An inner tub assembly for a washing machine and a washing machine

Abstract

This invention discloses an inner tub assembly for a washing machine and the washing machine itself. The inner tub assembly includes an inner tub that is tapered from bottom to top. A drain outlet is located at the bottom of the inner tub, and a centrifugal valve is installed at the drain outlet. The valve plug of the centrifugal valve blocks the drain outlet, and after the inner tub rotates around its axis beyond a set value, the valve plug is driven by centrifugal force to open the drain outlet. Through this design, the water in the inner tub is guided by centrifugal force to converge towards the drain outlet below, achieving smooth drainage of the water in the inner tub. Simultaneously, the water in the inner tub can drain from the drain outlet at the bottom of the inner tub, avoiding the problem of the inner tub needing to overcome its own gravity to flow upwards during drainage, thus representing a significant technological advancement in reducing the power consumption required for the washing machine to drain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laundry equipment technology, and in particular to an inner tub assembly for a washing machine and the washing machine itself. Background Technology

[0002] To prevent the accumulation of lint and dirt between the inner and outer drums, existing washing machines design the inner drum as a separate water container during washing. A drainage system is also incorporated into the drum wall to expel the wash water during spin-drying. This design prevents water flow between the inner and outer drums during washing, thus avoiding bacterial growth on both the outer and inner walls of the inner and outer drums. Furthermore, because the inner drum serves the dual functions of spinning and holding water, an outer drum is unnecessary, thereby increasing the washing capacity.

[0003] However, existing top-loading washing machines, in order to achieve the function of holding water in the inner tub, generally design the drainage structure of the inner tub as follows:

[0004] A drain outlet is located at the top of the inner tub. When the washing machine is running a wash cycle, the drain outlet is higher than the water level, effectively making the inner tub a water container. To facilitate drainage, the inner tub wall is designed as an inverted cone shape that gradually increases in size from bottom to top. This design causes the inner tub to rotate at high speed during the spin cycle, causing the water inside to be thrown outwards by centrifugal force. Guided by the inverted cone wall, the water moves upwards until it drains out through the drain outlet at the top of the inner tub.

[0005] Although the washing machine described above can achieve the function of draining the inner tub, the drain water in the inner tub moves upward along the tub wall due to centrifugal force and then flows out from the drain outlet at the top of the inner tub. During the entire drainage process, the drain water needs to overcome its own gravity as it moves upward along the inner tub wall. This not only requires a high rotation speed of the inner tub during the drainage process, but also results in high power consumption.

[0006] Meanwhile, because the drain outlet is located at the top of the inner tub wall, and there is usually a balancing ring protruding into the tub above the drain outlet at the inner tub opening, during the washing machine's drainage process, the drain water flows upward along the tub wall to the top, where it is interfered with by the balancing ring at the top of the inner tub. This causes some water to remain in the gap space at the bottom of the balancing ring and above the drain outlet, resulting in residual water remaining in the inner tub after the washing machine's drainage cycle is completed.

[0007] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an inner tub assembly for a washing machine, so as to realize that the water-filled inner tub can drain water directly from the lower drain outlet, thereby reducing the power consumption of the washing machine and improving the drainage efficiency.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] An inner tub assembly for a washing machine includes an inner tub; the inner tub is tapered from bottom to top, a drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the inner tub, a centrifugal valve is installed at the drain outlet, the valve plug of the centrifugal valve blocks the drain outlet, and the valve plug is driven by centrifugal force to open the drain outlet after the inner tub rotates around the axis for more than a set value.

[0011] Furthermore, the drain outlet is located on the wall of the conical inner tub; preferably, a pulsator is installed at the bottom of the inner tub, and the drain outlet is set below the height of the pulsator.

[0012] Furthermore, the centrifugal valve includes a valve plug that can move radially along the inner tub and is correspondingly sealed at the drain outlet; and an elastic element, one end of which is connected to the outside of the inner tub and the other end of which is connected to the valve plug, applying a force to the valve plug to close the drain outlet.

[0013] Furthermore, the elastic element is composed of a spring sheet that can generate elastic deformation. The spring sheet extends along the construction line of the inner barrel wall and is installed on the outer side of the inner barrel wall. The upper end of the spring sheet is fixedly connected to the inner barrel wall, and the lower end is freely set to generate elastic displacement. The valve plug is a columnar shape that extends along the radial direction of the inner barrel. The columnar valve plug blocks the drain outlet from the outside to the inside along the radial direction of the inner barrel. The end of the columnar valve plug located outside the inner barrel is connected to the lower end of the spring sheet in a free state. This allows the columnar valve plug to be clamped between the inner barrel and the spring sheet by the elastic force of the spring sheet, correspondingly sealing the drain outlet.

