A deceleration clutch device for washing machine, washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a deceleration clutch device of a washing machine, a washing machine and a control method thereof, wherein the deceleration clutch device comprises a clutch mechanism, wherein the clutch mechanism comprises a clutch sleeve, a fork assembly for reciprocatingly moving the clutch sleeve, and a fork driving device for driving the fork assembly to move, wherein the fork driving device comprises a driving cam, wherein the driving cam has a plurality of driving surfaces of different strokes for pressing down the fork assembly, so as to drive the fork assembly to switch the clutch sleeve between a position in which it is engaged with a torque transmission sleeve, a position in which it is separated from a fixed sleeve and the torque transmission sleeve, and a position in which it is engaged with a fixed sleeve. The deceleration clutch device of the present invention can realize a plurality of clutch switching states of the clutch sleeve, realize a more diversified washing working condition, meet more washing requirements, have a better washing effect, and enhance the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of laundry equipment, and in particular to a speed reduction clutch device of a washing machine, a washing machine and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Washing machines, as a household appliance, have gradually become an indispensable part of people's lives, and fully automatic pulsator washing machines, as a major type of washing machine, are increasingly widely used. The working mode of existing fully automatic pulsator washing machines is generally that during washing and rinsing, the driving device drives the pulsator of the washing machine to rotate forward and reverse through a reduction clutch device, and during dehydration, the driving device drives the pulsator and the washing tub of the washing machine to rotate synchronously at high speed through a reduction clutch device.

[0003] However, with the rapid development of science and technology, the existing fully automatic pulsator washing machine's washing method that simply relies on the pulsator to stir the water flow has increasingly limited effect on improving the washing effect of clothes. Therefore, how to increase the washing diversity of the fully automatic pulsator washing machine to improve the washing effect has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

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

[0005] Another example is the Chinese invention patent application with application number: 201310408108.X and title: Fully automatic washing machine. The invention discloses a fully automatic washing machine, including an outer barrel, an inner barrel, a pulsator and a driving device. The driving device includes at least two rotors and at least one stator, wherein one rotor is connected to the inner barrel shaft, and another rotor is connected to the pulsator shaft. The driving device is a variable frequency direct drive motor, wherein the rotor, stator, inner barrel shaft and pulsator shaft are coaxially arranged, the inner barrel shaft is hollow, and the pulsator shaft is arranged in the inner barrel shaft. When the washing machine washes, the pulsator and the inner barrel rotate in the same direction, or rotate in opposite directions, or one of the pulsator and the inner barrel rotates, and when dehydrating, the pulsator and the inner barrel rotate in the same direction and at the same speed. The washing machine described in the invention is connected to the inner barrel shaft and the pulsator shaft respectively through two rotors, and the inner barrel and the pulsator are driven to rotate respectively through the double rotors. This structure greatly reduces the weight, volume and cost of the driving system, and improves the transmission efficiency and stability.

[0006] From the above two published patent application documents, it can be seen that there are two main ideas for solving the water flow diversity of washing machines: Method 1, designing a deceleration clutch device that can output bidirectional power to achieve bidirectional washing in the washing process of the washing machine and enhance the water flow effect; Method 2, designing a driving motor with bidirectional power output to drive the impeller and the inner drum respectively to achieve bidirectional washing in the washing process of the washing machine and enhance the water flow effect. The above method 1 has the disadvantages of complex structure of the deceleration clutch device, difficult installation and complex control method, and method 2 has the disadvantage of high cost of the driving motor with bidirectional power output.

[0007] In view of this, how to increase the diversity of washing methods and switch between multiple washing methods to select the best washing method becomes a technical problem to be solved by this application. Summary of the invention

[0008] The first invention object of the present invention is to provide a deceleration clutch device that can realize a combination of multiple washing modes. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted:

[0009] A deceleration clutch device for a washing machine comprises a clutch mechanism, wherein the clutch mechanism comprises a clutch sleeve, a fork assembly for driving the clutch sleeve to reciprocate, and a fork driving device for driving the fork assembly to move, wherein the fork driving device comprises a driving cam, wherein the driving cam has a plurality of driving surfaces of different strokes for pressing down the fork assembly, so as to drive the fork assembly to shift the clutch sleeve between a position where it is engaged with a torque transmission sleeve, a position where it is separated from a fixed sleeve and the torque transmission sleeve, and a position where it is engaged with the fixed sleeve.

