Water treatment device and washing machine

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a water treatment device and a washing machine, the water treatment device comprises: a micro-bubble generator, which has a water inlet, a water outlet and an air inlet, the micro-bubble generator is used for being communicated with a water source, water flows into the water inlet, and micro-bubbles are generated by air at the air inlet under the action of water pressure and flow to the water outlet; and an ion generator, which has a functional part, the functional part is connected to the micro-bubble generator and is arranged corresponding to the air inlet, the ion generator is used for generating bacteriostatic ions and mixing with the water flow through the air inlet. The micro-bubble generator is used for generating micro-bubbles, the micro-bubbles have high cleaning capacity for stains, that is, the washing power is improved by changing the water flow form; the ion generator is used for generating bacteriostatic molecules by ionizing air and mixing into the micro-bubbles, so that the decontamination capacity and the bacteriostatic and deodorization capacity are enhanced, that is, the washing capacity is improved by changing the water quality and the water flow state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of washing machine technology, and particularly relates to a water treatment device and a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] As a household appliance, the washing machine plays a vital role. Among its key concerns, the washing power of a washing machine is a major focus for users. Factors affecting a washing machine's ability to clean clothes include mechanical force, detergent, and water quality. Mechanical force is primarily determined by the machine's rotation and water flow intensity; detergent selection depends on its type, dosage, and compatibility with the level of dirt; water quality also influences cleaning power in various ways, such as affecting detergent activity. However, most related technologies neglect the impact of water quality on the washing power of clothes. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a water treatment device and a washing machine that can change water quality and water flow pattern, thereby improving washing performance.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a water treatment apparatus, comprising: A microbubble generator has a water inlet, a water outlet, and an air inlet. The microbubble generator is used to connect to a water source. Water enters through the water inlet and generates microbubbles through the air at the air inlet under water pressure, which then flow to the water outlet. An ion generator has a functional part connected to the microbubble generator and disposed corresponding to the air inlet. The ion generator is used to generate antibacterial ions and mix them with water through the air inlet.

[0005] Optionally, the water treatment apparatus further includes: The mounting box includes a housing and a connecting tube. The housing is fixedly connected to the connecting tube. The housing is provided with an installation space. The connecting tube communicates with the installation space. The microbubble generator is disposed in the installation space. The ion generator is connected to the connecting tube, and the functional part extends into the connecting tube.

[0006] Optionally, the microbubble generator includes a venturi tube, which includes a converging section, a throat section, and a diffuser section connected in sequence. The water inlet is located in the converging section, the water outlet is located in the diffuser section, and the air inlet is located in the throat section.

[0007] Optionally, the mounting box includes a snap-fit ​​assembly, which includes at least two arc-shaped snaps. Each arc-shaped snap is connected to the housing and disposed within the mounting space. The at least two arc-shaped snaps are arranged along the extending directions of the contraction section, the throat section, and the diffusion section to fix the venturi tube.

[0008] Optionally, the venturi tube further includes an air intake section, one end of which is connected to the throat section and is disposed corresponding to the air inlet, and the other end of which is disposed corresponding to the connecting pipe, and the air intake section is connected to the connecting pipe.

[0009] Optionally, the venturi tube further includes a funnel, one end of which is fixedly connected to the air intake section, and the other end of which is arranged around the connecting pipe.

[0010] Optionally, the ion generator includes a body and two electrodes, with the body connected to each of the two electrodes respectively; The connecting tube is provided with two mounting holes, and the two poles are installed in the two mounting holes respectively and extend into the connecting tube.

[0011] Optionally, the mounting box further includes a connecting post, which is connected to the housing and attached to the outer wall of the connecting tube. The connecting post is used to fix the body through a connector.

[0012] Optionally, the mounting box further includes a grid frame with ventilation holes, and the grid frame is connected to the end of the connecting pipe away from the housing.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a washing machine, including: a water inlet pipe, a circulation pipe, and a water treatment device as described in any of the above claims, wherein the water treatment device is disposed at the water inlet pipe, and / or the water treatment device is disposed at the circulation pipe.

[0014] In the water treatment device and washing machine of this application embodiment, a microbubble generator is used to generate microbubbles. Microbubbles have the characteristics of large specific surface area, negative charge effect, and energy release from implosion to generate hydroxyl radicals, which have a highly efficient cleaning ability for stains, that is, the cleaning power is improved by changing the water flow pattern. An ion generator is used to ionize the air to generate antibacterial molecules, which are then mixed into the microbubbles to enhance the stain removal ability and antibacterial and deodorizing properties, that is, the cleaning ability is improved by changing the water quality and water flow state. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water treatment device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of the water treatment device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the water treatment device along line AA.

[0020] Figure 4 This is another structural schematic diagram of the water treatment device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the exploded structure of the water treatment device.

