Water inlet assembly and washing machine

Abstract

This invention discloses a water inlet assembly and a washing machine. The water inlet assembly includes: a water inlet shaft with a hollow water inlet channel and a recessed groove on its outer wall; a water inlet end cap installed at the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft; a locking sleeve movably fitted onto the water inlet shaft along its axial direction; a limiting member installed on the locking sleeve radially and capable of engaging / disengaging from the groove; and a locking member used to maintain the limiting member in its engaged position within the groove. The locking member is connected to the water inlet end cap and engages with the locking sleeve in the axial direction of the water inlet shaft. In this invention, the locking member engages the limiting member in the groove, thereby restricting the axial movement of the locking sleeve. Simultaneously, its engagement with the locking sleeve limits the axial movement of the water inlet end cap, preventing it from easily detaching from the water inlet shaft. Moving the locking sleeve alone releases the locking member's radial restriction on the limiting member, allowing the water inlet end cap to be removed. The operation is simple and convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing machine technology, specifically, it relates to a water inlet component and a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Existing washing machines generally consist of a fixed outer drum and a rotating inner drum. The inner drum has multiple drainage holes on its wall, allowing it to connect with the outer drum. However, during the washing process, the washing water between the inner and outer drums is not utilized, resulting in waste. Simultaneously, some dirt generated during the washing process remains between the inner and outer drums, making it difficult to clean. Over time, this accumulation can contaminate the washing water and affect washing performance.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies have proposed a washing machine without a spin-drying hole on the inner drum. This creates a sealed space inside the inner drum during the washing process, allowing it to independently hold the washing water. This avoids water accumulation between the inner and outer drums, saving washing water and significantly reducing dirt buildup and bacterial contamination of clothes. However, because only the inner drum holds water during the washing process, and the internal space is sealed, the traditional method of directly introducing water into the outer drum in washing machines is no longer applicable.

[0004] To achieve water inlet in the aforementioned holeless drum washing machine, existing technologies propose a hollow drive shaft connected to the drum, through which water enters the drum. To further increase the water inlet coverage area and improve the inlet effect, a water inlet end cap is installed at the end of the drive shaft that extends into the drum, causing the water flow to be blocked and splashed. However, since the water inlet end cap is located inside the drum, it may rub against and collide with the load inside the drum during washing machine operation. To prevent the water inlet end cap from detaching from the drive shaft, the connection structure between the water inlet end cap and the drive shaft must be robust and reliable. A simple plug-in structure may not achieve the desired level of strength, but installing the water inlet end cap using screws or other connectors is complex and cumbersome, making it inconvenient to inspect and replace parts of the washing machine's water inlet components.

[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 water inlet assembly and a washing machine, wherein the water inlet end cover and the water inlet shaft are connected by a quick-connect structure composed of a locking sleeve, a limiting member and a locking member. After the water inlet end cover is installed on the water inlet shaft, it can achieve self-locking, and the installation is firm and reliable and will not easily fall off. At the same time, the water inlet end cover can be disassembled by moving the locking sleeve, which is simple and convenient to operate.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A water inlet assembly, comprising:

[0009] The water inlet shaft has a hollow water inlet channel and a recessed groove on its outer wall;

[0010] An inlet cap is installed at the outlet end of the inlet shaft;

[0011] A locking sleeve is movably fitted onto the inlet shaft along its axial direction.

[0012] The limiting component is mounted on the lock sleeve and can move relative to it radially, and can be engaged / disengaged from the slot;

[0013] A locking element is used to keep the limiting element in a limited position when it is engaged in the slot. The locking element is connected to the water inlet end cap and is limited and stopped by the locking sleeve in the axial direction of the water inlet shaft.

[0014] Furthermore, the locking member includes a sleeve portion fitted onto the locking sleeve, the inner wall of the sleeve portion abutting against the limiting member; the inner diameter of the sleeve portion is smaller at the end away from the water outlet end of the inlet shaft than at the end near the water outlet end of the inlet shaft.

[0015] Preferably, the inner diameter of the sleeve gradually decreases towards the water outlet end of the inlet shaft, forming an inner wall with a conical structure;

[0016] More preferably, the portion of the outer wall of the locking sleeve located inside the sleeve portion has a conical surface structure that matches the inner wall of the sleeve portion.

[0017] Furthermore, the end of the locking sleeve near the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft extends radially outward to form a limiting plate, and the end of the sleeve near the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft is limited and stopped by the limiting plate.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes an elastic element for applying an elastic force to the locking sleeve to maintain one end of the sleeve in a limiting and abutting state with the limiting plate;

[0019] Preferably, the elastic element is a compression spring sleeved on the outer periphery of the water inlet shaft, with one end of the compression spring abutting against the surface of the limiting plate facing away from the sleeve, and the other end abutting against the water inlet end cap.

[0020] Furthermore, the water inlet end cap includes a bottom wall and a side wall surrounding the bottom wall, the bottom wall and the side wall forming a hollow cavity with one side open; the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft passes through the opening and connects to the water inlet end cap, and the locking member also includes a connecting part connecting the sleeve portion and the side wall of the water inlet end cap.

[0021] Furthermore, the connecting part is located at one end of the sleeve part away from the water outlet end of the inlet shaft, and extends from one end of the sleeve part toward the side wall away from the bottom wall, closing the gap between the sleeve part and the side wall.

