Functional device and home appliance equipped with same

Abstract

The present invention provides a functional device and a home appliance equipped with the same. The functional device comprises at least one sustained-release functional unit, which comprises an insoluble base frame and a soluble functional part. By adding a soluble functional part with a specific function into the space supported by the insoluble base frame, the home appliance can be equipped with a required functional material during use.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of home appliances, and in particular to a functional device and a home appliance equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In the prior art, household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and floor cleaners typically add functional materials to their working environments to achieve various functions, such as odor removal, stain removal, and sterilization. Examples include aromas for odor removal, salts for stain removal, silver phosphates for sterilization, long-term antibacterial guanidines, and healthy natural sterilization. To ensure ease of use and long-term effectiveness, the functional materials typically require glass mounting for silver phosphate, plastic substrates for natural sterilizers and guanidines, and specially designed carriers, such as activated carbon, for stain removal salts. However, the functional materials are dispersed almost randomly within the substrate, making it difficult to form stable release pathways. Therefore, only the functional materials dispersed on the surface of the substrate are released to fulfill their functional role. The functional materials within the substrate are difficult to release due to their water-soluble nature, preventing them from functioning properly. Furthermore, the above methods require the design of dedicated carriers for different types of functional materials, and various carriers lack versatility and scalability, making it difficult for various functional materials to function simultaneously in home appliances, and failing to meet user needs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention solves, at least to some extent, one of the technical problems in the related art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to propose a functional device for use in home appliances, which is equipped with a sustained release functional unit that can slowly and completely release functional materials, and the sustained release functional unit can be used as a universal carrier for different functional materials, providing a good user experience.

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention provides a functional device. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the functional device comprises at least one sustained-release functional unit, which comprises an insoluble base frame and a soluble functional part. Therefore, in a device used in a home appliance, a soluble functional part with a specific function is incorporated into the space supported by the insoluble base frame, thereby enabling the device to be loaded with functional materials required during the operation of the home appliance. The sustained-release functional unit can be used as a universal loading platform for different functional materials, offering good versatility and scalability. Users can select functional devices with different sustained-release functional units and apply them to home appliances to achieve the effect of slowly and sufficiently releasing functional materials during use of the home appliance, improving the user experience.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the insoluble base frame includes a plurality of base frame branches spaced apart from one another, with a gap between any two base frame branches, and at least some of the gaps communicate with each other to form a passageway.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the sustained-release functional unit includes an opening, which communicates the passageway with the exterior of the sustained-release functional unit.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the soluble feature comprises a soluble base material and a functional material, the soluble feature filling at least a part of the space of the passageway, and the functional material being mixed into the soluble base material.

[0009] In this way, the functional material is mixed with the soluble base material to form a soluble functional part, which fills at least a portion of the space of the passageway, which is defined by multiple branches of the base material and communicates with the outside of the sustained-release functional unit through an opening. A dissolution medium can flow into the passageway through the opening to dissolve the soluble functional part, and the functional material is released into the environment outside the insoluble base frame as the soluble functional part dissolves. Because the passageway has an irregular shape, the dissolution medium can thoroughly wash and dissolve the functional material within the passageway by changing the flow rate and direction. As the sustained-release functional unit is used, all of the functional material within the passageway can be gradually and completely released, further improving the usage time and material utilization rate of the sustained-release functional unit and avoiding waste of functional material.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sustained-release functional unit comprises 30-70 parts by weight of an insoluble base frame, 15-60 parts by weight of a soluble substrate, and 1-35 parts by weight of a functional material.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sustained-release functional unit further comprises 5 to 10 parts by weight of a chain extender.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the soluble substrate comprises at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and polyethylene oxide.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the insoluble base frame includes at least one of plastic, rubber, and fiber.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the functional material includes at least one or a combination of metal-based materials, polymer-based materials, natural extract-based materials, scale inhibitor-based materials, and ion-based materials.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the home appliance further includes a water supply device connected to the functional device and suitable for supplying water to the functional device, so that during the operation of the home appliance, the dissolution medium supply device supplies a dissolution medium to the functional device, so that the functional material in the sustained-release functional unit can be released into the environment outside the insoluble base frame as the soluble substrate dissolves in the dissolution medium, thereby satisfying various functional needs of users, extending the use time of the sustained-release functional unit, improving the utilization rate of materials, and avoiding waste of functional materials, resulting in a good user experience.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easier to understand from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a structural diagram of a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a functional device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a functional device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a sustained release functional unit in one embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the following examples are only used to illustrate the present invention and should not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention. If no specific techniques or conditions are shown in the examples, they should be carried out according to the techniques or conditions described in the literature of the field or according to the product specifications. If no manufacturer is shown for the reagents or equipment used, they are conventional products that can be purchased commercially.

[0019] The present invention will now be described with reference to specific examples, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way.

