Washing machine with floating clutch structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of washing machines with floating clutch structure, the washing machine includes inner tube assembly;Fixed with carousel in the inner tube assembly;Barrier is provided on the carousel;The washing machine further includes float;The torque of the float can be transmitted and is fixed in pulsator, and coaxially movable relative to the pulsator;The second face of the float is provided with multiple engaging members;The first radial section of the engaging member is vertical surface, and the second radial section of the engaging member is oblique surface with obtuse angle with the float;The float moves to the position away from the carousel, the engaging member and the barrier are mutually separated;Or, the float moves to the position close to the carousel, when the pulsator rotates, the engaging member and the barrier are mutually interfered in the circumferential position of the barrier. The utility model has less parts, occupies less inner tube bottom space, and can adapt to the compact space demand of mini pulsator washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to electrical structures, specifically to a washing machine with a floating clutch structure. Background Technology

[0002] The transmission structure design of pulsator washing machines has some limitations.

[0003] Traditional top-loading washing machines generally rely on a clutch structure to connect the pulsator and the inner drum during the washing and spin-drying processes. The clutch structure has many parts and a complicated overall design. Over long-term use, it is prone to failure due to wear and tear of the parts, resulting in high maintenance costs and difficulty in repair. At the same time, the clutch itself is large in size and occupies a lot of space at the bottom of the inner drum, making it difficult to install in smaller models such as mini top-loading washing machines.

[0004] To simplify the structure, most existing mini pulsator washing machines use an integrated design of the pulsator and inner drum, which prevents relative movement between the two. This structural defect is particularly noticeable during the drying process: because the pulsator and inner drum move synchronously, it is difficult to disperse the clothes, causing them to clump together during drying. This not only results in low drying efficiency but also makes the dried clothes feel rough and not soft, affecting the user experience and the effect on clothing care.

[0005] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model discloses a washing machine with a floating clutch structure.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this embodiment of the utility model is as follows: A washing machine with a floating clutch structure includes an inner drum assembly; a turntable is fixed in the inner drum assembly; a blocking member is provided on the turntable; the washing machine also includes a float; the float is torque-transmittably fixed to an impeller and can move coaxially relative to the impeller; a plurality of engaging members are provided on a second surface of the float; a first radial section of the engaging member is a vertical plane, and a second radial section of the engaging member is an inclined plane at an obtuse angle to the float; when the float moves to a position away from the turntable, the engaging members disengage from the blocking member; or, when the float moves to a position close to the turntable, the engaging members and the blocking member interfere with each other in the circumferential direction when the impeller rotates.

[0008] A further technical solution is that when the float moves to a position close to the turntable and the impeller rotates in the first direction, the first radial section abuts against the blocking member, causing the impeller to drive the turntable to rotate; or, when the impeller rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the second radial section slides over the top of the blocking member, causing the float to move until the engaging member and the blocking member disengage from each other.

[0009] A further technical solution is that multiple blocking elements are provided, and the number of the multiple blocking elements is evenly arranged and corresponds to the number of the engaging elements.

[0010] A further technical solution is that the first surface of the float is provided with a plurality of fitting members, and the impeller is provided with a plurality of fitting slots; the fitting members are inserted into the fitting slots, so that the impeller can drive the float to rotate, and the float can move relative to the impeller within the height range of the fitting members.

[0011] A further technical solution is that the first surface of the float is provided with a limiting hole; the impeller is provided with a limiting post corresponding to the position of the limiting hole and extending into the limiting hole; and the end of the limiting post has a hook-shaped structure for hooking the edge of the limiting hole.

[0012] A further technical solution is that the inner cylinder assembly includes a bottom cover assembly and an inner cylinder wall integrally connected to the bottom cover assembly; a plurality of fixing posts are provided below the turntable; a fixing member passes through the bottom cover assembly and is nailed into the fixing posts to fix the turntable to the bottom cover assembly.

