Washing machine

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model relates to the technical field of washing equipment, and provides a washing machine. The washing machine comprises a water inlet box. A water inlet, an outlet, a clothes treating agent inlet and a mixing flow channel are formed in a premixing cavity of the water inlet box. The mixing flow channel comprises a main flow channel and a plurality of branch flow channels. The liquid inlet end of the main runner is communicated with the water inlet and the clothes treating agent inlet, and the liquid outlet end of the main runner is communicated with the outlet. In the direction from the liquid inlet end to the liquid outlet end, the multiple branch flow channels are distributed on the two sides of the main flow channel in the width direction, and each branch flow channel is provided with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are both communicated with the main flow channel, and the direction of the liquid outlet is different from the flowing direction of inflow water and the clothes treating agent in the main flow channel. According to the washing machine, through the arrangement of the mixing flow channel, the mixing degree of inlet water in the water inlet box and the clothes treating agent can be improved, and the cleaning ratio of the washing machine is increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of washing equipment technology, and in particular to a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, some washing machines have an automatic dispensing function, which allows the machine to automatically calculate and dispense the appropriate amount of laundry detergent based on the weight, material, and degree of soiling of the clothes. This not only improves washing performance but also avoids waste of laundry detergent. Laundry detergents include both washing liquid and fabric softener.

[0003] When a washing machine performs its automatic detergent dispensing function, it typically uses an automatic dispensing pump to draw laundry detergent from the soap dispenser and add it to the premixing chamber of the water inlet box. This allows the detergent to mix with the water in the inlet box before entering the washing drum to clean the clothes. As people increasingly demand better washing results from washing machines, there is a need to further improve the mixing degree between the detergent and the water in the inlet box. How to improve the mixing degree of the detergent and the water in the inlet box has become a technical problem that needs to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a washing machine that can improve the mixing degree of water and laundry detergent in the water inlet box, thereby increasing the washing efficiency of the washing machine.

[0005] This application provides a washing machine, which includes:

[0006] Chassis;

[0007] The water inlet box is installed in the chassis; the water inlet box has a premixing chamber, which includes a water inlet, an outlet, a laundry detergent inlet, and a mixing channel. The water inlet is used to introduce water into the premixing chamber, and the laundry detergent inlet is used to discharge laundry detergent into the premixing chamber; the mixing channel includes:

[0008] The main channel has an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end is connected to the water inlet and the laundry detergent inlet, and the outlet end is connected to the outlet. Water and laundry detergent flow from the inlet end to the outlet end in the main channel.

[0009] Multiple branch channels are distributed on both sides of the main channel in the width direction along the direction from the inlet end to the outlet end. Each branch channel has an inlet and an outlet, both of which are connected to the main channel. The outlets are oriented differently from the flow direction of water and laundry detergent in the main channel.

[0010] In this embodiment of the application, by setting up a main channel and branch channels in the mixing channel, during the process of the inlet water pushing the laundry detergent to flow together towards the outlet in the main channel, a portion of the inlet water and a portion of the laundry detergent will be diverted into the branch channels, while the remaining inlet water and remaining laundry detergent will continue to flow towards the outlet along the main channel.

[0011] Because the outlet is oriented differently from the flow direction of the water and laundry detergent in the main channel, some of the laundry detergent and water will change their flow direction when flowing out of the branch channel. This will cause them to collide with the laundry detergent and water flowing in the main channel, creating a vortex. This allows the laundry detergent and water flowing out of the branch channel to be fully mixed with the laundry detergent and water flowing in the main channel due to the collision.

[0012] Furthermore, because multiple branch channels are distributed on both sides of the main channel in the width direction along the direction from the inlet to the outlet, as the laundry detergent and water flow along the main channel towards the outlet, they continuously enter multiple branch channels and are diverted multiple times, colliding repeatedly with the laundry detergent and water in the main channel. Through these multiple collisions, the water and laundry detergent are fully mixed and foamed in the mixing channel during the flow, forming detergent water or fabric softener water. This detergent water or fabric softener water can then enter the inner drum to fully soak and wash the clothes, improving the washing ratio of the washing machine and enhancing the user experience.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outlet faces the opposite side of the main channel wall, or at least a portion of the outlet faces the opposite direction to the flow direction of the water and laundry detergent in the main channel.

[0014] By limiting the two different orientations of the outlet, the outlet can be prevented from facing the flow direction of the main channel water and laundry detergent. This causes the laundry detergent and water to change their flow direction when flowing out of the branch channel, and collide with the laundry detergent and water flowing in the main channel to generate eddies. This allows the laundry detergent and water flowing out of the branch channel to be fully mixed with the laundry detergent and water flowing in the main channel due to collision.

[0015] In some embodiments, the branch channel has a first sub-channel and a second sub-channel. The first end of the first sub-channel is laterally connected to the main channel in the width direction, and the second end of the first sub-channel extends toward the liquid outlet end. Along the direction from the liquid inlet end to the liquid outlet end, the gap between the first sub-channel and the main channel in the width direction increases.

[0016] The second sub-channel connects the second end of the first sub-channel to the side of the main channel in the width direction, and the end of the second sub-channel away from the first sub-channel has a liquid outlet.

