JP7012095B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention belongs to the technical field of a washing machine, and specifically relates to a washing machine provided with only a rotatable and water-storable inner tub, and more particularly to a drainage structure of the washing machine.

In the prior art, a drum washer generally includes an inner tub and an outer tub fitted to each other. The outer tank is sealed and used for water storage. In addition, clothes are put into the inner tank, and the clothes are struck and washed by rotating the inner tank. Moreover, a dehydration hole is provided in the inner tank. As a result, the water in the outer tank flows into the inner tank through the dehydration holes, and the clothes in the inner tank are immersed. Further, the water in the inner tank flows out from the dehydration hole to the outer tank. Moreover, the water content of the clothes in the inner tank is discharged from the dehydration hole to the outer tank when the inner tank rotates at high speed. In this way, the purpose of washing clothes is achieved.

However, since the inner tub and the outer tub are fitted to each other, dirt tends to accumulate between the inner tub and the outer tub during the process of using the washing machine. Further, since the inner tank and the outer tank are fitted to each other, the user has no way to clean the outer wall of the inner tank and the inner wall of the outer tank. Therefore, bacteria inside the washing machine proliferate, and the washing efficiency of the washing machine and the cleanliness after washing clothes are lowered.

Further, in the above-mentioned conventional washing machine, the outer tub is fitted to the outside of the inner tub, and in the washing process of the washing machine, the inner tub rotates to hit and wash clothes. Therefore, the washing capacity of the washing machine is based on the inner tub, and the utilization rate of the internal space of the washing machine is low. Therefore, it is impossible to expand the washing capacity of the washing machine based on the conventional method.

In view of the above, how to install a washing machine that can wash clothes by hitting them by rotation while integrating water and clothes by integrating the inner tub and the outer tub and making the inner tub a sealed container. By doing so, or by not providing the outer tub in the washing machine, or by providing the outer tub and the housing of the washing machine integrally, it is possible to expand the inner tub of the washing machine and increase the washing capacity of the washing machine. However, it has become the focus of research and development.

However, it is necessary not only to store the washing water in the inner tank, but also to hit the clothes in the tank by rotation to perform washing. Therefore, how to install the drainage structure applied to the washing machine is also an urgent issue to be solved.

The present invention is proposed in view of the above technical drawbacks.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a drainage structure of a washing machine in order to eliminate the above-mentioned defects existing in the prior art. In the drainage structure of the washing machine described in the present invention, a drain valve is provided at the bottom of the inner tub, and a valve plug opening mechanism corresponding to the drain valve is provided in the washing machine to position the inner tub of the washing machine at an appropriate position. Then, the valve plug opening mechanism opens the valve plug of the drain valve, thereby solving the problem of draining the washing water stored in the inner tank. As a result, the rotatable inner tank opening is sealed, the water supplied to the inner tank is not discharged during the normal operation process of the washing machine, and the washing water in the inner tank is passed through the drain valve when the washing machine is drained. The purpose of discharging is realized. Moreover, by integrating the inner tub and the outer tub of the drum washing machine, the purpose of expanding the washing capacity of the washing machine is realized.

The basic design concept of the technical plan adopted by the present invention in order to solve the above technical problems and achieve the above technical effects is as follows.

It is a drainage structure of a washing machine, and an inner tub is installed inside the housing of the washing machine. The inner tank is provided with a drainage port, and the drainage port is equipped with a drain valve. The washing machine is further provided with a positioning lock mechanism for rotating and fixing the inner tub to a fixed drainage position. When draining the washing machine, after the inner tub has rotated to the fixed drain position, the washing machine should have the inner tub rotated to the fixed drain position so that the washing water in the inner tub can be drained by opening the drain valve after the inner tub has rotated to the fixed drain position. Is provided with a valve core opening mechanism that opens the drain valve.

Further, the drainage port is provided on the outer wall of the inner tank or the outer peripheral portion of the front and rear ends. Preferably, the inner tank is a tapered tank having a small diameter at one end and a large diameter at one end, and the drainage port is provided at the outer peripheral portion of the large diameter end in the inner tank.

Further, the rear end of the inner tank is composed of the bottom of the inner tank, the outer peripheral portion of the bottom of the inner tank is provided with a drainage port installed so as to penetrate horizontally, and the drainage port is provided with a drainage valve. The drain valve includes a valve core that covers the drain port, and the valve core is connected to the bottom of the inner tank via the position regulating spring so as to close the drain port from the inside to the outside by the action of the position regulating spring.

Further, the rear end of the inner tank is mounted on the inner tank support member, and the inner tank support member is mounted in the housing of the washing machine via the vibration control suspension spring and / or the vibration control support rod. The valve core opening mechanism is attached to the inner tank support member.

Further, the valve core opening mechanism includes a stepping motor mounted on the inner tank support member. A rotary roller that is fixedly connected coaxially is mounted on the output end of the stepping motor, and one end of the connecting rod is hinged to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary roller. The other end of the connecting rod is inserted into the position control hole provided in the inner tank support member so that the valve core is moved toward the inside of the inner tank and drained by opening the drain valve, and toward the drain valve. Move to expand and contract.

Further, the valve core opening mechanism includes an electromagnet mounted on the inner tank support member. The electromagnet is provided corresponding to the drain valve so that the drain valve and the electromagnet are arranged in the coaxial line direction when the inner tank rotates to the fixed drain position. Is an electromagnetic repulsive force applied to the valve core after the electromagnet is energized, and is the drain valve provided with a magnet so that the drain valve is opened and drainage is performed by pushing the valve core toward the inside of the inner tank? , The entire valve core is composed of magnets.