[0020] In one aspect, the present invention provides a home appliance, which includes many options such as a washing machine, a clothes dryer, a dishwasher, a floor cleaner, and a water purifier. The present invention takes a washing machine as an example. According to an embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. 1 , the washing machine includes an outer cylinder 1, an inner cylinder having a clothes compartment, a door seal 2, a dispenser 3, and a water supply device 4. The outer cylinder 1 has an opening on one axial side, and the inner cylinder is rotatably mounted within the outer cylinder 1. The rotation of the inner cylinder moves clothes, detergent, and / or water, thereby treating the clothes. The door seal 2 is surrounded by the opening of the outer cylinder 1, and is formed with a liquid supply port 2a and a clothes supply port 2b communicating with the clothes compartment. The dispenser 3 is provided with a detergent compartment for adding detergent, and the water supply device 4 is used to supply water to the washing machine. Specifically, the water supply device 4 may be a water supply valve or a circulation pump.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine includes a functional device 5. The functional device 5 is defined as a device that adds functional materials to the working environment of the washing machine to achieve various functions, such as odor removal, stain removal, sterilization, care, and stain removal. The specific functions are not limited by the present invention. The functional device 5 may be installed in different positions within the washing machine and have different shapes, as long as it is directly or indirectly connected to the water supply device 4. For example, the functional device 5 may be in the form of a container with a storage compartment, such as the functional device 5 shown in FIG. 3, a groove structure within the door seal 2, or a lifting rib structure within the inner cylinder. In other words, any structure that can accommodate functional materials within the washing machine is a selectable shape for the functional device 5, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Correspondingly, the functional device 5 may be installed in different positions within the washing machine. For example, if the functional device 5 is in the form of a container with a storage compartment, it may be installed within the water inlet pipe 3 or the water dispenser 3; if the functional device 5 is in the form of a groove structure, it may be installed within the door seal 2; or if the functional device 5 is in the form of a lifting rib structure, it may be installed within the inner cylinder. In other words, functional devices 5 of different shapes may be installed in corresponding positions. Furthermore, in other types of home appliances such as dishwashers, floor scrubbers, and water purifiers, the shape and installation position of the functional device 5 may be changed according to the characteristics of the home appliance, and the present invention is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the functional device 5 is a container having a storage compartment and is installed in the dosing device 3. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the dosing device 3 includes a detergent box and a dispenser 31. The detergent box has a water inlet 32. The water supply device 4 is connected to the water inlet 32, and water flows into the dispenser 31 through the water inlet 32. The dispenser 31 has a dispenser case, and a chamber is defined within the dispenser case. The functional device 5 is installed within the chamber, and the water flow entering the dispenser 31 can flow into the functional device 5. The dosing device 3 and the door seal 2 further include a first drainage pipe 6. The solution containing the dissolved functional material flows out of the functional device 5 and into the door seal 2 via the first drainage pipe and enters the inner cylinder.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 3, a sustained-release functional unit is defined as a unit that can slowly release a functional material in a dissolution medium (e.g., water, an acidic solution, an alkaline solution, etc.), and is a solid product formed by processing various materials through specific process steps. For example, each sustained-release functional unit may be in the form of solid particles. The functional device 5 may have one or more sustained-release functional units. The multiple sustained-release functional units may have the same function, or multiple units with different functions, and the present invention is specifically limited thereto.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. 4, a sustained-release functional unit includes an insoluble base frame 10 and a soluble functional part 20. The insoluble base frame 10 is insoluble in water or detergent solution, and the soluble functional part 20 can be gradually dissolved in water or detergent solution, gradually releasing functional materials during dissolution to achieve the functions required for the home appliance. In a complete sustained-release functional unit, the insoluble base frame 10 serves as the main body to support the space in which the sustained-release functional unit is located, and the soluble functional part 20 is formed within the space using the insoluble base frame 10 as a carrier. When a cross section of the complete sustained-release functional unit is observed using a microscopic observation device such as an electron microscope, as shown in FIG. 4, the insoluble base frame 10 and the soluble functional part 20 are alternately distributed. As a result, the sustained-release functional unit can be equipped with the functions required for the home appliance during operation by adding soluble functional parts 20 with specific functions to the space supported by the insoluble base frame 10 through the action of a dissolution medium. The sustained-release functional unit can be used as a universal mounting platform for different functional materials, and has good versatility and scalability. Users can choose functional devices with different sustained-release functional units. When the water supply device 4 injects a dissolution medium into the functional device 5, the dissolution medium can dissolve the soluble functional part 20 and slowly release it into the environment outside the insoluble base frame 10, thereby achieving the effect of slowly and sufficiently releasing the functional material during clothing processing and improving the user experience.

[0024] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4, the insoluble base frame 10 comprises a plurality of base frame branches (10(1), 10(2), 10(3)), and the outer edges of the plurality of base frame branches (10(1), 10(2), 10(3)) are spaced apart from one another within a space to form gaps (30(1), 30(2), 30(3)) between the outer edges of any two of the base frame branches (10(1), 10(2), 10(3)). The gaps (30(1), 30(2), 30(3)) are randomly distributed in any direction within the space, i.e., at least some of the gaps (30(1), 30(2), 30(3)) are not coplanar in any direction within the space. Taking the cross section shown in FIG. 4 as an example, at least some of the gaps (30(1), 30(2), 30(3)) are in communication with one another to form passages 30. The boundaries of each gap (30(1), 30(2), 30(3)) are irregular, and multiple gaps are randomly distributed within the space. As a result, the boundaries of the passage 30 are irregular, and the path within the space is a return path. The movement of the fluid within the passage 30 exhibits frequent changes in flow speed and flow direction, which is beneficial to flushing out the soluble functional parts 20 mounted on each base frame branch and promotes sufficient dissolution of the functional material.

