CN114808383A - Water seal structure for washing equipment and washing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a water seal structure for washing equipment and the washing equipment. The water seal structure comprises a water tank, and is provided with: an air inlet positioned near the bottom of the water tank and configured to be connectable to a fan of a washing device through an air inlet pipe; an air outlet positioned at an upper portion of the water tank and configured to be in air communication with a washing tub of a washing apparatus through an air outlet duct, and positioned lower than the blower in a vertical direction in an assembled state; a water inlet configured to be connectable to a water source of the washing apparatus through a water inlet pipe so that water is introduced into the water tank through the water inlet to submerge the air inlet to form a water-sealed state; and a siphon interface configured to be connectable to a drain pump of the washing apparatus through a siphon so as to drain water inside the water tank by the drain pump to expose the air inlet to form a ventilation state, wherein the siphon interface is positioned higher than the air outlet or the siphon extends higher than the air outlet in a vertical direction. The water seal structure is reliable and stable, and the manufacturing cost is low.

Description

Water seal structure for washing equipment and washing equipment

Technical Field

The invention relates to washing equipment, in particular to a water seal structure for the washing equipment and the washing equipment.

Background

In the use process of the existing washing equipment, most users can take the clothes in the washing machine away in time after the washing is finished and dry the clothes, but in some cases the users may forget or cannot take the washed clothes away in time, so that the clothes which are not completely dried are placed in the closed chamber for a long time and are easy to generate peculiar smell or even go moldy. In addition, the user closes the door before the inside of the washing machine is completely dried after taking the laundry. Under the combined action of factors such as moisture, detergent residue, stain residue and the like, peculiar smell is easily generated inside the washing machine, bacteria are bred, the washing quality is affected, and even the health of a user is damaged, so a ventilation system is generally arranged in the washing equipment. The ventilation system ventilates the washing drum through the fan, so an air channel is arranged between the washing drum and the fan. During the washing process, if a large amount of detergent is used or the clothes are not dirty, excessive foam is generated, and the foam is filled in the washing drum to increase the pressure in the washing drum; in addition, when the washing equipment selects a high-temperature program, the pressure in the washing drum can also be increased along with the increase of the temperature. In the subsequent washing process, due to the rotation of the washing cylinder, more and more foams are generated, and the insufficient space in the washing cylinder can cause fluid (mainly foam, steam and water containing detergent and dirt) to overflow into the fan along an air duct communicating the washing cylinder and the fan, so that the fan is damaged. Other electrical components can also be damaged if foam spills into the interior of the cabinet. This not only shortens the service life of the washing apparatus, but also brings great inconvenience to the user.

In order to prevent the foam and the steam from entering into the ventilation channel of the washing equipment and damaging the fan or other components, the chinese patent application publication CN101328661A discloses a drum washing machine. The drum washing machine is provided with a sealing disc in an air duct communicating a fan and a washing drum. The sealing disc is driven by a driving device to rotate in the air duct so as to switch between a closed position for closing the air duct and an open position for opening the air duct. The driving device comprises a gear rack transmission device, and an electromagnetic valve is connected to a rack. When the washing machine washes, the control system controls the gear rack transmission device through the electromagnetic valve to drive the sealing disc to rotate to a closed position so as to seal the air duct, and water vapor and foam generated during washing are prevented from overflowing from the washing drum to the fan and other components along the air duct. When the washing work of the washing machine is finished, the control system controls the gear rack transmission device through the electromagnetic valve to drive the sealing disc to rotate to the opening position so as to open the air channel, and therefore air can enter from the air inlet to be dehumidified. This technical scheme needs additional moving parts such as drive arrangement and solenoid valve. These moving parts have the possibility of failure, which in turn affects the reliability of the overall operation and increases maintenance costs.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new solution to the above problems.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to solve the problems that the sealing device of the ventilation air duct of the washing equipment in the prior art is high in cost and needs to be improved in stability and reliability, the invention provides a water sealing structure for the washing equipment, which comprises a water tank, wherein the water tank is provided with: an air inlet positioned proximate a bottom of the water tank and configured to be connectable to a fan of the washing appliance through an air inlet duct; an air outlet positioned at an upper portion of the water tank and configured to be in air communication with a washing drum of the washing apparatus through an air outlet duct, and positioned lower than the blower in a vertical direction in an assembled state; a water inlet configured to be connectable to a water source of the washing apparatus through a water inlet pipe so that water is introduced into the water tank through the water inlet to submerge the air inlet to form a water-sealed state; and a siphon interface configured to be connectable to a drain pump of the washing apparatus through a siphon so as to discharge water within the water tank by the drain pump to expose the air inlet to form a ventilation state, wherein the siphon interface is positioned higher than the air outlet or the siphon extends higher than the air outlet in the vertical direction.