[0022] Preferably, the locking sleeve is at least partially made of a material that can be attracted by a magnet;

[0023] More preferably, the water inlet cap is provided with an electromagnetic device that can attract / release the locking sleeve.

[0024] Furthermore, a sleeve portion is provided on the inner side of the bottom wall and fitted onto the outlet end of the water inlet shaft, and a sealing element is provided between the inner wall of the sleeve portion and the outer wall of the water inlet shaft;

[0025] Preferably, the inner wall of the sleeve portion is provided with a concave sealing groove for installing the sealing element; the sealing element is sleeved on the water inlet shaft and is located between the end face of the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft and the groove on the outer wall of the water inlet shaft.

[0026] Furthermore, the lock sleeve is provided with at least one ball hole, and the limiting member is a ball installed in the ball hole, and the ball moves synchronously with the lock sleeve along the axial direction of the water inlet shaft;

[0027] The slot has a certain width along the axial direction of the water inlet shaft, and the ball can move along the axial direction of the water inlet shaft within the slot.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, including an inner drum and the water inlet assembly described above; an installation hole is provided at the center of the bottom of the inner drum, and the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft passes through the installation hole and is installed inside the inner drum and connected to the water inlet end cover.

[0029] Furthermore, the water inlet end cap forms a hollow cavity with one open side, and the bottom of the inner cylinder facing the open side is mounted on the water inlet shaft;

[0030] The locking component includes a sleeve portion fitted onto the locking sleeve, and a connecting portion connecting the sleeve portion to the water inlet end cap; the connecting portion closes the opening of the hollow cavity located on the outer periphery of the sleeve portion, and has a certain gap between it and the bottom of the sleeve.

[0031] The connecting part is located at the end of the sleeve part away from the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft, and has an inner wall that is spaced apart from the outer wall of the water inlet shaft; the outer periphery of the mounting hole extends into the inner cylinder along the axial direction of the water inlet shaft to form a flange surrounding the water inlet shaft, and the flange extends at least to the space between the outer wall of the water inlet shaft and the inner wall of the connecting part.

[0032] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0033] In this invention, a locking element limits the radial movement of a limiting element within the locking sleeve, confining the limiting element within a slot and thus restricting the axial movement of the locking sleeve along the inlet shaft. The locking element connects to the inlet end cap and abuts against the locking sleeve, limiting the axial movement of the locking sleeve and preventing the inlet end cap from moving axially and detaching from the inlet shaft. This allows for secure installation at the outlet end of the inlet shaft. When the locking sleeve is moved independently, relative movement occurs between the locking sleeve and the locking element, causing the radial limitation imposed by the locking element on the limiting element to disappear. The limiting element can then be disengaged from the slot, allowing the inlet end cap to be removed from the inlet shaft. The operation is simple and convenient.

[0034] In this invention, by setting an elastic element to apply elastic force to the locking sleeve, the locking sleeve can be automatically pushed to the limit plate and the sleeve part to stop. Thus, when the water inlet end cap is installed in place, the user does not need to actively move the locking sleeve. After the locking sleeve is released, the locking sleeve can move automatically under the action of the elastic element until the limit element is engaged in the slot to lock the overall structure.

[0035] In this invention, an enclosing structure is formed by the inlet cap and the locking element, completely surrounding the outlet end of the inlet shaft and the locking sleeve, thus providing a certain degree of protection for the locking sleeve and other components and preventing damage. The locking sleeve is made of a material that can be attracted by magnets, allowing it to be moved externally by magnet attraction from the outside of the inlet cap, avoiding the inconvenience of direct contact with the locking sleeve for movement.

[0036] In this invention, a flange is provided around the bottom mounting hole of the inner cylinder. The flange extends into the space between the outer wall of the water inlet shaft and the inner wall of the connecting part. Water in the inner cylinder flows through the gap between the connecting part and the bottom of the cylinder to the mounting hole. It needs to pass over the flange to flow out of the mounting hole. The flow path is complex, which ensures that water in the inner cylinder will not easily leak out from the mounting hole.

[0037] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0038] 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:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the washing machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water inlet assembly installed on the inner cylinder in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is the present invention. Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of section AA;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the water inlet shaft and the bottom of the inner cylinder after installation in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water inlet end cap in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 2. Door; 3. Control panel; 100. Water inlet cover; 101. Main water inlet; 102. First water inlet; 103. Second water inlet; 111. Bottom wall; 112. Side wall; 113. Transition surface; 131. Protrusion; 132. Rib; 140. Sleeve; 170. Sealing element; 200. Locking sleeve; 201. Limiting plate; 202. Ball bearing hole; 210. Elastic element; 220. Ball bearing; 300. Water inlet shaft; 301. Slot; 400. Inner cylinder; 410. Cylinder bottom; 411. Flanged edge; 420. Tripod; 500. Locking element; 510. Sleeve part; 520. Connecting part.

[0045] 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

[0046] 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.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "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.

[0048] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" 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 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.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a water inlet assembly and a washing machine including the water inlet assembly.

[0051] The water inlet assembly in this embodiment includes:

[0052] A water inlet assembly, comprising:

[0053] The water inlet shaft 300 has a hollow water inlet channel and a recessed groove 301 on its outer wall;

[0054] The inlet end cap 100 is installed at the outlet end of the inlet shaft 300;

[0055] Locking sleeve 200 is movably fitted onto water inlet shaft 300 along the axial direction of water inlet shaft 300;

[0056] The limiting component is installed on the lock sleeve 200 in a radial direction and can move relative to it, and can be engaged / disengaged from the slot 301;

[0057] The locking member 500 is used to keep the limiting member in the limiting state of being inserted into the slot 301. The locking member 500 is connected to the water inlet end cap 100 and is limited and stopped by the locking sleeve 200 in the axial direction of the water inlet shaft 300.

