A washing machine inner tub assembly and a washing machine

Abstract

This invention provides a washing machine inner tub assembly and a washing machine. The inner tub assembly includes an inner tub, in which a pulsator is installed above the bottom of the inner tub. The gap between the pulsator and the bottom of the inner tub forms a filter chamber that is sealed at the bottom and connected to the space above the pulsator in the inner tub only through a flow channel. When the pulsator rotates independently, a circulating water flow is formed between the space above the pulsator in the inner tub and the filter chamber. The filter chamber is equipped with a filter element for filtering lint from the circulating water flow. Through the above-described configuration, this invention enables a circulating water flow to form between the upper and lower spaces of the pulsator in the inner tub when the pulsator rotates. The filter element in the filter chamber filters lint from the flowing water, thereby achieving the purpose of filtering and collecting lint from the washing water in the inner tub.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of clothing processing equipment, specifically relating to a pulsator washing machine, and more particularly to an inner tub assembly with lint filtering function used in a pulsator washing machine, and especially to an inner tub assembly of a pulsator washing machine without a normally open spin-drying hole on the inner tub. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machines produce lint during the washing process. To prevent lint from sticking to clothes, a lint filter is usually installed on the inner wall of the washing machine drum to collect the lint and clean the clothes. Therefore, after washing, the lint filter needs to be removed and cleaned to prevent clogging.

[0003] The existing lint filter components are generally installed on the inner wall of the inner tub. The lint filter components rotate with the inner tub, and the washing water flows through the lint filter components to achieve the purpose of filtering and collecting the lint trapped in the washing water of the washing machine.

[0004] However, since the lint filter assembly described above is installed on the inner tub wall, it needs to be installed on the inner tub during washing machine assembly, which increases the complexity of the assembly process and reduces production efficiency. At the same time, since the lint filter assembly is set to protrude from the surface of the inner tub wall, the lint filter assembly will cause wear and tear on the laundry inside the inner tub during the rotation of the inner tub.

[0005] In addition, the applicant previously designed a self-cleaning pulsator washing machine. The inner tub of this washing machine does not have a normally open spin-drying hole. The inner tub is both a water tank for holding the washing water and a rotating tank for agitating the washing water. Therefore, how to install a lint filter on the rotating inner tub that constitutes the water container has become an urgent technical problem to be solved.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a washing machine inner tub assembly to achieve the purpose of filtering and collecting lint in the inner tub.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows:

[0009] The present invention provides a washing machine inner tub assembly, comprising: an inner tub, an impeller installed in the inner tub above the bottom of the inner tub, the gap space between the impeller and the bottom of the inner tub forming a filter chamber that is sealed at the bottom and connected to the inner tub space above the impeller only through a flow channel, and when the impeller rotates alone, a circulating water flow can be formed between the inner tub space above the impeller and the filter chamber, and the filter chamber is provided with a filter element for filtering lint from the circulating water flow.

[0010] Furthermore, the impeller has a through hole that runs vertically through it, and the through hole forms a water inlet channel that connects the center of the filter chamber with the inner barrel space above the impeller.

[0011] There is a gap between the outer periphery of the impeller and the side wall of the inner barrel. The gap forms a water outlet channel that connects the outer periphery of the filter chamber with the space of the inner barrel above the impeller.

[0012] Preferably, the through hole on the impeller is located at or near the center of the impeller.

[0013] Furthermore, the filter element is a cylindrical structure located below the impeller and coaxial with the inner barrel. The inner circumference of the cylindrical filter element forms the central part of the filter cavity, and the outer circumference of the cylindrical filter element and the inner wall of the inner barrel form the outer circumference of the filter cavity.

[0014] Preferably, the cylindrical filter element is coaxially arranged with the inner barrel, the radial dimension of the cylindrical filter element is smaller than the radial dimension of the impeller, the upper side of the cylindrical filter element is in close contact with or close to the lower side of the impeller, and the lower side of the cylindrical filter element is sealed to the upper side of the bottom of the inner barrel.

[0015] Preferably, the cylindrical filter element is a cone shape that gradually narrows from bottom to top.

