Laundry treating apparatus
By optimizing the positional relationship between the capacitive sensor and the overflow outlet, and combining it with a defoamer, the problems of foam overflow and poor washing effect in washing machines were solved, achieving accurate detection and effective elimination of foam.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HISENSE(SHANDONG)REFRIGERATOR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing washing machines lack effective foam detection functions, which can lead to users adding too much detergent or high-foaming detergent during washing, resulting in foam overflow or poor washing performance.
A capacitive sensor is used to detect the foam height, and by optimizing the positional relationship between the overflow outlet and the sensor, it is ensured that the sensor is triggered when the foam reaches the appropriate liquid level. Combined with a defoamer, this prevents foam from overflowing while ensuring the washing effect.
It effectively prevents foam overflow, improves washing performance, and ensures the normal operation of the garment processing device and the washing effect.
Smart Images
Figure CN224395260U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of clothing processing apparatus technology, and more particularly to a clothing processing apparatus. Background Technology
[0002] Most washing machines on the market do not have a foam detection function. Users often put too much detergent or high-foaming detergent in when washing clothes, which can easily lead to excessive foam in the washing machine and cause foam overflow.
[0003] The relevant technology uses a foam detection sensor to check if the foam is at a preset height. When foam is detected at the preset height, the washing machine warns the customer or uses defoaming methods to eliminate some of the foam and prevent it from overflowing. However, in practice, either foam overflow occurs, or the washing effect on clothes is poor. Utility Model Content
[0004] This application discloses a clothing treatment device that helps prevent foam from overflowing from the outer drum while ensuring the washing effect on clothes.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application disclose a garment processing device, comprising:
[0006] The box contains:
[0007] An outer cylinder, wherein a water-containing cavity is formed inside the outer cylinder;
[0008] An inner cylinder is rotatably disposed within the water-holding cavity, and a washing chamber is formed within the inner cylinder;
[0009] An overflow pipe has an overflow inlet and an overflow outlet. The overflow outlet is positioned higher than the overflow inlet. The overflow inlet is connected to the top of the water-holding cavity. The overflow pipe is used to discharge overflow water.
[0010] A capacitive sensor is disposed on the outer cylinder, and the detection part of the capacitive sensor is positioned lower than the overflow outlet. The capacitive sensor is used to detect whether the foam in the outer cylinder is at a preset height.
[0011] Along the height direction of the housing, the minimum distance between the overflow outlet and the detection part of the capacitive sensor is 10-50 mm.
[0012] If the minimum distance between the overflow outlet and the detection part of the capacitive sensor along the height of the tank is less than 10mm, the gap between the overflow outlet and the capacitive sensor is too small. The time required for foam to travel from near the capacitive sensor to near the overflow outlet is too short, meaning the time allotted for the defoaming stage is too short. This may result in foam overflowing from the overflow outlet before it has been completely eliminated. If the minimum distance between the overflow outlet and the detection part of the capacitive sensor along the height of the tank is greater than 50mm, the gap between the overflow outlet and the capacitive sensor is too large. The capacitive sensor is located at a lower height, requiring the foam to reach a lower liquid level to trigger the sensor. This results in less foam in the outer drum, reducing the washing effect on clothes.
[0013] Therefore, in this embodiment, the minimum distance between the overflow outlet and the detection part of the capacitive sensor is controlled at 10-50mm, which can keep the distance between the overflow outlet and the capacitive sensor within a suitable range. This allows sufficient time for the defoaming stage and keeps the foam at a high liquid level, thus improving the washing effect on clothes.
[0014] In one alternative embodiment, the capacitive sensor is positioned near the overflow inlet.
[0015] In this embodiment, the capacitive sensor is positioned close to the overflow inlet, which makes the foam distribution in the detection area of the capacitive sensor more consistent with the foam distribution at the overflow inlet, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the capacitive sensor. Therefore, using the signal from the capacitive sensor based on this application to eliminate some of the foam can prevent foam overflow.
[0016] In one optional embodiment, along the depth direction of the housing, the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor and the overflow inlet is less than or equal to 200 mm; along the width direction of the housing, the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor and the overflow inlet is less than or equal to 150 mm; and along the height direction of the housing, the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor and the overflow inlet is less than or equal to 130 mm.
