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

Abstract

The present invention provides an inner and outer drum cleaning method, a transmission structure, a self-cleaning system, and a washing machine, which 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 drum walls of a washing machine due to long-term non-cleaning. The inner and outer drum cleaning method includes the following steps: turning on the washing machine, confirming that all pistons in the transmission structure are retracted into the cylinder to complete the self-inspection of the washing machine; selecting an operating mode; wherein the operating mode includes 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 a 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 self-clean the inner and outer drums according to a preset rotation direction and rotation speed. The present invention can achieve washing and cleaning with a single motor without adding other driving forces, saving costs and having a simpler structure.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the advancement of science and technology, washing machines have become a necessity in every household. However, with long-term use, stains, scale, and detergents on clothing accumulate on the inner and outer drums, making them difficult to clean. While mainstream washing machines currently have drum cleaning modes, most fail to provide a deep clean, preventing thorough cleaning of dirt on both the outer and inner drum walls. If left uncleaned for extended periods, mold may even grow, posing a health hazard. Furthermore, due to structural limitations, it's impractical for ordinary people to disassemble the inner and outer drums for cleaning.

[0003] Prior art discloses an inner and outer drum cleaning device that cleans both the inner and outer drum's outer walls. Specifically, a cleaning path is provided circumferentially between the inner and outer drum walls. The cleaning device moves along the cleaning path, clinging to the inner and outer drum walls, between the inner and outer drums to clean the inner and outer drum walls. The addition of the cleaning device between the inner and outer drums increases the structural complexity and also makes it more likely that corners of the cleaning device and the cleaning path will become new spots for dirt to accumulate. 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 objectives, 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 mechanism are retracted into the cylinders 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 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 speed.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, 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 speed, the present invention further includes:

[0012] Control the high-pressure spray assembly to start, so as to spray the inner and outer barrels with high-pressure fine streams 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 a high-pressure fine stream, after completing the auxiliary self-cleaning, further includes:

[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 to wash the clothes in the inner drum according to the preset rotation direction and 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-test 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 to wash the clothes in the inner barrel according to a preset rotation direction and 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.

[0018] The inner and outer drum cleaning method of the present invention separates the washing mode from the cleaning mode in a control 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 the user's 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 above, 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 and the inner wall of the outer barrel of the washing machine;

[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 in transmission connection with 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 in transmission connection with 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 pass through;

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

[0029] The first piston is embedded in the linkage shaft and is in driving connection with the first cylinder. Driven by the first cylinder, it can extend outward into the shaft hole to be in driving connection with 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 and be transmission-connected to the self-cleaning system, or retract inward and be separated from the self-cleaning system.

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

[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 the self-cleaning system is driven to rotate. A single motor can achieve washing and cleaning without adding other driving forces, 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 adhesion on 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 existing 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 is rotatably passed through the other end of the rotating shaft and is 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 provided 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 includes a cleaning brush assembly and a high-pressure spray assembly. The brush bar 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 up 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 tub component, an outer tub assembly, 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 tubs, thereby reducing mechanical failures caused by water seepage and reducing the accumulation of dirt and grime in gaps inside 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 following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. 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 any creative work.

[0055] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the 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 A cross-sectional view in the middle XX direction shows the brush status when the washing machine is in wash mode or turned off;

[0059] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The middle ZZ-axis sectional view shows the state when the first piston is in transmission connection with the inner barrel shaft;

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

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

[0062] Figure 8 1 is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the washing machine of the present invention (I);

[0063] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the washing machine of the present invention (II);

[0064] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 Middle YY-axis sectional view;

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

[0066] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A partial enlarged view in the middle shows the transmission connection between the second piston and the self-cleaning system;

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

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

[0069] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the rotating shaft of the cleaning brush assembly in the self-cleaning system of the present invention (II);

[0070] Figure 16 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a cleaning brush assembly in the self-cleaning system of the present invention;

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

[0072] Figure 18 This is a self-check flow chart of a washing machine in the inner and outer drum cleaning method of the present invention.

[0073] In the figure, 1. outer barrel assembly; 11. outer barrel; 12. high-pressure spray assembly; 121. high-pressure nozzle; 122. pressure 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 objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more apparent, the technical solutions of the present invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other implementations obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

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

[0076] Turn on the washing machine and confirm that all pistons in the transmission mechanism are retracted into the cylinders 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 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 speed, including:

[0080] The control air pipe assembly 26 is started, the air pump begins to inflate, and the air supply enters through the air charging pipe 261, controlling the first valve 262 to open. The air flows through the first valve 262 into the first branch pipe 264, and then into the first cylinder 267. Under the action of the air flow pressure, the first cylinder 267 pushes the first piston 25 toward the inner barrel shaft 31. 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, thereby realizing the transmission connection between the motor and the inner barrel of the washing machine through the transmission structure; at this time, the control motor is started, 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 speed.

