Laundry treatment device and solvent treatment section thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of household appliances, and relates in particular to a laundry treatment device and a solvent treatment section thereof. The solvent treatment section comprises: a housing provided with a cavity therein; a solvent tank disposed within the cavity; and a purification apparatus disposed within the cavity and in communication with the solvent tank, the purification apparatus being configured to filter a laundry treatment agent within the solvent tank. The solvent treatment section can achieve recovery and filtering processing of the laundry treatment agent, and the solvent tank and the purification apparatus are both disposed within the housing, resulting in a compact and reasonable layout and effectively reducing the size of the dry cleaning device. In addition, the solvent treatment section can be combined with a laundry treatment section to implement washing, liquid extraction, drying, and filtering and recovery of the laundry treatment agent, thereby achieving dry cleaning of laundry in a domestic setting.

Description

Clothing processing equipment and its solvent treatment department

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411394135.0, filed on October 8, 2024, entitled "Clothing Processing Equipment and Solvent Processing Section thereof", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a clothing treatment device and its solvent treatment unit. Background Technology

[0003] Dry cleaning equipment is a type of washing equipment that uses organic solvents to remove stains from fabrics through the chemical force of the solvents and the mechanical force of the equipment. It mainly includes functions such as washing, filtering, desolvation, drying, purification and solvent recovery, and recycling.

[0004] However, existing dry cleaning equipment systems are complex in design and bulky. In particular, the solvent storage, purification, and recovery systems occupy a large amount of space and are scattered and complexly connected, making it difficult to achieve a miniaturized and compact design. Moreover, an unreasonable layout design can lead to problems with the stability and reliability of equipment operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] The technical problem this disclosure aims to solve is the issue of existing dry cleaning equipment having large space requirements and a dispersed layout for solvent storage, purification, and recovery systems.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a solvent treatment unit for a garment processing apparatus.

[0009] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a solvent treatment unit for a garment processing apparatus, comprising:

[0010] The box body has a cavity inside;

[0011] A solvent tank is located inside the cavity;

[0012] A purification device is located inside the cavity and is connected to the solvent tank, used to filter the laundry detergent in the solvent tank.

[0013] In some embodiments, the number of solvent tanks is at least two, wherein at least one solvent tank is a recycling tank for the laundry detergent, and the remaining solvent tanks are storage tanks for the laundry detergent, and the purification device is connected between the recycling tank and the storage tank.

[0014] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with an observation window, which is correspondingly provided with the solvent tank.

[0015] In some embodiments, the observation window is arranged along the height direction of the housing, and the height of the observation window is at least equal to the height of the corresponding solvent tank.

[0016] In some embodiments, the solvent tank is made of a transparent material.

[0017] In some embodiments, a cover plate is also included, with the upper end of the housing open and the cover plate closing on the upper end of the housing.

[0018] In some embodiments, the solvent treatment unit further includes an isolation seal and an electrical component. The isolation seal is disposed between the cover plate and the housing, and the lower edge of the isolation seal is sealed to the upper end of the housing. The upper edge of the isolation seal is sealed to the cover plate, and a receiving cavity is formed between the isolation seal and the cover plate. The electrical component is disposed within the receiving cavity.

[0019] In some embodiments, a cover plate is also included, which is fastened to the electrical component, and the edge of the cover plate is sealed to the upper edge of the isolation seal.

[0020] In some embodiments, the solvent tank is provided with a solution renewal port that connects the inside of the solvent tank to the outside. The solution renewal port is used to drain the solution in the solvent tank or to replenish the solvent tank with new solution.

[0021] In some embodiments, the solvent tank is equipped with a liquid level sensor and an alarm. The alarm is connected to the liquid level sensor and is used to issue an alarm signal when the liquid level sensor detects that the solution in the solvent tank is below a liquid level threshold.

