Water tank and clothes care machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water tank and a clothes care machine, and relates to the technical field of household appliances, the water tank comprises a tank body, a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity and the second cavity are communicated at the position lower than the highest water line of the tank body, and the first cavity is communicated with the second cavity; the space below the highest water line in the second cavity is larger than the space above the highest water line in the first cavity, and the water filling nozzle is communicated with the first cavity; the plugging piece is plugged at the communication part of the first cavity and the second cavity; according to the water tank, after the first cavity is filled with water and the water tank is installed on a machine, the blocking piece is driven by the operating piece, and the first cavity and the second cavity can be communicated with each other. Therefore, the part, higher than the highest water level, of water in the first cavity flows into the second cavity, and the problem that an alarm is triggered due to the fact that the water level is too high is effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of home appliance technology, specifically to a water tank and clothing care machine. Background Technology

[0002] As a household appliance, a garment care machine can perform various care operations on clothing, keeping it in good condition. Its working principle is based on electric power; within a sealed cavity, the garment care machine can perform one or more functions, such as removing wrinkles, odors, sterilizing, removing mites, removing allergens, and drying.

[0003] Chinese patent document CN210621279U discloses a water tank for a garment care machine, which includes a sealed care space formed by a cabinet and a door. A wastewater tank and a clean water tank are detachably installed at the bottom of the cabinet. The clean water tank has an inlet, and the wastewater tank has a drain outlet. In actual use, the user needs to frequently add water to the clean water tank and periodically empty the wastewater tank, making the operation quite cumbersome.

[0004] Chinese patent document CN205775512U discloses a garment care machine with the function of purifying and recycling wastewater, which is equipped with a wastewater processor. When using the garment care machine, the motor starts, and clean water in the clean water tank is converted into water vapor and sprayed out to care for the clothes. The water vapor containing dirt then condenses into water droplets and flows into the wastewater tank. Next, the wastewater in the wastewater tank flows into the wastewater processor, is treated by the wastewater processor, and then sent back to the clean water tank, thus achieving water recycling. This solution can significantly reduce the frequency of adding water to the clean water tank and cleaning the wastewater tank.

[0005] However, in the above solution, since the purified wastewater will flow back into the water tank, the water level in the tank must be monitored, and an alarm will sound if the water level is too high. In reality, some users don't pay attention to the maximum water level mark when adding water to the tank, simply filling it completely. If this is done, the machine will alarm when the tank is placed inside, prompting the user to empty some water. Users often don't understand why the machine alarms when the tank is full, and they have to empty some of the water they just added, which undoubtedly greatly impacts the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a water tank and clothing care machine to solve the problem that the machine will alarm when the water tank is full.

[0007] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a water tank, comprising:

[0008] The box has a first cavity and a second cavity, which are connected below the highest water level line of the box. The space in the second cavity below the highest water level line is larger than the space in the first cavity above the highest water level line. The box has a water inlet that is connected to the first cavity.

[0009] An operating component is disposed on the housing. The operating component has a drive rod. After the drive rod passes through the second cavity, a first sealing component is connected to the inside of the second cavity. The first sealing component seals the connection between the first cavity and the second cavity. When the drive rod is actuated, the sealing of the first sealing component is released.

[0010] The technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages:

[0011] The water tank provided by this utility model, after filling the first cavity with water and installing it on the machine, allows the first sealing component to be driven by the drive rod of the operating component, enabling the first cavity and the second cavity to communicate with each other. In this way, the portion of water in the first cavity that is above the maximum water level will flow into the second cavity, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of triggering an alarm due to excessive water level.

[0012] Optionally, a first water level detection device is provided inside the first cavity, which is used to detect the lowest water level inside the first cavity. With this feature, when the water level in the first cavity is too low, the first water level detection device can promptly remind the user to add water.

