A drum washing machine

Abstract

This invention discloses a drum washing machine. The drum washing machine includes an outer drum and an inner drum nested together. The inner drum opening is a gradually narrowing variable diameter opening, while the outer drum opening is a constant diameter opening. The smaller end of the inner drum opening extends into the outer drum opening. By setting the inner drum opening to a gradually narrowing variable diameter opening and the outer drum opening to a constant diameter opening, and by extending the smaller end of the inner drum opening into the outer drum opening, a radial gap is created between the outer circumference of the inner drum opening and the inner circumference of the outer drum opening. This radial gap prevents clothes from being clamped in the rotating inner drum, thus avoiding noise caused by clothes being clamped during inner drum rotation and improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A drum washing machine is a common household appliance. It typically consists of an outer drum and an inner drum nested together. The outer drum has a ring-shaped front flange at its front end, and the inner drum has a ring-shaped front flange at its front end. The inner circumference of the outer drum front flange forms the outer drum opening, and the inner circumference of the inner drum front flange forms the inner drum opening. In current drum washing machines, the outer and inner drum front flanges are coaxially aligned, with the inner and outer drum openings essentially overlapping. This results in an axial gap between the inner and outer drum openings. This axial gap can easily trap clothes during inner drum rotation, especially during spin-drying, causing significant noise and a poor user experience.

[0003] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a drum washing machine. By setting the inner drum opening as a gradually narrowing variable diameter opening and the outer drum opening as a constant diameter opening, and by extending the smaller end of the inner drum opening into the outer drum opening, a radial gap is created between the outer circumference of the inner drum opening and the inner circumference of the outer drum opening. This radial gap prevents clothes from being clamped in the rotating inner drum, thereby avoiding noise caused by clothes being clamped during the inner drum's rotation and improving the user experience.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] The present invention provides a drum washing machine, including an outer drum and an inner drum that are nested together. The inner drum opening is a gradually narrowing variable diameter opening, while the outer drum opening is a constant diameter opening. The smaller end of the inner drum opening extends into the outer drum opening.

[0007] Furthermore, the inner cylinder opening includes a front inner cylinder opening section and a rear inner cylinder opening section located at the small-size end and the large-size end of the inner cylinder opening, respectively. The inner and outer cylinder openings are coaxially arranged. The radial dimension of the outer cylinder opening is greater than the radial dimension of the front inner cylinder opening section and less than the radial dimension of the rear inner cylinder opening section. At least part of the front inner cylinder opening section extends into the outer cylinder opening.

[0008] Furthermore, the front inner drum section includes a front section extending into the outer drum opening and a rear section located outside the outer drum opening. The outer peripheral wall of the front section and the inner peripheral wall of the outer drum form a radial gap with axial openings at both ends that gradually narrows from the outside of the washing machine to the inside.

[0009] Furthermore, the front end of the front section is provided with a flange that bends into the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylinder opening, and the openings at both ends of the radial gap include the front opening of the gap and the rear opening of the gap. The radial portion of the flange forms a covering portion that covers at least part of the front opening of the gap.

[0010] Furthermore, the inner cylinder has an opening in the middle of the front wall of the inner cylinder, and the front wall of the inner cylinder has a ring-shaped protrusion that is coaxial with the opening of the inner cylinder, with the inner periphery of the protrusion forming the inner cylinder opening.

[0011] Furthermore, the outer cylinder opening includes a front outer cylinder opening section distributed along the axial direction and a rear outer cylinder opening section into which the small-sized end of the inner cylinder opening extends.

[0012] Furthermore, the front end of the outer cylinder section is provided with a blocking part that blocks at least part of the gap at the front opening.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner circumferential wall at the front end of the outer cylinder protrudes radially to form a shielding part, which protrudes to be flush with or higher than the flange.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer cylinder has an opening in the middle of the front wall of the outer cylinder, an annular window gasket on the opening, and a window gasket opening and an annular protrusion on the rear wall of the annular window gasket. The outer cylinder opening, the window gasket opening and the protrusion are coaxially arranged. At least part of the protrusion is inserted into the outer cylinder through the outer cylinder opening. The outer peripheral wall of the protrusion abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylinder opening, and the inner periphery of the protrusion forms the outer cylinder opening.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes an observation window that extends into the protrusion through the window gasket opening, and the small-sized end of the shielding part and the front inner cylinder section extends to the outer peripheral wall near the observation window.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0017] By setting the inner tube opening as a gradually narrowing variable diameter opening and the outer tube opening as a constant diameter opening, and extending the smaller end of the inner tube opening into the outer tube opening, a radial gap is created between the outer circumference of the inner tube opening and the inner circumference of the outer tube opening. This radial gap prevents the clothes in the rotating inner tube from being clamped, thus avoiding noise caused by the clothes being clamped when the inner tube rotates, thereby improving the user experience.

