Water agitating component for washing apparatus, and washing tub assembly

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of washing apparatuses. Disclosed are a water agitating component for a washing apparatus, and a washing tub assembly. The water agitating component has a certain extension height; the water agitating component extends upwards from the bottom end thereof and has a maximum radius at a certain height. The water agitating component is composed of at least one part, and has a cavity inside, a reinforcing structure being provided in the cavity. When the water agitating component provided in the present invention is applied to a washing tub, the area where the water agitating component has the maximum radius can be spaced at a certain distance from the bottom of the washing tub, rather than covering the bottom of the washing tub, avoiding the problem in existing washing apparatuses of dirt easily accumulating between an agitating device and the bottom of a tub and making cleaning difficult; in addition, the structure having a cavity inside reduces the overall weight of the water agitating component, thereby reducing the energy consumption of an electric motor to drive the water agitating component, and the provision of the reinforcing structure in the cavity ensures the structural strength of the water agitating component, making the water agitating component more reliable.

Description

A water-stirring component and washing tub assembly for a washing device Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing equipment technology, specifically, it relates to a water agitation component and a washing tub assembly for a washing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machines, as a convenient garment cleaning device, have become widely used in people's lives. Currently available washing machines are divided into front-loading and top-loading types, with top-loading washing machines being more popular due to their superior cleaning performance.

[0003] Top-loading washing machines typically consist of an inner tub and an pulsator, with the pulsator located at the bottom of the inner tub. During operation, the rotation of the pulsator rotates the washing water within the inner tub, washing the clothes. Existing pulsators are usually flat and round. During washing, dirt, lint, and other impurities from clothes easily accumulate in the gap between the bottom of the pulsator and the inner tub, which cannot be effectively cleaned by simply rinsing. Furthermore, dirt and lint in a damp environment can easily breed bacteria, leading to a poor user experience. Thorough cleaning requires removing the pulsator to scrub the dirt in the gap, a cumbersome process that further degrades the user experience.

[0004] Existing technologies also include agitator-type washing machines, which use an agitator with a certain size along the axial direction of the inner tub to replace the pulsator in a top-loading washing machine. However, as shown in Figure 1, the agitator 1 in existing agitator-type washing machines is often in an inverted T-shape, consisting of an axial agitator 2 and a radial agitator 3. The radial agitator 3 is located at the bottom of the washing tub 4 and has a relatively large size along the radial direction. Clothes Y can only be washed in the area above the radial agitator 3 inside the tub, which still cannot solve the problem that dirt and grime easily accumulate in the gap between the agitator 1 and the bottom of the tub, making it difficult to clean. Some agitator-type washing machines also directly install a columnar agitator rod on the pulsator at the bottom of the tub, but dirt and bacteria still easily accumulate between the pulsator and the bottom of the tub.

[0005] On the other hand, as the height of the mixer increases, its overall mass increases, which will increase the energy consumption of the motor used to drive the mixer. At the same time, with the increase in the height of the mixer, its center of gravity also rises accordingly. If the mixing shaft used to drive the rotation of the mixer is only connected to the bottom of the mixer, the upper part of the mixing shaft may be subjected to a large bending moment when the mixer rotates at a high speed, which may easily lead to damage.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0008] The first aspect provides a water-stirring component with a certain height that is applied to washing equipment, and can ensure the structural strength of the water-stirring component itself.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention provides a water-stirring component with a certain height and easy assembly.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention provides a washing tub assembly having the above-mentioned water agitation component, which ensures the reliability of the installation of the water agitation component in the washing tub.

[0011] The fourth aspect of the present invention provides a washing tub assembly having the above-mentioned water agitation component, which avoids the problem that dirt and grime can easily accumulate between the water agitation component and the bottom of the washing tub, making it difficult to clean.

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0013] A water-stirring component of a washing device, the water-stirring component having a certain extension height, and the water-stirring component having a maximum radius at a certain height extending upward from its bottom end;

[0014] The water-stirring component consists of at least one part, which has an internal cavity and a reinforcing structure is provided inside the cavity.

[0015] Furthermore, the water-stirring component includes:

[0016] The base extends upward from the bottom of the water-stirring component, and at least part of the structure is hollow, with an opening at the top of the base;

[0017] The upper cover covers the top opening of the base and seals with the base.

[0018] Furthermore, the water-stirring component includes:

[0019] The support column has an internal cavity that extends downwards from the top along the height direction;

[0020] A cylindrical structure extends along the height direction inside the cavity, defining an assembly channel inside;

[0021] The upper end cover has an opening, the vertical downward projection of which at least partially overlaps with the top opening of the cylindrical structure.

[0022] Furthermore, the lower side of the upper end cap has a cylindrical portion extending downward from the outer periphery of the opening;

[0023] The inner side of the cylindrical portion forms an installation cavity that communicates vertically with the assembly channel.

[0024] Furthermore, a sealing cap is installed at the top opening of the mounting cavity of the water-stirring component.

[0025] Furthermore, the reinforcing structure is disposed between the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical structure and the inner wall of the supporting column;

[0026] Preferably, the reinforcing structure extends outward from the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical structure, and the extended end is connected to the inner wall of the support column to form a reinforcing rib;

[0027] More preferably, the reinforcing ribs are arranged to extend radially along the cylindrical structure.

[0028] Furthermore, the reinforcing ribs extend continuously or are intermittently arranged along the axial direction of the cylindrical structure.

[0029] Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall of the support column has protruding water-stirring ribs;

[0030] In the circumferential direction of the water-stirring component, the reinforcing structure and the water-stirring ribs are arranged alternately.

[0031] A washing tub assembly includes a washing tub, wherein the washing tub is provided with a water agitator component of the washing device described above.

[0032] Furthermore, the water-stirring component is rotatably disposed inside the washing tub and extends upward from the bottom of the washing tub;

[0033] Preferably, the axis of the cylindrical structure coincides with the axis of the washing tub.

[0034] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0035] In this invention, the maximum radius of the water-stirring component is at a certain height from its bottom. When it is installed in the washing tub, the maximum radius can be spaced a certain distance from the bottom of the washing tub, rather than covering the bottom of the washing tub. This avoids the problem of dirt and grime easily accumulating between the stirring device and the bottom of the tub in existing washing equipment, making it difficult to clean.

[0036] In this invention, the water-stirring component has an internal cavity, reducing its overall weight. On one hand, this reduces the energy consumption of the motor driving the water-stirring component; on the other hand, for a structure where the maximum radius is a certain height from the bottom, the center of gravity of the water-stirring component can be minimized, reducing the bending moment on the stirring shaft connected to the water-stirring component. The addition of a reinforcing structure within the cavity further ensures the structural strength of the water-stirring component, making it more reliable.

[0037] In this invention, the base of the water-stirring component has a support column with an internal cavity, and a cylindrical structure is provided in the cavity to define the assembly channel. An opening is provided on the upper end cover to allow disassembly tools to be inserted into the assembly channel from top to bottom, so as to realize the fastening and disassembly of the water-stirring component and facilitate operation.

[0038] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a stirring washing machine in the prior art;

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the washing tub assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 is a top view of the washing tub assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the FF section in Figure 3 of this invention;

[0044] Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point D in Figure 4 of this invention;

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bottom of the washing tub in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7 is a top view of the bottom of the washing tub in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of section AA in Figure 7 of this invention;

[0048] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of the washing tub assembly from another angle in an embodiment of the present invention (before the embedded flange is injection molded);

[0049] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of the washing tub assembly from another angle in an embodiment of the present invention (after injection molding of the embedded flange);

[0050] Figure 11 is a side view of the washing tub assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 12 is a side view of the water-stirring component in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 13 is a top view of the water-stirring component in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the BB section in Figure 13 of this invention;

[0054] Figure 15 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point E in Figure 14 of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 16 is an exploded view of the water-stirring component in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 17 is an exploded view of the water-stirring component in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0057] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a water-stirring component of one structure in an embodiment of the present invention applied in a washing device;

[0058] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the water-stirring component and the clothing in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the water-stirring component in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figures 21 to 27 are schematic diagrams illustrating the determination of the radius of water-stirring components with different cross-sections in embodiments of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the movement path of clothes when washing with low water level in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of the movement path of clothes when high water level washing is used in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figures 30 to 34 are schematic diagrams of water-stirring components with different structures applied in washing equipment according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0064] In the diagram: 1. Agitator; 2. Axial agitator; 3. Radial agitator; 4. Washing tub; Y. Clothes;

[0065] 100. Washing tub; 110. Spin-drying shaft; 120. Tub bottom; 121. Bottom wall; 1211. First rib structure; 1212. Second rib structure; 1213. Annular rib; 1214. Mounting through hole; 122. Peripheral side wall; 1221. Protrusion; 123. Bottom wall water outlet; 1231. First water outlet; 1232. Second water outlet; 1233. Peripheral wall water outlet; 124. Embedded flange; 130. Tub peripheral wall; 131. First molding rib; 132. Second molding rib; 133. Spin-drying hole; 140. Sealing element; 200. Water agitation component; 210. Base; 2 11. First extension section; 212. Second extension section; 213. First guide surface; 214. Second guide surface; 215. Assembly part; 216. Stirring rib; 217. Spline groove; 218. Support column; 220. Upper end cover; 221. Cylindrical part; 222. Mounting cavity; 223. Stirring protrusion; 224. Sealing groove; 230. Sealing cap; 231. Flat part; 232. Insertion part; 233. Limiting protrusion; 234. Sealing protrusion; 240. Cylindrical structure; 241. Reinforcing rib; 242. Assembly channel; 300. Stirring shaft; Rmax, maximum radius; C. Clothing.

[0066] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0067] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0068] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0069] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0070] As shown in Figures 2 to 34, embodiments of the present invention provide a water-stirring component 200 for a washing device, and a washing tub assembly having the water-stirring component 200. The washing device can be a washing machine, washer-dryer combo, garment care machine, or other washing equipment with clothing cleaning functions.

