Self-locking quick release nut for inner drum of washing machine, washing machine

Abstract

The application provides a self-locking quick-release nut for a washing machine inner drum, comprising a nut part and a self-locking part; the nut part is used to fix the end of a rotating shaft inside the washing machine inner drum and abut against the inner drum to install the inner drum; when the nut part abuts against the inner drum, the self-locking part is inserted into the gap between the nut part and the extension of the end of the rotating shaft to lock the nut part on the bottom wall of the inner drum; when unlocked, the self-locking part is pulled out to release the nut part. The application also provides a washing machine. The nut assembly is used to install the inner drum of the washing machine on the rotating shaft, and the inner drum can be disassembled after the nut assembly is disassembled; the user can quickly assemble and disassemble the inner drum, and the inner drum and the outer drum are convenient to clean. When the nut part and the rotating shaft are assembled in place, the nut part abuts against the inner drum, and the self-locking part is inserted into the gap between the nut part and the end of the rotating shaft to lock the nut part on the rotating shaft, so as to improve the stability of the screw joint between the nut part and the rotating shaft and prevent the nut part from falling off. The self-locking part can be unlocked by being pulled out, and the operation is simple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a self-locking quick-release nut for a washing machine inner drum and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] A drum washing machine consists of an inner drum and an outer drum. The inner drum is located inside the outer drum and holds clothes. Between the two drums is a washing space for the wash water. A motor rotates the inner drum relative to the outer drum, washing clothes. After a drum washing machine has been used for a while, a large amount of dirt and bacteria will remain on the inner and outer walls of the outer and inner drums, making it difficult for users to clean them themselves. This requires professional disassembly and cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To facilitate user self-disassembly of the inner drum, the present invention provides a self-locking quick-release nut for the inner drum of a washing machine, which secures the inner drum to the rotating shaft from within the inner drum. The nut assembly is provided with a self-locking member to achieve a self-locking function, thereby increasing the stability of the assembly of the nut assembly and the rotating shaft.

[0004] In order to achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions.

[0005] The present invention provides a self-locking quick-release nut for a washing machine inner drum, comprising a nut member and a self-locking member; the nut member is used to fix the end of a rotating shaft from inside the washing machine inner drum and press against the inner drum to install the inner drum; wherein,

[0006] When the nut member abuts against the inner cylinder, the self-locking member is inserted into the gap between the nut member and the extension portion of the end portion of the rotating shaft to lock the nut member on the bottom wall of the inner cylinder;

[0007] When unlocking, pull out the self-locking part to loosen the nut part.

[0008] Preferably, the device further comprises an end cap surrounding the nut member.

[0009] Preferably, the end cap is provided with a guide rail, and the self-locking member is an elastic member, one end of which extends into the guide rail; external force drives the end of the self-locking member to move in the guide rail, so that the self-locking member is away from the rotating shaft.

[0010] Preferably, the self-locking member is fixed in the end cap; the guide rail is a through slot; one end of the self-locking member extends out of the through slot, and the self-locking member moves by moving the end.

[0011] Preferably, it further comprises a fixing block, the outer circumference of which is slidably connected or screwed to the inner surface of the end cap; the self-locking member is fixed to the fixing block; the fixing block is provided with a through hole for the end of the rotating shaft to extend into;

[0012] The guide rail is a groove; one end of the self-locking piece is clamped in the groove; external force drives the end cap to rotate relative to the fixed block, so that the groove rotates to drive the self-locking piece to move.

[0013] Preferably, the groove extends away from the rotation direction of the end cap toward the outside of the end cap, so that the self-locking member moves along its extension direction.

[0014] Preferably, the inner wall of the groove against which the end of the self-locking member abuts is a curved surface.

[0015] Preferably, a protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the end cap, and a slot is provided on the outer peripheral side of the fixing block; the protrusion is snapped into the slot.

[0016] Preferably, when unlocked, the end cap rotates relative to the fixing block at an angle of 15°-45°.

[0017] Preferably, the self-locking member comprises:

[0018] The locking cylinder comprises a first end, a second end, and a third end; the second end is used to be inserted into the gap;

[0019] A first spring, one end of which is fixed and the other end is sleeved outside the third end;

[0020] External force drives the first end to cause the first spring to expand and contract, thereby causing the locking cylinder to move.

