A washing machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing machine, which includes an inner tub capable of independently containing washing water during the washing process. It is characterized in that a bottom protrusion protruding towards the inside of the inner tub is hermetically assembled or integrally formed on the inner surface of the bottom of the inner tub. A drain opening is provided at the bottom of the inner tub. The washing machine further includes a drain sealing device, which includes a sealing mechanism capable of plugging and sealing the drain opening and a driving mechanism for driving the sealing mechanism to open / close the drain opening. In the inner tub of the washing machine of the present invention, a bottom protrusion protruding towards the inside of the inner tub is hermetically assembled or integrally formed on the inner surface of the bottom of the inner tub, the agitator is cancelled, the problem that dirt is easily hidden between the agitator and the bottom of the tub is solved, and the water flow and the laundry are driven to move by the bottom protrusion to achieve washing / rinsing, ensuring the laundry effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of self - cleaning washing machines, and particularly to a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] Existing washing machines, such as Figure 1 As shown, the structure of a washing machine generally includes two parts: an inner tub and an outer tub 1. The inner tub and the outer tub 1 are interconnected. The inner tub is provided with dehydration holes for dehydration, and the outer tub 1 is closed to form a water storage tub. In this way, when the washing machine is working, the area between the inner tub and the outer tub 1 is filled with water. During the long - term use and operation of the washing machine, the area between the inner tub and the outer tub 1 will be covered with dirt and lint carried in the water. Long - term use will generate bacteria and odors, which have a greater impact on both the washing effect and the user experience.

[0003] In addition, for existing fully - automatic pulsator washing machines, the pulsator 3 and the bottom of the tub 4 are driven by different drive shafts, and the pulsator 3 can rotate relative to the bottom of the tub 4. Therefore, there is a gap between the pulsator 3 and the bottom of the tub 4. Coupled with the fact that there are generally many reinforcing ribs at the bottom of the pulsator 3, as the washing machine is used for a longer time, it is also easy to have problems of dirt accumulation between the pulsator 3 and the bottom of the tub 4.

[0004] To solve the problem of water filling between the inner tub and the outer tub causing pollution to the inner tub and the outer tub, there is a new type of washing machine that can seal the area between the inner tub and the outer tub to eliminate pollution problems. Known solutions include designing the inner tub as a non - perforated inner tub, thus isolating the inner tub from the outer tub. The inner tub acts as a water storage tub. At the same time, to achieve drainage of the inner tub, an external sealing structure is used to top on the drainage port of the inner tub to achieve the sealing of the inner tub. Although the non - perforated inner tub can solve the problem of dirt between the inner tub and the outer tub, it cannot solve the problem of dirt between the pulsator and the bottom of the inner tub.

[0005] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to solve the problem of dirt accumulation between the pulsator of a fully - automatic pulsator washing machine and the bottom of the inner tub. Further, in combination with the self - cleaning solution of the non - perforated inner tub, the overall self - cleaning of the washing machine is realized, and dead corners of dirt accumulation are eliminated.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is specifically proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To solve the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide an inner tub of a washing machine. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted:

[0008] A washing machine, comprising an inner tub that can independently hold washing water during the washing process, characterized in that a bottom protrusion protruding towards the inside of the inner tub is hermetically assembled or integrally formed on the inner surface of the bottom of the inner tub, a drain opening is provided at the bottom of the inner tub, and the washing machine further comprises a drain sealing device, which includes a sealing mechanism that can block and seal the drain opening and a driving mechanism that drives the sealing mechanism to open / close the drain opening.

[0009] Furthermore, the sealing mechanism includes a plugging component and a supporting component. The supporting component is fixedly installed at the bottom of the inner tub and extends to the drain opening. The plugging component is slidably installed on the supporting component:

[0010] During washing or rinsing, the plugging component is in sealing cooperation with the drain opening, and the inner tub independently holds washing water; during draining, the driving mechanism drives the plugging component to open the drain opening, and the washing water in the inner tub is discharged from the drain opening.

