Inner and outer barrel cleaning method, transmission structure, self-cleaning system and washing machine

Abstract

The invention provides an inner and outer barrel cleaning method, a transmission structure, a self-cleaning system and a washing machine, relates to the technical field of washing machines, and solves the technical problem that a large amount of dirt remains on the inner and outer barrel walls of the washing machine due to long-term uncleanness of the washing machine. The inner and outer barrel cleaning method comprises the following steps that the washing machine is started, it is confirmed that all pistons in a transmission structure retract into an air cylinder, and self-inspection of the washing machine is completed; selecting an operation mode; wherein the operation mode comprises a washing mode and a self-cleaning mode; when the washing mode is selected, the transmission structure is switched to be in transmission connection with an inner barrel of the washing machine so as to wash clothes in the inner barrel according to the preset rotating direction and rotating speed; and when the self-cleaning mode is selected, the transmission structure is switched to be in transmission connection with the self-cleaning system, so that self-cleaning of the inner barrel and the outer barrel is carried out according to the preset rotating direction and rotating speed. Washing and cleaning can be achieved through the single motor, other driving force does not need to be added, cost is saved, and the structure is simpler.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of washing machines, and in particular to an inner and outer barrel cleaning method, a transmission structure, a self-cleaning system and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] With the development of science and technology, washing machines have become a necessity for every household. During long-term use, various stains, scale, and detergents on clothes will accumulate on the inner and outer barrels over time, making them very difficult to clean. Currently, mainstream washing machines on the market have barrel cleaning modes, but most of them cannot achieve deep cleaning. The dirt on the outer wall of the inner barrel and the inner wall of the outer barrel cannot be thoroughly cleaned. If they are not cleaned for a long time, they may even grow mold and endanger human health. At the same time, due to the limitations of the washing machine structure, it is very unrealistic for ordinary people to disassemble the inner and outer barrels for cleaning.

[0003] The prior art discloses an inner and outer barrel cleaning device, which realizes the cleaning of the outer wall of the inner barrel and the inner wall of the outer barrel. Specifically, a cleaning route is set between the inner and outer barrel walls along the circumferential direction, and the cleaning device moves along the cleaning route and along the inner and outer barrel walls between the inner and outer barrels to achieve the function of cleaning the barrel walls of the inner and outer barrels. Since the cleaning device is added between the inner and outer barrels, the complexity of the structure is increased, and at the same time, it is easy for the cleaning device and each corner of the cleaning route to become a new attachment point for dirt and grime. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an inner and outer drum cleaning method, a transmission structure, a self-cleaning system and a washing machine, so as to solve the technical problem in the prior art that a large amount of dirt remains on the inner and outer drum walls of the washing machine due to long-term non-cleaning.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for cleaning an inner and outer barrel, comprising the following steps:

[0007] Turn on the washing machine and confirm that all pistons in the transmission structure are retracted into the cylinder to complete the washing machine self-test;

[0008] Select an operating mode; the operating modes include a washing mode and a self-cleaning mode;

[0009] When the washing mode is selected, the transmission structure switches to a transmission connection state with the inner drum of the washing machine to wash the clothes in the inner drum according to the preset rotation direction and rotation speed;

[0010] When the self-cleaning mode is selected, the transmission structure switches to a transmission connection state with the self-cleaning system to perform self-cleaning of the inner and outer barrels according to the preset rotation direction and rotation speed.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, after the transmission structure is switched to a transmission connection state with the self-cleaning system to perform self-cleaning of the inner and outer barrels according to a preset rotation direction and rotation speed, it also includes:

[0012] The high-pressure spray assembly is controlled to start, so as to spray the inner and outer barrels with a high-pressure fine stream to complete auxiliary self-cleaning.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the control of the high-pressure spray assembly to start, so as to spray the inner and outer barrels with high-pressure fine streams, after completing the auxiliary self-cleaning, further comprises:

[0014] Determine whether the washing machine needs to be washed;

[0015] When the result of the judgment is that washing is required, the transmission structure is controlled to switch to a transmission connection state with the inner drum of the washing machine, so as to wash the clothes in the inner drum according to a preset rotation direction and rotation speed;

[0016] When the result of the judgment is that washing is not required, it is confirmed that all pistons in the transmission structure are retracted into the cylinder to complete the self-check of the washing machine.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, after the transmission structure is switched to a transmission connection state with the inner barrel of the washing machine so as to wash the clothes in the inner barrel according to a preset rotation direction and rotation speed, it also includes confirming that all pistons in the transmission structure are retracted into the cylinder to complete the self-inspection of the washing machine.

[0018] The inner and outer drum cleaning method of the present invention has a control mode that separates the washing mode from the cleaning mode, thereby achieving deep cleaning of the inner and outer drums. The control mode realizes self-cleaning, thereby solving the problem that it is unrealistic for ordinary users to disassemble the inner and outer drums for cleaning, and reducing the problem of various damages to user health caused by unclean cleaning of the washing machine.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a transmission structure for executing the method described, comprising: a power source, a transmission wheel assembly, a sleeve, and an inner barrel shaft; wherein:

[0020] The sleeve is inserted into one end of the outer barrel of the washing machine;

[0021] The inner barrel shaft is arranged at one end of the inner barrel of the washing machine;

[0022] One end of the self-cleaning system is arranged between the sleeve and the inner barrel shaft, and the other end is arranged between the outer wall of the inner barrel of the washing machine and the inner wall of the outer barrel;

[0023] The transmission wheel assembly is mounted on the sleeve; when the transmission wheel assembly is switched to different states, it can be connected to the inner barrel shaft to drive the inner barrel to rotate to complete washing, or connected to the self-cleaning system to drive the self-cleaning system to rotate to complete self-cleaning of the outer wall of the inner barrel and the inner wall of the outer barrel;

[0024] The power source is transmission-connected to the transmission wheel assembly.

