Detergent case unit and washing machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of clothing treatment and provides a detergent case unit and a washing machine, the detergent case unit including a detergent case in which a water injection passage, a storage chamber, and a liquid outflow passage communicating with the storage chamber are formed, and a scale prevention device provided in the storage chamber and located below the water injection passage, the scale prevention device having a water inlet and a drain opening toward the water injection passage. The scale prevention device is mounted in the detergent case, the scale prevention device is located below the water injection passage, the water inlet opens toward the water injection passage, and the water flow from the water injection passage flows from above into the water inlet, and the water flow is dispersed by gravity or the like. In this way, the surface area of ​​the water flow is large, and the contact area between the water flow and the scale prevention device is large, and the reaction efficiency can be effectively improved.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention is based on and claims priority to the Chinese patent application having application number 202210342297.4 and filing date March 31, 2022, and the Chinese patent application having application number 202220738865.8 and filing date March 31, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of clothing treatment technology, in particular to a detergent case unit and a washing machine appliance. [Background technology]

[0003] Tap water enters the washing tube of a washing machine and washes clothes, and calcium ions and magnesium ions in tap water tend to form inorganic salt precipitates that are difficult to dissolve in water. The inorganic salt precipitates that are difficult to dissolve in water tend to deposit on the surfaces of parts such as the washing tube, leading to early deterioration of the parts, reducing the performance of the washing machine, and shortening the service life of the washing machine. Calcium ions and magnesium ions tend to cause yellowing of clothes, making them dark, stiff, and rough to the touch. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In view of this situation, it is desirable that the present invention provides a detergent case unit and a washing machine appliance that can reduce water stains. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a detergent case in which a water injection passage, a storage chamber, and a liquid outflow passage communicating with the storage chamber are formed; A scale prevention device is provided in the storage chamber and located below the water injection flow path, The scale prevention device provides a detergent case unit having a water supply port and a drain port that open toward the water injection channel.

[0006] In some embodiments, the scale prevention device comprises a vortex case in which the water supply inlet, vortex chamber and drain outlet are provided, and a scale prevention member provided in the vortex chamber, the vortex case is provided in the storage chamber and located below the water injection flow path, the water supply inlet connects the water injection flow path to the vortex chamber, and the drain outlet connects the vortex chamber to the storage chamber.

[0007] In some embodiments, the detergent case comprises a cartridge and a liquid separating member, the water inlet flow path and the liquid outlet flow path are both formed within the cartridge, the storage chamber is formed within the liquid separating member, an access port is formed in the cartridge, and the liquid separating member can be inserted into and removed from the cartridge via the access port.

[0008] In some embodiments, the top side of the containment chamber is open and the scale prevention device can be removed from or inserted into the containment chamber through the opening on the top side of the containment chamber.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cartridge comprises: a cartridge cover in which the water injection channel is formed; a cartridge body having an open groove formed therein, the open groove being open at a top side; The liquid separating member is disposed within the open groove, and the cartridge cover covers the top opening of the open groove, thereby forming the liquid outlet passage in cooperation with the cartridge cover.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cartridge cover comprises an upper cover in which an injection port is formed, and a lower cover in which a water injection tank opening at the top and a shower hole communicating with the water injection tank are formed, the upper cover covers the top opening of the water injection tank, and the injection port, the water injection tank and the shower hole collectively constitute the water injection flow path.

[0011] In some embodiments, the scale prevention device is detachably connected to the detergent case.

[0012] In some embodiments, the detergent case includes an elastic member, the elastic member being provided on at least one side surface of the storage chamber, and the elastic member abutting the scale prevention device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the detergent case is formed with a detergent groove and a tap water flow path, the tap water flow path and the water inlet flow path are separated, the detergent groove and the storage chamber are separated, and the liquid outlet flow path and the incoming water flow path are both connected to the detergent groove.

[0014] In some embodiments, a lower surface of the water injection channel is formed with a plurality of shower holes located above the water supply port.

[0015] In some embodiments, when a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction is taken as a projection plane, the projection of the multiple shower holes is within a projection range of the water supply port.

