A washing machine

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and discloses a washing machine, which comprises an outer drum, an inner drum rotatably arranged in the outer drum, an inner drum drain port arranged on the bottom of the inner drum, an inner drum shaft connected with the inner drum and used for driving the inner drum to rotate, a water sealing cover assembly installed on the bottom of the inner drum and sleeved on the inner drum shaft, one end of the water sealing cover assembly close to the inner drum being sealingly connected with the bottom of the inner drum, a pull ring assembly sleeved on the inner drum shaft and used for pulling the water sealing cover assembly to move along the inner drum shaft, a sealing part arranged on the inner side of the bottom of the outer drum and surrounding the inner drum shaft, and a sealing piece arranged on the end of the water sealing cover assembly away from the inner drum; the pull ring assembly pulls the water sealing cover assembly to move in the direction away from the inner drum to open the inner drum drain port, the sealing piece is abutted against the sealing part of the bottom of the outer drum, and a sealing chamber in communication with the inner drum is formed on the inner side of the water sealing cover assembly. The washing machine realizes the waterless structure between the drums, the sealing performance of the sealing chamber is enhanced by the arrangement of the sealing piece, and the water leakage of the inner drum is effectively prevented.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Traditional washing machines mostly consist of an inner tub and an outer tub that are connected to each other. During operation, the outer tub holds the washing water, while the inner tub holds the clothes to be washed. The washing water can also exist between the inner and outer tubs. However, the space between the inner and outer tubs is not fully utilized during operation, resulting in excessive water consumption and waste. Furthermore, as the washing machine runs for longer periods, dirt and lint from the washing water accumulate in the space between the inner and outer tubs, making it difficult to clean. This leads to the growth of bacteria and odors over time, affecting the hygiene of the washed clothes.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technology proposes a washing machine without a drain hole on the inner tub, allowing the inner tub to hold water independently during washing / rinsing, eliminating water accumulation between the inner and outer tubs. This waterless structure saves water consumption and prevents the buildup of dirt between the tubs. However, traditional washing machines drain water through the outer tub; in the aforementioned waterless structure, the traditional drainage method is no longer applicable due to the absence of water in the outer tub.

[0004] To address this, some new structures have been proposed. For example, a water-sealing structure is installed below the inner tub and dynamically sealed to a corresponding structure on the outer tub, thus forming a relatively small cavity between the inner and outer tubs. This cavity is connected to the interior of the inner tub, allowing drainage. Furthermore, the small amount of water stored within the cavity prevents water waste and does not affect the relative rotation of the inner and outer tubs.

[0005] However, the service life of dynamic sealing connection structures is limited, especially in working environments with high water pressure. After prolonged use, the sealing effect is more likely to deteriorate, leading to problems such as water seepage and leakage.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a washing machine with a waterless structure between the tubs. Through the cooperation of the water-sealing cover assembly, the pull ring assembly and the sealing part on the outer tub, a sealed chamber communicating with the inner tub is formed when the washing machine needs to drain water. Drainage is carried out through this sealed chamber. The sealing chamber is firm and the structure is more reliable, thus avoiding the occurrence of water leakage from the inner tub.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0009] A washing machine, comprising:

[0010] Outer drum;

[0011] The inner tub is rotatably installed inside the outer tub, and a drain outlet for the inner tub is located on the bottom of the inner tub.

[0012] Inner tub shaft, connected to the inner tub, used to drive the inner tub to rotate;

[0013] The water-sealing cap assembly is installed at the bottom of the inner tub and sleeved on the inner tub shaft, with its end near the inner tub being sealed to the bottom of the inner tub.

[0014] The pull ring assembly is sleeved on the inner tub shaft and is used to pull the water seal cap assembly to move along the inner tub axis;

[0015] A sealing part surrounding the inner barrel shaft is provided on the inner side of the bottom of the outer barrel, and a sealing element is provided at the end of the water sealing cover assembly away from the inner barrel; the pull ring assembly pulls the water sealing cover assembly to move away from the inner barrel to open the drain port of the inner barrel, and the sealing element abuts against the sealing part at the bottom of the outer barrel, forming a sealed chamber communicating with the inner barrel on the inner side of the water sealing cover assembly.

[0016] Furthermore, the sealing part has an annular water-sealing surface facing the bottom of the inner barrel, and the sealing member abuts against the sealing part and seals against the annular water-sealing surface;

[0017] Preferably, the sealing element is an annular sealing gasket made of elastic material, which is in contact with the annular sealing surface and deformed by the pressure of the sealing part.