[0011] Furthermore, the supporting component includes a fixing part and a sleeving part. The fixing part is fixedly installed at the bottom of the inner tub and extends to the drain opening where it is fixedly connected to the sleeving part. The sleeving part has a hollow slideway; the plugging component includes a sealing part and a connecting part. The connecting part is slidably arranged in the hollow slideway of the sleeving part to achieve the sealing and separation of the sealing part from the drain opening.

[0012] Furthermore, a smooth structure for the smooth sliding of lint during draining is provided at a part of the end of the fixing part connected to the sleeving part and located inside the drain opening;

[0013] Preferably, the smooth structure is a saddle-shaped structure with high ends and a low middle;

[0014] More preferably, the upper surface of the smooth structure is an arc surface that curves downward.

[0015] Furthermore, the sleeving part is a hollow sleeve, the bottom surface of the plugging component has an annular sealing part that cooperates with the drain opening, and the connecting part is a central rod arranged at the center position of the annular sealing part. The central rod is inserted into the sleeve and can slide relatively;

[0016] Preferably, the plugging component further includes a sealing gasket, and the sealing gasket is arranged on the annular sealing part.

[0017] Furthermore, the sealing mechanism includes an elastic component. One end of the elastic component abuts against the supporting component, and the other end abuts against the plugging component. The elastic component deforms when the plugging component slides to a state of separation from the drain opening to achieve the elastic reset sealing of the plugging component;

[0018] Preferably, the elastic component is in a compressed state in its initial state to maintain the sealing cooperation between the plugging component and the drain opening.

[0019] Further, the elastic member is a compression spring. A fixing buckle is installed at the end of the central rod of the plugging member. The upper end of the sleeving portion has a limiting step extending a certain distance towards the inside of the hollow slideway. The compression spring is sleeved on the central rod, with one end abutting against the fixing buckle and the other end abutting against the limiting step.

[0020] Further, the washing machine includes a water collecting device arranged outside the inner tub. The driving mechanism is installed on the water collecting device corresponding to the sealing mechanism. The driving mechanism has an output end that can be telescoped up and down:

[0021] During washing or rinsing, the output end of the driving device retracts, and the sealing mechanism is in sealing cooperation with the drain opening. The inner tub independently holds the washing water. During drainage, the output end of the driving device extends to push open the sealing mechanism and separate it from the drain opening, the drain opening is opened, and the washing water in the inner tub flows out through the drain opening into the water collecting device and is discharged.

[0022] Further, it further includes a locking mechanism installed on the water collecting device. The locking mechanism has a locking rod that moves up and down. A locking hole for cooperating with the locking mechanism to lock the inner tub is provided on the outer wall of the bottom of the inner tub. After the locking rod moves upward and inserts into the locking hole to lock the inner tub, the output end of the driving device extends to push open the sealing mechanism for drainage.

[0023] Further, the drain opening is arranged at a position close to the edge on the bottom of the inner tub, and the drain opening is internally tangent to the circumferential outline of the bottom edge of the tub.

[0024] For the inner tub of the washing machine of the present invention, the closed design of the tub body enables the inner tub to independently hold the washing water during washing / rinsing, avoiding water accumulation between the inner tub and the outer tub, and solving the problem of dirt accumulation between the inner tub and the outer tub.

[0025] The inner tub of the washing machine of the present invention cancels the agitator that can rotate relative to the inner tub, and instead has a bottom protrusion protruding towards the inside of the inner tub and / or a tub body protrusion protruding towards the inside of the inner tub, which are hermetically assembled or integrally formed on the inner surface of the bottom of the tub and / or the inner surface of the tub body. During washing, the rotation of the inner tub drives the bottom protrusion and / or the tub body protrusion to drive the water flow and the clothes to move, realizing washing / rinsing.

[0026] The inner tub of the washing machine of the present invention cancels the agitator by hermetically assembling or integrally forming a bottom protrusion protruding towards the inside of the inner tub and / or a tub body protrusion protruding towards the inside of the inner tub on the inner surface of the bottom of the tub, solving the problem of easy dirt accumulation between the agitator and the bottom of the tub, and realizing washing / rinsing by driving the water flow and the clothes to move with the bottom protrusion and / or the tub body protrusion, ensuring the washing effect.