[0017] By increasing the gap between the first sub-channel and the main channel in the width direction along the direction from the inlet to the outlet, the branch channel can be moved away from the main channel in part of the first sub-channel. This extends the flow path of the incoming water and laundry detergent in the branch channel, allowing some of the laundry detergent to mix with the incoming water as it flows in the branch channel. The first and second sub-channels enable lateral communication between the branch channel and the main channel in the width direction, allowing the incoming water and laundry detergent in the first sub-channel to flow back into the main channel via the second sub-channel, where they can be fully mixed with the incoming water and laundry detergent in the main channel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second sub-channel is an arc-shaped channel. This allows for changes in the curvature of the second sub-channel, which can alter the orientation of the outlet, making the outlet orientation different from the flow direction of water and laundry detergent in the main channel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the plurality of branch channels include:

[0020] The first branch flow channel and the second branch flow channel are symmetrical structures along the length of the main flow channel, and the first branch flow channel and the second branch flow channel are located on both sides of the main flow channel in the width direction.

[0021] By setting up the first and second branch channels, the laundry detergent and water can be diverted to both sides of the main channel in the width direction when they flow in the main channel. This increases the flow path and the number of diversions of the laundry detergent and water in the mixing channel, thereby improving the mixing effect. At the same time, since the first and second branch channels are symmetrical, the structure of the mixing channel can be simplified.

[0022] In some embodiments, along the direction from the inlet end to the outlet end, the first branch channel and the second branch channel are alternately arranged on both sides of the main channel in the width direction, so that the first ends of the first sub-channels in the first branch channel and the second branch channel are staggered along the length direction of the main channel. This ensures that when the laundry detergent and the incoming water flow in the main channel, they will be diverted to the first branch channel and the second branch channel in turn. This ensures that after being diverted by the first branch channel or the second branch channel, there is still a large amount of incoming water and laundry detergent in the main channel, so as to ensure that the incoming water and laundry detergent have a large flow rate in the main channel.

[0023] In some embodiments, the projections of the first branch channel and the second branch channel on the main channel partially overlap. This ensures that the water and the laundry detergent have a large flow rate in the main channel while reducing the length of the main channel, which is beneficial for miniaturizing the water inlet box.

[0024] In some embodiments, the water inlet box includes:

[0025] First box;

[0026] The second box is connected to the first box, and the second box and the first box form an open receiving cavity; the side of the second box facing the first box has a first flow channel wall;

[0027] A water distribution component is connected to the side of the second housing facing the first housing, and the water distribution component and the second housing together define a premixing cavity; the side of the water distribution component facing the second housing has a second flow channel wall; the mixing flow channel is formed by splicing the first flow channel wall and the second flow channel wall together.

[0028] In this way, by connecting the water distribution component to the second housing and installing the water distribution component inside the water inlet box, the first and second flow channel walls can be spliced ​​together to form a mixing flow channel. Alternatively, all flow channel walls can be located on either the water distribution component or the second housing. When the first flow channel wall is located on the second housing and the second flow channel wall is located on the water distribution component, the first and second flow channel walls can be machined separately along with the second housing or the water distribution component. This ensures the formation of a mixing flow channel while reducing the machining difficulty of the water distribution component and the second housing.

[0029] In some embodiments, the water inlet and the laundry detergent inlet are both located on the first side of the water inlet box along its length, and the outlet is located near the second side of the water inlet box along its length.

[0030] The liquid inlet of the main channel extends to the first side of the water inlet box along its length and is connected to the water inlet and the laundry detergent inlet; along the flow direction of the water in the main channel, the water inlet is located upstream of the laundry detergent inlet; the liquid outlet of the main channel extends to the second side of the water inlet box along its length and is connected to the outlet.

[0031] In this way, the liquid inlet of the main channel is connected to the water inlet and the laundry detergent inlet, and the liquid outlet is connected to the outlet. When the water flows in the main channel, it will push the laundry detergent to flow along the main channel and enter the branch channel for diversion.

[0032] In some embodiments, there are multiple outlets, which are evenly distributed on the wall of the premixing chamber. This allows detergent water or fabric softener water to flow evenly out of the premixing chamber through multiple outlets and quickly enter the inner drum. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a washing machine from a first-view perspective, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of a washing machine from a second perspective, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of a water inlet box provided in an embodiment of this application from a first-view perspective;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of a water inlet box provided in an embodiment of this application from a second perspective;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a partial explosion illustration of a water inlet box provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a partial explosion illustration of a water inlet box provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a partial explosion illustration of a water inlet box provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of water and laundry detergent within a portion of the structure of a water inlet box provided in this embodiment of the application;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second box provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water distribution component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view at point A.

[0045] Figure label:

[0046] 100 - Washing machine;

[0047] 10 - Chassis; 101 - Front side; 102 - Rear side;

[0048] 20-Gate body;

[0049] 30-outer cylinder;

[0050] 40 - Inner cylinder;

[0051] 50-Water inlet box; 51-Water inlet; 52-Outlet; 53-Laundry detergent inlet; 54-Mixing channel; 541-Main channel; 5411-Liquid inlet end; 5412-Liquid outlet end; 542-Branch channel; 5421-First branch channel; 5422-Second branch channel; 5423-First sub-channel; 5424-Second sub-channel; 5425-Liquid outlet; 543-First channel wall; 544-Second channel wall; 55-Second box body; 56-Water distribution component;

[0052] 60-Soap box. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0054] This application provides a washing machine, which may include a top-loading washing machine, a front-loading washing machine, etc.

