A washing machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing machine, which includes a laundry treatment tub and a drainage device. The laundry treatment tub is formed with a drainage opening. The drainage device is arranged below the drainage opening and includes a seal, a push rod and a driving mechanism. The seal is formed with a first sealing portion. One end of the push rod is connected to the first sealing portion. The driving mechanism includes a gear and a rack. One end of the rack meshes with the gear, and the other end is connected to the other end of the push rod. The gear is controlled to rotate, and the rack drives the push rod to move. When the push rod moves to the first working position, the first sealing portion and the drainage opening are in a state of closing the drainage opening, and the laundry treatment tub can wash clothes. When the push rod moves to the second working position, the first sealing portion and the drainage opening are in a state of opening the drainage opening, and the laundry treatment tub can drain water. The structure is simple, the drainage opening opens quickly and the drainage is timely, the transmission is stable, and when the drainage opening is closed, the sealing effect is remarkable. A labyrinth sealing structure is formed between the second sealing portion, the second fixing portion and the sealing groove, and the sealing effect is good.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of clothing treatment equipment, and particularly relates to a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the economic society, washing machines have gradually become indispensable household appliances in people's daily lives; washing machines with a single barrel structure have gradually received extensive attention. When washing clothes, the drain opening of the washing barrel is sealed by a drainage device. At this time, the washing barrel is filled with water and rotates to wash the clothes; when draining water, the drainage device opens the drain opening of the washing barrel, and the water in the washing barrel is drained. In the existing single-barrel washing machines, the drainage device includes a sealing member, a push rod, and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism includes a spring, a traction rope, and a driving motor. The driving motor rotates forward to wind the traction rope around the output shaft of the driving motor, and then the push rod drives the sealing member to open the drain opening; the driving motor rotates in the reverse direction to unwind the traction rope from the output shaft of the driving motor, and then the spring drives the push rod to move and closes the drain opening with the sealing member. The spring and the traction rope are flexibly connected to the push rod, resulting in untimely opening and closing of the drain opening by the sealing member and ineffective sealing of the drain opening. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a washing machine to solve the problems such as untimely opening and closing of the drain opening by the sealing member of the drainage device and ineffective sealing of the drain opening in the prior art.

[0004] The present invention provides a washing machine, which includes a clothing treatment barrel and a drainage device. A drain opening is formed at the bottom of the clothing treatment barrel, and the drainage device is arranged below the drain opening. The drainage device includes:

[0005] A sealing member provided with a first sealing portion for cooperating with the drain opening to open and close it;

[0006] A push rod, one end of which is connected to the first sealing portion;

[0007] A driving mechanism including a gear and a rack. One end of the rack is engaged with the gear, and the other end of the rack is connected to the other end of the push rod; when the gear is controlled to rotate, the rack drives the push rod to move;

[0008] The push rod has a first working position and a second working position in its moving direction;

[0009] When the push rod moves to the first working position, the first sealing portion and the drain opening are in a state of closing the drain opening, and the clothing treatment barrel can wash clothes;

[0010] When the push rod moves to the second working position, the first sealing portion and the drain opening are in a state of opening the drain opening, and the clothing treatment barrel can drain water.

[0011] Further optionally, the rack and the ejector rod are integrally formed or detachably connected.

[0012] Further optionally, the rack is respectively formed with a first tooth portion and a second tooth portion disposed oppositely; the gear includes a first gear and a second gear, the first gear meshes with the first tooth portion, and the second gear meshes with the second tooth portion;

[0013] When the first gear rotates forward and the second gear rotates reversely, the rack drives the ejector rod to move to the first working position;

[0014] When the first gear rotates reversely and the second gear rotates forward, the rack drives the ejector rod to move to the second working position.

[0015] Further optionally, the drainage device further includes a first limiting member disposed on the rack, a second limiting member and a third limiting member disposed on the movement path of the rack; the first limiting member can move synchronously with the rack, and the second limiting member and the third limiting member are disposed at intervals along the movement direction of the rack;

[0016] When the rack drives the ejector rod to move to the first working position, when the first limiting member and the second limiting member come into contact, the ejector rod moves to the first working position;

[0017] When the rack drives the ejector rod to move to the second working position, when the first limiting member and the third limiting member come into contact, the ejector rod moves to the second working position.

[0018] Further optionally, the drainage device further includes a blocking member disposed at the bottom of the laundry treatment tub; the sealing member is formed with a positioning portion that cooperates with the blocking member, and the positioning portion is located at the side of the first sealing portion;

[0019] The ejector rod further has a third working position in its movement direction, and the third working position is located between the first working position and the second working position;

[0020] When the ejector rod moves to the third working position, the first sealing portion and the drain opening are in a separated state of opening the drain opening, and further the positioning portion and the blocking member are in a contact state, and the first sealing portion is located below the drain opening.