Further, a water collecting tank is provided corresponding to the outside of the drainage port of the inner tank. The bottom of the water collecting tank communicates with the drain pipe of the washing machine so as to collect and discharge the water flow discharged from the drain port of the inner tank.

Furthermore, when the inner tank is in the fixed drainage position, the drainage port is located at the lowest point of the inner tank, so that the water flow in the inner tank flows so as to collect at the drainage port, and the drainage valve is opened. It flows out from the mouth.

Further, the drainage port is provided at the outer peripheral portion of the bottom of the inner tank, and when the inner tank is in the fixed drainage position, the drainage port rotates to just below the axis of the inner tank. The catchment tank includes a recessed tank below the drainage port, and the rear side wall of the recessed tank extends vertically upward to the rear side of the drainage port in order to guide the water flow flowing out from the drainage port to fall into the water collection tank. At the same time, it is separated from the drainage port by a certain distance.

Further, the water collecting tank is mounted on the inner tank support member of the washing machine, or is integrally molded with the inner tank support member, and the valve core opening mechanism is mounted on the water collecting tank.

The washing machine described in the present invention has the following beneficial effects as compared with the washing machine of the prior art.

By providing as described above, the drain valve is closed when the washing machine is in a normal operating state, and when the washing machine is drained, the drain valve is opened by the cooperation between the positioning lock mechanism and the valve plug opening mechanism. Become. Therefore, the water stored in the inner tank does not flow out from the drain port during the normal rotation of the inner tank. As a result, the effect of sealing the inner tank in the rotation process of the inner tank and opening the drain valve at the time of drainage to normally discharge the water stored in the inner tank is realized. Therefore, the purpose of normal drainage by a washing machine having two effects of rotation of the inner tub and water storage can be achieved. Moreover, it is not necessary to fit the outer tub to the outside of the inner tub, and the volume of the inner tub is increased, so that the washing capacity of the washing machine is increased.

In order to make it easier to understand the beneficial effects brought about by clarifying the design concept of the technical plan of the present invention, the following may be combined with the drawings in detail for some specific embodiments of the present invention. Describe.

The drawings are provided as part of the present invention for further understanding of the present invention. The schematic examples of the present invention and their description are used for the interpretation of the present invention, but do not unreasonably limit the present invention. Needless to say, the drawings described below are only a part of the embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain further drawings from these drawings without requiring creative labor.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure when the inner tub of the washing machine in the embodiment of the present invention is in the unlocked state. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure when the inner tub of the washing machine in the embodiment of the present invention is in the locked state. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a structure when the drain valve in the embodiment of the present invention is in the closed state. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a structure when the drain valve in the embodiment of the present invention is in the open state.

The above drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but are intended to explain the concepts of the invention to those skilled in the art with reference to specific embodiments.

In order to further clarify the purpose, technical plan, and advantages of the examples in the present invention, the technical plan of the examples will be described clearly and concisely by combining the drawings according to the examples of the present invention. The following examples are for explaining the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

In the description of the present invention, the direction or position indicated by terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inside", "outside", etc. The relationship is a direction or positional relationship based on the illustration, and is for convenience and simplification of the description of the present invention, and the target device or member has a specific direction and a specific direction. It does not explicitly or imply that it must be configured and manipulated in. Therefore, it should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

In the description of the present invention, the terms "wearing", "connecting", and "connecting" should be broadly interpreted unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integrated connection. Further, it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. Further, it may be a direct chain or an indirect chain via an intermediate medium. A person skilled in the art can interpret the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a washing machine will be described in the embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine includes a housing 2, and an inner tub 1 is provided inside the housing 2. The axis of the inner tank 1 is provided so as to extend horizontally or to be gradually inclined downward from the front to the rear. The front end of the inner tank 1 is an inner tank opening 101 provided with an opening, and the rear end is an inner tank bottom 102 provided in a sealed manner. No through hole is provided in the tank wall of the inner tank 1 so that the inside of the inner tank 1 constitutes a sealed container having an opening only in the front portion. Further, a door 4 that can be opened to the outside is attached to the front end of the housing 2 of the washing machine. Therefore, the purpose of sealing the inner tank opening 101 by closing the door 4 and putting clothes into the inner tank 1 from the inner tank opening 101 by opening the door 4 can be achieved. The rear end of the inner tub 1 is mounted in the housing 2 of the washing machine via the inner tub support member 3. The inner tank support member 3 is coaxially provided at the rear end of the inner tank 1. The upper and lower ends of the inner tank support member 3 are bent in the direction of the tank mouth at the front end of the inner tank 1, respectively. The bent portion extends to at least the central portion of the inner tank 1, and the upper and lower bent portions are connected to the housing 2 of the washing machine via the vibration control suspension spring 6 and the vibration control support rod 7, respectively. As a result, the purpose of mounting the inner tub support member 3 in the housing 2 of the washing machine so as to be viable is realized. Moreover, the center of the inner tub bottom 102 is coaxially installed on the motor shaft of the drive motor 5 of the washing machine so that the inner tub 1 is rotationally driven. Both the inner tank 1 and the drive motor 5 are fixedly mounted on the inner tank support member 3. Preferably, the inner tank bottom 102 and the drive motor 5 are provided on both sides of the inner tank support member 3, respectively, and the drive motor 5 is fixedly connected to the inner tank support member 3. The motor shaft of the drive motor 5 is inserted into the inner tank support member 3 via a bearing, and is coaxially fixedly connected to the inner tank bottom 102. Moreover, the shaft of the drive motor 5 is rotatable with respect to the inner tank support member 3. Thereby, the inner tank 1 and the drive motor 5 are attached to the inner tank support member 3, and the inner tank 1 is rotated independently by the action of the drive motor 5, thereby realizing the purpose of cleaning the clothes inside.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the water supplied to the inner tub of the washing machine is discharged, and in the operation process of the washing machine, the inner tub is sealed and water is stored to perform normal washing as follows. Install in.

