Liquid guide structure of liquid storage case, additive injection module and washing machine

Abstract

In the liquid guide structure for the liquid storage case, the additive feeding module, and the washing machine, the liquid guide structure includes a case body connection unit (3) that is attached to the feed opening of the liquid storage case (1) and closes the feed opening under normal conditions, a liquid guide insertion unit (2) that is provided in an insertion groove (51) for mounting the liquid storage case (1) and is inserted into and fitted with the case body connection unit (3) to open the feed opening after the liquid storage case (1) is mounted in the insertion groove (51), and an elastic seal unit (4) that has an elastic member (41) and a seal member (42), and the seal member (42) firmly abuts against and seals the fitting gap between the liquid guide insertion unit (2) and the case body connection unit (3) by the action of the elastic member (41). The elastic member (41) and the seal member (42) cooperate with each other to allow the seal member (42) to firmly abut against and seal the fitting gap between the liquid guide insertion unit (2) and the case body connection unit (3). This improves the sealing performance of the entire liquid-guide structure, and effectively prevents leakage of additives into the liquid storage case 1. Moreover, the elastic member further imparts a pushing force to the liquid storage case 1 to assist the pushing out, allowing for easy and smooth extraction, resulting in a better user experience.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of clothing additive dispensing, and more particularly to a liquid guide structure of a liquid storage container, an additive dispensing module and a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] There are two types of additive dosing methods commonly used in conventional washing machines, particularly pulsator type washing machines.

[0003] One method is for users to directly add additives to the washing machine tub, but this method makes it difficult to control the amount of additive added. Also, since the additives are added directly to the tub, the undiluted additives come into direct contact with clothes, which can easily cause problems such as fading of clothes.

[0004] The other method is to provide a liquid storage case in the washing machine. The user puts the additive in the liquid storage case in advance, and the additive is poured into the washing tub using the water supply to the washing machine, thereby realizing automatic addition of the additive. By using the above-mentioned addition method, it is possible to accurately control the amount of additive added, and the additive can be mixed sufficiently with the supply water before being added to the washing tub.

[0005] The washing machine of Patent Document 1 includes a control panel base and an additive dosing system provided in the control panel base. The additive dosing system includes at least one dosing unit. The dosing unit includes a sealed container for accommodating an additive, and an automatic dosing mechanism for extracting the additive and dosing it into a washing tub. The container is external and is removably attached above the control panel base. The control panel base is provided with a mounting portion on which the container is placed, and a liquid-conducting connection portion that communicates with the container to deliver the additive. The liquid-conducting connection portion is connected to the automatic dosing mechanism.

[0006] The washing machine container disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 is provided with a discharge structure at its discharge port, and a one-way valve is provided in the discharge structure. The one-way valve includes a guide path and a piston provided in the guide path. The liquid guide connection part can extend into the guide path to push open the piston and open the discharge port. When the liquid guide connection part pushes open the piston, the additive in the container enters the liquid guide chamber between the discharge structure and the liquid guide connection part from the guide path. However, due to an ineffective seal structure between the liquid guide connection part and the discharge structure, the additive in the liquid guide chamber leaks out from the fitting gap between them, affecting the user experience.

[0007] In view of the above, the present invention is proposed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] China Patent Application Publication No. 201710684754.7 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a liquid-guiding structure for a liquid storage case that can improve the sealing performance of the entire liquid-guiding structure by using an elastic sealing unit provided between the case body connection unit and the liquid-guiding insertion unit, thereby effectively preventing the leakage of additives during the insertion process of the liquid storage case, in order to eliminate the defects of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic idea of ​​the technical solution adopted in the present invention is as follows:

[0011] The liquid guide structure of the liquid storage case includes a case body connection unit that is attached to the inlet of the liquid storage case and closes the inlet under normal conditions, a liquid guide insertion unit that is provided in an insertion groove for mounting the liquid storage case and is inserted into and fitted with the case body connection unit after the liquid storage case is mounted in the insertion groove to open the inlet, and an elastic seal unit that has an elastic member and a sealing member, and the sealing member firmly abuts against and seals the fitting gap between the liquid guide insertion unit and the case body connection unit by the action of the elastic member.

[0012] The liquid-guiding insert unit further includes an insert part. The case body connection unit includes a flow guide path, and the flow guide path includes a valve body that opens the input port when pressed by the insert part and closes the input port in a normal state.

[0013] The sealing member is in firm contact with and seals the fitting gap between the outer peripheral wall of the insertion portion and the flow guide path by the action of an elastic member.

