A washing machine with a sterilization device

Abstract

This invention discloses a washing machine with a sterilization device, comprising: an inner tub, an outer tub, and at least one sterilization device fixedly mounted on the inner tub; the sterilization device has multiple fixed sterilization light-emitting units, each having a light-transmitting sealed outer shell and an ultraviolet (UV) generating module located within the sealed outer shell, the UV generating module having a normally open start switch; rotation of the inner tub causes the start switch to close. By fixing the sterilization device to the inner tub, the sterilization device can rotate with the inner tub, increasing the irradiation range of the sterilization device and enhancing the sterilization effect; the light-transmitting sealed outer shell of the sterilization light-emitting unit avoids the risk of water leakage and electric leakage at the installation location of the UV generating module, thus enhancing safety; and it also eliminates the need for a control module to control the opening and closing of the UV generating module, simplifying the structure and facilitating implementation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing machine technology, and specifically relates to a washing machine with a sterilization device. Background Technology

[0002] Most current washing machines use a wash-and-dry method, which only removes surface dirt from clothes but cannot eliminate bacteria. Furthermore, bacteria can grow inside the washing machine over time. While manufacturers use air-drying programs or self-cleaning functions to clean the inner and outer drums, the water used is typically at room temperature, resulting in minimal sterilization and insufficient effectiveness against clothes. This leads to a vicious cycle where bacteria remain in the drum and then re-infect the clothes.

[0003] While some washing machines currently employ sterilization measures, the technologies are not yet mature and generally suffer from drawbacks such as low efficiency, mediocre sterilization effects, complex structures, poor practicality, and lack of environmental friendliness. Currently, the more mature sterilization technologies are ion sterilization and ultraviolet (UV) sterilization. However, ion sterilization technology is complex in structure, too expensive, hindering its widespread adoption, and its sterilization effect is not significant, limiting its application in washing machines. UV sterilization, on the other hand, is a purely physical disinfection method with advantages such as simplicity, convenience, broad-spectrum efficiency, no secondary pollution, ease of management, and automation. With the introduction of various newly designed UV lamps, the application scope of UV sterilization is continuously expanding.

[0004] Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization works by using UV radiation to damage and alter the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) structure of microorganisms, causing them to die immediately or preventing them from reproducing, thus achieving sterilization. Current UV sterilization devices on washing machines consist of a UV sterilizing lamp connected to an external power supply. The UV sterilizing lamp is typically located around the sealing rubber ring of the washing machine door or on the outer tub. Because washing machines generate a large amount of water vapor and droplets during operation, this structure presents problems such as potential water and electrical leaks at the connection points, posing a safety hazard. Furthermore, since the UV sterilizing lamp is fixed inside the washing machine, it's difficult to cover the entire wash water, the inner wall of the washing machine, and the clothes during sterilization. For example, areas within the UV sterilization range cannot be sterilized, resulting in limited sterilization effectiveness. Additionally, a control circuit is needed to control the UV sterilizing lamp's on / off state.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this application, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this invention proposes a washing machine with a sterilization device. The sterilization device rotates with the inner drum, which facilitates uniform irradiation of the washing water, the inner wall of the washing machine, and the clothes, thereby enhancing the sterilization effect. Furthermore, a sealed outer shell is provided to enhance safety.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0008] A washing machine with a sterilization device includes:

[0009] The inner tub has a rotatable design;

[0010] The outer tub is fitted over the outer side of the inner tub;

[0011] At least one sterilization device is fixedly installed in the inner tank;

[0012] The sterilization device has multiple fixed sterilization and light-emitting units. Each sterilization and light-emitting unit has a light-transmitting sealed outer shell and an ultraviolet generating module located inside the sealed outer shell. The ultraviolet generating module has a normally open start switch. The inner barrel rotates, causing the start switch to close.

[0013] Furthermore, when the inner tub rotates, the start switch is turned off and the ultraviolet light generating module is activated; when the inner tub stops rotating, the start switch is turned on and the ultraviolet light generating module is turned off.

[0014] Furthermore, the start switch has a fixed contact and a swing contact. When the inner tub rotates, the swing contact swings toward the fixed contact. When the swing contact contacts the fixed contact, the ultraviolet generation module is activated.

[0015] Furthermore, the fixed contact is located outside the swing contact, and when the inner barrel rotates, the swing contact swings outward under the action of centrifugal force.

[0016] Furthermore, the swing contact has an inclined spring piece, and a counterweight is provided at one end of the spring piece near the fixed contact.

[0017] Furthermore, the swing contact has a hinged swing rod and a counterweight at the lower end of the swing rod, and the upper end of the swing rod is the hinged end.

