A laundry washing machine and spin levelling method

Abstract

The application discloses a washing machine and a dehydration leveling method. The washing machine comprises an inner drum for independently containing washing water during washing clothes; a dehydration balance device arranged at the bottom of the inner drum, the dehydration balance device itself or together with the bottom of the inner drum forms a water storage cavity; the top of the water storage cavity is provided with a water inlet communicated with the inside of the inner drum, and the bottom is provided with a water outlet, the dehydration balance device further comprises a centrifugal valve structure for sealing the water outlet in normal state; when the washing machine is draining, part of the washing water is discharged through the main drain outlet of the washing machine, and the rest of the washing water is left in the water storage cavity for balancing the inner drum. The dehydration balance device arranged at the bottom of the inner drum is equivalent to increasing the weight of the bottom of the inner drum, which can effectively eliminate the influence caused by the eccentric load of the bottom of the inner drum, reduce the vibration at the initial stage of dehydration, and enable the washing machine to start the dehydration program smoothly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing machine technology, specifically, it relates to a washing machine and a spin-drying and leveling method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, washing machines with non-perforated inner drums are popular among consumers due to their advantages such as water saving, reduced dirt buildup between the inner and outer drums, and improved hygiene. However, during washing, uneven distribution of laundry can lead to eccentricity. To avoid vibration and noise issues caused by this eccentricity, a balancing ring is usually installed at the top of the inner drum. This effectively balances the unbalanced load at the top, but some unbalanced load still exists at the bottom of the inner drum, generating vibration and noise that affects the user experience.

[0003] Chinese Patent Application No. CN201310002079.7 discloses a washing machine, comprising: a casing; an outer tub disposed inside the casing for containing washing water; an inner tub having a cylindrical structure and rotatably disposed inside the outer tub; a first balancing member installed on the upper part of the inner tub to compensate for unbalanced loads on the inner tub; and a second balancing member installed on the lower part of the inner tub such that the unbalanced loads on the inner tub are compensated by using a portion of the washing water in the outer tub. The second balancing member includes: an inner channel for storing a portion of the washing water; and an outer channel formed along the outer circumference of the inner channel to compensate for the unbalanced loads on the inner tub.

[0004] The aforementioned technical solution involves setting independent inner and outer channels at the bottom of the inner tub. The inner channel stores some of the washing water to balance the unbalanced load on the inner tub. However, the water stored in the inner channel after washing is not easily drained completely, and prolonged presence in the washing machine can easily cause contamination. Furthermore, the structure of the aforementioned second balancing component is not suitable for washing machines with non-perforated inner tubs.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a washing machine and a spin-drying leveling method. This application effectively solves the problem that there is a part of unbalanced load at the bottom of the inner tub of the washing machine without a hole inner tub, which will generate a certain vibration and noise and affect the user experience by setting a spin-drying balancing device at the bottom of the inner tub.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the first aspect of this application discloses a washing machine, comprising:

[0008] The inner tub is used to hold the washing water separately when washing clothes.

[0009] A dehydration balancing device is installed at the bottom of the inner barrel, and the dehydration balancing device itself or together with the bottom of the inner barrel forms a water storage cavity;

[0010] The water storage chamber has an inlet at the top that communicates with the inside of the inner tank and an outlet at the bottom. The dehydration balancing device also includes a centrifugal valve structure that seals the outlet under normal conditions.

[0011] When the washing machine is draining, some of the washing water is discharged from the main drain outlet, while some of the washing water remains in the water storage chamber to balance the inner tub.

[0012] Furthermore, the dehydration balancing device is a ring structure; or, the dehydration balancing device comprises multiple devices, which are evenly arranged along the circumference of the bottom of the inner barrel.

[0013] Furthermore, the bottom of the inner barrel is divided into:

[0014] The first area and the second area are respectively, the dehydration balancing device is installed in the first area, and the main drain outlet is opened in the second area;

[0015] Preferably, the dehydration balancing device is installed on the inner side wall of the inner barrel bottom located in the first area, and the water inlet of the water storage chamber is set higher than the main drain outlet.

[0016] Furthermore, the dehydration balancing device is an annular structure with an annular water storage cavity inside, and multiple water outlets are evenly arranged on the bottom wall of the annular water storage cavity along its circumferential direction.

[0017] The bottom wall of the annular water storage cavity gradually slopes upward from the center to the outer periphery, and the water outlet is opened near the center. The centrifugal valve structure includes multiple sealing balls arranged in the annular water storage cavity. Under the action of gravity, the multiple sealing balls are sealed one by one at the water outlet.