[0021] Further optionally, the washing machine further includes a water collecting member disposed below the drain opening, the bottom of the water collecting member is formed with a first bracket, the first bracket encloses an installation position, and the drainage device is disposed at the installation position; the bottom of the first bracket forms a first fixing portion;

[0022] The drainage device further includes a second bracket and a third bracket. The second bracket is disposed at the bottom of the first bracket and is formed with a mounting plate; the third bracket is disposed at the bottom of the mounting plate and is formed with a mounting cavity; the gear and the rack are disposed in the mounting cavity;

[0023] The bottom of the seal is disposed between the first fixing portion and the mounting plate, and a labyrinth seal structure is formed between the first fixing portion and the mounting plate.

[0024] Further optionally, a plurality of second fixing portions are formed on one side of the mounting plate facing the first bracket, and a seal groove is formed between two adjacent second fixing portions; a second seal portion is formed at the bottom of the seal, and the structure of the second seal portion is adapted to the structure of the seal groove. The second seal portion and the first fixing portion are embedded in the seal groove, so that a labyrinth seal structure is formed between the second seal portion, the second fixing portion and the seal groove.

[0025] Further optionally, the mounting plate is formed with one of a positioning hole or a positioning post at the seal groove, and the second seal portion is formed with the other of the positioning hole or the positioning post; when the second seal portion is embedded in the seal groove, the positioning post cooperates with the positioning hole to position the seal on the mounting plate.

[0026] Further optionally, a guiding portion is formed on one side of the mounting plate facing the seal, and a guiding hole is formed in the guiding portion; the driving mechanism further includes an elastic member; the top of the ejector rod passes through the guiding hole and is connected to the first seal portion; the elastic member is sleeved outside the ejector rod, and one end of the elastic member is connected to the guiding portion, and the other end of the elastic member is connected to the top of the ejector rod;

[0027] When the gear rotates, the rack drives the ejector rod to move to the second working position, and the elastic member is compressed to store energy;

[0028] The rack drives the ejector rod to move to the first working position, and the elastic member releases energy. When the ejector rod moves to the third working position, the laundry treatment tub is controlled to rotate so that the positioning portion contacts the blocking member; when the ejector rod moves to the first working position, under the action of the elastic member and the rack, the ejector rod causes the first seal portion to close the drain opening.

[0029] Further optionally, the washing machine further includes a controller, and the drainage device further includes a magnetic ring disposed at the bottom of the laundry treatment tub and a magnetic induction sensor disposed on the water collecting member; a radial line is formed through the center of the drainage port and the center of the bottom of the laundry treatment tub, and the radial line intersects the magnetic ring at point M, the circumferential magnetic field intensity at point M is Bm, starting from M, the circumferential magnetic field intensity of the magnetic ring gradually increases or decreases in the clockwise direction; the magnetic ring and the magnetic induction sensor are in the same preset cylindrical surface, and the preset cylindrical surface is coaxial with the laundry treatment tub;

[0030] The magnetic induction sensor can detect the circumferential magnetic field intensity Bn of the magnetic ring and is electrically connected to the controller; when the ejector rod moves to the third working position, the magnetic induction sensor transmits the detected data to the controller, and the controller determines the position of the drainage port according to the difference between Bn and Bm, and then controls the laundry treatment tub to rotate so that the positioning portion contacts the blocking member.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are mainly as follows:

[0032] (1) The gear meshes with the rack, the gear rotates, and the rack drives the ejector rod to move, thereby opening or closing the drainage port by the first sealing portion; the drainage device has a simple structure, optimizing the control process of opening and sealing the drainage port; the drainage port opens quickly and drains in time, and the installation is convenient and fast; the transmission is stable and the transmission efficiency is high; when closing the drainage port, the rack is locked by the gear, so that the first sealing portion maintains the sealing of the drainage port, and the sealing effect is remarkable; it solves the problems that the spring is prone to failure, the traction rope is prone to breakage and the stability is poor when the ejector rod is driven by the spring and the traction rope;

[0033] (2) The first gear meshes with the first tooth portion, the second gear meshes with the second tooth portion, the first gear and the second gear drive the rack to move simultaneously, the rack is evenly stressed and the movement is stable, ensuring the reliability of sealing the drainage port; the first limiting member contacts the second limiting member and the third limiting member, restricting the movement of the ejector rod and avoiding the problem of damage to the sealing member caused by the over-travel of the ejector rod;

[0034] (3) When the ejector rod moves to the third working position, the circumferential magnetic field intensity of the magnetic ring can be detected by the magnetic induction sensor, and then the position of the drainage port is determined, controlling the laundry treatment tub to rotate so that the positioning portion contacts the blocking member, with accurate positioning and realizing rapid positioning; reducing the motors required for the positioning device, realizing the integration of opening, positioning and sealing of the drainage port; solving the problems of complex positioning and sealing structures and cumbersome installation processes of the existing drainage devices;

[0035] (4) A labyrinth seal structure is formed between the second sealing portion of the seal and the second fixing portion and the sealing groove, with good sealing effect, avoiding the problem that water discharged from the laundry treatment tub enters the installation cavity through the second sealing portion and causes drive motor failure; when the first sealing portion moves up and down with the ejector rod, the corrugated section can stretch or contract, enabling the seal to continuously and reliably seal the components in the sealing cavity and at the bottom of the seal, solving the problem of drive motor failure caused by poor sealing.