[0016] Furthermore, the filter element is an annular structure located on the outer periphery of the impeller, with the inner circumference of the annular filter element in close contact with or near the outer periphery of the impeller; the outer circumference of the annular filter element is sealed to the inner wall of the inner barrel.

[0017] Furthermore, the annular filter element has its inner and outer circumferential sides located in different horizontal planes;

[0018] Preferably, the annular filter element is a cone shape with its inner circumference at the same level as the impeller and its outer circumference connected to the bottom of the inner barrel below the impeller.

[0019] Furthermore, the lower surface of the impeller is provided with multiple downward-protruding water-dispelling ribs;

[0020] Preferably, the lower surface of the impeller is provided with multiple downward-protruding radial water-dispelling ribs that extend along different radial directions of the impeller;

[0021] More preferably, the lower surface of the impeller is provided with multiple annular water-dispelling ribs that protrude downwards and extend along different concentric circles of the impeller, and the downward protrusion height of the annular water-dispelling ribs is lower than the downward protrusion height of the radial water-dispelling ribs.

[0022] Furthermore, the bottom of the inner tub is a sealed structure without normally open holes or perforations, ensuring that the bottom of the inner tub is not connected to the lower part when the washing machine is running a washing program.

[0023] Furthermore, the filter element includes a support frame with a through-hole portion, and a filter screen covering the through-hole portion is laid on the surface of the support frame.

[0024] Furthermore, the filter element is detachably installed on the inner barrel.

[0025] The present invention also discloses a washing machine, comprising: an outer tub, an inner tub assembly of any of the above-mentioned washing machine components housed within the outer tub, and a pulsator installed in the inner tub of the inner tub assembly; the washing machine further comprises a motor, the inner tub and the pulsator being directly or indirectly connected to the motor, such that the inner tub and the pulsator can rotate together or separately under the drive of the washing machine motor.

[0026] Furthermore, the inner tub is a water-holding container without a normally open dehydration hole, which can be driven by a motor to rotate around an axis. When the washing machine is running a washing program, washing water can be injected into the inner tub, and the motor drives the inner tub and / or the impeller to rotate, so as to agitate the washing water carried in the inner tub and form a water flow to treat the clothes.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0028] 1. By configuring the inner tub assembly as described above, the present invention enables the pulsator to rotate and form a circulating water flow between the upper and lower spaces of the pulsator in the inner tub. The filter element installed in the filter chamber filters the flowing water for lint, so that the lint is trapped on the filter element or intercepted in the filter chamber when the water flows through it, thereby achieving the effect of filtering and collecting lint in the washing water in the inner tub.

[0029] 2. Simultaneously, this invention, by installing a filter element between the bottom of the inner tub and the pulsator, enables lint filtration and collection in self-cleaning pulsator washing machines, especially those without a normally open opening at the bottom of the inner tub or a normally open spin-drying hole. This represents a significant technological advancement in enabling lint filtration and collection in self-cleaning pulsator washing machines.

[0030] At the same time, the present invention has a simple structure, significant effects, and is suitable for widespread use.

[0031] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the inner tub assembly of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a top view of the inner tub assembly of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross section of AA;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the inner tub assembly of the washing machine in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a top view of the inner tub assembly of the washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of BB;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a top view of the inner tub assembly of the washing machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of CC;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the impeller structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Description of main components in the diagram:

[0043] 1. Inner tub; 2. Impeller; 3. Inlet channel; 4. Outlet channel; 5. Bottom of inner tub; 6. Filter chamber; 7. Filter element; 8. Side wall of inner tub; 9. Water-dispersing ribs; 71. Filter screen; 91. Radial water-dispersing ribs; 92. Annular water-dispersing ribs.

[0044] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown in the illustration, this invention provides a washing machine comprising an inner tub 1, in which a pulsator 2 is installed, capable of rotating relative to or together with the inner tub 1, to agitate the water in the inner tub 1 and generate a rotating water flow to process the clothes inside. In this invention, the pulsator 2 in the inner tub 1 can also be any other existing agitator capable of agitating the water in the inner tub 1, such as an agitator column, etc. For ease of description, this invention uses the pulsator 2 installed in the inner tub 1 as an example for detailed explanation.

