Washing machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of washing machines, in particular to a washing machine. The utility model aims to solve the problems that the effect of high-temperature boiling and washing on high-temperature-resistant strains is limited, the aging of a rubber sealing ring is possibly accelerated by high temperature, and the energy consumption and the maintenance cost are increased; and ultraviolet sterilization can only sterilize the illumination coverage range and is difficult to penetrate through the cylinder wall or a complex structure, and the sterilization effect on the interlayer of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder is weak. To this end, the washing machine of the present application comprises: a drum; the sterilization device comprises a liquid storage tank and an atomization assembly, the liquid storage tank is used for containing a sterilization solution, and the atomization assembly is arranged at the bottom of the liquid storage tank, makes contact with the sterilization solution and is used for atomizing the sterilization solution and spraying the sterilization solution into the roller. The atomized sterilization solution can be diffused to the surface of the inner barrel of the washing machine and all corners such as an interlayer of the inner barrel and the outer barrel, and therefore the all-around sterilization effect is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of washing machine technology, specifically to a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the popularization and development of washing machine technology, users' demand for healthy washing is increasing. The space between the inner and outer drums of a washing machine is in a humid and sealed environment for a long time, which is very easy for bacteria, mold and dirt to grow and form a dead corner for hygiene. These pollutants not only cause secondary pollution of clothes, but may also cause health problems such as skin inflammation and respiratory infections.

[0003] Related technologies typically employ high-temperature boiling or ultraviolet irradiation to sterilize washing machines. However, high-temperature boiling has limited effectiveness against heat-resistant bacteria, and high temperatures may accelerate the aging of rubber seals, increasing energy consumption and maintenance costs; ultraviolet sterilization can only kill bacteria within the area covered by the light, making it difficult to penetrate the drum wall or complex structures, and its sterilization effect on the inner and outer drum layers is weak.

[0004] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, namely, the limited effect of high-temperature boiling on heat-resistant bacteria, the possibility that high temperature may accelerate the aging of rubber sealing rings, and increase energy consumption and maintenance costs; and the technical problem that ultraviolet sterilization can only sterilize within the area covered by light and is difficult to penetrate the cylinder wall or complex structure, resulting in a weak sterilization effect on the inner and outer cylinder layers.

[0006] This application provides a washing machine, which includes: a drum; and a sterilization device, which includes a liquid storage tank and an atomizing component. The liquid storage tank is used to contain a sterilization solution, and the atomizing component is disposed at the bottom of the liquid storage tank and in contact with the sterilization solution, for atomizing the sterilization solution and spraying the sterilization solution into the drum.

[0007] When adopting the above technical solution, the sterilization device of the washing machine provided in this application atomizes the sterilization solution and sprays it into the drum through an atomizing component. The atomized sterilization solution consists of micron-sized particles, which, utilizing fluid dynamics, can diffuse to every corner of the inner drum surface and the space between the inner and outer drums, thereby achieving a comprehensive sterilization effect. Furthermore, the atomized sterilization solution does not require heating, avoiding the aging of rubber sealing rings at high temperatures, thus extending the service life of the washing machine. It also prevents the sterilization solution from decomposing or evaporating upon heating, further enhancing the sterilization effect.

[0008] In some embodiments, the washing machine further includes: a chassis with a clothes loading / unloading opening; a door cover movably disposed at the clothes loading / unloading opening; and a door seal surrounding the clothes loading / unloading opening; wherein the sterilization device is disposed on the chassis or the door seal and is located above the door cover.

[0009] The sterilization device is located above the door cover. The atomized sterilization solution can diffuse from top to bottom and naturally penetrate into the door seal, the inner and outer cylinder interlayer, and the grooves of the lifting ribs, which are often sanitary dead corners, thereby improving the coverage area and sterilization effect of the atomized sterilization solution.

[0010] In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank includes a top wall and a side wall, and an overflow outlet is provided in the area of ​​the top wall or the side wall away from the atomizing component. The overflow outlet is used to balance the internal air pressure of the liquid storage tank and limit the upper limit of the liquid level in the liquid storage tank.

[0011] By setting an overflow outlet, the upper limit of the liquid level in the storage tank 101 can be limited, ensuring that the disinfectant solution in the storage tank 101 is always within a safe capacity range, and avoiding fluctuations in the atomization efficiency of the atomizing component 102 due to excessive liquid level. The overflow outlet also helps to balance the air pressure, ensuring a stable supply of disinfectant solution to the atomizing component.

