. Simultaneously, the first water inlet 120 and the second water inlet 130 can be lifted upwards accordingly.
[0048] In one possible implementation, the housing 100 also has a third water inlet 190 directly connected to the water collection chamber 160. The third water inlet 190 is used to receive water from the cleaning pipe, wherein the cleaning pipe is higher than the water collection box 10. The cleaning pipe can be connected to the detergent dispensing module. If the detergent dispensing module has a separate water inlet, after the detergent dispensing module has completed detergent dispensing, water is introduced into the detergent dispensing module through the water inlet to rinse the detergent dispensing module. The rinsed water enters directly into the water collection chamber 160 through the cleaning pipe and the third water inlet 190, and then is discharged from the water outlet 110. Since the cleaning pipe is higher than the water collection box 10, water will not flow back through the cleaning pipe whether the first cylinder 31 or the second cylinder 32 is draining water. Furthermore, the detergent dispensing module is rinsed after the detergent has been dispensed but before the water intake has finished. During rinsing, the water flow is very small, and the water flows directly out of the water collection chamber 160, preventing it from flowing back into the first water inlet channel 140 and the second water inlet channel 150. In addition, the above-mentioned design of this application also integrates the drainage of the washing water from the detergent dispensing module, further saving space in this multi-roller laundry processing equipment.
[0049] More specifically, in this application, the third inlet 190 is higher than the outlet 110. Specifically, both the third inlet 190 and the outlet 110 can be located on the side of the water collection chamber 160, with the outlet 110 lower than the third inlet 190. Since the water flow rate in the cleaning pipe is much smaller than that in the first cylinder 31 and the second cylinder 32, the diameter of the third inlet 190 can be designed to be smaller than the diameters of the first inlet 120 and the second inlet 130, or smaller than the diameter of the outlet 110. Because the outlet 110 has a larger diameter, the drainage speed is very fast when the cleaning water is discharged, and the water level usually does not reach above the third inlet 190, nor does it flow back into the first inlet channel 140 and the second inlet channel 150.
[0050] It should be noted that although the above description uses the connection between the cleaning pipe and the detergent dispensing module as an example, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, as an alternative implementation, the cleaning pipe can be connected to a spray device or a water inlet pipe. These adjustments do not deviate from the principles of this application and are all within the scope of protection of this application.
[0051] In one possible implementation, the water collection box 10 further includes a first one-way valve 210, which is disposed in the first water inlet channel 140 to prevent water in the water collection chamber 160 from flowing back into the first water inlet channel 140. Furthermore, the water collection box 10 also includes a second one-way valve 220, which is disposed in each second water inlet channel 150 to prevent water in the water collection chamber 160 from flowing back into the second water inlet channel 150. This application does not limit the specific location of the first one-way valve 210 and the second one-way valve 220. For example, the second one-way valve 220 can be disposed in the lower part of the second sub-channel 152, or it can be disposed in the first sub-channel 151. The first one-way valve 210 can also be disposed at any position in the first water inlet channel 140.
[0052] Because the drainage pump 50 of the first cylinder 31 has a relatively high power, the water flow rate is also relatively high when the first cylinder 31 drains water. In order to completely prevent water from flowing back into the second cylinder 32 through the second inlet channel 150, a second check valve 220 is installed in the second inlet channel 150. Similarly, a first check valve 210 is installed in the first inlet channel 140. Especially when the first inlet channel 140 is not designed as an "inverted U-shaped" channel, installing the first check valve 210 in the first inlet channel 140 can prevent the first inlet channel 140 from being blocked by wire debris, and can also prevent backflow of water when the second cylinder 32 drains water.
[0053] Furthermore, due to the presence of washing lint, the accumulation of lint at the check valves may cause the first check valve 210 and / or the second check valve 220 to not seal properly, resulting in gaps at the first check valve 210 and / or the second check valve 220. In order to completely prevent some water from flowing back up into the first cylinder 31 and / or the second cylinder 32 through the gaps, this application also incorporates the aforementioned "inverted U-shaped" channel in addition to the design of the check valves.
[0054] In one possible implementation, the width of the first inlet channel 140 is greater than the width of the second inlet channel 150. Because the drainage pump 50 of the first cylinder 31 requires a large water volume, the first inlet channel 140 is designed to be wider to match this demand and ensure smooth water flow into the main drain pipe 60. Conversely, the drainage pump 50 of the second cylinder 32 has a smaller drainage capacity, and the narrower second inlet channel 150 can meet the smaller water volume requirement. When the drainage pump 50 is operating, this matching inlet channel reduces flow resistance and unnecessary energy loss, especially under high load conditions, reducing pump burden and improving overall energy efficiency.
