STIRRING IMPELLER TYPE WASHING MACHINE

This application provides a stirring impeller type washing machine including a washing machine body, a washing assembly, and a water level assembly. The washing assembly includes a mode switch and a program controller connected to each other, the program controller has at least two switching positions, each corresponding to a working mode, different rotation orientations of the mode switch correspond to different working modes of the stirring impeller type washing machine. The water level assembly includes a water level sensor, an encoder connected to the water level sensor, and a water level switch and a water injection controller connected to the encoder, wherein a preset water level is adjustable through different rotation orientations of the water level switch. With the stirring impeller type washing machine, the operation and the control become more convenient and sensitive, and the washing degree is higher.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to the technical field of washing machine, and in particular, to a stirring impeller type washing machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machines are common household appliances. Washing machines, that are currently commercially available, mainly include traditional mechanical impeller washing machines and modern electronic impeller washing machines. Washing functions of the traditional mechanical impeller washing machine are mainly set by a user manually turning a switch, which has the characteristics of convenient operation and simple and reliable structure. In contrast, various functions of many electronic impeller washing machines currently commercially available are mainly set through computer program control, which is more suitable to young people's needs for modernization.

However, electronic impeller washing machine often have to face one problem during its use: when older users or young users have little experience in using the electronic impeller washing machine or are not familiar with the relevant electronic operations, they may not be able to use the electronic impeller washing machine effectively, or they may not be able to choose the most suitable washing function. In this case, these users tend to prefer to use the traditional mechanical impeller washing machines.

However, the mechanical impeller washing machines currently available on the market are all twin-tub washing machines, which has to face the problem that dehydration and washing need to be carried out separately, although it is easy to operate when setting the functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the problems that the existing automatic impeller washing machines are all electronically controlled and one has to use buttons to select the programs, which is cumbersome for some users, and the operation is not clear and may even lead to wrong use, it is provided according to the present application a stirring impeller type washing machine, including:a washing machine body having a cabinet, a cover plate mounted on the cabinet, and a washing tub arranged in the cabinet, wherein a part of the washing tub can be driven by a motor to rotate;a washing assembly mounted on the cabinet or the cover plate, wherein the washing assembly includes a mode switch and a program controller which are connected to each other, the program controller has at least two switching positions, each of which corresponds to a working mode, and different rotation orientations of the mode switch correspond to different working modes of the stirring impeller type washing machine; anda water level assembly mounted on the cabinet or the cover plate, wherein the water level assembly includes a water level switch, a water injection controller, an encoder and a water level sensor, both the water level switch and the water injection controller are connected to the encoder, the encoder is connected to the water level sensor, the water level sensor faces towards an inner region of the washing tub; the encoder can directly or indirectly control the water injection controller to stop water injection after the water level sensor detects that the water level in the washing tub reaches a preset water level, wherein the water level switch allows to adjust the preset water level through different rotation orientations.

In some embodiments, the cover plate includes:a face frame fixedly connected with the cabinet and covering an upper opening of the cabinet, wherein the face frame is provided with an entrance;a control mounting plate fixedly connected with the face frame and arranged at one side of the entrance, wherein both the mode switch and the water level switch are mounted on the control mounting plate; anda door cover movably connected with the face frame, having a first position for closing the entrance and a second position for opening the entrance, wherein the door cover can be switched between the first position and the second position.

In some embodiments, the control mounting plate is capable of cooperating with the face frame to form an accommodation chamber, and the program controller and the encoder are both mounted within the accommodation chamber; anda first bracket and a second bracket are provided on an inner wall of the accommodation chamber, wherein the program controller is mounted on the first bracket, the encoder is mounted on the second bracket, a mode button is provided on and passed through the control mounting plate and is connected to the program controller, and a water level button is provided on and passed through the control mounting plate and is connected to the encoder.

In some embodiments, at least one of the water injection controller and the encoder is connected to the program controller, and after the water level in the washing tub reaches a preset water level, at least one of the water injection controller and the encoder activates the program controller to drive the stirring impeller type washing machine to work.

In some embodiments, the washing tub includes an inner tub and an outer tub, the inner tub and the outer tub are movably connected, the inner tub is rotatable within the outer tub, and the outer tub is suspended in the cabinet through at least three suspension rods.