[0016] The present invention relates to A washing machine comprising: a washing tub in which a washing chamber is formed; and a detergent case unit according to any one of the above; The invention further provides a washing machine appliance, wherein the liquid outlet passage communicates with the washing chamber.

[0017] According to the detergent case unit of the embodiment of the present invention, on the one hand, a scale prevention device is installed in the detergent case to provide soft water to the washing machine, that is, the hardness of the water from the water supply passage is reduced by the scale prevention device, so that the water is softened to become soft water, and the soft water is less likely to precipitate inorganic salts. In this way, the soft water not only prevents inorganic salt precipitates from being deposited on the surfaces of parts such as the washing tube by contacting the clothes and / or detergent, but also prevents the reaction of the inorganic salt precipitates with the detergent from affecting the washing effect, so that the clothes do not become dark and hard. On the other hand, the dimension along the vertical direction of the detergent case is large. In this way, the dimension of the storage chamber can also be increased, reducing the difficulty in designing the detergent case unit and making it easier to install the scale prevention device in the storage chamber. On the other hand, the scale prevention device is located below the water supply passage, the water supply port opens toward the water supply passage, and the water flow from the water supply passage flows from top to bottom into the water supply port, and the water flow is dispersed by gravity or the like. In this way, the surface area of ​​the water flow is large, and the contact area between the water flow and the scale prevention device is large, so that the reaction efficiency can be effectively improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a detergent case unit in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the detergent case unit shown in FIG. 1, viewed from another direction. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic diagram of an explosion of the detergent case unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the detergent case unit shown in FIG. 2 without showing an upper cover thereof. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4, with the dashed arrows diagrammatically indicating the direction of water flow. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion B in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an explosion of a scale prevention device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] In addition, unless there is a contradiction, the examples of the present invention and the constituent elements in the examples can be combined with each other, and the detailed description of the specific embodiments should be understood as an explanation of the gist of the present application and should not be considered as an undue restriction on the present application.

[0020] In the embodiments of the present invention, positions or positional relationships such as "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "left" and "right" are positions or positional relationships shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5, and it is understood that these position terms are merely for convenience and simplification of the description of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to necessarily have a specific position or are constructed and operated in a specific position, and should not be considered as limitations on the present invention. The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] In the related art, a tap water flow path is formed in the cartridge cover of the detergent case, and the scale inhibitor enters the cartridge cover of the detergent case, and the tap water washes away the scale inhibitor and then forms soft water, which then enters the washing tube of the washing machine. The size of the cartridge cover along the vertical direction is small, and both the tap water flow path and the scale inhibitor are provided in the cartridge cover, so the size of the tap water flow path is small, and the flow cross section of the water flux is small. In addition, since the water flow and the scale inhibitor are in almost the same plane, the contact area between the water flow and the scale inhibitor is small, and the reaction efficiency is low. In order to increase the concentration of the scale inhibitor in the water flow, it is necessary to increase the length of the tap water flow path and slow down the flow rate of the water flow to increase the contact time with the scale inhibitor. However, the size of the cartridge cover is limited, and the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the tap water flow path are limited. In this way, not only is it difficult to install the scale inhibitor in the tap water flow path, but it also affects the flow rate of the tap water, significantly increasing the time it takes to supply water to the washing machine.

[0022] As shown in Figs. 1 to 6, an embodiment of the present invention provides a detergent case unit including a detergent case 1 and a scale prevention device 2, in which a water injection flow path 1a, a storage chamber 1b, and a liquid outlet flow path 1c communicating with the storage chamber 1b are formed in the detergent case 1. The scale prevention device 2 is provided in the storage chamber 1b and is located below the water injection flow path 1a. The scale prevention device 2 has a water supply port 21a and a drain port 21c that open toward the water injection flow path 1a. Specifically, the water injection flow path 1a injects water into the scale prevention device 2 via the water supply port 21a, and the water softened by the scale prevention device 2 flows into the storage chamber 1b via the drain port 21c, and is then discharged outside the detergent case 1 from the liquid outlet flow path 1c, for example, into a washing tub of a washing machine.