[0025] As a further improvement of the present invention, the transmission wheel assembly includes a pulley, a linkage shaft, a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a first piston, and a second piston; wherein:

[0026] The pulley is drivingly connected to the power source;

[0027] One end of the linkage shaft is fixed on the pulley; the other end of the linkage shaft is provided with a shaft hole for the inner barrel shaft to penetrate;

[0028] The first cylinder is arranged in the linkage shaft;

[0029] The first piston is embedded in the linkage shaft and is drivingly connected to the first cylinder. It can be driven by the first cylinder to extend outward into the shaft hole to be drivingly connected to the inner barrel shaft, or retract inward to be separated from the inner barrel shaft.

[0030] The second cylinder is arranged in the linkage shaft;

[0031] The second piston is embedded in the linkage shaft and is transmission-connected to the second cylinder. Driven by the second cylinder, it can extend outward to the outside of the linkage shaft to be transmission-connected to the self-cleaning system, or retract inward to be separated from the self-cleaning system.

[0032] As a further improvement of the present invention, the transmission wheel assembly further includes an inflation pipe, a first branch pipe, a second branch pipe, a first valve, and a second valve; wherein:

[0033] One end of the inflation tube is connected to the air pump, and the other end is connected to the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe respectively through the first valve and the second valve;

[0034] The end of the first branch pipe is connected to the first cylinder;

[0035] The end of the second branch pipe is connected to the second cylinder.

[0036] As a further improvement of the present invention, a belt groove is provided on the end surface of the pulley.

[0037] As a further improvement of the present invention, a first toothed groove is provided at the end of the first piston, and a first positioning gear is provided at the corresponding position of the inner barrel shaft; when the first piston is pushed out, the first toothed groove is meshed and connected with the first positioning gear; or, a second toothed groove is provided at the end of the second piston, and a second positioning gear is provided at the corresponding position of the self-cleaning system; when the second piston is pushed out, the second toothed groove is meshed and connected with the second positioning gear.

[0038] As a further improvement of the present invention, a limiting step for limiting the extension length is provided on the linkage shaft corresponding to the position of the first piston and / or the second piston.

[0039] The transmission structure provided by the present invention includes structures or components such as an inflation tube, a cylinder, a piston, a rotating wheel, a linkage shaft, a sleeve and various bearings. It can realize a washing mode in which a motor drives the inner barrel to rotate, and can also realize a self-cleaning mode in which a self-cleaning system is driven to rotate. A single motor can achieve washing and cleaning without adding other driving forces, thereby saving costs. The transmission structure of the present invention can achieve staggered (or user-selected) completion of washing and inner and outer barrel cleaning, and the structure is simpler. At the same time, it can avoid dirt from adhering to the cleaning equipment, solving the problem that a large amount of dirt remains on the walls of the inner and outer barrels of the washing machine due to long-term uncleaning; at the same time, it solves the problem that the cleaning mode of the prior art washing machine cannot perform deep cleaning; it solves the problem that it is very unrealistic for ordinary users to disassemble the inner and outer barrels for cleaning, thereby reducing various damages to user health caused by unclean cleaning of the washing machine.

[0040] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a self-cleaning system, comprising a cleaning brush assembly, a high-pressure spray assembly and the transmission structure; the cleaning brush assembly is in transmission connection with the transmission structure.

[0041] As a further improvement of the present invention, the cleaning brush assembly includes a brush, a stepping motor, a rotating shaft, a connecting rod, and an assembly seat; wherein:

[0042] The rotating shaft is rotatably disposed in a sleeve in the transmission structure;

[0043] The linkage shaft in the transmission structure penetrates into one end of the rotating shaft, and can drive the rotating shaft to rotate accordingly;

[0044] The inner barrel shaft of the washing machine can rotatably pass through the other end of the rotating shaft and then be transmission-connected with the linkage shaft;

[0045] One end of the connecting rod is connected to the rotating shaft, and the other end is provided with the assembly seat;

[0046] The stepper motor is installed in the assembly base;

[0047] The brush is connected to the stepping motor after passing through the assembly seat.

[0048] As a further improvement of the present invention, the high-pressure spray assembly includes a pressure pump, a connecting pipe, and a high-pressure spray head; wherein:

[0049] The pressure pump is arranged on the connecting pipe and is used to pressurize the water supplied by the water source;

[0050] The high-pressure nozzle is fitted on the inner wall of the outer barrel of the washing machine and is connected to the connecting pipe.

[0051] The self-cleaning system of the present invention comprises a cleaning brush assembly and a high-pressure spray assembly. The brush strip is suspended and inserted between the inner and outer barrels and abuts against the inner and outer barrels to complete cleaning. There is no need to set a complex driving structure and telescopic structure between the inner and outer barrels.

[0052] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a washing machine comprising an inner barrel component, an outer barrel component, and the self-cleaning system.

