Self-cleaning structure of outer wall of inner cylinder of drum machine
By designing an automatic floating platform and cleaning components within the drum of a front-loading washing machine to create a self-cleaning structure on the outer wall of the drum, the problem of the drum's self-cleaning function relying on user operation is solved. This achieves automated and convenient inner drum cleaning, ensuring the outer wall of the inner drum remains clean, saving resources and extending the equipment's lifespan.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JINLING ELECTRICAL CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
The self-cleaning function of existing drum washing machines requires manual operation by the user, which can easily lead to untimely cleaning and affect the washing effect.
A self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner drum of a drum washing machine is designed, including first and second floating platforms and cleaning components. The cleaning components are automatically brought into contact with the inner drum wall by the buoyancy of water, and are cleaned simultaneously during the washing process. They are also automatically separated in the mode where water injection is not required to avoid wear.
It achieves automated cleaning of the inner drum's outer wall, avoiding dirt residue, saving water and energy, reducing chemical residue, and improving washing effect and equipment lifespan.
Smart Images
Figure CN224478285U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of drum washing machine technology, and in particular to a self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner drum of a drum washing machine. Background Technology
[0002] A front-loading washing machine is a common household appliance, primarily used for washing clothes. It offers advantages such as high cleaning power, minimal wear and tear on clothes, and water and energy savings. The washing drum is the core component of a front-loading washing machine, consisting of an inner drum and an outer drum. The inner drum is a rotating, horizontally placed cylinder. As it rotates, lifting ribs lift and drop the clothes, mimicking manual washing motions to achieve the desired cleaning effect. The surface of the inner drum is covered with small holes to facilitate water flow into and out. The outer drum is a stationary water tank that houses the inner drum. Its main function is to hold the detergent and water and support the stable rotation of the inner drum.
[0003] During the washing process, water carrying dirt will continuously pass through the space between the inner and outer drums. Over time, dirt such as limescale, detergent, mud, and hair will remain and adhere to the outer wall of the inner drum. This dirt will breed bacteria and cause secondary pollution of clothes.
[0004] Traditional front-loading washing machines typically have a self-cleaning mode that uses hot water to clean the outer wall of the inner drum. However, the self-cleaning function requires the user to actively recognize the need for it and manually select the self-cleaning button to start a separate self-cleaning program. It cannot automatically clean during each wash cycle. This can be difficult for some users who are unfamiliar with the operation or who are careless to perform the self-cleaning in a timely manner, easily leading to delayed cleaning and affecting the washing effect. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner cylinder of a drum machine, so as to solve the problem that the self-cleaning function of the drum machine in the prior art is inconvenient to use and easily leads to untimely cleaning.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner cylinder of a drum machine, comprising:
[0007] The first limiting frame is located between the peripheral sidewall of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and is fixed on the outer cylinder;
[0008] A first floating platform is movably mounted on the first limiting frame. A first cleaning component is provided on the first floating platform. The first floating platform can move upward under the buoyancy of the water in the outer cylinder so that the first cleaning component contacts the peripheral wall of the inner cylinder.
[0009] The second limiting frame is located between the rear side wall of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and is fixed on the outer cylinder;
[0010] The second floating platform is movably mounted on the second limiting frame. A second cleaning component is provided on the second floating platform. The second floating platform can move upward under the buoyancy of the water in the outer cylinder and move towards the inner cylinder at the same time so that the second cleaning component contacts the rear side wall of the inner cylinder.
[0011] In some embodiments of this application, a first guide rod is provided on the first floating platform, and a guide hole is provided on the first limiting frame, and the first guide rod is slidably assembled in the guide hole.
[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the first limiting frame is provided with a first inner stop, which is located on the side of the first floating platform near the inner cylinder.
[0013] In some embodiments of this application, a second guide rod is provided on the second floating platform. The second guide rod is inclined upward from the outer cylinder to the inner cylinder. A guide groove is provided on the second limiting frame. The second guide rod is slidably fitted into the guide groove along its own length direction.
[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the second limiting frame is provided with a second inner stop, which is located on the side of the second floating platform near the inner cylinder.