[0013] Optionally, a portion of the sidewall of the first cavity located directly below the water inlet is the sidewall of the second cavity. By the above arrangement, the cross-sectional area of ​​the region directly below the water inlet in the first cavity can be reduced, thereby reducing the amount of water exceeding the maximum water level in that region.

[0014] Optionally, the highest point of the second cavity is flush with the highest point of the first cavity, and the volume ratio of the second cavity to the first cavity is 1:3. With the water tank installed inside the drying machine, when the user uses the machine to dry clothes, the moisture in the clothes is filtered and flows back into the water tank. This design allows the drying machine to be used continuously for 3-4 drying cycles, avoiding the problem of the water level in the tank exceeding the maximum water level line and triggering an alarm after only one or two drying cycles.

[0015] Optionally, a second water level detection device is provided in the first cavity and / or the second cavity. The second water level detection device is used to detect the highest water level in the water tank. Through the second water level detection device, it is possible to detect in a timely manner whether the water level in the water tank is too high, thereby promptly issuing an alarm to remind the user to take appropriate action.

[0016] Optionally, an air inlet is provided above the second cavity, and a one-way air inlet valve is provided at the air inlet. This arrangement facilitates the smooth drainage of water from the tank for use. Specifically, when the water tank drains water, the space inside the tank gradually forms a negative pressure due to the outflow of water. Without the air inlet and one-way air valve, as the negative pressure inside the tank increases, the resistance to water flow will also increase, potentially leading to poor drainage or even cessation of drainage.

[0017] Optionally, it further includes: a first biasing member connected to the top end of the drive rod, the first biasing member being used to provide a biasing force to reset the drive rod so that the first sealing member remains in a sealing state. This configuration...

[0018] With the above settings, when the driving force of the operating component is released, the first biasing component drives the driving rod to reset, and under the action of the first biasing component, the first sealing component restores the sealing between the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0019] Optionally, it further includes a second sealing element, which is disposed on the side wall of the second cavity, and the drive rod is connected to the second sealing element through a connecting structure. With the above arrangement, multiple connections can be achieved when the first cavity and the second cavity are connected, thereby preventing the formation of an air seal in the second cavity from affecting the normal inflow of liquid.

[0020] Optionally, the connection structure includes:

[0021] The connecting rod has one end rotatably connected to the drive rod, and the other end extends toward the second sealing member;

[0022] A movable rod passes through the second sealing member and is fixedly connected to the sealing member. One end of the movable rod is rotatably connected to the connecting rod, and the other end of the movable rod is connected to a limiting slider. The limiting slider is slidably disposed within a limiting groove.

[0023] Optionally, the housing has a lower water outlet, and a sealing structure is provided at the lower water outlet;

[0024] The sealing structure includes:

[0025] The lower cover is detachably and sealingly connected to the lower outlet of the water tank;

[0026] The valve stem is slidably mounted inside the lower cover.

[0027] The valve core is connected to the valve stem;

[0028] A second biasing element is connected to the valve stem. The second biasing element has a biasing force that drives the valve stem to slide so that the valve core blocks the lower outlet.

[0029] Secondly, this utility model also provides a garment care machine, comprising: a body and a water tank as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the water tank is detachably mounted on the body.

[0030] The garment care machine provided by this utility model has all the advantages of the aforementioned water tank because it uses the water tank described above.

[0031] Optionally, the machine body includes a wastewater filtration device, the outlet of which is connected to the first cavity and / or the second cavity of the water tank. This configuration connects the wastewater filtration device to the water tank, achieving functional integration. Users can transfer the filtered wastewater to the storage area without additional operation, simplifying the overall operation of the garment care machine and improving ease of use.

[0032] Optionally, the machine body has a mating component for driving the operating element, and the mating component is located below the water tank. The water tank typically holds a certain amount of water during use and has a relatively large mass. Placing the mating component below the water tank makes full use of the tank's weight, thereby driving the operating element through the mating component. Attached Figure Description

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

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the interior of a water tank according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The image shows a front view of the internal structure of the water tank.