[0023] According to the detergent case unit of the embodiment of the present invention, on the one hand, a scale prevention device 2 is installed in the detergent case 1 to provide soft water to the washing machine, that is, the scale prevention device 2 reduces the hardness of the water from the water supply passage 1a, thereby softening the water to make it soft water, and the soft water is less likely to cause precipitates of inorganic salts. In this way, the soft water not only prevents the precipitates of inorganic salts from being deposited on the surfaces of parts such as the washing tube by contacting the clothes and / or detergent, but also prevents the precipitates of inorganic salts from reacting with the detergent to affect the washing effect, so that the clothes do not become dark and hard. On the other hand, the dimension along the vertical direction of the detergent case 1 is large. In this way, the dimension of the storage chamber 1b can also be made large, reducing the difficulty in designing the detergent case unit and making it easier to install the scale prevention device 2 in the storage chamber 1b. On the other hand, the scale prevention device 2 is located below the water injection flow path 1a, the water supply port 21a opens toward the water flow path 1a, and the water flow from the water injection flow path 1a flows from top to bottom into the water supply port 21a, and the water flow is dispersed by gravity, etc. In this way, the surface area of ​​the water flow is large, and the contact area between the water flow and the scale prevention device 2 is large, and the reaction efficiency can be effectively improved.

[0024] Note that up is the direction facing the ceiling, and down is the direction opposite to up.

[0025] It can be understood that the water injection channel 1a can be connected to a user's water pipe via a tube. In this way, tap water flows into the vortex chamber 21b via the water injection channel 1a, and the hardness of the tap water can be reduced.

[0026] In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the scale prevention device 2 includes a vortex case 21 having a water supply port 21a, a vortex chamber 21b, and a drain port 21c, and a scale prevention member 22 provided in the vortex chamber 21b. The vortex case 21 is provided in the accommodation chamber 1b and is located below the water injection flow passage 1a. The water supply port 21a communicates the water injection flow passage 1a with the vortex chamber 21b, and the drain port 21c communicates the vortex chamber 21b with the accommodation chamber 1. Specifically, the water injection flow passage 1a injects water into the vortex chamber 21b through the water supply port 21a. The scale prevention member 22 reacts with the water in the vortex chamber 21b to reduce the hardness of the water. The water in the vortex chamber 21b flows into the accommodation chamber 1b through the drain port 21c. In this way, the dispersed water flow quickly flows into the vortex chamber 21 through the water supply port 21c, and the vortex chamber 21b provides a certain buffer space for the water flow, maintaining the water flow at a relatively fast flow rate, lengthening the contact time between the water and the scale prevention material 22, and allowing the water and the scale prevention material 22 to react sufficiently.

[0027] 6, in one embodiment, the water supply port 21a is formed on the upper side of the vortex case 21, and the water drain port 21c is formed on the lower side of the vortex case 21. In this way, the water flow flows in from above and flows out downward, which reduces resistance while allowing the water in the vortex chamber 21b to be sufficiently drained.

[0028] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the detergent case 1 includes a cartridge 11 and a liquid separating member 12, the water injection channel 1a and the liquid outflow channel 1c are both formed in the cartridge 11, the storage chamber 1b is formed in the liquid separating member 12, the cartridge 11 is formed with an inlet / outlet 11a, and the liquid separating member 12 can be inserted into or removed from the cartridge 11 through the inlet / outlet 11a. In this way, it is easy for the user to replace or maintain the scale prevention device 2. For example, when the scale prevention device 2 needs to be replaced or maintained, the user can remove the scale prevention device 2 by removing the liquid separating member 12 from the cartridge 11 through the inlet / outlet 11a. After the replacement or maintenance is completed, the liquid separating member 12 is inserted into the cartridge 11.

[0029] 5, the access port 11a may be formed on the front side of the cartridge 11. In this way, a user can pull out the liquid separating member 12 from the front side, which is convenient for operation.

[0030] Note that "forward" is the direction facing the user, and "backward" is the direction facing away from the user.

[0031] 3, the top side of the storage chamber 1b is open, and the scale prevention device 2 can be removed from or placed into the storage chamber 1b through the opening on the top side of the storage chamber 1b. For example, the vortex case 21 can be removed from or placed into the storage chamber 1b through the opening on the top side of the storage chamber 1b. This design not only allows a user to easily remove or place the scale prevention device 2 by raising their hand, but also prevents the scale prevention device 2 from falling off the storage chamber 1b to a certain extent. The top coincides with the top direction, and the bottom coincides with the bottom direction.

