WO2022207005A1

WO2022207005A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2022207005A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/089029
Authority: WO
Inventors: 陈贺; 石伟泽; 张新新; 刘玉春; 王其建; 伊茂聪; 湛国庆; 刘振华; 毕波; 薛威海; 谷虎; 马永为
Original assignee: 海信（山东）冰箱有限公司
Priority date: 2021-07-08
Filing date: 2022-04-25
Publication date: 2022-10-06
Also published as: CN113502637B; CN113502637A

Abstract

A washing machine (1000), comprising a pipeline assembly (500), an outer drum (21), a steam generation device (900) and a pressure relief valve (56). The pipeline assembly comprises a water intake pipe (50). The steam generation device is provided with a water inlet and a steam outlet (91), wherein the water inlet is in communication with the water intake pipe, and the steam outlet is in communication with an internal space of the outer drum. The pressure relief valve is provided with a valve port (56G) and comprises a valve element (56C), wherein the valve element is configured to open or close the valve port, so that the pressure relief valve switches between an opened position and a closed position; and when reaching a predetermined opening pressure threshold, the valve element opens the valve port.

Description

washing machine

This application claims the priority of the Chinese Patent Application No. 202110774025.7 filed on July 08, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of laundry treatment equipment, and in particular, to a washing machine.

Background technique

A washing machine is a clothing processing device that uses electrical energy to produce mechanical action to wash clothes. More and more people use washing machines to wash large items such as clothes and bedding, saving time and effort. Washing machines are becoming an indispensable household appliance in people's lives. With the improvement of people's living standards, in addition to the conventional washing and drying functions, washing machines are also required to be able to perform functions such as drying, wrinkle removal, and sterilization.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A washing machine is provided, which includes a pipeline assembly, an outer tub, a steam generating device and a pressure relief valve. The pipeline assembly includes a water inlet pipe. The steam generating device has a water inlet and a steam outlet, the water inlet communicates with the water inlet pipe, and the steam outlet communicates with the inner space of the outer cylinder. The pressure relief valve has a valve port and includes a valve core. The spool is configured to open or close the valve port to transition the relief valve between the open position and the closed position. The spool opens the valve port when a predetermined opening pressure threshold is reached.

Description of drawings

In order to illustrate the technical solutions in the present disclosure more clearly, the following briefly introduces the accompanying drawings that need to be used in some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only drawings of some embodiments of the present disclosure. , for those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can also be obtained according to these drawings. In addition, the accompanying drawings in the following description may be regarded as schematic diagrams, and are not intended to limit the actual size of the product involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the actual flow of the method, the actual timing of signals, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a washing machine according to some embodiments;

2 is a partial structural diagram of a washing machine according to some embodiments;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view along line A-A in Fig. 2;

4 is a structural diagram of an inner tub of a washing machine according to some embodiments;

5 is a structural diagram of a cabinet of a washing machine according to some embodiments;

6 is a partial structural view of a bottom side of a tub of a washing machine according to some embodiments;

7 is a block diagram of a control assembly of a washing machine according to some embodiments;

8 is a block diagram of a control assembly of another washing machine according to some embodiments;

9 is a structural diagram of a drying assembly of a washing machine according to some embodiments;

10 is a perspective view of a partial structure of a washing machine according to some embodiments;

11 is another perspective view of a partial structure of a washing machine according to some embodiments;

12 is a cross-sectional view of a valve port of a pressure relief valve of a washing machine in a closed state according to some embodiments;

13 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure relief valve of a washing machine in an open state according to some embodiments;

14 is a structural diagram of an atomizing nozzle of a washing machine according to some embodiments.