[0053] The washing machine of the present invention does not need to add a driving structure between the inner and outer barrels, thereby reducing mechanical failures caused by water seepage and reducing dirt and grime accumulation in internal gaps of the structure caused by water seepage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0055] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a washing machine of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the C-direction structure;

[0057] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The middle XX-axis cross-sectional view shows the status of the brush when the washing machine is in self-cleaning mode;

[0058] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The middle XX section view shows the brush status when the washing machine is in washing mode or turned off;

[0059] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The middle ZZ-axis sectional view is a state diagram when the first piston is drivingly connected with the inner barrel shaft;

[0060] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The middle ZZ-axis sectional view is a state diagram when the second piston is connected to the self-cleaning system by transmission;

[0061] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Middle B is a partial enlarged view;

[0062] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the washing machine of the present invention (I);

[0063] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the washing machine of the present invention (II);

[0064] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 Middle YY section view;

[0065] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 The partial enlarged view in the middle A shows the transmission connection state between the first piston and the inner barrel shaft;

[0066] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 The partial enlarged view of center A shows the transmission connection state of the second piston and the self-cleaning system;

[0067] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the self-cleaning system of the present invention when it is in operation;

[0068] Fig.14 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the rotating shaft in the cleaning brush assembly in the self-cleaning system of the present invention (I);

[0069] Fig.15 2 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the rotating shaft in the cleaning brush assembly of the self-cleaning system of the present invention;

[0070] Fig.16 is a structural schematic diagram of a cleaning brush assembly in the self-cleaning system of the present invention;

[0071] Fig.17 This is a control flow chart of the inner and outer barrel cleaning method of the present invention;

[0072] Fig.18 The present invention is a self-checking flowchart of a washing machine in the inner and outer barrel cleaning method.

[0073] In the figure, 1, outer barrel assembly; 11, outer barrel; 12, high-pressure spray assembly; 121, high-pressure nozzle; 122, booster pump; 123, connecting pipe; 13, sleeve; 131, first sleeve bearing; 132, second sleeve bearing; 2, transmission wheel assembly; 21, pulley; 211, belt groove; 22, linkage shaft; 23, shaft hole; 24, second piston; 25, first piston; 26, air pipe assembly; 261, inflation pipe; 262. First valve; 263. Second valve; 264. First branch pipe; 265. Second branch pipe; 266. Second cylinder; 267. First cylinder; 27. Limiting step; 3. Inner barrel component; 31. Inner barrel shaft; 311. First positioning gear; 4. Cleaning brush assembly; 41. Brush; 42. Stepper motor; 43. Rotating shaft bearing; 44. Rotating shaft; 45. Second positioning gear; 46. Connecting rod; 47. Assembly seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] To make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other implementation methods obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0075] like Fig.17 As shown, the present invention provides a method for cleaning inner and outer barrels, which is implemented by using a self-cleaning system in a washing machine. Specifically, the method for cleaning inner and outer barrels includes the following steps:

[0076] Turn on the washing machine and confirm that all pistons in the transmission structure are retracted into the cylinder to complete the washing machine self-test;

[0077] Select an operating mode; the operating modes include a washing mode and a self-cleaning mode;

[0078] When the washing mode is selected, the transmission structure switches to a transmission connection state with the inner drum of the washing machine to wash the clothes in the inner drum according to the preset rotation direction and rotation speed;

[0079] Specifically, the transmission structure is switched to a transmission connection state with the inner drum of the washing machine to wash the clothes in the inner drum according to a preset rotation direction and rotation speed, including:

[0080] The air pipe assembly 26 is controlled to start, the air pump starts to inflate, the air supply enters through the air filling pipe 261, the first valve 262 is controlled to open, the air flows through the first valve 262 into the first branch pipe 264, and then into the first cylinder 267. The first cylinder 267 pushes the first piston 25 toward the inner barrel shaft 31 under the action of the air flow pressure, and the first toothed groove of the first piston 25 is meshed and connected with the first positioning gear 311 on the inner barrel shaft 31, so that the motor is connected to the inner barrel of the washing machine through the transmission structure; at this time, the motor is controlled to start, and when the motor rotates, it drives the inner barrel component 3 to execute the washing mode according to the preset rotation direction and speed;

[0081] When the self-cleaning mode is selected, the transmission structure switches to a transmission connection state with the self-cleaning system to perform self-cleaning of the inner and outer barrels according to the preset rotation direction and rotation speed.

[0082] Specifically, the transmission structure is switched to a transmission connection state with the self-cleaning system to perform self-cleaning of the inner and outer barrels according to a preset rotation direction and rotation speed, including:

[0083] The air pipe assembly 26 is controlled to start, the air pump starts to inflate, the air supply enters through the inflation pipe 261, the second valve 263 is controlled to open, the air flows through the second valve 263 into the second branch pipe 265, and then enters the second cylinder 266. The second cylinder 266 pushes the second piston 24 toward the rotating shaft 44 under the action of the air flow pressure, and the second toothed groove of the second piston 24 is meshed and connected with the second positioning gear 45 on the inner wall of the rotating shaft 44, so as to realize the transmission connection between the motor and the cleaning brush assembly 4 in the self-cleaning system through the transmission structure; at this time, the control motor is started, and when the motor rotates, it will drive the cleaning brush assembly 4 in the self-cleaning system to execute the self-cleaning mode according to the preset rotation direction and speed;

[0084] It should be noted that the self-cleaning system also includes a high-pressure spray assembly 12, so after the transmission structure switches to a transmission connection state with the self-cleaning system to perform self-cleaning of the inner and outer barrels according to a preset rotation direction and rotation speed, it also includes:

[0085] The high-pressure spray assembly 12 is controlled to start, so as to spray the inner and outer barrels with a high-pressure fine stream to complete auxiliary self-cleaning.