[0014] The elastic member is compressed between the liquid-guiding insert unit and the outer end wall of the case body connection unit. The insert portion extends into the flow-guiding path and has a pressing end at its front end that is pressed against and fitted onto the valve body to open the inlet.

[0015] One end of the sealing member is connected in a sealing manner to the peripheral wall adjacent to the pressing end of the insertion portion, and the other end extends in a direction away from the pressing end and forms a seal by pressing against the outer end wall of the case body connection unit by the action of an elastic member.

[0016] The case body connection unit further includes a connection sleeve having one end located outside the liquid storage case and fitted to the insertion portion and the other end extending into the liquid storage case, the connection sleeve having a flow guide path therein, and the insertion portion being an extrusion rod having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the connection sleeve.

[0017] The push rod has a peripheral wall at its front end provided with a seal groove, and the seal member includes an annular seal portion that is pressed into the seal groove to be positioned therein, an annular pressing portion that is firmly abutted against the outer end wall of the connecting sleeve by the action of an elastic member, and an annular sealing portion that is connected between the annular seal portion and the annular pressing portion.

[0018] Preferably, the annular seal portion, the annular sealing portion and the annular pressing portion are all made of a rubber material.

[0019] Furthermore, the annular sealing portion is a bent tensile wall that is connected between the annular seal portion and the annular pressing portion and is formed by bending at least once, and the bent tensile wall seals the fitting gap between the outer circumferential wall of the push rod and the connecting sleeve.

[0020] The annular sealing portion further includes a first sealing wall having a cylindrical shape adapted to the outer circumference of the push rod, one end of the first sealing wall being fixedly connected to the annular seal portion, the other end of the first sealing wall extending a certain length toward the base of the push rod, and then being bent in the opposite direction to extend to form a second sealing wall.

[0021] The annular pressing portion has an annular pressing body, the second sealing wall is connected to the pressing body, and the extension length of the first sealing wall is greater than the distance between the outer end wall of the connecting sleeve and the annular sealing portion.

[0022] Preferably, the inner end surface of the pressing body is firmly abutted against the outer end wall of the connecting sleeve. The second sealing wall is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the pressing body at a position adjacent to the inner end wall. The second sealing wall is provided so as to gradually incline outward from the end of the first sealing wall.

[0023] More preferably, the horizontal length of the second sealing wall is greater than the thickness of the pressing body.

[0024] The annular pressing part further includes an annular pressing body and one or more sealing ribs connected to an inner end surface of the pressing body, the sealing ribs being firmly abutted against an outer end wall of the connecting sleeve by the action of an elastic member.

[0025] Preferably, the sealing rib is provided so as to gradually incline outwardly from the base.

[0026] The liquid-guiding insertion unit further includes a liquid-guiding portion fixedly provided in the insertion groove. The insertion portion is fixedly connected to a side wall of the liquid-guiding portion. One end of the elastic member is fixed to the liquid-guiding portion and / or the insertion portion, and the other end is compressed and comes into contact with the seal member.

[0027] Preferably, the elastic member is a spring disposed in a compressed state between the liquid guide portion and the seal member.

[0028] More preferably, the spring is provided to cover the outside of the push rod and is compressed between the liquid guide and the annular pressing portion. An annular engagement groove is provided on the outer end surface of the annular pressing portion that is close to the spring. The spring is attached so as to be restricted in position within the annular engagement groove.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide an additive dosing module, the additive dosing module having at least one insert groove, a reservoir case mounted in the insert groove, the reservoir case having a sealed chamber for storing an additive.

[0030] The additive supply module further includes a supply unit, and the supply unit and the supply port of the liquid storage case are connected to each other through the liquid guide structure.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, which realizes automatic additive injection by the additive injection module. Effect of the Invention

[0032] By using the above technical solutions, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0033] 1. In the present invention, the elastic member and the sealing member cooperate with each other, so that the sealing member can be firmly abutted against the fitting gap between the liquid-guiding insertion unit and the case body connection unit to seal it, which improves the sealing performance of the entire liquid-guiding structure and effectively prevents additives from leaking during the insertion of the liquid storage case.