[0017] In this application, the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor and the overflow inlet along the depth direction of the housing is less than or equal to 200 mm; the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor and the overflow inlet along the width direction of the housing is less than or equal to 150 mm; and the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor and the overflow inlet along the height direction of the housing is less than or equal to 130 mm. This allows the capacitive sensor and the overflow inlet to be positioned close together, with the detection area of the capacitive sensor located near the overflow inlet. The foam distribution in this detection area tends to be consistent with the foam distribution at the overflow inlet, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the capacitive sensor. Therefore, using the signal from the capacitive sensor based on this application to eliminate some of the foam can prevent foam overflow.
[0018] In one optional embodiment, the opening of the outer cylinder faces the front side of the box body, and along the height direction of the box body, the projection of the capacitive sensor on the ground is a first projection, and the projection of the overflow inlet on the ground is a second projection.
[0019] Along the width direction of the box body, at least a portion of the first projection faces the second projection.
[0020] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the first projection faces the second projection along the width direction of the housing. That is, the capacitive sensor and the overflow inlet are roughly located in the same circumferential area of the outer cylinder. The foam distribution in the same circumferential area of the outer cylinder is roughly the same. Therefore, the foam distribution near the capacitive sensor will be closer to the foam distribution near the overflow inlet, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of the capacitive sensor.
[0021] In one alternative embodiment, the detection section of the capacitive sensor is positioned higher than the overflow inlet.
[0022] In this embodiment, the detection unit of the capacitive sensor is positioned higher than the overflow inlet. When the height of the foam is between the overflow inlet and the overflow outlet, the capacitive sensor will not be triggered. It will only be triggered when the height of the foam reaches the overflow outlet. In other words, with the structure of this embodiment, the foam needs to reach a high liquid level to trigger the capacitive sensor. This allows for more foam in the outer drum, and more foam results in better washing of clothes.
[0023] In one optional embodiment, the outer cylinder is an insulating component, and the capacitive sensor includes:
[0024] Mounting bracket, which is connected to the outer cylinder;
[0025] An electrode plate is disposed on the mounting bracket and is in contact with the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder. The electrode plate can generate a ground capacitance to detect whether the foam in the outer cylinder is at a preset height.
[0026] The garment processing device further includes:
[0027] Controller;
[0028] A cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the controller and the other end of which is electrically connected to the electrode plate.
[0029] In this embodiment, the capacitive sensor has only one electrode plate, which can cooperate with the ground to generate a ground capacitance. When the foam is near the electrode plate, the ground capacitance changes. After the controller obtains the capacitance value, it can determine whether the foam is at a preset height. Therefore, the capacitive sensor in this embodiment only needs one electrode plate to detect whether the foam is at a preset height, resulting in a simple structure and low manufacturing cost.
[0030] In an optional embodiment, the capacitive sensor further includes:
[0031] A flexible conductive element is disposed on the surface of the electrode plate and is in contact with the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder.
[0032] The flexible conductive component in this embodiment can eliminate the gap between the electrode plate and the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder, thereby increasing the contact area between the electrode plate and the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder, and thus increasing the capacitance to ground of the capacitance sensor. As a result, when the foam reaches the preset height, the change in capacitance will be more obvious, enabling the controller to detect the change in capacitance more accurately and improving the sensitivity of the sensor.
[0033] In one alternative embodiment, a mounting groove is formed on the mounting bracket, and at least a portion of the electrode plate is disposed within the mounting groove;
[0034] The capacitive sensor also includes:
[0035] An annular seal is provided at the opening of the mounting groove and is in sealing fit with the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder.
[0036] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the electrode plate is disposed within the mounting groove, and an annular seal is disposed at the opening of the mounting groove. When the mounting bracket is installed onto the outer cylinder, the annular seal will seal against the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder, that is, the annular seal will seal the gap between the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder and the mounting groove, thereby making the mounting groove a sealed space. Moisture outside the outer cylinder cannot enter the mounting groove through the gap between the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder and the mounting groove, thereby preventing moisture from affecting the ground capacitance generated by the electrode plate, thus improving the detection accuracy of the capacitive sensor.
[0037] In one alternative embodiment, the mounting bracket includes:
[0038] The bracket body has a mounting groove formed thereon, at least a portion of the electrode plate is disposed in the mounting groove, and the bracket body has a through opening that penetrates the side wall of the mounting groove.
[0039] A cable guide, the cable guide being made of a soft material, at least a portion of the cable guide being disposed within the through opening, the cable guide being provided with a cable hole, and the cable being threaded through the cable hole;
[0040] An extrusion member is connected to the bracket body, and the extrusion member extrudes the cable threading seat so that the cable threading hole is sealed to the cable.