[0018] When the rotation speed of the inner tub exceeds the set value, the sealing ball can move outward along the radial direction of the bottom of the inner tub under the action of centrifugal force, opening the water outlet and discharging the washing water temporarily stored in the annular water storage chamber.

[0019] Furthermore, the dehydration balancing device includes an internally hollow annular shell, and the water outlet is located on the bottom wall of the shell;

[0020] The bottom of the inner barrel in the first area has multiple openings corresponding to the water outlet. Each water outlet is connected to one of the openings to achieve communication between the water storage chamber and the outside of the inner barrel.

[0021] Furthermore, each of the water outlets is provided with limit guide ribs on both sides, and the limit guide ribs extend radially along the bottom wall of the shell;

[0022] The limiting guide ribs located on both sides of the water outlet form a guide channel that allows the sealing ball to move radially along the bottom of the inner barrel.

[0023] Furthermore, the annular shell also includes a shell top wall with alternating concave and convex shapes in the circumferential direction, the shell top wall comprising:

[0024] A protrusion is provided corresponding to the water outlet, and the gap between the protrusion and the bottom wall of the shell is greater than the outer diameter of the sealing ball;

[0025] The recess is provided in the interval area between two adjacent water outlets, and the gap between the recess and the bottom wall of the shell is smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing ball.

[0026] Furthermore, the water inlet is a plurality of water inlet holes formed on the top wall of the annular shell;

[0027] The sealing ball is a metal ball made of a high-density metal material, and the outer surface of the metal ball is covered with at least one layer of rubber.

[0028] Furthermore, the washing machine also includes a drain valve mechanism for opening or sealing the main drain outlet;

[0029] Preferably, the washing machine further includes a locking mechanism, and a locking part is provided at the bottom of the inner tub. The locking mechanism works in conjunction with the locking part to lock the inner tub, and is used to cooperate with the drain valve mechanism to open the main drain outlet for drainage.

[0030] A second aspect of this application also provides a spin-drying and leveling method for a washing machine as described above:

[0031] After the washing cycle is finished, the main drain outlet of the washing machine is opened to drain the water. Some of the washing water remains in the spin-drying balancing device. After the drainage is finished, the inner tub is turned at a low speed to enter the spin-drying and leveling stage.

[0032] Preferably, after the washing program ends, the locking mechanism is activated to lock the inner tub, and the drain valve mechanism is activated to open the main drain outlet to drain water. When the washing water in the inner tub is drained, the locking mechanism and the drain valve mechanism are reset, and the spin-drying and leveling stage begins.

[0033] Furthermore, after the drainage is completed, the inner tub is controlled to rotate at the first speed, and the sealing ball remains sealed at the water outlet. The washing water remaining in the dehydration balance device achieves one leveling of the inner tub.

[0034] When the inner tub runs at the first speed until the set leveling time is reached, or when it is determined that the eccentricity inside the tub is lower than the set eccentricity threshold, the inner tub is controlled to rise to the second speed, the sealing ball moves to the outer periphery, and the water outlet is opened.

[0035] Different sealing balls are located at different distances from the eccentricity, and thus move to different distances on the outer periphery, achieving secondary leveling of the inner barrel;

[0036] Preferably, when the inner tub is running at the second speed for the set dehydration time or when it is determined that all the washing water remaining in the dehydration balance device has been drained, the inner tub is controlled to rise to the third speed to enter the high-speed dehydration stage.

[0037] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0038] 1. The washing machine provided by the present invention, through the spin-drying balancing device set at the bottom of the inner tub, when the washing machine is draining, part of the washing water is discharged from the main drain outlet of the washing machine, and part of the washing water is retained in the water storage chamber of the spin-drying balancing device, which is used to level the inner tub in the early stage of spin-drying. This can effectively eliminate the influence of the eccentric load at the bottom of the inner tub, reduce the vibration in the early stage of spin-drying, and enable the washing machine to start the spin-drying program smoothly.

[0039] 2. The washing machine spin-drying and leveling method provided by this invention, after drainage, controls the inner tub to rotate at a first speed, so that the sealing ball remains sealed at the water outlet. The washing water remaining in the spin-drying balancing device is equivalent to increasing the counterweight of the bottom of the inner tub, which can effectively correct the eccentricity and achieve one-time leveling of the inner tub. When the inner tub runs at the first speed for the set leveling time or when it is determined that the eccentricity inside the tub is lower than the set eccentricity threshold, the inner tub is controlled to rise to a second speed, so that the sealing ball moves to the outer periphery under the action of centrifugal force, opening the water outlet and timely draining the washing water in the water storage cavity, avoiding the washing water remaining in the water storage cavity from not being drained in time and breeding bacteria, which would cause pollution to the inside of the washing machine.

