A washing machine clutch device, a washing machine and a control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a washing machine clutch device, a washing machine and a control method thereof. The clutch device comprises an inner drum shaft sleeve having a first end and a second end for connecting an inner drum of the washing machine; a pulsator shaft rotatably penetrating the inner drum shaft sleeve, the pulsator shaft having a first end for connecting a driving motor of the washing machine and a second end for connecting a pulsator of the washing machine; a clutch sleeve axially slidingly sleeving the first end of the inner drum shaft sleeve, the clutch sleeve being circumferentially limitedly assembled with the inner drum shaft sleeve, and the clutch sleeve having engaging teeth at two ends thereof; a fixed engaging part fixedly arranged above the clutch sleeve; and a torque transmission shaft sleeve fixedly arranged at the second end of the pulsator shaft and below the clutch sleeve. The clutch sleeve slides to engage with the fixed engaging part, the inner drum shaft sleeve is fixed, the inner drum is locked in a washing condition, the clutch sleeve slides to engage with the torque transmission shaft sleeve, the inner drum shaft sleeve rotates synchronously with the pulsator shaft, and the dehydration condition is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of washing equipment technology, specifically to a washing machine clutch device, a washing machine, and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Small-capacity fully automatic washing machines typically have a capacity of around 0.5 kg, and at most no more than 1 kg. They are suitable for washing small items of clothing (socks, underwear, etc.) separately. The washing method and requirements are relatively simple, resulting in a simple overall structure and lower cost. Specifically, a small-capacity fully automatic washing machine generally includes an outer tub for holding water and a rotatable inner tub inside. The inner tub has dehydration holes on its wall. A drive motor drives the inner tub via a transmission shaft. Both the washing and dehydration processes are achieved by the drive motor rotating the inner tub. Therefore, there is no different drive method for washing and dehydration. During washing, the rotation of the inner tub creates a water flow, which simultaneously causes the clothes to rotate in the same direction as the water flow. This prevents the clothes inside the inner tub from being effectively rinsed by the rotating water flow, leading to a lower washing efficiency and resulting in clothes not being properly cleaned.

[0003] The main reason for this is that existing small-capacity fully automatic washing machines, limited by production costs, lack a clutch mechanism to differentiate between washing and spin-drying modes. This prevents them from locking the inner tub during washing and allowing the water flow to be controlled by the pulsator, while simultaneously rotating the inner tub and pulsator during spin-drying. Furthermore, existing deceleration clutch devices suitable for standard fully automatic washing machines, which include both deceleration and clutch mechanisms, are generally more expensive and require considerable installation space, making them unsuitable for small-capacity fully automatic washing machines.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes a low-cost washing machine clutch device particularly suitable for small-capacity washing machines. This device locks the inner drum during the washing and rinsing processes of small-capacity washing machines, improving the washing effect. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0006] A washing machine clutch device, comprising:

[0007] Inner tub bushing, having a first end and a second end for connecting to the inner tub of the washing machine;

[0008] The impeller shaft is rotatably sleeved inside the inner tub bushing. The impeller shaft has a first end for connecting to the drive motor of the washing machine and a second end for connecting to the impeller of the washing machine.

[0009] The clutch sleeve is axially slidably sleeved on the first end of the inner barrel bushing. The clutch sleeve is circumferentially limited and assembled with the inner barrel bushing. The two ends of the clutch sleeve have meshing teeth respectively.

[0010] A fixed engagement part is fixedly disposed above the clutch sleeve;

[0011] A torque transmission bushing is fixedly installed at the second end of the impeller shaft, located below the clutch sleeve;

[0012] And a clutch drive mechanism, used to drive the clutch sleeve to slide axially on the inner barrel bushing, the clutch sleeve slides to engage with the fixed engagement part, the inner barrel bushing is fixed, the clutch sleeve slides to engage with the torque transmission bushing, and the inner barrel bushing rotates synchronously with the impeller shaft.

[0013] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, an axially extending external spline of the inner barrel bushing is provided on the outer wall surface of the first end of the inner barrel bushing, and an internal spline of the clutch sleeve is provided on the inner wall surface of the central through hole of the clutch sleeve, wherein the internal spline of the clutch sleeve and the external spline of the inner barrel bushing slide in relative cooperation.

[0014] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the second end of the impeller shaft has a circumferential limiting shaft section, and the circumferential limiting shaft section has at least one flat outer wall surface;

[0015] The torque transmission bushing has a circumferential limiting shaft hole inside, and the circumferential limiting shaft hole has a flat inner wall surface corresponding to the flat limiting wall surface of the circumferential limiting shaft segment.