[0071] Specifically, the washing tub assembly includes a washing tub 100 and a water agitator 200 rotatably disposed inside the washing tub 100. The washing equipment also includes a drive device, such as a drive motor, which is connected to the washing tub 100 and the water agitator 200 respectively.

[0072] More specifically, the output shaft of the drive device is connected to the stirring shaft 300 and the dewatering shaft 110 respectively. The stirring shaft 300 is connected to and fixed relative to the water agitation component 200, and is used to drive the water agitation component 200 to rotate. The dewatering shaft 110 is fixed to the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100, and is used to drive the washing tub 100 to rotate.

[0073] During the washing process, the drive device drives the water-stirring component 200 to rotate independently, or drives the water-stirring component 200 and the washing tub 100 to rotate at a different speed. This utilizes the relative rotational tendency between the water-stirring component 200 and the washing tub 100 to agitate the clothes C and the washing water within the tub, thus achieving a cleaning effect on the clothes C. It should be noted that the aforementioned "differential rotation" can mean that the washing tub 100 and the water-stirring component 200 rotate in the same direction but at different speeds, or that the washing tub 100 and the water-stirring component 200 rotate in opposite directions, with the same or different speeds.

[0074] During the dehydration process, the drive device drives the water stirring component 200 and the washing tub 100 to rotate synchronously at high speed, using centrifugal force to spin-dry the clothes C inside the tub.

[0075] However, lint and dirt shed during the washing process of garment C mix into the washing water. If there is a narrow gap between the agitator 200 and the washing tub 100, these lint and dirt can easily get trapped in the gap and are difficult to remove by the force of the water flow during washing. The user needs to manually disassemble the agitator 200 for cleaning. If the user does not clean it for a long time, a large amount of dirt will accumulate in the gap between the agitator 200 and the washing tub 100, easily breeding bacteria and causing secondary contamination of garment C.

[0076] Example 1

[0077] As shown in Figures 2 to 19, this embodiment provides a water-stirring component 200 for a washing device, and a washing tub assembly having the water-stirring component 200, to solve the problem of dead corners where dirt and grime can accumulate between the water-stirring component 200 and the washing tub 100, making them difficult to clean.

[0078] Specifically, the water-stirring component 200 described in this embodiment has a certain extension height, and the water-stirring component 200 extends upward from its bottom end to a certain height where it has the maximum radius, forming the point where the radius of the water-stirring component 200 is the largest.

[0079] The washing tub assembly includes a washing tub 100 and the aforementioned water agitator 200. The water agitator 200 is rotatably disposed inside the washing tub 100 and extends upward from the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100.

[0080] Furthermore, the water agitator 200 has a structure that is higher than the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100, and a washing space that clothes can enter is formed between the water agitator 200 and the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100.

[0081] In one specific structure, when the water-stirring component 200 is installed inside the washing tub 100, it has a unique axis of rotation, which coincides with or substantially coincides with the axis of the washing tub 100. "Substantially coincident" means that the axis of rotation of the water-stirring component 200 is parallel to the axis of the washing tub 100, and the distance between them is very small.

[0082] There is a certain distance between the maximum radius Rmax of the water agitator 200 and the bottom 120 of the tub, which allows the clothes C to be washed between the height of the maximum radius Rmax of the water agitator 200 and the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100.

[0083] Furthermore, the projection of any position of the maximum radius Rmax of the agitator 200 onto the tub bottom 120 falls directly on the inner surface of the tub bottom 120. In other words, in this embodiment, the agitator 200 does not have a pulsator structure extending radially along the washing tub 100 at its bottom.

[0084] The agitator 200 has the aforementioned structure, which, when applied to a washing machine, exposes a large portion of the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100 to the space where it can contact the clothing C. Therefore, compared to conventional pulsator washing machines or agitator-type washing machines with radial agitators, the washing tub assembly of this embodiment prevents dirt adhesion during the washing process by utilizing the contact and friction between the clothing C and the inner surface of the tub bottom 120. This avoids the problem of dirt accumulating between the agitator 200 and the tub bottom 120, making cleaning difficult, and prevents secondary contamination of the clothing C by dirt accumulation, thus improving the user experience.

[0085] It should be noted that the radius of the water-stirring component 200 in this embodiment refers to the radius of its horizontal cross-section. More specifically, it refers to the distance from the point furthest from the rotation center on the horizontal cross-section of the water-stirring component 200 (see Figure 20) to the rotation center.

[0086] For example, if the horizontal cross-section of the water-stirring component 200 is a circle as shown in Figure 21, then the radius is the radius R1 of the circular cross-section. If the horizontal cross-section of the water-stirring component 200 is a non-circular shape as shown in Figures 22 to 27, then the radius is the distance R2 from the point on that cross-section furthest from the rotation center to the rotation center (i.e., the position marked by "×" in the figure).

[0087] In one specific implementation, in this embodiment, the height h of the water-stirring component 200 at its maximum radius Rmax from the bottom of the tub 120 is more than 10cm, thereby ensuring that the clothes C can be washed below the maximum radius Rmax.

[0088] In another specific implementation, the depth of the washing tub 100 is H, and the height of the agitator 200 at its maximum radius Rmax from the bottom 120 of the tub is h. The height h and the depth H of the washing tub 100 satisfy the condition: h / H ≥ 1%. Extensive pre-construction testing has shown that when the height h and the depth H of the washing tub 100 satisfy the above-mentioned proportional relationship, the effect of preventing dirt and grime from accumulating between the agitator 200 and the washing tub 100 is optimal.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water-stirring component 200 is composed of at least one component with an internal cavity.

[0090] The above structure reduces the overall weight of the agitator 200, thereby lowering the energy consumption of the motor driving the agitator 200. The internal cavity structure helps to concentrate the weight of the agitator 200 downwards, preventing its center of gravity from being at a high height. If the agitator 200 were a solid structure, its center of gravity would be close to the height of its maximum radius Rmax. A high center of gravity would cause the agitator 200 to exert a large bending moment on the stirring shaft 300, potentially damaging the stirring shaft 300, especially during high-speed dehydration.

[0091] In a further embodiment, the cavity is provided with a reinforcing structure, which can strengthen the structure of the water-stirring component 200 with the cavity, making the structure of the water-stirring component 200 more reliable and preventing the water-stirring component 200 from being damaged by the collision of clothing.

[0092] In this embodiment, the water-stirring component 200 has a mounting portion 215 at its bottom. The mounting portion 215 extends a certain extent from the bottom end of the water-stirring component 200 along the rotation axis and is used to connect with the stirring shaft 300. The water-stirring component 200 is at least partially hollow above the mounting portion 215, thereby forming a cavity inside.

[0093] In this specific embodiment, the water-stirring component 200 includes a separately configured base 210 and an upper cover 220. The base 210 extends upward from the bottom end of the water-stirring component 200, and at least part of its structure is hollow, thus forming a cavity with a reinforcing structure. The top end of the base 210 is open. The upper cover 220 covers the top end opening of the base 210 and is sealed to the base 210.

[0094] In one specific embodiment, the maximum radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200 is formed at the connection between the upper end cover 220 and the base 210.

[0095] More specifically, the base 210 extends upward from the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100 to form an assembly part 215, which is rotatably mounted on the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100. A support column 218 extends upward from the assembly part 215, and a water-stirring rib 216 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the support column 218 for stirring the clothes C and washing water in the tub as the water-stirring component 200 rotates.

[0096] The agitator 216 protrudes from the outer peripheral wall of the support column 218, with its protrusion direction coinciding with the radial direction of the washing tub 100, or inclined to the radial direction of the washing tub 100, forming an angle of less than 90° with the radial direction. Thus, when the agitator 216 rotates with the agitator component 200, the agitator 216 has a surface positioned opposite to the direction of rotation, which can effectively agitate the washing water and the clothes C.

[0097] The support column 218 is at least partially hollow, having a cavity extending downwards from its top along the height direction. The mounting portion 215, located below the support column 218, is a solid column that increases the connection strength of the water-stirring component 200. The support column 218 and the water-stirring rib 216 have an integrally formed structure, molded on the top of the mounting portion 215, which also seals the lower end of the cavity.

[0098] The upper cover 220 is positioned above and connected to the support column 218, thereby sealing the top of the support column 218. In this way, the upper cover 220 seals the cavity inside the base 210, preventing washing water from entering the agitator 200 and preventing lint or other dirt from entering and remaining inside the agitator 200, which could then breed bacteria.

[0099] In one specific implementation, the upper cover 220 and the base 210 can be connected in a non-removable sealed manner by cladding.

[0100] In another specific embodiment, the upper cover 220 and the base 210 can be detachably and sealed by means of threaded connection, screw connection or snap-fit. When adopting the above-mentioned detachable connection structure, a specific sealing method is to set a sealing gasket or sealing strip between the upper cover 220 and the base 210, and press the sealing gasket or sealing strip to achieve sealing after the upper cover 220 and the base 210 are connected.

[0101] More specifically, when the upper end cover 220 and the base 210 are connected by screws, a threaded hole can be provided on the upper end cover 220, and a stud can be provided on the base 210. The screw passes through the threaded hole and is screwed into the stud, connecting the upper end cover 220 and the base 210 into a whole. In detail, multiple screws are installed at intervals around the top opening of the base 210.

[0102] Alternatively, the positions of the threaded hole and the stud can be interchanged, that is, the stud is provided on the upper end cover 220 and the threaded hole is provided on the base 210.

[0103] It is understandable that other connection methods that can achieve a sealed connection between the upper cover 220 and the base 210, ensuring that water will not enter the interior of the water-stirring component 200, can also be applied to this embodiment.

[0104] In a further embodiment, the upper cover 220 has an opening and a sealing cap 230 that can seal the opening.

[0105] In one specific embodiment, the mounting portion 215 at the bottom of the water-stirring component 200 is fixed to the stirring shaft 300 via a connector. By providing an opening on the upper end cover 220, an operator is allowed to insert the connector into the cavity through the opening, and then extend the connector along the cavity to the inner bottom of the water-stirring component 200, where it is fixed to the stirring shaft 300.