[0014] Preferably, the valve plug is made of a rubber material that can undergo elastic deformation.

[0015] Furthermore, a swing rod is provided on the outer side of the inner barrel wall. The upper end of the swing rod is hinged to the inner barrel, and the lower end is connected to the valve plug. A torsion spring is provided at the hinge point between the swing rod and the inner barrel. The torsion spring provides elastic force to the swing rod to drive it to swing inward toward the inner barrel, which is used to push the valve plug to move from the outside to the inside along the radial direction of the inner barrel to seal the drain outlet.

[0016] Furthermore, a centrifugal valve cover is provided on the outer side of the inner barrel wall. The centrifugal valve cover is fastened and installed on the inner barrel to form a downward-opening chamber for the installation of the centrifugal valve together with the inner barrel.

[0017] Furthermore, the centrifugal valve cover is a sleeve structure that fits onto the outside of the inner barrel. The size of the sleeve structure is larger than the outer radial dimension of the inner barrel wall. The gap between the sleeve structure and the inner barrel wall forms a chamber. The upper end of the sleeve structure is connected to the inner barrel via a connecting sleeve, which is a frustoconical shape that gradually narrows from bottom to top. The upper end of the connecting sleeve is connected to the middle of the inner barrel wall, and the lower end is connected to the upper end of the sleeve structure. The lower end of the sleeve structure is lower than or equal to the bottom height of the inner barrel. Preferably, the distance between the sleeve structure and the inner barrel wall is greater than or equal to the radial dimension of the valve plug in the inner barrel.

[0018] Furthermore, the bottom of the inner tub is formed by the inner tub bottom, and the drain outlet is located on the inner tub wall, higher than the inner tub bottom; the inner tub bottom is provided with a main drain outlet, and a sealing valve core corresponding to the main drain outlet is installed on the inner tub bottom; preferably, the washing machine is provided with a water collection tray located below the inner tub bottom, and the water collection tray is provided with a push rod structure that pushes the sealing valve core to open and close the main drain outlet.

[0019] Furthermore, the inner tub is equipped with multiple drain outlets, which are arranged symmetrically and at equal intervals relative to the axis of the inner tub.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having the above-described inner tub assembly, wherein a water collection tray for collecting water discharged from the drain outlet is provided below the inner tub.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0022] The above design allows the water in the inner tub to be guided by centrifugal force and converge towards the drain outlet below, achieving smooth drainage of the water in the inner tub of the washing machine. At the same time, it allows the water in the inner tub to drain out from the drain outlet at the bottom of the inner tub, avoiding the problem of the inner tub having to overcome its own gravity when draining, thus representing a significant technological advancement in reducing the power consumption required for the washing machine to drain.

[0023] At the same time, the present invention has a simple structure, significant effects, and is suitable for widespread use.

[0024] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are provided to further illustrate the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. Clearly, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0026] Figures 1 to 3This is a schematic diagram of the washing machine structure in different states according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the washing machine structure in different states according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] The main components are described below:

[0029] 1. Inner tub; 2. Valve plug; 3. Centrifugal valve; 4. Drain outlet; 5. Centrifugal valve cover; 6. Water collection tray; 7. Sealing valve core; 8. Push rod structure; 9. Impeller; 10. Main drain outlet; 11. Bottom of inner tub; 12. Tub wall; 13. Spring plate; 14. Swing rod; 15. Torsion spring; 16. Sleeve structure; 17. Connecting sleeve; 18. Chamber.

[0030] 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

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a washing machine, which includes an inner tub 1 with its axis vertically arranged; the top of the inner tub 1 is open, forming the inner tub opening; the bottom of the inner tub is closed and is formed by the inner tub bottom 11; the inner tub 1 does not have a normally open through hole, so that the inner tub 1 directly forms a water container during washing. The washing machine also includes a water collection tray 6 for mounting the inner tub 1; the water collection tray 6 is located below the inner tub 1, and the bottom of the inner tub 1 is connected to a downwardly extending inner tub shaft. The inner tub shaft passes through the water collection tray 6 and is rotatably mounted on the water collection tray 6 via a bearing provided on the water collection tray 6. A motor is also mounted on the water collection tray 6, and the motor is directly or via a transmission structure (e.g., a reducer, belt, etc.) connected to the inner tub shaft to drive the inner tub 1 to rotate around the shaft.