[0010] Further, the deceleration clutch device of the washing machine comprises a deceleration mechanism, the deceleration mechanism comprises an input shaft, a brake wheel capable of bidirectional rotation, and an output shaft sleeve and an input shaft sleeve respectively fixedly connected to the brake wheel, the clutch mechanism comprises a fixed sleeve fixedly mounted on the outside of the input shaft sleeve and a torque transmission shaft sleeve fixedly mounted on the input shaft, the clutch sleeve is mounted on the input shaft sleeve and can reciprocate along the axis direction thereof;

[0011] The driving cam has a first driving surface for driving the fork assembly to shift the clutch sleeve to a position where it engages with the torque transmission sleeve, a second driving surface for driving the fork assembly to shift the clutch sleeve to a position where it is separated from the fixed sleeve and the torque transmission sleeve, and a third driving surface for driving the fork assembly to shift the clutch sleeve to a position where it engages with the fixed sleeve.

[0012] Furthermore, the driving cam is a columnar body, the horizontal base surface of the lower end surface of the columnar body is a first driving surface, a second driving surface protruding from the horizontal base surface for a first stroke, and a third driving surface protruding from the horizontal base surface for a second stroke, the second stroke is greater than the first stroke, and the first driving surface, the second driving surface and the third driving surface respectively press down the fork assembly to shift the clutch sleeve to a corresponding position;

[0013] Preferably, there are smooth transition connections between the first driving surface and the second driving surface, between the second driving surface and the third driving surface, and between the third driving surface and the first driving surface.

[0014] Further, the shift fork assembly comprises a shift fork, a shift fork guide column and a shift fork bracket, the shift fork bracket is fixedly arranged, the middle part of the shift fork is rotatably mounted on the shift fork bracket, one end of the shift fork is forked on the outer periphery of the clutch sleeve, the shift fork guide column is telescopically arranged on the other end of the shift fork, and the top of the shift fork guide column abuts against the driving surface of the driving cam;

[0015] Preferably, the top of the fork guide column is an arc surface or an inclined surface with the same inclination direction as the driving surface.

[0016] Furthermore, a mounting hole is provided at the end of the shift fork, and the shift fork guide column is slidably arranged in the mounting hole, a buffer spring is provided between the end of the shift fork guide column located above the shift fork and the shift fork, and a shift fork guide column limiter is provided at the end of the shift fork guide column located below the shift fork for limiting the shift fork guide column from escaping from the mounting hole.

[0017] Furthermore, a sliding sleeve is installed on the mounting hole, and the shift fork guide column is slidably arranged in the sliding sleeve; the buffer spring is sleeved on the outside of the sliding sleeve, one end of the buffer spring abuts against the top of the shift fork guide column, and the other end abuts against the shift fork;

[0018] Preferably, the top of the fork guide column has an annular limiting boss for abutting against the buffer spring.

[0019] Furthermore, the deceleration mechanism includes a shell having an accommodating chamber inside, the brake wheel is arranged in the accommodating chamber of the shell, and the fork driving device includes a cam driving motor fixed on the shell, and the output shaft of the cam driving motor is driven and connected to the driving cam.

[0020] The second invention object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having the above-mentioned speed reduction clutch device, specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted:

[0021] A washing machine with the deceleration clutch device comprises an inner barrel and a pulsator arranged in the inner barrel, the deceleration mechanism comprises an output shaft and an output shaft sleeve, the output shaft is fixedly connected to the pulsator, and the output shaft sleeve is fixedly connected to the inner barrel.

[0022] Furthermore, the deceleration mechanism includes a brake band wrapped around the outer circumference of the brake wheel, a brake arm connected to the brake band, and a drainage motor connected to the brake arm and pulled to loosen the brake band. The drainage motor is also connected to the drain valve to pull it open. The drainage motor has a first traction stroke to loosen the brake band and keep the drain valve closed, and a second traction stroke to loosen the brake band and open the drain valve.