In the drainage structure of the washing machine, the inner tub 1 is mounted inside the housing 2 of the washing machine. The inner tank 1 is provided with a drainage port 23, and the drainage port 23 is equipped with a drainage valve 24 in a normally closed state. The washing machine is provided with a positioning lock mechanism for rotating and fixing the inner tub 1 to a fixed drainage position. Further, when the washing machine is in a drainage state, the inner tub 1 is installed in the washing machine so that the washing water in the inner tub is discharged by opening the drain valve 24 after the inner tub 1 has rotated to the fixed drainage position. Is provided with a valve core opening mechanism that opens the drain valve 24 after rotating to the fixed drain position.

In the normal operation process of the washing machine, the drain valve is closed to close the drain port, so that the water in the inner tank does not flow out from the drain port. On the other hand, when the washing machine is in the drainage state, the inner tub of the washing machine rotates to the fixed drainage position by the action of the positioning lock mechanism, and the valve core opening mechanism of the washing machine is activated to open the valve plug of the drain valve. To. As a result, the drainage port is opened and the water in the inner tank flows out from the drainage port.

By providing as described above, the drain valve is closed when the washing machine is in a normal operating state, and when the washing machine is drained, the drain valve is opened by the cooperation between the positioning lock mechanism and the valve plug opening mechanism. Become. Therefore, the water stored in the inner tank does not flow out from the drain port during the normal rotation of the inner tank. As a result, the effect of sealing the inner tank in the rotation process of the inner tank and opening the drain valve at the time of drainage to normally discharge the water stored in the inner tank is realized. Therefore, the purpose of normal drainage by a washing machine having two effects of rotation of the inner tub and water storage can be achieved. Moreover, it is not necessary to fit the outer tub to the outside of the inner tub, and the volume of the inner tub is increased, so that the washing capacity of the washing machine is increased.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, in the present invention, the drainage structure of the washing machine will be described. An inner tub 1 is mounted inside the housing 2 of the washing machine. The inner tank 1 is provided with a drainage port 23, and the drainage port 23 is equipped with a drainage valve 24 in a normally closed state. The washing machine is provided with a positioning lock mechanism for rotating and fixing the inner tub 1 to a fixed drainage position. Further, when the washing machine is in a drainage state, the inner tub 1 is installed in the washing machine so that the washing water in the inner tub is discharged by opening the drain valve 24 after the inner tub 1 has rotated to the fixed drainage position. Is provided with a valve core opening mechanism that opens the drain valve 24 after rotating to the fixed drain position.

In this embodiment, the drainage port 23 is provided on the outer wall of the inner tank 1 or on the outer peripheral portion of the front and rear ends. Preferably, the inner tank 1 is a tapered tank having a small diameter at one end and a large diameter at one end, and the drainage port 23 is provided at an outer peripheral portion of the large diameter end in the inner tank 1. By providing the drainage port at the large diameter end of the tapered inner tank, the water flow in the inner tank flows so as to collect at the drainage port, so that the purpose of draining all the water flow in the inner tank from the drainage port is realized. ..

In the present embodiment, the rear end of the inner tank 1 is composed of the inner tank bottom 102, the front end is composed of the inner tank mouth 101, and these are connected via the side wall of the inner tank. The side wall of the inner tank is a tapered surface whose diameter gradually increases from the inner tank mouth 101 to the inner tank bottom 102. A drainage port 23 installed so as to penetrate horizontally is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the inner tank bottom 102, and a drainage valve 24 is provided at the drainage port 23. The drain valve 24 includes a valve core 25 that covers the drain port 23. The valve core 25 is connected to the inner tank bottom 102 via the position regulating spring 26 so as to close the drain port 23 from the inside to the outside by the action of the position regulating spring 26. By connecting the valve core to the bottom of the inner tank via the position-regulating spring, the position-regulating spring applies elastic tension to the valve core in the direction toward the outside of the inner tank. As a result, the valve core firmly adheres to the bottom of the inner tank by the action of elastic force and closes the drainage port, so that the purpose of sealing the drainage port is realized.

In this embodiment, the drainage port 23 of the inner tank 1 is provided as a tapered hole that gradually expands from the inside to the outside. The small-diameter end of the tapered hole is sealed, and the side wall of the tapered hole is provided with a through hole that communicates inside and outside the inner tank 1. The valve core 25 has a plate material structure that covers the large-diameter end of the tapered hole. Further, the tapered hole is provided with a position restricting spring 26 extending along the axis. One end of the position restricting spring 26 is connected to the sealing portion at the small diameter end of the tapered hole, and the other end is connected to the valve core 25. In the extended state, the position restricting spring 26 applies a thrust toward the outside of the inner tank 1 to the valve core 25, so that the valve core 25 closes the drain port 24.

In this embodiment, the inner tank support member 3 is provided at the rear end of the inner tank 1. The inner tank support member 3 is mounted in the housing 2 of the washing machine via the vibration control suspension spring 6 and / or the vibration control support rod 7. Further, the valve core opening mechanism is attached to the inner tank support member 3.

