A washing machine drain filter structure and a washing machine

Abstract

The application discloses a washing machine drainage filter and a washing machine. The drainage filter comprises: a filter core rotatably arranged in the shell; a first driving structure capable of driving the filter core to rotate; a key shaft capable of transmitting the driving force of the first driving structure to the filter core; a second driving structure for driving the key shaft to realize the connection or disconnection of the key shaft and the first driving structure; and a cutting piece for cutting off lint is arranged on the filter core. By arranging the cutting piece for cutting off lint on the filter core and the rotatable filter core, the lint adhered to the filter core or the lint suspended in the water flow flowing through the shell can be cut off, so that the length of the lint is shortened, the lint is more conducive to flowing out with the water flow, and the lint is prevented from being wound on the filter core; the smooth drainage is facilitated, and the accumulation of the lint and other impurities at the filter core is avoided. The lint in the shell is automatically cleaned, and manual operation is saved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The drain filter in a front-loading washing machine is usually designed together with the drain pump and is concealed by the filter door. The drain filter requires regular cleaning by the user, but in practice, it's difficult for users to do so on a regular basis. Therefore, the drain filter often becomes clogged during daily washing, preventing drainage. When this happens, the user needs to manually remove the filter screen for cleaning, but this process also drains washing water, leaving a lot of water around the washing machine and causing significant inconvenience.

[0003] Even without drainage problems, after dozens of washing cycles, a lot of lint will accumulate in the filter, especially in washer-dryer combos. At the same time, most front-loading washing machines use a top-drain design, which cannot completely drain residual water. Lint and dust on the drain filter are soaked in water for a long time, which can easily become moldy, deteriorate and turn black. They will also mix with the wash water in the next wash, which is unhygienic and unhealthy.

[0004] Current methods for cleaning lint from drain filters include adding more drain motors and adding a drain pipe to the filter. However, adding drain motors is costly, and the complexity of program control and overall assembly increases with the number of motors. Adding a drain pipe still requires the user to collect water and drain it manually, increasing their workload. Furthermore, the drain pipe has very little space at the bottom, making operation inconvenient.

[0005] 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

[0006] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems in the prior art by proposing a washing machine drain filter for automatically cleaning lint from the drain filter in the washing machine. This facilitates smooth drainage, prevents lint from becoming moldy, and saves on manual labor.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: A washing machine drain filter, comprising: case; A filter element, which is rotatably disposed within the housing; A first driving structure is provided, which can drive the filter element to rotate. A key shaft, which can transmit the driving force of the first driving structure to the filter element; The second driving structure is used to drive the key shaft to connect or disconnect the key shaft from the first driving structure. The filter element is provided with a cutting element for cutting off wire debris.

[0008] Furthermore, the cutting element is a blade.

[0009] Furthermore, the first drive structure has an impeller located within the housing and a motor for driving the impeller to rotate.

[0010] Furthermore, the impeller and motor are used to drain the washing machine.

[0011] Furthermore, the first driving structure has a mounting groove that matches the first end of the key shaft, and the second driving structure is used to drive the key shaft to move axially, so that the first end of the key shaft can be connected to and installed in the mounting groove or disengaged from the mounting groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the second driving structure has a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element, at least one of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element being an electromagnetic element, and the first magnetic element being fixed on the key shaft.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a removable plug for sealing the housing, on which the second magnetic element is disposed.

[0014] Furthermore, the second magnetic component is an electromagnetic component, and the seal has a through hole for the passage of an electrical wire.

[0015] Furthermore, the plug is provided with a second receiving groove that seals with the inside of the housing, and the second magnetic element is an electromagnetic element located inside the second receiving groove.

[0016] Furthermore, the plug has a plug body and a plug cover that can open and close the second receiving groove, and the second magnetic element is fixed on the plug cover.

[0017] Furthermore, the filter element is provided with a first receiving chamber. groove The second end of the key shaft is located in the first accommodating groove Inside.

[0018] Furthermore, the filter element has a first end frame, a second end frame, and a core portion connected between the first end frame and the second end frame, and the key shaft is coaxially arranged with the filter element.

[0019] Furthermore, the cutting element is disposed in the core along the axial direction of the filter core.

[0020] Furthermore, the cutting element is inclined along the axial direction of the filter core.

[0021] Furthermore, both the first end frame and the second end frame are provided with through holes for the key shaft to pass through, and for transmitting the driving force of the first drive structure to the filter element.