[0055] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a simplified structure of the washing machine 100 from different perspectives, and does not constitute a limitation on the structure of the washing machine 100; it is merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the structure of the washing machine 100. Figure 2 The internal structure of the washing machine 100 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The washing machine 100 mentioned is a front-loading washing machine. The following text combines... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Taking a drum washing machine as an example, the structure of washing machine 100 will be further explained.

[0056] For ease of description, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The height of the washing machine 100 is represented by the Z direction, the width of the washing machine 100 is represented by the X direction, and the depth of the washing machine 100 is represented by the Y direction.

[0057] See Figure 1 and Figure 2The washing machine 100 may include a casing 10, the front of which has a clothes inlet for loading clothes. The two sides of the casing 10 along its depth direction can be considered as the front side 101 and the rear side 102. The side containing the front side 101 forms the front of the casing 10 and the washing machine 100, and correspondingly, the side containing the rear side 102 forms the back of the casing 10 and the washing machine 100. The two sides of the casing 10 along its width direction can be considered as the left and right sides of the casing 10. The two sides of the casing 10 along its height direction can be considered as the top and bottom surfaces of the casing 10, the portion of the casing 10 adjacent to the top surface being called the top of the casing 10, and the portion of the casing 10 adjacent to the bottom surface being called the bottom of the casing 10.

[0058] It should be noted that, Figure 1 This is an internal view of the washing machine 100 from the front side 101. Figure 2 This is an internal view of the washing machine 100 from the left or right side.

[0059] See Figure 1 In addition to the casing 10, the washing machine 100 also includes a door 20. The door 20 is rotatably mounted on the front side 101 of the casing 10, so that the clothes inlet can be opened or closed when the door 20 rotates relative to the casing 10. When the door 20 is open, it facilitates the user in placing clothes into the clothes inlet. When the door 20 is closed, it can cover the clothes inlet, thereby enhancing the safety of the washing machine 100 during operation.

[0060] See Figure 2 The washing machine 100 also includes a drum assembly. The drum assembly is located inside the casing 10. The drum assembly includes an outer drum 30. The outer drum 30 is located inside the casing 11, and the opening of the outer drum 30 faces the clothes loading port.

[0061] The drum assembly also includes an inner drum 40. The inner drum 40 is rotatably disposed within the outer drum 30, and the opening of the inner drum 40 may also face the clothes inlet. The inner drum 40 has a washing chamber. During the washing process, the inner drum 40 can rotate relative to the outer drum 30 to wash the clothes in the washing chamber.

[0062] See Figure 1 The washing machine 100 also includes a water inlet box 50, which is located in the casing 10. Specifically, the water inlet box 50 is located on the front side 101 of the casing 10 near the top of the casing 10, and is embedded inside the casing 10. The water inlet box 50 has an open receiving cavity for receiving the soap dish 60.

[0063] The washing machine 100 also includes a soap dish 60. The soap dish 60 is used to hold laundry detergent, fabric softener, etc. The soap dish 60 is located within the receiving cavity 1 and can be pulled out from the water inlet box 50 so that the user can add laundry detergent to it. The connection between the soap dish 60 and the water inlet box 50 can be determined according to existing washing machines and will not be described further in this application.

[0064] The water inlet box 50 has a water inlet 51, which is connected to an external water source interface via a water inlet valve. This allows water from the external water source interface to enter the water inlet box 50 through the water inlet valve and the water inlet 51. When the water from the water inlet box 50 enters the inner drum 40, it also flushes detergent, fabric softener, and other laundry cleaning agents into the inner drum 40. As the inner drum 40 rotates, the washing machine 100 performs its laundry washing function.

[0065] Some washing machines have an automatic detergent dispensing function, which allows the machine to automatically calculate and dispense the appropriate amount of detergent based on the weight, material, and degree of soiling of the clothes. This not only improves the washing effect but also avoids detergent waste.

[0066] To achieve the automatic dispensing function, in some embodiments, the washing machine 100 may also be equipped with an automatic dispensing pump. When the washing machine 100 achieves the automatic dispensing function, it usually has two dispensing schemes.

[0067] One approach involves using an automatic dispensing pump to extract laundry detergent from the soap box 60 and dispense it into the premixing chamber of the water inlet box 50. The laundry detergent and the water in the water inlet box 50 can be mixed in the premixing chamber, and after mixing, the detergent can enter the dispensing port in the soap box 60. Then, it enters the inner drum 40 through the dispensing port and the connecting pipe that connects to the inner drum 40 to wash the clothes in the inner drum 40.

[0068] Another approach is to use an automatic dispensing pump to draw laundry detergent from the soap dish 60 and dispense it into the premixing chamber of the water inlet box 50. The detergent mixes with the water in the water inlet box 50 in the premixing chamber, and then flows into the inner drum 40 through the water distribution plate and a connecting pipe that connects the water to the inner drum 40, thus washing the clothes inside. For example, the connecting pipe can be a rubber hose.

[0069] After the laundry detergent mixes evenly with the water in the water inlet box 50, it forms detergent water or fabric softener water. When the detergent water or fabric softener water enters the inner drum 40, it can fully soak and wash the clothes, improve the washing ratio of the washing machine 100, and enhance the user experience.

[0070] As people gradually improve the cleaning effect of washing machines, they have higher requirements for the washing ratio of washing machines. This requires further improvement in the mixing degree of the laundry detergent and the water in the inlet box. How to improve the mixing degree of the laundry detergent and the water in the inlet box has become a technical problem to be solved.