[0040] 3. In this application, the different sealing balls are positioned at varying distances from the eccentricity. Consequently, when they move outwards under centrifugal force, the distances they travel also differ. This allows for automatic balancing of the eccentricity within the tub, achieving secondary leveling of the inner tub. When the load distribution within the tub is uneven, the centrifugal force on the sealing balls changes. Sealing balls further away from the eccentricity experience greater centrifugal force and travel greater distances; sealing balls closer to the eccentricity experience less centrifugal force and travel shorter distances. This further resists eccentricity, reducing vibration and noise in the washing machine.

[0041] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0042] 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:

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the structural principle of the sealing ball sealing outlet of the dehydration balance device in this embodiment of the invention;

[0045] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the structural principle of the sealing ball opening the water outlet of the dehydration balance device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional distribution of the sealing balls in the dehydration balancing device of the washing machine during the washing stage, drainage stage, and initial dehydration stage in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional distribution of the sealing balls under centrifugal force during the medium and high-speed spin-drying stages of the spin-drying process when the washing machine has a load eccentricity in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the washing machine in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0049] In the picture:

[0050] 1. Inner tub; 101. Opening; 102. Bottom of inner tub; 103. Main drain outlet;

[0051] 2. Dehydration balancing device; 20. Water storage chamber; 21. Annular shell; 210. Guide channel; 211. Bottom wall of shell; 212. Top wall of shell; 213. Inlet; 214. Outlet; 22. Sealing ball;

[0052] 3. Outer tub; 31. Drain pipe; 4. Eccentricity; 5. Magnetic adsorption component; 6. Drain valve mechanism; 7. Locking mechanism.

[0053] 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

[0054] 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.

[0055] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "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 limitations on this invention.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0058] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this invention discloses a washing machine, including: an inner tub 1, which independently holds washing water when washing clothes, and a main drain outlet 103 at the bottom 102 of the inner tub. The washing machine also includes a drain valve mechanism 6 for opening or sealing the main drain outlet 103. The drain valve mechanism 6 normally seals the main drain outlet 103, so that there is no washing water between the inner tub 1 and the outer tub 3 during washing, saving water resources and effectively preventing dirt and bacteria from accumulating between the inner and outer tubs.

[0059] In this invention, the inner tub 1 is a non-perforated inner tub with no water-permeable holes on its peripheral wall, except for dewatering holes on the peripheral wall above the highest water level. The drain valve mechanism 6 includes a valve plug component that normally seals the main drain outlet 103, allowing the inner tub 1 to independently hold washing water during washing. The washing machine also includes an outer tub 3 coaxially disposed outside the inner tub 1, with a water collection chamber inside for collecting the drain water from the inner tub 1. During washing, there is no washing water between the inner tub 1 and the outer tub 3. During drainage, the driving component of the drain valve mechanism 6 drives the valve plug component to open the main drain outlet 103, allowing the washing water in the inner tub 1 to drain through the main drain outlet 103 to the outer tub 3, and then out through the drain pipe 31 at the bottom of the outer tub 3.

[0060] Preferably, the washing machine provided by the present invention further includes a locking mechanism 7, wherein the bottom 102 of the inner tub is provided with a locking part, and the locking mechanism 7 cooperates with the locking part to lock the inner tub 1, and cooperates with the drain valve mechanism 6 to open the main drain outlet 103 for drainage.

[0061] The locking part can be a locking hole, which is a countersunk hole formed in the bottom 102 of the inner tub. The locking mechanism 7 includes a locking motor and a locking rod. After the washing program ends, the locking motor drives the locking rod to extend upward into the locking hole, locking the inner tub 1 in place. At this time, the driving component of the drain valve mechanism 6 drives the valve plug component to open the main drain outlet 103 to drain water.

[0062] Example 1

[0063] Combining, such as 1, Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the washing machine disclosed in this embodiment also includes a spin-drying balancing device 2 disposed at the bottom 102 of the inner tub. The spin-drying balancing device 2 itself or together with the bottom 102 of the inner tub forms a water storage cavity 20. The top of the water storage cavity 20 is provided with a water inlet 213 communicating with the inside of the inner tub 1, and the bottom of the water storage cavity 20 is provided with a water outlet 214. The spin-drying balancing device 2 also includes a centrifugal valve structure that normally seals the water outlet 214.

