Toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism on a washing machine and washing machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to a toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism on a washing machine and a washing machine, including toothbrush placing box and hot -blast source, including first containing box, end cover and water spraying spare, first containing box is equipped with toothbrush import and export, washing water inlet, hot -blast entrance and drainage air outlet, end cover is used for closing toothbrush import and export, water spraying spare installs at washing water inlet department, is used for washing water to spray into first containing box, hot -blast source is used for sending out hot -blast, toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism sets up in the casing of washing machine, toothbrush import and export stretches out the casing of washing machine, water spraying spare passes through first pipe and connects the water inlet valve of washing agent box of washing machine, hot -blast entrance passes through second pipe and connects the hot -blast export of hot -blast source, and drainage air outlet passes through third pipe and connects the inner chamber of outer drum of washing machine, the utility model directly multiplexes washing machine water supply and drainage system, reduces the transformation cost, promotes space utilization and equipment cooperativity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of washing machine technology, and in particular to a toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism for a washing machine and the washing machine itself. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in many households, the laundry area is adjacent to or shares the same space with the washroom area. As a daily necessity, the cleaning and storage of toothbrushes are often overlooked. Traditionally, toothbrushes are stored on open shelves or in cups, which poses several hygiene risks: toothbrushes exposed to a damp environment for extended periods are prone to bacterial and mold growth, and using a contaminated toothbrush can lead to bleeding gums, bad breath, and other health problems. Statistics show that approximately 70% of oral diseases are related to toothbrush contamination.

[0003] While existing front-loading washing machines can meet daily laundry needs, they lack dedicated toothbrush cleaning and storage functions. Users must clean and store their toothbrushes separately after washing, a cumbersome process that makes hygiene difficult to guarantee. Especially in space-constrained living environments, toothbrush storage is often adjacent to the washing machine, but the two functions are completely independent, failing to achieve resource sharing and space optimization.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies urgently need improvement. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, this utility model provides a toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism and a washing machine for use with washing machines, which facilitates the placement, cleaning, and sterilization of toothbrushes, and achieves resource sharing and space optimization.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism for a washing machine, comprising: A toothbrush holder includes a first container, an end cap, and a water spray nozzle. The first container has a toothbrush inlet / outlet, a washing water inlet, a hot air inlet, and a drain / vent. The toothbrush inlet / outlet is used for the toothbrush to enter and exit the first container. The end cap is used to close the toothbrush inlet / outlet. The washing water inlet is used for the washing water to enter the first container. The water spray nozzle is installed at the washing water inlet and is used to spray the washing water into the first container. The hot air inlet is used for the hot air to enter the first container. The drain / vent is used for the water and hot air in the first container to be discharged. A hot air source, used to deliver hot air; The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism is located inside the washing machine casing. The water spray component is connected to the water inlet valve of the washing machine's detergent dispenser via a first pipe. The hot air inlet is connected to the hot air outlet of the hot air source via a second pipe. The drain and exhaust port is connected to the inner cavity of the washing machine's outer drum via a third pipe.

[0007] Furthermore, the toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism is located above the outer drum of the washing machine and close to the detergent dispenser, and the toothbrush inlet and outlet are hidden inside the handle of the detergent dispenser.

[0008] Furthermore, the toothbrush holder also includes a shelf, which is disposed within the first housing box and is used to support the toothbrushes and isolate different toothbrushes.

[0009] Furthermore, the placement rack is a cross-shaped partition, which divides the first container into four placement spaces. The cross-shaped partition has a notch facing the inner wall edge of the first container that connects the adjacent placement spaces.

[0010] Furthermore, the water spraying component is a cross-shaped water spraying pipe, which includes four straight pipes that intersect and connect at one point and are interconnected. Each of the straight pipes is provided with multiple water spraying holes arranged at intervals along the length of the pipe. The four straight pipes are used to spray water into the four placement spaces respectively.