In this embodiment, when the inner tank 1 is in the fixed drainage position, the drainage port 23 is located in the lowest position of the inner tank 1. Therefore, the water flow in the inner tank 1 flows so as to collect in the drain port 23, and flows out from the drain port 23 in which the drain valve 24 is opened. The valve core opening mechanism is mounted on the side of the inner tank support member 3 that is separated from the inner tank 1 and is provided so as to face the outer periphery of the inner tank 1. When the inner tank 1 is in the fixed drainage position, the drainage port 23 is provided coaxially with the connecting rod 28 of the valve core opening mechanism. Therefore, the connecting rod 28 expands and contracts in the axial direction by the action of the stepping motor and the rotary roller 27, and the valve core 25 of the drain valve 24 is moved toward the inside of the inner tank 1 to open the drain port 23.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the valve core opening mechanism includes a stepping motor mounted on the inner tank support member 3. A rotary roller 27 that is coaxially fixedly connected is mounted on the output end of the stepping motor, and one end of the connecting rod 28 is hinged to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary roller 27. Further, the other end of the connecting rod 28 is inserted into the position limiting hole provided in the inner tank support member 3 and moves extensible toward the drain valve 23. As a result, the valve core 25 moves toward the inside of the inner tank 1 and the drain valve 24 is opened to drain the water.

In this embodiment, the water collecting tank 30 is provided corresponding to the outside of the drainage port 23 of the inner tank 1. The bottom of the water collecting tank 30 communicates with the drain pipe 31 of the washing machine so as to collect and discharge the water flow discharged from the drain port 23 of the inner tank 1.

In this embodiment, the drainage port 23 is provided at the outer peripheral portion of the inner tank bottom 102. When the inner tank 1 is in the fixed drainage position, the drainage port 23 rotates to just below the axis of the inner tank 1. The water collecting tank 30 includes a concave tank provided corresponding to the lower part of the drain port 23. The rear side wall of the concave tank extends vertically upward to the rear side of the drainage port 23 and is separated from the drainage port 23 at a certain distance. As a result, the water flow flowing out from the drainage port 23 is guided to fall into the water collecting tank 30, so that the situation in which the drainage flowing backward from the horizontally provided drainage port is scattered to the outside of the washing machine is avoided. .. Moreover, the front side wall of the water collecting tank 30 and the lower part of the inner tank 1 of the washing machine are in close contact with each other or are separated from each other by an extremely small distance. As a result, the water in the water collecting tank 30 does not scatter from the front end, so that the situation where the drainage from the inner tank overflows is avoided.

In this embodiment, the water collecting tank 30 is mounted on the inner tank support member 3 of the washing machine, or is integrally molded with the inner tank support member 3, and the valve core opening mechanism is mounted on the water collecting tank 30.

In this embodiment, the positioning lock mechanism may be any conventional mechanism that can be controlled to rotate and fix the inner tub of the washing machine to the fixed drainage position. For example, by providing a control program corresponding to a drive motor that rotationally drives the inner tank, the inner tank is rotated and locked to a fixed drainage position, and the inner tank is controlled not to rotate any more. Further, the positioning lock mechanism may be provided as follows. That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a lock groove 45 recessed inward is provided on the side wall of the inner tub 1, and a lock pin 44 provided corresponding to the lock groove 45 is attached to the washing machine. The lock pin 44 is attached to the housing 2 of the washing machine or the inner tub support member 3 so as to be expandable and contractible in the radial direction of the inner tub. As shown in FIG. 2, when the lock pin 44 contracts inward due to the action of the drive device, the lock pin 44 disengages from the lock groove 45 to make the inner tank 1 rotatable. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when the lock pin 44 protrudes outward by the action of the drive device, it enters the lock groove 45 of the inner tank 1. As a result, the inner tank 1 does not rotate any more and is arranged at the fixed drainage position, so that the drainage port 23 is arranged at the position corresponding to the valve core opening mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the normal washing process of the washing machine, the drain valve is closed and the inner tub rotates normally. Therefore, the water stored in the inner tank does not flow out from the drainage port and normally cleans clothes. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the drainage process of the washing machine, the inner tub rotates to the fixed drainage position, and the stepping motor rotates the rotary roller. Then, the rotating roller moves the connecting rod toward the inner tank, and the end of the connecting rod moves the valve plug of the drain valve at the facing position to the inside of the inner tank. Then, the valve plug is pushed against the tension of the spring to open the drainage port, so that the water in the inner tank flows out from the opened drainage port. The outflowed water flow is collected by the water collecting tank and then discharged from the drain pipe to the outside of the washing machine. As a result, the purpose of discharging the water stored in the inner tank can be achieved.

This example differs from Example 1 in the following points. That is, the valve core opening mechanism includes an electromagnet mounted on the inner tank support member 3. The electromagnet is provided corresponding to the drain valve 23 so that the drain valve 23 and the electromagnet are arranged in the coaxial line direction when the inner tank 1 rotates to the fixed drain position. A magnet is attached to the valve core 25 of the drain valve 23, or the entire valve core is composed of a magnet. As a result, an electromagnetic repulsive force is applied to the valve core 25 after the electromagnet is energized, and the valve core 25 is pushed toward the inside of the inner tank 1, so that the drain valve 23 is opened and drainage is performed.

In the normal washing process of the washing machine, the drain valve is closed and the inner tub rotates normally. Therefore, the water stored in the inner tank does not flow out from the drainage port and normally cleans clothes. In the drainage process of the washing machine, the inner tub rotates to the fixed drainage position and the electromagnet is energized. Then, the electromagnet applies a repulsive force to the valve core, and the valve core resists the elastic force of the spring by the action of the repulsive force and moves toward the inside of the inner tank. As a result, the drainage port of the inner tank is opened, and the water in the inner tank flows out from the opened drainage port. Since the outflowed water flow is collected by the water collecting tank and then discharged from the drain pipe to the outside of the washing machine, the purpose of discharging the water stored in the inner tank can be realized in the same manner.

