LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATUS

Abstract

A laundry treating apparatus is provided, which includes a laundry treating drum, and further includes a water supply valve, a water container member, an atomizer and a driving board. The water supply valve is connected to the atomizer by the water container member. An outlet of the atomizer is disposed toward an inner cavity of the laundry treating drum. A container structure is disposed on the water container member. The driving board is disposed in the container structure and is communicatively connected with the atomizer. The laundry treating apparatus can reduce manufacturing difficulty of a laundry treating apparatus having an atomizer, such that the laundry treating apparatus can fully utilize the atomization function of the atomizer.

Claims

1-50. (canceled)

51. A clothing treatment apparatus, comprising: a clothing treatment drum, wherein the clothing treatment apparatus also comprises a water supply valve, a water-containing member, an atomization generator and a driving board; the water supply valve is connected to the atomization generator through the water-containing member, an outlet of the atomization generator is arranged facing an inner cavity of the clothing treatment drum, the water-containing member is provided with an accommodating structure, the driving board is arranged in the accommodating structure, and the driving board is in communication connection with the atomization generator.

52. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the accommodating structure is a recess formed on an outer surface of the water-containing member, and the driving board is arranged in the recess.

53. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 52, wherein at least one guide structure is arranged on an inner side wall of the recess, and the guide structure is arranged to be able to guide the driving board to an installation position in the recess.

54. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the guide structure is a guide rib, and a thickness of the guide rib gradually increases in an installation direction of the driving board.

55. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 54, wherein at least one abutment rib is further arranged in the recess, the abutment ribs correspond to the guide ribs in a one-to-one correspondence, and the abutment ribs are arranged between the guide ribs and an inner bottom wall of the recess; in an assembled state, the abutment ribs abut against an outer edge of the driving board.

56. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the abutment rib and the guide rib are provided as one piece.

57. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 55, wherein at least one support rib is further arranged in the recess, the support ribs correspond to the abutment ribs in a one-to-one correspondence, and the support ribs are arranged between the abutment ribs and the inner bottom wall of the recess; in the assembled state, the driving board is supported on the support ribs.

58. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the support rib and the abutment rib are provided as one piece.

59. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 51, further comprising a dispensing device, wherein the dispensing device comprises a water delivery channel, and the water supply valve is connected to the water-containing member through the water delivery channel; the water delivery channel is provided with a one-way check structure, and the one-way check structure is arranged to be isolated from the atmosphere when the water supply valve is opened and to communicate with the atmosphere when the water supply valve is closed.

60. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the clothing treatment apparatus is a drum washing machine, and the clothing treatment drum is a drum of the drum washing machine; and wherein the drum washing machine further comprises a window gasket connected to the drum, and the atomization generator is arranged on the window gasket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] First Technical Solution

[0089] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with a drum washing machine. In the drawings:

[0090] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a drum washing machine according to the first technical solution of the present disclosure;

[0091] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1;

[0092] FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of a water tank of the first technical solution of the present disclosure; and

[0093] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3.

[0094] Second Technical Solution

[0095] Hereinafter, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with a drum washing machine. In the drawings:

[0096] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a partial structure of a drum washing machine according to the second technical solution of the present disclosure; and

[0097] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a water-containing assembly according to the second technical solution of the present disclosure.

[0098] Third Technical Solution

[0099] Hereinafter, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with a drum washing machine. In the drawings:

[0100] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a partial structure of a drum washing machine according to the third technical solution of the present disclosure; and

[0101] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a water-containing assembly according to the third technical solution of the present disclosure.

[0102] Fourth Technical Solution

[0103] Hereinafter, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with a drum washing machine. In the drawings:

[0104] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a partial structure of a drum washing machine according to the fourth technical solution of the present disclosure; and

[0105] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a water-containing assembly according to the fourth technical solution of the present disclosure.

[0106] Fifth Technical Solution

[0107] FIG. 11 is a partial structural view showing the principle of a clothing treatment apparatus according to a fifth technical solution of the present disclosure; and

[0108] FIG. 12 is a partial schematic view showing the structure of a drum washing machine according to the fifth technical solution of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0109] First Technical Solution

[0110] First of all, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. For example, although the present disclosure is described in conjunction with a drum washing machine, the technical solutions of the present disclosure are obviously applicable to a pulsator washing machine, a washing-drying integrated machine, a clothing care machine, etc., and those skilled in the art may flexibly set the application objects of the technical solutions of the present disclosure. Such adjustments and changes to the application objects do not deviate from the principle of the present disclosure, and should be defined within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0111] It should be noted that in the description of the present disclosure, terms indicating directional or positional relationships, such as “in”, “above”, “below”, “inside”, “outside” and the like, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used for ease of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore they should not be considered as limitations to the present disclosure.

[0112] In addition, it should also be noted that in the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, terms “arrange”, “install”, “connect” and “connection” should be understood in a broad sense; for example, the connection may be a fixed connection, or may also be a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; it may be a direct connection, or an indirect connection implemented through an intermediate medium, or it may be an internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific situations.

[0113] Based on the problem pointed out in the “BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION” that the production of the washing machine has major limitations if the existing washing machine is equipped with an atomization generator, the present disclosure provides a drum washing machine, which aims to reduce the manufacturing difficulty of the washing machine with the atomization generator and enables the washing machine to make full use of the atomization function of the atomization generator.

[0114] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drum washing machine of the present disclosure includes a cabinet, a drum 1, a water supply valve, a water-containing member, an atomization generator 2 and a driving board 3; a window gasket 4 is provided between the cabinet and the drum 1, the water supply valve is connected to the atomization generator 2 through the water-containing member, and an outlet of the atomization generator 2 is arranged facing an inner cavity of the drum 1; the atomization generator 2 may be provided either on the window gasket 4 or on the drum 1, as long as it can spray atomized water droplets onto the clothing in an inner cylinder of the drum 1 to perform atomized air washing. The water-containing member is provided with an accommodating structure, the driving board 3 is arranged in the accommodating structure, and the driving board 3 is in communication connection with the atomization generator 2. The water-containing member may be a water tank, or a water box, or a sink on the drum washing machine. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the specific structure of the water-containing member in practical applications, as long as the water-containing member can store and accommodate water. The accommodating structure may be a recess provided on the water-containing member, or an insertion-fit portion provided on the water-containing member, that is, the driving board 3 may be placed in the recess for installation, or may be inserted into the insertion-fit portion for installation. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the specific structure of the accommodating structure in practical applications, as long as the driving board 3 can be accommodated by the accommodating structure. In addition, the driving board 3 and the atomization generator 2 may be connected by a wire harness; for example, the wire harness may be a power line. Of course, a Bluetooth module may also be set on both the driving board 3 and the atomization generator 2, and then signals are transmitted via Bluetooth transmission so that the driving board 3 can control the atomization generator 2. The Bluetooth module may also be replaced by other wireless modules, such as a wifi module. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the communication mode between the driving board 3 and the atomization generator 2 in practical applications, as long as the driving board 3 can control the atomization generator 2. The atomization generator 2 may be an ultrasonic atomization generator or a compressed atomization generator. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the specific structure of the atomization generator 2 in practical applications, as long as the atomization generator 2 can convert the water in the water-containing member into atomized water droplets so as to perform atomized air washing of the clothing. The technical solution of the present disclosure will be described in detail below by taking the water tank as the water-containing member and the recess provided on an outer surface of the water tank as the accommodating structure.

