A gear set structure for a double drive washing machine

Abstract

The application discloses a gear set structure for a double-drive washing machine, and aims to solve the problem of the current double-drive washing machine drive structure adopting a planetary gear set scheme, too many gears and too many contact pairs. The application comprises an input shaft fixedly connected with a first input gear and a second input gear at two ends, an output shaft connected with a first output gear and a second output gear at two ends, and an intermediate shaft connected with a first intermediate gear and a second intermediate gear at two ends, wherein the first output gear and the output shaft drive an inner drum and a pulsator on the washing machine respectively, and axial movement of the output shaft or the second intermediate gear shaft enables the inner drum and the pulsator to move in the same direction or relatively. The transmission structure greatly simplifies the structure, improves the transmission efficiency, reduces the contact pairs, lowers the noise, and prolongs the service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to washing machine components, and more specifically, to a gear set structure for a dual-drive washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Dual-power washing machines achieve a dual-power effect by using opposing forces between the inner drum and the pulsator, resulting in cleaner clothes and preventing them from tangling. However, these machines are often quite noisy, producing a harsh, almost cow-like sound during washing, which can negatively impact the user experience. This is primarily due to the complex structure of the drive gear system, with numerous gears and contact pairs, inevitably generating noise during meshing.

[0003] Current technologies mostly employ planetary gear sets, which have a large number of teeth and numerous contact pairs. While generating low-frequency noise, this also leads to easy wear of the tooth surfaces, gear damage, and a reduced overall gear lifespan. Strong axial movement and high friction generate high-frequency vibration and noise, including dry friction noise, which further reduces lifespan. Additionally, it wastes materials, increases costs, and results in a low cost-performance ratio.

[0004] Chinese Patent Publication No. CN108866949B, entitled "A Planetary Gear Assembly for a Drum Washing Machine and a Drum Washing Machine," discloses a planetary gear assembly for a drum washing machine and a drum washing machine. The planetary gear assembly includes: a planetary gear assembly, which includes: a planetary gear carrier; multiple planetary gears, each rotatably mounted on the planetary gear carrier and adapted to mesh with a main shaft in the drum washing machine for driving the inner drum to rotate; and planetary gear outer tooth housings, which are fitted around the outside of the multiple planetary gears and mesh with them respectively, and are adapted to be connected to the agitator inside the inner drum for transmission.

[0005] The present invention aims to realize a gear set structure for a dual-drive washing machine that reduces the number of teeth and the number of gear pairs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention overcomes the shortcomings of current dual-drive washing machines, which use planetary gear sets with many teeth and contact pairs. It provides a gear set structure for dual-drive washing machines that can achieve dual drive with fewer teeth and fewer contact pairs, resulting in quiet and low-vibration washing and a longer gear set life.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A gear set structure for a dual-drive washing machine, comprising:

[0009] An input shaft, with a first input gear and a second input gear fixedly connected to its two ends respectively;

[0010] An output shaft has a first output gear and a second output gear connected to its two ends, respectively. The first output gear is externally meshed with the first input gear.

[0011] An intermediate shaft has a first intermediate gear and a second intermediate gear connected to its two ends respectively. The first intermediate gear is externally meshed with the second output gear, and the second intermediate gear is externally meshed with the second input gear.

[0012] The intermediate shaft cooperates with the first intermediate gear, the second intermediate gear, and the second output gear to transmit the rotational power of the second input gear to the output shaft;

[0013] The axial movement of the output shaft or the second intermediate gear causes the first output gear and the output shaft to move in the same direction or relative to each other.

[0014] The output shaft and the first output gear on the output shaft are connected to the impeller and the inner cylinder, respectively, driving them to move in the forward or reverse direction. During the reverse movement, the connection between the output shaft and the first output gear is a rotary connection.

[0015] When the two gears move in opposite directions (i.e., in washing mode), the first output gear and the first input gear are externally meshed, and their rotation directions are opposite. The first input gear and the second input gear rotate in the same direction and have the same angular velocity. The second input gear externally meshes with the second intermediate gear, which in turn drives the first intermediate gear to rotate at the same angular velocity. The first intermediate gear externally meshes with the second output gear, thus the output shaft rotates in the same direction as the input shaft. In summary, the output shaft rotates in the opposite direction to the first output gear.