[0016] The circumferential limiting shaft section of the impeller shaft is inserted into the circumferential limiting shaft hole of the torque transmission shaft sleeve, and the straight outer wall surface of the circumferential limiting shaft section corresponds to and fits against the straight inner wall surface of the circumferential limiting shaft hole, thereby limiting the relative rotation between the impeller shaft and the torque transmission shaft sleeve.

[0017] The length of the circumferential limiting shaft segment inserted into the circumferential limiting shaft hole is less than the length of the circumferential limiting shaft hole;

[0018] Optionally, the cross-section of the circumferential limiting shaft segment is triangular or polygonal, and the cross-section of the circumferential limiting shaft hole is a triangle or polygon that matches the circumferential limiting shaft segment.

[0019] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, a washing machine clutch device of the present invention includes a fixed end cover, the fixed end cover having an installation hole; an inner tub bushing rotatably passing through the installation hole, the first end of the inner tub bushing being located below the fixed end cover, and the second end of the inner tub bushing being located above the fixed end cover; the fixed engagement part is a fixed engagement tooth provided on the lower wall surface of the fixed end cover, the fixed engagement tooth being located on the outer periphery of the installation hole.

[0020] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, a rolling bearing is provided in the mounting hole, and the inner barrel bushing is interference-fitted with the rolling bearing.

[0021] Optionally, a first rolling bearing and a second rolling bearing are arranged side by side in the mounting hole.

[0022] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, a washing machine clutch device of the present invention includes a compression spring and a spring mounting plate, wherein the spring mounting plate has a mounting plate through hole for being sleeved on the outer periphery of the inner tub bushing, and the spring mounting plate abuts against the inner ring of the rolling bearing.

[0023] The compression spring is sleeved on the outer circumference of the inner barrel bushing. One end of the compression spring abuts against the spring mounting plate, and the other end extends out of the mounting hole of the fixed end cover and abuts against the clutch sleeve.

[0024] The clutch drive mechanism drives the clutch sleeve to slide upward along the axial direction of the inner barrel sleeve until it engages with the fixed engagement part, and the compression spring is compressed and deformed; the clutch drive mechanism separates from the clutch sleeve, the compressed and deformed compression spring returns to its initial state, and acts on the clutch sleeve to drive the clutch sleeve to slide downward along the axial direction of the inner barrel sleeve until it engages with the torque transmission shaft sleeve.

[0025] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, a water seal mounting groove is provided on the upper end face of the fixed end cap and on the outer periphery of the mounting hole. The clutch device includes a first water seal sleeved on the outer periphery of the second end of the inner barrel bushing. The first water seal is disposed in the water seal mounting groove. The inner ring sealing wall of the first water seal is tightly fitted with the outer periphery wall of the second end of the inner barrel bushing, and the outer ring sealing wall of the first water seal is tightly fitted with the inner periphery wall of the water seal mounting groove.

[0026] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the clutch drive mechanism includes a traction motor, a shift fork, and a traction connector; the shift fork has a shift fork portion, a traction portion, and a rotating connecting portion located between the shift fork portion and the traction portion, and the traction motor is connected to the traction portion of the shift fork through the traction connector; the shift fork portion forks onto the outer periphery of the clutch sleeve, and the outer periphery of the clutch sleeve is provided with a fork-connecting limiting protrusion that axially limits the shift fork portion; the fixed end cover has a shift fork seat, and the rotating connecting portion of the shift fork is rotatably mounted on the shift fork seat to form a lever structure.

[0027] The present invention also provides a washing machine having the aforementioned clutch device, comprising an inner tub and a pulsator disposed within the inner tub, wherein the second end of the inner tub bushing is connected to the bottom of the inner tub, and the second end of the pulsator shaft is connected to the pulsator.

[0028] The clutch device includes a drive motor, and the motor shaft of the drive motor is fixedly connected to the first end of the impeller shaft through a torque transmission sleeve.

[0029] The present invention also provides a control method for the washing machine, comprising:

[0030] During washing or rinsing, the clutch drive mechanism is controlled to drive the clutch sleeve to slide axially on the inner tub bushing. The clutch sleeve slides to engage with the fixed engagement part, and the inner tub bushing and the inner tub are fixed.