[0086] Specifically, the water source is pressurized by the pressure pump 122 and then fed into the high-pressure nozzle 121 through the connecting pipe 123. The high-pressure nozzle 121 sprays water through the inner wall of the outer barrel 11 toward the inner barrel component 3. After waiting for the self-cleaning to end, the high-pressure nozzle 121 and the motor are turned off.

[0087] After completing the auxiliary self-cleaning, it also includes:

[0088] Determine whether the washing machine needs to be washed;

[0089] When the result of the judgment is that washing is required, the transmission structure is controlled to switch to a transmission connection state with the inner drum of the washing machine, so as to wash the clothes in the inner drum according to a preset rotation direction and rotation speed;

[0090] It should be noted that the control method here is the same as the previous control method. The air pipe assembly 26 is controlled to start, the air pump starts to inflate, the air supply enters through the inflation pipe 261, the first valve 262 is controlled to open, the air flows through the first valve 262 into the first branch pipe 264, and then enters the first cylinder 267. The first cylinder 267 pushes the first piston 25 toward the inner barrel shaft 31 under the action of the air flow pressure, and the first toothed groove of the first piston 25 is meshed and connected with the first positioning gear 311 on the inner barrel shaft 31, so that the motor is connected to the inner barrel of the washing machine through the transmission structure; at this time, the motor is controlled to start, and when the motor rotates, it will drive the inner barrel component 3 to execute the washing mode according to the preset rotation direction and speed;

[0091] When the result of the judgment is that washing is not required, it is confirmed that all pistons in the transmission structure are retracted into the cylinder to complete the self-check of the washing machine.

[0092] Here, all pistons in the confirmation transmission structure are retracted into the cylinder to complete the specific control steps of the washing machine self-test, which can be found in the subsequent records.

[0093] As a further improvement of the present invention, after the transmission structure is switched to a transmission connection state with the inner barrel of the washing machine so as to wash the clothes in the inner barrel according to a preset rotation direction and rotation speed, it also includes confirming that all pistons in the transmission structure are retracted into the cylinder to complete the self-inspection of the washing machine.

[0094] It should be noted that if Fig.18 As shown, confirm that all pistons in the transmission structure are retracted into the cylinder to complete the washing machine self-test, which includes the following steps:

[0095] Control the first valve and the second valve to open;

[0096] The air pump starts to draw a vacuum;

[0097] Under the action of vacuum negative pressure, the first cylinder and the second cylinder suck the first piston back respectively;

[0098] Perform position judgment. When the first piston returns to the predetermined position and the second piston returns to the predetermined position, it indicates that the pistons are both retracted into the cylinder and the self-check is completed. At this time, the first valve and the second valve are closed and the air pump is turned off.

[0099] The above two positions need to be met at the same time to meet the requirements. If either one is not met, it means that the washing machine self-test has failed, and you need to return and continue to use the air pump to vacuum and retract the piston.

[0100] The determination of the predetermined position can be achieved through position sensors, pressure sensors, etc.

[0101] The inner and outer drum cleaning method of the present invention has a control mode that separates the washing mode from the cleaning mode, thereby achieving deep cleaning of the inner and outer drums. The control mode realizes self-cleaning, thereby solving the problem that it is unrealistic for ordinary users to disassemble the inner and outer drums for cleaning, and reducing the problem of various damages to user health caused by unclean cleaning of the washing machine.

[0102] like Figure 5-Figure 16 As shown, the present invention provides a transmission structure for executing the above-mentioned inner and outer barrel cleaning method. Specifically, the transmission structure includes: a power source, a transmission wheel assembly 2, a sleeve 13, and an inner barrel shaft 31; wherein:

[0103] The sleeve 13 is inserted into one end of the outer barrel 11 of the washing machine;

[0104] The inner barrel shaft 31 is arranged at one end of the inner barrel of the washing machine;

[0105] One end of the self-cleaning system is arranged between the sleeve 13 and the inner barrel shaft 31, and the other end is arranged between the outer wall of the inner barrel of the washing machine and the inner wall of the outer barrel 11;

[0106] The transmission wheel assembly 2 is mounted on the sleeve 13; when the transmission wheel assembly 2 is switched to different states, it can be connected to the inner barrel shaft 31 to drive the inner barrel to rotate to complete washing, or connected to the self-cleaning system to drive the self-cleaning system to rotate to complete self-cleaning of the outer wall of the inner barrel and the inner wall of the outer barrel;

[0107] The power source is in transmission connection with the transmission wheel assembly 2 , and specifically, the power source may be a motor.

[0108] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the transmission wheel assembly 2 includes a pulley 21, a linkage shaft 22, a first cylinder 267, a second cylinder 266, a first piston 25, and a second piston 24; wherein:

[0109] The pulley 21 is connected to the power source through a transmission connection. Specifically, the pulley 21 is connected to the motor through a belt and can rotate under the drive of the motor.

[0110] One end of the linkage shaft 22 is fixed on the pulley 21; the other end of the linkage shaft 22 is provided with a shaft hole 23 for the inner barrel shaft 31 to penetrate;

[0111] The first cylinder 267 is disposed in the linkage shaft 22;

[0112] The first piston 25 is embedded in the linkage shaft 22 and is in transmission connection with the first cylinder 267. It can be extended outwards into the shaft hole 23 and in transmission connection with the inner barrel shaft 31 under the drive of the first cylinder 267, or retracted inwards and separated from the inner barrel shaft 31. In this embodiment, a mounting groove and a slide groove are provided in the linkage shaft 22, the first cylinder 267 is fixed in the mounting groove, and the first piston 25 is slidably provided in the slide groove, one end of the slide groove is connected with the mounting groove, and the other end is connected with the shaft hole 23.

