Laundry washing machine with steam generator Laundry washing machine with steam generator Laundry washing machine with steam

Abstract

The utility model relates to clothes treatment technical field, and more specifically, relate to a kind of washing machine with steam generator, including washing machine main body and the steam generator located in washing machine main body, further include: filter component, for the water that enters steam generator is pre-filtered;Water level detection module is used to detect the water level in steam generator;Counting module, the water supplement frequency of steam generator and / or steam generator's running frequency are counted;Control module includes the water amount filtered by filter component and / or the number of times counted by counting module reaches preset filter component replacement threshold value, control alarm module sends alarm prompt;Wherein, installation cavity is provided on washing machine main body, cover is provided on installation cavity, which opens or covers its port;Filter component is detachably arranged in installation cavity.By setting water level detection module, counting module and control module etc., so as to remind user to replace filter component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of clothing processing technology, and more specifically, to a washing machine with a steam generator. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of washing machine technology, as consumers' demands for more refined garment care increase, washing machines with steam care functions have become one of the mainstream products in the mid-to-high-end market. The core component of this type of washing machine is the steam generator, which converts liquid water into high-temperature steam through an electric heating device. The steam is then introduced into the drum, utilizing the high-temperature properties of steam to sterilize clothes (such as killing common pathogens like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus), remove odors (such as sweat odor, hot pot smell, and other persistent odors), and soften clothes (reducing fiber wrinkles and the need for ironing), greatly enhancing the overall value of the washing machine.

[0003] Traditional washing machines do not have a filtration system for the water inlet of the steam generator, which causes scale to accumulate on the steam heater, affecting heating efficiency, thus affecting the steam generation rate, and also posing safety hazards.

[0004] Chinese utility model patent CN222935733U discloses a heating device and a clothes drying apparatus incorporating the same. The description states that a water storage tank is connected to a water inlet pipe, and a second filter structure is installed at the connection between the water inlet pipe and the water storage tank. This second filter structure filters the water entering the water storage tank. The second filter structure is also located at the connection between the water supply pipe and the water storage tank, allowing the second filter structure to filter both the water entering and leaving the water storage tank, thus ensuring the normal operation of the heater.

[0005] However, the filter structure of this device lacks automatic monitoring and reminder functions, and can only rely on users to manually record the usage time and replace it periodically. If users forget to record or delay replacement, the filtration effect will decrease (such as impurities entering the heater and forming scale). If it is replaced in advance, the filter structure will be wasted, and it cannot achieve replacement on demand. Utility Model Content

[0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide a washing machine with a steam generator to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model proposes a washing machine with a steam generator, including a washing machine body and a steam generator located inside the washing machine body; it also includes: A filter assembly is used to pre-filter the water entering the steam generator; The water level detection module is used to detect the water level inside the steam generator; The counting module counts the number of times the steam generator is replenished with water and / or the number of times the steam generator is run; The control module includes a control alarm module configured to issue an alarm prompt when the preset filter component replacement threshold is reached based on the amount of water filtered by the filter component and / or the number of times counted by the counting module. The washing machine body has an installation cavity, which has a cover that can open or close its port; the filter assembly is detachably installed in the installation cavity.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the mounting cavity is further located below the observation window of the washing machine body.

[0009] In any of the above technical solutions, one end of the cover is a connecting end, which is hinged to the port of the mounting cavity; the other end of the cover is a movable end, which can be engaged with the port of the mounting cavity.

[0010] In any of the above technical solutions, a water inlet device is further provided inside the main body of the washing machine. The water inlet port of the filter assembly is connected to the water inlet device through a first water pipe, and the water outlet port of the filter assembly is connected to the water inlet of the steam generator through a second water pipe.

[0011] In any of the above technical solutions, the filtering component further includes: The mounting component is installed inside the mounting cavity; the mounting component has outwardly extending straight pipes, and the two straight pipes form the water inlet port and the water outlet port respectively; The filter housing is mounted on the mounting component, and has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe respectively connected to two straight pipes. And the filter element, which is detachably installed inside the filter housing.

[0012] In any of the above technical solutions, the first water pipe and the second water pipe are further connected to the straight pipe by clamps.