[0071] In view of this, this application embodiment provides a water inlet box. Compared with a traditional water inlet box, the water inlet box 50 of this application embodiment adds a mixing channel in the premixing chamber. The mixing channel has a main channel and multiple branch channels connected to the main channel. When the laundry detergent and the water inlet in the water inlet box enter the main channel and flow along the main channel to the branch channels, they are diverted into the branch channels. When some of the laundry detergent and some of the water inlet flow out of the branch channels, they can collide and mix with the laundry detergent and water in the main channel. In this way, as the laundry detergent and water inlet flow along the main channel, they continuously enter multiple branch channels and are diverted. After multiple collisions and mixing with the laundry detergent and water in the main channel, the water inlet can fully mix and foam with the laundry detergent in the mixing channel during the flow process, forming detergent water or fabric softener water, etc., improving the washing ratio of the washing machine and improving the user experience.

[0072] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows a partial structural schematic of the water inlet box 50 from different viewpoints. Figures 5 to 7 A partial explosion diagram of the water inlet box 50 from different perspectives is shown.

[0073] The following is combined Figures 3 to 7 The structure of the water inlet box 50 provided in the embodiments of this application will be further described.

[0074] The water inlet box 50 is installed on the chassis 10. The installation position of the water inlet box 50 on the chassis 10 can be found in the relevant description above, and will not be repeated here.

[0075] See Figures 3 to 7 The water inlet box 50 has a premixing chamber, which may include a water inlet 51, an outlet 52, and a laundry detergent inlet 53. The water inlet 51 is used to introduce water into the premixing chamber. Specifically, when the water inlet 51 is connected to an external water source interface through a water inlet valve, water from the external water source interface can enter the premixing chamber through the water inlet valve and the water inlet 51, thus allowing water to enter the premixing chamber through the water inlet 51.

[0076] The laundry detergent inlet 53 is used to dispense laundry detergent into the premixing chamber. The laundry detergent inlet 53 may include at least one of a fabric softener inlet and a detergent inlet. An automatic dispensing pump can dispense fabric softener from the soap dish 60 into the premixing chamber through the fabric softener inlet, thus dispensing fabric softener into the premixing chamber through the laundry detergent inlet 53. The automatic dispensing pump can also dispense detergent from the soap dish 60 into the premixing chamber through the detergent inlet, thus dispensing detergent into the premixing chamber through the laundry detergent inlet 53.

[0077] When water inlet 51 supplies water to the premixing chamber and laundry detergent inlet 53 supplies laundry detergent to the premixing chamber, the laundry detergent and water can mix in the premixing chamber to form at least one of detergent water and fabric softener water. This detergent water and fabric softener water then enter the inner drum 40 through outlet 52, enabling the washing machine 100 to perform its washing function as the inner drum 40 rotates. Specifically, when laundry detergent is supplied to the premixing chamber through laundry detergent inlet 53, the detergent mixes with the water in the premixing chamber to form detergent water. When fabric softener is supplied to the premixing chamber through laundry detergent inlet 53, the fabric softener mixes with the water in the premixing chamber to form fabric softener water.

[0078] In some embodiments, outlet 52 can be connected to inner drum 40 through dispensing port in soap box 60 and connecting pipe, so that fabric softener water or detergent water can enter inner drum 40.

[0079] Alternatively, in some embodiments, outlet 52 may not be connected to the inner drum 40 via the soap dish 60. For example, outlet 52 can be connected to the inner drum 40 via the connecting pipe mentioned above, which would still allow fabric softener water and detergent water to enter the inner drum 40. Specifically, the connection method between outlet 52 and the inner drum 40 can be determined according to the structure of the existing washing machine 100, and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0080] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the flow of water and laundry detergent within a partial structure of the water inlet box 50 is provided. Figure 8 Only a portion of the circumferential flow channel wall of the mixing channel 54 is shown to facilitate a better understanding of its internal structure. Figure 8 The solid lines with arrows indicate the flow direction of the inlet water and the laundry detergent in the main channel 541 of the mixing channel 54, while the dashed lines with arrows indicate the flow direction of the inlet water and the laundry detergent in the branch channels 542 of the mixing channel 54.

[0081] See Figures 3 to 8The premixing chamber may also have a mixing channel 54. That is, the premixing chamber may have an inlet 51, an outlet 52, a laundry detergent inlet 53, and a mixing channel 54. The mixing channel 54 includes a main channel 541. The main channel 541 has a liquid inlet end 5411 and a liquid outlet end 5412. The liquid inlet end 5411 is connected to the inlet 51 and the laundry detergent inlet 53, and the liquid outlet end 5412 is connected to the outlet 52, so that the water entering through the inlet 51 and the laundry detergent entering the premixing chamber through the laundry detergent inlet 53 can both enter the main channel 541 through the liquid inlet end 5411.

[0082] Water and laundry detergent flow from the inlet end 5411 to the outlet end 5412 within the main channel 541. As the water flows from the inlet end 5412 to the outlet end 5412 within the main channel 541, it pushes the laundry detergent to flow together from the inlet end 5412 within the main channel 541, and finally flows out from the outlet 52.

[0083] See Figures 5 to 7 The mixing channel 54 also includes multiple branch channels 542. Along the direction from the inlet end 5411 to the outlet end 5412, the multiple branch channels 542 are distributed on both sides of the main channel 541 in the width direction. Furthermore, each branch channel 542 has an inlet and an outlet 5425, both of which are connected to the main channel 541, so that both ends of the branch channel 542 are connected to the main channel 541, and the outlet 5425 does not face the direction of the outlet end 5412.