[0022] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a garment processing device, including a garment processing unit and any of the above-mentioned solvent processing units, wherein the garment processing unit is connected to the solvent processing unit to form a garment processing agent flow loop, and the garment processing module is used for drying, washing, or a washer-dryer combination. (III) Beneficial Effects

[0023] The technical solutions provided in this disclosure have the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0024] The solvent treatment unit of the garment cleaning equipment provided in this embodiment includes a housing, a solvent tank, and a purification device. The housing has a cavity, within which both the solvent tank and the purification device are located. The purification device is connected to the solvent tank and used to filter the garment cleaning agent. This solvent treatment unit can achieve the recovery and filtration of the garment cleaning agent. The compact and rational layout of the solvent tank and purification device within the housing effectively reduces the size of the dry cleaning equipment. Furthermore, this solvent treatment unit can be combined with a garment cleaning unit to achieve washing, dehydration, drying, filtration, and recovery of the garment cleaning agent, enabling dry cleaning of garments at home.

[0025] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the garment processing device according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the garment processing equipment according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the garment processing equipment according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the solvent processing unit structure according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the solvent treatment unit according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the solvent processing unit according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the layout structure of the purification device according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the purification path of the clothing treatment agent according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the clothing treatment agent recycling path described in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the flow circuit of the garment treatment agent according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the solvent treatment unit described in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the mating structure of the housing, isolation seal and cover plate described in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the mating structure of the housing, isolation seal and cover plate described in some embodiments of this disclosure (electrical components omitted);

[0041] Figure 14 is a magnified view of point A in Figure 13;

[0042] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the purification device in the locked state according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the quick-release structure of the purification device in the locked state according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first plug according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 18 is a structural schematic diagram of the mating seal according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the purification device in the unlocked state according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the quick-release structure of the purification device in the unlocked state according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0048] The components include: 1. Clothing processing section; 11. Inner drum; 2. Solvent processing section; 20. Cabinet; 201. Observation window; 21. Cover plate; 22. Recycling bin; 221. Replacement interface; 23. Storage box; 24. Purification device; 240. Purification box; 241. Filter element; 2410. Paddle; 2411. Push rod; 242. Button; 243. Locking anti-slip sleeve; 2431. Locking section; 2432. Unlocking section; 2433. Protrusion; 2434. Groove; 244. First plug; 2441. First mating section; 2442. Second mating section; 2443. Third mating section; 2444. Mounting hole; 245. Second plug. Head; 2451, First end; 2452, Second end; 2453, Stop block; 2454, Slot; 246, Locking element; 247, Butt seal; 2471, First connecting section; 2472, Second connecting section; 2743, Sealing plate; 2474, Skirt; 2475, First transition plate; 2477, First liquid passage; 2478, First return spring; 248, Second return spring; 25, Pump; 26, Isolation seal; 27, Seal; 28, Liquid accumulation area; 29, Connecting pipe; 10, First connecting pipe; 12, Second connecting pipe; 13, Third connecting pipe; 14, Three-way valve; 15, Inlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0050] Existing dry cleaning equipment primarily removes oily stains from clothing by dissolving them and then purifies, recycles, and reuses the organic solvents. However, because existing dry cleaning equipment is mainly commercialized, its overall layout and system design still adhere to industrial equipment concepts, resulting in large, bulky, and cumbersome systems.

[0051] Existing household washing machines can only perform water washing, and cannot clean clothes that cannot be washed at home, so they can only be sent to dry cleaners.

[0052] Therefore, as shown in Figures 1 to 20, embodiments of this disclosure provide a garment processing device, including a garment processing unit 1 and a solvent processing unit 2. The garment processing device is one of a dry cleaning machine, a dryer, a washing machine, or a washer-dryer combo. It can be understood that the garment processing device is a standalone washing machine, dryer, or a washer-dryer combo that combines washing and drying functions. By combining the garment processing unit 1 and the solvent processing unit 2, garments can be dry-cleaned at home. Embodiments of this disclosure use a dry cleaning machine as an example. A dry cleaning machine is a washing machine that uses a garment processing agent for washing, solution filtration, desolvation, drying, recovery, and purification of the garment processing agent to achieve recycling. The garment processing agent is an organic solvent containing organic matter, including but not limited to tetrachloroethylene and petroleum.

[0053] The garment processing unit in this embodiment is used to dry clean, wash, and dry garments, or simultaneously perform dry cleaning, washing, and drying; the solvent processing unit is used to filter, store, recycle, and circulate the garment processing agent. The garment processing unit 1 and the solvent processing unit 2 are two independent modular units, and their layout can vary. As shown in Figure 3, in some embodiments, the solvent processing unit 2 can be placed above the garment processing unit 1; as shown in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the solvent processing unit 2 can be placed below the garment processing unit 1; as shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments, the solvent processing unit 2 and the garment processing unit 1 can also be placed side-by-side.