[0018] Furthermore, the sealing part protrudes from the inner surface of the bottom of the outer barrel, and the top surface of the protrusion forms the annular water-sealing surface.

[0019] Furthermore, the water-sealing cap assembly includes:

[0020] The sealing section is used to block the drain outlet of the inner tub.

[0021] The sleeve section extends from the water-sealing section away from the inner tub;

[0022] The mating part is provided at the extended end of the sleeve part and extends from the outer wall of the sleeve part to the outer periphery;

[0023] The pull ring assembly pulls the mating part away from the inner tub along the inner tub axis, causing the sealing part to separate from the inner tub drain outlet to open the inner tub drain outlet; the sealing element is provided on the surface of the mating part facing the bottom of the outer tub.

[0024] Preferably, the water-sealing part is formed by extending from the inner wall of the sleeve part inward.

[0025] Furthermore, the water-sealing cap assembly also includes a retractable corrugated tube, one end of which is sealed to the bottom of the inner barrel, and the water-sealing part and the sleeve part are located inside the corrugated tube;

[0026] The other end of the corrugated pipe is connected to the mating part and moves along the inner barrel axially with the mating part; or, the inner side of the other end of the corrugated pipe is connected to the end of the sleeve part away from the inner barrel, and the outer side extends outward to form the mating part.

[0027] Furthermore, the sealing cap assembly also includes an elastic element for maintaining the sealing part in blocking the drain outlet of the inner tub, wherein the vertical projection of the elastic element on the bottom of the inner tub coincides at least with the center of the drain outlet of the inner tub.

[0028] Furthermore, a mounting component is fixedly connected to the bottom of the inner tub. One end of the mounting component is connected between the inner tub shaft and the inner tub drain outlet, and extends a certain length from the bottom of the inner tub to the bottom of the outer tub. The extended end extends towards the outer periphery of the inner tub, forming a fixed part that is opposite to and spaced apart from the water-sealing part. The elastic element is disposed between the water-sealing part and the fixed part.

[0029] Preferably, the fixing part is provided with a fixing hole, the water sealing part is provided with a columnar mounting part, and the columnar mounting part is slidably inserted into the fixing hole; the elastic element is sleeved on the columnar mounting part, one end of which abuts against the fixing part, and the other end of which abuts against the water sealing part.

[0030] Furthermore, the pull ring assembly includes:

[0031] An annular pull ring is fitted onto the sleeve portion and moves axially along the inner barrel, pulling the mating part away from the inner barrel.

[0032] The driving mechanism includes a ring magnet and an electromagnetic coil arranged coaxially. The ring magnet is disposed inside the outer tub. The outer periphery of the ring pull ring is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the ring magnet. The electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field, causing the ring magnet to drive the ring pull ring to move away from the inner tub along the axial direction of the inner tub.

[0033] Preferably, an elastic reset member is provided between the annular magnet and the inner surface of the bottom of the outer barrel. When the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil disappears, the elastic reset member drives the annular magnet to move closer to the inner barrel to reset.

[0034] Furthermore, the bottom of the outer barrel is partially recessed towards the inside of the outer barrel, forming an annular mounting groove that opens towards the outside of the outer barrel, and the electromagnetic coil is disposed within the annular mounting groove.

[0035] Furthermore, it also includes a water level detection device, the detection end of which is connected to the interior of the sealed chamber. Preferably, the water level detection device includes:

[0036] The air chamber is connected to the sealed chamber;

[0037] The water level sensor is connected to the air chamber via a pressure-conducting pipe;

[0038] More preferably, a first drain outlet is provided on the bottom of the outer barrel, and the air chamber is connected to the sealed chamber through the first drain outlet; the first drain outlet is located between the sealing part and the inner barrel shaft.

[0039] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0040] In this invention, the pull ring assembly pulls the water-sealing cap assembly to form a sealed chamber. This sealed chamber connects to the washing machine's drainage structure, enabling more efficient drainage. A sealing element is installed on the water-sealing cap assembly, which abuts against the sealing part on the bottom of the outer tub. The two adhere and press against each other to achieve a seal, making the seal more reliable and preventing leakage. During washing / rinsing, the sealing element separates from the sealing part, and the water-sealing cap assembly blocks the inner tub's drain outlet, allowing the inner tub to hold water independently. This prevents the sealed structure formed by the sealing element and the sealing part from being subjected to high water pressure for extended periods, thus extending its service life.