In this embodiment, in order to realize the sealing of the inner tank opening 101 when the washing machine is operated, it is installed as follows.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine has a door 4 mounted on the housing 2 of the washing machine. The door 4 is connected to the inner tank lid 8 so as to be relatively rotatable via an elastic mechanism. When the door 4 is closed, the elastic mechanism applies a locking elastic force to the inner tank lid 8, so that the inner tank lid 8 and the inner tank opening 101 come into contact with each other in a sealed manner, and the inner tank lid 8 is inside. It comes to rotate with the tank 1. As a result, after the door 4 is closed, the inner tank lid 8 engages with the inner tank opening 101, and the purpose of sealing the inner tank 1 is realized.

By providing as described above, the inner tank lid can be crimped by elastic force to seal the inner tank mouth. In the washing process of the washing machine, the inner tub lid comes into contact with the inner tub mouth in a sealed manner and rotates along with the inner tub. As a result, the purpose of dynamically sealing the tank mouth when the inner tank is rotated can be achieved, so that the inner tank can have two functions of rotation and water storage. Moreover, it is not necessary to fit the outer tub to the outside of the inner tub, and the volume of the inner tub is increased, so that the washing capacity of the washing machine is increased.

In this embodiment, the door 4 and the inner tank lid 8 are provided coaxially. Since the door 4 and the inner tank lid 8 are connected via an elastic mechanism, when the door 4 is closed, the inner tank lid 8 is crimped to the inner tank opening 101 by the action of the elastic mechanism in the compressed state.

In this embodiment, since the inner tank lid 8 is fixedly connected to the door 4 so as to operate with the opening and closing of the door 4, the purpose of opening and closing the inner tank opening 101 by the inner tank lid 8 can be achieved. Further, after the washing machine is closed, the inner tub lid 8 and the inner tub 1 are fixedly connected to each other in a hermetically sealed manner, and the inner tub lid 8 and the door 4 are rotated along with the inner tub 1. Allows relative rotation around the central axis.

Preferably, in the present embodiment, the inner tank lid 8 and the inner tank opening 101 are elastically engaged so that the sealing property between the inner tank lid 8 and the inner tank opening 101 is strengthened after the inner tank lid 8 is engaged. You may touch it. As a result, when the door 4 is closed, the inner tank lid and the inner tank opening 101 are fixedly engaged, while when the door 4 is opened, the inner tank lid moves together with the door 4 from the inner tank opening 101. break away. Therefore, the purpose of engaging and fixing the sealing contact portion between the inner tank lid 8 and the inner tank opening 101 to enhance the sealing property of the inner tank opening 101 is realized.

In this embodiment, a rotating shaft 12 extending to the outside of the inner tank along the axial direction of the inner tank 1 is connected to the center of the inner tank lid 8, and the inner tank lid 8 rotates around the rotation axis. It is possible. One end of the rotating shaft 12 is rotatably connected to the inner tank lid 8, and the other end is connected to the door 4 via an elastic mechanism. The elastic mechanism applies an elastic force to the inner tank lid 8 to move the inner tank lid 8 toward the inner tank opening 101. As a result, the inner tank lid 8 is engaged with the inner tank opening 101 in a sealed manner, and the inner tank opening 101 is sealed.

In this embodiment, a mounting tank 11 extending so as to project outward is provided in the center of the outside of the inner tank lid 8, and the mounting tank 11 is provided with a rotating shaft 12 mounted via a bearing. Has been done. The rotary shaft 12 extends in the axial direction of the inner tank 1, and the inner tank lid 8 is relatively rotatable around the rotary shaft 12. Further, the end portion of the rotating shaft 12 is fixedly connected to the door 4 via the spring 9. Therefore, when the door 4 is closed, the spring 9 is in a compressed state and the inner tank lid 8 is brought into contact with the inner tank opening 101 in a sealed manner, and the inner tank lid 8 is relative to the door 4 around the rotation axis. It becomes rotatable. Preferably, the rotating shaft 12 and the inner tank lid 8 are axially engaged with the mounting tank 11 of the inner tank lid 8 at the insertion end of the rotating shaft 12 inserted into the mounting tank 11 of the inner tank lid 8. A protruding portion is provided so as to project in the outer radial direction so as to be fixed.

In this embodiment, in order to improve the crimping force by the spring and the stability after the inner tank lid is engaged, the installation is particularly as follows. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a mounting tank 11 extending so as to project outward is provided at the center of the outside of the inner tank lid 8, and the mounting tank 11 is mounted via a bearing. A rotating shaft 12 is provided. The rotary shaft 12 extends in the axial direction of the inner tank 1, and the inner tank lid 8 is relatively rotatable around the rotary shaft 12. Further, a support plate 10 perpendicular to the axis of the rotary shaft 12 is mounted on the end of the rotary shaft 12, and the outer peripheral portion of the support plate 10 is fixedly connected to the door 4 via a plurality of springs 9. ..

In this embodiment, the diameter of the support plate 10 is equal to or larger than the diameter of the inner tank opening 101. Further, the support plate 10 and the inner tank 1 are provided coaxially. Each spring 9 is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the support plate 10 symmetrically with respect to the axis of the inner tank 1. Further, each spring 9 is provided in a direction parallel to the axis of the inner tank 1.

A support plate connected to the rotating shaft is added between the door of the washing machine and the inner tub lid, and the support plate is connected to the door via multiple springs uniformly arranged on the outer circumference to connect the support plate to the inner tub. The lid will be subject to the elastic force of position regulation by different springs in multiple directions. As a result, the inner tub lid is in contact with the inner tub mouth in a sealed manner in a stable and non-tilting manner, so that the certainty of sealing the inner tub mouth in the washing machine is improved.