[0032] 3, the scale prevention device 2 is detachably connected to the detergent case 1. This prevents the scale prevention device 2 from moving arbitrarily within the storage chamber 1b due to the impact of the water flow, and also prevents the scale prevention device 2 from falling off from the storage chamber 1b after being accidentally touched.

[0033] 3, in one embodiment, the vortex case 21 is detachably connected to the liquid separating member 12. This prevents the scale prevention device 2 from moving arbitrarily within the accommodation chamber 1b due to the impact of the water flow, strengthens the mounting strength between the vortex case 21 and the liquid separating member 12, and also prevents the scale prevention device 2 from falling off from the accommodation chamber 1b after being accidentally touched.

[0034] The detachable connection means between the vortex case 21 and the liquid separating member 12 is not limited, and in one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5, the detergent case 1 includes an elastic member 13, and at least one side surface of the storage chamber 1b is provided with the elastic member 13 that abuts against the scale prevention device 2. For example, the elastic member 13 abuts the vortex case 21 inside the storage chamber 1b. When mounting the scale prevention device 2, the installation is completed by pressing the scale prevention device 2 into the storage chamber 1b until the elastic member 13 abuts against the vortex case 21. In this way, by abutting against the vortex case 21 by the elastic force of the elastic member 13, the scale prevention device 2 is prevented from falling off from the storage chamber 1b due to accidental touching.

[0035] 3 and 5, in one embodiment, an elastic member 13 is provided on each of two opposing side surfaces of the accommodation chamber 1b, and the two opposing elastic members 13 respectively abut against two opposing side surfaces of the vortex case 21. This allows the scale prevention device 2 to be mounted more reliably, efficiently and securely.

[0036] The specific shape of the elastic member 13 is not limited, and exemplarily, in one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the elastic member 13 is substantially sheet-shaped, and two elastic members 13 are located at both ends of the long side direction of the vortex case 21. The long side direction of the vortex case 21 coincides with the horizontal direction, and in the process of pushing the vortex case 21 downward, the vortex case 21 presses the elastic member 13 to elastically deform the elastic member 13, and when the vortex case 21 moves downward to a predetermined position, the pressing force against the vortex case 21 is released, and the elastic force of the elastic member 13 abuts against the vortex case 21. In this way, the structure of the elastic member 13 is simple, and therefore easy to manufacture. The two elastic members 13 can effectively regulate the position of the vortex case 21 in the long side direction. When removing the scale prevention device 2, the user grasps both widthwise sides of the overflow case 21 with their hands, or applies force to the scale prevention device 2 to expand the elastic members 13 along the long side direction and presses one of the elastic members 13, and at the same time pulls up the scale prevention device 2 until it falls out of the storage chamber 1b through the top opening, making operation convenient for the user.

[0037] 3 and 6, in one embodiment, a communication port 12a that communicates the storage chamber 1b with the liquid outlet flow path 1c is formed on one side of the liquid separating member 12 away from the inlet / outlet port 11a. For example, the communication port 12a is formed on the rear side surface of the liquid separating member 12. In this manner, the liquid in the storage chamber 1b flows into the liquid outlet flow path 1c through the communication port 12a.

[0038] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, a portion of the bottom surface of the storage chamber 1b away from the communication port 12a is higher than a portion of the bottom surface of the storage chamber 1b closer to the communication port 12a. In other words, the bottom surface of the storage chamber 1b is inclined downward from a direction away from the communication port 12a toward a direction closer to the communication port 12a. With this design, the bottom surface of the storage chamber 1b functions as a guide for the flow of liquid, making it easier to guide the liquid in the storage chamber 1b to the communication port 12a, and quickly discharging it into the liquid outflow channel 1c.

[0039] 3 and 5, a flow port 12b that communicates the detergent groove 1d and the liquid outlet flow path 1c is formed on one side of the liquid separating member 12 away from the inlet / outlet port 11a. For example, the flow port 12b is formed on the rear side surface of the liquid separating member 12. In this manner, the detergent flows into the liquid outlet flow path 1c through the flow port 12b.