[0034] 2. The sealing member of the present invention is composed of three parts: an annular seal portion, an annular pressing portion, and an annular sealing portion. The annular seal portion is pressed into the seal groove of the insertion portion and its position is regulated, thereby realizing a seal between the seal member and the insertion portion. The annular pressing portion realizes a seal by pressing the end face of the case body connection unit by the action of the elastic member. The annular sealing portion seals the gap between the insertion portion and the flow guide path. By adopting the above structure, the sealing member of the present invention can seal the fitting gap between the liquid-guiding insertion unit and the elastic seal unit in all directions, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0035] 3. The annular sealing part in the present invention adopts a curved tensile wall structure formed by bending once or multiple times. As a result, the annular sealing part has good tensile performance and expansion space, so that it can adapt to different gaps and distances between the outer peripheral wall of the insertion part and the case body connection unit, and has high self-adaptability. In addition, the curved tensile wall structure of the annular sealing part can also adapt to the forward and backward movement of the case body connection unit. This makes it possible to ensure that a good seal is formed between the liquid-conducting insertion unit and the liquid-storage case, whether the liquid-storage case is inserted, removed, or pushed and pulled.

[0036] 4. The insertion part and the flow guide path of the present invention are not tightly fitted, but have a gap between them. This eliminates the braking force, making it easier and smoother to insert and remove the liquid storage case. In addition, when replacing the liquid storage case, the elastic member can also apply a pushing force to the liquid storage case to assist in pushing it out. Therefore, when releasing the push lock, the user can easily and smoothly remove the liquid storage case by simply applying a small initial pushing force, improving the user experience.

[0037] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the drawings.

[0038] The drawings are used as a part of the present invention for further understanding of the present invention. In addition, the schematic embodiments of the present invention and their explanations are used for the interpretation of the present invention, but do not unduly limit the present invention. It goes without saying that the drawings described below are only a part of the embodiments, and a person skilled in the art can obtain other drawings from these drawings without requiring creative labor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a structural principle diagram of an additive dosing module in an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an additive dosing module in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the structural principle of a seal member according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] It should be explained that these drawings and textual description are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concepts in any way, but rather to illustrate the inventive concepts to those skilled in the art with reference to specific embodiments.

[0041] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following will clearly and concisely describe the technical solutions of the embodiments in combination with the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, which are for illustrating the present invention only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0042] In the description of the present invention, it should be explained that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", and "outer" are directions or positional relationships based on the drawings, and are merely for the convenience and simplification of the description of the present invention, and do not explicitly or implicitly indicate that the target device or member has a specific direction and must be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0043] In the description of the present invention, the terms "attach", "connect" and "connect" should be interpreted broadly unless otherwise clearly specified and limited. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integral connection. It may also be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. Furthermore, it may be a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium. A person skilled in the art can interpret the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific situation.

[0044] The present invention will be described in more detail below in combination with examples.

[0045] 1 to 5, an embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid guide structure for a liquid storage case. The liquid guide structure includes a case body connection unit 3 that is attached to an inlet of the liquid storage case 1 and closes the inlet in a normal state, and a liquid guide insertion unit 2 that is provided in an insertion groove 51 for mounting the liquid storage case 1. After the liquid storage case 1 is mounted in the insertion groove 51, the liquid guide insertion unit 2 is inserted into and fitted with the case body connection unit 3, opening the inlet for charging.

[0046] In the above solution, the liquid guide insert unit 2 may be integrally provided in the insertion groove 51. For example, the liquid guide insert unit 2 may be integrally provided in the insertion groove 51 by injection molding. Alternatively, the liquid guide insert unit 2 may be fixedly attached to the insertion groove 51 by a connection structure, for example, the liquid guide insert unit 2 may be fixedly attached in the insertion groove 51 by means of screws, hooks, adhesives, etc.

[0047] Furthermore, the liquid guide structure of the liquid storage case described in this embodiment also includes an elastic seal unit 4 having an elastic member 41 and a seal member 42. The seal member 42 is in firm contact with and seals the fitting gap between the liquid guide insertion unit 2 and the case body connection unit 3 by the action of the elastic member 41.

[0048] In this embodiment, the elastic member 41 and the seal member 42 cooperate with each other to allow the seal member 42 to be firmly abutted against and sealed in the fitting gap between the liquid-guiding insertion unit 2 and the case body connection unit 3. This improves the sealing performance of the entire liquid-guiding structure, and effectively prevents additives from leaking into the liquid storage case 1.

[0049] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the case body connection unit 3 is attached in the charging port in a sealed manner. The inside of the case body connection unit 3 is provided with a first flow guide path that communicates with the inside of the liquid storage case 1. The liquid guide insertion unit 2 includes an insertion part 21. The case body connection unit 3 is provided with a first flow guide path, and a valve body 32 is provided in the first flow guide path to open the charging port when pressed by the insertion part 21 and to close the charging port in a normal state.

