Impeller and inner barrel assembly

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and discloses an impeller and an inner barrel assembly, the impeller comprises a central mounting part and a plurality of stirring paddles radiating from the mounting part to the periphery; the mounting part is of a columnar structure; the stirring paddle has a certain height in the axial direction of the columnar structure and is of a closed structure with a cavity inside. The inner barrel assembly comprises an inner barrel and the impeller. According to the invention, the projection of the impeller towards the bottom of the inner barrel is no longer circular, the area of dirt easily hidden between the bottom of the impeller and the bottom of the inner barrel is reduced, and meanwhile, the stirring paddle adopts a closed structure with a cavity, so that the use requirement that the impeller protrudes out of the bottom of the inner barrel and can stir water flow is met, and the problem that dirt is possibly accumulated in the impeller is avoided; the trouble that dirt is easily accumulated below the impeller and is difficult to clean is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and in particular relates to a pulsator and inner barrel assembly. Background Art

[0002] A pulsator washing machine generally includes an inner barrel and a rotatable pulsator at the bottom of the inner barrel. During the washing process, the pulsator is driven to rotate forward and backward by power, stirring the water flow and the clothes in the barrel, thereby driving the clothes to turn over and achieve the washing function. In the pulsator washing machine of the prior art, the pulsator is generally provided with a plurality of strip-shaped protrusion structures on a disc structure, and the pulsator is embedded in a sink groove at the bottom of the inner barrel. During the rotation of the pulsator, the protrusion structure can stir the water flow and the clothes to complete the washing function.

[0003] However, due to the small distance between the impeller and the bottom of the inner barrel, the impeller washing machine with the above structure is prone to dirt and grime between the lower side of the impeller and the bottom of the inner barrel after long-term use. In addition, it is not convenient to clean the accumulated dirt due to the limited space between the impeller and the bottom of the inner barrel. If the dirt is not cleaned in time, it may cause secondary pollution when washing clothes.

[0004] In addition, some impellers form the above-mentioned raised structure, and a concave structure is formed at the position corresponding to the raised structure on the lower side of the impeller. During washing, the flushing force of the water flow inside the concave structure is significantly lower than the flushing force on other areas on the lower side of the impeller, and thus a large amount of dirt is more likely to accumulate in the concave structure, making it difficult to clean.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide an impeller and inner barrel assembly which can prevent dirt from accumulating between the bottom of the impeller and the inner barrel.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0008] A pulsator comprises a central mounting portion and a plurality of stirring blades radiating from the mounting portion to the periphery;

[0009] The mounting portion has a columnar structure; the stirring paddle has a certain height along the axial direction of the columnar structure and is a closed structure with a cavity inside.

[0010] Furthermore, the lower surface of the stirring paddle is partially concave to form a first mounting groove;

[0011] The impeller further comprises a roller, which is rotatably mounted in the first mounting groove, the rotation axis of the roller is parallel to the radial direction of the impeller, and the lowest position of the roller is lower than the lower surface of the stirring paddle.

[0012] Furthermore, the stirring paddle comprises:

[0013] A shell with a hollow interior, the shell is connected to the outer peripheral side wall of the columnar structure and has an opening at the lower side;

[0014] A cover plate, installed at the lower opening of the shell, and forming a closed structure with a cavity with the shell;

[0015] The cover plate is partially recessed toward the inner side of the cavity to form the first installation groove.

[0016] Furthermore, the stirring paddle is radiated from the outer peripheral side wall of the columnar structure along the radial direction of the impeller, and the roller extends along the radial direction of the impeller to have a certain length.

[0017] Furthermore, a sealing structure extending along the circumference of the columnar structure is provided on the lower side of the mounting portion.

[0018] Furthermore, the lower side of the mounting portion has a concave second mounting groove, and the sealing structure is arranged in the second mounting groove and extends around the side wall of the second mounting groove; the lowest position of the sealing structure is lower than the lower opening of the second mounting groove.

[0019] Furthermore, the sealing structure comprises:

[0020] A sealing body, sealingly fitted with the side wall of the second mounting groove and extending in the circumferential direction;

[0021] A sealing lip extending downward from the lower side of the sealing body and lower than the lower opening of the second mounting groove;

[0022] The skeleton is at least partially embedded in the sealing body.

