Water inlet system for washing apparatus, and washing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of washing apparatuses, and specifically provides a water inlet system for a washing apparatus, and a washing apparatus, aiming to solve the problem of the poor dissolution effect of detergents or fabric softeners caused by direct dispensing of the treatment agents or entering with water flow in the prior art. In the present invention, the water inlet system for a washing apparatus comprises a detergent storage cavity, a fabric softener storage cavity, a pump device, water inlet piping, and a first switching valve, a second switching valve and a buffering cavity that are arranged sequentially on the water inlet piping, wherein the detergent storage cavity and the fabric softener storage cavity are both in communication with the first switching valve, a suction port of the pump device is in communication with the second switching valve, and an outlet of the pump device is in communication with the water inlet piping between the second switching valve and the buffering cavity. In the present invention, by means of the combined arrangement of the detergent storage cavity, fabric softener storage cavity, pump device, first switching valve, second switching valve, and buffering cavity, a treatment agent can be mixed with water in advance for dissolution, thereby dissolving the treatment agent in advance, and improving the washing effect while reducing damage to laundry.

Description

Washing equipment water inlet system and washing equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024115703709, filed on November 5, 2024, entitled “Water Inlet System and Washing Equipment”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of washing equipment technology, specifically providing a washing equipment water inlet system and washing equipment. Background Technology

[0003] Washing machines are an essential household appliance in people's lives. They have multiple functions, such as automatically filling with water and automatically dispensing treatment agents, such as detergent and fabric softener, to remove stains, clean and disinfect clothes, making them softer and more comfortable.

[0004] However, in existing washing machines or other laundry equipment, when adding detergent and fabric softener, directly adding them into the washing tub with the water flow or directly into the tub can lead to several issues. First, the dissolution of the detergent and fabric softener may not be ideal, as they lack sufficient time and space to fully dissolve in the water. This can result in the active ingredients of the detergent and fabric softener not being evenly distributed on the clothes, affecting the washing effect. Second, direct addition may cause uneven distribution of the detergent and fabric softener, resulting in some parts of the clothes being less clean and soft than others.

[0005] In conclusion, directly adding detergent or fabric softener or adding it with the water flow results in poor dissolution of the detergent or fabric softener, and the washing effect on clothes needs to be improved.

[0006] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that the existing methods of directly adding treatment agents or letting them enter with the water flow result in poor dissolution of detergents or fabric softeners.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a water inlet system for a washing machine. The water inlet system includes a detergent storage chamber, a fabric softener storage chamber, a pump device, a water inlet pipeline, and a first switching valve, a second switching valve, and a temporary storage chamber sequentially arranged on the water inlet pipeline. The detergent storage chamber and the fabric softener storage chamber are both connected to the first switching valve, the suction port of the pump device is connected to the second switching valve, and the outlet of the pump device is connected to the water inlet pipeline between the second switching valve and the temporary storage chamber.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing equipment water inlet system, a first check valve is provided between the detergent storage chamber and the first switching valve; and / or, a second check valve is provided between the detergent storage chamber and the first switching valve.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing equipment water inlet system, at least two first check valves arranged in series are provided between the detergent storage chamber and the first switching valve; and / or, at least two second check valves arranged in series are provided between the detergent storage chamber and the first switching valve.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing equipment water inlet system, the detergent storage chamber is connected to the first switching valve through a detergent dispensing pipeline; and / or, the fabric softener storage chamber is connected to the first switching valve through a fabric softener dispensing pipeline.

[0012] In the preferred technical solution of the water inlet system of the washing equipment described above, a water inlet valve is provided on the water inlet pipe. The water inlet valve is located upstream of the first switching valve, and the water inlet valve is configured to control the connection state between the water inlet pipe and the water supply source.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the water inlet system of the washing equipment described above, a one-way valve is provided on the water inlet pipeline between the water inlet valve and the first switching valve.

