EP4790184A1

EP4790184A1 - Laundry treating device

Info

Publication number: EP4790184A1
Application number: EP26153238.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yanglei Zhu; Huiqing Shi
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2025-02-06
Filing date: 2026-01-21
Publication date: 2026-08-12
Also published as: CN122522520A

Abstract

This application relates to a laundry treatment device. The laundry treatment device includes: a housing (1); a fixed connection portion (2) fixedly arranged inside the housing (1) relative to the housing (1); and a storage box apparatus (3), wherein the storage box apparatus (3) is capable of being pushed into the housing (1) in a first direction (81), the storage box apparatus (3) comprises a storage box (4) and a storage box connection portion (30) movably arranged relative to the storage box (4), and the storage box connection portion (30) is configured to form a mechanical connection and a fluid connection with the fixed connection portion (2) when the storage box apparatus (3) is pushed into the housing (1). The advantages of this application are that the storage box apparatus can be smoothly inserted and pulled, and an assembly gap between the storage box apparatus and a front panel can be avoided or at least reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to a laundry treatment device, in particular, to a washing machine, a dryer, or a washer-dryer.

BACKGROUND

Laundry treatment devices, especially washing machines, usually have a storage box apparatus, to store a laundry treatment agent such as laundry detergent. In a high-end washing machine, laundry detergent sufficient for multiple washing cycles is usually stored in a storage box apparatus. During each washing operation, a matching dosage of laundry detergent is drawn from the storage box apparatus by a suction apparatus. To this end, the suction apparatus is mechanically and fluidly connected to the storage box apparatus through a fixed connection portion fixed inside a housing of the washing machine.
When the storage box apparatus is fixedly connected to the fixed connection portion, a front wall of the storage box apparatus is misaligned with a front panel of the washing machine due to manufacturing tolerances, resulting in an assembly gap. In addition, the movement of the storage box apparatus is limited by a storage box guide portion arranged on the housing of the washing machine. The combination of the manufacturing tolerances also makes it difficult to insert and pull the storage box apparatus. Alternatively, in other words, frictional interference may occur during the insertion and pulling of a storage box.

SUMMARY

An objective of embodiments of this application is to provide an improved laundry treatment device, so that a storage box apparatus can be smoothly inserted and pulled, and an assembly gap between the storage box apparatus and a front panel can be avoided or at least reduced.
According to a first aspect of this application, embodiments of this application provide a laundry treatment device. The laundry treatment device includes:

a housing;
a fixed connection portion fixedly arranged inside the housing relative to the housing; and
a storage box apparatus, where the storage box apparatus is capable of being pushed into the housing in a first direction.