[0018] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] 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:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drum washing machine provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view at point A;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the annular flange provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the cross-section at point BB;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the window pad structure provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of the cross-section at point AA;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the window gasket and flange according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the annular flange provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Enlarged view at point A;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the annular flange provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view of the cross-section at point AA;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting rib provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0032] Icons: 1-Annular flange; 11-Peripheral wall; 12-Front end wall; 121-Clothing inlet; 13-Connecting wall; 14-Drainage trough; 141-Bottom wall of the trough; 142-Front side wall of the trough; 143-Left side wall of the trough; 144-Right side wall of the trough; 145-Bend; 15-Drainage hole; 16-Protrusion; 161-Mounting hole; 162-Limiting hole; 163-Opening; 17-First limiting rib; 171-Clamping slot; 18-Second limiting rib; 19-Snap fastener; 191-Axial snap-fit; 192-Radial snap-fit; 1921-Inner snap-fit; 1922-Outer snap-fit; 1923-Insertion groove; 190-Protrusion of the snap fastener ; 2-Window gasket; 21-Protrusion of window gasket; 22-Slot; 221-Inner groove section; 222-Outer groove section; 2221-Inner section; 2222-Outer section; 223-Recess; 224-Recessed part; 23-Blocking part; 24-Protrusion of window gasket; 3-Outer cylinder; 31-Outer cylinder opening; 311-Front outer cylinder opening section; 312-Rear outer cylinder opening section; 313-Shielding part; 314-Radial gap; 4-Inner cylinder; 41-Protrusion of inner cylinder; 42-Inner cylinder opening; 421-Front inner cylinder opening section; 4211-Front section; 4212-Rear section; 422-Rear inner cylinder opening section; 423-Flanged edge; 4231-Shielding part; 5-Observation window.

[0033] 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

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a drum washing machine, including an outer drum 3 and an inner drum 4 nested together. The inner drum opening 42 is a gradually narrowing variable diameter opening, while the outer drum opening 31 is a constant diameter opening. The smaller end of the inner drum opening 42 extends axially into the outer drum opening 31.

[0039] In embodiments of the present invention, by setting the inner tube opening 42 as a gradually narrowing variable diameter opening and the outer tube opening 31 as a constant diameter opening, and by extending the smaller end of the inner tube opening 42 into the outer tube opening 31, a radial gap 4212 is generated between the outer circumference of the inner tube opening 42 and the inner circumference of the outer tube opening 31 in the radial direction. The radial gap 4212 can prevent the clothes in the rotating inner tube 4 from being clamped, thereby avoiding noise caused by the clothes being clamped when the inner tube 4 rotates, thus improving the user experience.

[0040] The drum washing machine includes an inner drum 4 and an outer drum 3 nested together. The inner drum 4 has an inner drum opening 42, and the outer drum 3 has an outer drum opening 31. The inner drum opening 42 and the outer drum opening 31 are coaxially arranged and are cylindrical. The inner drum opening 42 gradually narrows from the inside of the washing machine to the outside, that is, the radial dimension of the inner drum opening 42 gradually decreases from the inside of the washing machine to the outside, so that the inner drum opening 42 has a small end and a large end. The small end of the inner drum opening 42 is the outer end of the inner drum opening 42 along the axial direction, and the large end of the inner drum opening 42 is the inner end of the inner drum opening 42 along the axial direction. The radial dimension of the outer drum opening 31 remains unchanged from the inside of the washing machine to the outside.

[0041] The inner tube opening 42 is a gradually narrowing variable diameter opening, so that the inner peripheral wall of the inner tube opening 42 gradually slopes towards the outer periphery of the inner tube 4 from the small size end to the large size end. The inclined inner peripheral wall of the inner tube opening 42 can block and guide the clothes, and guide the clothes that splash into the inner tube opening 42 into the inner tube 4, so that the clothes are away from the radial gap 4212.

[0042] The formation of the inner cylinder opening 42 includes an opening in the middle of the front end wall of the inner cylinder 4, and an annular protrusion in the front end wall of the inner cylinder 4 that is coaxial with the opening of the inner cylinder 4. The inner periphery of the protrusion forms the inner cylinder opening 42.