[0014] In the preferred technical solution of the water inlet system of the washing equipment described above, the water inlet pipeline upstream of the first switching valve is connected to a pressure relief pipeline, and a pressure relief valve is installed on the pressure relief pipeline.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing equipment water inlet system, the pressure relief pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline between the one-way valve and the first switching valve.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing equipment water inlet system, a first one-way valve is provided between the detergent storage chamber and the first switching valve. The first one-way valve includes a housing and a first float and a second float disposed within the housing. The housing is provided with an inlet and an outlet. A variable diameter section is formed at the inlet of the housing. A separating member is provided within the variable diameter section. The separating member separates the first float and the second float. Both the first float and the second float can move up and down to isolate or connect the inlet and the outlet.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a washing device, the washing device comprising the washing device water inlet system described in any of the above preferred technical solutions.

[0018] When the above technical solution is adopted, the water inlet system of the washing equipment of the present invention includes a detergent storage chamber, a fabric softener storage chamber, a pump device, a water inlet pipeline, and a first switching valve, a second switching valve, and a temporary storage chamber arranged sequentially on the water inlet pipeline; the detergent storage chamber and the fabric softener storage chamber are both connected to the first switching valve, the suction port of the pump device is connected to the second switching valve, and the outlet of the pump device is connected to the water inlet pipeline between the second switching valve and the temporary storage chamber. This invention, through the combined arrangement of a detergent storage chamber, a fabric softener storage chamber, a pump device, a first switching valve, a second switching valve, and a temporary storage chamber, allows the treatment agent (detergent or fabric softener) to be mixed and dissolved with water in advance. This pre-dissolving of the treatment agent improves the washing effect and reduces damage to clothing. Furthermore, the arrangement of the first switching valve, the second switching valve, and the pump device orderly separates the rinsing, extraction, and dispensing of detergent from those of fabric softener, ensuring that they do not interfere with each other. The second switching valve ensures that the pump device only operates when the treatment agent is extracted and not when water is being introduced, thus not affecting the water intake process and reducing operating costs.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention also provides at least two first check valves arranged in series between the detergent storage chamber and the first switching valve, and at least two second check valves arranged in series between the fabric softener storage chamber and the first switching valve. If one check valve fails, the other check valves can still be used normally, thus avoiding water leakage or unstable water pressure in the water inlet pipe caused by the failure of one check valve.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention also improves the stability of the one-way valve and extends its service life by changing the structure of the one-way valve, so that both the first float and the second float can isolate the inlet and outlet.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention, through the setting of a pressure relief valve and a pressure relief pipeline, can prevent excessive water pressure in the water inlet pipeline and keep the water pressure in the water inlet pipeline stable. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the water inlet system of the washing equipment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the flow path for the detergent extraction in the water inlet system of the washing equipment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the flow path of the detergent rinsing or dispensing in the water inlet system of the washing equipment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the flow path for extracting fabric softener in the water inlet system of the washing equipment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the flow path for the fabric softener rinsing or dispensing in the water inlet system of the washing equipment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a one-way valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 11. Detergent storage chamber; 12. First check valve; 121. Housing; 122. Liquid inlet; 123. Liquid outlet; 124. First float; 125. Second float; 126. Variable diameter section; 127. Separating member; 128. Bearing member; 13. Detergent dispensing pipeline; 14. Fabric softener storage chamber; 15. Second check valve; 16. Fabric softener dispensing pipeline; 17. Water inlet pipeline; 18. First switching valve; 19. Second switching valve; 20. Pump device; 21. Temporary storage chamber; 22. Water inlet valve; 23. Third check valve; 24. Pressure relief pipeline; 25. Pressure relief valve; 26. Washing tub. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific applications.

[0032] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," and "right," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] Referring first to Figure 1, the water inlet system of the washing equipment of the present invention includes a detergent storage chamber 11, a fabric softener storage chamber 14, a pump device 20, a water inlet pipe 17, and a first switching valve 18, a second switching valve 19, and a temporary storage chamber 21 sequentially arranged on the water inlet pipe 17; the detergent storage chamber 11 and the fabric softener storage chamber 14 are both connected to the first switching valve 18, the suction port of the pump device 20 is connected to the second switching valve 19, and the outlet of the pump device 20 is connected to the water inlet pipe 17 between the second switching valve 19 and the temporary storage chamber 21.