As can be understood by those skilled in the art, in the technical solution of the water seal structure of the present invention, the water seal structure mainly includes a water tank, and an air inlet, an air outlet, a water inlet, and a siphon interface are disposed on the water tank. The air inlet can be connected to a fan of the washing equipment through an air inlet pipe, and the air outlet can be connected to a washing cylinder of the washing equipment through an air outlet pipe. Under the equipment state of water seal structure equipment to the washing equipment in, the air outlet is located in vertical direction and is less than the fan to avoid the water in the water tank to flow into the fan. The water inlet can be connected to a water source of the washing equipment through the water inlet pipe, so that water is injected into the water tank through the water inlet to submerge the air inlet when needed. The siphon pipe interface is connected to a drain pump of the washing apparatus through a siphon pipe to drain water in the water tank when needed. In the vertical direction, the siphon pipe interface is positioned higher than the air outlet or the siphon pipe extends higher than the air outlet, so that the water in the water tank can not flow to the drainage pump along the siphon pipe in the water seal state. Through the water tank configured above, the water seal structure of the invention can realize the water seal state and the ventilation state only by the existing drainage pump and water source of the washing equipment, and does not need any additional moving part, thereby generating no moving part fault. Therefore, the water seal structure of the invention not only has low manufacturing cost, but also has reliable and stable performance.

When the water injected into the water tank submerges the air inlet, air communication cannot be formed between the air inlet and the air outlet, and the state can be called as a water sealing state. When the washing equipment carries out washing operation, the washing equipment can fill water into the water tank through the water inlet of the water tank to submerge the air inlet, so that the water seal structure is in a water seal state, an air channel between a fan and a washing drum of the washing equipment is cut off, and steam and foam in the washing drum are prevented from overflowing to the fan and other electric parts in a box body of the washing equipment along the air channel. Therefore, the fan and other electric parts of the washing equipment can be protected from being damaged by the water seal structure. When the water in the water tank is discharged through the siphon tube by the drainage pump of the washing equipment, air communication is formed between the air inlet and the air outlet, and the state is called as a 'ventilation state'. When the washing device conducts ventilation operation on the washing drum, the water seal structure is in a ventilation state. Under the ventilation state, the fan of the washing equipment can blow air into the water tank from the air inlet, and the air flow in the water tank flows into the washing drum from the air outlet through the air outlet pipe, so that the ventilation purpose of the washing drum is realized.

Since the air inlet is positioned close to the bottom of the water tank and the air outlet is positioned at the upper part of the water tank, the position of the air outlet is higher than that of the air inlet in the vertical direction. Therefore, the water level in the water tank can be ensured to submerge the air inlet and not exceed the air outlet, and redundant water can be directly drained from the air outlet. Through the mode that water is filled into the water tank to submerge the air inlet and redundant water can be discharged from the air outlet, the air channel between the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe can be sealed and closed, and the stability and the reliability of the water seal structure can be ensured. When the washing program of the washing equipment is finished, the washing equipment can empty the water in the water tank through a siphon pipe connected with the drainage pump, so that the air communication between the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe is realized, and further the air communication is formed between the fan and the washing cylinder. This means that the connection and disconnection of the air duct of the ventilation system of the washing apparatus can be controlled by the water seal structure of the invention. The water seal structure of the invention is basically composed of the water tank and the corresponding connecting pipe, so the water seal structure not only does not comprise a moving part, but also has low manufacturing cost. The water seal structure of the invention replaces a high-price electric valve in the prior art to prevent the phenomenon of foam and steam overflow when washing equipment washes, thereby saving the cost of the washing equipment and improving the stability and reliability of the washing equipment.

In the above preferred technical solution of the water seal structure for a washing apparatus, the water inlet is configured to be connectable to a shower pipe of the washing apparatus through the water inlet pipe. The spray pipe is a pipe for continuously spraying washing water to a window of the washing equipment to wash detergent or washing powder on the observation window glass when the washing equipment performs a washing program. Thus, a water source connected to the water inlet is provided through the shower. The water inlet is connected with the spray pipe, so that water can be continuously injected into the water tank in the washing process. Therefore, a water inlet switch valve does not need to be arranged for the water tank independently, the water inlet switch valve and the spraying pipe share one water inlet switch valve, and partial pipelines of the spraying pipe are shared, so that the manufacturing cost of the water seal structure is further saved, the system structure is simplified, the assembly efficiency is improved, and the maintenance cost is also reduced.