Detailed ways

The technical solutions in some embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, but not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments provided by the present disclosure fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms such as the third person singular "comprises" and the present participle "comprising" are used It is interpreted as the meaning of openness and inclusion, that is, "including, but not limited to". In the description of the specification, the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiments", "example", "specific example" example)" or "some examples" and the like are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material or characteristic related to the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. The schematic representations of the above terms are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may expressly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

In describing some embodiments, the expressions "coupled" and "connected" and their derivatives may be used. For example, the term "connected" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. As another example, the term "coupled" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, the terms "coupled" or "communicatively coupled" may also mean that two or more components are not in direct contact with each other, yet still co-operate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited by the content herein.

"A and/or B" includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

The use of "adapted to" or "configured to" herein means open and inclusive language that does not preclude devices adapted or configured to perform additional tasks or steps.

As used herein, "about", "approximately" or "approximately" includes the stated value as well as the average value within an acceptable range of deviation from the specified value, as described by one of ordinary skill in the art Determined taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (ie, limitations of the measurement system).

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and/or plan views that are idealized exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Accordingly, variations from the shapes of the drawings due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are contemplated. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but to include deviations in shapes due, for example, to manufacturing. For example, an etched area shown as a rectangle will typically have curved features. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments.

Generally, in order to realize the functions of sterilization, deodorization, and wrinkle removal and ironing, a steam generating device is provided inside the washing machine, and the steam generating device is used to generate steam and spray steam of a certain temperature into the washing (drying) tub. The steam generating device usually generates steam by means of heating. However, because the actual water environment of the user is poor, the water hardness is generally high. For example, the actual water hardness of the user is below 450 parts per million (parts per million, abbreviated as ppm), and the washing machine laboratory environment requires water hardness At 50ppm, it is easy to produce scale and block the steam outlet of the steam generator, causing the water inlet pipe to burst, causing steam and water to splash into the inside of the washing machine and the user's home.

FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a washing machine according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 is a partial structural diagram of a washing machine according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the washing machine 1000 includes a box body 100, a washing tub 200, a door lock 300 (refer to FIG. 5), a motor 400 (refer to FIG. 7), a pipeline assembly 500, and a water level detection device 600 (refer to FIG. 6 ). ) and control assembly 700 (refer to FIG. 7 ).

In some embodiments, the case 100 is a plastic piece or a metal piece. The tank 100 includes a water injection port 10 . The water injection port 10 is configured to connect to an external water source.

The washing tub 200 is installed in the casing 100 , and the washing tub 200 includes an inner tub 20 and an outer tub 21 . The inner cylinder 20 is sleeved in the outer cylinder 21 , and the inner cylinder 20 is a rotatable inner cylinder 20 .

FIG. 4 is a structural diagram of an inner tub of a washing machine according to some embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the inner cylinder 20 includes an inner cylinder body 20C, an inner cylinder opening 20A, and a through hole 20B penetrating the inner cylinder body 20C in the thickness direction. The inner tub 20 communicates with the outer tub 21 through the through hole 20B, and the inner tub 20 is configured to carry the laundry to be cleaned. The outer tub 21 is configured to carry washing water, the washing water enters and exits the inner tub 20 through the through hole 20B, and the clothes are put into the inner tub 20 through the inner tub opening 20A.

FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of a cabinet of a washing machine according to some embodiments.

In addition, the outer cylinder 21 includes an injection port 21D. The insertion opening 21D is formed in the front end part of the outer cylinder 21 so that laundry can be thrown in. For the top-load washing machine 1000, the delivery port 21D faces upward (i.e., the Z direction in Fig. 1); for the drum washing machine 1000, the delivery port 21D faces forward (i.e., the X direction in Fig. 1). As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 , the washing machine includes a door body 11 and a door seal 12 . The door seal 12 is provided on the outer tub 21 , and the outer tub 21 and the box 100 are connected through the door seal 12 at the delivery port 21D. The door body 11 can open or close the dispensing opening 21D, and the door body 11 is configured to open or close the washing tub 200 .