[0058] In the above scheme, a movable limiting member is provided on the locking sleeve 200. The limiting member can move relative to the locking sleeve 200 in the radial direction, thus having two states: engaging with the slot 301 and disengaging from the slot 301. The locking member 500 limits the movement of the limiting member in the radial direction of the locking sleeve 200, preventing the limiting member from disengaging from the slot 301, thereby restricting the axial movement of the locking sleeve 200 along the water inlet shaft 300. The locking member 500 is connected to the water inlet end cap 100 and limits and abuts against the locking sleeve 200. Since the locking sleeve 200 is limited in the axial direction, the locking member 500 cannot move in the axial direction, causing the water inlet end cap 100 to also be unable to move in the axial direction and detach from the water inlet shaft 300, thus allowing it to be securely installed at the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300.

[0059] When it is necessary to remove the inlet cap 100, the locking sleeve 200 can be moved separately to create relative movement between the locking sleeve 200 and the locking member 500. This releases the radial limiting effect of the locking member 500 on the limiting member, allowing the limiting member to come out of the slot 301. Consequently, the locking sleeve 200 can move continuously toward the outlet end of the inlet shaft 300. Correspondingly, the locking member 500 and the inlet cap 100 can also move in the same direction and are eventually removed from the inlet shaft 300.

[0060] In the specific solution of this embodiment, at least one ball bearing hole 202 is provided on the locking sleeve 200, and the limiting member is a ball bearing 220 installed in the ball bearing hole 202. The ball bearing 220 moves synchronously with the locking sleeve 200 along the axial direction of the water inlet shaft 300.

[0061] The slot 301 has a certain width in the axial direction of the water inlet shaft 300, and the ball 220 can move in the slot 301 along the axial direction of the water inlet shaft 300.

[0062] In detail, the ball bearing hole 202 is a through hole penetrating the inner and outer walls of the locking sleeve 200. Preferably, it is located on both the inner and outer walls of the locking sleeve 200. The inner diameter of the ball bearing hole 202 is smaller than the diameter of the ball 220, and within a certain range along the radial direction of the locking sleeve 200, the inner diameter of the ball bearing hole 202 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the ball 220. This allows the ball 220 to have a certain range of free movement within the radial direction of the locking sleeve 200 inside the ball bearing hole 202, enabling it to engage with and disengage from the slot 301. Simultaneously, because the inner diameters at both ends of the ball bearing hole 202 are relatively small, the ball 220 is confined within the ball bearing hole 202 and will not fall out.

[0063] In a further embodiment, the locking member 500 includes a sleeve portion 510 sleeved on the locking sleeve 200, the inner wall of the sleeve portion 510 abutting against the limiting member, i.e., the ball bearing 220. The inner diameter of the sleeve portion 510 is smaller at the end away from the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300 than at the end near the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300.

[0064] Preferably, the inner diameter of the sleeve portion 510 gradually decreases towards the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300, forming an inner wall with a conical structure.

[0065] In the above scheme, the ball bearing 220 is limited by the sleeve portion 510 sleeved on the outside of the locking sleeve 200, and the inner diameter of the left end of the sleeve portion 510 is smaller than the inner diameter of its right end. When the ball bearing hole 202 approaches the left end of the sleeve portion 510, the ball bearing 220 is squeezed towards the inside of the locking sleeve 200, thereby being able to be engaged in the groove 301; when the ball bearing hole 202 approaches the right end of the sleeve portion 510, the distance between the inner wall of the sleeve portion 510 and the outer wall of the water inlet shaft 300 increases, and the ball bearing 220 can move radially outward along the locking sleeve 200, thereby disengaging from the groove 301.

[0066] The inner wall of the sleeve portion 510 is made into a conical structure, so that the distance between the inner wall of the sleeve portion 510 and the outer wall of the water inlet shaft 300 gradually changes. Especially during the process of the locking sleeve 200 moving to the left, the ball 220 can gradually move inward along the inner wall of the sleeve portion 510 and finally get stuck in the slot 301. This avoids the situation where the inner diameter of the sleeve portion 510 changes abruptly, causing the ball 220 to be stuck and the locking sleeve 200 to be unable to continue moving to the left.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the outer wall of the locking sleeve 200 located inside the sleeve portion 510 has a conical surface structure that matches the inner wall of the sleeve portion 510. The locking sleeve 200 moves axially between the sleeve portion 510 and the water inlet shaft 300, and the conical surface structure of its outer wall matching the inner wall of the sleeve portion 510 facilitates more stable axial movement of the locking sleeve 200.

[0068] In a further embodiment, the end of the locking sleeve 200 near the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300 extends radially outward to form a limiting plate 201, and the end of the sleeve portion 510 near the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300 is limited and stopped by the limiting plate 201.

[0069] In the above scheme, the locking sleeve 200 forms a limiting plate 201 on the right side of the sleeve portion 510, which abuts against the right end of the sleeve portion 510 to limit the sleeve portion 510. The sleeve portion 510 acts on the ball 220 to limit the ball 220, and is also limited by the limiting plate 201 on the locking sleeve 200. The structure is simple, and the interlocking of the structure is achieved by cooperating with the groove 301 on the water inlet shaft 300. The limiting plate 201 is an annular plate structure, which provides a firm and stable limiting effect on the sleeve portion 510.