[0049] In this embodiment of the invention, the inner tub 1 includes a cylindrical inner tub side wall 8 with its axis vertically arranged, and the bottom of the inner tub side wall 8 is covered by an inner tub bottom 5 to form an inner tub structure with an open top and a sealed bottom.

[0050] In this embodiment of the invention, the impeller 2 is installed above the bottom 5 of the inner tub, and there is a certain height difference between the impeller 2 and the bottom 5 of the inner tub, so that the impeller 2 does not contact the bottom 5 of the inner tub when it rotates relative to the inner tub 1, thereby reducing the frictional force when the impeller 2 rotates. At the same time, the height difference between the impeller 2 and the bottom 5 of the inner tub allows the gap between the impeller 2 and the bottom 5 of the inner tub to form a relatively independent chamber, called the filter chamber 6.

[0051] In this embodiment of the invention, the bottom 5 of the inner tub 1 is a sealed structure without a normally open perforated part or through hole, so that the filter cavity 6 formed by the gap between the bottom 5 of the inner tub and the impeller 2 is not connected to the outside of the inner tub 1. The filter cavity 6 constitutes a relatively independent chamber structure that is only connected to the space of the inner tub 1 above the impeller 2 through the top flow channel.

[0052] In this embodiment of the invention, the pulsator washing machine can be an existing ordinary pulsator washing machine, only requiring modification of the existing inner tub, such as removing the dehydration holes and hollow parts from the bottom of the inner tub.

[0053] It is also possible, such as Figure 1 As shown, the pulsator washing machine is configured as a self-cleaning washing machine where the inner tub 1 does not have a normally open spin-drying hole, forming a rotatable water-holding container. Any existing drainage structure is installed on the inner tub 1 to allow the washing water in the inner tub to drain out. For example, a drain outlet is provided on the bottom 5 of the inner tub, and a control valve is installed at the drain outlet to open when the inner tub is draining, allowing the washing water in the inner tub to drain out through the drain outlet. During the draining process, the drain water flow can be used to rinse the filter element, causing the lint hanging on the filter element and the lint remaining in the filter chamber to be discharged with the drain water, achieving the purpose of self-cleaning the filter element. Preferably, to improve the self-cleaning efficiency of lint, the drain outlet is located below the filter element so that the lint hanging on the filter element can be discharged with the drain water most conveniently (not shown in the attached drawings).

[0054] Meanwhile, the pulsator washing machine in this embodiment of the invention can also be provided with a spin-drying channel that runs vertically through the inner tub side wall 8 and exceeds the washing water level. When the inner tub is spinning at high speed during the spin-drying process, the centrifugal force of the inner tub 1 can be used to throw the washing water in the tub into the spin-drying channel, and the water enters from the bottom of the spin-drying channel and exits from the top, thus realizing the external discharge of washing water (not shown in the accompanying drawings).

[0055] In this embodiment of the invention, by configuring the bottom 5 of the inner tub as an independent filter chamber 6 that is closed at the bottom and only connected to the space of the inner tub 1 above the impeller 2 via a flow channel at the top, a circulating water flow can be formed between the filter chamber 6 and the space of the inner tub 1 above the impeller 2. Specifically:

[0056] During the washing machine's operation, the impeller 2 rotates at a certain rotation-to-stop ratio, agitating the water in the inner tub 1 to create a rotating water flow. This causes the water in the inner tub 1 to flow outwards, creating a negative pressure zone at the center of the filter chamber 6. When the impeller 2 stops rotating or reverses its rotation, the water in the space above the impeller 2 within the inner tub 1 flows into the filter chamber. Conversely, when the impeller 2 rotates at a certain speed, the water in the filter chamber 6 is forced outwards by centrifugal force and, at the outer periphery of the filter chamber 6, is squeezed back through the flow channel to the space above the impeller 2 within the inner tub 1. Therefore, during the washing machine's operation, when the impeller 2 rotates relative to the inner tub 1 at a certain rotation-to-stop ratio, a circulating water flow is formed between the space above the impeller 2 within the inner tub 1 and the filter chamber 6 below the impeller 2. The direction of the circulating water flow within the filter chamber 6 remains from the center outwards.