By connecting the inner tank lid and the door via the rotation shaft to which the spring is mounted, when the door is closed, the inner tank lid contacts the inner tank opening and compresses the spring. Since the spring applies an elastic force that moves in the direction of the inner tank to the inner tank lid, the inner tank lid is in close contact with the inner tank mouth in a sealed manner. As a result, the purpose of restricting the inner tank lid after the door is closed and bringing the inner tank lid and the inner tank mouth into contact with each other in a sealed manner is realized. Moreover, since the inner tub lid and the rotation shaft are relatively rotatable, the inner tub lid can rotate together with the inner tub due to the action of frictional force when the inner tub is rotated by the drive motor of the washing machine. As a result, the purpose of sealing the inner tank opening is realized. Further, since the front end of the inner tub is connected to the door via the inner tub lid, the rotating shaft, and the spring, it is elastically mounted in the housing of the washing machine so as to be able to vibrate. As a result, since the front end of the inner tub and the housing of the washing machine are mounted so as to support each other, the point of action of the support for the inner tub is strengthened, and the stability in the operation process of the inner tub is improved.

In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 12 is equipped with a water supply pipe 17 provided coaxially. One end of the water supply pipe 17 is inserted into the inner tank 1 via the inner tank lid 8, and the other end penetrates the rotating shaft 12 and bends upward and extends until it communicates with the water supply structure of the washing machine. ing. As a result, the water supply to the washing machine flows from the center of the inner tank opening 101 into the inner tank 1, so that the purpose of supplying water to the inner tank 1 of the washing machine from the center of the inner tank lid 8 at the front end is realized. To. Preferably, the hinge connection portion between the inner tank lid 8 and the rotating shaft 12 is water-sealed in order to guarantee the sealing property of the inner tank 1.

In this embodiment, an inclined portion 15 inclined outward is provided on the outer periphery of the inner tank lid 8. The inclined portion 15 has a tapered surface whose diameter gradually increases from the outer periphery of the inner tank 1 toward the door 4. Further, the inner tank opening 101 is provided with a fixing portion 16 that is in close contact with the inclined portion 15. Preferably, the outer end of the fixing portion 16 is provided with a chamfered portion that bends outward. As a result, the inner tank lid 8 is guided to slide into the inner tank opening 101, and the fixed portion 16 and the inclined portion 15 are in close contact with each other to realize sealing.

More preferably, two tapered surfaces having different curvatures whose diameters gradually increase toward the door 4 are provided on the outer periphery of the inner tank lid 8. Both sides of the first tapered surface are connected to the outer circumference of the door 4 and one side of the second tapered surface, respectively. The first tapered surface corresponds to the horizontally bent surface at the inner tank opening 101. The horizontally bent surface is a cylindrical surface that bends horizontally from the inner tank opening 101 toward the outside of the inner tank 1. The inner diameter of the horizontally bent surface is equal to or slightly smaller than the maximum diameter of the first tapered surface. The end of the horizontally bent surface is gradually inclined toward the outside to form a tapered fixing portion 16. Further, the second tapered surface constitutes the inclined portion 15 and is in close contact with the fixed portion 16.

In this embodiment, a tubular seal pipe 14 that can be expanded and contracted in the radial direction is further provided between the inner tank lid 8 and the door 4. One end of the seal pipe 14 is the outer periphery of the door 4 so that the elastic mechanism is hermetically mounted inside the seal pipe 14 and the inner tank lid 8 moves relative to the door 4 as the seal pipe 14 expands and contracts. The other end is fixedly connected to the door 4. The seal pipe 14 is made of a corrugated pipe made of an elastic rubber material. Preferably, the end of the seal pipe 14 and the door 4 are relatively rotatable around the axis of the inner tank 1 so that the seal pipe 14 does not rotate together when the door 4 rotates with the inner tank 1. It is fitted.

In this embodiment, the water flow separated from the clothes in the inner tub of the washing machine is discharged, and in the operation process of the washing machine, the inner tub is sealed and water is stored to perform normal washing as follows. Install.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the dehydration structure of the washing machine, the inner tub 1 is mounted inside the housing 2 of the washing machine. The inner tank 1 is a tapered tank having a small diameter at one end and a large diameter at one end, and a dehydration flow path 36 is provided at the large diameter end of the inner tank 1. One end of the dehydration flow path 36 communicates with the large-diameter end of the inner tub 1, and the other end penetrates the inner tub 1 via the center of the large-diameter end and communicates with the drain pipe 31 of the washing machine. ..

In the embodiment of the present invention, the method of dehydrating the washing machine will be further described. When the inner tank rotates at a constant rotation speed, the washing water separated from the clothes in the inner tank flows toward the large-diameter end while adhering to the inner wall of the tapered inner tank by the action of centrifugal force. .. When the water flow reaches the large-diameter end of the inner tub, it flows out from the center of the large-diameter end of the inner tub along the dehydration flow path provided at the large-diameter end, and flows out from the washing machine along the drain pipe. As a result, the washing water in the inner tank is discharged.

In the normal washing process of the drum washing machine, the inner tub 1 generally rotates at a low speed, so that the water in the inner tub 1 is not so affected by the centrifugal force. Therefore, the clothes in the inner tank 1 and the water flow collide with each other as the inner tank rotates at a low speed, so that the cleaning effect is achieved. Moreover, the water flow in the inner tub 1 does not flow so as to collect at the large diameter end, nor is it discharged from the washing machine. On the other hand, in the dehydration process of the drum washing machine, the inner tub 1 rotates at a medium and high speed, so that the water separated from the clothes in the inner tub 1 is affected by the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the inner tub. As a result, the water flow in the inner tank 1 flows so as to gather at the large-diameter end of the inner tank while being in close contact with the inner tank wall. Then, it flows into the dehydration flow path 36 provided at the large-diameter end of the inner tub, flows out from the inner tub 1 through the center of the large-diameter end of the inner tub 1, and is discharged from the washing machine through the drain pipe 31. To.