[0022] Furthermore, it also includes a limiting sleeve disposed within the housing for limiting the smooth rotation of the filter element.

[0023] Furthermore, the second end bracket matches the limiting sleeve, and the second end bracket is located inside the limiting sleeve.

[0024] Based on the above-mentioned washing machine drain filter, the present invention also provides a washing machine having the above-mentioned drain filter, which is used to automatically clean the lint on the drain filter in the washing machine, which is conducive to smooth drainage, avoids mold growth of lint, and reduces manual operation.

[0025] A washing machine having the aforementioned drain filter.

[0026] Based on the above-mentioned washing machine drain filter, the present invention also provides a control method for the washing machine with the above-mentioned drain filter, which is used to automatically clean the lint on the drain filter in the washing machine, which is conducive to smooth drainage, avoids mold growth of lint, and reduces manual operation.

[0027] A control method for a washing machine having the above-mentioned drain filter includes the following steps: S10. During the washing machine's drainage process, initiate the lint removal program; S20. Activate the first drive structure to drain water; S30. The second driving structure pushes the key shaft to move, so that the key shaft is connected to the first driving structure; the first driving structure drives the filter element to rotate, for cutting off the lint.

[0028] A control method for a washing machine having the above-mentioned drain filter includes the following steps: S10. After the washing machine finishes washing, proceed to the lint removal program; S20. The first driving structure is activated, and the second driving structure pushes the key shaft to move, so that the key shaft is connected to the first driving structure; S30. Drive the filter to rotate to cut off the lint.

[0029] Furthermore, it also includes step S40: filling the washing machine with water and then starting the drainage to remove the lint.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: By providing a cutting element for cutting lint on the filter element and making the filter element rotatable, lint adhering to the filter element or lint suspended in the water flowing through the housing can be cut, resulting in shorter lint lengths. This facilitates the lint flowing out with the water flow, preventing lint from tangling on the filter element or accumulating inside the housing; it also promotes smooth drainage and prevents the accumulation of lint and other impurities at the filter element. Regarding the driving of the filter element, the connection or disconnection of the key shaft from the first driving structure is achieved through a second driving structure. The first driving structure can drive the filter element to rotate. By controlling the first and second driving structures, the rotation of the filter element can be achieved, realizing automatic cleaning of lint inside the housing and saving manual operation.

[0031] 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

[0032] 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.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the washing machine drain filter proposed in this invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of the middle section structure; Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the middle filter element. Detailed Implementation

[0034] 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.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, with the direction closer to the axis of the drain filter 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of 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.

[0036] 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. Example

[0037] See Figures 1-4 An embodiment of the washing machine drain filter proposed in this invention includes a washing machine drain filter 100 comprising: a housing 10, a filter element 20, a key shaft 30, a first drive structure 40, and a second drive structure 50. The filter element 20 is rotatably disposed within the housing 10, and a cutting element 21 for cutting lint is provided on the filter element 20. The first drive structure 40 can drive the filter element 20 to rotate, and the key shaft 30 can transmit the driving force of the first drive structure 40 to the filter element 20 to achieve the rotation of the filter element 20. The second drive structure 50 is used to drive the key shaft 30 to achieve the connection or disconnection of the key shaft 30 from the first drive structure 40. That is, when the key shaft 30 is connected to the first drive structure 40, the first drive structure 40 is activated, and the torque of the first drive structure 40 is transmitted to the filter element 20 through the key shaft 30, which can drive the filter element 20 to rotate. When the key shaft 30 is disconnected from the first drive structure 40, the torque output by the first drive structure 40 is not transmitted to the filter element 20, and the filter element 20 does not rotate.

[0038] By providing a cutting element 21 for cutting wire debris on the filter element 20 and making the filter element 20 rotatable, wire debris adhering to the filter element 20 or suspended in the water flow and flowing through the housing 10 can be cut off, shortening the length of the wire debris and making it easier for the wire debris to flow out with the water flow, preventing the wire debris from getting tangled on the filter element 20. This also facilitates smooth drainage and prevents the accumulation of wire debris and other impurities at the filter element 20. For driving the filter element 20, the second drive structure 50 connects or disconnects the key shaft 30 from the first drive structure 40. The first drive structure 40 can drive the filter element 20 to rotate. By controlling the first drive structure 40 and the second drive structure 50, the rotation of the filter element 20 can be achieved, realizing automatic cleaning of wire debris inside the housing and reducing or eliminating manual operation.