[0113] The second cylinder 266 is disposed in the linkage shaft 22;

[0114] The second piston 24 is embedded in the linkage shaft 22 and is in transmission connection with the second cylinder 266. It can be extended outward to the outside of the linkage shaft 22 and in transmission connection with the self-cleaning system under the drive of the second cylinder 266, or retracted inward and separated from the self-cleaning system. In this embodiment, a mounting groove and a slide groove are provided in the linkage shaft 22, the second cylinder 266 is fixed in the mounting groove, and the second piston 24 is slidably provided in the slide groove, one end of the slide groove is connected to the mounting groove, and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the rotating shaft 44.

[0115] As a further improvement of the present invention, the transmission wheel assembly 2 further includes an air filling pipe 261, a first branch pipe, a second branch pipe, a first valve 262, and a second valve 263; wherein:

[0116] One end of the inflation tube 261 is connected to the air pump, and the other end is connected to the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe through the first valve 262 and the second valve 263 respectively;

[0117] The end of the first branch pipe is connected to the first cylinder 267;

[0118] The end of the second branch pipe is connected to the second cylinder 266 .

[0119] As a further improvement of the present invention, a belt groove 211 is provided on the end surface of the pulley 21 .

[0120] As a further improvement of the present invention, a first toothed groove is provided at the end of the first piston 25, and a first positioning gear 311 is provided at the corresponding position of the inner barrel shaft 31; when the first piston 25 is pushed out, the first toothed groove is meshed and connected with the first positioning gear 311; or, a second toothed groove is provided at the end of the second piston 24, and a second positioning gear 45 is provided at the corresponding position of the self-cleaning system; when the second piston 24 is pushed out, the second toothed groove is meshed and connected with the second positioning gear 45.

[0121] As a further improvement of the present invention, a limiting step 27 for limiting the extension length is provided on the linkage shaft 22 corresponding to the position of the first piston 25 and / or the second piston 24 .

[0122] Specifically, a limiting step 27 is provided at the end of the slide groove of the linkage shaft 22. When the first piston 25 or the second piston 24 is pushed outward, the pushing length will be limited by the limiting step 27. A protruding structure is also provided on the piston, and the protruding structure abuts against the limiting step 27 to realize the pushing length limiting function.

[0123] The transmission structure provided by the present invention includes structures or components such as an inflation tube 261, a cylinder, a piston, a rotating wheel, a linkage shaft 22, a sleeve 13 and various bearings. It can realize a washing mode in which a motor drives the inner barrel to rotate, and can also realize a self-cleaning mode in which a self-cleaning system is driven to rotate. A single motor can achieve washing and cleaning without adding other driving forces, thereby saving costs. The transmission structure of the present invention can achieve staggered (or user-selected) completion of washing and inner and outer barrel cleaning, and the structure is simpler. At the same time, it can avoid dirt from adhering to the cleaning equipment, solving the problem that a large amount of dirt remains on the walls of the inner and outer barrels of the washing machine due to long-term uncleaning; at the same time, it solves the problem that the cleaning mode of the prior art washing machine cannot perform deep cleaning; it solves the problem that it is very unrealistic for ordinary users to disassemble the inner and outer barrels for cleaning, thereby reducing various health damages to users caused by unclean cleaning of the washing machine.

[0124] like Figure 1-Figure 16 As shown, a self-cleaning system provided by the present invention includes a cleaning brush assembly 4, a high-pressure spray assembly 12 and a transmission structure; the cleaning brush assembly 4 is transmission-connected to the transmission structure.

[0125] As a further improvement of the present invention, the cleaning brush assembly 4 includes a brush 41, a stepping motor 42, a rotating shaft 44, a connecting rod 46, and an assembly seat 47; wherein:

[0126] The rotating shaft 44 is rotatably disposed in the sleeve 13 in the transmission structure;

[0127] The linkage shaft 22 in the transmission structure penetrates into one end of the rotating shaft 44, and can drive the rotating shaft 44 to rotate accordingly;

[0128] The inner barrel shaft 31 of the washing machine can rotatably pass through the other end of the rotating shaft 44 and then be transmission-connected with the linkage shaft 22;

[0129] One end of the connecting rod 46 is connected to the rotating shaft 44, and the other end is provided with an assembly seat 47;

[0130] The stepper motor 42 is mounted in the assembly card seat 47;

[0131] The brush 41 is inserted into the assembly holder 47 and connected to the stepping motor 42 .

[0132] It should be noted that, in the present invention, there may be a plurality of connecting rods 46 that are evenly arranged along the circumference of the rotating shaft 44 , and the number of the brushes 41 is the same as the number of the connecting rods 46 .

[0133] As a further improvement of the present invention, the high-pressure spray assembly 12 includes a pressure pump 122, a connecting pipe 123, and a high-pressure spray head 121; wherein:

[0134] The pressure pump 122 is disposed on the connecting pipe 123 and is used to pressurize the water supplied by the water source;

[0135] The high-pressure nozzle 121 is fitted on the inner wall of the washing machine outer barrel 11 and connected to the connecting pipe 123 .

[0136] In the present embodiment, two high-pressure nozzles 121 are provided. Of course, other numbers, such as three or more, may be selected according to the specifications of the inner barrel component 3 .