In some embodiments, a connecting pipe and a tractor are provided at the bottom of the outer tub, the connecting pipe is connected with a drainage pump which is disposed on the cabinet, and the tractor is respectively connected to the drainage pump, the washing assembly and the water level assembly; andan outer ring is provided at the top of the outer tub and at least partially covers the region on top of the inner tub.

In some embodiments, a control circuit board and a capacitor are arranged inside the cabinet, the control circuit board is connected to the capacitor, and the control circuit board is electrically connected to both the washing assembly and the water level assembly to control the works of the washing assembly and the water level assembly.

In some embodiments, the washing machine body further includes:a driving member mounted in the cabinet, under the outer tub;a transmission assembly having an input end and an output end, the input end being connected with the driving member; anda clutch connected with the inner tub, and capable of driving the inner tub to rotate relative to the outer tub, wherein one side of the clutch away from the inner tub is connected with the output end;wherein, the clutch has a first connecting member and a second connecting member that can be connected to or separated from each other, and the clutch has a connected state in which the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected to form one piece and the clutch can transmit the torque of the output end to the inner tub, and a separated state in which the first connecting member and the second connecting member are separated from each other and are movably connected, the torque of the output end can only be transmitted to the first connecting member or the second connecting member, and the inner tub is stationary.

In some embodiments, the washing machine body further comprises a base fixedly connected at the bottom of the cabinet.

In some embodiments, a stirring seat is disposed inside the inner tub, and the outer peripheral surface of the stirring seat is in the shape of a spiral rod.

The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows: it can combine the fully automatic characteristics of the impeller washing machine with the convenience of mechanical operation, in which the washing mode of the washing machine is controlled by the washing assembly, and the water level is controlled by the water level assembly. Specifically, the water level can be adjusted through the water level switch, and with the cooperation of the encoder and the water level sensor, the water level can be controlled more accurately. Therefore, the program controller can better control the washing program and time, which greatly improves the accuracy of water volume and the operability, and makes the operation clear to the use at a glance. The above-mentioned configurations not only solve the semi-automatic operation of the twin tubs, but also are simple and clear in the program selection. The design of a stirring seat of such stirring type washing machine can make the clothes less entangled and have a higher degree of cleanliness through certain control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the related technical fields, the washing machine, as an important and practical household appliance, has become an indispensable daily appliance. Wherein, traditional mechanical impeller washing machine is more convenient to operate and has a simpler and more reliable structure in comparison with current electronic impeller washing machine. The automatic impeller washing machines currently available on the market are generally controlled via computer programs, there are also separate semi-automatic twin-tub washing machines, but they are difficult to operate for some people. Besides, the stirring type washing machines available on the market are merely provided therein with a stirring seat.

At present, the mechanical washing machine available on the market is only a twin-tub washing machine, and there is no automatic mechanical stirring impeller type washing machine on the market. The twin-tub washing machine is easy to operate, but the dehydration and washing thereof need to be carried out separately; while the automatic impeller washing machine is electronically controlled, and one needs to use the buttons to select programs, however, for some users, it is cumbersome, the operation is not clear, and may even leads to improper operation.

Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present application proposes a stirring impeller type washing machine.

A stirring impeller type washing machine provided by the present application and its working principle will be described below with reference toFIGS.1-5.

As shown inFIGS.1to5, a stirring impeller type washing machine includes a washing machine body100, a washing assembly200, and a water level assembly300. The washing machine body100includes a cabinet110, a cover plate120mounted on the cabinet110, and a washing tub130disposed in the cabinet110, wherein a part of the washing tub130is rotatable under the drive of a motor.

The washing assembly200is mounted on the cabinet110or the cover plate120. The washing assembly200includes a mode switch210and a program controller220which are connected to each other. The program controller220has at least two switching positions, each of which corresponds to a working mode, and different rotation orientations of the mode switch210correspond to different working modes of the stirring impeller type washing machine.

