Washing machine and control method

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and discloses a washing machine and a control method, wherein the washing machine comprises an inner barrel, a drainage hole is provided on the barrel bottom of the inner barrel, and a drainage sealing device is installed below the inner barrel, the drainage sealing device blocks the drainage hole to form a closed inner barrel for independently containing washing water, and the drainage sealing device comprises a sealing mechanism that can open / block the drainage hole, and a locking mechanism that keeps the drainage hole in an open state after the sealing mechanism opens the drainage hole. The present invention provides a locking mechanism, and keeps the drainage hole in an open state after the sealing mechanism opens the drainage hole, so that the drainage hole can be kept open during the dehydration process, so that the water removed from the clothes can be discharged from the bottom of the inner barrel in time, thereby improving the dehydration efficiency of the clothes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and in particular, relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Most existing washing machines include an inner barrel and an outer barrel that are interconnected. When the washing machine is working, the outer barrel contains washing water, and the inner barrel contains clothes to be washed. The washing water can exist between the inner barrel and the outer barrel. As the working time of the washing machine increases, the dirt and lint in the washing water will be retained in the space between the inner barrel and the outer barrel, and it is difficult to clean, resulting in bacteria and odors generated by long-term use. To solve this problem, there is a solution in the prior art to seal the inner barrel and the outer barrel of the washing machine so that the inner barrel of the washing machine can independently hold water during the washing and rinsing process. However, while sealing, the inner barrel is also fixed, resulting in the inner barrel being unable to rotate when the washing machine is working, and the barrel and the impeller cannot rotate at the same time to achieve the function of washing clothes with two powers at the same time.

[0003] The Chinese patent application number 201810903593.0 discloses a drainage sealing device for a washing machine and a washing machine. The washing machine includes an inner barrel, a drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the inner barrel, and the drainage sealing device is installed at the bottom of the inner barrel, and includes a sealing mechanism that can be sealed with the drainage hole: when washing or rinsing, the sealing mechanism is sealed with the drainage hole, and the inner barrel contains washing water; when draining, the sealing mechanism opens the drainage hole, and the washing water in the inner barrel is discharged from the drainage hole. However, in the above scheme, the opening of the drainage hole requires the sealing mechanism to cooperate with the driving mechanism installed under the inner barrel. Since the inner barrel needs to rotate during the dehydration process, the driving mechanism cannot act on the sealing mechanism, resulting in the sealing mechanism blocking the drainage hole during the dehydration process, so that the water in the clothes cannot be discharged from the drainage hole at the bottom of the inner barrel during dehydration, resulting in a high moisture content of the clothes after dehydration.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a washing machine, wherein a drainage sealing device is installed under the inner barrel of the washing machine, which can block the drainage hole during the washing and rinsing process to keep the inner barrel sealed and filled with water, open the drainage hole during the drainage process, and keep the drainage hole open during the dehydration process, so that the water out of the clothes can be discharged from the bottom of the inner barrel in time.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0007] A washing machine comprises an inner barrel, a drainage hole is arranged on the bottom of the inner barrel, and also comprises a drainage sealing device installed under the inner barrel, the drainage sealing device blocks the drainage hole to form a closed inner barrel for independently containing washing water, and the drainage sealing device comprises a sealing mechanism that can open / block the drainage hole, and a locking mechanism that keeps the sealing mechanism in an open state after opening the drainage hole.

