Cartridge assembly and laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a box assembly and a clothes processing device, the box assembly comprising a first upper cover, a base, a feeding port structure, a connecting pipe and a liquid storage box, the first upper cover being fastened on the base and forming a containing cavity together with the base, the liquid outlet of the feeding port structure and the liquid inlet of the liquid storage box being located in the containing cavity, one end of the connecting pipe being in communication with the liquid outlet of the feeding port structure, and the other end of the connecting pipe being in communication with the liquid inlet of the liquid storage box. The communication between the liquid outlet of the feeding port structure and the liquid inlet of the liquid storage box is realized through the connecting pipe, so that the structural composition of the whole box assembly is more simple, the manufacturing and assembly difficulty is reduced, and due to the reduction of the connecting cavity structure, there is no gap, corner and other parts that are easy to cause material accumulation and leakage in the traditional connecting cavity when the material flows in the connecting pipe, further reducing the possibility of material leakage to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of garment processing equipment technology, specifically to a material box assembly and garment processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] The material box assembly generally includes a feeding port structure, a liquid storage box, and a connecting cavity between the two. After the material enters the connecting cavity through the feeding port structure, it enters the liquid storage box through the pipe connecting the connecting cavity and the liquid storage box, thus feeding the garment processing equipment. The structure is relatively complex, which is not conducive to the inspection and maintenance of the material box assembly. Utility Model Content

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in the related technologies, this disclosure provides a material box assembly and a garment processing device.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a material box assembly is provided for a garment processing device, including a first upper cover, a base, a dispensing port structure, a connecting pipe, and a liquid storage box. The first upper cover is fastened to the base and forms a receiving cavity with the base. The liquid outlet of the dispensing port structure and the liquid inlet of the liquid storage box are both located within the receiving cavity. One end of the connecting pipe is connected to the liquid outlet of the dispensing port structure, and the other end of the connecting pipe is connected to the liquid inlet of the liquid storage box.

[0005] In some possible implementations, the dispensing port structure is movably disposed within the receiving cavity, and the connecting pipe is a corrugated pipe.

[0006] In this way, when the feeding port structure is in the feeding state or not, the expandable characteristic of the corrugated pipe can extend or shorten with the movement of the feeding port structure, thereby adapting to different feeding scenarios.

[0007] In some possible implementations, the material box assembly further includes a second top cover, and the base includes a first seat and a second seat. The first top cover is fastened to the first seat, and the second top cover is fastened to the second seat, forming the liquid storage box with the second seat. The liquid storage box has a liquid storage compartment inside.

[0008] The base is divided into a first base and a second base, each equipped with a first top cover and a second top cover. This allows for the categorized storage of different items. Furthermore, the split design enables the first and second bases to operate independently, facilitating cleaning and maintenance and enhancing the user experience.

[0009] In some possible implementations, the first base and the second base are integrally formed.

[0010] The one-piece molding process eliminates the connection interface between the first and second base bodies, avoiding structural failures caused by loose or broken connectors.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the material box assembly may further include a top cover that covers the second upper cover, and a water dispensing channel is formed between the top cover and the second upper cover.

[0012] By connecting pipes, pumping systems and other equipment, liquid is pumped out from the liquid storage tank formed by the second top cover and the base, and transported to one or more of the first cylinder, second cylinder and third cylinder through the water delivery channel to meet different operating scenarios.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the hopper assembly further includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs, which are staggered on the outer wall of the first top cover.

[0014] The addition of reinforcing ribs can improve the overall strength of the first top cover, making it less likely to deform or be damaged by external forces, thus preventing it from squeezing the connecting pipe located inside the first top cover.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the material box assembly further includes a plurality of connectors connected to the base, each of which is detachably connected to the outer frame of the garment processing equipment.

[0016] The material assembly can be connected to the outer frame of the garment processing equipment through multiple external frames. As the main load-bearing structure of the garment processing equipment, the outer frame can provide stable support for the material box assembly.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the material box assembly further includes a dispensing pump disposed on the base, the inlet of the dispensing pump being connected to the outlet of the liquid storage box.