[0064] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, during the washing and draining stages of the washing machine, the centrifugal valve structure keeps the outlet 214 sealed to ensure the airtightness of the inner tub 1. When the washing machine is filling and draining, some washing water is discharged from the main drain outlet 103, and some washing water is temporarily stored in the water storage chamber 20 to balance the inner tub 1. In the initial stage of the spin-drying process, the centrifugal valve structure also keeps the outlet 214 sealed. The water in the water storage chamber 20 plays a role in balancing the inner tub 1 and correcting its orientation. When the washing machine enters the medium-speed or high-speed spin-drying stage, the centrifugal valve structure can open the outlet 214 under the action of centrifugal force to drain the washing water in the water storage chamber 20, preventing the water stored in the water storage chamber 20 from not draining in time and potentially causing contamination of the washing machine if it remains in the washing machine for a long time.

[0065] When the washing machine drains, some of the washing water is discharged from the main drain outlet 103, while some remains in the water storage chamber 20 for leveling the inner tub 1 during the initial spin-drying stage. This application, by providing a spin-drying balancing device 2 at the bottom 102 of the inner tub, effectively increases the counterweight at the bottom 102, thereby eliminating the effects of eccentric loads and reducing vibrations during the initial spin-drying stage, allowing the washing machine to start the spin-drying program smoothly.

[0066] In one embodiment of the above scheme, the dehydration balancing device 2 is a ring structure, which is arranged circumferentially around the bottom of the inner barrel 102. The dehydration balancing device 2 is a ring structure fixed to the inner or outer side wall of the bottom of the inner barrel 102. The dehydration balancing device 2 adopts an integrated ring structure, which is convenient for assembly and installation, and has a better balancing effect.

[0067] Alternatively, in another embodiment of the above scheme, the dehydration balancing device 2 comprises multiple devices, evenly spaced along the circumference of the inner barrel bottom 102. Preferably, in this embodiment, the dehydration balancing device 2 adopts an overall annular structure.

[0068] Furthermore, combined Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the inner barrel bottom 102 is divided into:

[0069] The first area and the second area are respectively, with the dehydration balancing device 2 covering and installed in the first area, and the main drain outlet 103 being opened in the second area.

[0070] Preferably, in this embodiment, the dehydration balancing device 2 is located on the outer periphery near the bottom of the inner tub 102. Compared with the location near the center of the bottom of the inner tub 102, it can achieve better balancing and correction effects, and can also effectively avoid the placement of other components inside the inner tub 1, such as the impeller.

[0071] The first region is an annular area near the outer periphery of the inner tub bottom 102, and the second region is the area between the inner annular edge of the first region and the center of the inner tub bottom 102. The spin-drying balancing device 2 is installed over the first region located on the outer periphery of the inner tub bottom 102, and the main drain outlet 103 is located in the second region near the center of the inner tub bottom 102. This arrangement effectively ensures that when the washing machine is draining water, the main drain outlet 103 will not discharge the washing water that has entered the water storage chamber 20 of the spin-drying balancing device 2, thus ensuring the spin-drying balancing device 2's effect of balancing the inner tub's eccentricity.

[0072] Preferably, the dehydration balancing device 2 is installed on the inner wall of the inner tub bottom 102 located in the first region, and the water inlet 213 of the water storage chamber 20 is positioned higher than the main drain outlet 103, with the water inlet 213 located on the top wall of the water storage chamber 20. This arrangement effectively ensures that the washing water in the inner tub 1 is completely drained, avoiding any impact on the dehydration effect, and also effectively prevents the washing water in the water storage chamber 20 from overflowing into the inner tub 1.

[0073] Furthermore, combined Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4As shown, the dehydration balancing device 2 is an annular structure with an internal annular water storage chamber 20. In the initial stage of dehydration, the washing water temporarily stored in the dehydration balancing device 2 flows freely within the annular water storage chamber 20, acting as a balancing agent, similar to the liquid in a balancing ring. Multiple water outlets 214 are evenly arranged along the circumferential direction on the bottom wall of the annular water storage chamber 20. The bottom wall of the annular water storage chamber 20 gradually slopes upwards from the center to the outer periphery, with the water outlets 214 located near the center. The centrifugal valve structure includes multiple sealing balls 22 disposed within the annular water storage chamber 20. Under the influence of gravity, the multiple sealing balls 22 are sealed one-to-one at the water outlets 214.

[0074] Under normal conditions, the multiple sealing balls 22 are sealed one-to-one at the water outlet 214 under the action of gravity. The multiple water outlets 214 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the inner tub bottom 102. The multiple sealing balls 22 are also evenly distributed in the annular water storage cavity 20 to ensure the balance of the entire spin-drying balance device 2 and to avoid the washing machine tilting due to the uneven distribution of the sealing balls 22 causing the spin-drying balance device 2 to become unbalanced.