[0031] During the dehydration process, the clutch drive mechanism is activated, and the clutch sleeve slides to engage with the torque transmission shaft sleeve, causing the inner barrel sleeve to drive the inner barrel and the impeller shaft to rotate synchronously.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0033] The clutch device of the present invention is particularly suitable for small-capacity fully automatic pulsator washing machines. The overall structure of the clutch device is simple. By controlling the clutch sleeve to slide and engage with the fixed engagement part, the inner tub bushing is fixed. In this way, the inner tub of the washing machine connected to the inner tub bushing is locked, realizing the locking of the inner tub during washing or rinsing, preventing the inner tub from rotating with the machine, and improving the washing ratio of clothes. By controlling the clutch sleeve to slide and engage with the torque transmission shaft sleeve, the inner tub bushing and the pulsator shaft rotate synchronously. In this way, the inner tub of the washing machine connected to the inner tub bushing and the pulsator connected to the pulsator shaft rotate in the same direction and at the same speed during the spin-drying process.

[0034] Therefore, the clutch device of the present invention realizes two clutch states through the sliding of the clutch sleeve: locking of the inner tub bushing and synchronous rotation of the inner tub bushing and the impeller shaft. This corresponds to the washing or rinsing and spin-drying conditions of the washing machine. The washing machine clutch device does not have a reduction gear system, but only a clutch mechanism. The overall structure is simple, easy to assemble, and the overall cost is low. It is especially suitable for small-capacity washing machines. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the washing machine clutch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 A partial sectional view of the washing machine clutch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 Exploded view of the washing machine clutch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the impeller shaft of the washing machine clutch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5A schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed end cover of the washing machine clutch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the clutch sleeve of the washing machine clutch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 Front view of the clutch sleeve of the washing machine clutch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 A top view of the clutch sleeve of the washing machine clutch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the torque transmission bushing of the washing machine clutch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 10 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the clutch fork of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0046] Therefore, the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely illustrates some embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features and technical solutions in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0048] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0049] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. These terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a washing machine clutch device, including:

[0051] Inner tub bushing 200 has a first end and a second end for connecting to the inner tub of the washing machine;

[0052] The impeller shaft 100 is rotatably sleeved inside the inner tub bushing 200. The impeller shaft 100 has a first end for connecting to the drive motor 600 of the washing machine and a second end for connecting to the impeller of the washing machine.

[0053] The clutch sleeve 400 is axially slidably sleeved on the first end of the inner barrel bushing 200. The clutch sleeve 400 and the inner barrel bushing 200 are circumferentially limited and assembled. The two ends of the clutch sleeve 400 have meshing teeth respectively.

[0054] A fixed engagement part is fixedly disposed above the clutch sleeve 400;

[0055] The torque transmission sleeve 500 is fixedly disposed at the second end of the impeller shaft 100, located below the clutch sleeve 400;

[0056] And a clutch drive mechanism 700, used to drive the clutch sleeve 400 to slide axially on the inner barrel bushing 200, the clutch sleeve 400 slides to engage with the fixed engagement part, the inner barrel bushing 200 is fixed, the clutch sleeve 400 slides to engage with the torque transmission bushing 500, and the inner barrel bushing 200 rotates synchronously with the impeller shaft 100.

[0057] This embodiment of the clutch device is particularly suitable for small-capacity fully automatic pulsator washing machines. The overall structure of the clutch device is simple. By controlling the clutch sleeve 400 to slide and engage with the fixed engagement part, the inner tub bushing 200 is fixed. In this way, the inner tub of the washing machine connected to the inner tub bushing 200 is locked, realizing the locking of the inner tub during washing or rinsing, preventing the inner tub from rotating and improving the washing ratio of clothes. By controlling the clutch sleeve 400 to slide and engage with the torque transmission bushing 500, the inner tub bushing 200 and the pulsator shaft 100 rotate synchronously. In this way, the inner tub of the washing machine connected to the inner tub bushing 200 and the pulsator connected to the pulsator shaft 100 rotate in the same direction and at the same speed during the spin-drying process.

[0058] Therefore, the clutch device in this embodiment achieves two clutch states through the sliding of the clutch sleeve 400: locking of the inner tub bushing 200 and synchronous rotation of the inner tub bushing 200 and the impeller shaft. This corresponds to the washing or rinsing and spin-drying conditions of the washing machine. The washing machine clutch device does not have a reduction gear system, but only a clutch mechanism. The overall structure is simple, easy to assemble, and the overall cost is low, making it particularly suitable for small-capacity washing machines.

[0059] The small-capacity washing machine in this embodiment refers to a fully automatic pulsator washing machine with a capacity of 1KG or less; further optionally, the small-capacity washing machine in this embodiment refers to a fully automatic pulsator washing machine with a capacity of 0.5KG or less.

[0060] See Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the clutch sleeve 400 described in this embodiment can slide up and down axially on the inner barrel bushing 200, but cannot rotate relative to it circumferentially. As an optional implementation of this embodiment, an axially extending outer spline 201 is provided on the outer wall surface of the first end of the inner barrel bushing 200, and an inner spline 401 is provided on the inner wall surface of the central through hole of the clutch sleeve 400. The inner spline 401 of the clutch sleeve and the outer spline 201 of the inner barrel bushing slide relative to each other.