[0023] The third invention objective of the present invention is to provide a control method for the above-mentioned washing machine, specifically, the following technical solution is adopted:

[0024] A control method for a washing machine, the washing machine comprising a driving motor for driving a speed reduction clutch device, the control method comprising:

[0025] The driving cam of the washing machine control fork driving device is in the initial stroke, the clutch sleeve is meshed and connected with the torque transmission shaft sleeve, the brake wheel is synchronously linked with the input shaft, and the driving motor is controlled to drive the washing machine impeller and the inner drum to run at the same speed and in the same direction through the deceleration clutch device to achieve the dehydration condition;

[0026] The driving cam of the shift fork driving device is controlled to move to the first stroke, the shift fork assembly moves to drive the clutch sleeve to a position where it is separated from the torque transmission sleeve and the fixed sleeve, the brake wheel is in a free rotation state, the driving motor is controlled to drive the washing machine impeller to reciprocate through the reduction clutch device, the inner barrel is in a free operation state, and the first washing condition is performed;

[0027] The driving cam of the control fork driving device is controlled to move to the second stroke, the movement of the fork assembly drives the clutch sleeve to engage and connect with the fixed sleeve, the brake wheel is in a braking state, and the driving motor is controlled to drive the washing machine impeller to reciprocate through the reduction clutch device to perform the second washing condition.

[0028] The deceleration clutch device of the present invention can realize a variety of clutch switching states of the clutch sleeve, realize more diverse washing conditions, meet more washing needs, have better washing effects, and enhance the user experience.

[0029] Specifically, the driving cam of the deceleration clutch device of the present invention has at least three driving surfaces with different strokes cooperating with the fork assembly, so as to shift the fork assembly to have at least three movement positions, thereby realizing at least three clutch states of the clutch sleeve, and correspondingly providing at least three washing conditions: the existing fully automatic washing condition can be provided, in which the washing tub is fixed and the impeller rotates forward and backward; the hand-rubbing washing condition can also be provided, in which the washing tub rotates freely and the impeller rotates forward and backward; and the dehydration condition can be provided, in which the washing tub and the impeller rotate at the same speed and in the same direction.

[0030] The washing machine using the deceleration clutch device of the present invention can adopt a variety of combined washing methods, multiple water flows, and a circulating cross-washing method during the entire washing process, so that the washing is more complete, the clothes are cleaner, and the clothes are prevented from being entangled, thereby improving the user experience of the washing machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a speed reduction clutch device of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of a speed reduction mechanism of a speed reduction clutch device of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the assembly of a shift fork and a shift fork driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 An assembly diagram of a speed reduction clutch device of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention installed on an outer tub;

[0035] Figure 5 A bottom view of a speed reduction clutch device of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention installed on an outer tub.

[0036] Explanation of the numbers in the accompanying drawings: 1-output shaft 2-output sleeve 3-upper end shell 4-brake rod 5-lower end shell 6-fork bracket 7-brake belt 8-fixed sleeve 9-clutch sleeve 10-torque transmission sleeve 11-input shaft 12-motor fastening nut 13-input sleeve 14-shift fork 15-clutch drive device 16-clutch compression spring 17-fork connection end 18-driving end 19-cam drive motor 20-driving cam 21-gasket 22-spring pin 23-shift fork guide column 24-buffer spring 25-limiting boss 26-first driving surface 27-second driving surface 28-third driving surface 29-outer barrel 30-reduction clutch device 31-drainage motor 32-drainage valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following describes in detail a deceleration clutch device of a washing machine, a washing machine and a control method thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0038] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a deceleration clutch device for a washing machine, including a clutch mechanism, wherein the clutch mechanism includes a clutch sleeve 9, a fork assembly for driving the clutch sleeve 9 to reciprocate, and a fork driving device 15 for driving the fork assembly to move, wherein the fork driving device 15 includes a driving cam 20, and the driving cam 20 has a plurality of driving surfaces with different strokes for pressing down the fork assembly to drive the fork assembly to shift the clutch sleeve between a position engaged with the torque transmission sleeve, a position separated from the fixed sleeve and the torque transmission sleeve, and a position engaged with the fixed sleeve.

[0039] The deceleration clutch device of the present invention can realize a variety of clutch switching states of the clutch sleeve, realize more diverse washing conditions, meet more washing needs, have better washing effects, and enhance the user experience.

