A micro-gravity laundry device based on the principle of atomized ozone

Abstract

The application provides a microgravity laundry device based on the atomization ozone principle, ozone is generated through an ozone generating unit, and the sterilization and disinfection effect of ozone is utilized, so that chemical detergents are not needed, and the subsequent water treatment is not burdened; water mist generated through an ultrasonic atomization unit is used as a washing medium, so that the problem that liquid washing medium is difficult to fully mix with clothes under microgravity is avoided, and the water consumption is greatly reduced; through the wetting effect of the water mist, the flatness of the clothes is improved, and the problem that the clothes are curled and wrinkled in the traditional laundry process such as rotation and stirring is avoided; meanwhile, ventilation is performed through an air circulation unit, and automatic laundry of the device is realized through a sensor unit and a start-stop control unit, so that the laundry demand of astronauts during long-term on-orbit stay is solved, and the problems that the ground laundry equipment is difficult to adapt to the space microgravity environment and the washing wastewater is difficult to be treated on-orbit are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of on-orbit life support for astronauts, specifically to a microgravity laundry device based on the principle of atomized ozone. Background Technology

[0002] As manned spaceflight enters the space station era, astronauts' on-orbit stays are becoming increasingly longer and their workloads increasingly heavy, highlighting the growing importance of cleaning their clothing during this period. Currently, there are no mature on-orbit laundry devices suitable for microgravity environments, either domestically or internationally; astronauts' clothing is primarily supplied as consumables, making on-orbit cleaning impossible.

[0003] Household washing machines and other floor-mounted laundry equipment typically use water, tetrachloroethylene, or other liquid media for washing clothes. The clothes are thoroughly mixed with the liquid media through agitation and rotation, and sterilization is achieved through chemical detergents dissolved in the media. However, this washing principle based on liquid media and chemical detergents cannot be applied to the microgravity environment in orbit, and the wastewater from these washes is difficult to treat directly using existing space station regenerative water treatment systems. The main reasons for this are as follows:

[0004] First, in a microgravity environment, liquid media will clump together under the influence of surface tension, making it difficult to mix thoroughly with clothes. Second, existing detergents generate a large amount of foam during the washing process, and the foam in the laundry wastewater under microgravity will clog the circulation pump of the water treatment system. Finally, the chemical detergents in the laundry wastewater are usually difficult to decompose, exceeding the purification capacity of existing water treatment systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the laundry needs of astronauts during long-term stays in orbit, and to address the challenges of adapting ground-based laundry equipment to the microgravity environment and treating wastewater in orbit, this invention provides a microgravity laundry device based on the principle of ozone atomization. The device includes a rectangular cavity for laundry, and an ozone generation unit, an ultrasonic atomization unit, a sensor unit, and an air circulation unit installed within the rectangular cavity.

[0006] The rectangular cavity is a sealed cavity, and an opening for taking out and putting in clothes is provided on its front side.

[0007] The ozone generating unit is installed on the top of the rectangular cavity;

[0008] Both the ultrasonic atomizing unit and the air circulation unit are installed at the bottom of the rectangular cavity;

[0009] The sensor unit is mounted on the side wall of the rectangular cavity and is electrically connected to the ozone generating unit and the ultrasonic atomizing unit.

[0010] A start / stop control unit is installed outside the rectangular cavity, and the ozone generation unit, ultrasonic atomization unit, sensor unit, and air circulation unit are all connected to the start / stop control unit via signal transmission.

[0011] Preferably, the sensor unit includes a temperature and humidity sensor and an ozone concentration sensor;

[0012] The temperature and humidity sensor is electrically connected to the ultrasonic atomization unit.

[0013] The ozone concentration sensor is electrically connected to the ozone generating unit.

[0014] Preferably, the air circulation unit includes an internal circulation fan and an external circulation fan;

[0015] The internal circulation fan is located on one side of the ultrasonic atomizing unit;

[0016] The external circulation fan has a heating structure.

[0017] Preferably, the heating structure of the external circulation fan includes a heating wire.

[0018] Preferably, the external circulation fan is configured as two sets, installed on both sides of the internal circulation fan and the ultrasonic atomizing unit.

[0019] Preferably, the ozone generating unit includes an ultraviolet disinfection lamp.