[0061] See Figures 2-4 and Figure 9As shown, in order to achieve a fixed connection between the torque transmission sleeve 500 and the impeller shaft 100, the second end of the impeller shaft 100 in this embodiment has a circumferential limiting shaft section 101, which has at least one flat outer wall surface; the torque transmission sleeve 500 has a circumferential limiting shaft hole 502 inside, which has a flat inner wall surface corresponding to the flat limiting wall surface of the circumferential limiting shaft section 101; the circumferential limiting shaft section 101 of the impeller shaft 100 is inserted into the circumferential limiting shaft hole 502 of the torque transmission sleeve 500, and the flat outer wall surface of the circumferential limiting shaft section 101 corresponds to and fits against the flat inner wall surface of the circumferential limiting shaft hole 101, thereby limiting the relative rotation between the impeller shaft 100 and the torque transmission sleeve 500.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of the circumferential limiting shaft segment 101 inserted into the circumferential limiting shaft hole 502 is less than the length of the circumferential limiting shaft hole 502. In this way, the circumferential limiting shaft hole 502 of the torque transmission sleeve 500 can simultaneously realize the insertion of the motor shaft 610 of the drive motor 600. The motor shaft 610 of the drive motor is fixedly connected to the impeller shaft 100 through the torque transmission sleeve 500.

[0063] Optionally, in this embodiment, the cross-section of the circumferential limiting shaft segment 101 is triangular or polygonal, and the cross-section of the circumferential limiting shaft hole 502 is a triangle or polygon that matches the circumferential limiting shaft segment. In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the cross-sections of both the circumferential limiting shaft segment 101 and the circumferential limiting shaft hole 502 are rectangular.

[0064] See Figures 1-5 As shown, a washing machine clutch device according to this embodiment includes a fixed end cover 300 with a mounting hole 308; an inner tub bushing 200 rotatably passes through the mounting hole 308, with a first end of the inner tub bushing 200 located below the fixed end cover 300 and a second end of the inner tub bushing 200 located above the fixed end cover 300; and a fixed engagement part consisting of fixed engagement teeth 305 disposed on the lower wall surface of the fixed end cover, located on the outer periphery of the mounting hole 308. In this embodiment, the fixed engagement part is a fixed engagement tooth 305 integrally formed on the lower wall surface of the fixed end cover. Alternatively, the fixed engagement part can be a separate fixed sleeve, which is fixedly installed on the lower wall surface of the fixed end cover and located on the outer periphery of the inner tub bushing 200, with fixed engagement teeth on the fixed sleeve near the clutch sleeve 400.

[0065] Specifically, see Figures 5-9As shown, in this embodiment, the upper end face of the clutch sleeve 400 has a clutch sleeve upper meshing tooth 402, and the lower end face of the clutch sleeve 400 has a clutch sleeve lower meshing tooth 403. The torque transmission bushing 500 has a torque transmission bushing meshing tooth 501. The clutch sleeve 400 slides upward along the axial direction of the inner barrel bushing 200, and the clutch sleeve upper meshing tooth 402 of the clutch sleeve 400 meshes with the fixed meshing tooth 305 on the fixed end cover, thus fixing the inner barrel bushing 200. The clutch sleeve 400 slides downward along the axial direction of the inner barrel bushing 200, and the clutch sleeve lower meshing tooth 403 of the clutch sleeve 400 meshes with the torque transmission bushing meshing tooth 501 of the torque transmission bushing 500, thus fixing the inner barrel bushing 200 to the dehydration shaft. The two rotate synchronously under the drive of the drive motor 600.

[0066] The fixed end cover 300 in this embodiment enables the assembly of the inner tub bushing 200 and the impeller shaft 100, thus achieving modularity of the clutch device. Furthermore, the fixed end cover 300 in this embodiment can also be used to install the drive motor 600 and the clutch drive mechanism 700, forming a drive module for the washing machine.

[0067] As an optional implementation method in this embodiment, see Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, a rolling bearing 1200 is provided in the mounting hole 308 of the fixed end cap 300. The inner barrel bushing 200 is interference-fitted with the rolling bearing 1200, so that the inner barrel bushing 200 can be rotatably installed in the mounting hole 308.

[0068] Further, see Figure 3 As shown, optionally, the first rolling bearing 1201 and the second rolling bearing 1202 are arranged side by side in the mounting hole 308 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the first rolling bearing 1201 and the second rolling bearing 1202 achieve balanced support for the inner barrel bushing 200 in the entire axial direction, avoiding stress concentration and insufficient support at a single point.