[0070] In a further embodiment, the water inlet assembly further includes an elastic element 210, which is used to apply an elastic force to the locking sleeve 200 to maintain one end of the sleeve portion 510 in a limiting and abutting state with the limiting plate 201.

[0071] Specifically, the elastic element 210 is a compression spring sleeved on the outer periphery of the water inlet shaft 300. One end of the compression spring abuts against the surface of the limiting plate 201 facing away from the sleeve portion 510, and the other end abuts against the water inlet end cap 100.

[0072] In the above scheme, the elastic element 210 enables the automatic reset of the locking sleeve 200, making the installation of the water inlet end cap 100 more convenient. When the water inlet shaft 300 is inserted into the locking sleeve 200, the locking sleeve 200 can overcome the elastic force of the elastic element 210 and move to the right, thereby allowing the ball bearing 220 to move radially outward, so that the locking sleeve 200 is completely fitted onto the water inlet shaft 300. When the locking sleeve 200 and the water inlet shaft 300 move relative to each other until the ball bearing hole 202 aligns with the slot 301, the locking sleeve 200 can automatically continue to move to the left under the action of the elastic element 210, thereby driving the ball bearing 220 to gradually move inward along the inner wall of the sleeve portion 510 until it is engaged in the slot 301, saving the user the trouble of manually moving the locking sleeve 200 to the left.

[0073] In this embodiment, the water inlet cap 100 includes a bottom wall 111 and a side wall 112 surrounding the bottom wall 111. The bottom wall 111 and the side wall 112 form a hollow cavity with one side open. The water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300 passes through the opening and connects to the water inlet cap 100. The locking member 500 also includes a connecting portion 520 connecting the sleeve portion 510 and the side wall 112 of the water inlet cap 100.

[0074] Furthermore, the connecting part 520 is provided at one end of the sleeve part 510 away from the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300, and extends from one end of the sleeve part 510 toward the side wall 112 away from the bottom wall 111, closing the gap between the sleeve part 510 and the side wall 112.

[0075] Specifically, the locking member 500 is an integral structure, and the connecting part 520 and the side wall 112 of the water inlet end cover 100 can be fixedly connected by screws, ultrasonic welding or other methods. The water inlet end cover 100 is in the shape of an inverted bowl, and the locking member 500 and the water inlet end cover 100 together form a semi-enclosed structure, which surrounds the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300, the locking sleeve 200 and the elastic member 210 inside.

[0076] When the water inlet assembly of this embodiment is applied in a washing machine, the water inlet end cap 100 is installed inside the inner drum 400, surrounding components such as the locking sleeve 200. This prevents damage caused by collisions or scrapes between the components and the load during the washing process. Simultaneously, it also prevents accidental contact between the load and the locking sleeve 200 when the load tumbles inside the drum, thus avoiding the locking sleeve 200 moving and unlocking, and the water inlet end cap 100 detaching from the water inlet shaft 300.

[0077] In this embodiment, the locking sleeve 200 is at least partially made of a material that can be attracted by a magnet. Since the locking sleeve 200 is enclosed within the water inlet cap 100 and the locking member 500, the user cannot directly access and move the locking sleeve 200 during actual use. By using a material that can be attracted by a magnet, the user can use a magnet to move the locking sleeve 200 from outside the water inlet cap 100, thereby completing the disassembly of the water inlet cap 100.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, an electromagnetic device capable of attracting / releasing the locking sleeve 200 can also be provided on the water inlet cap 100. When the user controls the electromagnetic device to be energized, the locking sleeve 200 is attracted to move to the right. When the electromagnetic device is de-energized, the attraction force on the locking sleeve 200 disappears, and the locking sleeve 200 moves to the left and resets under the action of the elastic member 210.

[0079] In a further embodiment, a sleeve portion 140 is provided on the inner side of the bottom wall 111 and sleeved on the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300, and a sealing member 170 is provided between the inner wall of the sleeve portion 140 and the outer wall of the water inlet shaft 300.

[0080] Preferably, the inner wall of the sleeve portion 140 is provided with a recessed sealing groove for installing the sealing element 170. The sealing element 170 is sleeved on the water inlet shaft 300 and is located between the end face of the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300 and the groove 301 on the outer wall of the water inlet shaft 300.

[0081] Specifically, the inner wall of the seal 170 is interference-fitted with the water inlet shaft 300, and when the sleeve 140 is fitted into the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300, the inner wall of the seal 170 fits and seals against the outer wall of the water inlet shaft 300.

[0082] In detail, the inlet end cap 100 is provided with at least a main inlet 101 connecting the hollow cavity and the external space. The water flows into the hollow cavity of the inlet end cap 100 from the outlet end of the inlet shaft 300, and then flows out through the main inlet 101 into the inner cylinder 400. Since the inlet shaft 300 is installed by passing through the bottom 410 of the inner cylinder 400 from the outside, there is inevitably a gap between the bottom 410 and the inlet shaft 300. The sealing element 170 ensures that the water flowing out from the outlet end of the inlet shaft 300 can only enter the inner cylinder 400 through the inlet end cap 100, and will not flow to the left along the outer wall of the inlet shaft 300 and leak out from the bottom 410.

