A balance ring mounting structure, an inner tub having the structure, and a washing machine

Abstract

The present invention discloses a balancing ring mounting structure, an inner tub and a washing machine having the structure, which includes a balancing ring and a tub body. The balancing ring is mounted at the upper opening of the tub body. A circle of inwardly protruding supporting portions is provided on the peripheral wall of the upper end of the tub body. A lapping portion that lapped on the supporting portions is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the balancing ring. A sealing member is clamped between the supporting portion and the lapping portion. The tub body and the balancing ring are rotationally riveted. A circle of concave groove structures stamped from the outside to the inside is provided on the peripheral wall of the upper end of the tub body, with the opening facing the outside of the tub body peripheral wall, and the bottom of the groove protruding towards the inside of the tub body. The supporting portion is located above the concave groove structure. A water outlet is provided below the supporting portion in the inner tub of the washing machine according to the present invention. During dehydration, the water in the tub climbs upward under the action of centrifugal force and is guided to the outside of the tub through the water outlet. In the washing machine according to the present invention, a sealed connection is provided between the inner tub and the balancing ring to prevent water from splashing between the inner tub and the balancing ring, causing potential safety hazards. The present invention has the characteristics of simple structure, good sealing effect of the inner tub and fast dehydration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of washing machines, specifically to the inner tub of a washing machine, and particularly to a balance ring mounting structure and an inner tub and a washing machine having the structure. Background Art

[0002] Existing pulsator washing machines, such as Figure 1 shown, generally include a pulsator 1', an inner tub 2', an outer tub 3' and a housing 4' arranged in sequence from inside to outside. Among them, the pulsator 1' is arranged at the center of the bottom of the inner tub 2' and can be driven to rotate by a driving device 5'. A balance ring 6' is arranged on the top of the inner tub 2'. Multiple rows of dewatering holes 21' are longitudinally arranged on the side wall of the inner tub 2'. A water discharge hole 22' is arranged at the bottom of the inner tub 2', and the output shaft 51' of the driving device 5' also passes through the water discharge hole 22'.

[0003] When the washing machine starts to work, the drain valve 8' is closed, and water is fed into the inner tub 2'. When the water fills the inner tub 2', it also fills the entire outer tub 3' through the dewatering holes 21' on the side wall of the inner tub 2'. That is, there is water between the bottom of the outer tub 3' and the bottom of the inner tub 2', and between the side wall of the outer tub 3' and the side wall of the inner tub 2'. After reaching the set water level, the water inlet stops, and the washing machine starts to wash. Specifically, the driving device 5' drives the pulsator 1' to rotate reciprocally. Driven by the rotation of the pulsator 1', the water and clothes in the inner tub 2' will tumble accordingly. The clothes rub against each other, and at the same time, the tumbling clothes rub repeatedly against the pulsator and the side wall of the inner tub to achieve the purpose of washing. After washing, the washing machine needs to drain the water in the tub and then dehydrate the clothes. Specifically, when draining water, the drain valve 8' is opened, and the water between the outer tub 3' and the inner tub 2' is discharged from the drain port 7' at the bottom of the outer tub 3', the drain valve 8', and the drain pipe 9' outside the housing 4' in sequence. At the same time, the water in the inner tub 2' is discharged from the dewatering holes 21' to keep the liquid level consistent with the outer tub 3'. Finally, the water in the inner tub 2' flows downward and flows into the outer tub 3' from the water discharge hole 22' at the bottom of the inner tub 2', and then is discharged from the drain port 7' at the bottom of the outer tub 3'. When dehydrating, the driving device 5' drives the inner tub 2' to rotate at a high speed. Under the action of centrifugal force, the water in the clothes is discharged from the dewatering holes 21' on the side wall of the inner tub 2' and the water discharge hole 22' at the bottom to the outer tub 3', and then is discharged outside the washing machine through the drain port 7' and the drain pipe 9'.