[0039] See Figure 2 As shown, the drain filter 100 is connected to the washing machine's drainage system, serving both drainage and filtration functions. The first drive structure 40 has an impeller 41 located inside the housing 10 and a motor 42 for driving the impeller 41 to rotate. The motor 42 is fixed to the outside of the housing 10. The impeller 41 and motor 42 are used to drain the washing machine, meaning the first drive structure 40 has the functions of draining and automatically cleaning lint. Utilizing the impeller 41 and motor 42 on the drain filter 100, the filter element 30 is driven, eliminating the need for a dedicated motor, thus simplifying the structure and reducing costs. The activation of the first drive structure 40 performs the drainage function. When lint cutting is required, the key shaft 30 is connected to the first drive structure 40, allowing lint cutting to occur simultaneously with drainage. Alternatively, after drainage, the key shaft 30 can be connected to the first drive structure 40 to cut only the lint. At this time, after the first drive structure 40 operates, there is no residual water in the drain filter 100, and the first drive structure 40 rotates faster due to reduced resistance, resulting in better lint cutting.

[0040] The first drive structure 40 has a mounting groove 43 that matches the first end of the key shaft 30. The second drive structure 50 is used to drive the key shaft 30 to extend and retract axially, so that the first end of the key shaft 30 can be connected to or disengaged from the mounting groove 43. The first drive structure 40 drives the filter element 20 to rotate. The key shaft 30 is coaxially arranged with the impeller 41. The filter element 20 can rotate but does not move axially. The key shaft 30 passes through the filter element 20. The key shaft 30 can move axially left and right and rotate.

[0041] To enable the second driving structure 50 to drive the key shaft 30, the second driving structure 50 comprises a first magnetic element 51 and a second magnetic element 52, at least one of which is an electromagnetic element. The first magnetic element 51 is fixed on the key shaft. By changing the direction of current flow, the electromagnetic element can change its magnetic poles, allowing the first magnetic element 51 and the second magnetic element 52 to attract or repel each other, generating mutual attraction or repulsion, thereby enabling the key shaft 30 to move left and right along its axis.

[0042] See Figure 3 As shown, the drain filter 100 also includes a removable plug 60 for sealing the housing 10, and a second magnetic element 52 is fixed to the plug 60. When the first magnetic element 51 and the second magnetic element 52 repel each other, the first magnetic element 51 moves away from the second magnetic element 52, causing the first magnetic element 51 to drive the key shaft 30 to move closer to the impeller 41, so that the first end of the key shaft 30 extends into the mounting groove 43; when the impeller 41 rotates, it can drive the key shaft 30 to rotate together, and then the key shaft 30 drives the filter element 20 to rotate. When the first magnetic element 51 and the second magnetic element 52 attract each other, the first magnetic element 51 drives the key shaft 30 to move closer to the second magnetic element 52, so that the first end of the key shaft 30 disengages from the mounting groove 43.

[0043] The filter element 20 is provided with a first receiving groove 22, and the first magnetic element 51 is movably located in the first receiving groove 22; the second end of the key shaft 30 is located in the first receiving groove 22, and the second end of the key shaft 30 is fixedly set with the first magnetic element 51.

[0044] The plug 60 is provided with a second receiving groove 61 that seals the inside of the housing 10 to prevent water flowing through the housing 10 from entering the second receiving groove 61. The second magnetic element 52 is located in the second receiving groove 61, which is beneficial for protecting the power supply circuit of the second magnetic element 52.

[0045] The plug 60 has a plug body 65 and a plug cover 66 that can be opened and closed to accommodate a second receiving groove 61. The second magnetic element 52 is fixed on the plug cover 66. The plug cover 66 is detachable, allowing for maintenance by removing the plug cover 66 when the second drive structure 50 malfunctions. This also facilitates the fixing of the second magnetic element 52 and improves operational efficiency. To supply power to the second magnetic element 52, the plug 60 has a through hole for the passage of a wire. The through hole can be formed in the plug body 65 or the plug cover 66.