[0008] Further, the sealing mechanism includes a blocking component, a connecting component and a fixing component, wherein the fixing component is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the inner barrel, the connecting component is slidably mounted on the fixing component, and one end of the connecting component is connected to the blocking component to drive the blocking component to move, thereby realizing opening / blocking the drainage hole;

[0009] The locking mechanism comprises a first sliding member, a second sliding member and a locking sleeve, wherein the locking sleeve is fixedly connected to the fixing member; the first sliding member and the second sliding member abut against each other, and the first sliding member and the second sliding member can slide in the same direction as the connecting member;

[0010] The first sliding member is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting member away from the blocking member, or the first sliding member abuts against one end of the connecting member away from the blocking member, thereby driving the connecting member to move and open the drainage hole; when the drainage hole is opened, the first sliding member and the locking sleeve are limitedly matched to keep the sealing mechanism in an open state;

[0011] Preferably, the fixing component has a hollow slideway, one end of the connecting component away from the blocking component is slidably arranged in the hollow slideway, and the locking mechanism is arranged in the hollow slideway.

[0012] Furthermore, a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove are alternately arranged on the peripheral wall of the locking sleeve, and the first limiting groove extends along the sliding direction of the first sliding member and has a certain length;

[0013] The first sliding member includes a first body and a guide body fixedly arranged on the circumferential side of the first body; the first body can slide and rotate relative to the locking sleeve, so that the guide body alternately enters the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove; the guide body and the second limiting groove are limited and cooperated to keep the sealing mechanism in an open state.

[0014] Further, the second sliding member includes a second body and a limiting protrusion fixedly arranged on the peripheral side of the second body, and the limiting protrusion is arranged in the first limiting groove;

[0015] The guide body has a first inclined surface at one end close to the second sliding member, and the second body has a second inclined surface at one end close to the first body;

[0016] The second body pushes the first body, and when the guide body escapes from the first limiting groove or the second limiting groove, the first inclined surface cooperates with the second inclined surface to make the end of the guide body slide along the second inclined surface, driving the first body to rotate, and the guide body alternately enters the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove.

[0017] Furthermore, the locking sleeve also has a third inclined surface arranged at the opening end of the first limiting groove and a fourth inclined surface arranged at the opening end of the second limiting groove;

[0018] The first inclined surface cooperates with the third inclined surface, and the guide body slides along the third inclined surface into the first limiting groove; the first inclined surface cooperates with the fourth inclined surface, and the guide body slides along the fourth inclined surface into the second limiting groove.

[0019] Furthermore, the locking sleeve is arranged on the outside of the first sliding body and the second sliding body, the guide body is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the first body, the limiting protrusion is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the second body, and the first sliding body and the second sliding body slide along the inner side of the locking sleeve.

[0020] Furthermore, the second sliding member further comprises a pressing portion disposed at an end of the second body away from the first body, and the drainage sealing device further comprises a driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is fixedly mounted below the inner barrel corresponding to the pressing portion;

[0021] The driving mechanism has an output end that can be extended / retracted, and the output end pushes the pressing part, thereby driving the second body to push the first body.

[0022] Further, when the guide body enters the second limiting groove, the output end retracts in a direction away from the pressing portion, the output end is separated from the pressing portion, and the guide body and the second limiting groove are limitedly matched to keep the sealing mechanism in an open state.

[0023] Furthermore, the washing machine also includes a positioning device for locking the position of the inner drum;

[0024] The bottom of the inner barrel is fixedly connected to a flange plate, a positioning hole is provided on the flange plate, and the positioning device is fixedly installed below the inner barrel and comprises a locking rod which can be inserted into / pulled out of the positioning hole.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for the above-mentioned washing machine, wherein the washing machine further comprises a positioning device for locking the position of the inner drum, and the drainage sealing device further comprises a driving mechanism acting on the sealing mechanism to open the drainage hole;

[0026] When draining water, the positioning device is controlled to lock the inner barrel, and the driving mechanism is then controlled to push the sealing mechanism to open the drain hole;

[0027] During the drainage process, the driving mechanism is controlled to stop acting on the sealing mechanism, and the sealing mechanism remains in an open state under the action of the locking mechanism;

[0028] During dehydration, the positioning device is controlled to release the lock on the inner barrel.