[0075] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, when the rotation speed of the inner tub 1 is greater than the set value, the sealing ball 22 can move outward along the radial direction of the bottom 102 of the inner tub under the action of centrifugal force, opening the water outlet 214 and draining the washing water temporarily stored in the annular water storage chamber 20, so as to avoid the washing water remaining in the water storage chamber 20 from not being drained in time, which would breed bacteria and cause pollution to the inside of the washing machine.

[0076] In this embodiment, the water outlet 214 can be connected to the inside of the inner tub 1. Preferably, the water outlet 214 is connected to the outside of the inner tub 1. When the sealing ball 22 opens the water outlet 214, the washing water temporarily stored in the annular water storage cavity 20 is discharged to the outside of the inner tub 1, so as to prevent the washing water in the annular water storage cavity from flowing back into the inner tub and wetting the clothes in the inner tub again, thus affecting the dehydration efficiency.

[0077] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the dehydration balancing device 2 includes an annular shell 21 with a hollow interior. The water outlet 214 is opened on the bottom wall 211 of the shell, and the bottom wall 211 of the shell is fixed to the inner side of the inner barrel bottom 102. The inner barrel bottom 102 located in the first region has a plurality of openings 101 corresponding to the water outlet 214. The water outlet 214 is connected to the opening 101 one by one to realize the communication between the water storage chamber 20 and the outside of the inner barrel 1.

[0078] The water outlet 214 and the opening 101 are sealed together, for example, by bonding or melting. Alternatively, the bottom wall 211 of the shell is fixed to the bottom 102 of the inner tub by snap-fit ​​and / or screws, the water outlet 214 corresponds to the opening 101, and a sealing ring is provided on the outer periphery of the water outlet 214 and / or the opening 101 to achieve a sealed connection and prevent the washing water in the water storage chamber 20 from overflowing from the gap between the water outlet 214 and the opening 101.

[0079] Furthermore, combined Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment, each of the water outlets 214 is provided with limiting guide ribs on both sides, and the limiting guide ribs extend radially along the bottom wall 211 of the shell; the limiting guide ribs on both sides of the water outlets 214 form a guide channel 210 that allows the sealing ball 22 to move radially along the bottom 102 of the inner barrel.

[0080] In the above scheme, the limiting guide rib is a long strip-shaped protrusion on the inner wall of the bottom wall 211 of the shell. The limiting guide rib plays a guiding and limiting role. The guide channel 210 gradually bends and extends upward from the side of the outlet 214 towards the outer periphery of the dehydration balance device 2. An arc-shaped guide path is formed in the guide channel 210. Since the end of the guide channel 210 near the outlet 214 is lower than the other end, the sealing ball 22 will roll down to the drain outlet under the action of gravity, sealing the drain outlet and ensuring the water storage effect of the water storage chamber 20.

[0081] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the annular housing 21 further includes a housing top wall 212 with alternating concave and convex shapes in the circumferential direction, the housing top wall 212 comprising:

[0082] A protrusion is provided corresponding to the water outlet 214, and the gap distance between the protrusion and the bottom wall 211 of the housing is greater than the outer diameter of the sealing ball 22;

[0083] The recess is provided in the interval area between two adjacent water outlets 214, and the gap between the recess and the bottom wall 211 of the shell is less than the outer diameter of the sealing ball 22.

[0084] The top wall 212 of the housing is designed with a convex and concave structure, which forms a limiting guide channel 210 between the convex part and the bottom wall 211 of the housing, allowing the sealing ball 22 to move freely. The sealing ball 22 can only move freely in the gap space between the convex part and the bottom wall 211 of the housing, and will not move randomly in the circumference of the annular water storage cavity 20, thus ensuring its balance and sealing effect.

[0085] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the water inlet 213 consists of multiple water inlet holes formed on the top wall 212 of the annular shell 21.

[0086] In one embodiment, the bottom wall 211 of the housing is an arc-shaped bottom wall that gradually curves upward from the center to the outer periphery, and the top wall 212 of the housing is an arc-shaped top wall that gradually curves upward from the inner edge of the bottom wall 211 to the outer periphery of the bottom wall 211. The water inlet is located at the top of the arc-shaped top wall to ensure that the washing water in the water storage cavity 20 does not overflow from the water inlet 213.

[0087] Preferably, the water inlet is a plurality of tiny through holes. The multiple tiny water inlet holes can effectively block lint and impurities in the washing water, thereby playing a filtering role and preventing blockage of the water outlet 214.

