A washing machine tub opening protection device and a washing machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing machine tub opening protection device and a washing machine. The washing machine tub opening protection device is used to open or close the tub opening of the washing machine and includes a plurality of opening and closing mechanisms. The opening and closing mechanism includes: a link structure that can be extended or folded by rotation, a protective layer connected to the link structure that can be extended or folded along with the movement of the link structure, and when the protective layer is extended, it closes the tub opening of the washing machine, and when the protective layer is folded, it opens the tub opening of the washing machine; a driving component connected to the link structure for driving the link structure to move. The present invention can improve the safety of the washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of washing machines, and particularly to a washing machine barrel opening protection device and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] During the operation of a pulsator washing machine, it is inevitable that the door cover is opened but not braked in time, which also poses certain safety hazards. For example, if a hand accidentally reaches into the barrel or an object falls into the barrel, it is very easy to cause danger.

[0003] Moreover, the traditional door cover is arranged on the body of the washing machine and cannot prevent the water in the barrel from splashing out. During the washing process, if water splashes out, it is easy to cause a short circuit when the water splashes onto the electrical components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a washing machine barrel opening protection device and a washing machine, which are at least used to solve the technical problem of poor protection effect of the washing machine barrel opening in the prior art. Specifically:

[0005] The present invention provides a washing machine barrel opening protection device for opening or closing the barrel opening of a washing machine, including a plurality of opening and closing mechanisms.

[0006] The opening and closing mechanism includes:

[0007] A link structure that can be extended or folded by rotation.

[0008] A protective layer connected to the link structure, which can be extended or folded along with the movement of the link structure, and when the protective layer is extended, it closes the barrel opening of the washing machine, and when the protective layer is folded, it opens the barrel opening of the washing machine.

[0009] A drive assembly connected to the link structure for driving the link structure to move.

[0010] Further optionally,

[0011] The link structure includes a main link and a sub-link. The first end of the main link is rotatably connected to the washing machine, the second end of the main link is rotatably connected to the first end of the sub-link, and the second end of the sub-link is a free end.

[0012] The protective layer is a fan-shaped structure, and the two straight sides of the protective layer are respectively connected to the main link and the sub-link.

[0013] Further optionally,

[0014] The drive assembly includes:

[0015] A rotating arm, which is rotatably connected to the washing machine. The rotating arm is connected to the main link through a push rod. At the same time, the rotating arm is also connected to the secondary link through a pulling rope, and the pulling rope bypasses the connection end of the main link and the secondary link;

[0016] A driving part, which is drivingly connected to the rotating arm and is used to drive the rotating arm to rotate clockwise or drive the rotating arm to rotate counterclockwise.

[0017] When the rotating arm rotates counterclockwise and / or clockwise, a plurality of the opening and closing mechanisms act synchronously.

[0018] Further optionally, the driving part includes a driving shaft, and the driving shaft is connected to the rotating arm through a driving rope for pulling the rotating arm to rotate counterclockwise;

[0019] The driving part further includes a torsion structure, which is connected to the rotating arm and is used to drive the rotating arm to rotate clockwise.

[0020] Further optionally, the driving shafts of a plurality of the opening and closing mechanisms are connected to the same driving motor through transmission parts, so that a plurality of the opening and closing mechanisms can act synchronously.

[0021] Further optionally, the middle part of the rotating arm is rotatably connected to the washing machine through a pin shaft.

[0022] The connection points of the driving rope and the pulling rope with the rotating arm are respectively located on both sides of the pin shaft.

[0023] Further optionally, the torsion structure is a torsion spring, and the torsion spring is sleeved on the pin shaft and is connected to the rotating arm.

[0024] Further optionally, the rotating arm is configured as a centrosymmetric structure with the connection position of the driving shaft as the center of symmetry.

[0025] Further optionally, the parts of the rotating arm on both sides of the center of symmetry are configured as arc-shaped structures, and the part between the pin shaft connection position and the pulling rope connection position bulges toward the side of the main link. Further optionally, a pulley is provided at the connection end of the main link and the secondary link, and the pulling rope bypasses the pulley and is connected to the rotating arm and the secondary link.

