Inner drum assembly for a washing machine and a drum washing machine

Abstract

The application provides an inner drum assembly for a washing machine and a drum-type washing machine. The inner drum assembly comprises an inner drum and a plurality of lifting ribs, each of the lifting ribs comprises a body and two filter assemblies, the body defines a receiving cavity inside, and the body has two working surfaces, each of the working surfaces is provided with a water inlet hole, and each of the filter assemblies is arranged in the receiving cavity; when the inner drum rotates, the filter assembly on one side of the working surface opens the corresponding water inlet hole, and the filter assembly on the other side of the working surface blocks the corresponding water inlet hole, so that the water in the inner drum flows into the receiving cavity through the opened water inlet hole, and is discharged back to the inner drum after being filtered by the filter assembly on the other working surface, so that impurities are retained in the receiving cavity. The application realizes automatic collection of impurities in the water in the receiving cavity by rotating the lifting ribs driven by the inner drum, improves the washing effect of the washing machine, and improves the user experience.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of washing machines, in particular to an inner drum assembly for a washing machine and a drum-type washing machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, washing machines are becoming more and more important in the field of household appliances. The washing machines on the market at present mainly include two forms of pulsator type and drum type, and drum washing machines are favored by users due to their structural advantages, such as the appearance of drum washing machines is beautiful, the structure is relatively more delicate and compact than that of pulsator washing machines, and the washing effect is also better than that of pulsator washing machines. However, there are also some defects, such as the effect of thread debris cleaning is not ideal.

[0003] At present, a filter device for collecting thread debris is installed in front of the drain valve on the ordinary drum-type washing machine to prevent thread debris from blocking the drain valve. Although this method has a certain function of collecting thread debris, it also has some disadvantages. First, the collection efficiency of thread debris generated during the washing and rinsing processes of the washing machine is not high; second, the user needs to manually clean the filter device regularly, which increases the workload of the user; finally, the contact area between the filter device and water is small during the drainage process, which also affects the efficiency of collecting thread debris. SUMMARY

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present application is proposed in order to provide an inner drum assembly for a washing machine and a drum-type washing machine which overcomes the above problems or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0005] A further object of the present application is to use the filter assembly and the impurity discharge assembly to complete the collection and discharge of impurities during the operation of the washing machine, thereby improving the washing effect of the washing machine.

[0006] Another further object of the present application is that the inner drum device can automatically complete the cleaning of impurities without user intervention, which greatly improves the user experience.

[0007] In particular, the present application provides an inner drum assembly for a washing machine, comprising an inner drum and a plurality of lifting ribs arranged on the inner wall of the inner drum, wherein each lifting rib comprises:

[0008] a body defining a receiving chamber inside, and the body has two oppositely arranged working surfaces, the two working surfaces together form a convex structure for lifting clothes, and each working surface is provided with a water inlet hole communicating with the receiving chamber; and

[0009] two filter assemblies, each of which is arranged in the storage chamber in a position corresponding to the water inlet hole on one of the working surfaces and is openable and closable, and when the inner cylinder rotates, the filter assembly on one of the working surfaces is opened by the thrust of the water flow, and the filter assembly on the other working surface blocks the corresponding water inlet hole, so that the water in the inner cylinder flows into the storage chamber through the opened water inlet hole and is discharged back to the inner cylinder after being filtered by the filter assembly on the other working surface, so that impurities are retained in the storage chamber.

[0010] Further, each of the filter assemblies comprises:

[0011] a filter shutter, which is pivotally connected to the inner side of the corresponding working surface and has a filter screen part opposite the water inlet hole of the working surface; and

[0012] a first reset member for providing the filter shutter with a first force for blocking the water inlet hole; and

[0013] the filter shutter is configured to rotate to the inside of the body against the first force under the thrust of the water flow to open the water inlet hole.

[0014] Further, the first reset member is a torsion spring sleeved on the pivot shaft of the filter shutter.

[0015] Further, the first reset member comprises two magnets cooperating with each other, one of which is arranged on the filter shutter and the other of which is arranged on the inner side of the working surface.

[0016] Further, the body has a mounting surface connected to the inner cylinder, and the mounting surface is provided with an impurity discharge outlet for discharging the impurities retained in the storage chamber, and

[0017] the lifting rib further comprises an impurity discharge assembly, which is arranged at the impurity discharge outlet in an openable and closable manner and is configured to open the impurity discharge outlet under the centrifugal force when the inner cylinder rotates.

