A deceleration clutch device for a washing machine, a washing machine and its control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing machine deceleration clutch device, a washing machine, and a control method thereof. The washing machine deceleration clutch device includes a clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism comprising a clutch sleeve capable of reciprocating motion for clutch switching, and a shift fork assembly for driving the clutch sleeve. The shift fork assembly includes a shift fork and a shift fork driving device, one end of the shift fork being forked onto the clutch sleeve. The shift fork driving device includes a power component and a rack-and-pinion transmission mechanism. The rotational output end of the power component is transmission-connected to the other end of the shift fork via the rack-and-pinion transmission mechanism. The power component drives the shift fork via the rack-and-pinion transmission mechanism to shift the clutch sleeve in a reciprocating motion for clutch switching. The rotational output of the power component of the washing machine deceleration clutch device of the present invention is converted into reciprocating motion in the vertical direction by the rack-and-pinion transmission mechanism, driving the shift fork to shift the clutch sleeve in a reciprocating motion for clutch switching, thereby improving the stability of the washing machine deceleration clutch device during operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laundry equipment technology, specifically to a washing machine deceleration clutch device, a washing machine, and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machines, as a type of household appliance, have gradually become an indispensable part of people's lives, and fully automatic top-loading washing machines, as a major type of washing machine, are increasingly widely used. The general working principle of existing fully automatic top-loading washing machines is as follows: during washing and rinsing, the drive unit drives the washing machine's pulsator to rotate forward and backward through a reduction clutch; during spin-drying, the drive unit drives the washing machine's pulsator and washing tub to rotate synchronously at high speed through the reduction clutch.

[0003] However, with the rapid development of technology, the washing method of existing fully automatic pulsator washing machines, which relies solely on the pulsator to agitate water flow, has become increasingly limited in improving the washing effect of clothes. Therefore, how to increase the washing diversity of fully automatic pulsator washing machines to improve the washing effect has become an urgent technical problem to be solved.

[0004] Several patents have proposed solutions to this problem. For example, Chinese invention patent application number 02804912.8, entitled "A transmission mechanism for generating bidirectional rotation, a washing machine and method for generating bidirectional washing, and related inner tub and agitator," discloses a transmission mechanism suitable for use in a washing machine to generate bidirectional drive. It includes a power input end and two power output ends. One power output end is connected to an agitator shaft (10) and causes the agitator shaft to rotate in a first direction; the other power output end is connected to an inner tub shaft (11) and causes the inner tub shaft to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The patent also discloses a washing machine for generating bidirectional washing and a washing method capable of generating bidirectional washing in the washing machine. It further discloses an agitator and inner tub for a washing machine. The patent discloses a transmission mechanism that enables the washing machine to generate bidirectional drive, and the specific structure of the transmission mechanism is disclosed in the specification. From the specification and drawings, it can be seen that this patent solves to some extent the problem of the single power drive mode during washing in existing fully automatic pulsator washing machines. However, the disclosed transmission mechanism has a complex structure, high manufacturing and assembly difficulty, and high manufacturing cost.

[0005] For example, Chinese invention patent application number 201310408108.X, entitled "Fully Automatic Washing Machine," discloses a fully automatic washing machine including an outer tub, an inner tub, a pulsator, and a drive device. The drive device includes at least two rotors and at least one stator, with one rotor connected to the inner tub shaft and another rotor connected to the pulsator shaft. The drive device is a variable frequency direct drive motor. The rotors, stator, inner tub shaft, and pulsator shaft are coaxially arranged, with the inner tub shaft hollow and the pulsator shaft located within it. During washing, the pulsator and inner tub rotate in the same direction, or in opposite directions, or one of the pulsator or inner tub rotates. During spin-drying, the pulsator and inner tub rotate in the same direction and at the same speed. This invention, by connecting two rotors to the inner tub shaft and the pulsator shaft respectively, drives the inner tub and pulsator to rotate independently. This structure significantly reduces the weight, size, and cost of the drive system while improving transmission efficiency and stability.

[0006] As can be seen from the two published patent applications mentioned above, there are two main existing ideas for solving the problem of diverse water flow in washing machines: Method 1: Designing a deceleration clutch device that can output bidirectional power to achieve bidirectional washing during the washing process, thereby enhancing the water flow effect; Method 2: Designing a drive motor with bidirectional power output to drive the impeller and inner tub respectively to achieve bidirectional washing during the washing process, thereby enhancing the water flow effect. Method 1 has the disadvantages of complex deceleration clutch device structure, difficult installation, and complex control method, while Method 2 has the disadvantage of high cost of drive motor with bidirectional power output.