[0020] Preferably, the ultrasonic atomizing unit includes multiple integrated ultrasonic atomizing structures;

[0021] The multiple integrated ultrasonic atomizing structures are evenly distributed at the bottom of the rectangular cavity.

[0022] Preferably, each of the integrated ultrasonic atomizing structures includes multiple ultrasonic transducers.

[0023] Preferably, the start / stop control unit includes a handheld remote control or an external control panel.

[0024] Preferably, the top of the side wall of the rectangular cavity is also provided with a gas outlet;

[0025] A gas filter is installed in the gas outlet.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0027] This invention provides a microgravity laundry device based on the principle of ozone atomization, comprising a rectangular cavity for washing clothes, and an ozone generating unit, an ultrasonic atomizing unit, a sensor unit, and an air circulation unit installed within the rectangular cavity; the rectangular cavity is a sealed cavity, and an inlet for loading and unloading clothes is provided on its front side; the ozone generating unit is installed at the top of the rectangular cavity; the ultrasonic atomizing unit and the air circulation unit are both installed at the bottom of the rectangular cavity; the sensor unit is installed on the side wall of the rectangular cavity and is electrically connected to the ozone generating unit and the ultrasonic atomizing unit; a start / stop control unit is installed outside the rectangular cavity, and the ozone generating unit, ultrasonic atomizing unit, sensor unit, and air circulation unit are all connected to the start / stop control unit via signal transmission. The device provided in this application generates ozone through an ozone generation unit and utilizes the bactericidal and disinfecting properties of ozone, eliminating the need for chemical detergents and avoiding any burden on subsequent water treatment. It uses water mist generated by an ultrasonic atomization unit as the washing medium, avoiding the problem of liquid washing media failing to mix fully with clothing under microgravity, and significantly reducing water consumption. The water mist's wetting effect also improves the smoothness of clothing, preventing curling and wrinkling issues that occur during traditional washing processes involving rotation and agitation. Simultaneously, ventilation is provided through an air circulation unit, and the device achieves automatic washing through a sensor unit and a start / stop control unit. This solves the washing needs of astronauts during long-term stays in orbit, addressing the problems of ground-based washing equipment being unable to adapt to the microgravity environment of space and the difficulty of treating washing wastewater in orbit. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the microgravity washing device based on the principle of atomized ozone according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the microgravity washing device based on the principle of atomized ozone according to the present invention.

[0030] The components include: 1. Rectangular cavity; 2. Temperature and humidity sensor; 3. Ozone concentration sensor; 4. Internal circulation fan; 5. External circulation fan; 6. Ozone generation unit; 7. Ultrasonic atomization unit; 8. Gas filter; and 9. Water supply bladder. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To better understand this invention, the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples, will further illustrate the invention.

[0032] This invention provides a microgravity laundry device based on the principle of ozone atomization. It generates ozone through an ozone generation unit and utilizes the bactericidal and disinfecting properties of ozone, eliminating the need for chemical detergents and avoiding burdening subsequent water treatment. Furthermore, it uses water mist generated by an ultrasonic atomization unit as the washing medium, avoiding the problem of liquid washing media failing to mix adequately with clothes under microgravity, and significantly reducing water consumption. The wetting effect of the water mist also improves the smoothness of the clothes, avoiding the curling and wrinkling problems caused by rotation and agitation in traditional washing processes. Simultaneously, ventilation is provided through an air circulation unit, and the device achieves automatic washing through a sensor unit and a start / stop control unit. This solves the laundry needs of astronauts during long-term stays in orbit, addressing the problems of ground-based laundry equipment being unsuitable for the microgravity environment and the difficulty of treating washing wastewater in orbit.

[0033] Example:

[0034] A microgravity laundry device based on the principle of ozone atomization, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a rectangular cavity 1 for washing clothes, and an ozone generating unit 6, an ultrasonic atomizing unit 7, a sensor unit, and an air circulation unit installed inside the rectangular cavity 1. The rectangular cavity 1 is a sealed cavity, and an inlet for loading and unloading clothes is provided on its front side. The ozone generating unit 6 is installed at the top of the rectangular cavity 1. The ultrasonic atomizing unit 7 and the air circulation unit are both installed at the bottom of the rectangular cavity 1. The sensor unit is installed on the side wall of the rectangular cavity 1 and is electrically connected to the ozone generating unit 6 and the ultrasonic atomizing unit 7. A start / stop control unit is installed outside the rectangular cavity 1, and the ozone generating unit 6, the ultrasonic atomizing unit 7, the sensor unit, and the air circulation unit are all connected to the start / stop control unit via signal transmission. In this embodiment, a hook is provided on the top wall of the rectangular cavity 1, and clothes are hung on the hook when washing clothes.

