Clothes care equipment and water box assembly thereof

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of clothes care equipment, in particular to clothes care equipment and a water box assembly thereof, and aims to solve the problems that an existing integrated water box assembly is difficult to take and place due to the fact that the overall weight is large, and use convenience is affected due to the fact that a split type water box assembly needs to be taken and placed frequently. In order to achieve the purpose, the water box assembly of the clothes care equipment comprises a water storage box and a water collecting box, and the water storage box is provided with a water outlet so that a water storage space of the water storage box can be connected with a steam generator of the clothes care equipment; the water collecting box is detachably arranged in the water storage space and provided with a water inlet so that the water collecting space of the water collecting box can be communicated with a water collecting cavity of the clothes care equipment. According to the water box assembly of the clothes care equipment, the water collecting box is detachably arranged in the water storage space of the water storage box, so that a user can switch the water box assembly into an integrated or split type water box according to the use requirements of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of clothing care equipment technology, and specifically provides a clothing care equipment and its water box assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machines, washer-dryer combos, garment care machines, steam irons, and other garment care equipment are typically equipped with steam generators to steam-treat clothes, thereby deodorizing, sterilizing, and removing wrinkles. Correspondingly, these garment care devices include a water tank assembly, which consists of a water storage tank and a water collection tank. The water storage tank is connected to the steam generator and is used to transfer the water inside to the steam generator to be heated and generate steam, while the water collection tank is used to collect the condensate produced during the care process.

[0003] Currently, garment care devices on the market primarily use two types of water tank components: integrated and separate. Each design has its own advantages and disadvantages. The integrated design combines the water storage and collection tanks into one unit, making it easy to remove and put in, and it has a larger capacity. However, this design results in a heavier component, requiring the entire set to be removed or placed in, which is inconvenient for users, especially women and the elderly. The separate design separates the water storage and collection tanks. While this reduces the weight of each individual tank for easier removal, the capacity of a single tank is limited. Generally, water needs to be refilled or emptied after 3 to 4 care cycles, which also affects ease of use and reduces the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problems of difficulty in picking up and putting down the existing integrated water box assembly due to its large overall weight, and the problem of the convenience of use of the split water box assembly due to the need for frequent picking up and putting down.

[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a water box assembly for a garment care device, the water box assembly comprising a water storage box and a water collection box.

[0006] The water storage box has an internal water storage space and a water outlet so that the water storage space can be connected to the steam generator of the garment care device.

[0007] The water collection box is detachably installed in the water storage space. The water collection box has an internal water collection space and a water inlet so that the water collection space is connected to the water collection chamber of the garment care device.

[0008] In some feasible embodiments of the water tank assembly of the above-mentioned garment care device, the water tank has a first opening on its outer surface that communicates with the water storage space, allowing external water to enter the water storage space through the first opening, and the water collection box can be placed in the water storage space through the first opening.

[0009] In some feasible embodiments of the water tank assembly of the above-mentioned garment care device, the water tank also has a second opening on its outer surface that communicates with the water storage space, and external water can also enter the water storage space through the second opening.

[0010] In some feasible embodiments of the water tank assembly of the above-mentioned garment care device, the interior of the water storage space is provided with a support for supporting the water collection box.

[0011] In some feasible embodiments of the water tank assembly of the aforementioned garment care device, the support includes at least one first protrusion disposed on the inner side of the water storage space; and / or

[0012] The support includes at least one second protrusion disposed on the inner bottom surface of the water storage space.

[0013] In some feasible embodiments of the water box assembly of the above-mentioned garment care device, the water collection box has an overflow outlet on its side near its top. When the water collection box is placed in the water storage space, the water collection space is connected to the water storage space through the overflow outlet.

[0014] In some feasible embodiments of the water tank assembly of the above-mentioned garment care device, the water inlet and the overflow outlet are integrally formed into an opening structure.

[0015] In some feasible embodiments of the water box assembly of the above-mentioned garment care device, the water collection box includes a first side surface, the first side surface having a recessed portion that is recessed into the interior of the water collection box, and the overflow outlet is disposed on the recessed portion. When the water collection box is placed in the water storage space, the portion of the first side surface other than the recessed portion is attached to the inner side surface of the water storage space, such that the space between the recessed portion and the corresponding inner side surface of the water storage space forms an overflow channel, thereby allowing the water collection space to communicate with the water storage space through the overflow outlet and the overflow channel.