[0106] The aforementioned opening facilitates the operator's disassembly and assembly of the water-stirring component 200 and the stirring shaft 300. At the same time, with the installation of the sealing cap 230, it can prevent washing water from entering the cavity through the opening, and avoid the residue of lint or other dirt in the washing water remaining inside the water-stirring component 200.

[0107] In the specific solution of this embodiment, the assembly part 215 at the bottom of the water stirring component 200 and the stirring shaft 300 are circumferentially positioned by a spline and axially positioned by a screw, so that the water stirring component 200 can be driven to rotate together by the stirring shaft 300.

[0108] As a specific embodiment, the assembly part 215 is provided with a spline groove 217 extending upward coaxially from the bottom end face of the assembly part 215. The spline groove 217 is at least partially sleeved on the upper end of the stirring shaft 300 and is keyed to the stirring shaft 300.

[0109] In one specific embodiment, the spline groove 217 is directly formed on the assembly part 215 of the water stirring component 200.

[0110] In another specific embodiment, an insert with a spline groove 217 is embedded in the assembly part 215.

[0111] The support column 218 has a cavity extending downwards from its top to the top of the assembly part 215, exposing the top of the assembly part 215 within the cavity. During assembly, screws can enter the cavity through the opening on the upper end cover 220, thereby connecting with the stirring shaft 300 keyed in the assembly part 215, and axially fixing the water-stirring component 200 to the stirring shaft 300.

[0112] Specifically, the top of the assembly part 215 has a through hole. The shank of the screw passes through the through hole at the top of the assembly part 215 and is tightened into the threaded hole at the top of the stirring shaft 300. The head of the screw abuts against the top of the assembly part 215. The through hole on the assembly part 215 is preferably a threaded hole, which can be threadedly connected to the shank of the screw. The screw is preferably a countersunk screw. When assembling or disassembling the water-stirring component 200, the operator can insert a disassembly tool into the cavity inside the water-stirring component 200 through the opening on the upper end cover 220, and then rotate the screw to tighten or loosen the water-stirring component 200.

[0113] In a further embodiment, a cylindrical structure 240 extending along the height direction in the cavity inside the support column 218 defines an assembly channel 242 that mates with the opening.

[0114] In this embodiment, the assembly channel 242 mates with the opening in such a way that the vertical downward projection of the opening at least partially overlaps with the top opening of the cylindrical structure 240. This makes it easier for an operator to accurately insert the assembly tool into the assembly channel 242 when the tool is inserted through the opening.

[0115] In the preferred configuration, the central axis of the opening coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical structure 240, and the disassembly and assembly tool can be inserted vertically downwards into the assembly channel 242 through the opening.

[0116] In a further embodiment, the lower side of the upper end cover 220 has a cylindrical portion 221 extending downward from the outer periphery of the opening, and the inner side of the cylindrical portion 221 forms a mounting cavity 222 that communicates vertically with the assembly channel 242. The sealing cap 230 is installed at the top opening of the mounting cavity 222, thereby preventing washing water from entering the interior of the water agitator 200.

[0117] In one specific embodiment, the upper cover 220 has an upwardly convex arc surface structure where the outer peripheral area is lower than the middle area. The opening is located at the center of the upper cover 220 and extends a certain distance above the top opening of the base 210 in the height direction. The cylindrical part 221 is coaxially arranged with the cylindrical structure 240, so that the mounting cavity 222 and the assembly channel 242 are vertically connected. Preferably, after the upper cover 220 and the base 210 are assembled, the lower end face of the cylindrical part 221 is close to the upper end face of the cylindrical structure 240, with a small gap between them to prevent assembly interference.

[0118] In one specific structure, the upper end face of the cylindrical structure 240 is lower than the top opening of the base 210. After the upper end cover 220 is assembled with the base 210, the lower end of the cylindrical part 221 extends to a certain distance below the top opening of the base 210.

[0119] With the above structure, the through-hole mounting cavity 222 and the assembly channel 242 together form a channel through which the screw removal and installation tools can pass when removing and installing screws. This further guides the screw removal and installation tools, ensuring that after the tools are inserted downwards from the opening on the upper end cover 220, they can accurately reach the top of the assembly part 215 to realize the screw tightening or loosening operation.

[0120] In a further embodiment, the upper side of the upper end cap 220 has a sealing groove 224 on the outer periphery of the opening. The sealing cap 230 includes a flat plate portion 231 and an insertion portion 232. The flat plate portion 231 is embedded in the sealing groove 224 to cover the opening, and the insertion portion 232 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 221 to achieve a seal through an interference fit.

[0121] In one specific embodiment, the top surface of the plate portion 231 is at or substantially at the same plane as the top surface of the water-stirring member 200. "Substantially at the same plane" means that the top surface of the plate portion 231 may be slightly higher than or slightly lower than the top surface of the water-stirring member 200.

[0122] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 221 has a first section and a second section with an increasing inner diameter from top to bottom, and the outer peripheral wall of the insertion portion 232 has a limiting protrusion 233 protruding outward in the region near its lower end, the limiting protrusion 233 engaging at the connection between the first section and the second section.

[0123] Preferably, the inner walls of the first and second segments are connected by a tapered surface that is inclined from top to bottom away from the axis of the agitator 200. The shape of the limiting protrusion 233 is adapted to the shape of the tapered surface. The outer peripheral surface of the limiting protrusion 233 fits and is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the second segment. The top of the limiting part 233 fits with the tapered surface between the first and second segments of the cylindrical part 221.

[0124] More preferably, the bottom of the limiting protrusion 233 is configured as a tapered surface with an outer diameter that gradually decreases from top to bottom, and the outer diameter of the bottom of the limiting protrusion is smaller than the diameter of the opening at the top of the cylindrical portion 221.

[0125] Furthermore, the middle of the insertion portion 232 is provided with a sealing ridge 234 extending circumferentially around the insertion portion 232. In one specific embodiment, at least two sealing ridges 234 are provided at intervals along the axial direction.

[0126] The sealing cap 230 is preferably made of a flexible material, which helps to enhance the sealing effect of the interference fit. At the same time, the outer periphery of the sealing ridge 234 elastically abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the first section of the cylindrical part 221, further ensuring the sealing performance.

[0127] Preferably, the sealing ridge 234 is inclined upward from the outer peripheral wall of the insertion part 232 along the extension direction away from the central axis, which helps to improve the smoothness of the insertion of the sealing cap 230.

[0128] In a further embodiment, the reinforcing structure is disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical structure 240, specifically between the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical structure 240 and the inner wall of the support column 218. This provides structural reinforcement for the support column 218, which has an internal cavity, making the structure of the water-stirring component 200 more reliable and preventing damage from clothing impacts. Simultaneously, it does not affect the vertical flow of the assembly channel 242, thus not hindering the insertion of disassembly and assembly tools into the top of the assembly part 215 for disassembly and assembly operations of the water-stirring component 200 and the stirring shaft 300.

[0129] In one specific embodiment, the reinforcing structure includes a reinforcing rib 241, which extends outward from the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical structure 240, with its extended end connected to the inner wall of the support column 218. The two ends of the reinforcing rib 241 are connected to the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical structure 240 and the inner wall of the support column 218, respectively, providing effective support to the support column 218 from the inside. Preferably, the reinforcing rib 241 extends along the radial direction of the cylindrical structure 240.

[0130] In a more specific structure, at least two reinforcing ribs 241 are provided at intervals along the circumference of the cylindrical structure 240, and the plurality of reinforcing ribs 241 are preferably evenly distributed along the circumference of the cylindrical structure 240.

[0131] In one specific embodiment, the reinforcing rib 241 has a certain extension length along the axial direction of the cylindrical structure 240. Preferably, the reinforcing rib 241 extends continuously along the axial direction of the cylindrical structure 240, and its top end is flush with the top end of the cylindrical structure 240.

[0132] More specifically, from the bottom of the support column 218 upwards to a certain height, the distance between the peripheral wall of the support column 218 and the central axis gradually increases. Along the height direction upwards, the radial extension length of the reinforcing rib 241 has the same trend of change as the distance between the peripheral wall of the support column 218 and the central axis.

[0133] Specifically, the radial dimension of the bottom end of the support column 218 is the same as or substantially the same as the radial dimension of the assembly part 215. The term "substantially the same" means that the radial dimension of the bottom end of the support column 218 may be slightly larger than or slightly smaller than the radial dimension of the assembly part 215.

[0134] The radial dimension of the support column 218 tends to increase, at least within a certain height from its bottom end. Specifically, the peripheral wall of the support column 218 can extend obliquely or along a certain curve, thereby gradually increasing its radial dimension. Alternatively, the peripheral wall of the support column 218 can first extend vertically upwards for a certain distance, then extend outwards, then extend vertically upwards again, and then extend outwards again, gradually increasing its radial dimension. It should be noted that "extending outwards" can be a horizontal extension or an oblique upward extension outwards.

[0135] As another specific implementation, the reinforcing ribs can also be intermittently arranged along the axial direction of the cylindrical structure.

[0136] In one detailed structure of this embodiment, the cylindrical structure 240 extends upward from the top of the assembly part 215, and the interior of the base 210 is a solid structure within a certain height above the top of the assembly part 215, with a cavity above the solid structure. A reinforcing rib 241 extends axially along the cylindrical structure 240, and the bottom end of the reinforcing rib 241 is connected to the top surface of the solid structure.

[0137] In a further embodiment, the water-stirring rib 216 protrudes from the outer peripheral wall of the support column 218 and is integrally formed with the support column 218. The interior of the water-stirring rib 216 is also configured as a hollow structure, which communicates with the cavity inside the support column 218. In the circumferential direction of the water-stirring component 200, the reinforcing rib 241 and the water-stirring rib 216 are arranged alternately.

[0138] As a specific structure, the water-stirring rib 216 protrudes radially from the outer peripheral wall of the support column 218 along the washing tub 100, and the reinforcing rib 241 extends radially along the cylindrical structure 240 and is connected to the inner wall of the support column 218. Multiple water-stirring ribs 216 and reinforcing ribs 241 are arranged at intervals along the circumference, and the reinforcing ribs 241 are arranged in the space between two adjacent water-stirring ribs 216.