[0035] The sensor unit includes a temperature and humidity sensor 2 and an ozone concentration sensor 3. The temperature and humidity sensor 2 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic atomization unit 7, and the ozone concentration sensor 3 is electrically connected to the ozone generation unit 6. The temperature and humidity sensor 2 and the ozone concentration sensor 3 are distributed on the side wall of the device cavity, used to monitor changes in temperature and humidity and ozone concentration within the rectangular cavity 1 in real time, and to control the start and stop of the ozone generation unit 6 and the ultrasonic atomization unit 7, respectively. The temperature and humidity sensor 2 and the ozone concentration sensor 3 are preset with ozone and atomization thresholds, respectively. When the atomization threshold is exceeded, the ozone generation unit 6 is activated; when both the ozone and atomization thresholds are exceeded, control signals are used to maintain the ozone concentration and humidity within the washing cavity by the ozone generation unit 6 and the ultrasonic atomization unit 7.

[0036] The air circulation unit includes an internal circulation fan 4 and an external circulation fan 5. The internal circulation fan 4 is located on one side of the ultrasonic atomizing unit 7; the external circulation fan 5 has a heating structure. The heating structure of the external circulation fan 5 includes a heating wire. Two sets of external circulation fans 5 are configured, installed on both sides of the internal circulation fan 4 and the ultrasonic atomizing unit 7. In this embodiment, the internal circulation fan 4 is located on one side of the ultrasonic atomizing unit 7 at the bottom of the rectangular cavity 1, used to disperse the water mist generated by the ultrasonic atomizing unit 7, so that the water mist is evenly distributed and circulated within the rectangular cavity 1. The external circulation fans 5 are divided into two sets, located at the bottom of the side wall of the rectangular cavity 1, used for ventilation and drying after washing. Heating wires are integrated on the external circulation fans 5 for heating the airflow.

[0037] The ozone generating unit 6 includes ultraviolet disinfection lamps. The ultraviolet ozone generator is located on the top of the enclosure and consists of two ultraviolet disinfection lamps.

[0038] The ultrasonic atomizing unit 7 includes multiple integrated ultrasonic atomizing structures, which are evenly distributed at the bottom of the rectangular cavity 1. Each integrated ultrasonic atomizing structure includes multiple ultrasonic transducers that impact liquid water, transforming it into a vaporous water mist. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic atomizing unit 7 is distributed at the bottom of the rectangular cavity 1 and includes six integrated ultrasonic atomizing structures, each containing four ultrasonic transducers, thereby ensuring uniform atomization within the cavity. Each integrated ultrasonic atomizing structure is connected to a water supply bladder 9.

[0039] The start / stop control unit includes a handheld remote control or an external control panel. This embodiment uses a handheld remote control, which is independent of the rectangular cavity 1 and is used to turn the washing device provided in this application on and off, and to set and adjust washing parameters. The handheld remote control has a parameter setting program, including time setting, ozone concentration threshold setting, temperature and humidity threshold setting, and air circulation unit working time setting. It also includes a start / stop control signal transmission module for the ozone generation unit 6, the ultrasonic atomization unit 7, the sensor unit, and the air circulation unit. The handheld remote control has an ozone concentration display structure and a temperature and humidity display structure.

[0040] A gas outlet is also provided at the top of the side wall of the rectangular cavity 1; a gas filter 8 is installed inside the gas outlet. The gas outlet is located at the top of the side wall of the rectangular cavity 1, and the gas filter 8 is installed inside the gas outlet to prevent ozone from escaping from the ventilation airflow.