[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the lower half of the rear sidewall of the outer cylinder has an outwardly extending bent portion, the outer edge of the bent portion extends downward to form a vertical portion, the bottom of the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder has a downwardly protruding horizontal portion, the bent portion, the vertical portion and the horizontal portion are connected in sequence to form an installation chamber on the outer cylinder, the first limiting frame is fixed on the chamber wall of the horizontal portion, and the second limiting frame is fixed on the chamber wall of the vertical portion.
[0016] In some embodiments of this application, both the first floating platform and the second floating platform include a shell, the shell being elastic, and an air cavity being provided inside the shell.
[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the lower half of the second floating platform has a reinforcement portion, the width of which is greater than the width of the upper half of the second floating platform.
[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the first limiting frame has a first receiving cavity for accommodating the first floating stage, and the second limiting frame has a second receiving cavity for accommodating the second floating stage.
[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the first cleaning component and the second cleaning component are any one of a brush, a sponge, and an elastic scraper.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner drum of this utility model has the following advantages: When the drum machine starts in the mode requiring water injection, the first and second floating platforms automatically rise, allowing the first and second cleaning components to automatically contact the outer wall of the inner drum, thus cleaning simultaneously during each wash without the need for a separate cleaning program. This makes the cleaning process more automated and convenient, and effectively prevents scale, detergent, mud, hair, and other residues from remaining on the outer wall of the inner drum, keeping it clean. When the drum machine starts in the mode not requiring water injection, the first and second floating platforms automatically fall, allowing the first and second cleaning components to automatically separate from the outer wall of the inner drum, avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on the inner drum, the first cleaning components, and the second cleaning components caused by frequent cleaning. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the self-cleaning structure of the inner cylinder outer wall of the drum machine according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the self-cleaning structure of the inner cylinder outer wall of the drum machine according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first floating platform and the first cleaning component of the self-cleaning structure of the inner cylinder outer wall of the drum machine according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second floating platform and the second cleaning component of the self-cleaning structure of the inner cylinder outer wall of the drum machine according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0025] In the figure, 1 is the inner cylinder; 2 is the outer cylinder; 3 is the first limiting frame; 31 is the first receiving cavity; 32 is the guide hole; 33 is the first inner stop; 4 is the first floating platform; 41 is the first guide rod; 42 is the first extension; 5 is the first cleaning component; 6 is the second limiting frame; 61 is the second receiving cavity; 62 is the guide groove; 63 is the second inner stop; 7 is the second floating platform; 71 is the second guide rod; 72 is the reinforcement; 73 is the second extension; 8 is the second cleaning component; 9 is the installation chamber; 91 is the bent part; 92 is the vertical part; 93 is the horizontal part. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.
[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used in this utility model to describe various information, but this information should not be limited to these terms; these terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of this utility model, "first" information can also be referred to as "second" information, and similarly, "second" information can also be referred to as "first" information.
[0028] like Figure 1-4 As shown in the figure, a self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner cylinder of a roller machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is used to clean the outer wall of the inner cylinder 1 of the roller machine, including a first limiting frame 3, a first floating platform 4, a second limiting frame 6, and a second floating platform 7.
[0029] The first limiting frame 3 is located between the peripheral wall of the inner cylinder 1 and the outer cylinder 2, and is fixed on the outer cylinder 2.
[0030] The first floating platform 4 is movably mounted on the first limiting frame 3. The first floating platform 4 is provided with a first cleaning component 5. The first floating platform 4 can move upward under the buoyancy of the water in the outer cylinder 2 so that the first cleaning component 5 contacts the peripheral wall of the inner cylinder 1.
[0031] The second limiting bracket 6 is located between the rear side wall of the inner cylinder 1 and the outer cylinder 2, and is fixed on the outer cylinder 2.
[0032] The second floating platform 7 is movably mounted on the second limiting frame 6. The second floating platform 7 is provided with a second cleaning component 8. The second floating platform 7 can move upward under the buoyancy of the water in the outer cylinder 2, and at the same time move towards the inner cylinder 1 so that the second cleaning component 8 contacts the rear side wall of the inner cylinder 1.