[0016] In some feasible embodiments of the water tank assembly of the aforementioned garment care device, a first water level sensor is disposed near the top of the water storage space; and / or

[0017] The water storage space is equipped with a second water level sensor near the bottom; and / or

[0018] A third water level sensor is installed near the top of the water collection space.

[0019] The water tank assembly for the garment care device provided by this utility model allows the water collection box to be detachably installed within the water storage space of the storage box, enabling users to switch between an integrated or separate water tank according to their needs. Specifically, when users require a large capacity and need an integrated water tank, the water collection box can be removed from the water storage space, maintaining the maximum capacity of the water tank assembly. This avoids frequent refilling, and the condensate can be recycled and reused, improving convenience and saving water. When users have lower usage frequency or want to separate the recycled condensate from the water in the storage box, the water collection box can be installed within the water storage space, achieving the effect of a separate water tank. In other words, the water tank assembly provided by this utility model can meet the needs of different user groups, and the switching process between different water tank modes is simple and easy to operate.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a garment care device, the garment care device comprising the water box assembly of the garment care device described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0021] Since the aforementioned garment care device is equipped with the water tank component of the aforementioned garment care device, it possesses all the technical effects that the water tank component of the aforementioned garment care device can achieve, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The preferred embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the garment care machine of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is one of the exploded views of the garment care machine of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a partial sectional view of the garment care machine of this utility model, wherein the bottom of the garment care machine and the water tank assembly are viewed in section.

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the water box assembly of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the water storage box of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 6 This is the second structural schematic diagram of the water storage box of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 7This is a cross-sectional view of the water storage box of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the water collection box of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the water collection box of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the water box assembly of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 11 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the water box assembly of this utility model, wherein the front side of the water storage box and the front side of the water collection box are omitted;

[0034] Figure 12 This is the second structural schematic diagram of the water box assembly of this utility model, in which the water storage box and the water collection box are viewed in cross section.

[0035] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0036] Figure 14 This is the second exploded view of the garment care machine of this utility model, in which some parts of the garment care machine's structure are omitted.

[0037] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0038] 1-Water box assembly; 11-Water storage box; 111-Water storage space; 112-Outlet; 113-First opening; 114-Second opening; 115-Inlet fitting; 116-First protrusion; 117-Handle structure; 118-Limiting rib; 12-Water collection box; 121-Water collection space; 122-Inlet; 123-Third opening; 124-First side; 1241-Recess; 1242-Overflow outlet ; 125 - Handle structure; 13 - First cover; 14 - Second cover; 15 - Third cover; 16 - First float switch; 17 - Second float switch; 18 - Third float switch; 2 - Cabinet; 21 - Nursing chamber; 22 - Water box mounting part; 23 - Water collection chamber; 231 - Water collection inlet; 232 - Water collection outlet; 24 - Water collection pipe; 25 - First reed switch; 26 - Second reed switch; 27 - Third reed switch. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Although the following embodiments use a garment care machine as an example, this solution is equally applicable to garment care devices equipped with a water tank assembly, a steam generator, and a water collection chamber.

[0040] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, terms such as "upper", "lower", "inner", and "outer" that indicate direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience 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 utility model.

[0041] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment of the utility model provides a garment care machine, which includes a cabinet 2, a door (not shown), a steam generator (not shown), and a water tank assembly 1. The cabinet 2 has a care cavity 21 for accommodating garments, and a garment hanger (not shown) is provided on the inner top surface of the care cavity 21. The cabinet 2 has a loading and unloading opening on its front side, through which the user can load and unload garments. The door is pivotally connected to the cabinet 2 for opening or closing the loading and unloading opening.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the cabinet 2 also has a water collection chamber 23 for containing condensate. The water collection chamber 23 is located below the nursing chamber 21. The water collection chamber 23 is provided with a water collection inlet 231 and a water collection outlet 232. The water collection chamber 23 is connected to the nursing chamber 21 through the water collection inlet 231 and to the water box assembly 1 through the water collection outlet 232. Specifically, the water collection inlet 231 is located on the inner bottom surface of the nursing chamber 21, so that the condensate in the nursing chamber 21 can flow into the water collection chamber 23 through the water collection inlet 231. The water collection outlet 232 is located on the inner bottom surface of the water collection chamber 23. The water collection outlet 232 is connected to the water box assembly 1 through a first water pump (not shown) and a water collection pipe 24, so that the water in the water collection chamber 23 can be transported to the water box assembly 1 under the drive of the first water pump.