[0011] Furthermore, the first container is a cylindrical body, the toothbrush inlet and outlet are located at one end of the cylindrical body along the axial direction, the washing water inlet is located at the other end of the cylindrical body along the axial direction, the hot air inlet is located on the side wall of the cylindrical body and faces upward, and the drain and exhaust port is located on the side wall of the cylindrical body and faces downward.

[0012] Furthermore, the toothbrush holder also includes multiple ultraviolet lamp beads, which are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the first container.

[0013] Furthermore, the end cap is threadedly connected to the toothbrush inlet and outlet.

[0014] Furthermore, the hot air source includes a second receiving box, a heating element, and a fan, wherein the heating element is disposed inside the second receiving box, and the fan is disposed inside the second receiving box.

[0015] This utility model also provides a washing machine, including the aforementioned toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages: The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism and washing machine of this utility model effectively solve the problem of mold growth caused by humid environments through a combination of water spraying and hot air drying. Compared with external disinfection equipment that requires additional water and electricity interfaces, this utility model directly reuses the washing machine's water supply and drainage system, reducing modification costs and improving space utilization and equipment synergy. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To make the content of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism disclosed in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism disclosed in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first receiving box disclosed in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the placement rack disclosed in this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle disc disclosed in this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the screw cap disclosed in this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism disclosed in this utility model and the washing machine; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism disclosed in this utility model and the washing machine.

[0019] Instruction manual illustrations and markings: 1. Toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism; 11. Toothbrush holder; 111. First holding box; 112. End cap; 113. Water spray element; 1131. Straight pipe; 1132. Water spray hole; 114. Placement rack; 1141. Notch; 115. Placement space; 116. Ultraviolet lamp bead; 12. Hot air source; 121. Second holding box; 122. Heating element; 123. Fan; 13. First pipe; 14. Second pipe; 15. Third pipe; 2. Detergent box; 21. Handle; 3. Outer cylinder; 4. Control panel. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0021] See Figures 1 to 8 The image shows an embodiment of the toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism provided by this utility model.

[0022] The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism 1 on the aforementioned washing machine includes: The toothbrush holder 11 includes a first receiving box 111, an end cap 112, and a water spraying component 113. The first receiving box 111 is provided with a toothbrush inlet and outlet, a washing water inlet, a hot air inlet, and a drain and exhaust port. The toothbrush inlet and outlet are used for toothbrushes to enter and exit the first receiving box 111. The end cap 112 is used to close the toothbrush inlet and outlet. The washing water inlet is used for washing water to enter the first receiving box 111. The water spraying component 113 is installed at the washing water inlet and is used to spray washing water into the first receiving box 111. The hot air inlet is used for hot air to enter the first receiving box 111. The drain and exhaust port is used for water and hot air to be discharged from the first receiving box 111. Hot air source 12 is used to deliver hot air; The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism 1 is located inside the washing machine casing. The water spray component 113 is connected to the water inlet valve of the detergent box 2 of the washing machine through the first pipe 13. The hot air inlet is connected to the hot air outlet of the hot air source 12 through the second pipe 14. The drain and exhaust port is connected to the inner cavity of the outer drum 3 of the washing machine through the third pipe 15.

[0023] In the above text, the first receiving box 111 refers to a sealed container with multiple interfaces, which achieves sealed access through the toothbrush inlet and outlet at the axial end to prevent external contaminants from entering. The end cap 112 is a sealing component that can close and open the aforementioned toothbrush inlet and outlet. The water spray component 113 refers to a water jet device that evenly sprays water from the washing machine onto the toothbrush surface to complete rinsing. The hot air source 12 generates a high-temperature airflow to remove residual moisture and dry the toothbrush. The drain and exhaust vent refers to the fluid discharge channel, which utilizes the washing machine's existing drain pump to discharge wastewater.