[0012] In some embodiments, the washing machine is further provided with an overflow pipe, one end of which is connected to the overflow outlet, and the other end of which is connected to the drum.

[0013] When the sterilization solution in the storage tank 101 is excessive, the sterilization solution flows into the overflow pipe through the overflow port and then into the drum, which can prevent liquid from overflowing and contaminating the internal circuitry or mechanical parts of the machine.

[0014] In some embodiments, the area of ​​the top wall or the side wall away from the atomizing component is further provided with a water inlet, and the height of the water inlet is greater than or equal to the height of the overflow outlet.

[0015] By ensuring that the height of the inlet is greater than or equal to the height of the overflow outlet, the disinfectant solution can be smoothly poured into the storage box 101, avoiding the difficulty in injecting the disinfectant solution into the storage box 101 under the action of hydraulic pressure.

[0016] In some embodiments, the atomizing assembly further includes a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level in the storage tank.

[0017] By setting up a liquid level sensor, it is easy to detect the liquid level in the storage tank 101, thereby controlling the spray volume of the sterilizing solution and ensuring the sterilization effect.

[0018] In some embodiments, the atomizing component includes: a metal substrate having a central region with an atomizing area having a plurality of atomizing holes; and a piezoelectric ceramic ring disposed around the atomizing area of ​​the metal substrate. When energized, the piezoelectric ceramic ring vibrates, causing the atomizing area to bend vertically, thereby causing periodic changes in the volume of the atomizing holes to achieve continuous atomization and spraying of the bactericidal solution.

[0019] In some embodiments, the atomizing hole has a trapezoidal structure, and the atomizing hole includes an inlet near the liquid storage tank and an outlet opposite to the inlet, wherein the inner diameter of the inlet is smaller than the inner diameter of the outlet.

[0020] This facilitates the atomization of the sterilization solution through the volume change of the atomizing orifice 1023.

[0021] In some embodiments, during the process of the atomizing zone switching from an upwardly curved state to a downwardly curved state, the inner diameter of the liquid inlet gradually increases, the inner diameter of the liquid outlet gradually decreases, and the volume of the atomizing hole first decreases and then increases.

[0022] This facilitates the atomization of the sterilization solution through the volume change of the atomizing orifice 1023.

[0023] In some embodiments, the washing machine further includes: a humidity detection device for acquiring the humidity inside the drum; and a control device connected to the humidity detection device, wherein the control device is capable of acquiring the initial humidity inside the drum before the sterilization device operates, and the current humidity inside the drum after the sterilization device has operated for a preset time, and adjusting the operating time of the sterilization device according to the initial humidity and the current humidity.

[0024] The humidity detection device can monitor the humidity changes inside the drum in real time, and the control device can dynamically adjust the working time of the sterilization device based on the difference between the initial humidity and the current humidity. For example, when the initial humidity is high, the sterilization time can be extended to ensure that the atomized particles penetrate fully; when the initial humidity is low, the sterilization time can be shortened to avoid over-atomization. This helps to improve sterilization efficiency and avoid resource waste or incomplete sterilization caused by over- or under-sterilization. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The washing machine of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device provided in this application;

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the atomizing component of the sterilization device provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the structural changes of the atomizing holes during the operation of the sterilization device.

[0029] List of reference numerals

[0030] 100. Sterilization device; 101. Liquid storage tank; 102. Atomizing component; 1021. Metal substrate; 1022. Piezoelectric ceramic ring; 1023. Atomizing hole; 1024. Liquid inlet; 1025. Liquid outlet; 1026. Atomizing zone. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, although the following embodiments of this application are described in conjunction with a washing machine, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Without departing from the principles of this application, it can also be applied to other devices.

[0032] It should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "vertical," "inner," and "outer," which indicate directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] In this application, "multiple" means two or more.

[0034] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] With the popularization and development of washing machine technology, users' demand for healthy washing is increasing. The space between the inner and outer drums of a washing machine is in a humid and sealed environment for a long time, which is very easy for bacteria, mold and dirt to grow and form a dead corner for hygiene. These pollutants not only cause secondary pollution of clothes, but may also cause health problems such as skin inflammation and respiratory infections.

[0036] Related technologies typically employ high-temperature boiling or ultraviolet irradiation to sterilize washing machines. However, high-temperature boiling has limited effectiveness against heat-resistant bacteria, and high temperatures may accelerate the aging of rubber seals, increasing energy consumption and maintenance costs; ultraviolet sterilization can only kill bacteria within the area covered by the light, making it difficult to penetrate the drum wall or complex structures, and its sterilization effect on the inner and outer drum layers is weak.