The storage box apparatus includes a storage box and a storage box connection portion movably arranged relative to the storage box. The storage box connection portion is configured to form a mechanical connection and a fluid connection with the fixed connection portion when the storage box apparatus is pushed into the housing. Therefore, the storage box apparatus can be easily inserted and pulled, and an assembly gap between the storage box apparatus and a front panel of the laundry treatment device is reduced.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the storage box connection portion is a connector independent of the storage box. Therefore, the structure is simple.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the storage box has an opening on a rear wall near the fixed connection portion. The fluid connection with the fixed connection portion is implemented through the opening.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, in an assembled state, there is a gap between the storage box and the connector to allow movement of the connector. The relative movement is implemented through the gap.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the connector is mounted at the opening of the rear wall and is provided with a connector sealing structure. An axial gap exists between the connector and the rear wall and is communicated with the opening. The connector sealing structure seals the axial gap to block a leakage path from the opening to the outside of the storage box.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the connector and the fixed connection portion are sealed relative to each other by a radial sealing structure configured to seal a radial gap.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the connector has a flange protruding transversely to the first direction. The storage box has a first wall surface and a second wall surface extending transversely to the first direction. In the assembled state, the flange is clamped between the first wall surface and the second wall surface in the first direction. The opening can be conveniently sealed by the flange.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the storage box includes a box body and a suction pipe mounted on the box body. The suction pipe is configured to draw, from the box body, a laundry treatment agent stored in the box body. The suction pipe is fluidly connected to the fixed connection portion through the connector. The suction pipe has a cover portion configured to cover the connector. Therefore, the structure and mounting are simple.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the connector has a movement range relative to the storage box transversely to the first direction of at least 1 mm, particularly at least 2 mm, especially at least 3 mm. Therefore, manufacturing tolerances of parts can be well compensated.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the connector has a movement range relative to the storage box in the first direction of at most 1 mm, particularly at most 0.5 mm. Therefore, sealing is facilitated.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the connector has an extension segment configured to extend through the opening. A diameter of the opening is larger than a diameter of the extension segment, so that a radial gap between the extension segment and the rear wall is formed to allow the connector to move transversely to the first direction. Therefore, it is convenient to connect and seal the fixed connection portion and to define the movement range of the connector.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the connector sealing structure is configured to seal gaps between the flange and the first wall surface and between the flange and the second wall surface. Therefore, the sealing can be reliably performed.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the cover portion forms the first wall surface. An inner wall surface of the box body forms the second wall surface.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the first wall surface and the second wall surface define the movement range of the connector relative to the storage box in the first direction through the flange.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the gap between the storage box and the connector includes a radial gap allowing the connector to move transversely to the first direction, and an axial gap communicating the radial gap with internal space of the storage box. The connector sealing structure seals the axial gap to block a leakage path formed by communication of the axial gap with the radial gap. Therefore, the sealing can always be ensured when there is a radial movement of the connector or a movement of the connector transverse to the first direction.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the connector sealing structure is a Y-shaped seal ring in cross-section. A peripheral side of the flange is provided with a groove for accommodating the seal ring. The Y-shape includes a V-shaped part and an I-shaped part. Two sides of the V-shaped part respectively contact the first wall surface and the second wall surface. The I-shaped part is configured to be inserted into the groove. Therefore, the relative movement of the connector is facilitated.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the box body has a bayonet for mounting the suction pipe. The cover portion has a first cover segment configured to engage with the bayonet. The first cover segment has a larger dimension in a second direction transverse to the first direction than in a third direction transverse to both the first direction and the second direction, so that the suction pipe is selectively adjusted to, by rotating around an axis parallel to the first direction, a working position where the first cover segment engages with the bayonet or a free position where the first cover segment does not engage with the bayonet. Therefore, the structure is simple, and mounting is facilitated.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the suction pipe has a vertical pipe segment communicated with the cover portion and configured to extend toward the bottom of the box body. Therefore, the laundry treatment agent can be drawn reliably.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the suction pipe is generally L-shaped.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the suction pipe is provided with a seal block supported by a spring. The connector has a guide segment. The seal block extends into the guide segment. When the storage box apparatus is pulled out from the housing, the spring pushes the seal block to block a flow path inside the connector. Therefore, leakage of the laundry treatment agent from the connector when the storage box apparatus is pulled out is avoided.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the first cover segment is configured to cover the flange of the connector.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the bayonet includes a bayonet post protruding from the bottom of the box body. Therefore, manufacturing is facilitated.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, in the working position, the vertical pipe segment extends toward the bottom of the box body.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, a flow-through opening is provided on a peripheral side of the guide segment, allowing the suction pipe to be in fluid communication with the flow path inside the connector through the flow-through opening. Therefore, fluid communication between the suction pipe and the connector can be facilitated.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the guide segment is arranged on a side of the flange facing the inside of the box body.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, a central axis of the guide segment is parallel to the first direction.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the cover portion has a second cover segment. The guide segment is accommodated in the second cover segment.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, an inner diameter of the second cover segment is equal to an inner diameter of the opening of the storage box.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, with respect to a radial dimension, the second cover segment is narrower than the first cover segment.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the box body has a stop portion. The stop portion is configured to limit rotation of the suction pipe to stop the suction pipe in the working position. Therefore, mounting of the suction pipe is facilitated.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the stop portion of the box body is a stop protrusion. The first cover segment has a notch. The notch is configured to accommodate the stop protrusion and provide space for relative rotation for the stop protrusion. One boundary of the notch corresponds to the working position.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the extension segment is arranged on a side of the flange facing the outside of the box body.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, an end of the extension segment has a flared opening.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, a central axis of the extension segment is parallel to the first direction.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the opening of the storage box defines a movement range of the connector relative to the storage box transversely to the first direction through the extension segment.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the storage box connection portion and the storage box are connected as one unit through a soft material and are movable relative to each other.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the fixed connection portion includes a main connection rod. The main connection rod is configured to be inserted into the storage box connection portion to be fluidly connected thereto.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the fixed connection portion is equipped with a suction apparatus for drawing the laundry treatment agent.
According to an optional embodiment of this application, the laundry treatment device is a washing machine, a dryer, or a washer-dryer.
According to a second aspect of this application, embodiments of this application provide a laundry treatment device. The laundry treatment device includes:

a housing;
a storage box apparatus, where the storage box apparatus is capable of being pushed into the housing in a first direction; and
a connection portion arranged inside the housing.

The connection portion includes a fixed part fixed relative to the housing and a movable part movably arranged on the fixed part. When the storage box apparatus is pushed into the housing, the fixed part is mechanically and fluidly connected to the storage box apparatus through the movable part. In this manner, the relative movement similar to that in the foregoing manner is particularly implemented, and the same technical effect is thus achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following describes this application in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, to better understand the principles, features, and advantages of this application. The accompanying drawings include:

FIG. 1: schematically shows an example of a laundry treatment device according to this application;
FIG. 2: schematically shows an example of a region of a storage box connection portion constructed as a connector;
FIG. 3: schematically shows another example of a region of a storage box connection portion constructed as a connector;
FIG. 4: shows the connector in FIG. 3 separately in a three-dimensional view;
FIG. 5: schematically shows an example of a bayonet structure between a suction pipe and a box body in a three-dimensional view;
FIG. 6: shows the suction pipe in FIG. 5 separately in a front view;
FIG. 7: shows the suction pipe in FIG. 6 in a three-dimensional view;
FIG. 8: shows the suction pipe in FIG. 6 in a three-dimensional view from another perspective;
FIG. 9: shows a region of a bayonet of a box body in a three-dimensional view;
FIG. 10: schematically shows another example of a storage box connection portion according to this application; and
FIG. 11: schematically shows another example of a laundry treatment device according to this application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To make technical problems to be resolved, technical solutions, and beneficial technical effects of this application clearer and more comprehensible, this application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and a plurality of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that specific embodiments described herein are merely used for explaining this application but are not used for limiting the protection scope of this application.
FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a laundry treatment device according to this application. The laundry treatment device may be a washing machine, a dryer, or a washer-dryer, or a laundry treatment device having other functions.
As shown in FIG. 1, the laundry treatment device includes:

a housing 1;
a fixed connection portion 2 fixedly arranged inside the housing 1 relative to the housing 1; and
a storage box apparatus 3, where the storage box apparatus 3 is capable of being pushed into the housing 1 in a first direction 81.