[0041] In this invention, the force applied by the elastic element to the water-sealing part acts directly on the position corresponding to the drain outlet of the inner tub, which can better assist the water-sealing part in sealing the drain outlet of the inner tub and ensure the sealing performance of the drain outlet of the inner tub during washing / rinsing. The annular magnet of the drive mechanism is set inside the outer tub and is directly connected to the annular pull ring used to pull the water-sealing cap assembly. The structure is simple, and only the annular magnet needs to be positioned during assembly to ensure accurate installation of the annular pull ring, thus simplifying the assembly steps.

[0042] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the washing machine in an embodiment of the present invention (washing / rinsing state and spin-drying state);

[0045] Figure 2 In this invention Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0046] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the washing machine in an embodiment of the present invention (water inlet state and water outlet state);

[0047] Figure 4 In this invention Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0048] In the diagram: 100, Inner tub; 110, Bottom of the inner tub; 111, Drain outlet of the inner tub; 120, Impeller; 130, Balance ring; 140, Inner tub shaft; 150, Mounting component; 151, Fixing part; 200, Outer tub; 210, Bottom of the outer tub; 211, First drain outlet; 212, Second drain outlet; 220, Sealing part; 221, Annular sealing surface; 230, Annular mounting groove; 300, Sealing cover assembly; 310, Sealing element; 320. Water sealing part; 321. Columnar mounting part; 330. Sleeve part; 340. Fitting part; 350. Bellows; 360. Compression spring; 400. Pull ring assembly; 410. Annular pull ring; 420. Annular magnet; 430. Electromagnetic coil; 440. Compression spring; 510. Drain pipe; 520. Drain valve; 610. Reducer; 620. Motor; 710. Air chamber; 720. Pressure guide pipe; 730. Water level sensor.

[0049] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0052] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a washing machine, including an outer tub 200 and an inner tub 100 coaxially arranged, and an inner tub shaft 140 connected to the inner tub 100. A rotatable impeller 120 is provided at the bottom of the inner tub 100, and a motor 620 is provided below the outer tub 200. The motor 620 drives the inner tub shaft 140 to rotate through a reducer 610, thereby causing the inner tub 100 to rotate within the outer tub 200, and can also drive the impeller 120 to rotate through the motor 620.

[0054] The inner tub 100 has a ring of drainage holes only on its wall near the balance ring 130, while the portion below the highest water level in the inner tub 100 is non-perforated. An inner tub drain outlet 111 is provided on the bottom 110 of the inner tub; one or more drain outlets 111 can be provided, for example, 1-4. When multiple drain outlets 111 are provided, they are distributed circumferentially around the inner tub shaft 140 along the inner tub 100. Preferably, three inner tub drain outlets 111 are evenly distributed circumferentially on the bottom 110 of the inner tub 100.

[0055] A water-sealing cap assembly 300 is provided below the inner tub 100. The water-sealing cap assembly 300 can block the drain outlet 111 of the inner tub during the washing / rinsing process of the washing machine. With the above structure, the inner tub 100 can independently hold the washing / rinsing water during the washing / rinsing process of the washing machine, thereby preventing water from accumulating between the inner tub 100 and the outer tub 200, avoiding the problem of dirt residue between the tubs, and saving water consumption.

[0056] In this embodiment, the water-sealing cap assembly 300 is installed at the bottom of the inner tub 100 and sleeved on the inner tub shaft 140, with its upper end sealed to the bottom 110 of the inner tub. The washing machine also includes a pull ring assembly 400, which is also sleeved on the inner tub shaft 140 and is used to pull the water-sealing cap assembly 300 to move axially along the inner tub 100.

[0057] A sealing element 310 is provided at the lower end of the water-sealing cap assembly 300, and a sealing part 220 surrounding the inner barrel shaft 140 is provided on the inner side of the bottom 210 of the outer barrel. Pulling the water-sealing cap assembly 300 downward with the pull ring assembly 400 can open the drain port 111 of the inner barrel. At the same time, the water-sealing cap assembly 300 moves downward, causing the sealing element 310 to stop against the sealing part 220. The two are sealed and fitted together, forming a sealed chamber communicating with the inner barrel 100 on the inner side of the water-sealing cap assembly 300.