[0013] In any of the above technical solutions, the filter housing is further provided with a filter element installation port, into which the filter element is inserted, and a filter element cover is provided on the filter element installation port to open or close it.

[0014] In any of the above technical solutions, furthermore, the mounting component is provided with a foolproof positioning rib, and the filter housing is provided with a positioning block; After the filter housing is fully inserted into the mounting component, the positioning block abuts against the anti-fooling rib to prevent the filter housing from being further embedded.

[0015] In any of the above technical solutions, a filter handle is further provided on the side of the filter housing opposite to the mounting cavity port.

[0016] In any of the above technical solutions, a backflow prevention baffle is further provided inside the steam generator, and / or a one-way valve is provided at the water inlet of the steam generator.

[0017] Beneficial effects: Compared with existing technologies, 1. By installing a filter component at the water inlet of the steam generator, impurities in the water are intercepted, preventing scale formation.

[0018] 2. By setting up water level detection modules, counting modules, and control modules, users can be reminded to replace the filter cartridge.

[0019] 3. The filter assembly is installed on the lower left of the front shell of the garment processing equipment, which can be operated without moving the garment processing equipment; in addition, the design of pressing to open the cover, pulling out by holding the handle, and replacing the filter without tools greatly reduces the difficulty of operation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a top view of the internal structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the cover and the mounting components of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the filter assembly of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the filter assembly of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the straight pipe and the inlet / outlet pipe of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the steam generator of this utility model; Figure 8 This is a control block diagram of the present invention.

[0022] 100. Water level detection module; 200. Counting module; 300. Control module; 400. Alarm module; 1. Washing machine body; 11. Observation window; 12. Cover; 121. Fixing buckle; 2. Steam generator; 21. Water inlet; 22. Steam outlet; 23. Anti-backflow baffle; 3. Filter assembly; 31. Mounting component; 311. Straight pipe; 312. Fixing hole; 313. Foolproof positioning baffle; 32. Filter housing; 321. Water inlet pipe; 322. Water outlet pipe; 323. Sealing ring; 324. Filter cover; 325. Positioning block; 326. Filter handle; 33. Filter element; 4. First water pipe; 5. Second water pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to this application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0024] It should be noted that, as shown in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of explicitly identified steps and elements, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list; the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0025] If the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0026] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0028] The washing machine with a steam generator of this application will be described in detail below through the following embodiments.

[0029] Example 1: like Figures 1-7 As shown, this embodiment proposes a washing machine with a steam generator, including a washing machine body 1 and a steam generator 2 located inside the washing machine body 1, wherein the steam generator 2 further includes: Filter assembly 3 is used for pre-filtration of water entering steam generator 2; Water level detection module 100 is used to detect the water level inside steam generator 2; The counting module 200 counts the number of times the steam generator 2 is replenished with water and / or the number of times the steam generator 2 is run. The control module 300 includes a control alarm module 400 that is configured to issue an alarm prompt when the amount of water filtered by the filter component 3 and / or the number of times counted by the counting module 200 reaches a preset filter component 3 replacement threshold. The filter assembly 3 is detachably located below the observation window 11 on one side of the main body of the washing machine 1.

[0030] By installing a filter assembly 3 at the water inlet of the steam generator 2, impurities in the water can be intercepted, preventing scale formation and thus avoiding affecting the steam generation rate of the steam generator 2.

[0031] Most washing machines are currently installed indoors in a built-in manner, meaning only one side of the observation window 11 faces outwards. When the filter assembly 3 needs to be replaced or cleaned, the washing machine must be moved out, and the outer casing must be opened with tools to operate the filter assembly 3, which is very inconvenient. Therefore, in this embodiment, the filter assembly 3 is positioned below the observation window 11 on one side of the washing machine body 1, allowing operation without moving the washing machine.

[0032] To enable timely cleaning and replacement of the filter assembly 3, a water level detection module 100, a counting module 200, a control module 300, and an alarm module 400 are included. The water level detection module 100 detects the water flow into the steam generator 2. When the water level rises to the required level, it sends a signal to the control module, which then stops the water flow. When the water level falls below the minimum level, it sends a signal to the control module, which then resumes water flow. The water level detection module 100 enables automatic water intake into the steam generator 2 and calculates the amount of water entering the steam generator 3. Combined with the counting module, which counts the number of water intakes, the system detects the amount of water filtered by the filter assembly 3. When the water volume reaches a set threshold or the count reaches a set threshold, the control module sends a signal to the alarm module, causing it to sound an alarm, allowing the user to promptly replace or clean the filter assembly.