[0088] Preferably, in this embodiment, the bottom wall 211 of the housing is an arc-shaped curved surface structure with the inner arc side facing downward. By setting the bottom wall 211 of the housing as an arc-shaped curved surface structure similar to a spherical crown with the inner arc side facing downward, the lint and impurities filtered out on the bottom wall 211 of the housing will slide down along the arc-shaped bottom wall 211 of the housing and will not accumulate on the bottom wall 211 of the housing. This can effectively prevent the lint and impurities filtered out from accumulating on the bottom wall 211 of the housing and clogging the water inlet.

[0089] In another embodiment, the top wall 212 of the shell can be a planar structure, and the annular shell 21 also includes an inner peripheral sidewall connected to the inner peripheral edge of the bottom wall 211 and the inner peripheral edge of the top wall 212 of the shell, and an outer peripheral sidewall connected to the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 211 and the outer peripheral edge of the top wall 212 of the shell, and the water inlet is directly opened on the top wall 212 of the shell.

[0090] In this embodiment, the sealing ball 22 is a metal ball made of a high-density metal material, and the outer surface of the metal ball is covered with at least one layer of rubber. This ensures both the centrifugal effect and the sealing effect of the sealing ball 22.

[0091] Of course, in this embodiment, the sealing ball 22 may not be a metal ball, and the sealing ball 22 may be a rubber ball with a high density.

[0092] This embodiment also provides a spin-drying and leveling method for a washing machine as described above:

[0093] After the washing cycle is finished, the main drain outlet 103 of the washing machine is opened to drain water. Some of the washing water remains in the spin-drying balance device 2. After the drainage is finished, the inner tub 1 is controlled to rotate at a low speed to enter the spin-drying and leveling stage.

[0094] Preferably, after the washing program ends, the locking mechanism 7 is activated to lock the inner tub 1, and the drain valve mechanism 6 is activated to open the main drain outlet 103 to drain water. When the washing water in the inner tub 1 is drained, the locking mechanism 7 and the drain valve mechanism 6 are reset, and the spin-drying and leveling stage begins.

[0095] Furthermore, after the drainage is completed, the inner tub 1 is controlled to rotate at the first speed, and the sealing ball 22 remains sealed at the water outlet 214. The washing water remaining in the dehydration balance device 2 achieves one leveling of the inner tub 1.

[0096] When the inner tub 1 runs at the first speed for the set leveling time, or when it is determined that the eccentricity inside the tub is lower than the set eccentricity threshold, the inner tub 1 is controlled to rise to the second speed, and the sealing ball 22 moves to the outer periphery, opening the water outlet 214. Since different sealing balls 22 are at different distances from the eccentricity, they also move to different distances to the outer periphery, thus achieving secondary leveling of the inner tub 1.

[0097] like Figure 5 As shown, in this application, different sealing balls 22 are located at different distances from the eccentricity 4. Consequently, when they move outwards under centrifugal force, the distance they travel also varies. This can automatically balance the eccentricity within the tub, thus achieving secondary leveling of the inner tub 1. When the load distribution within the tub is uneven, the centrifugal force on the sealing balls 22 changes. The sealing balls 22 farther from the eccentricity 4 experience a greater centrifugal force and travel a longer distance; the sealing balls 22 closer to the eccentricity 4 experience a smaller centrifugal force and travel a shorter distance. This further resists eccentricity and reduces vibration and noise in the washing machine.

[0098] Preferably, when the inner tub 1 runs at the second speed to the set dehydration time or when it is determined that all the washing water remaining in the dehydration balance device 2 has been drained, the inner tub 1 is controlled to rise to the third speed to enter the high-speed dehydration stage.

[0099] Example 2

[0100] Combination Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a washing machine based on embodiment one. A magnetic adsorption component 5 is provided at the opening 101 of the inner tub bottom 102 in embodiment one. Relying on the adsorption force of the magnetic adsorption component 5 on the sealing ball 22 and the weight of the sealing ball 22 itself, the outlet 214 of the spin-drying balance device 2 is sealed together, resulting in better sealing and preventing the washing water in the water storage chamber 20 from leaking, thus effectively ensuring the spin-drying balance effect of the spin-drying balance device 2.

[0101] like Figure 6As shown, the dehydration balancing device 2 further includes: a magnetic adsorption component 5 fixedly installed at the opening 101 of the bottom 102 of the inner barrel; the sealing ball 22 is at least partially made of metal material; the sealing ball 22 can be sealed at the outlet 214 under the attraction of the magnetic adsorption component 5 and its own gravity.