[0035] Specifically, the detergent storage chamber 11 is connected to the first switching valve 18 via the detergent dispensing pipe 13, and the fabric softener storage chamber 14 is connected to the first switching valve 18 via the fabric softener dispensing pipe 16. The first switching valve 18 is a three-inlet, one-outlet valve, with three inlets and one outlet. The three inlets are respectively connected to the first part of the water inlet pipe 17 (that is, the water inlet pipe 17 located upstream of the first switching valve 18), the detergent dispensing pipe 13, and the fabric softener dispensing pipe 16; the outlet is connected to the second part of the water inlet pipe 17 (the water inlet pipe 17 located downstream of the first switching valve 18). In the water inlet direction, the second switching valve 19 is located downstream of the first switching valve 18, the suction port of the pump device 20 is connected to the second switching valve 19, and the outlet of the pump device 20 is connected to the water inlet pipe 17 downstream of the second switching valve 19. The second switching valve 19 is a one-inlet, two-outlet valve. The second switching valve 19 has one inlet and two outlets. The outlet of the first switching valve 18 is connected to the inlet of the second switching valve 19. The two outlets of the second switching valve 19 are respectively connected to the third part of the water inlet pipe 17 (that is, the water inlet pipe 17 located downstream of the second switching valve 19) and the suction port of the pump device 20. The outlet of the pump device 20 is connected to the third part of the water inlet pipe 17. The third part of the water inlet pipe 17 is connected to the temporary storage chamber 21. The temporary storage chamber 21 is connected to the washing tub 26. This invention, through the combined arrangement of a detergent storage chamber 11, a fabric softener storage chamber 14, a pump device 20, a first switching valve 18, a second switching valve 19, and a temporary storage chamber 21, allows the treatment agent (detergent or fabric softener) to be mixed and dissolved with water in advance within the temporary storage chamber 21. This advance dissolution of the treatment agent improves the washing effect and reduces damage to clothing. Furthermore, the arrangement of the first switching valve 18, the second switching valve 19, and the pump device 20 orderly separates the rinsing, extraction, and dispensing of detergent from those of fabric softener, ensuring that they do not interfere with each other. The second switching valve 19 ensures that the pump device 20 only operates when the treatment agent is extracted and not when water is being introduced, thus not affecting the water intake process and reducing operating costs.

[0036] Referring to Figure 3, the arrows in Figure 3 indicate the water flow path during detergent rinsing or detergent dispensing. Detergent rinsing occurs before or after detergent extraction, while detergent dispensing occurs after detergent extraction. During detergent rinsing, the first switching valve 18 connects the detergent dispensing pipe 13 to the downstream water inlet pipe 17, and also connects the water inlet pipes 17 before and after the first switching valve 18. The second switching valve 19 connects only the upstream and downstream water inlet pipes 17. Water enters the water inlet pipe 17 from the water supply source, then passes through the first switching valve 18. Part of the water enters the detergent dispensing pipe 13 to dissolve the remaining detergent, while the other part enters the downstream water inlet pipe 17. After passing through the second switching valve 19, the water flows through the downstream water inlet pipe. Pipe 17 enters the temporary storage chamber 21. The detergent rinsing process involves pre-sending a portion of water into the temporary storage chamber 21, followed by detergent extraction as shown in Figure 2, where the detergent is drawn into the temporary storage chamber 21 to allow the detergent and water to mix and dissolve in advance. Alternatively, the detergent extraction process shown in Figure 2 can be performed first, drawing the detergent into the temporary storage chamber 21, followed by the detergent rinsing process, which introduces water into the temporary storage chamber 21 to allow the water and detergent to mix and dissolve. After a period of mixing and dissolving, the detergent addition step is performed, i.e., water is supplied from the water source, and the fully dissolved detergent and water are sent into the washing tub 26. Both detergent addition and detergent rinsing are shown in Figure 3. Since the water flow path during detergent rinsing has already been described above, the flow path during detergent addition will not be repeated here.