[0021] Preferably, it further comprises an elastic top piece, one end of which abuts against the outer wall of the bottom of the inner cylinder and the other end faces the self-locking piece;

[0022] When the nut assembly is assembled on the rotating shaft, the self-locking member compresses the elastic top member; when unlocked, the elastic top member pushes the self-locking member away.

[0023] The present invention also provides a washing machine, comprising a motor, a rotating shaft, an inner drum, and the self-locking quick-release nut for the inner drum of the washing machine as described above; one end of the rotating shaft is coaxially connected to the motor, and the other end extends into the inner drum from the outside of the bottom of the inner drum; the nut assembly is threadedly connected to the rotating shaft from the inside of the inner drum and locked on the rotating shaft.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] The present invention provides a self-locking quick-release nut for the inner drum of a washing machine. The inner drum of the washing machine is mounted on a rotating shaft through a nut assembly. The inner drum can be removed after the nut assembly is disassembled. The user can quickly install and remove the inner drum by themselves, which facilitates the cleaning of the inner and outer drums and allows the user to regularly maintain the cleanliness of the drum. The nut assembly is provided with a self-locking part. When the nut part and the rotating shaft are assembled in place, the nut part abuts against the inner drum. The self-locking part is used to lock the nut part onto the rotating shaft from the gap between the nut part and the end of the rotating shaft, thereby improving the stability of the threaded connection between the nut part and the rotating shaft and preventing the nut part from falling off. The nut can be unlocked by pulling out the self-locking part, which is easy to operate.

[0026] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it according to the contents of the description, the following preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific implementation methods of the present invention are given in detail by the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this application. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a partial structure of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the washing machine in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 An exploded view of the structure of the nut assembly in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the end cap and the self-locking member in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the fixing block in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional structure of a washing machine in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 An exploded view of a partial structure of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 A sectional view of a partial structure of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 A partial assembly structure diagram of the nut assembly and the rotating shaft in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the end cap in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a nut assembly in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional structure of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of the partial three-dimensional structure of the washing machine of the present invention.

[0041] In the picture:

[0042] 100. Washing machine;

[0043] 10. Nut assembly; 11. Nut member; 12. End cap; 121. Through slot; 122. Cavity; 123. Opening; 1231. First opening; 1232. First opening; 124. Recess; 125. Projection; 13. Self-locking member; 131. Locking post; 1311. First end; 1312. Second end; 1313. Third end; 132. First spring; 14. Elastic top member; 141. Second spring; 142. Cover; 1421. Edge; 143. Fixing member; 1431. Abutment plate; 1432. Protrusion; 15. Fixing block; 151. Through hole; 152. Slot; 153. Relief notch; 154. Receiving groove; 16. Cavity;

[0044] 20. Rotating shaft;

[0045] 30. Inner tube;

[0046] 40. Gap;

[0047] 50. Flange. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The present invention will be described in further detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above-mentioned and other purposes, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent so that those skilled in the art can implement them with reference to the text of the specification. In the accompanying drawings, for the sake of clarity, shapes and sizes may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals will be used in all figures to indicate the same or similar parts. In the following description, words such as center, thickness, height, length, front, back, rear, left, right, top, bottom, top, bottom, etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. In particular, "height" is equivalent to the size from top to bottom, "width" is equivalent to the size from left to right, and "depth" is equivalent to the size from front to back. These relative terms are for the sake of convenience of explanation and are generally not intended to require a specific orientation. Terms related to attachment, connection, etc. (e.g., "connection" and "attachment") refer to the relationship between these structures that are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other through an intermediate structure, as well as movable or rigid attachment or relationship, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0049] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods. It should be noted that, under the premise of no conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] The present invention provides a self-locking quick-release nut for the inner drum of a washing machine, such as Figure 2 、 Figure 8 As shown, it includes a nut member 11 and a self-locking member 13; the nut member 11 is used to fix the end of the rotating shaft 20 from the inside of the washing machine inner drum 30 and press against the inner drum 30 to install the inner drum 30; wherein,

[0052] When the nut member 11 abuts against the inner cylinder 30 , the self-locking member 13 is inserted into the gap 40 between the nut member 11 and the extension portion 21 at the end of the rotating shaft 20 to lock the nut member 11 on the bottom wall of the inner cylinder 30 ;

[0053] When unlocking, the self-locking member 13 is pulled out to loosen the nut member 11 .