[0040] As an implementation mode of this embodiment, the driving cam 20 of the deceleration clutch device of this embodiment has at least three driving surfaces with different strokes cooperating with the fork assembly, so as to shift the fork assembly to have at least three movement positions, thereby realizing at least three clutch states of the clutch sleeve 9, and correspondingly providing at least three washing conditions: the existing fully automatic washing condition can be provided, in which the washing tub is fixed and the impeller rotates forward and backward; the hand-rubbing washing condition can also be provided, in which the washing tub rotates freely and the impeller rotates forward and backward; and the dehydration condition can be provided, in which the washing tub and the impeller rotate at high speed at the same speed and direction.

[0041] Therefore, the washing machine using the deceleration clutch device of this embodiment can adopt multiple combined washing modes, multiple water flows, and cyclic cross-washing modes during the entire washing process, so as to make washing more complete, make clothes cleaner, avoid clothes entanglement, and improve the user experience of the washing machine.

[0042] Furthermore, the deceleration clutch device of the washing machine of this embodiment includes a deceleration mechanism, which includes an input shaft 11, a brake wheel that can rotate in both directions, and an output sleeve 2 and an input sleeve 13 respectively fixedly connected to the brake wheel. The clutch mechanism includes a fixed sleeve 8 fixedly mounted on the outside of the input sleeve 13 and a torque transmission sleeve 10 fixedly mounted on the input shaft 11. The clutch sleeve 9 is mounted on the input sleeve 13 and can reciprocate along its axial direction.

[0043] The brake belt of the existing deceleration clutch device can only brake the brake wheel in one direction, and the other direction of the brake wheel is limited by a one-way bearing. The brake wheel of this embodiment can rotate in both directions. At the same time, in order to ensure the realization of the washing method of single-wave wheel rotation, the brake wheel also needs to be braked in both directions. Therefore, the deceleration clutch device of this embodiment is based on the structural characteristics of the reciprocating motion of the clutch sleeve 9 of the clutch mechanism. The input shaft sleeve 13 is locked by a fixed sleeve 8 that is fixedly arranged and can engage with the clutch sleeve 9. At the same time, the brake wheel is also braked.

[0044] The driving cam 20 described in this embodiment has a first driving surface 26 that drives the fork assembly to shift the clutch sleeve 9 to a position where it meshes with the torque transmission sleeve 10, a second driving surface 27 that drives the fork assembly to shift the clutch sleeve 9 to a position where it is separated from the fixed sleeve 8 and the torque transmission sleeve 10, and a third driving surface 28 that drives the fork assembly to shift the clutch sleeve 9 to a position where it meshes with the fixed sleeve 8.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first driving surface 26, the second driving surface 27 and the third driving surface 28 of the driving cam 20 respectively press down the fork assembly during the rotation process, so as to drive the fork assembly to shift the clutch sleeve 9. The clutch driving device 15 realizes the movement of the clutch sleeve 9 to switch the meshing state in a simple and accurate manner. When the driving cam 20 reaches the position where the driving surface presses down the fork assembly, the fork assembly can be continuously pressed down, and the meshing state of the clutch sleeve 9 is more stable.

[0046] Specifically, the driving cam 20 described in this embodiment is a columnar body, the horizontal base surface of the lower end surface of the columnar body is a first driving surface 26, a second driving surface 27 protruding from the horizontal base surface for a first stroke, and a third driving surface 28 protruding from the horizontal base surface for a second stroke, the second stroke is greater than the first stroke, and the first driving surface 26, the second driving surface 27 and the third driving surface 28 respectively press down the fork assembly to move the clutch sleeve to the corresponding position.

[0047] Preferably, the first driving surface 26 and the second driving surface 27, the second driving surface 27 and the third driving surface 28, and the third driving surface 28 and the first driving surface 26 are smoothly transitionally connected. In this way, during the rotation of the rotary driving cam 20, the first driving surface 26, the second driving surface 27 and the third driving surface 28 switch to press down the fork assembly, and the clutch switching process is smoother.