The storage box apparatus 3 includes a storage box 4 and a storage box connection portion 30 movably arranged relative to the storage box 4. The storage box connection portion 30 is configured to form a mechanical connection and a fluid connection with the fixed connection portion 2 when the storage box apparatus 3 is pushed into the housing 1.
Based on relative movement between the storage box connection portion 30 and the storage box 4, the storage box apparatus 3 can be easily inserted and pulled even in the presence of manufacturing tolerances of parts, and a large assembly gap between the storage box apparatus 3 and a front panel of the laundry treatment device caused based on the mechanical connection between the storage box apparatus 3 and the fixed connection portion 2 is avoided.
FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of a region of a storage box connection portion 30 constructed as a connector 7.
As shown in FIG. 2, the storage box connection portion 30 may be a connector 7 independent of the storage box 4. In an assembled state, there is a gap between the storage box 4 and the connector 7 to particularly allow movement of the connector 7. The gap particularly allows the connector 7 to move transversely to the first direction 81.
According to an example embodiment of this application, the connector 7 has a movement range or a movement gap relative to the storage box 4 transversely to the first direction 81 of at least 1 mm, particularly at least 2 mm, especially at least 3 mm.
According to an example embodiment of this application, the connector 7 has a movement range or a movement gap relative to the storage box 4 in the first direction 81 of at most 1 mm, particularly at most 0.5 mm.
As shown in FIG. 2, to implement the mechanical connection and the fluid connection between the connector 7 and the fixed connection portion 2, the storage box 4 has an opening 43 on a rear wall 40 near the fixed connection portion 2.
According to an example embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG. 2, the connector 7 is mounted at the opening 43 of the rear wall 40 and is provided with a connector sealing structure 73. An axial gap 32 exists between the connector 7 and the rear wall 40 and is communicated with the opening 43. The connector sealing structure 73 seals the axial gap 32 to block a leakage path from the opening 43 to the outside of the storage box 4. Since the connector sealing structure 73 is configured to seal the axial gap 32, even if the connector 7 is movable relative to the storage box 4 transversely to the first direction 81, the connector sealing structure 73 can still ensure sealing.
FIG. 3 schematically shows another example of a region of a storage box connection portion 30 constructed as a connector 7.
FIG. 4 shows the connector 7 in FIG. 3 separately in a three-dimensional view.
FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of a bayonet structure between a suction pipe 6 and a box body 5 in a three-dimensional view.
For the sake of clarity, the corresponding component is cut off at the middle herein. FIG. 5 further shows a storage box guide portion 10. The storage box apparatus 3 is particularly guided by the storage box guide portion 10 to be pushed in and pulled out.
FIG. 6 shows the suction pipe 6 in FIG. 5 separately in a front view.
FIG. 7 shows the suction pipe 6 in FIG. 6 in a three-dimensional view.
FIG. 8 shows the suction pipe 6 in FIG. 6 in a three-dimensional view from another perspective.
FIG. 9 shows a region of a bayonet 51 of a box body 5 in a three-dimensional view.
According to an example embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 9, the storage box 4 includes a box body 5 and a suction pipe 6 mounted on the box body 5. The suction pipe 6 is configured to draw, from the box body 5, a laundry treatment agent stored in the box body 5. The suction pipe 6 is fluidly connected to the fixed connection portion 2 through the connector 7. The suction pipe 6 has a cover portion 60 configured to cover the connector 7. However, in FIG. 2, it may be considered that the suction pipe 6 and the connector 7 are integrated.
According to an example embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG. 3, the connector 7 has an extension segment 71 configured to extend through the opening 43. A diameter of the opening 43 is larger than a diameter of the extension segment 71, so that a radial gap 400 between the extension segment 71 and the rear wall 40 is formed to allow the connector 7 to move transversely to the first direction 81. Herein, the opening 43 of the storage box 4 particularly defines, based on the radial gap 400, a movement range of the connector 7 relative to the storage box 4 transversely to the first direction 81 through the extension segment 71. An end of the extension segment 71 has a flared opening 710. A central axis of the extension segment 71 is parallel to the first direction 81. In addition, sealing of the fluid connection between the connector 7 and the fixed connection portion 2 can be favorably implemented in the extension segment 71. It may be conceived that, referring to FIG. 3, the fixed connection portion 2 is inserted into the extension segment 71 of the connector 7. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 1, the fixed connection portion 2 is sleeved over the storage box connection portion 30.
As shown in FIG. 3, the fixed connection portion 2 may include a main connection rod 21. The main connection rod 21 is configured to be inserted into the storage box connection portion 30 to be fluidly connected thereto. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the fixed connection portion 2 is equipped with a suction apparatus 22 for drawing the laundry treatment agent, particularly a suction pump. In addition, the connector 7 and the fixed connection portion 2 are sealed relative to each other by a radial sealing structure 20 configured to seal a radial gap.
According to an example embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG. 3, the gap between the storage box 4 and the connector 7 includes a radial gap 400 allowing the connector 7 to move transversely to the first direction 81, and an axial gap 32 communicating the radial gap 400 with internal space of the storage box 4. The connector sealing structure 73 seals the axial gap 32 to block a leakage path formed by communication of the axial gap 32 with the radial gap 400.
According to an example embodiment of this application, referring to FIG. 3, the connector 7 has a flange 70 protruding transversely to the first direction 81. The storage box 4 has a first wall surface 41 and a second wall surface 42 extending transversely to the first direction 81. In the assembled state, the flange 70 is clamped between the first wall surface 41 and the second wall surface 42 in the first direction 81. The flange 70 is particularly suitable for blocking the radial gap 400 between the opening 43 of the rear wall 40 and the extension segment 71. The axial gap 32 is formed between the flange 70 and the rear wall 40. The first wall surface 41 and the second wall surface 42 define the movement range of the connector 7 relative to the storage box 4 in the first direction 81 through the flange 70. Herein, the cover portion 60 forms the first wall surface 41. An inner wall surface 50 of the box body 5 forms the second wall surface 42.