[0054] Specifically, the solvent treatment unit 2 provided in this embodiment includes a housing 20, a solvent tank, and a purification device 24. The housing 20 has a cavity, and both the solvent tank and the purification device 24 are located within the cavity. The purification device is connected to the solvent tank and the clothing treatment unit 1, and is used to recover and filter the clothing treatment agent used in the clothing treatment unit 1. The clothing treatment agent is an organic solvent containing organic matter.

[0055] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, in some embodiments, the garment treatment unit 1 includes an inner drum 11, which is provided with a garment treatment agent inlet, a first recovery port, and a second recovery port. The first recovery port is used to recover the garment treatment agent during the washing stage, and the second recovery port is used to recover the garment treatment agent during the drying stage. The solvent treatment unit 2 is provided with a liquid outlet and a third recovery port. The liquid outlet of the solvent treatment unit 2 is connected to the garment treatment agent inlet through a liquid inlet pipe 15, and a liquid inlet pump is provided on the liquid inlet pipe 15 to provide power for the washing liquid to enter the inner drum. The third recovery port is connected to the first recovery port and the second recovery port through recovery pipelines, and a liquid outlet pump is provided on the recovery pipelines to provide power for the garment treatment agent to be discharged from the inner drum.

[0056] During the washing stage, when the laundry detergent in the inner drum 11 needs to be discharged, it enters the solvent treatment section 2 through the first recovery port, the recovery pipeline and the third recovery port. After being filtered by the purification device 24 and recovered by the storage tank, it returns to the laundry treatment section 1 through the liquid outlet, the liquid inlet pipe 15 and the laundry detergent inlet to participate in washing or drying.

[0057] During the drying stage, the laundry detergent that needs to be discharged from the inner drum 11 is first cooled, and then enters the solvent treatment section 2 through the second recovery port, the recovery pipeline and the third recovery port. After being filtered by the purification device and recovered by the storage tank, it returns to the laundry treatment section 2 through the liquid outlet, the liquid inlet pipe 15 and the dry cleaning solvent inlet to participate in washing or drying.

[0058] This solvent treatment unit enables the recovery and filtration of laundry detergent, with both the solvent tank and purification device housed within the unit, resulting in a compact and rational layout. Furthermore, this solvent treatment unit can be combined with the laundry treatment unit to achieve washing, dehydration, drying, filtration, and recovery of laundry detergent. Even when combined, the laundry treatment equipment remains compact, allowing for dry cleaning at home.

[0059] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the garment processing device further includes a three-way valve 14, which is a two-inlet, one-outlet valve. The three-way valve 14 has two inlets and one outlet. One inlet of the three-way valve 14 is connected to the first recovery port through the first connecting pipe 10, and the other inlet is connected to the second recovery port through the second connecting pipe 12. The outlet of the three-way valve 14 is connected to the third recovery port through the third connecting pipe 13. The three-way valve 14 is used to recover the garment processing agent after washing and after drying.

[0060] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the housing 20 may contain only one solvent tank or at least two solvent tanks.

[0061] When there is only one solvent tank, it is used as storage tank 23. In this case, the third recovery port is connected to the inlet of the purification device 24 via the third connecting pipe 13, and the outlet of the purification device 24 is connected to the inlet of the storage tank 23. The laundry detergent recovered from the laundry treatment section 1 is first filtered by the purification device 24 and then enters the storage tank 23 for storage. When needed, it is reintroduced into the laundry treatment section 1 to participate in the dry cleaning process. In this case, the storage tank 23 requires a large volume, at least 1.2 times the volume of a single batch of laundry detergent, and the filtration time will be relatively long.

[0062] When there are at least two solvent tanks, at least one of them is a recovery tank 22, and the remaining solvent tanks are storage tanks 23. The outlet of the solvent treatment unit is connected to the storage tank 23, and the third recovery port is connected to the recovery tank 22. The laundry treatment agent discharged from the laundry treatment unit 1 first enters the recovery tank 22, and then enters the storage tank 23 for storage after being filtered by the purification device 24. At least two solvent tanks are provided, each with a relatively small volume, allowing for filtration of the recovered laundry treatment agent during the interval between liquid inflow and outflow.