[0018] By setting up a dispensing pump, the material entering the liquid storage box can be pumped to one or more of the first, second, and third cylinders of the clothing processing device described below.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the material box assembly further includes a protective cover connected to the base and covering the side of the dispensing pump opposite to the base. By covering the dispensing pump with the protective cover's shield, when the drain pipe of the garment processing equipment leaks, the leaking water will first drip onto the shield, thus preventing water from dripping directly onto the dispensing pump and reducing the risk of short circuits caused by moisture, leading to malfunctions or even electrical safety hazards.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the first top cover has an opening that extends through its own thickness.

[0021] On the one hand, by setting this opening, when assembling or maintaining the above-mentioned connecting pipe, hands or assembly tools can be inserted into the receiving cavity, making it easier for maintenance personnel to work. On the other hand, the setting of the opening can also reduce the material and weight of the first top cover, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing costs and weight.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a garment processing apparatus is provided, including at least one material box assembly as described above.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the garment processing device includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a third cylinder, wherein the inner diameters of the first cylinder and the second cylinder are both smaller than the inner diameter of the third cylinder, and the first cylinder and the second cylinder are both disposed above the third cylinder.

[0024] The first, second, and third drums described above can all have washing and drying functions, or they can only have washing or only drying functions. If all three drums have washing functions, clothes of different materials, colors, and levels of soiling can be placed in the first, second, and third drums for washing respectively. For example, white clothes can be placed in the first drum, dark clothes in the second drum, and heavy coats in the third drum with its larger inner diameter. This avoids color bleeding and wear and tear between different clothes, allowing for the use of appropriate washing programs based on the characteristics of different garments, thereby improving the overall washing effect.

[0025] In some possible implementations, there are two material box assemblies, which are arranged symmetrically about the center of the outer frame of the garment processing equipment.

[0026] The symmetrical design ensures that the weight of the material box assembly is evenly distributed on the outer frame, avoiding stress imbalance caused by uneven weight distribution, thus improving the stability of the garment processing equipment during operation, especially under vibration or movement.

[0027] In some possible implementations, there are two material box assemblies, one of which is disposed between the first cylinder and the third cylinder, and the other of which is disposed between the second cylinder and the third cylinder.

[0028] The two material box assemblies are located between different cylinders, which allows for more efficient use of the space inside the outer frame.

[0029] In addition, the two material bin assemblies can be used to dispense different types of materials. For example, in a garment processing device, one material bin assembly can be used to dispense detergent, while the other material bin assembly can be used to dispense fabric softener, disinfectant, and other care agents, meeting users' different needs for different stages of garment processing and care, and improving the effectiveness and versatility of garment processing.

[0030] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: The connection between the liquid outlet of the dispensing port and the liquid inlet of the storage box is achieved by using a connecting pipe. On the one hand, the simple and regularly shaped connecting pipe replaces the connecting cavity structure, making the overall structure of the material box assembly simpler and reducing the difficulty of manufacturing and assembly. On the other hand, because the connecting cavity structure is reduced, the material can maintain a relatively stable state when flowing in the connecting pipe. There are no gaps, corners or other parts that may exist in the traditional connecting cavity, which can easily lead to material accumulation and leakage, further reducing the possibility of material leakage to the outside.

[0031] Furthermore, the first cover, which is fastened to the base and covers the outer periphery of the connecting pipe, can also protect the connection between the connecting pipe and the liquid outlet of the feeding port structure and the liquid inlet of the storage box, so that the connecting pipe is in a relatively independent space, further improving the stability of the connecting pipe during the feeding process and during the operation of the clothing processing equipment.

[0032] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a hopper assembly provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a tin box assembly provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 This is a top view of a hopper assembly provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; wherein the top cover is in a hidden state; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a garment processing device provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1-Material box assembly; 11-First top cover; 110-Opening; 12-Base; 121-First seat; 122-Second seat; 13-Dispensing port structure; 14-Connecting pipe; 15-Reservoir box; 150-Reservoir chamber; 16-Receiving cavity; 17-Second top cover; 18-Dispensing water channel; 19-Reinforcing rib; 20-Connector; 21-Dispensing pump; 22-Protective cover; 220-Cover plate; 221-Guide plate; 222-Connecting ear; 30-Top cover; 100-Clothing processing equipment; 200-First cylinder; 300-Second cylinder; 400-Third cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0036] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, directional terms are used only for the convenience of describing the disclosure and for simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or a specific orientation construction and operation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the disclosure. "Inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of the corresponding components. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish one element from another and do not have any sequential or importance.