[0004] Since in existing pulsator washing machines, when washing clothes, water needs to fill between the side walls of the inner tub and the outer tub, and this part of the water between the inner and outer tubs does not participate in washing. The water that really participates in washing is only the part in the inner tub, which results in a large waste of water resources. In addition, too much water between the inner and outer tubs will also reduce the concentration of detergent / laundry powder in the washing liquid.

[0005] Many manufacturers have made improvements to the above defects and introduced a water-saving washing machine. That is, there are no drain holes on the barrel wall of the inner barrel for water throwing. All the water used for washing and rinsing is concentrated in the non-perforated inner barrel, making it both a water-containing washing barrel and a centrifugal dewatering barrel (also known as a non-perforated inner barrel). The outer barrel of the non-perforated water-saving washing machine is actually just a channel for collecting the water thrown out by the non-perforated inner barrel during dehydration. During drainage, by increasing the rotation speed of the inner barrel to utilize centrifugal force, the water in the barrel rises along the inner barrel wall and is discharged from the drainage hole below the balance ring at the upper part of the inner barrel; or there is a controllable opening and closing drainage port at the lower part of the inner barrel, and most of the water is discharged from this drainage port. During centrifugal dewatering, the non-perforated inner barrel rotates at a high speed, and the remaining water in the clothes rises along the barrel wall of the non-perforated inner barrel under the action of centrifugal force and is thrown into the outer barrel through the drainage hole and discharged through the drainage port at the bottom of the outer barrel and the drainage pipe. Since the water in the "interlayer" between the inner and outer barrels of the traditional washing machine is saved, the water-saving effect can reach more than 50% on average.

[0006] However, most of these water-saving washing machines have the drainage holes at the upper part of the inner barrel on the inner barrel wall. Due to the small number of drainage holes, otherwise, the strength of the inner barrel will become poor, the total area of the drainage holes is small, and the drainage volume is limited. During dehydration, the centrifugal force generated by the high-speed rotation makes most of the water exceed the height where the drainage holes are located, and finally this part of the water falls and remains in the inner barrel, resulting in a large amount of residual water in the clothes and a very poor dehydration effect. Some manufacturers have made some improvements, such as the structure of the inner barrel and drainage holes of a water-saving washing machine disclosed in Chinese patents with application numbers CN200820003576.3 and CN201020691475.7.

[0007] Although the above structure utilizes the balance ring to cooperate with the inner barrel to form a new drainage structure, enabling the rising water to be directly discharged, during the dehydration process, the inner barrel rotates at a high speed, and the clothes in the inner barrel are dehydrated and climb upward along the barrel wall, and will splash out from the installation gap between the balance ring and the inner barrel, splashing to the outside of the outer barrel, causing potential safety hazards. This is because:

[0008] First, the sealing effect between the inner barrel body of the existing washing machine and the balance ring is not good.

[0009] The sealing solution depends on the dimensional fit accuracy between the barrel body and the balance ring. However, in actual production, due to the existence of tolerances and the relatively large water pressure thrown out during high-speed dehydration, the water pressure directly acts between the barrel body and the balance ring, and there will still be water leakage.

[0010] One reason is that it is difficult to achieve the target dimensions in dimensional fit;

[0011] The second reason is that the balance ring screws are fastened within the connection area. Since the material thickness of the inner barrel body is relatively thin, during fastening, the barrel body will inevitably deform, thus destroying the regular shape of the mating surface and resulting in a poor sealing effect.

[0012] 2. Water leakage is prone to occur at the screws that fix the barrel body and the balance ring.

[0013] Since the screws fixing the barrel body and the balance ring are fastened within the connection area, the screws are still in an area that can be reached by water. Even if sealing measures are set for the screws themselves, due to the existence of tolerances and the high pressure of water thrown out during high-speed dehydration, water leakage will still occur at the screws during dehydration.

[0014] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the invention

[0015] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a balancing ring installation structure that can overcome the above problems.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inner barrel equipped with the above-mentioned balance ring structure.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine equipped with the above-mentioned inner drum.