[0063] For example, in some embodiments of this disclosure, there are two solvent tanks, one is a recovery tank 22 and the other is a storage tank 23. The recovery tank 22 and the storage tank 23 are symmetrically placed on both sides of the purification device 24, making the layout of the solvent processing unit 2 more reasonable.

[0064] In some embodiments of this disclosure, one-way pumps are provided between the storage box 23 and the purification device 24, and between the inner drum of the garment processing section 1 and the purification device 24, to prevent the garment processing agent from converging and to realize that the garment processing agent discharged from the garment processing section 1 flows unidirectionally through the purification device 24 and enters the garment processing agent storage box 23 to complete the dry cleaning cycle.

[0065] For example, a first one-way pump (i.e., a purification pump) is provided between the liquid inlet of the purification device 24 and the recycling bin 22 to ensure that the clothing treatment agent can only flow from the recycling bin 22 to the purification device 24. A second one-way pump (i.e., an inlet pump) is provided between the liquid outlet of the purification device 24 and the liquid inlet of the clothing treatment section 1 to ensure that the clothing treatment agent can only flow from the purification device 24 to the storage bin 23 and then to the inner cylinder of the clothing treatment section 1.

[0066] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the housing 20 is provided with an observation window 201, which is correspondingly set with the solvent tank. That is, each solvent tank is provided with at least one observation window 201. The solvent tank is made of transparent material, and the liquid level of the laundry detergent in the solvent tank can be directly observed through the observation window 201.

[0067] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a liquid level sensor is provided on the solvent tank for detecting the liquid level inside the solvent tank. Each solvent tank is correspondingly provided with an update interface 221, which is used to discharge the laundry detergent from the solvent tank or to add new laundry detergent to the solvent tank.

[0068] For example, when the liquid level in the recycling bin 22 is high, affecting the normal recycling of the clothing treatment agent in the clothing treatment unit 1, a portion of the clothing treatment agent in the recycling bin can be discharged through the update interface 221; when the filtration of the purification device 24 is not timely, resulting in a low liquid level of the clothing treatment agent in the storage bin 23, new clothing treatment agent can be added to the storage bin 23 through the update interface 221.

[0069] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the garment treatment equipment is also equipped with an alarm (not shown in the figure), which is connected to a liquid level sensor and is used to issue an alarm signal when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level in the solvent tank is lower than the liquid level threshold, so as to remind the user to replenish the garment treatment agent in time.

[0070] Referring to Figures 11 to 14, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the upper end of the housing 20 is open to facilitate the placement of the recycling bin 22, the purification device 24, and the storage bin 23 inside the housing 20. The solvent treatment unit 2 also includes an isolation seal 26 and electrical components. The isolation seal 26 seals the upper end of the housing 20, and the electrical components (such as a pump) are positioned above the isolation seal 26. The isolation seal 26 isolates the electrical components from the solvent area inside the housing 20, preventing leakage of the laundry detergent inside the housing 20 from affecting the normal operation of the electrical components.

[0071] For example, the isolation seal 26 includes a partition and a sealing part formed on the lower edge of the partition. The outline of the sealing part is consistent with the upper outline of the box 20. A sealing element 27 is provided between the sealing part and the upper edge of the box 20. The sealing element 27 is a sealing ring or sealing strip or the like, so as to achieve sealing inside the box 20. The partition is fixedly connected to the solvent tank or purification device 24 inside the box 20 by fasteners. The upper edge of the partition protrudes upward to form a receiving cavity 25 above the partition. Electrical components are installed in the receiving cavity 25.

[0072] A cover plate 21 is provided above the electrical component. The cover plate 21 covers the electrical component above the accommodating cavity 25. The cover plate 21 is connected to the upper edge protrusion of the partition through a sealing ring or sealing strip and other sealing element 27, which seals the electrical component in the accommodating cavity 25 and improves the safety of the electrical component.

[0073] In some embodiments, electrical components may also be installed outside the housing 20. The cover plate 21 directly covers the upper end of the housing 20 and is sealed to the upper end of the housing 20, sealing the solvent tank and purification device inside the housing 20. The electrical components are placed outside the housing 20, side by side with the housing 20, and the electrical components also need to be sealed to prevent water from entering and getting damp, which would affect the performance of the electrical components.