[0037] Referring to Figure 2, the arrows in Figure 2 indicate the route taken by the detergent during extraction. When extracting detergent, the first switching valve 18 is controlled to connect the detergent dispensing pipe 13 only to the water inlet pipe 17 downstream of the first switching valve 18, and the second switching valve 19 is controlled to connect the water inlet pipe 17 upstream of the second switching valve 19 only to the pump device 20. When the pump device 20 is working, the detergent flows from the detergent storage chamber 11 into the detergent dispensing pipe 13, passes through the first switching valve 18 and enters the water inlet pipe 17 downstream of the first switching valve 18, then passes through the second switching valve 19 and enters the pump device 20. At the outlet of the pump device 20, the detergent flows into the water inlet pipe 17 upstream of the temporary storage chamber 21 and finally enters the temporary storage chamber 21. After the water and detergent are fully mixed and dissolved in the temporary storage chamber 21, they enter the washing tub 26 together.

[0038] Next, refer to Figure 4. The arrows in Figure 4 show the route taken by the fabric softener when it is extracted. When extracting the fabric softener, the first switching valve 18 is controlled to connect the fabric softener dispensing pipe 16 to the water inlet pipe 17 downstream of the first switching valve 18. The second switching valve 19 is controlled to connect the water inlet pipe upstream of the second switching valve 19 to the pump device 20. When the pump device is working, the fabric softener flows from the fabric softener storage chamber 14 into the fabric softener dispensing pipe 16, passes through the first switching valve 18 and enters the water inlet pipe 17 downstream of the first switching valve 18, then passes through the second switching valve 19 and enters the pump device 20. At the outlet of the pump device 20, it flows into the water inlet pipe 17 upstream of the temporary storage chamber 21 and finally enters the temporary storage chamber 21. After the water and fabric softener are fully mixed and dissolved in the temporary storage chamber 21, they enter the washing tub 26 together.

[0039] Referring to Figure 5, the arrows in Figure 5 indicate the water flow path during fabric softener rinsing or when fabric softener is added. Fabric softener rinsing occurs before or after fabric softener extraction, while fabric softener addition occurs after extraction. During fabric softener rinsing, the first switching valve 18 connects the fabric softener dispensing pipe 16 to the downstream inlet pipe 17, ensuring that the inlet pipes 17 before and after the first switching valve 18 are interconnected. The second switching valve 19 connects only the inlet pipes 17 before and after the first switching valve 18. Water enters the inlet pipe 17 from the water supply source, then passes through the first switching valve 18. Part of the water enters the fabric softener dispensing pipe 16 to dissolve any remaining fabric softener, while the other part enters the downstream inlet pipe 17 of the first switching valve 18. After passing through the second switching valve 19, the water flows downstream of the second switching valve 19... The water inlet pipe 17 enters the temporary storage chamber 21. The fabric softener rinsing process involves pre-mixing some water into the temporary storage chamber 21, followed by the fabric softener extraction process as shown in Figure 4, where the fabric softener is extracted into the temporary storage chamber 21 to allow it to mix and dissolve with the water beforehand. Alternatively, the fabric softener extraction process as shown in Figure 4 can be performed first, extracting the fabric softener into the temporary storage chamber 21, followed by the fabric softener rinsing process, which introduces water into the temporary storage chamber 21 to allow the water and fabric softener to mix and dissolve. After a period of mixing and dissolving, the fabric softener is added, i.e., water is supplied, and the fully dissolved fabric softener and water are sent into the washing tub 26. Both the addition and rinsing of the fabric softener are shown in Figure 5. Since the water flow path during fabric softener rinsing has already been described above, the flow path during fabric softener addition will not be repeated here.

[0040] The present invention, through the setting of a first switching valve and a second switching valve, increases the number of flow paths, allowing the rinsing, extraction, and dispensing of the treatment agent to be orderly separated and independent of each other. After the treatment agent and water are mixed and dissolved in the temporary storage chamber 21 for a period of time, it is then added to the washing tub 26 through the dispensing step. Pre-mixing the treatment agent and water before sending it to the washing tub 26 ensures that the treatment agent is fully dispersed in the water, thereby making it more evenly contacted with the clothes during the washing process and improving the washing effect. The active ingredients in some detergents or fabric softeners need a certain amount of time in water to be activated. Pre-mixing ensures that these ingredients are fully activated at the beginning of the washing process. If the treatment agent is poured directly onto the clothes, it may cause the treatment agent to precipitate on the surface of the clothes and be difficult to dissolve. Pre-dissolving in water can avoid this problem. For concentrated treatment agents or those containing strong chemical components, direct contact with clothes may damage some fabrics. Pre-dissolving in water can reduce this risk.

