JP6773789B2 - Drainage control mechanism and washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the field of washing machines, and particularly to drainage control mechanisms and washing machines.

In a conventional pulsator-type washing machine, the inner tub and the outer tub are communicated with each other by a water passage hole on the inner tub. The inner tank is a cleaning tank and the outer tank is a water injection tank, but the water filled between the inner tank and the side wall of the outer tank is not used for cleaning, and only the water in the inner tank is used for actual cleaning. Therefore, a large amount of water resources are wasted. In addition, if there is too much water between the inner tank and the outer tank, the concentration of the liquid detergent / powder detergent in the cleaning liquid may decrease. In addition, since the water flow frequently moves back and forth between the inner tank and the outer tank, the area between the inner tank and the side wall of the outer tank becomes a collecting place for dirt as the use is continued. For this reason, water stains from tap water, free substances from powder detergent, cellulose in clothing, organic substances in the human body, and dust and bacteria brought in by clothing are extremely easily retained between the inner tank and the side wall of the outer tank. Mold grows when a large amount of dirt accumulated inside a washing machine with a long history of use is not effectively removed. If these stains that are not visible to the user are not removed, bacteria will adhere to the clothing and be introduced to the human body after the next wash, leading to a cross-infection situation.

Patent Document 1 refers to a fully automatic washing machine mainly including a housing, a washing / dehydrating tank, a water injection tank, and a driving device. The water injection tank is attached to the outside of the washing / dehydrating tank and is fixedly connected to the housing. Further, a sealing device is provided between the bottom surface of the inner wall of the water injection tank and the bottom surface of the outer wall of the washing / dehydrating tank, and a sealing chamber is formed in the sealing device. The outer wall of the washing / dehydrating tank is not provided with a through hole, and a drain port communicating with the sealing chamber is provided at the bottom. The water injection tank has a drain outlet that communicates with the drain pipe, and the drain pipe is equipped with a drain valve.

Further, in the conventional research, there is also a washing machine in which water is not interposed between the inner tub and the outer tub during washing. In this case, a plurality of drain holes are provided near the edge of the upper part of the inner tank, and at least one inner tank drain port is provided at the bottom of the inner tank. In addition, a drainage control mechanism capable of sealing the drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the outer tank. The drainage control mechanism includes at least a telescopic valve body, which moves upward to close the drain hole and moves downward to open the drain hole.

In the case of a washing machine in which water is not interposed between the inner tank and the outer tank, the water injection tank is the inner tank. However, since the inner tank must be rotated during dehydration, it is detected from the outer tank using a water level detection structure formed by combining a series of structures and members such as a conventional water channel / air chamber / pressure guiding pipe / piping clamp / water level sensor. The water level cannot be taken in. On the other hand, if an attempt is made to take in a corresponding detection pipeline from the inner tank in order to detect the water level, the originally intended isolation between the inner tank and the outer tank cannot be realized. Moreover, such a conventional water level detection structure is rather complicated, and the assembly process is complicated. In this case, air leakage is likely to occur between the pipeline and the air chamber and between the detection pipeline and the sensor, which affects the detection accuracy and results in an abnormality of the entire washing machine. Moreover, in the case of a complicated structure, the cost increases.

In view of the above, the present invention is proposed.

Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 200402107890.8

An object of the present invention is to provide a drainage control mechanism and a washing machine capable of eliminating defects in the prior art and detecting the water level while controlling drainage.

In order to achieve the above object, the following technical plan is used in the present invention.

In a drainage control mechanism including a valve body that can seal the drainage port and a piston rod that drives the movement of the valve body, a water level detection device is provided at a position facing the drainage port at the end of the valve body.

The water level detector includes a fixed energizing coil, an iron core that moves according to a change in the water level, and a signal detection structure of the energizing coil, or the water level detecting device includes a fixed iron core and a water level. The iron core is located within the sensitive range of the coil, including an energizing coil that moves according to a change in the height of the energizing coil and a signal detection structure of the energizing coil.