[0027] The drainage sealing device of the present invention is designed based on the structure of the inner tub itself. The plugging component of the sealing mechanism enables the inner tub to achieve self-sealing. When the washing machine is working, no water will accumulate between the inner tub and the outer tub, preventing contamination. At the same time, it is also an application of water-saving technology for users. In addition, after the inner tub is self-sealed through the sealing mechanism, the drive motor can drive the inner tub to rotate. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] Figure 1 Structural schematic diagram of an existing fully automatic pulsator washing machine;

[0029] Figure 2 Structural schematic diagram of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 Front view of the bottom structure of the inner tub of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 Top view of the bottom structure of the inner tub of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 Structural schematic diagram of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 In the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention Figure 5 Partial enlarged view (drainage port closed state);

[0034] Figure 7 In the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention Figure 5 Partial enlarged view (drainage port open state). Detailed Description of the Specific Embodiment

[0035] The following is a detailed description of a washing machine according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0036] Example 1

[0037] As Figures 2 - 4 shown, this embodiment provides an inner tub of a washing machine, including a bottom 4 and a tub body 2. The tub body 2 has a closed area, and the closed area and the bottom 4 together form a water storage chamber that can independently hold washing water. On the inner surface of the bottom 4, a bottom protrusion 8 protruding towards the inside of the inner tub is hermetically assembled or integrally formed, and / or on the inner surface of the tub body 2, a tub body protrusion 7 protruding towards the inside of the inner tub is hermetically assembled or integrally formed.

[0038] For the inner tub of the washing machine in this embodiment, the closed design of the tub body 2 enables the inner tub to independently hold washing water during washing / rinsing, avoiding water accumulation between the inner tub and the outer tub and solving the problem of dirt and scale accumulation between the inner tub and the outer tub.

[0039] In addition, the inner tub of the washing machine in this embodiment cancels the agitator that can rotate relative to the inner tub, and instead has a bottom protrusion 8 that is hermetically assembled or integrally formed on the inner surface of the bottom 4 and protrudes toward the inside of the inner tub, and / or a tub protrusion 7 that is hermetically assembled or integrally formed on the inner surface of the tub body 2 and protrudes toward the inside of the inner tub. During washing, the rotation of the inner tub drives the bottom protrusion 8 and / or the tub protrusion 7 to drive the water flow and the clothes to move, realizing washing / rinsing. The inner tub of the washing machine in this embodiment cancels the agitator by hermetically assembling or integrally forming a bottom protrusion 8 that protrudes toward the inside of the inner tub on the inner surface of the bottom 4, and / or a tub protrusion 7 that protrudes toward the inside of the inner tub on the inner surface of the tub body 2, solves the problem that dirt is easily hidden between the agitator and the bottom 4, and realizes washing / rinsing by driving the water flow and the clothes to move with the bottom protrusion 8 and / or the tub protrusion 7, ensuring the laundry effect.

[0040] The bottom protrusion 8 on the bottom 4 of this embodiment can be a separate component, but it needs to be in sealed contact with the bottom 4 to prevent washing water from entering between the two, or it can be integrally formed by the bottom 4.

[0041] Similarly, the tub protrusion 7 on the tub body 2 of this embodiment can be a separate component, but it needs to be in sealed contact with the tub body 2 to prevent washing water from entering between the two, or it can be integrally formed by the tub body 2.

[0042] The bottom protrusion 8 of this embodiment is mainly to realize the up-and-down tumbling of the washing water and drive the up-and-down movement of the clothes, and the tub protrusion 7 is mainly to realize the circumferential tumbling of the washing water and drive the circumferential movement of the clothes. The bottom protrusion 8 and the tub protrusion 7 of this embodiment can be set simultaneously or alternatively. Preferably, both the bottom protrusion 8 and the tub protrusion 7 are set in the inner tub of the washing machine in this embodiment to enrich the water flow and improve the washing effect.