[0033] It should be noted that when water enters the steam generator 2, once the water level detection module 100 detects the highest water level, it indicates that water has been added once, and the count by the counting module increases by one.

[0034] It should be noted that the water level detection module 100 can be a liquid level probe, float, water level sensor, etc.

[0035] It should be noted that the detection method for filter component 3 is as follows: When the steam generator 2 of the washing machine is not in use, the count c of the counting module 200 is 0. When the user uses the steam mode, the count c of the counting module 200 increases by one each time the steam generator 2 reaches the heating water level.

[0036] When the number of times the water level is reached (c) increases to (a), the washing machine will remind the user to replace the filter. The reminder can be made by flashing a specified icon or by making an audio alert.

[0037] The number of times 'a' can be defined based on the preliminary experimental results of the filtering component; for example, it could be 500 times.

[0038] After the user has replaced the filter, they can manually press and hold a button on the washing machine's control panel to cancel the reminder. This can be done by pressing and holding a function button or by pressing and holding two buttons simultaneously. Once the control module detects that the user has manually issued the instruction to replace the filter, it cancels the filter replacement reminder and resets the number of times the steam generator 2 reaches the heating water level (c) to zero.

[0039] Alternatively, the counting module 200 counts the number of times the heating device in the steam generator 2 is turned on, and when the number of times it is turned on reaches a, it reminds the user to replace the filter component.

[0040] Furthermore, this embodiment also proposes another optimized control method.

[0041] The washing machine control module first records the time t1 when the water inlet command is issued; Then record the time t2 for reaching the heating water level fed back by the water level detection module 100 of steam generator 2; The time t for steam generator 2 to complete water intake can be obtained by t2-t1.

[0042] The time t will gradually increase as the number of times the steam mode is used (c) increases. A threshold time of n minutes is set. When the steam mode is run for the cth time, if the control module detects that the time t for the steam generator 2 to complete the water intake is greater than n minutes, the washing machine will remind the user to replace the filter component. The reminder method can be a specified icon flashing or an audible reminder, etc.

[0043] When the user replaces the filter component, the water inlet time t will be less than the threshold n, and the control module will cancel the filter component replacement reminder.

[0044] The time n is specifically defined based on the steam inlet flow rate of the washing machine, the specific volume of the steam generator 2, and the preliminary experimental results of the filter components. It can be 2 minutes, etc.

[0045] This control method eliminates the need for users to manually issue commands, thus improving accuracy and reducing design costs.

[0046] Example 2: This embodiment is a further improvement based on Embodiment 1. An installation cavity is provided at the lower left corner of the front shell of the washing machine body 1, and a cover 12 is provided on the installation cavity to open or close its port; wherein, the filter assembly 3 is disposed in the installation cavity.

[0047] When the filter assembly 3 needs to be replaced or cleaned, simply open the cover 12 to remove the filter assembly 3 from the mounting cavity, which is very convenient and easy to use.

[0048] It should be noted that one end of the cover 12 is a connecting end, which is hinged to the port of the mounting cavity; the other end of the cover 12 is a movable end, which can be snapped into the port of the mounting cavity.

[0049] The installation cavity is opened and closed using a flip-top design for easy user operation.

[0050] Example 3: This embodiment is a further improvement based on Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0051] like Figures 2-6As shown, in this embodiment, a water inlet device (not shown in the figure) is provided inside the main body 1 of the washing machine. The water inlet port of the filter assembly 3 is connected to the water inlet device through the first water pipe 4, and the water outlet port of the filter assembly 3 is connected to the water inlet 21 of the steam generator 2 through the second water pipe 5.

[0052] After the water inlet device is turned on, water can enter the filter assembly 3 through the first water pipe 4. After being filtered by the filter assembly 3, the water flows to the steam generator 2. The steam generator 2 then heats the filtered water to generate steam.