The water level detection device includes a fixed energizing coil, an iron core that moves according to a change in water level, and a signal detection structure of the energizing coil. The iron core is fixed to a movable plate, and the movable plate is One side faces the drain port and an elastic member is connected to the other side, and the other end of the elastic member is fixed.

The valve body is provided with a storage space, an opening is provided on the side of the storage space facing the drainage port, and an elastic isolation sheet is provided at the opening, and the water level detection structure is described above. Provided in the accommodation space, the elastic isolation sheet covers part or all of one end of the valve body facing the drain, preferably the elastic isolation sheet covers the end of the valve body. ing.

The fixed end of the elastic member is fixed to the bottom of the valve body in the accommodation space, or the fixed end of the elastic member extends from the bottom of the valve body in the accommodation space and is fixed to the tip of the piston rod. The movable plate is located at the tip of the accommodation space, and the side of the movable plate facing the drain port is in close contact with or fixed to the elastic isolation sheet.

An adjusting screw is provided at a position where the elastic member is fixed at the bottom of the accommodation space or the tip of the piston rod.

The piston rod has a hollow structure, and a feeder line for the energizing coil and / or a signal connecting line for the energizing coil are provided inside the piston rod.

At least one sealing portion is provided around the tip of the valve body, and when the drainage control mechanism seals the drainage port, the sealing portion at the tip of the valve body is the outer tank bottom on the outer periphery of the drainage port. The sealing portion preferably has an elastic structure, or the elastic isolation sheet covers at least the sealing portion at the tip of the valve body.

The drainage port has a trumpet type structure in which the upper part is large and the lower part is small. When the drainage control mechanism seals the drainage port, the valve body extends into the drainage port, and the tip portion and the side portion of the valve body are formed. The intersection with is firmly adhered to the inner wall of the drainage port, preferably the intersection between the tip and the side of the valve body has an elastic structure, or the elastic isolation sheet is the entire tip of the valve body. And it is bent downward to cover a part of the side of the valve body.

A washing machine equipped with the above drainage control mechanism.

By using the above technical plan in the present invention, the following beneficial effects can be obtained. That is, when the valve body of the drainage control mechanism described in the present invention seals the drainage port, the position of the valve body facing the drainage port comes into contact with the water in the inner tank. Therefore, if a water level detection device is provided at the relevant location, it is possible to detect the height of the water level in the inner tank. Moreover, when the drainage control mechanism opens the drainage port, the water level detection device retracts to the bottom of the outer tank together with the valve body, so that it is not affected by the rotation of the inner tank. This type of water level detector has a simple structure, a low abnormality rate, and the cost is reduced by integrating with the wastewater control mechanism. In addition, the drainage control mechanism can directly detect the high and low water levels in the inner tank, resulting in high accuracy. Furthermore, since the inner tank and the outer tank are truly isolated by the inner tank non-perforation technology without providing a structure such as a pipe for detection and an air chamber, cross-infection by bacteria propagated in the outer tank is achieved. Is avoided.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail in combination with the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of the washing machine described in the present invention. FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of the wastewater control mechanism described in the present invention. FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of the valve body of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine described in the present invention includes an inner tub 100 and an outer tub 200, and the inner tub body does not have a water leakage hole communicating with the outer tub. Further, a drainage port 101 is provided on the bottom 103 of the inner tank, and a drainage hole 102 is provided around the upper part of the inner tank body. At the time of cleaning, the drainage control mechanism controls to close the drainage port 101. At this time, the water level is lower than the height of the drain hole 102, and the water exists only in the inner tank 100 and does not intervene between the inner tank 100 and the outer tank 200. When the cleaning is completed, the drainage control mechanism controls to open the drainage port 101, and most of the water is discharged from the drainage port 101. During dehydration, the inner tank 100 rotates, and the water discharged from the clothes rises along the tank wall due to centrifugal force. Then, when the water is discharged from the inner tank between the inner tank and the outer tank through the drain hole 102 at the upper part of the inner tank, the water is subsequently discharged from the drain port of the outer tank 200. As described above, at the time of washing, the washing water is retained only in the inner tank 100 and is not interposed between the inner tank and the outer tank, so that water can be saved. Further, since dirt does not accumulate in the area between the inner tank 100 and the side wall of the outer tank 200, the space between the inner tank and the outer tank is kept clean and the growth of bacteria is avoided. In the drainage and / or dehydration process, the drainage port 101 is opened, and most of the water and sediments such as mud and sand are discharged from the lower drainage port 101 to the outer tank. On the other hand, the water of clothing is discharged from the drain hole 102 at the top of the inner tank to the outer tank when dehydrated by the high-speed rotation of the inner tank, and is discharged to the outside of the washing machine from the drain port and the drain pipe at the bottom of the outer tank as it is. .. As a result, rapid drainage is realized, and the drainage and pollution discharge effects are improved.