[0054] In this embodiment, the inner drum 30 of the washing machine 100 is mounted on the rotating shaft 20 by means of a nut assembly 10. The inner drum 30 can be removed by disassembling the nut assembly 10. The user can quickly install and remove the inner drum 30 by himself, which facilitates the cleaning of the inner drum 30 and the outer drum, so that the user can regularly maintain the cleanliness of the drum. The nut assembly 10 is provided with a self-locking member 13. When the nut member 11 and the rotating shaft 20 are assembled in place, the nut member 11 is against the inner drum 30. The self-locking member 13 is used to lock the nut member 11 on the rotating shaft 20 from the gap 40 between the nut member 11 and the end of the rotating shaft 20, thereby improving the stability of the screw connection between the nut member 11 and the rotating shaft 20 and preventing the nut member 11 from falling off. The nut 11 can be unlocked by pulling out the self-locking member 13, which is easy to operate.

[0055] In one embodiment, the nut assembly 10 further includes an end cap 12 that surrounds the nut member 11 to cover the assembly area between the nut member 11 and the rotating shaft 20, thereby improving the appearance of the bottom surface of the inner cylinder 30. The end cap 12 is mounted on the bottom of the inner cylinder 30 or on the nut member 11.

[0056] Furthermore, the end cap 12 is provided with a guide rail, and the self-locking member 13 is an elastic member with one end extending into the guide rail. External force drives the end of the self-locking member 13 to move within the guide rail, causing the end of the self-locking member 13 facing the rotating shaft 20 to move away from the rotating shaft 20. The guide rail provided on the end cap 12 restricts the movement of the self-locking member 13, facilitating user locking and unlocking operations. Furthermore, the self-locking member 13 is an elastic member that can undergo elastic deformation and elastic recovery to achieve its own movement in response to external force.

[0057] In one embodiment, if Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 6 As shown, the nut assembly 10 further includes a fixing block 15, the outer peripheral side of which is slidably connected or screwed to the inner surface of the end cap 12; the self-locking member 13 is fixed to the fixing block 15; the fixing block 15 is provided with a through hole 151 for the end of the rotating shaft 20 to extend into;

[0058] The guide rail is a groove 124; one end of the self-locking member 13 snaps into this groove 124. External force rotates the end cap 12 relative to the fixed block 15, causing the groove 124 to rotate and drive the self-locking member 13. Specifically, the groove 124 conceals the self-locking member 13 to prevent clothing from colliding with it and unlocking it during operation. The relative movement of the end cap 12 and the fixed block 15 causes the inner surface contour of the groove 124 to push the end of the self-locking member 13, forcing it toward the end of the rotating shaft 20 and away from it, unlocking the unit and simplifying operation.

[0059] Furthermore, if Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, groove 124 extends away from the rotational direction of end cap 12 toward the outside of end cap 12, allowing self-locking member 13 to move along its extension direction. Specifically, second end 1312 of self-locking member 13 is used to retain shaft 20. When end cap 12 rotates relative to fixed block 15, groove 124 rotates with end cap 12. The inner surface contour of groove 124 pushes second end 1312, causing second end 1312 to move along the extension direction of self-locking member 13, preventing elastic distortion of self-locking member 13.

[0060] Furthermore, if Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the inner wall of the groove 124 that abuts against the end of the self-locking member 13 is a curved surface, so as to reduce the contact friction between the groove 124 and the self-locking member 13 and facilitate the movement of the end of the self-locking member 13 relative to the groove 124.

[0061] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, the inner surface of the end cap 12 is provided with a protrusion 125, and the outer circumference of the fixing block 15 is provided with a slot 152; the protrusion 125 engages with the slot 152. Specifically, the length of the protrusion 125 is shorter than the length of the slot 152. When an external force is applied to the end cap 12, the protrusion 125 moves within the slot 152, thereby rotating the end cap 12 and unlocking it. The engagement between the protrusion 125 and the slot 152 not only improves the stability of the installation between the end cap 12 and the fixing block 15, but also prevents the end cap 12 from being unlocked and dislodged due to collision with clothing in the inner drum 30. Furthermore, external force applied to the end cap 12 can drive the protrusion 125 to move within the slot 152.

