A washing machine

Abstract

This invention discloses a washing machine, comprising: a cabinet; a washing tub rotatably disposed within the cabinet; a water channel disposed on the washing tub for draining washing water from the washing tub; a drain pipe for draining washing water from the cabinet; and a rotary sealing structure disposed between the water channel and the drain pipe, having a connecting cavity that is sealed to both the water channel and the drain pipe. By providing the rotary sealing structure, which is sealed to both the drain pipe and the water channel, the washing water is directly discharged after passing through the water channel, the rotary sealing structure, and the drain pipe. This ensures that the washing water remains in the pipeline after exiting the washing tub until it is discharged, preventing contact between the washing water and the outside environment during discharge and preventing dust, impurities, etc., from entering the washing water. This achieves a tub-less washing machine, saving on the need for a drip tray structure, preventing overflow and splashing of washing water, increasing safety, and simplifying the structure while reducing manufacturing costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing machine technology, and specifically relates to a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] A washing machine is a device designed to wash clothes using electricity. Generally, a washing machine includes: an outer tub for holding washing water; an inner tub rotatably mounted inside the outer tub; a pulsator rotatably mounted at the bottom of the inner tub; and a motor and clutch configured to rotate the inner tub and the pulsator.

[0003] To increase the washing capacity of a washing machine, a larger inner tub is needed, which means increasing the height or diameter of the inner tub. The outer tub and the casing also need to be enlarged accordingly. However, the increase in the size of the casing, which corresponds to the appearance of the washing machine, is limited by the space in the area where the washing machine is installed. In most homes, the space available for a washing machine is limited, so increasing the casing to increase the washing tub capacity is not practical.

[0004] It is necessary to provide a washing machine with a small size and large capacity; and existing washing machines distribute water between the inner and outer tubs during washing, which results in a large water consumption and waste of water resources, as well as a large amount of detergent. Furthermore, dirt is easily retained between the inner and outer tubs, which can breed bacteria.

[0005] Currently, single-tub washing machines without an outer tub have emerged. In order to drain the washing machine, a water tray is installed under the washing tub. During the spin-drying process, water is thrown out of the water channel by the centrifugal force of the high-speed rotating tub, and then collected by the water tray before being discharged from the drain pipe. However, since the water tray is fixed and the washing tub is rotating, a gap must be left between the two. With the existence of the gap, dust and foreign objects will fall into the water tray, and there is also a risk of water splashing and overflowing from the water tray.

[0006] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this application, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this invention proposes a washing machine that, by setting a rotating sealing structure, connects the drain pipe and the water channel, allowing the washing water to be directly discharged after passing through the sealed water channel, the rotating sealing structure, and the drain pipe, thus avoiding overflow and splashing of the washing water and increasing safety.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0009] A washing machine, comprising:

[0010] Box;

[0011] A washing tub, which is rotatably housed within the box;

[0012] A waterway, which is provided on the washing tub, is used to drain the washing water from the washing tub;

[0013] A drain pipe is used to drain the washing water from the tank.

[0014] A rotary sealing structure is disposed between the waterway and the drain pipe, and has a connecting cavity that is sealed to both the waterway and the drain pipe.

[0015] Furthermore, the rotary sealing structure has a fixed part that is sealed to the drain pipe and a rotating part that is sealed to the waterway, with the fixed part and the rotating part being sealed together.

[0016] Furthermore, the connecting cavity has a first connecting cavity formed in the rotating part and a second connecting cavity formed in the fixed part, and the first connecting cavity and the second connecting cavity are connected to each other.

[0017] Furthermore, the water channel is located on the outside of the washing tub, and an outlet communicating with the water channel is provided on the side wall or bottom wall of the washing tub.

[0018] Furthermore, the water channel has an inner water channel fixed to the inner side of the tub wall of the washing tub and an outer water channel fixed to the outer side of the bottom wall of the washing tub.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a drive motor for driving the washing tub to rotate, wherein the rotating part is a rotating shaft connected to the washing tub, and the drive motor drives the rotating shaft to rotate.

[0020] Furthermore, the connecting cavity has a first connecting cavity that extends axially through the rotating part, and the first connecting cavity is coaxially arranged with the rotating part.

[0021] Furthermore, the rotating shaft is coaxially arranged with the washing tub.