[0023] An inner barrel assembly comprises an inner barrel and the above-mentioned impeller; the impeller is rotatably mounted in the inner barrel.

[0024] Furthermore, a rotatable roller is installed on the lower side of the stirring paddle; the stirring paddle rotates with the impeller, and the roller contacts the bottom of the inner barrel and rolls along the bottom of the inner barrel.

[0025] Furthermore, a sealing structure extending along the circumference of the columnar structure is provided at the lower side of the mounting portion, and the sealing structure is in dynamic sealing contact with the bottom of the inner barrel;

[0026] A water permeable hole is arranged on the bottom of the inner barrel, and the water permeable hole is located outside the area enclosed by the projection of the sealing structure onto the bottom of the inner barrel.

[0027] After adopting the above technical scheme, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0028] In the present invention, the shape of the impeller is no longer circular. When it is installed in the inner barrel, the projection area of ​​the impeller to the bottom of the inner barrel is significantly reduced, thereby reducing the area between the bottom of the impeller and the bottom of the inner barrel where dirt and grime are easily hidden. In addition, the stirring paddle adopts a closed structure with a cavity, which not only meets the use requirement that the impeller protrudes from the bottom of the inner barrel to play a stirring role, but also avoids the problem that the lower side of the impeller has a deep concave structure that is easy to accumulate dirt, effectively solving the problem that dirt is easy to accumulate under the impeller and is difficult to clean, and improving the user experience.

[0029] In the present invention, a roller is arranged at the lower side of the stirring paddle. When the impeller is installed in the inner barrel, the roller contacts and rolls with the bottom of the inner barrel, which can support the stirring paddle, avoiding the problem that the stirring paddle is suspended in the air and is easily damaged when subjected to large external forces, thereby ensuring the stability of the impeller structure.

[0030] In the present invention, by arranging a sealing structure on the lower side of the mounting portion of the impeller, the area on the lower side of the mounting portion and the outside can be sealed, and the water-permeable holes on the inner barrel are also arranged on the periphery of the area surrounded by the sealing structure, ensuring that water will not enter the area on the lower side of the mounting portion, and further, dirt will not accumulate between the lower side of the mounting portion and the bottom of the inner barrel.

[0031] The specific implementation modes of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In the accompanying drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a pulsator in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the impeller in another perspective in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 is a top view of the impeller in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an inner barrel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 The present invention Figure 4 The enlarged schematic diagram of point A in the middle;

[0038] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the inner barrel assembly in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] In the figure: 100, inner barrel; 110, barrel bottom; 111, water permeable hole; 200, impeller; 210, mounting portion; 211, second mounting groove; 212, second reinforcing rib; 213, connecting portion; 220, stirring paddle; 221, shell; 222, cover plate; 223, first mounting groove; 224, first reinforcing rib; 230, roller; 231, rotating shaft; 240, sealing structure; 241, sealing body; 242, sealing lip; 243, skeleton.

[0040] It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but are intended to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In order to make the purpose, 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 in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0042] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “inside” and “outside” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0043] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a pulsator 200 and an inner tub assembly including the pulsator 200, and the inner tub assembly can be applied to a pulsator washing machine.

[0045] Specifically, a pulsator washing machine generally includes an inner barrel 100 and an outer barrel arranged coaxially, wherein the outer barrel is used to hold water and the inner barrel 100 is used to place clothes. The pulsator 200 is rotatably arranged at the bottom of the inner barrel 100. During the washing process, the pulsator 200 is driven to rotate alternately forward and reverse, stirring the washing water in the inner barrel 100 and driving the clothes in the barrel to turn over, thereby realizing the washing function.

[0046] However, the distance between the bottom of the pulsator 200 and the bottom 110 of the inner tub 100 is small. If dirt accumulates at the bottom of the pulsator 200, it is very troublesome to clean the dirt.

[0047] The embodiment of the present invention is used to solve the problem that dirt and grime are easily hidden between the bottom of the impeller 200 and the bottom 110 of the inner tub 100.