[0062] Furthermore, when unlocked, the end cap 12 rotates at an angle of 15°-45° relative to the fixed block 15. Specifically, when the self-locking member 13 is locked on the rotating shaft 20, the position of the protrusion 125 in the slot 152 is the starting position. When the self-locking member 13 is unlocked, the position where the protrusion 125 hits the inner wall of the end of the slot 152 is the key position. The arc length of the starting position and the end position is designed to limit the rotation structure of the end cap 12 to 15°-45° when unlocked, which serves as a foolproof function. The user only needs to rotate the end cap 12 until it collides with the fixed block 15 to stop the rotation. In addition, the rotation angle meets the comfort level of human hand rotation. Preferably, the end cap 12 rotates at an angle of 30° relative to the fixed block 15.

[0063] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 4 As shown, the self-locking member 13 includes:

[0064] The locking post 131 includes a first end 1311 , a second end 1312 , and a third end 1313 ; the second end 1312 is configured to be inserted into the gap 40 ;

[0065] A first spring 132, one end of which is fixed and the other end of which is sleeved outside the third end 1313;

[0066] An external force drives first end 1311, causing first spring 132 to expand and contract, thereby allowing lock post 131 to move. Specifically, first spring 132 is provided so that when lock post 131 is driven by an external force, it moves toward first spring 132, causing first spring 132 to be compressed, thereby achieving unlocking. When the external force is removed, the restoring force of first spring 132 drives lock post 131 toward shaft 20, thereby engaging gap 40 between nut member 11 and extension portion 21, achieving locking.

[0067] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 、 Figure 5 As shown, the fixing block 15 is provided with a through hole 151 for the end of the rotating shaft 20 to extend into; the through hole 151 is provided with a clearance notch 153 on the side facing the self-locking member 13 to allow the second end 1312 of the self-locking member 13 to extend into and abut against the end surface of the nut member 11, and then be stuck in the gap 40 between the nut member 11 and the extension portion 21.

[0068] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, a cavity 16 is provided between the fixing block 15 and the end cap 12 to accommodate the self-locking member 13 .

[0069] Furthermore, if Figure 2 、 Figure 5As shown, since the outer peripheral side of the fixing block 15 needs to be assembled with the end cap 12, the fixing block 15 has a certain thickness, and a surface of the fixing block 15 facing the end cap 12 is concave to form a receiving groove 154 to partially accommodate the self-locking part 13, so as to reduce the thickness of the cavity 16 and reduce the size of the nut assembly 10.

[0070] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, it also includes an elastic top member 14, one end of which is against the outer wall of the bottom of the inner tube 30, and the other end is facing the self-locking member 13;

[0071] When the nut assembly 10 is assembled on the rotating shaft 20, the self-locking member 13 compresses the elastic top member 14; when unlocked, the elastic top member 14 pushes the self-locking member 13 away. The elastic top member 14 plays a role in assisting the self-locking member 13 to be ejected, driving the self-locking member 13 to move away from the inner cylinder 30 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 20, freeing the user's hands and eliminating the need for the user to remove the end cap 12 while turning the self-locking member 13, thereby simplifying the operation. In a specific embodiment, the end cap 12 cooperates with the fixed block 15 to install the self-locking member 13, and one end of the elastic top member 14 is positioned relative to a surface of the fixed block 15. When the elastic top member 14 rebounds, it presses against the outer wall of the fixed block 15, and the end cap 12, the self-locking member 13, and the fixed block 15 are ejected together.