[0022] Furthermore, the fixing part has an upper end shell sleeved on the outside of the rotating part, and the rotary sealing structure also includes a bearing and a positioning sleeve disposed between the rotating part and the fixing part, the positioning sleeve being used to define the bearing.

[0023] Furthermore, the fixing part also has a lower end shell fixed to the upper end shell, the lower end of the positioning sleeve is located on the lower end shell, and an annular sealing ring is provided between the rotating part, the positioning sleeve and the lower end shell.

[0024] Furthermore, the connecting cavity has a second connecting cavity formed on the lower end shell, and a clearance cavity is formed on the lower end shell to avoid the rotating part, the clearance cavity connecting the first connecting cavity and the second connecting cavity.

[0025] Furthermore, the first connecting cavity and the second connecting cavity are coaxially arranged.

[0026] Furthermore, the positioning sleeve is provided with an inwardly extending positioning edge, and the sealing ring is provided with a positioning platform that matches the positioning edge, with the positioning edge located on the positioning platform.

[0027] Furthermore, the sealing ring has a first sealing claw extending inward and upward along the positioning platform, the first sealing claw contacting the outer side of the rotating part.

[0028] Furthermore, the sealing ring is provided with a second sealing claw that extends inward and downward at an angle. The second sealing claw contacts the outer side of the rotating part and is located below the first sealing claw.

[0029] Furthermore, the sealing ring is provided with a third sealing claw located between the first sealing claw and the second sealing claw, the third sealing claw having an upper side and a lower side that are close to each other in the inward direction.

[0030] Furthermore, the sealing ring is provided with a fourth sealing claw for sealing the gap between the rotating part and the lower end shell.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: by setting a rotary sealing structure, which is sealed and connected to the drain pipe and water channel respectively, the washing water is directly discharged after passing through the water channel, the rotary sealing structure and the drain pipe. This ensures that the washing water remains in the pipeline after being discharged from the washing tub until it is discharged, avoiding contact between the washing water and the outside environment during the discharge process, and preventing dust, impurities and other contaminants from entering the washing water; it realizes a tub-less washing machine that saves the structure of the drip tray, avoids the overflow and splashing of washing water, and increases safety; and it also helps to simplify the structure and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0032] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first embodiment of a washing machine proposed in this invention;

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the rotating seal structure.

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram of the positioning sleeve;

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram of the central sealing ring;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second embodiment of a washing machine proposed in this invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a washing machine proposed in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, with the direction closer to the inner cylinder axis being "inner," and the opposite being "outer." These terms are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] See Figures 1-4 This is the first embodiment of a washing machine proposed in this invention. In this embodiment, the washing machine is a tubless washing machine, or a single-tub washing machine. The washing machine includes: a cabinet 10, a washing tub 20, a water channel 30, a rotary sealing structure 40, and a drain pipe 50. The washing tub 20 is rotatably disposed inside the cabinet 10 and is used to hold washing water. Clothes are also put into the washing tub 20. The water channel 30 is disposed on the washing tub 20 and is used to drain the washing water in the washing tub 10. When the washing water in the washing tub 20 needs to be drained, the washing water flows into the water channel 30. The drain pipe 50 is used to drain the washing water out of the cabinet 10. A drain pump 60 is provided on the drain pipe 50, and the drain pipe 50 is fixed to the cabinet 10. The rotary sealing structure 40 is disposed between the water channel 30 and the drain pipe 50 and has a connecting cavity 41 that is sealed to both the water channel 30 and the drain pipe 50.

[0044] In this embodiment, by setting a rotary sealing structure 40, which is sealed and connected to the drain pipe 50 and the water channel 30 respectively, the washing water is directly discharged after passing through the water channel 30, the connecting cavity 41 of the rotary sealing structure 40 and the drain pipe 50. This ensures that the washing water remains in the pipeline after being discharged from the washing tub until it is discharged, preventing the washing water from coming into contact with the outside world during the discharge process and preventing dust, impurities and other contaminants from entering the washing water. This also realizes the structure of the tubless washing machine, saving the water tray structure, avoiding the overflow and splashing of washing water, increasing safety, and facilitating structural simplification and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0045] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 As shown, the water channel 30 is fixed to the outside of the washing tub 20, and an outlet communicating with the water channel 30 is provided on the tub wall of the washing tub 20; through the high-speed rotation of the washing tub 20, the washing water in the washing tub 20 is thrown into the water channel 30 through the outlet. The water channel 30 has a first water channel section 31 provided on the outside of the side wall of the washing tub 20 and a second water channel section 32 provided on the outside of the bottom wall of the washing tub 20.