[0083] Furthermore, the sleeve portion 140 extends from the inside of the bottom wall 111 toward the outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300. The right end of the sleeve portion 140 can also limit the locking sleeve 200, restricting the range of movement of the locking sleeve 200 to the right, and preventing the locking sleeve 200 from moving to the right and being completely pulled out of the sleeve portion 510, causing the ball bearing 220 to come out of the ball bearing hole 202 due to lack of protection.

[0084] The left end of the elastic element 210, i.e. the compression spring, abuts against the right side of the limiting plate 201, and its left end abuts against the inner surface of the bottom wall 111. The compression spring is disposed around the sleeve part 140.

[0085] The following describes the installation and removal method of the water inlet cover 100 in this embodiment, taking the method of using a magnet to attract the locking sleeve 200 to move as an example.

[0086] In the initial state, the locking sleeve 200 is subjected to the elastic force of the elastic element 210, the limiting plate 201 abuts against the sleeve portion 510, the ball hole 202 is axially close to the left end of the sleeve portion 510, and the ball 220 is limited by the inner wall of the sleeve portion 510, protruding from the inner wall of the locking sleeve 200. The user can directly insert the water inlet shaft 300 from the left end of the locking sleeve 200. After the right end of the water inlet shaft 300 contacts the ball 220, it can push the ball 220 to the right, thereby causing the locking sleeve 200 to move to the right against the force of the elastic element 210. During the movement, the relative position between the locking sleeve 200 and the sleeve portion 510 changes, the radial limitation of the sleeve portion 510 on the ball 220 gradually disappears, and the water inlet shaft 300 can push the ball 220 outward in the radial direction, so that the locking sleeve 200 is completely fitted onto the water inlet shaft 300.

[0087] When the locking sleeve 200 moves to the point where the right side surface of the limiting plate 201 abuts against the left end of the sleeve portion 140, the water inlet shaft 300 is further inserted, causing the locking sleeve 200 to move along the water inlet shaft 300 towards the location of the slot 301. Since the ball bearing 220 is blocked by the outer wall of the water inlet shaft 300 and cannot move inward, a certain distance is maintained between the left end of the sleeve portion 510 and the limiting plate 201 on the locking sleeve 200, preventing further movement. When the locking sleeve 200 moves further until the ball bearing hole 202 is opposite to the slot 301, the ball bearing 220 can move inward into the slot 301. Under the action of the elastic element 210, the locking sleeve 200 resets to the left until the left side surface of the limiting plate 201 abuts against the right end of the sleeve portion 510. At this point, the ball bearing hole 202 approaches the left end of the sleeve portion 510 axially, and the ball bearing 220 is limited by the inner wall of the sleeve portion 510, preventing radial movement.

[0088] If the inlet cap 100 is pulled directly to the right, the inlet cap 100, locking member 500, and locking sleeve 200 move to the right simultaneously, and the ball bearing 220 rolls and moves to the right synchronously in the slot 301. When the ball bearing 220 moves to the rightmost side of the slot 301, it is unable to move radially outward due to being squeezed by the sleeve portion 510, resulting in it being stuck in the slot 301, and the locking sleeve 200 cannot move further to the right. The limiting plate 201 on the locking sleeve 200 blocks the sleeve portion 510, restricting the further movement of the locking member 500. The locking member 500 is fixedly connected to the inlet cap 100, making it impossible to remove the inlet cap 100 directly, and the connection is secure.

[0089] To remove the inlet cap 100, first ensure that the inlet shaft 300 is fully inserted into the sleeve 140, meaning the inlet cap 100 cannot move further to the left on the inlet shaft 300. Then, place a magnet on the outside of the bottom wall 111 of the inlet cap 100 to attract the locking sleeve 200 to move to the right, causing the ball bearing 220 to move to the right simultaneously until the right side surface of the limiting plate 201 abuts against the left end of the sleeve 140. At this point, the ball bearing hole 202 is axially close to the right end of the sleeve 510, and the ball bearing 220 can move freely radially within a certain range. Pull the inlet cap 100 to the right again; the locking sleeve 200 will always abut against the left end of the sleeve 140, and the ball bearing 220 can disengage from the slot 301, thus allowing the inlet cap 100 to be removed from the inlet shaft 300.

[0090] The washing machine provided in this embodiment includes an inner drum 400 and the water inlet assembly described above. An installation hole is provided at the center of the bottom 410 of the inner drum 400. The water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300 passes through the installation hole and is installed inside the inner drum 400 and connected to the water inlet end cover 100.

[0091] Specifically, a tripod 420 is fixedly connected to the outside of the bottom 410 of the cylinder, and the water inlet shaft 300 is connected to the tripod 420. The water inlet shaft 300 is driven to rotate by the drive device, and thus the inner cylinder 400 can be rotated through the tripod 420.

[0092] In this embodiment, the inner drum 400 can hold water independently during washing and rinsing.

[0093] In detail, the washing machine of this embodiment includes a cabinet 1, an inner drum 400 disposed inside the cabinet 1, and a control panel 3 for user operation on the top of the cabinet 1. A door 2 that can be opened / closed is provided on the cabinet 1, allowing the user to open the door 2 to load or unload clothes. A sealing door is also provided at the opening of the inner drum 400, which closes the opening of the inner drum 400 during the washing process. The inner drum 400 does not have a spin-drying hole, but only several drain outlets, on which centrifugal sealing devices are installed. During washing and rinsing, the centrifugal sealing devices can block the drain outlets, thereby forming a sealed chamber structure inside the inner drum 400. During drainage, the inner drum 400 is driven to rotate at a certain speed, causing the centrifugal sealing devices to open the drain outlets under centrifugal force, allowing water inside the drum to be discharged through the drain outlets.