[0040] In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 3, 6, and 7, an overflow port 21d communicating with the overflow chamber 21b is formed on the rear side of the overflow case 21. For example, when the viscosity of the soft water is relatively high and / or the water pressure in the water supply passage 1a is unstable, problems such as a stepwise mismatch between the supply water flow rate and the drainage flow rate are likely to occur, and water may overflow upward from the water supply port 21a. Here, by increasing the drainage area by the overflow port 21d, the water in the overflow chamber 21b flows out from the drainage port 21c and the overflow port 21d, and the drainage speed is increased. In addition, since the communication port 12a is formed on the rear side of the liquid separating member 12 and the overflow port 21d is formed on the rear side of the overflow case 21, the liquid separating member 12 and the overflow case 21 can be prevented from interfering with each other, and the water flow becomes smoother.

[0041] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 5, the cartridge 11 includes a cartridge cover 111 and a cartridge body 112, in which the cartridge cover 111 is formed with a water inlet flow passage 1a, the cartridge body 112 is formed with an opening groove 112a with an opening at the top side, the liquid separating member 12 is located in the opening groove 112a, and the cartridge cover 111 covers the opening at the top side of the opening groove 112a, thereby forming a liquid outlet flow passage 1c together. In this way, the cartridge cover 111 and the cartridge body 112 can be manufactured separately, which reduces the difficulty of manufacturing. Since the opening groove 112a is formed in the cartridge body 112, the water flow tends to flow downward, which reduces the resistance of the water flow, and the liquid can be easily and quickly discharged.

[0042] In some embodiments, the cartridge cover 111 and the cartridge body 112 may be connected by a non-removable means such as ultrasonic welding or adhesive. The cartridge cover 111 and the cartridge body 112 may be connected by a removable means such as engagement or threaded connection. To improve sealing, the mounting gap between the cartridge cover 111 and the cartridge body 112 may be sealed by a sealant or a seal ring.

[0043] 3, the cartridge cover 111 includes an upper cover 1111 in which an inlet 1111a is formed, and a lower cover 1112 in which a water injection tank 1112a with an opening on the top side and a shower hole 1112b communicating with the water injection tank 1112a are provided, the upper cover 1111 covers the opening on the top side of the water injection tank 1112a, and the inlet 1111a, the water injection tank 1112a, and the shower hole 1112b jointly constitute the water injection flow path 1a. In other words, water from the inlet 1111a is guided to the shower hole 1112b via the water injection tank 1112a, and then sprayed through the shower hole 1112b and flows into the water supply port 21a.

[0044] In some embodiments, an inlet conduit can connect the inlet 1111a to a water inlet valve of the washing machine, and the water inlet valve is connected to a tap water line. In this way, the inlet conduit can introduce tap water into the inlet 1111a.

[0045] In some embodiments, the upper cover 1111 and the lower cover 1112 may be connected by a non-removable means such as ultrasonic welding or adhesive, etc. The upper cover 1111 and the lower cover 1112 may be connected by a removable means such as engagement or screw connection, etc. To improve the sealing, the mounting gap between the upper cover 1111 and the lower cover 1112 may be sealed by a sealant or a seal ring, etc.

[0046] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the detergent case 1 is formed with a detergent groove 1d and a tap water flow path 1e, the tap water flow path 1e is separated from the water injection flow path 1a, the detergent groove 1d is separated from the storage chamber 1b, and the liquid outlet flow path 1c and the tap water flow path 1e are both connected to the detergent groove 1d. The detergent groove 1d is for storing detergent. That is, water cannot flow between the tap water flow path 1e and the water injection flow path 1a, and the detergent in the detergent groove 1d and the water in the storage chamber 1b cannot communicate with each other. The water from the tap water flow path 1e enters the detergent groove 1d, and then the detergent flows into the liquid outlet flow path 1c. The water from the water injection flow path 1a flows into the overflow chamber 21b and is softened, and then flows into the liquid outlet flow path 1c through the storage chamber 1b. The detergent and soft water can be mixed in the liquid outlet flow path 1c. In this way, not only can a large amount of water be supplied, but the hardness of the water can also be appropriately reduced, making it possible to achieve both the amount of water supplied and the hardness of the water.