In the present invention, a drainage control mechanism 300 for controlling the opening / closing of the drainage port 101 is provided at the bottom of the drainage port 101. The drainage control mechanism 300 is attached to the outer tank, and the drainage port 101 is located in the inner tank. When it is desired to seal the drainage port 101, the inner tank is controlled to rotate to a position where the drainage port 101 and the drainage control mechanism 300 face each other, and the operation of the drainage control mechanism 300 is controlled to control the drainage port 101. Seal. On the other hand, when it is desired to open the drainage port 101, the inner tank can be rotated by controlling the operation of the drainage control mechanism 300 and opening the drainage port 101. In the washing process, the drainage control mechanism 300 seals the drainage port 101 and controls the drainage port 101 to be closed during water supply / washing. Further, at the time of drainage / dehydration, the drainage control mechanism 300 controls to open the drainage port 101.

The water level detection structure of a conventional washing machine includes a water channel, an air chamber, a pressure guiding pipe, a piping clamp, and a water level sensor, guides water to the air chamber through the water channel, and detects the height of the water level by detecting the pressure change in the air chamber. To do. In a conventional washing machine, since the water injection tub is an outer tub and the outer tub is fixed, it is easy to take water from the outer tub into the air chamber. However, since water is not interposed between the inner tub and the outer tub of the washing machine described in the present application and the water injection tub becomes the inner tub, water is introduced from the outer tub into the air chamber to realize the detection of the water level. That is impossible. Moreover, since the inner tank rotates during dehydration, it is difficult to detect the water level by introducing water into the air chamber from the unfixed inner tank.

Therefore, in the present application, when water is present in the inner tank for cleaning, rinsing, etc., the drain port 101 is securely sealed, and the drainage of the inner tank is drained so that the valve body can come into contact with the water in the inner tank. A control mechanism to control has been realized. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the present application provides a drainage control mechanism 300 capable of controlling the opening / closing of the drainage port 101 and detecting the water level in the inner tank after the drainage port 101 is closed. The drainage control mechanism includes a valve body 301 that can seal the drainage port and a piston 302 that drives the movement of the valve body 301. A water level detection device is provided at a position of the end of the valve body 301 facing the drain port 101. When the valve body 301 seals the drain port 101, the position of the valve body 301 facing the drain port 101 comes into contact with the water in the inner tank 100. Therefore, if a water level detection device is provided in this portion, it is possible to detect the height of the water level in the inner tank. Moreover, when the drainage control mechanism 300 opens the drainage port, the water level detection device retracts to the bottom of the outer tank together with the valve body 301, so that it is not affected by the rotation of the inner tank 100.