[0115] Preferably, at least one guide structure is provided on an inner side wall of the recess 51 of the water tank 5, and the guide structure is arranged to be able to guide the driving board 3 to an installation position in the recess 51. The installation position of the present disclosure refers to a position where the driving board 3 can be installed in place in the recess 51. The guide structure may be a guide rib, a guide groove, or other structures that can realize the guiding function, as long as the driving board 3 can be guided to be installed in place during the installation of the driving board 3. In addition, the number of the guide structure may be one or plural. In a preferred situation, the guide structure is a guide rib 6, and a thickness of the guide rib 6 gradually increases in an installation direction of the driving board 3. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the thickness of the guide rib 6 gradually increases in the installation direction of the driving board 3 (that is, the direction from a top to a bottom of the recess 51 in FIGS. 3 and 4). With this arrangement, a size of the space formed by the top of the guide rib 6 is larger than a size of the space formed by the bottom of the guide rib 6. In an example in which there are a plurality of guide ribs 6 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the plurality of guide ribs 6 are arranged on an inner wall of the recess 51 in a surrounding manner, and a size of the space formed by the tops of the plurality of guide ribs 6 jointly is slightly larger than an outer contour size of the driving board 3, so that the driving board 3 has a certain fault tolerant range at the top positions of the plurality of guide ribs 6. Therefore, the operator only needs to place the driving board 3 in the recess 51 when installing the driving board 3. As the driving board 3 is pressed and moved downward, the size of the space formed by the plurality of guide ribs 6 jointly is gradually reduced, so as to ensure that the installation of the driving board 3 is corrected. In this way, when the driving board 3 is moved to the bottoms of the plurality of guide ribs 6, it can be accurately moved to the installation position. Of course, it is also possible to provide the guide ribs 6 on only one inner side wall of the recess 51, and no guide ribs 6 are provided on the inner wall of the opposite side. The guide ribs 6 on a single inner wall can also realize a stable guidance of the driving board 3. Such changes to the structure do not deviate from the principle of the present disclosure, and should also be defined within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In fact, those skilled in the art may flexibly set the number, arrangement positions and distribution of the guide ribs 6 in practical applications, as long as the installation of the driving board 3 can be guided through the change in the thickness of the guide ribs 6.

[0116] Preferably, at least one abutment rib 7 is further provided in the recess 51, the abutment ribs 7 correspond to the guide ribs 6 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the abutment ribs 7 are arranged between the guide ribs 6 and an inner bottom wall of the recess 51. In an assembled state, the abutment ribs 7 abut against an outer edge of the driving board 3. Still taking the structure in FIGS. 3 and 4 as an example, the abutment ribs 7 are arranged below the guide ribs 6, and a size of space enclosed by the plurality of abutment ribs 7 jointly exactly matches with the size of the outer edge of the driving board 3, or at least a part of the size of the space enclosed by the plurality of abutment ribs 7 jointly matches with the size of the outer edge of the driving board 3, so that when the driving board 3 is installed in place, the plurality of abutment ribs 7 can abut and limit the driving board 3 from all around, that is, the driving board 3 is stably clamped, so as to realize the fixing of the driving board 3.

[0117] Preferably, at least one support rib 8 is further provided in the recess 51, the support ribs 8 correspond to the abutment ribs 7 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the support ribs 8 are arranged between the abutment ribs 7 and the inner bottom wall of the recess 51. In the assembled state, the driving board 3 is supported on the support ribs 8. Still taking the structure in FIGS. 3 and 4 as an example, the support ribs 8 are arranged below the abutment ribs 7, and the plurality of support ribs 8 can jointly support the driving board 3, so that when the driving board 3 is installed in place, the plurality of support ribs 8 can jointly support the bottom of the driving board 3 to realize stable support of the driving board 3.

[0118] In the above technical solution, the abutment rib 7 and the guide rib 6 are preferably provided as one piece, and the support rib 8 and the abutment rib 7 are preferably provided as one piece. In a preferred situation, the guide rib 6, the abutment rib 7 and the support rib 8 are all provided as one piece with the recess 51, that is, the guide rib 6, the abutment rib 7 and the support rib 8 are all integrally formed with the water tank 5. This arrangement facilitates unified manufacturing of the water tanks 5 by molding, thereby simplifying the process flow.

[0119] In the present disclosure, the drum washing machine further includes a dispensing device 9. The dispensing device 9 includes a clothing treatment agent dispensing cavity and a water box arranged on a top of the clothing treatment agent dispensing cavity. A water delivery channel 91 is formed in the water box. A water inlet end of the water delivery channel 91 is connected to the water supply valve arranged outside of the dispensing device 9, and a water outlet end of the water delivery channel 91 is connected to the atomization generator 2 through the water tank 5; that is, the water outlet end of the water delivery channel 91 may be first connected to the water tank 5 through a pipeline, and then the water tank 5 is connected to the atomization generator 2 through another pipeline. The water tank 5 has a function of accumulating water. A one-way check structure is preferably arranged on the water delivery channel 91. The one-way check structure may be a one-way check valve 10, such as the one-way check valve 10 in the patent No. 201721853840.8. The principle of the one-way check valve 10 belongs to the prior art, so it will not be described in detail herein. Of course, in the present disclosure, other one-way check structures may also be used. For example, the one-way check structure includes a cylinder, a movable block arranged in the cylinder, and a spring connected between the cylinder and the movable block. The movable block divides an internal cavity of the cylinder into two parts. A top part of the cylinder is provided with an air inlet, a bottom part of the cylinder is provided with a water inlet, and a middle part of the cylinder is provided with an outlet. The spring allows the movable block to move between a top limit position, a middle position and a bottom limit position. When the spring is in a natural state, it enables the movable block to be maintained at the bottom limit position. At this time, the air inlet communicates with the outlet, and the water inlet is isolated from the outlet by the movable block, so as to realize the communication between the one-way check structure and the atmosphere. When water inflows from the water inlet, the water pressure moves the movable block to the top limit position against the force of the spring, so that the water inlet communicates with the outlet, and that the air inlet is isolated from the outlet by the movable block. Therefore, the one-way check structure allows water to pass through and is isolated from the atmosphere. It should be noted that the above-mentioned top part and bottom part are defined relative to the cylinder, and they do not constitute restrictions to the specific direction and specific position of arranging the one-way check structure. Alternatively, the one-way check structure may also be a plug structure. Specifically, an opening is provided on the water delivery channel 91, and a plug is provided at the opening. When water inflows from the water supply valve, the opening is closed by the plug, and when the water supply valve is closed, the plug is removed and the opening communicates with the atmosphere, so that the water in the water tank 5 is sprayed from the outlet of the atomization generator 2. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the specific structure of the one-way check structure in practical applications, as long as the one-way check structure can be isolated from the atmosphere when the water supply valve is opened and can communicate with the atmosphere when the water supply valve is closed.

[0120] It should be noted that by using the one-way check structure, the present disclosure enables the atomization generator 2 to smoothly generate atomized water droplets. This is because when the water supply valve is always open, it is very difficult for the atomization generator 2 to form atomized water droplets under the action of water pressure. Therefore, the water supply valve can be opened to accumulate water in the water tank 5, and then the water supply valve can be closed. At this time, the water in the water tank 5 can be sprayed onto the clothing in the form of atomized water droplets from the atomization generator 2 according to the principle of atmospheric communication, so as to ensure that the atomization generator 2 can perform atomized air washing of the clothing in the drum 1. Of course, the one-way check structure of the present disclosure may also be directly arranged on the water tank 5. The simple change of the position of the one-way check structure does not deviate from the principle of the present disclosure, and should be defined within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In practical applications, a position where the outlet of the atomization generator 2 is arranged may be set lower than a position where the one-way check structure is arranged, so as to facilitate the water in the water tank 5 to be sprayed from the atomization generator 2.

[0121] Second Technical Solution

[0122] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. For example, although the present application is described in conjunction with a drum washing machine, the technical solution of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The water-containing assembly can obviously also be applied to other clothing treatment apparatuses such as a pulsator washing machine, a shoe washing machine, a washing-drying integrated machine, etc., and such changes do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present disclosure.