[0033] When the drum washing machine starts a mode that requires water filling, such as washing, rinsing, or soaking, the water level in the outer drum 2 rises, leaving a certain amount of water. The first floating platform 4 and the second floating platform 7 are respectively immersed in the water in the interlayer between the inner drum 1 and the outer drum 2, and float up due to the buoyancy of the water in the interlayer. During the upward floating process, the first floating platform 4 moves upward so that the first cleaning component 5 contacts the peripheral wall of the inner drum 1; while during the upward floating process, the second floating platform 7 moves upward and also moves closer to the inner drum 1 so that the second cleaning component 8 contacts the rear wall of the inner drum 1.
[0034] Next, during the operation of the drum machine, the inner drum 1 rotates relative to the outer drum 2, that is, the inner drum 1 rotates relative to the first cleaning component 5 and the second cleaning component 8. The first cleaning component 5 performs mechanical friction cleaning on the circumferential side wall of the inner drum 1, and the second cleaning component 8 performs mechanical friction cleaning on the rear side wall of the inner drum 1. This can effectively remove stubborn dirt on the outer wall of the inner drum 1, and the cleaning effect is good. Moreover, the method of removing dirt by mechanical friction does not require the consumption of a large amount of hot water, thus saving water and energy. It does not rely on the use of washing machine cleaner, reducing chemical residues and ensuring high safety.
[0035] When the drum machine starts in a mode that does not require water injection, such as the dehydration mode or the air wash mode, the water level in the outer drum 2 drops until the water in the outer drum 2 is drained, that is, the water in the interlayer between the inner drum 1 and the outer drum 2 is drained. The first floating platform 4 and the second floating platform 7 fall under their own gravity. The first cleaning component 5 separates from the peripheral wall of the inner drum 1 as the first floating platform 4 falls, and the second cleaning component 8 separates from the rear wall of the inner drum 1 as the second floating platform 7 falls.
[0036] Thus, when the drum machine starts in the water-filling mode, as the first floating platform 4 and the second floating platform 7 automatically rise, the first cleaning component 5 and the second cleaning component 8 can automatically contact the outer wall of the inner drum 1, thereby cleaning synchronously during each wash without the need to start a special cleaning program. This makes the cleaning process more automated and convenient, and can promptly prevent limescale, detergent, mud, hair, and other residues from remaining on the outer wall of the inner drum 1, keeping the outer wall of the inner drum 1 clean. When the drum machine starts in the water-free mode, as the first floating platform 4 and the second floating platform 7 automatically fall, the first cleaning component 5 and the second cleaning component 8 can automatically separate from the outer wall of the inner drum 1, avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on the inner drum 1, the first cleaning component 5, and the second cleaning component 8 caused by frequent cleaning.
[0037] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a first guide rod 41 is provided on the first floating platform 4, and a guide hole 32 is provided on the first limiting frame 3. The first guide rod 41 is slidably assembled in the guide hole 32. The sliding cooperation between the first guide rod 41 and the guide hole 32 provides precise guidance for the movement of the first floating platform 4, so that the first floating platform 4 only moves upward and approaches the peripheral wall of the inner cylinder 1 during the floating process. This ensures that the first cleaning component 5 accurately abuts against the peripheral wall of the inner cylinder 1, thereby cleaning the peripheral wall of the rotating inner cylinder 1 and avoiding possible deviation or jamming of the first floating platform 4 during the movement.
[0038] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the first limiting frame 3 is provided with a first inner stop 33, which is located on the side of the first floating platform 4 near the inner cylinder 1. The first inner stop 33 is used to limit the extreme position of the first floating platform 4 near the inner cylinder 1, preventing the first cleaning component 5 from excessively squeezing the peripheral wall of the inner cylinder 1, thereby avoiding damage to the peripheral wall of the inner cylinder 1 or the first cleaning component 5.
[0039] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a second guide rod 71 is provided on the second floating platform 7. The second guide rod 71 is inclined upward from the outer cylinder 2 towards the inner cylinder 1. A guide groove 62 is provided on the second limiting frame 6. The second guide rod 71 is slidably fitted into the guide groove 62 along its own length. The sliding cooperation between the second guide rod 71 and the guide groove 62 provides precise guidance for the movement of the second floating platform 7. This allows the second floating platform 7 to move upward and also move towards the inner cylinder 1 during its upward movement, ensuring that the second cleaning component 8 accurately abuts against the rear wall of the inner cylinder 1. This cleans the rear wall of the rotating inner cylinder 1 and avoids possible deviation or jamming of the second floating platform 7 during its movement.