[0022] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 7 This is another structural schematic diagram of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] To improve the cleaning power of clothes from the perspective of water quality, this application provides a water treatment device and a washing machine. The water treatment device includes a microbubble generator with a water inlet, a water outlet, and an air inlet. The microbubble generator is connected to a water source, and water flows in through the water inlet, generating microbubbles that flow to the water outlet after being acted upon by gas at the air inlet. An ion generator has a functional part connected to the microbubble generator and positioned corresponding to the air inlet. The ion generator generates antibacterial ions, which are mixed with the water flow through the air inlet. The microbubble generated by the microbubble generator has characteristics such as a large specific surface area, negative charge effect, and the ability to release energy through implosion to generate hydroxyl radicals, which have a highly efficient cleaning ability for stains, that is, improving the cleaning power by changing the water flow pattern. The antibacterial molecules generated by the ion generator are mixed into the microbubbles after ionizing the air, which can enhance the stain removal ability and antibacterial and deodorizing properties, that is, improving the cleaning ability by changing the water quality and water flow state.

[0026] The water treatment device will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] For example, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water treatment device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of the water treatment device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the water treatment device along line AA. The water treatment device 100 includes a mounting box 110, a microbubble generator 120, and an ion generator 130.

[0028] Mounting box 110 is used to mount or fix microbubble generator 120 and ion generator 130. For example, mounting box 110 includes a housing 112 and a connecting tube 114, which are fixedly connected. The housing 112 is provided with an installation space, and the connecting tube 114 communicates with the installation space. Microbubble generator 120 is installed in the installation space. Ion generator 130 is connected to connecting tube 114, and the functional part of ion generator 130 extends into connecting tube 114, so that the antibacterial ions generated by ion generator 130 can diffuse into microbubble generator 120 through connecting tube 114.

[0029] The microbubble generator 120 has a water inlet, an outlet, and an air inlet. It connects to a water source, with water entering through the inlet and gas at the air inlet generating microbubbles under water pressure, which then flow to the outlet. Microbubbles possess a large specific surface area, slow rising speed, negative charge effect, implosion energy release, and the generation of hydroxyl radicals, resulting in highly efficient cleaning capabilities for stains. The negatively charged surface of the microbubbles attracts positively charged dirt (such as proteins and dyes), causing it to detach from the fibers. It is suitable for removing charged stains such as blood, tea, and ink. When microbubbles burst, they generate localized high voltage (>1000 atm) and microjets, impacting and stripping dirt. Microbubbles undergo Brownian motion in water, penetrating deeper into fiber gaps to remove deep-seated stains. The bursting of microbubbles briefly generates hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which can oxidize and decompose organic stains (such as oil and sweat stains). Microbubbles can increase dissolved oxygen in water, enhance the enzyme activity of detergents (such as proteases and lipases), and improve cleaning efficiency. This can be achieved through high-speed shearing methods such as mechanical agitation or the Venturi effect. The principle is that turbulence generated by high-speed water flow or gas jets shears gases such as air or ozone to form microbubbles.

[0030] For example, the microbubble generator 120 includes a venturi tube 122, which comprises a converging section 1220, a throat section 1222, and a diffuser section 1224 connected in sequence. The converging section 1220 has a water inlet, the diffuser section 1224 has a water outlet, and an air inlet is located in the throat section 1222. The venturi tube 122 also includes an air inlet section 1226. One end of the air inlet section 1226 is connected to the throat section 1222 and corresponds to the air inlet. The other end of the air inlet section 1226 corresponds to the connecting pipe 114, and the air inlet section 1226 is connected to the connecting pipe 114. The end of the air inlet section 1226 away from the throat section 1222 is an air inlet. Air mixed with antibacterial ions and water mixes within the venturi tube 122 downstream of the air inlet section 1226 to form microbubbles.

[0031] The Venturi tube 122 also includes a funnel 1228. One end of the funnel 1228, such as the constricted end, is fixedly connected to the air inlet section 1226. The other end of the funnel 1228 is arranged around the connecting pipe 114. In order to achieve a seal, a sealing ring made of a rubber material can be set between the funnel 1228 and the connecting pipe 114, so as to achieve a tight connection with the connecting pipe 114, reducing the diffusion of air or antibacterial molecules and waste.

[0032] The Venturi tube 122 can be secured using an arc-shaped clip. For example, please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 And see Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is another structural schematic diagram of the water treatment device provided in the embodiments of this application. The mounting box 110 also includes a snap-fit ​​assembly 116, which includes at least two arc-shaped snaps. Each arc-shaped snap is connected to the housing 112 and disposed within the installation space. At least two arc-shaped snaps are arranged along the extending directions of the contraction section 1220, the throat section 1222, and the diffuser section 1224 to fix the Venturi tube 122. It can be understood that one arc-shaped snap can be used to fix the contraction section 1220, and the other arc-shaped snap can be used to fix the diffuser section 1224, thereby fixing at least the contraction section 1220 and the diffuser section 1224 to achieve the fixation of the Venturi tube 122.