[0123] It should be noted that in the description of the present disclosure, terms indicating directional or positional relationships, such as “inside”, “bottom” and the like, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used for ease of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore they should not be considered as limitations to the present disclosure. In addition, the terms “first”, “second” and “third” are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0124] In addition, it should also be noted that in the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, terms “install”, “connect” and “connection” should be understood in a broad sense; for example, the connection may be a fixed connection, or may also be a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; it may be a direct connection, or an indirect connection implemented through an intermediate medium, or it may be an internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific situations.

[0125] Based on the problem in the prior art pointed out in the “BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION”, the water tank of the present disclosure is provided therein with a water diverting and blocking member, and the water diversion blocking member is configured to change a sequence of the water injected into the water tank flowing to an atomization generator and flowing to a sprinkling mechanism so as to meet the requirement of users to choose the washing sequence of atomized air washing and sprinkling washing according to different clothing, which can better wash the clothing, avoid damage to the fiber structures of the clothing, improve the applicable range of the clothing of the drum washing machine, and further improve the user experience.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a partial structure of the drum washing machine of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a water-containing assembly of the present disclosure. The drum washing machine of the present disclosure includes a cabinet and a door, the door is pivotally connected with the cabinet, and a viewing window is provided on the door for facilitating the user to observe a washing condition of the clothing in an inner cylinder. As shown in FIG. 5, the drum washing machine also includes an outer cylinder 1, an inner cylinder, a window gasket 2, a water-containing assembly 3, a sprinkling mechanism 4, and an atomization generator 5. The outer cylinder 1 is arranged in the cabinet, and the inner cylinder is rotatably accommodated in the outer cylinder 1; the cabinet is provided with a clothing inlet, and the window gasket 2 is arranged between the clothing inlet and the outer cylinder 1; the water-containing assembly 3 is arranged in the cabinet, and the water-containing assembly 3 is configured to supply water to the sprinkling mechanism 4 and the atomization generator 5; the sprinkling mechanism 4 and the atomization generator 5 are arranged on the window gasket 2. The sprinkling mechanism 4 is configured to perform sprinkling washing on the clothing, and the atomization generator 5 is configured to perform atomized washing on the clothing. Of course, the positions where the water-containing assembly 3, the sprinkling mechanism 4, and the atomization generator 5 are actually installed are not limited to the above-exemplified installation positions. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the positions where the water-containing assembly 3, the sprinkling mechanism 4, and the atomization generator 5 are actually installed in practical applications, as long as the water-containing assembly 3, the sprinkling mechanism 4 and the atomization generator 5 cooperate to enable the drum washing machine to have two clothing washing modes: atomized air washing and sprinkling washing.

[0127] Preferably, an outlet of the atomization generator 5 is obliquely arranged facing an interior of the inner cylinder (of course, it may also be arranged in other directions), as long as it can spray atomized water droplets onto the clothing in the inner cylinder to perform atomized air washing.

[0128] Preferably, the atomization generator 5 may be an ultrasonic atomization generator 5 or a compressed atomization generator 5. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the specific structure of the atomization generator 5 in practical applications, as long as the atomization generator 5 can convert the water in the water-containing assembly 3 into atomized water droplets so as to perform atomized air washing of the clothing.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the water-containing assembly 3 includes a water tank 31 and a water diverting and blocking member 32 arranged in the water tank 31. The water tank 31 is connected to the sprinkling mechanism 4 through a first delivery pipeline 33, the water tank 31 is connected to the atomization generator 5 through a second delivery pipeline 34, and the water diverting and blocking member 32 is configured to change a sequence of the water injected into the water tank 31 flowing to the atomization generator 5 and flowing to the sprinkling mechanism 4. For example, water is first supplied to the atomization generator 5, and then supplied to the sprinkling mechanism 4, or water is first supplied to the sprinkling mechanism 4, and then supplied to the atomization generator 5, so as to meet the requirement of users to choose the washing sequence of atomized air washing and sprinkling washing according to different clothing, which can better wash the clothing, avoid damage to the fiber structures of the clothing, improve the applicable range of the clothing of the drum washing machine, and further improve the user experience.

[0130] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6, the sprinkling mechanism 4 includes a sprinkling head 41 and a sprinkling hole 42, and both the sprinkling head 41 and the sprinkling hole 42 are arranged on the window gasket 2. The sprinkling head 41 is configured to spray water into the inner cylinder to perform sprinkling washing on the clothing; and the sprinkling hole 42 is configured to spray water on the viewing window to wash away the washing water splashed onto the viewing window, so that the user can clearly observe a washing condition of the clothing in the inner cylinder.

[0131] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6, the water tank 31 includes a first water-containing member and a second water-containing member 312, the first water-containing member and the second water-containing member 312 communicate with each other, and an outlet of the first water-containing member is connected to the sprinkling head 41 through the first delivery pipeline 33, so as to deliver the water in the first water-containing member to the sprinkling head 41; a first outlet of the second water-containing member 312 is connected to the atomization generator 5 through the second delivery pipeline 34 so as to deliver the water in the second water-containing member 312 to the atomization generator 5; and a second outlet of the second water-containing member 312 is connected to the sprinkling hole 42 through a third delivery pipeline 35 so as to deliver the water in the second water-containing member 312 to the sprinkling hole 42.

[0132] In order that the second water-containing member 312 is completely filled with water first when water is injected, as shown in FIG. 6, the water diverting and blocking member 32 includes a water diverting and blocking rib arranged in the first water-containing member, and the water diverting and blocking rib divides an internal space of the first water-containing member into a first chamber and a second chamber; an inlet of the first water-containing member is arranged in the first chamber, and the outlet of the first water-containing member is arranged in the second chamber. When the water begins to be injected into the water tank 31, the water diverting and blocking rib enables all the water flowing through the first chamber to flow into the second water-containing member 312, and the water flowing into the second water-containing member 312 is sprayed from the atomization generator 5, and is converted into small particles of atomized water droplets under the atomization action of the atomization generator 5. The atomized water droplets can first moisten the clothing so that stains on the surface of clothing are removed first to prevent the stains on the surface of the clothing from entering the lining of the clothing. When the second water-containing member 312 is completely filled with water, the water flowing through the first chamber overflows the water diverting and blocking rib, flows into the second chamber, and flows to the sprinkling head 41 through the first delivery pipeline 33. The sprinkling head 41 sprays water into the drum, so that less time, water amount, washing liquid and mechanical action can be used to wash the clothing clean in the subsequent washing process, thereby improving the washing effect on the clothing and making the drum washing machine more energy-saving.

[0133] Preferably, the water diverting and blocking rib is arranged in a direction from the inlet of the first water-containing member 311 to the inlet of the second water-containing member 312.

[0134] Preferably, a height of a bottom of the first water-containing member is larger than a height of a bottom of the second water-containing member 312, so that a large amount of water can be injected into the second water-containing member 312, which can provide enough water for the atomization generator 5 to meet the requirement of atomized washing of the clothing.

[0135] Preferably, a height of a bottom of the first chamber is the same as a height of a bottom of the second chamber, and only when the liquid level in the second water-containing member 312 reaches the bottom of the first chamber or the bottom of the second chamber will the water in the first chamber be able to overflow the water diverting and blocking rib and flow into the second chamber, so that a sufficient amount of water can be injected into the second water-containing member 312.