[0046] See Figure 4As shown, the filter element 20 has a first end frame 25, a second end frame 26, and a core portion 27 connected between the first end frame 25 and the second end frame 26. The key shaft 30 is coaxially arranged with the filter element 20. A cutting element 21 is fixed to the core portion 27. Both the first end frame 25 and the second end frame 26 have through holes for the key shaft to pass through, through which the driving force of the first drive structure 40 can be transmitted to the filter element 20. The cutting element 21 is preferably a blade, and the cutting element 21 is arranged along the axial extension direction. Multiple cutting elements 21 are provided on the core portion 27.

[0047] In other embodiments, the cutting element 21 may be fixed on the first end bracket 25 and / or the second end bracket 26, or the cutting element 21 may be inclined, etc.

[0048] The drain filter 100 also includes a limiting sleeve 70 fixed within the housing 10, which limits the smooth rotation of the filter element 20. A second end bracket 26 is matched with the limiting sleeve 70 and is rotatably located within the limiting sleeve 70. Example

[0049] This embodiment is a first control method using the washing machine drain filter in the first embodiment, and the structure of the washing machine drain filter is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0050] A control method for a washing machine with a drain filter includes the following steps: S10. During the washing machine's drainage process, initiate the lint removal program; S20. Activate the first drive structure 40 to drain water; Specifically, after the motor 42 is started, the impeller 41 rotates, discharging the washing water that has flowed into the housing 10.

[0051] S30. The second drive structure 50 pushes the key shaft 30 to move, so that the key shaft 30 is connected to the first drive structure 40; driving the filter element 20 to rotate, for cutting wire debris; Specifically, energizing the second magnetic component 52 causes the first and second magnetic components 51 to repel each other. The first magnetic component 51 moves away from the second magnetic component 52, causing it to drive the key shaft 30 towards the impeller 41, so that the first end of the key shaft 30 extends into the mounting groove 43. The rotation of the impeller 41 drives the key shaft 30 to rotate as well, which in turn drives the filter element 20 to rotate. The cut wire debris is discharged with the water flow.

[0052] The second magnetic component 52 has an iron core. When the second magnetic component 52 is not energized, the iron cores of the first magnetic component 51 and the second magnetic component 52 attract each other; when energized, the first magnetic component 51 and the second magnetic component 52 repel each other. The second magnetic component 52 only needs to be energized when the filter element 20 needs to rotate. When the key shaft 30 separates from the first drive structure 40, the motor 42 must be turned off first before the key shaft 30 can be separated.

[0053] Preferably, the mounting slot 43 is a spline blind hole. When the key shaft 30 is inserted in its stationary state, successful insertion on the first attempt cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, the second magnetic component 52 must be energized for a relatively long period of time. However, after the motor 42 starts, its high-speed rotation ensures that even if the key shaft 30 is not perfectly aligned with the keyway of the mounting slot 43 at the moment of insertion, it will be aligned and inserted successfully during the rotation of the motor 42. Once the mounting slot 43 and the first end of the key shaft 30 are engaged, there will be an interaction force between them during rotation, ensuring that they will not easily separate. Therefore, the second magnetic component 52 can be de-energized at this time. When separation is required, after the motor 42 stops rotating, the second magnetic component 52 can be supplied with current in the opposite direction. Because the mounting slot 43 and the first end of the key shaft 30 are relatively stationary and there is no engagement force, the first magnetic component 51 can immediately attract the key shaft 30 to the right, achieving reset. At this time, the power supply to the second magnetic component 52 can be cut off, and the first magnetic component 51 can attract the iron core of the second magnetic component, ensuring that the key shaft 30 does not move to the left when not in use. Example

[0054] This embodiment is a second control method using the washing machine drain filter in the first embodiment, and the structure of the washing machine drain filter is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0055] Since the rotational speed of the first drive structure 40 is not high, the rotational speed of the first drive structure 40 during normal operation cannot effectively cut the wire debris wrapped around the filter element 20; it is preferable to set the motor to start intermittently each time, and during the acceleration, the presence of acceleration will generate a large force between the wire debris and the cutting element 21.

[0056] When the filter element 20 is full of water, the structure of the filter element 20 plus the cutting element 21 increases the resistance. Combined with the resistance from the impeller 41 draining water, this prevents the rotational speed of the first drive structure 40 from increasing, resulting in limited shredding effect. It is preferable to perform the lint removal program during the non-draining phase of the washing machine.

[0057] A control method for a washing machine with a drain filter includes the following steps: S10. After the washing machine finishes washing, start the lint removal program; Specifically, the clothes can be removed from the washing machine after the wash cycle is complete.