[0074] Referring to FIG11, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the purification device 24 is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the housing 20. A liquid accumulation area 28 is provided between the bottom of the purification device 24 and the bottom wall of the housing 20. The liquid accumulation area 28 is connected to the recovery tank 22 via a connecting pipe 29, and the pressure inside the recovery tank 22 is lower than the pressure of the liquid accumulation area. The liquid accumulation area 28 can collect the laundry detergent leaking from the purification device 24. The laundry detergent in the liquid accumulation area returns to the recovery tank 22 through the connecting pipe 29 to participate in filtration, thus avoiding waste of the laundry detergent.

[0075] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the interior of the recovery tank 22 is a negative pressure chamber, and the liquid accumulation area is an open area under normal pressure. The pressure in the liquid accumulation area is greater than the pressure in the recovery tank 22, which in turn creates a pressure difference between the liquid accumulation area and the recovery tank 22. By utilizing the pressure difference between the recovery tank 22 and the liquid accumulation area 28, the solvent collected in the liquid accumulation area 28 is recovered into the recovery tank 22.

[0076] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a negative pressure maintaining mechanism is also included. This mechanism is connected to the negative pressure chamber and is used to maintain the pressure within the negative pressure chamber, ensuring that the recycling bin 22 is always under negative pressure. Since the recycling bin 22 is a negative pressure chamber, a first one-way pump is used between the recycling bin 22 and the purification device 24 to control the flow direction of the laundry detergent and prevent backflow. Specifically, the negative pressure maintaining mechanism can be a separately installed negative pressure pump, or the negative pressure chamber can be formed directly through the first one-way pump connected between the recycling bin 22 and the purification device 24.

[0077] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a negative pressure recovery port is provided at the top of the recycling bin 22, and the liquid accumulation area 28 is connected to the negative pressure recovery port via a connecting pipe 29. Positioning the negative pressure recovery port at the top of the recycling bin 22 prevents the laundry detergent from flowing back into the liquid accumulation area 28.

[0078] Referring to Figures 15 to 20, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the purification device 24 includes a purification box 240 and a filter element 241. The filter element 241 is detachably disposed in the purification box 240 via a quick-release structure, so as to realize the quick installation and removal of the filter element 240, and facilitate the cleaning, maintenance and replacement of the filter element.

[0079] Specifically, the quick-release structure of the filter element 240 includes a first plug 244, a second plug 245, a locking sleeve 243, and a locking member 246. The first plug 244 has an axially oriented first channel inside. One end of the first plug 244 is used to connect to the liquid inlet pipe, and the other end has a mounting hole 2444 on its side wall, which penetrates the side wall of the first plug 244 along the thickness direction. The second plug 245 has an axially oriented second channel inside. The first end 2451 of the second plug 245 is used to connect to the filter element 241, and the second end 2452 is inserted into the first channel and reciprocates between the locked and unlocked positions. The outer circumferential surface of the second plug 245 has a slot 2454.

[0080] The locking sleeve 243 is slidably sleeved on the first plug 244, and the locking sleeve 243 includes an unlocking section 2432 and a locking section 2431 arranged sequentially along the axial direction, wherein the inner diameter of the unlocking section 2432 is larger than the inner diameter of the locking section 2431.

[0081] The locking member 246 is movably disposed within the mounting hole 2444, and in the axial direction along the mounting hole 2444, both ends of the locking member 246 protrude from the inner and outer sidewalls of the first plug 244, or are at least flush with the inner and outer sidewalls of the first plug 244.

[0082] By moving the locking sleeve 243 axially, different positions of the locking sleeve 243 correspond to the locking member 246, thereby causing the locking member 246 to move linearly along the axial direction of the mounting hole 2444. When the locking member 246 is engaged in the locking section 2431 and the slot 2454, the second plug 245 is subjected to the locking force from the locking member 246 and is locked in that position. This position is defined as the locked position, which is the position where the first plug 244 and the second plug 245 are relatively fixed. When the locking member 246 moves outward and disengages from the slot 2454, the locking force of the locking member 246 on the second plug 245 disappears, and the second plug 245 can move freely axially relative to the first plug 244, thereby disengaging from the first plug 244 and realizing the disassembly of the filter element 241.