[0043] As Figure 3 shown, the bottom protrusion 8 described in this embodiment is integrally formed on the inner surface of the bottom 4. The bottom protrusion 8 includes at least one. The bottom protrusion 8 includes an ascending section 12 that gradually rises from the edge of the bottom to the center and a descending section 11 that gradually decreases from the center of the bottom to the edge. The structure of the bottom protrusion 8 in this embodiment can cause the water flow to be stirred up and down during rotation, and in addition, can drive the clothes to rise along the ascending section 12 to the highest position and then fall along the descending section 11, thereby performing a certain degree of beating on the clothes and improving the clothes washing effect.

[0044] Preferably, the inner surface of the bottom of this embodiment has a plurality of bottom protrusions 8, and the plurality of bottom protrusions 8 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the bottom, further enhancing the stirring of the water flow and improving the washing effect on the clothes.

[0045] As shown Figure 4 In this embodiment, in order to achieve drainage of the non - perforated inner barrel, a plurality of drain openings 14 are provided at the lowest position on the bottom 4 of the barrel, and the plurality of drain openings 14 are all distributed inside the same circular ring 13.

[0046] In this embodiment, a plurality of drain openings 14 are designed on the bottom 4 of the barrel. The drain openings 14 can be designed to be very small, which has a certain lint filtering effect during drainage and can avoid lint blockage. And the plurality of drain openings 14 are all distributed inside the same circular ring 13, mainly to facilitate sealing of the drain openings 14.

[0047] Preferably, the drain openings 13 are provided at a position close to the edge on the bottom 4 of the barrel, and at least one drain opening 13 is inscribed in the circumcircle of the outer contour of the bottom 4 of the barrel, or the circular ring 13 is inscribed in the circumcircle of the outer contour of the bottom 4 of the barrel. In this way, it can be ensured that the drain openings 13 are at the lowest position on the bottom 4 of the barrel, draining all the water in the inner barrel of the washing machine and avoiding residual water.

[0048] As an implementation manner of this embodiment, the protruding part 7 of the barrel body in this embodiment is integrally formed from the inner surface of the barrel body 2, and the protruding part 7 of the barrel body is parallel to the central axis of the inner barrel. The protruding part 7 of the barrel body in this embodiment is integrally formed with the barrel body 2, avoiding gaps generated during their assembly, not needing to consider the sealing problem, the assembly is simpler, and the problem of dirt accumulation is completely eliminated.

[0049] Preferably, the inner surface of the barrel body 2 has a plurality of protruding parts 7 of the barrel body, and the plurality of protruding parts 7 of the barrel body are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the barrel body 2, further enhancing the stirring water flow and improving the washing effect on clothes.

[0050] The inner barrel of the washing machine in this embodiment rotates during both the washing and dehydration processes. Therefore, the position of the drain opening 13 in the inner barrel is uncertain as the inner barrel rotates. In order to ensure the accurate sealing and opening of the drain opening, a locking hole for cooperating with the locking mechanism to lock the inner barrel is provided on the outer wall of the bottom 4 of the barrel in this embodiment. In this way, the inner barrel is locked to a definite position through the cooperation of the locking mechanism and the locking hole, ensuring that all the drain openings 13 are in the same position to be opened.

[0051] The bottom 4 of the barrel in this embodiment and the barrel body 2 are made into a sealed structure through structural cooperation or integral molding.

[0052] In this embodiment, dehydration holes are provided in the upper part of the closed area of the barrel body 2, and the positions of the dehydration holes are higher than the highest water level that can hold water in the inner barrel. In this way, during washing / rinsing, the washing water is only inside the inner barrel. During dehydration, the inner barrel rotates at a high speed, and the water in the inner barrel rises along the barrel wall to the dehydration holes and is discharged under the action of centrifugal force.

[0053] Preferably, the dehydration holes are provided at the inner barrel opening. After a balance ring is installed on the inner barrel opening, the balance ring can hide the dehydration holes, realizing a non - perforated inner barrel structure in terms of appearance.

[0054] Preferably, the locking hole is a blind hole.

[0055] As Figure 2 shown, this embodiment also provides a washing machine with the above-mentioned inner tub of the washing machine, including a driving motor 6. The central axis of the inner tub is vertically arranged, the opening of the inner tub faces upward, and the output shaft 10 of the driving motor 6 is fixedly connected to the bottom 4 of the inner tub to directly drive the inner tub to rotate.