[0026] Further optionally, a slider is provided on the main link. One end of the push rod is rotatably connected to the rotating arm, and the other end of the push rod is rotatably connected to the slider.

[0027] Further optionally, magnets are provided on the main link and the secondary link.

[0028] When the opening and closing mechanism is folded, the main link and the sub-link of the same opening and closing mechanism are adsorbed together.

[0029] When the opening and closing mechanism is unfolded, the main link and the sub-link of adjacent opening and closing mechanisms are adsorbed together.

[0030] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a washing machine, including the above-mentioned washing machine barrel opening protection device.

[0031] Further optionally, the opening and closing mechanism is arranged on the substrate of the washing machine on the side of the barrel opening.

[0032] By providing a protection device at the opening of the washing machine barrel, an additional layer of protection is added to prevent washing water from splashing out or foreign objects from falling into the washing barrel during the operation of the washing machine, improving safety. Moreover, the structure of the washing machine barrel opening protection device of the present invention is simple, easy to set, and does not affect the appearance of the washing machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] By referring to the accompanying drawings and describing its exemplary embodiments in detail, the above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent. The following described drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0034] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing the closed state of the washing machine barrel opening protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the open state of the washing machine barrel opening protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the installation state of the rotating arm and the torsion structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 Schematic diagram showing the connection state of multiple driving shafts according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 Schematic diagram showing the unfolded state of the main link and the sub-link according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] In the figure:

[0040] 1. Driving shaft; 11. Transmission member; 2. Rotating arm; 21. Torsion structure; 3. Sub-link; 4. Driving rope; 5. Push rod; 6. Main link; 7. Pulling rope; 8. Protective layer; 9. Substrate; 10. Washing barrel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0041] 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. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0042] The terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular forms "a", "the", and "said" used in the embodiments of the present invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "Plural" generally includes at least two, but does not exclude the case of including at least one.

[0043] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used herein is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " herein generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0044] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising", "including", or any other variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a commodity or system including a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such a commodity or system. Without further limitations, the element defined by the statement "including one..." does not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the commodity or system including the said element.

[0045] By providing a protection device at the opening of the washing tub of the washing machine, the present invention provides an additional layer of protection for the washing machine, ensuring that the washing water in the tub will not splash out during washing and no foreign objects will fall into the tub, thereby improving the safety of the washing machine. Moreover, the protection device for the opening of the washing tub of the present invention has a simple structure and is arranged inside the washing machine without affecting the overall appearance of the machine. The following will introduce the present invention in detail with specific embodiments:

[0046] As Figure 1 、 Figure 2 shown, the present invention provides a protection device for the opening of a washing tub, including a plurality of opening and closing mechanisms. The plurality of opening and closing mechanisms act synchronously to close or open the opening of the washing tub. Preferably, the plurality of opening and closing mechanisms are evenly distributed along the circumference of the opening of the washing tub and jointly complete the closing or opening of the opening through synchronous action.

[0047] Specifically, the opening and closing mechanism includes:

[0048] The connecting rod structure includes a main connecting rod 6 and a secondary connecting rod 3. The first end of the main connecting rod 6 is rotatably connected to the washing machine, the second end of the main connecting rod 6 is rotatably connected to the first end of the secondary connecting rod 3, and the second end of the secondary connecting rod 3 is a free end. The secondary connecting rod 3 and the main connecting rod 6 can rotate relative to each other to overlap. And when the secondary connecting rod 3 and the main connecting rod 6 overlap, the secondary connecting rod 3 rotates with the main connecting rod 6 to the side of the barrel opening, or rotates and unfolds to form a certain angle between them. And when the secondary connecting rod 3 and the main connecting rod 6 unfold, the secondary connecting rod 3 rotates with the main connecting rod 6 to extend the secondary connecting rod 3 and the main connecting rod 6 above the barrel opening of the washing barrel 10;