[0094] In this embodiment, the bottom 410 of the inner cylinder 400, facing the open side of the hollow cavity enclosed by the water inlet end cap 100, is mounted on the water inlet shaft 300. The connecting portion 520 of the locking member 500 closes the opening of the hollow cavity located on the outer periphery of the sleeve portion 510, forming a ring-shaped plate-like structure. There is a certain gap between the connecting portion 520 of the ring-shaped plate-like structure and the bottom 410.

[0095] The connecting portion 520 is located at the end of the sleeve portion 510 away from the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft 300, and has an inner wall that is spaced apart from the outer wall of the water inlet shaft 300. The outer periphery of the mounting hole extends into the inner cylinder 400 along the axial direction of the water inlet shaft 300, forming a flange 411 surrounding the water inlet shaft 300. The flange 411 extends at least between the outer wall of the water inlet shaft 300 and the inner wall of the connecting portion 520.

[0096] Since the inner cylinder 400 holds water independently, a relatively sealed space is formed inside the inner cylinder 400 during the water intake process. To ensure smooth water flow into the inner cylinder 400, a gap is needed to connect it to the outside. This gap allows air to escape from the inner cylinder 400 as water enters, achieving pressure balance within the inner cylinder 400. In the above design, there is a gap between the mounting hole and the outer wall of the water inlet shaft 300, connecting the interior of the inner cylinder 400 with the external space. This gap serves as an outlet for air to escape from the inner cylinder 400. However, it is also necessary to ensure that water in the inner cylinder 400 does not overflow from the gap between the mounting hole and the water inlet shaft 300.

[0097] In this embodiment, a small gap is left between the connecting part 520 and the bottom of the cylinder 410, and the water in the inner cylinder 400 needs to flow through this gap to the vicinity of the mounting hole. A flange 411 extending to the right is also provided around the outer periphery of the mounting hole. The flange 411 is located in the space between the outer wall of the water inlet shaft 300 and the inner wall of the connecting part 520. After the water flows between the outer wall of the water inlet shaft 300 and the inner wall of the connecting part 520, it first flows to the right, passes the flange 411, and then flows to the left before flowing out of the inner cylinder 400. The flow path (e.g., Figure 3 (As indicated by the middle arrow) It is complex, difficult to overflow, and has a good effect on preventing water leakage from the inner cylinder of 400mm, while allowing air to escape without obstruction.

[0098] In detail, the right end of the locking sleeve 200 extends into the area enclosed by the flange 411, and there is a certain gap between the extended end of the flange 411 and the left end face of the sleeve portion 510. The water flow between the connecting portion 520 and the bottom of the cylinder 410 needs to pass sequentially through the gap between the outer side of the flange 411 and the inner wall of the connecting portion 520, the gap between the right end of the flange 411 and the left end face of the sleeve portion 510, and the gap between the inner side of the flange 411 and the outer wall of the locking sleeve 200 and the outer wall of the water inlet shaft 300, and then flow radially outward through the gap between the bottom of the cylinder 410 and the tripod 420, thus flowing out of the inner cylinder 400. The above process requires the water flow to turn multiple times, and the flow path of the water flow is narrow and difficult to pass through, thereby achieving the purpose of preventing water leakage.

[0099] In this embodiment, the inlet cap 100 and the inlet shaft 300 are connected by a quick-connect self-locking structure consisting of a locking sleeve 200, a ball bearing 220, and a locking member 500. During installation, the inlet shaft 300 can be directly inserted into the locking sleeve 200, passing through it and connecting to the sleeve portion 140 on the inlet cap 100. The ball bearing 220 can be engaged in the slot 301 and cooperates with the locking member 500 to achieve self-locking, preventing the inlet cap 100 from being directly removed. The locking sleeve 200 is made of a material that can be attracted by a magnet. By pulling the locking sleeve 200 to the right, the locking member 500 can be engaged to limit the ball bearing 220, thereby allowing the inlet cap 100 to be removed from the inlet shaft 300. The connection structure between the inlet cap 100 and the inlet shaft 300 is robust and reliable, and the installation and disassembly operations are simple, facilitating the maintenance and replacement of parts for the inlet assembly.

[0100] Meanwhile, a flange 411 extending inside the inner cylinder 400 is provided at the center of the bottom 410 of the inner cylinder 400. This flange, in conjunction with the locking member 500, forms a complex connecting path near the mounting hole in the bottom 410 to connect the inner and outer spaces of the inner cylinder 400. During water intake, air inside the cylinder can overflow through this connecting path, balancing the air pressure inside the cylinder. However, water overflow is difficult, thus preventing leakage of the inner cylinder 400 due to the existence of this connecting path.

[0101] Example 2

[0102] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment is a further limitation of the above embodiment one. The main water inlet 101 is located at the center of the bottom wall 111 of the water inlet end cover 100, and a protruding structure is provided on the outer surface of the bottom wall 111 around the main water inlet 101.

[0103] Since both the inlet cap 100 and the load to be washed are located inside the inner drum 400, during the water intake process, the load may cover the outer surface of the inlet cap 100, affecting the flow of water from the main inlet 101. When the load in the inner drum 400 is large, it may even cause the main inlet 101 to be blocked by the load, preventing the water from flowing out, resulting in an increase in water pressure in the water intake circuit, which may lead to leakage.