[0043] The outer cylinder opening 31 is formed by the following: the outer cylinder 3 has an opening in the middle of the front end wall of the outer cylinder 3; an annular window pad 2 is provided on the opening of the outer cylinder 3; the rear end wall of the annular window pad 2 has an opening of the window pad 2 and an annular protrusion; the outer cylinder 3 opening, the window pad 2 opening and the protrusion are coaxially arranged; at least part of the protrusion is inserted into the outer cylinder 3 through the outer cylinder opening; the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 3 opening; the inner periphery of the protrusion forms the outer cylinder opening 31; the protrusion is the protrusion 24 of the window pad.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the inner cylinder opening 42 includes a front inner cylinder opening section 421 and a rear inner cylinder opening section 422 located at the small-sized end and the large-sized end of the inner cylinder opening 42, respectively. The inner and outer cylinder openings 31 are coaxially arranged. The radial dimension of the outer cylinder opening 31 is greater than the radial dimension of the front inner cylinder opening section 421 and smaller than the radial dimension of the rear inner cylinder opening section 422. At least a portion of the front inner cylinder opening section 421 extends into the outer cylinder opening 31.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the radial dimension of the outer tube opening 31 is greater than the radial dimension of the front inner tube opening section 421 and smaller than the radial dimension of the rear inner tube opening section 422, so that part of the inner tube opening 42 extends into the outer tube opening 31, and the inner tube opening 42 does not completely extend into the outer tube opening 31, so that the large-size end of the inner tube opening 42 is as large as possible, which facilitates the insertion of clothes and avoids the clothes from blocking the inner tube opening 42 when being inserted.

[0046] At least part of the front inner cylinder opening section 421 extends into the outer cylinder opening 31, so that there is a radial gap 4212 between the front inner cylinder opening section 421 and the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylinder opening 31, to prevent friction between the inner cylinder 4 and the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylinder opening 31 during rotation and reduce the wear of the inner cylinder opening 42.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the front inner drum opening section 421 further includes a front section 4211 extending into the outer drum opening 31 and a rear section 4212 located outside the outer drum opening 31. The outer peripheral wall of the front section 4211 and the inner peripheral wall of the outer drum 3 form a radial gap 4212 that is open at both ends in the axial direction and gradually narrows from the outside of the washing machine to the inside.

[0048] The front inner cylinder opening section 421 includes a front section 4211 and a rear section 4212. The front section 4211 extends axially into the outer cylinder opening 31 and creates a radial gap 4212 with the outer cylinder opening 31. The rear section 4212 is in the outer cylinder opening 31 to avoid contact between the inner cylinder opening 42 and the outer cylinder opening 31, thereby avoiding friction between the outer peripheral wall of the inner cylinder opening 42 and the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylinder opening 31 during the rotation of the inner cylinder 4.

[0049] The drum washing machine also includes an observation window 5, which extends into the protrusion through the opening of the window pad 2. The protrusion is the protrusion 24 of the window pad. The small end of the front inner drum opening section 421 extends to the outer peripheral wall of the observation window 5. The front section 4211 of the front inner drum opening section 421 is between the outer periphery of the observation window 5 and the outer drum opening 31.

[0050] The radial gap 4212 between the front section 4211 and the outer drum opening 31 is open at both ends in the axial direction and gradually narrows from the outside to the inside of the washing machine. On the one hand, it blocks the clothes in the inner drum 4 during rotation, preventing the clothes from approaching the radial gap 4212 and preventing the clothes from getting stuck in the gap formed between the observation window 5 and the front section 4211. On the other hand, when loading clothes, the gradually narrowing radial gap 4212 can prevent foreign objects on the clothes from entering the outer drum 3 through the radial gap 4212. For example, foreign objects may be coins, etc.

[0051] The small end of the front inner cylinder opening section 421 extends to the outer peripheral wall of the observation window 5, which can minimize the gap between the outer periphery of the observation window 5 and the front section 4211.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, further, the front end of the front section 4211 is provided with a flange 423 that bends toward the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylinder opening 31, and the openings at both ends of the radial gap 4212 include the front opening of the gap and the rear opening of the gap 4212. The radial portion of the flange 423 forms a covering portion 4231 that covers at least part of the front opening of the gap.

[0053] The flange 423 bends toward the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylinder opening 31. The radial portion of the flange 423 can cover at least part of the front opening of the gap. The radial portion of the flange 423 serves as the covering part 4231. The covering part 4231 can increase the area of ​​the front end of the front section 4211 to prevent the gap between the observation window 5 and the front end from damaging the clothes. On the other hand, it can further prevent foreign objects on the clothes from entering the radial gap 4212 when clothes are put in.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the outer cylinder opening 31 includes a front outer cylinder opening section 311 distributed along the axial direction and a rear outer cylinder opening section 312 into which the small-sized end of the inner cylinder opening 42 extends.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the outer cylinder opening 31 includes a front outer cylinder opening section 311 and a rear outer cylinder opening section 312, with the front section 4211 extending into the rear outer cylinder opening section 312 but not into the front outer cylinder opening section 311.