[0084] See Figure 7 Since both ends of the branch channel 542 are connected to the main channel 541, during the process of the influent pushing the laundry detergent to flow together towards the outlet 5412 in the main channel 541, a portion of the influent and a portion of the laundry detergent will be diverted into the branch channel 542, while the remaining influent and remaining laundry detergent will continue to flow towards the outlet 5412 along the main channel 541. When a portion of the laundry detergent and a portion of the influent that entered the branch channel 542 flow out of the branch channel 542, they can merge with the laundry detergent and influent in the main channel 541 and flow together towards the outlet 5412 along the main channel 541.

[0085] Because the outlet 5425 is oriented differently from the flow direction of the water and laundry detergent in the main channel 541, some of the laundry detergent and some of the water will change their flow direction when they flow out of the branch channel 542. This causes the flow direction of the laundry detergent and water flowing out of the branch channel 542 to be different from the flow direction in the main channel 541. They collide with the laundry detergent and water flowing in the main channel 541, generating a vortex. This allows the laundry detergent and water flowing out of the branch channel 542 to be fully mixed with the laundry detergent and water flowing in the main channel 541 due to the collision.

[0086] Furthermore, since multiple branch channels 542 are distributed on both sides of the main channel 541 in the width direction along the direction from the inlet end 5411 to the outlet end 5412, as the laundry detergent and water flow along the main channel 541 towards the outlet end 5412, they will continuously enter the multiple branch channels 542 and be diverted multiple times, and will collide multiple times with the laundry detergent and water in the main channel 541. Through these multiple collisions, the water can be fully mixed and foamed with the laundry detergent in the mixing channel 54 during the flow process, forming detergent water or fabric softener water, etc., so that after these detergent water or fabric softener water enters the inner drum 40, they can fully soak and wash the clothes, improve the washing ratio of the washing machine 100, and improve the user experience.

[0087] At this time, the mixing channel 54 can be regarded as a Tesla valve used in reverse (Tesla valve reverse water inlet). By using the Tesla valve in reverse, when the laundry detergent and water flowing out of the branch channel 542 collide with the laundry detergent and water flowing in the main channel 541, the flow velocity of the water in the mixing channel 54 can be reduced, so that the water in the mixing channel 54 can be fully mixed with the laundry detergent as it flows, thereby improving the mixing efficiency of the water and the laundry detergent in the premixing chamber.

[0088] See Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, there can be multiple outlets 52, which can be evenly arranged on the wall of the premixing chamber so that detergent water or fabric softener water can flow out of the premixing chamber evenly through multiple outlets 52 and quickly enter the inner cylinder 40.

[0089] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a second box 55 is shown.

[0090] See Figures 5 to 9 In some embodiments, the water inlet box 50 may further include a first box body and a second box body 55. The second box body 55 is connected to the first box body, and the second box body 55 and the first box body form an open receiving cavity so that the soap box 60 is disposed in the receiving cavity. The side of the second box body 55 facing the first box body has a first flow channel wall 543.

[0091] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a water distribution component 56 is shown. Wherein, Figure 8 The portion of the water inlet box 50 shown is a water distribution component 56.

[0092] See Figures 5 to 8 as well as Figure 10The water inlet box 50 may also include a water distribution component 56, which is connected to the side of the second box body 55 facing the first box body, and the water distribution component 56 and the second box body 55 together define a premixing chamber. For example, the water distribution component 56 may be a water distribution plate.

[0093] In some embodiments, the water distribution component 56 can be connected to the side of the second housing 55 facing the first housing by means of snap-fit, fasteners, or the like. For example, fasteners may include screws, bolts, etc. Furthermore, there is a gap between the water distribution component 56 and the second housing 55, and between the water distribution component 56 and the first housing 50, in the thickness direction of the water inlet housing 50, so that the water distribution component 56 and the second housing 55 can jointly define a premixing chamber. The thickness direction of the water inlet housing 50 can be referred to as the V direction.

[0094] When the water inlet box 50 is installed on the casing 10, the thickness direction of the water inlet box 50 can be parallel to the height direction of the washing machine 100. When the soap dish 60 is located in the receiving cavity, the water distribution component 56 is located on the side of the soap dish 60 facing the first box body, that is, the water distribution component 56 is located above the soap dish 60.

[0095] See Figures 5 to 8 as well as Figure 10 In some embodiments, the side of the water distribution component 56 facing the second housing 55 has a second flow channel wall 544. The mixing flow channel 54 is formed by splicing the first flow channel wall 543 and the second flow channel wall 544 together. Specifically, the first flow channel wall 543 may have a portion of the flow channel space of the mixing flow channel 54 in the circumferential direction, and the second flow channel wall 544 may have the remaining flow channel space of the mixing flow channel 54 in the circumferential direction. In this way, when the first flow channel wall 543 and the second flow channel wall 544 are spliced ​​together, they can jointly define a mixing flow channel 54. With this configuration, while connecting the water distribution component 56 to the second housing 55 and installing the water distribution component 56 in the water inlet box 50, the first flow channel wall 543 and the second flow channel wall 544 can be spliced ​​together to form the mixing flow channel 54.