[0136] In order to make the atomization generator 5 smoothly generate atomized water droplets, as shown in FIG. 5 and with reference to FIG. 6, the drum washing machine further includes a water supply valve (not shown in the figure), a water delivery channel 6 and a one-way check structure 7 that are arranged in the cabinet; the water supply valve is connected to a water inlet end of the water delivery channel 6, a water outlet end of the water delivery channel 6 is connected to the inlet of the first water-containing member, the first water-containing member and the second water-containing member 312 communicate with each other, the second water-containing member 312 is connected with the atomization generator 5, the one-way check structure 7 is connected with the water delivery channel 6 and the first water-containing member respectively, and the one-way check structure 7 is arranged to be isolated from the atmosphere when the water supply valve is opened and to communicate with the atmosphere when the water supply valve is closed. Specifically, when the water supply valve is always open, it is very difficult for the atomization generator 5 to form atomized water droplets under the action of water pressure. Therefore, the water supply valve can be opened to accumulate water in the water delivery channel 6, the first water-containing member and the second water-containing member 312; then the water supply valve is closed. At this time, the water in the water delivery channel 6, the first water-containing member and the second water-containing member 312 can be sprayed onto the clothing in the form of atomized water droplets from the atomization generator 5 according to the principle of atmospheric communication, so as to ensure that the atomization generator 5 can perform atomized air washing of the clothing. If it is required to inject a large amount of water into the inner cylinder, the atomization generator 5 is closed at this time so as to keep the water supply valve always open and ensure that the first delivery pipeline 33 is in a communicated state, thereby achieving continuous water injection into the inner cylinder.

[0137] Preferably, the one-way check structure 7 is a one-way check valve. Of course, the one-way check structure 7 is not limited to the above-exemplified structures, and other combined structures of a one-way check valve and pipelines can also be used. For example, the one-way check valve is connected to the water delivery channel 6 through a first connection pipeline, and the one-way check valve is connected to the inlet of the first water-containing member through a second connection pipeline. Alternatively, a combined structure of a plug and pipelines may be used. Any structure can be adopted, as long as the one-way check structure 7 can be isolated from the atmosphere when the water supply valve is opened and can communicate with the atmosphere when the water supply valve is closed.

[0138] Preferably, the position where the one-way check valve is arranged is at a different height from the position where the outlet of the atomization generator 5 is arranged, so that when the one-way check valve communicates with the atmosphere, a certain liquid level difference is formed between the one-way check valve and the outlet of the atomization generator 5. Therefore, the water accumulated in water delivery channel 6 and the water tank 31 can be more easily sprayed onto the clothing in the form of atomized water droplets from the atomization generator 5.

[0139] Further, since the position where the water delivery channel 6 is arranged is generally higher than the position where the outer cylinder 1 is arranged in the drum washing machine, the position where the one-way check valve is arranged is set to be higher than the position where the outlet of the atomization generator 5 is arranged, thereby making full use of the original structure of the drum washing machine.

[0140] In order to discharge all the water in the second water-containing member 312, as shown in FIG. 6, the water tank 31 further includes a siphon member 313, which is connected to the sprinkling hole 42 through the third delivery pipeline 35. The siphon member 313 is configured to suck out all the water in the second water-containing member 312 by siphoning, which prevents water from remaining in the second water-containing member 312, thereby preventing the second water-containing member 312 from becoming moldy, deteriorating, and breeding bacteria, and improving the hygienic security of the drum washing machine.

[0141] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6, the water-containing assembly 3 further includes a cover 36 arranged above the water tank 31; the siphon member 313 includes a siphon cap 3131 and a siphon tube 3132, the siphon cap 3131 is arranged on the cover 36, the siphon tube 3132 is arranged in the second water-containing member 312, and the siphon tube 3132 communicates with the second outlet of the second water-containing member 312. When the cover 36 is closed with the water tank 31, the siphon cap 3131 can be sleeved over the siphon tube 3132. A siphon channel is formed between the siphon cap 3131 and the siphon tube 3132. When the second water-containing member 312 is completely filled with water or a siphon liquid level is reached, the water in the second water-containing member 312 can be sucked out through the siphon channel, and the sucked-out water flows to the sprinkling hole 42 through the third delivery pipeline 35, and is sprayed onto the viewing window through the sprinkling hole 42.

[0142] Preferably, a height of the siphon cap 3131 is slightly smaller than a height of the second water-containing member 312, so that there is a gap between a bottom of the siphon cap 3131 and a bottom of the second water-containing member 312, thus enabling the water in the second water-containing member 312 to be siphoned into the siphon channel through the gap.

[0143] Preferably, a height of the siphon tube 3132 is slightly smaller than the height of the second water-containing member 312, and when the siphon cap 3131 can be sleeved over the siphon tube 3132, there is a gap between a top of the siphon tube 3132 and a top of the siphon cap 3131, so that the water siphoned into the siphon channel can flow into the siphon tube 3132 through the gap, flow into the third delivery pipeline 35 through the outlet of the first water-containing member, and be delivered to the sprinkling hole 42 through the third delivery pipeline 35.

[0144] Of course, the structure of the siphon member 313 is not limited to the above-exemplified structure. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the structure of the siphon member 313 in practical applications, as long as the siphon member 313 enables all the water in the second water-containing member 312 to be sucked out by siphoning.

[0145] In order to improve the stability of the connection between the cabinet and the cover 36, as shown in FIG. 6, the water-containing assembly 3 further includes a positioning member 37. The cover 36 is placed on the top of the cabinet through the positioning member 37, thereby avoiding a lateral displacement of the cover 36 relative to the cabinet, enabling the cover 36 to be firmly fixed on the cabinet, and preventing the cover 36 from falling off the cabinet.

[0146] Preferably, the positioning member 37 includes a positioning post 371 provided in the first water-containing member and a positioning hole 372 provided on the cover 36. The positioning post 371 in the first water-containing member can match with the positioning hole 372 on the cover 36, so as to realize the positioning between the water tank 31 and the cover 36. Of course, the actual installation positions of the positioning post 371 and the positioning hole 372 are not limited to the positions listed above. The positioning post 371 may also be provided on the cover 36, and the positioning hole 372 may be provided in the first water-containing member, as long as the positioning post 371 can match with the positioning hole 372 to place the cover 36 on the top of the cabinet.

[0147] Of course, the structure of the positioning member 37 is also not limited to the above-exemplified structure. The structure of a positioning block and a positioning groove or the structure of a positioning claw may also be used. Any positioning structure can be adopted, as long as the cover 36 can be placed on the top of the cabinet.

[0148] Third Technical Solution

[0149] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. For example, although the present application is described in conjunction with a drum washing machine, the technical solution of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The water-containing assembly can obviously also be applied to other clothing treatment apparatuses such as a pulsator washing machine, a shoe washing machine, a washing-drying integrated machine, etc., and such changes do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present disclosure.

[0150] It should be noted that in the description of the present disclosure, terms indicating directional or positional relationships, such as “inside”, “bottom” and the like, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used for ease of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore they should not be considered as limitations to the present disclosure. In addition, the terms “first”, “second” and “third” are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0151] In addition, it should also be noted that in the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, terms “install”, “connect” and “connection” should be understood in a broad sense; for example, the connection may be a fixed connection, or may also be a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; it may be a direct connection, or an indirect connection implemented through an intermediate medium, or it may be an internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific situations.