[0036] In this embodiment of the invention, to improve the washing effect, the washing machine can install other relatively rotatable agitating components in the inner tub 1, such as: a pulsator 9, an agitator column, etc. Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the impeller 9 installed at the bottom of the inner tub is used as an example for detailed description. The impeller 9 is coaxially arranged at the bottom of the inner tub and spaced apart from the bottom 11 of the inner tub. The bottom of the impeller 9 is provided with a downwardly extending impeller shaft. The impeller shaft passes through the inner tub 1 and the water collection tray 6 and is connected to the motor, or to the motor through other transmission structures (e.g., reducers). Under the action of driving force, it generates a rotation around the shaft synchronously or asynchronously with the inner tub 1 to agitate the water in the inner tub 1, forming different forms of washing water flow, and using the washing water flow to wash the load contained in the inner tub 1.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment introduces an inner tub assembly for a washing machine, including an inner tub 1; the inner tub 1 is a cone shape that gradually narrows from bottom to top, and a drain outlet 4 is provided at the bottom of the inner tub 1. A centrifugal valve 3 is installed at the drain outlet 4, and the valve plug 2 of the centrifugal valve 3 blocks the drain outlet 4. After the inner tub 1 rotates around the axis beyond a set value, the valve plug 2 is driven by centrifugal force to open the drain outlet 4.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, during the washing machine cycle, the inner tub 1 rotates at low speed or stops rotating, causing the valve plug 2 of the centrifugal valve 3 to close the drain outlet 4 at the bottom of the inner tub 1, so that the inner tub 1 directly forms a sealed container, allowing the inner tub 1 to use the water in the inner tub to wash the clothes inside.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, during the spin-drying process of the washing machine, the inner tub 1 rotates at high speed. When the rotation speed of the inner tub 1 exceeds the set value, the valve plug 2 of the centrifugal valve 3 is driven by centrifugal force to move outward and open the drain outlet 4. The washing water contained in the inner tub 1 and the free water detached from the clothes are discharged from the drain outlet 4 to achieve the effect of draining the inner tub 1.

[0040] The above design allows the water in the inner tub to be guided by centrifugal force and converge towards the drain outlet below, achieving smooth drainage of the water in the inner tub of the washing machine. At the same time, it allows the water in the inner tub to drain out from the drain outlet at the bottom of the inner tub, avoiding the problem of the inner tub having to overcome its own gravity when draining, thus representing a significant technological advancement in reducing the power consumption required for the washing machine to drain.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment introduces an inner tub assembly for a washing machine, including an inner tub 1; the inner tub 1 is a cone shape that gradually narrows from bottom to top, and a drain outlet 4 is provided at the bottom of the inner tub 1. A centrifugal valve 3 is installed at the drain outlet 4, and the valve plug 2 of the centrifugal valve 3 blocks the drain outlet 4. After the inner tub 1 rotates around the axis beyond a set value, the valve plug 2 is driven by centrifugal force to open the drain outlet 4.

[0043] In this embodiment, the wall 12 of the conical inner barrel 1 is a frustum-shaped structure that gradually narrows from bottom to top. Since the water in the conical inner barrel 1 flows downwards without needing to overcome its own gravity, the centrifugal force required to drive its flow is small. Therefore, the taper of the wall 12 of the conical inner barrel 1 can be designed to be a small value.

[0044] In this embodiment, the drain outlet 4 is located on the wall 12 of the conical inner tub 1. The valve plug 2 of the centrifugal valve 3 moves radially along the inner tub 1, moving from the outside inward to block the drain outlet 4 on the inner tub wall 12 and moving outward to open the drain outlet 4. Preferably, a pulsator 9 is installed at the bottom of the inner tub 1, and the height of the drain outlet 4 on the inner tub wall 12 is lower than the height of the pulsator 9, so as to ensure that the water in the inner tub 1 can flow out of the drain outlet 4 to the maximum extent, thereby reducing the residual water in the inner tub 1. At the same time, since the drain outlet 4 is set lower than the pulsator 9, the residual water in the inner tub 1 is below the pulsator 9, thereby avoiding contact between the residual water and the clothes in the inner tub 1, improving the spin-drying effect of the washing machine, and significantly improving the user experience.