In the above preferred solution of the water seal structure for a washing apparatus, the water inlet is configured to be connectable to a main water inlet of the washing apparatus through the water inlet pipe. The main water inlet is connected to an external water source to supply washing water to various parts of the washing apparatus requiring water. Thus, a water source connected to the water inlet may be provided directly through the main water inlet. The water inlet is configured to be communicated with the main water inlet independently, so that the pipeline arrangement of the water seal structure can be more flexible, and the normal work of the water seal structure can be still maintained when the spraying device breaks down, and the failure rate of the water seal structure is reduced.

In the above preferred solution of the water seal structure for a washing apparatus, the siphon pipe interface is configured to allow the siphon pipe to extend therethrough into the tank to a position near the bottom of the tank; or the siphon pipe interface is provided with a siphon pipe which extends to a position close to the bottom of the water tank in the water tank, and the siphon pipe can be in butt joint with the siphon pipe interface through the siphon pipe interface. The direct insertion of the siphon tube into the tank simplifies the connection with the siphon tube interface, further saving manufacturing costs. The fact that the siphon pipe is in abutment with the siphon nipple via the siphon pipe interface then helps to secure the siphon pipe.

In the above preferred technical solution of the water seal structure for the washing device, the siphon tube is formed in an inverted U shape. In the ventilating state, water in the water tank can flow upwards along the inverted U-shaped siphon pipe, then flows in the horizontal direction, then flows downwards, and finally is discharged out of the washing equipment through the drain pump, so that the water in the water tank can be quickly pumped to the extent that at least the air inlet is completely exposed. When the washing equipment performs washing, the inverted U-shaped siphon structure can prevent water from flowing from the siphon to the drainage pump.

The present invention also provides a washing apparatus comprising a washing tub, a blower, a drain pump, and a water seal structure according to the above, wherein the blower is connected to an air inlet of the water tank through the air inlet pipe, and the blower is positioned higher than an air outlet of the water tank in a vertical direction; the washing drum is in air communication with the air outlet of the water tank through the air outlet pipe; the drain pump being in fluid communication with the tank through the siphon tube; and the washing apparatus is configured to fill the water tank with water through the water inlet. The fan is used for enhancing the ventilation function of the washing equipment and blowing wind to the inside of the washing drum needing ventilation and dehumidification. The drain pump is used to drain the washing water in the washing drum and the water in the water tank for sealing. The water seal structure arranged on the air duct between the fan and the washing drum can stably and reliably realize the communication and the interruption of the air duct in the washing equipment and reduce the manufacturing cost of the washing equipment.

In a preferred technical solution of the above washing apparatus, the washing apparatus includes a main water inlet connectable to an external water source and a shower pipe connected to the main water inlet, the shower pipe being in communication with the water inlet of the water tank. The water supply device comprises a main water inlet, a water outlet, a water inlet and a water outlet. The spraying pipe is arranged to be communicated with the water inlet of the water tank, so that water can be continuously supplied to the water tank through the spraying pipe in the washing process. The cost of the washing equipment is further reduced by a method of sharing a water inlet switch valve and a part of pipelines with the spray pipe.

In a preferred embodiment of the above washing apparatus, the washing apparatus includes a main water inlet pipe connected to the main water inlet, the main water inlet pipe being connected to the washing tub to supply the washing water thereto, a U-shaped water seal portion being provided on the main water inlet pipe, and an auxiliary siphon pipe being provided between the U-shaped water seal portion and the drain pump. The main water inlet is communicated with the washing drum through a main water inlet pipe. The U-shaped water seal part on the main water inlet pipe can prevent foam and steam in the washing drum from overflowing from the main water inlet pipe in the washing process, and can prevent washing water from being thrown out of the main water inlet pipe in the dehydration process. In the ventilation state, the water in the U-shaped water seal is discharged through the auxiliary siphon tube by the operation of the drainage pump, and the main water inlet can be used as an air outlet. The communication and interruption of the air channel between the main water inlet and the washing barrel can be realized through the combined action of the U-shaped water seal part and the auxiliary siphon.