[0024] Specifically, during use, first open the end cap 112, place the toothbrush into the first receiving box 111, and then close the toothbrush inlet and outlet through the end cap 112. The washing machine's water inlet valve supplies water to the spray nozzle 113 for rinsing and cleaning. After the washing process is complete, the hot air source 12 generates a high-temperature airflow, which is introduced through the hot air inlet to dry the toothbrush. The cleaning wastewater and humid air are discharged into the outer drum 3 of the washing machine through the drain and exhaust vents, and finally discharged with the washing machine's drainage system. The entire process is completed within a closed space, blocking external pollution while achieving water and electricity resource reuse.

[0025] The above technical solution, through a combination of water spraying and hot air drying, effectively solves the problem of mold growth caused by humid environments. Compared to external disinfection equipment that requires additional water and electricity interfaces, this invention directly reuses the washing machine's water supply and drainage system, reducing modification costs and improving space utilization and equipment synergy.

[0026] In this embodiment, the toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism 1 is located above the outer drum 3 of the washing machine and close to the detergent box 2 of the washing machine. The toothbrush inlet and outlet are hidden inside the handle plate 21 of the detergent box 2 of the washing machine.

[0027] In the above text, "above the outer drum 3" refers to the area between the top of the outer drum and the top cover of the washing machine's internal structure. This area is not occupied by functional modules in conventional washing machines, and utilizing this space avoids the need for additional independent installation positions. "Close to the detergent dispenser 2" means that the horizontal distance between the toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism 1 and the detergent dispenser 2 is relatively short. "Hidden inside the handle plate 21 of the detergent dispenser 2" means that the toothbrush inlet and outlet are designed to be embedded in the internal groove of the detergent dispenser's pull-out structure. When the handle plate 21 of the detergent dispenser 2 is closed, the toothbrush inlet and outlet are completely covered.

[0028] By employing the aforementioned technical solution, the toothbrush cleaning function is integrated into the existing component gaps, maintaining both the external dimensions of the washing machine and the compact arrangement of internal components. The concealed handle design, compared to exposed openings, avoids the problems of foreign objects entering or visual obtrusion.

[0029] In this embodiment, the toothbrush holder 11 further includes a holder 114, which is disposed inside the first container 111. The holder 114 is used to support toothbrushes and isolate different toothbrushes.

[0030] In the above text, the rack 114 refers to the support structure set inside the first housing box 111 for carrying toothbrushes, and isolating different toothbrushes means blocking contact between toothbrushes through physical separation.

[0031] The above technical solution physically separates toothbrushes, preventing liquid residue from coming into contact with each other and avoiding cross-contamination of bacteria.

[0032] In this embodiment, the placement rack 114 is a cross-shaped partition, which divides the first container box 111 into four placement spaces 115. The cross-shaped partition has a notch 1141 on the inner wall edge of the first container box that connects the adjacent placement spaces.

[0033] In the above text, the cross-shaped partition refers to a support structure formed by two perpendicularly intersecting flat plates, with the intersection point located at the central axis of the first receiving box 111. It is used to form symmetrically distributed independent areas within a limited space to achieve toothbrush isolation. The notch 1141 refers to the gap formed between the edge of the partition and the inner wall of the first receiving box 111, used to establish a fluid channel between adjacent placement spaces 115 to promote water flow and hot air circulation.

[0034] The above technical solution, through the combination of cross-shaped baffles and notches, achieves physical isolation while establishing a controllable fluid circulation path, thus solving the technical problem of uneven coverage of the cleaning medium.

[0035] In other embodiments, the aforementioned shelf may also be a Y-shaped partition, dividing the accommodating space into three placement spaces. Alternatively, other shapes may be used to divide the accommodating space into equal sections.

[0036] In this embodiment, the water spraying component 113 is a cross-shaped water spraying pipe, which includes four straight pipes 1131 that intersect and are connected to each other at one point. Each of the straight pipes 1131 is provided with a plurality of water spraying holes 1132 arranged at intervals along the length of the pipe. The four straight pipes 1131 are used to spray water into the four placement spaces 115 respectively.