[0013] A further technical solution is that an annular first fixing position is provided at the center of the impeller; a spline hole for connecting to the power output shaft of the motor assembly is provided at the center of the handle assembly; a second fixing position corresponding to the first fixing position is provided around the spline hole; and a fixing member passes through the second fixing position and the first fixing position to fix the impeller to the handle assembly.

[0014] A further technical solution is that a spline column is provided at the center of the handle assembly; the spline hole is opened on the spline column; a tension spring is also installed in the handle assembly; the tension spring includes a main ring surrounding the outer wall of the spline column and a first lever arm and a second lever arm extending along the main ring and folded within the range enclosed by the main ring; both the first lever arm and the second lever arm are provided with opposing arc-shaped bends to clamp the power output shaft from both sides.

[0015] A further technical solution is that an openable and closable handle cover is provided above the handle assembly.

[0016] A further technical solution is that an impeller cover is provided on the impeller; the mounting hole in the center of the impeller cover is fitted around the outer periphery of the handle assembly; the diameter of the handle cover is larger than the mounting hole of the impeller cover.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model embodiment are as follows:

[0018] This invention utilizes the relationship between gravity and buoyancy by combining a float and a turntable to enable the float to move axially along the impeller without the need for a motor drive or hydraulic control, or additional transmission components, thus simplifying the structure. The power transmission between the impeller and the inner drum is achieved through the engagement of the float and the blocking of the turntable, eliminating the need for additional reversing components. With fewer parts and less space occupied at the bottom of the inner drum, it can be adapted to the compact space requirements of mini impeller washing machines.

[0019] This invention transmits torque only during spin-drying, where the float's meshing component and the turntable's blocking component rigidly contact each other. During washing, they completely disengage, and during drying, they only experience slight sliding friction. Compared to traditional gear meshing structures, this results in less wear. The connection between the handle assembly and the motor output shaft is achieved through a spline hole and a tension spring's elastic clamping, which eliminates gaps and reduces impact force through elasticity, thus minimizing wear between them.

[0020] The meshing component of this utility model has a first radial section used to abut against the blocking component during dehydration, driving the inner drum to rotate synchronously. The second radial section is used to slide during drying, causing the meshing component to disengage from the blocking component, so that the impeller can rotate independently of the inner drum. This can cause the clothes to tumble and disperse, preventing them from piling up and clumping. While maintaining a small overall size and fitting the small volume design of mini dryers, it also enables mini dryers to have good drying effects. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of the internal structure of the washing machine in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the float in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A diagram from another direction.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the float and turntable in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the impeller structure in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the handle assembly in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Float; 101. Fitting component; 102. Engaging component; 1021. First radial section; 1022. Second radial section; 103. Limiting hole; 2. Impeller; 201. Fitting groove; 202. Limiting post; 203. First fixed position; 3. Turntable; 301. Blocking component; 302. Fixed post; 4. Bottom cover assembly; 5. Handle assembly; 501. Spline hole; 502. Second fixed position; 503. Tension spring; 5031. Main ring; 5032. First lever arm; 5033. Second lever arm; 504. Spline post; 6. Handle cover; 7. Inner cylinder wall; 8. Motor assembly; 801. Power output shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the device proposed by this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The advantages and features of this utility model will become clearer according to the following description. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, only used to conveniently and clearly assist in illustrating the purpose of the embodiments of this utility model. Please refer to the accompanying drawings to make the objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable. It should be understood that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., depicted in the accompanying drawings are only used to complement the content disclosed in the specification, for those skilled in the art to understand and read, and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of this utility model. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportional relationships, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives that this utility model can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this utility model.