[0018] Furthermore, the sterilization device has a fixed support, the sterilization device is fixed on the fixed support, and the fixed support has multiple through holes.

[0019] Furthermore, an installation opening for mounting the fixing bracket is provided on the inner barrel, and the fixing bracket is disposed in the installation opening.

[0020] Furthermore, the fixing bracket is a lint filter, the fixing bracket has an openable cover, and the fixing bracket is detachably installed in the mounting port.

[0021] Furthermore, the ultraviolet light generating module is activated when the inner tub rotates at a speed equal to or greater than a set speed; and the ultraviolet light generating module is deactivated when the inner tub rotates at a speed less than the set speed.

[0022] Furthermore, the set speed is 60 rpm to 80 rpm.

[0023] Furthermore, the ultraviolet generation module also includes an ultraviolet generator and a power supply, wherein the power supply is a magnetic power generation device or a wireless charging device.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: By fixing the sterilization device to the inner tub, the sterilization device can rotate with the inner tub, thereby increasing the irradiation range of the sterilization device, which is beneficial for uniform irradiation of the washing water, the inner wall of the washing machine, and the clothes, and enhancing the sterilization effect; the sterilization and light-emitting unit has a light-transmitting sealed shell, and the ultraviolet generation module is located inside the sealed shell, which avoids the risk of water leakage and electric leakage at the installation location of the ultraviolet generation module, and is beneficial for enhancing safety; the start-up or shutdown of the ultraviolet generation module is controlled by the operating status of the inner tub, which is beneficial for eliminating the need for a control module to control the opening and closing of the ultraviolet generation module, which is beneficial for structural simplification and ease of implementation.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the washing machine with a sterilization device proposed in this invention;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of the sterilization device.

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of the bactericidal luminescent unit;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the medium ultraviolet generation module;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the washing machine with a sterilization device proposed in this invention;

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified schematic diagram of the bactericidal luminescent unit. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, with the direction closer to the inner barrel axis being "inner," and the opposite being "outer." These terms are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] See Figures 1-4The first embodiment of the washing machine with sterilization device proposed in this invention includes: an inner tub 10, an outer tub 20, and at least one sterilization device 30. The inner tub 10 and the outer tub 20 are fitted together, and the inner tub 10 is rotatably disposed inside the outer tub 20. At least one sterilization device 30 is fixedly disposed on the inner tub 10. The sterilization device 30 has a plurality of fixed sterilization light-emitting units 31. The sterilization light-emitting unit 31 has a light-transmitting sealed outer shell 311 and an ultraviolet generating module 312 located inside the sealed outer shell 311. The ultraviolet generating module 312 has a normally open start switch 3121. The operating state of the inner tub 10 controls the opening or closing of the start switch 3121. That is, when the inner tub 10 rotates, the start switch 3121 is closed, causing the sterilization device 30 to start and emit ultraviolet light for sterilization and disinfection. By fixing the sterilization device 30 to the inner tub 10, the sterilization device 30 can rotate with the inner tub 10, increasing the irradiation range of the sterilization device 30. This facilitates uniform irradiation of the washing water, the inner wall of the washing machine, and the clothes, enhancing the sterilization effect and reducing blind spots. The sterilization and light-emitting unit 31 has a light-transmitting sealed outer shell 311, with the ultraviolet generation module 312 located inside the sealed outer shell 311. This avoids the risk of water leakage and electric leakage at the installation location of the ultraviolet generation module 312, enhancing safety. The operation status of the inner tub 10 controls the start or stop of the ultraviolet generation module 312, eliminating the need for a control module that controls the ultraviolet generation module 312, simplifying the structure and making implementation easier. The sealed outer shell 311 is made of a light-transmitting material, meaning that the sealed outer shell 311 can transmit ultraviolet light.

[0037] The operation of the inner tub 10 is controlled by the ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting module 312. When the inner tub 10 rotates, the sterilization and light-emitting unit 31 rotates with it. Under centrifugal force, the start switch 3121 closes. The start switch 3121 is normally open. After the start switch 3121 closes, the circuit within the UV light-emitting module 312 is connected, causing the UV light-emitting module 312 to start and emit UV light for sterilization. When the inner tub 10 stops rotating, the start switch 3121 returns to the open state, the circuit within the UV light-emitting module 312 disconnects, and the UV light-emitting module 312 shuts down. In other words, the rotation of the inner tub 10 automatically turns off the start switch 3121, eliminating the need for manual control of the UV light-emitting module 312 and thus eliminating the need for a dedicated control system for it.