[0053] In this embodiment, the filter assembly 3 includes: a mounting member 31 disposed in the mounting cavity; the mounting member 31 has outwardly extending straight pipes 311, and the two straight pipes 311 respectively form an inlet port and an outlet port; The filter housing 32 is mounted on the mounting component 31, and is provided with an inlet pipe 321 and an outlet pipe 322 that are respectively connected to two straight pipes 311. And filter element 33, which is detachably installed inside filter housing 32.

[0054] The mounting component 31 serves as the mounting carrier and can be fixed in the mounting cavity with screws. During installation, its two straight pipes 311 are connected to the first water pipe 4 and the second water pipe 5, respectively. The filter housing 32 serves as the component for mounting the filter element 33 and is inserted into the mounting component 31 by plugging it in. During plugging installation, its inlet pipe 321 and outlet pipe 322 need to correspond one-to-one with the two straight pipes 311. When it is necessary to replace or clean the filter assembly 3, simply remove the filter housing from the mounting component 31 to perform the operation.

[0055] It should be noted that the first water pipe 4 and the second water pipe 5 can be connected to the straight pipe 311 via clamps, and the first water pipe 4 and the second water pipe 5 are sleeved on the straight pipe 311. The inlet pipe 321 and the outlet pipe 322 are sleeved inside the straight pipe 311. To ensure sealing, sealing rings 323 can be installed on the inlet pipe 321 and the outlet pipe 322. An annular groove is cut on the outer wall of the straight pipe 311. When the inlet pipe 321 and the outlet pipe 322 are sleeved on the straight pipe 311, the sealing ring 323 is embedded in the annular groove, which serves both as a limiting function and as a guarantee of sealing between the two, effectively preventing water leakage. The number of sealing rings 323 is not fixed; it can be one, two, or more.

[0056] In this embodiment, the filter housing 32 has a filter element installation port, into which the filter element 33 is inserted. The filter element installation port is also provided with a filter element cover 324 for opening or closing. The user can open it manually by rotating, pressing, or using a snap-on switch.

[0057] It should be noted that the cover 12 and the mounting component 31 are an integral structure. One end of the cover 12 is hinged to the mounting component 31, and the other end of the cover 12 is provided with a fixing buckle 121. The mounting component 31 is provided with a fixing hole 312 corresponding to the fixing buckle 121. When the cover 12 is flipped over and covers the mounting component 31, the fixing buckle 121 can be inserted into the fixing hole 312 to achieve a snap-fit.

[0058] It should be noted that the replacement of the filter assembly mentioned in Embodiment 1 actually refers to the replacement of filter element 33. The control module controls the water inlet of the water inlet device.

[0059] Example 4: This embodiment is a further improvement based on Embodiment 3.

[0060] like Figures 2-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the mounting component 31 is provided with a foolproof positioning rib 313, and the filter housing 32 is provided with a positioning block 325. After the filter housing 32 is fully inserted into the mounting member 31, the positioning block 325 abuts against the anti-fooling positioning rib 313 to restrict the filter housing 32 from further embedding.

[0061] Since the filter housing 32 is inserted into the mounting component 31 by plugging, in order to avoid incomplete insertion or excessive insertion, a foolproof positioning rib 313 and a positioning block 325 are provided at appropriate positions. When the positioning block 325 on the filter housing 32 abuts against the foolproof positioning rib 313, it means that the filter housing 32 has been installed in place and there is no need to continue inserting.

[0062] Example 5: This embodiment is a further improvement based on embodiments three and four.

[0063] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, a filter housing 32 is provided on the side opposite to the mounting cavity port of the filter housing 32. This allows the user to easily pick up and put down the filter housing 32. The shape of the filter handle 326 is not limited, as long as it is easy to grip.

[0064] Example 6: This embodiment is a further improvement based on any of the above embodiments.

[0065] like Figure 7As shown, in this embodiment, the water inlet 21 of the steam generator 2 is located above its side, and the steam outlet 22 is located at the top. An anti-backflow baffle 23 is provided inside the steam generator 2, and / or a one-way valve is provided at the water inlet 21 of the steam generator 2.