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the state after the operation of the central lever connects the first cavity and the second cavity;

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 2A three-dimensional view of the sealing structure at the lower outlet of the intermediate water tank.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0039] 1. Housing; 2. First cavity; 3. Second cavity; 4. Water inlet; 5. First water level detection device; 6. Second water level detection device; 7. Air inlet; 8. Drive rod; 9. First sealing component; 10. Lower water outlet; 11. Lower cover; 12. Valve stem; 13. Valve core; 14. First biasing component; 15. Second sealing component; 16. Second biasing component; 17. Connecting rod; 18. Movable rod. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0044] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, this is a specific implementation of the water tank provided in this embodiment, including: a tank body 1, the tank body 1 having a first cavity 2 and a second cavity 3, the first cavity 2 and the second cavity 3 being connected at a position below the highest water level line of the tank body 1, the space in the second cavity 3 below the highest water level line being larger than the space in the first cavity 2 above the highest water level line, the tank body 1 having a water inlet 4, the water inlet 4 being connected to the first cavity 2; that is, when water is injected into the tank body 1 through the water inlet 4, it first enters the first cavity 2.

[0045] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, a first sealing element 9 is installed at the connection between the first cavity 2 and the second cavity 3. This first sealing element 9 is normally closed and can be released by actuation, thereby connecting the first cavity 2 and the second cavity 3. In other words, when the first sealing element 9 is released, all the water above the highest water level in the first cavity 2 will be transferred to the second cavity 3.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, an operating component is provided on the housing 1. The operating component has a drive rod 8. The drive rod 8 passes through the second cavity 3 and is connected to the first sealing component 9 on the inner side of the second cavity 3. When the drive rod 8 is activated, the sealing of the first sealing component 9 is released.

[0047] In this embodiment, after the first cavity 2 is filled with water and installed on the machine, the first sealing component 9 is driven by the drive rod 8 of the operating component, allowing the first cavity 2 and the second cavity 3 to communicate with each other. In this way, the water in the first cavity 2 that is above the maximum water level will all flow into the second cavity 3, ensuring that the water level in the tank 1 does not exceed the maximum water level, thus effectively preventing the alarm from being triggered due to excessive water level.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, a first water level detection device 5 is provided inside the first cavity 2. The first water level detection device 5 is used to detect the lowest water level inside the first cavity 2. With this configuration, when the water level inside the first cavity 2 is too low, the first water level detection device 5 can promptly remind the user to add water. Of course, the above description is not limiting. In some alternative embodiments, the first water level detection device 5 can be omitted, or other water level detection devices that do not need to be installed inside the first cavity 2 can be used, such as an ultrasonic water level detection device.

[0049] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, a portion of the sidewall of the area directly below the water inlet 4 within the first cavity 2 is the sidewall of the second cavity 3. This arrangement can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the area directly below the water inlet 4 within the first cavity 2, thereby reducing the amount of water exceeding the maximum water level in that area.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the highest position of the second cavity 3 is flush with the highest position of the first cavity 2, and the volume ratio of the second cavity 3 to the volume of the first cavity 2 is 1:3.

[0051] With the water tank installed inside the drying machine, when the user uses the machine to dry clothes, the moisture in the clothes is filtered and flows back into the water tank. This embodiment, through the above-mentioned setup, allows the drying machine to be used continuously for 3-4 drying operations, avoiding the problem of the water level in the tank exceeding the maximum water level line and triggering an alarm after only one or two drying operations. Of course, in some alternative embodiments, other configurations can be used; for example, the capacity of the second cavity 3 can be increased.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, a second water level detection device 6 is provided in the second cavity 3. The second water level detection device 6 is used to detect the highest water level in the water tank. Through the second water level detection device 6, it is possible to detect in a timely manner whether the water level in the water tank is too high, thereby promptly issuing an alarm to remind the user to handle the situation. Alternatively, in some alternative embodiments, the second water level detection device 6 may also be provided in the first cavity 2, or in both the first cavity 2 and the second cavity 3.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, an air inlet 7 is provided above the second cavity 3, and a one-way air inlet valve is provided at the air inlet 7. This arrangement facilitates the smooth discharge of water from the tank for use. Specifically, when the water tank drains water, the space inside the tank gradually forms a negative pressure due to the outflow of water. Without the air inlet 7 and the one-way air inlet valve, as the negative pressure inside the tank increases, the resistance to water flow will also increase, potentially leading to poor drainage or even cessation of drainage. Of course, in some alternative embodiments, the one-way air inlet valve can be omitted.