[0016] When both input and output gears rotate in the same direction or the output shaft is stationary, and the second intermediate gear rotates (i.e., in dehydration mode): the input shaft and intermediate shaft separate, and their transmission relationship disengages. Thus, only the transmission relationship between the first input gear and the first output gear remains. The two scenarios—either the first output gear and the output shaft rotating in the same direction or the output shaft remaining stationary—depend on whether they are fixedly connected.

[0017] By adopting the technical solution of this invention, the noise generation is reduced overall due to the reduction of contact pairs. The simplification of the planetary gear set into a two-stage transmission structure greatly simplifies the structure, improves transmission efficiency, reduces production costs, and extends the life of the gear set.

[0018] Preferably, a connecting sleeve is provided on the top surface of the first output gear, and the output shaft extends out from the connecting sleeve and is pivotally connected to the connecting sleeve. The connecting sleeve is detachably connected to the inner cylinder.

[0019] The connecting sleeve is hollow in the middle, and its diameter is larger than the diameter of the output shaft passing through the first output gear. The output shaft extends out of the connecting sleeve and does not interfere with it. The two connect to the inner cylinder and the impeller, respectively.

[0020] Preferably, the connecting sleeve and the first output gear are integrally formed. This structure greatly improves the strength between the connecting sleeve and the first output gear, preventing damage to the stress concentration points caused by torque, thus avoiding device breakage.

[0021] Preferably, the output shaft is axially movable and has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the output shaft is rotatably connected to the first output gear and drively connected to the second output gear. In the second position, the output shaft is drively connected to the first output gear and rotatably connected to the second output gear. When the output shaft is in the first position, the first input gear drives the first output gear to rotate, and the second input gear drives the output shaft to rotate via the first intermediate gear and the second intermediate gear. When the output shaft is in the second position, the first input gear drives the first output gear and the output shaft to rotate.

[0022] This structure is a specific implementation of the same-direction or opposite-direction rotation described above. Specifically, under the premise that the first and second output gears are limited and cannot move axially, the output shaft moves axially, with one of the first and second output gears fixed and the other rotatably connected. Specifically, the first and second output gears have splines, and the output shaft has two corresponding spline sleeves, the distance between the two corresponding spline sleeves being less than the axial movement between the first and second output gears. The output shaft connects to either the first or second output gear at two extreme positions. These extreme stroke positions are the first position and the second position. The axial movement of the output shaft is controlled by a shift fork. This structure can achieve same-direction or opposite-direction movement between the impeller and the inner cylinder.

[0023] Preferably, the output shaft is slidably connected to the first output gear and the second output gear via splines. The output shaft maintains a driving relationship between the impellers at all times. In use, the output shaft is connected to the keys on the first and second output gears in a one-to-many manner. As long as the corresponding spline sleeve can match the spline, the output shaft can be inserted. When the first and second output gears rotate, the output shaft abuts against the top surface of the gear. When a match is found, it can be inserted into the spline.

[0024] Preferably, in the first position, the output shaft is rotatably connected to the first output gear and is also drive-connected to the second output gear via a spline sleeve and a spline shaft; in the second position, the output shaft is drive-connected to the first output gear via a spline sleeve and a spline shaft and is also rotatably connected to the second output gear.

[0025] Preferably, the output shaft is fixedly connected to the second output gear, the output shaft is rotatably connected to the first output gear, and the second intermediate gear moves axially on the intermediate shaft via a shift fork and meshes with or rotates relative to the second input gear.

[0026] This structure is the same as described above, where the output shaft is stationary while the first output gear moves. Specifically, the output shaft is always rotatably connected to the first output gear. The shift fork controls the position of the second intermediate gear and whether it meshes with the second input gear, thus switching between power transmission and non-transmission. Since the second output gear is fixedly connected to the output shaft, the output shaft remains stationary after power is cut off. This structure achieves differential motion between the impeller and the inner cylinder, realizing the dehydration function.

[0027] Preferably, the shift fork is mounted on the intermediate shaft and connected to the second intermediate gear. Under the control of an external mechanical control mechanism, the shift fork moves axially, driving the second intermediate gear to move axially. Specifically, the second intermediate gear and the intermediate shaft are splined; the second intermediate gear, under the action of the shift fork, is physically separated from the second input gear, and the two no longer mesh. Alternatively, similar to the above, the intermediate shaft has a splined section, and the gear has a corresponding splined sleeve. The corresponding splined sleeve connects with the spline to achieve transmission and separation between the second intermediate gear and the intermediate shaft.