[0046] When the washing tub 20 rotates, the water channel 30 and the washing tub 20 rotate together, while the drain pipe 50 is fixedly installed with the housing 10. The rotating sealing structure 40 has a fixed part 42 that is sealed to the drain pipe 50 and a rotating part 43 that is sealed to the water channel 30. The rotating part 43 is sealed to the water channel 30 and rotates together with the washing tub 10. The connecting cavity 41 has a first connecting cavity 411 opened on the rotating part 43 and a second connecting cavity 412 opened on the fixed part 42. The first connecting cavity 411 and the second connecting cavity 412 are connected. The upper end of the first connecting cavity 411 is sealed to the water outlet end of the second water channel part 32 of the water channel 30, and the lower end of the second connecting cavity 412 is sealed to the water inlet end of the drain pipe 50. The fixed part 42 and the rotating part 43 are sealed together to ensure the seal between the first connecting cavity 411 and the second connecting cavity 412.

[0047] The rotating part 43 is a rotating shaft connected to the washing tub 20. Driven by the drive motor 70, the washing tub 20 rotates. In other words, the drive motor 70 applies torque to the rotating part 43. The rotating part 43 and the washing tub 20 are coaxially arranged. The first connecting cavity 411 axially penetrates the rotating part 43. The coaxial arrangement of the first connecting cavity 411 and the rotating part 43 ensures that the weight of the rotating part 43 is evenly distributed radially, whether there is water flow or not, preventing uneven rotation and ensuring stable rotation.

[0048] In other embodiments, the drive motor 70 can be configured to simultaneously drive the rotating part 43 and the washing tub 20 to rotate in the same direction and at the same speed.

[0049] See Figure 2 As shown, the fixing part 42 has an upper end shell 421 sleeved on the outside of the rotating part 43 and a lower end shell 422 located below the rotating part 43 and the upper end shell 421. The upper end shell 421 and the lower end shell 422 are fixedly installed by screws. The rotary sealing structure 40 also includes a bearing 44 and a positioning sleeve 45 disposed between the rotating part 43 and the upper end shell 421. By providing the bearing 44, relative rotation between the rotating part 43 and the upper end shell 421 is realized. The bearing 44 is sleeved on the outside of the rotating part 43 and the inside of the upper end shell 421. A limiting protrusion is provided on the rotating part 43 and the upper end shell 421 to limit the upward movement of the bearing 44. The positioning sleeve 45 is used to limit the downward movement of the bearing 44. The lower end of the positioning sleeve 45 contacts the lower end shell 422 and the upper end contacts the lower end of the bearing 44.

[0050] To prevent the rotating part 43 from contacting and rubbing against the lower end shell 422 during rotation, a clearance cavity 413 is provided on the lower end shell 422 to avoid contact between the rotating part 43 and the lower end shell 422, thus ensuring the rotation of the rotating part 43. The clearance cavity 413 connects the first connecting cavity 411 and the second connecting cavity 412. The connecting cavity 41 has a first connecting cavity 411, a clearance cavity 413, and a second connecting cavity 412 that are axially arranged along the rotary sealing structure 40. The first connecting cavity 411 and the second connecting cavity 412 have the same diameter, while the diameter of the clearance cavity 413 is larger than the diameter of the first connecting cavity 411. By providing the clearance cavity 413, contact and friction between the rotating part 43 and the lower end shell 422 during rotation are avoided, and the influence on water flow during sealing between the rotating part 43 and the lower end shell 422 is also avoided.

[0051] In the rotary sealing structure 40, to prevent water leakage in the connecting cavity 41, a seal is also required between the first connecting cavity 411 and the clearance cavity 413. Therefore, a sealing ring 46 is provided between the rotating part 43, the positioning sleeve 45, and the lower end shell 422 to prevent water in the first connecting cavity 411 from leaking out through the gap. The sealing ring 46 can have various structural forms. In this embodiment, the sealing ring 46 has an outer end face 461 that fits against the positioning sleeve 45, a lower end face 462 that fits against the lower end shell 422, and multiple sealing claws that extend inward and contact and cooperate with the rotating part 43, to achieve sealing between the rotating part 43 and the upper end shell 421, and between the upper end shell 421 and the lower end shell 422.