[0007] In addition, the method of using a deceleration clutch to switch between multiple washing modes in a washing machine requires the clutch mechanism of the deceleration clutch to be kept in the engagement state corresponding to each of the multiple washing modes. The existing method uses a multi-stroke motor to drive the clutch mechanism to switch the engagement state corresponding to each of the multiple washing modes. However, the multi-stroke motor cannot lock the clutch mechanism, and the engagement stability of the clutch mechanism is not good.

[0008] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The primary objective of this invention is to improve the driving method of the clutch mechanism in existing deceleration clutch devices, providing a washing machine deceleration clutch device with a simpler structure, better stability in the clutch engagement state, and the ability to handle more washing conditions. Specifically, the following technical solution is adopted:

[0010] A washing machine deceleration clutch device includes a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a clutch sleeve capable of reciprocating motion for clutch switching and a shift fork assembly for driving the clutch sleeve. The shift fork assembly includes a shift fork and a shift fork driving device. One end of the shift fork is forked onto the clutch sleeve. The shift fork driving device includes a power component and a gear and rack transmission mechanism. The rotation output end of the power component is connected to the other end of the shift fork via the gear and rack transmission mechanism. The power component drives the shift fork to reciprocate the clutch sleeve for clutch switching via the gear and rack transmission mechanism.

[0011] Furthermore, the gear and rack transmission mechanism includes a gear and a rack assembly, the gear is disposed on the rotation output end of the power component, the rack assembly meshes with the gear for transmission, and the shift fork is connected to the rack assembly;

[0012] The power component drives the gear to rotate in the forward / reverse direction. The gear meshes with the rack assembly, which in turn drives the rack assembly to reciprocate in a straight line in the vertical direction. The rack assembly drives the shift fork to reciprocate the clutch sleeve to switch between clutch and engagement.

[0013] Furthermore, the rack assembly includes a rack and a connecting component, wherein the rack meshes with a gear for transmission, the connecting component is fixedly connected to the rack, and the shift fork is connected to the connecting component.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting component includes a connecting arm and a slider. The connecting arm is fixedly connected to the rack, and the connecting arm has a groove parallel to the rack. The slider is slidably disposed in the groove, and one end of the fork is connected to the slider.

[0015] Preferably, the shift fork assembly includes a fixedly disposed shift fork seat, the middle part of which is rotatably mounted on the shift fork seat. The shift fork has a drive end connected to the slider and a fork end fork connected to the clutch sleeve. The slider has a mounting hole, and the drive end of the shift fork is inserted into the mounting hole.

[0016] Furthermore, elastic buffers for slider contact buffering are respectively provided at both ends of the connecting arm located on the slide groove;

[0017] Preferably, the elastic buffer is an elastic rubber sleeve.

[0018] Furthermore, an elastic element for elastic reset of the slider is provided between one end of the slider and the groove.

[0019] Preferably, the elastic element is a spring.

[0020] Furthermore, the clutch mechanism includes a torque transmission sleeve and a fixed sleeve, wherein the clutch sleeve is located between the torque transmission sleeve and the fixed sleeve.

[0021] The power component has a first limit position at its rotation output end. The power component drives the shift fork to move to the first position through a gear and rack transmission mechanism. The shift fork engages the clutch sleeve with the torque transmission shaft sleeve.

[0022] The power component has a second limit position at its rotation output end. The power component drives the shift fork to move to the second position through a gear and rack transmission mechanism. The shift fork moves the clutch sleeve and the torque transmission shaft sleeve and the fixed sleeve to separate.

[0023] The power component has a third limiting position at its rotation output end. The power component drives the shift fork to move to the third position through a gear and rack transmission mechanism. The shift fork then engages the clutch sleeve with the fixed sleeve.

[0024] Furthermore, the clutch mechanism includes a torque transmission sleeve and a fixed sleeve, with the clutch sleeve located between the torque transmission sleeve and the fixed sleeve. The power component drives the shift fork to switch between three states: engaging with the torque transmission sleeve, disengaging from both the torque transmission sleeve and the fixed sleeve, and engaging with the fixed sleeve, through a gear and rack transmission mechanism.

[0025] It also includes a position detection device for detecting whether the gear and rack transmission mechanism, shift fork, or clutch sleeve has moved to the position corresponding to the three states. When the position detection device detects that the movement has reached the position corresponding to the three states, the power component stops.