[0047] In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 3, the top side of the detergent channel 1d is open, so that the user can add detergent into the detergent channel 1d through the top opening. The detergent can flow into the washing chamber through the liquid outlet channel 1c, which makes it easier to wash the clothes.

[0048] By independently controlling the water supply of the tap water flow path 1e and the water supply path 1a, various liquid injection methods can be realized and the functions of the washing machine can be enriched. For example, in some embodiments, the tap water flow path 1e can be controlled to supply water alone, so that detergent can be sent into the washing chamber alone. In other embodiments, the water supply path 1a can be controlled to supply water alone, so that soft water can be sent into the washing chamber alone. In still other embodiments, the water supply path 1a and the tap water flow path 1e can be controlled to supply water simultaneously, so that soft water and detergent can be premixed in the liquid outlet path 1c and then sent into the washing chamber.

[0049] In some embodiments, the detergent groove 1d may be connected to the storage chamber 1b. In this way, it is possible to use soft water to make the detergent flow into the liquid outlet channel 1c without providing a tap water channel 1e, thus simplifying the structure.

[0050] 3, the detergent groove 1d may be formed in the liquid separating member 12, and the storage chamber 1b and the detergent groove 1d may be arranged with a gap between them in the left-right direction. In this way, the volumes of the storage chamber 1b and the detergent groove 1d can be increased without increasing the dimension of the liquid separating member 12 in the up-down direction.

[0051] The up-down direction, the front-back direction and the left-right direction are perpendicular to each other and together form a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system.

[0052] 5, the underside of the water injection flow passage 1a is provided with a plurality of shower holes 1112b located above the water supply port 21a. The shower holes 1112b penetrate the underside of the water injection flow passage 1a, and are used to spray water from the water injection flow passage 1a into the water supply port 21a. Since the hole diameter of the shower holes 1112b is small, the water flow can be dispersed, and the contact area between the water flow and the scale inhibitor can be increased.

[0053] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, when a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction is taken as a projection plane, the projection of the multiple shower holes 1112b is within the projection range of the water inlet 21a. In other words, the area of ​​the water inlet 21a is larger than the total area of ​​the multiple shower holes 1112b. In this way, the dimensions of the water inlet 21a are large, making it convenient for the water inlet 21a to receive water from the shower holes 1112b.

[0054] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the scale prevention member 22 includes a filter case 221 in which a plurality of filter holes (not shown) are formed, and a scale prevention agent provided in the filter case 221, and the filter holes communicate the space in the filter case 221 with the vortex chamber 21b. The filter holes are used to circulate water between the inside of the filter case 221 and the vortex chamber 21b. The water in the vortex chamber 21b flows into the filter case 221 through the filter holes and reacts with the scale prevention agent to generate soft water, and the soft water flows out of the vortex chamber 21b through the filter holes and is discharged into the storage chamber 1b through the drain port 21c. The scale prevention agent is restricted by the filter case 221, thereby preventing the scale prevention agent from blocking the drain port 21c.

[0055] 6 and 7, in one embodiment, the long side direction of the filter case 221 is perpendicular to the up-down direction, and a drain port 221a that connects the space inside the filter case 221 to the overflow port 21d is formed on the end face of the filter case 221 facing the overflow port 21d of the vortex case 21. In this way, soft water is prevented from accumulating in the filter case 221.

[0056] Soft water is water whose hardness has been reduced with a scale inhibitor.

[0057] A scale inhibitor is a substance for dispersing or hindering poorly soluble inorganic salts or preventing their generation. The scale inhibitor is a solid that slowly dissolves and releases when exposed to water, for example, the scale inhibitor is granular. In this manner, the scale inhibitor can be disposed in the filter case 221, and the volume of the scale inhibitor is larger than the size of the filter holes. That is, the scale inhibitor can be prevented from escaping from the filter case 221 through the filter holes.