[0018] In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a balance ring installation structure, including a balance ring and a barrel body, the balance ring is installed at the upper opening of the barrel body, the upper end peripheral wall of the barrel body is provided with a circle of inwardly protruding supporting parts, the outer peripheral wall of the balance ring is provided with an overlapping part overlapping the supporting part, a sealing part is clamped between the supporting part and the overlapping part, and the barrel body and the balance ring are rotatably riveted.

[0019] Among them, the upper end peripheral wall of the barrel body is provided with a circle of concave groove structure punched from the outside to the inside, with the opening facing the outside of the barrel body peripheral wall, the groove bottom protruding toward the inside of the barrel body, and the support part is located above the concave groove structure.

[0020] Furthermore, the support portion and the concave groove structure are an integrated structure, and the upper side wall of the concave groove structure constitutes the support portion.

[0021] Furthermore, a water outlet is provided on the peripheral wall of the upper end of the barrel body, and the water outlet is located below the concave groove structure.

[0022] In one embodiment, the support portion and the overlapping portion are overlapped at an angle, and the support surface of the support portion supporting the overlapping portion is inclined from top to bottom from outside the barrel body to inside.

[0023] In one embodiment, the support portion and the overlapping portion are overlapped with each other, and a support surface of the support portion supporting the overlapping portion is arranged parallel to the radial direction of the barrel body.

[0024] In addition, the barrel body extends from the supporting portion to the upper end to form a connecting portion that matches the outer peripheral wall above the lap portion of the balance ring, and the connecting portion is riveted to the outer peripheral wall of the balance ring;

[0025] In one embodiment, an annular boss is provided on the outer peripheral wall above the lap portion of the balance ring, and the connecting portion is spin riveted to the annular boss;

[0026] In another embodiment, at least one circle of sealing units is further provided between the connecting portion and the annular boss.

[0027] Meanwhile, the outer peripheral wall of the balance ring connected to the barrel body forms a stepped structure along the axial direction, including at least three steps. The outer diameters of the first step, the second step, and the third step increase in sequence. Among them, the position where the first step extends to the second step constitutes a lap portion. The second step above the lap portion is sleeved by the peripheral wall of the upper part of the barrel body support portion. The third step constitutes a circular boss structure on the outer peripheral wall of the balance ring. The inner wall of the upper end of the barrel body is rotationally riveted in cooperation with the outer surface of the third step;

[0028] In one embodiment, the minimum inner diameter of the support portion is greater than the outer diameter of the first step and less than the outer diameter of the second step;

[0029] In another embodiment, a sealing unit is provided between the inner wall of the upper end of the barrel body and the upper surface and / or the lower surface of the third step.

[0030] A washing machine inner barrel, which is a water storage barrel during washing, has the balance ring installation structure described above. An outlet is provided below the support portion. During dehydration, the water in the barrel climbs upward under the action of centrifugal force and is directly or indirectly guided out of the barrel through this outlet.

[0031] A washing machine includes a housing and has the inner barrel of the washing machine described above. A water receiving device for receiving water is provided outside the inner barrel. During dehydration, the water led out from the outlet of the inner barrel is collected by the water receiving device and then discharged from the washing machine.

[0032] After adopting the above technical solutions, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0033] 1. The present invention provides a concave groove structure on the upper side of the outlet, which avoids the water thrown out during dehydration from entering the gap between the balance ring and the barrel body when the inner barrel rotates at a high speed. The water thrown out during dehydration is blocked at the lower part of the concave groove structure, so that the water is directly discharged from the outlet;

[0034] 2. The barrel body is provided with an inclined sealing fit structure, and the balance ring is provided with stepped installation seals, realizing that the seals are tightened more and more tightly as they are pressed down. During assembly, the balance ring drives the seals to be assembled downward with the barrel body. Due to the existence of the inclined structure of the barrel body, the more downward it is pressed, the tighter the sealing fit is and the better the sealing effect is;

[0035] 3. The barrel wall and the balance ring are connected by multiple steps and the inclined barrel wall, and the concave groove structure protruding towards the inner wall of the barrel enhances the stress-bearing capacity of the barrel wall, enabling the barrel wall to withstand stronger forces during dehydration operations, thereby improving the stiffness of the inner barrel and the dehydration performance;

[0036] 4. Set up a rotary riveting structure, cancel the fastening screws between the balance ring and the barrel body. During rotary riveting, with the rotary riveting equipment, riveting can be carried out according to the actual size of the balance ring, thus eliminating the deviation caused by the dimensional tolerance of the balance ring.