[0045] In this embodiment, the centrifugal valve 3 includes a valve plug 2, which can move radially along the inner barrel 1 and is correspondingly sealed at the drain outlet 4; and an elastic element, one end of which is connected to the outside of the inner barrel 1 and the other end of which is connected to the valve plug 2, and applies a force to the valve plug 2 to close the drain outlet 4.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, in this embodiment, the elastic element is composed of a spring sheet 13 that can generate elastic deformation. The spring sheet 13 extends along the construction line of the inner barrel wall 12 and is installed on the outside of the inner barrel wall 12. The upper end of the spring sheet 13 is fixedly connected to the inner barrel wall 12, and the lower end is freely set to generate elastic displacement. The valve plug 2 is a columnar shape that extends along the radial direction of the inner barrel 1. The columnar valve plug 2 blocks the drain outlet 4 from the outside to the inside along the radial direction of the inner barrel 1. One end of the columnar valve plug 2 located outside the inner barrel 1 is connected to the lower end of the spring sheet 13 in a free state. It is used to clamp the columnar valve plug 2 between the inner barrel 1 and the spring sheet 13 under the elastic force of the spring sheet 13, and correspondingly seal the drain outlet 4.

[0047] Preferably, in this embodiment, the valve plug 2 is made of a rubber material capable of elastic deformation, so that when the valve plug 2 blocks the drain outlet 4, it can effectively block the drain outlet 4 by its own elastic deformation. At the same time, the columnar valve plug 2 can be configured as a columnar structure with multiple segments of different radial dimensions, and the radial dimensions of each segment gradually increase from the axis of the inner barrel 1 outwards, with at least some segments having a radial dimension larger than the diameter of the drain outlet 4.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment introduces an inner tub assembly for a washing machine, including an inner tub 1; the inner tub 1 is a cone shape that gradually narrows from bottom to top, and a drain outlet 4 is provided at the bottom of the inner tub 1. A centrifugal valve 3 is installed at the drain outlet 4, and the valve plug 2 of the centrifugal valve 3 blocks the drain outlet 4. After the inner tub 1 rotates around the axis beyond a set value, the valve plug 2 is driven by centrifugal force to open the drain outlet 4.

[0050] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the centrifugal valve 3 includes a valve plug 2, which can move radially along the inner barrel 1 and is correspondingly sealed at the drain outlet 4; a swing rod 14, which is located on the outside of the inner barrel wall 12, with the axis of the swing rod 14 and the axis of the drain outlet 4 in the same vertical plane, and the swing rod 14 extends along the corresponding structural line of the inner barrel wall 12; the upper end of the swing rod 14 is hinged to the inner barrel 1, and the lower end is connected to the valve plug 2, so that the valve plug 2 swings together with the lower end of the swing rod 14, thereby realizing the purpose of the valve plug 2 being installed on the inner barrel 1 to open and close the drain outlet 4.

[0051] At the same time, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, a torsion spring 15 is provided at the hinge point between the swing arm 14 and the inner tub 1. The torsion spring 15 provides a spring force to the swing arm 14 to drive it to swing inward toward the inside of the inner tub 1, thereby pushing the valve plug 2 to move radially inward along the inner tub 1 to seal the drain outlet 4. Thus, when the inner tub 1 is not rotating or rotating below a set value, i.e., when the washing machine is in washing mode or non-working mode, the valve plug 2 normally seals the drain outlet 4, and the inner tub 1 forms a sealed water container.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] This embodiment, based on Embodiments 1 and 2 above, also has the following technical features:

[0054] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, a centrifugal valve cover 5 is provided on the outer side of the inner barrel wall 12. The centrifugal valve cover 5 is fastened and installed on the inner barrel 1, and together with the inner barrel 1, it forms a downward-opening chamber 18 for the installation of the centrifugal valve 3.

[0055] In this embodiment, the centrifugal valve cover 5 is a sleeve structure 16 fitted on the outside of the inner barrel 1. The size of the sleeve structure 16 is larger than the outer circumferential radial size of the inner barrel wall 12. The gap between the sleeve structure 16 and the inner barrel wall 12 forms a chamber 18.

[0056] In this embodiment, the upper end of the sleeve structure 16 is connected to the inner barrel 1 via the connecting sleeve 17. The connecting sleeve 17 is a frustoconical shape that gradually narrows from bottom to top. The upper end of the connecting sleeve 17 is connected to the middle part of the inner barrel wall 12, and the lower end is connected to the upper end of the sleeve structure 16.