[0026] The second objective of this invention is to provide a washing machine with more washing functions, specifically, the following technical solution is adopted:

[0027] A washing machine having the aforementioned washing machine deceleration clutch device, the washing machine deceleration clutch device includes a deceleration mechanism, the deceleration mechanism includes an input shaft, an input shaft sleeve sleeved on the input shaft, an output shaft and an output shaft sleeve sleeved on the output shaft, the clutch sleeve being axially slidably disposed on the input shaft sleeve;

[0028] The washing machine includes an inner tub and a pulsator disposed inside the inner tub. The output shaft is fixedly connected to the pulsator, and the output shaft sleeve is fixedly connected to the inner tub.

[0029] The washing machine also includes a drive motor for driving the deceleration clutch device. The clutch mechanism includes a torque transmission sleeve that can rotate synchronously with the input shaft and a fixed sleeve that is fixedly set. The clutch sleeve is located between the torque transmission sleeve and the fixed sleeve. The deceleration mechanism includes a brake wheel that can rotate in both directions. The input sleeve and the output sleeve are respectively fixedly connected to the brake wheel.

[0030] The third objective of this invention is to provide a control method for the aforementioned washing machine, specifically, the following technical solution is adopted:

[0031] A method for controlling a washing machine includes: a washing machine control power component driving a shift fork to move a clutch sleeve to various engagement positions via a gear and rack transmission mechanism to switch between clutch and engagement, thereby realizing various washing conditions of the washing machine.

[0032] The washing machine deceleration clutch device of this invention is connected to a power component and a gear and rack transmission mechanism. The rotational output of the power component is converted into reciprocating motion in the vertical direction through the gear and rack transmission mechanism. The reciprocating motion of the gear and rack transmission mechanism in the vertical direction drives the shift fork to move the clutch sleeve reciprocally to switch between clutch and engagement. This invention controls the movement of the shift fork to the clutch sleeve to various clutch positions by controlling the rotation angle of the power component, which improves the accuracy of the shift fork's action, ensures high reliability, and simplifies the overall structure. Moreover, by controlling multiple rotation angles of the power component, the shift fork can move the clutch sleeve to multiple clutch positions to achieve more washing modes, enhance washing versatility, and provide better washing results for clothes.

[0033] In addition, the washing machine deceleration clutch device of the present invention uses a gear and rack transmission mechanism to realize the reciprocating motion of the clutch sleeve driven by the power component to switch between clutch and engagement. During the process of driving the clutch sleeve to various clutch positions, the gear and rack transmission mechanism will be locked in a locked state whenever the power is cut off or a stop command is given, regardless of the clutch position. The current clutch position will be locked and will only be activated when the power is restored or a command is received. This can prevent the clutch sleeve from engaging incorrectly.

[0034] The washing machine deceleration clutch device of the present invention uses a gear and rack transmission mechanism, which has a relatively small traction force, effectively protects the components, and extends their service life. With the fulcrum of the control fork determined, the extended power arm of the control fork is inserted into the rack assembly of the rack transmission mechanism. This not only reduces the traction force, but also makes the control of the clutch sleeve's up and down movement more precise, reducing the possibility of the clutch sleeve hitting the teeth. This improves the stability of the washing machine deceleration clutch device during operation, reduces the failure rate, and enhances the user experience.

[0035] The washing machine of the present invention adopts the above-mentioned washing machine deceleration clutch device to realize fully automatic washing mode and hand washing mode, which can provide more washing modes for users to choose more specifically, with better clothes washing effect and improved user experience.