[0044] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3 The cabinet 2 also has a water tank mounting section 22 for accommodating the water tank assembly 1. The water tank mounting section 22 is located on the front side of the garment care machine and below the care chamber 21. A steam generator is located inside the cabinet 2 and is used to spray steam onto the surface of the garments in the care chamber 21 to deodorize, sterilize, and remove wrinkles. The water tank assembly 1 is detachably mounted on the water tank mounting section 22 of the cabinet 2. The water tank assembly 1 is connected to the steam generator via a second water pump (not shown) and a steam pipe (not shown), so that the water in the water tank assembly 1 is transported to the steam generator by the second water pump to generate steam.

[0045] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the water box assembly 1 includes a water storage box 11 and a water collection box 12. The water storage box 11 has an internal water storage space 111, and the bottom of the water storage box 11 has a water outlet 112, so that the water storage space 111 can be connected to the steam generator of the garment care machine. With the above configuration, the water storage space 111 of the water storage box 11 is connected to the steam generator of the garment care machine through the water outlet 112, the second water pump, and the steam pipe, so that the water in the water storage space 111 can be delivered to the steam generator to generate steam.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figures 2 to 4The water collection box 12 is detachably installed within the water storage space 111 of the water storage box 11. The internal structure of the water collection box 12 includes a water collection space 121, the volume of which is smaller than the volume of the water storage space 111. The water collection box 12 includes a first side 124 and a second side (not shown) arranged opposite each other. The first side 124 is located at the rear of the water collection box 12, and the second side is located at the front. The first side 124 of the water collection box 12 has a water inlet 122, allowing the water collection space 121 to communicate with the water collection chamber 23 of the garment care machine. Through this arrangement, the water collection chamber 23 is connected to the water collection space 121 via a first water pump and a water collection pipe 24, enabling water in the water collection chamber 23 to be transported to the water collection space 121 of the water collection box 12. This allows the user to remove the water collection box 12 to handle the condensate generated during the garment care process.

[0047] It should be noted that, as Figure 3 As shown, since the water collection box 12 is located inside the water storage space 111 of the water storage box 11, the connecting end of the water collection pipe 24 needs to pass through the water storage space 111 of the water storage box 11 to connect with the water collection space 121 of the water collection box 12. Therefore, when the water collection box 12 is disassembled from the water storage space 111, the connecting end of the water collection pipe 24 will connect with the water storage space 111, that is, the water collection chamber 23 will connect with the water storage space 111. The condensate in the water collection chamber 23 will be transported to the water storage space 111, so that the condensate can be transported to the steam generator to generate steam, realize the recycling of condensate, and reduce the water consumption of the garment care machine.

[0048] The water tank assembly 1 for the garment care machine provided by this utility model allows the water collection box 12 to be detachably installed within the water storage space 111 of the water storage box 11. This enables users to switch the water tank assembly 1 to an integrated or separate water tank according to their needs. Specifically, when users require an integrated water tank for larger capacity, the water collection box 12 can be removed from the water storage space 111, maintaining the water tank assembly 1 at its maximum capacity. This avoids frequent water filling, and the condensate can be recycled and reused, improving convenience and saving water. When users have lower usage frequency or want to separate the recycled condensate from the water in the water storage box 11, the water collection box 12 can be installed within the water storage space 111, achieving the effect of a separate water tank. In other words, the water tank assembly 1 provided by this utility model can meet the needs of different user groups, and the switching process between different water tank modes is simple and easy to operate.

[0049] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the water storage box 11 has a first opening 113 on its outer surface that communicates with the water storage space 111. External water can enter the water storage space 111 through the first opening 113, and the water collection box 12 can be placed inside the water storage space 111 through the first opening 113. Specifically, the first opening 113 is located in the middle of the upper surface of the water storage box 11. The water box assembly 1 also includes a first cover 13, which is hinged to the first opening 113 of the water storage box 11 for opening or closing the first opening 113.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The water storage box 11 also has a second opening 114 on its outer surface that communicates with the water storage space 111, allowing external water to enter the water storage space 111 through the second opening 114. Specifically, the second opening 114 is located on the upper surface of the water storage box 11 near the edge. The water box assembly 1 also includes a second cover 14, which is hinged to the second opening 114 of the water storage box 11 for opening or closing the second opening 114.