[0096] In other embodiments, all the flow channel walls of the mixing channel 54 may also be provided on the water distribution component 56 or the second box 55. Due to the addition of the mixing channel 54, the processing difficulty of the water distribution component 56 or the second box 55 will be greatly increased.

[0097] Compared to the mixing channel 54, all the channel walls can also be provided on the water distribution component 56 or the second box 55. When the first channel wall 543 is provided on the second box 55 and the second channel wall 544 is provided on the water distribution component 56, the first channel wall 543 and the second channel wall 544 can be processed separately along with the second box 55 or the water distribution component 56. While ensuring the formation of the mixing channel 54, the processing difficulty of the water distribution component 56 and the second box 55 can be reduced.

[0098] The following text takes the example of the first flow channel wall 543 being located on the second box 55 and the second flow channel wall 544 being located on the water distribution component 56 to further explain the structure of the mixing channel 54 and the water inlet box 50.

[0099] The water inlet 51, outlet 52, and laundry detergent inlet 53 can all be located on the water distribution component 56.

[0100] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 as well as Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the outlet 5425 faces the opposite flow channel wall of the main channel 541. That is, all of the outlet 5425 faces the opposite flow channel wall of the main channel 541, or a portion of the outlet 5425 faces the opposite flow channel wall of the main channel 541. This arrangement allows the orientation of the outlet 5425 to differ from the flow direction of the water and laundry detergent in the main channel 541, and at least a portion of the laundry detergent and at least a portion of the water flowing out from the branch channel 542 will change their flow direction and flow towards the opposite flow channel wall of the main channel 541, which is different from the flow direction of the laundry detergent and water in the main channel 541.

[0101] Alternatively, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the outlet 5425 is oriented opposite to the flow direction of water and laundry detergent in the main channel 541. That is, the outlet 5425 is entirely oriented opposite to the flow direction of water and laundry detergent in the main channel 541, or a portion of the outlet 5425 is oriented opposite to the flow direction of water and laundry detergent in the main channel 541. This arrangement allows the outlet 5425 to be oriented differently from the flow direction of water and laundry detergent in the main channel 541, and at least a portion of the laundry detergent and at least a portion of the water flowing out from the branch channel 542 will change direction and flow towards the inlet end 5411, different from the flow direction of the laundry detergent and water in the main channel 541.

[0102] Therefore, by limiting the two different orientations of the outlet 5425, the outlet 5425 can be prevented from facing the flow direction of the water and laundry detergent in the main channel 541. This causes the laundry detergent and water to change their flow direction when they flow out of the branch channel 542, and collide with the laundry detergent and water flowing in the main channel 541 to generate a vortex. This allows the laundry detergent and water flowing out of the branch channel 542 to be fully mixed with the laundry detergent and water flowing in the main channel 541 due to the collision.

[0103] In addition, when at least part of the laundry detergent and at least part of the inlet water flowing out of the branch channel 542 changes its flow direction and flows towards the liquid inlet end 5411, it will collide more with the laundry detergent and inlet water flowing in the main channel 541, which will reduce the energy of the laundry detergent and inlet water in the main channel 541 and affect the flow rate of detergent water and fabric softener water output from the outlet 52.

[0104] Therefore, compared to the opposite direction of the outlet 5425 to the flow direction of the water and laundry detergent in the main channel 541, when at least part of the outlet 5425 is oriented towards the opposite side of the main channel 541, it ensures that the laundry detergent and water flowing out of the branch channel 542 can fully mix with the laundry detergent and water flowing in the main channel 541, while also allowing the detergent water and fabric softener water output from the outlet 52 to have a larger flow rate.

[0105] The following text is in the format of Figures 5 to 8 Taking the example of at least part of the liquid outlet 5425 facing the opposite side of the main flow channel 541, the structure of the mixing channel 54 and the water inlet box 50 will be further explained.

[0106] See Figure 10 In some embodiments, the branch channel 542 may have a first sub-channel 5423 and a second sub-channel 5424. The first end of the first sub-channel 5423 is laterally connected to the main channel 541 in the width direction, and the second end of the first sub-channel 5423 extends toward the outlet end 5412. Furthermore, along the direction from the inlet end 5411 to the outlet end 5412, the gap between the first sub-channel 5423 and the main channel 541 in the width direction increases. The second sub-channel 5424 connects the second end of the first sub-channel 5423 to the side of the main channel 541 in the width direction, and the end of the second sub-channel 5424 opposite to the first sub-channel 5423 has an outlet 5425.

[0107] By increasing the gap between the first sub-channel 5423 and the main channel 541 in the width direction along the direction from the inlet end 5411 to the outlet end 5412, the branch channel 542 can be moved away from the main channel 541 in part of the first sub-channel 5423, thereby extending the flow path of the incoming water and laundry detergent in the branch channel 542. This allows some of the laundry detergent to mix with the incoming water as it flows in the branch channel 542. At the same time, the branch channel 542 and the main channel 541 can be laterally connected in the width direction through the first sub-channel 5423 and the second sub-channel 5424, so that the incoming water and laundry detergent in the first sub-channel 5423 can flow back to the main channel 541 through the second sub-channel 5424 and mix thoroughly with the incoming water and laundry detergent in the main channel 541.

[0108] It should be noted that the increase in the gap between the first sub-channel 5423 and the main channel 541 in the width direction along the direction from the inlet end 5411 to the outlet end 5412 mentioned above can be understood as the gap between the first sub-channel 5423 and the main channel 541 in the width direction gradually increasing (i.e., an increasing relationship) along the direction from the inlet end 5411 to the outlet end 5412. Alternatively, it can be understood that the gap between the first sub-channel 5423 and the main channel 541 in the width direction along the direction from the inlet end 5411 to the outlet end 5412 does not show an increasing relationship.