[0036] The control method of the washing machine of the present invention can realize two washing modes: manual washing and fully automatic washing. Users can select the corresponding washing mode according to their washing needs, thereby improving the user's washing experience. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 Front view of the washing machine deceleration clutch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 A bottom view of the washing machine deceleration clutch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the rack assembly and the shift fork according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the gear transmission rack assembly at position 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the gear transmission rack assembly at position 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the gear transmission rack assembly at position 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Explanation of the labels in the attached diagram: 1-Output shaft 2-Output shaft sleeve 3-Mounting plate 4-Brake lever 5-Housing 6-Shift fork seat 7-Brake band 8-Fixing sleeve 9-Clutch sleeve 10-Torque transmission shaft sleeve 11-Input shaft 12-Motor fastening nut 13-Input shaft sleeve 14-Shift fork 15-Clutch compression spring 16-Brake lever torsion spring 17-Fork joint end 18-Drive end 19-Rack assembly 20-Power component 21-Gear 22-Connecting arm 23-Slide groove 24-Slider 25-Elastic element 26-Elastic buffer element 27-Rack 28-Connecting support arm. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following is a detailed description of a washing machine deceleration clutch device, a washing machine, and a control method thereof according to the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0045] like Figures 1-6 As shown, this embodiment provides a washing machine deceleration clutch device, including a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a clutch sleeve 9 that can reciprocate to switch between clutch and engagement, and a shift fork assembly that drives the clutch sleeve 9. The shift fork assembly includes a shift fork 14 and a shift fork drive device. One end of the shift fork 14 is forked onto the clutch sleeve 9. The shift fork drive device includes a power component 20 and a gear and rack transmission mechanism. The rotation output end of the power component 20 is connected to the other end of the shift fork 14 through the gear and rack transmission mechanism. The power component 20 drives the shift fork to reciprocate the clutch sleeve 9 to switch between clutch and engagement through the gear and rack transmission mechanism.

[0046] In this embodiment, the washing machine's deceleration clutch device is connected to a gear and rack transmission mechanism via a power component 20. The rotational output of the power component 20 is converted into reciprocating motion in the vertical direction through the gear and rack transmission mechanism. This reciprocating motion drives the shift fork 14 to reciprocate the clutch sleeve 9, switching between clutch and engagement. This embodiment controls the movement of the shift fork 14 to various clutch positions by controlling the rotation angle of the power component 20, improving the accuracy and reliability of the shift fork's action and simplifying the overall structure. Furthermore, by controlling multiple rotation angles of the power component 20, the shift fork 14 can move to multiple clutch positions, enabling more washing modes, increasing washing versatility, and providing better washing results.

[0047] In addition, the washing machine deceleration clutch device in this embodiment uses a gear and rack transmission mechanism to drive the clutch sleeve 9 to reciprocate and switch between clutch and engagement. During the process of driving the clutch sleeve to various clutch positions, the gear and rack transmission mechanism will be locked in a locked state whenever the power is cut off or a stop command is given, regardless of the clutch position. The clutch position will only be locked when the power is restored or a command is received. This can prevent the clutch sleeve 9 from being mis-engaged.

[0048] The washing machine deceleration clutch device in this embodiment uses a gear and rack transmission mechanism, which has a relatively small traction force, effectively protecting the components and extending their lifespan. With the fulcrum of the control fork 14 determined, the extended power arm of the control fork 14 is inserted into the rack assembly of the rack transmission mechanism. This not only reduces the traction force but also makes the control of the clutch sleeve 9's up-and-down movement more precise, reducing the possibility of the clutch sleeve 9 hitting the teeth. This improves the stability of the washing machine deceleration clutch device during operation, reduces the failure rate, and enhances the user experience.

[0049] Furthermore, in order to convert the rotational output of the power component 20 into reciprocating motion in the vertical direction, the gear and rack transmission mechanism of this embodiment includes a gear 21 and a rack assembly 19. The gear 21 is disposed on the rotational output end of the power component 20, the rack assembly 19 meshes with the gear 21 for transmission, and the shift fork 14 is connected to the rack assembly 19.

[0050] Therefore, in this embodiment, the power component 20 drives the gear 21 to rotate in the forward / reverse direction. The gear 21 meshes with the rack assembly 19, which drives the rack assembly 19 to reciprocate in a straight line in the vertical direction. The rack assembly 19 drives the shift fork 14 to move the clutch sleeve 9 in a reciprocating motion to switch between clutch and engagement.

[0051] As one implementation method of this embodiment, such as Figures 4-6As shown, the rack assembly includes a rack 27 and a connecting component. The rack 27 meshes with a gear 21 for transmission. The connecting component is fixedly connected to the rack 27, and the shift fork 14 is connected to the connecting component. In this embodiment, the rack assembly is connected to the shift fork 14 through the connecting component, and the rack 27 drives the shift fork 14 to achieve clutch movement.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the connecting component in this embodiment includes a connecting arm 22 and a slider 24. The connecting arm 22 is fixedly connected to the rack 27. The connecting arm 22 has a groove 23 parallel to the rack 27. The slider 24 is slidably disposed in the groove 23. One end of the fork 14 is connected to the slider 24.