[0041] The specific installation process is as follows: Pass the cable through the cable threading hole of the cable threading base and connect the cable to the controller and electrode plate; install the mounting base inside the through-hole; connect the extrusion member to the bracket body. After the extrusion member is connected to the bracket body, it can compress the cable threading base. Since the cable threading base is made of soft material, it is compressed when the extrusion member compresses it, and the cable threading hole also collapses, causing the cable threading base to tightly wrap the cable, eliminating the gap between the cable threading hole and the cable, and achieving a sealed fit between the cable threading hole and the cable.
[0042] In an optional embodiment, the bracket body has a support surface disposed toward the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder, the support surface is disposed around the mounting groove, the through-hole extends through the support surface, the extrusion member is located in the through-hole, and the side of the extrusion member facing away from the wire threading seat is located on the same plane as the support surface.
[0043] The capacitive sensor also includes:
[0044] An annular seal is provided on the support surface and the side of the extrusion member facing away from the wire threading seat, and the annular seal is in sealing fit with the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder.
[0045] In this embodiment, the bracket body has a support surface, and the through-hole extends to the support surface. The extrusion member is located inside the through-hole. The side of the support surface and the side of the extrusion member away from the wire threading seat is used to install the annular seal. Therefore, in this embodiment, the side of the extrusion member away from the wire threading seat is located on the same plane as the support surface, which can eliminate the step between the support surface and the side of the extrusion member away from the wire threading seat, which is beneficial for installing the annular seal. Attached Figure Description
[0046] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0047] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the garment processing device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;
[0048] Figure 2 For this application Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;
[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the outer cylinder and the capacitive sensor disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;
[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the outer cylinder and the capacitive sensor disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;
[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the outer cylinder and the capacitive sensor disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;
[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the capacitive sensor disclosed in the embodiments of this application;
[0053] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the capacitive sensor disclosed in an embodiment of this application.
[0054] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0055] 100. Outer cylinder; 101. Water inlet; 200. Overflow pipe; 201. Overflow outlet; 202. Overflow inlet; 300. Capacitive sensor; 301. Mounting groove; 302. Through port; 303. Support surface; 310. Mounting bracket; 311. Bracket body; 312. Wiring socket; 3121. Wiring hole; 313. Extruded part; 320. Electrode plate; 330. Flexible conductive part; 340. Circuit board; 350. Annular seal. Detailed Implementation
[0056] 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, and 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.
[0057] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.
[0058] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0059] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0060] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0061] Most washing machines on the market do not have a foam detection function. Users often put too much detergent or high-foaming detergent in when washing clothes, which can easily lead to excessive foam in the washing machine and cause foam overflow.
[0062] The relevant technology uses a foam detection sensor to detect whether the foam is at a preset height. When the foam is detected at the preset height, the washing machine will warn the customer or use defoaming methods to eliminate some of the foam and prevent it from overflowing.
[0063] The inventors discovered that the foam detection sensors in related technologies are capacitive sensors, and these sensors are either too far from the overflow outlet of the overflow pipe along the height of the tank, or too close. If the distance between the overflow outlet and the capacitive sensor along the height of the tank is too small, the time required for the foam to travel from near the capacitive sensor to near the overflow outlet is too short; that is, the time allotted for the defoaming stage is too short, which may result in foam overflowing from the overflow outlet before it has been completely eliminated. If the distance between the overflow outlet and the capacitive sensor along the height of the tank is too large, the capacitive sensor is located at a lower height, and the foam at a lower liquid level will trigger the capacitive sensor, resulting in less foam in the outer drum and reducing the washing effect on clothes.
[0064] This application discloses a clothing treatment device that helps prevent foam from overflowing from the outer drum while ensuring effective washing of clothes. The clothing treatment device provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments and application scenarios.
[0065] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the embodiments of this application, a clothing processing device is disclosed. Exemplarily, the clothing processing device may be a drum washing machine, a top-loading washing machine, a washer-dryer combo, etc. This application does not limit the type of clothing processing device. The clothing processing device includes:
[0066] The casing (not shown in the diagram) forms the overall appearance of the drum washing machine. The interior of the casing is hollow to create a storage space. This space is configured to accommodate various components of the drum washing machine, such as the electrical circuitry, drive system, and drainage system. The casing can be rectangular for placement against a wall. Alternatively, it can be cylindrical to accommodate the circular components inside the drum washing machine.
