CN115538120A

CN115538120A - Pump and washing device with same

Info

Publication number: CN115538120A
Application number: CN202110727023.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李良东; 王昱坤; 陆进
Original assignee: BSH Electrical Appliances Jiangsu Co Ltd; BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Electrical Appliances Jiangsu Co Ltd; BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2021-06-29
Filing date: 2021-06-29
Publication date: 2022-12-30
Also published as: EP4112803A1

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention comprises a pump, which comprises a motor, an impeller driven by the motor to rotate, and an impeller cavity arranged around the impeller, wherein the impeller cavity comprises a peripheral wall positioned on the radial outer side of the impeller, and an end wall positioned on the axial outer side of the impeller and opposite to the motor, the end wall is provided with a fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet which are arranged at intervals, and the edge of the first fluid outlet keeps a distance from the peripheral wall in the radial direction. Embodiments of the present invention also include a laundry device comprising a control device and a laundry tub, the pump being fluidly connected to the laundry tub.

Description

Pump and washing device with same

[ technical field ] A method for producing a semiconductor device

The present invention relates to a pump and also to a laundry appliance comprising a pump.

[ background of the invention ]

Pumps have a relatively wide range of applications as a fluid driven device, typically for driving a flow of liquid. It is also common in the field of household appliances such as laundry appliances. Can be used for draining or circulating cleaning solution flow path.

Pumps normally used to drive liquids cannot be used to drive a gas flow at the same time, especially because the suction is not sufficient to evacuate the enclosure, thereby creating a negative pressure in the enclosure.

Therefore, if the application needs to pump liquid and pump air at the same time, an additional air pumping device is needed to be arranged outside the pump. This inevitably increases space and expense costs.

[ summary of the invention ]

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved pump.

The embodiment of the invention comprises a pump, which comprises a motor, an impeller driven by the motor to rotate, and an impeller cavity arranged around the impeller, wherein the impeller cavity comprises a peripheral wall positioned on the radial outer side of the impeller, and an end wall positioned on the axial outer side of the impeller and opposite to the motor, the end wall is provided with a fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet which are arranged at intervals, and the edge of the first fluid outlet is spaced from the peripheral wall in the radial direction.

In some embodiments, the fluid inlet is provided with an inlet connection port, and the cross section of the inlet connection port increases from small to large along the direction of fluid flowing into the impeller cavity.

In some embodiments, the first fluid outlet is provided with a first outlet connection port, and the cross section of the first outlet connection port is gradually reduced along the direction of fluid flowing out of the impeller cavity.

An alternative embodiment further comprises that the peripheral wall of the impeller chamber is provided with a second fluid outlet, which second fluid outlet is provided with a second outlet connection port extending substantially tangentially of the peripheral wall.

The pump in various embodiments of the present invention is not only capable of driving a liquid flow, but also may create a water ring within the peripheral wall of the impeller chamber due to the high speed rotation of the impeller and the distance that the edge of the first fluid outlet is spaced from the peripheral wall of the impeller chamber. Wherein the width of the water ring is related to the distance of the first fluid outlet from the peripheral wall. Thus, in a subsequent process, gas may be driven through the pump to exit the first fluid outlet when the liquid in the chamber to which the fluid inlet is connected is exhausted or only a small amount of liquid remains. The water ring reduces the volume of the gas in the impeller cavity, so that the impeller has a better gas driving effect.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved laundry appliance.

Embodiments of the invention further include: a washing device comprises a control device and a washing tank, wherein the pump of the above various embodiments and combinations is in fluid connection with the washing tank.

The optional embodiment further comprises that the first fluid outlet is connected with a first pipeline, and a first valve is arranged on the first pipeline; the second fluid outlet is connected with a second pipeline, and a second valve is arranged on the second pipeline; the control means may open the first valve and the second valve alternatively or simultaneously.

Embodiments of the invention further include: the water supply unit is connected with the impeller cavity through a fourth pipeline, and the control device is set to: comprising the step of evacuating the sink, wherein during the evacuation, the impeller chamber is maintained in fluid communication with the first fluid outlet only in a direction in which fluid is released outwardly from the impeller chamber, and the water supply unit is intermittently activated to intermittently supply water to the impeller chamber while maintaining the fluid inlet in fluid communication with the sink.

An alternative embodiment further comprises that the fluid inlet is connected to the wash tank via a third conduit, and the fourth conduit is connected to the third conduit and further to the impeller chamber.

Another embodiment further comprises that a sealed space can be formed in the washing tank.

An alternative embodiment further comprises that the laundry tub comprises a wall made of a flexible material.

An optional embodiment further comprises that a second fluid outlet is arranged on the peripheral wall of the impeller cavity, the second fluid outlet is connected with a second pipeline, a second valve is arranged on the second pipeline, and the control device closes the second valve in the air suction process.