[0053] Preferably, the shift fork assembly includes a fixedly disposed shift fork seat 6, and the middle part of the shift fork 14 is rotatably mounted on the shift fork seat 6. The shift fork 14 has a drive end 18 connected to the slider 24 and a fork end 17 forked onto the clutch sleeve 9. The slider 24 has a mounting hole, and the drive end 18 of the shift fork 14 is inserted into the mounting hole.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, elastic buffer members 26 for contact buffering of the slider 24 are respectively provided at both ends of the connecting arm 22 located in the slide groove 23.

[0055] Preferably, the elastic buffer 26 is an elastic rubber sleeve.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an elastic element 25 for elastic reset of the slider 24 is provided between one end of the slider 24 and the groove 23.

[0057] Preferably, the elastic element 25 is a spring.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting arm 22 is fixedly connected to the rack 27 via the connecting support arm 28, and the connecting support arm 28 and the connecting arm 22 are integrally formed.

[0059] In this embodiment, the drive end 18 of the shift fork 14 is inserted into the mounting hole of the slider 24. The slider 24 is connected to the elastic element 25 (which initially has a certain preload) and pulled (to prevent the slider from sliding freely). The slider can slide back and forth in the groove 23 on the connecting arm 22. The two ends of the groove 23 are limited by elastic buffers 26. The above structure is mainly to solve the following problem: When the rack assembly drives the shift fork 14 to move up and down, if the meshing teeth of the clutch sleeve 9 that controls the shift fork 14 do not fully mesh with the meshing teeth of the fixed sleeve 8 and the torque transmission shaft sleeve 10, and the rack assembly is still moving (although the movement distance is small), the control shift fork 14 will be subjected to force. In order to prevent the shift fork 14 from being subjected to force, the elastic element 25 and the elastic buffer 26 are set to buffer and protect the control shift fork 14, thereby improving its service life.

[0060] To enable the power unit 20 to drive the shift fork to move the clutch sleeve through the gear and rack transmission mechanism to achieve multiple clutch states, as one implementation method of this embodiment, the clutch mechanism described in this embodiment includes a torque transmission shaft sleeve 10 and a fixed sleeve 8, wherein the clutch sleeve 9 is located between the torque transmission shaft sleeve 10 and the fixed sleeve 8:

[0061] The power component 20 has a first limit position at its rotation output end. The power component 20 drives the shift fork to move to the first position through a gear and rack transmission mechanism. The shift fork engages the clutch sleeve 9 with the torque transmission shaft sleeve 10.

[0062] The power component 20 has a second limit position at its rotation output end. The power component 20 drives the shift fork 14 to move to the second position through the gear and rack transmission mechanism. The shift fork 14 causes the clutch sleeve 9 to separate from the torque transmission shaft sleeve 10 and the fixed sleeve 8.

[0063] The power component 20 has a third limit position at its rotation output end. The power component 20 drives the shift fork 14 to move to the third position through a gear and rack transmission mechanism. The shift fork 14 then engages the clutch sleeve 9 with the fixed sleeve 8.

[0064] The power component 20 in this embodiment has at least three limiting positions: a first limiting position, a second limiting position, and a third limiting position. Correspondingly, the clutch sleeve 9 has at least three clutch states, which can be used to realize at least three washing modes in the washing machine. Compared with existing washing machines, it enriches the washing modes, allowing users to select a more suitable washing mode according to their specific washing needs, resulting in better washing effects and improving the user's washing experience.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the rotation output end of the power component 20 rotates to the first limit position, and the gear 21 meshes with the rack assembly to the state of position 1; as Figure 5 As shown, the rotation output end of the power component 20 rotates to the second limit position, and the gear 21 meshes with the rack assembly to the state of position 2; as Figure 6 As shown, the rotation output end of the power component 20 rotates to the third limit position, and the gear 21 engages with the rack assembly to position 3. The three position states correspond to the three clutch states of the clutch sleeve 9, realizing three washing conditions.

[0066] As another embodiment of this embodiment, the clutch mechanism of this embodiment includes a torque transmission shaft sleeve 10 and a fixed sleeve 8. The clutch sleeve 9 is located between the torque transmission shaft sleeve 10 and the fixed sleeve 8. The power component 20 drives the shift fork 14 through the gear and rack transmission mechanism to switch the clutch sleeve 9 between three states: engaging with the torque transmission shaft sleeve 10, disengaging from both the torque transmission shaft sleeve 10 and the fixed sleeve 8, and engaging with the fixed sleeve 8.

[0067] The washing machine deceleration clutch device also includes a position detection device for detecting whether the gear and rack transmission mechanism, the shift fork 14, or the clutch sleeve 9 has moved to the position corresponding to the three states. When the position detection device detects that the movement has reached the position corresponding to the three states, the power component stops.