[0038] See Figures 3-4As shown, the start switch 3121, through its structural design, automatically closes when the inner tub 10 rotates, thereby activating the ultraviolet (UV) generator module 312. The start switch 3121 has a fixed contact 31211 and a swing contact 31212. When the inner tub 10 rotates, under the action of centrifugal force, the swing contact 31212 swings towards the fixed contact 31211; after the swing contact 31212 contacts the fixed contact 31211, the UV generator module 312 is activated. By setting the swing contact 31212, when the swing contact 31212 rotates with the inner tub 10, it experiences an outward centrifugal force, causing it to move outward. Therefore, the fixed contact 31211 is located outside the swing contact 31212, and when the inner tub 10 rotates, the swing contact 31212 swings outward under the action of centrifugal force.

[0039] The specific structure of the start switch 3121 can be varied. In this embodiment, the swing contact 31212 has an inwardly inclined spring piece 312121 and a counterweight 312122 at the end of the spring piece 312121 near the fixed contact 31211. By setting the counterweight 312122, when the inner barrel 10 rotates, the counterweight 312122 can be subjected to a large centrifugal force. The centrifugal force overcomes the elastic force of the spring piece 312121, pushing the spring piece 312121 to move and deform outward, approaching the fixed contact 31211. After the swing contact 31212 contacts the fixed contact 31211, the ultraviolet generating module 312 is activated. By setting the spring piece 312121, it is ensured that after the inner barrel 10 stops and the centrifugal force of the counterweight 312122 disappears, the spring piece 312121 moves inward to reset, so that the swing contact 31212 moves away from the fixed contact 31211 to reset, so that the start switch 3121 is turned on and the ultraviolet generation module 312 is turned off.

[0040] There are several ways to fix the sterilization and luminescence unit 31. One way is to directly fix the sterilization and luminescence unit 31 to the inner tub 10. Another way is to set up a fixing bracket 32 ​​and fix the sterilization and luminescence unit 31 inside the fixing bracket 32. The fixing bracket 32 ​​has multiple through holes 321, and the ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet generating module 312 are irradiated through the through holes 321 to achieve sterilization and disinfection. Preferably, the fixing bracket 322 has through holes 321 on both the inner and outer sides to increase the ultraviolet light transmission area and improve the sterilization and disinfection effect.

[0041] There are several ways to implement the mounting bracket 32. One method is to place the mounting bracket 32 ​​on the outside of the inner tub 10, with a light-transmitting hole on the inner tub 10. Another method is to have a mounting opening on the inner tub 10 that matches the mounting bracket 32, and then fix the mounting bracket 32 ​​to the mounting opening. Preferably, the mounting opening is provided on the inner tub 10, allowing the ultraviolet light emitted from the mounting bracket 32 ​​to directly irradiate the inside of the inner tub 10, thus enhancing the sterilization and disinfection effect.

[0042] Preferably, the fixed bracket 32 ​​is a lint filter. The fixed bracket 32 ​​serves to fix the sterilization and luminescence unit 31 and also filters lint. The through hole serves as a water passage, and its size can be adjusted according to the lint filtering requirements. Since a lint filter is definitely needed on the inner tub 10, to simplify the structure, reduce modifications to the inner tub 10 structure, and lower manufacturing costs, the sterilization and luminescence unit 31 is fixed inside the lint filter. The fixed bracket 32 ​​is detachably installed in the mounting port for cleaning lint after disassembly, and has an openable cover.

[0043] The ultraviolet (UV) generating module 312 also includes a UV generator 3122 and a power supply 3123. The UV generator 3122, power supply 3123, and start switch 3121 are connected in series via wires to form the circuit of the UV generating module 312. When the start switch 3121 is closed, the circuit is active. The power supply 3123 can directly supply power, eliminating the need for an external power source for the UV generating module 312. The UV generating module 312 is located inside the sealed housing 311. The power supply 3123 is configured as a magnetic power generation device. A magnetic induction component is installed on the outer casing 20, and a permanent magnet is placed inside the power supply 3123. Rotation of the inner casing 10 causes the permanent magnet inside the power supply 3123 to cut magnetic field lines, generating current that is output to the power supply 3123, thus achieving self-generation of the power supply 3123. Alternatively, the power supply 3123 can be a wireless charging device, allowing for wireless charging via an external charging dock.

[0044] During the washing process, the inner tub 10 rotates alternately in both directions, especially during the water intake phase when its rotation speed is slower and the alternating rotation causes frequent start-stop cycles of the UV generator module 312. The system is designed so that the UV generator module 312 starts when the inner tub 10 rotates at or above a set speed, and shuts off when its rotation speed is below the set speed. Preferably, the set speed is 60 rpm to 80 rpm. When the inner tub 10 rotates at a lower speed, the UV generator module 312 does not start, reducing the number of start-stop cycles and extending its lifespan. Once the inner tub 10 reaches the set speed, the swing contact 31212 experiences significant centrifugal force. During the reversal of the inner tub 10's rotation, the swing contact 31212 may continue to engage with the fixed contact due to inertia, preventing the UV generator module 312 from stopping during these cycles and avoiding frequent start-stop cycles.