[0083] In its natural state, the locking section 2431 of the locking sleeve 243 is positioned opposite to the mounting hole 2444. Specifically, referring to Figure 16, when the second plug 245 moves axially into the locking position under the action of external force, the slot 2454 is positioned opposite to the mounting hole 2444 and the locking section 2431, and the locking member 246 is engaged between the locking section 2431 and the slot 2454 to lock the second plug 245.

[0084] When it is necessary to unlock the second plug 245, push the locking sleeve 243 to move away from the second plug 245 (as shown in Figure 16, the locking sleeve 243 moves to the right) until the unlocking section 2432 of the locking sleeve 243 is aligned with the mounting hole 2444. Since the inner diameter of the unlocking section 2432 is larger than the inner diameter of the locking section 2431, the locking force of the locking member 246 on the second plug 245 gradually disappears during the movement of the locking sleeve 243. Under the action of the first return spring 2478, the second plug 245 pops outward, the slot 2454 is misaligned with the mounting hole 2444, and the locking member 246 can no longer lock the second plug 245, thus unlocking the second plug 245.

[0085] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the two sidewalls of the slot 2454 along the axial direction of the second plug 245 are inclined, and the width of the bottom of the slot 2454 is smaller than the width at the opening, so that the locking member 246 can move out of the slot 2454 along the two sidewalls of the slot 2454 when it moves on the second plug 245.

[0086] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a first retaining sleeve 248 is provided on the inner wall of the first channel. The first retaining sleeve 248 is annular, and the inner wall of the first retaining sleeve 248 reduces the diameter of the pipe at the first channel. Specifically, referring to Figure 17, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the inner wall of the first channel includes a first mating section 2441, a second mating section 2442, and a third mating section 2443 arranged sequentially along the axial direction. The diameters of the first mating section 2441 to the third mating section 2443 gradually decrease. A first step surface is formed between the first mating section 2441 and the second mating section 2442, and a second step surface is formed between the second mating section 2442 and the third mating section 2443. The first retaining sleeve 248 includes a connecting portion and a stopping portion. The connecting portion is annular, and its outer wall fits against the inner wall of the first mating section 2441. The stopping portion is formed on the inner wall of the connecting portion, and its width is smaller than the width of the connecting portion. The final cross-sectional shape of the first retaining sleeve 248 is L-shaped, and one end of the connecting portion abuts against the first step surface.

[0087] As shown in Figures 18 to 20, a mating seal 247 is also provided in the first channel. The mating seal 247 includes a first connecting section 2471, a second connecting section 2472, and a sealing plate 2473 arranged sequentially along the axial direction. The first connecting section 2471 is sleeved on the second end 2452 of the second plug 245. The second connecting section 2472 passes through the first retaining sleeve 248. The sealing plate 2473 and the first retaining sleeve 248 are arranged opposite to each other, and the sealing plate 2473 is located at the end of the second connecting section 2472 away from the first connecting section 2471. The edge of the sealing plate 2473 protrudes from the outer wall of the second connecting section 2472 to form a skirt 2474. A sealing ring is provided on the side of the skirt 2474 facing the first retaining sleeve 248. When the second plug 245 moves to the unlocked position, the first retaining sleeve 248 and the skirt 2474 are sealed and connected by the sealing ring. At this time, the first channel located on both sides of the first retaining sleeve 248 cannot be connected. In other words, when the second plug 245 is in the unlocked position, the filter element 241 can be removed along with the second plug 245. At this time, the first channel is cut off to prevent leakage when the filter element 241 is removed.

[0088] The second connecting section 2472 has a first liquid channel 2477 on its side wall. The diameter of the sealing plate 2473 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first channel at any point. Therefore, there is a gap between the skirt plate 2474 and the inner wall of the first channel, which forms the second liquid channel. When the second plug 245 is moved to the locked position, the first liquid channel 2477 and the sealing plate 2473 are located on the same side of the first retainer 248, and the first liquid channel 2477 is connected to the second liquid channel. That is, referring to Figure 15 (the arrow indicates the flow direction of the laundry detergent), when the filter element 241 is locked, the second channel is connected to the first liquid channel 2477, and the second liquid channel is connected to the first channel. The laundry detergent can enter the filter element 241 for filtration through the first plug 244 and the second plug 245.