[0049] As Figure 1 、 Figure 5 shown, a protective layer 8 is provided between the main connecting rod 6 and the secondary connecting rod 3. The protective layer 8 folds or unfolds with the rotation of the main connecting rod 6 and the secondary connecting rod 3. When the main connecting rod 6 and the secondary connecting rod 3 overlap, the protective layer 8 folds. When the main connecting rod 6 and the secondary connecting rod 3 unfold, the protective layer 8 unfolds. In this embodiment, when the protective layer 8 unfolds, it closes the barrel opening, and when the protective layer 8 folds, the barrel opening is opened. Preferably, the protective layer 8 is made into a fan-shaped connecting structure. The two straight edges of the protective layer 8 are respectively connected to the main connecting rod 6 and the secondary connecting rod. The protective layer 8 is preferably made of nylon cloth or other soft materials. Further, the protective layer 8 can also be composed of a foldable display screen, such as a foldable LED display screen, which can display laundry parameters;

[0050] A rotating arm 2 is rotatably connected to the washing machine. The rotating arm 2 is connected to the main connecting rod 6 through a push rod 5. At the same time, the rotating arm 2 is also connected to the secondary connecting rod 3 through a pulling rope 7. The pulling rope 7 bypasses the connecting end of the main connecting rod 6 and the secondary connecting rod 3 and is connected to the secondary connecting rod 3. The pulling rope 7 can be connected to any position of the secondary connecting rod 3 as needed. For example, it can be connected to the free end of the secondary connecting rod 3 or any position between the two ends of the secondary connecting rod 3. When the rotating arm 2 rotates, it drives the main connecting rod 6 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise through the push rod 5. At the same time, when the rotating arm 2 rotates clockwise, it can pull the secondary connecting rod 3 to rotate relative to the main connecting rod 6 through the pulling rope 7, so that it separates from the main connecting rod 6 and the two unfold;

[0051] A driving part is drivingly connected to the rotating arm 2 and is used to drive the rotating arm 2 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0052] In this embodiment, the driving part includes a driving shaft 1, preferably a worm. The driving shaft 1 is connected to the rotating arm 2 through a driving rope 4 and is used to pull the rotating arm 2 to rotate counterclockwise. When the driving shaft 1 rotates, the driving rope 4 is wound around the driving shaft 1, thereby pulling the rotating arm 2 to rotate counterclockwise.

[0053] As Figure 3As shown, the driving part also includes a torsion structure 21, which is connected to the rotating arm 2 and is used to drive the rotating arm 2 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. Preferably, the torsion structure 21 is an elastic structure. When the driving rope 4 pulls the rotating arm 2 to rotate, the torsion structure 21 undergoes elastic deformation. When the tension of the pulling rope 7 is removed, the torsion structure 21 restores its deformation and drives the rotating arm 2 to rotate in the opposite direction, that is, clockwise.

[0054] The middle part of the rotating arm 2 is rotatably connected to the washing machine through a pin, and the connection points of the driving rope 4 and the pulling rope 7 with the rotating arm 2 are respectively connected to the two sides of the pin, that is, the driving rope 4 and the pulling rope 7 are respectively connected to the two ends of the rotating arm 2. Preferably, the torsion structure 21 is a torsion spring, which is mounted on the pin, and the two ends of the torsion spring are against or connected to the rotating arm 2.

[0055] Preferably, the rotating arm 2 is constructed as a central symmetrical structure with the pin connection position as the symmetry center. Furthermore, the parts of the rotating arm 2 located on both sides of the symmetry center are constructed as arc structures, and the parts located at the pin connection position and the connection position of the pull rope 7 protrude toward the side close to the main connecting rod 6, the main connecting rod 6 is tangent to and in contact with this part, and the connection position of the pull rope 7 is tilted toward the side away from the main connecting rod 6 and extends a certain distance, so that when the rotating arm 2 rotates, the pull rope 7 can have a larger stroke.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the driving shafts 1 of the multiple opening and closing mechanisms are connected to the same driving motor through the transmission member 11, so that the multiple opening and closing mechanisms can act synchronously. For example, the multiple driving shafts 1 can be connected through a transmission member such as a belt, and driven by the same driving motor, so that the multiple rotating shafts rotate synchronously, thereby realizing the synchronous action of multiple opening and closing structures. Preferably, the multiple driving shafts 1 are evenly distributed on the same circumference, and the center of the circle is located on the axis of the washing tub 10. Further, the rotating shafts of the multiple rotating arms 2 are evenly distributed on the same circle, and the center of the circle is located on the axis of the barrel mouth of the washing tub 10; similarly, the connection points of the multiple main connecting rods 6 are evenly distributed on the same circle, and the center of the circle is located on the axis of the washing tub 10.