[0104] In this embodiment, by providing a raised structure around the main inlet 101, even if a load covers the inlet end cap 100, the raised structure can support a certain gap around the main inlet 101, preventing the load from completely adhering to the outer periphery of the main inlet 101. Because the load can be supported by the raised structure, a certain water outlet space is left around the main inlet 101, avoiding the problem of poor water intake caused by the load directly covering the main inlet 101.

[0105] In a further embodiment, the protruding structure is arranged around the outer periphery of the main inlet 101, supporting a certain gap in all directions around the main inlet 101, thereby more effectively preventing the load inside the cylinder from sticking to the bottom wall 111 where the main inlet 101 is located, and preventing the main inlet 101 from being blocked.

[0106] Preferably, the protrusion structure includes a plurality of protrusions 131. More preferably, the plurality of protrusions 131 are evenly distributed along the outer periphery of the main inlet 101.

[0107] In this embodiment, a plurality of first water inlets 102 are also provided on the bottom wall 111 around the main water inlet 101. Water flows out from the main water inlet 101 and the plurality of first water inlets 102 simultaneously, increasing the water outlet area, thereby achieving a faster water intake speed and shortening the water intake time. On the other hand, the simultaneous outflow of water from the main water inlet 101 and the plurality of first water inlets 102 also increases the coverage area of ​​the water flow within the inner drum 400, which is beneficial for wetting the load inside the drum more quickly, ensuring that the load is fully soaked during the washing process and improving the washing effect.

[0108] Both the first water inlet 102 and the protrusion 131 are arranged around the main water inlet 101, and preferably the two are arranged alternately along the outer periphery of the main water inlet 101.

[0109] In the above scheme, protrusions 131 are provided on both sides of each first water inlet 102, so that the protrusions 131 can also support a certain gap around the first water inlet 102. While ensuring that the main water inlet 101 is not covered by the load, the first water inlet 102 can also be prevented from being covered or blocked.

[0110] In this embodiment, both the main water inlet 101 and the first water inlet 102 are circular, and the diameter of the main water inlet 101 is larger than the diameter of the first water inlet 102. The incoming water mainly flows out from the main water inlet 101, and the first water inlet 102 is used to disperse the incoming water flow, thereby forming a certain spray water effect, and thus wetting the load more evenly.

[0111] In a further embodiment, the width of the protrusion 131 on the side closer to the main inlet 101 is greater than the width on the side farther from the main inlet 101, and a gap is formed between two adjacent protrusions 131, with the width gradually increasing in the direction away from the main inlet 101. The first inlet 102 is disposed in the gap.

[0112] In the above scheme, through the structural design of the protrusion 131, the outer periphery of the main water inlet 101 is basically completely surrounded by one side of the protrusion 131, providing good support for the area around the main water inlet 101. Adjacent protrusions 131 form a certain angle on the bottom wall 111, with the first water inlet 102 located within this angle. This provides more complete enclosure of the first water inlet 102, thus better preventing it from being covered by the load.

[0113] In detail, the protrusion 131 in this embodiment has an icicle-like structure, and its cross-sectional area parallel to the bottom wall 111 gradually decreases in the direction away from the bottom wall 111. A gap with gradually increasing width is formed between two adjacent protrusions 131 in the direction perpendicular to the bottom wall 111. After the load is supported by the protrusions 131, a gap is formed between two adjacent protrusions 131 that allows water to flow through, which better prevents the water from being blocked.

[0114] In a further embodiment, the water inlet end cap 100 is also provided with a plurality of second water inlets 103, which are distributed circumferentially along the main water inlet 101 and are located outside the area enclosed by the plurality of first water inlets 102.

[0115] In the above scheme, the second inlet 103 further increases the outlet area of ​​the inlet end cap 100, thereby achieving higher water intake efficiency and a larger water flow coverage area. The second inlet 103 is also circular, with a diameter smaller than that of the main inlet 101 and approximately the same as that of the first inlet 102. The main inlet 101, the first inlet 102, and the second inlet 103 work together to create a better spray water intake effect.

[0116] Preferably, the orientation of the first inlet 102 is parallel to that of the main inlet 101, and the orientation of the second inlet 103 is perpendicular to that of the main inlet 101.

[0117] Specifically, the main water inlet 101 and the first water inlet 102 are oriented parallel to the axial direction of the water inlet shaft 300, and the second water inlet 103 is oriented radially parallel to the water inlet shaft 300. The water inlet end cover 100 has a circular bottom wall 111, and the center of the bottom wall 111 coincides with the axis of the water inlet shaft 300. There is a transition surface 113 between the bottom wall 111 and the side wall 112 of the water inlet end cover 100, and the outlet end of the second water inlet 103 is located on the transition surface 113. When the load in the inner drum 400 is large, such as when the washing machine is fully loaded, even if the load covers the bottom wall 111 of the water inlet end cover 100, the second water inlet 103 can still discharge water normally without significantly affecting the water inlet process.

[0118] The orientation of the second inlet 103 is perpendicular to that of the main inlet 101 and the first inlet 102, so that the water outlet direction of the second inlet 103 is perpendicular to the water outlet direction of the main inlet 101 and the first inlet 102, which is conducive to forming a more diffuse water flow and further increasing the coverage area of ​​the water flow.