[0041] Referring to Figure 1, a first check valve 12 is installed between the detergent storage chamber 11 and the first switching valve 18. The detergent storage chamber 11 and the first switching valve 18 are connected through a detergent dispensing pipe 13, and the first check valve 12 is installed on the detergent dispensing pipe 13. A second check valve 15 is installed after the fabric softener storage chamber 14 and the first switching valve 18. The fabric softener storage chamber 14 and the first switching valve 18 are connected through a fabric softener dispensing pipe 16, and the second check valve 15 is installed on the fabric softener dispensing pipe 16. By installing the first check valve 12 and the second check valve 15, water can be prevented from entering the detergent storage chamber 11 or the fabric softener storage chamber 14 when water is supplied, thus preventing contamination of the treatment agent. Simultaneously, the sealing of the water inlet pipe 17 is ensured, maintaining stable water pressure.

[0042] Furthermore, at least two first check valves 12 arranged in series are provided between the detergent storage chamber 11 and the first switching valve 18, and at least two second check valves 15 arranged in series are provided between the fabric softener storage chamber 14 and the first switching valve 18. If one of the check valves fails, the other check valves can still be used normally, which can avoid water leakage or unstable water pressure in the water inlet pipe caused by the failure of one check valve.

[0043] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific number of the first one-way valve 12 and the second one-way valve 15. Preferably, the number of the first one-way valve 12 is two in series and the number of the second one-way valve 15 is two in series. Of course, other numbers are also possible, and those skilled in the art can set them according to the actual situation.

[0044] It should also be noted that the present invention may omit the detergent dispensing pipeline 13, and the detergent storage chamber 11, the first one-way valve 12 and the first switching valve 18 may be directly connected. Alternatively, the fabric softener dispensing pipeline 16 may omit the fabric softener storage chamber 14, the second one-way valve 15 and the first switching valve 18 may be directly connected.

[0045] Furthermore, it should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure and type of the first switching valve 18 and the second switching valve 19, as long as their structure and type can meet the basic principles of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can set them according to the actual situation.

[0046] Referring to Figure 6, the first one-way valve 12 includes a housing 121 and a first float 124 and a second float 125 disposed within the housing 121. The housing 121 is provided with an inlet 122 and an outlet 123. A variable diameter section 126 is formed at the inlet 122 of the housing 121. A separating member 127 is disposed within the variable diameter section 126. The separating member 127 separates the first float 124 and the second float 125. Both the first float 124 and the second float 125 can move up and down to isolate or connect the inlet 122 and the outlet 123.

[0047] Specifically, the inner diameter of the variable diameter section 126 gradually increases from top to bottom. The diameter of the first float 124 is smaller than the diameter of the second float 125. The variable diameter section 126 can restrict the upward movement of both the first float 124 and the second float 125. Both the first float 124 and the second float 125 can press against the inner wall of the variable diameter section 126 from both the top and bottom, disconnecting the connection between the inlet 122 and the outlet 123. The separating member 127 is a partition mesh or grid structure, which can separate the first float 124 and the second float 125 without... The flow of liquid between the inlet 122 and the outlet 123 is affected, and the distance between the separating member 127 and the inlet 122 is greater than the diameter of the first float 124, so that the first float 124 can move up and down; a supporting member 128 is also provided below the second float 125. The supporting member 128 is a partition net or mesh structure. The distance between the left and right ends of the part of the shell 121 located below the variable diameter part 126 is greater than the diameter of the second float 125, so as to ensure that the liquid can pass through from top to bottom.