[0082] Specifically, 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 speed, including:

[0083] The control air pipe assembly 26 is started, 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 into the second cylinder 266. Under the action of the air flow pressure, the second cylinder 266 pushes the second piston 24 toward the rotating shaft 44. The second toothed groove of the second piston 24 is meshed with the second positioning gear 45 on the inner wall of the rotating shaft 44, thereby realizing the transmission connection between the motor and the cleaning brush assembly 4 of the self-cleaning system through the transmission structure; at this time, the control motor is started, and when the motor rotates, it drives the cleaning brush assembly 4 in the self-cleaning system to perform 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. Therefore, 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 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 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 assisted 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 to wash the clothes in the inner drum according to the preset rotation direction and 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, and the air flows through the first valve 262 into the first branch pipe 264, and then into the first cylinder 267. Under the action of the air flow pressure, the first cylinder 267 pushes the first piston 25 toward the inner barrel shaft 31. The first toothed groove of the first piston 25 is meshed with the first positioning gear 311 on the inner barrel shaft 31, thereby realizing the transmission connection between the motor and 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;

[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-test of the washing machine.

[0092] Here, the specific control steps for confirming that all pistons in the transmission structure are retracted into the cylinder to complete the self-test of the washing machine are described 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 to wash the clothes in the inner barrel according to a preset rotation direction and 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.

[0094] It should be noted that if Figure 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 vacuum;

[0097] Under the action of vacuum negative pressure, the first cylinder and the second cylinder suck the first piston and the second 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-test 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 go back and continue to use the air pump to vacuum and retract the piston.

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

[0101] The inner and outer drum cleaning method of the present invention separates the washing mode from the cleaning mode in a control 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 the user's health caused by unclean cleaning of the washing machine.

[0102] like Figures 5-16 As shown, the present invention provides a transmission structure for performing 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 tub 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 . 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 belt, and is specifically 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 to 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 pass through;

[0111] The first cylinder 267 is disposed within 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. Driven by the first cylinder 267, it can extend outward into the shaft hole 23 to be in transmission connection with the inner barrel shaft 31, or retract inward to separate 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. The first piston 25 is slidably disposed in the slide groove. One end of the slide groove is connected to the mounting groove, and the other end is connected to the shaft hole 23.

[0113] The second cylinder 266 is disposed within 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. Driven by the second cylinder 266, it can extend outward from the linkage shaft 22 to connect with the self-cleaning system, or retract inward to disengage 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 disposed 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 inflation tube 261, a first branch tube, a second branch tube, 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 engaged 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 engaged 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 at a position corresponding to 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 due to the limiting step 27, and a protruding structure is also provided on the piston, which abuts against the limiting step 27 to realize the pushing length limiting function.

[0123] The transmission structure provided by the present invention includes an inflation tube 261, a cylinder, a piston, a rotating wheel, a linkage shaft 22, a sleeve 13 and various bearings and other structures or components. 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 the self-cleaning system is driven to rotate. A single motor can achieve washing and cleaning without adding other driving forces, 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 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 existing 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.

[0124] like Figures 1-16 As shown, the present invention provides a self-cleaning system, which includes a cleaning brush assembly 4, a high-pressure spray assembly 12 and a transmission structure; the cleaning brush assembly 4 is in transmission connection with 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 base 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 is rotatably passed through the other end of the rotating shaft 44 and is transmission-connected to 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 base 47;

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

[0132] It should be noted that, in the present invention, there can be several connecting rods 46 , which 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 provided 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 tub 11 and is connected to the connecting pipe 123 .

[0136] In this embodiment, two high-pressure nozzles 121 are provided. Of course, other numbers, such as three or more, can 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 cleaning. There is no need to set up a complex driving structure and telescopic structure between the inner and outer barrels.

[0138] like Figures 1-16 As shown, the present invention provides a washing machine comprising an inner tub component 3, an outer tub assembly 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, 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 does not describe the other structures.

[0141] In this embodiment, the washing machine is composed of an outer tub assembly 1, a transmission wheel assembly 2, an inner tub 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 nozzle 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 nozzles 121. Figure 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 out 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. These bearings facilitate the rotation of the linkage shaft 22 and the rotating shaft 44, which are directly fixed to the sleeve. The sleeve is embedded in the rear wall of the outer barrel 11 and extends through it. Its primary function is to connect the three components of the transmission structure, namely the transmission wheel assembly 2, the inner barrel component 3, and the rotating shaft of the cleaning brush assembly 4, and also to secure this transmission structure.