[0018] Further, the impurity discharge assembly comprises:

[0019] a baffle, which is pivotally connected to the body and is used to close the impurity discharge outlet and open the impurity discharge outlet by rotating to the outside of the body under the centrifugal force when the inner cylinder rotates; and

[0020] a second reset member for providing the baffle with a second force for closing the impurity discharge outlet; and

[0021] The baffle is configured to rotate to the inside of the body against the second acting force under the action of centrifugal force when the inner cylinder rotates, so as to open the impurity discharge port.

[0022] Further, the second reset member is a torsion spring sleeved on the pivot shaft of the baffle.

[0023] Further, the installation surface is inclined towards the impurity discharge port, so that the impurities in the storage chamber are close to the impurity discharge port for easy discharge.

[0024] Further, the position on the inner cylinder connected with the installation surface has a drain hole for providing a required rotation space for the baffle to rotate, and discharging impurities through the drain hole when the baffle is opened.

[0025] In particular, the present application also provides a drum-type washing machine comprising the above-mentioned inner cylinder assembly.

[0026] The drum-type washing machine of the present application can collect impurities generated in the washing process into the storage chamber under the action of the filtering assembly, and open the impurity discharge assembly by using the centrifugal force generated in the rotation of the inner cylinder to discharge the impurities in the storage chamber, so as to improve the cleaning effect of the washing machine.

[0027] Further, the inner cylinder assembly of the present application can automatically collect and discharge impurities without user intervention, which improves the cleaning effect of the washing machine and greatly improves the user experience, and the inner cylinder assembly of the present application adopts a mechanical mechanism, which is simple and reliable.

[0028] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of some embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Some specific embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are shown by way of example and not limitation. The same reference numbers in the drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a drum-type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a sectional view at A-A in FIG. 2;

[0032] Figure 3 is Figure 1 is a sectional view at B-B in FIG. 2;

[0033] Figure 4 Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a drum-type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion C in Fig. 1;

[0034] Figure 5 Fig. 3 is a side view of a lifter according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 6 Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line D-D in Fig. 3; Figure 5

[0036] Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the lifter when the drum-type washing machine is collecting foreign substances; Figure 7

[0037] Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the lifter when the drum-type washing machine is discharging foreign substances; Figure 8

[0038] Fig. 7 is a sectional view of a lifter according to another embodiment of the present application; Figure 9 Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a lifter according to another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 10 Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a drum-type washing machine according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 9; Figures 1 to 3 Figure 1 Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 9. The drum-type washing machine 10 generally includes an outer tub 110 disposed inside the drum-type washing machine 10 by a suspension assembly, and the outer tub 110 is usually in a sealed structure for containing water. The drum-type washing machine 10 according to some embodiments of the present application further includes an inner tub assembly for a washing machine. Figure 2 Figure 1 The inner tub assembly includes an inner tub 100 and a plurality of lifters 200 disposed on an inner wall of the inner tub. The inner tub 100 is fitted inside the outer tub 110 for containing laundry, and the inner tub 100 has a plurality of dewatering holes (not shown) to allow water in the outer tub 110 to flow into the inner tub 100 through the dewatering holes to soak laundry in the inner tub 100, and water in the inner tub 100 to flow out to the outer tub 110 through the dewatering holes, and water on the laundry in the inner tub 100 to be discharged to the outer tub 110 through the dewatering holes upon high-speed rotation of the inner tub 100, to achieve the purposes of washing and dewatering the laundry. Figure 3 Figure 1

[0041] The inner tub assembly includes an inner tub 100 and a plurality of lifters 200 disposed on an inner wall of the inner tub. The inner tub 100 is fitted inside the outer tub 110 for containing laundry, and the inner tub 100 has a plurality of dewatering holes (not shown) to allow water in the outer tub 110 to flow into the inner tub 100 through the dewatering holes to soak laundry in the inner tub 100, and water in the inner tub 100 to flow out to the outer tub 110 through the dewatering holes, and water on the laundry in the inner tub 100 to be discharged to the outer tub 110 through the dewatering holes upon high-speed rotation of the inner tub 100, to achieve the purposes of washing and dewatering the laundry.

[0042] ​​​​A plurality of lifting ribs 200 are arranged inside the inner drum 100. In some embodiments of the present application, the plurality of lifting ribs 200 can be arranged on the inner side of the inner wall of the inner drum 100. During rotation of the inner drum 100, the plurality of lifting ribs 200 alternately contact the laundry and lift the laundry so that the laundry falls from a high place, forming a beating effect to achieve washing and rinsing of the laundry.

[0043] To more clearly express the structure and function of the lifting rib 200 in the embodiments of the present application, one of the lifting ribs 200 will be described below as an example.