[0048] Specifically, the impeller 200 provided in this embodiment includes a central mounting portion 210 and a plurality of stirring paddles 220 radiating from the mounting portion 210 to the periphery. The mounting portion 210 has a columnar structure, and the stirring paddles 220 have a certain height along the axial direction of the columnar structure.

[0049] When the pulsator 200 is installed in the inner tub 100, the pulsator shaft (not shown in the figure) connected to the driving motor and passing through the bottom 110 of the inner tub 100 is connected to the mounting portion 210, so that the pulsator 200 is driven to rotate by the driving motor. The pulsator 200 is protruded from the upper surface of the bottom 110 of the inner tub 100 as a whole. When the pulsator 200 rotates, the stirring paddle 220 can stir the water flow and drive the clothes to turn over.

[0050] In this embodiment, the mounting portion 210 is preferably cylindrical, and the stirring paddles 220 are radiated from the outer peripheral side wall of the cylindrical mounting portion 210 to the outer periphery along the radial direction of the impeller. At least two stirring paddles 220 are provided and are evenly spaced and distributed along the circumference of the mounting portion 210. More preferably, the number of stirring paddles 220 provided is two to six.

[0051] As a specific solution of this embodiment, Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the impeller 200 includes four stirring paddles 220, and the interval angle between two adjacent stirring paddles 220 is 90°.

[0052] In the above solution, the projection of the impeller 200 to the bottom 110 of the inner barrel 100 is no longer circular, but an irregular shape with multiple protruding parts. In the area between two adjacent stirring paddles 220, the top of the barrel bottom 110 is no longer covered by the impeller 200. In this way, the area between the bottom of the impeller 200 and the bottom 110 of the inner barrel 100 where dirt and grime are easily hidden is reduced, thereby avoiding the trouble of a large amount of dirt accumulating under the impeller 200 and being difficult to clean.

[0053] On the other hand, the pulsator 200 with the above structure can also release part of the washing space in the inner tub 100, thereby making the volume of the inner tub 100 larger without changing the outer dimensions of the inner tub 100.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stirring paddle 220 is a closed structure with a cavity inside. In this way, the stirring paddle 220 can be raised from the bottom 110 of the inner barrel 100 to stir the water flow, and the problem of a large concave size at the stirring paddle 220 on the lower side of the impeller 200, which is easy to accumulate dirt, can be avoided.

[0055] As a preferred solution of this embodiment, the stirring paddle 220 extends from one end close to the mounting portion 210 toward the periphery, and its height gradually decreases. More preferably, the width of the stirring paddle 220 in the horizontal direction gradually decreases as it extends toward the periphery. During the washing process, the stirring force on the water flow near the center of the inner tub 100 is greater, which helps the clothes move toward the periphery of the inner tub 100 and prevents the clothes from being entangled in the center.

[0056] More preferably, there is a rounded transition between the top wall and the side wall of the stirring paddle 220, so as to avoid the problem of the sharp corner structure scratching the clothes during the washing process and causing damage to the clothes.

[0057] In a further solution of this embodiment, the lower surface of the stirring paddle 220 is partially concave to form a first mounting groove 223. The impeller 200 further includes a roller 230, which is rotatably mounted in the first mounting groove 223, the rotation axis of the roller 230 is radially parallel to the impeller 200, and the lowest position of the roller 230 is lower than the lower surface of the stirring paddle 220.

[0058] When the pulsator 200 is installed at the bottom of the inner tub 100, the roller 230 contacts the tub bottom 110 of the inner tub 100. When the driving motor drives the pulsator 200 to rotate, the roller 230 rolls along the tub bottom 110.

[0059] In the above scheme, the arrangement of the roller 230 can support the stirring paddle 220. Since the stirring paddle 220 extends a long length in the radial direction, if the stirring paddle 220 is in a suspended state, when it is subjected to a large external force, especially when subjected to an external force from top to bottom, the end of the stirring paddle 220 connected to the mounting portion 210 is prone to breakage. By arranging the roller 230 to support the stirring paddle 220, the above problem is avoided, and at the same time, the roller 230 can roll along the barrel bottom 110 without causing excessive friction to affect the rotation of the impeller 200.