[0050] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first flow guide path is divided into two parts, and includes a first path and a second path that communicate with each other. The inner diameter of the second path is smaller than that of the first path, and the insertion part 21 is inserted into and fitted into the first path. A valve chamber for mounting the valve body 32 is formed inside the second path. The valve body 32 is provided in the second path and closes the second path in a normal state. The second path communicates with the internal space of the liquid storage case 1. An annular seal boss is provided on the side of the inner peripheral wall of the second path that is close to the first path.

[0051] The valve body 32 includes a valve plug and a second spring 33. The second spring 33 is compressed in the second passage. One end of the second spring 33 abuts against the valve plug, and the other end is compressed to abut against a position-regulating boss in the second passage. In a normal state, the valve plug can be firmly abutted against the annular seal boss by the action of the second spring 33, forming a tight seal to prevent the additive in the liquid storage case 1 from overflowing from the first flow passage.

[0052] Preferably, a second seal ring 34 is provided at the fitting position between the valve plug and the annular seal boss. The second seal ring 34 further ensures the hermeticity of the valve chamber inside the second passage, thereby preventing the additive in the second passage from spilling out from the gap between the outer wall of the valve plug and the seal boss under normal conditions. This forms a sealed chamber that is closed in the entire liquid storage case 1.

[0053] In the pouring state, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, after the storage case 1 is inserted into the insertion groove 51, the insertion part 21 extends into the first passage, and the abutting end at the front end of the insertion part 21 pushes open the valve body 32. As a result, a gap is formed between the valve body 32 and the annular seal boss, allowing the additive in the second passage to flow into the first passage. A second guide path communicating with the first passage is provided inside the insertion part 21. The additive that has flowed into the first passage by the suction action of the feeding unit is guided through the second guide path of the insertion part 21 and poured in.

[0054] There is a certain gap between the first path and the insertion part 21, and additive that has entered the first path leaks out through this gap very easily. Therefore, the liquid guide structure provided in this embodiment is provided with a seal member 42 that firmly abuts against and seals the fitting gap between the outer peripheral wall of the insertion part 21 and the first guide path by the action of an elastic member 41.

[0055] In this embodiment, the side wall of the liquid storage case 1 has the inlet, and the mounting connection structure is integrally injection molded around the outer periphery of the inlet. The case body connection unit 3 has one end hermetically connected to the mounting connection structure, and the other end extending into the liquid storage case 1.

[0056] In this embodiment, the case body connection unit 3 may be connected to the mounting connection port structure by a screw or by engagement.

[0057] Preferably, in this embodiment, the case body connection unit 3 and the mounting connection port structure are connected and fixed by a locking method, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. The mounting connection port structure is formed by extending horizontally outward from the circumferential edge of the input port.

[0058] The case body connection unit 3 has a cylindrical body. An outer end wall 3a of the case body connection unit 3 that is close to the mounting connection port structure is extended a certain distance in the circumferential direction and then folded in the opposite direction to form a folded engagement wall. A position restriction groove that engages with the mounting connection port structure is formed between the folded engagement wall and the peripheral wall of the case body connection unit 3. The mounting connection port structure engages within the position restriction groove, and the engagement and fitting between the two restricts vertical displacement of the case body connection unit 3, improving the stability of the fit.

[0059] Preferably, one or more engaging protruding ribs are provided on the inner peripheral wall surface of the folded engaging wall, and a fitting protruding rib that engages with and fits into the engaging protruding rib is provided to correspond to the outer peripheral wall of the mounting connection port structure. The engagement and fitting between the engaging protruding rib and the fitting protruding rib further ensures the stability of the fit between the case body connection unit 3 and the mounting connection port structure, restricts the axial displacement of the case body connection unit 3, and also provides a certain sealing effect.

[0060] More preferably, a first seal ring 23 is provided between the inner peripheral wall of the mounting connection port structure and the case body connection unit 3. Specifically, an annular mounting groove for mounting the first seal ring 23 is provided on the peripheral wall of the case body connection unit 3. The first seal ring 23 is provided by being pressed between the annular mounting groove and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting connection port structure. By providing the first seal ring 23 to ensure the sealability between the case body connection unit 3 and the inlet, it is possible to prevent the additive in the liquid storage case 1 from leaking from these gaps.

[0061] In this embodiment, the elastic member 41 is compressed and provided between the liquid-guiding insertion unit 2 and the outer end wall 3a of the case body connection unit 3. The insertion part 21 extends into the first flow-guiding path, and has a pressing end at its front end which is pressed against and fitted into the valve body 32 to open the inlet. The seal member 42 is ring-shaped. One end of the seal member 42 is connected in a sealed manner to the peripheral wall adjacent to the pressing end of the insertion part 21, and the other end extends in a direction away from the pressing end, and the elastic member 41 acts to press against the outer end wall 3a of the case body connection unit 3 to form a seal.