[0031] This utility model discloses a washing machine with a floating clutch structure. Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of the internal structure of the washing machine in an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view. (e.g.) Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the washing machine includes an inner drum assembly. The inner drum assembly includes a bottom cover assembly 4 and an inner drum wall 7 integrally connected to the bottom cover assembly 4, and clothes are placed in the inner drum assembly. The washing machine also includes a pulsator 2. A motor assembly 8 drives the pulsator 2 to rotate, agitating the clothes in the washing mode or dispersing the clothes in the drying mode. An outer drum and other necessary components are also installed outside the inner drum assembly, which are not the focus of this utility model and will not be described in detail.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the float in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 4 for Figure 1 A diagram from another direction. (As shown in the diagram...) Figures 1-4 The washing machine includes a float 1. The float 1 is torque-transmittablely fixed to the impeller 2 and can move coaxially with respect to the impeller 2. In this embodiment, torque-transmittable fixing means that the float 1 is fixed to the impeller 2, and when the impeller 2 rotates, it can drive the float 1 to rotate together. At the same time, the float 1 can move upward or downward relative to the impeller 2. The second surface of the float 1 is provided with a plurality of engaging members 102. In this embodiment, four engaging members 102 are provided. The first radial cross-section 1021 of the engaging member 102 is a vertical surface, and the second radial cross-section 1022 of the engaging member 102 is an inclined surface at an obtuse angle to the second surface of the float 1. In this embodiment, a radial cross-section refers to a surface that is parallel to the radial direction of the float 1 or has a small angle, to distinguish it from the arc surface on the engaging member 102 that is coaxial with the float 1. The first radial cross-section 1021 is a vertical surface, meaning that the first radial cross-section 1021 is perpendicular or almost perpendicular to the second surface of the float 1. Referring to the rotation direction of float 1, the first radial sectional surface 1021 of the multiple meshing elements 102 has the same orientation direction.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the assembly of the float and turntable in an embodiment of this utility model. (In conjunction with...) Figure 5 A turntable 3 is fixed within the inner cylinder assembly. A blocking member 301 is provided on the turntable 3. The blocking member 301 protrudes from the upper surface of the turntable 3 and is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the upper surface of the turntable 3. The float 1 can move relative to the impeller 2. When the float 1 moves away from the turntable 3, the engaging member 102 disengages from the blocking member 301. Alternatively, when the float 1 moves closer to the turntable 3, causing the impeller 2 to rotate, the engaging member 102 and the blocking member 301 interfere with each other in the circumferential direction.

[0034] Furthermore, when the float 1 moves to a position close to the turntable 3 and the impeller 2 rotates in the first direction, the first radial section 1021 abuts against the blocking member 301, causing the impeller 2 to drive the turntable 3 to rotate. Alternatively, when the impeller 2 rotates in the second direction, the second radial section 1022 slides over the top of the blocking member 301, causing the float 1 to move until the engaging member 102 disengages from the blocking member 301. The second direction is opposite to the first direction; for example, if the first direction is counterclockwise, then the second direction is clockwise.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the washing machine is performing a spin-drying operation, the inner drum assembly is dry, and the float 1 moves to a lower position under its own weight. The engaging member 102 and the blocking member 301 interfere with each other in the circumferential direction. The motor assembly 8 drives the impeller 2 towards... Figure 5 When the washing machine rotates in direction A, the impeller 2 drives the float 1 to rotate in direction A. The first radial section 1021 abuts against the blocking member 301, causing the impeller 2 to drive the turntable 3 to rotate. Consequently, the inner drum assembly and the impeller 2 rotate simultaneously in the same direction, achieving the dehydration of clothes. When the washing machine is performing a washing operation, water is added to the outer drum. At this time, the water level in the inner drum assembly rises, and the buoyancy of the float 1 gradually increases. When the buoyancy exceeds the weight of the float 1, the float 1 moves upward to a position away from the turntable 3, and the engaging member 102 disengages from the blocking member 301. At this time, the impeller 2 rotates freely under the drive of the motor assembly 8 to wash the clothes, while the inner drum assembly remains stationary. When the washing machine is performing a drying operation, there is no water in the inner drum assembly. The float 1 moves to a lower position under its own weight, and the engaging member 102 and the blocking member 301 interfere with each other in the circumferential direction. The motor assembly 8 drives the impeller 2 to rotate in direction A. Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the second radial sectional surface 1022, being an obtuse angle with a large angle, will move upward and slide past the top of the blocking member 301, causing the float 1 to move to the position where the engaging member 102 and the blocking member 301 are disengaged. The impeller 2 rotates relative to the inner drum assembly, thereby realizing the function of dispersing the clothes, making the clothes more evenly dried during the drying process, and improving drying efficiency and quality.