[0058] There is no limitation on the means by which the scale inhibitor reduces water hardness, and the scale inhibitor's scale inhibition mechanism includes, but is not limited to, chelation solubilization action, aggregation / dispersion action, electrostatic repulsion action, and crystal distortion action.

[0059] For example, in one embodiment, the scale inhibitor reacts with ions such as calcium ions and magnesium ions to form a complex to synthesize a stable water-soluble chelate compound, which is easily soluble in water, and thus achieves the scale inhibition effect by the chelate dissolving action. In another embodiment, the scale inhibitor is an anionic organic compound, which adsorbs cations such as calcium ions and magnesium ions to become a water-soluble substance, and disperses the water-soluble substance in water, thereby achieving the effect of scale inhibition by the adsorption and dispersion action. In a further embodiment, the molecules of the scale inhibitor are adsorbed to the space lattice of the crystal active growth point in the scale formation process, which prevents the scale crystals from being normally formed according to the lattice arrangement, causing distortion of the scale crystals, which further increases the internal stress of the scale crystals and causes the scale crystals to burst, thereby preventing the formation of scale due to the accumulation of microcrystals, and thus achieving the effect of scale inhibition by the crystal distortion action. In another embodiment, the scale inhibitor can react with cations and anions in water to generate a weak electric interference effect, and the scale formation factors are quickly taken away and deactivated. The cations include, but are not limited to, copper ions, iron ions, calcium ions, and magnesium ions. The anions are CO3 2- , HCO3 - , SO4 2- The types of scale inhibitors in the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and may be any scale inhibitor that can realize scale inhibition in liquids in the prior art.

[0060] 7, the vortex case 21 includes a housing 211 and two end caps 212. Both ends of the housing 211 in the long side direction are open, and the two end caps 212 detachably cover the openings at both ends of the long side direction of the housing 211, respectively, thereby jointly defining a vortex chamber 21b. The water supply port 21a and the water drain port 21c are both formed in the housing 211, and the overflow port 21d is formed in one of the end caps 212.

[0061] 7, one of the two end caps 212 is engaged with the housing 211, and the other of the two end caps 212 is screwed into the housing 211. In this manner, not only can the two end caps 212 and the housing 21 be quickly attached to each other, but also the scale prevention member 22 can be quickly attached and detached.

[0062] The present invention further provides a washing machine including a washing tube and the detergent case unit according to any one of the embodiments of the present invention, the washing tube being formed with a washing chamber, and the liquid outlet passage 1c being connected to the washing chamber. The liquid from the storage chamber 1b flows into the washing chamber through the liquid outlet passage 1c.

[0063] In the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, the scale prevention device 2 is for providing soft water to the washing machine. In this way, when the soft water comes into contact with the clothes and / or detergent, it is possible to prevent the deposition of inorganic salts that are poorly soluble in water on the surface of the washing machine tube, to prevent the inorganic salts from reacting with the detergent, and to prevent the clothes from becoming yellow and stiff.

[0064] The washing machine may further have a drying function. That is, the washing machine may further have a drying air duct communicating with the washing chamber. The drying air duct injects air into the washing chamber so as to dry the clothes in the washing chamber.

[0065] In some embodiments, the washing tub is rotatable, so that the rotation of the washing tub can move the clothes and the water in a rotational manner to wash the clothes. For example, the rotation of the washing tub can wash, rinse, and spin-dry the clothes.

[0066] In some embodiments, the washing machine may include an outer cylinder that fits around the outside of the washing tube, and the washing tube may have a through hole formed on a circumferential surface thereof. The outer cylinder is for containing water, and the water in the outer cylinder can flow into or out of the washing tube through the through hole.

[0067] In some embodiments, the axis of the washing tube may be along a horizontal direction. In other words, the washing machine may be a drum type washing machine. Illustratively, the axes of the outer tube and the washing tube are both along a horizontal direction. The washing tube and the outer tube both open toward the front. In this way, a user can put clothes into or take clothes out of the washing chamber through the front openings of the washing tube and the outer tube.