[0056] The washing machine of the present invention adopts the method of directly driving the inner tub to rotate by the driving motor 6, cancels the speed reducer, and the output shaft of the driving motor 6 is installed on the outer tub and can be cooperated with the outer tub through bearings.

[0057] The washing machine of this embodiment adopts a tubless inner tub. The inner tub can independently hold washing water during washing. Therefore, the outer tub of the existing fully automatic washing machine for holding water is no longer needed or the structure can be improved. The washing machine of this embodiment also includes a water collection device with an open water collection chamber. At least the bottom 4 of the inner tub is arranged in the water collection chamber for collecting the washing water discharged from the inner tub; the driving motor 6 is installed at the bottom of the water collection device, and the output shaft 10 of the driving motor 6 passes through the water collection device and is directly fixedly connected to the bottom 4 of the inner tub.

[0058] The main functions of the water collection device of this embodiment are as follows:

[0059] 1. Used to collect the water discharged from the inner tub and discharge it, including the water discharged from the drain port and the water discharged from the dehydration holes.

[0060] 2. Used for the installation of bottom structure parts such as the driving motor 6 and the drain valve.

[0061] 3. Used for the hoisting of the shock-absorbing suspension rods to realize the installation of the inner tub.

[0062] Therefore, the outer tub 1 of the existing washing machine can be selected as the water collection device of this embodiment.

[0063] The output shaft 10 of the driving motor 6 of this embodiment is fixedly connected to the bottom 4 of the inner tub through a fixing screw 9.

[0064] In order to enhance the connection strength between the output shaft 10 and the bottom 4 and prevent the rotational torque from being directly transmitted to the bottom 4 when the output shaft 10 rotates, causing the bottom 4 to deform, a bracket is fixedly installed below the bottom 4. Further, in order to prevent water leakage caused by the direct installation of the bracket and the bottom 4, the present invention changes the installation method of the bracket, cancels the fixed structure between the bracket and the bottom 4, and designs to extend the lower part of the barrel body 2 downward, protruding from the lower surface of the bottom 4, and the bracket is fixedly connected to the lower part of the barrel body 2 through a radially installed fixing screw 9, thereby fixing the bracket below the bottom 4.

[0065] In the washing machine of this embodiment, since the reduction clutch is cancelled, the drive motor needs to bear a large load torque. Therefore, a motor with a larger output torque is selected. As an implementation manner of this embodiment, the drive motor of this embodiment adopts a direct drive motor. Further, a direct drive variable frequency motor is adopted.

[0066] The washing machine of this embodiment further includes a drainage sealing device provided on the water collecting device. The drainage sealing device includes a sealing mechanism that can block and seal the drainage port and a driving mechanism that drives the sealing mechanism to open / close the drainage port.

[0067] The washing machine of this embodiment further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is provided on the water collecting device. The locking mechanism has a locking rod that moves up and down. The locking rod rises and inserts into the locking hole of the inner barrel to lock the inner barrel of the washing machine.

[0068] This embodiment also provides a control method for the washing machine. During the washing process, the washing machine controls the drive motor to drive the inner barrel to rotate forward and backward. During the dehydration process, the washing machine controls the drive motor to drive the inner barrel to rotate at a high speed in one direction for dehydration.

[0069] Further, during the washing process, the washing machine controls the inner barrel to rotate forward at a first acceleration for a first set time. After the forward rotation ends, it controls the inner barrel to rotate backward at a second acceleration for a second set time. After the backward rotation ends, it performs forward rotation again, and so on in a cycle;

[0070] Preferably, as the load of the washing machine increases / decreases, the one-way action time and stop time of the drive motor can be adjusted accordingly, and they have a positive correlation with the load of the washing machine;

[0071] Preferably, the one-way action time of the drive motor is 1.5 - 5S, and the one-way stop time of the drive motor is 1.5 - 5S;

[0072] More preferably, the one-way action time of the drive motor is 2 - 4S, and the one-way stop time of the drive motor is 2 - 4S.