[0056] Furthermore, the front outer cylinder opening section 311 has a blocking portion 313 at its front end that blocks at least part of the gap. Specifically, the inner peripheral wall of the front end of the front outer cylinder opening section 311 protrudes radially to form the blocking portion 313, and the blocking portion 313 protrudes to be flush with or higher than the height of the flange 423;

[0057] The shielding part 313 extends to the outer peripheral wall near the observation window 5, so that the gap between the front outer tube opening section 311 and the observation window 5 is as small as possible. The shielding part 313 can prevent the clothes in the inner tube 4 from entering the window pad 2 through the gap between the shielding part 313 and the observation window 5, and can further prevent the clothes attached to the clothes from entering the gap when the clothes are put in.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] like Figure 3-7 As shown, the present invention provides an assembly structure for a window gasket, including a slot 22 provided on the window gasket 2 and a buckle 19 provided on the front flange of the outer cylinder and engaging with the slot 22. The buckle 19 has an axial engaging portion 191 extending axially along the front flange of the outer cylinder, and the slot 22 has a recess 224 for the axial engaging portion 191 to engage.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, by setting the buckle 19 to have an axially engaging portion 191 extending axially along the front flange of the outer cylinder, the axially engaging portion 191 can engage with the recessed portion 224 on the slot 22 of the window gasket 2 in the axial direction, thereby enabling the window gasket 2 to be connected to the front flange of the outer cylinder in the axial direction, increasing the connection direction between the window gasket 2 and the front flange of the outer cylinder, and increasing the stability of the window gasket 2 when the outer cylinder shakes violently.

[0061] The assembly structure of the window gasket 2 is used in a drum washing machine. The drum washing machine includes an outer drum, and the front end of the outer drum is provided with an outer drum front flange. The rear end of the window gasket 2 is provided at the front end of the outer drum front flange. The window gasket 2 and the outer drum flange are arranged front and rear. The outer drum front flange is an annular flange 1. The window gasket 2 is provided with a blocking part 23, which is the shielding part 313 in Embodiment 1.

[0062] like Figure 4As shown, specifically, the radial cross-section of the snap fastener 19 on the outer cylinder front flange is L-shaped. The snap fastener 19 also has a radially engaging portion 192 extending radially along the outer cylinder front flange. The axially engaging portion 191 and the radially engaging portion 192 are distributed along the inner circumference to the outer circumference of the outer cylinder front flange. The radially engaging portion 192 protrudes from the end face of the outer cylinder front flange, and the axially engaging portion 191 is formed by bending the radially engaging portion 192 inwards towards the outer cylinder front flange. The L-shaped radial cross-section of the snap fastener 19 on the outer cylinder front flange allows the snap fastener 19 to include the axially engaging portion 191 and the radially engaging portion 192. The axially engaging portion 191 can engage with the window gasket 2 slot 22 axially, and the radially engaging portion 192 can engage with the window gasket 2 slot 22 radially, achieving both radial and axial connections between the window gasket 2 and the outer cylinder front flange. This enhances the installation strength of the window gasket 2 on the outer cylinder front flange, thereby increasing the stability of the window gasket 2.

[0063] like Figure 4 and 7 As shown, further, the end face of the outer cylinder front flange is provided with a clothing inlet 121, and the end face of the outer cylinder front flange protrudes axially to form a ring-shaped protrusion coaxial with the clothing inlet 121. A radial snap-fit ​​part 192 is provided on the free end of the protrusion in the axial direction.

[0064] The protrusion is a snap-fit ​​protrusion 190, which causes the radial snap-fit ​​portion 192 to protrude from the end face of the outer cylinder front flange. Specifically, the radial snap-fit ​​portion 192 protrudes from the front face of the outer cylinder front flange. The radial snap-fit ​​portion 192 and the front face of the outer cylinder front flange are respectively located at the axial ends of the protrusion of the snap-fit ​​19. The radial snap-fit ​​portion 192 and the axial snap-fit ​​portion 191 can be annular, semi-annular, etc.

[0065] Furthermore, the radial snap-fit ​​portion 192 includes an inner snap-fit ​​section 1921 protruding from the inner periphery of the protrusion and an outer snap-fit ​​section 1922 protruding from the outer periphery of the protrusion. The axial snap-fit ​​portion 191 extends into the protrusion. The outer snap-fit ​​section 1922, the protrusion, and the end face of the outer cylinder front flange form an insertion groove 1923. The radial snap-fit ​​portion 192 includes an inner snap-fit ​​section 1921 and an outer snap-fit ​​section 1922. The inner snap-fit ​​section 1921 and the outer snap-fit ​​section 1922 have different snap-fit ​​parts from those inside the groove 22, resulting in multiple snap-fit ​​parts between the radial snap-fit ​​portion 192 and the groove 22, thereby improving the snap-fit ​​strength between the radial snap-fit ​​portion 192 and the groove 22.