[0139] In one detailed structure, the number of water-stirring ribs 216 and reinforcing ribs 241 are equal, and the two are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0140] In the above scheme, the water-stirring rib 216 itself can play a certain role in structural reinforcement of the base 210. The staggered distribution of the reinforcing rib 241 and the water-stirring rib 216 can more effectively enhance the structural strength of the base 210 through the cooperation of the water-stirring rib 216 and the reinforcing rib 241.

[0141] In this embodiment, the water agitator 200 forms a maximum radius Rmax at a certain height from its bottom end, and the water agitator 200 does not have a radially extending pulsator structure at its bottom end. When installed inside the washing tub 100, it can expose most of the tub bottom 120 to the washing water, allowing most of the tub bottom 120 to come into contact with and rub against the clothes, which largely avoids the problem of dirt and grime accumulating between the water agitator 200 and the tub bottom 120.

[0142] By incorporating a cavity within the agitator component 200—specifically, the base 210 of the agitator component 200 has a support column 218 forming the cavity—it facilitates the installation of screws from top to bottom to secure the agitator component 200 and the stirring shaft 300, simplifying operation. Furthermore, it reduces the overall weight of the agitator component 200, thus lowering the energy consumption of the motor driving it. Additionally, it lowers the center of gravity of the agitator component 200, ensuring structural reliability even when the stirring shaft 300 is only connected to the assembly portion 215 at the bottom of the agitator component 200, preventing excessive bending moments that could damage the shaft. A cylindrical structure 240 defining the assembly channel 242 is provided inside the support column 218, guiding the insertion of disassembly tools and ensuring accurate access to the top of the assembly portion 215. The reinforcing ribs 241 inside the support column 218 provide support and enhance the structural strength of the agitator component 200.

[0143] Example 2

[0144] As shown in Figures 2 to 19, this embodiment provides a water-stirring component 200 for a washing device, which can be installed in the washing tub 100 of the washing device to agitate the washing water during the washing process and achieve the cleaning of clothes.

[0145] Specifically, in this embodiment, the water-stirring component 200 includes a support column 218 with an internal cavity, specifically, the cavity extends downward along the height direction from the top of the support column 218. The water-stirring component 200 also has an upper end cap 220 disposed above and connected to the support column 218, the upper end cap 220 having an opening that communicates with the internal cavity of the support column 218.

[0146] In one specific implementation, the support column 218 and the upper end cover 220 are manufactured separately and then assembled into one unit.

[0147] As another specific implementation, if the manufacturing process is feasible, the support column and the upper end cover can also be an integral structure.

[0148] In this embodiment, the water-stirring component 200 is rotatably disposed inside the washing tub 100 and extends upward from the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100.

[0149] In one specific embodiment, the bottom end of the water-stirring component 200 is fixed to the stirring shaft 300 via a connector. By providing an opening on the upper end cover 220 and a cavity extending downward from the top along the height direction inside the water-stirring component 200, an operator can insert the connector into the inner bottom of the water-stirring component 200 through the opening and cavity, thereby fixing it to the stirring shaft 300.

[0150] As another specific implementation, the stirring shaft can be set to extend into the cavity from the bottom of the water-stirring component, and then extend further upward to a position close to the opening, and then the water-stirring component and the stirring shaft can be fixed by a connector.

[0151] Furthermore, a sealing cap 230 is installed at the opening of the upper cover 220 to seal the opening and prevent washing water from entering the cavity through the opening during the washing process.

[0152] In one specific structure of this embodiment, the water-stirring component 200 has an assembly part 215 at its bottom. The assembly part 215 extends a certain length from the bottom end of the water-stirring component 200 along the rotation axis and is used to connect with the stirring shaft 300. The support column 218 is connected to the assembly part 215 and extends upward.

[0153] In one specific embodiment, the support column 218 is formed by extending upward from the top end of the assembly part 215.

[0154] In this embodiment, the fixing method between the assembly part 215 and the stirring shaft 300 is the same as in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0155] Furthermore, the water-stirring component 200 has a cylindrical structure 240, which is disposed inside the cavity at a certain height, and an assembly channel 242 that mates with the opening is defined inside the cylindrical structure 240.

[0156] The assembly channel 242 mates with the opening in such a way that the vertical downward projection of the opening at least partially overlaps with the top opening of the cylindrical structure 240. This makes it easier for an operator to accurately insert the assembly tool into the assembly channel 242 when reaching through the opening.

[0157] In the preferred configuration, the central axis of the opening coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical structure 240, and the disassembly and assembly tool can be inserted vertically downwards into the assembly channel 242 through the opening.

[0158] Furthermore, the bottom end of the water-stirring component 200 is provided with an assembly part 215, and the support column 218 and the cylindrical structure 240 are both connected to the assembly part 215.

[0159] In one specific structure, the cylindrical structure 240 extends upward from the top surface of the assembly part 215 along the rotation axis of the water-stirring member 200, and the top end of the cylindrical structure 240 is an open structure. When the operator inserts the disassembly and assembly tool through the opening, the assembly channel 242 can guide the disassembly and assembly tool, ensuring that the disassembly and assembly tool is accurately inserted to the top end of the assembly part 215.

[0160] In one specific implementation, the height of the cylindrical structure 240 is significantly less than the height of the support column 218. That is, the cylindrical structure 240 is only provided in the lower region of the support column 218 to guide the assembly and disassembly tools.

[0161] In another specific implementation, the height of the cylindrical structure 240 is basically the same as that of the support column 218. That is, the top of the cylindrical structure 240 is close to the height of the opening. At this time, after the operator inserts the disassembly and assembly tool through the opening, the disassembly and assembly tool can enter the assembly channel 242.

[0162] In a further embodiment, the top of the support column 218 is open, and the upper cover 220 covers the top opening of the support column 218 and seals it.

[0163] More specifically, the water-stirring component 200 consists of at least a base 210 and an upper cover 220. The base 210 extends upward from the bottom end of the water-stirring component 200, first forming an assembly part 215, and then continuing upward to form a hollow support column 218. The top end of the base 210 is open, forming the top end opening of the support column 218.

[0164] In this embodiment, the other structures of the water-stirring component 200 are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0165] Example 3

[0166] As shown in Figures 2 to 19, this embodiment is a further limitation of the above embodiment one or two, and the washing tub 100 is provided with several water outlet holes at the bottom 120 of the tub.

[0167] Specifically, in this embodiment, the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100 has a bottom wall 121 and a peripheral side wall 122 connected to the bottom wall 121 at a certain angle, and a peripheral water outlet 1233 is provided on the peripheral side wall 122. In the washing tub 100, the bottom wall 121 and the peripheral side wall 122 of the bottom 120 constitute a washing space that can come into contact with and rub against the clothes C during the washing process.

[0168] As a specific structure, the peripheral sidewall 122 can extend vertically upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 121, or extend obliquely upward gradually away from the central axis of the barrel bottom 120.

[0169] Alternatively, the lower end of the peripheral sidewall 122 is connected to the bottom wall 121 at a certain angle and extends upward along a certain arc.

[0170] In the above scheme, the clothes C can come into contact with the bottom wall 121 and the peripheral wall 122 of the tub bottom 120 during the washing process, preventing dirt from adhering to the inner wall of the tub bottom 120. The peripheral wall water outlet 1233 provided on the peripheral wall 122 is higher than the bottom wall 121 of the tub bottom 120. When the load of clothes is small, the clothes C are concentrated at the bottom of the washing tub 100 during the dehydration stage, and are in direct contact with the bottom wall 121 of the tub bottom 120. At this time, the water extracted from the clothes C can be discharged through the peripheral wall water outlet 1233, avoiding the problem of poor dehydration effect when the load is small.

[0171] In a further embodiment, the height of the maximum radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200 is higher than the setting height of the water outlet 1233 on the peripheral wall, allowing clothes to enter the space below the maximum radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200 and come into contact with the area of ​​the inner wall of the washing tub 100 located below the height of the maximum radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200.

[0172] Furthermore, the bottom wall 121 and the peripheral side wall 122 of the tub bottom 120, as well as the side wall of the water agitator 200, can all come into contact with the clothes during the washing process, forming a washing space that can come into contact with the clothes C during the washing process.

[0173] In one specific implementation, a washing space for clothes is formed between the water agitator 200 and the tub body of the washing tub 100.

[0174] Specifically, the washing space includes the space between the maximum radius Rmax of the water agitator 200 and the bottom of the tub 120, as well as the space between the side wall of the water agitator 200 and the tub perimeter wall 130 of the washing tub 100.

[0175] Specifically, the radius of the bottom of the agitator 200 is much smaller than the radius of the tub bottom 120; for example, the radius of the bottom of the agitator 200 can be 10%-50% of the radius of the tub bottom 120. During the washing process, the clothes at the bottom of the washing tub 100 can move along the bottom wall 121 of the tub bottom 120 until they come into contact with the side wall of the agitator 200 near the bottom. Below the height where the radius Rmax of the agitator 200 is at its maximum, the side wall of the agitator 200, the surface of the bottom wall 121 of the tub bottom 120 extending outward from the central area to the surface of the peripheral side wall 122, the inner surface of the peripheral side wall 122, and the inner surface of the tub peripheral wall 130 of the washing tub 100 can all come into contact with the clothes during the washing process, forming a washing space.

[0176] By adopting the above solution, during the washing process, the washing tub assembly can prevent dirt from adhering by utilizing the contact and friction between the clothes C and the inner surface of the tub bottom 120. This avoids the problem of dirt accumulating between the water agitator 200 and the tub bottom 120, making it difficult to clean, and prevents secondary contamination of the clothes C by dirt accumulation, thus improving the user experience.