[0068] In some embodiments, the washing machine device may include a housing having a drawer opening, the washing tube and the detergent case unit are both provided in the housing, and the cartridge 11 may be fixed to the housing. The inlet / outlet opening 11a faces the drawer opening, and the liquid separating member 12 is provided at the drawer opening so as to be retractable. The liquid separating member 12 can be pulled out from the drawer opening or pushed into the drawer opening. In order for a user to add detergent into the liquid separating member 12 or to replace the scale prevention device 2, the liquid separating member 12 is pulled out from the drawer opening. After the process is completed, the liquid separating member 12 can be pushed into the housing, and the housing can prevent the user or other objects from accidentally touching the liquid separating member 12 and the scale prevention device 2, etc.

[0069] In some embodiments, the outlet may be located at the upper left or upper right corner of the front side of the housing. In this manner, the outlet faces the user, so that the user can pull out the liquid separating member 12 without bending over or bending over slightly, making the operation easy.

[0070] In one embodiment, the washing machine includes a heater for heating water in the washing chamber, which is then used to wash the clothes so as to improve the washing efficiency.

[0071] The position of the heater is not limited, and for example, the heater may be located in the space between the washing tube and the outer tube, thus preventing the clothes in the washing tube from coming into contact with the heater. The scale inhibitor can reduce inorganic salts that are poorly soluble in water in the water, preventing the inorganic salts that are poorly soluble in water from depositing on the heater, thereby improving the service life and heating efficiency of the heater.

[0072] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and any modifications or replacements that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art within the technical scope described in the present invention are included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be based on the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. a detergent case in which a water injection passage, a storage chamber, and a liquid outflow passage communicating with the storage chamber are formed; A scale prevention device is provided in the storage chamber and located below the water injection flow path, The scale prevention device has a water supply port and a drain port that open toward the water injection flow path. Detergent case unit.

2. The scale prevention device includes a vortex case in which the water supply port, the vortex chamber, and the drain port are provided, and a scale prevention member provided in the vortex chamber. The vortex case is provided in the storage chamber and is located below the water injection flow path. The water supply port communicates with the water injection flow path and the vortex chamber, and the drain port communicates with the vortex chamber and the storage chamber. The detergent case unit according to claim 1.

3. The detergent case includes a cartridge and a liquid separating member, the water injection flow path and the liquid outflow flow path are both formed in the cartridge, the storage chamber is formed in the liquid separating member, an access port is formed in the cartridge, and the liquid separating member can be inserted into and removed from the cartridge via the access port. The detergent case unit according to claim 1.

4. The top side of the storage chamber is open, and the scale prevention device can be removed from or inserted into the storage chamber through the top side opening of the storage chamber. The detergent case unit according to claim 3.

5. The cartridge comprises: a cartridge cover in which the water injection channel is formed; a cartridge body having an open groove formed therein, the open groove being open at a top side; The liquid separating member is provided in the opening groove, and the cartridge cover covers the top opening of the opening groove, thereby forming the liquid outlet flow path in cooperation with the cartridge cover. The detergent case unit according to claim 3.

6. the cartridge cover includes an upper cover in which an injection port is formed, and a lower cover in which a water injection tank having an opening at a top side and a shower hole communicating with the water injection tank are formed, The upper cover covers the top opening of the water injection tank, and the injection port, the water injection tank, and the shower hole collectively constitute the water injection flow path. The detergent case unit according to claim 5.

7. The scale prevention device is detachably connected to the detergent case. The detergent case unit according to claim 1.

8. The detergent case includes an elastic member, and the elastic member is provided on at least one side surface of the storage chamber, and the elastic member abuts against the scale prevention device. The detergent case unit according to claim 7.

9. The detergent case is formed with a detergent groove and a tap water flow path, the tap water flow path and the water injection flow path are separated, the detergent groove and the storage chamber are separated, and the liquid outflow flow path and the water inflow path are both connected to the detergent groove. The detergent case unit according to claim 1.

10. A plurality of shower holes are formed on the lower surface of the water injection flow path and positioned above the water supply port. The detergent case unit according to claim 1.

11. When a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction is taken as a projection plane, the projection of the plurality of shower holes is within the projection range of the water supply port. The detergent case unit according to claim 10.

12. A washing machine having a washing chamber formed therein; A detergent case unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Equipped with The liquid outlet passage communicates with the washing chamber.

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