[0062] Since the insertion part 21 is inserted into and fitted into the first flow guiding path, a certain movable gap must be provided between them so that the liquid storage case 1 can be easily removed to replace the liquid storage case 1 or add an additive. The seal member 42 has a certain elasticity, and one end is connected in a sealed manner to the peripheral wall on the front side of the insertion part 21, and the other end is pressed against the outer end wall 3a of the case body connection unit 3 by the action of the elastic member 41 to seal. In this case, compared to a case in which a seal ring is directly provided between the first flow guiding path and the insertion part 21 and pressed against it to seal, no braking force exists between them, making it easier and smoother to insert and remove the liquid storage case 1.

[0063] Furthermore, the case body connection unit 3 includes a connection sleeve 31, one end of which is located outside the liquid storage case 1 and is fitted into the insertion part 21, and the other end of which extends into the liquid storage case 1. A first flow guide path is provided within the connection sleeve 31. The connection sleeve 31 includes a first connection tube and a second connection tube having a reduced inner diameter. A first path is formed within the first connection tube, and a second path is formed within the second connection tube.

[0064] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the insertion part 21 is a push rod whose outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the connection sleeve 31. A second guide path communicating with the first path is provided inside the push rod. A pressing protrusion is provided at the front end of the push rod. The pressing protrusion is pressed against and fitted into the valve plug to push open the valve plug and open the first guide path. This opens the insertion port for insertion.

[0065] Specifically, the extension direction of the push rod is the same as the extension direction of the first guide path. The push rod is a columnar rod that is arranged horizontally. The push rod has a horizontal boundary surface. The horizontal boundary surface is located above a horizontal plane on which the central axis of the push rod exists. The horizontal boundary surface divides the push rod into an upper half and a lower half. The second guide path is opened in the upper half of the push rod along the length of the push rod. The pressing protrusion is fixedly provided at the end of the lower half of the push rod that is close to the valve body 32. The pressing protrusion is a boss that protrudes from the end of the push rod. The boss is pressed against and fitted to the valve body 32, and pushes open the valve body 32 to realize the insertion.

[0066] 2, 4 and 5, a seal groove 211 is provided on the peripheral wall of the front end of the push rod. The seal member 42 includes an annular seal portion 421 which is pressed into the seal groove 211 to regulate its position, an annular pressing portion 423 which is firmly brought into contact with the outer end wall 3a of the connection sleeve 31 by the action of the elastic member 41, and an annular sealing portion 422 which is connected between the annular seal portion 421 and the annular pressing portion 423.

[0067] The seal member 42 in the embodiment of the present invention is composed of three parts, namely, an annular seal portion 421, an annular pressing portion 423, and an annular sealing portion 422. By adopting the above-mentioned structure, the fitting gap between the liquid-guiding insertion unit 2 and the elastic seal unit 4 can be sealed in all directions, so that the sealing effect is improved.

[0068] Preferably, the annular seal portion 421, the annular sealing portion 422, and the annular pressing portion 423 are all made of a rubber material. The seal member 42 made of a rubber material not only has excellent sealing properties, but also has low costs. The annular seal portion 421, the annular sealing portion 422, and the annular pressing portion 423 are integrally molded.

[0069] In one embodiment, the annular sealing portion 422 is a bent tensile wall connected between the annular sealing portion 421 and the annular pressing portion 423 and formed by bending at least once. The bent tensile wall seals the fitting gap between the outer circumferential wall of the extrusion rod and the connecting sleeve 31. In this embodiment, the annular sealing portion 422 adopts a bent tensile wall formed by bending once or multiple times. Thus, the annular sealing portion 422 has good tensile performance and a wide expansion space, so that it can adapt to different gaps and distances between the outer circumferential wall of the extrusion rod and the connecting sleeve 31. Therefore, even if these gaps are large, it can seal and ensure the sealing effect, and also has high self-adaptability.

[0070] Since the case body connection unit 3 moves back and forth with respect to the insertion part 21 during the insertion process, in the embodiment of the present invention, a curved tensile wall structure is adopted for the annular sealing part 422 to accommodate the back and forth movement of the case body connection unit 3. This makes it possible to ensure that a good seal is formed between the liquid-guiding insertion unit 2 and the liquid-storage case 1, whether the liquid-storage case 1 is inserted, removed, or pushed and pulled.