[0177] A peripheral wall water outlet 1233 is provided on the peripheral side wall 122 of the tub bottom 120. That is, in the height direction, the peripheral wall water outlet 1233 is located between the bottom wall 121 of the tub bottom 120 and the maximum radius Rmax of the water agitator 200, within the aforementioned washing space. In this way, during the spin-drying stage, the water extracted from the clothes C concentrated at the bottom of the washing tub 100 can be easily discharged through the peripheral wall water outlet 1233, ensuring the spin-drying effect.

[0178] Furthermore, the peripheral wall 122 of the bottom of the bucket 120 has water outlet areas and closed areas arranged alternately along the circumference. The water outlet area refers to the area with peripheral wall water outlet holes 1233, and the closed area refers to the area without peripheral wall water outlet holes 1233.

[0179] In one specific implementation, the peripheral wall water outlet holes 1233 are clustered in the water outlet area. That is to say, the peripheral wall water outlet holes 1233 are not evenly distributed on the peripheral sidewall 122 of the bottom of the bucket 120, but two or more peripheral wall water outlet holes 1233 are clustered in a local area.

[0180] In the above scheme, the number of peripheral wall water outlet holes 1233 set in each water outlet area can be the same or different.

[0181] In a further structure, the peripheral wall outlet hole 1233 is located in the upper region of the peripheral sidewall 122.

[0182] As a specific embodiment, the peripheral sidewall 122 of the tub bottom 120 has a protrusion 1221 that protrudes into the washing tub 100, and the peripheral wall water outlet 1233 is disposed on the side surface of the protrusion 1221 away from the bottom wall 121, that is, disposed on the top surface of the protrusion 1221.

[0183] More specifically, the protrusion 1221 forms a recess on the outer side of the peripheral wall 122, and the peripheral wall water outlet 1233 penetrates the upper and lower sides of the top surface of the protrusion 1221.

[0184] With the above structure, during the main drainage stage, the peripheral wall outlet holes 1233 can also be used to drain water outwards, thereby improving drainage efficiency.

[0185] In a further embodiment, the bottom wall 121 of the tub bottom 120 is provided with a plurality of bottom wall water outlet holes 123. During the main drainage stage, the washing tub 100 can drain water outward using the bottom wall water outlet holes 123 to ensure drainage efficiency.

[0186] In this embodiment, the projection of any position of the maximum radius Rmax of the water stirring component 200 onto the bottom wall 121 of the bucket bottom 120 falls directly onto the bottom wall 121 of the bucket bottom 120.

[0187] In one specific embodiment, the bottom wall water outlet 123 includes a first water outlet 1231 disposed near the center region of the bottom wall 121. More specifically, the first water outlet 1231 is located within the projection area of ​​the maximum radius Rmax of the water agitator 200 on the bottom wall 121. With the above structure, referring to Figures 3 and 7, when the water agitator 200 is installed inside the washing tub 100, the first water outlet 1231 is not visible in the top view of the washing tub assembly.

[0188] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present invention, the projection area of ​​the maximum radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200 on the bottom wall 121 refers to all areas that can be covered by the vertical downward projection of the maximum radius Rmax when the water-stirring component 200 completes one full rotation.

[0189] Specifically, when the horizontal cross-section of the water-stirring component 200 at its maximum radius Rmax is circular, its projection area on the bottom wall 121 is a circular area of ​​the same radius. However, if the horizontal cross-section of the water-stirring component 200 at its maximum radius Rmax is not circular (for example, as shown in Figures 22 to 27), then the projection area is a circular area formed with the center of the bottom wall 121 as the center and the radius of the maximum radius Rmax as the radius.

[0190] In another specific embodiment, the bottom wall water outlet 123 includes a second water outlet 1232 disposed near the outer periphery of the bottom wall 121. More specifically, the second water outlet 1232 is located outside the projection area of ​​the maximum radius Rmax of the water stirring member 200 on the bottom wall 121.

[0191] In another specific embodiment, the bottom wall water outlet 123 includes both a first water outlet 1231 and a second water outlet 1232.

[0192] In the above scheme, the first water outlet 1231 is close to the center of the bottom wall 121 and is located in the downward projection area of ​​the maximum radius Rmax of the water stirring component 200. During the main drainage stage, a large amount of drainage water flows out through the first water outlet 1231, making it easier to remove lint or other dirt from the water during the drainage process, thus avoiding dirt residue in the washing tub 100.

[0193] A second water outlet 1232 is provided in the area near the outer periphery of the tub bottom 120. During the initial stage of the main drainage phase, it can drain water simultaneously with the first water outlet 1231, improving drainage efficiency. During the spin-drying phase, the clothes C move outward under centrifugal force, and the water extracted from the clothes C also gathers in the outer periphery of the washing tub 100. In this way, water can be drained through the second water outlet 1232 during the spin-drying phase, ensuring the spin-drying efficiency of the clothes C.

[0194] In one specific implementation, multiple first water outlet holes 1231 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the bottom of the bucket 120, and can be arranged in one or more circles around the central axis of the bottom of the bucket 120.

[0195] In one specific structure, at least two rings of first water outlet holes 1231 are provided in the central area of ​​the bottom of the tub 120, and the first water outlet holes 1231 of adjacent two rings are staggered along the circumference of the washing tub 100.

[0196] In a further embodiment, the bottom of the bucket 120 has a first rib structure 1211 and a second rib structure 1212 extending radially. The first rib structure 1211 and the second rib structure 1212 are staggered circumferentially, forming an alternating concave-convex structure on the inner side of the bottom of the bucket 120. A second water outlet 1232 is provided on the first rib structure 1211 and / or the second rib structure 1212.

[0197] In one specific implementation, the second water outlet 1232 is disposed on one of the first rib structure 1211 and the second rib structure 1212, such that the second water outlet 1232 is staggered with another type of rib. When the washing tub 100 drains water, especially during the dehydration stage, the water flows outward under the guidance of the ribs, making it easier to pass through the second water outlet 1232 and be discharged, thus improving the drainage efficiency during the dehydration stage.

[0198] In one specific structure of this embodiment, the bottom of the tub 120 has at least one raised structure, which allows the clothes to be turned inside out during the washing process. A bottom wall drain hole 123 is provided on the outer periphery of the raised structure to drain water from the bottom of the washing tub 100.

[0199] In a more specific structure, the first rib structure 1211 and the second rib structure 1212 extend radially and are staggered circumferentially. The first rib structure 1211 protrudes inward into the washing tub 100, and the second rib structure 1212 is located between two adjacent first rib structures 1211, forming a groove inside the washing tub 100. Second water outlet holes 1232 are disposed on the second rib structure 1212, preferably multiple holes spaced apart along the extending direction of the second rib structure 1212.

[0200] With the above structure, the first rib structure 1211 can contact and rub against the clothes at the bottom of the washing tub 100, causing the clothes to tumble inside the tub for washing. During the spin-drying stage, the water flows to the second rib structure 1212 and can be efficiently discharged through the second water outlet 1232.

[0201] In one specific embodiment of this invention, the bottom 120 of the bucket includes an annular planar region near the center and an alternating concave-convex region on the outer periphery of the annular planar region. The alternating concave-convex region includes both the outer periphery of the bottom wall 121 and the peripheral sidewalls 122. The annular planar region coincides with or substantially coincides with the downward projection area of ​​the maximum radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200, and its inner surface is planar. The first water outlet 1231 is disposed within this annular planar region.

[0202] The first rib structure 1211 and the second rib structure 1212 are disposed in the interlaced region. Specifically, the first rib structure 1211 and the second rib structure 1212 extend radially outward from the outer periphery of the annular planar region, extending from the bottom wall 121 of the barrel bottom 120 to the peripheral side wall 122, with the extension ends approaching the top of the peripheral side wall 122.

[0203] More specifically, the height of the first rib structure 1211 protruding towards the inside of the washing tub 100 gradually increases and then gradually decreases along the extending direction, reaching its maximum height near the outer periphery of the bottom wall 121. The second water outlet 1232, closest to the center of the tub bottom 120, is located on or near the circumference of the circle where the maximum height of the first rib structure 1211 is located.

[0204] In a further structure, a protrusion 1221 with a peripheral wall water outlet 1233 is located between two adjacent second rib structures 1212, extending radially outward from the outer periphery of the annular planar region, with the extended end having a certain distance from the top of the peripheral side wall 122 of the bottom of the bucket 120, forming a top surface with a peripheral wall water outlet 1233.

[0205] More specifically, the top surface of the extended end of the protrusion 1221 is a horizontal plane, or nearly a horizontal plane. When the top surface is a slope that is nearly horizontal, it extends downwards from the outer periphery toward the center.

[0206] In one detailed structure, four protrusions 1221 are provided on the bottom 120 of the bucket, and the angle between two adjacent protrusions 1221 is approximately 90°. Two oppositely arranged protrusions 1221 have equal coverage angles in the circumferential direction, and the number of peripheral wall water outlet holes 1233 provided on the top surface of their extended ends is equal. However, two adjacent protrusions 1221 have different coverage angles in the circumferential direction, and correspondingly, the number of peripheral wall water outlet holes 1233 provided on the top surface of their extended ends is also different.

[0207] In a further embodiment, an embedded flange 124 is provided on the lower side of the barrel bottom 120 to enhance the strength of the barrel bottom 120. Specifically, the embedded flange 124 is embedded into the bottom wall 121 of the barrel bottom 120 by injection molding, so that the embedded flange 124 is completely covered.

[0208] In a further embodiment, the washing tub 100 has a first molding rib 131 and a second molding rib 132 extending axially on its peripheral wall 130, with the first molding rib 131 and the second molding rib 132 being staggered circumferentially. Dewatering holes 133 are provided on the first molding rib 131 and / or the second molding rib 132.

[0209] In the above scheme, when the washing load is large, the load will be pressed tightly against the inner surface of the tub wall 130 by centrifugal force during the dehydration stage, and the dehydrated clothes can be directly discharged through the dehydration holes 133 on the tub wall 130. As a specific embodiment, the dehydration holes 133 are set on one of the first molding ribs 131 and the second molding ribs 132, and are distributed alternately with the other molding rib.