[0066] The anti-backflow baffle 23 is installed below the inner port of the inlet 21, with its top end flush with the top end of the inlet 21 of the steam generator 2. The shape of the anti-backflow baffle 23 can be straight or curved, and it can surround the outlet of the inlet pipe 321 of the steam generator 2. Its main function is to prevent boiling hot water from flowing back from the inlet 21 of the steam generator 2 into the filter assembly 3.

[0067] Additionally, a one-way flow valve, such as a duckbill valve, can be installed at the inlet 21 of the steam generator 2. This valve is made of an elastic material (such as natural rubber, EPDM, or silicone) and is shaped like a duckbill. It is pushed open under positive pressure to allow water to flow through. When the pressure disappears or reverses, the valve automatically closes to further prevent water and steam from flowing back into the filter assembly 3.

[0068] It should be noted that the steam outlet 22 of the steam generator 2 can be connected to the outer tub of the washing machine or to the door seal of the observation window 11 via a steam delivery pipe. The connection can be located at the bottom or top, etc. If the connection is not at the top, a one-way flow control device, such as a check valve, needs to be installed at the connection port. This check valve can prevent water from flowing back into the steam generator 2 during the washing stage. When the steam pressure is higher than the set value, the valve opens; when the pressure is lower than the set value or reverse pressure occurs, the valve automatically closes.

[0069] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or improvement of the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A washing machine with a steam generator, comprising a washing machine body (1) and a steam generator (2) located within the washing machine body (1), characterized in that, Also includes: A filter assembly (3) is used to pre-filter the water entering the steam generator (2); A water level detection module (100) is used to detect the water level inside the steam generator (2); The counting module (200) counts the number of times the steam generator (2) is replenished with water and / or the number of times the steam generator (2) is run; The control module (300) includes a control alarm module (400) configured to issue an alarm prompt when the amount of water filtered by the filter component (3) and / or the number of times counted by the counting module (200) reaches a preset filter component (3) replacement threshold. The washing machine body (1) is provided with an installation cavity, and the installation cavity is provided with a cover (12) for opening or closing its port; the filter assembly (3) is detachably installed in the installation cavity.

2. The washing machine with a steam generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting cavity is located below the observation window (11) on one side of the main body (1) of the washing machine.

3. The washing machine with a steam generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the cover (12) is a connecting end, which is hinged to the port of the mounting cavity; the other end of the cover (12) is a movable end, which can be engaged with the port of the mounting cavity.

4. The washing machine with a steam generator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The washing machine body (1) is equipped with a water inlet device. The water inlet port of the filter assembly (3) is connected to the water inlet device through the first water pipe (4). The water outlet port of the filter assembly (3) is connected to the water inlet (21) of the steam generator (2) through the second water pipe (5).

5. The washing machine with a steam generator as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The filter component (3) includes: The mounting component (31) is disposed in the mounting cavity; the mounting component (31) has an outwardly extending straight pipe (311), and the two straight pipes (311) respectively form the water inlet port and the water outlet port; The filter housing (32) is disposed on the mounting member (31), and is provided with an inlet pipe (321) and an outlet pipe (322) respectively connected to the two straight pipes (311). And the filter element (33) is detachably disposed inside the filter housing (32).

6. The washing machine with a steam generator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first water pipe (4) and the second water pipe (5) are connected to the straight pipe (311) by clamps.

7. The washing machine with a steam generator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The filter housing (32) has a filter element installation port, the filter element (33) is inserted into the filter element installation port, and the filter element installation port is also provided with a filter element cover (324) for opening or closing.

8. The washing machine with a steam generator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting component (31) is provided with a foolproof positioning rib (313), and the filter housing (32) is provided with a positioning block (325). After the filter housing (32) is fully inserted into the mounting member (31), the positioning block (325) abuts against the foolproof positioning rib (313) to restrict the filter housing (32) from further embedding.

9. The washing machine with a steam generator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The filter housing (32) is provided with a filter handle (326) on the side opposite to the mounting cavity port.

10. The washing machine with a steam generator as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The steam generator (2) is provided with a backflow prevention baffle (23), and / or a one-way valve is provided at the water inlet (21) of the steam generator (2).

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