[0152] Based on the problem in the prior art pointed out in the “BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION”, the water tank of the present disclosure is connected to the atomization generator through one of the delivery pipelines, and the water tank is connected to the sprinkling assembly through the rest of the delivery pipelines, so that not only the atomization generator can be supplied with water, but also the sprinkling assembly can be supplied with water. Therefore, the drum washing machine has two clothing washing modes, i.e., atomized air washing and sprinkling washing, so that users can flexibly select the corresponding washing method according to their own needs to meet various requirements of users and improve the user experience.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a partial structure of the drum washing machine of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the water-containing assembly of the present disclosure. The drum washing machine of the present disclosure includes a cabinet and a door, the door is pivotally connected with the cabinet, and a viewing window is provided on the door to facilitate the user to observe a washing condition of the clothing in an inner cylinder. As shown in FIG. 7, the drum washing machine also includes an outer cylinder 1, an inner cylinder, a window gasket 2, a water-containing assembly 3, a sprinkling assembly 4, and an atomization generator 5. The outer cylinder 1 is arranged in the cabinet, the inner cylinder is rotatably accommodated in the outer cylinder 1, the cabinet is provided with a clothing inlet, and the window gasket 2 is arranged between the clothing inlet and the outer cylinder 1; the water-containing assembly 3 is arranged in the cabinet, and the water-containing assembly 3 is configured to supply water to the sprinkling assembly 4 and the atomization generator 5; the sprinkling assembly 4 and the atomization generator 5 are arranged on the window gasket 2. The sprinkling assembly 4 is configured to perform sprinkling washing on the clothing, and the atomization generator 5 is configured to perform atomized washing on the clothing. Of course, the positions where the water-containing assembly 3, the sprinkling assembly 4, and the atomization generator 5 are actually installed are not limited to the above-exemplified installation positions. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the positions where the water-containing assembly 3, the sprinkling assembly 4, and the atomization generator 5 are actually installed in practical applications, as long as the water-containing assembly 3, the sprinkling assembly 4 and the atomization generator 5 cooperate to enable the drum washing machine to have two clothing washing modes: atomized air washing and sprinkling washing.

[0154] Preferably, the atomization generator 5 may be an ultrasonic atomization generator 5 or a compressed atomization generator 5. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the specific structure of the atomization generator 5 in practical applications, as long as the atomization generator 5 can convert the water in the water-containing assembly 3 into atomized water droplets so as to perform atomized air washing of the clothing.

[0155] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the water-containing assembly 3 includes a water tank 31, a first delivery pipeline 32, a second delivery pipeline 33, and a third delivery pipeline 34; an outlet of the water tank 31 is connected to the sprinkling assembly 4 through the first delivery pipeline 32 and the third delivery pipeline 34, so as to supply water to the sprinkling assembly 4, and an outlet of the water tank 31 is connected to the atomization generator 5 through the second delivery pipeline 33, so as to supply water to the atomization generator 5. Those skilled in the art can understand that the actual installation positions and number of the delivery pipelines are not limited to the above-exemplified installation positions and number, and those skilled in the art may flexibly set the actual installation positions and number of the delivery pipelines in practical applications, as long as the delivery pipelines can supply water to both the atomization generator 5 and the sprinkling assembly 4.

[0156] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8, the sprinkling assembly 4 includes a first sprinkling head 41 and a second sprinkling head 42, and both the first sprinkling head 41 and the second sprinkling head 42 are arranged on the window gasket 2. The first sprinkling head 41 is configured to spray water into the inner cylinder to perform sprinkling washing on the clothing; and the second sprinkling head 42 is configured to spray water on the viewing window to wash away the washing water splashed onto the viewing window, so that the user can clearly observe a washing condition of the clothing in the inner cylinder.

[0157] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8, the water tank 31 includes a first water-containing member 311 and a second water-containing member 312, the first water-containing member 311 and the second water-containing member 312 communicate with each other, and an outlet of the first water-containing member 311 is connected to the first sprinkling head 41 through the first delivery pipeline 32, so as to deliver the water in the first water-containing member 311 to the first sprinkling head 41; a first outlet of the second water-containing member 312 is connected to the atomization generator 5 through the second delivery pipeline 33 so as to deliver the water in the second water-containing member 312 to the atomization generator 5; and a second outlet of the second water-containing member 312 is connected to the second sprinkling head 42 through the third delivery pipeline 34 so as to deliver the water in the second water-containing member 312 to the second sprinkling head 42.

[0158] In order to make the atomization generator 5 smoothly generate atomized water droplets, as shown in FIG. 7 and with reference to FIG. 8, the drum washing machine further includes a water supply valve (not shown in the figure), a water delivery channel 6 and a one-way check structure 7 that are arranged in the cabinet; the water supply valve is connected to a water inlet end of the water delivery channel 6, a water outlet end of the water delivery channel 6 is connected to the inlet of the first water-containing member 311, the first water-containing member 311 and the second water-containing member 312 communicate with each other, the second water-containing member 312 is connected with the atomization generator 5, the one-way check structure 7 is connected with the water delivery channel 6 and the first water-containing member 311 respectively, and the one-way check structure 7 is arranged to be isolated from the atmosphere when the water supply valve is opened and to communicate with the atmosphere when the water supply valve is closed. Specifically, when the water supply valve is always open, it is very difficult for the atomization generator 5 to form atomized water droplets under the action of water pressure. Therefore, the water supply valve can be opened to accumulate water in the water delivery channel 6, the first water-containing member 311 and the second water-containing member 312; then the water supply valve is closed. At this time, the water in the water delivery channel 6, the first water-containing member 311 and the second water-containing member 312 can be sprayed onto the clothing in the form of atomized water droplets from the atomization generator 5 according to the principle of atmospheric communication, so as to ensure that the atomization generator 5 can perform atomized air washing of the clothing. If it is required to inject a large amount of water into the inner cylinder, the atomization generator 5 is closed at this time so as to keep the water supply valve always open and ensure that the first delivery pipeline 32 is in a communicated state, thereby achieving continuous water injection into the inner cylinder.

[0159] Preferably, the one-way check structure 7 is a one-way check valve. Of course, the one-way check structure 7 is not limited to the above-exemplified structures, and other combined structures of a one-way check valve and pipelines can also be used. For example, the one-way check valve is connected to the water delivery channel 6 through a first connection pipeline, and the one-way check valve is connected to the inlet of the first water-containing member 311 through a second connection pipeline. Alternatively, a combined structure of a plug and pipelines may be used. Any structure can be adopted, as long as the one-way check structure 7 can be isolated from the atmosphere when the water supply valve is opened and can communicate with the atmosphere when the water supply valve is closed.

[0160] Preferably, the position where the one-way check valve is arranged is at a different height from the position where the outlet of the atomization generator 5 is arranged, so that when the one-way check valve communicates with the atmosphere, a certain liquid level difference is formed between the one-way check valve and the outlet of the atomization generator 5. Therefore, the water accumulated in water delivery channel 6 and the water tank 31 can be more easily sprayed onto the clothing in the form of atomized water droplets from the atomization generator 5.

[0161] Further, since the position where the water delivery channel 6 is arranged is generally higher than the position where the outer cylinder 1 is arranged in the drum washing machine, the position where the one-way check valve is arranged is set to be higher than the position where the outlet of the atomization generator 5 is arranged, thereby making full use of the original structure of the drum washing machine.

[0162] In order that the second water-containing member 312 is completely filled with water first when water is injected, as shown in FIG. 8, a water diverting and blocking rib 3111 is provided in the first water-containing member 311, and the water diverting and blocking rib 3111 divides an internal space of the first water-containing member 311 into a first chamber and a second chamber; an inlet of the first water-containing member 311 is arranged in the first chamber, and the outlet of the first water-containing member 311 is arranged in the second chamber. When the water begins to be injected into the water tank 31, the water diverting and blocking rib 3111 enables all the water flowing through the first chamber to flow into the second water-containing member 312, and the water flowing into the second water-containing member 312 is sprayed from the atomization generator 5, and is converted into small particles of atomized water droplets under the atomization action of the atomization generator 5. The atomized water droplets can first moisten the clothing so that stains on the surface of clothing are removed first to prevent the stains on the surface of the clothing from entering the lining of the clothing. When the second water-containing member 312 is completely filled with water, the water flowing through the first chamber overflows the water diverting and blocking rib 3111, flows into the second chamber, and flows to the first sprinkling head 41 through the first delivery pipeline 32. The first sprinkling head 41 sprays water into the inner cylinder, so that less time, water amount, washing liquid and mechanical action can be used to wash the clothing clean in the subsequent washing process, thereby improving the washing effect on the clothing and making the drum washing machine more energy-saving.