[0210] In one specific structure, the first molding rib 131 protrudes inward toward the washing tub 100, and the second molding rib 132 is located between two adjacent first molding ribs 131, forming a recessed structure on the inner side of the washing tub 100. Dewatering holes 133 are provided on the second molding rib 132, and multiple holes are spaced apart along the axial direction.

[0211] With the above structure, the first molding rib 131 forms a raised structure on the inner side of the washing tub 100, which can rub against the clothes C inside the tub during the washing process, enhancing the washing effect. During the dehydration stage, the second molding rib 132 located between two adjacent first molding ribs 131 forms a recessed structure. Water extracted from the clothes is drawn towards the second molding rib 132 by centrifugal force, efficiently separating from the clothes C and draining through the dehydration hole 133. This improves the dehydration efficiency of the clothes.

[0212] In one specific structure of this embodiment, the first molding rib 131 has a bending change along the circumferential and / or radial direction of the washing tub 100 in the extending direction. The second molding rib 132 extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the washing tub 100.

[0213] In one specific embodiment, the first rib 131 has a structure similar to aquatic plants and exhibits bending changes in the circumferential direction, rather than extending in a straight line. At the same time, while extending axially, the aquatic plant shape also undergoes torsional deformation, thereby causing the radial protrusion height of the first rib 131 inside the washing tub 100 to vary.

[0214] In this embodiment, the bottom of the bucket 120 has a mounting through hole 1214 at its center. The stirring shaft 300 passes through the mounting through hole 1214 and is connected to the bottom of the water stirring component 200, thereby driving the water stirring component 200 to rotate.

[0215] In a further embodiment, the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100 is provided with an annular rib 1213 surrounding the axis of the washing tub 100, and a sealing element 140 is provided in the annular rib 1213. The bottom end of the water agitator 200 is rotatably and sealingly inserted into the sealing element 140, thus forming a sealed space between the bottom end of the water agitator 200 and the bottom 120 of the tub, preventing the presence of gaps that are prone to trapping dirt and grime.

[0216] Specifically, a receiving chamber for the seal 140 is formed inside the annular rib 1213. The seal 140 can be a skeleton seal, which is installed inside the annular rib 1213. The outer circumferential sealing lip of the seal 140 is sealed to the inner circumferential wall of the annular rib 1213, and the sealing lip at the inner circumference is rotatably sealed to the outer circumferential wall of the bottom assembly part 215 of the water stirring component 200. In this way, water will not enter the receiving chamber inside the annular rib 1213, thereby preventing the gap between the bottom end face of the assembly part 215 and the bottom of the bucket 120 from accumulating dirt and grime.

[0217] In the above scheme, the first water outlet 1231 is located in the outer peripheral area of ​​the annular rib 1213, so that water can be drained outward through the first water outlet 1231.

[0218] In this embodiment, the annular rib 1213 is provided on the outer periphery of the mounting through hole 1214, and the area of ​​the bottom wall 121 of the tub bottom 120 extending outward from the annular rib 1213 to the peripheral side wall 122 can all come into contact with the clothes during the washing process. That is, the bottom wall 121 has a large surface area that can contact the clothes, and the area of ​​the bottom wall 121 extending outward from the annular rib 1213 to the peripheral side wall 122 and the peripheral side wall 122 together constitute the washing space for the clothes.

[0219] In a further embodiment, the agitator rib 216 of the agitator component 200 has a certain extension length along the axial direction. In one specific embodiment, the lower end of the agitator rib 216 is not lower than the upper end of the assembly part 215, ensuring that there is a certain gap between the lower end of the agitator rib 216 and the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100. In this way, the lower end face of the agitator rib 216 can contact the clothes C inside the tub, preventing dirt and grime from accumulating between the lower end face of the agitator rib 216 and the bottom 120 of the tub.

[0220] In the preferred structure, the outer peripheral edge of the water-stirring rib 216 on the side away from the axis extends obliquely upward and outward from the top of the mounting part 215 or at a certain position above the mounting part 215. The top surface of the sealing member 140 extends obliquely downward from the center outward. In this way, a large angle is formed between the bottom end of the water-stirring rib 216 and the top surface of the sealing member 140, avoiding the problem of a surface at the bottom end of the water-stirring rib 216 directly facing the bottom surface of the sealing member 140, thus preventing the formation of a gap between them that is prone to dirt and grime accumulation.

[0221] In this embodiment, the structure described above is adopted. The outer wall of the base 210 of the water-stirring component 200 and the water-stirring rib 216, the area of ​​the side wall of the assembly part 215 that is higher than the top surface of the seal 140, the top surface of the seal 140, the outer peripheral wall of the annular rib 1213, the surface of the bottom wall 121 of the tub bottom 120 extending from the outer periphery of the annular rib 1213 to the peripheral side wall 122, the inner surface of the peripheral side wall 122, and the inner surface of the tub peripheral wall 130 of the washing tub 100 can all come into contact with the clothes during the washing process, thus forming a washing space for the clothes.

[0222] In the above solution, there is basically no area at the bottom of the washing tub 100 that cannot come into contact with the clothes, thus avoiding the problem of dirt and grime accumulating at the bottom of the tub 120 to the greatest extent.

[0223] In a further embodiment, the radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200 is also a certain distance from the opening of the washing tub 100 in the height direction, so that the washing water level can be higher than the radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200, allowing the clothes C to be washed above the location of the radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200.

[0224] In the above scheme, the washing tub 100 can accommodate clothes C for washing both above and below the maximum radius Rmax of the water agitator 200. In this way, the outer surface of the water agitator 200 can basically contact the clothes C being washed and generate friction with the clothes C. By increasing the surface area in contact with the clothes C, the washing effect can be enhanced.

[0225] On the other hand, in traditional pulsator washing machines, during washing, a large area of ​​clothing covers and contacts the upper surface of the pulsator. The relative rotation of the pulsator and the tub exerts a significant force on the clothing, easily causing it to tangle. In contrast, in this embodiment, when the water level is below the maximum radius Rmax during washing, the clothing C only contacts the side of the agitator 200. The movement of the clothing C within the tub is primarily driven by the water flow generated by the agitator 200, significantly reducing the direct force exerted on the clothing C by the agitator 200 and preventing tangling. Even when the water level is above the maximum radius Rmax, although some clothing C will be washed above Rmax, the maximum diameter of the agitator 200 in this embodiment is much smaller than the diameter of the tub 100, unlike the pulsator diameter in a pulsator washing machine which is closer to the tub diameter. Therefore, the contact area between the agitator 200 and the clothing C in this embodiment is significantly smaller than the contact area between the pulsator and the clothing in a pulsator washing machine, greatly reducing the likelihood of tangling.

[0226] Furthermore, since the contact area between the clothing C and the water-stirring component 200 is reduced, the friction between the clothing C and the water-stirring component 200 is reduced, which helps to reduce the wear and tear on the clothing caused by the water-stirring component 200. At the same time, it can reduce the energy consumption of the motor when the drive device drives the water-stirring component 200 to rotate.

[0227] In this embodiment, by providing a sealing element 140 between the assembly part 215 of the water-stirring component 200 and the bottom of the tub 120, the space between the bottom surface of the water-stirring component 200 and the bottom of the tub 120 will not come into contact with the washing water, thus minimizing the potential dead corners where dirt and grime may accumulate. By rationally setting the distribution of the peripheral wall water outlets 1233 and the bottom wall water outlets 123 on the bottom of the tub 120, both the drainage efficiency of the main drainage stage and the water extracted from the clothes during the spin-drying stage can be smoothly discharged, ensuring the spin-drying efficiency of the clothes. At the same time, the first water outlet 1231 is located close to the center of the bottom of the tub 120, so that the drainage water flowing through the first water outlet 1231 can fully remove lint or other dirt during the main drainage stage, avoiding dirt residue in the tub and ensuring a clean environment inside the washing tub 100 to the greatest extent.

[0228] Example 4

[0229] As shown in Figures 2 to 19, this embodiment is a further limitation of the above embodiment 3. The height of the maximum radius Rmax of the water stirring component 200 is set between the highest and lowest water levels of the corresponding washing equipment in the washing tub 100.

[0230] In this embodiment, when the washing equipment uses different water levels for washing, the relative rotation between the water agitator 200 and the washing tub 100 can generate different water flow patterns to drive the clothes C to move for washing. In particular, as a specific implementation, below the maximum radius Rmax of the water agitator 200, the clothes C can move along a circular path for washing.

[0231] The aforementioned circular path refers to the movement towards the center in the area near the bottom 120 of the bucket, being lifted by the water-stirring component 200 to a position close to the maximum radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200, and then moving outwards before falling.

[0232] Referring to Figures 28 and 29, as a specific embodiment, the circular path of the clothes moving below the maximum radius Rmax of the agitator 200 during washing includes: the clothes moving along the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100 towards the central area, moving upward along the side of the agitator 200 in the central area to below the maximum radius Rmax and then moving outward, and moving downward in the area near the peripheral wall 130 of the washing tub 100.

[0233] In the above design, the clothes move from the bottom of the washing tub 100 along the bottom 120 towards the center. This allows them to rub against most of the bottom 120, preventing dirt from adhering to and accumulating there. Furthermore, the movement of the clothes towards the center draws lint and other dirt from the water towards the center. Since the bottom 120 has a first drain hole 1231 near the center, during the main drainage phase, lint and other dirt are more easily discharged from the tub through this hole, preventing residue.

[0234] As a specific embodiment, the water-stirring component 200 has a base 210 and an upper cover 220, wherein the connection between the base 210 and the upper cover 220 forms the point of maximum radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200. A water-stirring rib 216 is provided on the outer wall of the base 210. The water-stirring rib 216 rotates within the washing tub 100 as the water-stirring component 200 rotates, agitating the clothes C and the water flow within the tub. The tub bottom 120, the outer wall of the base 210, and the tub perimeter wall 130 of the washing tub 100 together constitute a washing space capable of accommodating the clothes C during washing, within which the clothes C can move along the aforementioned annular path.