[0037] 5. The riveting structure between the barrel body and the balance ring is provided with a sealing unit, which further enhances the sealing effect.

[0038] The following further describes in detail the specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0039] The accompanying drawings, as part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments and descriptions thereof of the present invention are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only some embodiments, and those of ordinary skill in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0040] In the accompanying drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a prior art washing machine;

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the inner barrel of the present invention with a balance ring mounting structure;

[0043] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a partial enlarged schematic diagram of part A in

[0044] Figure 4 is a partial schematic diagram of another embodiment of the balance ring mounting structure of the present invention.

[0045] The markings in the drawings of the present invention: 1. Balance ring; 101. First step; 102. Second step; 103. Third step; 2. Barrel body; 3. Support part; 4. Lapping part; 5. Sealing member; 6. Concave groove structure; 7. Water outlet; 8. Connecting part; 9. Annular boss; 10. Sealing unit.

[0046] It should be noted that these drawings and text descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept of the present invention in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Specific Embodiments

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0049] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0050] In the prior art, when a pulsator washing machine washes clothes, the side walls between the inner tub and the outer tub need to be filled with water, and this part of the water between the inner and outer tubs does not participate in the washing. Only the water in the inner tub really participates in the washing, which results in a large waste of water resources. In addition, too much water between the inner and outer tubs will also reduce the concentration of detergent / laundry powder in the washing liquid. Many manufacturers have made improvements to the above defects and launched a water-saving washing machine, that is, there are no drain holes for water throwing on the barrel wall of the inner tub, and the washing and rinsing water is all concentrated in the non-porous inner tub, making it both a water-containing washing tub and a centrifugal dewatering tub (also called a non-porous inner tub). The outer tub of the non-porous water-saving washing machine is actually just a water-receiving device that undertakes to collect the water thrown out by the non-porous inner tub during dehydration. When draining, the rotation speed of the inner tub is increased, and under the action of centrifugal force, the water in the tub rises along the inner tub wall and is discharged from the water outlet below the balance ring at the upper part of the inner tub; or there is a controllable opening and closing drain port at the lower part of the inner tub, and most of the water is discharged from this drain port; during dehydration, the non-porous inner tub rotates at a high speed, and the remaining water in the clothes rises along the barrel wall of the non-porous inner tub under the action of centrifugal force and is thrown out through the water outlet to the external outer tub, and is discharged through the drain port at the bottom of the outer tub and the drain pipe. Since the water in the "interlayer" between the inner and outer tubs of the traditional washing machine is saved, the water-saving effect can reach more than 50% on average.

[0051] However, most of the water outlets at the upper part of the inner tub of this water-saving washing machine are provided on the inner tub wall. Since the number of water outlets is small, otherwise, the strength of the inner tub becomes poor, the total area of the water outlets is small, and the drainage volume is limited. During dehydration, the centrifugal force generated by the high-speed rotation makes most of the water exceed the height of the water outlet, and finally this part of the water falls and remains in the inner tub, resulting in a large amount of residual water in the clothes and a very poor dehydration effect. In view of the above technical problems, the present invention proposes the following technical solutions.

[0052] As Figures 2 to 4As described above, the balance ring mounting structure of the present invention includes a balance ring 1 and a barrel 2. The balance ring 1 is installed at the upper opening of the barrel 2. A support portion 3 protruding inward is provided on the peripheral wall of the upper end of the barrel 2. A lapping portion 4 that laps on the support portion 3 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the balance ring 1. A seal 5 is clamped between the support portion 3 and the lapping portion 4. The barrel 2 and the balance ring 1 are rotationally riveted. By clamping the seal 5 between the inner barrel and the balance ring 1 through the support portion 3, and squeezing the support portion 3 through the lapping portion 4 to achieve the sealing between the balance ring 1 and the inner barrel, it avoids the problem that water flows back into the inner barrel from the gap between the balance ring 1 and the inner barrel, resulting in excessive residual water in the clothes and thus poor dehydration effect. The seal 5 can be a sealing ring, such as a rubber sealing ring, or a sealing structure such as sealant. When installing the balance ring, the balance ring 1 presses down the seal 5 onto the barrel 2 for assembly. The more it is pressed down, the tighter the sealing fit between the lapping portion 4 and the support portion 3, and the better the sealing effect of the seal 5.