[0060] Furthermore, the roller 230 extends to a certain length along the radial direction of the impeller 200 , so that it can play a supporting role in a larger range along the radial direction of the stirring paddle 220 .

[0061] Specifically, in this embodiment, rotating shafts 231 are provided at both ends of the roller 230 , and the roller 230 is installed in the first installation groove 223 through the rotating shafts 231 .

[0062] As a specific implementation, the rotating shaft 231 is fixed on two end walls of the first installation groove 223 , and the roller 230 is connected to the rotating shaft 231 so as to be relatively rotatable, thereby being installed in the first installation groove 223 .

[0063] As another specific implementation, the roller 230 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 231 , and the rotating shaft 231 is rotatably mounted on two end walls of the first mounting groove 223 , so that the roller 230 is located in the first mounting groove 223 and can rotate.

[0064] It can be understood that a preferred solution of this embodiment is that the rotating shaft 231 is relatively fixedly installed on the two end walls of the first installation groove 223, so that it is easier to achieve a closed structure of the stirring paddle 220.

[0065] In a further solution of this embodiment, the stirring paddle 220 includes a shell 221 and a cover plate 222. The shell 221 is connected to the outer peripheral side wall of the columnar structure of the mounting portion 210, and the shell 221 is hollow inside and has an opening at the bottom. The cover plate 222 is installed at the lower opening of the shell 221, thereby forming a closed structure with a cavity with the shell 221. The cover plate 222 is partially recessed toward the inner side of the cavity to form a first mounting groove 223.

[0066] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the lower opening of the shell 221 has a stepped structure. Specifically, the inner surface of the side wall of the shell 221 extends downward from the top of the shell 221 at an angle, first extends horizontally toward the outer periphery at a position close to the lower opening to form a horizontal stop surface, and then extends downward again at the outer periphery of the stop surface to form a vertical wall. When the cover plate 222 is installed at the opening, the upper surface of the cover plate 222 contacts and abuts against the stop surface, and the lower surface of the cover plate 222 is flush with the extended end of the vertical wall. That is, the thickness of the cover plate 222 is consistent with the height of the vertical wall.

[0067] In this embodiment, the housing 221 and the cover plate 222 may be fixed by applying sealant, thereby ensuring the closed structure of the inner cavity of the stirring paddle 220 and ensuring that water does not enter the stirring paddle 220 .

[0068] With the above structure, the lower opening of the shell 221 is closed by the cover plate 222. Compared with the structure without the cover plate 222, the contact area between the impeller 200 and the washing water at the stirring paddle 220 is reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of dirt accumulation.

[0069] Specifically, in this embodiment, the housing 221 and the mounting portion 210 are an integrally formed structure, for example, they can be integrally formed by injection molding. In this way, the assembly process of the impeller 200 can be reduced, and the gaps that may be left on the surface of the impeller 200 after the different parts are assembled can also be reduced, thereby reducing the accumulation of dirt in the gaps on the surface of the impeller 200.

[0070] Furthermore, a first reinforcing rib 224 extending downward from the top inner wall of the shell 221 is provided inside the shell 221. In one stirring paddle 220, a plurality of first reinforcing ribs 224 are provided at intervals along the radial direction of the impeller 200. The extended ends of each first reinforcing rib 224 are flush with each other. When the cover plate 222 is installed in place at the lower opening of the shell 221, the extended ends of the first reinforcing ribs 224 abut against the upper surface of the cover plate 222.

[0071] In a further solution of this embodiment, a sealing structure 240 extending along the circumference of the columnar structure is provided on the lower side of the mounting portion 210. When the impeller 200 is mounted to the bottom of the inner tub 100, the sealing structure 240 is in dynamic sealing contact with the barrel bottom 110 of the inner tub 100.

[0072] Through the above structure, the lower area and the peripheral area of ​​the installation part 210 of the impeller 200 can be sealed and separated, and the washing water in the inner tub 100 will not enter the area under the installation part 210 through the sealing structure 240, thereby avoiding the problem of dirt and grime between the lower side of the installation part 210 and the bottom 110 of the inner tub 100. The sealing structure 240 is in dynamic sealing contact with the bottom 110, which can realize the sealing function without affecting the normal rotation of the impeller 200.