By providing as described above, in the normal washing state of the washing machine, the water flow in the inner tub is not affected by the centrifugal force and does not flow so as to gather at the large diameter end of the inner tub. On the other hand, in the dehydrated state of the washing machine, since the inner tub rotates at high speed, the water flow in the inner tub is affected by the action of centrifugal force and flows toward the dehydration flow path at the large diameter end of the inner tub and is discharged. Therefore, the water stored in the inner tank does not flow out from the drain port during the normal rotation of the inner tank. As a result, the effect of sealing the inner tank in the rotation process of the inner tank and opening the drain valve at the time of drainage to normally drain the water separated from the clothes in the inner tank is realized. Therefore, the purpose of normal dehydration by a washing machine having two effects of rotation of the inner tub and water storage can be achieved. Moreover, it is not necessary to fit the outer tub to the outside of the inner tub, and the volume of the inner tub is increased, so that the washing capacity of the washing machine is increased.

In this embodiment, the inner tank 1 has an inner tank opening 101 at the front end and an inner tank bottom 102 at the rear end. The inner tank opening 101 and the inner tank bottom 102 are connected via the side wall of the inner tank. The side wall of the inner tank has a tapered shape in which the diameter gradually increases from the inner tank mouth 101 to the inner tank bottom 102 so as to form the tapered inner tank 1. The center of the inner tank bottom 102 is attached to the inner tank support member 3 via the rotation axis. The dehydration flow path 36 is provided on the inner surface of the inner tank bottom 102. One end of the dehydration flow path 36 is provided at the intersection of the inner tank bottom 102 and the side wall of the inner tank, and the other end penetrates the center of the inner tank bottom 102 and is inserted into the motor shaft along the axis. Further, the insertion end of the dehydration flow path 36 communicates with the drain pipe 31 of the washing machine.

In this embodiment, the inner tank bottom 102 is provided with a plurality of dehydration flow paths 36. One end of each dehydration flow path 36 is uniformly arranged on the outer periphery of the inner tank bottom 102 at equal angles and communicates with the inside of the inner tank 1. Further, the other end intersects the center of the inner tub bottom 102 and penetrates the center of the inner tub bottom 102 to communicate with the drain pipe 31 of the washing machine.

In this embodiment, at least one dehydration flow path 36 has one end provided at the center of the inner tub bottom 102 and communicates with the inside of the inner tub 1, and the other end penetrates the center of the inner tub bottom 102 for washing. Communicate with the drain pipe 31 of the machine. Preferably, the ends of the adjacent dehydration flow paths 36 are alternately provided at the central portion or the outer peripheral portion of the inner tank bottom 102. Since the inner tank bottom is provided with a plurality of uniformly arranged dehydration channels whose ends are provided at the central portion or the outer peripheral portion, respectively, the inner tank bottom is provided with a plurality of uniformly arranged dehydration channels so that the water flow at each portion of the inner tank bottom is adsorbed and discharged. The dehydration efficiency of the water flow in the tank is improved.

In this embodiment, each dehydration flow path 36 is composed of hollow protruding ribs protruding from the inner side surface of the inner tank bottom 102. In the rotation process of the inner tank 1, the hollow protruding ribs lift and hit the water flow and the clothes in the inner tank 1 to wash the clothes. Therefore, the dehydration flow path 36 projecting inward has an auxiliary lifting rib function of lifting and striking the clothes in the inner tank 1 for cleaning.

In this embodiment, by applying pressure to the water flow flowing into the inner tub bottom 102 of the washing machine, the dehydration flow path 36 and the drainage flow path 36 and the drainage flow path 36 and the drainage pipe 31 are drained to the outside of the washing machine along the dehydration flow path 36 and the drainage pipe 31. / Or the drainage pipe 31 is provided with a drainage pump 33. The drainage pump 33 does not operate in the normal washing state of the drum washing machine and is activated during the execution of the dehydration program of the drum washing machine. This makes it possible to control the discharge of water flow from the inner tub of the washing machine and to apply a driving force to the water flow.

In this embodiment, the dehydration method based on the washing machine described in the above-mentioned Example 4 will be described. When the inner tank rotates at a constant rotation speed, the washing water in the inner tank flows toward the large-diameter end while adhering to the inner wall of the tapered inner tank by the action of centrifugal force. When the water flow reaches the large-diameter end of the inner tub, it flows out from the center of the large-diameter end of the inner tub along the dehydration flow path provided at the large-diameter end, and flows out from the washing machine along the drain pipe. As a result, the washing water in the inner tank is discharged.

According to the above method, in the normal washing state of the washing machine, the water flow in the inner tub is not affected by the centrifugal force and does not flow so as to collect at the large diameter end of the inner tub. On the other hand, in the dehydrated state of the washing machine, the inner tub rotates at high speed, so that the water flow in the inner tub is affected by the action of centrifugal force and flows toward the dehydration flow path at the large diameter end of the inner tub and is discharged. Therefore, the water stored in the inner tank does not flow out from the dehydration port during normal rotation of the inner tank. As a result, the effect of sealing the inner tank during the rotation process of the inner tank and opening the dehydration valve during dehydration to normally discharge the water stored in the inner tank is realized. Therefore, the purpose of normal dehydration by a washing machine having two effects of rotation of the inner tub and water storage can be achieved.

In this embodiment, the specific steps of the dehydration method of the washing machine are as follows.

Step 1: As the inner tub of the washing machine rotates at a constant rotation speed, the water flow in the inner tub flows until it comes into close contact with the side wall of the inner tub by the action of centrifugal force.