[0109] See Figure 10 In some embodiments, the first sub-channel 5423 can be a straight channel. By setting the first sub-channel 5423 to be a straight channel, it can be ensured that along the direction from the inlet end 5411 to the outlet end 5412, the gap between the first sub-channel 5423 and the main channel 541 in the width direction can gradually increase, thereby extending the flow path of the inlet water and the laundry detergent in the branch channel 542.

[0110] It should be noted that in some other embodiments, when the gap between the first sub-channel 5423 and the main channel 541 in the width direction is not increasing along the direction from the inlet end 5411 to the outlet end 5412, the first sub-channel 5423 can also be a curved channel. However, compared with a straight channel, it will increase the flow resistance of water and laundry detergent in the branch channel 542.

[0111] The following text takes the first sub-channel 5423 as an example, which can be a straight channel, to further explain the structure of the mixing channel 54 and the water inlet box 50.

[0112] See Figure 10 In some embodiments, the second sub-channel 5424 can be an arc-shaped channel. By setting the second sub-channel 5424 to be an arc-shaped channel, the curvature of the second sub-channel 5424 can be changed, thereby changing the orientation of the outlet 5425. This makes the orientation of the outlet 5425 different from the flow direction of the water and laundry detergent in the main channel 541. This ensures that the flow direction of the laundry detergent and water flowing out of the branch channel 542 is different from the flow direction in the main channel 541, allowing them to be fully mixed with the laundry detergent and water flowing in the main channel 541 due to collision.

[0113] In some embodiments, the plurality of branch channels 542 include a first branch channel 5421 and a second branch channel 5422. The first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 are symmetrical structures along the length of the main channel 541. The first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 are located on both sides of the main channel 541 in the width direction. Both the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 include the first sub-channel 5423 and the second sub-channel 5424 mentioned above.

[0114] When the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 are located on both sides of the main channel 541 in the width direction, for example, the first branch channel 5421 is distributed on the first side of the main channel 541 in the width direction, and the second branch channel 5422 is distributed on the second side of the main channel 541 in the width direction. The second end of the first sub-channel 5423 in the first branch channel 5421 and the second end of the first sub-channel 5423 in the second branch channel 5422 both extend towards the liquid outlet end 5412 while being inclined in a direction away from the main channel 541, so that the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 form a symmetrical structure along the main channel 541 in the length direction.

[0115] By setting the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422, the laundry detergent and water can be diverted to both sides of the main channel 541 in the width direction when they flow in the main channel 541, thereby increasing the flow path and the number of diversions of the laundry detergent and water in the mixing channel 54 and improving the mixing effect. At the same time, since the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 are symmetrical structures, the structure of the mixing channel 54 can be simplified.

[0116] See Figure 10 In some embodiments, along the direction from the inlet end 5411 to the outlet end 5412, the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 are alternately arranged on both sides of the main channel 541 in the width direction, so that the first ends of the first sub-channel 5423 in the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 are staggered along the length direction of the main channel 541.

[0117] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 may be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main channel 541 in the width direction. In this case, the first ends of the first sub-channels 5423 in the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 will not be staggered along the length direction of the main channel 541, and the first ends of the first sub-channels 5423 in the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 will be connected to the same position of the main channel 541. In this case, the laundry detergent and water in the main channel 541 will be simultaneously diverted to the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422.

[0118] Compared to the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422, they can also be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main channel 541 in the width direction. When the first end of the first sub-channel 5423 in the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 is staggered along the length direction of the main channel 541, the laundry detergent and water in the main channel 541 will be diverted to the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 in turn when they flow in the main channel 541. This ensures that after being diverted by the first branch channel 5421 or the second branch channel 5422, there is still a lot of water and laundry detergent in the main channel 541, so as to ensure that the water and laundry detergent have a large flow rate in the main channel 541.

[0119] In some embodiments, when the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 are alternately arranged on both sides of the main channel 541 in the width direction, the projection portions of the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 on the main channel 541 overlap. For example, a portion of the first sub-channel 5423 in the first branch channel 5421 overlaps at least with the projection of the second sub-channel 5424 in the adjacent second branch channel 5422 on the main channel 541. By arranging the projection portions of the first branch channel 5421 and the second branch channel 5422 on the main channel 541 to overlap, a large flow rate of water and laundry detergent in the main channel 541 can be ensured while reducing the length of the main channel 541, which is beneficial for miniaturization of the water inlet box 50.

[0120] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 Enlarged view at point A.

[0121] See Figure 11 To reduce the flow resistance of water and laundry detergent in the mixing channel 54, in some embodiments, the width of the main channel 541 can be limited to a suitable range by increasing the width between the main channel 541 and the adjacent first branch channel 5421 and second branch channel 5422. For example, with Figure 11Taking the mixing channel 54 shown as an example, the width of the main channel 541 at the D1 and D2 marked positions can be increased. This ensures the mixing effect of the incoming water and the laundry detergent within the mixing channel 54, while also ensuring that the outlet 52 outputs detergent water and fabric softener water at the required flow rate.