[0137] The self-cleaning system of the present invention includes a cleaning brush assembly 4 and a high-pressure spray assembly 12. The brush 41 is suspended and inserted between the inner and outer barrels and abuts against the inner and outer barrels to complete the cleaning. There is no need to set a complex driving structure and telescopic structure between the inner and outer barrels.

[0138] like Figure 1-Figure 16 As shown, a washing machine provided by the present invention includes an inner barrel component 3, an outer barrel component 1, and a self-cleaning system.

[0139] The self-cleaning system can clean the outer wall of the inner barrel and the inner wall of the outer barrel. The self-cleaning system includes a cleaning brush assembly 4, a high-pressure spray assembly 12, and a transmission structure for connecting a motor and the cleaning brush assembly 4 and the inner barrel component 3.

[0140] The various components of the washing machine are mature structures in the industry. The present invention only describes the structures related to the invention points, and the other structures are not described.

[0141] In this embodiment, the washing machine is composed of an outer barrel assembly 1, a transmission wheel assembly 2, an inner barrel component 3, and a cleaning brush assembly 4. Among them:

[0142] The outer barrel assembly includes an outer barrel 11 , a high-pressure spray assembly 12 , and a sleeve 13 .

[0143] The high-pressure spray assembly 12 is composed of a high-pressure spray head 121, a pressure pump 122 and a connecting pipe 123. The high-pressure spray assembly 12 passes through the barrel wall of the outer barrel 11 through the connecting pipe 123, and is fixed to the inner wall of the outer barrel by the arc surface of the upper end of the two high-pressure spray heads 121. Fig.10 Shown in cross-sectional view.

[0144] The booster pump 122 of the high-pressure spray assembly 12 is connected to an external water supply pipeline. After the clean water enters the booster pump 122, it is pressurized and further enters the connecting pipe 123, and then further enters the two high-pressure nozzles 121 respectively. The high-pressure nozzles 121 spray the clean water according to the preset control logic, and cooperate with the cleaning brush assembly 4 to complete self-cleaning according to the preset control logic.

[0145] The sleeve 13 includes a first sleeve bearing 131 and a second sleeve bearing 132. The bearing is used to facilitate the linkage shaft 22 and the rotating shaft 44 to be directly fixed to the sleeve so that they can rotate. The sleeve is embedded and installed on the rear wall of the outer barrel 11 and passes through the rear wall of the outer barrel. Its main function is to connect the three components of the rotating shaft of the transmission wheel assembly 2, the inner barrel component 3, and the cleaning brush assembly 4, namely the transmission structure, and fix the transmission structure at the same time.

[0146] The transmission wheel assembly 2 includes a pulley 21 and a linkage shaft 22 .

[0147] The pulley 21 is provided with a belt groove 211, which is used to connect the belt, establish a connection with the motor through the belt, transmit the motor power to the pulley, and further drive the inner barrel component 3 and the cleaning brush assembly 4.

[0148] The linkage shaft 22 includes an axial hole 23 , a second piston 24 , a first piston 25 , an air charging pipe 261 , a first valve 262 , a second valve 263 , a first branch pipe 264 , a second branch pipe 265 , a first cylinder 267 , and a second cylinder 266 .

[0149] The function of the shaft hole 23 is to embed the inner barrel shaft 31. The front end of the inflation tube 261 is connected to an external air pump, and the air pump can inflate and vacuumize the inside of the tube through the inflation tube 261. A first valve 262 is installed between the end of the inflation tube 261 and the first branch pipe, and a second valve 263 is installed between the end of the inflation tube 261 and the second branch pipe. The end of the first branch pipe 264 is connected to the first cylinder 267, and the end of the second branch pipe 265 is connected to the second cylinder 266. The first cylinder 267 and the second cylinder 266 are respectively equipped with a first piston 25 and a second piston 24. The first piston and the second piston are both provided with a small step to limit the stroke of the piston push out and further prevent air leakage. Through the inflation and vacuumization of the external air pump, and the opening and closing control of the first valve and the second valve, the inflation and vacuumization inside the first cylinder and the second cylinder are further controlled, and the push out and suction of the first piston and the second piston are further promoted.

[0150] The inner barrel component 3 includes an inner barrel shaft 31 and a first positioning gear 311 .

[0151] The inner barrel shaft 31 is embedded in the shaft hole 23 of the linkage shaft 22, and at the same time, the first piston is pushed out from the cylinder and inserted into the gear groove of the first positioning gear. The first toothed groove of the first piston is embedded in the gear, such as Figure 7 As shown, the linkage shaft 22 is connected to the inner barrel shaft 31 to form a power chain, thereby driving the inner barrel component 3 to rotate.

[0152] The cleaning brush assembly 4 includes a brush 41 , a stepping motor 42 , a rotating shaft 44 , a connecting rod 46 , and an assembly base 47 .

[0153] A rotating shaft bearing 43 and a second positioning gear 45 are provided on the rotating shaft 44. The function of the rotating shaft bearing 43 is to fix one end of the rotating shaft to the inner barrel shaft, so that the two can rotate relative to each other after being fixed. The linkage shaft 22 is embedded in the rotating shaft 44, and at the same time, the second piston is pushed out of the second cylinder and inserted into the tooth groove of the second positioning gear, connecting the linkage shaft with the rotating shaft to form a power chain, thereby driving the entire cleaning assembly to rotate. The rotation of the rotating shaft drives the brush to rotate, and the brush contacts the outer wall of the inner barrel and the inner wall of the outer barrel during rotation, and the inner and outer barrels can be cleaned by rotation. Although only one brush structure is shown in the drawings of the present invention, the brush can also be set to two or three, or more, all of which are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0154] One end of the connecting rod 46 is connected to the rotating shaft 44, and the other end has an assembly card seat 47. The brush 41 is set as a bidirectional brush, that is, brush strips are set on both sides of the brush rod, so as to clean the outer wall of the inner barrel and the inner wall of the outer barrel at the same time. The brush 41 and the stepper motor 42 are respectively installed from both sides of the assembly card seat 47, that is, both are fixed to the assembly card seat. The stepper motor drives the brush to rotate: When the washing machine enters the cleaning mode, the stepper motor drives the brush to rotate to Fig.13 When the washing machine enters the washing mode or is turned off, the stepper motor drives the brush to rotate as shown in the figure. Fig.12 Status shown.