In a preferred embodiment of the above washing apparatus, the auxiliary siphon is communicated with a lowest end of the U-shaped water seal portion and forms an inverted U-shape. The auxiliary siphon is arranged into an inverted U-shaped structure, so that water can be effectively prevented from flowing out of the auxiliary siphon in the water storage and sealing state of the U-shaped water sealing part. Through the lowest portion intercommunication with supplementary siphon and U type water seal portion, can realize the thorough evacuation of water in the U type water seal portion under the condition that needs ventilate, prevent to have remaining water to flow out the delivery port through the distinguished and admirable, cause inconvenience for the user.

In the preferable technical scheme of the washing equipment, the washing equipment further comprises a window, the window is provided with a window pad arranged around the opening of the washing barrel, a groove is formed in the window pad, and the air outlet pipe is communicated with the washing barrel through the groove in an air mode. Since the window gasket is the component used to seal and connect the washing drum, it is usually in a wet state here. By providing the window mat with grooves for air communication between the ventilation duct and the washing tub, not only is no additional piping required, but a wider range of ventilation of the wet window mat is also possible. By the design scheme, the manufacturing cost is saved, and the beneficial effect of dehumidification is obviously improved.

In a preferred embodiment of the above washing apparatus, the main water inlet pipe is disposed at a rear side of a top of the washing tub. In the ventilating state of the washing equipment, the main water inlet is used as an air outlet and communicated with the outside air. The fan enters the washing drum through a window gasket arranged on the periphery of the opening of the washing drum, namely wind enters from the front side of the washing drum. The main water inlet pipe is arranged at the rear side of the washing drum, which means that wind enters from the front side of the washing drum and then flows out from the rear side of the washing drum through the main water inlet communicated with the outside air. Therefore, the ventilation range is wider, and the ventilation effect is better.

In the preferable technical scheme of the washing equipment, the fan is an axial flow fan and is arranged at the upper part of the washing equipment. The axial flow fan is simple to install, low in cost, low in power consumption and low in noise, and the application of the axial flow fan can further improve the user experience.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a washing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the washing apparatus of the present invention in a water-sealed state;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic plan view of part A of the embodiment of the washing apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, with respect to the water seal structure;

fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a water seal structure for a washing apparatus according to the present invention.

List of reference numbers:

1. washing equipment; 10. a box body; 11. a fan; 111. an outlet of the fan; 12. draining pump; 13. a water seal structure; 14. a window; 41. a window pad; 42. an observation window; 15. a washing drum; 51. an outer cylinder; 52. an inner barrel; 16. a shower pipe; 17. a main water inlet pipe; 71. a U-shaped water seal part; 18. a dispenser water box; 31. an air inlet pipe; 32. an air outlet pipe; 33. a water tank; 331. an air inlet; 332. an air outlet; 333. a water inlet; 334. a siphon pipe interface; 335. a top wall of the water tank; 336. a bottom wall of the water tank; 337. the upper part of the water tank; 34. a water inlet pipe; 35. a siphon tube; 351. a first end of the siphon tube; 352. a second end of the siphon tube; 36. an auxiliary siphon tube; 361. a first end of an auxiliary siphon tube; 362. a second end of the auxiliary siphon tube; 37. and (6) connecting a drain pump.

Detailed Description

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only for explaining the technical principle of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, the terms of direction or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", "top", "bottom", "vertical", etc., are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, which are for convenience of description only, and do not indicate or imply that the apparatus or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus, should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