[0036] (5) The ejector rod is fitted with the guide hole through a bearing, reducing the friction between the ejector rod and the guide hole; a skirt is formed at the top of the ejector rod, increasing the contact area between the ejector rod and the first sealing portion, and improving the positioning accuracy and sealing reliability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only exemplary, and for those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other implementation drawings can also be obtained based on the provided drawings.

[0038] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. shown in this specification are only used to cooperate with the content disclosed in the specification for those familiar with this technology to understand and read, and are not used to limit the limiting conditions for the implementation of the present invention. Therefore, they do not have technical essence. Any modification of the structure, change in the proportional relationship, or adjustment of the size, without affecting the effects that the present invention can produce and the purposes that can be achieved, should still fall within the scope that can be covered by the technical content disclosed in the present invention.

[0039] Figure 1a It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention when the ejector rod is in the first working position;

[0040] Figure 1b For Figure 1a the enlarged view at I in

[0041] Figure 2a It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention when the ejector rod is in the second working position;

[0042] Figure 2b For Figure 2a the enlarged view at II in

[0043] Figure 3a It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention when the ejector rod is in the third working position;

[0044] Figure 3b For Figure 3a the enlarged view at III in

[0045] In the figure:

[0046] 1 - Clothing treatment barrel; 11 - Drain outlet; 12 - Blocking member;

[0047] 2 - Water collecting member; 21 - First bracket; 211 - Installation position; 212 - First fixing part;

[0048] 31 - Seal; 311 - First sealing part; 312 - Second sealing part; 313 - Positioning part; 314 - Corrugated section; 315 - Sealing cavity; 316 - Positioning column; 317 - Positioning shell; 32 - Thumb rod; 321 - First triggering position; 322 - Second triggering position; 323 - Third triggering position; 324 - Skirt; 33 - Second bracket; 331 - Installation plate; 332 - Second fixing part; 333 - Sealing groove; 334 - Guide part; 335 - Guide hole; 34 - Third bracket; 341 - Installation cavity; 35 - Bearing;

[0049] 4 - Driving mechanism, 41 - Rack; 42 - Gear; 43 - Elastic member; 44 - Driving motor. Specific embodiments

[0050] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation manners of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0051] The terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular forms of "a", "the" and "said" used in the embodiments of the present invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "Multiple" generally includes at least two, but does not exclude the case of including at least one.

[0052] It should be understood that the term " / and" used herein is only a description of the associated relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " herein generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0053] It should also be noted that the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a product or system including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such a product or system. In the absence of more restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the product or system including the elements.

[0054] In the existing single-barrel washing machines, springs and traction ropes are mainly used to drive the top rod to move. The springs are prone to failure after being used for a long time. The traction rope is a flexible part and is easy to get tangled or caught on foreign objects during movement. It has poor anti-interference ability and low stability. In addition, the drainage device has a complex structure and a cumbersome control process, which leads to untimely opening and closing of the drain port, inaccurate position control of the sealing component and loose sealing of the drain port. The diameter of the traction rope is small, which leads to low efficiency in actual production operations.

[0055] The present invention creatively provides a washing machine, which comprises a laundry processing barrel and a drainage device, wherein the laundry processing barrel is formed with a drainage port, and the drainage device is arranged below the drainage port and comprises a sealing member, a push rod and a driving mechanism; the sealing member is formed with a first sealing portion; one end of the push rod is connected to the first sealing portion; the driving mechanism comprises a gear and a rack, one end of the rack is meshed with the gear, and the other end is connected to the other end of the push rod; the gear is controlled to rotate, and the rack drives the push rod to move, and when the push rod moves to the first working position, the first sealing portion and the drainage port are in a state of closing the drainage port, and the laundry processing barrel can wash the laundry; when the push rod moves to the second working position, the first sealing portion and the drainage port are in a state of opening the drainage port, and the laundry processing barrel can drain the water;

[0056] The drainage device has a simple structure and control process, the drainage port opens quickly and drains water in time, the transmission is stable, and the sealing effect is significant when the drainage port is closed.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] <Gear and Rack>

[0059] like Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 3a and Figure 3bAs shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a washing machine, which includes a laundry treatment tub 1 and a drainage device. A drainage opening 11 is formed at the bottom of the laundry treatment tub 1. The drainage device is arranged below the drainage opening 11. The drainage device includes a seal 31, a push rod 32 and a driving mechanism 4. A first sealing portion 311 is formed at the top of the seal 31. The first sealing portion 311 cooperates with the drainage opening 11 to open or close it, so as to open or close the drainage opening 11. One end of the push rod 32 is connected to the first sealing portion 311, and the push rod 32 can be controlled to move. When the push rod 32 moves, it can drive the first sealing portion 311 to move relative to the drainage opening 11, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the drainage opening 11.