The above embodiments may be combined in any feasible manner.

The washing device in various embodiments of the present invention may pump water and/or air into the washing tub, thereby creating a negative pressure within the washing tub. This is advantageous in the case where a negative pressure needs to be formed in the washing tub, and the suction can be simultaneously performed by one pump. For example, when the washing tub is at least partially made of a flexible material and the inside forms a sealed space, the wall of the washing tub may be deformed, the laundry may be pressed, the washing effect may be enhanced, or the dehydration of the laundry may be achieved.

Because the water supply unit is connected with the impeller cavity and is intermittently started in the air suction process, when the water supply unit is started, water enters the impeller cavity and is driven by the impeller to generate a water ring, or when the water ring exists, the supplemented water instantaneously breaks the balance of the water ring to generate a water ring with larger thickness, and the gas space in the impeller cavity is compressed to generate larger air pressure. The water ring now has a width that exceeds the edge of the first fluid outlet, so that under high gas pressure an increased width portion of the water volume is discharged from the first fluid outlet, while a portion of the water ring remains and the space in the impeller chamber increases. During the opening and closing of the water supply unit in each period, the gas space in the impeller cavity is compressed and expanded alternately. In particular, during the compression process, the impeller chamber has a temporarily increased gas pressure, which generates a strong thrust force on the gas in the direction of the first fluid outlet. Therefore, the pump can generate strong air extraction effect on the washing tank.

Some embodiments of the invention will be illustrated in the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[ description of the drawings ]

Fig. 1 is a connection diagram of partial components of a laundry device;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded schematic view of the pump of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the impeller cavity of the pump of FIG. 2 from the outside;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the impeller cavity of the pump of FIG. 2 from the inside;

FIG. 5A is an elevation view of the impeller chamber in an initial state;

FIG. 5B is an elevation view of the formation of a stable water ring within the impeller cavity;

fig. 5C is a schematic view of the instantaneous state of the impeller cavity after water is admitted to form a thickened water ring in the state of fig. 5B.

[ detailed description ] A

As shown in fig. 1, the laundry device 1 includes a laundry tub 2. The laundry is washed and/or otherwise treated in the washing tub 2. The washing machine 1 further comprises a control device 3 for controlling the electric and electronic components of the washing machine 1 to execute the clothes processing program. The pump 4 is fluidly connected to the washing tub 2 so that water and/or air can be drawn from the washing tub 2.

During the washing process of the clothes in the washing tank 2 or when the washing program is close to the end, the water is discharged outwards through the pump 4; or a circulating water path is formed by the pump 4; or the pump 4 is kept started after the drainage is finished, so that the air is exhausted outwards; or the pump 4 is started when no water exists in the washing tank 2, and the air extraction process is independently operated.

In some embodiments, a sealed space may be formed in the washing tub 2. The pump 4 draws air outwards to form negative pressure in the washing tank 2. Thereby facilitating the function or application requiring a negative pressure scenario. Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the laundry tub 2 includes a wall 21 made of a flexible material. The outward pumping of the pump then causes the wall 21 to deform, squeezing the laundry, facilitating washing or dewatering. In the embodiment where no sealed space is formed in the washing tub 2, the pump still contains a small amount of water in the laundry after or near the end of the draining, and then the air flow can pass through the laundry by keeping the pump 4 on, or the water in the laundry can be further removed under the air pressure by the suction force, and enters the pump 4 along with the air flow, and then is drained.

In order for the pump 4 to effectively perform the functions of pumping and evacuating, the pump 4 is preferably modified as described below.

For example, as shown in fig. 2 to 4, the pump 4 includes a motor 41, an impeller 42 rotated by the motor 41, and an impeller chamber 43 provided around the impeller 42. The impeller chamber 43 includes a peripheral wall 431 located radially outward of the impeller 42, and an end wall 432 located axially outward of the impeller 42 and opposite the motor 41. The end wall 432 is provided with a spaced apart fluid inlet 433 and a first fluid outlet 434. The edge of the first fluid outlet 434 is radially spaced from the peripheral wall 431 by a distance D.

At high speed rotation of impeller 42, due to the spaced distance D between the edge of first fluid outlet 434 and peripheral wall 431 of impeller cavity 43, when water enters impeller cavity 43 at fluid inlet 433, a water ring of width near D may be created within peripheral wall 431 of impeller cavity 43. Then, in a subsequent process, when the water in the washing tub 2 is pumped out or only a small amount of water remains, the gas may be driven to be discharged from the first fluid outlet 434 through the pump 4. The water ring reduces the gas volume in the impeller chamber 43, which provides the impeller 42 with a better gas driving effect.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a second fluid outlet 435 may also be provided in the peripheral wall 431 of the impeller chamber 43. The second fluid outlet 435 provided on the peripheral wall 431 is in the centrifugal direction of the impeller 42, as compared with the first fluid outlet 434, and thus a higher flow rate can be obtained.