[0163] Preferably, the water diverting and blocking rib 3111 is arranged in a direction from the inlet of the first water-containing member 311 to the inlet of the second water-containing member 312.

[0164] Preferably, a height of a bottom of the first water-containing member 311 is larger than a height of a bottom of the second water-containing member 312, so that a large amount of water can be injected into the second water-containing member 312, which can provide enough water for the atomization generator 5 to meet the requirement of atomized washing of the clothing.

[0165] Preferably, a height of a bottom of the first chamber is the same as a height of a bottom of the second chamber, and only when the liquid level in the second water-containing member 312 reaches the bottom of the first chamber or the bottom of the second chamber will the water in the first chamber be able to overflow the water diverting and blocking rib 3111 and flow into the second chamber, so that a sufficient amount of water can be injected into the second water-containing member 312.

[0166] In order to discharge all the water in the second water-containing member 312, as shown in FIG. 8, the water tank 31 further includes a siphon member 313, which is connected to the second sprinkling head 42 through the third delivery pipeline 34. The siphon member 313 is configured to suck out all the water in the second water-containing member 312 by siphoning, which prevents water from remaining in the second water-containing member 312, thereby preventing the second water-containing member 312 from becoming moldy, deteriorating, and breeding bacteria, and improving the hygienic security of the drum washing machine.

[0167] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8, the water-containing assembly 3 further includes a cover 35 arranged above the water tank 31; the siphon member 313 includes a siphon cap 3131 and a siphon tube 3132, the siphon cap 3131 is arranged on the cover 35, the siphon tube 3132 is arranged in the second water-containing member 312, and the siphon tube 3132 communicates with the second outlet of the second water-containing member 312. When the cover 35 is closed with the water tank 31, the siphon cap 3131 can be sleeved over the siphon tube 3132. A siphon channel is formed between the siphon cap 3131 and the siphon tube 3132. When the second water-containing member 312 is completely filled with water or a siphon liquid level is reached, the water in the second water-containing member 312 can be sucked out through the siphon channel, and the sucked-out water flows to the second sprinkling head 42 through the third delivery pipeline 34, and is sprayed onto the viewing window through the second sprinkling head 42.

[0168] Preferably, a height of the siphon cap 3131 is slightly smaller than a height of the second water-containing member 312, so that there is a gap between a bottom of the siphon cap 3131 and a bottom of the second water-containing member 312, thus enabling the water in the second water-containing member 312 to be siphoned into the siphon channel through the gap.

[0169] Preferably, a height of the siphon tube 3132 is slightly smaller than the height of the second water-containing member 312, and when the siphon cap 3131 can be sleeved over the siphon tube 3132, there is a gap between a top of the siphon tube 3132 and a top of the siphon cap 3131, so that the water siphoned into the siphon channel can flow into the siphon tube 3132 through the gap, flow into the third delivery pipeline 34 through the outlet of the first water-containing member 311, and be delivered to the second sprinkling head 42 through the third delivery pipeline 34.

[0170] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8, a positioning post 3112 is provided in the first water-containing member 311, and a positioning hole 351 is provided on the cover 35. When the cover 35 is connected to the water tank 31, the positioning post 3112 passes through the positioning hole 351 to position the cover 35, thereby preventing the cover 35 from falling off the water tank 31.

[0171] Of course, the structure of the siphon member 313 is not limited to the above-exemplified structure. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the structure of the siphon member 313 in practical applications, as long as the siphon member 313 can suck out all the water in the second water-containing member 312 by siphoning.

[0172] Fourth Technical Solution

[0173] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. For example, although the present application is described in conjunction with a drum washing machine, the technical solution of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The water-containing assembly can obviously also be applied to other clothing treatment apparatuses such as a pulsator washing machine, a shoe washing machine, a washing-drying integrated machine, etc., and such changes do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present disclosure.

[0174] It should be noted that in the description of the present disclosure, terms indicating directional or positional relationships, such as “inside”, “bottom” and the like, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used for ease of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore they should not be considered as limitations to the present disclosure. In addition, the terms “first”, “second” and “third” are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0175] In addition, it should also be noted that in the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, terms “install”, “connect” and “connection” should be understood in a broad sense; for example, the connection may be a fixed connection, or may also be a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; it may be a direct connection, or an indirect connection implemented through an intermediate medium, or it may be an internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific situations.

[0176] Based on the problem in the prior art pointed out in the “BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION”, the siphon member of the present disclosure is connected to the sprinkling assembly through the first delivery pipeline. When the water tank is completely filled with water or a siphon liquid level is reached, the siphon member can suck out all the water in the water tank by siphoning, so that all the water in the water tank is emptied, which prevents water from remaining in the water tank, thereby preventing the water tank from becoming moldy, deteriorating, and breeding bacteria, and improving the hygienic security of the drum washing machine.

[0177] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a partial structure of the drum washing machine of the present disclosure, and FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the water-containing assembly of the present disclosure. The drum washing machine of the present disclosure includes a housing and a door, the door is pivotally connected with the housing, and a viewing window is provided on the door to facilitate the user to observe a washing condition of the clothing in an inner cylinder. As shown in FIG. 9, the drum washing machine also includes an outer cylinder 1, an inner cylinder, a window gasket 2, a water-containing assembly 3, a sprinkling assembly 4, and an atomization generator 5. The outer cylinder 1 is arranged in the housing, the inner cylinder is rotatably accommodated in the outer cylinder 1, the housing is provided with a clothing inlet, and the window gasket 2 is arranged between the clothing inlet and the outer cylinder 1; the water-containing assembly 3 is arranged in the housing, and the water-containing assembly 3 is configured to supply water to the sprinkling assembly 4 and the atomization generator 5; the sprinkling assembly 4 and the atomization generator 5 are arranged on the window gasket 2. The sprinkling assembly 4 is configured to perform sprinkling washing on the clothing, and the atomization generator 5 is configured to perform atomized washing on the clothing. Of course, the positions where the water-containing assembly 3, the sprinkling assembly 4, and the atomization generator 5 are actually installed are not limited to the above-exemplified installation positions. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the positions where the water-containing assembly 3, the sprinkling assembly 4, and the atomization generator 5 are actually installed in practical applications, as long as the water-containing assembly 3, the sprinkling assembly 4 and the atomization generator 5 cooperate to enable the drum washing machine to have two clothing washing modes: atomized air washing and sprinkling washing.

[0178] Preferably, the atomization generator 5 may be an ultrasonic atomization generator 5 or a compressed atomization generator 5. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the specific structure of the atomization generator 5 in practical applications, as long as the atomization generator 5 can convert the water in the water-containing assembly 3 into atomized water droplets so as to perform atomized air washing of the clothing.

[0179] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the water-containing assembly 3 includes a water tank 31 and a siphon member 32. The siphon member 32 is arranged in the water tank 31, the siphon member 32 is connected to the sprinkling assembly 4 through a first delivery pipeline 33, and the siphon member 32 is configured to suck out the water in the water tank 31 by siphoning, which prevents water from remaining in the water tank 31, thereby preventing the water tank 31 from becoming moldy, deteriorating, and breeding bacteria, and improving the hygienic security of the drum washing machine.

[0180] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 10, the water tank 31 includes a cabinet 311 and a cover 312, and the cover 312 can be covered on the cabinet 311, so that the interior of the cabinet 311 forms a relatively closed environment to facilitate the water in the water tank 31 to be sprayed from the atomization generator.

[0181] In order to improve the stability of the connection between the cabinet 311 and the cover 312, as shown in FIG. 10, the water tank 31 further includes a positioning member 34. The cover 312 is placed on the top of the cabinet 311 through the positioning member 34, thereby avoiding a lateral displacement of the cover 312 relative to the cabinet 311, enabling the cover 312 to be firmly fixed on the cabinet 311, and preventing the cover 312 from falling off the cabinet 311.