[0058] A first drain outlet 211 is provided on the bottom 210 of the outer tub, between the sealing part 220 and the outer wall of the inner tub shaft 140. The first drain outlet 211 is located in the aforementioned sealed chamber and is connected to the drain valve 520. The outlet of the drain valve 520 is connected to the drain pipe 510 of the washing machine. When the washing machine drains, the control pull ring assembly 400 pulls down the water sealing cover assembly 300, which opens the drain outlet 111 of the inner tub. At the same time, the sealing member 310 abuts against the sealing part 220 to achieve a seal, allowing water in the inner tub 100 to enter the sealed chamber. Then, the control drain valve 520 is opened, and the water in the inner tub 100 is discharged through the first drain outlet 211 and the drain valve 520, and finally discharged through the drain pipe 510.

[0059] The washing machine in this embodiment also includes a water level detection device, the detection end of which is connected to the interior of the sealed chamber. Before the washing machine starts filling with water, the control pull ring assembly 400 pulls down the water sealing cover assembly 300 to open the inner tub drain outlet 111, and makes the sealing member 310 and the sealing part 220 seal and fit together to form a sealed chamber. The drain valve 520 remains closed, disconnecting the first drain outlet 211 from the outside of the washing machine.

[0060] The water level detection device specifically includes an air chamber 710, a pressure-conducting pipe 720, and a water level sensor 730. The air chamber 710 is connected to the sealed chamber via a first drain outlet 211, and the water level sensor 730 is connected to the air chamber 710 via the pressure-conducting pipe 720. During the water intake process of the washing machine, the sealed chamber below the inner tub 100 is filled with water. The water level detection device can determine the water level in the inner tub 100 by detecting the water pressure within the sealed chamber, thereby controlling the water intake of the washing machine.

[0061] In the above solution, the washing machine controls the pull ring assembly 400 to pull down the sealing cap assembly 300 only during the water inlet and drainage processes. That is, the seal 310 only cooperates with the sealing part 220 to provide a sealing function during the water inlet and drainage processes. During washing and rinsing, the seal 310 separates from the sealing part 220 and does not contact it. This avoids the seal 310 from continuously performing its sealing function under high water pressure for extended periods, providing a certain degree of protection for the seal 310, extending its service life, and making the washing machine's structure more reliable.

[0062] In this specific embodiment, the sealing part 220 has an annular structure and protrudes from the inner surface of the bottom 210 of the outer barrel. The top surface of the protrusion forms an annular water-sealing surface 221 facing the bottom 110 of the inner barrel. When the sealing member 310 moves downward with the water-sealing cap assembly 300 and abuts against the sealing part 220, it seals and fits tightly against the annular water-sealing surface 221.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing element 310 is an annular sealing gasket made of a deformable elastic material. When the pull ring assembly 400 pulls down the sealing cap assembly 300 to make the sealing element 310 fit against the annular sealing surface 221, the sealing element 310 is deformed by the sealing part 220 to achieve a seal, resulting in a better sealing effect.

[0064] In the above solution, the seal 310 and the sealing part 220 form a static seal structure, which can withstand greater water pressure and virtually eliminates the possibility of leakage or seepage. Simultaneously, they achieve a seal through close contact when close together and release the seal when they move away from each other. During the washing machine's operation, there is virtually no relative sliding between the seal 310 and the sealing part 220, thus minimizing wear on the seal 310 and ensuring its sealing effectiveness. Especially during the water intake process, this effectively prevents leaks in the inner tub 100 caused by incomplete sealing of the sealing chamber.

[0065] In a further embodiment, the water-sealing cap assembly 300 specifically includes:

[0066] Water sealing section 320, used to seal the drain outlet 111 of the inner tank;

[0067] The sleeve portion 330 extends downward from the water-sealing portion 320;

[0068] The mating part 340 is provided at the lower end of the sleeve part 330 and is formed by extending outward from the outer wall of the sleeve part 330.

[0069] Pull ring assembly 400 pulls down the mating part 340, causing the sealing part 320 to separate from the inner tub drain outlet 111, thereby opening the inner tub drain outlet 111. The sealing element 310 is disposed on the lower surface of the mating part 340. When the sealing cap assembly 300 moves to its lowest position, the mating part 340 and the sealing part 220 tend to move closer together to compress the sealing element 310, thereby achieving a sealing effect.

[0070] Furthermore, the water-sealing part 320 is provided at the upper end of the sleeve part 330, extending from the inner wall of the sleeve part 330 into its interior, covering the location of the inner barrel drain outlet 111, thereby sealing the inner barrel drain outlet 111.

[0071] In this embodiment, the mating part 340 forms an annular support around the lower end of the sleeve part 330. The pull ring assembly 400 pulls the water-sealing part 320 downwards and separates it from the inner barrel drain outlet 111 by pressing down on the annular support.