[0025] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, the outer surface of the sustained-release functional unit 100 further comprises openings 32. From a macroscopic perspective, the sustained-release functional unit 5 is represented as an object with a uniform overall shape, and therefore has an outer surface at a macroscopic viewing angle. From a microscopic perspective, the base frame branches (10(1), 10(2), 10(3)) in Figure 4 are not connected in at least a portion of the cross-sectional edge, and therefore multiple openings 32 are observed on the cross-sectional edge 31. That is, these openings 32 also exist on the outer surface 31 at a macroscopic viewing angle and are used to connect the outside of the sustained-release functional unit 100 to the passage 30. Fluid can enter the flow path 30 of the sustained-release functional unit 100 from the outside through the multiple openings 32, dissolving the soluble functional part 20.

[0026] 4, the soluble functional part 20 fills a part or the entire space of the passage 30. Preferably, the soluble functional part 20 is mounted on each base frame branch (10(1), 10(2), 10(3)) of the insoluble base frame 10 to fill the entire space of the passage 30, thus increasing the amount of soluble functional part 20 mounted, and the internal space of the sustained-release functional unit 100, thereby prolonging the service life of the sustained-release functional unit 100.

[0027] In this embodiment, the soluble functional parts 20 fill at least a portion of the space of the passage 30, which defines an irregular flow path by multiple substrate branches (10(1), 10(2), 10(3)) and communicates with the outside of the sustained-release functional unit 100 through an opening 32. The dissolution medium can flow into the passage 30 through the opening 32 to dissolve the soluble functional parts 20, which are then released into the environment outside the insoluble base frame 10 during dissolution. Because the passage 30 has an irregular flow path, the dissolution medium changes flow speed and direction within the passage 30 to wash away and thoroughly dissolve the functional material. Therefore, when the sustained-release functional unit 100 is used, all of the soluble functional parts 20 within the passage 30 can be completely released, further improving the usage time and material utilization rate of the sustained-release functional unit 100 and avoiding waste of functional material.

[0028] In some embodiments, the soluble features 20 include a soluble substrate and a functional material, where the functional material is mixed into the soluble substrate.

[0029] In this embodiment, the soluble substrate comprises at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and polyethylene oxide. The soluble substrate of the above material has better solubility, can dissolve slowly in flowing water, and does not chemically react with the functional material when exposed to water, thereby ensuring the stability of the sustained-release functional unit 100. At the same time, the safety of the above material is excellent and does not affect clothing after dissolving in water. In addition, since different soluble substrates have different solubilities in water, the present invention can control the dissolution rate of the soluble functional part 20 by using different soluble substrates to meet different usage needs and environments of the sustained-release functional unit 100.