[0102] The washing machine provided in this embodiment can generate a certain adsorption force on the sealing ball 22 by the magnetic adsorption component 5 set at the opening 101. This allows the sealing ball 22 to be more tightly sealed at the water outlet 214 during the normal washing program, drainage stage, and initial spin-drying stage of the washing machine. The seal is more tight, effectively ensuring the airtightness of the water storage chamber 20 and preventing the washing water remaining in the water storage chamber 20 from overflowing and affecting the spin-drying balance effect.

[0103] Furthermore, the magnetic adsorption component 5 is an adsorption magnet fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the inner barrel bottom 102 at the position corresponding to the water outlet 214. Using an adsorption magnet as the magnetic adsorption component 5 results in a simple structure and low cost.

[0104] Preferably, the adsorption magnet is fixed to the outer wall of the inner tub bottom 102 by adhesive bonding and / or screws and / or snap-fit ​​connections. The adsorption magnet can be directly bonded to the outer wall of the inner tub bottom 102 located on the outer periphery of the opening 101, which is a simple and stable fixing method.

[0105] Preferably, the magnetic adsorption component 5 further includes a waterproof shell disposed outside the adsorption magnet. The waterproof shell prevents the washing water discharged from the opening 101 from wetting the adsorption magnet and affecting the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic adsorption component 5.

[0106] Furthermore, for example, the waterproof shell can be bonded and fixed to the outer wall of the bottom of the bucket using an adhesive, or multiple protruding connecting parts can be provided at intervals on the outer periphery of the waterproof shell. The connecting parts are provided with through threaded holes, and the magnetic adsorption component can be fixed to the bottom of the inner bucket by screws, which facilitates the disassembly and installation of the magnetic adsorption component.

[0107] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, the magnetic adsorption element 5 is a ring-shaped structure, and the magnetic adsorption element 5 is a ring magnet coaxially arranged with the opening 101; the ring magnet is arranged around the outer periphery of the opening 101, and applies a more uniform magnetic adsorption force to the sealing ball 22, so that the seal is uniform and reliable.

[0108] Preferably, the inner diameter of the annular magnet is not less than the inner diameter of the opening 101. More preferably, the inner diameter of the annular magnet is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the opening 101. The area of ​​the central opening of the annular magnet is larger than the area of ​​the opening 101 to prevent the annular magnet from blocking drainage when draining washing water from the water storage chamber.

[0109] Furthermore, it also includes a barrel bottom flange fixedly installed on the outside of the inner barrel bottom 102, and the magnetic adsorption component 5 is fixedly installed on the barrel bottom flange corresponding to the position of the opening 101. By fixing the magnetic adsorption component 5 to the barrel bottom flange, the installation is more convenient and faster than directly fixing it to the bottom wall of the barrel, and it is easier to process and manufacture.

[0110] Furthermore, a clearance opening is provided on the bottom flange of the tub corresponding to the opening 101, and an annular mounting groove for accommodating the magnetic adsorption component 5 is provided on the bottom flange around the clearance opening. The magnetic adsorption component 5 can be fixed and secured within the annular mounting groove by adhesive and / or screws and / or snap-fit. The annular mounting groove can accommodate at least a portion of the magnetic adsorption component 5, which provides stability to the magnetic adsorption component 5 and reduces the height occupied by the magnetic adsorption component 5, thereby improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the washing machine.

[0111] Preferably, an annular mounting groove is provided on the lower side of the barrel bottom flange located on the outer periphery of the clearance opening 101, and the magnetic adsorption component 5 is fixed in the annular mounting groove by adhesive bonding. During the production of the barrel bottom flange, the magnetic adsorption component 5 can be directly fixed to the barrel bottom flange, assembled, and then installed and fixed to the inner barrel 1 and other components, improving production efficiency.

[0112] Furthermore, combined Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the outlet 214 at the first end of the guide channel 210 is connected to the outer periphery of the opening 101, and the second end is connected to the inside of the inner barrel 1. The guide channel 210 gradually extends downward and narrows from the second end to the first end. The sealing ball 22 blocks the first end of the guide channel 210 under the attraction of the magnetic adsorption member 5, thereby sealing the outlet 214.

[0113] This application effectively solves the problem that the bottom of the inner tub of a washing machine without a perforated inner tub has an unbalanced load, resulting in uneven load distribution during spin-drying, which causes vibration and noise and affects the user experience.