[0044] Please refer to Figures 4 to 7 In some embodiments of the present application, the lifting rib 200 includes a body and two filter assemblies 220. The interior of the body defines a receiving chamber 212, and the body has two oppositely arranged working surfaces, which are referred to as a first working surface 214 and a second working surface 215 for ease of description. The first working surface 214 and the second working surface 215 together form a convex structure for lifting the laundry.

[0045] A water inlet hole 216 is formed on each working surface and communicates with the receiving chamber 212. That is, the first working surface 214 and the second working surface 215 each have a water inlet hole 216 that communicates with the receiving chamber 212. Water in the inner drum 100 can flow into the receiving chamber 212 along the water inlet hole 216.

[0046] Each filter assembly 220 is arranged in the receiving chamber 212 in an openable and closable manner at a position corresponding to the water inlet hole 216 on one working surface. When the inner drum 100 rotates, the filter assembly 220 on one side working surface is opened by the thrust of the water flow to open the corresponding water inlet hole 216, and the filter assembly 220 on the other side working surface blocks the corresponding water inlet hole 216. Thus, water in the inner drum 100 flows into the receiving chamber 212 through the opened water inlet hole 216 and is discharged back to the inner drum 100 after being filtered by the filter assembly 220 on the other working surface, so that impurities are retained in the receiving chamber 212.

[0047] In the laundry process, the impurities (lint, hair and other debris) adhered to the laundry float in the water, and the drum-type washing machine 10 can collect the impurities in the water in the present embodiment. The first working surface 214 and the second working surface 215 are respectively provided with a filter assembly 220 at the water inlet hole 216. When the inner drum 100 rotates clockwise, the water in the inner drum 100 flows through the first working surface 214, and the filter assembly 220 provided on the first working surface 214 is opened under the action of the water flow force to open the water inlet hole 216 on the first working surface 214. At this time, the water containing impurities enters the receiving chamber 212, and the filter assembly 220 provided on the second working surface 215 is located at the position of shielding the water inlet hole 216 on the second working surface 215. When the water containing impurities passes through the water inlet hole 216 on the second working surface 215, the impurities are filtered in the receiving chamber 212, achieving the purpose of collecting impurities. Conversely, when the inner drum 100 rotates counterclockwise, the same purpose of collecting impurities can be achieved.

[0048] Please refer to Figures 4 to 8 In some embodiments of the present application, each filter assembly 220 includes a filter shutter 222 and a first reset member 224. The filter shutter 222 is pivotally connected to the inner side of the corresponding working surface, and the filter shutter 222 has a filter screen part 225 opposite the water inlet hole 216 of the working surface. The first reset member 224 is used to provide the filter shutter 222 with a first force to shield the water inlet hole 216. And the filter shutter 222 is configured to rotate to the inside of the body under the action of the water flow force to overcome the first force to open the water inlet hole 216.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the filter shutter 222 is pivotally connected to the inner side of the first working surface 214 or the second working surface 215, and can rotate relative to the water inlet hole 216 to shield or open the water inlet hole 216. During the rotation of the inner drum 100, when the water in the inner drum 100 flows through the first working surface 214, the filter shutter 222 provided at the first working surface 214 is subjected to the water flow force, so that the filter shutter 222 rotates away from the water inlet hole 216. The water flow containing impurities will enter the receiving chamber 212, and at the same time, the filter shutter 222 on the second working surface 215 is located at the position of shielding the water inlet hole 216 on the second working surface 215. The filter screen part 225 of the filter shutter 222 can filter the water flow passing through the filter shutter 222, so that the impurities in the water are filtered in the receiving chamber 212.

[0050] Please refer to Figures 4 to 8In order to make the filter shutter 222 be in the position of shielding the water inlet hole 216 on the working surface to realize the filtering of impurities, the filter assembly 220 further comprises a first reset member 224 in the embodiment, the first reset member 224 provides the first working force for the filter shutter 222 to shield the water inlet hole 216. When the inner drum 100 rotates clockwise and the filter shutter 222 at the first working surface 214 is subjected to the water flow thrust force which can overcome the first working force provided by the first reset member 224, the filter shutter 222 will be opened, so that the water flow containing impurities enters the receiving chamber 212, and when the filter shutter 222 at the first working surface 214 is subjected to the water flow thrust force which is less than the first working force provided by the first reset member 224, the filter shutter 222 will be closed.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present application, the first reset member 224 is a torsion spring which is sleeved on the pivot shaft 226 of the filter shutter 222, and the elastic force of the torsion spring provides the first working force for the filter shutter 222. Based on this, those skilled in the art can select the torsion spring with appropriate specifications according to the actual working condition of the drum-type washing machine 10, so that when the filter shutter 222 is subjected to the water flow thrust force which is less than the first working force provided by the torsion spring, the filter shutter 222 can be in the position of shielding the water inlet hole 216, and when the filter shutter 222 is subjected to the water flow thrust force which is greater than the first working force provided by the torsion spring, the filter shutter 222 can be in the position of opening the water inlet hole 216.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 9 In some other embodiments of the present application, the first reset member 224 comprises two mutually cooperating magnets 227, one of which is arranged on the filter shutter 222, and the other of which is arranged on the inner side of the working surface. In the embodiment, the two magnets 227 with attractive force provide the working force for the filter shutter 222 to shield the water inlet hole 216.