[0053] Furthermore, the present invention provides an inner barrel of a washing machine, which has the balance ring mounting structure described above. Specifically, a water outlet 7 is provided below the support portion 3. During dehydration, the water in the barrel climbs upward under the centrifugal force and is directly or indirectly led out of the barrel through the water outlet 7. The support portion 3 effectively ensures that during dehydration, the water flows out through the water outlet 7 and will not climb upward into the gap between the balance ring 1 and the barrel 2 above the support portion, resulting in excessive residual water in the clothes and thus poor dehydration effect. With the design structure of the cooperation between the support portion and the water outlet provided in the inner barrel of the present invention, the water thrown out at a relatively high speed during dehydration can be blocked by the support portion of the present invention and directly discharged through the water outlet, so that the thrown-out water cannot reach the joint of the barrel and the balance ring, achieving sealing at a high speed stage.

[0054] Even further, a washing machine includes a housing and has the inner barrel of the washing machine described above. A water receiving device (not shown in the figure) for receiving water is provided outside the inner barrel. During dehydration, the water led out from the water outlet 7 of the inner barrel is collected by the water receiving device and then discharged from the washing machine.

[0055] The described water receiving device is connected to the housing of the washing machine through a vibration damping unit (not shown in the figure). The water receiving device supports the inner barrel, which not only enables the inner barrel to be rotatably arranged in the housing, but also can collect the washing water discharged from the inner barrel and discharge it to the outside of the washing machine through a drainage unit communicated with the water receiving device. The vibration damping unit can adopt the hanging rod vibration damping structure of an existing pulsator washing machine, or a damping vibration damping structure that supports upward under the water receiving device, or a combination of the above.

[0056] The water receiving device is in a barrel shape, a disc shape, or is composed of a support plate supporting below the inner barrel and an annular rib provided above the support plate; it can also adopt the outer barrel of an existing washing machine or a groove structure lower than the upper edge of the inner barrel.

[0057] During dehydration, the water in the inner tub can be directly thrown out from the water outlet into the water receiving device, or a downward water guiding pipe can be provided on the inner peripheral wall of the inner tub, including the inside or outside of the inner peripheral wall, and the water guiding pipe communicates with the water outlet to guide the water downward into the water receiving device.

[0058] Embodiment 1

[0059] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, a balance ring mounting structure described in this embodiment includes a balance ring 1 and a tub 2. The balance ring 1 is mounted at the upper opening of the tub 2. A ring of inwardly protruding supporting portions 3 is provided on the upper peripheral wall of the tub 2. A lapping portion 4 that laps on the supporting portion 3 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the balance ring 1. A sealing member 5 is clamped between the supporting portion 3 and the lapping portion 4. The peripheral wall of the tub 2 continues to extend upward from the supporting portion 3 and is rotationally riveted to the outer peripheral wall of the balance ring 1. Specifically, the lapping portion 4 is the connecting portion between the balance ring 1 and the sealing member 5. Among them, a ring of concave groove structure 6 that is stamped from the outside to the inside is provided on the upper peripheral wall of the tub 2, with the opening facing the outside of the peripheral wall of the tub 2, and the bottom of the groove protrudes toward the inside of the tub 2. The supporting portion 3 is located above the concave groove structure 6. The sealing member 5 is clamped between the inner tub and the balance ring 1 through the supporting portion 3, and the sealing between the balance ring 1 and the inner tub is realized through the lapping portion 4 formed by extrusion.