[0030] In some embodiments, the molecular weight of the soluble substrate may be 50,000 to 3,000,000, and a soluble substrate with the above molecular weight has appropriate solubility. In the present invention, the dissolution rate of the soluble functional portion 20 can be controlled by controlling the molecular weight of the soluble substrate. If the molecular weight of the soluble substrate is less than 50,000, the soluble functional portion 20 is difficult to mold and the dissolution rate is too fast. If the molecular weight of the soluble substrate is 3,000,000 or more, the soluble functional portion 20 has a relatively large limit, making it difficult to process and form a continuous soluble functional portion structure.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the functional material includes at least one of heavy metal-based materials, polymer-based materials, natural extract-based materials, scale inhibitor-based materials, and ion-based materials, or a combination thereof, so that the sustained-release functional unit 100 has functions such as water softening, stain removal, sterilization, odor removal, care, and stain removal. Those skilled in the art can flexibly select an appropriate functional material according to the actual conditions of the usage environment of the sustained-release functional unit 100 to meet the usage needs of the sustained-release functional unit 100. The water softener-based materials may be reagents such as phosphates, silicates, imine sulfonates, amino acid derivatives, hydroxy acids and their derivatives, polyacrylic acids and their derivatives, etc.; the scale inhibitor-based materials may be materials such as sodium citrate, sodium polyaspartate, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, etc.; the metal-based materials may be materials such as heavy metal-based materials (e.g., silver ions, copper ions) and metal compound-based materials (e.g., silver nitrate, copper sulfate), etc.; the natural extract-based materials may be materials such as amino acids, lavender oil, tea tree oil, and paeonol, etc.; and the polymer-based materials may be materials such as polyhexamethyleneguanidine, amino acids, quaternary ammonium salts, and polyquaternary ammonium acids, etc. Of course, those skilled in the art may also select other functional materials that can be blended with the soluble substrate and do not expire, depending on the specific application of the sustained-release functional unit 100.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the insoluble base frame 10 comprises at least one of polymers (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid), rubber, and fiber. The insoluble base frame 10 made of the above materials has good stability, is not easily deformed by the impact of a certain water flow, has stable properties, and is not easily altered. A chemical bond can be formed between the insoluble base frame 10 made of the above materials and the soluble base material of the above materials, thereby improving the stability of the sustained-release functional unit 100.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sustained release functional unit 100 comprises 30-70 parts by weight (e.g., 30 parts by weight, 35 parts by weight, 40 parts by weight, 45 parts by weight, 50 parts by weight, 55 parts by weight, 60 parts by weight, 65 parts by weight, 70 parts by weight) of an insoluble base frame 10, 15-60 parts by weight (e.g., 15 parts by weight, 20 parts by weight, 25 parts by weight, 30 parts by weight, 35 parts by weight, 40 parts by weight, 45 parts by weight, 50 parts by weight, 55 parts by weight, 60 parts by weight) of a soluble substrate, and 1-35 parts by weight (e.g., 1 part by weight, 5 parts by weight, 10 parts by weight, 15 parts by weight, 18 parts by weight, 20 parts by weight, 23 parts by weight, 25 parts by weight, 28 parts by weight, 30 parts by weight, 32 parts by weight, 34 parts by weight, 35 parts by weight) of a functional material. Therefore, the sustained release functional unit 100 of the above components has an appropriate amount of soluble base material and functional material, so that the insoluble base frame and the soluble functional part 20 in the sustained release functional unit 100 have an appropriate volume ratio, which ensures the structural stability of the sustained release functional unit 100 and the speed and effect of the sustained release functional material. The proportion of the insoluble base frame is high, that is, the volume fraction of the soluble base material in the sustained release functional unit 100 is small, and the volume fraction of the soluble functional part 20 is small. Thus, the use time of the sustained release functional unit 100 is relatively short, and the insoluble base frame The denser the internal skeleton, the less water-soluble functional part 20 in the sustained-release functional unit 100 will be able to dissolve, or the dissolution rate will be too slow, weakening the effectiveness of the functional material. Conversely, the smaller the proportion of the insoluble base frame, i.e., the smaller the volume fraction of the insoluble base frame in the sustained-release functional unit 100, and the more soluble functional part 20 there is inside, the less stable the relationship between the soluble functional part 20 and the insoluble base frame will be. Furthermore, the dissolution rate of the soluble functional part 20 will be too fast, resulting in wasted material. The amounts of functional material and soluble base material used can ensure a more uniform dispersion of the functional material within the soluble base material, and the concentration of the functional material in the soluble functional part 20 will be excellent, further ensuring the functional effect of the sustained-release functional unit 100. As can be seen from this, by controlling the amount of each of the above components used, the dissolution rate of the soluble functional part 20 can be controlled, which not only meets the requirements for the functional effect of the functional material of the sustained release functional unit 100, but also avoids the functional material dissolving too quickly, which causes waste of material.The specific amount of functional material used can be set by a person skilled in the art to between 1 and 35 parts by weight depending on the specific functional material. For example, for functional materials containing silver ions, the amount of functional material added can be appropriately reduced.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sustained-release functional unit 100 further comprises 5 to 10 parts by weight (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 parts by weight) of a chain extender, which modifies the insoluble base frame to cause a chemical reaction between the insoluble base frame and the soluble base material, thereby reducing the dissolution rate of the soluble functional unit 20, optimizing the sustained-release time, and achieving control of the dissolution rate through both physical and chemical means.

[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, a reactive chain extender is introduced between the soluble substrate and a portion of the active insoluble base frame to chemically bond the two together. Specifically, this chemical bond is formed by adding a chain extender capable of reacting with the soluble substrate and the active insoluble base frame during the melt-blending process, followed by a chain extension reaction. If the insoluble base frame is a polyester-based material containing hydroxyl or carboxyl groups, the chain extender can be a material containing epoxy groups. The epoxy groups react with the terminal hydroxyl groups of the soluble substrate and the carboxyl or hydroxyl groups of the insoluble base frame material, forming a chemical bond between the two. This improves the bonding strength between the soluble functional part 20 and the insoluble base frame, enhances the stability of the sustained-release functional unit 100, and prevents the soluble functional part 20 from falling off from the insoluble base frame, which could affect product quality. It also controls the dissolution rate of the soluble substrate and the release rate of the functional material in the sustained-release functional unit 100, ensuring the effective function of the functional material while extending the service life of the sustained-release functional unit 100.

[0036] 4 , in an embodiment of the present invention, the width d of the soluble functional part 20 is 50 nanometers to 50 microns, for example, d is 50 nanometers, 100 nanometers, 300 nanometers, 500 nanometers, 800 nanometers, 1 micron, 5 microns, 10 microns, 15 microns, 20 microns, 25 microns, 30 microns, 35 microns, 40 microns, 45 microns, and 50 microns. Thus, soluble functional parts 20 within the above width ranges can smoothly pass through water molecules and the functional materials and soluble base materials dissolved by the soluble functional parts 20, without causing clogging problems. Furthermore, the dissolution rate of the soluble functional parts 20 can be controlled by controlling the width of the soluble functional parts 20. The width of the soluble functional parts 20 can be achieved by factors such as the amount of insoluble base frame used and the process conditions for manufacturing the sustained-release functional unit 100. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the width of the soluble functional portion 20 at different positions in the sustained-release functional unit 100 may not be exactly the same, as long as the width d is within the range of 50 nanometers to 50 microns, as shown in FIG.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a sustained release functional unit 100 includes: The method includes S200, which sequentially performs a second blending process and a second granulation process on the functional masterbatch and the insoluble material to obtain the sustained-release functional unit 100.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a functional masterbatch is defined as a soluble masterbatch blended with a functional material. The functional masterbatch is composed mainly of a soluble material, and the functional material is dispersed in the soluble material in a molecular, ionic, or atomic state. The operating temperature of the second blending step is not specifically required, and can be flexibly selected by those skilled in the art depending on the specific type of insoluble material and the specific equipment of the extruder (for blending). In some embodiments, blending can be performed using a twin-screw extruder. When using a twin-screw extruder, the operating temperature of zone 1 of the twin-screw extruder is approximately 50°C, and the operating temperature of the remaining working zones (e.g., zones 2 and 3) is 160°C to 190°C.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, before the second granulation process, the mixture obtained by the second blending is subjected to a second air-cooling process. As described above, the temperature of the product blended in the extruder is high, approximately 160°C to 190°C, making it difficult to mold, so the blended product needs to be air-cooled to facilitate subsequent granulation. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture obtained by the second blending is subjected to the second air-cooling process to 50°C or less. As a result, the air-cooled product has excellent hardness and is convenient for cutting and granulating. Preferably, the particle size of the sustained-release functional unit 100 is 1 to 5 mm.