[0072] Furthermore, the elastic top member 14 includes:

[0073] The second spring 141 is sleeved on the outside of the nut 11;

[0074] A cover 142, which covers an end of the second spring 141 facing the end cap 12;

[0075] When the second spring 141 rebounds, it presses against the inner surface of the cover 142, thereby pushing the self-locking member 13 open through the cover 142. Specifically, the deformation force of the second spring 141 compresses the self-locking member 13 when it is self-locked, storing the deformation recovery force; when the self-locking member 13 is unlocked, the deformation recovery force of the second spring 141 is restored to form a driving force toward the end cap 12. The cover 142 has a simple structure. The cover 142 bears the impact force of the second spring 141 when it rebounds, thereby avoiding scratching the self-locking member 13 and extending the service life of the self-locking member 13. In a specific embodiment, when the cover 142 is lifted by the second spring 141, it presses against the outer wall of the fixed block 15, thereby avoiding scratching the outer wall of the fixed block 15.

[0076] In one embodiment, the cover 142 is a flat plate structure, covering one end of the second spring 141. In another embodiment, the peripheral contour of the cover 142 extends toward the second spring 141 to form an edge 1421 to surround the end of the second spring 141.

[0077] Furthermore, the elastic top member 14 also includes a fixing member 143, which is sleeved on the outside of the nut member 11 and abuts against the bottom outer wall of the inner tube 30. One end of the second spring 141 abuts against the fixing member 143. When the second spring 141 expands and contracts, a force is applied to the fixing member 143 to prevent it from scratching the outer wall of the inner tube 30.

[0078] Furthermore, if Figure 2 As shown, the fixing member 143 includes a contact plate 1431 and a protrusion 1432. The contact plate 1431 contacts the outer wall of the bottom of the inner cylinder 30, and the protrusion 1432 surrounds the end of the nut member 11 facing the inner cylinder 30 to reduce the scratching of the nut member 11 during the expansion and contraction of the second spring 141.

[0079] Example 2

[0080] The present invention provides a self-locking quick-release nut for the inner drum of a washing machine, such as Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 As shown, it includes a nut member 11 and a self-locking member 13; the nut member 11 is used to fix the end of the rotating shaft 20 from inside the inner drum 30 of the washing machine and press against the inner drum 30 to install the inner drum 30; wherein, the nut assembly 10 includes an end cap 12, which surrounds the nut member 11; the end cap 12 is provided with a guide rail, and the self-locking member 13 is an elastic member; the self-locking member 13 is fixed in the end cap 12;

[0081] When the nut 11 abuts against the inner cylinder 30, the self-locking member 13 is inserted into the gap 40 between the nut 11 and the extension 21 at the end of the rotating shaft 20, thereby locking the nut 11 to the bottom wall of the inner cylinder 30. In addition, because the self-locking member 13 is fixed to the end cap 12, the end of the self-locking member 13 is stuck between the nut 11 and the rotating shaft, thereby also fixing the end cap 12 to the nut 11.

[0082] The guide rail is a through slot 121; one end of the self-locking member 13 extends out of the through slot 121. To unlock, this end is moved to move the self-locking member 13, which is then removed to loosen the nut member 11. Specifically, the end of the self-locking member 13 is exposed outside the end cap 12. The user moves this end of the self-locking member 13 and removes the end inserted into the gap 40 between the nut member 11 and the extension 21 to achieve unlocking, which is simple to operate.

[0083] In one embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown, the self-locking member 13 includes:

[0084] The locking post 131 includes a first end 1311 , a second end 1312 , and a third end 1313 ; the second end 1312 is configured to be inserted into the gap 40 ;

[0085] A first spring 132, one end of which is fixed to the end cap 12, and the other end of which is sleeved outside the third end 1313;