[0060] In the present invention, a concave groove structure 6 is configured on the upper peripheral wall of the tub 2, and a water outlet 7 is provided below the concave groove structure 6, so that the water flowing upward along the inner wall of the tub during the high-speed dehydration stage is blocked by the concave groove structure 6 at the lower part, and the water directly drains out from the water outlet 7, avoiding the water flowing upward into the joint between the balance ring 1 and the tub 2, minimizing the possibility of leakage to the greatest extent, and improving the sealing effect.

[0061] Embodiment 2

[0062] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, this embodiment is a further limitation of the above Embodiment 1. The supporting portion 3 and the concave groove structure 6 described in this embodiment are of an integral structure. Through the integral molding setting, the strength of the tub is enhanced, avoiding the assembly deformation of the balance ring and the tub due to insufficient stiffness of the tub during the dehydration operation, which affects the dehydration performance. At the same time, the upper side wall of the concave groove structure 6 constitutes the supporting portion 3. A water outlet 7 is provided on the upper peripheral wall of the tub 2, and the water outlet 7 is located below the concave groove structure 6. When the inner tub is dehydrating, the water extracted from the clothes flows upward along the tub wall. Part of the water flows out from the water outlet 7, and part of the water continues to flow upward to the concave groove structure and is blocked by the concave groove structure and directly flows out from the water outlet 7. That is to say, setting the water outlet 7 at the lower part of the concave groove structure can improve the dehydration efficiency and avoid the water flowing into the installation gap between the balance ring 1 and the tub 2 and then leaking to the outside of the water receiving device.

[0063] Embodiment 3

[0064] As Figure 3 shown, this embodiment is a further limitation of the above-mentioned Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, the support portion 3 and the overlapping portion 4 are obliquely overlapped. The support surface of the support portion 3 supporting the overlapping portion 4 is inclined from the outside of the barrel body 2 to the inside direction from top to bottom. It can be clearly seen from the attached Figure 3 figure that the part of the support portion 3 in contact with the seal 5 is inclined. This kind of setting enhances the force direction and state between the peripheral wall of the barrel body and the seal 5. Combined with the shape setting of the support portion 3, it enhances the strength of the barrel body and also enhances the sealing effect of the seal 5. The barrel body 2 is provided with an inclined sealing fit structure, and the balance ring 1 is provided with a stepped installation for the seal 5, realizing that the seal 5 is tightened more tightly as it is pressed down during assembly. During assembly, the balance ring 1 brings the seal 5 to be assembled onto the barrel body 2. Due to the existence of the inclined structure of the barrel body 2, the more it is pressed down, the tighter the sealing fit and the better the sealing effect. At the same time, this structure is easy to assemble, the precision requirement can be reduced, and it is more conducive to large-scale production.

[0065] Embodiment 4

[0066] As Figure 4 shown, this embodiment is a further limitation of the above-mentioned Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, the support portion 3 and the overlapping portion 4 are overlapped on a platform. The support surface of the support portion 3 supporting the overlapping portion 4 is arranged parallel to the radial direction of the barrel body 2. It can be seen from the attached Figure 4 figure that the part of the support portion 3 in contact with the seal 5 is parallel and integrated with the concave groove structure. The characteristic of this kind of setting is that it occupies less space. The balance ring 1 exerts a vertically downward pressure on the seal 5, and the support portion with platform overlap forms a water-blocking structure, making the sealing effect better.

[0067] Embodiment 5

[0068] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, this embodiment is a further limitation of any one of the above-mentioned Embodiments 1 to 4. In this embodiment, the barrel body 2 extends upward from the support portion 3 to form a connecting portion 8 that cooperates with the outer peripheral wall above the overlapping portion 4 of the balance ring 1, and is riveted to the outer peripheral wall of the balance ring 1 through the connecting portion 8.