[0069] Further, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a washing machine clutch device according to this embodiment includes a compression spring 1300 and a spring mounting plate 1400. The spring mounting plate 1400 has a mounting plate through hole for being sleeved on the outer periphery of the inner tub bushing 200. The spring mounting plate 1400 abuts against the inner ring of the rolling bearing 1200. The compression spring 1300 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the inner tub bushing 200. One end of the compression spring 1300 abuts against the spring mounting plate 1400, and the other end extends out of the mounting hole 308 of the fixed end cover 300 and abuts against the clutch sleeve 400.

[0070] In this embodiment, the clutch drive mechanism 700 drives the clutch sleeve 400 to slide upward along the axial direction of the inner barrel bushing 200 until it engages with the fixed engagement part, and the compression spring 1300 is compressed and deformed; the clutch drive mechanism 700 separates from the clutch sleeve 400, the compressed and deformed compression spring 1300 returns to its initial state, and acts on the clutch sleeve 400 to drive the clutch sleeve 400 to slide downward along the axial direction of the inner barrel bushing 200 until it engages with the torque transmission bushing 500.

[0071] In this embodiment, the clutch sleeve 400 is returned to its original position by using a compression spring 1300. This way, the clutch drive mechanism only needs to achieve unidirectional movement of the clutch sleeve 400, and the clutch drive mechanism only needs to achieve a single movement, resulting in a simpler structure and lower cost.

[0072] As an optional implementation method in this embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, the clutch drive mechanism described in this embodiment includes a traction motor 710, a shift fork 730, and a traction connector 720. The shift fork 730 has a shift fork portion 733, a traction portion 731, and a rotating connecting portion 732 located between the shift fork portion 733 and the traction portion 731. The traction motor 710 is connected to the traction portion 731 of the shift fork 730 through the traction connector 720. The shift fork portion 733 forks onto the outer periphery of the clutch sleeve 400, and a fork-connecting limiting protrusion ring that axially limits the shift fork portion 733 is provided on the outer periphery of the clutch sleeve 400. The fixed end cover 300 has a shift fork seat 306, and the rotating connecting portion 732 of the shift fork 730 is rotatably mounted on the shift fork seat 306 to form a lever structure.

[0073] In this embodiment, the traction motor 710 unidirectionally pulls the shift fork 730. The shift fork portion 733 of the shift fork 730 separates from the clutch sleeve 400. Under the action of the compression spring 1300, the clutch sleeve 400 moves downward along the axial direction of the inner tub bushing 200. After the traction motor 710 pulls the fork into place, it stops the traction action and maintains the current position. At this time, the washing machine performs the spin-drying operation. The traction motor 710 releases the traction connector 720. Under the action of the shift fork's return torsion spring, the shift fork portion 733 of the shift fork 730 moves the clutch sleeve 400 upward along the axial direction of the inner tub bushing 200 and engages with the fixed engagement portion. At this time, the washing or rinsing operation is performed, and the inner tub bushing 200 remains locked.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotating connection part 732 of the shift fork 730 is rotatably mounted on the shift fork seat hole 307 on the shift fork seat 306 via the shift fork connecting pin 800. A reset torsion spring 1500 is installed on the shift fork connecting pin 800. One end of the reset torsion spring abuts against the shift fork 730, and the other end abuts against the shift fork seat 306 or the fixed end cover 300. The reset torsion spring 1500 can ensure that the shift fork part 733 of the shift fork 730 presses against the clutch sleeve 400 under elastic force after the traction motor 710 releases the traction connector 720.

[0075] In this embodiment, the initial state of the reset torsion spring 1500 after installation is a torsional deformation state, which provides an upward elastic force along the inner tub shaft axis to the shift fork 730 to maintain the engagement state between the clutch sleeve 400 and the fixed engagement part. After the traction motor pulls the shift fork, the torsional deformation is further increased. After the traction motor 710 pulls the shift fork to the position, it stops the traction action and maintains the current position state, overcoming the elastic force of the reset torsion spring 1500. At this time, the washing machine performs the spin-drying mode. After the spin-drying mode is completed, the traction motor 710 releases the shift fork 730. Under the action of the elastic force of the reset torsion spring 1500, the fork 733 of the shift fork 710 automatically resets and moves the clutch sleeve 400 upward along the inner tub shaft axis to engage with the fixed engagement part.

[0076] Specifically, the traction connector 720 in this embodiment can be a flexible traction rope. See also Figure 10 As shown, the traction part 731 of the shift fork 730 in this embodiment has a traction rope mounting slot 735 and a boss 736 located outside the traction rope mounting slot 735.