[0067] For example, the enclosure includes a frame and an outer shell. The outer shell includes a front panel, a rear panel, a left side panel, a right side panel, and a top panel. The front panel is connected to the front of the frame, the rear panel is connected to the rear of the frame, the left side panel is connected to the left side of the frame, the right side panel is connected to the right side of the frame, and the top panel is connected to the top of the frame. The width direction of the enclosure is the arrangement direction of the left and right side panels, such as... Figures 3 to 5 The direction indicated by the x-arrow in the middle; the depth direction of the enclosure indicates the arrangement direction of the front panel and rear panel, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The direction indicated by the y-arrow in the middle; the height direction of the box is... Figure 3 and Figure 5 The direction indicated by the arrow in the middle. Furthermore, the outer shell also includes a bottom plate, which is connected to the lower side of the frame, and the height direction of the housing is the same as the arrangement direction of the top and bottom plates.
[0068] The box contains:
[0069] The outer cylinder 100 has a water-holding cavity formed inside it, which is used to accommodate the inner cylinder and washing water described below. Exemplarily, the outer cylinder 100 can be hooked to the box body by a hanging spring.
[0070] The inner drum (not shown in the figure) is rotatably disposed in the water-holding cavity. A washing chamber is formed inside the inner drum to hold clothes. During the rotation of the inner drum relative to the outer drum 100, the clothes will be continuously rolled and tumbled on the inner wall of the inner drum as the inner drum rotates, thereby achieving the washing of the clothes.
[0071] An overflow pipe 200 has an overflow inlet 202 and an overflow outlet 201. The overflow outlet 201 is positioned higher than the overflow inlet 202. The overflow inlet 202 is connected to the top of the water-holding chamber. The overflow pipe 200 is used to discharge overflow water. Specifically, when the clothes handling device is continuously in a water-filled state, the water level in the outer drum 100 will continuously rise. When the water level reaches the overflow inlet 202, the washing water will enter the overflow pipe 200 and be discharged from the outer drum 100 via the overflow pipe 200. For example, the overflow pipe 200 can be connected to the drain pipe of the clothes handling device, and the drain pipe is connected to a floor drain.
[0072] A capacitive sensor 300 is disposed on the outer cylinder 100. The detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 is positioned lower than the overflow outlet 201 to prevent foam from overflowing from the overflow pipe 200 before the capacitive sensor 300 detects it. The capacitive sensor 300 is used to detect whether the foam in the outer cylinder 100 is at a preset height. Specifically, when detecting the liquid level, the capacitive sensor 300 does not need to directly contact the liquid being measured. This avoids a chemical reaction between the capacitive sensor 300 and the washing water, and the non-contact detection method prevents mechanical wear, thus extending the service life of the capacitive sensor 300.
[0073] Along the height direction of the enclosure, the minimum distance between the overflow outlet 201 and the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 is 10 to 50 mm. For example, the minimum distance between the overflow outlet 201 and the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 along the height direction of the enclosure can be 15 mm, 20 mm, 26 mm, 30 mm, 33 mm, 38 mm, 42 mm, 48 mm, etc., and this application does not limit it.
[0074] If the minimum distance between the overflow outlet 201 and the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 along the height direction of the tank is less than 10mm, the gap between the overflow outlet 201 and the capacitive sensor 300 is too small. The time required for foam to reach the vicinity of the overflow outlet 201 from near the capacitive sensor is too short, meaning the time allotted for the defoaming stage is too short. This may result in foam overflowing from the overflow outlet 201 before it has been completely eliminated. If the minimum distance between the overflow outlet 201 and the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 along the height direction of the tank is greater than 50mm, the gap between the overflow outlet 201 and the capacitive sensor 300 is large. The capacitive sensor 300 is located at a lower height, and the foam will trigger the capacitive sensor 300 when the liquid level is low. This will result in less foam in the outer drum 100, reducing the washing effect on clothes.
[0075] Therefore, in this embodiment, the minimum distance between the overflow outlet 201 and the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 is controlled to be 10-50mm. This allows the distance between the overflow outlet 201 and the capacitive sensor 300 to be within a suitable range. This allows sufficient time to be reserved for the defoaming stage and also keeps the foam at a high liquid level, thus improving the washing effect on clothes.