[0155] Directions:

[0156] When the washing machine is in washing mode: the air pump inflates, and the air flows in along the inflation pipe 261. At this time, the first valve 262 is controlled to be in an open state, and the second valve 263 is in a closed state. It should be noted that the default state of the valves is the closed state. At this time, the interior of the second cylinder 266 is vacuum. Due to the pressure difference, the second piston 24 is automatically sucked back into the second cylinder 266, and the air flow enters the interior of the first cylinder 267 along the first branch pipe 264. The air flow inside the first cylinder pushes the first piston 25 out, and the first piston 25 clamps the first positioning gear 311 of the inner barrel shaft 31. Figure 5 As shown, the linkage shaft 22 is connected to the inner barrel shaft 31 to form a power chain, thereby driving the inner barrel component 3 to rotate. In this way, the motor drives the transmission wheel assembly 2, and the transmission wheel assembly 2 further drives the inner barrel, while the cleaning brush assembly 4 does not rotate accordingly, thereby completing the washing mode.

[0157] When the washing machine is in the cleaning mode, the air pump inflates, and the air flows in along the inflation pipe 261. At this time, the second valve 263 is controlled to be in the open state, and the first valve 262 is in the closed state, so that the air flow can enter the second cylinder 266 along the second branch pipe 265. The air flow inside the second cylinder 266 pushes the second piston 24 out, and the second piston 24 clamps the second positioning gear 45 of the rotating shaft 44. Figure 6As shown, the linkage shaft 22 is connected to the rotating shaft 44 to form a power chain, thereby driving the entire cleaning assembly to rotate. In this way, the motor can drive the transmission wheel assembly 2, while the inner barrel component 3 does not rotate with it. The transmission wheel assembly 2 further drives the cleaning brush assembly 4 to rotate, and the brush 41 contacts the outer wall of the inner barrel and the inner wall of the outer barrel. The brush 41 contacts and rotates between the two barrel walls to clean. At the same time, the high-pressure spray assembly 12 intervenes during the rotation of the brush. During the cleaning process, the high-pressure spray head 121 continuously sprays a high-pressure fine water flow. In order to save water, only a high-pressure fine water flow is sprayed, and the rotating brush cooperates with the high-pressure water spray to complete the cleaning. At the same time, during the cleaning process, the drainage system of the washing machine is in a normally open state.

[0158] It should be noted that in the present invention, the coupling and fixing between the linkage shaft 22, the sleeve 13, the rotating shaft 44 and the inner barrel shaft 31 are fixed by bearings, and bearings are arranged at every two coupling positions. The contact and fitting of the two shafts can realize relative rotation and prevent axial displacement.

[0159] In addition, the details of the cooperation between the two pistons and the positioning gear in the present invention are as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the tooth top position of the positioning gear is provided with a rounded feature, and the top of the toothed slot where the piston needs to be embedded is also provided with a rounded feature. At the same time, lubricating oil is added to the joint between the two. The purpose is to prevent the piston from being slightly misaligned with the positioning tooth, and to achieve automatic return through the provided rounded corners. For example, when the piston protruding structure is directly opposite to the tooth top, as long as the inflation continues, the piston is further pushed out, and with the help of the rounded corner structure and the lubricating oil, the piston can be further pushed into the tooth slot, thereby achieving automatic return.

[0160] The washing machine of the present invention does not need to add a driving structure between the inner and outer barrels, which can reduce mechanical failures caused by water seepage, reduce dirt and dirt hidden in the internal gaps of the structure caused by water seepage, and the self-cleaning system of the present invention has a simpler structure, and can avoid dirt adhering to the cleaning equipment. The transmission structure in the self-cleaning system can use a motor to realize the separate operation of the washing mode and the cleaning mode, which is lower in cost. The washing machine of the present invention shares a motor for the washing mode and the cleaning mode. The motor can use a motor with a larger horsepower, and by adjusting the speed, more thorough and deeper cleaning can be achieved, which solves the problem that a large amount of dirt remains on the inner and outer barrel walls of the washing machine due to long-term uncleaning, solves the problem that the cleaning mode of the prior art washing machine cannot perform deep cleaning, and solves the problem that it is very unrealistic for ordinary users to disassemble the inner and outer barrels for cleaning, reduces the problem of various damages to the health of users caused by unclean cleaning of the washing machine, and greatly improves the comfort requirements of users.