[0077] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, a water seal mounting groove 302 is provided on the upper end face of the fixed end cap 300 and on the outer periphery of the mounting hole 308. The clutch device includes a first water seal 1100 sleeved on the outer periphery of the second end of the inner barrel bushing 200. The first water seal 1100 is disposed in the water seal mounting groove 302. The inner ring sealing wall of the first water seal 1100 is tightly fitted with the outer periphery wall of the second end of the inner barrel bushing 200, and the outer ring sealing wall of the first water seal 1100 is tightly fitted with the inner periphery wall of the water seal mounting groove 302. In this embodiment, the first water seal 1100 achieves assembly sealing between the inner barrel bushing 200 and the fixed end cap 300.

[0078] Specifically, the fixed end cap 300 of this embodiment includes a columnar body 301 with an internal mounting hole 308 and a fixed plate 303 located on one side of the columnar body 301. The water seal mounting groove 302 is disposed at the upper end of the columnar body 301. The shift fork seat 306 is disposed on the lower wall of the fixed plate 303. The lower wall of the fixed plate 303 is also fixed with a motor connecting post 304. The drive motor 600 is fixedly connected to the motor connecting post 304 to realize the installation of the drive motor 600.

[0079] In this embodiment, a first bushing 1000 and a second bushing 1600 are provided between the impeller shaft 100 and the inner barrel bushing 200. The end of the first bushing 1000 has a limiting protrusion that engages with a limiting step inside the inner barrel bushing 200. A limiting retaining ring 1700 is provided on the impeller shaft 100 below the second bushing 1600 for limiting the installation of the second bushing 1600. In this embodiment, a second water seal 900 is provided at the gap opening between the inner barrel bushing 200 and the impeller shaft 100 for sealing between the inner barrel bushing 200 and the impeller shaft 100.

[0080] The working principle of the clutch device in this embodiment:

[0081] In the initial position, the shift fork 730 presses the clutch sleeve 400 under the action of the return torsion spring 1500. The clutch sleeve 400 and the fixed end cover 300 are engaged by the fixed meshing teeth 305 and the meshing teeth 402 on the clutch sleeve of the clutch sleeve 400, so that the inner tub bushing 200 and the fixed end cover 300 are fixed together. The motor shaft 610 of the drive motor and the impeller shaft 100 are connected together by the torque transmission bushing 500. The drive motor drives the impeller shaft 100 to rotate. At this time, the inner tub bushing 200 is limited. The inner tub of the washing machine is installed on the inner tub bushing 200. During washing and rinsing, the inner tub will not rotate with the water flow, which improves the washing efficiency of the washing machine.

[0082] During the dehydration process, the traction motor 710 operates, driving the traction rope to pull the shift fork 730. The shift fork 730 rotates counterclockwise around the shift fork connecting pin 800. At this time, the arc-shaped boss 734 on the shift fork part 733 of the shift fork 730 releases the clutch sleeve 400. Under the restoring force of the compression spring 1300, the clutch sleeve 400 moves downward, causing the lower engagement tooth 403 of the clutch sleeve 400 to engage with the torque transmission shaft engagement tooth 501 of the torque transmission shaft sleeve 500, while the upper engagement tooth 402 of the clutch sleeve separates from the fixed engagement tooth 305 of the fixed end cover 300. At this time, the inner barrel bushing 200, the impeller shaft 100, and the motor shaft 610 are connected as one unit, and the drive motor drives the inner barrel bushing 200 and the impeller shaft 100 to rotate simultaneously.

[0083] This embodiment also provides a washing machine with the aforementioned clutch device, including an inner tub and a pulsator disposed inside the inner tub, wherein the second end of the inner tub bushing is connected to the bottom of the inner tub, and the second end of the pulsator shaft is connected to the pulsator;

[0084] The clutch device includes a drive motor, and the motor shaft of the drive motor is fixedly connected to the first end of the impeller shaft through a torque transmission sleeve.

[0085] The washing machine in this embodiment is a small-capacity washing machine. During the washing and rinsing processes, the impeller agitates the water flow to rinse the clothes, and at the same time, it can lock the inner tub to prevent the inner tub from rotating, thereby improving the washing ratio of the washing machine and improving the washing effect of the clothes. During the spin-drying process, the impeller and the inner tub rotate synchronously to spin-dry the clothes.

[0086] The washing machine of this embodiment has a capacity of 0.5KG or less, optionally 0.2KG, and is mainly used for washing small items of clothing such as socks.

[0087] This embodiment also provides a control method for the washing machine, including:

[0088] During washing or rinsing, the clutch drive mechanism is controlled to drive the clutch sleeve to slide axially on the inner tub bushing. The clutch sleeve slides to engage with the fixed engagement part, and the inner tub bushing and the inner tub are fixed.