[0040] In some embodiments, before step S200, the method further comprises: The method further includes S100 of first blending the functional material and the soluble base material, and then performing a first granulation process on the mixture obtained by the first blending to obtain a functional masterbatch.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the soluble substrate is pre-dried before the first blending. Pre-drying the soluble substrate to remove moisture adsorbed in the soluble substrate prevents the soluble substrate from dissolving in water and affecting the stability of the sustained-release functional unit 100. If the functional material has water absorption properties, the soluble substrate and the functional material can be pre-dried together (of course, if the functional material has poor water absorption properties, the functional material does not need to be dried). This prevents the moisture in the functional material from dissolving the soluble substrate and affecting the efficacy of the functional material and the stability of the sustained-release functional unit 100. In some embodiments of the present invention, the drying temperature is 50°C to 80°C, for example, 50°C, 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, 75°C, or 80°C. Those skilled in the art can select the drying temperature depending on the specific material type of the soluble substrate and functional material. This not only ensures rapid removal of moisture adsorbed in the functional material, but also prevents any adverse effects on the performance of the functional material. Preferably, the drying time is 4 to 8 hours.

[0042] Preferably, the functional material and the soluble substrate may be pre-milled before the first blending to further improve the uniformity of the blending of the functional material and the soluble substrate. An adhesive may be added during the first blending to further improve the stability of the functional masterbatch, i.e., to improve the stability of the soluble functional moiety 20 in the resulting sustained-release functional unit 100.

[0043] According to embodiments of the present invention, there are no special requirements for the operating temperature of the first blending, and those skilled in the art can select the temperature according to actual circumstances, such as the specific types of functional material and soluble substrate and the specific equipment of the extruder (for blending). In some embodiments, blending can be performed using a twin-screw extruder. When a twin-screw extruder is used, the operating temperature of zone 1 of the twin-screw extruder is approximately 50°C, and the operating temperature of the remaining operating zones (e.g., zones 2 and 3) is 160°C to 190°C. According to embodiments of the present invention, the mixture obtained by the first blending is subjected to a first air-cooling treatment before the first granulation treatment. As described above, the temperature of the product blended in the extruder is high, approximately 160°C to 190°C, making it difficult to mold. Therefore, the blended product must be air-cooled to facilitate subsequent granulation. According to embodiments of the present invention, the mixture obtained by the first blending is subjected to the first air-cooling treatment to below 50°C. As a result, the air-cooled product has excellent hardness and is convenient for cutting and granulation.

[0044] Preferably, the particle size of the functional masterbatch is 2-5 mm, and a functional masterbatch of this size can be more thoroughly and uniformly mixed with the insoluble polymer material, which is advantageous for the structural continuity of the soluble functional moiety 20 and is less likely to aggregate. If the particle size of the functional masterbatch is less than 2 mm, aggregation is more likely to occur, which is unfavorable for the uniformity of mixing, while if the particle size of the functional masterbatch is greater than 5 mm, it is unfavorable for improving the uniformity of the distribution of the soluble functional moiety 20 in the subsequent sustained-release functional unit 100 and affects the continuity of the soluble functional moiety 20.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the above manufacturing method, the functional material and the soluble base material are first blended and granulated, and then the functional masterbatch and the insoluble material are blended and granulated. In this manner, the soluble base material forms the soluble functional part 20 of the sustained-release functional unit 100, the functional material is dispersed within the soluble functional part 20, and the insoluble polymer material forms the insoluble base frame of the sustained-release functional unit 100. The soluble functional part 20 is connected to the outside of the insoluble base frame, forming a continuous structure. In this way, the functional material can be released into the environment outside the insoluble base frame as the soluble base material dissolves in water. Furthermore, because the soluble functional part 20 has a continuous structure, as the sustained-release functional unit 100 is used, all of the functional material on the surface and inside of the insoluble base frame can be gradually and completely released, further increasing the usage time of the sustained-release functional unit 100, improving the utilization rate of materials, and avoiding waste of functional materials.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the functional material, the chain extender, and the soluble base material are blended in the first step, and / or the functional masterbatch, the insoluble polymer material, and the chain extender are blended in the second step, whereby the addition of the chain extender modifies the insoluble polymer material, causing a chemical reaction between the insoluble polymer material and the soluble base material, thereby reducing the dissolution rate of the soluble functional part 20, thereby achieving control of the dissolution rate through both physical and chemical means.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, specific types of cleaning equipment include, but are not limited to, cleaning equipment that requires cleaning with water, such as washing machines, combined washer-dryers, and dishwashers, and those skilled in the art can select specific types of functional materials according to the specific use of the cleaning equipment to achieve different desired cleaning effects.