[0048] As a preferred mode of this embodiment, the shift fork assembly described in this embodiment includes a shift fork 14, a shift fork guide column 23 and a shift fork bracket 6, wherein the shift fork bracket 6 is fixedly arranged, the middle part of the shift fork 14 is rotatably mounted on the shift fork bracket 6, one end of the shift fork 14 is forked on the outer periphery of the clutch sleeve 9, the shift fork guide column 23 is telescopically arranged at the other end of the shift fork 14, and the top of the shift fork guide column 23 abuts against the driving surface of the driving cam 20. In this embodiment, the shift fork guide column 23 abuts against the driving surface of the driving cam 20, thereby reducing the contact surface between the driving surface and the shift fork 14, and the clutch switching process is smoother.

[0049] Preferably, the top of the fork guide column 23 is an arc surface or an inclined surface with the same inclination direction as the driving surface.

[0050] One end of the shift fork 14 forked on the outer periphery of the clutch sleeve 9 is a forked end 17 , and the other end of the shift fork is a driving end 18 . The shift fork guide column 23 is telescopically arranged on the driving end 18 of the shift fork 14 .

[0051] Specifically, the end of the shift fork 14 described in this embodiment is provided with a mounting hole, the shift fork guide column 23 described in this embodiment is slidably arranged in the mounting hole, a buffer spring 24 is arranged between the end of the shift fork guide column 23 located above the shift fork 14 and the shift fork, and a shift fork guide column stopper for limiting the shift fork guide column 23 from escaping from the mounting hole is arranged at the end of the shift fork guide column 23 located below the shift fork 14. The buffer spring 24 of this embodiment is used to provide buffering when the shift fork guide column 23 is subjected to a large pressure to avoid deformation and damage.

[0052] Preferably, the shift fork guide post limiter is a spring pin 22 penetrating the shift fork guide post 23 .

[0053] Furthermore, a sliding sleeve is installed on the mounting hole described in this embodiment, and the fork guide column 23 is slidably arranged in the sliding sleeve; the buffer spring 24 is sleeved on the outside of the sliding sleeve, and one end of the buffer spring 24 abuts against the top of the fork guide column 23, and the other end abuts against the fork 14. In this embodiment, the sliding sleeve is provided to prevent the fork guide column 23 from tilting during the telescopic movement, so that the telescopic movement of the fork guide column 23 is more stable.

[0054] Preferably, the top of the fork guide column 23 has an annular limiting boss 25 for abutting against the buffer spring.

[0055] In order to realize the rotation of the driving cam, the speed reduction mechanism described in this embodiment includes a housing having an accommodating chamber inside, the brake wheel is arranged in the accommodating chamber of the housing, and the fork driving device includes a cam driving motor 19 fixed to the housing, and the output shaft of the cam driving motor 19 is drivingly connected to the driving cam 20. The cam driving motor 19 has two strokes for driving the driving cam 20 to rotate to the positions where the first driving surface and the second driving surface are matched with the fork 14 respectively, and each stroke can be powered off to maintain the position.

[0056] Preferably, the cam drive motor is a stepping motor.

[0057] The shift fork bracket 6 described in this embodiment includes a bracket fixed on the lower end surface of the housing and a shift fork seat extending and protruding from the bracket, and the middle part of the shift fork 14 is rotatably mounted on the shift fork seat.

[0058] The housing of this embodiment includes an upper end shell 3 and a lower end shell 5 fixedly connected to the upper end shell 3, and the fork bracket 6 and the cam drive motor 19 are fixedly mounted on the lower end shell 5. In addition, the fixing sleeve 8 of this embodiment is also fixedly mounted on the lower end shell 5.

[0059] The cam drive motor 19 of this embodiment can also be fixed to the bottom of the outer barrel of the washing machine.

[0060] As an implementation of this embodiment, the fork bracket 14 and the fixing sleeve 8 can be integrally formed.

[0061] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment also provides a washing machine with the deceleration clutch device, including an inner barrel and a pulsator arranged in the inner barrel, the deceleration mechanism includes an output shaft 1 and an output shaft sleeve 2, the output shaft 1 is fixedly connected to the pulsator, and the output shaft sleeve 2 is fixedly connected to the inner barrel.