[0073] Furthermore, a water-permeable hole 111 is provided on the bottom 110 of the inner barrel 100, and the water-permeable hole 111 is located outside the area enclosed by the projection of the sealing structure 240 onto the bottom 110 of the inner barrel 100. The water-permeable hole 111 connects the inner barrel 100 with the outer barrel (not shown in the figure) outside, and is provided outside the area enclosed by the projection of the sealing structure 240, further ensuring that water will not enter the area below the installation portion 210 of the impeller 200.

[0074] In a specific solution of this embodiment, a plurality of water permeable holes 111 are arranged in an area close to the outer circumference of the barrel bottom 110 , and the plurality of water permeable holes 111 are evenly spaced and distributed along the circumference of the barrel bottom 110 .

[0075] More specifically, two circles of water-permeable holes 111 are arranged along the circumference of the barrel bottom 110. Among them, the vertical distance between the outer circle of water-permeable holes 111 and the axis of the inner barrel 100 is greater than the vertical distance between the outermost end of the stirring paddle 220 and the axis of the inner barrel 100. The vertical distance between the inner circle of water-permeable holes 111 and the axis of the inner barrel 100 is less than the vertical distance between the outermost end of the stirring paddle 220 and the axis of the inner barrel 100. In other words, during the rotation of the impeller 200, the stirring paddle 220 will pass over the inner circle of water-permeable holes 111, while the outer circle of water-permeable holes 111 will never be covered by the stirring paddle 220 of the impeller 200.

[0076] In a further solution, the lower side of the mounting portion 210 has a concave second mounting groove 211, and the sealing structure 240 is arranged in the second mounting groove 211, and extends around the side wall of the second mounting groove 211. The lowest position of the sealing structure 240 is lower than the lower opening of the second mounting groove 211, so that the sealing structure 240 can be in dynamic sealing contact with the barrel bottom 110, and the lower surface of the mounting portion 210 located at the outer periphery of the opening of the second mounting groove 211 has a certain interval with the barrel bottom 110, so that no friction resistance will be generated during the rotation of the impeller 200.

[0077] In a further solution of this embodiment, the sealing structure 240 is a skeleton oil seal structure, specifically including a sealing body 241, a sealing lip 242 and a skeleton 243. The sealing body 241 is sealed and fitted with the side wall of the second mounting groove 211 and extends around the circumference. The sealing lip 242 is formed by extending downward from the lower side of the sealing body 241 and is lower than the lower opening of the second mounting groove 211. The skeleton 243 is at least partially embedded in the sealing body 241 to support the sealing body 241 so that the sealing body 241 maintains its shape.

[0078] Specifically, the sealing body 241 and the sealing lip 242 are an integral structure made of elastic material. Among them, the sealing body 241 is an annular structure, and its outer peripheral wall is sealed and fitted with the side wall of the second mounting groove 211, and the lower surface of the sealing body 241 is lower than the height of the lower opening of the second mounting groove 211. The sealing lip 242 protrudes from the lower surface of the sealing body 241, and in the radial direction of the impeller 200, the thickness of the sealing lip 242 is less than the thickness of the sealing body 241. The sealing lip 242 is in dynamic sealing contact with the upper surface of the barrel bottom 110, thereby forming a waterless space on the lower side of the mounting portion 210.

[0079] The frame 243 is made of metal and has an annular portion embedded in the sealing body 241. By embedding the frame 243 in the sealing body 241, the sealing body 241 can be kept close to the side wall of the second installation groove 211 to achieve sealing, thereby preventing the sealing body 241 from deforming and affecting the sealing effect.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mounting portion 210 of the impeller 200 is a hollow structure, and a connecting portion 213 is arranged inside for connecting the impeller shaft. Specifically, the connecting portion 213 is a cylindrical structure, and is arranged coaxially with the mounting portion 210. An inner spline is arranged on the inner circumferential wall of the connecting portion 213, which is used to match and connect with the outer spline on the outer wall of the impeller shaft, thereby realizing the transmission between the impeller shaft and the impeller 200.