[0033] The ion generator 130 has a functional unit 132, which is connected to the microbubble generator 120 and is set to correspond to the air inlet of the microbubble generator 120. The ion generator 130 is used to generate antibacterial ions and mix them with water through the air inlet.

[0034] The ion generator 130 can be a negative ion generator, cloud ion generator, plasma generator, or other functional modules that can ionize air to generate sterilizing and cleaning components.

[0035] A negative ion generator is a device that generates negative air ions. It utilizes a high-voltage DC source to produce a high corona discharge, rapidly releasing a large number of electrons (e-). Since electrons cannot exist in the air for long (their lifetime is only on the order of nanoseconds), they are immediately captured by oxygen molecules (O2) in the air, thus generating negative air ions. These ions have bactericidal, preservative, and odor-removing effects. Antibacterial molecules such as negative ions enhance cleaning power, inhibit bacteria and odors, and reduce static electricity during laundry. Negative ions neutralize the positive charge on the surface of stain particles such as dust and oil, reducing electrostatic adsorption between dirt and fibers, making stains easier to remove from clothing. Negative ions can destroy bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting microbial reproduction, and decompose odor molecules such as sweat and mildew, making them suitable for underwear, sportswear, etc. After washing, the clothing fibers carry negative ions, reducing static electricity buildup during drying and making the fabric softer.

[0036] The cloud ion generator is a device that generates negative air ions and ozone. After air is ionized, it produces a large number of negative ions and ozone, which have bactericidal and deodorizing effects. Antibacterial molecules such as ozone have the function of oxidizing and decomposing organic matter, sterilizing and deodorizing during clothing washing. Ozone is a strong oxidant that can effectively decompose organic stains such as grease, sweat stains, and proteins, as well as blood stains and food residues, especially stubborn stains that are difficult to remove with traditional detergents. The oxidizing effect of ozone can partially replace chemical detergents, reducing dependence on cleaning agents, making it suitable for environmentally conscious individuals or those with sensitive skin. Ozone can kill bacteria and mold on clothing and decompose odor molecules such as smoke and sweat odor, making it suitable for scenarios with high disinfection requirements, such as underwear and sportswear.

[0037] The main working principle of the plasma generator is to raise the low voltage to positive and negative high voltage through the boost circuit. The positive and negative high voltage of the discharge needle generates corona discharge on the grounded metal ring, ionizing the air and generating a large number of positive and negative air ion groups, thereby sterilizing, removing odors, eliminating smoke, and improving air quality.

[0038] This application describes an example of an ion generator 130 that can generate negative ions and ozone, and should not be construed as a limitation on the types of ion generators 130.

[0039] For example, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 And see Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 for Figure 1The diagram shows an exploded view of the water treatment device. The ion generator 130 may include a body 134 and two electrodes 132a and 132b. The body 134 is connected to the two electrodes 132a and 132b respectively; that is, the functional unit 132 includes the two electrodes 132a and 132b. The body 134 is the main body of the ion generator 130, serving as both a drive unit and a power supply unit for ionizing air. The body 134 can be electrically connected to the control unit of the water treatment device 100. The two electrodes 132a and 132b can be understood as the anode and cathode.

[0040] The ion generator 130 can be fixedly connected to the connecting tube 114. For example, the connecting tube 114 is provided with two mounting holes, and two electrodes 132a and 132b are installed in the two mounting holes respectively and extend into the connecting tube 114. This allows for both air ionization and direct transfer of the generated negative ions and ozone ions to the connecting tube 114 for subsequent mixing with microbubbles.

[0041] To ensure a secure hold on the ion generator, connectors are also provided. For example, the mounting box 110 includes a connecting post 118, which is connected to the housing 112 and attached to the outer wall of the connecting tube 114. The connecting post 118 is used to secure the main body 134 using connectors such as screws. The design of the connecting post 118 saves space and allows for the positioning and fixation of the main body 134.

[0042] To reduce the waste of antibacterial ions and ensure that air can enter the connecting pipe 114, the mounting box 110 of this embodiment also includes a grid frame 119. The grid frame 119 has ventilation holes and is connected to the end of the connecting pipe 114 away from the housing 112. To accommodate the shape of the connecting pipe 114, the grid frame 119 can be multiple grids arranged in a circle.

[0043] In the water treatment device 100 of this application embodiment, a microbubble generator is used to generate microbubbles. Microbubbles have characteristics such as large specific surface area, negative charge effect, and the ability to generate hydroxyl radicals through implosion energy release, which have a highly efficient cleaning ability for stains, that is, improving cleaning power by changing the water flow pattern. An ion generator is used to ionize air to generate antibacterial molecules, which are then mixed into the microbubbles to enhance the stain removal ability and antibacterial and deodorizing properties, that is, improving cleaning ability by changing the water quality and water flow state. This application embodiment uses the microbubble generator 120 and the ion generator 130 in combination to change the water quality and water flow pattern, promoting the improvement of cleaning ability from different angles.