[0089] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first connecting segment 2471 and the second connecting segment 2472 are connected by a first transition segment 2475. The first transition segment 2471 is disposed opposite to the first retaining sleeve 248. The first return spring 2478 is sleeved on the second connecting segment 2472 and is located between the first transition segment 2471 and the first retaining sleeve 248. During the process of the second plug 245 being inserted into the first channel, the mating seal 247 continuously compresses the first return spring 2478 as the second plug 245 moves inward until the slot 2454 on the second plug 245 engages with the locking member 246. At this point, the first return spring 2478 is compressed to its maximum. Therefore, when the locking member 246 disengages from the slot 2454, under the action of the first return spring 2478, the mating seal 247 pushes the second plug 245 outward to unlock it.

[0090] Specifically, both the first connecting segment 2471 and the second connecting segment 2472 are cylindrical structures, and the outer diameter of the first connecting segment 2471 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first mating segment 2441. This means that the first connecting segment 2471 can slide within the first mating segment 2441, and the outer wall of the first connecting segment 2471 is nearly in contact with the inner wall of the first mating segment 2441. During the outward movement of the mating seal 247, the end of the first connecting segment 2471 gradually presses against the locking member 246. The locking member 246 is spherical and moves upward under the pressure of the first connecting segment 2471, eventually being fixed between the unlocking segment 2432 and the outer wall of the first connecting segment 2471.

[0091] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a first stop 2445 is provided on the inner wall of the first channel. The first stop 2445 is located on the first side of the mounting hole 2444 (the left side of the mounting hole as shown in FIG20). The first side of the mounting hole 2444 is the side of the mounting hole 2444 closest to the first channel and the second plug 245 for insertion and mating. When the second plug 245 is in the unlocked position, the first connecting segment 2471 extends across the mounting hole 244 and abuts against the first stop 2445, and the locking member 246 is engaged between the outer side wall of the first connecting segment 2471 and the inner side wall of the unlocking segment 2432. The first stop limits the travel of the mating seal, preventing the mating seal from popping out of the first channel.

[0092] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a first locking block 2476 is provided on the side of the first transition section 2475 facing the second plug 245, and a first locking groove is provided on the side of the second plug 245 opposite to the first transition section 2475. The first locking groove is correspondingly provided with the first locking block 2476. When the second plug 245 moves inward to the locking position, the first locking groove and the first locking block 2476 engage in a concave-convex fit, improving the accuracy of the fit.

[0093] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the inner wall of the unlocking section 2432 and the inner wall of the locking section 2431 are connected by a second transition surface. The second transition surface is inclined so that the locking sleeve 243 can smoothly switch between the locking section 2431 and the unlocking section 2432 when sliding.

[0094] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a second return spring 249 is provided between the locking sleeve 243 and the first plug 244 so that the locking sleeve 243 can be reset after the external force is removed.

[0095] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the outer diameter of the second plug 245 gradually decreases from the slot 2454 towards the end 2452, facilitating insertion of the second plug 245 into the first channel. A protruding stop 2453 is provided on the outer wall of the second plug 245, with its outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the first channel. When the stop 245 moves to abut against the first plug 244, the second plug 245 cannot move further inward, limiting its travel. Simultaneously, when the stop 2453 moves to the position abutting against the end of the first plug 244, it provides force feedback to the operator, allowing them to confirm that the second plug 245 is properly installed.

[0096] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first end 2451 of the second plug 245 is provided with an external thread, and the filter element 241 is provided with a threaded hole. The threaded hole engages with the external thread on the second plug 245 to fix the filter element 241 and the second plug 245.

[0097] To enable quick removal of the filter element 241, a filter chamber is provided inside the purification box 240. An installation port is provided on the first end face of the purification box 240. The filter element 241 is detachably installed in the filter chamber through the installation port, and the filter element 241 is connected to the first end 2451 of the second plug 245. Specifically, the first end face is the front side of the purification box 240, and the installation port is located on the front side of the purification box 240, which is the front side of the clothing processing equipment. A cover that can be opened is provided at the corresponding position of the housing 20 of the solvent processing unit 2. When the filter element 241 is in the locked position, the front end of the filter element 241 does not protrude from the installation port. To enable quick removal of the filter element 241, an operating mechanism is also required. The operating mechanism includes a button located on the housing 20. When the user presses the button, the filter element 241 pops out; pushing the filter element 241 inward locks it.