[0081] A second reinforcing rib 212 is provided between the inner peripheral side wall of the mounting portion 210 and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion 213. Specifically, the second reinforcing rib 212 extends radially along the impeller 200, one end of which is connected to the inner peripheral side wall of the mounting portion 210, and the other end of which is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion 213. A plurality of second reinforcing ribs 212 are provided at intervals along the circumference of the impeller 200, thereby enhancing the structural stability between the mounting portion 210 and the connecting portion 213.

[0082] In a further solution of this embodiment, the lower side of the second reinforcing rib 212 is higher than the lower surface of the mounting portion 210, so that the second mounting groove 211 is formed below the second reinforcing rib 212. When the sealing structure 240 is installed in the second mounting groove 211, the upper side of the sealing structure 240 abuts against the lower edge of the second reinforcing rib 212.

[0083] Specifically, the skeleton 243 has an annular portion embedded in the sealing body 241, the upper end of the annular portion passes through the upper side of the sealing body 241, and extends inward to form a horizontal annular stopper. That is, the sealing body 241 wraps the inner and outer sides of the annular portion of the skeleton 243 from below, while the upper part of the annular portion and the annular stopper are exposed outside the sealing body 241.

[0084] The sealing structure 240 is installed from the lower opening of the second installation groove 211 to the inside of the second installation groove 211, and the outer peripheral wall of the sealing body 241 is interference fit with the side wall of the second installation groove 211 to ensure the sealing effect. When the sealing structure 240 is installed from bottom to top, when the annular stopper of the frame 243 contacts and abuts against the lower edge of the second reinforcing rib 212, the sealing structure 240 is installed in place.

[0085] In this embodiment, when assembling the inner barrel assembly, the impeller 200 is assembled first. Specifically, it is necessary to install a plurality of cover plates 222 one by one to the open lower side of the shell 221 of each stirring paddle 220, and perform sealing and fixing treatment. The roller 230 and the rotating shaft 231 can be pre-installed in the first mounting groove 223 on the cover plate 222, and then the cover plate 222 is installed to the lower side of the shell 221. It is also possible to install the cover plate 222 first, and then install the roller 230 and the rotating shaft 231 on the assembled stirring paddle 220. It is also necessary to install the sealing structure 240 from bottom to top into the second mounting groove 211 until the annular stop portion of the skeleton 243 abuts against the second reinforcing rib 212.

[0086] After the impeller 200 is assembled, it can be installed as a whole on the barrel bottom 110 of the inner barrel 100, and the impeller shaft passing through the barrel bottom 110 is inserted into the connecting portion 213, so that the impeller 200 and the barrel bottom 110 are relatively fixed. Finally, the barrel wall of the inner barrel 100 is connected to the barrel bottom 110, and the assembly of the inner barrel assembly is completed.

[0087] The inner barrel assembly of this embodiment is applied to a washing machine. During the washing process, the impeller 200 is driven by a driving motor to rotate alternately forward and reversely. The stirring paddle 220 protrudes from the bottom 110 of the inner barrel 100, which can stir the washing water and drive the clothes to turn over in the barrel to achieve the washing function. During the rotation of the impeller 200, the roller 230 located at the lower side of the stirring paddle 220 rolls along the bottom 110 of the barrel, supporting the stirring paddle 220 to maintain a stable height relative to the bottom 110 of the barrel.

[0088] Since the impeller 200 has a non-circular shape, on the one hand, the area of ​​the projection of the impeller 200 onto the barrel bottom 110 is reduced, thereby reducing the area between the bottom of the impeller 200 and the barrel bottom 110 of the inner barrel 100 that is easy to hide dirt and grime. On the other hand, the space occupied by the impeller 200 in the inner barrel 100 is reduced, thereby releasing part of the washing space, which is conducive to increasing the volume of the inner barrel 100.