[0072] Multiple water-sealing sections 320 can be spaced out along the circumference of the sleeve section 330, corresponding one-to-one with the drain outlet 111 of the inner tank. Alternatively, the water-sealing section 320 can be configured as an annular plate-shaped water-sealing cover. Configuring the water-sealing section 320 as an annular structure is more conducive to enhancing the overall strength of the water-sealing cover assembly 300.

[0073] In a further embodiment, the water-sealing cap assembly 300 also includes a retractable corrugated pipe 350. The upper end of the corrugated pipe 350 is sealed to the bottom 110 of the inner tub, and the lower end is connected to the mating part 340, moving axially along the inner tub 100 with the mating part 340. The water-sealing part 320 and the sleeve part 330 of the water-sealing cap assembly 300 are both located inside the corrugated pipe 350.

[0074] In another embodiment, the lower end of the corrugated pipe 350 can be integrally formed to form the mating part 340. Specifically, the inner side of the lower end of the corrugated pipe 350 extends inward to connect with the lower end of the sleeve part 330, and the outer side extends outward a certain distance to form a ring-shaped mating part 340.

[0075] In this embodiment, the sealing cap assembly 300 also includes an elastic element for maintaining the sealing part 320 in sealing the inner tub drain outlet 111. In this embodiment, a compression spring 360 is used as the elastic element. When the pull ring assembly 400 pulls the sealing cap assembly 300 downwards, the compression spring 360 is compressed. When the pull ring assembly 400 stops acting on the sealing cap assembly 300, the compression spring 360 can push the sealing part 320 upwards, thereby achieving automatic reset of the sealing cap assembly 300. Simultaneously, with the sealing part 320 sealing the inner tub drain outlet 111, the compression spring 360 also applies an upward force to the sealing part 320, thereby providing auxiliary sealing force for sealing the inner tub drain outlet 111, resulting in better sealing performance between the sealing part 320 and the inner tub drain outlet 111.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the compression spring 360 is positioned directly below the drain outlet 111 of the inner tub. The elastic force generated by the compression spring 360 acts directly on the water-sealing part 320 used to seal the drain outlet 111 of the inner tub, which improves the effect of sealing the drain outlet 111 of the inner tub and can effectively ensure the sealing performance of the drain outlet 111 of the inner tub during washing / rinsing.

[0077] In a further embodiment, a mounting component 150 is fixedly connected to the bottom 110 of the inner barrel for installing a water-sealing cap assembly 300.

[0078] Specifically, one end of the mounting component 150 is connected to the position between the inner tub shaft 140 and the inner tub drain outlet 111 on the bottom 110 of the inner tub. It extends downward from the bottom 110 of the inner tub by a certain length, and then extends further outward towards the outer periphery of the inner tub 100, forming a fixing part 151 that is opposite to and spaced apart from the sealing part 320. A compression spring 360 is disposed between the sealing part 320 and the fixing part 151, applying a spring force to the sealing part 320 away from the fixing part 151.

[0079] A fixing hole is provided on the fixing part 151, and a columnar mounting part 321 extending downward from its lower surface is provided on the water sealing part 320. The columnar mounting part 321 is slidably inserted into the fixing hole, thereby installing the water sealing cover assembly 300 at the bottom of the inner barrel 100 and allowing the water sealing cover assembly 300 to move up and down along the axial direction of the inner barrel 100.

[0080] A compression spring 360 is fitted onto the columnar mounting portion 321, with its lower end abutting against the upper surface of the fixing portion 151 and the lower surface of the sealing portion 320. When the sealing cap assembly 300 moves downwards, the sealing portion 320 moves closer to the fixing portion 151, compressing the compression spring 360. The pull ring assembly 400 stops acting on the sealing cap assembly 300, and the compression spring 360 pushes the sealing portion 320 away from the fixing portion 151, causing the sealing cap assembly 300 to move upwards and reset. After the sealing portion 320 contacts the inner tub drain outlet 111, an upward force continues to be applied to the sealing portion 320 to seal the inner tub drain outlet 111.

[0081] In this embodiment, the pull ring assembly 400 specifically includes an annular pull ring 410 for pulling the water seal cap assembly 300, and a drive mechanism for driving the annular pull ring 410 to move up and down.