[0036] Furthermore, multiple blocking elements 301 are provided, and the number of blocking elements 301 is evenly arranged, corresponding to the number of engaging elements 102. When the impeller 2 drives the float 1 to rotate, the blocking elements 301 simultaneously contact the engaging elements 102, so that the torque on the turntable 3 is evenly distributed, and vibration is also reduced.

[0037] Furthermore, the first surface of the float 1 is provided with a plurality of fittings 101, which are four in this embodiment. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the impeller structure in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 6 As shown, multiple fitting slots 201 are provided on the impeller 2. Fitting members 101 are inserted into the fitting slots 201, allowing the impeller 2 to drive the float 1 to rotate, and the float 1 to move relative to the impeller 2 within the height range of the fitting members 101. After the fitting members 101 are inserted into the fitting slots 201, they form a circumferential limit, allowing the impeller 2 to drive the float 1 to rotate, and also reserving axial movement space for the float 1. In actual use, the height of the fitting slots 201 is generally greater than the height of the fitting members 101, providing the float 1 with a stroke for vertical movement.

[0038] Furthermore, the first surface of the float 1 is provided with a limiting hole 103. The impeller 2 is provided with a limiting post 202 that corresponds to the position of the limiting hole 103 and extends into the limiting hole 103. At the end of the limiting post 202, there is a hook-shaped structure for hooking the edge of the limiting hole 103, limiting the maximum axial movement distance of the float 1 and preventing it from falling off. At the same time, the elastic snap-fit ​​structure also facilitates the installation between the float 1 and the impeller 2.

[0039] Furthermore, the inner cylinder assembly includes a bottom cover assembly 4 and an inner cylinder wall 7 integrally connected to the bottom cover assembly 4. Multiple fixing posts 302 are provided below the turntable 3. Fixing members pass through the bottom cover assembly 4 and are nailed into the fixing posts 302, fixing the turntable 3 to the bottom cover assembly 4. The fixing posts 302 are pre-positioning structures for easy installation.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the handle assembly in an embodiment of the present utility model. (In conjunction with...) Figure 6 , Figure 7 A first annular fixing position 203 is provided at the center of the impeller 2. A spline hole 501 for connecting to the power output shaft 801 of the motor assembly 8 is provided at the center of the handle assembly 5. The spline hole 501 mates with the power output shaft 801, transmitting torque through multi-tooth meshing. A second fixing position 502 corresponding to the first fixing position 203 is provided around the spline hole 501. A fastener passes through the second fixing position 502 and the first fixing position 203 to fix the impeller 2 to the handle assembly 5. The first fixing position 203 and the second fixing position 502 are distributed in an annular pattern around the spline hole 501, adding a structural lock to ensure smooth power transmission.

[0041] Furthermore, a splined column 504 is provided at the center of the handle assembly 5. A splined hole 501 is formed on the splined column 504. A tension spring 503 is also installed in the handle assembly 5. The tension spring 503 includes a main ring 5031 surrounding the outer wall of the splined column 504, and a first lever arm 5032 and a second lever arm 5033 extending along the main ring 5031 and folded within the area enclosed by the main ring 5031. Both the first lever arm 5032 and the second lever arm 5033 are provided with opposing arc-shaped bends, clamping the power output shaft 801 from both sides. The first lever arm 5032 and the second lever arm 5033 clamp the power output shaft 801 from both sides through the arc-shaped bend. The elastic preload of the tension spring forms a ring-like clamping action, eliminating the minute assembly gap between the power output shaft 801 and the spline hole 501. During high-speed dehydration, this prevents shaft movement caused by the gap during motor rotation, reducing abnormal noise or power loss in the system. Simultaneously, the elastic clamping action of the tension spring 503 is not rigidly locked; its slight deformation can adapt to some assembly errors, reducing wear between connecting structures.