[0058] S20. The first drive structure 40 is activated, and then the second drive structure 50 pushes the key shaft 30 to move, so that the key shaft 30 is connected to the first drive structure 40; Specifically, after the motor 42 is started, the impeller 41 rotates, energizing the second magnetic component 52, causing the first magnetic component 51 and the second magnetic component 52 to repel each other. The first magnetic component 51 moves away from the second magnetic component 52, causing the first magnetic component 51 to drive the key shaft 30 to move closer to the impeller 41, so that the first end of the key shaft 30 extends into the mounting groove 43.

[0059] S30. Drives the filter element 20 to rotate, used to cut wire lint; Specifically, it can drive the key shaft 30 to rotate together, and then the key shaft 30 drives the filter element 20 to rotate.

[0060] The first drive structure 40 adopts intermittent starting. During acceleration, the acceleration generates a large force between the wire scrap and the cutting piece 21, which is beneficial for cutting the wire scrap. Preferably, the motor 42 starts for 15 seconds and then stops for 15 seconds.

[0061] During the next wash and drain, flush the shredded thread with the water. Example

[0062] This embodiment is a third control method using the washing machine drain filter in the first embodiment, and the structure of the washing machine drain filter is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0063] A control method for a washing machine with a drain filter includes the following steps: S10. After the washing machine finishes washing, start the lint removal program; S20. The first drive structure 40 is activated, and then the second drive structure 50 pushes the key shaft 30 to move, so that the key shaft 30 is connected to the first drive structure 40; Specifically, after the motor 42 is started, the impeller 41 rotates, energizing the second magnetic component 52, causing the first magnetic component 51 and the second magnetic component 52 to repel each other. The first magnetic component 51 moves away from the second magnetic component 52, causing the first magnetic component 51 to drive the key shaft 30 to move closer to the impeller 41, so that the first end of the key shaft 30 extends into the mounting groove 43.

[0064] S30. Drives the filter element 20 to rotate, used to cut wire lint; The first drive structure 40 adopts intermittent starting. During acceleration, the acceleration generates a large force between the wire scrap and the cutting piece 21, which is beneficial for cutting the wire scrap. Preferably, the motor 42 starts for 15 seconds and then stops for 15 seconds.

[0065] S40. Fill the washing machine with water, then start the drain to remove the lint. Specifically, a small amount of water is injected into the washing machine, and then the first drive structure 40 is activated to drain the water, and the cut lint is discharged with the water flow.

[0066] 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 drain filter, characterized in that, include: case; A filter element, which is rotatably disposed within the housing; A first driving structure is provided, which can drive the filter element to rotate. A key shaft, which can transmit the driving force of the first driving structure to the filter element; The second driving structure is used to drive the key shaft to connect or disconnect the key shaft from the first driving structure. The filter element is provided with a cutting element for cutting off wire debris; The filter element is rotatable but does not move axially. The key shaft passes through the filter element and is axially movable and rotatable.

2. The drain filter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first drive structure has an impeller located inside the housing and a motor for driving the impeller to rotate, and the first drive structure is used to realize the drainage of the washing machine.

3. The drain filter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first driving structure has a mounting groove that matches the first end of the key shaft. The second driving structure is used to drive the key shaft to move axially, so that the first end of the key shaft can be connected to and installed in the mounting groove or disengaged from the mounting groove.

4. The drainage filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second driving structure has a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element, at least one of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element being an electromagnetic element, and the first magnetic element being fixed on the key shaft.

5. The drain filter according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a removable plug for sealing the housing, the second magnetic element being an electromagnetic element disposed on the plug, and a through hole for wires to pass through the plug.

6. The drain filter according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plug is provided with a second receiving groove that seals with the inside of the housing, and the second magnetic element is located in the second receiving groove.

7. The drain filter according to claim 6, characterized in that, The plug has a plug body and a plug cover that can open and close the second receiving groove, and the second magnetic element is fixed on the plug cover.

8. The drainage filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The filter element has a first end frame, a second end frame, and a core connected between the first end frame and the second end frame, and the key shaft is coaxially arranged with the filter element.

9. The drain filter according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a limiting sleeve disposed within the housing for limiting the smooth rotation of the filter element, the second end bracket matching the limiting sleeve and the second end bracket being located within the limiting sleeve.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that, It has a drainage filter according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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