For the convenience of description, some embodiments of the present disclosure mainly take the washing machine 1000 as a front-loading washing machine as an example, however, this should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a rim portion 21A protruding in a direction away from the cylinder bottom (eg, the X direction) is formed on the side of the outer cylinder 21 adjacent to the injection port 21D. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the direction A-A of FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the outer cylinder 21 further includes an air inlet 21E and an air outlet 21F. The air inlet 21E is provided in the rim portion 21A. Both the air inlet 21E and the air outlet 21F communicate with the interior of the inner cylinder 20 . A side of the outer cylinder 21 adjacent to the cylinder bottom is provided with an air outlet 21F that communicates with the interior of the inner cylinder 20 . A side of the inner cylinder 20 close to the injection port 21D is provided with an inner cylinder port 20A corresponding to the injection port 21D.

The door lock 300 is installed between the tub cover and the case body 100 , and when the tub cover closes the washing tub 200 , the door lock 300 can lock the tub cover and the case body 100 . In addition, during the washing process, the door lock 300 can lock the tub cover in the closed state of the washing tub 200, so as to avoid the danger of the tub cover being opened by mistake.

The motor 400 is drivingly connected with the inner tub 20, and the motor 400 can drive the inner tub 20 to rotate in different rotation directions and different rotational speeds, so as to realize laundry washing.

6 is a partial structural view of a bottom side of a tub of a washing machine according to some embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 , the pipeline assembly 500 includes a water inlet pipe 50 , a water inlet valve member (such as a water inlet valve 52 ), a water discharge valve member (such as a water discharge valve 58 ), and a water discharge pipe 51 installed on the water inlet pipe 50 . .

The water inlet pipe 50 communicates with the washing tub 200 through the water filling port 10 .

The water inlet valve member includes a water inlet valve 52 , and the water inlet valve 52 is fixed on the box body 100 . The water inlet valve 52 is configured to control the connection or disconnection of the water inlet pipe 50 with the water injection port 10 . When the control assembly 700 controls the water inlet valve 52 to open, water can be introduced into the washing tub 200 through the water inlet pipe 50 .

The drain valve is configured to drain the water in the washing tub 200 through the drain pipe 51 .

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 , the line assembly 500 may further include a dosing pump 59 configured to automatically dispense detergent or softener or the like.

The water level detection device 600 is configured to detect the water level in the washing tub 200 .

7 is a block diagram of a control assembly of a washing machine according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 7 , the control assembly 700 includes a main controller 70 . The main controller 70 is electrically connected to the water inlet valve (eg, the water inlet valve 52 ), the drain valve (eg, the drain valve 58 ), the pump (the injection pump 59 ) and the water level detection device 600 in the washing machine 1000 . The main controller 70 controls the washing process of the washing machine 1000 by controlling various components connected thereto. The main controller 70 is electrically connected to the motor 400 to control the motor 400 .

8 is a block diagram of a control assembly of another washing machine according to some embodiments.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 8 , the washing machine 1000 further includes a display device 15 , and the control assembly 700 further includes a display controller 72 . The display controller 72 is electrically connected to the display device 15 and the main controller 70 to control the display device 15 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the washing machine 1000 further includes an operation panel 13 and/or a plurality of operation buttons 14 , and the operation panel 13 and/or a plurality of operation buttons 14 are provided on the cabinet 100 . The user selects a desired washing operation through the operation panel 13 and/or a plurality of operation buttons 14 .

FIG. 9 is a structural diagram of a drying assembly of a washing machine according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 , the washing machine 1000 further includes a drying assembly 800 . The drying assembly 800 is configured to heat the air within the outer cylinder 21 . The drying assembly 800 is located on the top of the outer tub 21 . As shown in FIG. 9 , the drying assembly 800 includes a drying air duct 80 , a heater 81 and a fan 82 . The drying air duct 80 is located at the outer wall of the outer cylinder 21 . Both the heater 81 and the fan 82 are located in the drying air duct 80 . The fan 82 has a spiral structure.