[0029] After adopting the above technical scheme, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0030] The washing machine of the present invention can keep the inner drum sealed and filled with water during washing and rinsing, preventing dirt and thread scraps from being trapped between the inner drum and the outer drum, and also reducing the amount of washing water. By providing a locking mechanism, the sealing mechanism keeps the drainage hole open after opening it, and the drainage hole can be kept open during the dehydration process, so that the water from the clothes can be discharged from the bottom of the inner drum in time, thereby improving the dehydration efficiency of the clothes.

[0031] The sealing mechanism and the locking mechanism of the present invention can be assembled first and then installed on the washing machine as a whole, without changing other structures of the washing machine, so it is easy to use.

[0032] The washing machine of the present invention can lock the inner drum by providing a positioning device, so that the output end of the driving mechanism and the position of the pressing part are fixed correspondingly, thereby preventing the inner drum from rotating and failing to open the drainage hole.

[0033] The specific implementation modes of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In the accompanying drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the bottom of the washing machine when the drainage sealing device in the first embodiment of the present invention blocks the drainage hole;

[0036] Figure 2 The present invention Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the enlarged structure at A in the middle;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the driving mechanism in the first embodiment of the present invention pushes the sealing mechanism to open the drainage hole;

[0038] Figure 4 The present invention Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the enlarged structure at B in the middle;

[0039] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in the first embodiment of the present invention to keep the sealing mechanism from opening the drainage hole;

[0040] Figure 6 The present invention Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure at C in the middle;

[0041] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of the bottom of the washing machine in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 The present invention Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure at D in the middle;

[0043] Fig. 9 It is a structural schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] In the figure: 1, inner barrel; 1A, drain hole; 2, flange; 3, outer barrel; 100, sealing mechanism; 101, sealing cover; 102, sealing gasket; 103, compression spring; 104, mounting sleeve; 105, connecting column; 201, push rod; 300, locking mechanism; 301, first sliding member; 301A, guide body; 302, second sliding member; 302A, limiting protrusion; 302B, pressing part; 303, locking sleeve; 303A, first limiting groove; 303B, second limiting groove; 303C, third inclined plane; 303D, fourth inclined plane; 401, saddle frame; 401A, connecting part; 401B, sleeve same part; 402, fixing buckle; 501, locking rod; 502, positioning hole.

[0045] It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but are intended to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0047] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inside", "outside", etc. indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0049] Embodiment 1

[0050] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the washing machine described in this embodiment includes an outer barrel 3 and an inner barrel 1 rotatably arranged inside the outer barrel 3, a drainage hole 1A is opened on the bottom of the inner barrel 1, and also includes a drainage sealing device installed under the inner barrel 1, the drainage sealing device blocks the drainage hole 1A to form a closed inner barrel 1 for independently holding washing water.

[0051] The drainage sealing device includes a sealing mechanism 100 capable of opening / blocking the drainage hole 1A, and a locking mechanism 300 capable of keeping the drainage hole 1A in an open state after the sealing mechanism 100 opens the drainage hole 1A.

[0052] Preferably, the drainage hole 1A is eccentrically arranged at the bottom of the inner tub 1, and during the rotation of the inner tub 1, the drainage hole 1A also rotates around the rotation axis of the inner tub 1. During the dehydration process, the water removed from the clothes flows toward the periphery of the inner tub 1 under the action of centrifugal force, and the eccentric arrangement of the drainage hole 1A is conducive to the removal of the removed water from the drainage hole 1A as soon as possible.

[0053] In this embodiment, the drainage sealing device blocks the drainage hole 1A during the washing / rinsing process, so that the inner tub 1 can hold water independently, and no water can be stored between the inner tub 1 and the outer tub 3, thereby preventing dirt and lint from being retained between the inner tub 1 and the outer tub 3, and also reducing the amount of washing water, thereby saving more water. By providing a locking mechanism 300, the sealing mechanism 100 remains in an open state after the drainage hole 1A is opened, and the drainage hole 1A can be kept open during the dehydration process, so that the water removed from the clothes can be discharged from the bottom of the inner tub 1 in time, thereby improving the dehydration efficiency of the clothes.