[0071] 4 and 5, the annular sealing portion 422 includes a first sealing wall 4221 having a cylindrical shape adapted to the outer circumference of the pushing rod. One end of the first sealing wall 4221 is fixedly connected to the annular sealing portion 421, and the other end extends a certain length toward the base of the pushing rod, and then is bent and extended in the opposite direction to form a second sealing wall 4222. The first sealing wall 4221 and the second sealing wall 4222 jointly form the bent tensile wall.

[0072] In this embodiment, the annular seal portion 421 is a sealing protruding ring protruding from the inner circumferential wall of the first sealing wall 4221 on the side close to the valve body 32. The sealing protruding ring is pressed into and positioned in a seal groove 211 provided in the circumferential wall of the front end of the push rod, and forms a sealed connection with the push rod.

[0073] In this embodiment, the annular pressing part 423 has an annular pressing body, and an end of the second sealing wall 4222 is fixedly connected to the pressing body. The extension length of the first sealing wall 4221 is greater than the distance between the outer end wall 3a of the connecting sleeve 31 and the annular sealing part 421. This ensures that the annular sealing part 422 has a large expansion space, so that the gap between the pusher rod and the first path can be sealed without being affected by the movement of the liquid storage case 1.

[0074] Preferably, the inner end surface of the pressing body is firmly abutted against the outer end wall 3a of the connecting sleeve 31. The second sealing wall 4222 is connected to the inner peripheral wall surface of the pressing body at a position close to the inner end wall surface. The second sealing wall 4222 is provided so as to gradually incline from the end of the first sealing wall 4221 toward the outside. The second sealing wall 4222 is substantially frustum-shaped.

[0075] More preferably, the horizontal length of the second sealing wall 4222 is greater than the thickness of the pressing body, so that the overlapping portion between the second sealing wall 4221 and the second sealing wall 4222 is longer, and the expansion space is larger, so that the self-adaptive sealing ability is further improved.

[0076] 2 and 4, the annular pressing portion 423 includes an annular pressing body and one or more sealing ribs 4231 connected to the inner end surface of the pressing body. The sealing rib 4231 is firmly abutted against the outer end wall 3a of the connection sleeve 31 by the action of the elastic member 41.

[0077] By providing a sealing rib 4231 on the inner end surface of the pressing body, the sealing rib 4231 presses against the outer end wall 3a of the connecting sleeve 31, thereby further improving the sealing performance between the annular pressing portion 423 and the outer end wall 3a of the connecting sleeve 31.

[0078] Preferably, the sealing rib 4231 is provided so as to be gradually inclined from the base toward the outside, so that when an external force is applied, the lower wall surface of the sealing rib 4231 can more easily tightly contact the outer wall surface of the outer end wall 3a of the connecting sleeve 31, thereby forming a better sealing effect.

[0079] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, in this embodiment, the liquid-guiding insertion unit 2 further includes a liquid-guiding portion 22 fixedly provided in the insertion groove 51. One end of the insertion portion 21 is fixedly connected to a side wall of the liquid-guiding portion 22 facing the liquid storage case 1. The liquid-guiding portion 22 and the insertion portion 21 are internally connected to each other. The liquid-guiding portion 22 is provided vertically, and the insertion portion 21 is provided horizontally. Moreover, the extension direction of the insertion portion 21 is the same as the extension direction of the first flow guide path.

[0080] Specifically, the additive feeding module is provided with an insertion groove 51 into which the liquid storage case 1 is pulled out or attached. The liquid guide portion 22 is a liquid suction pipe line fixedly provided in the insertion groove 51. The liquid suction pipe line has an outlet at one end connected to an inlet of the feeding unit of the additive feeding module, and an inlet at the other end connected to the inside of the liquid storage case 1 through the insertion portion 21 and the case body connection unit 3. This enables the feeding unit to automatically feed the additive inside the liquid storage case 1 into the cleaning tank.

[0081] In one embodiment, the liquid suction pipeline is a vertical pipeline fixedly provided in the insertion groove 51. The inlet of the liquid suction pipeline is opened in a side wall of the liquid suction pipeline on the side close to the liquid storage case 1.

[0082] In another embodiment, the liquid-guiding section 22 further includes a control valve provided in the liquid-suction line. The control valve controls communication between the liquid-guiding insertion unit 2 and a supply unit. In this embodiment, the supply unit is a suction pump or a Venturi tube.