As shown in FIG. 1 , when the washing machine 1000 is a drum washing machine, the drying air duct 80 is located at the top of the outer tub 21 . One end of the drying air duct 80 is communicated with the inner cylinder 20 through the air inlet 21E, and the other end of the drying air duct 80 is communicated with the inner cylinder 20 through the air outlet 21F.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the blower 82 operates to form a negative pressure inside the drying air duct 80, and the air in the inner cylinder 20 flows into the drying air duct 80 through the air outlet 21F, and moves toward the heater 81, and the air is heated by After the heater 81 is heated, high-temperature air is formed, and the high-temperature air enters the inner cylinder 20 through the air inlet 21E through the injection port 21D, so as to dry the clothes in the inner cylinder 20 . The high-temperature air exchanges heat with the clothes in the inner cylinder 20 to form low-temperature air, and the low-temperature air flows into the drying air duct 80 through the air outlet 21F and enters the next drying cycle. The circulation path of the air is roughly indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3 .

10 is a perspective view of a partial structure of a washing machine according to some embodiments. 11 is another perspective view of a partial structure of a washing machine according to some embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 , the drying air duct 80 includes a drying air duct body 80B and an air duct turning portion 80A connected to the drying air duct body 80B. The air duct turning portion 80A is located on the side of the drying air duct body 80B. Close to one end of the air inlet 21E and extending toward the rim portion 21A along the side wall of the outer cylinder 21 , the air duct turning portion 80A is located at the front end of the outer cylinder 21 . The steam pipe 53 is communicated with the air duct turning portion 80A, so that the steam can enter the inner cylinder 20 to the maximum extent.

In some embodiments, in order to realize the sterilization and deodorization functions of the washing machine 1000 and solve the problem of wrinkles generated during drying, as shown in FIG. 10 , the washing machine 1000 further includes a steam generating device 900, which is respectively connected with the The water pipe 50 and the outer cylinder 21 communicate with each other. The steam generating device 900 is configured to generate steam.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11 , the outer barrel 21 includes a front barrel 21B and a rear barrel 21C that are fixedly connected. The steam generating device 900 includes a fixing base 90 fixedly connected to the outer cylinder 21 , and the fixing base 90 is connected to the front cylinder 21B and the rear cylinder 21C. The connection strength of the steam generating device 900 , the front tub 21B and the rear tub 21C is effectively enhanced by the fixing seat 90 , and the overall stability of the washing machine 1000 is improved.

In some embodiments, the axis of the outer cylinder 21 extends in the horizontal direction, the drying air duct 80 is fixed on the top of the outer side wall of the outer cylinder 21, and the drying air duct 80 is offset by a predetermined angle relative to a reference surface, the reference surface The predetermined angle is in the range of 8 degrees to 25 degrees as a longitudinal section passing through the axis of the outer cylinder 21 . For example, the drying air duct 80 may be offset by 8 degrees, 10 degrees, 12 degrees, 14 degrees, 16 degrees, 18 degrees, 20 degrees, 22 degrees, or 25 degrees, and so on.

The steam generating device 900 is provided at an adjacent position on the side directly above the drying air duct 80 close to the outer cylinder 21 . In this way, the drying air duct 80 and the steam generating device 900 can function as a counterweight, so as to reduce the cost of the washing machine 1000 . In addition, the weight distribution of the washing machine 1000 can also be balanced, so as to improve the stability of the washing machine 1000 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 10 , the piping assembly 500 also includes a steam pipe 53 . The steam generating device 900 is connected with the water inlet valve 52 through the water inlet pipe 50 , and the steam outlet 91 of the steam generating device 900 is communicated with the inside of the outer cylinder 21 through the steam pipe 53 . When in use, the water is controlled to enter the steam generating device 900 through the water inlet valve 52, and the water is transformed into high-temperature steam after passing through the steam generating device 900, and then enters the outer cylinder 21 through the steam pipe 53, and is sprayed on the clothes to sterilize, sterilize, and sterilize the clothes. Deodorization and wrinkle ironing.