[0037] In the description of this disclosure, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connect," "link," and "install" 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 disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a material box assembly 1 is provided for a garment processing device 100, including a first upper cover 11, a base 12, a dispensing port structure 13, a connecting pipe 14, and a liquid storage box 15. The first upper cover 11 is fastened to the base 12 and forms a receiving cavity 16 with the base 12. The liquid outlet of the dispensing port structure 13 and the liquid inlet of the liquid storage box 15 are both located in the receiving cavity 16. One end of the connecting pipe 14 is connected to the liquid outlet of the dispensing port structure 13, and the other end of the connecting pipe 14 is connected to the liquid inlet of the liquid storage box 15.

[0039] The connection between the liquid outlet of the dispensing structure 13 and the liquid inlet of the storage box 15 is achieved by connecting pipe 14. On the one hand, the connection cavity structure is replaced by a simple and regularly shaped connecting pipe 14, making the structure of the entire material box assembly 1 more concise and reducing the difficulty of manufacturing and assembly. On the other hand, it is precisely because the connection cavity structure is reduced that the material can maintain a relatively stable state when flowing in the connecting pipe 14. There are no gaps, corners or other parts that may exist in the traditional connection cavity, which can easily lead to material accumulation and leakage, further reducing the possibility of material leakage to the outside.

[0040] Furthermore, the first upper cover 11, which is fastened to the base 12 and covers the outer periphery of the connecting pipe 14, can also protect the connection between the connecting pipe 14 and the liquid outlet of the dispensing structure 13 and the liquid inlet of the storage box 15, so that the connecting pipe 14 is in a relatively independent space, further improving the stability of the connecting pipe 14 during the feeding process and during the operation of the clothing processing equipment 100.

[0041] This disclosure does not limit the specific type of the connecting pipe 14 described above. In one embodiment provided in this disclosure, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the inlet structure 13 is movably disposed within the receiving cavity 16, and the connecting pipe 14 is a corrugated pipe. Thus, when the inlet structure 13 is in the inlet state (inlet structure 13 extends outward) or in the non-inlet state (inlet structure 13 retracts inward), the expandable and contractile characteristics of the corrugated pipe can extend or shorten with the movement of the inlet structure 13, thereby adapting to different feeding scenarios.

[0042] Alternatively, in other embodiments provided in this disclosure, the connecting tube 14 may also be made of a material with a certain elasticity, such as a rubber tube or a silicone tube. In this way, the connecting tube 14 made of an elastic material can also be extended or shortened during the movement of the feeding port, so as to facilitate the feeding of the feeding port structure 13 in different states.

[0043] In some possible cases, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the material box assembly 1 may further include a second upper cover 17, and the base 12 includes a first seat 121 and a second seat 122. The first upper cover 11 is fastened to the first seat 121, and the second upper cover 17 is fastened to the second seat 122, forming the liquid storage box 15 together with the second seat 122. The liquid storage box 15 has a liquid storage compartment 150 inside. Dividing the base 12 into a first seat 121 and a second seat 122, each equipped with a first upper cover 11 and a second upper cover 17, allows for the classified storage of different items. Furthermore, the split design allows the first seat 121 and the second seat 122 to be operated independently, facilitating cleaning and maintenance by the user and improving the user experience.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some possible embodiments, the first base 121 and the second base 122 are integrally formed. The integral forming process eliminates the connection interface between the first base 121 and the second base 122, avoiding structural failures caused by problems such as loosening or breakage of the connector 20.

[0045] In the case where the first base 121 and the second base 122 are integrally formed, the first base 121 and the second base 122 can be integrally formed by injection molding, extrusion or other methods.

[0046] In some possible cases, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the material box assembly 1 may further include a top cover 30, which covers the second upper cover 17, and a water dispensing channel 18 is formed between the top cover 30 and the second upper cover 17. Through connecting pipes 14, a pumping system (such as a dispensing pump 21), and other equipment, liquid is pumped from the liquid storage tank 150 formed by the second upper cover 17 and the base 12, and transported through the water dispensing channel 18 to one or more of the first cylinder 200, the second cylinder 300, and the third cylinder 400, to meet different operational scenarios.

[0047] In some possible cases, such as Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the material box assembly 1 may further include a plurality of reinforcing ribs 19, which are staggered on the outer wall of the first upper cover 11. The arrangement of the reinforcing ribs 19 can improve the overall strength of the first upper cover 11, making the first upper cover 11 less prone to deformation or damage under external forces that could squeeze the connecting pipe 14 located inside the first upper cover 11.