[0057] In this embodiment, the lower end of the sleeve structure 16 is lower than or equal to the height of the bottom 11 of the inner tub 1, so as to ensure that the drainage water guided by the sleeve structure 16 can be smoothly discharged into the water collection tray 6 below and minimize the occurrence of drainage splashing. At the same time, in order to further reduce drainage splashing, the lower end of the sleeve structure 16 is generally located inside the water collection tray 6 of the washing machine, and the height of the outer periphery of the water collection tray 6 is higher than the lower end of the sleeve structure 16, to further prevent drainage splashing.

[0058] In this embodiment, the distance between the sleeve structure 16 of the centrifugal valve cover 5 and the inner barrel wall 12 is greater than or equal to the size of the valve plug 2 in the radial direction of the inner barrel 1, so as to provide sufficient space for the extension and retraction of the valve plug 2 and ensure that the outward movement of the valve plug 2 can effectively open the drain port 4 provided on the inner barrel wall 12.

[0059] In this embodiment, the bottom of the inner tub 1 is formed by the inner tub bottom 11, and the drain outlet 4 is located on the inner tub wall 12, higher than the inner tub bottom 11. The inner tub bottom 11 is provided with a main drain outlet 10, and a sealing valve core 7 corresponding to the main drain outlet 10 is installed on the inner tub bottom 11. In this embodiment, the water collection tray 6 of the washing machine is provided with a push rod structure 8 that pushes the sealing valve core 7 installed at the main drain outlet 10 of the inner tub 1 to open and close. The push rod structure 8 includes a push rod that can move up and down. The lower end of the push rod is connected to a drive motor that drives its extension and retraction, so that when the push rod is pushed upward, it can drive the sealing valve core 7 to open the main drain outlet 10. Preferably, in order to improve the sealing effect of the sealing valve core, the sealing valve core 7 can be connected to the inner tub bottom 11 through an elastic element, so that the elastic force generated by the elastic element can be used to push the sealing valve core 7 to block the main drain outlet 10, or to separate from the push rod and reset to close the main drain outlet 10.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in this embodiment, the inner tub 1 can be provided with multiple drain outlets 4, and each drain outlet 4 is arranged symmetrically and at equal intervals relative to the axis of the inner tub 1 to improve the dehydration efficiency of the inner tub 1; at the same time, it can also make the center of gravity of the inner tub 1 of the washing machine on the axis, so as to avoid the inner tub 1 from shifting and causing problems such as collision when rotating.

[0061] Example 4

[0062] This embodiment introduces a washing machine having an inner tub assembly as described in any one of embodiments one to three above. The inner tub 1 of the inner tub assembly is provided with a water collection tray 6 for collecting water discharged from the drain outlet 4. The water collection tray 6 at least covers the projection of the inner tub 1, and the outer periphery of the water collection tray 6 is provided with an upwardly bent edge so that the water collection tray 6 can collect all the drainage water flowing out of the drain outlet 4 of the inner tub 1.

[0063] In this embodiment, the water collection tray 6 is provided with a push rod structure 8 that pushes the sealing valve core 7 installed on the main drain outlet 10 of the inner tank 1 to open and close. The push rod structure 8 includes a push rod that can move up and down, and the lower end of the push rod is connected to a drive motor that drives its extension and retraction.

[0064] To ensure the correct alignment between the push rod and the main drain outlet 10 during washing machine drainage, a positioning structure can be installed on the washing machine. For example, a positioning hole can be provided on the inner tub 1, and a positioning pin can be extended outwards on the water collection tray 6. When the inner tub 1 stops rotating, the positioning pin is inserted into the corresponding positioning hole to ensure that the inner tub 1 stops at a unique position. Alternatively, the push rod structure 8 and the main drain outlet 10 can be used directly to position the inner tub 1. Furthermore, any other existing technology can be employed in this invention, such as controlling the inner tub 1 to stop at a unique position via a program.

[0065] like Figure 1As shown, during the washing machine cycle, the inner tub rotates at low speed or stops rotating, causing the valve plug of the centrifugal valve to close the drain outlet at the bottom of the inner tub, thus forming a sealed container. The inner tub then uses the water inside to wash the clothes it contains.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, when the washing or rinsing process is completed and the spin-drying process is performed, the inner tub rotates at high speed. When the inner tub speed exceeds the set value, the valve plug of the centrifugal valve is driven by centrifugal force to move outward and open the drain outlet. The washing water in the inner tub and the free water detached from the clothes are discharged from the drain outlet to achieve the effect of draining the inner tub.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, when the washing machine stops working and drains, the inner tub stops rotating and stops at the set position, causing the valve plug of the centrifugal valve to close the drain port at the bottom of the inner tub. The push rod structure pushes the sealing valve core upward to open the main drain port at the bottom of the inner tub. The main drain port is at the lowest point of the inner tub, and all the residual water in the inner tub and the free water detached from the clothes are discharged through the main drain port, so as to achieve the effect of no water residue in the inner tub and reduce bacterial growth.