[0122] See Figure 10 In some embodiments, both the water inlet 51 and the laundry detergent inlet 53 are located on the first side of the length direction of the water inlet box 50, and the outlet 52 is located near the second side of the length direction of the water inlet box 50. The length direction of the water inlet box 50 can be referred to as the W direction. The liquid inlet end 5411 of the main channel 541 extends to the first side of the length direction of the water inlet box 50 and communicates with the water inlet 51 and the laundry detergent inlet 53. Along the flow direction of the incoming water in the main channel 541, the water inlet 51 is located upstream of the laundry detergent inlet 53, and the liquid outlet end 5412 of the main channel 541 extends to the second side of the length direction of the water inlet box 50 and communicates with the outlet 52. In this way, with the liquid inlet end 5411 of the main channel 541 communicating with the water inlet 51 and the laundry detergent inlet 53, and the liquid outlet end 5412 communicating with the outlet 52, when the incoming water flows in the main channel 541, it will push the laundry detergent to flow along the main channel 541 and enter the branch channel 542 for diversion.

[0123] In this application, after the user puts clothes into the inner drum 40, the automatic dispensing pump dispenses detergent or fabric softener into the premixing chamber according to different programs of the washing machine 100. When water enters through the water inlet 51, the water pushes the detergent or fabric softener to flow along the main flow channel 541. After being divided multiple times through multiple branch channels 542, the water and detergent or fabric softener are fully mixed to form detergent water or fabric softener water. When the detergent water or fabric softener water enters the inner drum 40, the rotation of the inner drum 40 enables the washing function of the washing machine 100, improves the washing ratio of the washing machine 100, and enhances the user experience.

[0124] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms “comprising” and “having” as used herein, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, display structure, product, or device that includes a step or unit is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are expressly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or device.

[0125] It should be understood that the terms "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0126] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: Chassis (10); A water inlet box (50) is installed in the chassis (10); the water inlet box (50) has a premixing chamber, which has a water inlet (51), an outlet (52), a laundry detergent inlet (53), and a mixing channel (54). The water inlet (51) is used to introduce water into the premixing chamber, and the laundry detergent inlet (53) is used to output laundry detergent into the premixing chamber; the mixing channel (54) includes: The main channel (541) has an inlet end (5411) and an outlet end (5412). The inlet end (5411) is connected to the water inlet (51) and the laundry detergent inlet (53), and the outlet end (5412) is connected to the outlet (52). The water and laundry detergent flow from the inlet end (5411) to the outlet end (5412) in the main channel (541). Multiple branch channels (542) are distributed on both sides of the main channel (541) in the width direction along the direction from the liquid inlet end (5411) to the liquid outlet end (5412). Each branch channel (542) has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet (5425). Both the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet (5425) are connected to the main channel (541). The orientation of the liquid outlet (5425) is different from the flow direction of water and laundry detergent in the main channel (541).

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the outlet (5425) is oriented toward the opposite side of the main channel (541), or at least a portion of the outlet (5425) is oriented in the opposite direction to the flow direction of water and laundry detergent in the main channel (541).

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The branch channel (542) has a first sub-channel (5423) and a second sub-channel (5424). The first end of the first sub-channel (5423) is laterally connected to the main channel (541) in the width direction. The second end of the first sub-channel (5423) extends toward the liquid outlet (5412) and, along the direction from the liquid inlet (5411) to the liquid outlet (5412), the gap between the first sub-channel (5423) and the main channel (541) in the width direction increases. The second sub-channel (5424) connects the second end of the first sub-channel (5423) to the side of the main channel (541) in the width direction, and the second sub-channel (5424) has the outlet (5425) at the end opposite to the first sub-channel (5423).

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second sub-channel (5424) is an arc-shaped channel.

5. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The plurality of branch channels (542) include: The first branch flow channel (5421) and the second branch flow channel (5422) are symmetrical structures along the length direction of the main flow channel (541), and the first branch flow channel (5421) and the second branch flow channel (5422) are located on both sides of the main flow channel (541) in the width direction.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, Along the direction from the inlet end (5411) to the outlet end (5412), the first branch channel (5421) and the second branch channel (5422) are alternately arranged on both sides of the main channel (541) in the width direction.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The projection portions of the first branch channel (5421) and the second branch channel (5422) on the main channel (541) overlap.

8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The water inlet box (50) includes: First box; The second box (55) is connected to the first box, and the second box (55) and the first box form an open receiving cavity; the side of the second box (55) facing the first box has a first flow channel wall (543); A water distribution component (56) is connected to the side of the second housing (55) facing the first housing, and the water distribution component (56) and the second housing (55) together define the premixing cavity; the side of the water distribution component (56) facing the second housing (55) has a second flow channel wall (544); the mixing flow channel (54) is formed by splicing the first flow channel wall (543) and the second flow channel wall (544) together.

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The water inlet (51) and the laundry detergent inlet (53) are both located on the first side of the length direction of the water inlet box (50), and the outlet (52) is located near the second side of the length direction of the water inlet box (50). The liquid inlet (5411) of the main channel (541) extends to the first side of the length direction of the water inlet box (50) and communicates with the water inlet (51) and the laundry detergent inlet (53); along the flow direction of the water in the main channel (541), the water inlet (51) is located upstream of the laundry detergent inlet (53); the liquid outlet (5412) of the main channel (541) extends to the second side of the length direction of the water inlet box (50) and communicates with the outlet (52).

10. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The number of outlets (52) is multiple, and the multiple outlets (52) are evenly arranged on the cavity wall of the premixing cavity.

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