[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 inflation tube 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, which can inflate and vacuum 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 vacuum pumping of the external air pump, and in conjunction with the opening and closing control of the first valve and the second valve, the inflation and vacuuming inside the first cylinder and the second cylinder are further controlled differentially, further promoting the push-out and suction of the first piston and the second piston.

[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 inserted into 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 engaged with the gear. 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. 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. During the rotation of the brush, it contacts the outer wall of the inner barrel and the inner wall of the outer barrel, and the rotation can complete the cleaning of the inner and outer barrels. 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 scope of protection 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 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 Figure 13 When the washing machine enters the washing mode or is turned off, the stepper motor drives the brush to rotate as shown. Figure 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 the open state, and the second valve 263 is in the 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 flows along the first branch pipe 264 into the interior of the first cylinder 267. 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, which 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 cleaning mode: the air pump inflates, and 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 in 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. This allows the motor to drive the transmission wheel assembly 2, while the inner barrel component 3 does not rotate accordingly. 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 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 nozzle 121 continuously sprays a high-pressure thin stream of water. To save water, only a high-pressure thin stream of water is sprayed. The rotating brush cooperates with the high-pressure water spray to complete the cleaning process. At the same time, during the cleaning process, the washing machine drainage system is normally open.

[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 adopts a bearing fixing method, and bearings are provided at every coupling point. 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 tops of the positioning gear are rounded, as is the top of the toothed slot where the piston fits. Lubricant is added to the joints between the two to prevent the piston from automatically returning to its original position if there is even a slight misalignment between the piston and the positioning tooth. For example, if the piston protrusion is aligned with the tooth top, continued inflation will push the piston further out. The rounded corners and lubricant can then push the piston further into the slot, allowing it to automatically return to its original position.

[0160] The washing machine of the present invention does not need to add a driving structure between the inner and outer drums, which can reduce mechanical failures caused by water seepage and reduce the accumulation of dirt in the internal gaps of the structure caused by water seepage. 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 realize the separate operation of the washing mode and the cleaning mode using a single motor, which is more cost-effective. The washing machine of the present invention uses a common motor for the washing mode and the cleaning mode. The motor can be a larger horsepower motor, and by adjusting the speed, more thorough and deeper cleaning can be achieved. This solves the problem of a large amount of dirt remaining on the walls of the inner and outer drums of the washing machine due to long-term uncleaning, solves the problem that the cleaning mode of the existing washing machine cannot perform deep cleaning, solves the problem that it is very unrealistic for ordinary users to disassemble the inner and outer drums for cleaning, reduces the problem of various health damages to users caused by unclean cleaning of the washing machine, and greatly improves the comfort requirements of users.

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

Claims

1. A transmission structure, characterized in that: include: A power source, a transmission wheel assembly, a sleeve, and an inner barrel shaft; the sleeve is passed through 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 installed on the sleeve, and includes a pulley, a linkage shaft, a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a first piston, and a second piston; the pulley is connected to the power source; one end of the linkage shaft is fixed on the pulley, and the other end is provided with a shaft hole for the inner barrel shaft to pass through. ; The first cylinder is arranged in the linkage shaft; the first piston is embedded in the linkage shaft and is transmission connected to the first cylinder. It can be extended outward into the shaft hole and transmission connected to the inner barrel shaft under the drive of the first cylinder, or retracted inward and 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. It can be extended outward to the outside of the linkage shaft and transmission connected to the self-cleaning system under the drive of the second cylinder, or retracted inward and separated from the self-cleaning system.

2. The transmission structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: 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: 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 through the first valve and the second valve respectively; 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.

3. The transmission structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A belt groove is provided on the end surface of the pulley.

4. The transmission structure according to claim 1, 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.

5. The transmission structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: 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.

6. 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 1 to 5; the cleaning brush assembly is in transmission connection with the transmission structure.

7. The self-cleaning system according to claim 6, 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 is rotatably passed through the other end of the rotating shaft and is 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.

8. The self-cleaning system according to claim 6, 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 provided 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.

9. A washing machine, characterized in that: The self-cleaning system comprises an inner barrel component, an outer barrel component, and the self-cleaning system as described in any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. A method for cleaning the inner and outer tubs of a washing machine as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Turn on the washing machine and confirm that all pistons in the transmission mechanism are retracted into the cylinders 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 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 speed.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that 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 speed, the method further includes: Control the high-pressure spray assembly to start, so as to spray the inner and outer barrels with high-pressure fine streams to complete auxiliary self-cleaning.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The control of the high-pressure spray assembly to start, so as to spray the inner and outer barrels with a high-pressure fine stream, 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 to wash the clothes in the inner drum according to the preset rotation direction and 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-test of the washing machine.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that After 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 a preset rotation direction and 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.

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