[0089] The sealing body 241 of the sealing structure 240 is in sealing contact with the side wall of the second mounting groove 211. During the rotation of the impeller 200, the sealing lip 242 is in dynamic sealing contact with the barrel bottom 110, thereby sealing and separating the lower area of ​​the mounting portion 210 of the impeller 200 from the peripheral area. The water-permeable hole 111 for water flow exchange between the inner barrel 100 and the outer barrel is arranged outside the area surrounded by the projection of the sealing structure 240 to the barrel bottom 110 of the inner barrel 100, so that during the washing process, the area below the mounting portion 210 of the impeller 200 will not be flooded at all. In this way, the problem of easy accumulation of dirt between the mounting portion 210 and the barrel bottom 110 is avoided.

[0090] In addition, since the impeller shaft passes through the barrel bottom 110 to connect with the impeller 200, the sealing structure 240 is set so that the position where the impeller shaft passes through the barrel bottom 110 is in a waterless area, and there is no need to add additional seals between the impeller shaft and the barrel bottom 110, so that the inner barrel 100 can be guaranteed not to leak water around the impeller shaft. In this way, the problem of water leakage from the inner barrel 100 contacting the drive motor below, causing potential water and electricity safety hazards, is avoided.

[0091] In this embodiment, the structure of the impeller 200 is simple, reliable and low-cost. Through the improved structure of the impeller 200 and the inner barrel 100, the situation where dirt and grime are easily hidden between the impeller 200 and the bottom 110 of the inner barrel 100 is greatly reduced, thereby avoiding the trouble of difficult cleaning of accumulated dirt, ensuring the hygienic washing of clothes, and eliminating water and electricity safety hazards, thereby improving the user experience.

[0092] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make some changes or modify the technical contents suggested above into equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still fall within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pulsator, characterized in that: It includes a central mounting portion and a plurality of stirring blades radiating from the mounting portion to the periphery; The mounting portion has a columnar structure; the stirring paddle has a certain height along the axial direction of the columnar structure and is a closed structure with a cavity inside.

2. The impeller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower surface of the stirring paddle is partially concave to form a first mounting groove; The impeller further comprises a roller, which is rotatably mounted in the first mounting groove, the rotation axis of the roller is parallel to the radial direction of the impeller, and the lowest position of the roller is lower than the lower surface of the stirring paddle.

3. The impeller according to claim 2, characterized in that: The stirring paddle comprises: A shell with a hollow interior, the shell is connected to the outer peripheral side wall of the columnar structure and has an opening at the lower side; A cover plate, installed at the lower opening of the shell, and forming a closed structure with a cavity with the shell; The cover plate is partially recessed toward the inner side of the cavity to form the first installation groove.

4. The impeller according to claim 2, characterized in that: The stirring paddle is radiated from the outer peripheral side wall of the columnar structure along the radial direction of the impeller, and the roller extends along the radial direction of the impeller to have a certain length.

5. The impeller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: A sealing structure extending along the circumference of the columnar structure is disposed at the lower side of the mounting portion.

6. The impeller according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lower side of the mounting portion has a concave second mounting groove, and the sealing structure is arranged in the second mounting groove and extends around the side wall of the second mounting groove; the lowest position of the sealing structure is lower than the lower opening of the second mounting groove.

7. The impeller according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sealing structure comprises: A sealing body, sealingly fitted with the side wall of the second mounting groove and extending in the circumferential direction; A sealing lip extending downward from the lower side of the sealing body and lower than the lower opening of the second mounting groove; The skeleton is at least partially embedded in the sealing body.

8. An inner barrel assembly, comprising an inner barrel, characterized in that: It also includes the impeller described in any one of claims 1 to 7; the impeller is rotatably installed in the inner barrel.

9. The inner barrel assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: A rotatable roller is installed on the lower side of the stirring paddle; the stirring paddle rotates with the impeller, and the roller contacts the bottom of the inner barrel and rolls along the bottom of the inner barrel.

10. The inner barrel assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: A sealing structure extending along the circumference of the columnar structure is disposed at the lower side of the mounting portion, and the sealing structure is in dynamic sealing contact with the bottom of the inner barrel; A water permeable hole is arranged on the bottom of the inner barrel, and the water permeable hole is located outside the area enclosed by the projection of the sealing structure onto the bottom of the inner barrel.

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