[0048] Example

[0049] Example 1 Polyethylene oxide (PEO, soluble base material) and polyhexamethyleneguanidine (functional material) were dried at 50°C for 6 hours. A twin-screw extruder is used to perform a first blending of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyhexamethyleneguanidine, and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder are as follows: Zone 1 temperature is 50°C, Zone 2 temperature is 150°C, Zone 3 temperature is 170°C, Zone 4 temperature is 175°C, Zone 5 temperature is 175°C, Zone 6 temperature is 175°C, and the die temperature is 160°C. The mixture obtained by the first blending is subjected to a first air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less. The mixture that has been subjected to the first air-cooling treatment is subjected to a first granulation treatment to obtain a functional masterbatch, and the particle size of the functional masterbatch is 2 to 5 mm; A twin-screw extruder is used to blend the functional masterbatch with polyethylene (PE, an insoluble polymer material), and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder are: Zone 1 temperature is 150°C, Zone 2 temperature is 160°C, Zone 3 temperature is 170°C, Zone 4 temperature is 170°C, Zone 5 temperature is 170°C, Zone 6 temperature is 170°C, and the die temperature is 160°C; The mixture obtained by the second blending is subjected to a first air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less, The mixture subjected to the first air-cooling treatment is subjected to a second granulation treatment to obtain a sustained-release functional unit 100, in which the width d of the soluble functional part 20 is between 50 nanometers and 50 microns; In the above production method, the amount of the insoluble polymeric material used is 60 parts by weight, the amount of the soluble base material used is 20 parts by weight, and the amount of the functional material used is 20 parts by weight.

[0050] Example 2 Polyethylene oxide (PEO) was dried at 50°C for 4 hours. A twin-screw extruder was used to perform a first blend of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and silver phosphate (Ag3PO4), and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder were as follows: Zone 1 temperature was 50°C, Zone 2 temperature was 150°C, Zone 3 temperature was 170°C, Zone 4 temperature was 175°C, Zone 5 temperature was 175°C, Zone 6 temperature was 175°C, and the die temperature was 160°C; The mixture obtained by the first blending is subjected to a first air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less, The mixture subjected to the first air-cooling treatment is subjected to a first granulation treatment to obtain a functional masterbatch, and the particle size of the functional masterbatch is 2 to 5 mm; A second blending of the functional masterbatch and polypropylene (PP) is carried out using a twin-screw extruder, and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder are: Zone 1 temperature: 160°C; Zone 2 temperature: 170°C; Zone 3 temperature: 180°C; Zone 4 temperature: 180°C; Zone 5 temperature: 180°C; Zone 6 temperature: 180°C; and the die temperature: 170°C. The mixture obtained by the second blending is subjected to a second air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less, The second air-cooled mixture is subjected to a second granulation process to obtain a sustained-release functional unit 100, in which the width d of the soluble functional part 20 is between 50 nanometers and 50 microns; In the above production method, the amount of the insoluble polymeric material used is 60 parts by weight, the amount of the soluble base material used is 39 parts by weight, and the amount of the functional material used is 1 part by weight.

[0051] Example 3 Polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyhexamethyleneguanidine were dried at 50°C for 6 hours. A first blend of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyhexamethylguanidine is carried out using a twin-screw extruder, and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder are as follows: Zone 1 temperature is 50°C, Zone 2 temperature is 150°C, Zone 3 temperature is 170°C, Zone 4 temperature is 175°C, Zone 5 temperature is 175°C, Zone 6 temperature is 175°C, and the die temperature is 160°C; The mixture obtained by the first blending is subjected to a first air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less, The mixture subjected to the first air-cooling treatment is subjected to a first granulation treatment to obtain a functional masterbatch, and the particle size of the functional masterbatch is 2 to 5 mm; A second blending of the functional masterbatch and polypropylene (PP) is carried out using a twin-screw extruder, and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder are: Zone 1 temperature: 160°C; Zone 2 temperature: 170°C; Zone 3 temperature: 180°C; Zone 4 temperature: 180°C; Zone 5 temperature: 180°C; Zone 6 temperature: 180°C; and the die temperature: 170°C. The mixture obtained by the second blending is subjected to a second air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less, The second air-cooled mixture is subjected to a second granulation process to obtain a sustained-release functional unit 100, in which the width d of the soluble functional part 20 is between 50 nanometers and 50 microns; In the above production method, the amount of the insoluble polymeric material used is 60 parts by weight, the amount of the soluble base material used is 20 parts by weight, and the amount of the functional material used is 20 parts by weight.