[0054] like Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, it further includes a first biasing member 14, which is connected to the top end of the drive rod 8. The first biasing member 14 provides a biasing force to reset the drive rod 8 so that the first sealing member 9 remains in a sealing state. With this configuration, when the drive of the operating member is released, the first biasing member 14 drives the drive rod 8 to reset, and under the action of the first biasing member 14, the first sealing member 9 restores its sealing between the first cavity 2 and the second cavity 3. Specifically, the first biasing member 14 can be a spring or a magnetic element, etc.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, a second sealing element 15 is further included. The second sealing element 15 is disposed on the side wall of the second cavity 3, and the drive rod 8 is connected to the second sealing element 15 through a connecting structure. With the above arrangement, multiple connections can be achieved when the first cavity 2 and the second cavity 3 are connected, thereby preventing the formation of an air seal in the second cavity 3 that would affect the normal inflow of liquid. Of course, in some alternative embodiments, the second sealing element 15 can also be omitted.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the connection structure includes a connecting rod 17 and a movable rod 18. One end of the connecting rod 17 is rotatably connected to the drive rod 8, and the other end of the connecting rod 17 extends toward the second sealing member 15. The movable rod 18 passes through the second sealing member 15 and is fixedly connected to the sealing member. One end of the movable rod 18 is rotatably connected to the connecting rod 17, and the other end of the movable rod 18 is connected to a limiting slider, which is slidably disposed within a limiting groove.

[0057] With the above connection structure, when the second sealing member 15 is unsealed, the connecting rod 17 is not easily moved in the opposite direction due to the impact of water flow, thereby ensuring the communication between the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0058] Of course, the above description is not limiting. In some alternative embodiments, the connection structure may also adopt other conventional structures, such as a worm gear structure.

[0059] like Figure 2 , Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the water tank further includes a lower outlet 10, at which a sealing structure is provided. The sealing structure includes a lower cover 11, which is threadedly connected to the lower outlet 10 of the water tank. A valve stem 12 is slidably mounted inside the lower cover 11. A second biasing member 16 is connected to the valve stem 12, and a valve core 13 is mounted on the valve stem 12. The second biasing member 16 has a biasing force that drives the valve stem 12 to slide downwards, thereby causing the valve core 13 to seal the lower outlet 10. In use, pushing the valve stem 12 upwards overcomes the biasing force of the second biasing member 16, causing the valve core 13 to open the lower outlet 10. Specifically, the valve core 13 can be a rubber gasket. The top end of the valve stem 12 is adapted to engage with the drive rod 8, so that when the valve stem 12 is driven, the drive rod 8 can be driven simultaneously.

[0060] Working principle:

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, after the water tank is removed from the machine, the drive rod 8 of the operating component remains in its initial downward position under the action of the first biasing member 14. The second sealing member 15 remains in a sealing state against the side wall of the second cavity 3 under the action of the connecting structure.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, after the water tank is installed on the machine, the mating parts on the machine abut against the drive rod 8 of the operating component, thereby causing the drive rod 8 to move upward. Under the action of the connecting structure, the second sealing component 15 moves in the direction of releasing the seal on the second cavity 3, thereby allowing the side wall of the second cavity 3 to communicate with the first cavity 2.