[0068] The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can be further combined or replaced, and the embodiments are merely descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the concept and scope of the present invention. Various changes and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the design concept of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An inner tub assembly for a washing machine, comprising an inner tub; characterized in that: The inner tub is a cone shape that gradually narrows from bottom to top. The bottom of the inner tub is equipped with a drain outlet, and a centrifugal valve is installed at the drain outlet. The valve plug of the centrifugal valve is used to block the drain outlet. After the inner tub rotates around the axis for more than a set value, the valve plug is driven by centrifugal force to open the drain outlet. The centrifugal valve includes a valve plug and an elastic element. The elastic element is composed of a spring sheet that can generate elastic deformation. The spring sheet extends along the construction line of the inner barrel wall and is installed on the outer side of the inner barrel wall. The upper end of the spring sheet is fixedly connected to the inner barrel wall, and the lower end is freely set to generate elastic displacement. The valve plug is a columnar shape that extends along the radial direction of the inner barrel. The columnar valve plug blocks the drain outlet from the outside to the inside along the radial direction of the inner barrel. The end of the columnar valve plug located outside the inner barrel is connected to the lower end of the spring sheet in a free state. This allows the columnar valve plug to be clamped between the inner barrel and the spring sheet by the elastic force of the spring sheet, correspondingly sealing the drain outlet. A centrifugal valve cover is installed on the outer side of the inner barrel wall. The centrifugal valve cover is fastened to the inner barrel and together with the inner barrel, forms a downward-opening chamber for the centrifugal valve to be installed. The centrifugal valve cover is a sleeve structure that fits onto the outer side of the inner barrel. The size of the sleeve structure is larger than the outer radial dimension of the inner barrel wall. The gap between the sleeve structure and the inner barrel wall forms the chamber. The upper end of the sleeve structure is connected to the inner barrel via a connecting sleeve. The connecting sleeve is a frustoconical shape that gradually narrows from bottom to top. The upper end of the connecting sleeve is connected to the middle of the inner barrel wall, and the lower end is connected to the upper end of the sleeve structure. The lower end of the sleeve structure is lower than or equal to the bottom height of the inner barrel. The distance between the sleeve structure and the inner barrel wall is greater than or equal to the radial dimension of the valve plug in the inner barrel.

2. The inner tub assembly of the washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drain outlet is located on the wall of the conical inner barrel.

3. The inner tub assembly of the washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner tub is equipped with a pulsator at the bottom, and the drain outlet is set below the height of the pulsator.

4. The inner tub assembly of the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The valve plug can move radially along the inner tub and is used to seal the drain outlet. The elastic element has one end connected to the outside of the inner tub and the other end connected to the valve plug, applying a force to the valve plug to close the drain outlet.

5. The inner tub assembly of the washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The valve plug is made of rubber that can undergo elastic deformation.

6. The inner tub assembly of the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A swing rod is provided on the outer side of the inner barrel wall. The upper end of the swing rod is hinged to the inner barrel, and the lower end is connected to the valve plug. A torsion spring is provided at the hinge point between the swing arm and the inner tub. The torsion spring provides elastic force to the swing arm to drive it to swing inward toward the inside of the inner tub, thereby pushing the valve plug to move from the outside to the inside along the radial direction of the inner tub and correspondingly sealing the drain outlet.

7. The inner tub assembly of the washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the inner tub is formed by the inner tub bottom, and the drain outlet is located on the inner tub wall, higher than the inner tub bottom; The bottom of the inner tub is equipped with a main drain outlet, and a corresponding sealing valve core is installed on the bottom of the inner tub to block the main drain outlet.

8. The inner tub assembly of the washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The washing machine has a water collection tray located below the inner tub, and the water collection tray has a push rod structure that pushes the sealing valve core to open and close the main drain port.

9. The inner tub assembly of the washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inner tub has multiple drain outlets, which are arranged symmetrically and at equal intervals relative to the axis of the inner tub.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that: The inner tub assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided with a water collection tray at the bottom of the inner tub for collecting water discharged from the drain outlet.

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