12 is a cross-sectional view of a valve port of a pressure relief valve of a washing machine in a closed state according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2 , the pipeline assembly 500 further includes a tee pipe 54 and a pressure relief pipe 55 . Washing machine 1000 also includes pressure relief valve 56 . As shown in FIG. 11 , the tee pipe 54 has a first joint 54A, a second joint 54B and a third joint 54C, the steam generating device 900 is communicated with the first joint 54A, the steam pipe 53 is communicated with the second joint 54B, and the drain The pressure pipe 55 communicates with the third joint 54C.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 , the shape of the pressure relief pipe 55 is U-shaped, of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The material of the pressure relief pipe 55 is rubber or EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, abbreviated as EPDM), of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

It should be noted that gas-liquid two-phase water exists in the pressure relief pipe 55 or the steam pipe 53 , and the gas-liquid two-phase water is collectively referred to as fluid hereinafter.

The water inlet pipe 50 is communicated with the steam generating device 900 through the pressure relief valve 56, and the pressure relief port 56F (refer to FIG. 12) of the pressure relief valve 56 is connected with the pressure relief pipe 55; the fluid flowing out from the pressure relief valve 56 enters the pressure relief pipe 55, and the pressure relief pipe 55 enters the steam pipe 53 through the tee pipe 54, and finally enters the outer cylinder 21 through the steam pipe 53.

12 is a structural diagram of a valve port of a pressure relief valve of a washing machine in a closed state according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 12 , the pressure relief valve 56 includes a first branch pipe 56A and a second branch pipe 56B communicating with the first branch pipe 56A.

One end of the first branch pipe 56A is communicated with the water inlet pipe 50 , and the other end of the first branch pipe 56A is communicated with the water inlet of the steam generating device 900 . The first branch pipe 56A is configured to carry the water flowing from the water inlet pipe 50 to the steam generating device 900 . One end of the second branch pipe 56B is connected to the first branch pipe 56A through the valve port 56G, and the other end of the second branch pipe 56B is connected to the pressure relief pipe 55 through the pressure relief port 56F. The pressure relief port 56F is formed at the end of the second branch pipe 56B away from the first branch pipe 56A.

In some embodiments, the pressure relief valve 56 also includes a spool 56C. The valve body 56C is provided in the second branch pipe 56B. The valve core 56C is configured to open or close the valve port 56G, thereby connecting or disconnecting the first branch pipe 56A and the second branch pipe 56B. In the initial state, the valve core 56C closes the valve port 56G, and the first branch pipe 56A is disconnected from the second branch pipe 56B. When the pressure in the first branch pipe 56A is greater than the predetermined opening pressure threshold of the relief valve 56, the valve core 56C opens the valve port 56G, and the first branch pipe 56A communicates with the second branch pipe 56B.

In some embodiments, the predetermined opening pressure threshold range is 0.1 MPa to 1 MPa, for example, the predetermined opening pressure threshold range may be 0.1 MPa, 0.5 MPa, 1 MPa, 1.5 MPa, or 1 MPa, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 12, the valve core 56C includes a spring 56C-1 and a rubber plug 56C-2. One end of the spring 56C-1 close to the valve port 56G is connected to the rubber plug 56C-2, and the other end of the spring 56C-1 is connected to the second branch pipe 56B. Rubber plug 56C-2 is configured to open or close valve port 56G.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12 , the pressure relief valve 56 also includes a plug 56D. The plug 56D is disposed at one end of the second branch pipe 56B close to the pressure relief port 56F, and the plug 56D is hollow inside to form a fluid channel FC communicating with the pressure relief port 56F and the valve port 56G. The end of the spring 56C-1 away from the valve port 56G is connected to the end of the plug 56D near the valve port 56G.

The outer side wall of the rubber plug 56C-2 is spaced from the inner side wall of the second branch pipe 56B to define a fluid gap FS between the outer side wall of the rubber plug 56C-2 and the inner side wall of the second branch pipe 56B, and the fluid gap FS passes through the second branch pipe 56B. The lumens of the two branches 56B communicate with the fluid channel FC.