[0068] This embodiment also provides a washing machine with the aforementioned washing machine deceleration clutch device. The washing machine deceleration clutch device includes a deceleration mechanism, which includes an input shaft 11, an input shaft sleeve 13 sleeved on the input shaft 11, an output shaft 1, and an output shaft sleeve 2 sleeved on the output shaft. The clutch sleeve 9 is axially slidably disposed on the input shaft sleeve 13.

[0069] The washing machine includes an inner tub and a pulsator disposed inside the inner tub. The output shaft 1 is fixedly connected to the pulsator, and the output shaft sleeve 2 is fixedly connected to the inner tub.

[0070] The washing machine also includes a drive motor for driving the deceleration clutch device. The clutch mechanism includes a torque transmission sleeve 10 that can rotate synchronously with the input shaft 11 and a fixed sleeve 8. The clutch sleeve 9 is located between the torque transmission sleeve 10 and the fixed sleeve 8. The deceleration mechanism includes a brake wheel that can rotate in both directions. The input sleeve 13 and the output sleeve 2 are respectively fixedly connected to the brake wheel.

[0071] In existing fully automatic washing machines, the brake wheel is in a braking state during washing, and the deceleration clutch can only drive the impeller to rotate. During spin-drying, although the brake wheel can rotate, it can only maintain unidirectional rotation due to the limitation of the one-way bearing. This greatly limits the inner tub from rotating during the washing process, or even if it does rotate, its rotation mode is relatively simple, which is not conducive to forming diverse washing modes.

[0072] In this embodiment, the brake wheel of the deceleration clutch device can rotate in both directions, thereby enabling the inner tub to have more rotation modes and theoretically providing more washing modes: a washing mode in which the deceleration clutch device drives the clutch sleeve to engage and fix with the fixed sleeve 8 by controlling the shift fork assembly, the input shaft sleeve 13 is locked, and the brake wheel is also locked, resulting in a single-drive impeller rotation of the deceleration clutch device; and a washing mode in which the deceleration clutch device drives the clutch sleeve 9 to separate from the fixed sleeve 8 and not engage and fix with the torque transmission shaft sleeve 10, the input shaft sleeve 13 is unlocked, and the brake wheel can then rotate freely in both directions, resulting in a single-drive impeller rotation of the deceleration clutch device and free rotation of the inner tub.

[0073] Therefore, the deceleration clutch device in this embodiment can provide multiple washing functions: it can employ the previously fully automatic washing method, where the pulsator rotates but the washing tub remains stationary during washing; or it can employ a hand-washing method, where the pulsator rotates while the washing tub rotates freely during washing. Throughout the entire washing process, the washing machine can utilize multiple combined washing methods and various water flows, operating in a cyclical and alternating manner. This ensures more thorough washing, cleaner clothes, prevents clothes from tangling, and enhances the user experience of the washing machine.

[0074] Furthermore, the washing machine described in this embodiment includes an outer tub, and the washing machine deceleration clutch device includes a mounting plate 3 fixed to the bottom wall of the outer tub and a housing 5 fixed to the mounting plate 3. The housing 5 has an internal chamber for accommodating the brake wheel.

[0075] The fixed sleeve 8 is fixedly installed on the housing 5. The fixed sleeve 8 has washing engagement teeth. The clutch sleeve 9 has an upper engagement tooth at one end near the fixed sleeve 8. The upper engagement tooth of the clutch sleeve 9 engages with the washing engagement tooth of the fixed sleeve 8 to lock the input shaft sleeve 13.

[0076] The input shaft 11 has an external spline on its outer periphery, and the torque transmission sleeve 10 has an internal spline. The internal spline of the torque transmission sleeve 10 engages with the external spline of the input shaft 11. The torque transmission sleeve 10 rotates synchronously with the input shaft 11. The torque transmission sleeve 10 has dehydration meshing teeth. The clutch sleeve 9 has a lower meshing tooth at one end near the torque transmission sleeve 10. The lower meshing tooth of the clutch sleeve 9 engages with the dehydration meshing tooth of the torque transmission sleeve 10. The input shaft 11 and the input sleeve 13 rotate synchronously.

[0077] Preferably, the power component 20 is mounted on the mounting plate 3.

[0078] In this embodiment, a motor locking nut 12 for fixing the input shaft to the rotor of the drive motor is sleeved on the input shaft 11, and a buffer pad is provided on the end face of the torque transmission sleeve 10 near the drive motor.