[0076] During the operation of the washing machine, the inner drum rotates relative to the outer drum. The rotation of the inner drum will agitate the water flow, which will cause the foam to be unevenly distributed in the outer drum. That is, there may be a situation where the foam is more distributed at the overflow inlet and the foam is not distributed in the detection area of the foam detection sensor. In this case, the foam detection sensor will not be triggered, but the foam has already overflowed outward through the overflow inlet.
[0077] Therefore, in one alternative embodiment, the overflow inlet 202 is positioned higher than the axis of the outer cylinder 100 (by...). Figure 3 (As shown by the dashed line M in the diagram), the detection unit of the capacitive sensor 300 is positioned above the axis of the outer cylinder 100. The capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 are located in the vertical plane containing the axis of the outer cylinder 100 (as shown by the dashed line M in the diagram). Figure 3 The capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 are located on the same side of the first reference plane (as shown in the S1 plane), and the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 are located on the same side of the first reference plane (as shown in the S1 plane). Figure 3 On the same side of the outer cylinder 100 (shown in S2), the first reference surface is perpendicular to the axis of the outer cylinder 100, and the center of the outer cylinder 100 along its own axial direction is located on the first reference surface.
[0078] In this application, the overflow inlet 202 of the overflow pipe 200 is connected to the water-containing cavity inside the outer cylinder 100. Both the overflow inlet 202 and the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 are positioned higher than the axis of the outer cylinder 100. That is, the overflow inlet 202 and the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 are located on the upper side of the outer cylinder 100. Furthermore, the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 are located on the same side of the vertical plane containing the axis of the outer cylinder 100, and also on the same side of the first reference plane. The first reference plane is perpendicular to the axis of the outer cylinder 100, and the center of the outer cylinder 100 along its own axial direction is located on the first reference plane. This allows the electric... The capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 are located on the upper left side of the front side of the outer cylinder 100, or on the upper right side of the front side of the outer cylinder 100, or on the upper left side of the rear side of the outer cylinder 100, or on the upper right side of the rear side of the outer cylinder 100. This makes the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 relatively close to each other. The detection area of the capacitive sensor 300 is set close to the overflow inlet 202. The foam distribution in this detection area tends to be consistent with the foam distribution at the overflow inlet 202, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the capacitive sensor 300. Therefore, using the signal of the capacitive sensor 300 based on this application to eliminate some foam can prevent foam overflow.
[0079] In one optional embodiment, along the depth direction of the housing, the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 is less than or equal to 200mm. For example, this distance can be 100mm, 120mm, 150mm, 180mm, etc.; along the width direction of the housing, the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 (as determined by...) Figure 4 The distance (as shown in the L1 dimension) is less than or equal to 150mm; for example, this distance can be 80mm, 100mm, 120mm, 140mm, etc.; along the height direction of the enclosure, the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 (as shown in the L1 dimension) is less than or equal to 150mm. Figure 4 (The L2 dimension shown in the figure) is less than or equal to 130mm. For example, the distance can be 50mm, 70mm, 80mm, 100mm, 110mm, etc.
[0080] In this application, the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 along the depth direction of the housing is less than or equal to 200 mm; the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 along the width direction of the housing is less than or equal to 150 mm; and the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 along the height direction of the housing is less than or equal to 130 mm. This allows the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 to be positioned close together, with the detection area of the capacitive sensor 300 located near the overflow inlet 202. The foam distribution in this detection area tends to be consistent with the foam distribution at the overflow inlet 202, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the capacitive sensor 300. Therefore, using the signal from the capacitive sensor 300 based on this application to eliminate some foam can prevent foam overflow.
[0081] It should be noted that since the overflow inlet 202 is connected to the water outlet 101 on the outer cylinder 100, and thus communicates with the water-containing cavity inside the outer cylinder 100, the overflow inlet 202 and the water outlet 101 are located at the same position. Figure 4 L1 dimension and Figure 5 The L2 dimension is defined with the water inlet 101 as the dimension limit.
[0082] In one optional embodiment, the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 along the depth direction of the housing is less than or equal to 100mm. For example, this distance can be 5mm, 20mm, 60mm, 70mm, 90mm, etc.; the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 along the width direction of the housing is less than or equal to 80mm. For example, this distance can be 10mm, 30mm, 50mm, 65mm, etc.; the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 along the height direction of the housing is less than or equal to 50mm. For example, this distance can be 15mm, 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 45mm, etc.