[0089] During the dehydration process, the clutch drive mechanism is activated, and the clutch sleeve slides to engage with the torque transmission shaft sleeve, causing the inner barrel sleeve to drive the inner barrel and the impeller shaft to rotate synchronously.

[0090] Furthermore, specifically:

[0091] When the washing machine performs washing or rinsing, the traction motor of the clutch device is in its initial state. Under the action of the return torsion spring, the fork presses the meshing teeth on the clutch sleeve to engage with the fixing meshing teeth of the fixed end cover, thus fixing the inner tub bushing and the fixed end cover together. The washing machine controls the forward and reverse rotation of the motor shaft of the drive motor. The motor shaft and the impeller shaft are connected together through the torque transmission bushing. The drive motor drives the impeller shaft to rotate forward and reverse, and the impeller shaft drives the impeller inside the inner tub to rotate forward and reverse. At this time, the inner tub bushing is limited, and the inner tub of the washing machine is installed on the inner tub bushing. During washing and rinsing, the inner tub will not rotate with the water flow, thus improving the washing efficiency of the washing machine.

[0092] When the washing machine is in spin-drying mode, the control traction motor operates, pulling the shift fork via the traction rope. The shift fork rotates counterclockwise around the shift fork connecting pin. At this time, the arc-shaped boss on the shift fork part releases the clutch sleeve. Under the restoring force of the compression spring, the clutch sleeve moves downward, causing the lower engagement teeth of the clutch sleeve to engage with the engagement teeth of the torque transmission shaft sleeve, while the upper engagement teeth of the clutch sleeve disengage from the fixed engagement teeth of the fixed end cover. At this point, the inner tub bushing, impeller shaft, and motor shaft are connected as one unit, controlling the drive motor to rotate continuously in one direction, driving the inner tub bushing and impeller shaft to rotate synchronously.

[0093] It should be noted that the drive motor in this embodiment outputs a single speed, which is the same in the washing and rinsing conditions and the spin-drying condition, thus reducing the cost of the drive motor. Of course, it is also possible to choose a drive motor that outputs two different speeds, which can make the output speed in the spin-drying condition greater than the output speed in the washing and rinsing conditions, thereby improving the dehydration effect of the clothes.

[0094] This embodiment also provides a storage medium storing a computer-executable program, which, when executed, implements the aforementioned control method for the washing machine.

[0095] The storage medium described in this embodiment may include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying readable program code. This propagated data signal may take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. The readable storage medium may also be any readable medium other than a readable storage medium, capable of transmitting, propagating, or transmitting a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained on the readable storage medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical fiber, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0096] This embodiment also provides an electronic device, including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store a computer-executable program, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the processor executes the aforementioned control method for a washing machine.

[0097] The electronic device is manifested in the form of a general-purpose computing device. It may contain one or more processors that work collaboratively. This invention also does not preclude distributed processing, meaning that processors may be distributed across different physical devices. The electronic device of this invention is not limited to a single entity, but may also be the sum of multiple physical devices.

[0098] The memory stores a computer-executable program, typically machine-readable code. The computer-readable program can be executed by the processor to enable the electronic device to perform the method of the present invention, or at least some steps of the method.

[0099] The memory includes volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory, and may also be non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM).

[0100] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described herein. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Therefore, any modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention, as well as all technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention, are covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine clutch device, characterized in that, include: Inner tub bushing, having a first end and a second end for connecting to the inner tub of the washing machine; The impeller shaft is rotatably sleeved inside the inner tub bushing. The impeller shaft has a first end for connecting to the drive motor of the washing machine and a second end for connecting to the impeller of the washing machine. The clutch sleeve is axially slidably sleeved on the first end of the inner barrel bushing. The clutch sleeve is circumferentially limited and assembled with the inner barrel bushing. The two ends of the clutch sleeve have meshing teeth respectively. A fixed engagement part is fixedly disposed above the clutch sleeve; A torque transmission bushing is fixedly installed at the second end of the impeller shaft, located below the clutch sleeve; And a clutch drive mechanism, used to drive the clutch sleeve to slide axially on the inner barrel bushing, the clutch sleeve slides to engage with the fixed engagement part, the inner barrel bushing is fixed, the clutch sleeve slides to engage with the torque transmission bushing, and the inner barrel bushing rotates synchronously with the impeller shaft; A fixed end cap is provided with a mounting hole; an inner barrel bushing is rotatably fitted through the mounting hole, with the first end of the inner barrel bushing located below the fixed end cap and the second end of the inner barrel bushing located above the fixed end cap; the fixed engagement part is a fixed engagement tooth provided on the lower wall surface of the fixed end cap, and the fixed engagement tooth is located on the outer periphery of the mounting hole. A compression spring and a spring mounting plate, wherein the spring mounting plate has a mounting plate through hole for fitting onto the outer periphery of the inner barrel bushing, a rolling bearing is disposed in the mounting hole, the inner barrel bushing is interference-fitted with the rolling bearing, and the spring mounting plate abuts against the inner ring of the rolling bearing. The compression spring is sleeved on the outer circumference of the inner barrel bushing. One end of the compression spring abuts against the spring mounting plate, and the other end extends out of the mounting hole of the fixed end cover and abuts against the clutch sleeve. The clutch drive mechanism drives the clutch sleeve to slide upward along the axial direction of the inner barrel sleeve until it engages with the fixed engagement part, and the compression spring is compressed and deformed; the clutch drive mechanism separates from the clutch sleeve, the compressed and deformed compression spring returns to its initial state, and acts on the clutch sleeve to drive the clutch sleeve to slide downward along the axial direction of the inner barrel sleeve until it engages with the torque transmission shaft sleeve.