In addition, it should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, terms such as "mounted," "connected," "disposed," "connected," and the like are to be construed broadly and may be, for example, fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected; they may be directly connected or indirectly connected through intervening media, or may be connected through the interconnection of two elements or through the interaction of two elements. The specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood by those skilled in the art according to specific situations.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art that the sealing device (which may also be referred to as "overflow preventing device") in the ventilation system of the washing equipment is high in cost and stability and reliability are to be improved, the present invention provides a water sealing structure 13 for the washing equipment 1, wherein the water sealing structure 13 comprises a water tank 33, and the water tank 33 is provided with: an air inlet 331 positioned near the bottom of the water tank 33 and configured to be connectable to the fan 11 of the washing apparatus 1 through the air inlet duct 31; an air outlet 332, which is positioned in the upper part of the water tank 33 and is configured to be in air communication with the washing drum 15 of the washing apparatus 1 through the air outlet duct 32, and which is positioned lower than the fan 11 in the vertical direction in the assembled state; a water inlet 333 configured to be connectable to a water source of the washing apparatus 1 through the water inlet pipe 34 so that water is introduced into the water tank 13 through the water inlet 333 to submerge the air inlet 331 to form a water-sealed state; and a siphon tube interface 334 configured to be connectable to the drain pump 12 of the washing apparatus 1 through the siphon tube 35 so as to discharge the water inside the water tank 13 by means of the drain pump 12 to expose the intake vent 331 to form a ventilation state, wherein the siphon tube interface 334 is positioned higher than the air outlet 332 or the siphon tube 35 extends higher than the air outlet 332 in a vertical direction. When the washing apparatus 1 operates the washing program, the washing apparatus 1 may fill water into the water tank 33 through the water inlet 333 of the water tank 33 to submerge the air inlet 331, thereby cutting off the air passage between the washing drum 15 and the blower 11. The level of the air outlet 332 is higher than that of the air inlet 331, and the level of the fan 11 is higher than that of the air outlet 332, so that the excess water can be directly discharged from the air outlet 332 and cannot flow into the fan 11. In addition, since the level of the siphon interface 334 is higher than that of the air outlet 332 or the siphon tube 35 extends higher than the air outlet 332, the water in the water tank 33 does not automatically flow into the drain pump 12 along the siphon tube 35 even in the water-sealed state. When the washing device 1 needs to perform a ventilating operation, the drain pump 12 operates to siphon water in the water tank 33 through the siphon tube 35, so that the water in the water tank 33 is sucked away by the drain pump 12 along the siphon tube 35 to expose the air inlet 331, so that the air inlet 331 is in air communication with the air outlet 332, thereby allowing the fan 11 to blow air into the washing drum 15.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a washing apparatus of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the washing apparatus of the present invention in a water-sealed state. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, in one or more embodiments, the washing apparatus 1 includes: a case 10; a fan 11, a drain pump 12, a washing drum 15 disposed in the cabinet 10; and a window 14 provided on the front wall of the cabinet 10. The window 14 is used for holding and taking laundry (including but not limited to clothes). A viewing window 42 is provided at the window 14 for viewing the washing process. A window gasket 41 arranged circumferentially around the opening of the outer cylinder 51 is also provided at the window 14, and the observation window 42 is sealed and connected by the window gasket 41. A groove is provided on the outer circumference of the window mat 41, and communicates with the inside of the washing tub 15. The washing tub 15 includes an outer tub 51 for storing water and an inner tub 52 as a washing and dewatering tub. The inner cylinder 52 is disposed inside the outer cylinder 51 and is rotatable relative to the outer cylinder 51. When the washing drum 15 needs to be ventilated, the fan 11 blows air into the washing drum 15 through the air duct. The fan 11 includes, but is not limited to, a centrifugal fan. The drain pump 12 serves to drain the washing water in the washing tub 15 during the washing process. A main water inlet (not shown) is provided at an upper portion of the case 10 for connecting an external water source. The main water inlet includes a switch (not shown) to control the flow of water and a dispenser water box 18. A user may dispense detergent or other laundry treatment agent into the dispenser water box 18. As shown in fig. 2, the dispenser water box 18 is in fluid communication with the washing drum 15 through the main water inlet pipe 17 such that water from an external water source flows into the dispenser water box 18 first and then into the washing drum 15 through the main water inlet pipe 17. In one or more embodiments, the main inlet pipe 17 communicates with the top rear side of the outer tub 15. As shown in fig. 2, a generally U-shaped water seal 71 is provided on the main water inlet pipe 17 to prevent foam and steam from overflowing the washing apparatus 1 from the main water inlet through the main water pipe 17 during the washing process, even the washing water. The water box 18 of the distributor is also communicated with a spray pipe 16, and washing water is continuously sprayed onto the glass of the observation window 42 through the spray pipe 16 in the washing process so as to wash detergent or washing powder on the glass of the observation window 42.