The water level detecting device includes an energizing coil 306, an iron core 305, and a signal detecting structure. The signal detection structure is connected to the coil 306 to detect a change in the electric signal of the energizing coil 306. The electric signal is a current signal or a voltage signal. Preferably, the signal detection structure is a detection circuit. The detection circuit may be capable of detecting the current signal or voltage signal of the energizing coil. The energizing coil 306 transmits a current signal or a voltage signal to the detection circuit through a signal connection line, and the detection circuit transmits the detected electric signal to the control device of the washing machine.

The water level detecting device includes a fixed energizing coil 306 and an iron core 305 that moves according to a change in the water level. The change in water level affects the movement of the iron core 305, and the difference in the position of the iron core 305 affects the fluctuation of the current magnitude of the energizing coil 306. Therefore, if the current magnitude of the energizing coil 306 is detected, the inside of the inner tank Water level can be detected. Further, since different current values are associated with each water level, accurate water level detection is realized.

Alternatively, the water level detecting device includes a fixed iron core 305 and an energizing coil 306 that moves according to a change in the water level. The change in the water level affects the movement of the energizing coil 306, and if the position of the energizing coil 306 is different, the distance from the iron core 305 changes, so that the influence of the iron core 305 on the energizing coil 306 also changes. Therefore, if the magnitude of the current of the energizing coil 306 is detected, the water level in the inner tank can be detected. Further, since different current values are associated with each water level, accurate water level detection is realized.

In both of the above two cases, since the iron core 305 is located within the sensitive range of the energizing coil 306, the change in the distance between the iron core and the energizing coil surely affects the magnitude of the current in the coil.

This type of water level detector has a simple structure, a low abnormality rate, and the cost is reduced by integrating with the wastewater control mechanism. In addition, the drainage control mechanism can directly detect the high and low water levels in the inner tank, resulting in high accuracy. Furthermore, since the inner tank and the outer tank are truly isolated by the inner tank non-perforation technology without providing a structure such as a pipe for detection and an air chamber, cross-infection by bacteria propagated in the outer tank is achieved. Is avoided.

Preferably, the water level detector includes an energizing coil 306 that is fixed and an iron core 305 that moves in response to changes in the water level. This is because the energizing coil 306 not only needs to be energized but also needs to detect an electric signal, so that it is easier to mount the energizing coil 306 if it is fixedly provided. Further, the iron core 305 is fixed to the movable plate 307. One side of the movable plate 307 faces the drainage port 101, and an elastic member 308 is connected to the other side. Further, the other end of the elastic member 308 is fixed. The water in the inner tank acts directly or indirectly on the movable plate 307 to move the movable plate 307. Then, the position of the iron core 305 moves accordingly, and the current of the energizing coil 306 is affected, so that the current of the energizing coil 306 is detected. Since different water levels are associated with each current value, accurate detection of the water level is realized.

Preferably, a concave portion is provided at the upper end of the iron core 305 and a convex portion is provided at the lower portion of the movable plate 307, and the convex portion of the movable plate extends into the concave portion of the iron core. The convex portion of the movable plate matches the concave shape and size of the iron core. Further, another recess is provided at the lower end of the iron core, and the connection is realized by extending the end portion of the elastic member into the recess at the lower end of the iron core. Further, a positioning stud is provided in the recess at the lower end of the iron core, and a positioning hole is provided at the end of the elastic member, so that the positioning stud in the recess at the lower end of the iron core and the positioning hole at the end of the elastic member engage with each other. .. Preferably, the elastic member is a spring. The end of the spring extends into the recess at the lower end of the iron core, and the positioning stud at the recess at the lower end of the iron core extends into the inside of the spring to realize positioning. According to this kind of connection method, mounting is easy and the connection is stable.

The valve body 301 is provided with a storage space 310. An opening is provided in the accommodation space 310 on the side facing the drain port 101, and an elastic isolation sheet 309 is provided in the opening. Further, the water level detection structure is provided in the accommodation space 310. The elastic isolation sheet 309 covers a part or all of one end of the valve body 301 facing the drain port. Preferably, the elastic isolation sheet 309 covers the end of the valve body 301. Since the water level detection structure is provided in the accommodation space 310 inside the valve body 301, the control of the drain port by the valve body is not affected, and the water level in the inner tank can be detected by the water level detection device. is there.