[0052] Example 4 Polyethylene oxide (PEO) was dried at 50°C for 6 hours. A twin-screw extruder is used to perform a first blending of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and copper sulfate (CuSO4), and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder are as follows: Zone 1 temperature is 50°C, Zone 2 temperature is 150°C, Zone 3 temperature is 170°C, Zone 4 temperature is 175°C, Zone 5 temperature is 175°C, Zone 6 temperature is 175°C, and the die temperature is 160°C; The mixture obtained by the first blending is subjected to a first air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less, The mixture subjected to the first air-cooling treatment is subjected to a first granulation treatment to obtain a functional masterbatch, and the particle size of the functional masterbatch is 2 to 5 mm; A second blending of the functional masterbatch and polypropylene (PP) is carried out using a twin-screw extruder, and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder are: Zone 1 temperature: 160°C; Zone 2 temperature: 170°C; Zone 3 temperature: 180°C; Zone 4 temperature: 180°C; Zone 5 temperature: 180°C; Zone 6 temperature: 180°C; and the die temperature: 170°C. The mixture obtained by the second blending is subjected to a second air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less, The second air-cooled mixture is subjected to a second granulation process to obtain a sustained-release functional unit 100, in which the width d of the soluble functional part 20 is between 50 nanometers and 50 microns; In the above production method, the amount of the insoluble polymeric material used is 60 parts by weight, the amount of the soluble base material used is 20 parts by weight, and the amount of the functional material used is 20 parts by weight.

[0053] Example 5 Polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyhexamethyleneguanidine were dried at 50°C for 6 hours. A first blend of polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyhexamethylguanidine, and chain extender ADR was carried out using a twin-screw extruder, and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder were as follows: Zone 1 temperature: 50°C; Zone 2 temperature: 150°C; Zone 3 temperature: 170°C; Zone 4 temperature: 175°C; Zone 5 temperature: 175°C; Zone 6 temperature: 175°C; and die temperature: 160°C. The mixture obtained by the first blending is subjected to a first air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less, The mixture subjected to the first air-cooling treatment is subjected to a first granulation treatment to obtain a functional masterbatch, and the particle size of the functional masterbatch is 2 to 5 mm; A second blending of the functional masterbatch and polylactic acid (PLA) is carried out using a twin-screw extruder, and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder are: Zone 1 temperature: 170°C; Zone 2 temperature: 180°C; Zone 3 temperature: 180°C; Zone 4 temperature: 185°C; Zone 5 temperature: 185°C; Zone 6 temperature: 180°C; and the die temperature: 170°C. The mixture obtained by the second blending is subjected to a second air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less, The second air-cooled mixture is subjected to a second granulation process to obtain a sustained-release functional unit 100, in which the width d of the soluble functional part 20 is between 50 nanometers and 50 microns; In the above manufacturing method, the amount of insoluble polymer material used is 50 parts by weight, the amount of soluble base material used is 30 parts by weight, the amount of functional material used is 10 parts by weight, and the amount of chain extender used is 10 parts by weight.

[0054] Example 6 Polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyhexamethyleneguanidine were dried at 50°C for 6 hours. A first blending of polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyhexamethyleneguanidine, and sodium citrate was carried out using a twin-screw extruder, and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder were as follows: Zone 1 temperature: 50°C; Zone 2 temperature: 150°C; Zone 3 temperature: 170°C; Zone 4 temperature: 175°C; Zone 5 temperature: 175°C; Zone 6 temperature: 175°C; and die temperature: 160°C. The mixture obtained by the first blending is subjected to a first air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less, The mixture subjected to the first air-cooling treatment is subjected to a first granulation treatment to obtain a functional masterbatch, and the particle size of the functional masterbatch is 2 to 5 mm; A second blending of the functional masterbatch and polyethylene (PE) is carried out using a twin-screw extruder, and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder are: Zone 1 temperature: 150°C; Zone 2 temperature: 160°C; Zone 3 temperature: 170°C; Zone 4 temperature: 170°C; Zone 5 temperature: 170°C; Zone 6 temperature: 170°C; and die temperature: 160°C. The mixture obtained by the second blending is subjected to a second air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less, The second air-cooled mixture is subjected to a second granulation process to obtain a sustained-release functional unit 100, in which the width d of the soluble functional part 20 is between 50 nanometers and 50 microns; In the above manufacturing method, the amount of the insoluble polymer material used is 60 parts by weight, the amount of the soluble base material used is 20 parts by weight, the amount of polyhexamethyleneguanidine used is 10 parts by weight, and the amount of sodium citrate used is 10 parts by weight.

[0055] Example 7 Polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyhexamethyleneguanidine were dried at 50°C for 6 hours. A first blend of polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyhexamethyleneguanidine, and polyaspartic acid was carried out using a twin-screw extruder, and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder were as follows: Zone 1 temperature: 50°C; Zone 2 temperature: 150°C; Zone 3 temperature: 170°C; Zone 4 temperature: 175°C; Zone 5 temperature: 175°C; Zone 6 temperature: 175°C; and die temperature: 160°C. The mixture obtained by the first blending is subjected to a first air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less, The mixture subjected to the first air-cooling treatment is subjected to a first granulation treatment to obtain a functional masterbatch, and the particle size of the functional masterbatch is 2 to 5 mm; A second blending of the functional masterbatch and polyethylene (PE) is carried out using a twin-screw extruder, and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder are: Zone 1 temperature: 150°C; Zone 2 temperature: 160°C; Zone 3 temperature: 170°C; Zone 4 temperature: 170°C; Zone 5 temperature: 170°C; Zone 6 temperature: 170°C; and die temperature: 160°C. The mixture obtained by the second blending is subjected to a second air-cooling treatment to a temperature of 50°C or less, The second air-cooled mixture is subjected to a second granulation process to obtain a sustained-release functional unit 100, in which the width d of the soluble functional part 20 is between 50 nanometers and 50 microns; In the above production method, the amount of the insoluble polymer material used is 60 parts by weight, the amount of the soluble base material used is 20 parts by weight, the amount of the polyhexamethyleneguanidine used is 10 parts by weight, and the amount of the polyaspartic acid used is 10 parts by weight.