As shown in FIG. 3, the extension segment 71 is arranged on a side of the flange 70 facing the outside of the box body 5.
According to an example embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG. 3, the connector sealing structure 73 is configured to seal gaps between the flange 70 and the first wall surface 41 and between the flange and the second wall surface 42.
According to an example embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the connector sealing structure 73 is a Y-shaped seal ring 730 in cross-section. A peripheral side of the flange 70 is provided with a groove 701 for accommodating the seal ring 730. The Y-shape includes a V-shaped part and an I-shaped part. Two sides of the V-shaped part respectively contact the first wall surface 41 and the second wall surface 42. The I-shaped part is configured to be inserted into the groove 701. The Y-shaped seal ring 730 may ensure gaps between the flange 70 of the connector 7 and the first wall surface 41 and the second wall surface 42, thereby favorably ensuring the relative movement of the connector 7.
Instead of such an integrated seal ring, two or more seal rings independent of each other may also be conceived, to respectively seal the gap between the flange 70 and the first wall surface 41 and the gap between the flange 70 and the second wall surface 42. Alternatively, the seal ring is arranged only between the flange 70 and the second wall surface 42.
According to an example embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the suction pipe 6 has a vertical pipe segment 61 communicated with the cover portion 60 and configured to extend toward the bottom of the box body 5.
The vertical pipe segment 61 is conducive to drawing the laundry treatment agent from the box body 5. Since a central axis of the cover portion 60 is in the first direction 81 belonging to a horizontal direction, the suction pipe 6 may be generally L-shaped.
According to an example embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG. 3, the suction pipe 6 is provided with a seal block 91 supported by a spring 90. The connector 7 has a guide segment 72. The seal block 91 extends into the guide segment 72. When the storage box apparatus 3 is pulled out from the housing 1, the spring 90 pushes the seal block 91 to block a flow path inside the connector 7. To this end, as shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the connector 7 is, for example, provided with a generally tapered seal seat 74 configured to cooperate with the seal block 91. In addition, the seal block 91 is also provided with a seal ring, so as to abut against the seal seat 74 to implement sealing.
Through the guide segment 72, the seal block 91 can reliably block the flow path inside the connector 7, and does not freely shake due to lack of guidance.
The guide segment 72 may be arranged on a side of the flange 70 facing the inside of the box body 5. In addition, a central axis of the guide segment 72 may be parallel to the first direction 81.
Alternatively, it may also be conceived that the guide segment 72 is not arranged.
According to an example embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a flow-through opening 720 is provided on a peripheral side of the guide segment 72, allowing the suction pipe 6 to be in fluid communication with the flow path inside the connector 7 through the flow-through opening 720. Since the seal block 91 blocks an end opening of the guide segment 72 of the connector 7 to some extent, fluid communication is implemented through the flow-through opening 720 on the peripheral side of the guide segment 72. According to an example embodiment of this application, referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 9, the box body 5 has a bayonet 51 for mounting the suction pipe 6. The cover portion 60 has a first cover segment 601 configured to engage with the bayonet 51. The first cover segment 601 has a larger dimension in a second direction 82 transverse to the first direction 81 than in a third direction 83 transverse to both the first direction 81 and the second direction 82, so that the suction pipe 6 is selectively adjusted to, by rotating around an axis parallel to the first direction 81, a working position where the first cover segment 601 engages with the bayonet 51 or a free position where the first cover segment does not engage with the bayonet 51. In the working position, the vertical pipe segment 61 may extend to the bottom of the box body 5 or be in a vertical direction. In the free position, the vertical pipe segment 61 is not in the vertical direction particularly.
Referring to FIG. 3, the first cover segment 601 may cover the flange 70 of the connector 7. The cover portion 60 may further have a second cover segment 602. The guide segment 72 is accommodated in the second cover segment 602. To this end, with respect to a radial dimension, the second cover segment 602 is narrower than the first cover segment 601.
According to an example embodiment of this application, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, the bayonet 51 includes a bayonet post 510 protruding from the bottom of the box body 5. Therefore, the manufacturing is simple, and observation during mounting is facilitated. Herein, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, two bayonet posts 510 are provided.
The suction pipe 6 is particularly mounted in the following manner. The cover portion 60 of the suction pipe 6 is aligned with the connector 7, and the suction pipe 6 is rotated to be vertically upward in the second direction 82. Then, the first cover segment 601 passes through the bayonet 51 in the first direction 81 until abutting against the inner wall surface 50 of the box body 5. Next, the suction pipe 6 is rotated (rotated anticlockwise, referring to FIG. 5) to the working position.
According to an example embodiment of this application, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, the box body 5 has a stop portion 52. The stop portion 52 is configured to limit rotation of the suction pipe 6 to stop the suction pipe in the working position. The stop portion 52 of the box body 5 is a stop protrusion 520. The first cover segment 601 has a notch 603. The notch 603 is configured to accommodate the stop protrusion 520 and provide space for relative rotation for the stop protrusion 520. One boundary of the notch 603 corresponds to the working position.
FIG. 10 schematically shows another example of a storage box connection portion 30 according to this application.
According to an example embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG. 10, the storage box connection portion 30 and the storage box 4 are connected as one unit through a soft material 31 and are movable relative to each other. The soft material may be particularly an elastic material such as elastic plastics or rubber. The connection herein is particularly material combination, and for example, may relate to gluing, soldering, and the like. A connection process such as multi-component injection may also be conceived.
FIG. 11 schematically shows another example of a laundry treatment device according to this application.
As shown in FIG. 11, the laundry treatment device includes:

a housing 1;
a storage box apparatus 3, where the storage box apparatus 3 is capable of being pushed into the housing 1 in a first direction 81; and
a connection portion 93 arranged inside the housing 1.

The connection portion 93 includes a fixed part 94 fixed relative to the housing 1 and a movable part 95 movably arranged on the fixed part 94. When the storage box apparatus 3 is pushed into the housing 1, the fixed part 94 is mechanically and fluidly connected to the storage box apparatus 3 through the movable part 95.
Different from the examples in FIG. 1 to FIG. 10, in FIG. 11, relative movement is set at the connection portion 93 inside the housing 1. However, the same technical effect can be achieved. In addition, various designs of FIG. 1 to FIG. 10 may be adapted to the example of FIG. 11, without departing from the scope of this application. Details are not described herein.
In the context, the movement range particularly refers to a movement range excluding a movement obstruction caused by the sealing structure.
The axial direction may be understood as a direction along a central axis of the connector and is particularly parallel to the first direction. The radial direction may be understood as a radial direction about the central axis of the connector.
The dimensions, quantities, positions, shapes, and mutual relationships of the elements in the accompanying drawings should be understood as an example rather than an absolute limitation to this application. A person skilled in the art can also conceive of simple changes in the dimensions, quantities, positions, shapes, and mutual relationships of the elements without departing from the protection scope of this application.
As long as the principle permits, each feature described may be considered as independent and may be combined with any other feature in any form, without departing from the protection scope of this application. If permitted in principle, features described for one embodiment are also adapted to any other embodiment, even if not directly recited.
Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this application, even when only a single embodiment is described with respect to specific features. Feature examples provided in the disclosure of this application are intended to be exemplary rather than limiting, unless indicated differently. In a specific implementation, a plurality of features may be combined with each other according to actual requirements and in a technically feasible case. Various replacements, changes, and alterations may further be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Reference numerals

1:: housing
10:: storage box guide portion

2:: fixed connection portion
20:: radial sealing structure
21:: main connection rod
22:: suction apparatus

3:: storage box apparatus
30:: storage box connection portion
31:: soft material
32:: axial gap

4:: storage box
40:: rear wall
400:: radial gap
41:: first wall surface
42:: second wall surface
43:: opening

5:: box body
50:: inner wall surface
51:: bayonet
510:: bayonet post
52:: stop portion
520:: stop protrusion