[0053] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can also use other forms of first reset member 224 to provide the first working force for the filter shutter 222 to shield the water inlet hole 216 on the basis of the embodiments of the present application, which will not be described one by one here.

[0054] Please refer to Figures 4 to 9In some embodiments of the present application, the body has a mounting surface 218 connected to the inner tub 100, the mounting surface 218 can be arranged between the first working surface 214 and the second working surface 215, and the mounting surface 218 is in contact with the surface of the inner tub 100. The mounting surface 218 is provided with a dirt outlet 219 for discharging the dirt retained in the receiving chamber 212, and the lifting rib 200 further comprises a dirt discharging assembly arranged at the dirt outlet 219 in an openable and closable manner, and configured to open the dirt outlet 219 under the centrifugal force when the inner tub 100 rotates.

[0055] The dirt discharging assembly comprises a baffle 310 and a second restoring member 320. The baffle 310 is pivotally connected to the body for closing the dirt outlet 219, and is configured to rotate to the outside of the body to open the dirt outlet 219 under the centrifugal force when the inner tub 100 rotates.

[0056] The second restoring member 320 is configured to provide a second force for the baffle 310 to close the dirt outlet 219, and the baffle 310 is configured to rotate to the inside of the body to open the dirt outlet 219 under the centrifugal force when the inner tub 100 rotates, so as to overcome the second force.

[0057] In the embodiments of the present application, the baffle 310 is pivotally connected to the body at the dirt outlet 219, and can achieve the purpose of closing the dirt outlet 219. When the inner tub 100 rotates, the baffle 310 rotates away from the dirt outlet 219 under the centrifugal force to open the dirt outlet 219, so as to achieve the purpose of discharging dirt.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 4 Generally, the washing process of the drum-type washing machine 10 can be divided into a washing stage and a dehydration stage, and the rotation speed of the inner tub 100 in the washing stage is generally lower than that in the dehydration stage. In some embodiments of the present application, in order to improve the working efficiency of the filtering assembly, the dirt outlet 219 is maintained in a closed state when the drum-type washing machine 10 is in the washing stage. If the dirt outlet 219 is in an open state in the washing stage, the water entering the receiving chamber 212 will directly flow out from the dirt outlet 219 to the outer tub 110 without being filtered by the filtering assembly 220, and the part of the water will return to the inner tub 100 from the outer tub 110 through the dehydration hole, which will reduce the efficiency of the lifting rib 200 in collecting dirt. In order to solve the above problem, in the embodiments of the present application, the person skilled in the art can select a suitable specification of the second restoring member 320 according to the operating conditions (such as the rotation speed of the inner tub 100 in the washing stage) of the drum-type washing machine 10, so that the centrifugal force applied by the inner tub 100 to the baffle 310 in the washing stage is less than the second force provided by the second restoring member 320, and the baffle 310 is in a position of closing the dirt outlet 219.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present application, the second restoring member 320 is configured to provide a second force greater than the centrifugal force exerted by the inner drum 100 on the baffle 310 during the washing stage, and the second force provided by the second restoring member 320 is less than the centrifugal force exerted by the inner drum 100 on the baffle 310 during the spinning stage. That is, the baffle 310 is in a position closing the impurity discharge outlet 219 during the washing stage, and the baffle 310 is in a position opening the impurity discharge outlet 219 during the spinning stage, so that the impurities in the receiving chamber 212 are discharged during the spinning stage.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present application, the baffle 310 is of a split type, that is, the number of baffles 310 is two, and the two baffles 310 are respectively arranged on both sides of the impurity discharge outlet 219 and are simultaneously rotated to open or close the impurity discharge outlet 219.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 10 In some embodiments of the present application, the baffle 310 can also be provided as one, and one side of the baffle 310 is pivotally connected to the body at the impurity discharge outlet 219, and the baffle 310 is simultaneously rotated to open or close the impurity discharge outlet 219.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present application, the installation surface 218 is inclined toward the impurity discharge outlet 219, so that the impurities in the receiving chamber 212 are close to the impurity discharge outlet 219 to facilitate discharge.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present application, the position of the inner drum 100 connected to the installation surface 218 has a drain hole 410, which is used to provide a required rotating space for the baffle 310 to rotate, and the impurities are discharged through the drain hole 410 when the baffle 310 is opened. Finally, the impurities are discharged through the drain pipe 130 connected to the outer drum.