The embodiment further includes an inlet connection port 436 disposed on the fluid inlet 433. Wherein the cross-section of the inlet connection port 436 increases from smaller to larger in the direction of fluid flow into the impeller cavity 43. This reduces the impact of the water flow on the impeller 42. The first fluid outlet 434 is provided with a first outlet connection port 437. Wherein the cross-section of the first outlet connection port 437 decreases from larger to smaller in the direction of fluid flow out of the impeller cavity 43. This accelerates the flow of fluid out of the first fluid outlet 434. A second outlet connection port 438 is provided on the second fluid outlet 435. The second outlet connection port 438 extends substantially in the tangential direction of the peripheral wall 431.

The laundry device 1 further includes the following various embodiments.

The first fluid outlet 434 of the pump 4 is connected to the first conduit 51. The first pipe 51 is provided with a first valve 61. The end of the first pipe 51 is connected to an external waste water receiving pipe, or connected to a water using device, or connected to a water storage device, or connected to the washing tub 2 to form a circulation, and the specific application is not limited.

The second fluid outlet 435 of the pump is connected to the second conduit 52. A second valve 62 is provided on the second conduit 52. The end of the second pipe 52 is connected to an external waste water receiving pipe, or to a water using device, or to a water storing device, or to the washing tub 2 to form a circulation, and so on, and the specific application is not limited. Wherein, the end of the second pipeline 52 can be connected with a foaming device and then connected with the washing tank 2, thereby utilizing circulating water to generate bubbles and improving the washing efficiency. This is particularly advantageous for bubbling the foaming device with gas, since the fluid has a higher flow velocity out of the second fluid outlet 435. Wherein the foaming device may be a venturi structure.

The control device 3 controls the opening and closing of the first valve 61 and the second valve 62. The control device 3 can selectively open the first valve 61 and the second valve 62 at one time or at the same time according to actual needs.

The fluid inlet 433 is connected to the washing tub 2, preferably, to the bottom of the washing tub 2, through the third pipe 53. A third valve 63 controlled by the control device 3 is provided on the third conduit 53.

Advantageous improvements further include: the water supply unit 7 is connected with the impeller chamber 43 through a fourth conduit 54. The control device 3 is arranged to: including a process of exhausting the washing tub 2. Wherein, in the direction in which the fluid is discharged from the impeller chamber 43 to the outside during the suction, the impeller chamber 43 is maintained in fluid communication with only the first fluid outlet 434 to the outside, and the water supply unit 7 is intermittently turned on, so that the water supply unit 7 intermittently supplies water to the impeller chamber 43 while maintaining the fluid inlet 433 in fluid communication with the washing tub 2.

Wherein the water supply unit 7 comprises a fourth valve 64. The water supply unit 7 further comprises a water source 71. The water source 71 may be an external public water source, a water storage device, or other water sources. The control device 3 controls the opening or closing of the fourth valve 64.

In the preferred embodiment, the fourth conduit 54 is connected to the third conduit 53 and, in turn, to the impeller cavity 43.

When only the washing tub 2 needs to be drained or the circulating water is generated, the pump 4 is turned on, the fourth valve 64 is closed, the third valve 63 is opened, and the first valve 61 and/or the second valve 62 are opened.

When only suction is required to the tub 2, the pump 4 is turned on and the second valve 62 is closed. Because if the second valve 62 is opened, no water ring can form in the impeller chamber 43. The first valve 61 and the third valve 63 are opened. While intermittently turning on the water supply unit 7. The above description does not contain a sequential relationship. As shown in fig. 5A-5C, there may be no water or a small amount of water accumulated in the bottom of the impeller chamber 43 before the water supply unit 7 is turned on. After the water supply unit 7 is turned on, a water ring 1A is formed in the impeller chamber 43. When water is supplied next time, the balance of the water ring 1A is broken instantaneously by the supplemented water, and a water ring with larger thickness is formed. This process is schematically illustrated in fig. 5C. A thickened secondary ring 1B is formed inside the water ring 1A. There is virtually no distinct water ring 1A and secondary ring 1B, the water ring is still integral, but increases in thickness only briefly. Fig. 5C is only for ease of understanding. At this point, the gas space in the impeller cavity 43 is compressed, creating a greater gas pressure. The water ring width now exceeds the edge of the first fluid outlet 434 and the increased width portion of the water is expelled from the first fluid outlet 434 by the high gas pressure while a portion of the water ring remains and the space in the impeller cavity 43 increases momentarily. The gas space in the impeller chamber 43 is compressed and expanded alternately during each cycle of opening and closing of the water supply unit 7. Particularly during compression, there is a brief increase in gas pressure in the impeller cavity 43, which generates a strong propelling force on the gas in the direction of the first fluid outlet 434. Therefore, the pump 4 can generate strong air suction effect to the washing tank 2.