6:: suction pipe
60:: cover portion
601:: first cover segment
602:: second cover segment
603:: notch
61:: vertical pipe segment
7:: connector
70:: flange
701:: groove
71:: extension segment
710:: flared opening
72:: guide segment
720:: flow-through opening
73:: connector sealing structure
730:: seal ring
74:: seal seat

81:: first direction,
82:: second direction
83:: third direction

90:: spring
91:: seal block
93:: connection portion
94:: fixed part
95:: movable part

Claims

A laundry treatment device, characterized in that the laundry treatment device comprises:
a housing (1);

a fixed connection portion (2) fixedly arranged inside the housing (1) relative to the housing (1); and

a storage box apparatus (3), wherein the storage box apparatus (3) is capable of being pushed into the housing (1) in a first direction (81),

the storage box apparatus (3) comprises a storage box (4) and a storage box connection portion (30) movably arranged relative to the storage box (4), and the storage box connection portion (30) is configured to form a mechanical connection and a fluid connection with the fixed connection portion (2) when the storage box apparatus (3) is pushed into the housing (1).
The laundry treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the laundry treatment device comprises at least one of the following characteristics:
the storage box connection portion (30) is a connector (7) independent of the storage box (4); and

the storage box (4) has an opening (43) on a rear wall (40) close to the fixed connection portion (2).
The laundry treatment device according to claim 2, characterized in that the laundry treatment device comprises at least one of the following characteristics:
in an assembled state, there is a gap between the storage box (4) and the connector (7) to allow movement of the connector (7);

the connector (7) is mounted at the opening (43) of the rear wall (40) and is provided with a connector sealing structure (73), an axial gap (32) exists between the connector (7) and the rear wall (40) and is communicated with the opening (43), and the connector sealing structure (73) seals the axial gap (32) to block a leakage path from the opening (43) to the outside of the storage box (4);

the connector (7) and the fixed connection portion (2) are sealed relative to each other by a radial sealing structure (20) configured to seal a radial gap;

the connector (7) has a flange (70) protruding transversely to the first direction (81), the storage box (4) has a first wall surface (41) and a second wall surface (42) extending transversely to the first direction (81), and in the assembled state, the flange (70) is clamped between the first wall surface (41) and the second wall surface (42) in the first direction (81);

the storage box (4) comprises a box body (5) and a suction pipe (6) mounted on the box body (5), the suction pipe (6) is configured to draw, from the box body (5), a laundry treatment agent stored in the box body (5), the suction pipe (6) is fluidly connected to the fixed connection portion (2) through the connector (7), and the suction pipe (6) has a cover portion (60) configured to cover the connector (7);

the connector (7) has a movement range relative to the storage box (4) transversely to the first direction (81) of at least 1 mm, particularly at least 2 mm, especially at least 3 mm;

the connector (7) has a movement range relative to the storage box (4) in the first direction (81) of at most 1 mm, particularly at most 0.5 mm; or

the connector (7) has an extension segment (71) configured to extend through the opening (43), and a diameter of the opening (43) is larger than a diameter of the extension segment (71), so that a radial gap (400) between the extension segment (71) and the rear wall (40) is formed to allow the connector (7) to move transversely to the first direction (81).
The laundry treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that the laundry treatment device comprises at least one of the following characteristics:
the connector sealing structure (73) is configured to seal gaps between the flange (70) and the first wall surface (41) and between the flange and the second wall surface (42);

the cover portion (60) forms the first wall surface (41), and an inner wall surface (50) of the box body (5) forms the second wall surface (42);

the first wall surface (41) and the second wall surface (42) define the movement range of the connector (7) relative to the storage box (4) in the first direction (81) through the flange (70); or

the gap between the storage box (4) and the connector (7) comprises a radial gap (400) allowing the connector (7) to move transversely to the first direction (81), and an axial gap (32) communicating the radial gap (400) with internal space of the storage box (4), and the connector sealing structure (73) seals the axial gap (32) to block a leakage path formed by communication of the axial gap (32) with the radial gap (400).
The laundry treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that the connector sealing structure (73) is a Y-shaped seal ring (730) in cross-section, a peripheral side of the flange (70) is provided with a groove (701) for accommodating the seal ring (730), the Y-shape comprises a V-shaped part and an I-shaped part, two sides of the V-shaped part respectively contact the first wall surface (41) and the second wall surface (42), and the I-shaped part is configured to be inserted into the groove (701).
The laundry treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that the laundry treatment device comprises at least one of the following characteristics:
the box body (5) has a bayonet (51) for mounting the suction pipe (6), the cover portion (60) has a first cover segment (601) configured to engage with the bayonet (51), and the first cover segment (601) has a larger dimension in a second direction (82) transverse to the first direction (81) than in a third direction (83) transverse to both the first direction (81) and the second direction (82), so that the suction pipe (6) is selectively adjusted to, by rotating around an axis parallel to the first direction (81), a working position where the first cover segment (601) engages with the bayonet (51) or a free position where the first cover segment does not engage with the bayonet (51);