[0066] like Figure 5 and 6 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the end face of the window gasket 2 protrudes axially toward the front flange of the outer cylinder to form a protrusion. The protrusion is provided with a slot 22 with the opening facing the front flange of the outer cylinder. The buckle 19 enters the slot 22 through the opening and is engaged in the slot 22.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion is the protrusion 21 of the window gasket, the protrusion 21 of the window gasket is annular, the slot 22 is provided on the protrusion 21 of the window gasket, the slot opening of the slot 22 is provided facing the front end face of the outer cylinder front flange, and the buckle 19 enters the slot 22 through the slot opening of the slot 22 and engages with the slot 22; the slot 22 can be annular, semi-annular, etc.; the protrusion 21 of the window gasket is the protrusion 24 of the window gasket in the above embodiment one.

[0068] Specifically, the window pad 2 has an opening in the middle of its rear end. The window pad 2 is annular. The annular window pad 2 and the annular outer cylinder front flange are coaxially arranged. The protrusion 21 of the window pad, the opening of the window pad 2, the clothing insertion port on the front end face of the outer cylinder front flange, and the window pad 2 are coaxially arranged.

[0069] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the slot 22 further includes an inner slot section 221 and an outer slot section 222 distributed along the inner circumference to the outer circumference of the window pad 2. The axial engaging portion 191 engages with the inner slot section 221, and the inner slot section 221 forms a recessed portion 224 of the slot 22. The radial engaging portion 192 engages with the outer slot section 222, and the outer slot section 222 is provided with an auxiliary recessed portion 225 for at least part of the radial engaging portion 192 to engage.

[0070] The slot 22 is divided into an inner slot section 221 and an outer slot section 222. The inner slot section 221, as a recess 224 within the slot 22, engages with the axial engaging portion 191. The outer slot section 222 engages with the radial engaging portion 192. The slot 22 also has an auxiliary recess 225 that engages with at least a portion of the radial engaging portion 192. Both the recess 224 within the slot 22 and the auxiliary recess 225 allow the buckle 19 to engage more deeply with the slot 22. After the buckle 19 is engaged in the slot 22, the axial engaging portion 191 and at least a portion of the radial engaging portion 192 of the buckle 19 can further engage with the recess 224 and the auxiliary recess 225 within the slot 22, further increasing the engagement strength between the buckle 19 and the slot 22.

[0071] The bottom wall of the slot 22, the side wall of the slot 22 located on the inner periphery of the window gasket 2, and the side wall of the slot 22 with the slot opening form an inner groove section 221. The slot opening of the slot 22 is located on the front side of the slot 22. The slot opening of the slot 22 is not open, so that the front side of the slot 22 has a solid wall. The side wall with the slot opening of the slot 22 is the front wall of the slot 22. The front wall of the slot 22 is formed by the inner groove front wall with the slot opening located on the inner periphery of the window gasket 2. The inner groove front wall of the slot 22, the bottom wall of the slot 22, and the side wall of the slot 22 located on the inner periphery of the window gasket 2 form an inner groove section 221 that matches the axial locking part 191.

[0072] Furthermore, the outer groove section 222 includes an inner section 2221 and an outer section 2222 distributed along the inner periphery of the window pad 2 towards the outer periphery. The inner snap-fit ​​section 1921 snaps into the inner section 2221. A portion of the side wall of the snap groove 22 located on the outer periphery is recessed into the snap groove 22 to form a recess 223. The bottom wall of the snap groove 22, the side wall of the snap groove 22 located on the outer periphery of the window pad 2, and the side wall of the recess 223 surround the outer section 2222. The outer section 2222 constitutes an auxiliary recess 225. The outer snap-fit ​​section 1922 snaps into the outer section 2222. The bottom of the recess 223 is inserted into the insertion groove 1923.

[0073] The bottom of the recess 223 is inserted into the insertion groove 1923, further increasing the assembly strength between the buckle 19 and the groove 22. The front section of the side wall of the groove 22 on the outer periphery is recessed into the groove 22 to form the recess 223, while the rear section of the side wall of the groove 22 on the outer periphery remains unchanged.

[0074] The side wall of the slot 22 with the groove extends radially outward to the outer periphery of the window gasket 2 to form an abutment portion 226 that abuts against the end face of the outer cylinder front flange. The abutment portion 226 protrudes from the side wall of the slot 22 on the outer periphery of the window gasket 2. Specifically, the abutment portion 226 abuts against the end face of the outer cylinder front flange while the buckle 19 engages with the slot 22, increasing the contact area between the window gasket 2 and the outer cylinder front flange, and further increasing the assembly strength between the window gasket 2 and the outer cylinder front flange.