[0083] In one optional embodiment, the housing is further equipped with a defoamer, which is electrically connected to the controller of the garment handling device. The defoamer is used to eliminate foam in the outer drum 100. For example, the defoamer can be an electric heater to eliminate foam by heating; or it can be a water spray pipe to eliminate foam through the water flow sprayed from the pipe. Alternatively, the garment handling device may not be equipped with a defoamer, in which case foam can be eliminated manually.
[0084] In one alternative embodiment, please refer to Figure 4The opening of the outer cylinder 100 faces the front of the box. Along the height direction of the box, the capacitive sensor 300 is projected onto the ground as a first projection, and the overflow inlet 202 is projected onto the ground as a second projection. Along the width direction of the box, at least a portion of the first projection faces the second projection. At this time, there is no distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 along the depth direction of the box, that is, the minimum distance between the two is 0.
[0085] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the first projection is positioned opposite the second projection along the width direction of the housing. That is, the capacitive sensor 300 and the overflow inlet 202 are approximately located in the same circumferential region of the outer cylinder 100. Since the foam distribution in the same circumferential region of the outer cylinder 100 is roughly the same, the foam distribution near the capacitive sensor 300 will be closer to the foam distribution near the overflow inlet 202, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of the capacitive sensor 300. Of course, the first projection can also be offset from the second projection along the width direction of the housing; this application does not impose any limitation on this.
[0086] In one alternative embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 The detection unit of the capacitive sensor 300 is positioned higher than the overflow inlet 202. It should be noted that the flow channel at the highest point of the overflow pipe 200 can be the overflow outlet 201.
[0087] In this embodiment, the detection unit of the capacitive sensor 300 is positioned higher than the overflow inlet 202. When the height of the foam is between the overflow inlet 202 and the overflow outlet 201, the capacitive sensor 300 will not be triggered. It will only be triggered when the height of the foam reaches the overflow outlet 201. In other words, with this structure, the foam needs to reach a relatively high liquid level to trigger the capacitive sensor 300, thus ensuring a larger amount of foam in the outer drum 100. More foam results in better washing performance for clothes. Of course, the detection unit of the capacitive sensor 300 can also be positioned at or below the overflow inlet 202; this application does not impose any limitations on this.
[0088] In one alternative embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The outer cylinder 100 is an insulating component, and the capacitive sensor 300 includes:
[0089] Mounting bracket 310 is connected to outer cylinder 100. Here, mounting bracket 310 is the mounting base for capacitive sensor 300. Mounting bracket 310 can be connected to outer cylinder 100 by means of screw connection, snap-fit, adhesive or other methods.
[0090] An electrode plate 320 is mounted on a mounting bracket 310 and is in contact with the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 100. The electrode plate 320 can generate a capacitance to ground to detect whether the foam in the outer cylinder 100 is at a preset height. For example, the electrode plate 320 can be a metal plate, such as a copper plate, but this application is not limited to this.
[0091] The garment handling device also includes:
[0092] The controller, whose electrode plate 320 of the capacitive sensor 300 generates capacitance to ground, changes capacitance when foam approaches the electrode plate 320. The controller, connected to the electrode plate 320, collects capacitance change signals in real time to determine if the foam is at a preset height. When the garment processing device includes a defoamer, the controller can be electrically connected to the defoamer. When the controller detects foam at the preset height, it can control the defoamer to operate and eliminate the foam. Exemplarily, the garment processing device may also include a circuit board 340, mounted on a mounting bracket 310, with the electrode plate 320 mounted on the circuit board 340. The circuit board 340 is electrically connected to the controller via a cable described below.
[0093] The cable has one end electrically connected to the controller and the other end electrically connected to the electrode plate 320.
[0094] In this embodiment, the capacitive sensor 300 has only one electrode plate 320. This electrode plate 320 can cooperate with the ground to generate a ground capacitance. When the foam is near the electrode plate 320, the ground capacitance changes. The controller can determine whether the foam is at a preset height by obtaining this capacitance value. Therefore, the capacitive sensor 300 in this embodiment only needs one electrode plate 320 to detect whether the foam is at a preset height, resulting in a simple structure and low manufacturing cost. Of course, the capacitive sensor 300 can also have two electrode plates 320 arranged opposite each other. The two electrode plates 320 generate capacitance, and when the foam is located between the capacitive sensors, the capacitance value between the two electrode plates 320 changes.