[0056] Comparative Example 1 Polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyhexamethyleneguanidine were dried at 50°C for 6 hours. A twin-screw extruder is used to blend polyethylene (PE), polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyhexamethyleneguanidine, and the operating temperatures of the twin-screw extruder are as follows: Zone 1 temperature is 150°C, Zone 2 temperature is 160°C, Zone 3 temperature is 170°C, Zone 4 temperature is 170°C, Zone 5 temperature is 170°C, Zone 6 temperature is 170°C, and the die temperature is 160°C; The blended mixture is air-cooled to below 50°C. The air-cooled mixture is granulated to obtain a functional composite material. In the above production method, the amount of the insoluble polymeric material used is 60 parts by weight, the amount of the soluble base material used is 20 parts by weight, and the amount of the functional material used is 20 parts by weight.

[0057] [Table 1]

[0058] 20 g of each of the sustained-release functional units 100 produced in Examples 1 to 7 and the functional composite material produced in Comparative Example 1 was weighed. The weighed samples were then washed with water for a set period of time at a water flow rate of 7 L / min. After washing, they were dried (50°C) and weighed. The samples were then washed with water for a set period of time, dried, and weighed again. Multiple cycles were repeated until the release of the functional material slowed and the function became unclear. The washing time refers to the time during which the functional material can function normally. Continued washing slowed the release of the functional material, and the function of the sustained-release functional unit 100 became unclear. The functional material usage rate = (initial weight of sustained-release functional unit 100 - weight of sustained-release functional unit 100 after washing and drying) / initial weight of sustained-release functional unit 100 * 100%.

[0059] As can be seen from Table 1, the sustained release functional units 100 manufactured in Examples 1 to 7 have a longer sustained release time and a higher utilization rate of the functional material compared to Comparative Example 1. In Comparative Example 1, even if washed with water for a long time, the utilization rate of the functional material is maintained at a low level.

[0060] In describing the present invention, terms indicating directions and positional relationships, such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings and are intended merely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention, and do not indicate or imply that the referred devices or elements must have a particular orientation, configuration, or operation in a particular direction, and cannot be considered to limit the present invention.

[0061] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as expressing or implying relative importance or the number of technical features being shown. Thus, a feature defined by "first" or "second" can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the feature. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specified.

[0062] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "attached," "coupled," "connected," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense, and may mean, for example, fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrated, mechanically connected, electrically connected, directly connected, or indirectly connected via an intermediate medium, or may mean internal communication between two elements or an interactive relationship between two elements. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention depending on the context.

[0063] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features or indirect contact between the first and second features via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "on the upper surface" of a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "on the lower surface" of a second feature may include that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0064] In the description herein, a statement referring to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described with reference to that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, general references to the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described may be incorporated in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can combine and combine the various embodiments or examples described herein and the features of the various embodiments or examples without mutual contradiction.

[0065] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the above embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0066] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed on November 30, 2022, bearing application number 202211523434.0, entitled "Functional device and household appliances equipped therewith," and also claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed on July 15, 2022, bearing application number 202210836418.0, entitled "Slow-release structure, clothing treatment equipment and washing equipment," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A functional device used in a home appliance, At least one sustained release functional unit is provided, The sustained-release functional unit is a functional device characterized in that it comprises an insoluble base frame and a soluble functional part.

2. The functional device according to claim 1, characterized in that the insoluble base frame includes a plurality of base frame branches spaced apart from each other, with a gap between any two of the base frame branches, and at least some of the gaps are connected to form a passage.

3. 3. The functional device according to claim 2, wherein the surface of the sustained-release functional unit has an opening, and the opening communicates the outside of the sustained-release functional unit with the passage.

4. 3. The functional device of claim 2, wherein the soluble feature comprises a soluble base material and a functional material, the soluble feature filling at least a portion of the space of the passage, and the functional material being mixed into the soluble base material.

5. The sustained release functional unit comprises: 30 to 70 parts by weight of the insoluble base frame; 15 to 60 parts by weight of the soluble base material, and 5. The functional device according to claim 4, comprising 1 to 35 parts by weight of the functional material.

6. The functional device according to claim 5, wherein the sustained-release functional unit further comprises 5 to 10 parts by weight of a chain extender.

7. 7. The functional device according to claim 4, wherein the soluble base material includes at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and polyethylene oxide.

8. 7. The functional device according to claim 1, wherein the insoluble base frame includes at least one of plastic, rubber, and fiber.

9. The functional device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the functional material includes at least one or a combination of a metal-based substance, a polymer-based substance, a natural extract-based substance, a scale inhibitor-based substance, and an ion-based substance.

10. 10. A home appliance comprising a water supply device and a functional device according to claim 1, said water supply device being connected to said functional device and adapted to supply water to said functional device.

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