[0235] When the washing tub assembly of this embodiment is applied to a washing device, in one specific implementation, as shown in FIG28, when the water level W1 is lower than the maximum radius Rmax of the water agitator, the clothes can move along the aforementioned circular path in the water.

[0236] Specifically, during the washing process, the agitator 200 and the washing tub 100 rotate relative to each other. The clothes move along the path shown by the arrow in the figure within the space below the maximum radius Rmax of the agitator 200. That is, the clothes move and gather towards the center area along the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100, are lifted along the side of the agitator 200 to below the maximum radius Rmax, move outwards, and then fall back to the bottom 120 near the peripheral wall 130 of the washing tub 100, forming a cyclical motion.

[0237] More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, after the clothes are lifted to the maximum height they can reach, they will fall a certain height while moving outwards. Finally, they will contact the wall 130 of the tub at a height higher than the water outlet 1233 on the wall of the tub bottom 120, and fall down along the wall 130 to the bottom 120 of the tub.

[0238] It should be noted that, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the "side of the water-stirring component 200" mentioned above refers to the outer peripheral wall of the support column 218 or the outer peripheral edge of the water-stirring rib 216.

[0239] As shown in Figure 29, when the water level W2 is higher than the maximum radius Rmax of the agitator 200, the clothes move along the aforementioned circular path in the water in the area below the maximum radius Rmax of the agitator 200; while in the area above the maximum radius Rmax of the agitator 200, the clothes move approximately circumferentially along the washing tub 100.

[0240] Specifically, during the washing process, the agitator 200 and the washing tub 100 rotate relative to each other. In the area below the maximum radius Rmax of the agitator 200, the movement path of the clothes is basically the same as that at the low water level W1. In the area above the maximum radius Rmax of the agitator 200, the clothes move alternately forward and backward along the circumference of the washing tub 100 as the agitator 200 rotates in both directions.

[0241] In the above solution, when different washing water levels are used, the agitator 200 can drive the clothes in the drum to move in different ways for washing, providing a more diverse range of washing options. Furthermore, in the area below the maximum radius Rmax of the agitator 200, because the clothes move along a circular path, on the one hand, the tumbling of the clothes is enhanced, improving the washing effect; on the other hand, it avoids the problem of existing pulsator washing machines easily causing clothes to gather towards the center, leading to tangling.

[0242] In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the upper cover 220 is provided with stirring protrusions 223. When washing with a water level higher than the radius Rmax of the agitator 200, the upper surface of the upper cover 220 is at least partially submerged below the surface of the washing water. At this time, as the agitator 200 rotates, the stirring protrusions 223 can agitate the washing water and clothes in the cavity above the radius Rmax, enhancing the movement of the clothes. Simultaneously, the stirring protrusions 223 can also generate friction with the clothes, further enhancing the washing effect.

[0243] In one specific embodiment, the stirring protrusions 223 have a certain extension length along the radial direction of the water stirring member 200, and multiple protrusions 223 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the water stirring member 200. The multiple stirring protrusions 223 are preferably evenly distributed along the circumference.

[0244] In a further embodiment, the water-stirring rib 216 is located below the maximum radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200, and the distance between the outer peripheral edge of the water-stirring rib 216 and the peripheral wall 130 of the washing tub 100 decreases as the height increases.

[0245] In one specific embodiment, the base 210 includes, from bottom to top, a connected assembly part 215, a first extension section 211, and a second extension section 212. The first extension section 211 and the second extension section 212 together form a support column 218.

[0246] Specifically, the sidewall of the first extension section 211 extends upward from the top of the assembly part 215, and the sidewall of the second extension section 212 extends outward from the upper end of the first extension section 211 and slopes upward, extending to the height of the maximum radius Rmax of the water agitator 200, so that the clothes can be washed below the sidewall of the second extension section 212 and move outward along the sidewall of the second extension section 212.

[0247] It should be noted that the sidewall of the first extension section 211 extends upward from the top of the assembly part 215. It can extend vertically upward, or it can extend upward at an angle relative to the vertical direction, gradually approaching or moving away from the tub periphery wall 130 of the washing tub 100. Alternatively, it can extend upward along a curve with a large curvature and gradually approach or move away from the tub periphery wall 130 of the washing tub 100.

[0248] The water-stirring rib 216 protrudes from the outer peripheral wall of the support column 218. Since the distance between the outer peripheral wall of the support column 218 and the peripheral wall 130 of the washing tub 100 tends to decrease with increasing height, the radial dimension of the water-stirring rib 216 along the washing tub 100 can remain constant with increasing height, or it can gradually or stepwise change. Both can form a structure in which the distance between the outer peripheral edge of the water-stirring rib 216 and the peripheral wall 130 of the washing tub 100 decreases with increasing height.

[0249] In one specific structure of this embodiment, the sidewall of the first extension segment 211 extends along a straight line and is inclined outward at a small angle relative to the vertical direction. The sidewall of the second extension segment 212 has a larger angle with the vertical direction relative to the sidewall of the first extension segment 211, and as the height increases, the angle between the sidewall of the second extension segment 212 and the vertical direction gradually increases, forming a curved surface that bends toward the axis.

[0250] The upper end of the side wall of the second extension 212 forms the top opening of the base 210. The diameter of the opening is basically the same as the diameter of the bottom opening of the upper cover 220, thus forming the maximum radius Rmax of the water stirring component 200.

[0251] In a further embodiment, the sidewall of the second extension 212 forms a first guide surface 213, which guides the clothing below it to move outward along the first guide surface 213 during washing. The sidewall of the first extension 211 forms a second guide surface 214, which guides the clothing to rise along the second guide surface 214 to the first guide surface 213 during washing.

[0252] Specifically, in the washing equipment using the washing tub assembly described in this embodiment, during washing, the agitator 200 rotates relative to the washing tub 100, causing the clothes to move along the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100 towards the center area. Then, the clothes move upwards along the first guide surface 213 to the second guide surface 214, and under the guidance of the second guide surface 214, move outwards. Finally, they fall near the peripheral wall 130 of the washing tub 100, forming a circular path. This enhances the tumbling of the clothes within the tub, improving the washing effect, and also reduces the probability of clothes converging towards the center and tangling.

[0253] In one specific implementation of this embodiment, at the connection point of the first extension segment 211 and the second extension segment 212, the angles between their sidewalls and the vertical direction are the same. That is, the first guide surface 213 and the second guide surface 214 have the same inclination angle at the connection point, achieving a smooth transition connection.

[0254] In another specific implementation, the inclination angle of the sidewall of the second extension 212 relative to the vertical direction at its lower end is slightly higher than that of the sidewall of the first extension 211 relative to the vertical direction, thus forming an angle of less than but close to 180° at the junction of the first guide surface 213 and the second guide surface 214. In this way, when the garment moves upward along the second guide surface 214 to the first guide surface 213, it can provide a certain degree of cushioning, strengthening the tendency of the garment to move outward in a rolling motion.

[0255] Furthermore, multiple agitator ribs 216 are circumferentially spaced on the outer peripheral wall of the support column 218, extending from the side wall of the first extension section 211 to the side wall of the second extension section 212. The spacing angle between adjacent agitator ribs 216 allows clothes to be washed in the space between adjacent agitator ribs 216, while the clothes can contact the side wall of the first extension section 211, thereby moving upward along the side wall of the first extension section 211, i.e., the second guide surface 214.

[0256] In this way, the area between the two adjacent water-stirring ribs 216 on the outer periphery of the support column 218 can come into contact with clothing, and no dead corners where dirt can easily accumulate will be created.

[0257] The upper end of the agitator 216 is roughly level with the height of the point of maximum radius Rmax. At this point of maximum radius Rmax, the distance between the outer edge of the agitator 216 and the peripheral wall 130 of the washing tub 100 is minimized. Rounded corners are provided between the two side surfaces of the agitator 216 and the outer peripheral wall of the support column 218, further preventing areas on the agitator 200 from being difficult to contact clothing and preventing cleaning dead zones where dirt and grime can easily accumulate.

[0258] In a further embodiment, the dimension of the agitator 216 along the radial direction of the washing tub 100 first increases and then decreases from the bottom to the top.

[0259] In one specific embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the agitator 216 parallel to the radial direction of the washing tub 100 is approximately spindle-shaped. The outer peripheral edge of the agitator 216 extends from bottom to top, and the angle between the extending direction and the vertical direction gradually decreases, causing the outer peripheral edge of the agitator 200 to form a curve that bends towards the tub wall of the washing tub 100. The upper end of the outer peripheral edge of the agitator 216 completely coincides with the outer periphery of the top opening of the base 210.

[0260] The agitator 216, with the aforementioned structure, can create a Coanda effect during washing, causing water to flow along its outer periphery. This results in the water flow tending to conform to the outer periphery of the agitator 216 in the area near the axis of the washing tub 100. As the height increases, the water flow direction becomes more upward rather than outward. This enhances the lifting force of the water flow on the clothes in the area near the axis, causing the clothes to move upward to the first guide surface 213 and ultimately form a circular path.

[0261] It is understandable that clothes moving from the bottom 120 of the tub towards the center can also be lifted along the outer edge of the agitator 216 after contacting it. After moving to the maximum radius Rmax of the agitator 200, they move outward under the action of inertia and centrifugal force, and finally fall down to the bottom 120 of the tub along the tub wall 130 of the washing tub 100.

[0262] In one specific embodiment, the thickness of the water-stirring rib 216 gradually decreases radially outward in the circumferential direction, and along the axial direction, the thickness of the middle region of the water-stirring rib 216 is greater than the thickness of the upper and lower ends.

[0263] In the preferred structure, the outer peripheral edge of the water-stirring rib 216 and the two side surfaces of the water-stirring rib 216 have rounded corners to avoid sharp corner structures that may scratch and damage clothing.

[0264] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall of the support column 218 of the water agitator 200 forms a first guide surface 213 and a second guide surface 214 that can guide the movement of clothes during washing. This can effectively drive the clothes to move and tumble along a circular path below the maximum radius Rmax of the water agitator 200, resulting in a better washing effect and preventing clothes from tangling.