[0040] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the second limiting frame 6 is provided with a second inner stop 63, which is located on the side of the second floating platform 7 near the inner cylinder 1. The second inner stop 63 is used to limit the extreme position of the second floating platform 7 near the inner cylinder 1, preventing the second cleaning component 8 from excessively squeezing the rear wall of the inner cylinder 1, thereby avoiding damage to the rear wall of the inner cylinder 1 or the second cleaning component 8.
[0041] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first floating platform 4 has a first protrusion 42 on its side for mounting the first guide rod 41, and the first limiting frame 3 has a first outer stop surface located on the side of the first protrusion 42 near the outer cylinder 2. The first outer stop surface is used to limit the extreme position of the first floating platform 4 near the outer cylinder 2, prevent the first floating platform 4 from moving excessively outward, avoid collisions or interference between the first floating platform 4 and other components, and improve the reliability of the cleaning unit's movement.
[0042] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the second floating platform 7 has a second protrusion 73 on its side for mounting the second guide rod 71, and the second limiting frame 6 has a second outer stop surface located on the side of the second protrusion 73 near the outer cylinder 2. The second outer stop surface is used to limit the extreme position of the second floating platform 7 near the outer cylinder 2, prevent the second floating platform 7 from moving excessively outward, avoid collisions or interference between the second floating platform 7 and other components, and improve the reliability of the cleaning unit's movement.
[0043] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1-4 As shown, the lower half of the rear sidewall of the outer cylinder 2 has an outwardly extending bent portion 91. The outer edge of the bent portion 91 extends downward to form a vertical portion 92. The bottom of the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 2 has a downwardly protruding horizontal portion 93. The bent portion 91, the vertical portion 92, and the horizontal portion 93 are connected in sequence to form an installation chamber 9 on the outer cylinder 2. The first limiting frame 3 is fixed to the chamber wall of the horizontal portion 93, and the second limiting frame 6 is fixed to the chamber wall of the vertical portion 92. The first limiting frame 3 and the second limiting frame 6 are fixed at different parts of the installation chamber 9, which makes reasonable use of the limited space in the installation chamber 9 on the outer cylinder 2, so that the first cleaning component 5 and the second cleaning component 8 can work simultaneously, cleaning different parts of the inner cylinder 1 synchronously during the operation of the drum machine, thereby improving the cleaning effect and cleaning efficiency.
[0044] In some embodiments of this application, both the first floating platform 4 and the second floating platform 7 include a shell, the shell is elastic, and an air cavity is provided inside the shell.
[0045] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the lower half of the second floating platform 7 has a reinforcing part 72, the width of which is greater than the width of the upper half of the second floating platform 7. The reinforcing part 72 is used to increase the contact area between the second floating platform 7 and the water in the interlayer, thereby increasing the buoyancy of the second floating platform 7 and enabling the second floating platform 7 to rise and fall more stably when the water level in the outer cylinder 2 changes.
[0046] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first limiting frame 3 has a first receiving cavity 31 for accommodating the first floating platform 4, and the second limiting frame 6 has a second receiving cavity 61 for accommodating the second floating platform 7. The first receiving cavity 31 and the second receiving cavity 61 provide stable spaces for the first floating platform 4 and the second floating platform 7, respectively, so that the first floating platform 4 and the second floating platform 7 have a clear trajectory and range during the floating and falling process, avoiding the first floating platform 4 and the second floating platform 7 from shaking randomly in the interlayer between the inner cylinder 1 and the outer cylinder 2, and improving the stability of the cleaning unit's operation.
[0047] In some embodiments of this application, the first cleaning component 5 and the second cleaning component 8 are any one of a brush, a sponge, and an elastic scraper.
[0048] Preferably, both the first cleaning component 5 and the second cleaning component 8 are brushes.