[0086] External force drives the first end 1311 to cause the first spring 132 to expand and contract, thereby causing the locking column 131 to move. Figure 8 、 Figure 9 As shown, the outer surface of the nut member 11 and the extension 21 at the end of the rotating shaft 20 together form a gap 40, and the second end 1312 of the self-locking member 13 engages in the gap 40 to achieve self-locking. Since the second end 1312 is locked by abutting the end of the extension 21 away from the end cap 12, the end surface of the second end 1312 can abut or not abut the side surface of the rotating shaft 20. Because the movement of the second end 1312 toward the rotating shaft 20 within the gap 40 requires overcoming the friction between the second end 1312 and the gap 40, the self-locking member 13 needs to have a corresponding rebound force. To reduce the requirement for the resilience of the self-locking member 13, the end surface of the second end 1312 does not abut against the side surface of the rotating shaft 20. To stabilize the movement of the self-locking member 13 toward the rotating shaft 20, when the second end 1312 of the self-locking member 13 extends into the gap 40 and can firmly abut against the extension 21, the first end 1311 of the self-locking member 13 abuts against the inner wall of the through-slot 121. At this time, a gap exists between the end surface of the second end 1312 facing the rotating shaft 20 and the outer surface of the rotating shaft 20. A first spring 132 is provided. When the lock post 131 is driven by an external force, the first spring 132 is compressed, allowing the lock post 131 to move away from the rotating shaft 20, thereby achieving unlocking. When the external force is removed, the restoring force of the first spring 132 drives the lock post 131 toward the rotating shaft 20, engaging the gap 40 between the nut member 11 and the extension 21, thereby achieving locking.

[0087] In one embodiment, if Figure 8 、 Figure 9 As shown, the end cap 12 has a cavity 122. The self-locking member 13 is positioned within the cavity 122, with one end abutting or engaging a side wall of the cavity 122 for securement. An opening 123 is provided on the side wall of the cavity 122 facing the inner cylinder 30, allowing the end of the rotating shaft 20 to extend therethrough. Specifically, the provision of cavity 122 to accommodate the self-locking member 13 serves to conceal the self-locking member 13 for aesthetic purposes, while also preventing it from being exposed and potentially damaged or knocked off by external forces. During assembly, the end of the rotating shaft 20 extends through opening 123 into the cavity 122, mating with the self-locking member 13 to achieve locking.

[0088] In one embodiment, if Figure 9 As shown, the end cap 12 is an integrally formed part, and the self-locking member 13 can be installed into the cavity 122 through the opening 123. In another embodiment, the side wall of the cavity 122 facing the inner cylinder 30 is a detachable thin plate structure, which is installed after the self-locking member 13 is assembled.

[0089] In one embodiment, if Figure 9 、 Figure 10As shown, the opening 123 includes a first opening portion 1231 and a first opening portion 1232 that are connected to each other. The first opening portion 1232 has a circular outline for the rotating shaft 20 to pass through; the first opening portion 1232 has a rectangular outline to facilitate the movement of the second end 1312 of the self-locking member 13 away from or close to the rotating shaft 20.

[0090] Furthermore, if Figure 9 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 As shown, the through-slot 121 is provided on a side wall of the cavity 122 facing away from the inner cylinder 30. When the nut assembly 10 is threaded onto the end of the rotating shaft 20, the side wall of the cavity 122 facing away from the inner cylinder 30 faces the user, and the through-slot 121 is provided on this side wall, that is, the second end 1312 of the self-locking member 13 faces the user, making it easy for the user to unlock the lock by moving the second end 1312. In another embodiment, the through-slot 121 is provided on a peripheral side wall of the cavity 122, so that the user can feel and find the second end 1312 of the self-locking member 13 and then unlock the lock by moving the second end 1312.

[0091] In one embodiment, if Figure 7 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 As shown, the through slot 121 is L-shaped. To unlock, an external force moves the second end 1312 along the contour of the through slot 121 and abuts against the inner corner of the through slot 121. The user then releases the second end 1312, facilitating operation. Furthermore, the through slot 121 is L-shaped, requiring an external force to move the second end 1312 of the self-locking member 13 along the L-shaped path. This requires a specific direction of movement, while the movement of clothing during operation is highly variable. This prevents clothing from striking the second end 1312 and causing erroneous unlocking.

[0092] In one embodiment, if Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown, it also includes an elastic top member 14, one end of which is against the outer wall of the bottom of the inner tube 30, and the other end is facing the self-locking member 13;

[0093] When the nut assembly 10 is assembled on the rotating shaft 20, the self-locking member 13 compresses the elastic top member 14; when unlocked, the elastic top member 14 pushes the self-locking member 13 away. The elastic top member 14 plays a role in assisting the self-locking member 13 to be ejected, driving the self-locking member 13 to move away from the inner cylinder 30 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 20, freeing the user's hands and eliminating the need for the user to remove the end cap 12 while moving the self-locking member 13, thereby simplifying the operation. In a specific embodiment, the end cap 12 is provided with a cavity 122, and the self-locking member 13 is disposed in the cavity 122. When the elastic top member 14 rebounds, it presses against the outer wall of the cavity 122, and the end cap 12 is ejected together with the self-locking member 13.