[0098] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the purification chamber 240 is provided with an operation hole, which is arranged along the axial direction parallel to the filter chamber. A push rod 2411 is provided in the operation hole. The push rod 2411 is connected to the locking sleeve 243 through a paddle 2410. When the push rod 2411 is pushed inward, the paddle 2410 drives the locking sleeve 243 to move inward synchronously. The locking section 2431, which corresponds to the mounting hole 2444, moves to the unlocking section 2432, which corresponds to the mounting hole 2444. The locking force of the locking member 246 on the second plug 245 disappears, the second plug 245 is unlocked, and under the action of the first return spring 2478, it is pushed out by the mating seal 247. When filter element 241 needs to be installed, push filter element 241 inward (push filter element 241 to the right as shown in Figure 19) until the slot 2454 on the second plug 245 moves to the position corresponding to the mounting hole 2444. At the same time, due to the inward movement of the mating seal 247, the constraint on the locking member 246 is eliminated, and the locking member 246 moves inward (as shown in Figure 20, the locking member 16 moves towards the center line of the first plug 244), disengaging from the unlocking section 2432. The locking sleeve 243 is reset under the action of the second return spring 249, and the locking section 2431 returns to the position corresponding to the mounting hole 222. Through the cooperation of the locking section 2431 and the locking member 246 with the slot 2454, the second plug 245 is locked.

[0099] In some embodiments of this disclosure, in order to enable the paddle 2410 to drive the locking sleeve 243 to move, a protrusion 2433 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the locking sleeve 243. A groove is formed between the protrusion 2433 and the outer wall of the unlocking section 2432. The end of the paddle 2410 is located in the groove. When the push rod 2411 moves inward, the paddle 2410 pushes the locking sleeve 243 to move inward.

[0100] The operating port is opened inward from the first end face of the purification box 240. A button is provided in the operating port. One side of the button 241 protrudes from the first end face of the purification box 240, and the other side is fixedly connected to the push rod 2411.

[0101] Specifically, an opening is provided on the housing 20 at the position corresponding to the operation hole, and the button 241 extends out of the housing 20 from the opening for easy operation by the user.

[0102] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0103] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement it. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A solvent treatment unit of a garment processing device, wherein, include: The box body has a cavity inside; A solvent tank is located inside the cavity; A purification device is located inside the cavity and is connected to the solvent tank, used to filter the laundry detergent in the solvent tank.

2. The solvent treatment unit of the garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The number of solvent tanks is at least two, at least one of which is a recycling tank for the laundry treatment agent, and the other solvent tanks are storage tanks for the laundry treatment agent. The purification device is connected between the recycling tank and the storage tank.

3. The solvent treatment unit of the garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The box is equipped with an observation window, which is correspondingly set to the solvent box.

4. The solvent treatment unit of the garment processing equipment according to claim 3, wherein, The observation window is arranged along the height direction of the box, and the height of the observation window is at least equal to the height of the corresponding solvent box.

5. The solvent treatment unit of the garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The solvent tank is made of a transparent material.

6. The solvent treatment unit of the garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a cover plate, the upper end of the box is open, and the cover plate closes the upper end of the box.

7. The solvent treatment unit of the garment processing equipment according to claim 6, wherein, The solvent treatment unit further includes an isolation seal and an electrical component. The isolation seal is disposed between the cover plate and the housing, and the lower edge of the isolation seal is sealed to the upper end of the housing. The upper edge of the isolation seal is sealed to the cover plate, and a receiving cavity is formed between the isolation seal and the cover plate. The electrical component is disposed within the receiving cavity.

8. The solvent treatment unit of the garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The solvent tank is provided with a solution renewal port that connects the inside of the solvent tank to the outside. The solution renewal port is used to discharge the laundry detergent in the solvent tank or to replenish the laundry detergent in the solvent tank.

9. The solvent treatment unit of the garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The solvent tank is equipped with a liquid level sensor and an alarm. The alarm is connected to the liquid level sensor and is used to issue an alarm signal when the liquid level sensor detects that the solution in the solvent tank is below the liquid level threshold.

10. A garment processing device, wherein, The device includes a garment processing unit and a solvent processing unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the garment processing unit is connected to the solvent processing unit and forms a garment processing agent flow loop, and the garment processing module is used for drying, washing, or a washer-dryer combination.

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