[0182] Preferably, the positioning member 34 includes a positioning post 341 provided in the cabinet 311 and a positioning hole 342 provided on the cover 312. The positioning post 341 in the cabinet 311 can match with the positioning hole 342 on the cover 312, so as to realize the positioning between the cabinet 311 and the cover 312. Of course, the actual installation positions of the positioning post 341 and the positioning hole 342 are not limited to the positions listed above. The positioning post 341 may also be provided on the cover 312, and the positioning hole 342 may be provided in the cabinet 311, as long as the positioning post 341 can match with the positioning hole 342 to place the cover 312 on the top of the cabinet 311.

[0183] Of course, the structure of the positioning member 34 is also not limited to the above-exemplified structure. The structure of a positioning block and a positioning groove or the structure of a positioning claw may also be used. Any positioning structure can be adopted, as long as the cover 312 can be placed on the top of the cabinet 311.

[0184] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 10, the sprinkling assembly 4 includes a first sprinkling head 41 and a second sprinkling head 42, and both the first sprinkling head 41 and the second sprinkling head 42 are arranged on the window gasket. A second outlet of the cabinet 311 is connected to the first sprinkling head 41 through a second delivery pipeline 35, and the first sprinkling head 41 is configured to spray water into the inner cylinder so as to perform sprinkling washing on the clothing. A first outlet of the cabinet 311 is connected to the second sprinkling head 42 through the first delivery pipeline 33. The second sprinkling head 42 is configured to spray water on the viewing window to wash away the washing water splashed onto the viewing window, so that the user can clearly observe a washing condition of the clothing in the inner cylinder.

[0185] Preferably, a height of the second outlet of the cabinet 311 is larger than a height of the first outlet of the cabinet 311, so that the water in the cabinet 311 is preferably discharged through the first outlet, that is, the water in the cabinet 311 is sprayed onto the viewing window preferably through the second sprinkling head 42.

[0186] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 10, the siphon member 32 includes a siphon cap 321 and a siphon tube 322, the siphon cap 321 is arranged on the cover 312, the siphon tube 322 is arranged in the cabinet 311, and the siphon tube 322 communicates with the first delivery pipeline 33 through the first outlet of the cabinet 311. When the cover 312 is closed with the cabinet 311, the siphon cap 321 can be sleeved over the siphon tube 322. A siphon channel is formed between the siphon cap 321 and the siphon tube 322. When the cabinet 311 is completely filled with water or a siphon liquid level is reached, the water in the cabinet 311 can be sucked out through the siphon channel, and the sucked-out water flows to the second sprinkling head 42 through the first delivery pipeline 33, and is sprayed onto the viewing window through the second sprinkling head 42.

[0187] Preferably, a height of the siphon cap 321 is slightly smaller than a height of the cabinet 311, so that there is a gap between a bottom of the siphon cap 321 and a bottom of the cabinet 311, thus enabling the water in the cabinet 311 to be siphoned into the siphon channel through the gap.

[0188] Preferably, a height of the siphon tube 322 is slightly smaller than the height of the cabinet 311, and when the siphon cap 321 can be sleeved over the siphon tube 322, there is a gap between a top of the siphon tube 322 and a top of the siphon cap 321, so that the water siphoned into the siphon channel can flow into the siphon tube 322 through the gap, flow into the first delivery pipeline 33 through the first outlet of the cabinet 311, and be delivered to the sprinkling assembly 4 through the first delivery pipeline 33.

[0189] Of course, the structure of the siphon member 32 is not limited to the above-exemplified structure. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the structure of the siphon member 32 in practical applications, as long as the siphon member 32 can suck out all the water in the water tank 31 by siphoning.

[0190] In order to make the atomization generator 5 smoothly generate atomized water droplets, as shown in FIG. 9 and with reference to FIG. 10, the drum washing machine further includes a water supply valve (not shown in the figure), a water delivery channel 6 and a one-way check structure 7 that are arranged in the housing; the water supply valve is connected to a water inlet end of the water delivery channel 6, a water outlet end of the water delivery channel 6 is connected to the inlet of the cabinet 311, a third outlet of the cabinet 311 is connected with the atomization generator 5 through a third delivery pipeline 36, the one-way check structure 7 is connected with the water delivery channel 6 and the water tank 31 respectively, and the one-way check structure 7 is arranged to be isolated from the atmosphere when the water supply valve is opened and to communicate with the atmosphere when the water supply valve is closed. Specifically, when the water supply valve is always open, it is very difficult for the atomization generator 5 to form atomized water droplets under the action of water pressure. Therefore, the water supply valve can be opened to accumulate water in the water delivery channel 6 and the water tank 31; then the water supply valve is closed. At this time, the water in the water delivery channel 6 and the water tank 31 can be sprayed onto the clothing in the form of atomized water droplets from the atomization generator 5 according to the principle of atmospheric communication, so as to ensure that the atomization generator 5 can perform atomized air washing of the clothing. If it is required to inject a large amount of water into the inner cylinder, the atomization generator 5 is closed at this time so as to keep the water supply valve always open and ensure that the second delivery pipeline 35 is in a communicated state, thereby achieving continuous water injection into the inner cylinder.

[0191] Preferably, the one-way check structure 7 is a one-way check valve. Of course, the one-way check structure 7 is not limited to the above-exemplified structures, and other combined structures of a one-way check valve and pipelines can also be used. For example, the one-way check valve is connected to the water delivery channel 6 through a first connection pipeline, and the one-way check valve is connected to the inlet of the water tank 31 through a second connection pipeline. Alternatively, a combined structure of a plug and pipelines may be used. Any structure can be adopted, as long as the one-way check structure 7 can be isolated from the atmosphere when the water supply valve is opened and can communicate with the atmosphere when the water supply valve is closed.

[0192] Preferably, the position where the one-way check valve is arranged is at a different height from the position where the outlet of the atomization generator 5 is arranged, so that when the one-way check valve communicates with the atmosphere, a certain liquid level difference is formed between the one-way check valve and the outlet of the atomization generator 5. Therefore, the water accumulated in water delivery channel 6 and the water tank 31 can be more easily sprayed onto the clothing in the form of atomized water droplets from the atomization generator 5.

[0193] Further, since the position where the water delivery channel 6 is arranged is generally higher than the position where the outer cylinder 1 is arranged in the drum washing machine, the position where the one-way check valve is arranged is set to be higher than the position where the outlet of the atomization generator 5 is arranged, thereby making full use of the original structure of the drum washing machine.

[0194] Fifth Technical Solution

[0195] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0196] It should be noted that in the description of the present disclosure, terms indicating directional or positional relationships, such as “in”, “above”, “below”, “inside”, “outside” and the like, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used for ease of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore they should not be considered as limitations to the present disclosure. In addition, terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth” are only used for descriptive purposes, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0197] In addition, it should also be noted that in the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, terms “arrange”, “install”, “connect” and “connection” should be understood in a broad sense; for example, the connection may be a fixed connection, or may also be a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; it may be a direct connection, or an indirect connection implemented through an intermediate medium, or it may be an internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific situations.

[0198] Based on the problems pointed out in the “BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION” that existing clothing treatment apparatuses with a washing function have a poor washing effect and very limited applicable range of clothing, the present disclosure provides a clothing treatment apparatus, aiming at improving the washing effect of the clothing treatment apparatuses with the washing function on the clothing, increasing the applicable range of the clothing, meeting user's requirements on use, and thereby improving the user experience.