[0042] Furthermore, an openable handle cover 6 is provided above the handle assembly 5. This facilitates opening for assembly or disassembly, and makes maintenance convenient.

[0043] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0044] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine with a floating clutch structure, characterized in that, The washing machine includes an inner drum assembly; a turntable (3) is fixed in the inner drum assembly; a blocking member (301) is provided on the turntable (3); the washing machine also includes a float (1); the float (1) is torque-transmittablely fixed to the impeller (2) and can move coaxially relative to the impeller (2); a plurality of engaging members (102) are provided on the second surface of the float (1); the first radial section (1021) of the engaging member (102) is a vertical surface, and the second radial section (1022) of the engaging member (102) is an inclined surface at an obtuse angle to the float (1); when the float (1) moves to a position away from the turntable (3), the engaging member (102) disengages from the blocking member (301); Alternatively, when the float (1) moves to a position close to the turntable (3), the engagement member (102) and the blocking member (301) interfere with each other in the circumferential direction when the impeller (2) rotates.

2. The washing machine with a floating clutch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the float (1) moves to a position close to the turntable (3) and the impeller (2) rotates in the first direction, the first radial section (1021) abuts against the blocking member (301), causing the impeller (2) to drive the turntable (3) to rotate; or, when the impeller (2) rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the second radial section (1022) slides over the top of the blocking member (301), causing the float (1) to move until the engaging member (102) and the blocking member (301) disengage from each other.

3. The washing machine with a floating clutch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple blocking elements (301) are provided, and the multiple blocking elements (301) are evenly arranged, with the number corresponding to the number of the engaging elements (102).

4. The washing machine with a floating clutch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first surface of the float (1) is provided with a plurality of fitting members (101), and the impeller (2) is provided with a plurality of fitting grooves (201); the fitting members (101) are inserted into the fitting grooves (201), so that the impeller (2) can drive the float (1) to rotate, and the float (1) can move relative to the impeller (2) within the height range of the fitting members (101).

5. The washing machine with a floating clutch structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first surface of the float (1) is also provided with a limiting hole (103); the impeller (2) is provided with a limiting post (202) that corresponds to the position of the limiting hole (103) and extends into the limiting hole (103); the end of the limiting post (202) has a hook-shaped structure for hooking the edge of the limiting hole (103).

6. The washing machine with a floating clutch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner cylinder assembly includes a bottom cover assembly (4) and an inner cylinder wall (7) integrally connected to the bottom cover assembly (4); a plurality of fixing posts (302) are provided below the turntable (3); the fixing member passes through the bottom cover assembly (4) and is nailed into the fixing post (302) to fix the turntable (3) to the bottom cover assembly (4).

7. The washing machine with a floating clutch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first annular fixing position (203) is provided at the center of the impeller (2); a spline hole (501) for connecting to the power output shaft (801) of the motor assembly (8) is provided at the center of the handle assembly (5); a second fixing position (502) corresponding to the first fixing position (203) is provided around the spline hole (501); a fixing member passes through the second fixing position (502) and the first fixing position (203) to fix the impeller (2) to the handle assembly (5).

8. The washing machine with a floating clutch structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, A spline post (504) is provided at the center of the handle assembly (5); a spline hole (501) is opened on the spline post (504); a tension spring (503) is also installed in the handle assembly (5); the tension spring (503) includes a main ring (5031) surrounding the outer wall of the spline post (504) and a first lever arm (5032) and a second lever arm (5033) extending along the main ring (5031) and folded within the range enclosed by the main ring (5031); the first lever arm (5032) and the second lever arm (5033) are both provided with opposing arc-shaped bends, which clamp the power output shaft (801) from both sides.

9. The washing machine with a floating clutch structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, An openable handle cover (6) is provided above the handle assembly (5).

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