[0060] The driving mechanism 4 includes a driving motor 44, a gear 42 and a rack 41. The driving motor 44 is drivingly connected to the gear 42. One end of the rack 41 meshes with the gear 42, and the other end of the rack 41 is connected to the other end of the push rod 32. When the driving motor 44 drives the gear 42 to rotate, the rack 41 drives the push rod 32 to move. Specifically, the laundry treatment tub 1 is a washing tub, and the axis of the washing tub is along the vertical direction. The push rod 32 extends along the vertical direction and moves along the vertical direction. Then, the first sealing portion 311 approaches or moves away from the drainage opening 11 along the vertical direction. The output shaft of the driving motor 44 is drivingly connected to the gear 42 by means of interference fit or concave-convex grooves, ensuring that when the driving motor 44 rotates, the gear 42 rotates synchronously with the output shaft of the driving motor 44.

[0061] The push rod 32 has a first working position and a second working position in its moving direction. The first working position is above the second working position.

[0062] When viewed according to the preset view, the driving motor 44 drives the gear 42 to rotate counterclockwise. When the push rod 32 moves upward to the first working position, the first sealing portion 311 and the drainage opening 11 are in a state of closing the drainage opening 11, and the laundry treatment tub 1 can store water and wash clothes. Specifically, the seal 31 is made of rubber. When the push rod 32 acts on the first sealing portion 311, the first sealing portion 311 deforms and closely contacts the drainage opening 11, ensuring the tightness of the seal of the drainage opening 11.

[0063] The driving motor 44 drives the gear 42 to rotate clockwise. When the push rod 32 moves to the second working position, the first sealing portion 311 and the drainage opening 11 are in a state of opening the drainage opening 11, and the laundry treatment tub 1 can drain water through the drainage opening 11. The preset view is designed as the view when the gear 42 is on the left and the rack 41 is on the right.

[0064] In summary, the drainage device has a simple structure, which optimizes the control process of opening and sealing the drainage port; the drainage port opens quickly and drains in a timely manner, and the installation is convenient, fast and simple; the transmission is stable and the transmission efficiency is high; when the drainage port is closed, the rack is locked by the gear, so that the first sealing part maintains the sealing of the drainage port, and the sealing effect is remarkable; it has a long service life and reliable operation; it solves the problems of easy failure of the spring, easy breakage of the traction rope, poor stability of the ejector rod movement and poor sealing effect of the drainage port when the ejector rod is driven by the spring and the traction rope.

[0065] Furthermore, the rack 41 and the ejector rod 32 are integrally formed or detachably connected; preferably, the rack 41 and the ejector rod 32 are detachably connected. Specifically, the bottom of the ejector rod 32 and the rack 41 are connected by a pin or a screw.

[0066] The rack 41 is respectively formed with a first tooth part and a second tooth part arranged oppositely; the gear 42 includes a first gear and a second gear. Correspondingly, the driving motor 44 includes a first driving motor and a second driving motor; the first driving motor is drivingly connected to the first gear, and the second driving motor is drivingly connected to the second gear; the first gear meshes with the first tooth part, and the second gear meshes with the second tooth part; specifically, the first tooth part is formed on the left side of the rack 41, the second tooth part is formed on the right side of the rack 41, the first gear is correspondingly arranged with the first tooth part and meshes with the first tooth part, and the second gear is correspondingly arranged with the second tooth part and meshes with the second tooth part.

[0067] When the first driving motor drives the first gear to rotate forward and the second driving motor drives the second gear to rotate backward, the rack 41 drives the ejector rod 32 to move upward until the ejector rod 32 is in the first working position.

[0068] When the first driving motor drives the first gear to rotate backward and the second driving motor drives the second gear to rotate forward, the rack 41 drives the ejector rod 32 to move downward until the ejector rod 32 is in the second working position.

[0069] The rack 41 is uniformly stressed and moves stably, ensuring the reliability of sealing the drainage port 11.

[0070] The above-mentioned forward direction is clockwise and the reverse direction is counterclockwise; however, the forward and reverse directions are not limited. The forward and reverse directions are relative and can be determined according to the actual situation. The forward direction is counterclockwise and the reverse direction is clockwise.

[0071] <Limit member>

[0072] Regarding the problem that the over-travel of the ejector rod 32 causes damage to the seal 31, this embodiment proposes that the drainage device further includes a first limit member provided on the rack 41, a second limit member and a third limit member provided on the movement path of the rack 41; the first limit member can move synchronously with the rack 41, the second limit member and the third limit member are arranged at intervals along the movement direction of the rack 41, and the second limit member is located above the third limit member;

[0073] The rack 41 drives the ejector rod 32 to move upward. When the first limit member contacts the second limit member, the upward movement of the ejector rod 32 is restricted, and then the ejector rod 32 moves to the first working position, that is, the ejector rod 32 is at the upper stroke stop position, avoiding the problem that the over-travel of the ejector rod 32 causes damage to the seal 31. At this time, the driving motor 44 can be controlled to stop rotating to ensure the reliable operation of the driving mechanism 4;

[0074] The rack 41 drives the ejector rod 32 to move downward. When the first limit member contacts the third limit member, the downward movement of the ejector rod 32 is restricted, and then the ejector rod 32 moves to the second working position, that is, the ejector rod 32 is at the lower stroke stop position, avoiding the problem that the over-travel of the ejector rod 32 causes damage to the seal 31. At this time, the driving motor 44 can be controlled to stop rotating to ensure the reliable operation of the driving mechanism 4;

[0075] Specifically, the first limit member is strip-shaped, and the second limit member and the third limit member are both block-shaped.