[0069] Embodiment 6

[0070] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, this embodiment is a further limitation of the above-mentioned Embodiment 5. In this embodiment, an annular boss 9 is provided on the outer peripheral wall above the overlapping portion 4 of the balance ring, and the connecting portion 8 is riveted to the annular boss 9. The present invention provides a rotary riveting structure and cancels the fastening screws between the balance ring and the barrel body. During riveting, through the riveting equipment, riveting can be carried out according to the actual size of the balance ring, thereby eliminating the deviation caused by the dimensional tolerance of the balance ring.

[0071] Example VII

[0072] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, this example is a further limitation of the above Example VI. In this example, a sealing unit 10 is provided on the upper or lower surface of the annular boss 9 of the balance ring. The sealing unit 10 can be a sealing groove or a sealing ring, and one or more sealing grooves or sealing rings can be provided. They can be provided separately or in combination.

[0073] Example VIII

[0074] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, this example is a further limitation of any one of the above Examples I to VII. In this example, a stepped structure is formed along the axial direction on the outer peripheral wall where the balance ring 1 is connected to the barrel body 2, including at least three steps. The outer diameters of the first step 101, the second step 102, and the third step 103 increase in sequence. Among them, the position where the first step 101 extends to the second step 102 constitutes an overlapping portion 4. The second step 102 above the overlapping portion 4 is sleeved by the peripheral wall of the upper part of the supporting portion 3 of the barrel body 2. The third step 103 constitutes a convex platform structure on the outer peripheral wall of the balance ring 1. The inner wall at the upper end of the barrel body 2 is rotationally riveted with the outer surface of the third step 103. The setting of multiple steps makes the connection strength between the balance ring 1 and the barrel body 2 higher. At the same time, different directions of forces are generated on the seal 5 through multiple steps, enhancing the sealing effect. Generally speaking, the barrel body 2 and the balance ring 1 are connected through multiple steps and the inclined barrel wall, enhancing the stress-bearing capacity of the peripheral wall of the barrel body, enabling the barrel body to withstand stronger forces during the dehydration operation, improving the stiffness of the inner barrel, and thus improving the dehydration performance.

[0075] Example IX

[0076] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, this example is a further limitation of the above Example VIII. In this example, the minimum inner diameter of the supporting portion 3 is greater than the outer diameter of the first step 101 and less than the outer diameter of the second step 102. The inner diameter size of the supporting portion 3 is matched with the structures of the first step 101 and the second step 102, ensuring that the side of the supporting portion 3 close to the concave groove structure is placed between the first step 101 and the second step 102, thereby realizing the extrusion of the seal 5, enabling sealing between the balance ring 1 and the inner wall of the barrel body 2. At the same time, the barrel body 2 is provided with an inclined sealing fit structure, and the balance ring 1 is provided with steps to install the seal 5, realizing that the seal 5 is tightened more and more as it is pressed down during assembly. During assembly, the balance ring 1 presses the seal 5 downward for assembly with the barrel body 2. Due to the existence of the inclined structure of the barrel body 2, the tighter the seal fit is as it is pressed down, and the better the sealing effect is.

[0077] Preferably, in order to improve the sealing effect, a sealing unit 10 is further provided between the inner wall of the upper end of the barrel body 2 and the upper surface and / or the lower surface of the third step 103. The sealing unit 10 can be a sealing groove or a sealing ring, and one or more sealing grooves or sealing rings can be provided. They can be provided separately or in combination.

[0078] Embodiment Ten

[0079] As Figure 2 shown, this embodiment is a further limitation of any of the above-mentioned Embodiments 1 to 9. The inner barrel of the washing machine in this embodiment is a water storage barrel during washing and has the above-mentioned balance ring installation structure. A water outlet 7 is provided below the support portion 3. During dehydration, the water in the barrel climbs upward under the action of centrifugal force and is drained out of the barrel through the water outlet 7.

[0080] Embodiment Eleven

[0081] This embodiment is a further limitation of any of the above-mentioned Embodiments 1 to 10. The washing machine (not shown in the figure) in this embodiment includes a housing and has the inner barrel of the washing machine as described above. A water receiving device for receiving water is provided outside the inner barrel. During dehydration, the water drained from the water outlet of the inner barrel is collected by the water receiving device and then discharged from the washing machine.