[0041] The washing process of the device is as follows: First, the clothes to be washed are placed into the rectangular cavity 1 through the loading and unloading inlet. Then, the parameters are set and the washing begins using a handheld remote control. After the washing begins, the ultrasonic atomization unit 7 and the internal circulation fan 4 are turned on. Once the atomization threshold is reached, the ozone generation unit 6 is turned on. When the ozone concentration in the rectangular cavity 1 reaches the set ozone threshold, a timer is started, and the ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity in the rectangular cavity 1 are maintained using the handheld remote control. After ozone sterilization is completed, the ozone generation unit 6 and the ultrasonic atomization unit 7 are turned off in sequence, and the external circulation fan 5 is turned on to heat and dry the clothes. The ozone is then decomposed through the gas filter 8.

[0042] Compared to existing domestic and international technologies, this solution utilizes the sterilization and disinfection properties of ozone, eliminating the need for chemical detergents and reducing the burden on downstream water treatment. It also employs water mist generated by the ultrasonic atomization unit 7 as the washing medium, avoiding the problem of liquid washing media failing to mix thoroughly with clothes under microgravity, and significantly reducing water consumption. The water mist's wetting effect also improves the smoothness of clothes, preventing curling and wrinkling issues caused by rotation and agitation in traditional washing processes. Furthermore, a hot air ventilation system simultaneously meets the dual requirements of ozone decomposition and clothing drying. In summary, this invention solves the problem of existing ground-based laundry equipment being unsuitable for in-orbit microgravity environments, reduces water consumption during washing, and avoids the problem of in-orbit laundry wastewater treatment.

[0043] Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microgravity washing device based on the principle of atomized ozone, characterized in that, It includes a rectangular cavity (1) for washing clothes, and an ozone generating unit (6), an ultrasonic atomizing unit (7), a sensor unit and an air circulation unit installed in the rectangular cavity (1); The rectangular cavity (1) is a sealed cavity, and an opening for taking out and putting in clothes is provided on its front side; The ozone generating unit (6) is installed on the top of the rectangular cavity (1); The ultrasonic atomizing unit (7) and the air circulation unit are both installed at the bottom of the rectangular cavity (1); The sensor unit is installed on the side wall of the rectangular cavity (1) and is electrically connected to the ozone generating unit (6) and the ultrasonic atomizing unit (7); The rectangular cavity (1) is equipped with a start-stop control unit, and the ozone generation unit (6), ultrasonic atomization unit (7), sensor unit and air circulation unit are all connected to the start-stop control unit through signal transmission. The sensor unit includes a temperature and humidity sensor (2) and an ozone concentration sensor (3); the temperature and humidity sensor (2) is electrically connected to the ultrasonic atomization unit (7); and the ozone concentration sensor (3) is electrically connected to the ozone generation unit (6). The air circulation unit includes an internal circulation fan (4) and an external circulation fan (5); the internal circulation fan (4) is located on one side of the ultrasonic atomizing unit (7); the external circulation fan (5) has a heating structure; The top of the side wall of the rectangular cavity (1) is also provided with a gas outlet; a gas filter (8) is installed in the gas outlet; After the washing begins, turn on the ultrasonic atomization unit (7) and the internal circulation fan (4). Once the atomization threshold is reached, turn on the ozone generation unit (6). After the ozone sterilization is completed, turn off the ozone generation unit (6) and the ultrasonic atomization unit (7) in sequence, turn on the external circulation fan (5) to heat the clothes, dry them, and complete the ozone decomposition through the gas filter (8).

2. The microgravity washing device based on the principle of atomized ozone as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heating structure of the external circulation fan (5) includes a heating wire.

3. The microgravity washing device based on the principle of atomized ozone as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The external circulation fan (5) is configured in two sets and installed on both sides of the internal circulation fan (4) and the ultrasonic atomizing unit (7).

4. A microgravity washing device based on the principle of atomized ozone as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ozone generating unit (6) includes an ultraviolet disinfection lamp.

5. A microgravity washing device based on the principle of atomized ozone as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic atomizing unit (7) includes multiple integrated ultrasonic atomizing structures; The multiple integrated ultrasonic atomizing structures are evenly distributed at the bottom of the rectangular cavity (1).

6. A microgravity washing device based on the principle of atomized ozone as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the integrated ultrasonic atomizing structures includes multiple ultrasonic transducers.

7. A microgravity washing device based on the principle of atomized ozone as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The start / stop control unit includes a handheld remote control or an external control panel.

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