[0054] The sealing mechanism 100 of this embodiment includes a blocking component, a connecting component and a fixing component. The fixing component is fixedly installed at the bottom of the inner barrel, and the connecting component is slidably installed on the fixing component. One end of the connecting component is connected to the blocking component to drive the blocking component to move, thereby opening / blocking the drainage hole 1A.

[0055] Specifically, the bottom of the inner barrel 1 is fixedly connected to the flange 2, and the fixing component is a mounting sleeve 104 fixedly connected to the flange 2, and has a hollow slideway inside. The connecting component is a connecting column 105 arranged in the hollow slideway of the mounting sleeve 104, and the upper end of the connecting column 105 extends out of the mounting sleeve 104. The blocking component includes a sealing cover 101 fixedly connected to the upper end of the connecting column 105 and a sealing gasket 102 arranged on the lower surface of the sealing cover 101. The sealing gasket 102 abuts against the bottom of the inner barrel 1 at the drain hole 1A to block the drain hole 1A.

[0056] The upper opening of the mounting sleeve 104 protrudes inward to form a first boss, and the lower end of the connecting column 105 protrudes outward to form a second boss. A compression spring 103 is sleeved on the connecting column 105, and the two ends of the compression spring 103 are respectively against the first boss and the second boss. The compression spring 103 is initially in a compressed state, and exerts a downward elastic force on the connecting column 105, so that the sealing cover 101 and the sealing gasket 102 are pressed against the bottom of the inner barrel 1 to block the drainage hole 1A.

[0057] The locking mechanism 300 includes a first sliding member 301, a second sliding member 302 and a locking sleeve 303, and the locking sleeve 303 is fixedly connected to the mounting sleeve 104. Specifically, the first sliding member 301, the second sliding member 302 and the locking sleeve 303 are all arranged in the hollow slideway of the mounting sleeve 104. The first sliding member 301 and the second sliding member 302 are against each other, and the first sliding member 301 and the second sliding member 302 can slide in the same direction as the connecting column 105. The lower end of the mounting sleeve 104 is fixedly connected to the fixing buckle 402 to prevent the locking mechanism 300 from coming out of the mounting sleeve 104.

[0058] The first sliding member 301 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the connecting column 105, and can drive the connecting column 105 to move, so as to open the drain hole 1A when the first sliding member 301 slides upward. When the drain hole 1A is opened, the first sliding member 301 and the locking sleeve 303 are limited and matched to keep the sealing mechanism 100 in an open state.

[0059] Furthermore, the first limiting grooves 303A and the second limiting grooves 303B are alternately arranged on the peripheral wall of the locking sleeve 303 , and the first limiting grooves 303A extend along the sliding direction of the first sliding member 301 to have a certain length.

[0060] The first sliding member 301 includes a first body and a guide body 301A fixedly arranged on the periphery of the first body. The first body can slide and rotate relative to the locking sleeve 303, so that the guide body 301A alternately enters the first limiting groove 303A and the second limiting groove 303B. The guide body 301A and the second limiting groove 303B are limited and matched to keep the sealing mechanism 100 in an open state.

[0061] Furthermore, the second sliding member 302 includes a second body and a limiting protrusion 302A fixedly arranged on the circumference of the second body, and the limiting protrusion 302A is arranged in the first limiting groove 303A, so that the second sliding member 302 can slide up and down but cannot rotate.

[0062] The lower end of the guide body 301A has a first inclined surface, and the upper end of the second body has a second inclined surface. The second body pushes the first body, and when the guide body 301A escapes from the first limiting groove 303A or the second limiting groove 303B, the first inclined surface cooperates with the second inclined surface, so that the end of the guide body 301A slides along the second inclined surface, driving the first body to rotate, and the guide body 301A alternately enters the first limiting groove 303A and the second limiting groove 303B.