[0062] Furthermore, the washing machine of this embodiment also includes an outer barrel 29, which has a drain outlet. A drain valve 32 for controlling the opening and closing of the drain outlet and a drain motor 31 for pulling the drain valve are installed at the bottom of the outer barrel. The deceleration clutch device of the washing machine includes a brake wheel, a brake belt 7 is arranged on the outer periphery of the brake wheel, one end of the brake belt 7 is connected to a brake rod 4, a brake rod torsion spring is arranged on the brake rod 4, and the drain motor 31 is also connected to the brake rod 7.

[0063] The drainage motor 31 of this embodiment has two strokes: when the drainage motor 31 is pulled into the first stroke, the brake rod 4 is pulled open, the brake belt 7 is loosened, the brake wheel is not braked, and the drainage valve 32 does not operate (no drainage); when the drainage motor is pulled into the second stroke, the brake rod 4 and the drainage valve 32 are both pulled open, the brake wheel is not braked, and the drainage valve 32 drains water.

[0064] The drain valve of this embodiment has a drain valve pull rod, and the drain motor 31 is connected to the drain valve pull rod 32. The drain valve pull rod is connected to the drain motor 31 through a tension spring. When the drain motor 31 performs the first traction stroke, the tension spring is extended, the drain valve pull rod does not move, and the drain valve remains closed.

[0065] In order to achieve the fixed setting of the fixed sleeve 8, the fixed sleeve 8 described in this embodiment includes an annular body fixed to the lower end shell 5, and a washing meshing tooth is arranged on the annular body. An upper meshing tooth is arranged on one end of the clutch sleeve 9 close to the fixed sleeve 8, and the upper meshing tooth of the clutch sleeve 9 meshes with the washing meshing tooth of the fixed sleeve 8 to lock the input shaft sleeve 13.

[0066] In this embodiment, the outer circumference of the input shaft 11 is provided with external splines, and the torque transmission sleeve 10 has internal splines. The internal splines of the torque transmission sleeve 10 are engaged with the external splines of the input shaft 11, and the torque transmission sleeve 10 rotates synchronously with the input shaft 11.

[0067] In this embodiment, a motor locking nut 12 for fixedly connecting the input shaft to the rotor of the driving motor is sleeved on the input shaft 11, and a shock absorbing pad is provided on one end surface of the torque transmission sleeve 10 close to the driving motor.

[0068] The brake wheel of this embodiment includes a brake wheel body with an open accommodating cavity and a brake wheel shaft fixedly connected to the open end of the brake body. A bidirectional rotating bearing is arranged between the brake wheel shaft and the housing, so that the brake wheel of this embodiment can rotate bidirectionally.

[0069] In this embodiment, a clutch compression spring 16 for elastically resetting and engaging the clutch sleeve 9 is sleeved on the input shaft sleeve 13 , and the clutch compression spring 16 is arranged between the clutch sleeve 9 and the bottom end surface of the lower end shell 5 .

[0070] This embodiment further provides a control method for a washing machine, wherein the washing machine includes a driving motor for driving a reduction clutch device, and the control method includes:

[0071] The driving cam of the washing machine control fork driving device is in the initial stroke, the clutch sleeve is meshed and connected with the torque transmission shaft sleeve, the brake wheel is synchronously linked with the input shaft, and the driving motor is controlled to drive the washing machine impeller and the inner drum to run at the same speed and in the same direction through the deceleration clutch device to achieve the dehydration condition;

[0072] The driving cam of the shift fork driving device is controlled to move to the first stroke, the shift fork assembly moves to drive the clutch sleeve to a position where it is separated from the torque transmission sleeve and the fixed sleeve, the brake wheel is in a free rotation state, the driving motor is controlled to drive the washing machine impeller to reciprocate through the reduction clutch device, the inner barrel is in a free operation state, and the first washing condition is performed;

[0073] The driving cam of the control fork driving device is controlled to move to the second stroke, the movement of the fork assembly drives the clutch sleeve to engage and connect with the fixed sleeve, the brake wheel is in a braking state, and the driving motor is controlled to drive the washing machine impeller to reciprocate through the reduction clutch device to perform the second washing condition.

[0074] Furthermore, the control method of this embodiment includes:

[0075] The washing machine controls the cam drive motor 19 to be in the initial position, the first drive surface 26 of the drive cam 20 cooperates with the fork guide column 23: the fork 14 is on the dehydration side, the upper teeth of the clutch sleeve 9 and the teeth of the torque transmission sleeve 10 are engaged, and the dehydration state; at this time, the drain motor opens the second stroke, and the brake rod 4 and the drain valve are both pulled open.