[0079] The brake wheel of this embodiment includes a brake wheel body with an open receiving cavity and a brake wheel shaft fixedly connected to the open end of the brake body. A bidirectional rotating bearing is provided between the brake wheel shaft and the housing, so that the brake wheel of this embodiment can rotate in both directions.

[0080] In this embodiment, a clutch spring 15 for elastic reset engagement of the clutch sleeve 9 is sleeved on the input shaft sleeve 13. The clutch spring 15 is disposed between the clutch sleeve 9 and the bottom end face of the lower end shell 5.

[0081] Furthermore, the outer tub of this embodiment has a drain outlet, a drain valve for controlling the opening and closing of the drain outlet and a drain motor for pulling the drain valve are installed at the bottom of the outer tub, a brake band 4 is provided on the outer periphery of the brake wheel, one end of the brake band 4 is connected to the brake rod 7, a brake rod torsion spring 16 is provided on the brake rod 7, and the drain motor is also connected to the brake rod 7.

[0082] The drainage motor in this embodiment has two strokes: when the drainage motor pulls out of the first stroke, the brake lever 7 is pulled out, the brake band 4 is released, the brake wheel is not braked, and the drainage valve does not operate (does not drain); when the drainage motor pulls out of the second stroke, both the brake lever and the drainage valve are pulled out, the brake wheel is not braked, and the drainage valve drains water.

[0083] The drain valve in this embodiment has a drain valve lever, and the puller is connected to the drain valve lever. The drain valve lever and the puller are connected by a tension spring. During the first traction stroke of the puller, the tension spring extends, the drain valve lever does not move, and the drain valve remains closed.

[0084] This embodiment also provides a control method for a washing machine, including: the washing machine control power component drives the shift fork to move the clutch sleeve to various engagement positions through a gear and rack transmission mechanism to switch the clutch and realize various washing conditions of the washing machine.

[0085] Furthermore, the control methods for the washing machine include:

[0086] When the rotation output end of the washing machine control power component rotates to the first limit position, the power component 20 drives the shift fork to move to the first position through the gear and rack transmission mechanism. The shift fork engages the clutch sleeve 9 with the torque transmission shaft sleeve 10. The brake wheel and the input shaft are synchronously linked, controlling the drive motor to move through the reduction clutch device to drive the washing machine impeller and inner tub to rotate at the same speed and in the same direction to perform the spin-drying process.

[0087] When the rotation output end of the washing machine control power component rotates to the second limit position, the power component 20 drives the shift fork 14 to move to the second position through the gear and rack transmission mechanism. The shift fork 14 causes the clutch sleeve 9 to separate from the torque transmission shaft sleeve 10 and the fixed sleeve 8. The brake wheel is in a free rotation state. The control drive motor is activated to drive the washing machine impeller to reciprocate and the inner tub to rotate freely through the deceleration clutch device to carry out the first washing process.

[0088] When the rotation output end of the washing machine control power component rotates to the third limit position, the power component 20 drives the shift fork 14 to move to the third position through the gear and rack transmission mechanism. The transmission wheel drives the transmission rod to drive the shift fork to engage the clutch sleeve with the fixed sleeve. The brake wheel is in a braking state. The control drive motor is activated to drive the washing machine impeller to reciprocate through the deceleration clutch device to perform the second washing process.

[0089] The first washing process in this embodiment is a hand-washing method, which minimizes abrasion and damage to clothes, making it more suitable for washing small items and delicate garments. The second washing process in this embodiment is a fully automatic washing method, which achieves a higher level of cleanliness. Therefore, the washing machine control method in this embodiment can realize both hand-washing and fully automatic washing modes, allowing users to select the appropriate washing mode according to their washing needs, thus enhancing the user's washing experience.