In one or more embodiments, the washing apparatus 1 utilizes the main water inlet pipe 17 as a ventilation channel and arranges the air outlet at the main water inlet, i.e. to discharge the air inside the washing tub through the gap at the distributor water box 18. In this case, as shown in fig. 2, an auxiliary siphon 36 is also provided on the washing apparatus 1. Auxiliary siphon tube 36 has a first end 361 and a second end 362. The first end 361 of the auxiliary siphon tube 36 is connected to the lowermost portion (may also be referred to as "bottom") of the water seal portion 71 in the vertical direction, and thus is brought into communication with the water seal portion 71. The second end 362 of the auxiliary siphon tube 36 is connected to the drain pump nipple 37, for example by means of a suitable pipe connection. When the washing apparatus 1 requires ventilation, the exhaust pump operates to suck water in the water seal portion 71 through the auxiliary siphon tube 36 by a siphon action, so that the main water inlet pipe 17 becomes a communicating air passage between the washing tub 15 and the dispenser water box 18, thereby allowing air in the washing tub 15 to be discharged to the outside of the washing apparatus 1 through the main water inlet pipe 15 and the dispenser water box 18. In order to prevent the water inside the water seal portion 71 from flowing toward the drain pump 12 when the washing drum 15 is in the washing operation, the auxiliary siphon tube 36 has a portion extending upward in a vertical direction higher than the water seal portion 71. In one or more embodiments, the auxiliary siphon tube 36 itself forms a generally inverted U-shaped structure, or the auxiliary siphon tube 36 and portions of the drain pump nozzle 37 together form a generally inverted U-shaped structure.

The preferred solution of the water seal structure of the present invention is described below with reference to the above washing apparatus.

As shown in fig. 1, the water seal structure 13 of the present invention is disposed on the air passage between the fan 11 and the washing drum 15. An air inlet pipe 31 is arranged between the outlet 111 of the fan 11 and the water seal structure 13, and an air outlet pipe 32 is arranged between the window mat 41 and the water seal structure 13. The air inlet duct 31 and the air outlet duct 32 together form part of the air duct of the ventilation system of the washing appliance 1. The water seal structure 13 of the present invention is configured to control the communication and interruption of the air passage.

Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged plan view of a portion a of the embodiment of the washing apparatus of the present invention shown in fig. 2 with respect to the water-seal structure, and fig. 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of the water-seal structure for the washing apparatus of the present invention. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the water seal structure 13 has a water tank 33. In one or more embodiments, the water reservoir 33 is a box having a rectangular cross-section or a square cross-section with a bottom wall 336 and four circumferential side walls (not labeled). Alternatively, the tank may be formed as a cylindrical structure having a bottom wall 336 and a circumferential side wall (not shown).

As shown in fig. 4, an air inlet 331, an air outlet 332, and an air inlet 333 are respectively formed on the side wall of the water tank 33. The location of the outlet 332 on the tank sidewall is at the upper portion 337 of the tank. The outlet 332 communicates with the recess of the window gasket 41 through the outlet duct 32 and thus with the interior of the washing tub 15. As shown in fig. 4, the highest point of the air outlet 332 in the vertical direction has a height H2 with respect to the bottom wall 336 of the water tank 33. The air intake 331 is located on the side wall of the tank near the bottom wall 336. Therefore, the position (i.e., the horizontal height) of the air inlet 331 is lower than that of the air outlet 332 in the vertical direction, so that the water in the water tank 33 can be ensured to submerge the air inlet 331 and not to exceed the air outlet 332 in the water-sealed state. The intake port 331 may be connected to the outlet 111 of the blower 11 through the intake duct 31. As shown in fig. 4, in the case where the water seal structure 13 is installed on the duct of the washing apparatus 1 (i.e., assembled with the washing apparatus 1), the height of the lowest point of the outlet 111 of the blower fan 11 with respect to the bottom wall 336 of the water tank 33 in the vertical direction is H1, and the height H1 is greater than the height H2 of the air outlet 332. In other words, the position of the fan 11 is higher than the position of the air outlet 332 in the vertical direction, so that the water in the water tank 33 does not flow into the fan 11 in the water-sealed state. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, in one or more embodiments, the water inlet 333 is also located on the sidewall of the tank near the bottom wall 336. Alternatively, the water inlet 333 may be arranged at other locations on the side wall of the tank, such as near the upper portion 337, the middle portion, or other locations of the tank 33. Alternatively, the water inlet 333 may also be arranged on the top wall 335 or the bottom wall 336 of the water tank 33. Referring to fig. 2, in one or more embodiments, the water inlet 333 can be directly connected to the shower 16 of the washing apparatus 1 through the water inlet pipe 34. In this case, water from the shower 16 forms a source of water that can be injected into the water tank 33. Alternatively, the water inlet 333 may be directly connected to the main water inlet of the washing apparatus through the water inlet pipe 34. In this case, water from the main water inlet forms a source of water that can be injected into the water tank 33.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, in one or more embodiments, a siphon interface 334 is provided on a top wall 335 of the tank 33. This means that the siphon interface 334 is located higher than the air outlet 332 in the vertical direction. This arrangement prevents water in the tank from escaping from the siphon tube interface 334 in the water-sealed state. The siphon interface 334 is configured to connect with the siphon 35. In one or more embodiments, siphon interface 334 is a through-hole (not shown) disposed on top wall 335. The siphon tube 35 is vertically inserted into the through-hole, and the first end 351 of the siphon tube 35 vertically extends downward within the water tank 33 to the extent that the water within the water tank 33 can be discharged to fully expose the air inlet 331 by a siphon action. For example, the first end 351 may extend to a position adjacent the bottom wall 336 to completely or nearly completely drain the water within the tank 33. Since the siphon tube 35 is inserted into the water tank 33 from the top wall 335 of the water tank 33, at least a portion of the siphon tube 35 extends higher than the air outlet 332 in the vertical direction. This arrangement prevents water in the cistern from flowing along the siphon tube 35 to the water pump in the water-sealed condition. Referring to FIG. 2, in one or more embodiments, the siphon tube 35 generally forms a generally inverted U-shaped structure with a generally horizontal extension and a generally vertically downward extension outside the tank 33, and the second end 352 of the siphon tube 35 is formed on the generally vertically downward extension. Second end 352 is connected to drain pump nipple 37 by a nipple (not shown). Therefore, when the drain pump 12 is operated, a siphon action may be generated within the water tank 33, such that the water within the water tank 33 is drained out of the washing apparatus 1 by the drain pump 12 via the siphon tube 35 and the drain pump connection 37. In case the washing apparatus 1 has the auxiliary siphon tube 36, the second end 352 of the siphon tube and the second end 362 of the auxiliary siphon tube 36 may be connected together to the drain pump nipple 37 by a three-way pipe connection.