[0048] In some possible cases, such as Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the material box assembly 1 may further include multiple connectors 20 connected to the base 12, each of which is detachably connected to the outer frame of the garment processing equipment 100. That is, the material assembly can achieve stable support for the material box assembly 1 through multiple outer frames connected to the garment processing equipment 100. The outer frame, as the main load-bearing structure of the garment processing equipment 100, can achieve stable support for the material box assembly 1.

[0049] This disclosure does not limit the connection method between the material box assembly 1 and the base 12. For example, the aforementioned connector 20 can be formed as a locking block, and a locking groove is formed on the outer frame of the garment processing equipment 100. The locking block can be detachably locked in the locking groove to achieve relative fixation between the material box assembly 1 and the outer frame.

[0050] Alternatively, the aforementioned connector 20 can also be formed as a bolt, with a threaded hole formed on the outer frame, and the bolt threaded into the threaded hole to achieve relative fixation between the material box assembly 1 and the outer frame.

[0051] In some possible cases, such as Figure 1 As shown, the material box assembly 1 also includes a dispensing pump 21, which is mounted on the base 12. The inlet of the dispensing pump 21 is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage box 15. The dispensing pump 21 allows material entering the liquid storage box 15 to be pumped to one or more of the first cylinder 200, the second cylinder 300, and the third cylinder 400 of the garment processing device described below.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some possible embodiments, the material box assembly 1 may also include a protective cover 22, which is connected to the base 12 and covers the side of the dispensing pump 21 opposite to the base 12. By covering the dispensing pump 21 with the cover plate 220 of the protective cover 22, when the drain pipe of the garment processing equipment 100 leaks, the leaking water will first drip onto the cover plate 220, thus preventing water from dripping directly onto the dispensing pump 21 and reducing the risk of the dispensing pump 21 short-circuiting due to moisture, causing malfunctions, or even creating electrical safety hazards.

[0053] In one example provided in this disclosure, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the protective cover 22 may further include a cover plate 220 and a guide plate 221. The cover plate 220 covers the top of the dispensing pump 21, and the guide plate 221 is connected to the edge of the cover plate 220. The guide plate 221 has a guiding surface, and its height gradually decreases in the horizontal direction along the direction away from the cover plate 220. The guide plate 221 can quickly guide water to a position away from the dispensing pump 21, avoiding water accumulation on the cover plate 220, and further providing a safe operating environment for the dispensing pump 21 and the entire laundry detergent dispensing device.

[0054] Furthermore, this disclosure does not limit the specific connection method between the protective cover 22 and the base 12. A detachable connection method can be used, or a non-detachable connection method can be used.

[0055] For the protective cover 22 to be detachably connected to the base 12, such as Figures 2 to 3 As shown, in one exemplary embodiment provided in this disclosure, the protective cover 22 may further include a connecting ear 222 and a fastener. The connecting ear 222 is connected to the cover plate 220 or the guide plate 221. A first mounting hole is formed on the connecting ear 222, and a second mounting hole is formed on the base 12. The fastener passes through and is locked in the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

[0056] Alternatively, the protective cover 22 can be connected to the base 12 by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0057] In some possible cases, such as Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the first upper cover 11 has an opening 110 extending through its own thickness. On the one hand, by providing this opening 110, when assembling or maintaining the connecting pipe 14, hands or assembly tools can be inserted into the receiving cavity 16, making it easier for maintenance personnel to work. On the other hand, the opening 110 can also reduce the material and weight of the first upper cover 11, thereby reducing costs and weight.

[0058] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 4 As shown, a garment processing apparatus 100 is provided, including at least one material box assembly 1 as described above. The garment processing apparatus 100 has all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned material box assembly 1, which will not be described in detail here.

[0059] In some possible cases, such as Figure 4 As shown, the garment processing device 100 includes a first drum 200, a second drum 300, and a third drum 400. The inner diameters of the first drum 200 and the second drum 300 are both smaller than the inner diameter of the third drum 400. The first drum 200 and the second drum 300 are both positioned above the third drum 400. This disclosure does not limit the specific functions of the different drums. For example, the first drum 200, the second drum 300, and the third drum 400 may all have washing and drying functions, or they may only have washing or only drying functions. If the first drum 200, the second drum 300, and the third drum 400 all have washing functions, garments of different materials, colors, and degrees of soiling can be placed in the first drum 200, the second drum 300, and the third drum 400 respectively for washing. For example, white clothes can be placed in the first drum 200, dark clothes in the second drum 300, and heavy coats can be placed in the third drum 400 with a larger inner diameter. This can avoid color bleeding and mutual wear between different clothes, and use appropriate washing programs according to the characteristics of different clothes, thereby improving the overall washing effect.