[0076] <Blocking member and positioning portion>

[0077] As Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b 、 Figure 2a 、 Figure 2b 、 Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown in

[0078] The ejector rod 32 further has a third working position in its movement direction, and the third working position is located between the first working position and the second working position;

[0079] When the ejector rod 32 moves to the third working position, the first sealing portion 311 and the drain opening 11 are in a separated state for opening the drain opening 11. The laundry treatment tub 1 is controlled to rotate so that the positioning portion 313 contacts the blocking member 12, and the first sealing portion 311 is located below the drain opening 11.

[0080] Further, the washing machine further includes a water collecting member 2 and a controller. The water collecting member 2 is disposed below the drain outlet 11. The drainage device further includes a magnetic ring and a magnetic induction sensor. The magnetic ring is disposed at the bottom of the laundry treatment tub 1, and the magnetic induction sensor is disposed on the water collecting member 2. A radial line is formed through the center of the drain outlet 11 and the center of the bottom of the laundry treatment tub 1. The radial line intersects the magnetic ring at point M. The circumferential magnetic field intensity at point M is Bm. Starting from point M and looking downwards, the circumferential magnetic field intensity of the magnetic ring gradually increases in the clockwise direction. The magnetic ring and the magnetic induction sensor are in the same preset cylindrical surface, and the preset cylindrical surface is coaxial with the laundry treatment tub 1.

[0081] The magnetic induction sensor can detect the circumferential magnetic field intensity Bn of the magnetic ring and is electrically connected to the controller. When the ejector rod 32 moves to the third working position, the magnetic induction sensor transmits the detected data to the controller. The controller determines the position of the drain outlet 11 according to the difference between Bn and Bm, and then controls the rotation of the laundry treatment tub 1 so that the positioning portion 313 contacts the blocking member 12.

[0082] Specifically, when Bn > Bm, the controller controls the laundry treatment tub 1 to rotate counterclockwise. When Bn = Bm, the positioning portion 313 contacts the blocking member 12, and the controller controls the laundry treatment tub 1 to stop rotating. At this time, the drain outlet 11 is located above the first sealing portion 311.

[0083] When Bn < Bm, the controller controls the laundry treatment tub 1 to rotate clockwise. When Bn = Bm, the positioning portion 313 contacts the blocking member 12, and the controller controls the laundry treatment tub 1 to stop rotating. At this time, the drain outlet 11 is located above the first sealing portion 311.

[0084] The positioning is accurate, enabling rapid positioning with a short positioning time. The number of motors required for the positioning device is reduced, realizing the integration of opening, positioning, and sealing of the drain outlet. It solves the problems of the complex positioning and sealing structure and the cumbersome installation process of the existing drainage device. It solves the problems of the cumbersome positioning process, the long positioning time, and the inaccurate positioning of the existing drainage device.

[0085] In addition, the outer peripheral side of the positioning portion 313 is covered with a positioning shell 317. The positioning shell 317 is made of metal, reducing the frictional resistance between the positioning portion 313 and the blocking member 12, and solving the problem that the positioning mechanism of the existing drainage device is easily worn and generates positioning errors after wear.

[0086] <Fixing of the seal>

[0087] Such as Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b 、 Figure 2a 、 Figure 2b 、 Figure 3a and Figure 3bAs shown, a first support 21 is formed at the bottom of the water collecting member 2. The first support 21 encloses an installation position 211, and the drainage device is arranged at the installation position 211; a first fixing portion 212 is formed at the bottom of the first support 21; specifically, the installation position 211 is a columnar cavity; the first fixing portion 212 is the bottom of the side wall of the columnar cavity; the water collecting member 2 is a water receiving tray.

[0088] The drainage device further includes a second support 33 arranged at the bottom of the first support 21. The second support 33 is formed with a mounting plate 331; the bottom of the seal 31 is arranged between the first fixing portion 212 and the mounting plate 331, and a labyrinth seal structure is formed between the first fixing portion 212 and the mounting plate 331.

[0089] Aiming at the problem of poor sealing effect between the bottom of the seal 31 and the second support 33, in this embodiment, a plurality of second fixing portions 332 are formed on the side of the mounting plate 331 facing the first support 21. A seal groove 333 is formed between two adjacent second fixing portions 332; a second seal portion 312 is formed at the bottom of the seal 31. The structure of the second seal portion 312 is adapted to the structure of the seal groove 333. The second seal portion 312 and the first fixing portion 212 are embedded in the seal groove 333, so that a labyrinth seal structure is formed between the second seal portion 312, the second fixing portion 332 and the seal groove 333.