[0073] When the washing action starts, the drive motor drives the inner barrel components to rotate forward at a large acceleration. The water flow and the laundry move up and down under the drive of the bottom protrusion 8 on the bottom 4 of the barrel, and move circumferentially under the drive of the barrel protrusion 7, so that the combination of the up and down movement and the circumferential movement forms a three-dimensional washing effect. After the forward action ends, when the forward speed of the inner barrel and the water flow is relatively low or stops, the reverse rotation starts. After the reverse action ends, when the reverse speed of the inner barrel and the water flow is relatively low or stops, the forward rotation starts, and so on in a cycle.

[0074] The inner barrel of the washing machine in this embodiment can also move in only one direction, either forward or backward.

[0075] Example 2

[0076] As shown Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 in the figure, a washing machine according to this embodiment includes an inner tub that can independently hold washing water during the washing process. A bottom protrusion 8 protruding towards the inside of the inner tub is hermetically assembled or integrally formed on the inner surface of the bottom 4 of the inner tub. A drain opening 14 is provided at the bottom 4 of the inner tub. The washing machine further includes a drain sealing device, and the drain sealing device includes a sealing mechanism that can block and seal the drain opening and a driving mechanism that drives the sealing mechanism to open / close the drain opening.

[0077] Furthermore, the sealing mechanism according to this embodiment includes a plugging component 24 and a supporting component 26. The supporting component 26 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the inner tub and extends to the drain opening. The plugging component 24 is slidably installed on the supporting component:

[0078] During washing or rinsing, the plugging component is in sealing cooperation with the drain opening, and the inner tub independently holds the washing water; during drainage, the driving mechanism drives the plugging component to open the drain opening, and the washing water in the inner tub is discharged through the drain opening.

[0079] The drain sealing device of this embodiment is designed based on the structure of the inner tub itself. The plugging component of the sealing mechanism can enable the inner tub to perform self-sealing. When the washing machine is working, no water will accumulate between the inner tub and the outer tub, preventing contamination. At the same time, it is also an application of a water-saving technology for users. In addition, after the inner tub is self-sealed through the sealing mechanism, the driving motor can drive the inner tub to rotate.

[0080] As an implementation manner of this embodiment, the supporting component 26 includes a fixing part and a sleeving part. The fixing part is fixedly installed at the bottom of the inner tub and extends to the drain opening to be fixedly connected to the sleeving part. The sleeving part has a hollow slideway; the plugging component 24 includes a sealing part and a connecting part. The connecting part is slidably arranged in the hollow slideway of the sleeving part to realize the sealing and separation of the sealing part from the drain opening.

[0081] Furthermore, a smooth structure for the smooth sliding of lint during drainage is provided at a part of the end of the fixing part connected to the sleeving part and located inside the drain opening.

[0082] Preferably, the smooth structure is a saddle-shaped structure with a middle lower than both ends.

[0083] More preferably, the upper surface of the smooth structure is an arc surface that bends downward.

[0084] Specifically, the set part is a sleeve with a hollow interior. The bottom surface of the plugging component 24 has an annular sealing part that matches the drain opening. The connecting part is a central rod arranged at the center position of the annular sealing part. The central rod is inserted into the sleeve and can slide relatively.

[0085] Preferably, the plugging component 24 further includes a sealing gasket 25, and the sealing gasket 25 is arranged on the annular sealing part.

[0086] In order to maintain the self-sealing of the plugging component 24 and the reset sealing after the drain opening is opened, the sealing mechanism includes an elastic component 27. One end of the elastic component 27 abuts against the supporting component 26, and the other end abuts against the plugging component 24. The elastic component 27 deforms when the plugging component 24 slides to a state separated from the drain opening, realizing the elastic reset sealing of the plugging component 24.

[0087] Preferably, the initial state of the elastic component 27 is in a compressed state to maintain the sealing fit between the plugging component 24 and the drain opening.

[0088] As an implementation manner of this embodiment, the elastic component 27 is a compression spring. The compression spring is sleeved in the hollow slideway of the set part. One end of the compression spring abuts against the set part, and the other end abuts against the plugging component 24.