[0048] In its natural state, the first float 124 is located at the separating member 127, and the second float 125 is located at the supporting member 128. When the treatment agent is added, it enters from top to bottom through the inlet 122 and then flows out through the outlet 123. When the water inlet system of the washing equipment is connected to the water inlet pipe of the washing equipment, water enters through the outlet 123 when water is added to the inlet pipe. At this time, the water will gradually fill the shell 121. Under the action of buoyancy, the second float 125 will gradually move upward as the water level rises until it contacts the inner wall of the variable diameter section 126. At this time, the inlet 122 and the outlet 123 are separated to prevent water leakage and prevent water from entering the treatment agent storage chamber, while also ensuring the water pressure of the inlet pipe. With long-term use, even if the second float 125 is damaged and cannot completely seal, the first float 124 can still perform the sealing function, providing double protection and extending the service life.

[0049] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific type and structure of the one-way valve installed on the treatment agent delivery pipeline (detergent delivery pipeline 13 or fabric softener delivery pipeline 16). The one-way valve can be a one-way valve that can be elastically reset by a spring, or it can be other types of one-way valves. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0050] In other embodiments, the supporting member 128 is not provided. The liquid outlet 123 of the housing 121 is configured such that its length in the left-right direction is less than the diameter of the second float 125, and its length in the direction perpendicular to the front and back of the paper is greater than the diameter of the second float 125. It can still play the role of supporting the second float 125 and preventing the second float 125 from moving outside the housing 121. At the same time, it can also leave gaps for water or treatment agent to pass through.

[0051] The structures of the first check valve 12 and the second check valve 15 can be the same or different, or they can be other types of check valve structures. Those skilled in the art can set them according to the actual situation.

[0052] By using the second switching valve 19, the pump device 20 only operates when fabric softener and detergent are being dispensed. If the second switching valve 19 were not used and only the pump device 20 was used, it would need to operate during both water inlet and detergent inlet to ensure pipeline continuity and allow water to enter the washing tub 26 normally. However, with the second switching valve 19, the pump device 20 is not used during water inlet or detergent (detergent or fabric softener) rinsing. Therefore, the pump device 20 does not need to operate continuously, saving operating costs and reducing the failure rate caused by continuous operation of the pump device 20.

[0053] When the one-way valve structure shown in Figure 6 is used, the pump device 20 operates, generating suction. This suction causes the detergent or fabric softener to continuously move downwards, eventually being drawn into the washing tub 26. After the pump device 20 stops operating, the detergent or fabric softener fills the housing 121, causing the first float 124 or the second float 125 to rise, thus closing the one-way valve. Any remaining treatment agent between the one-way valve and the pump device 20 can enter the washing tub 26 along with the incoming water or treatment agent during rinsing.

[0054] To reduce the residue of the treatment agent in the pipeline, a one-way valve can be installed at the end of the treatment agent delivery pipeline. The one-way valve is directly connected to the inlet of the first switching valve 18, and one outlet of the second switching valve 19 is directly connected to the suction port of the pump device 20.

[0055] To prevent the treatment agent in the treatment agent storage chamber from automatically flowing into the detergent dispensing pipe 13 or the fabric softener dispensing pipe 16 in the initial state or when the washing equipment is not working, a water supply device can be connected below the outlet 123. When the washing equipment is not working or after the treatment agent has been dispensed, the water supply device supplies water to the outlet 123, thereby closing the one-way valve.

[0056] Alternatively, when the washing equipment is filled with water, after the treatment agent is rinsed (the aforementioned detergent or fabric softener) for a period of time, the first switching valve 18 is controlled to disconnect from the treatment agent dispensing pipeline (detergent dispensing pipeline 13 and / or fabric softener dispensing pipeline 16), so that the treatment agent dispensing pipeline and the housing 121 are filled with water, and the one-way valve is closed before the water supply source is controlled to stop supplying water.

[0057] Furthermore, an inlet valve 22 is provided on the inlet pipe 17. The inlet valve 22 is located upstream of the first switching valve 18. The inlet valve 22 is configured to control the connection state between the inlet pipe 17 and the water supply source.

[0058] Furthermore, a third check valve 23 is installed on the water inlet pipe 17 between the water inlet valve 22 and the first switching valve 18 to prevent backflow and reduce water hammer damage to the pipe and water inlet valve 22.