[0094] In one embodiment, the elastic top member 14 includes:

[0095] The second spring 141 is sleeved on the outside of the nut 11;

[0096] A cover 142, which covers an end of the second spring 141 facing the end cap 12;

[0097] When the second spring 141 rebounds, it abuts the inner surface of the cover 142, pushing the end cap 12 open through the cover 142. Specifically, the deformation force of the second spring 141 is compressed when the self-locking member 13 is locked, storing the deformation recovery force. When the self-locking member 13 is unlocked, the deformation recovery force of the second spring 141 is restored to form a propulsion force toward the end cap 12. The cover 142 has a simple structure and is less expensive to replace than the end cap 12. The impact force of the second spring 141 when it rebounds is absorbed by the cover 142, preventing scratches on the end cap 12 and extending the service life of the end cap 12.

[0098] In one embodiment, the cover 142 is a flat plate structure, covering one end of the second spring 141. In another embodiment, as Figure 8 、 Figure 9 As shown, the peripheral contour of the cover 142 extends toward the second spring 141 to form a rim 1421 to surround the end of the second spring 141 .

[0099] Furthermore, the elastic top member 14 also includes a fixing member 143, which is sleeved on the outside of the nut member 11 and abuts against the bottom outer wall of the inner tube 30. One end of the second spring 141 abuts against the fixing member 143. When the second spring 141 expands and contracts, a force is applied to the fixing member 143 to prevent it from scratching the outer wall of the inner tube 30.

[0100] Furthermore, if Figure 7 、 Figure 9 As shown, the fixing member 143 includes a contact plate 1431 and a protrusion 1432. The contact plate 1431 contacts the outer wall of the bottom of the inner cylinder 30, and the protrusion 1432 surrounds the end of the nut member 11 facing the inner cylinder 30 to reduce the scratching of the nut member 11 during the expansion and contraction of the second spring 141.

[0101] In one embodiment, the nut member 11 and the end cap 12 are integrally formed, simplifying assembly. To enhance the assembly strength of the nut member 11, the nut member 11 and the end cap 12 are formed as a single metal piece. In this embodiment, when the nut assembly 10 is provided with an elastic top member 14, the opening 123 of the end cap 12 is larger, allowing the elastic top member 14 to directly contact the self-locking member 13 upon rebounding, thereby moving the self-locking member 13 away from the end of the rotating shaft 20 and facilitating removal of the nut assembly 10.

[0102] In yet another embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, the nut 11 and the end cap 12 are separate assembly parts. In order to improve the assembly strength of the nut 11, the nut 11 is a metal part; in order to save costs, the end cap 12 is a plastic part.

[0103] Furthermore, the end cap 12 is locked on the rotating shaft 20 by the self-locking piece 13 and is fixed to the outside of the nut member 11; or, the end cap 12 is clamped on the outer wall of the bottom of the inner cylinder 30 and the self-locking piece 13 is locked on the rotating shaft 20; or, the nut assembly 10 is also provided with a fixed block, which is assembled outside the nut member 11 or movably arranged outside the nut member 11, and the end cap 12 is connected to the fixed block and the self-locking piece 13 is locked on the rotating shaft 20.

[0104] Example 3

[0105] The present invention provides a washing machine, such as Figures 1 to 12 As shown, it includes a motor, a rotating shaft 20, an inner drum 30, and the self-locking quick-release nut for the inner drum of a washing machine as described above; one end of the rotating shaft 20 is coaxially connected to the motor, and the other end extends from the outside of the bottom of the inner drum 30 into the inner drum 30. The rotating shaft 20 is used to transmit the rotational driving force of the motor to the inner drum 30; the nut assembly 10 is threaded onto the rotating shaft 20 from the inside of the inner drum 30 and locked on the rotating shaft 20 to quickly fix the inner drum 30 to the rotating shaft 20. Self-locking is achieved by the self-locking member 13 of the nut assembly 10 to improve the stability of the assembly of the inner drum 30 and the rotating shaft 20; the elasticity of the self-locking member 13 is utilized to achieve unlocking, thereby realizing the quick release of the inner drum 30.