[0063] Furthermore, the locking sleeve 303 also has a third inclined surface 303C arranged at the opening end of the first limiting groove 303A and a fourth inclined surface 303D arranged at the opening end of the second limiting groove 303B.

[0064] The first inclined surface cooperates with the third inclined surface 303C, and the guide body 301A slides along the third inclined surface 303C into the first limiting groove 303A. The first inclined surface cooperates with the fourth inclined surface 303D, and the guide body 301A slides along the fourth inclined surface 303D into the second limiting groove 303B.

[0065] Furthermore, the locking sleeve 303 is sleeved on the outside of the first sliding body 301 and the second sliding body 302, the guide body 301A is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the first body, the limiting protrusion 302A is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the second body, and the first sliding body 301 and the second sliding body 302 slide along the inner side of the locking sleeve 303.

[0066] The drainage sealing device of this embodiment further includes a driving mechanism, which is fixedly mounted on the outer barrel 3 at a position corresponding to the drainage hole 1A of the inner barrel 1. The second sliding member 302 further includes a pressing portion 302B disposed at the lower end of the second body, and the pressing portion 302B extends out of the lower end of the mounting sleeve 104. The driving mechanism has a push rod 201 corresponding to the position of the pressing portion 302B, and the push rod 201 can extend upward to push the pressing portion 302B, thereby driving the second body to push the first body, thereby opening the drainage hole 1A.

[0067] Furthermore, when the guide body 301A enters the second limiting groove 303B, the push rod 201 retracts downward, and the guide body 301A and the second limiting groove 303B are limited and cooperated, so that the sealing mechanism 100 remains in an open state during the drainage process, and the upper end of the push rod 201 is separated from the lower end of the pressing portion 302B.

[0068] The specific operation process of the drainage sealing device in this embodiment is as follows:

[0069] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the initial state, the sealing mechanism 100 blocks the drain hole 1A under the action of the compression spring 103. The first sliding member 301 abuts against the second sliding member 302, the guide body 301A and the limiting protrusion 302A are both located in the first limiting groove 303A, the limiting protrusion 302A abuts against the lower end of the first limiting groove 303A, and the pressing portion 302B extends out of the lower end of the mounting sleeve 104.

[0070] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the push rod 201 of the driving mechanism extends upward, pushes the pressing part 302B, drives the second body to push the first body, makes the guide body 301A slide upward along the first limiting groove 303A, and drives the connecting column 105 upward, makes the sealing cover 101 and the sealing gasket 102 move upward, separates from the drainage hole 1A, and opens the drainage hole 1A. When the guide body 301A is released from the upper end of the first limiting groove 303A, the first inclined surface cooperates with the second inclined surface, makes the lower end of the guide body 301A slide along the second inclined surface, and drives the first body to rotate.

[0071] The push rod 201 retracts downward, and under the action of the compression spring 103, the first body and the second body descend synchronously so that the first inclined surface descends to match the fourth inclined surface 303D. The lower end of the guide body 301A slides along the fourth inclined surface 303D until it abuts against the second limiting groove 303B.

[0072] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the push rod 201 continues to retract downward until it is separated from the pressing portion 302B. At this time, the second sliding member 302 drops to the bottom of the first limiting groove 303A under its own gravity, but under the limiting cooperation between the guide body 301A and the second limiting groove 303B, the first sliding member 301 cannot fall back to the initial height, so the first sliding member 301 is separated from the second sliding member 302. At the same time, the first sliding member 301 is kept at a higher position, so that the sealing cover 101 and the sealing gasket 102 can be kept separated from the drainage hole 1A, so that the sealing mechanism 100 remains in an open state.

[0073] The push rod 201 extends upward again, pushing the pressing part 302B, making the second sliding member 302 contact the first sliding member 301, pushing the first body, making the guide body 301A move upward and escape from the fourth limiting groove 303B. At this time, the first inclined surface cooperates with the second inclined surface, making the lower end of the guide body 301A slide along the second inclined surface, and the first body rotates.