[0090] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A deceleration clutch device for a washing machine, characterized in that, The clutch mechanism includes a torque transmission sleeve, a fixed sleeve, a clutch sleeve located between the torque transmission sleeve and the fixed sleeve, and a shift fork assembly. The shift fork assembly is used to drive the clutch sleeve to reciprocate between the torque transmission sleeve and the fixed sleeve to switch between clutch and engagement. The shift fork assembly includes a shift fork and a shift fork drive device. One end of the shift fork is forked onto the clutch sleeve. The shift fork drive device includes a power component and a gear and rack transmission mechanism. The rotation output end of the power component is connected to the other end of the shift fork through the gear and rack transmission mechanism. The power component drives the shift fork to reciprocate the clutch sleeve through the gear and rack transmission mechanism to switch between clutch and clutch. The rotation output end of the power component has a first limit position. The power component drives the shift fork to move to the first position through the gear and rack transmission mechanism. The shift fork engages with the clutch sleeve and the torque transmission shaft sleeve, so that the washing machine impeller and inner tub rotate at the same speed and in the same direction. The power component has a second limit position at its rotation output end. The power component drives the shift fork to move to the second position through a gear and rack transmission mechanism. The shift fork causes the clutch sleeve to separate from the torque transmission shaft sleeve and the fixed sleeve, so that the washing machine impeller reciprocates and the inner tub rotates freely. The power component has a third limit position at its rotation output end. The power component drives the shift fork to move to the third position through a gear and rack transmission mechanism. The shift fork engages the clutch sleeve with the fixed sleeve, causing the washing machine impeller to reciprocate and the inner tub to be in a braking state.

2. The washing machine deceleration clutch device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gear and rack transmission mechanism includes a gear and a rack assembly. The gear is disposed on the rotation output end of the power component. The rack assembly meshes with the gear for transmission. The shift fork is connected to the rack assembly. The power component drives the gear to rotate in the forward and reverse directions. The gear meshes with the rack assembly, which in turn drives the rack assembly to reciprocate in a straight line in the vertical direction. The rack assembly drives the shift fork to reciprocate the clutch sleeve to switch between clutch and engagement.

3. The washing machine deceleration clutch device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rack assembly includes a rack and a connecting component. The rack meshes with a gear for transmission. The connecting component is fixedly connected to the rack. The shift fork is connected to the connecting component.

4. The washing machine deceleration clutch device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting component includes a connecting arm and a slider. The connecting arm is fixedly connected to the rack and has a groove parallel to the rack. The slider is slidably disposed in the groove and one end of the fork is connected to the slider.

5. The washing machine deceleration clutch device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shift fork assembly includes a fixed shift fork seat, with the middle part of the shift fork rotatably mounted on the shift fork seat. The shift fork has a drive end connected to the slider and a fork end fork connected to the clutch sleeve. The slider has a mounting hole, and the drive end of the shift fork is inserted into the mounting hole.

6. The washing machine deceleration clutch device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting arm is provided with elastic buffers at both ends of the slide groove for buffering the contact of the slider.

7. The washing machine deceleration clutch device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The elastic buffer is an elastic rubber sleeve.

8. The washing machine deceleration clutch device according to claim 4, characterized in that, An elastic element for elastic reset of the slider is provided between one end of the slider and the groove.

9. The washing machine deceleration clutch device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elastic element is a spring.

10. The washing machine deceleration clutch device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The clutch mechanism includes a torque transmission shaft sleeve and a fixed sleeve. The clutch sleeve is located between the torque transmission shaft sleeve and the fixed sleeve. The power component drives the shift fork to switch the clutch sleeve between three states: engaging with the torque transmission shaft sleeve, disengaging from both the torque transmission shaft sleeve and the fixed sleeve, and engaging with the fixed sleeve, through a gear and rack transmission mechanism. It also includes a position detection device for detecting whether the gear and rack transmission mechanism, shift fork, or clutch sleeve has moved to the position corresponding to the three states. When the position detection device detects that the movement has reached the position corresponding to the three states, the power component stops.

11. A washing machine having a deceleration clutch device as described in any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The washing machine deceleration clutch device includes a deceleration mechanism, which includes an input shaft, an input shaft sleeve sleeved on the input shaft, an output shaft, and an output shaft sleeve sleeved on the output shaft. The clutch sleeve is axially slidable on the input shaft sleeve. The washing machine includes an inner tub and a pulsator disposed inside the inner tub. The output shaft is fixedly connected to the pulsator, and the output shaft sleeve is fixedly connected to the inner tub. The washing machine also includes a drive motor for driving the deceleration clutch device. The clutch mechanism includes a torque transmission sleeve that can rotate synchronously with the input shaft and a fixed sleeve that is fixedly set. The clutch sleeve is located between the torque transmission sleeve and the fixed sleeve. The deceleration mechanism includes a brake wheel that can rotate in both directions. The input sleeve and the output sleeve are respectively fixedly connected to the brake wheel.

12. A control method for a washing machine as described in claim 11, characterized in that, include: The washing machine's control power unit drives the shift fork to move the clutch sleeve to various engagement positions through a gear and rack transmission mechanism, thereby switching between clutch and engagement and realizing various washing conditions of the washing machine.

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