[0044] For example, the assembly sequence of the water treatment device 100 is as follows: the ion generator 130 is fastened to the mounting box 110 by limiting ribs and screws (not shown). At this time, the discharge needle of the ion generator 130 is sealed into the ionization chamber of the mounting box 110 through the round hole. The sealing ring is fitted onto the part above the step of the mounting box 110. Then, the Venturi microbubble module is assembled together by the arc-shaped buckle and its support part on the mounting box 110, and axially limited by the limiting rib on the Venturi microbubble module. At the same time, the cylindrical part above the funnel of the secondary inlet of the Venturi microbubble module is fitted onto the cylinder of the mounting box 110. At this time, it is sealed by the sealing ring, thus forming a relatively sealed ionization chamber.

[0045] For example, the working process of the water treatment device 100 is as follows: while water flows through the Venturi microbubble generator 120, the ion generator 130 is powered on. Due to the negative pressure at the air inlet of the Venturi tube 122, the air is ionized by the ion generator 130 to form a gas containing negative ions and ozone. The water in the Venturi tube 122 mixes with this gas to form microbubbles containing negative ions and ozone. The washing ability of the washing machine is improved by utilizing the beneficial effect of negative ions and ozone on washing.

[0046] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 This is another structural schematic diagram of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. An embodiment of this application also provides a washing machine 1000, which includes the water treatment device 100 described above. The water treatment device 100 can be referred to the above description and will not be repeated here. Since this washing machine 1000 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0047] The washing machine 1000 also includes a water inlet pipe 200 and a circulation pipe 300. A water treatment device 100 is installed at the water inlet pipe 200, and / or at the circulation pipe 300. The water treatment device 100 is connected to the water inlet valve at one end of the water inlet pipe 200 and directly to the washing machine drum at the other end, allowing treated water to enter the drum directly. Alternatively, it can be installed on the water inlet pipe including a water filter box. After passing through the water filter box, the water treated by the water treatment device 100 rinses the detergent and then enters the drum. A third installation option is to connect a circulation pump at one end of the circulation pipe 300 and the drum at the other end. This option allows for continuous circulation of the washing water, ensuring sufficient microbubble content.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0049] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features.

[0050] The water treatment device and washing machine provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A water treatment device, characterized in that, include: A microbubble generator has a water inlet, a water outlet, and an air inlet. The microbubble generator is used to connect to a water source. Water enters through the water inlet and generates microbubbles through the air at the air inlet under water pressure, which then flow to the water outlet. An ion generator has a functional part connected to the microbubble generator and disposed corresponding to the air inlet. The ion generator is used to generate antibacterial ions and mix them with water through the air inlet.

2. The water treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water treatment device also includes: The mounting box includes a housing and a connecting tube. The housing is fixedly connected to the connecting tube. The housing is provided with an installation space. The connecting tube communicates with the installation space. The microbubble generator is disposed in the installation space. The ion generator is connected to the connecting tube, and the functional part extends into the connecting tube.

3. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The microbubble generator includes a venturi tube, which comprises a converging section, a throat section, and a diffuser section connected in sequence. The water inlet is located in the converging section, the water outlet is located in the diffuser section, and the air inlet is located in the throat section.

4. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting box includes a snap-fit ​​assembly, which includes at least two arc-shaped snaps. Each arc-shaped snap is connected to the housing and disposed within the mounting space. The at least two arc-shaped snaps are arranged along the extending directions of the contraction section, the throat section, and the diffusion section to fix the venturi tube.

5. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The venturi tube further includes an air intake section, one end of which is connected to the throat section and is positioned corresponding to the air inlet, and the other end of which is positioned corresponding to the connecting pipe, and the air intake section is connected to the connecting pipe.

6. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The venturi tube also includes a funnel, one end of which is fixedly connected to the air intake section, and the other end of which is arranged around the connecting pipe.

7. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ion generator includes a body and two electrodes, with the body connected to each of the two electrodes respectively. The connecting tube is provided with two mounting holes, and the two poles are installed in the two mounting holes respectively and extend into the connecting tube.

8. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting box also includes a connecting post, which is connected to the housing and attached to the outer wall of the connecting tube. The connecting post is used to fix the main body through a connector.

9. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting box also includes a grid frame with ventilation holes, and the grid frame is connected to the end of the connecting pipe away from the housing.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: The water inlet pipe, the circulation pipe, and the water treatment device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the water treatment device is disposed at the water inlet pipe, and / or the water treatment device is disposed at the circulation pipe.

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