[0064] The working principle of the present application is that: when the water flow in the inner drum 100 of the drum-type washing machine 10 flows through the first working surface 214 during the washing process, the first working surface 214 is subjected to the water flow thrust and is opened under the action of the water flow thrust, the filter assembly 220 arranged at the first working surface 214, so that the water flow enters the receiving cavity 212 from the water inlet hole 216 on the first working surface 214, at this time, the filter assembly 220 on the second working surface 215 is in the position of shielding the water inlet hole 216 therefrom, when the water flow flows out of the receiving cavity 212 from the water inlet hole 216 on the second working surface 215, the filter screen part 225 on the filter assembly 220 therefrom filters the impurities in the water flow and retains them in the receiving cavity 212. During the dehydration process of the drum-type washing machine 10, with the rotation of the inner drum 100, the baffle 310 arranged at the impurity discharge outlet 219 is opened under the action of the centrifugal force, overcoming the action force of the second reset member 320, so that the impurities in the receiving cavity 212 are discharged from the impurity discharge outlet 219. Through the above two processes, the drum-type washing machine 10 automatically collects and discharges the impurities without the intervention of the user, which improves the user's experience.

[0065] At this point, those skilled in the art should recognize that although the present application has been shown and described in detail in the above embodiments, many other variations or modifications can be directly determined or deduced according to the disclosure of the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application, which conform to the principles of the present application. Therefore, the scope of the present application should be understood and recognized as covering all these other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. An inner drum assembly for a washing machine, comprising an inner drum and a plurality of lifting ribs provided on the inner drum, wherein each of the lifting ribs comprises: a body defining a receiving chamber inside, and having two oppositely arranged working surfaces which together form a convex structure for lifting laundry, each of the working surfaces being provided with a water inlet hole communicating with the receiving chamber; and two filter assemblies, each of which is provided in the receiving chamber in a position corresponding to the water inlet hole on one of the working surfaces and is openable and closable, and when the inner drum rotates, the filter assembly on one of the working surfaces is opened by the thrust of water flow through the water inlet hole, and the filter assembly on the other working surface blocks the water inlet hole, so that water in the inner drum flows into the receiving chamber through the opened water inlet hole, and is discharged back to the inner drum after being filtered by the filter assembly on the other working surface, so that impurities are retained in the receiving chamber; each of the filter assemblies comprises: a filter shutter pivotally connected to the inner side of the corresponding working surface and having a filter screen part opposite the water inlet hole of the working surface; and a first restoring member for providing the filter shutter with a first force for blocking the water inlet hole; and the filter shutter is configured to rotate to the inside of the body against the first force under the thrust of water flow to open the water inlet hole; the body has a mounting surface connected to the inner drum, the mounting surface being provided with an impurity discharge outlet for discharging impurities retained in the receiving chamber, and the lifting rib further comprises an impurity discharge assembly provided at the impurity discharge outlet in an openable and closable manner and configured to open the impurity discharge outlet under the action of centrifugal force when the inner drum rotates; the impurity discharge assembly comprises: a baffle pivotally connected to the body for closing the impurity discharge outlet and opening the impurity discharge outlet by rotating to the outside of the body under the action of centrifugal force when the inner drum rotates; and a second restoring member for providing the baffle with a second force for closing the impurity discharge outlet; and the baffle is configured to rotate to the inside of the body against the second force under the action of centrifugal force when the inner drum rotates to open the impurity discharge outlet; the second restoring member is a torsion spring sleeved on the pivot shaft of the baffle.

2. The inner drum assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first restoring member is a torsion spring sleeved on the pivot shaft of the filter shutter.

3. The inner drum assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first restoring member comprises two magnets cooperating with each other, one of the magnets being provided on the filter shutter and the other magnet being provided on the inner side of the working surface.

4. The inner drum assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mounting surface is inclined toward the impurity discharge outlet, so that impurities in the receiving chamber are close to the impurity discharge outlet for easy discharge.

5. The inner drum assembly according to claim 1, wherein The inner drum has a drain hole at a position connected to the installation surface, for providing a required rotation space for the rotation of the baffle, and discharging impurities through the drain hole when the baffle is opened.

6. A drum-type washing machine comprising the inner drum assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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