[0057] In this embodiment of the invention, in order to solve the problem of filtering and collecting lint in the inner barrel 1, especially the lint in the sealed inner barrel 1, the following method is adopted:

[0058] A filter element 7 is provided in the filter chamber 6 of the inner tub 1. The filter element 7 can filter the lint in the circulating water flowing through the filter chamber 6, so that the lint is trapped on the filter element 7 or intercepted in the filter chamber 6 when it flows through the filter element 7, thereby achieving the effect of filtering and collecting the lint in the washing water in the inner tub 1.

[0059] Example 1

[0060] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure, this embodiment introduces an inner tub assembly, which includes an inner tub 1. The inner tub 1 is equipped with a pulsator 2 that can rotate relative to or together with the inner tub. The pulsator 2 is located above the bottom 5 of the inner tub and is spaced apart. The gap space between the pulsator 2 and the bottom 5 of the inner tub forms a filter chamber 6 that is sealed at the bottom and connected to the space of the inner tub 1 above the pulsator 2 through a flow channel at the top. When the pulsator 2 rotates alone, a circulating water flow can be formed between the space of the inner tub 1 above the pulsator 2 and the filter chamber 6. The filter chamber 6 is provided with a filter element 7 for filtering the lint from the circulating water flow.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, in this embodiment, the impeller 2 has through holes running vertically through it. These through holes form a water inlet channel 3 connecting the center of the filter chamber 6 to the space of the inner tub 1 above the impeller 2. In this embodiment, to improve the flow of water in the filter chamber 6, the number of through holes can be increased in the impeller 2 to increase the flow rate of washing water from the space of the inner tub 1 above the impeller 2 into the filter chamber 6. Preferably, the through holes on the impeller 2 are located at or near the center of the impeller 2, so that when the impeller 2 rotates, the washing water in the space of the inner tub 1 above the impeller 2 forms a negative pressure in the center of the filter chamber 6 below the impeller 2, thereby increasing the water exchange rate of the washing water in the filter chamber 6 and improving the filtration effect.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in this embodiment, there is a gap between the outer periphery of the impeller 2 and the side wall 8 of the inner barrel. The gap forms a water outlet channel 4 that connects the outer periphery of the filter chamber 6 with the space of the inner barrel 1 above the impeller 2. Of course, in this embodiment, a through hole can also be opened on the outer periphery of the impeller 2, so that the through hole on the outer periphery of the impeller 2 forms a water outlet channel 4, which can also achieve the purpose of guiding the water in the filter chamber 6 out and flowing into the space of the inner barrel 1 above the impeller 2.

[0063] In this embodiment, the inner tub assembly is configured as described above, so that during the operation of the washing machine, when the impeller 2 rotates around the axis relative to the inner tub 1 at a certain rotation-stop ratio, a circulating water flow in the inner tub 1 can be formed in the following form:

[0064] During the rotation of the impeller 2 at a certain speed, the water in the filter chamber 6 is subjected to centrifugal force and flows outward, causing the filtered water to flow to the outer periphery of the filter chamber 6. The water is then squeezed by the water flow itself and flows back to the inner barrel 1 space above the impeller 2 through the water outlet channel 4.

[0065] During the switching process of the impeller 2 stopping or reversing rotation, a negative pressure area will be formed in the center of the filter chamber 6, causing the washing water in the space of the inner tub 1 above the impeller 2 to pass through the through hole opened in the center of the impeller 2 and flow into the center of the filter chamber 6 through the water inlet channel 3.

[0066] Therefore, during the operation of the washing machine, when the impeller 2 rotates relative to the inner tub 1 at a certain rotation-stop ratio, a circulating water flow can be formed between the space of the inner tub 1 above the impeller 2 and the filter chamber 6 below the impeller 2 through the water inlet channel 3 and the water outlet channel 4, and the flow direction of the circulating water flow in the filter chamber 6 is maintained from the center to the outer periphery.