[0037] This application provides a washing machine that can improve the sterilization effect of the washing machine.

[0038] Combination Figure 1 As shown, the washing machine provided in this application includes a drum and a sterilization device 100.

[0039] The sterilization device 100 includes a liquid storage tank 101 and an atomizing component 102. The liquid storage tank 101 is used to contain the sterilization solution. The atomizing component 102 is disposed at the bottom of the liquid storage tank 101 and is in contact with the sterilization solution. The atomizing component 102 is used to atomize the sterilization solution and spray the sterilization solution into the drum.

[0040] When adopting the above technical solution, the sterilization device of the washing machine provided in this application atomizes the sterilization solution and sprays it into the drum through the atomizing component 102. The atomized sterilization solution consists of micron-sized particles, which can diffuse to all corners of the inner drum surface and the interlayer between the inner and outer drums by utilizing fluid dynamics properties, thereby achieving a comprehensive sterilization effect. In addition, the atomized sterilization solution does not require heating, which avoids the problem of rubber sealing ring aging at high temperatures, thus extending the service life of the washing machine. Furthermore, it avoids the decomposition or volatilization of the sterilization solution upon heating, which helps to improve the sterilization effect.

[0041] Optionally, the bactericidal solution may be a hypochlorous acid solution, hydrogen peroxide solution, plant extract solution, quaternary ammonium salt solution, or a compound bactericidal solution.

[0042] Hypochlorous acid solutions primarily consist of hypochlorous acid or sodium hypochlorite. They achieve broad-spectrum sterilization by releasing active chlorine, which disrupts bacterial cell walls and protein structures. They offer advantages such as rapid sterilization, low cost, and easy availability. Hydrogen peroxide solutions primarily consist of hydrogen peroxide. They achieve sterilization by releasing active oxygen, which oxidizes bacterial cell membranes and internal structures. They offer strong sterilization effects, decompose to produce water and oxygen, leaving no residue and are environmentally friendly. Plant extract solutions primarily consist of natural plant extracts such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil. They disrupt bacterial cell membranes through active ingredients (such as terpenes) in the plant essential oils. They are natural, environmentally friendly, harmless to humans, and non-corrosive to clothing and washing machine parts. Quaternary ammonium salt solutions primarily consist of quaternary ammonium salt compounds such as benzalkonium chloride and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide. They disrupt bacterial cell membranes through cationic surfactants, offering advantages such as strong sterilization effects, good stability, and low volatility. Composite bactericidal solutions can include a variety of bactericidal components, such as a combination of silver ions and hydrogen peroxide, or a combination of quaternary ammonium salts and plant extracts. Through the synergistic effect of multiple bactericidal mechanisms, they enhance the bactericidal effect and have the advantages of strong bactericidal effect and wide coverage.

[0043] In some embodiments, the washing machine further includes a casing, a door cover, and a door seal. The casing has a clothes loading / unloading opening. The door cover is movably disposed at the clothes loading / unloading opening. The door seal surrounds the clothes loading / unloading opening. The sterilization device 100 is disposed in the casing or the door seal, and is located above the door cover.

[0044] The sterilization device is located above the door cover. The atomized sterilization solution can diffuse from top to bottom and naturally penetrate into the door seal, the inner and outer cylinder interlayer, and the grooves of the lifting ribs, which are often sanitary dead corners, thereby improving the coverage area and sterilization effect of the atomized sterilization solution.

[0045] In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank 101 includes a top wall and a side wall, and an overflow port is provided in the area of ​​the top wall or side wall away from the atomizing component 102. The overflow port is used to balance the internal air pressure of the liquid storage tank and limit the upper limit of the liquid level in the liquid storage tank.

[0046] The overflow outlet limits the upper limit of the liquid level in the storage tank 101, ensuring that the sterilizing solution in the storage tank 101 remains within a safe capacity range and preventing fluctuations in atomization efficiency of the atomizing component 102 due to excessive liquid level. The overflow outlet connects to the outside of the storage tank 101, preventing negative pressure from forming inside the storage tank 101 during atomization, thus avoiding liquid leakage due to positive pressure caused by temperature changes. The overflow outlet also balances air pressure, ensuring a stable supply of sterilizing solution to the atomizing component. Furthermore, the overflow outlet design allows users to adjust the liquid level automatically even if overfilling is added, without requiring precise control of the added liquid volume.