[0075] Example 3

[0076] like Figure 8-11 As shown, the present invention provides a flange structure including an annular flange 1. The annular flange 1 includes a peripheral wall 11 and a front end wall 12 located at the front end of the peripheral wall 11. A drain hole 15 is provided at the bottom of the peripheral wall 11. The bottom of the peripheral wall 11 and the front end wall 12 are connected by a connecting wall 13. The connecting wall 13 extends gradually from top to bottom towards the drain hole 15.

[0077] In an embodiment of the present invention, a connecting wall 13 is used to transition between the lowest point of the peripheral wall 11 and the front end wall 12. The connecting wall 13 gradually extends from top to bottom towards the drain hole 15, so that the inclined connecting wall 13 can guide the residual foam and washing water on the flange to the drain hole 15 and discharge it into the water tank. This reduces the residue of foam and washing water on the flange, thereby improving the cleaning effect on clothes and enhancing the user experience.

[0078] This flange structure is applied to a drum washing machine. The drum washing machine includes a shell and an outer drum disposed within the shell. The outer drum includes an outer drum body with an opening at the front end. A flange structure is provided at the opening. The flange structure includes an annular flange 1, which is coaxially arranged with the opening. The peripheral wall 11 of the annular flange 1 is connected to the opening at the front end of the outer drum body. A drain hole 15 is provided at the bottom of the peripheral wall 11 of the flange. The drain hole 15 communicates with the interior of the outer drum. The drain hole 15 can drain the washing water and foam remaining on the annular flange 1 into the outer drum. The foam and washing water residue on the annular flange 1 is because during the washing process, the inner drum rotates, causing the washing water and foam to splash onto the annular flange 1.

[0079] The existing annular flange 1 has a large bend between its peripheral wall 11 and front end wall 12, causing washing water and foam to remain at the bend and unable to enter the drain hole 15. The connecting wall 13 provides a transitional connection between the bottom of the peripheral wall 11 and the front end wall 12, buffering the flow of washing water and foam and reducing the residue at the bend between the bottom of the peripheral wall 11 and the front end wall 12. To accelerate the flow of washing water and foam and further reduce residue, the connecting wall 13 is designed to gradually slope downwards towards the drain hole 15. The inclined connecting wall 13 guides the remaining washing water and foam at the bend to the drain hole 15. (Instruction manual attached) Figure 1 This is a rear view of the annular flange 1.

[0080] like Figure 9 As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, the size of the connecting wall 13 gradually decreases from top to bottom. The top of the connecting wall 13 is connected to the outer periphery of the front end wall 12 and extends along the extension trajectory of the front end wall 12 in the circumferential direction of the annular flange 1. The bottom of the connecting wall 13 is connected to the front end edge of the peripheral wall 11 opposite to the drain hole 15 and extends along the extension trajectory of the peripheral wall 11 in the circumferential direction of the annular flange 1.

[0081] In the embodiments of the present invention, the dimensions of the connecting wall 13 gradually decrease from top to bottom, so that the connecting wall 13 presents a converging trend from top to bottom, which can gather and collect the washing water and foam to the drain hole 15, reduce the residue of washing water and foam, and can discharge more accurately into the outer drum through the drain hole 15.

[0082] The front wall 12 is arc-shaped in the circumference of the annular flange 1, and the top of the connecting wall 13 extends in an arc shape along the extension trajectory of the front wall 12, which can reduce the residue of washing water and foam. Furthermore, the top of the connecting wall 13 extends in the circumference of the annular flange 1 along the extension trajectory of the front wall 12, and the bottom of the connecting wall 13 extends in the circumference of the annular flange 1 along the extension trajectory of the circumferential wall 11, which can increase the aesthetics of the annular flange 1 at its lowest point.

[0083] like Figure 9As shown, the connecting wall 13 is square, and the drain hole 15 is located near the right side of the connecting wall 13. The dimension of the left side of the connecting wall 13 extending from top to bottom is greater than the dimension of the right side of the connecting wall 13 extending from top to bottom.

[0084] The drain hole 15 is located near the right side of the connecting wall 13 to avoid affecting the arrangement of other components on the outer cylinder. Since the drain hole 15 is located near the right side of the connecting wall 13, the left side of the connecting wall 13 is farther away from the drain hole 15 than the right side of the connecting wall 13. Therefore, the dimension of the left side of the connecting wall 13 extending from top to bottom is greater than the dimension of the right side of the connecting wall 13 extending from top to bottom, so that the left side of the connecting wall 13 can completely guide the washing water and foam to the drain hole 15.