[0052] See Figure 2-4 As shown, to achieve positioning of the sealing ring 46, an inwardly extending annular positioning edge 451 is provided on the positioning sleeve 45, and a positioning platform 465 matching the positioning edge 451 is provided on the sealing ring 46. The positioning edge 451 is located on the positioning platform 467; the sealing ring 46 is located between the positioning edge 451 and the lower end shell 422. The sealing ring 46 has a first sealing claw 463 extending inwardly and upwardly along the positioning platform 467, and the first sealing claw 463 contacts the outer side of the rotating part 43; the sealing ring 46 also has a second sealing claw 464 extending inwardly and downwardly, and the second sealing claw 464 contacts the outer side of the rotating part 43, and the second sealing claw 464 is located below the first sealing claw 463; by setting the upwardly inclined first sealing claw 463 and the downwardly inclined second sealing claw 464, after the first sealing claw 463 and the second sealing claw 464 fit against the outer side of the rotating part 43, an interlocking sealing area is formed to ensure sealing performance.

[0053] The sealing ring 46 also has a third sealing claw 465 located between the first sealing claw 463 and the second sealing claw 464. The third sealing claw 465 has upper and lower sides that approach each other in the inward direction. The third sealing claw 465 provides support for the first sealing claw 463 and the second sealing claw 464, and further increases the stability and sealing performance of the seal. The sealing ring 46 also has a fourth sealing claw 466 for sealing the gap between the rotating part 46 and the lower end shell 422. By providing the fourth sealing claw 466, water in the clearance cavity 413 is prevented from entering, forming the first seal of the sealing ring 46. Even if the fourth sealing claw 466 fails, the second sealing claw 464 still provides a seal, which helps to improve the sealing performance.

[0054] See Figure 5 This is the second embodiment of a washing machine proposed in this invention. The main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the water channel is set in a different position, while other structures can adopt the same structure as the first embodiment.

[0055] In this embodiment, the washing machine is a tubless washing machine, or a single-tub washing machine. The washing machine includes: a cabinet 10, a washing tub 20, a water channel 80, a rotary sealing structure 40, and a drain pipe 50. The washing tub 20 is rotatably disposed inside the cabinet 10 and is used to hold washing water. Clothes are also put into the washing tub 20. The water channel 80 is disposed on the washing tub 20 and is used to drain the washing water in the washing tub 10. When the washing water in the washing tub 20 needs to be drained, the washing water flows into the water channel 80. The drain pipe 50 is used to drain the washing water out of the cabinet 10. A drain pump 60 is provided on the drain pipe 50, and the drain pipe 50 is fixed to the cabinet 10. The rotary sealing structure 40 is disposed between the water channel 80 and the drain pipe 50 and has a connecting cavity 41 that is sealed to both the water channel 80 and the drain pipe 50.

[0056] In this embodiment, by setting a rotary sealing structure 40, which is sealed and connected to the drain pipe 50 and the water channel 80 respectively, the washing water is directly discharged after passing through the water channel 80, the connecting cavity 41 of the rotary sealing structure 40 and the drain pipe 50. This ensures that the washing water remains in the pipeline after being discharged from the washing tub until it is discharged, preventing the washing water from coming into contact with the outside world during the discharge process and preventing dust, impurities and other contaminants from entering the washing water. This achieves a tub-less washing machine that saves on the structure of the drip tray, avoids the overflow and splashing of washing water, and increases safety. It also helps to simplify the structure and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0057] In this embodiment, the water channel 80 has an inner water channel 81 fixed to the inner side of the tub wall of the washing tub 20 and an outer water channel 82 fixed to the outer side of the bottom wall of the washing tub 20. A connection port is provided on the bottom wall of the washing tub 20 to connect the inner water channel 81 and the outer water channel 82. Due to the high-speed rotation of the washing tub 20, the washing water in the washing tub 20 is thrown into the inner water channel 81, and the water flows along the inner water channel 81 into the outer water channel 82 and into the connecting cavity 41. The outlet end of the outer water channel 82 is connected to the connecting cavity 41.