[0067] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, in this embodiment, the filter element 7 is a cylindrical structure located below the impeller 2 and coaxially arranged with the inner barrel 1. The inner circumference of the cylindrical filter element 7 forms the central part of the filter cavity 6, and the outer circumference of the cylindrical filter element 7 and the inner wall of the inner barrel 1 form the outer circumference of the filter cavity 6. Multiple openings are arranged vertically through the impeller 2 area above the central part of the filter cavity 6, so that each opening constitutes a water inlet channel 3 connecting the space of the inner barrel 1 above the impeller 2 with the filter cavity 6. There is a gap between the outer circumference of the impeller 2 and the inner wall of the inner barrel 1, and / or the outer circumference of the impeller 2 is provided with vertically through openings, so that the above gaps and / or openings constitute a water outlet channel 4 connecting the outer circumference of the filter cavity 6 with the space of the inner barrel 1 above the impeller 2.

[0068] Preferably, in this embodiment, the cylindrical filter element 7 is coaxially arranged with the inner barrel 1, and the radial dimension of the cylindrical filter element 7 is less than or equal to the radial dimension of the impeller 2, so that the cylindrical filter element 7 can filter the lint from the return water that flows back from the filter chamber 6 to the space above the impeller 2 in the inner barrel 1.

[0069] In this embodiment, the upper side of the cylindrical filter element 7 is in close contact with or close to the lower side of the impeller 2, so that the filter element 7 can fully filter the water flowing back from the gap between the outer periphery of the impeller 2 and the inner wall of the inner barrel 1 without interfering with the rotation of the impeller 2 as much as possible. Preferably, the upper side of the cylindrical filter element 7 is close to the lower side of the impeller 2, and the gap between the filter element 7 and the impeller 2 is small, which can meet the requirements of filtering the flowing water for debris.

[0070] In a further preferred embodiment, an upwardly recessed groove may be provided on the lower side of the impeller 2, and the upper end of the filter element 7 is inserted into the groove accordingly, so that the gap between the lower side of the impeller 2 and the upper side of the filter element 7 forms a channel with a curved and folded cross section, so as to further prevent lint from passing through (not shown in the figure).

[0071] In this embodiment, the cylindrical filter element 7 is installed on the inner barrel 1. The lower side of the cylindrical filter element 7 is in contact with the upper side of the bottom 5 of the inner barrel, and the joint between the two is fixedly connected, so that the lower end of the filter element 7 is sealed and fixedly installed on the inner barrel 1.

[0072] Preferably, in this embodiment, in order to further increase the area of ​​the filter element 7 and thus improve the filament filtration efficiency of the filter element 7, the following settings can be made: the cylindrical filter element 7 is a cone shape that gradually narrows from bottom to top, so that the cross-section of the filter element 7 is an inclined line from bottom to top, thereby increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the filter element 7, improving the filament filtration efficiency, and reducing the probability of clogging (not shown in the figures).

[0073] In this embodiment, the filter element 7 can be any existing filter assembly, such as: Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the filter element 7 includes a support frame with a through-hole portion. At least one side of the support frame is covered with a filter screen 71 covering the through-hole portion, so as to intercept and hang the lint passing through the water flow using the filter screen 71, thereby achieving the effect of filtering the lint core in the circulating water.

[0074] By configuring the filter element with the aforementioned filter screen structure, the filter pores can be configured in any way, thereby achieving technological advancements such as narrowing the filter pores and improving lint retention efficiency. Furthermore, by configuring the filter element as a filter screen structure laid on a support, since the support can be made of any material such as plastic or metal, the surface smoothness of the filter element consisting of the support and the filter screen is significantly improved, avoiding problems such as excessive burrs on the edges of the filter assembly and lint residue after prolonged use.

[0075] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the filter element 7 can also be configured as follows: the filter element 7 is a plate structure with multiple filter holes that penetrate the plate. Water can pass through the plate through the holes, and the lint in the water is filtered and trapped through the filter holes (not shown in the attached drawings).

[0076] In this embodiment, to collect and clean the lint trapped and attached to the filter element 7, the following configuration can be made: the filter element 7 is detachably installed on the inner tub 1, so that after the washing machine finishes operating, the filter element 7 can be removed to clean the lint collected in the filter chamber 6 and attached to the filter element 7. Simultaneously, to facilitate the removal of the filter element 7, the impeller 2 can also be detachably installed on the inner tub 1 via any of the existing quick-release structures, allowing the user to easily remove the impeller 2 and the filter element 7 for lint removal.