[0049] In summary, this utility model embodiment provides a self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner drum of a drum washing machine. When the drum washing machine is started in the mode requiring water injection, as the first floating platform 4 and the second floating platform 7 automatically rise, the first cleaning component 5 and the second cleaning component 8 can automatically contact the outer wall of the inner drum 1, thereby cleaning simultaneously during each wash without the need to start a special cleaning program. This makes the cleaning process more automated and convenient, and can promptly prevent scale, detergent, mud, hair, etc., from remaining on the outer wall of the inner drum 1, keeping the outer wall of the inner drum 1 clean. When the drum washing machine is started in the mode not requiring water injection, as the first floating platform 4 and the second floating platform 7 automatically fall, the first cleaning component 5 and the second cleaning component 8 can automatically separate from the outer wall of the inner drum 1, avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on the inner drum 1, the first cleaning component 5, and the second cleaning component 8 caused by frequent cleaning.
[0050] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner cylinder of a drum mill, characterized in that, include: The first limiting frame (3) is located between the peripheral side wall of the inner cylinder (1) and the outer cylinder (2) and is fixed on the outer cylinder (2); The first floating platform (4) is movably mounted on the first limiting frame (3). The first floating platform (4) is provided with a first cleaning component (5). The first floating platform (4) can move upward under the buoyancy of the water in the outer cylinder (2) so that the first cleaning component (5) contacts the peripheral wall of the inner cylinder (1). The second limiting frame (6) is located between the rear side wall of the inner cylinder (1) and the outer cylinder (2) and is fixed on the outer cylinder (2); The second floating platform (7) is movably mounted on the second limiting frame (6). The second floating platform (7) is provided with a second cleaning component (8). The second floating platform (7) can move upward under the buoyancy of the water in the outer cylinder (2) and move towards the inner cylinder (1) at the same time so that the second cleaning component (8) contacts the rear side wall of the inner cylinder (1).
2. The self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner cylinder of the drum mill according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first floating platform (4) is provided with a first guide rod (41), and the first limiting frame (3) is provided with a guide hole (32). The first guide rod (41) is slidably assembled in the guide hole (32).
3. The self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner cylinder of the drum mill according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first limiting frame (3) is provided with a first inner stop (33), which is located on the side of the first floating platform (4) near the inner cylinder (1).
4. The self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner cylinder of the drum mill according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second floating platform (7) is provided with a second guide rod (71). The second guide rod (71) is inclined upward from the outer cylinder (2) towards the inner cylinder (1). The second limiting frame (6) is provided with a guide groove (62). The second guide rod (71) is slidably fitted into the guide groove (62) along its own length direction.
5. The self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner cylinder of the drum mill according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second limiting frame (6) is provided with a second inner stop (63), which is located on the side of the second floating platform (7) near the inner cylinder (1).
6. The self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner cylinder of a drum mill according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The lower half of the rear sidewall of the outer cylinder (2) has an outwardly extending bent portion (91), the outer edge of the bent portion (91) extends downward to form a vertical portion (92), the bottom of the outer peripheral wall of the outer cylinder (2) has a downwardly protruding horizontal portion (93), the bent portion (91), the vertical portion (92) and the horizontal portion (93) are connected in sequence to form an installation chamber (9) on the outer cylinder (2), the first limiting frame (3) is fixed on the chamber wall of the horizontal portion (93), and the second limiting frame (6) is fixed on the chamber wall of the vertical portion (92).
7. The self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner cylinder of a drum mill according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Both the first floating platform (4) and the second floating platform (7) include a shell, the shell is elastic, and an air cavity is provided inside the shell.
8. The self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner cylinder of a drum mill according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The lower half of the second floating platform (7) has a reinforcement (72) with a width greater than that of the upper half of the second floating platform (7).
9. The self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner cylinder of a drum mill according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first limiting frame (3) has a first receiving cavity (31) for accommodating the first floating platform (4), and the second limiting frame (6) has a second receiving cavity (61) for accommodating the second floating platform (7).
10. The self-cleaning structure for the outer wall of the inner cylinder of a drum mill according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first cleaning component (5) and the second cleaning component (8) are either a brush, a sponge, or an elastic scraper.