[0090] Specifically, the mounting plate 331 is a circular plate. Second fixing portion A and second fixing portion B are arranged in sequence from the inside to the outside along the radial direction of the mounting plate 331. The second fixing portion A and the second fixing portion B are arc-shaped structures or annular structures. When the second fixing portion A and the second fixing portion B are arc-shaped structures, a plurality of second fixing portion A and second fixing portion B can be arranged along the circumferential direction of the mounting plate 331; correspondingly, the seal groove 333 is an arc-shaped groove or an annular groove. Along the radial direction of the mounting plate 331 from the inside to the outside, the second seal portion 312 is sequentially formed with a second seal portion A, a second seal portion B and a second seal portion C, and the second seal portion A, the second seal portion B and the second seal portion C are all bent structures. The second seal portion A cooperates with the second fixing portion A, the second seal portion B is embedded in the seal groove 333, and the first fixing portion 212 is embedded in the second seal portion B. The second seal portion C cooperates with the second fixing portion B. Furthermore, a labyrinth seal structure is formed among the first fixing portion 212, the second seal portion 312 and the second support 33, and the sealing effect is good, effectively avoiding the problem that the water discharged from the laundry treatment tub 1 enters the installation cavity 341 through the second seal portion 312 and causes a failure of the drive motor 44.

[0091] In view of the problem of complex process when installing the seal 31 between the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 33, in this embodiment, the mounting plate 331 is formed with positioning holes at the seal groove 333, and the second seal portion 312 is formed with positioning posts 316; when the second seal portion 312 is embedded in the seal groove 333, the positioning posts 316 cooperate with the positioning holes to position the seal 31 on the mounting plate 331; the positioning is accurate, the process is simple, the installation is rapid, and the seal 31 is prevented from shaking during use.

[0092] <Elastic member>

[0093] As Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b 、 Figure 2a 、 Figure 2b 、 Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown in, the side of the mounting plate 331 facing the seal 31 is formed with a guiding portion 334, the guiding portion 334 extends along the movement direction of the first seal portion 311, and the guiding portion 334 is formed with a guiding hole 335; specifically, the guiding portion 334 is a columnar or conical structure extending in the vertical direction; under the action of the driving mechanism 4, the ejector rod 32 slides up and down along the guiding hole 335, thereby realizing opening, positioning and closing the drain port 11; the accuracy of positioning of the first seal portion and the tightness of closing the drain port 11 are improved.

[0094] The driving mechanism 4 further includes an elastic member 43; the top of the ejector rod 32 passes through the guiding hole 335 and is connected to the first seal portion 311; the elastic member 43 is sleeved outside the ejector rod 32, and one end of the elastic member 43 is connected to the guiding portion 334, and the other end of the elastic member 43 is connected to the top of the ejector rod 32; the water collecting member 2 is provided with a drain pipe communicating with the outside; specifically, the ejector rod 32 and the guiding hole 335 are cooperated through a bearing 35 to reduce the friction between the ejector rod 32 and the guiding hole 335; the guiding hole 335 plays a guiding role for the ejector rod 32 to ensure the stable operation of the ejector rod 32; the elastic member 43 is a spring; the first bracket 21, the second bracket 33, the seal 31, the elastic member 43 and the ejector rod 32 are coaxially arranged; the second bracket 33 improves the overall reliability of the drainage device;

[0095] The gear 42 rotates, the rack 41 drives the ejector rod 32 to move towards the second working position, and the elastic member 43 is compressed to store energy; when the ejector rod 32 moves to the second working position, the water in the laundry tub 1 can be drained from the drain port 11 to the water collecting member 2 and discharged to the outside through the drain pipe; since the first limiting member contacts the third limiting member at this time, the movement of the ejector rod 32 is restricted, and the damage of the seal 31 is avoided;

[0096] The rack 41 drives the ejector rod 32 to move towards the first working position, and the elastic member 43 releases energy. When the ejector rod 32 moves to the third working position, it controls the rotation of the laundry treatment tub 1 so that the positioning portion 313 contacts the blocking member 12; when the ejector rod 32 moves to the first working position, under the action of the elastic member 43 and the rack 41, the ejector rod 32 causes the first sealing portion 311 to seal the drain port 11. Since the first limiting member contacts the second limiting member at this time, the continuous movement of the ejector rod 32 is restricted, avoiding damage to the seal 31. Through the action of the elastic member 43, the first sealing portion 311 seals the drain port 11 more tightly, and the service life of the seal 31 is longer.