[0074] The push rod 201 retracts downward, and under the action of the compression spring 103, the first body and the second body descend synchronously so that the first inclined surface descends to match the third inclined surface 303C. The lower end of the guide body 301A slides along the third inclined surface 303C and then enters the first limiting groove 303A.

[0075] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the push rod 201 continues to retract downward, and the first sliding member 301 and the second sliding member 302 fall back to their initial heights, so that the sealing mechanism 100 blocks the drainage hole 1A again.

[0076] In this embodiment, the sealing mechanism 100 can open the drain hole 1A to drain water under the push of the driving mechanism. During the dehydration process, since the inner barrel 1 needs to rotate, the push rod 201 of the driving mechanism needs to be retracted, and the sealing mechanism 100 cannot be continuously pushed. By setting the locking mechanism 300, through the limiting cooperation between the first sliding member 301 and the locking sleeve 303, after the push rod 201 is retracted, the first sliding member 301 can also be kept at a higher position without falling, thereby locking the sealing mechanism 100 in an open state. In this way, the drain hole 1A at the bottom of the inner barrel 1 can be kept in an open state during the drainage process, so that the water removed from the clothes can be quickly discharged from the bottom of the inner barrel 1, thereby improving the dehydration rate of the clothes.

[0077] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in a preferred solution of this embodiment, the washing machine further comprises a positioning device for locking the position of the inner tub 1. The positioning device and the drainage sealing device are arranged on both sides of the center of the bottom of the inner tub 1.

[0078] Specifically, a positioning hole 502 is provided on the flange 2 at the bottom of the inner barrel 1, and the positioning device is arranged below the inner barrel 1 and fixedly mounted on the outer barrel 3. The positioning device includes a locking rod 501 that can be inserted into / extracted from the positioning hole 502. When the push rod 201 of the driving mechanism corresponds to the position of the pressing portion 302B up and down, the locking rod 501 corresponds to the position of the positioning hole 502 up and down. When the locking rod 501 is inserted into the positioning hole 502, the inner barrel 1 is fixedly connected to the outer barrel 3, and the inner barrel 1 cannot rotate. When the locking rod 501 is extracted from the positioning hole 502, the inner barrel 1 can rotate freely.

[0079] In this embodiment, by providing a positioning device, the inner barrel 1 can be locked, so that the push rod 201 of the driving mechanism and the pressing portion 302B are fixed in position correspondingly, preventing the inner barrel 1 from rotating and failing to open the drainage hole 1A.

[0080] Embodiment 2

[0081] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and the above-mentioned embodiment 1 is that the first sliding member 301 and the connecting column 105 of the sealing mechanism 100 are separately arranged, and the upper end of the first sliding member 301 can be against the lower end of the connecting column 105.

[0082] In the initial state, the sealing mechanism 100 blocks the drain hole 1A under the action of the compression spring 103, and there is no contact between the first sliding member 301 and the connecting column 105. The first sliding member 301 abuts against the second sliding member 302, the guide body 301A and the limiting protrusion 302A are both located in the first limiting groove 303A, the limiting protrusion 302A abuts against the lower end of the first limiting groove 303A, and the pressing portion 302B extends out of the lower end of the mounting sleeve 104.

[0083] The push rod 201 extends upward to push the pressing portion 302B, driving the second body to push the first body, so that the guide body 301A slides upward along the first limiting groove 303A. When the first sliding member 301 abuts against the lower end of the connecting column 105, it starts to push the connecting column 105 upward, so that the sealing cover 101 and the sealing gasket 102 move upward, separate from the drain hole 1A, and open the drain hole 1A. After the guide body 301A is released from the upper end of the first limiting groove 303A, the first inclined surface cooperates with the second inclined surface, so that the lower end of the guide body 301A slides along the second inclined surface, driving the first body to rotate.