[0077] Example 2

[0078] This embodiment, based on the inner tub assembly described in Embodiment 1 above, has the following distinguishing technical features:

[0079] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown in the figure, this embodiment introduces an inner tub assembly, which includes an inner tub 1. An impeller 2 that can rotate relative to or together with the inner tub 1 is installed in the inner tub 1. The impeller 2 is located above the bottom 5 of the inner tub and is spaced apart. The gap space between the impeller 2 and the bottom 5 of the inner tub forms a filter chamber 6 with a sealed bottom and a top channel that connects to the space of the inner tub 1 above the impeller 2. When the impeller 2 rotates alone, a circulating water flow can be formed between the space of the inner tub 1 above the impeller and the filter chamber 6. A filter element 7 for filtering the lint from the flowing water is provided at the outlet channel 4 of the filter chamber 6 that returns the water to the space of the inner tub 1 above the impeller 2.

[0080] In this embodiment, the filter element 7 is disposed in the gap between the outer periphery of the impeller 2 and the inner wall of the inner barrel 1, so that the filter element 7 covers the water outlet channel 4 that is connected to the space of the inner barrel 1 above the impeller 2, so that the filter element 7 filters the water flowing back into the space of the inner barrel 1 above the impeller 2 through the water outlet channel 4.

[0081] In this embodiment, the filter element 7 is an annular structure. The inner circumference of the annular filter element 7 is in close contact with or close to the outer circumference of the impeller 2, so that the filter element 7 can fully filter the water flowing back from the gap between the outer circumference of the impeller 2 and the inner wall of the inner tank 1 without interfering with the rotation of the impeller 2 as much as possible. Preferably, the inner circumference of the annular filter element 7 is close to the outer circumference of the impeller 2, and the gap between the filter element 7 and the impeller 2 is small, which can meet the requirements of filtering the flowing water for debris.

[0082] In a further preferred embodiment, the outer periphery of the impeller 2 is provided with a groove that is radially recessed towards the center, and the inner periphery of the filter element 7 is inserted into the groove accordingly, so that the gap between the inner periphery of the impeller 2 and the outer periphery of the filter element 7 forms a channel with a curved and folded cross section, so as to further prevent lint from passing through (not shown in the figure).

[0083] In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the annular filter element 7 is in contact with the inner wall of the inner barrel 1, and the contact point between the two is fixedly connected. Preferably, in this embodiment, in order to ensure the stability of the filter element 7, the following configuration can be made: a ring of radially protruding support ribs is provided on the inner wall of the inner barrel 1, and the lower part of the outer periphery of the annular filter element 7 is placed on the annular support ribs, and the two are connected at the joint by bolts, claws, plug-in columns and other structures.

[0084] In this embodiment, the annular filter element 7 is set at the same height as the impeller 2, and the annular filter element 7 is located in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the axis of the inner barrel 1, so that the filter element 7 and the impeller 2 are installed in the inner barrel 1 at the same height.

[0085] Example 3

[0086] This embodiment, based on the inner tub assembly described in Embodiment 2 above, has the following distinguishing technical features:

[0087] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the height of the filter element 7 is lower than that of the impeller 2 and is located below the gap between the outer periphery of the impeller 2 and the inner wall of the inner tub 1, so that the filter element 7 is hidden, which not only improves its aesthetics but also prevents clothing from getting caught on the filter element 7.

[0088] In this embodiment, the filter element 7 is a cone with a radial dimension that gradually increases from top to bottom. The lower end of the cone-shaped filter element 7 rests on the upper side of the bottom 5 of the inner barrel, so as to achieve the purpose of fixing the filter element 7 in the inner barrel 1.