[0037] In the above text, the water spray component 113 is snapped, welded or bolted into the first receiving box 111, and one end of the four straight pipes 1131 is welded together to achieve internal communication, and two adjacent straight pipes 1131 are perpendicular to each other.

[0038] Specifically, the four straight pipes 1131 correspond one-to-one with the four placement spaces 115 mentioned above, spraying water into the corresponding placement space 115. The straight pipes 1131 decompose the water flow into multiple fine water columns through a plurality of evenly distributed spray holes 1132, covering a wider area and achieving all-round spraying and cleaning of the toothbrush.

[0039] Through the above technical solution, the multi-hole dispersion design of the cross-shaped water spray pipe enables the water flow to form a three-dimensional flushing network, while maintaining a balance between the water flow impact force and the uniformity of coverage.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first container 111 is a cylindrical body, the toothbrush inlet and outlet are located at one end of the cylindrical body along the axial direction, the washing water inlet is located at the other end of the cylindrical body along the axial direction, the hot air inlet is located on the side wall of the cylindrical body and faces upward, and the drain and exhaust port is located on the side wall of the cylindrical body and faces downward.

[0041] In the above text, "cylinder" refers to a cylindrical cavity with an axially continuous structure, whose axial extension characteristic enables the formation of a directional flow space. The toothbrush inlet / outlet being located at one end of the cylinder's axial direction means the opening is at the beginning of the cylinder's length, facilitating the insertion or removal of the toothbrush axially. The washing water inlet being located at the other end of the cylinder's axial direction means the inlet is at the end of the cylinder's length, allowing water to enter axially. The hot air inlet being located on the side wall of the cylinder and facing upwards means the hot air enters perpendicular to the cylinder's axis and is located on the upper side wall of the cylinder. The drain / vent outlet being located on the side wall of the cylinder and facing downwards means the outlet is located on the side wall of the cylinder, specifically on the lower side wall, promoting the discharge of liquid by gravity.

[0042] Specifically, when washing water enters from the inlet at the axial end of the drum, the water flow forms a longitudinal rinsing path along the length of the drum, rinsing the toothbrush surface of dirt from top to bottom. Hot air enters from the upward-facing inlet on the side wall, accelerating the drying process of the inner wall of the drum and the toothbrush. The downward-facing drain and vent outlets allow the wastewater after rinsing and the moisture from the hot air circulation to drain naturally by gravity, preventing liquid residue.

[0043] Through the above technical solution, the three-dimensional combination of the axial layout of the cylinder and the openings on the side walls allows the water flow to form a through-flow flushing path, the hot air generates a self-circulation effect, and the drainage is completed autonomously by gravity without the need for an additional power device.

[0044] In this embodiment, the toothbrush holder 11 further includes a plurality of ultraviolet lamp beads 116, which are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the first container 111.

[0045] In the above text, the ultraviolet lamp bead 116 refers to a semiconductor light source capable of emitting ultraviolet light, which achieves sterilization by destroying the DNA or RNA structure of microorganisms. "Uniformly distributed" means that the ultraviolet lamp beads 116 are arranged at regular intervals on the inner wall of the first receiving box 111, ensuring that ultraviolet radiation covers all areas inside the receiving box.

[0046] Specifically, after the washing process is completed, the product is first sterilized by the ultraviolet lamp beads 116, and then dried by the hot air source 12.

[0047] The above technical solution uses ultraviolet light to sterilize, which can directly inactivate pathogens in a humid environment and thoroughly clean the hidden parts of the toothbrush.

[0048] In this embodiment, the end cap 112 is a screw cap, and the screw cap is threaded to the toothbrush inlet and outlet.