[0028] Preferably, the gear set structure is arranged in a housing, which contains several partitions, and sliding bearings are installed between the gears and the partitions. This structure provides axial restraint for the gears, preventing unnecessary friction and wear between the gears and the partitions. The partitions have three layers.

[0029] Preferably, the first input gear, the second input gear, the first output gear, the second output gear, the first intermediate gear, and the second intermediate gear have the same module.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: (1) the transmission structure is greatly simplified and the transmission efficiency is improved; (2) by reducing the number of contact pairs, noise is reduced and service life is extended.

[0031] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0032] 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:

[0033] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the present invention after the outer casing has been removed;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the shift fork in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the washing process in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the dehydration process in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the washing process in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the dehydration process in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0042] In the picture:

[0043] 1. Input shaft; 2. First input gear; 3. Second input gear; 4. Output shaft; 5. First output gear; 6. Second output gear; 7. Intermediate shaft; 8. First intermediate gear; 9. Second intermediate gear; 10. Connecting sleeve; 11. Shift fork; 12. Partition plate; 13. Sliding bearing; 14. Reinforcing plate; 15. Moving hole

[0044] 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

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Example 1:

[0049] A gear set structure for a dual-drive washing machine, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, it includes input shaft 1, output shaft 4 and intermediate shaft 7.

[0050] The input shaft 1 is fixedly connected to the first input gear 2 and the second input gear 3 near its two ends.

[0051] The first output gear 5 and the second output gear 6 are connected to the two ends of the output shaft 4, respectively.

[0052] The intermediate shaft 7 is connected to the first intermediate gear 8 and the second intermediate gear 9 near its two ends.

[0053] A connecting sleeve 10 is provided on the top surface of the first output gear 5, and the output shaft 4 extends out from the connecting sleeve 10. The connecting sleeve 10 is connected to the inner cylinder by an interference fit, and the output shaft 4 slides with the impeller through a spline. The connecting sleeve 10 and the first output gear 5 are integrally formed.

[0054] The first output gear 5 and the second output gear 6 slide via splines. The output shaft 4 moves axially and has a first position and a second position at its travel limit. In the first position, the output shaft 4 is rotatably connected to the first output gear 5 and is also connected to the second output gear 6 via a spline sleeve and a spline shaft. In the second position, the output shaft 4 is also connected to the first output gear 5 via a spline sleeve and a spline shaft and is rotatably connected to the second output gear 6.

[0055] When the output shaft 4 is in the first position, the first input gear 2 drives the first output gear 5 to rotate, and the second input gear 3 drives the output shaft 4 to rotate via the first intermediate gear 8 and the second intermediate gear 9. When the output shaft 4 is in the second position, the first input gear 2 drives the first output gear 5 and the output shaft 4 to rotate.

[0056] like Figure 7As shown, the transmission method in the first position is as follows: the motor drives the first input gear 2 to rotate through the input shaft 1, and the first input gear 2 and the first output gear 5 are externally meshed. The first output gear 5 and the output shaft 4 are fixedly connected, and the two rotate at the same angular velocity.

[0057] The operating condition of output shaft 4 in the first position corresponds to the operating condition of the dehydration mode.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, in the second position, the transmission method is as follows: the motor drives the first input gear 2 and the second input gear 3 to rotate via the input shaft 1. The second input gear 3 meshes externally with the second intermediate gear 9, which drives the intermediate shaft 7 and the first intermediate gear 8 to rotate. The first intermediate gear 8 meshes externally with the second output gear 6, which drives the second output gear 6 and the output shaft 4 to rotate; the first input gear 2 drives the first output gear 5, which meshes externally with it, to rotate. The output shaft 4 is rotatably connected to the first output gear 5. The two rotate in opposite directions. Due to the presence of the intermediate shaft 7, a change in the direction of torque is generated.

[0059] The axial movement of the output shaft 4 or the second intermediate gear 9 causes the inner cylinder and the impeller to move in the same or opposite directions.

[0060] The output shaft 4 is in the second position, which corresponds to the washing mode.

[0061] The gear set structure is arranged in a housing, which has several partitions 12. A sliding bearing 13 or a sliding washer is provided between the gear and the partition 12. The sliding washer has a circular guide groove, and the guide groove has several balls. The balls convert static friction into dynamic friction, reducing resistance.

[0062] The first input gear 2, the second input gear 3, the first output gear 5, the second output gear 6, the first intermediate gear 8, and the second intermediate gear 9 have the same module.