[0085] like Figure 9 As shown, the bottom of the connecting wall 13 extends horizontally in the left-right direction, and the angle between the left side of the connecting wall 13 and the bottom of the connecting wall 13 is greater than the angle between the right side of the connecting wall 13 and the bottom of the connecting wall 13.

[0086] Because the left side of the connecting wall 13 extends from top to bottom more than the right side of the connecting wall 13 extends from top to bottom, the left side of the connecting wall 13 is relatively long. In order to avoid the slope of the left side of the connecting wall 13 being too large, which would cause the washing water and foam to flow too fast and leave a lot of residue, the angle between the left side of the connecting wall 13 and the bottom of the connecting wall 13 is set to be larger to reduce the slope of the left side of the connecting wall 13.

[0087] like Figure 8-11 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the peripheral wall 11 is recessed downward to form a drainage groove 14, and a drainage hole 15 is provided on the bottom wall 141 of the drainage groove 14.

[0088] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lowest part of the peripheral wall 11 is recessed downward to form a drainage groove 14. The drainage groove 14 collects washing water and foam. The collected washing water and foam can be concentrated at the drainage hole 15 and discharged into the outer cylinder through the drainage hole 15.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall of the drainage trough 14 is formed with a guide surface that is consistent with the direction of water flow rotation and guides the washing water to the drain hole 15.

[0090] In an embodiment of the present invention, in order to further ensure that the washing water and foam flowing into the drain tank 14 flow accurately and with less residue to the drain hole 15, a guide surface is formed on the inner wall of the drain hole 15. The guide direction of the guide surface is consistent with the rotation direction of the water flow in the inner drum, and can guide the washing water to the drain hole 15.

[0091] like Figure 9 As shown, further, the bottom wall 141 of the drainage trough 14 extends horizontally in the left and right direction. The left side wall 143 and the right side wall 144 of the drainage trough 14 gradually slope inward from top to bottom. The top of the right side wall 144 of the drainage trough 14 gradually bends towards the drainage hole 15 to form a bend 145. The inner side of the left side wall 143, the inner side of the right side wall 144, the inner side of the bottom wall 141 of the drainage trough 14, and the inner side of the bend 145 form a guide surface.

[0092] The aforementioned guide surface has a hook shape. When the washing machine is spinning, the guide surface can not only guide the washing water and foam from the left side to the right side of the guide surface, and then guide the washing water and foam to the upper right side of the guide surface, and finally guide them to the drain hole 15, but also allow the washing water at the upper right side of the guide surface and the washing water below the guide surface to collide, accelerating the collision of water flow, so that the washing water at the upper right side of the guide surface drips down quickly.

[0093] like Figure 9 As shown, further, the extension dimension of the left sidewall 143 of the drainage trough 14 from top to bottom is greater than the extension dimension of the drainage trough 14 from top to bottom, and the included angle between the left sidewall 143 of the drainage trough 14 and the bottom wall 141 of the drainage trough 14 is greater than the included angle between the right sidewall 144 of the drainage trough 14 and the bottom wall 141 of the drainage trough 14.

[0094] Since the drain hole 15 is located near the right side of the bottom wall 141 of the drain trough 14, the left side wall 143 of the drain trough 14 is farther from the drain hole 15 than the right side wall 144 of the drain trough 14. Therefore, the dimension of the left side wall 143 extending from top to bottom is greater than the dimension of the right side wall extending from top to bottom, so that the left side wall 143 of the drain trough 14 can completely guide the washing water and foam to the drain hole 15.

[0095] Because the vertical extension dimension of the left sidewall 143 of the drain trough 14 is greater than that of the right sidewall 144 of the drain trough 14, the left sidewall 143 of the drain trough 14 is relatively long. In order to avoid the large slope of the left sidewall 143 of the drain trough 14, which would cause the washing water and foam to flow too fast, and if the washing water and foam flow too fast, a large amount of washing water and foam will remain. Therefore, the angle between the left sidewall 143 and the bottom wall 141 of the drain trough 14 is set to be large to reduce the slope of the left sidewall 143.

[0096] Furthermore, the connecting wall 13 serves as the front side wall 142 of the drainage trough 14, the front end of the left side wall 143 of the drainage trough 14 is connected to the left side of the connecting wall 13, the front end of the right side wall 144 of the drainage trough 14 is connected to the right side of the connecting wall 13, and the front end of the bottom wall 141 of the drainage trough 14 is connected to the bottom of the connecting wall 13.