[0083] In this embodiment, the liquid guide portion 22 may be fixed to the bottom wall or the side wall of the insertion groove 51 in a removable connection manner, or may be integrally installed on the bottom wall or the side wall of the insertion groove 51. The liquid guide portion 22 and the insertion portion 21 may be integrally installed by injection molding. Alternatively, the liquid guide portion 22 and the insertion portion 21 may be connected to be fixed integrally via an assembly structure.

[0084] One end of the elastic member 41 is fixed to the liquid guiding portion 22 and / or the insertion portion 21, and the other end is compressed to abut against the seal member 42. In one version, a position restricting boss is provided at a position of the insertion portion 21 close to a base of the liquid guiding portion 22, and the elastic member 41 is provided in a compressed state between the position restricting boss and the seal member 42.

[0085] Alternatively, in another solution, the elastic member 41 is compressed between the liquid guide portion 22 and the sealing member 42. Preferably, the elastic member 41 is a first spring compressed between the liquid guide portion 22 and the sealing member 42.

[0086] Furthermore, the first spring is provided to cover the outside of the push rod and is compressed between the liquid guide section 22 and the annular pressing section 423. An annular engagement groove 4232 is provided on the outer end face of the annular pressing section 423 that is close to the spring side. One end of the first spring is attached so as to be positioned within the annular engagement groove 4232. In this embodiment, by positioning the end of the first spring that is close to the seal member 42 within the annular engagement groove 4232, the stability of the fit between the elastic member 41 and the seal member 42 is enhanced.

[0087] The embodiment of the present invention further provides an additive dosing module 5 having at least one insertion groove 51. A liquid storage case 1 is installed in the insertion groove 51. A sealed chamber for storing an additive is provided in the liquid storage case 1. The additive dosing module 5 further includes a dosing unit. The dosing unit and the dosing port of the liquid storage case 1 communicate with each other through the above-mentioned liquid guide structure.

[0088] In the above solution, the feeding unit includes a suction pump or a Venturi tube, which is connected to the liquid-guiding part 22 of the liquid-guiding insertion unit 2, and sucks the additive in the liquid storage case 1 into the water supply channel through the liquid-guiding structure for feeding.

[0089] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a washing machine, which uses the additive injection module to realize automatic injection of additives.

[0090] In one embodiment, the additive dosing module 5 may be mounted in the control panel base of the washing machine. A water supply channel is integrally provided inside the bottom wall of the main body of the additive dosing module 5, and a dosing unit provided in the main body of the additive dosing module 5 dosing additives into the water supply channel. By providing the water supply channel integrally on the bottom wall of the dosing module and providing a channel below the dosing unit, the dosing channel can directly flow out from below the additive dosing module 5 and dosing into the washing tub. This realizes a significant technical advancement in rationally laying out the dosing module and improving the water discharge pressure of the dosing module.

[0091] Alternatively, in another solution, in this embodiment, the additive dosing module 5 may be installed in the water supply channel between the water supply valve of the washing machine and the water fitting. The dosing unit draws the additive in the liquid storage case 1 into the water supply channel through the above-mentioned liquid guide structure, and then dosing it into the washing tub together with the water supplied to the washing machine. The additive dosing module 5 is installed outside the washing machine. The washing machine and the dosing module are two independent modules, and do not interfere with or affect each other. In addition, since the additive dosing module 5 is installed externally, it does not occupy the internal space of the washing machine, and the space utilization rate inside the washing machine is improved.

[0092] In this embodiment, the additive supply module 5 is further provided with a lock unit and a push lock release structure. After the liquid storage case 1 is attached into the insertion groove 51, the lock unit locks the liquid storage case 1 into the insertion groove 51. When a user wants to replace or clean the liquid storage case 1, the push lock release unit releases the lock and pulls out the liquid storage case 1.

[0093] The liquid storage case 1 in the embodiment of the present invention employs the above-mentioned liquid guide structure, and therefore, when a user replaces the liquid storage case 1, the elastic member 41 can apply a pushing force to the liquid storage case 1 to assist in pushing out the liquid storage case 1. Therefore, when releasing the push lock, the user can easily and smoothly pull out the liquid storage case 1 by simply applying a small initial pushing force, improving the user experience.