[0082] The annular pull ring 410 is sleeved on the sleeve portion 330 of the water-sealing cap assembly 300 and partially overlaps with the mating portion 340 in the vertical direction. The annular pull ring 410 moves downward along the axial direction of the inner tub 100, which can pull the mating portion 340 away from the inner tub 100, thereby causing the water-sealing portion 320 to separate from the drain outlet 111 of the inner tub, and the sealing member 310 stops downward against the sealing portion 220.

[0083] Specifically, the inner diameter of the annular pull ring 410 is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve portion 330, but smaller than the outer diameter of the mating portion 340. In this way, the annular pull ring 410 is spaced apart from the outer wall of the sleeve portion 330, allowing the water-sealing cap assembly 300 to rotate relative to the annular pull ring 410, while ensuring that the annular pull ring 410 can pull the water-sealing cap assembly 300 downwards. During the washing / rinsing or spin-drying process of the washing machine, the annular pull ring 410 separates from the mating portion 340, and the inner side of the annular pull ring 410 does not contact the outer wall of the sleeve portion 330, thus not affecting the rotation of the water-sealing cap assembly 300 with the inner tub 100.

[0084] The drive mechanism of the pull ring assembly 400 specifically includes a ring magnet 420 and an electromagnetic coil 430 arranged coaxially. The ring magnet 420 is disposed inside the outer barrel 200, the outer periphery of the ring pull ring 410 is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the ring magnet 420, and the electromagnetic coil 430 is fixedly installed on the outer barrel 200.

[0085] When the electromagnetic coil 430 is energized, it generates a magnetic field. Under the action of the magnetic field, the annular magnet 420 moves downward along the axial direction of the inner tub 100, thereby driving the annular pull ring 410 to move downward away from the inner tub 100, thereby pulling down the water-sealing cover assembly 300 to open the drain outlet 111 of the inner tub and forming a sealed chamber below the inner tub 100.

[0086] An elastic reset element is provided between the annular magnet 420 and the inner surface of the outer barrel bottom 210. This element is used to move the annular magnet 420 upwards to reset it after the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 430 disappears. In this embodiment, the elastic reset element is a compression spring 440 installed between the annular magnet 420 and the outer barrel bottom 210. When the electromagnetic coil 430 is energized, it generates a magnetic field, causing the annular magnet 420 to move downwards and compress the compression spring 440. When the electromagnetic coil 430 is de-energized, the generated magnetic field disappears, and the compression spring 440 pushes the annular magnet 420 upwards to reset it.

[0087] In this embodiment, the electromagnetic coil 430 is installed on the outside of the outer tub 200, so it will not come into contact with water during the washing machine's operation, thus eliminating the need for sealing. To ensure that the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 430 can effectively act on the annular magnet 420, the inner circumference of the electromagnetic coil 430 needs to be as close as possible to the outer circumference of the annular magnet 420. Therefore, a portion of the bottom 210 of the outer tub is recessed inwards towards the outer tub 200, forming an annular mounting groove 230 that opens outwards towards the outer tub 200. The electromagnetic coil 430 is disposed within the annular mounting groove 230. The annular mounting groove 230 forms an annular protrusion structure on the inner side of the bottom 210 of the outer tub. The annular magnet 420 is confined within the annular protrusion structure and can move up and down reciprocally.

[0088] In the above scheme, the movement of the annular pull ring 410 is driven by electromagnetic force. Direct contact between the annular magnet 420 and the electromagnetic coil 430 is not required. Therefore, the annular magnet 420 and the electromagnetic coil 430 can be respectively positioned on the inner and outer sides of the outer barrel bottom 210. This arrangement prevents the energized electromagnetic coil 430 from contacting the water, eliminating the need for sealing the electromagnetic coil 430. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for a connecting structure on the annular pull ring 410 that extends through the outer barrel bottom 210 to connect with the annular magnet 420, thus eliminating the need for an additional sealing structure on the outer barrel bottom 210.

[0089] On the other hand, the annular pull ring 410 is directly fixed to the annular magnet 420 and installed as a whole inside the outer tub 200. During assembly, the annular magnet 420 is directly positioned, ensuring that the annular pull ring 410 is installed in the accurate position and can move up and down to pull or release the water-sealing cover assembly 300. The structure of the washing machine is simpler, the assembly steps are simplified, and production costs are reduced.