[0063] Secondly, this embodiment also provides a garment care machine, including: a body and a water tank as described in the above embodiment. The water tank is detachably mounted on the body, and the body has a mating component for driving the operating element. The mating component is located below the water tank. Since the water tank usually holds a certain amount of water during use and has a relatively large mass, placing the mating component below the water tank makes full use of the weight of the water tank, thereby driving the operating element through the mating component. Of course, the above description is not limiting. In some alternative embodiments, the mating component on the body can be located in other positions, such as near the side of the water tank.

[0064] In some embodiments, the machine body includes a wastewater filtration device, the outlet of which is connected to the first cavity 2 and / or the second cavity 3 of the water tank. This configuration connects the wastewater filtration device to the water tank, achieving functional integration. Users can transfer the filtered wastewater to the storage area without additional operation, simplifying the overall operation of the garment care machine and improving ease of use.

[0065] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the present invention.

Claims

1. A water tank, characterized in that, include: The box (1) has a first cavity (2) and a second cavity (3) inside. The first cavity (2) and the second cavity (3) are connected at a position below the highest water level line of the box (1). The space below the highest water level line in the second cavity (3) is larger than the space above the highest water level line in the first cavity (2). The box (1) has a water inlet (4) connected to the first cavity (2). An operating component is provided on the housing (1). The operating component has a drive rod (8). After the drive rod (8) passes through the second cavity (3), a first sealing component (9) is connected to the inside of the second cavity (3). The first sealing component (9) seals the connection between the first cavity (2) and the second cavity (3). When the drive rod (8) is activated, the sealing of the first sealing component (9) is released.

2. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first water level detection device (5) is provided in the first cavity (2), and the first water level detection device (5) is used to detect the lowest water level in the first cavity (2).

3. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The part of the sidewall of the first cavity (2) located directly below the water inlet (4) is the sidewall of the second cavity (3). The highest position of the second cavity (3) is flush with the highest position of the first cavity (2). The volume ratio of the second cavity (3) to the volume of the first cavity (2) is 1:

3.

4. The water tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, A second water level detection device (6) is provided in the first cavity (2) and / or the second cavity (3), and the second water level detection device (6) is used to detect the highest water level in the water tank.

5. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, An air inlet (7) is provided above the second cavity (3), and a one-way air inlet valve is provided at the air inlet (7).

6. The water tank according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Also includes: A first biasing member (14) is connected to the top end of the drive rod (8) and is used to provide biasing force to reset the drive rod (8) so that the first sealing member (9) remains in a sealing state.

7. The water tank according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Also includes: The second sealing element (15) is disposed on the side wall of the second cavity (3), and the drive rod (8) is connected to the second sealing element (15) through a connecting structure; The connection structure includes: The connecting rod (17) is rotatably connected at one end to the drive rod (8) and extends toward the second sealing member (15) at the other end; The movable rod (18) passes through the second sealing member (15) and is fixedly connected to the sealing member. One end of the movable rod (18) is rotatably connected to the connecting rod (17), and the other end of the movable rod (18) is connected to the limiting slider. The limiting slider is slidably set in the limiting groove.

8. The water tank according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The box (1) has a lower water outlet (10), and a sealing structure is provided at the lower water outlet (10); The sealing structure includes: The lower cover (11) is detachably and sealingly connected to the lower outlet (10) of the water tank; The valve stem (12) is slidably mounted inside the lower cover (11); The valve core (13) is connected to the valve stem (12); The second biasing member (16) is connected to the valve stem (12). The second biasing member (16) has a biasing force that drives the valve stem (12) to slide so that the valve core (13) blocks the lower outlet (10).

9. A garment care machine, characterized in that, include: The body and the water tank according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the water tank is detachably mounted on the body.

10. The garment care machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The body has a mating component for driving the operating element, and the mating component is located below the water tank.

Images