[0097] <The third bracket and the ejector rod>

[0098] As Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 3a and Figure 3b shown, the drainage device further includes a third bracket 34, and the third bracket 34 is arranged at the bottom of the mounting plate 331; the third bracket 34 forms a mounting cavity 341, and a driving motor 44, a gear 42 and a rack 41 are arranged at the bottom of the mounting cavity 341. Specifically, the third bracket 34 is fixed to the bottom of the mounting plate 331 by screws; the mounting cavity 341 communicates with the guiding hole 335, and the top of the ejector rod 32 passes through the guiding hole 335 from the mounting cavity 341.

[0099] The top of the ejector rod 32 forms a skirt 324, the top of the seal 31 forms a first sealing portion 311, and the seal 31 forms a corrugated section 314 at the bottom of the first sealing portion 311. The corrugated section 314 is an overall columnar structure; the first sealing portion 311 and the corrugated section 314 enclose a sealing cavity 315, and the sealing cavity 315 communicates with the guiding hole 335; the top of the ejector rod 32 sequentially passes through the mounting cavity 341 and the guiding hole 335, extends upward into the sealing cavity 315, and is connected to the first sealing portion 311 through the skirt 324. The skirt 324 increases the contact area between the ejector rod 32 and the first sealing portion 311, and makes the positioning portion 313 and the first sealing portion 311 have a certain rigidity, improving the positioning accuracy and sealing reliability.

[0100] Under the action of the driving mechanism 4, when the first sealing portion 311 moves upward with the ejector rod 32, the corrugated section 314 extends; when the first sealing portion 311 moves downward with the ejector rod 32, the corrugated section 314 contracts. During the extension or contraction of the corrugated section 314, it always seals the components inside the sealing cavity 315 and at the bottom of the seal 31, with reliable sealing, solving the problem of drive motor 44 failure caused by insufficient sealing.

[0101] Along the movement direction of the ejector rod 32, on both sides of the end of the ejector rod 32 away from the first sealing portion 311, a first trigger position 321 and a second trigger position 322 are respectively formed. The first trigger position 321 is located above the second trigger position 322; a third trigger position 323 is formed above the first trigger position 321 and the second trigger position 322 of the ejector rod 32; specifically, both the first trigger position 321 and the second trigger position 322 are unilateral notches formed along the radial direction of the ejector rod 32, and the third trigger position 323 is the structure of the ejector rod 32 itself.

[0102] The drainage device further includes a first position switch and a second position switch, and the first position switch corresponds to the first trigger position 321 and the third trigger position 323, and the second position switch corresponds to the second trigger position 322 and the third trigger position 323; the controller can determine the positions of the ejector rod 32 and the first sealing portion according to the opening and closing states of the first position switch and the second position switch, and then control the action of the drainage device, so that the washing machine can operate in a washing mode, a dehydration mode or a drainage mode; specifically, the first position switch and the second position switch are arranged at the top of the installation cavity 341.

[0103] The installation process of the drainage device is as follows:

[0104] Utilize the rubber that can produce a certain degree of deformation to install the skirt 324 and the first sealing portion 311 together; install the bearing 35 in the guide hole 335, and pass the elastic member 43 through the ejector rod 32; pass the ejector rod 32 through the bearing 35, and arrange the elastic member 43 between the guide portion 334 and the skirt 324; squeeze the elastic member 43 so that the positioning post 316 of the seal 31 is installed into the corresponding positioning hole; arrange the driving motor 44 at the bottom of the installation cavity 341, and set the third bracket 34 at the bottom of the mounting plate 331 through screws, and the installation cavity 341 corresponds to the guide hole 335; connect the bottom of the ejector rod 32 with one end of the rack 41, and mesh the other end of the rack 41 with the gear 42; connect the gear 42 with the output shaft of the driving motor 44; arrange the second sealing portion 312 between the first fixing portion 212 and the mounting plate 331, and the second sealing portion 312 corresponds to the sealing groove 333; connect the mounting plate 331 and the first fixing portion 212 with screws.

[0105] Embodiment 2

[0106] In this embodiment, a magnet is used to replace the elastic member 43 in Embodiment 1 to strengthen the sealing of the first sealing portion 311 to the drain port 11; the magnet is arranged at the top of the ejector rod 32; the laundry treatment tub 1 is made of a ferrous material.

[0107] The gear 42 rotates, the rack 41 drives the ejector rod 32 to move towards the second working position, and the magnet moves away from the laundry treatment tub 1; when the ejector rod 32 moves to the second working position, the water in the laundry treatment tub 1 can be discharged from the drain port 11 to the water collecting member 2 and then discharged to the outside through the drain pipe.

[0108] The rack 41 drives the ejector rod 32 to move towards the first working position, and the magnet approaches the laundry treatment tub 1; when the ejector rod 32 moves to the first working position, under the action of the magnet and the rack 41, the ejector rod 32 causes the first sealing portion 311 to seal the drain port 11; through the magnetic force of the magnet, the first sealing portion 311 seals the drain port 11 more tightly, and the sealing member 31 has a longer service life.