In an alternative embodiment, siphon interface 334 is fitted with a siphon nipple (not shown). The siphon nozzle extends vertically downward within the water tank 33 from the top wall 335 to an extent that water within the water tank 33 can be discharged by siphoning to fully expose the intake vent 331, for example, to a location proximate the bottom wall 336. The first end 351 of the siphon tube 35 is in fixed connection with the siphon interface 334, and thus interfaces with the siphon tube, above the top wall 335, thereby communicating with each other.

In an alternative embodiment, the siphon interface 334 is arranged on the side wall of the water tank 33 and its position in the vertical direction is still higher than the position of the air outlet 332. In this case, the siphon interface 334 may take the form of a through hole through which the siphon tube 35 is directly inserted into the water tank 33 and extends horizontally and then vertically downward within the water tank 33 such that the first end 351 of the siphon tube 35 extends vertically downward within the water tank 33 to an extent that can discharge the water within the water tank 33 to fully expose the intake vent 331 by a siphon action, for example, to a position near the bottom wall 336. Alternatively, siphon interface 334 may be fitted with a siphon tap. The siphon nozzle extends horizontally and then vertically downward within the water tank 33 from the sidewall of the water tank 33 to an extent that the water within the water tank 33 can be discharged to fully expose the air inlet 331 by a siphon action. The siphon tube 35 forms a horizontal interface with the siphon tube connection from outside the tank 33 through the siphon tube interface 334.

In an alternative embodiment, the siphon interface 334 is arranged on the side wall of the water tank 33 and is located at a position equal to or lower than the air outlet 332 in the vertical direction. In this case, the siphon interface 334 needs to be provided with a sealing structure to prevent the water in the tank from leaking out of the siphon interface 334. The siphon interface 334 takes the form of a through hole from which the siphon tube 35 is sealingly insertable into the water tank 33, and the siphon tube 35 has a height outside the water tank 33 that extends partially in a vertical direction up beyond the air outlet 332 to prevent water in the water tank from flowing along the siphon tube 35 to the drain pump 12 in a water-sealed state. If the siphon interface 334 is located close enough to the bottom wall 336 that the siphon tube 35 only needs to extend horizontally within the tank 33 to ensure that the water within the tank 33 is drawn out to the full extent of the air intake 331 by siphoning, then the siphon tube 35 may remain horizontally extending within the tank 33 without extending vertically downward. Alternatively, the siphon interface 334 is configured with a siphon nipple extending horizontally within the tank 33, while the siphon 35 forms a horizontal interface with the siphon nipple from outside the tank 33 through the siphon interface 334.