[0063] Example 2:

[0064] The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that:

[0065] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the output shaft 4 is fixedly connected to the second output gear 6, and the output shaft 4 is rotatably connected to the first output gear 5. The first input gear 2 meshes with the first output gear 5. The second intermediate gear 9 moves axially on the intermediate shaft 7 via the shift fork 11 and meshes with or rotates relative to the second input gear 3. The first intermediate gear 8 meshes with the second output gear 6. The shift fork 11 is fitted onto the intermediate shaft 7 and connected to the second intermediate gear 9. The shift fork 11 has an eccentrically positioned moving hole 15, which is connected to a drive component that controls the movement of the shift fork 11. A reinforcing plate 14 is provided between the shift fork 11 and the eccentrically positioned moving hole 15.

[0066] like Figure 8 As shown, in the washing mode, the first input gear 2 drives the first output gear 5 to rotate; the second input gear 3, through two gears on its shaft and via the intermediate shaft 7, is connected to the second output gear 6 and drives the output shaft 4 to rotate. The output shaft 4 and the first output gear 5 rotate in opposite directions.

[0067] like Figure 9 As shown, in the dehydration mode, the second intermediate gear 9 cannot transmit power from the input shaft 1. The input shaft 1 is separated from the intermediate shaft 7, and the input shaft 1 no longer drives the second output gear 6 to rotate. Only the first input gear 2 drives the first output gear 5 to rotate.

[0068] 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. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. 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 gear set structure for a double drive washing machine, characterized in that, include: An input shaft, with a first input gear and a second input gear fixedly connected to its two ends respectively; An output shaft has a first output gear and a second output gear connected to its two ends, respectively. The first output gear is externally meshed with the first input gear. and An intermediate shaft has a first intermediate gear and a second intermediate gear connected to its two ends respectively. The first intermediate gear is externally meshed with the second output gear, and the second intermediate gear is externally meshed with the second input gear. The intermediate shaft cooperates with the first intermediate gear, the second intermediate gear, and the second output gear to transmit the rotational power of the second input gear to the output shaft; The axial movement of the output shaft or the second intermediate gear causes the first output gear and the output shaft to move in the same direction or relative to each other. The first output gear and output shaft drive the inner drum and pulsator of the washing machine, respectively.

2. The gear set structure for a dual drive washing machine according to claim 1, wherein A connecting sleeve is provided on the top surface of the first output gear, and the output shaft extends out from the connecting sleeve and is pivotally connected to the connecting sleeve. The connecting sleeve is detachably connected to the inner cylinder.

3. The gear set structure for a dual drive washing machine according to claim 2, wherein The connecting sleeve and the first output gear are integrally formed.

4. The gear set structure for a dual drive washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The output shaft can move axially and has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the output shaft is rotatably connected to the first output gear and driven by the second output gear. In the second position, the output shaft is driven by the first output gear and rotatably connected to the second output gear. When the output shaft is in the first position, the first input gear drives the first output gear to rotate, and the second input gear drives the output shaft to rotate via the first intermediate gear and the second intermediate gear. When the output shaft is in the second position, the first input gear drives the first output gear and the output shaft to rotate.

5. A gear set structure for a dual-drive washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The output shaft is slidably connected to the first output gear and the second output gear via splines.

6. A gear set structure for a dual-drive washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the output shaft is in the first position, it is rotatably connected to the first output gear and is also connected to the second output gear via a spline sleeve and a spline shaft. The output shaft is in the second position, and is connected to the first output gear via a spline sleeve and a spline shaft, and is also rotatably connected to the second output gear.

7. A gear set structure for a dual-drive washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output shaft is fixedly connected to the second output gear, and the output shaft is rotatably connected to the first output gear. The second intermediate gear moves axially on the intermediate shaft via a shift fork and meshes with or rotates relative to the second input gear.

8. A gear set structure for a dual-drive washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The shift fork is mounted on the intermediate shaft and connected to the second intermediate gear.

9. A gear set structure for a dual-drive washing machine according to claim 4 or 6, characterized in that, The gear set structure is arranged in a housing, which is provided with several partitions, and a sliding bearing is provided between the gear and the partition.

10. A gear set structure for a dual-drive washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first input gear, the second input gear, the first output gear, the second output gear, the first intermediate gear, and the second intermediate gear have the same module.

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