[0045] When the rotation speed of the inner tub 10 is equal to or greater than the set speed, the ultraviolet generation module 312 is activated. This can be achieved simply by adjusting the distance between the swing contact 31212 and the fixed contact 31211. Specifically, the radial distance between the swing contact 31212 and the fixed contact 31211 and the inner tub 10 is adjusted.

[0046] See Figures 5-6 The second embodiment of the washing machine with sterilization device proposed in this invention differs from the first embodiment mainly in the structure of the start switch; the other structures can be adopted from the first embodiment.

[0047] The sterilization and light-emitting unit 31 has a light-transmitting sealed outer shell 311 and an ultraviolet generating module 312 located inside the sealed outer shell 311. The ultraviolet generating module 312 has a normally open start switch 3129, an ultraviolet generator 3122 and a power supply 3123. The ultraviolet generator 3122, the power supply 3123 and the start switch 3129 are connected in series by wires to form the circuit of the ultraviolet generating module 312.

[0048] The start switch 3129 has a fixed contact 31291 and a swing contact 31292. When the inner tub 10 rotates, the swing contact 31292 swings towards the fixed contact 31291 under the action of centrifugal force. After the swing contact 31292 contacts the fixed contact 31291, the ultraviolet generating module 312 is activated. By setting the swing contact 31292, when the swing contact 31292 rotates with the inner tub 10, the swing contact 31292 is subjected to an outward centrifugal force, which causes the swing contact 31292 to move outward. Therefore, the fixed contact 31291 is located outside the swing contact 312992, and when the inner tub 10 rotates, the swing contact 31292 swings outward under the action of centrifugal force.

[0049] The swing contact 31292 has a hinged swing rod 312921 and a counterweight 312922 located at the lower end of the swing rod 312921. The upper end of the swing rod 312921 is the hinged end. When the inner tub 10 is stopped, the swing contact 31292 is in a naturally drooping state, and the swing rod 312921 is vertically arranged. When the inner tub 10 rotates, the counterweight 312922 is subjected to a large centrifugal force, and the swing rod 312921 is also subjected to centrifugal force. The centrifugal force causes the swing contact 31292 to rotate outward and approach the fixed contact 31291. After the swing contact 31292 contacts the fixed contact 31291, the ultraviolet light generating module 312 is activated.

[0050] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine with a sterilization device, characterized in that, include: The inner tub has a rotatable design; The outer tub is fitted over the outer side of the inner tub; At least one sterilization device is fixedly installed in the inner tank; The sterilization device has multiple fixed sterilization and light-emitting units. Each sterilization and light-emitting unit has a light-transmitting sealed outer shell and an ultraviolet generating module located inside the sealed outer shell. The ultraviolet generating module has a normally open start switch. The inner barrel rotates, causing the start switch to close. The sterilization device has a fixing bracket for fixing the sterilization luminescent unit, and the fixing bracket is provided with a plurality of through holes for the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet generating module to pass through; the fixing bracket is a lint filter, and the through holes serve as water passage holes. The start switch has a fixed contact and a swing contact; when the inner tub rotates at a speed less than a set speed, the ultraviolet generating module is turned off; when the inner tub rotates at a speed equal to or greater than the set speed, the ultraviolet generating module is turned on. When the inner tub is reversed, the swing contact can continue to contact the fixed contact under the action of inertia, so that the ultraviolet generating module does not stop when the inner tub is reversed.

2. The washing machine with a sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The start switch has a fixed contact and a swing contact. When the inner tub rotates, the swing contact swings toward the fixed contact. When the swing contact contacts the fixed contact, the ultraviolet generation module is activated.

3. The washing machine with a sterilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixed contact is located outside the swing contact. When the inner barrel rotates, the swing contact swings outward under the action of centrifugal force.

4. The washing machine with a sterilization device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The swing contact has an inclined spring piece, and a counterweight is provided at one end of the spring piece near the fixed contact.

5. The washing machine with a sterilization device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The swing contact has a hinged swing rod and a counterweight at the lower end of the swing rod, and the upper end of the swing rod is the hinged end.

6. The washing machine with a sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, An installation opening for mounting the fixing bracket is provided on the inner barrel, and the fixing bracket is disposed within the installation opening.

7. The washing machine with a sterilization device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting bracket has an openable cover and is detachably installed in the mounting opening.

8. The washing machine with a sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The ultraviolet generation module also includes an ultraviolet generator and a power supply, which is a magnetic power generation device or a wireless charging device.

Images