[0199] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the clothing treatment apparatus of the present disclosure includes a clothing treatment drum, a water supply valve 1, a dispensing device 2, a water-containing member, an atomization generator 3, and a one-way check structure. The dispensing device 2 includes a water delivery channel 21, the water supply valve 1 is connected to a water inlet end of the water-containing member through the water delivery channel 21, a water outlet end of the water-containing member is connected to the atomization generator 3 through a first pipeline 9, and the water outlet end of the water-containing member is also connected to the clothing treatment drum through a second pipeline 10. An outlet of the atomization generator 3 is arranged facing an inner cavity of the clothing treatment drum. The one-way check structure is connected with the water delivery channel 21 and the water-containing member respectively, and the one-way check structure is arranged to be isolated from the atmosphere when the water supply valve 1 is opened and to communicate with the atmosphere when the water supply valve 1 is closed. The water-containing member may be a water tank, or a water box, or a sink on the clothing treatment apparatus. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the specific structure of the water-containing member in practical applications, as long as the water-containing member can store and accommodate water. The atomization generator 3 may be an ultrasonic atomization generator or a compressed atomization generator. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the specific structure of the atomization generator 3 in practical applications, as long as the atomization generator 3 can convert the water in the water delivery channel 21 and the water-containing member into atomized water droplets when the one-way check structure communicates with the atmosphere so as to perform atomized air washing of the clothing. In addition, a combined structure of a one-way check valve 8 and pipelines may be used as the one-way check structure, in which the one-way check valve 8 may be the one-way check valve 8 in the patent No. 201721853840.8. The principle of the one-way check valve 8 belongs to the prior art, so it will not be described in detail herein. Of course, in the present disclosure, other combined structures of a one-way check structure and pipelines may also be used. For example, the one-way check structure includes a cylinder, a movable block arranged in the cylinder, and a spring connected between the cylinder and the movable block. The movable block divides an internal cavity of the cylinder into two parts. A top part of the cylinder is provided with an air inlet, a bottom part of the cylinder is provided with a water inlet, and a middle part of the cylinder is provided with an outlet. The spring allows the movable block to move between a top limit position, a middle position and a bottom limit position. When the spring is in a natural state, it enables the movable block to be maintained at the bottom limit position. At this time, the air inlet communicates with the outlet, and the water inlet is isolated from the outlet by the movable block, so as to realize the communication between the one-way check structure and the atmosphere. When water inflows from the water inlet, the water pressure moves the movable block to the top limit position against the force of the spring, so that the water inlet communicates with the outlet, and that the air inlet is isolated from the outlet by the movable block. Therefore, the one-way check structure allows water to pass through and is isolated from the atmosphere. It should be noted that the above-mentioned top part and bottom part are defined relative to the cylinder, and they do not constitute restrictions to the specific direction of arranging the one-way check structure. Alternatively, the one-way check structure may also be a combined structure of a plug and pipelines. Specifically, the water delivery channel 21 and the water-containing member are connected by a connection pipe, an opening is provided at the highest point of the connection pipe, and a plug is provided at the opening. When water inflows from the water supply valve 1, the opening is closed by the plug, and when the water supply valve 1 is closed, the plug is removed and the opening communicates with the atmosphere, so that the water in the water delivery channel 21 and the water-containing member is sprayed from the outlet of the atomization generator 3. Those skilled in the art may flexibly set the specific structure of the one-way check structure in practical applications, as long as the one-way check structure can be isolated from the atmosphere when the water supply valve 1 is opened and can communicate with the atmosphere when the water supply valve 1 is closed. In the present disclosure, the first pipeline 9 and the second pipeline 10 may be connected to the water delivery channel 21 through the same water outlet end of the water delivery channel 21, or they may also be connected to the water delivery channel 21 through different water outlet ends of the water delivery channel 21 respectively. Such changes to the structure do not deviate from the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and should be defined within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0200] It should be noted that by using the one-way check structure, the present disclosure enables the atomization generator 3 to smoothly generate atomized water droplets. This is because when the water supply valve 1 is always open, it is very difficult for the atomization generator 3 to form atomized water droplets under the action of water pressure. Therefore, the water supply valve 1 can be opened to accumulate water in the water delivery channel 21 and the water-containing member, and then the water supply valve 1 can be closed. At this time, the water in the water delivery channel 21 and the water-containing member can be sprayed onto the clothing in the form of atomized water droplets from the atomization generator 3 according to the principle of atmospheric communication, so as to ensure that the atomization generator 3 can perform atomized air washing of the clothing. If it is required to inject a large amount of water into the clothing treatment drum, the atomization generator 3 is closed at this time so as to keep the water supply valve 1 always open and ensure that the second pipeline 10 is in a communicated state, thereby achieving continuous water injection into the clothing treatment drum. The second pipeline 10 can be directly connected to a water injection port or sprinkling structure on the clothing treatment drum.

[0201] In addition, it should also be noted that the clothing treatment apparatus of the present disclosure may be a drum washing machine, a pulsator washing machine, a washing-drying integrated machine, a clothing care machine, etc., and those skilled in the art may flexibly set the application objects of the technical solutions of the present disclosure. Such adjustments and changes to the application objects do not deviate from the principle of the present disclosure, and should be defined within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. The technical solutions of the present disclosure will be further explained below in conjunction with a drum washing machine.

[0202] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the drum washing machine of the present disclosure includes a cabinet, a drum 4 arranged in the cabinet, and a window gasket 5 connected between an outer cylinder of the drum 4 and the cabinet. The atomization generator 3 is preferably arranged on the window gasket 5, and an outlet of the atomization generator 3 is obliquely arranged facing an inner cavity of the drum 4 (of course, other directions of arrangement are also possible). Alternatively, the atomization generator 3 may also be provided on the outer cylinder of the drum 4, as long as it can spray atomized water droplets onto the clothing in an inner cylinder of the drum 4 to perform atomized air washing. A sprinkling head 7 is provided on the drum 4 or on the window gasket 5, and an outlet of the sprinkling head 7 is also arranged facing the inner cavity of the drum 4. The sprinkling head 7 is mainly configured to sprinkle water into the drum 4. A control valve may be selectively installed on the second pipeline 10, and the control valve can control on and off of the second pipeline 10. In addition, the drum washing machine also includes a dispensing device 2 arranged on the cabinet. The dispensing device 2 includes a clothing treatment agent dispensing cavity and a water box arranged on a top of the clothing treatment agent dispensing cavity. The water delivery channel 21 is formed in the water box. A water inlet end of the water delivery channel 21 is connected to the water supply valve 1 arranged outside of the dispensing device 2, and a water outlet end of the water delivery channel 21 is connected to a water tank 6 through a pipeline. The water tank 6 is connected to the atomization generator 3 through the first pipeline 9, and is also connected to the drum 4 through the second pipeline 10. The water tank 6 has a function of accumulating water. The one-way check valve 8 is arranged outside of the water delivery channel 21 and the water tank 6, is connected to the water delivery channel 21 through a third pipeline 11, and is also connected to the water tank 6 through a fourth pipeline 12 (this part of the structure is not shown in FIG. 12).

[0203] Preferably, the position where the one-way check valve 8 is arranged is at a different height from the position where the outlet of the atomization generator 3 is arranged, that is, when the one-way check valve 8 communicates with the atmosphere, a certain liquid level difference can be formed between the one-way check valve 8 and the outlet of the atomization generator 3, so that the water accumulated in the water delivery channel 21 and the water tank 6 can be sprayed onto the clothing more easily in the form of atomized water droplets through the atomization generator 3. Since the position where the dispensing device 2 is arranged is generally higher than the position where the drum 4 is arranged in the drum washing machine, it is more preferable to set the position where the one-way check valve 8 is arranged to be higher than the position where the outlet of the atomization generator 3 is arranged, thereby making full use of the original structure of the drum washing machine.

[0204] Hitherto, the technical solutions of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but it is easily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present disclosure is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or replacements to relevant technical features, and all the technical solutions after these changes or replacements will fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.