[0090] In this embodiment, a second drain outlet 212 is also provided on the bottom 210 of the outer tub, and the second drain outlet 212 is connected to the drain pipe 510 of the washing machine. During the spin-drying process of the washing machine, the water extracted from the clothes rises along the tub wall of the inner tub 100, is thrown out through the spin-drying hole near the balance ring 130, and then flows into the outer tub 200. The water entering the outer tub 200 can flow out through the second drain outlet 212 and then be discharged through the drain pipe 510. The second drain outlet 212 is specifically located between the tub wall of the outer tub 200 and the annular mounting groove 230 on the bottom 210 of the outer tub, ensuring that the water entering the outer tub 200 through the spin-drying hole on the inner tub 100 can flow to the second drain outlet 212 for discharge.

[0091] In this embodiment, the working process of the washing machine specifically includes:

[0092] During the water intake process of the washing machine, the control solenoid coil 430 is energized, the pull ring assembly 400 pulls down the water sealing cover assembly 300, the inner tub drain outlet 111 opens, and the sealing element 310 and the annular water sealing surface 221 seal and fit together to form a sealed chamber, while the drain valve 520 remains closed; water enters the washing machine, allowing water to enter the sealed chamber, and the water level in the inner tub 100 is detected by the water level detection device;

[0093] During the washing / rinsing process of the washing machine, after the water intake is completed, the control electromagnetic coil 430 is de-energized, the pull ring assembly 400 releases the water sealing cover assembly 300, the water sealing cover assembly 300 resets upward to block the inner tub drain outlet 111 so that the inner tub 100 can hold water independently, and the seal 310 separates from the annular water sealing surface 221.

[0094] During the drainage process of the washing machine, the control electromagnetic coil 430 is energized, the pull ring assembly 400 pulls down the water sealing cover assembly 300, the seal 310 seals and fits tightly with the annular water sealing surface 221, the inner tub drain port 111 opens to connect the inner tub 100 with the sealed chamber; the drain valve 520 opens, and the water in the inner tub 100 flows through the first drain port 211, the drain valve 521 and the drain pipe 510 in sequence, and is discharged from the washing machine;

[0095] During the spin-drying process of the washing machine, after the drainage is completed, the control solenoid coil 430 is de-energized, the pull ring assembly 400 releases the water-sealing cover assembly 300, the water-sealing cover assembly 300 resets upwards, and the seal 310 separates from the annular water-sealing surface 221; the inner tub 100 rotates at high speed to spin-dry, and the water extracted from the clothes enters the outer tub 200 through the spin-drying hole, enters the drain pipe 510 through the second drain outlet 212, and is discharged from the washing machine.

[0096] In the washing machine of this embodiment, the inner tub 100 can independently hold water during the washing / rinsing process, keeping the inner tub 100 and the outer tub 200 dry, thus avoiding the problem of residual dirt and bacteria growth between the tubs, preventing clothes from being contaminated and improving the user experience.

[0097] During water intake, the pull ring assembly 400 can pull down the water-sealing cover assembly 300 to form a sealed chamber communicating with the inner tub 100. This sealed chamber allows for the detection of the water level in the inner tub 100, facilitating accurate control of the water intake of the washing machine. During drainage, the pull ring assembly 400 pulls the water-sealing cover assembly 300 to open the inner tub drain outlet 111, allowing water to drain outwards and improving drainage efficiency.

[0098] During washing / rinsing and spin-drying, the pull ring assembly 400 releases the water-sealing cap assembly 300, and there is no direct contact between the two, ensuring that the water-sealing cap assembly 300 can rotate smoothly with the inner tub 100.

[0099] In this embodiment, a sealing element 310 is provided at the lower end of the water sealing cover assembly 300. The sealing element 310 is squeezed and seals against the annular water sealing surface 221 on the bottom of the outer tub 210, thereby achieving the sealing of the sealed chamber. It can withstand greater water pressure without leakage or seepage, making the operation of the washing machine more reliable.