[0095] In one alternative embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The capacitive sensor 300 also includes:
[0096] A flexible conductive element 330 is disposed on the surface of the electrode plate 320 and is attached to the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 100. For example, the flexible conductive element 330 may be conductive adhesive, conductive foam, etc., and this application does not limit the specific type of the flexible conductive element 330.
[0097] The flexible conductive element 330 in this embodiment can eliminate the gap between the electrode plate 320 and the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 100, thereby increasing the contact area between the electrode plate 320 and the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 100, and thus increasing the capacitance of the capacitance sensor to ground. As a result, when the foam reaches the preset height, the change in capacitance will be more obvious, enabling the controller to detect the change in capacitance more accurately and improving the sensitivity of the sensor.
[0098] In one alternative embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The mounting bracket 310 has a mounting groove 301, and at least a portion of the electrode plate 320 is disposed in the mounting groove 301, so that the mounting bracket 310 can cover at least a portion of the electrode plate 320.
[0099] The capacitive sensor 300 also includes:
[0100] An annular seal 350 is provided at the opening of the mounting groove 301, and the annular seal 350 is in sealing fit with the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 100.
[0101] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the electrode plate 320 is disposed within the mounting groove 301, and the annular seal 350 is disposed at the opening of the mounting groove 301. When the mounting bracket 310 is installed on the outer cylinder 100, the annular seal 350 will seal against the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 100, that is, the annular seal 350 will seal the gap between the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 100 and the mounting groove 301, thereby making the mounting groove 301 a sealed space. Moisture outside the outer cylinder 100 cannot enter the mounting groove 301 through the gap between the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 100 and the mounting groove 301, thereby preventing moisture from affecting the ground capacitance generated by the electrode plate 320, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the capacitive sensor 300.
[0102] In one alternative embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The mounting bracket 310 includes:
[0103] The bracket body 311 has a mounting groove 301 formed on it. At least a portion of the electrode plate 320 is disposed in the mounting groove 301. The bracket body 311 has a through opening 302 that penetrates the side wall of the mounting groove 301. The through opening 302 is used for cables to pass through.
[0104] The cable guide 312 is made of a soft material, and at least a portion of the cable guide 312 is disposed within the through opening 302. The cable guide 312 has a cable hole 3121 through which a cable is threaded, that is, the cable can enter or exit the mounting groove 301 through the cable hole 3121. For example, the cable guide 312 can be made of rubber or silicone.
[0105] The extrusion member 313 is connected to the bracket body 311 and extrudes the cable guide 312 so that the cable guide hole 3121 is sealed with the cable. For example, the extrusion member 313 can be connected to the bracket body 311 by snap-fit; the extrusion member 313 can press against the cable guide 312 in the radial direction of the cable.
[0106] The specific installation process is as follows: The cable is threaded through the threading hole 3121 of the cable threader 312, and the cable is connected to the controller and electrode plate 320; the mounting base is installed inside the through-hole 302; and the extrusion member 313 is connected to the bracket body 311. After the extrusion member 313 is connected to the bracket body 311, it can compress the cable threader 312. Since the cable threader 312 is made of soft material, when the extrusion member 313 compresses the cable threader 312, the cable threader 312 will be compressed, and the threading hole 3121 will also collapse, causing the cable threader 312 to tightly wrap the cable, thereby eliminating the gap between the threading hole 3121 and the cable, achieving a sealed fit between the threading hole 3121 and the cable.
[0107] After the wire hole 3121 is sealed with the cable, moisture cannot enter the mounting groove 301 through the gap between the wire hole 3121 and the cable, thereby preventing moisture from affecting the ground capacitance generated by the electrode plate 320 and thus improving the detection accuracy of the capacitive sensor 300.
[0108] In one alternative embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bracket body 311 has a support surface 303 facing the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 100. The support surface 303 is arranged around the mounting groove 301. The through opening 302 extends through the support surface 303. The extrusion member 313 is located in the through opening 302, and the side of the extrusion member 313 facing away from the wire seat 312 is on the same plane as the support surface 303.
[0109] The capacitive sensor 300 also includes:
[0110] An annular seal 350 is provided on the side of the support surface 303 and the extrusion member 313 facing away from the wire seat 312, and the annular seal 350 is in sealing fit with the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 100.