[0055] Possibly, to facilitate communication with the first drain pipe 41, the first water inlet 120 may be located at the bottom of the housing 100 of the water collection box 10. Furthermore, the two second water inlets 130 may be located in the same or different positions. For example, one second water inlet 130 may be located at the bottom of the housing 100, and the other second water inlet 130 may be located on the side of the housing 100. Alternatively, both second water inlets 130 may be located on the side of the housing 100. These adjustments do not deviate from the principles of this application and are all within the scope of protection of this application.
[0056] This application also has significant advantages in terms of the structure of the garment processing equipment. Specifically, since the second cylinder 32 is located above the first cylinder 31, and the volume of the second cylinder 32 is smaller than that of the first cylinder 31, the overall height of the equipment can be reduced. Simultaneously, to avoid lowering the height of the wall drain outlet, both the first drain pipe 41 and the second drain pipe 42 are configured for upward drainage. Drain pumps 50 are installed on both the first and second drain pipes 41 and 42. When the second cylinder 32 needs to drain, the drain pump 50 on the second drain pipe is turned on, and the wastewater from the second cylinder 32 is directly discharged through the second drain pipe 42 to the water collection box 10, and then from the water collection box 10 to the main drain pipe 60. When the first cylinder 31 needs to drain, the drain pump 50 on the first drain pipe 41 is turned on, and the wastewater from the first cylinder 31 is directly discharged through the first drain pipe 41 to the water collection box 10, and then from the water collection box 10 to the main drain pipe 60. This design can accommodate wall-mounted and floor drains of all heights, and there are no restrictions on the installation conditions of the clothing processing equipment. The clothing processing equipment can be designed to be of standard size or other low height, making it easy to embed into the cabinet.
[0057] On the other hand, the drain outlets of each of the second cylinders 32 in this application are connected to each of the second inlets 130 through independent drain pipes, so that each can use an independent second inlet channel 150 for drainage, instead of sharing a single second inlet channel 150 for drainage. This can avoid a significant increase in water flow when each of the second cylinders 32 drains at the same time, thereby further reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.
[0058] It should be noted that although the water collection box 10 described above is based on a drainage scenario of the first drum 31 and the second drum 32, this is not limiting, and its application scenario can be adjusted. For example, a clothing processing device includes an upper washing drum and a lower base for a robotic vacuum cleaner. The washing drum is connected to the second water inlet 130 via a drain pipe, and the cleaning tank in the base is connected to the first water inlet 120 via a drain pipe. Each drain pipe is configured to drain upwards and is equipped with a drain pump, etc. These adjustments do not deviate from the principles of this application and are all within the protection scope of this application.
[0059] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can adjust the above structure so that this application can be applied to more specific application scenarios.
[0060] For example, as an alternative implementation, although the above description of this application uses two second cylinders 32, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. The number of second cylinders 32 can be adjusted, for example, to one, three, or more than three. Furthermore, the number of second inlets 130, second inlet channels 150, second baffles 172, fourth baffles 182, and second check valves 220 should correspond to the number of second cylinders 32, and can all be one, three, or more than three. Moreover, this application does not limit the number of first inlet channels 140 and first inlets 120, which can be adjusted according to actual applications. These adjustments do not deviate from the principles of this application and are all within the scope of protection of this application.
[0061] For example, as an alternative implementation, although this application describes the second cylinders 32 arranged side by side above the first cylinder 31 as an example, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, each of the second cylinders 32 can be arranged along the height direction and located above the first cylinder 31. These adjustments do not deviate from the principles of this application and are all within the scope of protection of this application.
[0062] For example, as an alternative implementation, at least one of the first check valve 210, the second check valve 220, and the third inlet 190 can be omitted.
[0063] For example, as an alternative implementation, although this application describes an example where the outlet ends of the first water inlet channel 140 and the second water inlet channel 150 are both connected to the top of the water collection cavity 160, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. It is sufficient that the outlet ends of the first water inlet channel 140 and the second water inlet channel 150 are both higher than the bottom of the water collection cavity 160. For example, the outlet ends of the first water inlet channel 140 and the second water inlet channel 150 can both be connected to the side of the water collection cavity 160. These adjustments do not deviate from the principles of this application and are all within the scope of protection of this application.
[0064] For example, as an alternative implementation, the specific implementation of the second sub-channel 152 bending downward from the top of the first sub-channel 151 and the fourth sub-channel 142 bending downward from the top of the third sub-channel 141 is not fixed. For example, a certain distance is left between the second sub-channel 152 and the first sub-channel 151, and a certain distance is left between the third sub-channel 141 and the fourth sub-channel 142. These adjustments do not deviate from the principle of this application and are all within the protection scope of this application.