[0089] Furthermore, a fixing buckle 28 is installed at the end of the central rod of the plugging component 24. The upper end of the set part 1 has a limiting step extending a certain distance towards the inside of the hollow slideway. The compression spring is sleeved on the central rod, with one end abutting against the fixing buckle 28 and the other end abutting against the limiting step.

[0090] The plugging component of this embodiment includes a top cover. The upper end surface of the top cover is an arc surface, and the lower end surface of the top cover has a sealing part that seals and cooperates with the drain opening.

[0091] Working principle of sealing: The compression spring is compressed. One end of the force acts on the supporting component 26, and the other end acts on the fixing buckle 28. The fixing buckle 28 is transmitted to the entire plugging component 24 through the central rod of the plugging component 24. The plugging component 24 compresses the drain opening at the bottom of the barrel under the action of the spring force, achieving a sealing effect. As Figure 6 shown.

[0092] Working principle of drainage: When preparing to drain water, the inner barrel passes through a locking mechanism to make the positions of the sealing structure and the driving mechanism coincide. At this time, the output end 29 of the driving mechanism pushes against the fixing buckle 28, driving the top cover to move upward. A gap is generated between the top cover and the drain opening, realizing drainage. At this time, the compression spring is also compressed to the limit position. After drainage is completed, the output end 29 of the driving mechanism retracts, and the top cover reseals the drain opening under the action of the spring force. As Figure 7 shown.

[0093] In the design of the drainage sealing device of this embodiment, both the inner barrel and the sealing gasket adopt a conical design. In this way, when clothes gather near the drainage port, under the impact of water flow and the action of the gravity of foreign objects themselves, it is more convenient for foreign objects to be discharged. It is also beneficial to prevent the accumulation of lint during long-term operation.

[0094] The sealed rubber gasket is fixed to the top of the entire sealing structure. Considering that when foreign objects are discharged closely along the bottom of the inner barrel, since the inner barrel is made of metal stainless steel, its frictional damping is less than the frictional resistance of rubber, which is more conducive to the discharge of foreign objects. It is also beneficial to prevent the accumulation of lint during long-term operation.

[0095] The support member 26 adopts a saddle-shaped structure to prevent the possibility of clamping foreign objects when foreign objects are discharged from the inner barrel and come into contact with the bracket. Assuming the bracket is a plane, the possibility of clamping foreign objects is greater. The semi-circular structure design reduces damping, and it is also beneficial to prevent the accumulation of lint during long-term operation.

[0096] The sleeve part of the support member 26 can be in an over-fit with the central rod of the plugging member 24, effectively preventing lint and foreign objects from entering the spring cavity and causing the spring to be clamped when it works.

[0097] Preferably, the driving mechanism can be a drain valve. The diameter of the top of the drain valve should be larger than the inner diameter of the inner cylinder of the fixing buckle 700 to ensure that the pushing force of the drain valve acts on the fixing buckle and prevent the pushing force from directly acting on the central rod of the plugging member 100, which may have a potential risk of falling off. Threaded fitting fixation or elastic snap fixation can also be used here.

[0098] The washing machine of this embodiment includes a water collecting device arranged outside the inner barrel. The drainage sealing device further includes a driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is installed on the water collecting device corresponding to the sealing mechanism. The driving mechanism has a telescopable output end 29:

[0099] During washing or rinsing, the output end of the driving mechanism retracts, and the sealing mechanism is in sealing cooperation with the channel drainage port, and the inner barrel independently holds the washing water; during drainage, the output end of the driving mechanism extends to push open the sealing mechanism and separate it from the channel drainage port, and the channel drainage port is opened for drainage.

[0100] The driving mechanism further includes a reciprocating member 30 that can reciprocate up and down and a power member 31 that drives the reciprocating member. The output end 29 is a push rod, and the push rod is connected to the reciprocating member.

[0101] Further, as Figure 5As shown, on the outer wall of the bottom of the inner barrel in this embodiment, a locking hole 16 is provided for cooperating with the locking mechanism 17 to lock the inner barrel. The washing machine further includes a locking mechanism installed on the water collecting device. The locking mechanism has a locking rod that moves up and down. After the locking rod moves upward and inserts into the locking hole to lock the inner barrel, the output end of the driving device extends out to push open the sealing mechanism for drainage.