Step 2: By the action of the tapered inner tank, the water flow in close contact with the side wall of the inner tank is guided by the side wall of the inner tank, and the water flow in the inner tank is affected by the centrifugal force in the rotation process of the inner tank. Heads to the bottom of the large inner tank.

Step 3: The water flow flowing to the bottom of the inner tank flows into the dehydration flow path provided at the bottom of the inner tank, flows out from the inner tank through the center of the inner tank along the dehydration flow path, and is washed along the drain pipe. It is discharged from the machine.

In this embodiment, when the drainage flow path and / or the drainage pump of the drainage pipe starts operating in step 3, pressure is applied to the water flow flowing to the bottom of the inner tank, so that the water flows to the dehydration flow path and / or the drainage pipe. It flows along the drain pipe and is discharged to the outside of the washing machine. In addition, when the washing machine executes other programs, the drainage pump of the drainage flow path and / or the drainage pipe does not operate, so that the water in the inner tank is not discharged by the suction of the drainage pump. Therefore, water is retained in the inner tank and the clothes are washed normally.

In this embodiment, since the inner tub rotates at medium and high speeds in the dehydration process of the washing machine, the water in the inner tub is brought into close contact with the side wall of the inner tub by the action of centrifugal force and toward the large diameter end of the inner tub. Flows.

The above is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention to any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as described above by preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. To the extent that the technical plan of the present invention is not deviated, slight modifications or supplements made by those skilled in the art using the technical contents presented above are regarded as equivalently modified and equivalent examples, and the techniques of the present invention are all considered. It does not deviate from the contents of the plan. Further, any simple modifications, equivalent modifications and supplements made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention are within the scope of the present invention.

1 Inner tank 2 Housing 3 Inner tank support member 4 Door 5 Drive motor 6 Vibration control suspension spring 7 Vibration control support rod 23 Drainage port 24 Drain valve 25 Valve core 26 Position regulation spring 27 Rotating roller 28 Connecting rod 29 Position regulation hole 30 Water collecting tank 31 Drain pipe 44 Lock pin 45 Lock groove 101 Inner tank port 102 Inner tank bottom

Claims (8)

A washing machine including an inner tub mounted inside the housing of the washing machine, a drain port provided in the inner tub , and a drain valve mounted in the drain port , and the axis of the inner tub extends horizontally. Or is gradually tilted downward from front to back,
The washing machine is also equipped with a positioning lock mechanism that rotates and fixes the inner tub to the fixed drainage position.
Just as the washing machine drains the washing water in the inner tank by opening the drain valve after the inner tank has rotated to the fixed drain position, the washing machine opens the drain valve after the inner tank has rotated to the fixed drain position. A valve core opening mechanism is provided ,
The inner tank is a tapered tank having a small diameter at the front end and a large diameter at the rear end, and the drainage port is provided at the outer peripheral portion of the rear end of the inner tank.
The rear end of the inner tank is mounted on the inner tank support member, and the inner tank support member is mounted in the housing of the washing machine via a vibration control suspension spring and / or a vibration control support rod.
A washing machine characterized in that the valve core opening mechanism is attached to the inner tub support member . The rear end of the inner tank is composed of the bottom of the inner tank, and the outer peripheral portion of the bottom of the inner tank is provided with a drainage port installed so as to penetrate horizontally, and the drainage port is provided with a drainage valve.
The drain valve includes a valve core that covers the drain port, and the valve core is characterized in that it is connected to the bottom of the inner tank via the position control spring so as to close the drain port from the inside to the outside by the action of the position control spring. The washing machine according to claim 1 . The valve core opening mechanism includes a stepping motor mounted on the inner tank support member, and a rotary roller that is fixedly connected coaxially is mounted on the output end of the stepping motor, and one end of a connecting rod is mounted on the outer peripheral portion of the rotary roller. Is hinged, and the other end of the connecting rod is inserted into the position control hole provided in the inner tank support member so that the valve core can be moved toward the inside of the inner tank and drained by opening the drain valve. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the washing machine moves expandably and contractably toward the drain valve. The valve core opening mechanism includes an electromagnet mounted on an inner tank support member, and the electromagnet corresponds to a drain valve so that the drain valve and the electromagnet are arranged in the coaxial line direction when the inner tank rotates to a fixed drain position. Is provided,
Is an electromagnetic repulsive force applied to the valve core after the electromagnet is energized, and is the drain valve provided with a magnet so that the drain valve is opened and drainage is performed by pushing the valve core toward the inside of the inner tank? The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the entire valve core is composed of a magnet. A water collection tank is provided corresponding to the outside of the drain port of the inner tank, and the bottom of the water collection tank communicates with the drain pipe of the washing machine so as to collect and discharge the water flow discharged from the drain port of the inner tank. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . When the inner tank is in the fixed drainage position, the drainage port is located at the lowest point of the inner tank, so that the water flow in the inner tank flows so as to collect at the drainage port, and the drainage valve is opened from the drainage port. The washing machine according to claim 5 , wherein the washing machine is discharged to the outside. The drainage port is provided at the outer peripheral part of the bottom of the inner tank, and when the inner tank is in the fixed drainage position, the drainage port rotates to just below the axis of the inner tank.
The catchment tank includes a recessed tank below the drainage port, and the rear side wall of the recessed tank extends vertically upward to the rear side of the drainage port in order to guide the water flow flowing out from the drainage port to fall into the water collection tank. The washing machine according to claim 6 , wherein the washing machine is separated from the drain port by a certain distance. The washing according to claim 7 , wherein the water collecting tank is attached to an inner tank support member of a washing machine, or is integrally molded with the inner tank support member, and a valve core opening mechanism is attached to the water collecting tank. Machine .

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