[0065] For example, as an alternative implementation, the inner drum of at least one of the first drum 31 and the second drum 32 can be omitted, and an agitator or agitator for washing clothes can be installed in the corresponding drum.
[0066] For example, as an alternative implementation, although this application describes the cleaning pipe as being higher than the water collection box, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. The cleaning pipe being flush with or lower than the water collection box is within the scope of protection of this application.
[0067] The technical solutions of this application have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A water collection box, characterized in that, include: The housing (100) has an outlet (110), a first inlet (120) and a second inlet (130) on it. The housing (100) has a water collection chamber (160), a first water inlet channel (140) and a second water inlet channel (150) inside it. The water inlet end of the first water inlet channel (140) is connected to the first water inlet (120), and the water inlet end of the second water inlet channel (150) is connected to the second water inlet (130). The water outlet ends of the first water inlet channel (140) and the second water inlet channel (150) are both connected to the water collection chamber (160). The water collection chamber (160) is connected to the outlet (110).
2. The water collection box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second water inlet channel (150) includes a first sub-channel (151) and a second sub-channel (152). The second sub-channel (152) is bent downward from the top of the first sub-channel (151) and communicates with the water collection cavity (160).
3. The water collection box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first water inlet channel (140) includes a third sub-channel (141) and a fourth sub-channel (142). The fourth sub-channel (142) is bent downward from the top of the third sub-channel (141) and communicates with the water collection cavity (160).
4. The water collection box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The housing (100) has a first partition (171) and a second partition (172). The first partition (171) is arranged vertically along the water collection box and has a gap with the top wall of the housing (100) to divide the housing (100) into a first cavity and a second cavity that communicate with each other at the top. The second partition (172) is at least partially intersecting the upper part of the first partition (171) and connected to the housing (100) at its periphery to separate the first cavity and the second cavity to form a first water inlet channel (140) and a second water inlet channel (150). The portion of the second cavity below the intersection of the first partition (171) and the second partition (172) constitutes the water collection cavity (160).
5. The water collection box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first water inlet channel (140) is a straight-through channel.
6. The water collection box according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that, The housing (100) has a third partition (181) and a fourth partition (182) inside. The third partition (181) is vertically arranged along the water collection box. The top of the third partition (181) has a notch (1811) so that the remaining part of the top of the third partition (181) forms a protrusion (1812). The protrusion (1812) is spaced from the top wall of the housing (100) so that the third partition (181) divides the interior of the housing (100) into top sections. The third and fourth cavities are interconnected, and the fourth partition (182) is at least partially intersecting the protrusion (1812) and connected to the housing (100) on its periphery, so as to separate the third cavity and the fourth cavity to form the second water inlet channel (150) and the first water inlet channel (140) in which the notch (1811) is located. The portion of the fourth cavity below the intersection of the third partition (181) and the fourth partition (182) constitutes the water collection cavity (160).
7. The water collection box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (100) also has a third water inlet (190) that is directly connected to the water collection chamber (160), and the third water inlet (190) is used to receive water from the cleaning pipe.
8. The water collection box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the first water inlet channel (140) is greater than the width of the second water inlet channel (150); and / or The outlet ends of the first water inlet channel (140) and the second water inlet channel (150) are both connected to the top of the water collection chamber (160); and / or The water collection box further includes a first one-way valve (210), which is disposed in the first water inlet channel (140) to prevent water in the water collection chamber (160) from flowing back into the first water inlet channel (140); and / or The water collection box also includes a second one-way valve (220), which is located in the second water inlet channel (150) and is used to prevent water in the water collection chamber (160) from flowing back into the second water inlet channel (150).
9. The water collection box according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two second water inlet channels (150) and two second water inlets (130). The water inlet end of one second water inlet channel (150) is connected to one second water inlet (130), and the water inlet end of the other second water inlet channel (150) is connected to the other second water inlet (130). The water outlet end of each second water inlet channel (150) is connected to the water collection chamber (160).
10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The garment processing device includes a water collection box as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and further includes a first cylinder (31), a second cylinder (32), and a drain main pipe (60). The second cylinder (32) is located above the first cylinder (31), and the volume of the second cylinder (32) is smaller than the volume of the first cylinder (31). The drain outlet of the first cylinder (31) is connected to the first water inlet (120) through the first drain pipe (41), and the drain outlet of the second cylinder (32) is connected to the corresponding second water inlet (130) through the second drain pipe (42). Both the first drain pipe (41) and the second drain pipe (42) are configured to drain upwards. Both the first drain pipe (41) and the second drain pipe (42) are equipped with a drain pump (50). The drain main pipe (60) is connected to the water outlet (110) and is configured to drain downwards.