[0051] With the above-described configuration, this invention allows users to add water to the water storage space 111 through either the first opening 113 or the second opening 114 when the water collection box 12 is detached from the water storage space 111 of the water storage box 11. When the water collection box 12 is placed inside the water storage space 111 of the water storage box 11, users can add water through the second opening 114. It should be noted that when the water collection box 12 is placed inside the water storage space 111 of the water storage box 11, the upper surface of the water collection box 12 partially or completely obstructs the first opening 113 of the water storage box 11, making it inconvenient for users to add water through the first opening 113. This invention, by providing the second opening 114, facilitates adding water to the water storage space 111 in this situation, improving user convenience.

[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the water storage box 11 has a handle structure 117 recessed into the water storage space 111 on its front side. This design allows the user to pull the water storage box 11 out from the water box mounting part 22 using the handle structure 117.

[0053] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, the water storage box 11 has a water inlet 115 on its rear side that corresponds to the water inlet 122 of the water collection box 12. With the above arrangement, the water collection pipe 24 passes through the water inlet 115 of the water storage box 11 and the water inlet 122 of the water collection box 12 in sequence and communicates with the water collection space 121.

[0054] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, a limiting rib 118 is provided within the water storage space 111 to limit the water collection box 12. Specifically, the limiting rib 118 is located above the portion of the handle structure 117 that is recessed within the water storage space 111. With the above arrangement, when the water collection box 12 is placed within the water storage space 111 of the water storage box 11, the water collection box 12 can be stably limited within the water storage space 111, preventing unnecessary displacement.

[0055] The water storage box 11 of this utility model has a support part inside the water storage space 111 for supporting the water collection box 12.

[0056] Furthermore, the support includes at least one first protrusion 116 disposed on the inner side of the water storage space 111. For example... Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the support includes two first protrusions 116 disposed on the inner side of the water storage space 111. It should be noted that the number of first protrusions 116 is not limited to the two shown in the figure, but can be one, three, four, five, etc.

[0057] In some specific embodiments, the support includes at least one second protrusion disposed on the inner bottom surface of the water storage space 111. The number of second protrusions can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.

[0058] In some specific embodiments, the support includes at least one first protrusion 116 disposed on the inner side of the water storage space 111, and at least one second protrusion disposed on the inner bottom surface of the water storage space 111.

[0059] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the water collection box 12 has a third opening 123 at its top that communicates with the water collection space 121, allowing water in the water collection space 121 to be discharged outside the water collection box 12 through the third opening 123. Specifically, the third opening 123 is located on the upper surface of the water collection box 12 near its edge. The water box assembly 1 also includes a third cover 15, which is hinged to the third opening 123 of the water collection box 12 for opening or closing the third opening 123.

[0060] Continue to refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The water collection box 12 is provided with a handle structure 125 on its top. With the above configuration, the user can remove the water collection box 12 from the water storage space 111 by using the handle structure 125.

[0061] Continue to refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9The water collection box 12 has an overflow outlet 1242 near its top on the first side 124. When the water collection box 12 is placed inside the water storage space 111, the water collection space 121 is connected to the water storage space 111 through the overflow outlet 1242. This arrangement allows excess condensate in the water collection box 12 to flow into the water storage space 111 through the overflow outlet 1242. Furthermore, the inlet 122 and the overflow outlet 1242 are integrally formed into an open structure.

[0062] Continue to refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The first side 124 of the water collection box 12 has a recess 1241 that is recessed into the interior of the water collection box 12, and an overflow outlet 1242 is provided on the recess 1241. Figures 10 to 13 As shown, when the water collection box 12 is placed inside the water storage space 111, the portion of the first side 124, excluding the recess 1241, is attached to the inner side of the water storage space 111. This creates an overflow channel between the recess 1241 and the corresponding inner side of the water storage space 111, allowing the water collection space 121 to communicate with the water storage space 111 through the overflow port 1242 and the overflow channel. This arrangement ensures that the condensate in the water collection box 12 can flow smoothly into the water storage space 111 through the overflow port 1242 and the overflow channel.

[0063] like Figure 14 As shown, a first water level sensor is installed near the top of the water storage space 111. The water level detected by the first water level sensor is the highest water level in the water storage space 111. Specifically, the first water level sensor includes a first float switch 16 and a first reed switch 25. The first float switch 16 is located near the top of the water storage space 111, i.e., at the highest water level in the water storage space 111. The first reed switch 25 is installed on the water box mounting part 22 and is correspondingly set to the first float switch 16. With the above configuration, the garment care machine can detect whether the water level in the water storage space 111 has reached the highest water level through the first water level sensor.