[0049] In the above text, the screw cap refers to a detachable part covering the toothbrush inlet and outlet, which engages with the internal threads at the inlet and outlet of the toothbrush through a rotating motion. A threaded connection refers to a mechanical fixation method achieved through the engagement of helical protrusions and grooves.

[0050] The above technical solution achieves a balance between protective performance and ease of use by forming a continuous sealing surface through threaded connection.

[0051] In this embodiment, the hot air source 12 includes a second receiving box 121, a heating element 122, and a fan 123. The heating element 122 is disposed in the second receiving box 121, and the fan 123 is disposed in the second receiving box 121.

[0052] In the above text, the second housing 121 refers to a closed shell structure for housing the heating element 122 and the fan 123, with an independent airflow channel formed inside. This structure prevents heat loss and prevents external contaminants from entering by limiting the hot air flow path. The heating element 122 is a device that converts electrical energy into heat energy, specifically using a heating wire or a PTC ceramic heating element to directly heat the air in the enclosed space, reducing heat transfer loss. The fan 123 is a mechanical component that drives the airflow, forcibly guiding the heated air to flow in a directional direction, forming a continuous hot air output.

[0053] By integrating the heating element and the fan into the second housing, a compact design of the hot air generation system is achieved through the above technical solution.

[0054] The following describes a washing machine, which includes the aforementioned toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism 1.

[0055] As described above, the washing machine includes a toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism. A toothbrush cleaning button can be installed on the washing machine to activate the toothbrush cleaning program. The washing machine not only has a clothes washing function but also provides toothbrush cleaning and storage.

[0056] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism for a washing machine, characterized in that, include: A toothbrush holder includes a first container, an end cap, and a water spray nozzle. The first container has a toothbrush inlet / outlet, a washing water inlet, a hot air inlet, and a drain / vent. The toothbrush inlet / outlet is used for the toothbrush to enter and exit the first container. The end cap is used to close the toothbrush inlet / outlet. The washing water inlet is used for the washing water to enter the first container. The water spray nozzle is installed at the washing water inlet and is used to spray the washing water into the first container. The hot air inlet is used for the hot air to enter the first container. The drain / vent is used for the water and hot air in the first container to be discharged. A hot air source, used to deliver hot air; The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism is located inside the washing machine casing. The water spray component is connected to the water inlet valve of the washing machine's detergent dispenser via a first pipe. The hot air inlet is connected to the hot air outlet of the hot air source via a second pipe. The drain and exhaust port is connected to the inner cavity of the washing machine's outer drum via a third pipe.

2. The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism is located above the outer drum of the washing machine and close to the detergent dispenser. The toothbrush inlet and outlet are hidden inside the handle of the detergent dispenser.

3. The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toothbrush holder also includes a rack, which is disposed inside the first housing box and is used to support the toothbrushes and isolate different toothbrushes.

4. The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The placement rack is a cross-shaped partition that divides the first container into four placement spaces. The cross-shaped partition has a notch on its inner wall edge facing the first container that connects the adjacent placement spaces.

5. The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water spraying component is a cross-shaped water spray pipe, which includes four straight pipes that intersect and connect at one point and are interconnected. Each straight pipe has multiple water spray holes arranged at intervals along the length of the pipe. The four straight pipes are used to spray water into the four placement spaces respectively.

6. The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first container is a cylindrical body. The toothbrush inlet and outlet are located at one end of the cylindrical body along the axial direction. The washing water inlet is located at the other end of the cylindrical body along the axial direction. The hot air inlet is located on the side wall of the cylindrical body and faces upward. The drain and exhaust vents are located on the side wall of the cylindrical body and face downward.

7. The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toothbrush holder also includes multiple ultraviolet lamp beads, which are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the first container.

8. The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap is threaded to the toothbrush inlet and outlet.

9. The toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot air source includes a second receiving box, a heating element, and a fan. The heating element is located inside the second receiving box, and the fan is located inside the second receiving box.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that, Includes the toothbrush cleaning and storage mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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