[0076] The washing machine controls the cam drive motor 19 to rotate until the second drive surface 27 of the drive cam 20 cooperates with the fork guide column 23, the fork 14 is located between the torque transmission sleeve 10 and the fixed sleeve 8, and the upper and lower teeth of the clutch sleeve 9 and the teeth of the torque transmission sleeve 10 and the fixed sleeve 8 are all in a separated state. At this time, the drainage motor opens the first stroke, the brake rod is pulled open, and the drainage valve does not operate (no drainage).

[0077] The washing machine controls the cam drive motor 19 to rotate until the third drive surface 28 of the drive cam 20 matches the fork guide column 23, and the fork 14 drives the teeth of the clutch sleeve 9 to mesh with the teeth of the fixed sleeve 8 (and separates from the teeth of the torque transmission sleeve 10), which is the normal washing state. At this time, the drain motor is not pulled open, and the brake rod and the drain valve are not in action (no drainage).

[0078] In the existing fully automatic washing machine, the brake wheel is in a braking state during washing, and the deceleration clutch device can only drive the pulsator to rotate. During dehydration, 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 drum from rotating during the washing process, or even if it rotates, its rotation method is relatively single, which is not conducive to forming a variety of washing methods.

[0079] The brake wheel of the deceleration clutch device of this embodiment can rotate in both directions, thereby driving the inner drum to have more rotation modes, and theoretically can provide more washing modes: by controlling the clutch driving device to drive the clutch sleeve to engage and fix with the fixed sleeve, the input shaft sleeve is locked, and the brake wheel is also locked, and the deceleration clutch device only drives the impeller to rotate in a washing mode; by controlling the clutch driving device to drive the clutch sleeve to separate from the fixed sleeve and not engage and fix with the torque transmission sleeve, the input shaft sleeve is unlocked, and the brake wheel can rotate freely in both directions, and the deceleration clutch device only drives the impeller to rotate and the inner drum rotates freely in a washing mode.

[0080] Therefore, the washing machine of this embodiment can provide at least three washing conditions: it can provide the existing fully automatic washing condition, in which the washing tub is fixed and the impeller rotates forward and backward; it can also provide a hand-rubbing washing condition, in which the washing tub rotates freely and the impeller rotates forward and backward; and it can provide a dehydration condition, in which the washing tub and the impeller rotate at the same speed and direction. During the entire washing process of the washing machine, a variety of combined washing methods, multiple water flows, and cyclic cross-washing methods can be used to make the washing more complete, the clothes cleaner, avoid clothes entanglement, and improve the user experience.

[0081] 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 speed reduction clutch device for a washing machine, characterized in that: The clutch mechanism includes a clutch sleeve, a fork assembly for driving the clutch sleeve to reciprocate, and a fork driving device for driving the fork assembly to move. The fork driving device includes a driving cam, and the driving cam has a plurality of driving surfaces for pressing down the fork assembly with different strokes, so as to drive the fork assembly to drive the clutch sleeve to switch between a position in which the clutch sleeve is engaged with the torque transmission sleeve, a position in which the clutch sleeve is separated from the fixed sleeve and the torque transmission sleeve, and a position in which the clutch sleeve is engaged with the fixed sleeve. The deceleration mechanism comprises an input shaft, a brake wheel capable of bidirectional rotation, and an output shaft sleeve and an input shaft sleeve respectively fixedly connected to the brake wheel; the clutch mechanism comprises a fixed sleeve fixedly mounted on the outside of the input shaft sleeve and a torque transmission shaft sleeve fixedly mounted on the input shaft; the clutch sleeve is mounted on the input shaft sleeve and can reciprocate along its axial direction; The driving cam has a first driving surface for driving the fork assembly to shift the clutch sleeve to a position meshing with the torque transmission sleeve, a second driving surface for driving the fork assembly to shift the clutch sleeve to a position separated from the fixed sleeve and the torque transmission sleeve, and a third driving surface for driving the fork assembly to shift the clutch sleeve to a position meshing with the fixed sleeve. The driving cam is a columnar body, the horizontal base surface of the lower end surface of the columnar body is a first driving surface, a second driving surface protruding from the horizontal base surface for a first stroke, and a third driving surface protruding from the horizontal base surface for a second stroke, the second stroke is greater than the first stroke, the first driving surface, the second driving surface and the third driving surface respectively press down the fork assembly to move the clutch sleeve to a corresponding position.