[0082] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not impose any form of limitation on the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art of this patent can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments by using the technical content prompted above within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, as long as the content does not depart from the technical solution of the present invention, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A balancing ring mounting structure, comprising a balancing ring (1) and a barrel body (2), the balancing ring (1) is mounted at the upper opening of the barrel body (2), and is characterized in that: A support portion (3) protruding inwardly is provided on the peripheral wall at the upper end of the barrel body (2). A lapping portion (4) lapping on the support portion (3) is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the balance ring (1). A seal (5) is clamped between the support portion (3) and the lapping portion (4). The barrel body (2) and the balance ring (1) are rotationally riveted; The outer peripheral wall of the balance ring (1) connected to the barrel body (2) forms a stepped structure along the axial direction, including at least three steps. The outer diameters of the first step (101), the second step (102), and the third step (103) increase in sequence. Among them, the position where the first step (101) extends toward the second step (102) constitutes the lapping portion (4). The second step (102) above the lapping portion (4) is sleeved by the peripheral wall of the upper part of the support portion (3) of the barrel body (2). The third step (103) constitutes a circular boss structure on the outer peripheral wall of the balance ring (1). The inner wall at the upper end of the barrel body (2) is rotationally riveted in cooperation with the outer surface of the third step (103); The minimum inner diameter of the support portion (3) is greater than the outer diameter of the first step (101) and less than the outer diameter of the second step (102). The inner diameter dimension of the support portion (3) matches the structures of the first step (101) and the second step (102). The support portion (3) and the lapping portion (4) are obliquely lapped. The support surface of the support portion (3) supporting the lapping portion (4) is inclined from the outside to the inside of the barrel body (2) from top to bottom. The portion of the support portion (3) in contact with the seal (5) is an inclined support surface.

2. The balance ring mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A concave groove structure (6) stamped from the outside to the inside is provided on the peripheral wall at the upper end of the barrel body (2). The opening faces the outside of the peripheral wall of the barrel body (2). The bottom of the groove protrudes toward the inside of the barrel body (2). The support portion (3) is located above the concave groove structure (6).

3. The balance ring mounting structure according to claim 2, wherein: The support portion (3) and the concave groove structure (6) are of an integral structure. The upper side wall of the concave groove structure (6) constitutes the support portion (3).

4. The balance ring mounting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A water outlet (7) is provided on the peripheral wall at the upper end of the barrel body (2). The water outlet (7) is located below the concave groove structure (6).

5. The balance ring mounting structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: A water outlet (7) is provided on the peripheral wall at the upper end of the barrel body (2). The water outlet (7) is located below the concave groove structure (6).

6. The balance ring mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein: The barrel body (2) extends upward from the support portion (3) to form a connecting portion (8) that cooperates with the outer peripheral wall above the lapping portion (4) of the balance ring (1). The connecting portion (8) is rotationally riveted to the outer peripheral wall of the balance ring (1).

7. The balance ring mounting structure according to claim 6, wherein: An annular boss (9) is provided on the outer peripheral wall above the lapping portion (4) of the balance ring (1). The connecting portion (8) is rotationally riveted to the annular boss (9).

8. The balance ring mounting structure according to claim 7, wherein: At least one circle of seal units (10) is provided between the connecting portion (8) and the annular boss (9).

9. The balance ring mounting structure according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: Seal units (10) are provided between the inner wall at the upper end of the barrel body (2) and the upper surface and / or the lower surface of the third step (103).

10. An inner tub of a washing machine, which serves as a water storage tub during washing, is characterized in that: With the balance ring installation structure as described in any one of claims 1-9, a water outlet (7) is provided below the support portion (3). During dehydration, the water in the barrel climbs upward under the centrifugal force and is directly or indirectly drained out of the barrel through the water outlet (7).

11. A washing machine, comprising a housing, characterized in that: The washing machine inner tub has the structure as described in claim 10, and a water receiving device for receiving water is provided outside the inner tub. During dehydration, the water discharged from the water outlet (7) of the inner tub is collected by the water receiving device and then discharged from the washing machine.

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