The fixed end of the elastic member 308 is fixed to the bottom of the valve body 301 in the accommodation space 310. Alternatively, the fixed end of the elastic member 308 extends from the bottom of the valve body 301 in the accommodation space 310 and is fixed to the tip of the piston rod 302. The movable plate 307 is located at the tip of the accommodation space 310, and the side of the movable plate 307 facing the drain port is brought into close contact with or fixed to the elastic isolation sheet 309. When the water level in the inner tank rises, the elastic isolation sheet 309, the movable plate 307 and the elastic member 308 are compressed downward, the iron core 305 moves downward, and the current of the energizing coil is affected. Therefore, the water level in the inner tank can be obtained by detecting the electric signal of the energizing coil.

An adjusting screw 311 is provided at a position where the elastic member is fixed in the bottom portion of the accommodation space 310 or the tip portion of the piston rod 302. Since the position of the elastic member can be finely adjusted by the adjusting screw, the water level can be detected more accurately.

The piston rod 302 has a hollow structure, and a feeder line for the energizing coil and / or a signal connecting line for the energizing coil are provided inside the piston rod 302.

At least one sealing portion is provided around the tip of the valve body 301, and when the drainage control mechanism seals the drainage port, the sealing portion at the tip of the valve body is the outer tank bottom on the outer periphery of the drainage port. Firmly adheres to. Preferably, the sealed portion has an elastic structure. Alternatively, the elastic isolation sheet 309 covers at least the sealing portion at the tip of the valve body. Since there are no excessive structural restrictions on the drainage port having such a structure, it is easy to process. Further, the elastic isolation sheet 309 has an effect of sealing the water level detecting device and also has an effect of sealing the valve body and the drain port.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the drainage port 101 has a trumpet-shaped structure having a large upper portion and a smaller lower portion. When the drainage control mechanism seals the drainage port, the valve body 301 extends into the drainage port, and the intersection of the tip end portion and the side portion of the valve body firmly adheres to the inner wall of the drainage port. Preferably, the intersection of the tip end portion and the side portion of the valve body 301 has an elastic structure. Alternatively, the elastic isolation sheet 309 covers the entire tip of the valve body and is bent downward to cover a part of the side of the valve body. The elastic isolation sheet 309 has an effect of sealing the water level detection device and also has an effect of sealing the valve body and the drain port.

The piston rod 302 is connected to the drive motor 316, and the drive motor 316 drives the piston rod 302 to reciprocate. Alternatively, the piston rod 302 has a hollow structure, and a first spring 313 is provided inside the piston rod 302 with one end facing the valve body 301 as a sealing end. One end of the first spring 313 is connected to the sealing end, and the other end is connected to the drive motor 313. When the drive motor 316 drives the first spring 313, the first spring 313 reciprocates the piston rod 302. As a result, the impact on the drive motor 316 due to the drive motor 316 being directly connected to the rigid piston rod 302 is avoided.

The drainage control mechanism 300 is attached to the bottom of the outer tub of the washing machine. Further, a corrugated tube 303 is connected to the valve body 301, and one end of the corrugated tube 303 is connected to the valve body 301 and the other end is connected to the bottom of the outer tank. Preferably, the valve body 301 and the corrugated tube 303 are integrally molded. The corrugated tube 303 has a certain elasticity, and the piston rod 302 has a certain reciprocating movable range, and the outer tank can always be kept sealed.