[0265] Example 5

[0266] As shown in Figure 18 and Figures 30 to 34, the difference between this embodiment and the above embodiment is that the setting position of the maximum radius Rmax of the water stirring component 200 is different.

[0267] In this embodiment, as a specific implementation, as shown in Figures 18 and 30 to 32, the water-stirring component 200 has a unique maximum radius Rmax in the height direction. Furthermore, at least below this maximum radius Rmax, the horizontal cross-sectional radius of the water-stirring component 200 increases upwards along the axis as the height increases.

[0268] It should be noted that the unique maximum radius Rmax can refer to the water stirring component 200 having a maximum radius Rmax at a specific height position, or it can refer to the water stirring component 200 having a maximum radius Rmax within a certain continuous height range.

[0269] In the first specific scheme, as shown in Figure 30, the maximum radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200 is located at its top, that is, the top surface of the water-stirring component 200 is the horizontal cross section with the maximum radius of the water-stirring component 200.

[0270] In the second specific embodiment, namely the embodiments one to three above, the maximum radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200 is close to its top. Specifically, the maximum radius Rmax is slightly lower than the top of the water-stirring component 200. Specifically, the upper surface of the water-stirring component 200 at the maximum radius Rmax is an upwardly convex curved surface, and the highest point of the curved surface forms the top of the water-stirring component 200.

[0271] In the third specific scheme, as shown in Figures 31 and 32, the maximum radius Rmax is located in the middle region of the water-stirring component 200 along the height direction.

[0272] In one detailed structure, as shown in Figure 31, the horizontal cross-sectional radius of the water-stirring component 200 changes continuously in the height direction. Specifically, as the height increases, the horizontal cross-sectional radius of the water-stirring component 200 gradually increases from the bottom to the top, until the maximum radius Rmax is formed. Above the maximum radius Rmax, the horizontal cross-sectional radius of the water-stirring component 200 gradually decreases until the top of the water-stirring component 200 is formed.

[0273] In another detailed structure, as shown in Figure 32, the horizontal cross-sectional radius of the water-stirring component 200 exhibits an abrupt change at at least one height position. Specifically, as the height increases, the horizontal cross-sectional radius of the water-stirring component 200 first gradually increases from the bottom upwards, and at a certain height, the radius abruptly increases, forming the maximum radius Rmax; then, the horizontal cross-sectional radius of the water-stirring component 200 remains constant within a certain height range, and then abruptly decreases; subsequently, the horizontal cross-sectional radius of the water-stirring component 200 gradually shrinks, eventually forming the top of the water-stirring component 200. In this scheme, the height h of the maximum radius Rmax of the water-stirring component 200 from the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100 refers to the distance from the lowest height within the height range where the radius of the water-stirring component 200 remains constant to the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100.

[0274] In the above scheme, Figures 31 and 32 only show the outer contour of the water-stirring component 200. Taking the structure shown in Figure 32 as an example, one specific scheme of this structure is to provide water-stirring ribs extending from the lower end to the upper end on the base. The outer peripheral edge of the water-stirring ribs on the side away from the axis extends upward along the outer contour of the water-stirring component 200 in the figure, that is, first it tilts outward, then it extends horizontally outward, then it extends vertically, then it extends horizontally inward, and finally it tilts towards the axis. Another specific scheme of this structure can be to provide a disc-shaped water-stirring structure with a certain thickness perpendicular to the axis in the middle of the base, forming the maximum radius Rmax. On the upper and lower sides of the maximum radius Rmax, water-stirring ribs extending axially are respectively provided on the sidewalls of the base.

[0275] It is understood that the structures described above are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0276] In this embodiment, when the water agitator 200 has the structure shown in Figure 18 and Figures 30 to 32, if the washing equipment uses a water level lower than the maximum radius Rmax, a circular movement path of the clothes in the tub is as follows: the clothes move along the bottom 120 of the tub towards the central area, then rise along the side of the water agitator 200 and gradually approach the tub wall 130. When they rise to near the maximum radius Rmax or the washing water level, the clothes move outward and finally fall back to the bottom of the washing tub 100 along the tub wall 130.

[0277] For the structures shown in Figures 31 and 32, if the washing equipment uses a water level higher than the maximum radius Rmax and lower than the top of the agitator 200, one possible movement path of the clothes in the tub is as follows: the clothes move along the bottom 120 of the tub towards the center area, then rise along the side of the agitator 200 and gradually approach the tub wall 130. After reaching the maximum radius Rmax, some clothes move outward and eventually fall back to the bottom of the washing tub 100 along the tub wall 130. Some clothes can also continue to rise along the side of the agitator 200 and gradually approach the axis. After rising to near the washing water level, this part of the clothes moves outward again and eventually falls back to the bottom of the washing tub 100 along the tub wall 130.

[0278] As another specific embodiment, as shown in Figure 33, the water-stirring component 200 has a unique maximum radius Rmax in the height direction, but below this maximum radius Rmax, as the height increases, the horizontal cross-sectional radius of the water-stirring component 200 alternately increases and decreases upward along the axis.

[0279] In detail, between the maximum radius Rmax and the top of the assembly, one or more radially protruding structures are provided. Along the axial direction upward, the horizontal cross-sectional radius of the water-stirring member 200 gradually increases to the lowest protruding structure, then gradually decreases, and then gradually increases to the next protruding structure. After passing the protruding structure, it gradually decreases and then gradually increases until it finally increases to the maximum radius Rmax of the water-stirring member 200.

[0280] It is understood that the protruding structure described above can be formed by the outer contour of the water-stirring rib itself, or by a number of disc-shaped water-stirring structures arranged perpendicular to the axis.

[0281] The agitator 200 has the above-mentioned structure. When the washing equipment uses a water level lower than the maximum radius Rmax, the clothes in the tub have a circular movement path as follows: the clothes move along the bottom 120 of the tub towards the center area, and then rise along the side of the agitator 200. During the rise, the clothes alternately approach the tub wall 130 and the axis. When the clothes rise to a height close to the maximum radius Rmax or the washing water level, they move outward and finally fall back to the bottom of the washing tub 100 from the area close to the tub wall 130.

[0282] As another specific embodiment, as shown in Figure 34, the water-stirring component 200 has several spaced-apart points of maximum radius Rmax along the axial direction of the washing tub 100. Specifically, as the height increases, the horizontal cross-sectional radius of the water-stirring component 200 alternately increases and decreases, each time increasing to the same radius size and then decreasing, thereby forming multiple spaced-apart points of maximum radius Rmax.

[0283] In the above scheme, when the washing machine uses a water level lower than the top of the agitator 200, the circular movement path of the clothes in the tub is as follows: the clothes move along the bottom 120 of the tub towards the center area, and then rise along the side of the agitator 200. During the rise, they alternately approach the tub wall 130 and the axis, and the distance they approach the tub wall 130 each time is basically the same. When they rise to a height close to the washing water level, the clothes move outward and finally fall back to the bottom of the washing tub 100 from the area close to the tub wall 130.

[0284] In this embodiment, various structures of the water-stirring component 200 are provided, all of which ensure that the bottom 120 of the washing tub 100 is essentially exposed in the washing space where it can contact the clothes. This allows the clothes to move along the bottom 120, preventing dirt accumulation. Simultaneously, the clothes move from the outer periphery to the center at the bottom 120, which can draw lint or other dirt in the water towards the center. A first water outlet is located in the area near the center of the bottom 120, specifically in the downward projection area of ​​the water-stirring component 200's maximum radius Rmax, facilitating the efficient removal of lint or other dirt from the washing tub 100.

[0285] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water-stirring component of a washing device, characterized in that, The water-stirring component (200) has a certain extension height, and the water-stirring component (200) has a maximum radius when it extends upward from its bottom end to a certain height; The water-stirring component (200) consists of at least one part, which has a cavity inside and a reinforcing structure is provided inside the cavity.

2. The water-stirring component of the washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The base (210) is formed by extending upward from the bottom end of the water-stirring component (200), and at least part of the structure is hollow, with an opening at the top end of the base (210); The upper end cap (220) covers the top opening of the base (210) and is sealed to the base (210).

3. The water-stirring component of the washing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, include: The support column (218) has a cavity inside that extends downward from the top along the height direction; A cylindrical structure (240) is provided inside the cavity, extending along the height direction, and defines an assembly channel (242) inside; The upper cover (220) has an opening, the vertical downward projection of which at least partially overlaps with the top opening of the cylindrical structure (240).

4. The water-stirring component of the washing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lower side of the upper end cap (220) has a cylindrical portion (221) extending downward from the outer periphery of the opening; The inner side of the cylindrical part (221) forms an installation cavity (222) that communicates vertically with the assembly channel (242).

5. The water-stirring component of the washing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, A sealing cap (230) is installed at the top opening of the mounting cavity (222) of the water stirring component (200).

6. The water-stirring component of the washing device according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The reinforcing structure is disposed between the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical structure (240) and the inner wall of the supporting column (218); Preferably, the reinforcing structure extends outward from the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical structure (240), and the extended end is connected to the inner wall of the support column (218) to form a reinforcing rib (241); More preferably, the reinforcing rib (241) extends radially along the cylindrical structure (240).

7. The water-stirring component of the washing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The reinforcing ribs (241) extend continuously or are intermittently arranged along the axial direction of the cylindrical structure (240).

8. The water-stirring component of the washing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the support column (218) has protruding water-stirring ribs (216); In the circumferential direction of the water-stirring component (200), the reinforcing structure is staggered with the water-stirring rib (216).

9. A washing tub assembly, characterized in that, It includes a washing tub (100), and the washing tub (100) is provided with a water agitator (200) of the washing device as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The washing tub assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The water agitation component (200) is rotatably disposed inside the washing tub (100) and extends upward from the bottom (120) of the washing tub (100); Preferably, the axis of the cylindrical structure (240) coincides with the axis of the washing tub (100).

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