[0059] In addition, the inlet pipe 17 upstream of the first switching valve 18 is connected to a pressure relief pipe 24, and a pressure relief valve 25 is installed on the pressure relief pipe 24. When the water pressure in the inlet pipe 17 is too high, the pressure relief valve 25 opens and discharges water from the pressure relief pipe 24 into the drain pipe. After the water pressure is restored, the pressure relief valve 25 automatically closes. The pressure relief valve 25 is also a one-way valve structure. When the water pressure is too high, it can open the one-way valve. When the water pressure is normal, the pressure relief valve 25 will not be opened.

[0060] In a second aspect, the present invention also claims a washing device comprising the piping system described in any of the above embodiments.

[0061] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure of the washing equipment. The washing equipment can be a washing machine, a washer-dryer combo, a shoe washing machine, or other types of washing equipment. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0062] In summary, the present invention, through the combined arrangement of the detergent storage chamber 11, the fabric softener storage chamber 14, the pump device 20, the first switching valve 18, the second switching valve 19, and the temporary storage chamber 21, enables the treatment agent (detergent or fabric softener) to be mixed and dissolved with water in advance, thereby improving the washing effect and reducing damage to clothes. Furthermore, the arrangement of the first switching valve 18, the second switching valve 19, and the pump device 20 orderly separates the rinsing, extraction, and dispensing of detergent and the rinsing, extraction, and dispensing of fabric softener. In addition, by connecting at least two one-way valves in series on the treatment agent dispensing pipeline, the present invention can prevent the failure of one one-way valve from causing the other one-way valves to continue to function normally, thus preventing water leakage or unstable water pressure in the water inlet pipeline. By changing the structure of the check valve, both the first float 124 and the second float 125 can isolate the inlet and outlet, improving the stability of the check valve and extending its service life. Furthermore, by setting the second switching valve 19, the pump device 20 can only work when the treatment agent is being extracted and not when water is being supplied, which does not affect the water supply operation and reduces operating costs.

[0063] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water inlet system for a washing machine, characterized in that, The washing equipment water inlet system includes a detergent storage chamber, a fabric softener storage chamber, a pump device, a water inlet pipeline, and a first switching valve, a second switching valve, and a temporary storage chamber sequentially arranged on the water inlet pipeline; Both the detergent storage chamber and the fabric softener storage chamber are connected to the first switching valve. The suction port of the pump device is connected to the second switching valve, and the outlet of the pump device is connected to the water inlet pipe between the second switching valve and the temporary storage chamber.

2. The water inlet system of the washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first check valve is provided between the detergent storage chamber and the first switching valve; And / or, A second check valve is provided between the detergent storage chamber and the first switching valve.

3. The water inlet system of the washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two first check valves arranged in series are provided between the detergent storage chamber and the first switching valve; And / or, At least two second check valves arranged in series are provided between the detergent storage chamber and the first switching valve.

4. The water inlet system of the washing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The detergent storage chamber is connected to the first switching valve via a detergent dispensing pipeline; And / or, the fabric softener storage chamber is connected to the first switching valve via a fabric softener dispensing line.

5. The washing equipment water inlet system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, An inlet valve is installed on the inlet pipeline. The inlet valve is located upstream of the first switching valve. The inlet valve is configured to control the connection between the inlet pipeline and the water supply source.

6. The water inlet system of the washing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, A one-way valve is installed on the water inlet pipeline between the water inlet valve and the first switching valve.

7. The water inlet system of the washing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The water inlet pipe upstream of the first switching valve is connected to a pressure relief pipe, and a pressure relief valve is installed on the pressure relief pipe.

8. The water inlet system of the washing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pressure relief pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline between the one-way valve and the first switching valve.

9. The water inlet system of the washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first check valve is provided between the detergent storage chamber and the first switching valve. The first check valve includes a housing and a first float and a second float disposed within the housing. The housing is provided with an inlet and an outlet. A variable diameter section is formed at the liquid inlet of the shell, and a separating member is provided inside the variable diameter section. The separating member separates the first float and the second float. Both the first float and the second float can move up and down to isolate or connect the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet.

10. A washing device, characterized in that, The washing equipment includes the washing equipment water inlet system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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