[0114] 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 washing machine, characterized in that, include: The inner tub is used to hold the washing water separately when washing clothes. A dehydration balancing device is installed at the bottom of the inner barrel, and the dehydration balancing device itself or together with the bottom of the inner barrel forms a water storage cavity; The water storage chamber has an inlet at the top that communicates with the inside of the inner tank and an outlet at the bottom. The dehydration balancing device also includes a centrifugal valve structure that seals the outlet under normal conditions. When the washing machine is draining, some of the washing water is discharged from the main drain outlet of the washing machine, and some of the washing water remains in the water storage chamber to balance the inner drum. The dehydration balancing device is a ring structure with an inner annular water storage cavity, and multiple water outlets are evenly arranged on the bottom wall of the annular water storage cavity along its circumferential direction. The bottom wall of the annular water storage cavity gradually slopes upward from the center to the outer periphery, and the water outlet is opened near the center. The centrifugal valve structure includes multiple sealing balls arranged in the annular water storage cavity. Under the action of gravity, the multiple sealing balls are sealed one by one at the water outlet. Each of the water outlets is provided with limiting guide ribs on both sides. The limiting guide ribs extend radially along the bottom wall of the shell. The limiting guide ribs on both sides of the water outlets form a guide channel that allows the sealing ball to move radially along the bottom of the inner barrel. When the rotation speed of the inner tub exceeds the set value, the sealing ball can move outward along the radial direction of the bottom of the inner tub under the action of centrifugal force, opening the water outlet and discharging the washing water temporarily stored in the annular water storage chamber.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dehydration balancing device is a ring structure; or, the dehydration balancing device comprises multiple devices, which are evenly arranged along the circumference of the bottom of the inner barrel.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the inner barrel is divided into: The first area and the second area are respectively, with the dehydration balancing device installed in the first area and the main drain outlet located in the second area.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The dehydration balancing device is installed on the inner side wall of the inner barrel bottom located in the first area, and the water inlet of the water storage chamber is set higher than the main drain outlet.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dehydration balancing device includes an internally hollow annular shell, and the water outlet is located on the bottom wall of the shell. The bottom of the inner barrel in the first area has multiple openings corresponding to the water outlet. Each water outlet is connected to one of the openings to achieve communication between the water storage chamber and the outside of the inner barrel.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The annular shell further includes a shell top wall with alternating concave and convex shapes in the circumferential direction, the shell top wall comprising: A protrusion is provided corresponding to the water outlet, and the gap between the protrusion and the bottom wall of the shell is greater than the outer diameter of the sealing ball; The recess is provided in the interval area between two adjacent water outlets, and the gap between the recess and the bottom wall of the shell is smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing ball.

7. The washing machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The water inlet is a plurality of water inlet holes formed on the top wall of the annular shell; The sealing ball is a metal ball made of a metal material with a density greater than that of water, and the outer surface of the metal ball is covered with at least one layer of rubber.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing machine also includes a drain valve mechanism for opening or sealing the main drain outlet.

9. The washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The washing machine also includes a locking mechanism. The bottom of the inner tub is provided with a locking part. The locking mechanism works in conjunction with the locking part to lock the inner tub and is used to cooperate with the drain valve mechanism to open the main drain outlet for drainage.

10. A method for spin-drying and leveling a washing machine having any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: After the washing cycle is finished, the main drain of the washing machine is opened to drain the water. Some of the washing water remains in the spin-drying balancing device. After the drainage is finished, the inner tub is turned at a low speed to enter the spin-drying and leveling stage.

11. The spin-drying and leveling method for a washing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that: After the washing cycle ends, the locking mechanism locks the inner tub, and the drain valve opens the main drain outlet to drain the water. When the washing water in the inner tub is drained, the locking mechanism and drain valve reset, and the spin-drying and leveling stage begins.

12. The spin-drying and leveling method for a washing machine according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: After drainage is completed, the inner tub is controlled to rotate at the first speed, the sealing ball remains sealed at the water outlet, and the washing water remaining in the spin-drying balance device achieves one leveling of the inner tub. When the inner tub runs at the first speed until the set leveling time is reached, or when it is determined that the eccentricity inside the tub is lower than the set eccentricity threshold, the inner tub is controlled to rise to the second speed, the sealing ball moves to the outer periphery, and the water outlet is opened. Different sealing balls are located at different distances from the eccentricity, and thus move to different distances on the outer periphery, achieving secondary leveling of the inner barrel.

13. The spin-drying and leveling method for a washing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that: When the inner tub runs at the second speed for the set spin-drying time, or when it is determined that all the washing water remaining in the spin-drying balance device has been drained, the inner tub is controlled to rise to the third speed to enter the high-speed spin-drying stage.

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