[0094] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed above through a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, slight changes or modifications that can be made by a person skilled in the art using the technical content presented above are equivalently modified equivalent embodiments, and none of them deviate from the content of the technical solution of the present invention. In addition, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention all belong to the scope of the solution of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 Liquid storage case 2 Liquid introduction insertion unit 21 Insertion part 211 Seal groove 22 Liquid guide part 23 First seal ring 3 Case body connection unit 3a Outer end wall 31 Connection sleeve 32 Valve body 33 Second Spring 34 Second seal ring 4 Elastic seal unit 41 Elastic member 42 Sealing material 421 Annular seal part 422 Annular seal 4221 1st sealing wall 4222 Second sealing wall 423 Annular pressing part 4231 Seal rib 4232 Annular engagement groove 5 Additive Dosing Module 51 Insertion groove

Claims

1. a case body connection unit having a connection sleeve having a flow guide path provided with a valve body, the connection sleeve being attached to an inlet of the liquid storage case, the valve body closing the inlet in a normal state; a liquid introduction insertion unit that is provided in an insertion groove for mounting the liquid storage case, and that is fitted to the valve body in the case body connection unit by an extrusion rod after the liquid storage case is mounted in the insertion groove, thereby opening the inlet; an elastic seal unit having an elastic member and a seal member, the seal member being in firm contact with and sealing a fitting gap between an outer peripheral wall of the insertion portion and the flow guide path by the action of the elastic member; the case body connection unit includes a connection sleeve having one end located outside the liquid storage case and fitted to the insertion portion and the other end extending into the liquid storage case, the insertion portion being an extrusion rod having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the connection sleeve, A liquid-guiding structure for a liquid storage case, characterized in that a seal groove is provided on the peripheral wall of the front end of the push rod, and the seal member includes an annular seal portion that is pressed into the seal groove to regulate its position, an annular pressing portion that firmly abuts against the outer end wall of the connecting sleeve by the action of an elastic member, and an annular sealing portion connected between the annular seal portion and the annular pressing portion.

2. The liquid-guiding structure of a liquid storage case as described in claim 1, characterized in that the elastic member is compressed and arranged between the liquid-guiding insertion unit and the outer end wall of the case body connection unit, and the insertion portion extends into the flow-guiding path and has a pressing end at its front end that is pressed against and fitted into the valve body to open the inlet.

3. 2. The liquid guide structure of claim 1, wherein the annular seal, the annular sealing portion and the annular pressing portion are all made of a rubber material.

4. The liquid-guiding structure of the liquid storage case described in claim 1, characterized in that the annular sealing portion is connected between the annular seal portion and the annular pressing portion and is a curved tensile wall formed by folding it at least once, and the curved tensile wall seals the fitting gap between the outer wall of the push rod and the connecting sleeve.

5. The annular sealing portion includes a first sealing wall having a cylindrical shape adapted to the outer periphery of the push rod, one end of the first sealing wall being fixedly connected to the annular seal portion, and the other end extending a certain length in the direction of the base of the push rod and then being bent in the opposite direction to form a second sealing wall; The liquid-guiding structure of a liquid storage case as described in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the annular pressing portion has a pressing body having an annular shape, the second sealing wall is connected to the pressing body, and the extension length of the first sealing wall is greater than the distance between the outer end wall of the connecting sleeve and the annular seal portion.

6. A liquid-guiding structure for a liquid storage case as described in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the inner end face of the pressing body is firmly abutted against the outer end wall of the connecting sleeve, the second sealing wall is connected to a position close to the inner end wall face of the inner peripheral wall face of the pressing body, and the second sealing wall is arranged so as to gradually slope outward from the end of the first sealing wall.

7. The liquid guide structure of a liquid storage case described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the annular pressing portion includes an annular pressing body and one or more sealing ribs connected to the inner end face of the pressing body, and the sealing ribs are firmly abutted against the outer end wall of the connecting sleeve by the action of an elastic member.

8. The liquid-guiding structure of a liquid storage case described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the liquid-guiding insertion unit further includes a liquid-guiding portion fixedly provided in the insertion groove, the insertion portion being fixedly connected to a side wall of the liquid-guiding portion, and the elastic member having one end fixed to the liquid-guiding portion and / or the insertion portion and the other end compressed to abut against the sealing member.

9. A liquid-guiding structure for a liquid storage case as described in Claim 8, characterized in that the spring is covered on the outside of the extrusion rod and compressed between the liquid-guiding portion and the annular pressing portion, an annular engagement groove is provided on the outer end face of the annular pressing portion adjacent to the spring side, and the spring is attached so as to be positioned within the annular engagement groove.

10. An additive dosing module having at least one insertion groove, a liquid storage case mounted in the insertion groove, and a sealed chamber for storing an additive in the liquid storage case, An additive supply module further comprising a supply unit, the supply unit and the supply port of the liquid storage case being connected via the liquid guide structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. A washing machine characterized in that the additive supply module according to claim 10 is used to automatically supply additives.

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