[0119] In a further embodiment, a rib 132 is provided on the side wall 112 of the water inlet cap 100, and the rib 132 extends circumferentially along the side wall 112. The second water inlet 103 is located between the outer periphery of the main water inlet 101 and the rib 132.

[0120] Preferably, the rib 132 extends circumferentially around the sidewall 112.

[0121] In this embodiment, by providing a raised rib 132 on the side wall 112, the incoming water flow can be blocked from flowing along the surface of the side wall 112 towards the bottom 410 of the cylinder. The blocked water flow gathers at the raised rib 132, making it easier for it to drip and fall into the inner cylinder 400.

[0122] Specifically, in this embodiment, three ribs 132 are provided on the side wall 112. By using multiple ribs 132 to block the water flow, the water flow can be prevented to the greatest extent from flowing towards the bottom of the cylinder 410 and entering the gap between the bottom of the cylinder 410 and the connection part 520 of the locking member 500, thereby avoiding water leakage in the inner cylinder 400 during the water intake process.

[0123] In this embodiment, protrusions 131 and ribs 132 are provided on the outer surface of the water inlet cap 100, thereby forming a raised structure that can support a certain gap between the load and the surface of the water inlet cap 100. This prevents the load inside the cylinder from sticking to the outer periphery of the main water inlet 101, the first water inlet 102, and the second water inlet 103, which could lead to poor water intake or even blockage of the water flow. The ribs 132 also prevent water from flowing towards the bottom 410 of the cylinder, thereby avoiding water leakage during the water intake process.

[0124] 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 water inlet assembly, characterized in that, include: The water inlet shaft has a hollow water inlet channel and a recessed groove on its outer wall; An inlet cap is installed at the outlet end of the inlet shaft; A locking sleeve is movably fitted onto the water inlet shaft along the axial direction, with one end near the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft extending radially outward to form a limiting plate; The limiting component is mounted on the lock sleeve and can move relative to it radially, and can be engaged / disengaged from the slot; The locking member includes a sleeve portion fitted onto the locking sleeve, the inner wall of the sleeve portion abutting against the limiting member to maintain the limiting member in a limited position when it is engaged in the slot, the locking member being connected to the water inlet end cap and abutting against the locking sleeve in the axial direction of the water inlet shaft. The elastic element is a compression spring sleeved on the outer periphery of the water inlet shaft. One end of the compression spring abuts against the surface of the limiting plate opposite to the sleeve portion, and the other end abuts against the water inlet end cap. It is used to apply elastic force to the locking sleeve and keep the end of the sleeve portion near the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft in a limiting and abutting state with the limiting plate. The inner diameter of the sleeve is smaller at the end away from the water inlet shaft outlet end than at the end near the water inlet shaft outlet end; the inner diameter of the sleeve gradually increases towards the water inlet shaft outlet end, forming a conical inner wall.

2. The water inlet assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The portion of the outer wall of the locking sleeve located inside the sleeve portion has a conical structure that matches the inner wall of the sleeve portion.

3. The water inlet assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water inlet cap includes a bottom wall and a side wall surrounding the bottom wall, the bottom wall and the side wall forming a hollow cavity with one side open; the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft passes through the opening and is connected to the water inlet cap, and the locking member also includes a connecting part that connects the sleeve part to the side wall of the water inlet cap.

4. The water inlet assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting part is located at one end of the sleeve part away from the water outlet end of the inlet shaft, and extends from one end of the sleeve part to the side wall away from the bottom wall, closing the gap between the sleeve part and the side wall.

5. The water inlet assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lock is at least partially made of a material that can be attracted by a magnet.

6. The water inlet assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water inlet cap is equipped with an electromagnetic device that can attract / release the locking sleeve.

7. The water inlet assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner side of the bottom wall is provided with a sleeve that is fitted onto the outlet end of the water inlet shaft, and a sealing element is provided between the inner wall of the sleeve and the outer wall of the water inlet shaft.

8. The water inlet assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner wall of the sleeve is provided with a recessed sealing groove for installing the sealing element; the sealing element is sleeved on the water inlet shaft and is located between the end face of the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft and the groove on the outer wall of the water inlet shaft.

9. The water inlet assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The locking sleeve is provided with at least one ball hole, and the limiting member is a ball installed in the ball hole. The ball moves synchronously with the locking sleeve along the axial direction of the water inlet shaft. The slot has a certain width along the axial direction of the water inlet shaft, and the ball can move along the axial direction of the water inlet shaft within the slot.

10. A washing machine, comprising an inner drum, characterized in that, It also includes the water inlet assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9; an installation hole is provided at the center of the bottom of the inner cylinder, and the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft passes through the installation hole and is installed inside the inner cylinder and connected to the water inlet end cap.

11. The washing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, The water inlet end cap forms a hollow cavity with one side open, and the bottom of the inner cylinder facing the open side is mounted on the water inlet shaft; The locking component includes a connecting part that connects the sleeve portion and the water inlet end cap; the connecting part closes the opening of the hollow cavity located on the outer periphery of the sleeve portion and has a certain gap between it and the bottom of the sleeve. The connecting part is located at the end of the sleeve part away from the water outlet end of the water inlet shaft, and has an inner wall that is spaced apart from the outer wall of the water inlet shaft; the outer periphery of the mounting hole extends into the inner cylinder along the axial direction of the water inlet shaft to form a flange surrounding the water inlet shaft, and the flange extends at least to the space between the outer wall of the water inlet shaft and the inner wall of the connecting part.

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