[0100] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising: Outer drum; The inner tub is rotatably installed inside the outer tub, and a drain outlet for the inner tub is located on the bottom of the inner tub. Inner tub shaft, connected to the inner tub, used to drive the inner tub to rotate; The water-sealing cap assembly is installed at the bottom of the inner tub and sleeved on the inner tub shaft, with its end near the inner tub being sealed to the bottom of the inner tub. The pull ring assembly is sleeved on the inner tub shaft and is used to pull the water sealing cap assembly to move along the inner tub axis; The water-sealing cap assembly is characterized in that it includes a water-sealing part for sealing the drain outlet of the inner tub, a sleeve part extending from the water-sealing part away from the inner tub, a mating part extending from the outer wall of the extended end of the sleeve part outward, and a compression spring for maintaining the water-sealing part in sealing the drain outlet of the inner tub; the compression spring is located directly below the drain outlet of the inner tub, and the elastic force generated therefrom acts directly on the water-sealing part. A sealing part is provided on the inner side of the bottom of the outer tub, surrounding the inner tub shaft and protruding from the inner surface of the outer tub bottom. The top surface of the protrusion forms an annular water-sealing surface. A sealing element is provided on the surface of the mating part facing the bottom of the outer tub. The pull ring assembly pulls the mating part away from the inner tub along the inner tub axis, causing the water-sealing part to separate from the inner tub drain outlet to open the inner tub drain outlet. The sealing element abuts against the sealing part and seals against the annular water-sealing surface, forming a sealed chamber communicating with the inner tub on the inner side of the water-sealing cover assembly. The sealing element and the sealing part have a static sealing structure, and there is basically no relative sliding between them during the operation of the washing machine.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing element is an annular sealing gasket made of elastic material. The annular sealing gasket is in contact with the annular sealing surface and deforms under the pressure of the sealing part.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mating part forms an annular support around the lower end of the sleeve part. The pull ring assembly presses down on the annular support and pulls the water-sealing part downward to separate it from the drain outlet of the inner barrel.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inner tub has multiple drain outlets, which are distributed around the inner tub axis along the circumference of the inner tub; the water-sealing part is formed by extending from the inner wall of the sleeve into its interior. Multiple water-sealing sections are spaced apart along the circumference of the sleeve, each corresponding to a drain outlet of the inner tub; or, the water-sealing section is a ring-shaped water-sealing cover.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The water-sealing cap assembly also includes a retractable corrugated tube, one end of which is sealed to the bottom of the inner barrel, and the water-sealing part and the sleeve part are located inside the corrugated tube. The other end of the corrugated pipe is connected to the mating part and moves along the inner barrel axially with the mating part; or, the inner side of the other end of the corrugated pipe is connected to the end of the sleeve part away from the inner barrel, and the outer side extends outward to form the mating part.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The water-sealing part is formed by extending from the inner wall of the sleeve part inward; a mounting component is fixedly connected to the bottom of the inner barrel, one end of which is connected between the inner barrel shaft and the inner barrel drain outlet, and extends a certain length from the bottom of the inner barrel to the bottom of the outer barrel, with the extended end extending towards the outer periphery of the inner barrel to form a fixed part that is opposite to and spaced apart from the water-sealing part; the compression spring is disposed between the water-sealing part and the fixed part.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fixing part is provided with a fixing hole, and the water sealing part is provided with a downwardly extending columnar mounting part, which is slidably inserted into the fixing hole; the compression spring is sleeved on the columnar mounting part, with one end abutting against the fixing part and the other end abutting against the water sealing part.

8. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pull ring assembly includes: An annular pull ring is fitted onto the sleeve portion and moves axially along the inner barrel, pulling the mating part away from the inner barrel. The driving mechanism includes a ring magnet and an electromagnetic coil arranged coaxially. The ring magnet is disposed inside the outer tub. The outer periphery of the ring pull ring is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the ring magnet. The electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field, causing the ring magnet to drive the ring pull ring to move away from the inner tub along the axial direction of the inner tub. The inner diameter of the annular pull ring is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve portion and smaller than the outer diameter of the mating portion, so that the annular pull ring and the outer wall of the sleeve portion are spaced apart.

9. The washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom of the outer barrel is partially recessed towards the inside of the outer barrel, forming an annular mounting groove that opens towards the outside of the outer barrel. The electromagnetic coil is disposed in the annular mounting groove. The annular mounting groove forms an annular protrusion structure on the inner side of the bottom of the outer barrel. The annular magnet is confined inside the annular protrusion structure and can move up and down reciprocally. A second drain outlet is provided on the bottom of the outer barrel, and the second drain outlet is located between the barrel wall of the outer barrel and the annular mounting groove on the bottom of the outer barrel; During the spin-drying process of the washing machine, the water that has been spun out is thrown out through the spin-drying hole near the balance ring on the inner tub, flows into the outer tub, and flows out through the second drain outlet.

10. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the outer tub is provided with a first drain outlet located between the sealing part and the outer wall of the inner tub shaft, and the drain pipe of the washing machine is connected to the sealing chamber through the first drain outlet; The water level detection device of the washing machine includes an air chamber, a pressure guiding pipe, and a water level sensor. The water level sensor is connected to the air chamber through the pressure guiding pipe. The air chamber is connected to the sealed chamber through the first drain outlet.

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