In some embodiments, the rubber plug 56C-2 is cylindrical in shape, and the axis of the cylinder is substantially coincident with the axis of the second branch pipe 56B. The diameter of the rubber plug 56C-2 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second branch pipe 56B to define a fluid gap FS between the outer peripheral wall of the rubber plug 56C-2 and the inner side wall of the second branch pipe 56B, and the fluid gap FS passes through the second branch pipe 56B. The lumen communicates with the fluid channel FC.

In some embodiments, the pressure relief valve 56 further includes a baffle 56E formed around the valve port 56G at the junction of the first branch pipe 56A and the second branch pipe 56B. The rubber plug is configured to close the valve port, eg, the minimum diameter of the rubber plug 56C-2 is larger than the size of the valve port 56G.

As shown in FIG. 12 , in the initial state, under the elastic force of the spring 56C-1, the rubber plug 56C-2 is in sealing contact with the baffle 56E to block the valve port 56G; at this time, the first branch pipe 56A and the second branch pipe 56B is disconnected.

13 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure relief valve of a washing machine in an open state according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 13, when the pressure in the first branch pipe 56A is greater than the predetermined opening pressure threshold of the relief valve 56, under the action of the fluid pressure in the first branch pipe 56A, the rubber plug 56C-2 overcomes the elastic force of the spring 56C-1 , moving in the direction close to the pressure relief port 56F, the rubber plug 56C-2 is separated from the baffle 56E, the fluid in the first branch pipe 56A enters the second branch pipe 56B through the valve port 56G, and then moves to the rubber plug 56C through the fluid gap FS The side of -2 close to the pressure relief port 56F finally flows into the pressure relief pipe 55 from the pressure relief port 56F through the fluid passage FC.

Due to the compression limit of the spring 56C-1, there is always a distance between the end face of the plug 56D close to the valve port 56G and the end face of the rubber plug 56C-2 close to the pressure relief port 56F, and the fluid passage FC is always in communication with the fluid gap FS. That is, when the valve port 56G is in the open state, the first branch pipe 56A and the second branch pipe 56B are always kept in communication.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 13 , when the steam generating device 900 is not blocked (ie, works normally), the pressure relief valve 56 is closed, the rubber plug 56C-2 blocks the valve port 56G, the first branch pipe 56A and the second branch pipe 56B disconnect. At this time, the water inlet valve 52 is opened, and the water enters the steam generator 900 through the water inlet pipe 50 and the first branch pipe 56A of the pressure relief valve 56. When passing through the steam generator 900, the water absorbs heat and changes into water vapor, and the water vapor passes through the steam generator 900. The steam outlet 91 enters the steam pipe 53 and enters the inner cylinder 20 through the injection port 21D to spray high-temperature steam on the clothes to achieve sterilization, deodorization, and wrinkle-removing ironing.

As shown in FIG. 13 , when the steam generating device 900 is blocked (for example, the steam outlet 91 is blocked due to the long-term operation of scale, etc.), continuous water supply and heating will cause the fluid pressure in the steam generating device 900 and the water inlet pipe 50 The increase causes the fluid pressure in the first branch pipe 56A of the pressure relief valve 56 to increase. When the fluid pressure in the first branch pipe 56A is greater than the predetermined opening pressure threshold of the pressure relief valve 56, the rubber plug 56C-2 moves toward the direction close to the pressure relief port 56F, the rubber plug 56C-2 is separated from the baffle 56E, and the pressure is released. The valve port 56G of the valve 56 is opened, and the first branch pipe 56A is communicated with the second branch pipe 56B. At this time, the fluid in the first branch pipe 56A enters the second branch pipe 56B through the valve port 56G, and then enters the pressure relief pipe 55 from the second branch pipe 56B to reduce the pressure in the water inlet pipe 50 .