2. The speed reduction clutch device of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first driving surface and the second driving surface, the second driving surface and the third driving surface, and the third driving surface and the first driving surface are smoothly transitionally connected.

3. The speed reduction clutch device of a washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The shift fork assembly includes a shift fork, a shift fork guide column and a shift fork bracket. The shift fork bracket is fixedly arranged, and the middle part of the shift fork is rotatably mounted on the shift fork bracket. One end of the shift fork is forked on the outer periphery of the clutch sleeve, and the shift fork guide column is telescopically arranged on the other end of the shift fork. The top of the shift fork guide column abuts against the driving surface of the driving cam.

4. The speed reduction clutch device of a washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top of the shift fork guide column is an arc surface or an inclined surface with the same inclination direction as the driving surface.

5. The speed reduction clutch device of a washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: A mounting hole is arranged at the end of the shift fork, and the shift fork guide column is slidably arranged in the mounting hole. A buffer spring is arranged between the end of the shift fork guide column located above the shift fork and the shift fork, and a shift fork guide column limiting member is arranged at the end of the shift fork guide column located below the shift fork for limiting the shift fork guide column from escaping from the mounting hole.

6. The speed reduction clutch device of a washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mounting hole is provided with a sliding sleeve, and the shift fork guide column is slidably arranged in the sliding sleeve; the buffer spring is sleeved on the outside of the sliding sleeve, and one end of the buffer spring abuts against the top of the shift fork guide column, and the other end abuts against the shift fork.

7. The speed reduction clutch device of a washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The top of the shift fork guide column is provided with an annular limiting boss for abutting against a buffer spring.

8. The speed reduction clutch device of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The deceleration mechanism comprises a shell with an accommodating chamber inside, the brake wheel is arranged in the accommodating chamber of the shell, and the fork driving device comprises a cam driving motor fixed on the shell, and the output shaft of the cam driving motor is drivingly connected to the driving cam.

9. A washing machine having a speed reduction clutch device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: It comprises an inner barrel and a pulsator arranged in the inner barrel, the deceleration mechanism comprises an output shaft and an output shaft sleeve, the output shaft is fixedly connected to the pulsator, and the output shaft sleeve is fixedly connected to the inner barrel.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The deceleration mechanism includes a brake band wrapped around the outer circumference of the brake wheel, a brake arm connected to the brake band, and a drainage motor connected to the brake arm and pulled to loosen the brake band. The drainage motor is also connected to the drainage valve to pull it open. The drainage motor has a first traction stroke to loosen the brake band and keep the drainage valve closed, and a second traction stroke to loosen the brake band and open the drainage valve.

11. A method for controlling a washing machine as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The washing machine includes a driving motor for driving a speed reduction clutch device, and the control method includes: The driving cam of the washing machine control fork driving device is in the initial stroke, the clutch sleeve is meshed and connected with the torque transmission shaft sleeve, the brake wheel is synchronously linked with the input shaft, and the driving motor is controlled to drive the washing machine impeller and the inner drum to run at the same speed and in the same direction through the deceleration clutch device to achieve the dehydration condition; The driving cam of the shift fork driving device is controlled to move to the first stroke, the shift fork assembly moves to drive the clutch sleeve to a position where it is separated from the torque transmission sleeve and the fixed sleeve, the brake wheel is in a free rotation state, the driving motor is controlled to drive the washing machine impeller to reciprocate through the reduction clutch device, the inner barrel is in a free operation state, and the first washing condition is performed; The driving cam of the shift fork driving device is controlled to move to the second stroke, the movement of the shift fork assembly drives the clutch sleeve to engage and connect with the fixed sleeve, the brake wheel is in a braking state, and the driving motor is controlled to drive the washing machine impeller to reciprocate through the reduction clutch device to perform the second washing condition.

Images