[0111] In this embodiment, the bracket body 311 has a support surface 303, and a through opening 302 extends through the support surface 303. The extrusion member 313 is located inside the through opening 302. The side of the support surface 303 and the side of the extrusion member 313 facing away from the wire threading seat 312 is used to install the annular seal 350. Therefore, in this embodiment, the side of the extrusion member 313 facing away from the wire threading seat 312 is located on the same plane as the support surface 303, which can eliminate the step between the support surface 303 and the side of the extrusion member 313 facing away from the wire threading seat 312, which is beneficial for installing the annular seal 350.
[0112] The foregoing embodiments of this application focus on describing the differences between various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features between embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form better embodiments. For the sake of brevity, these differences will not be elaborated upon here. The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art, under the guidance of this application, can make many modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, all of which fall within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: The box contains: An outer cylinder (100) has a water-holding cavity formed inside it; An inner cylinder is rotatably disposed within the water-holding cavity, and a washing chamber is formed within the inner cylinder; An overflow pipe (200) has an overflow inlet (202) and an overflow outlet (201). The overflow outlet (201) is positioned higher than the overflow inlet (202). The overflow inlet (202) is connected to the top of the water-holding chamber. The overflow pipe (200) is used to discharge overflow water. A capacitive sensor (300) is disposed on the outer cylinder (100). The detection part of the capacitive sensor (300) is positioned lower than the overflow outlet (201). The capacitive sensor (300) is used to detect whether the foam in the outer cylinder (100) is at a preset height. Along the height direction of the housing, the minimum distance between the overflow outlet (201) and the detection part of the capacitive sensor (300) is 10-50 mm.
2. The garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capacitive sensor (300) is positioned near the overflow inlet (202).
3. The garment processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Along the depth direction of the housing, the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor (300) and the overflow inlet (202) is less than or equal to 200 mm; along the width direction of the housing, the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor (300) and the overflow inlet (202) is less than or equal to 150 mm; along the height direction of the housing, the minimum distance between the detection part of the capacitive sensor (300) and the overflow inlet (202) is less than or equal to 130 mm.
4. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The opening of the outer cylinder (100) faces the front side of the box body. Along the height direction of the box body, the capacitive sensor (300) is projected on the ground as a first projection, and the overflow inlet (202) is projected on the ground as a second projection. Along the width direction of the box body, at least a portion of the first projection faces the second projection.
5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The detection section of the capacitive sensor (300) is positioned higher than the overflow inlet (202).
6. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The outer cylinder (100) is an insulating component, and the capacitive sensor (300) includes: Mounting bracket (310) is connected to the outer cylinder (100); An electrode plate (320) is disposed on the mounting bracket (310). The electrode plate (320) is in contact with the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder (100). The electrode plate (320) can generate a ground capacitance to detect whether the foam in the outer cylinder (100) is at a preset height. The garment processing device further includes: Controller; A cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the controller and the other end of which is electrically connected to the electrode plate (320).
7. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The capacitive sensor (300) also includes: A flexible conductive element (330) is disposed on the surface of the electrode plate (320) and is in contact with the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder (100).
8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (310) has a mounting groove (301) formed therein, and at least a portion of the electrode plate (320) is disposed in the mounting groove (301); The capacitive sensor (300) also includes: An annular seal (350) is provided at the opening of the mounting groove (301) and is sealed to the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder (100).
9. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (310) includes: The bracket body (311) has a mounting groove (301) formed on it, at least a portion of the electrode plate (320) is disposed in the mounting groove (301), and the bracket body (311) has a through opening (302) that penetrates the side wall of the mounting groove (301). A cable threader (312) is made of a soft material. At least a portion of the cable threader (312) is disposed within the through opening (302). The cable threader (312) is provided with a cable threading hole (3121), and the cable is threaded through the cable threading hole (3121). An extrusion member (313) is connected to the bracket body (311), and the extrusion member (313) extrudes the cable threading seat (312) so that the cable threading hole (3121) is sealed and engaged with the cable.
10. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bracket body (311) has a support surface (303) facing the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder (100), the support surface (303) is arranged around the mounting groove (301), the through port (302) extends to the support surface (303), the extrusion member (313) is located in the through port (302), and the side of the extrusion member (313) facing away from the wire seat (312) is on the same plane as the support surface (303); The capacitive sensor (300) also includes: An annular seal (350) is provided on the side of the support surface (303) and the extrusion member (313) facing away from the wire seat (312), and the annular seal (350) is sealed to the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder (100).