[0097] like Figure 11 As shown, further, the annular flange 1 has a radially extending flange protrusion 16 on its peripheral wall 11. The front end of the flange protrusion 16 has an axially extending mounting hole 161 with the mounting opening facing forward. The mounting hole 161 is used to install the counterweight of the washing machine. The flange protrusion 16 also has an axially extending limiting hole 162. The mounting hole 161 and the limiting hole 162 are distributed front and rear and are connected in the axial direction. The outer periphery of the limiting hole 162 has a limiting hole opening 163. The limiting hole opening 163 is used to allow a gasket to enter the limiting hole 162. The gasket is placed in the limiting hole 162. The mounting hole 161 is used for bolt installation. The gasket, bolt and mounting hole 161 cooperate to install the counterweight.

[0098] like Figure 12 As shown, further, the outer side of the peripheral wall 11 of the annular flange 1 is provided with a first limiting rib 17 and a second limiting rib 18 to limit the pressure guiding tube. The first limiting rib 17 includes a radially protruding limiting part formed by the radial extension of the peripheral wall 11, and an axially extending limiting part provided at the free end of the radially limiting part. A bayonet 171 is formed between the radially limiting part, the axially limiting part and the peripheral wall 11. The second limiting rib 18 is formed by the radial extension of the peripheral wall 11. The pressure guiding tube extends circumferentially on the peripheral wall 11 and extends into the bayonet 171. The pressure guiding tube is locked on the bayonet 171. The outer peripheral wall 11 of the pressure guiding tube abuts against the rear side wall of the bayonet 171. The second limiting rib 18 is provided in front of the first limiting rib 17, and the rear side wall of the second limiting rib 18 blocks the pressure guiding tube.

[0099] The window gasket in Embodiment 1 can be the window gasket 2 in Embodiment 2; the outer cylinder opening in Embodiment 1 is provided with an annular window gasket, and the outer cylinder opening can be formed by the outer cylinder front flange in Embodiment 2 and the annular flange in Embodiment 3. The outer cylinder front flange in Embodiment 2 is the annular flange 1 in Embodiment 3. The front end of the outer cylinder in Embodiment 1 is provided with the annular flange 1 in Embodiment 3, and the inner periphery of the annular flange 1 in Embodiment 3 forms the outer cylinder opening described in Embodiment 1.

[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. 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 drum washing machine, comprising an outer drum and an inner drum nested together, characterized in that, The inner cylinder opening is a gradually narrowing variable diameter opening, while the outer cylinder opening is a constant diameter opening. The smaller end of the inner cylinder opening extends into the outer cylinder opening. The outer circumference of the inner drum opening and the inner circumference of the outer drum opening create a radial gap that is open at both ends in the radial direction and gradually narrows from the inside of the washing machine to the outside. The outer cylinder has an opening in the middle of the front wall of the outer cylinder, and an annular window gasket is provided on the opening of the outer cylinder. The rear wall of the annular window gasket has a window gasket opening and an annular protrusion. The outer cylinder opening, the window gasket opening and the protrusion are coaxially arranged. At least part of the protrusion is inserted into the outer cylinder through the outer cylinder opening. The outer peripheral wall of the protrusion abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylinder opening. The inner peripheral wall of the protrusion forms the outer cylinder opening. The inner cylinder opening includes the front inner cylinder opening section located at the smaller end of the inner cylinder opening; The front inner cylinder section includes a front section extending into the outer cylinder opening and a rear section located outside the outer cylinder opening. A radial gap is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the front section and the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylinder. The front end of the front section is provided with a flange that bends into the inner circumferential wall of the outer cylinder opening. The openings at both ends of the radial gap include the front opening of the gap and the rear opening of the gap. The radial portion of the flange forms a covering portion that covers at least part of the front opening of the gap.

2. The drum washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner cylinder opening includes a rear inner cylinder opening section located at the larger end of the inner cylinder opening. The inner and outer cylinder openings are coaxially arranged. The radial dimension of the outer cylinder opening is greater than the radial dimension of the front inner cylinder opening section and smaller than the radial dimension of the rear inner cylinder opening section. At least part of the front inner cylinder opening section extends into the outer cylinder opening.

3. The drum washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner cylinder has an opening in the middle of the front wall of the inner cylinder, and a ring-shaped protrusion coaxial with the opening of the inner cylinder is provided on the front wall of the inner cylinder. The inner periphery of the protrusion forms the inner cylinder opening.

4. The drum washing machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The outer cylinder opening includes a front outer cylinder opening section distributed along the axial direction and a rear outer cylinder opening section into which the small-sized end of the inner cylinder opening extends.

5. The drum washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The front end of the outer cylinder section is provided with a blocking part that blocks at least part of the gap of the front opening.

6. The drum washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner circumferential wall at the front end of the outer cylinder protrudes radially to form a shielding part, which protrudes to the same level as or higher than the flange.

7. The drum washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an observation window, which extends into the protrusion through the window gasket opening, and the small-sized end of the shielding part and the front inner cylinder section extends to the outer peripheral wall near the observation window.

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