When it is necessary to drain the washing tub 2 and further air suction is performed after the drainage, the pump 4 is turned on, the second valve 62 is closed, and the first valve 61 and the third valve 63 are opened. While intermittently turning on the water supply unit 7. The above description does not contain a sequential relationship. A stable water ring 1A has been formed during the draining phase. When the water supply unit 7 intermittently supplies water, the same air suction effect as described above is achieved.

Wherein during intermittent water supply of the water supply unit 7 after the water ring 1A has stabilized, the control means 3 is preferably arranged to control the amount of supplied water such that each time a water ring is supplied with a thickening, the impeller chamber 43 is not filled. Filling the impeller cavity blocks the bleed path, breaks the bleed continuity, and does not create increased air pressure in the impeller cavity 43. The relationship between the amount of water supplied each time and the impeller cavity 43 is related to the volume of the impeller cavity, the unit flow rate of water flow and the opening time of the water supply unit. It is generally only necessary to turn on the water supply unit 7 for a short time, for example, within 3 seconds, at each intermittent water supply. The specific control scheme is designed according to actual conditions and based on the principle.

In some embodiments, the water supply unit 7 may not be included. The effect of the air extraction is reduced compared to the embodiment with the water supply unit 7, but air extraction can also be achieved.

The various embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of the invention. Any modifications made to the present invention by a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art within the scope of the basic technical idea of the present invention are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pump comprising a motor (41), an impeller (42) rotated by the motor, and an impeller chamber (43) disposed around the impeller, characterized in that: the impeller cavity comprises a peripheral wall (431) located on the outer side of the impeller in the radial direction, and an end wall (432) located on the outer side of the impeller in the axial direction and opposite to the motor, wherein a fluid inlet (433) and a first fluid outlet (434) are arranged on the end wall at intervals, and the edge of the first fluid outlet is spaced from the peripheral wall by a distance (D) in the radial direction.

2. The pump of claim 1, wherein: an inlet connecting port (436) is arranged on the fluid inlet (433), and the cross section of the inlet connecting port is changed from small to large along the direction of the fluid flowing into the impeller cavity.

3. The pump of claim 2, wherein: the first fluid outlet (434) is provided with a first outlet connection port (437) which has a cross section that decreases from the largest in the direction of fluid flow out of the impeller cavity.

4. The pump of claim 1, wherein: a second fluid outlet (435) is provided in the circumferential wall of the impeller chamber, a second outlet connection port (438) being provided in the second fluid outlet, the second outlet connection port extending substantially tangentially of the circumferential wall.

5. A laundry appliance comprising a control device (3) and a laundry tub (2), characterized in that: the pump (4) according to any of claims 1-4 is in fluid connection with the laundry tub (2).

6. A laundry appliance as claimed in claim 5, wherein: the first fluid outlet (434) is connected with a first pipeline (51), and a first valve (61) is arranged on the first pipeline; the second fluid outlet (435) is connected with a second pipeline (52), and a second valve (62) is arranged on the second pipeline; the control means may alternatively or simultaneously open the first valve and the second valve.

7. A laundry appliance as claimed in claim 5, wherein: a water supply unit (7) is connected to the impeller chamber (43) by a fourth conduit (54), and control means are provided for: comprising the step of evacuating the sink (2), wherein during evacuation the impeller chamber is maintained in fluid communication with the first fluid outlet (434) only outwardly in the direction of outward release of fluid from the impeller chamber, and the water supply unit is intermittently activated to supply water to the impeller chamber while maintaining the fluid inlet (433) in fluid communication with the sink.

8. A laundry appliance as claimed in claim 7, wherein: the fluid inlet (433) is connected to the washing tub (2) through a third pipe (53), and the fourth pipe (54) is connected to the third pipe and further connected to the impeller chamber (43).

9. A laundry appliance as claimed in claim 7, wherein: a sealed space can be formed in the washing tank (2).

10. A laundry appliance as claimed in claim 9, wherein: the laundry tub (2) comprises a wall (21) made of a flexible material.

11. A laundry appliance as claimed in claim 7, wherein: and a second fluid outlet (435) is arranged on the peripheral wall (431) of the impeller cavity, the second fluid outlet is connected with a second pipeline (52), a second valve (62) is arranged on the second pipeline, and the control device closes the second valve in the air suction process.