[0089] Example 4

[0090] This embodiment, based on the inner tub assembly described in any one of embodiments one to three above, also has the following technical features:

[0091] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the lower surface of the impeller 2 is provided with multiple downward protruding water-dispelling ribs 9, so that when the impeller 2 rotates, the water-dispelling ribs 9 agitate the water flow in the filter chamber 6 and throw it outward, thereby increasing the fluidity of the filter chamber 6 when the impeller 2 rotates, increasing the water exchange rate of the washing water in the filter chamber 6, and thus significantly improving the lint collection efficiency of the inner tub assembly.

[0092] In this embodiment, the lower surface of the impeller 2 is provided with multiple downward protruding radial water-dispersing ribs 91 that extend along different radial directions of the impeller 2, so as to maximize the agitation of the water flow in the filter chamber by utilizing the radial water-dispersing ribs, thereby improving the fluidity of the water flow in the filter chamber.

[0093] In this embodiment, the lower surface of the impeller 2 is provided with multiple annular water-dispelling ribs 92 that protrude downwards and extend along different concentric diameters of the impeller 2. The downward protrusion height of the annular water-dispelling ribs 92 is lower than the downward protrusion height of the radial water-dispelling ribs 91. By providing radially and annularly arranged water-dispelling ribs 9 on the lower surface of the impeller 2, water flows of different forms can be formed in the filter chamber 6, maximizing the agitation of the water in the filter chamber 6, thereby improving the water filtration effect of the filter element 7 in the filter chamber 6.

[0094] 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 pulsator washing machine, comprising: The inner tub and the impeller installed above the bottom of the inner tub are characterized in that: the gap space between the impeller and the bottom of the inner tub constitutes a bottom-sealed filter chamber; The impeller has a through hole running vertically through it, which forms a water inlet channel connecting the center of the filter chamber with the inner tank space above the impeller. There is a gap between the outer periphery of the impeller and the side wall of the inner barrel. The gap forms a water outlet channel that connects the outer periphery of the filter chamber with the space of the inner barrel above the impeller. The filter element is a cylindrical structure located below the impeller and coaxial with the inner barrel. The inner circumference of the cylindrical filter element forms the central part of the filter cavity, and the outer circumference of the cylindrical filter element and the inner wall of the inner barrel form the outer circumference of the filter cavity. A drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the inner barrel, located below the corresponding filter element.

2. A pulsator washing machine, comprising: The inner tub and the impeller installed above the bottom of the inner tub are characterized in that: the gap between the impeller and the bottom of the inner tub constitutes a bottom seal; The impeller has a through hole running vertically through it, which forms a water inlet channel connecting the center of the filter chamber with the inner tank space above the impeller. There is a gap between the outer periphery of the impeller and the side wall of the inner barrel. The gap forms a water outlet channel that connects the outer periphery of the filter chamber with the space of the inner barrel above the impeller. The filter element is an annular structure located on the outer periphery of the impeller. The inner periphery of the annular filter element is in contact with or close to the outer periphery of the impeller. The outer periphery of the annular filter element rests on the inner wall of the inner barrel. A drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the inner barrel, located below the corresponding filter element.

3. A pulsator washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through hole on the impeller is located at or near the center of the impeller.

4. A pulsator washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylindrical filter element is a cone shape that gradually narrows from bottom to top.

5. A pulsator washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The annular filter element has its inner and outer circumferential sides located in different horizontal planes.

6. A pulsator washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The annular filter element is a cone shape with its inner circumference at the same level as the impeller and its outer circumference connected to the bottom of the inner barrel below the impeller.

7. A pulsator washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The lower surface of the impeller is provided with multiple downward-protruding water-dispelling ribs.

8. A pulsator washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The lower surface of the impeller is provided with multiple downward-protruding radial water-dispelling ribs that extend along different radial directions of the impeller.

9. A pulsator washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The lower surface of the impeller is provided with multiple annular water-dispelling ribs that protrude downwards and extend along different concentric circles of the impeller. The downward protrusion height of the annular water-dispelling ribs is lower than that of the radial water-dispelling ribs.

10. A pulsator washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The bottom of the inner barrel is a sealed structure without a normally open hole.

11. A pulsator washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The filter element includes a support frame with a through-hole portion, and a filter screen covering the through-hole portion is laid on the surface of the support frame.

12. A pulsator washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The filter element is detachably installed on the inner tank.

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