[0060] In addition, small items of clothing, such as socks and underwear, can be washed quickly in the first tub 200 or the second tub 300, while large items of clothing can be washed in the third tub 400 for the longer washing time required. This eliminates the need to mix all the clothes together for a uniform long wash, making more efficient use of the washing time and improving washing efficiency.

[0061] In some possibilities, there can be two material box assemblies 1, which are symmetrically arranged about the center of the outer frame of the garment processing device 100. The symmetrical arrangement ensures that the weight of the material box assembly 1 is evenly distributed on the outer frame, avoiding stress imbalance caused by uneven weight distribution, thereby improving the stability of the garment processing device 100 during operation, especially under conditions of vibration or movement.

[0062] In some possibilities, there can be two material box assemblies 1, one of which is disposed between the first cylinder 200 and the third cylinder 400, and the other of which is disposed between the second cylinder 300 and the third cylinder 400. The two material box assemblies 1 are located between different cylinders, which allows for more efficient use of the space inside the outer frame.

[0063] In addition, the two material box assemblies 1 can be used to dispense different types of materials. For example, in the garment processing equipment 100, one material box assembly 1 can be used to dispense detergent, while the other material box assembly 1 can be used to dispense fabric softener, disinfectant, and other care agents, thus meeting the user's different needs for different stages of garment processing and care, and improving the effectiveness and diversity of garment processing.

[0064] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details described above. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and all such simple modifications fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0065] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described above can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0066] Furthermore, various combinations of the different elements disclosed herein can be made in any way, as long as they do not contradict the spirit of this disclosure, and they should also be regarded as the content disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A material box assembly for use in garment processing equipment, characterized in that, The device includes a first top cover, a base, a dispensing port structure, a connecting tube, and a liquid storage box. The first top cover is fastened to the base and together with the base forms a receiving cavity. The liquid outlet of the dispensing port structure and the liquid inlet of the liquid storage box are both located within the receiving cavity. One end of the connecting tube is connected to the liquid outlet of the dispensing port structure, and the other end of the connecting tube is connected to the liquid inlet of the liquid storage box.

2. The material box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet structure is movably disposed within the receiving cavity, and the connecting pipe is a corrugated pipe.

3. The material box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material box assembly also includes a second upper cover, and the base includes a first seat and a second seat. The first upper cover is fastened to the first seat, and the second upper cover is fastened to the second seat, forming the liquid storage box with the second seat. The liquid storage box has a liquid storage compartment inside.

4. The material box assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first base and the second base are integrally formed.

5. The material box assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The material box assembly may further include a top cover, which is disposed on the second upper cover, and a water dispensing channel is formed between the top cover and the second upper cover.

6. The cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The material box assembly also includes multiple reinforcing ribs, which are staggered on the outer wall of the first upper cover.

7. The material box assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The material box assembly also includes multiple connectors connected to the base, each of which is detachably connected to the outer frame of the garment processing equipment.

8. The cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The material box assembly also includes a dispensing pump, which is mounted on the base and whose inlet is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage box.

9. The material box assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The material box assembly also includes a protective cover, which is connected to the base and covers the side of the dispensing pump away from the base.

10. The cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first top cover has an opening that extends through it along its own thickness direction.

11. A garment processing device, characterized in that, It includes at least one cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1-10.

12. The garment processing equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The garment processing device includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a third cylinder. The inner diameters of the first cylinder and the second cylinder are both smaller than the inner diameter of the third cylinder. The first cylinder and the second cylinder are both positioned above the third cylinder.

13. The garment processing equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that, There are two material box assemblies, and the two material box assemblies are arranged symmetrically about the center of the outer frame of the garment processing equipment.

14. The garment processing equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that, There are two material box assemblies, one of which is disposed between the first cylinder and the third cylinder, and the other of which is disposed between the second cylinder and the third cylinder.

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