In addition, the steam generated in the steam generating device 900 also enters the pressure relief pipe 55 to reduce the pressure in the steam generating device 900. This effectively avoids the bursting of the water inlet pipe 50 or the damage to the steam generating device 900 caused by the blockage of the steam outlet 91, and prevents the steam and water from splashing into the washing machine 1000 to damage the machine or to the outside of the washing machine 1000 to damage the user. At the same time, it is also avoided that the steam output efficiency of the steam generating device 900 is affected due to internal blockage of the steam generating device 900 .

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 , the end 53A of the steam pipe 53 away from the steam generating device 900 communicates with the end of the drying air duct 80 close to the air inlet 21E.

As shown in FIG. 3 , when the steam generating device 900 is not blocked, the steam passing through the steam pipe 53 first enters the drying air duct 80 , and under the action of the fan 82 in the drying air duct 80 , the The formed air flow carries the steam into the inner tub 20 through the air inlet 21E, so that the steam is fully contacted with the clothes in the inner tub 20 .

When the steam generating device 900 is blocked, part of the water enters the steam pipe 53 through the pressure relief pipe 55, and the part of the water that passes through the steam pipe 53 first enters the drying air duct 80, and under the action of the fan 82 in the drying air duct 80 , the air flow formed by the fan 82 carries the part of the water into the outer cylinder 21 through the air inlet 21E, and sprays the clothes in the inner cylinder 20 through the injection port 21D. When the user finds that the humidity of the clothes is too high, it can be determined that the steam generating device 900 may be faulty, and the maintenance can be checked and repaired in time.

It should be noted that when steam is introduced into the outer cylinder 21, the fan 82 in the drying air duct 80 is activated; Temperature starts or stops.

In some embodiments, the pipeline assembly 500 further includes an atomizing nozzle 57 , the atomizing nozzle 57 is located at one end of the steam pipe 53 away from the steam generating device 900 , and the atomizing nozzle 57 communicates with the steam pipe 53 . For example, as shown in FIG. 14 , the atomizing nozzle 57 includes an atomizing nozzle body 57A, a water blocking piece 57B, and a slot 57C. A slot 57C is provided between the atomizing nozzle body 57A and the water blocking piece 57B. When the fluid flows through the atomizing nozzle body 57A (the flow direction of the fluid is in the M direction in FIG. 14 ), the water blocking sheet 57B blocks the fluid flow to increase the fluid pressure, and the fluid is ejected through the slot 57C. When the fluid is water, the atomizing nozzle 57 sprays water mist; when the fluid is steam, the atomizing nozzle 57 sprays steam.

When the steam generating device 900 is not blocked, the atomizing nozzle 57 sprays steam, and the airflow in the drying air duct 80 carries the steam into the inner tub 20 through the air inlet 21E, so that the steam can mix with the clothes in the inner tub 20. full contact.

When the steam generating device 900 is blocked, the atomizing nozzle 57 sprays water mist, and the air flow formed by the fan 82 blows the water mist, and carries the water mist into the inner cylinder 20, so that the water mist is more evenly sprinkled on the clothes.

The above are only specific embodiments of the present disclosure, but the protection scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure, think of changes or replacements, should cover within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

A washing machine comprising:

a pipeline assembly, the pipeline assembly includes a water inlet pipe;

outer cylinder;

a steam generating device, the steam generating device has a water inlet and a steam outlet, the water inlet communicates with the water inlet pipe, and the steam outlet communicates with the inner space of the outer cylinder; and

A pressure relief valve having a valve port and comprising:

a spool configured to open or close the valve port to transition the relief valve between the open position and the closed position, wherein the spool is at a predetermined opening pressure The valve port is opened at the threshold.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein,

The predetermined opening pressure threshold ranges from 0.1 MPa to 1 MPa.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the pressure relief valve further comprises:

a first branch pipe, one end of the first branch pipe is communicated with the water inlet pipe, and the other end of the first branch pipe is communicated with the water inlet;