[0161] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, which should be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning inner and outer barrels, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Turn on the washing machine and confirm that all pistons in the transmission structure are retracted into the cylinder to complete the washing machine self-test; Select an operating mode; the operating modes include a washing mode and a self-cleaning mode; When the washing mode is selected, the transmission structure switches to a transmission connection state with the inner drum of the washing machine to wash the clothes in the inner drum according to the preset rotation direction and rotation speed; When the self-cleaning mode is selected, the transmission structure switches to a transmission connection state with the self-cleaning system to perform self-cleaning of the inner and outer barrels according to the preset rotation direction and rotation speed.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After the transmission structure is switched to a transmission connection state with the self-cleaning system to perform self-cleaning of the inner and outer barrels according to a preset rotation direction and rotation speed, the method further includes: The high-pressure spray assembly is controlled to start, so as to spray the inner and outer barrels with a high-pressure fine stream to complete auxiliary self-cleaning.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The control of the high-pressure spray assembly to start, so as to spray the inner and outer barrels with high-pressure fine streams, after completing the auxiliary self-cleaning, also includes: Determine whether the washing machine needs to be washed; When the result of the judgment is that washing is required, the transmission structure is controlled to switch to a transmission connection state with the inner drum of the washing machine, so as to wash the clothes in the inner drum according to a preset rotation direction and rotation speed; When the result of the judgment is that washing is not required, it is confirmed that all pistons in the transmission structure are retracted into the cylinder to complete the self-check of the washing machine.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the transmission structure is switched to a transmission connection state with the inner barrel of the washing machine to wash the clothes in the inner barrel according to a preset rotation direction and rotation speed, it also includes confirming that all pistons in the transmission structure are retracted into the cylinder to complete the self-test of the washing machine.

5. A transmission structure, characterized in that: Used to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: a power source, a transmission wheel assembly, a sleeve, and an inner barrel shaft; wherein: The sleeve is inserted into one end of the outer barrel of the washing machine; The inner barrel shaft is arranged at one end of the inner barrel of the washing machine; One end of the self-cleaning system is arranged between the sleeve and the inner barrel shaft, and the other end is arranged between the outer wall of the inner barrel of the washing machine and the inner wall of the outer barrel; The transmission wheel assembly is mounted on the sleeve; when the transmission wheel assembly is switched to different states, it can be connected to the inner barrel shaft to drive the inner barrel to rotate to complete washing, or connected to the self-cleaning system to drive the self-cleaning system to rotate to complete self-cleaning of the outer wall of the inner barrel and the inner wall of the outer barrel; The power source is transmission-connected to the transmission wheel assembly.

6. The transmission structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The transmission wheel assembly includes a pulley, a linkage shaft, a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a first piston, and a second piston; wherein: The pulley is drivingly connected to the power source; One end of the linkage shaft is fixed on the pulley; the other end of the linkage shaft is provided with a shaft hole for the inner barrel shaft to penetrate; The first cylinder is arranged in the linkage shaft; The first piston is embedded in the linkage shaft and is drivingly connected to the first cylinder. It can be driven by the first cylinder to extend outward into the shaft hole to be drivingly connected to the inner barrel shaft, or retract inward to be separated from the inner barrel shaft. The second cylinder is arranged in the linkage shaft; The second piston is embedded in the linkage shaft and is transmission-connected to the second cylinder. Driven by the second cylinder, it can extend outward to the outside of the linkage shaft to be transmission-connected to the self-cleaning system, or retract inward to be separated from the self-cleaning system.

7. The transmission structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transmission wheel assembly also includes an air filling pipe, a first branch pipe, a second branch pipe, a first valve, and a second valve; wherein: One end of the inflation tube is connected to the air pump, and the other end is connected to the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe respectively through the first valve and the second valve; The end of the first branch pipe is connected to the first cylinder; The end of the second branch pipe is connected to the second cylinder.

8. The transmission structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: A belt groove is arranged on the end surface of the pulley.

9. The transmission structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: A first toothed groove is provided at the end of the first piston, and a first positioning gear is provided at the corresponding position of the inner barrel shaft; when the first piston is pushed out, the first toothed groove is meshed and connected with the first positioning gear; or, a second toothed groove is provided at the end of the second piston, and a second positioning gear is provided at the corresponding position of the self-cleaning system; when the second piston is pushed out, the second toothed groove is meshed and connected with the second positioning gear.

10. The transmission structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: A limiting step for limiting the extension length is arranged on the linkage shaft corresponding to the position of the first piston and / or the second piston.

11. A self-cleaning system, characterized in that: It comprises a cleaning brush assembly, a high-pressure spray assembly and a transmission structure as described in any one of claims 5 to 10; the cleaning brush assembly is in transmission connection with the transmission structure.

12. The self-cleaning system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The cleaning brush assembly includes a brush, a stepping motor, a rotating shaft, a connecting rod, and an assembly seat; wherein: The rotating shaft is rotatably disposed in a sleeve in the transmission structure; The linkage shaft in the transmission structure penetrates into one end of the rotating shaft, and can drive the rotating shaft to rotate accordingly; The inner barrel shaft of the washing machine can rotatably pass through the other end of the rotating shaft and then be transmission-connected with the linkage shaft; One end of the connecting rod is connected to the rotating shaft, and the other end is provided with the assembly seat; The stepper motor is installed in the assembly base; The brush is connected to the stepping motor after passing through the assembly seat.

13. The self-cleaning system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The high-pressure spray assembly includes a pressure pump, a connecting pipe, and a high-pressure spray head; wherein: The pressure pump is arranged on the connecting pipe and is used to pressurize the water supplied by the water source; The high-pressure nozzle is fitted on the inner wall of the outer barrel of the washing machine and is connected to the connecting pipe.

14. A washing machine, characterized in that: The invention comprises an inner barrel component, an outer barrel component, and a self-cleaning system as described in any one of claims 11-13.

Images