[0057] Preferably, a pulley is provided at the connecting end of the main connecting rod 6 and the secondary connecting rod 3, and the pulling rope 7 passes around the pulley and is connected to the rotating arm 2 and the secondary connecting rod 3. When the secondary connecting rod 3 is moved by pulling the pulling rope 7, the pulling rope 7 drives the pulley to rotate, thereby reducing the friction of the pulling rope 7.

[0058] A slider is provided on the main connecting rod 6, and the slider can slide along the main connecting rod 6. One end of the push rod 5 is rotatably connected to the rotating arm 2, and the other end of the push rod 5 is rotatably connected to the slider. When the rotating arm 2 rotates, the push rod 5 pulls or pushes the connecting rod to rotate.

[0059] Preferably, in this embodiment, magnets are provided on the main link 6 and the secondary link 3, such as magnetic blocks. When the opening and closing mechanism is folded, the main link 6 and the secondary link 3 of the same opening and closing mechanism are attracted to each other; when the opening and closing mechanism is unfolded, the main link 6 and the secondary link 3 of adjacent opening and closing mechanisms are attracted to each other. The setting of the magnets enables the opening and closing mechanism to be more stable and reliable in both the folded and unfolded states, and no relative rotation occurs between the main link 6 and the secondary link 3.

[0060] In this embodiment, the operation process of the opening and closing mechanism is as follows:

[0061] When the washing machine stops working, the drive shaft 1 rotates clockwise, driving the drive rope 4 to contract, causing the rotating arm 2 to rotate, and then driving the main link 6 to rotate counterclockwise to open the washing machine barrel opening, as Figure 2 shown. The operation principle is as shown in Figure 4. There are a total of 6 drive shafts 1 (i.e., six opening and closing mechanisms) in the figure. The drive shafts 1 are connected by a transmission belt, and the transmission belt is in a tightened state at the drive shaft 1 to ensure the tightening effect. Since the rotating arm 2 is connected to the secondary link 3 through the pulling rope 7, when the main link 6 and the rotating arm 2 rotate counterclockwise simultaneously, the tension of the pulling rope 7 begins to weaken. At the same time, adjacent opening and closing mechanisms are in the same motion state, and the main link 6 pushes the adjacent secondary link 3 to achieve the contraction of the two protective arms. The protective layer 8 folds and contracts. This state is the power source energized state, and the door of the washing machine is opened, allowing operations such as clothing loading.

[0062] As shown in Figure 1, during the operation of the washing machine, the drive shaft 1 rotates counterclockwise. Since the rotating arm 2 is provided with a torsion structure 21 (spring) inside, under the action of the elastic force, the drive push rod 5 drives the main link 6 to rotate clockwise. The rotating arm 2 is tangent to the main link 6 throughout the entire movement process, so there is still a certain thrust to enable the main link 6 to rotate clockwise. The rotating arm 2 and the secondary link 3 are connected by the pulling rope 7. During the movement process, the distance between the connection end of the pulling rope 7 on the rotating arm 2 and the pulley gradually increases, and the pulling rope 7 is stretched, causing the secondary link 3 and the main link 6 to separate, thereby driving the protective layer 8 to open and play a protective role. Magnets are provided at the edges of the main link 6 and the secondary link 3, and they will attract each other after the movement is completed to ensure their stability and prevent loosening and falling off. This state is the power source de-energized state, and the door of the washing machine is closed, ensuring personal safety under normal conditions.