A second branch pipe, one end of the second branch pipe is communicated with the first branch pipe through the valve port.
The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the valve core comprises:

a rubber plug configured to open or close the valve port; and

A spring, one end of the spring close to the valve port is connected with the rubber plug, and the other end of the spring away from the valve port is connected with the second branch pipe.
The washing machine of claim 4, wherein an outer side wall of the rubber plug is spaced apart from an inner side wall of the second branch pipe to define a fluid gap between the outer side wall and the inner side wall.
The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the shape of the rubber plug is cylindrical, and the diameter of the rubber plug is smaller than the inner diameter of the second branch pipe.
The washing machine of claim 4, wherein a minimum diameter of the rubber plug is larger than a size of the valve port.
The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the pressure relief valve further comprises:

A plug, the interior of the plug is hollow to form a channel communicating with both ends of the second branch pipe, the plug is arranged at one end of the second branch pipe away from the valve port, and the spring The other end is connected with the plug.
The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the pressure relief valve further comprises:

a baffle plate, the baffle plate is located at the connection between the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, and is arranged around the valve port.
The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the piping assembly further comprises:

A pressure relief pipe, one end of the pressure relief pipe is communicated with the other end of the second branch pipe, and the other end of the pressure relief pipe is communicated with the steam outlet of the steam generating device.
The washing machine of claim 10, wherein the line assembly further comprises:

steam pipes; and

Three-way pipe, the three-way pipe includes:

a first joint, the first joint is communicated with the steam outlet of the steam generating device;

a second joint in communication with one end of the steam pipe; and

A third joint, the third joint is communicated with the other end of the pressure relief pipe.
The washing machine of claim 11, wherein,

The other end of the steam pipe is communicated with the inner space of the outer cylinder;

The washing machine further includes an atomizing nozzle, which is disposed at the other end of the steam pipe and communicated with the other end of the steam pipe.
The washing machine of claim 12, wherein,

The atomizing nozzle includes a nozzle body, a water blocking piece and a slot, and the slot is arranged between the nozzle body and the water blocking piece, so that the fluid flowing through the nozzle body is atomized through the slot .
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein,

The outer cylinder includes a front cylinder and a rear cylinder;

The steam generating device further includes a fixing seat, and the fixing seat is fixedly connected with the front cylinder and the rear cylinder.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the washing machine further comprises:

and a drying assembly, the drying assembly is located at the outer wall of the outer cylinder, and the drying assembly is configured to heat the air inside the outer cylinder.
The washing machine of claim 15, wherein,

The outer cylinder includes an air inlet and an air outlet;

The drying assembly includes:

a drying air duct, the drying air duct is located at the outer wall of the outer cylinder, one end of the drying air duct is communicated with the air inlet, and the other end of the drying air duct is connected with the outlet air vents are connected;

heater; and

The fan, the heater and the fan are all located in the drying air duct.
The washing machine of claim 16, wherein the line assembly further comprises:

A steam pipe, one end of the steam pipe is connected with the steam outlet of the steam generating device, and the other end of the steam pipe is connected with the one end of the drying air duct.
The washing machine of claim 17, wherein the drying air duct comprises:

the drying duct body; and

an air duct turning part, the air duct turning part is connected with the drying air duct body; the air duct turning part extends toward the air inlet along the side wall of the outer cylinder and communicates with the air inlet ; The steam pipe is communicated with the air duct turning portion.
The washing machine of claim 16, wherein the outer tub further comprises:

A wheel rim portion, the wheel rim portion is located on the side of the outer cylinder away from the cylinder bottom, and protrudes outward, and the air inlet is arranged on the wheel rim portion.
The washing machine of claim 16, wherein,

The axis of the outer cylinder extends in the horizontal direction, the drying air duct is arranged on the top of the outer side wall of the outer cylinder, and the drying air duct is offset by a predetermined angle relative to the reference surface, and the reference surface passes through the longitudinal section of the axis of the outer cylinder;

The steam generating device is arranged on the outer side wall of the outer cylinder and is arranged adjacent to the drying air duct.