When the washing apparatus 1 incorporating the water seal structure 13 of the present invention performs a washing process, water is supplied into the washing tub 15 through the main water inlet pipe 17, and water is supplied into the water tank 33 through the shower pipe 16 or the main water inlet to submerge the air inlet 331. Therefore, the water seal structure 13 is in a water seal state, and the water seal portion 71 is also filled with water. This results in the air passage between the fan 11 and the washing drum 15 and the air passage between the main water outlet and the washing drum 15 being cut off, so that the foam and the like in the washing drum 15 are prevented from overflowing to the fan 11 and other places inside the cabinet 10 along the air passages. When the washing process is finished, the drain pump 12 is first activated, and the washing water in the washing tub 15 is drained by the action of the drain pump 12, and the water in the water tank 33 and the water seal portion 71 is also drained. When the water in the water tank 33 is discharged, the air inlet 331 and the air outlet 332 are in a communication state (i.e., in a ventilation state); the main water inlet pipe 17 is also in a connected state, and therefore, the air ducts in the washing apparatus 1 are all in a connected state. Then, the fan 11 is started, and the wind blown by the fan 11 enters the water tank 33 for draining the water through the wind inlet pipe 31, and then enters the washing drum 15 through the wind outlet pipe 32 via the groove of the window mat 41. The wind leaving the washing drum 15 flows into the main inlet duct 17 and is discharged to the outside of the washing apparatus 1 via the distributor water box 18. Through such a ventilation path, the fan 11 is used to continuously provide wind flow to the wet washing drum, so as to achieve the effect of ventilating and dehumidifying the interior of the wet washing drum 15.

So far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in connection with the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings, but it is easily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may combine technical features of different embodiments, and may make equivalent changes or substitutions for related technical features, and such changes or substitutions will fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

1. A water seal structure for a washing apparatus, characterized in that the water seal structure comprises a water tank, and is provided with:

an air inlet positioned proximate a bottom of the water tank and configured to be connectable to a fan of the washing appliance through an air inlet duct;

an air outlet positioned at an upper portion of the water tank and configured to be in air communication with a washing drum of the washing apparatus through an air outlet duct, and positioned lower than the blower in a vertical direction in an assembled state;

a water inlet configured to be connectable to a water source of the washing apparatus through a water inlet pipe so that water is introduced into the water tank through the water inlet to submerge the air inlet to form a water-sealed state; and

a siphon interface configured to be connectable to a drain pump of the washing apparatus through a siphon so as to expose the air inlet to create a ventilation state by draining water within the water tank with the drain pump, wherein, in the vertical direction, the siphon interface is positioned higher than the air outlet or the siphon extends higher than the air outlet.

2. The water seal structure for a washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water inlet is configured to be connectable to a shower pipe of the washing apparatus through the water inlet pipe.

3. The water seal structure for a washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water inlet is configured to be connectable to a main water inlet of the washing apparatus through the water inlet pipe.

4. The water seal structure for a washing apparatus according to claim 1,

the siphon tube interface is configured to allow the siphon tube to extend therethrough into the tank and to a position proximate a bottom of the tank; or

The siphon pipe interface is provided with a siphon nipple extending inside the tank to a position near the bottom of the tank, and the siphon pipe can be butted with the siphon nipple through the siphon pipe interface.

5. The water seal structure for washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said siphon is formed in an inverted U shape.

6. A washing apparatus comprising a washing tub, a fan, a drain pump, and a water seal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the fan is connected to the air inlet of the water tank through the air inlet pipe, and the fan is positioned higher than the air outlet of the water tank in the vertical direction;

the washing drum is in air communication with the air outlet of the water tank through the air outlet pipe;

the drain pump being in fluid communication with the tank through the siphon tube; and is

The washing apparatus is configured to fill the water tank with water through the water inlet.

7. The washing apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the washing apparatus comprises a main water inlet connectable to an external water source and a shower connected to the main water inlet, the shower being in communication with the water inlet of the water tank.

8. The washing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, comprising a main water inlet pipe connected to the main water inlet, the main water inlet pipe being connected to the washing drum to supply the washing water thereto, a U-shaped water seal portion being provided on the main water inlet pipe, and an auxiliary siphon pipe being provided between the U-shaped water seal portion and the drain pump.

9. The washing apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the auxiliary siphon tube is communicated with a lowest portion of the U-shaped water sealing part and forms an inverted U-shape.

10. The washing apparatus as claimed in claim 6 further comprising a window provided with a window gasket disposed around the mouth of the drum, the window gasket having a groove therein, the outlet duct being in air communication with the drum through the groove.

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