[0047] In some embodiments, the washing machine is also provided with an overflow pipe, one end of which is connected to an overflow outlet, and the other end of which is connected to the drum. When the disinfectant solution in the liquid storage tank 101 is excessive, the disinfectant solution flows into the overflow pipe through the overflow outlet and then into the drum, which can prevent liquid from overflowing and contaminating the internal circuitry or mechanical parts of the machine.

[0048] In some embodiments, a water inlet is provided in the area of ​​the top wall or side wall away from the atomizing component 102, and the height of the water inlet is greater than or equal to the height of the overflow outlet. By making the height of the water inlet greater than or equal to the height of the overflow outlet, the disinfectant solution can be smoothly poured into the storage box 101, avoiding the difficulty of injecting the disinfectant solution into the storage box 101 under the action of hydraulic pressure.

[0049] In some embodiments, the atomizing assembly 102 further includes a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level in the storage tank 101. By providing a liquid level sensor, it is easy to detect the liquid level in the storage tank 101, thereby controlling the spray volume of the disinfectant solution and ensuring the disinfection effect.

[0050] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 As shown, the atomizing assembly 102 includes a metal substrate 1021 and a piezoelectric ceramic ring 1022. The central region of the metal substrate 1021 includes an atomizing zone 1026, which has multiple atomizing holes 1023. The piezoelectric ceramic ring 1022 is disposed around the atomizing zone 1026 of the metal substrate 1021. When energized, the piezoelectric ceramic ring 1022 vibrates, causing the atomizing zone 1026 to bend vertically, thereby causing periodic changes in the volume of the atomizing holes 1023 to achieve continuous atomization and spraying of the bactericidal solution.

[0051] Optionally, the atomizing assembly 102 also includes a power supply. The two poles of the power supply are connected to the metal substrate 1021 and the piezoelectric ceramic ring 1022, respectively. When the power is turned on, the metal substrate 1021 and the piezoelectric ceramic ring 1022 are energized, and the piezoelectric ceramic ring 1022 vibrates at a high frequency on the metal substrate 1021, causing the atomizing hole 1023 to bend upward and downward, so that the volume of the atomizing hole 1023 changes regularly as the atomizing hole 1023 bends.

[0052] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 As shown, the atomizing orifice 1023 has a trapezoidal structure and includes an inlet 1024 near the liquid storage tank 101 and an outlet 1025 opposite to the inlet 1024. The inner diameter of the inlet 1024 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outlet 1025. This facilitates the atomization of the sterilizing solution through changes in the volume of the atomizing orifice 1023.

[0053] In some embodiments, during the process of the atomizing zone 1026 switching from an upwardly curved state to a downwardly curved state, the inner diameter of the liquid inlet 1024 gradually increases, the inner diameter of the liquid outlet 1025 gradually decreases, and the volume of the atomizing hole 1023 first decreases and then increases.

[0054] The volume of the atomizing hole 1023 under normal conditions is set as the first volume V. When the atomizing component 102 is powered on, the piezoelectric ceramic ring 1022 bends at high frequency to generate ultrasonic waves, which are transmitted to the metal substrate 1021, causing the atomizing hole 1023 in the center of the metal substrate 1021 to bend up and down accordingly.

[0055] Combination Figure 3 As shown, (1) when the metal substrate 1021 bends upward, the liquid inlet 1024 of the atomizing hole 1023 is subjected to pressure, and the liquid outlet 1025 is subjected to tension. When the metal substrate 1021 bends upward to its limit, the volume of the atomizing hole 1023 is the second volume V1. (2) When the metal substrate 1021 bends upward to its limit, it begins to bend downward. The liquid inlet 1024 of the atomizing hole 1023 is subjected to tension, and the liquid outlet 1025 is subjected to pressure. When the metal substrate 1021 is in an unbent state, the atomizing hole 1023 returns to the uncompressed state. At this time, the volume of the atomizing hole 1023 is the first volume V. (3) When the metal substrate 1021 continues to bend downward, the liquid inlet 1024 of the atomizing hole 1023 is subjected to tension, and the liquid outlet 1025 is subjected to pressure. At this time, the volume of the atomizing hole 1023 is the third volume V2. (4) When the metal substrate 1021 bends downward to its limit, it begins to bend upward. The liquid inlet 1024 of the atomizing hole 1023 is subjected to pressure, and the liquid outlet 1025 is subjected to tension. When the metal substrate 1021 is in an unbent state, the atomizing hole 1023 returns to its uncompressed state. At this time, the volume of the atomizing hole 1023 is the first volume V. This constitutes one cycle, which is repeated continuously.