[0084] The push rod 201 retracts downward, and under the action of the compression spring 103, the connecting column 105 presses the first body and the second body to descend synchronously, so that the first inclined surface descends to match the fourth inclined surface 303D. The lower end of the guide body 301A slides along the fourth inclined surface 303D until it abuts against the second limiting groove 303B.

[0085] The push rod 201 continues to retract downward until it is separated from the pressing portion 302B, and the second sliding member 302 drops to the bottom of the first limiting groove 303A under its own gravity. However, under the limiting cooperation between the guide body 301A and the second limiting groove 303B, the first sliding member 301 cannot fall back to the initial height, that is, the connecting column 105 is pushed open by the first sliding member 301, so that the sealing mechanism 100 remains in the open state.

[0086] The flange 2 is fixedly connected to the saddle frame 401, which includes a connection portion 401A connected to the flange 2 by screws, and a sleeve portion 401B arranged corresponding to the mounting sleeve 104. The upper end of the sleeve portion 401B abuts against the lower end of the mounting sleeve 104, the locking mechanism 300 is arranged inside the sleeve portion 401B, and the locking sleeve 303 is fixedly connected to the sleeve portion 401B. The fixing buckle 402 is fixedly arranged at the lower end of the sleeve portion 401B.

[0087] In this embodiment, the first sliding member 301 and the connecting column 105 are separately provided. For a washing machine that has been provided with a sealing mechanism 100 and a driving mechanism, the saddle frame 401, the fixing buckle 402 and the locking mechanism 300 can be directly installed as a whole under the sealing mechanism 100 without changing the existing structure of the sealing mechanism 100 and the driving mechanism, thereby facilitating application.

[0088] Embodiment 3

[0089] This embodiment provides a control method for the washing machine described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 or 2. During the washing or rinsing process, the locking rod of the positioning device is retracted and the inner drum can rotate freely.

[0090] When draining, the positioning device is controlled to lock the inner tub, specifically, the locking rod is controlled to extend and insert into the positioning hole. Then the push rod of the driving mechanism is controlled to extend to push the pressing part, thereby making the sealing mechanism open the drain hole, and the washing water starts to be discharged from the drain hole.

[0091] During the drainage process, the push rod of the control driving mechanism retracts, and when the push rod retracts into place, it separates from the pressing part. The sealing mechanism keeps the drainage hole open under the action of the locking mechanism, and the washing water continues to be discharged.

[0092] During dehydration, the positioning device is controlled to release the lock on the inner barrel, that is, the locking rod is controlled to be withdrawn from the positioning hole.

[0093] In this embodiment, the inner barrel can rotate freely during the washing / rinsing process, and dual-power washing can be achieved. When draining, the positioning device is first controlled to lock the inner barrel, and then the driving mechanism is controlled to act, thereby avoiding the situation where the pressing part and the push rod do not correspond to each other and the drainage hole cannot be opened. When dehydrating, since the inner barrel needs to rotate and the push rod needs to be retracted, the locking mechanism keeps the drainage hole open, so that the drained water can be quickly discharged from the bottom of the inner barrel, ensuring the dehydration rate of the clothes. Finally, the positioning device is controlled to unlock the inner barrel to ensure the stability of the position of the inner barrel during the retraction of the push rod.