[0106] In one embodiment, if Figure 12 As shown, the washing machine 100 includes a flange 50 fixed to the outer wall of the bottom of the inner drum 30 and sleeved on the rotating shaft 20. The flange 50 supports the inner drum 30 and transmits the rotational driving force of the rotating shaft 20 to the inner drum 30.

[0107] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the present invention in any form. Any ordinary technician in this industry can smoothly implement the present invention as shown in the drawings and the above. However, any equivalent changes, modifications and evolutions made by technicians familiar with this profession without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention using the technical content disclosed above are all equivalent embodiments of the present invention. At the same time, any equivalent changes, modifications and evolutions made to the above embodiments based on the essential technology of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-locking quick-release nut for the inner drum of a washing machine, characterized in that: It comprises a nut member (11) and a self-locking member (13); the nut member (11) is used to fix the end of the rotating shaft (20) from inside the inner drum (30) of the washing machine and press against the inner drum (30) to install the inner drum (30); wherein, When the nut member (11) abuts against the inner cylinder (30), the self-locking member (13) is inserted into the gap between the nut member (11) and the extension portion (21) at the end of the rotating shaft (20) to lock the nut member (11) to the bottom wall of the inner cylinder (30); When unlocking, the self-locking member (13) is pulled out to loosen the nut member (11); It also includes an end cap (12) which surrounds the nut member (11); the end cap (12) is provided with a guide rail, and the self-locking member (13) is an elastic member, one end of which extends into the guide rail; an external force drives the end of the self-locking member (13) to move in the guide rail, so that the self-locking member (13) is away from the rotating shaft (20); the self-locking member (13) is fixed in the end cap (12); the guide rail is a through slot (121); one end of the self-locking member (13) extends out of the through slot (121), and the end is moved to move the self-locking member (13); It also includes a fixing block (15), the outer peripheral side of which is slidably connected or screwed to the inner surface of the end cap (12); the self-locking member (13) is fixed to the fixing block (15); the fixing block (15) is provided with a through hole (151) for the end of the rotating shaft (20) to extend therein; The guide rail is a groove (124); one end of the self-locking member (13) is inserted into the groove (124); an external force drives the end cap (12) to rotate relative to the fixed block (15), causing the groove (124) to rotate to drive the self-locking member (13) to move.

2. The self-locking quick-release nut for the inner drum of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the groove (124) against which the end of the self-locking member (13) abuts is a curved surface.

3. The self-locking quick-release nut for the inner drum of a washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner surface of the end cap (12) is provided with a protrusion (125), and the outer peripheral side of the fixing block (15) is provided with a clamping groove (152); the protrusion (125) is clamped into the clamping groove (152).

4. The self-locking quick-release nut for a washing machine inner drum according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The self-locking member (13) comprises: The locking column (131) comprises a first end (1311), a second end (1312), and a third end (1313); the second end (1312) is used to be inserted into the gap; A first spring (132), one end of which is used for fixing, and the other end of which is sleeved on the outside of the third end (1313); External force drives the first end (1311) to cause the first spring (132) to expand and contract, thereby causing the locking column (131) to move.

5. The self-locking quick-release nut for a washing machine inner drum according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: It also includes an elastic top member (14), one end of which abuts against the outer wall of the bottom of the inner cylinder (30) and the other end faces the self-locking member (13); When the nut assembly (10) is assembled on the rotating shaft (20), the self-locking member (13) compresses the elastic top member (14); when unlocked, the elastic top member (14) pushes away the self-locking member (13).

6. A washing machine, characterized in that The invention comprises a motor, a rotating shaft (20), an inner drum (30), and a self-locking quick-release nut for a washing machine inner drum according to any one of claims 1 to 5; one end of the rotating shaft (20) is coaxially connected to the motor, and the other end extends from the outside of the bottom of the inner drum (30) into the inner drum (30); the nut assembly (10) is screwed to the rotating shaft (20) from the inside of the inner drum (30) and locked on the rotating shaft (20).

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