[0056] According to the calculation, V1 > V > V2.

[0057] During the process of the atomizing zone 1026 switching from an upward-curved state to a downward-curved state, the inner diameter of the liquid inlet 1024 gradually increases, the inner diameter of the liquid outlet 1025 gradually decreases, and the volume change of the atomizing hole 1023 is V1→V→V2, that is, the volume first increases and then decreases, thereby achieving the atomization effect by squeezing the solution out of the device.

[0058] In some embodiments, the washing machine further includes a humidity detection device and a control device. The humidity detection device is used to acquire the humidity inside the drum. The control device is signal-connected to the humidity detection device, and the control device is able to acquire the initial humidity inside the drum before the sterilization device 100 operates, and the current humidity inside the drum after the sterilization device 100 has operated for a preset time, and adjust the operating time of the sterilization device 100 according to the initial humidity and the current humidity.

[0059] The humidity detection device can monitor the humidity changes inside the drum in real time, and the control device can dynamically adjust the working time of the sterilization device based on the difference between the initial humidity and the current humidity. For example, when the initial humidity is high, the sterilization time can be extended to ensure that the atomized particles penetrate fully; when the initial humidity is low, the sterilization time can be shortened to avoid over-atomization. This helps to improve sterilization efficiency and avoid resource waste or incomplete sterilization caused by over- or under-sterilization.

[0060] It should be noted that the above preferred embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can adjust the above settings to make this application applicable to more specific application scenarios.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this application and form different embodiments. For example, any of the claimed embodiments in the claims of this application can be used in any combination.

[0062] The technical solutions of this application have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine includes: roller; The sterilization device (100) includes a liquid storage tank (101) and an atomizing component (102). The liquid storage tank (101) is used to contain a sterilization solution. The atomizing component (102) is disposed at the bottom of the liquid storage tank (101) and in contact with the sterilization solution, and is used to atomize the sterilization solution and spray the sterilization solution into the roller.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing machine also includes: The chassis has a compartment for taking out and putting away clothes; The door cover is movably mounted at the clothing loading / unloading opening; A door seal is provided around the clothing loading and unloading opening; wherein the sterilization device (100) is provided on the chassis or the door seal and is located above the door cover.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank (101) includes a top wall and a side wall. An overflow port is provided in the area of ​​the top wall or the side wall away from the atomizing component (102). The overflow port is used to balance the internal air pressure of the liquid storage tank and limit the upper limit of the liquid level in the liquid storage tank.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The washing machine is also equipped with an overflow pipe, one end of which is connected to the overflow outlet, and the other end of the overflow outlet is connected to the drum.

5. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The area of ​​the top wall or the side wall away from the atomizing component (102) is also provided with a water inlet, the height of which is greater than or equal to the height of the overflow outlet.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The atomizing assembly (102) also includes a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level in the storage tank (101).

7. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The atomizing component (102) includes: The metal substrate (1021) has a central region including an atomization area (1026) and the atomization area (1026) is provided with a plurality of atomization holes (1023). A piezoelectric ceramic ring (1022) is disposed around the atomization zone (1026) of the metal substrate (1021); When energized, the piezoelectric ceramic ring (1022) vibrates, causing the atomizing zone (1026) to bend up and down, thereby causing the volume of the atomizing hole (1023) to change periodically, so as to achieve continuous atomization spraying of the bactericidal solution.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The atomizing hole (1023) has a trapezoidal structure. The atomizing hole (1023) includes an inlet (1024) near the liquid storage tank (101) and an outlet (1025) opposite to the inlet (1024). The inner diameter of the inlet (1024) is smaller than the inner diameter of the outlet (1025).

9. The washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, During the process of the atomizing zone (1026) switching from an upwardly curved state to a downwardly curved state, the inner diameter of the liquid inlet (1024) gradually increases, the inner diameter of the liquid outlet (1025) gradually decreases, and the volume of the atomizing hole (1023) first decreases and then increases.

10. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The washing machine also includes: A humidity detection device is used to obtain the humidity inside the drum; The control device is connected to the humidity detection device. The control device can obtain the initial humidity inside the drum before the sterilization device (100) starts working, and the current humidity inside the drum after the sterilization device (100) has been working for a preset time. The control device can adjust the working time of the sterilization device (100) according to the initial humidity and the current humidity.

Images