[0102] The above embodiments can be tried alone or combined with each other to form more combined solutions.

[0103] The above are only the 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 the preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art of this patent, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, can make some changes or modifications using the technical content prompted above into equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes. However, as long as it does not depart from the content of 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's solution.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising an inner tub that can independently hold washing water during the washing process, characterized in that, The inner surface of the bottom of the inner tub is hermetically assembled or integrally formed with a bottom protrusion protruding towards the inside of the inner tub. A drain opening is provided at the bottom of the inner tub. The washing machine further includes a drain sealing device, which includes a sealing mechanism for sealing the drain opening and a driving mechanism for driving the sealing mechanism to open or close the drain opening. The bottom protrusion includes an ascending section that gradually rises from the edge of the bottom to the center and a descending section that gradually descends from the center of the bottom to the edge. A plurality of drain openings are provided, and the plurality of drain openings are all distributed inside the same circular ring. The circular ring is internally tangent to the circumferential outline of the bottom edge of the tub. The sealing mechanism includes a plugging component and a supporting component. The supporting component is fixedly installed at the bottom of the inner tub and extends to the drain opening. The plugging component is slidably installed on the supporting component. The supporting component includes a sleeve portion with a hollow slideway. The sleeve portion is a sleeve with a hollow interior. The bottom surface of the plugging component has a circular ring sealing portion that matches the drain opening. The connecting portion of the plugging component is a central rod provided at the center position of the circular ring sealing portion. The central rod is inserted into the sleeve and can slide relative to it. A fixing buckle is installed at the end of the central rod. The upper end of the sleeve portion has a limiting step that extends a certain distance towards the inside of the hollow slideway. A compression spring is sleeved on the central rod. One end of the compression spring abuts against the fixing buckle, and the other end abuts against the limiting step. The sleeve portion and the central rod are in an interference fit.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, During washing or rinsing, the plugging component is in sealing cooperation with the drain opening, and the inner tub independently holds the washing water. During drainage, the driving mechanism drives the plugging component to open the drain opening, and the washing water in the inner tub is discharged from the drain opening.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The supporting component includes a fixing portion. The fixing portion is fixedly installed at the bottom of the inner tub and extends to the drain opening to be fixedly connected to the sleeve portion. The plugging component includes a sealing portion. The central rod is slidably arranged in the hollow slideway of the sleeve portion to achieve the sealing and separation of the sealing portion from the drain opening.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The part of the fixing portion connected to the sleeve portion and located inside the drain opening has a smooth structure for the smooth sliding of lint during drainage.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The smooth structure is a saddle-shaped structure with high ends and a low middle.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The upper surface of the smooth structure is an arc surface that bends downward.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plugging component further includes a sealing gasket, and the sealing gasket is arranged on the circular ring sealing portion.

8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The compression spring deforms when the plugging component slides to a state of separation from the drain opening, realizing the elastic reset sealing of the plugging component.

9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein, The initial state of the compression spring is in a compressed state to maintain the sealing cooperation between the plugging component and the drain opening.

10. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The washing machine includes a water collecting device arranged outside the inner tub. The driving mechanism is installed on the water collecting device corresponding to the sealing mechanism. The driving mechanism has an output end that can be telescoped up and down. During washing or rinsing, the output end of the driving mechanism retracts, and the sealing mechanism is in sealing cooperation with the drain opening. The inner tub independently holds the washing water. During drainage, the output end of the driving mechanism extends to push open the sealing mechanism and separate it from the drain opening. The drain opening is opened, and the washing water in the inner tub flows out into the water collecting device and is discharged.

11. The washing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, It further includes a locking mechanism installed on the water collecting device. The locking mechanism has a locking rod that moves up and down. A locking hole for cooperating with the locking mechanism to lock the inner barrel is provided on the outer wall of the bottom of the inner barrel. After the locking rod moves upward and inserts into the locking hole to lock the inner barrel, the output end of the driving mechanism extends out to push open the sealing mechanism for drainage.

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