[0094] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make some changes or modify the technical contents suggested above into equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still fall within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising an inner barrel, a drain hole being provided on the bottom of the inner barrel, and a drain sealing device installed below the inner barrel, the drain sealing device blocking the drain hole to form a closed inner barrel for independently containing washing water, characterized in that: The drainage sealing device includes a sealing mechanism that can open or block the drainage hole, and a locking mechanism that keeps the drainage hole open after the sealing mechanism opens the drainage hole; The sealing mechanism comprises a plugging component, a connecting column and a mounting sleeve. The bottom of the inner barrel is fixedly connected to a flange, and the mounting sleeve is fixedly connected to the flange. The mounting sleeve has a hollow slideway inside, and the connecting column is slidably arranged in the hollow slideway. One end of the connecting column is connected to the plugging component to drive the plugging component to move, thereby opening or blocking the drainage hole. The locking mechanism comprises a first sliding member, a second sliding member and a locking sleeve, wherein the locking sleeve is fixedly connected to the mounting sleeve; the first sliding member and the second sliding member abut against each other, and the first sliding member and the second sliding member can slide in the same direction as the connecting column; The first sliding member is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting column away from the blocking component, or the first sliding member abuts against one end of the connecting column away from the blocking component, driving the connecting column to move and open the drainage hole; when the drainage hole is opened, the first sliding member and the locking sleeve are limitedly cooperated to keep the sealing mechanism in an open state.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the connecting column away from the blocking component is slidably arranged in the hollow slideway, and the locking mechanism is arranged in the hollow slideway.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first limiting groove and a second limiting groove are alternately arranged on the peripheral wall of the locking sleeve, and the first limiting groove extends along the sliding direction of the first sliding member and has a certain length; The first sliding member includes a first body and a guide body fixedly arranged on the circumferential side of the first body; the first body can slide and rotate relative to the locking sleeve, so that the guide body alternately enters the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove; the guide body and the second limiting groove are limited and cooperated to keep the sealing mechanism in an open state.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second sliding member includes a second body and a limiting protrusion fixedly arranged on the peripheral side of the second body, and the limiting protrusion is arranged in the first limiting groove; The guide body has a first inclined surface at one end close to the second sliding member, and the second body has a second inclined surface at one end close to the first body; The second body pushes the first body, and when the guide body escapes from the first limiting groove or the second limiting groove, the first inclined surface cooperates with the second inclined surface to make the end of the guide body slide along the second inclined surface, driving the first body to rotate, and the guide body alternately enters the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking sleeve also has a third inclined surface arranged at the opening end of the first limiting groove and a fourth inclined surface arranged at the opening end of the second limiting groove; The first inclined surface cooperates with the third inclined surface, and the guide body slides along the third inclined surface into the first limiting groove; the first inclined surface cooperates with the fourth inclined surface, and the guide body slides along the fourth inclined surface into the second limiting groove.

6. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the first sliding body and the second sliding body, the guide body is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the first body, the limiting protrusion is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the second body, and the first sliding body and the second sliding body slide along the inner side of the locking sleeve.

7. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second sliding member further includes a pressing portion disposed at an end of the second body away from the first body, and the drainage sealing device further includes a driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is fixedly installed below the inner barrel corresponding to the pressing portion; The driving mechanism has an output end that can be extended or retracted, and the output end extends toward the direction close to the pressing portion to push the pressing portion, thereby driving the second body to push the first body.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the guide body enters the second limiting groove, the output end retracts away from the pressing portion, and the guide body and the second limiting groove are limitedly matched to keep the sealing mechanism in an open state during the drainage process, and the output end is separated from the pressing portion.

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The washing machine also includes a positioning device for locking the position of the inner drum; The bottom of the inner barrel is fixedly connected to a flange plate, a positioning hole is provided on the flange plate, and the positioning device is fixedly installed below the inner barrel and comprises a locking rod which can be inserted into or pulled out of the positioning hole.

10. A method for controlling a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The washing machine further comprises a positioning device for locking the position of the inner drum, and the drainage sealing device further comprises a driving mechanism acting on the sealing mechanism to open the drainage hole; When draining water, the positioning device is controlled to lock the inner barrel, and the driving mechanism is then controlled to push the sealing mechanism to open the drain hole; During the drainage process, the driving mechanism is controlled to stop acting on the sealing mechanism, and the sealing mechanism remains in an open state under the action of the locking mechanism; During dehydration, the positioning device is controlled to release the lock on the inner barrel.

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