[0063] The present invention also provides a washing machine, including the above-mentioned washing machine barrel opening protection device. The opening and closing mechanism is provided on the substrate 9 of the washing machine on the barrel opening side. Preferably, the connection ends of the drive shaft 1, the rotating arm 2, and the main link 6 with the substrate 9 are located on the lower side or the inner side of the substrate 9, so that when the protection device is opened, it is in a hidden state and will not affect the appearance of the washing machine.

[0064] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been specifically shown and described above. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the detailed structures, arrangements, or implementation methods described herein; rather, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine tub opening protection device for opening or closing the tub opening of a washing machine, characterized in that: It includes multiple opening and closing mechanisms. The opening and closing mechanism includes: A link structure that can be extended or folded by rotation. A protective layer connected to the link structure, which can be extended or folded along with the movement of the link structure, and closes the opening of the washing machine tub when the protective layer is extended, and opens the opening of the washing machine tub when the protective layer is folded. A driving component connected to the link structure for driving the movement of the link structure.

2. The washing machine tub opening protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The link structure includes a main link and a sub-link. The first end of the main link is rotatably connected to the washing machine, the second end of the main link is rotatably connected to the first end of the sub-link, and the second end of the sub-link is a free end. The protective layer is a sector structure, and the two straight edges of the protective layer are respectively connected to the main link and the sub-link.

3. The washing machine tub opening protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The driving component includes: A rotating arm rotatably connected to the washing machine. The rotating arm is connected to the main link through a push rod. At the same time, the rotating arm is also connected to the sub-link through a pulling rope, and the pulling rope bypasses the connection end of the main link and the sub-link. A driving part drivingly connected to the rotating arm for driving the rotating arm to rotate clockwise or driving the rotating arm to rotate counterclockwise. When the rotating arm rotates counterclockwise and / or clockwise, multiple opening and closing mechanisms act synchronously.

4. The washing machine tub opening protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The driving part includes a driving shaft connected to the rotating arm through a driving rope for pulling the rotating arm to rotate counterclockwise. The driving part further includes a torsion structure connected to the rotating arm for driving the rotating arm to rotate clockwise.

5. The washing machine tub opening protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The driving shafts of multiple opening and closing mechanisms are connected to the same driving motor through a transmission member, so that multiple opening and closing mechanisms can act synchronously.

6. The washing machine tub opening protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The middle part of the rotating arm is rotatably connected to the washing machine through a pin shaft. The connection points of the driving rope and the pulling rope with the rotating arm are respectively located on both sides of the pin shaft.

7. The washing machine tub opening protection device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The torsion structure is a torsion spring, and the torsion spring is sleeved on the pin shaft and connected to the rotating arm.

8. The washing machine tub opening protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The rotating arm is constructed as a centrosymmetric structure with the connection position of the pin shaft as the center of symmetry.

9. The washing machine tub opening protection device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The parts of the rotating arm on both sides of the center of symmetry are constructed as arc structures, and the part between the connection position of the pin shaft and the connection position of the pulling rope protrudes towards the side of the main link.

10. The washing machine tub opening protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A pulley is provided at the connection end of the main link and the sub-link, and the pulling rope bypasses the pulley and is connected to the rotating arm and the sub-link.

11. The washing machine tub opening protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A slider is provided on the main link. One end of the push rod is rotatably connected to the rotating arm, and the other end of the push rod is rotatably connected to the slider.

12. The washing machine tub opening protection device according to any one of claims 2 - 11, characterized in that: Magnets are provided on the main link and the sub-link. When the opening and closing mechanism is folded, the main link and the sub-link of the same opening and closing mechanism are adsorbed together. When the opening and closing mechanism is unfolded, the main link and the sub-link of adjacent opening and closing mechanisms are adsorbed together.

13. A washing machine, characterized in that: It includes the washing machine tub opening protection device according to any one of claims 1-12.

14. The washing machine according to claim 13, characterized in that: The opening and closing mechanism is arranged on the substrate of the washing machine on the side of the tub opening.

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