[0064] It should be noted that the float switch contains a magnetic float, and a reed switch is used to detect whether the float switch has a change in magnetic force. When the water level reaches the float switch's level, the float inside the float switch will rise, causing a change in the position between the float and the reed switch. This allows the reed switch to detect the change in magnetic force in the float switch, and thus detect that the water level has reached the corresponding level. Understandably, the technology of using a float switch and reed switch to detect water level is very mature and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0065] Continue to refer to Figure 14A second water level sensor is installed near the bottom of the water storage space 111. The water level detected by the second water level sensor is the minimum water level in the water storage space 111. Specifically, the second water level sensor includes a second float switch 17 and a second reed switch 26. The second float switch 17 is located near the bottom of the water storage space 111, i.e., at the minimum water level. The second reed switch 26 is installed on the water box mounting part 22 and is correspondingly arranged with the second float switch 17. With the above arrangement, the garment care machine can detect whether the water level in the water storage space 111 has reached the minimum water level through the second water level sensor. It should be noted that the technology of detecting water level through the cooperation of the float switch and the reed switch is the same as the previous example, and will not be repeated here.

[0066] Continue to refer to Figure 14 A third water level sensor is installed near the top of the water collection space 121. The third water level sensor detects the highest water level in the water collection space 121. Specifically, the third water level sensor includes a third float switch 18 and a third reed switch 27. The third float switch 18 is located near the top of the water collection space 121, at the highest water level. The third reed switch 27 is installed on the water box mounting part 22 and is correspondingly arranged with the third float switch 18. With the above arrangement, the garment care machine can detect whether the water level in the water collection space 121 has reached the highest water level through the third water level sensor. It should be noted that the technology of detecting water level through the cooperation of the float switch and the reed switch is the same as the previous example and will not be repeated here.

[0067] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of this utility model, 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 protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water tank assembly for a garment care device, characterized in that, The water box assembly (1) includes a water storage box (11) and a water collection box (12). The water storage box (11) has an internal water storage space (111) and a water outlet (112) to connect the water storage space (111) to the steam generator of the garment care device. The water collection box (12) is detachably installed in the water storage space (111). The water collection box (12) has an internal water collection space (121) and a water inlet (122) to connect the water collection space (121) with the water collection chamber (23) of the garment care device.

2. The water tank assembly of the garment care device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage box (11) has a first opening (113) on its outer surface that communicates with the water storage space (111). External water can enter the water storage space (111) through the first opening (113), and the water collection box (12) can be placed in the water storage space (111) through the first opening (113).

3. The water tank assembly of the garment care device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water storage box (11) also has a second opening (114) on its outer surface that communicates with the water storage space (111), and external water can also enter the water storage space (111) through the second opening (114).

4. The water tank assembly of the garment care device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage space (111) is provided with a support for supporting the water collection box (12).

5. The water tank assembly of the garment care device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support includes at least one first protrusion (116) disposed on the inner side of the water storage space (111); and / or The support includes at least one second protrusion disposed on the inner bottom surface of the water storage space (111).

6. The water tank assembly of the garment care device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water collection box (12) has an overflow port (1242) on its side near its top. When the water collection box (12) is placed in the water storage space (111), the water collection space (121) is connected to the water storage space (111) through the overflow port (1242).

7. The water tank assembly of the garment care device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inlet (122) and the overflow (1242) are integrally formed into an opening structure.

8. The water tank assembly of the garment care device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The water collection box (12) includes a first side surface (124), which has a recess (1241) that is recessed into the interior of the water collection box (12). The overflow outlet (1242) is disposed on the recess (1241). When the water collection box (12) is placed in the water storage space (111), the portion of the first side surface (124) other than the recess (1241) is attached to the inner side surface of the water storage space (111), so that the space between the recess (1241) and the corresponding inner side surface of the water storage space (111) forms an overflow channel, thereby allowing the water collection space (121) to communicate with the water storage space (111) through the overflow outlet (1242) and the overflow channel.

9. The water tank assembly of the garment care device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage space (111) is equipped with a first water level sensor near the top; and / or The water storage space (111) is equipped with a second water level sensor near the bottom; and / or The water collection space (121) is equipped with a third water level sensor near the top.

10. A garment care device, characterized in that, The garment care device includes the water tank assembly of the garment care device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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