A second spring 314 is provided on the outside of the piston rod 302. One end of the second spring 314 is in contact with the valve body 301 and the other end is fixed. The second spring 314 can apply a constant propulsive force when the valve body 301 moves upward. The drainage control mechanism 300 further includes a valve seat 315. The valve seat 315 is a mounting base for the drainage control structure 300, and is mounted on the outside of the bottom of the outer tank 200. Further, a sliding path of the piston rod 302 is provided inside the valve seat 315. A second spring 314 is provided outside the piston rod 302, and one end of the second spring 314 is in contact with the valve body 301 and the other end is in contact with the valve seat 315. Therefore, when the valve body 301 moves downward, the second spring 314 is compressed, and when the valve body 301 moves upward, the second spring 314 recovers. Further, when the valve body 301 moves upward, the second spring 314 can apply a constant propulsive force.

The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A person skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements on the premise that the principle of the present invention is not deviated, and these are also regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

100 Inner tank 101 Drain port 102 Drain hole 103 Inner tank bottom 200 Outer tank 300 Drain control mechanism 301 Valve body 302 Piston rod 303 Corrugated tube 305 Iron core 306 Electric coil 307 Movable plate 308 Elastic member 309 Elastic isolation sheet 310 Storage space 311 Adjustment screw 312 Power supply line 313 1st spring 314 2nd spring 315 Valve seat 316 Drive motor

Claims (11)

In a drainage control mechanism that includes a valve body that can seal the drainage port and a piston rod that drives the movement of the valve body,
A water level detection device is provided at a position facing the drain port at the end of the valve body.
Said valve body is provided with a housing space, the housing on the side facing the water outlet of the space, an opening is provided in the opening has elastic isolation sheet provided, wherein the water level detecting device Is a drainage control mechanism provided in the accommodation space, wherein the elastic isolation sheet covers a part or all of one end of the valve body facing the drainage port. Core wherein the water level detecting device, the energization coil is fixed iron core that moves in response to change in elevation of the water level, and whether a signal detection structure of the energization coil, or the water level detecting device, to be fixed, The drainage control mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising an energizing coil that moves according to a change in water level and a signal detection structure of the energizing coil, wherein the iron core is located within a sensitive range of the coil. The water level detection device includes a fixed energizing coil, an iron core that moves according to a change in water level, and a signal detection structure of the energizing coil. The iron core is fixed to a movable plate, and the movable plate is The drainage control mechanism according to claim 2, wherein one side faces the drainage port and an elastic member is connected to the other side, and the other end of the elastic member is fixed. Discharge control mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the resilient isolation sheet, characterized in that the covers an end portion of the valve body. Or the fixed end of the elastic member is fixed to the bottom of the accommodating space of the valve body, or fixed end of the elastic member is fixed to a distal end portion of the extension out by the piston rod from the bottom of the accommodating space of the valve body is, the movable plate is located at the distal end portion of the housing space, according to claim 3, within the drainage port of the movable plate directly face side is characterized in that it is in close contact or fixed to the elastic isolation sheet Drainage control mechanism. The drainage control mechanism according to claim 5, wherein an adjusting screw is provided at a portion of the bottom of the accommodation space or the tip of the piston rod where the elastic member is fixed. The piston rod is hollow structure, according to claim 2, characterized in that the feed line and / or signal connection line of the energizing coil of the energizing coil in the interior of the piston rod is provided, 3,5, either 6 The drainage control mechanism described in the coil. At least one sealing portion is provided around the tip of the valve body, and when the drainage control mechanism seals the drainage port, the sealing portion at the tip of the valve body is the outer tank on the outer periphery of the drainage port. The drainage control mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the drainage control mechanism is firmly adhered to the bottom. The drainage port is without the trumpet-type structure upper large downward is small, when the discharge control mechanism seals the water outlet, said valve body and ShinIri the drainage port, the distal end portion and the side of the valve body The drainage control mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the intersection with the portion is firmly adhered to the inner wall of the drainage port. The drainage control mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the sealing portion has an elastic structure, or the elastic isolation sheet covers at least the sealing portion at the tip end portion of the valve body. A washing machine comprising the drainage control mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10.