the suction pipe (6) has a vertical pipe segment (61) communicated with the cover portion (60) and configured to extend toward the bottom of the box body (5);

the suction pipe (6) is generally L-shaped; or

the suction pipe (6) is provided with a seal block (91) supported by a spring (90), the connector (7) has a guide segment (72), the seal block (91) extends into the guide segment (72), and when the storage box apparatus (3) is pulled out from the housing (1), the spring (90) pushes the seal block (91) to block a flow path inside the connector (7).
The laundry treatment device according to claim 6, characterized in that the laundry treatment device comprises at least one of the following characteristics:
the first cover segment (601) is configured to cover the flange (70) of the connector (7);

the bayonet (51) comprises a bayonet post (510) protruding from the bottom of the box body (5);

in the working position, the vertical pipe segment (61) extends toward the bottom of the box body (5);

a flow-through opening (720) is provided on a peripheral side of the guide segment (72), allowing the suction pipe (6) to be in fluid communication with the flow path inside the connector (7) through the flow-through opening (720);

the guide segment (72) is arranged on a side of the flange (70) facing the inside of the box body (5); or

a central axis of the guide segment (72) is parallel to the first direction (81).
The laundry treatment device according to claim 6, characterized in that the cover portion (60) has a second cover segment (602), and the guide segment (72) is accommodated in the second cover segment (602);
an inner diameter of the second cover segment (602) is equal to an inner diameter of the opening (43) of the storage box (4); and

with respect to a radial dimension, the second cover segment (602) is narrower than the first cover segment (601).
The laundry treatment device according to claim 6, characterized in that the box body (5) has a stop portion (52), wherein the stop portion (52) is configured to limit rotation of the suction pipe (6) to stop the suction pipe in the working position; and
the stop portion (52) of the box body (5) is a stop protrusion (520), the first cover segment (601) has a notch (603), the notch (603) is configured to accommodate the stop protrusion (520) and provide space for relative rotation for the stop protrusion (520), and one boundary of the notch (603) corresponds to the working position.
The laundry treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that the laundry treatment device comprises at least one of the following characteristics:
the extension segment (71) is arranged on a side of the flange (70) facing the outside of the box body (5);

an end of the extension segment (71) has a flared opening (710);

a central axis of the extension segment (71) is parallel to the first direction (81); or

the opening (43) of the storage box (4) defines a movement range of the connector (7) relative to the storage box (4) transversely to the first direction (81) through the extension segment (71).
The laundry treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage box connection portion (30) and the storage box (4) are connected as one unit through a soft material (31) and are movable relative to each other.
The laundry treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the laundry treatment device comprises at least one of the following characteristics:
the fixed connection portion (2) comprises a main connection rod (21), and the main connection rod (21) is configured to be inserted into the storage box connection portion (30) to be fluidly connected thereto;

the fixed connection portion (2) is equipped with a suction apparatus (22) for drawing the laundry treatment agent; or

the laundry treatment device is a washing machine, a dryer, or a washer-dryer.
A laundry treatment device, characterized in that the laundry treatment device comprises:
a housing (1);

a storage box apparatus (3), wherein the storage box apparatus (3) is capable of being pushed into the housing (1) in a first direction (81),

a connection portion (93) arranged inside the housing (1), wherein

the connection portion (93) comprises a fixed part (94) fixed relative to the housing (1) and a movable part (95) movably arranged on the fixed part (94), and when the storage box apparatus (3) is pushed into the housing (1), the fixed part (94) is mechanically and fluidly connected to the storage box apparatus (3) through the movable part (95).