[0058] See Figure 6 This is the third embodiment of a washing machine proposed in this invention. The main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the water channel is set in a different position, while other structures can adopt the same structure as the first embodiment.

[0059] In this embodiment, the washing machine is a tubless washing machine, or a single-tub washing machine. The washing machine includes: a housing 10, a washing tub 20, a water channel 90, a rotary sealing structure 40, and a drain pipe 50. The washing tub 20 is rotatably disposed inside the housing 10 and is used to hold washing water. Clothes are also put into the washing tub 20. The water channel 90 is disposed on the washing tub 20 and is used to drain the washing water in the washing tub 10. When the washing water in the washing tub 20 needs to be drained, the washing water flows into the water channel 90. The drain pipe 50 is used to drain the washing water out of the housing 10. A drain pump 60 is provided on the drain pipe 50, and the drain pipe 50 is fixed to the housing 10. The rotary sealing structure 40 is disposed between the water channel 90 and the drain pipe 50 and has a connecting cavity 41 that is sealed to both the water channel 90 and the drain pipe 50.

[0060] In this embodiment, by setting a rotary sealing structure 40, which is sealed and connected to the drain pipe 50 and the water channel 90 respectively, the washing water is directly discharged after passing through the water channel 90, the connecting cavity 41 of the rotary sealing structure 40 and the drain pipe 50. This ensures that the washing water remains in the pipeline after being discharged from the washing tub until it is discharged, preventing the washing water from coming into contact with the outside world during the discharge process and preventing dust, impurities and other contaminants from entering the washing water. This achieves a tub-less washing machine that saves on the structure of the drip tray, avoids the overflow and splashing of washing water, and increases safety. It also helps to simplify the structure and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0061] In this embodiment, the water channel 90 is fixed to the outer side of the bottom wall of the washing tub 20. A drain outlet is provided on the bottom wall of the washing tub 20. An openable and closable valve is provided at the drain outlet or on the water channel 90. During the washing process, the valve is in a closed state. When drainage is required, the valve is opened to achieve drainage. The water outlet of the water channel 90 is connected to the connecting cavity 41.

[0062] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: Box; A washing tub, which is rotatably housed within the box; A waterway, which is provided on the washing tub, is used to drain the washing water from the washing tub; A drain pipe is used to drain the washing water from the tank. A rotary sealing structure is disposed between the waterway and the drain pipe, and has a connecting cavity that is sealed to both the waterway and the drain pipe; The rotary sealing structure has a fixed part that is sealed to the drain pipe and a rotating part that is sealed to the waterway. The fixed part has an upper end shell sleeved on the outside of the rotating part and a lower end shell fixed to the upper end shell. The rotary sealing structure also has a bearing and a positioning sleeve disposed between the rotating part and the upper end shell. An annular sealing ring is provided between the rotating part, the positioning sleeve and the lower end shell. The positioning sleeve has an inwardly extending positioning edge, and the sealing ring has a positioning platform that matches the positioning edge. The positioning edge is located above the positioning platform, and the sealing ring is located between the positioning edge and the lower end shell. The sealing ring has a first sealing claw that extends inward and upward along the positioning platform, and the first sealing claw contacts the outer side of the rotating part. The sealing ring also has a second sealing claw that extends inward and downward, a fourth sealing claw for sealing the gap between the rotating part and the lower end shell, and the second sealing claw contacts the outer side of the rotating part. The second sealing claw is located below the first sealing claw.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed part and the rotating part are sealed together.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting cavity has a first connecting cavity formed in the rotating part and a second connecting cavity formed in the fixed part, and the first connecting cavity and the second connecting cavity are connected to each other.

4. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a drive motor for driving the washing tub to rotate, wherein the rotating part is a rotating shaft connected to the washing tub, and the drive motor drives the rotating shaft to rotate.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning sleeve is used to define the bearing.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the positioning sleeve is located on the lower end shell.

7. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting cavity has a second connecting cavity formed on the lower end shell, and a clearance cavity is formed on the lower end shell to avoid the rotating part. The clearance cavity connects the first connecting cavity and the second connecting cavity.

8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The water channel is located on the outside of the washing tub, and an outlet communicating with the water channel is provided on the side wall or bottom wall of the washing tub.

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The water channel has an inner water channel fixed inside the wall of the washing tub and an outer water channel fixed outside the bottom wall of the washing tub.

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