2. The washing machine clutch device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An axially extending external spline is provided on the outer wall surface of the first end of the inner barrel bushing, and an internal spline is provided on the inner wall surface of the central through hole of the clutch sleeve. The internal spline of the clutch sleeve and the external spline of the inner barrel bushing are in relative sliding engagement.

3. A washing machine clutch device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the impeller shaft has a circumferential limiting shaft section, and the circumferential limiting shaft section has at least one straight outer wall surface; The torque transmission bushing has a circumferential limiting shaft hole inside, and the circumferential limiting shaft hole has a flat inner wall surface corresponding to the flat limiting wall surface of the circumferential limiting shaft segment. The circumferential limiting shaft section of the impeller shaft is inserted into the circumferential limiting shaft hole of the torque transmission shaft sleeve, and the straight outer wall surface of the circumferential limiting shaft section corresponds to and fits against the straight inner wall surface of the circumferential limiting shaft hole, thereby limiting the relative rotation between the impeller shaft and the torque transmission shaft sleeve. The length of the circumferential limiting shaft segment inserted into the circumferential limiting shaft hole is less than the length of the circumferential limiting shaft hole.

4. A washing machine clutch device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cross-section of the circumferential limiting shaft segment is triangular or polygonal, and the cross-section of the circumferential limiting shaft hole is triangular or polygonal and matches the circumferential limiting shaft segment.

5. A washing machine clutch device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rolling bearing and the second rolling bearing are arranged side by side in the mounting hole.

6. A washing machine clutch device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water seal mounting groove is provided on the upper end face of the fixed end cap and on the outer periphery of the mounting hole. The clutch device includes a first water seal sleeved on the outer periphery of the second end of the inner barrel bushing. The first water seal is located in the water seal mounting groove. The inner ring sealing wall of the first water seal is tightly fitted with the outer periphery wall of the second end of the inner barrel bushing, and the outer ring sealing wall of the first water seal is tightly fitted with the inner periphery wall of the water seal mounting groove.

7. A washing machine clutch device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clutch drive mechanism includes a traction motor, a shift fork, and a traction connector; the shift fork has a shift fork portion, a traction portion, and a rotating connecting portion located between the shift fork portion and the traction portion; the traction motor is connected to the traction portion of the shift fork through the traction connector; the shift fork portion forks onto the outer periphery of the clutch sleeve, and the outer periphery of the clutch sleeve is provided with a fork-connecting limiting protrusion that axially limits the shift fork portion; the fixed end cover has a shift fork seat, and the rotating connecting portion of the shift fork is rotatably mounted on the shift fork seat to form a lever structure.

8. A washing machine having a clutch device as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It includes an inner tub and a pulsator disposed inside the inner tub. The second end of the inner tub bushing is connected to the bottom of the inner tub, and the second end of the pulsator shaft is connected to the pulsator. The clutch device includes a drive motor, and the motor shaft of the drive motor is fixedly connected to the first end of the impeller shaft through a torque transmission sleeve.

9. A control method for a washing machine as described in claim 8, characterized in that, include: During washing or rinsing, the clutch drive mechanism is controlled to drive the clutch sleeve to slide axially on the inner tub bushing. The clutch sleeve slides to engage with the fixed engagement part, and the inner tub bushing and the inner tub are fixed. During the dehydration process, the clutch drive mechanism is activated, and the clutch sleeve slides to engage with the torque transmission shaft sleeve, causing the inner barrel sleeve to drive the inner barrel and the impeller shaft to rotate synchronously.

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