[0109] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been specifically shown and described above. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the detailed structures, arrangements or implementation methods described herein; on the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine includes a laundry treatment tub, a drainage device, a water collecting member, and a controller. A drain opening is formed at the bottom of the laundry treatment tub, and a blocking member is provided. The drainage device and the water collecting member are both disposed below the drain opening. The drainage device includes: a seal member having a first sealing portion for opening and closing cooperation with the drain opening and a positioning portion for cooperation with the blocking member, the positioning portion being located at a side portion of the first sealing portion; a push rod and a driving mechanism. One end of the push rod is connected to the first sealing portion. The driving mechanism includes a driving motor, a gear, and a rack. The driving motor and the gear are drivingly connected. One end of the rack meshes with the gear, and the other end of the rack is connected to the other end of the push rod. When the driving motor drives the gear to rotate, the rack drives the push rod to move; a magnetic ring and a magnetic induction sensor located on the same preset cylindrical surface. The magnetic ring is disposed on the bottom of the tub. Starting from M, the circumferential magnetic field intensity of the magnetic ring gradually increases or decreases in the clockwise direction. The magnetic induction sensor is disposed on the water collecting member and electrically connected to the controller for detecting the circumferential magnetic field intensity; The push rod has a first working position, a second working position, and a third working position located between the first working position and the second working position in its movement direction; When the push rod moves to the first working position, the first sealing portion and the drain opening are in a state of closing the drain opening, and the laundry treatment tub can wash clothes. When the push rod moves to the second working position, the first sealing portion and the drain opening are in a state of opening the drain opening, and the laundry treatment tub can drain water; When the push rod moves to the third working position, the first sealing portion and the drain opening are in a separated state of opening the drain opening. The controller can determine the position of the drain opening according to the difference between Bm and Bn, control the laundry treatment tub to rotate so that the drain opening is located above the first sealing portion, and then the blocking member contacts the positioning portion; Wherein, M is the intersection point of the line connecting the center of the drain opening and the center of the bottom of the tub and the magnetic ring. Bm is the circumferential magnetic field intensity at M, and Bn is the circumferential magnetic field intensity detected by the magnetic induction sensor. The preset cylindrical surface is coaxially disposed with the laundry treatment tub; 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The rack is respectively formed with a first tooth portion and a second tooth portion disposed opposite to each other. The gear includes a first gear and a second gear. The first gear meshes with the first tooth portion, and the second gear meshes with the second tooth portion; When the first gear rotates forward and the second gear rotates backward, the rack drives the push rod to move towards the first working position; When the first gear rotates backward and the second gear rotates forward, the rack drives the push rod to move towards the second working position.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein, The drainage device further includes a first limiting member disposed on the rack, a second limiting member and a third limiting member disposed on the movement path of the rack. The first limiting member can move synchronously with the rack, and the second limiting member and the third limiting member are disposed at intervals along the movement direction of the rack; The rack drives the ejector rod to move towards the first working position. When the first limiting member and the second limiting member come into contact, the ejector rod moves to the first working position; The rack drives the ejector rod to move towards the second working position. When the first limiting member and the third limiting member come into contact, the ejector rod moves to the second working position.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first support is formed at the bottom of the water collecting member. The first support encloses an installation position, and the drainage device is arranged at the installation position; a first fixing portion is formed at the bottom of the first support; The drainage device further includes a second support and a third support. The second support is arranged at the bottom of the first support and forms a mounting plate; the third support is arranged at the bottom of the mounting plate and forms a mounting cavity; a gear and a rack are arranged in the mounting cavity; The bottom of the seal is arranged between the first fixing portion and the mounting plate, and a labyrinth seal structure is formed between the first fixing portion and the mounting plate.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, A plurality of second fixing portions are formed on one side of the mounting plate facing the first support. A seal groove is formed between two adjacent second fixing portions; a second seal portion is formed at the bottom of the seal. The structure of the second seal portion is adapted to the structure of the seal groove. The second seal portion and the first fixing portion are embedded in the seal groove, so that a labyrinth seal structure is formed between the second seal portion, the second fixing portion and the seal groove.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, One of a positioning hole and a positioning post is formed at the seal groove of the mounting plate, and the other of the positioning hole and the positioning post is formed at the second seal portion; when the second seal portion is embedded in the seal groove, the positioning post cooperates with the positioning hole to position the seal on the mounting plate.

7. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein, A guiding portion is formed on one side of the mounting plate facing the seal. A guiding hole is formed in the guiding portion; the driving mechanism further includes an elastic member; the top of the ejector rod passes through the guiding hole and is connected to the first seal portion; the elastic member is sleeved outside the ejector rod, and one end of the elastic member is connected to the guiding portion, and the other end of the elastic member is connected to the top of the ejector rod; The gear rotates, the rack drives the ejector rod to move towards the second working position, and the elastic member is compressed to store energy; The rack drives the ejector rod to move towards the first working position, and the elastic member releases energy. When the ejector rod moves to the third working position, the laundry treatment tub is controlled to rotate so that the positioning portion comes into contact with the blocking member; When the ejector rod moves to the first working position, under the action of the elastic member and the rack, the ejector rod causes the first seal portion to close the drain opening.

Images