The water level assembly300is mounted on the cabinet110or the cover plate120. The water level assembly300includes a water level switch310, a water injection controller320, an encoder330and a water level sensor340. Both the water level switch310and the water injection controller320are connected to the encoder330, the encoder330is connected to the water level sensor340, and the water level sensor340faces towards the inner region of the washing tub130. The encoder330is capable of directly or indirectly controlling the water injection controller320to stop water injection after the water level sensor340detects that the water level in the washing tub130reaches a preset water level, wherein the water level switch310can adjust the preset water level through different rotation orientations.

According to the above embodiments of the present application, the above-mentioned configurations can combine the fully automatic characteristics of the impeller washing machine with the convenience of mechanical operation, that is to say, the washing mode of the washing machine is controlled by the washing assembly200, and the water level is controlled by the water level assembly300. Specifically, the water level can be adjusted through the water level switch310, and with the cooperation of the encoder330and the water level sensor340, the water level can be controlled more accurately, and the program controller220can better control the washing program and time, which greatly improves the operability and the accuracy of water volume, and makes the operation clear at a glance to the user. The above-mentioned configurations not only solve the semi-automatic operation problem of the double tubs, but also are simple and clear in the program selection. The design of a stirring seat134of this stirring washing machine can make the clothes less entangled and have a higher degree of cleanliness through certain control(s). The embodiments of the present application have the beneficial effects of making the operation of the washing machine more convenient, the water level control more sensitive, and the cleanliness degree higher.

It should be noted that the program controller220may be set with three gears, that is to say, the program controller220is configured with three programs, each program may be subdivided into more segments, and the working mode, i.e., the washing mode, may be changed via the mode switch210. The change of the water level gear, that is, the change of the stirring frequency, may be changed according to the encoder330. The encoder330may be set with seven gears, wherein gears 1-4 have fast stirring frequencies, and gears 5-7 have slow stirring frequencies. The water level may be adjusted manually according to the amount of clothes. The program controller220may be a mechanical program controller220or other types of program controller220.

Further, the washing water levels indicated on the water level switch310are MIN, MID, and MAX clockwise from left to right, and a corresponding water level may be selected by turning the switch to the corresponding gear. Program selection: there are 3 programs on a control panel for selection, which are HEAVY, NORMAL, and GENTLE. Each program consists of three segments: wash, rinse, and spin, and in different programs, the repetition times of the “rinse” and the “spin” are different. With the switch being turned to a functional position of a corresponding program, a corresponding function corresponding to the program is selected. For example, if the switch is turned to the area of the “wash” of the HEAVY program, the washing program of the HEAVY program is selected. After the program selection is completed, the program is started when the switch is pulled up, and is paused when the switch is pressed.

As shown inFIGS.1to5, in some embodiments, the cover plate120includes a face frame121, a control mounting plate122and a door cover123. The face frame121is fixedly connected with the cabinet110and covers an upper opening of the cabinet110, and an entrance is provided in the face frame121. The control mounting plate122is fixedly connected with the face frame121and is arranged at one side of the entrance, wherein both the mode switch210and the water level switch310are mounted on the control mounting plate122. The door cover123is movably connected with the face frame121, has a first position for closing the entrance and a second position for opening the entrance, and may switch between the first position and the second position.

Based on the above embodiment of the present application, the face frame121is the main structure of the cover plate120, and both the control mounting plate122and the door cover123are mounted on the face frame121. The control mounting plate122is configured to mount partial structures of the washing assembly200and the water level assembly300. The door cover123may be opened and closed manually or electrically, that is, it may be switched between the first position and the second position manually, or a corresponding transmission mechanism may be additionally provided so as to switch its opening and closing states via remote control or switch control.

In some embodiments, the control mounting plate122can cooperate with the face frame121to form an accommodation chamber1211, in which the program controller220and the encoder330are accommodated.

A first bracket1212and a second bracket1213are disposed on an inner wall of the accommodation chamber1211. The program controller220is mounted on the first bracket1212, and the encoder330is mounted on the second bracket1213. The mode button is provided on and passed through the control mounting plate122and is connected to the program controller220, and the water level button is provided on and passed through the control mounting plate122and is connected to the encoder330.

Specifically, the relationship between the mode button and the program controller220may be illustrated byFIG.6. The program controller220may be configured with multiple pins (or multiple terminals), and these pins are respectively configured to indicate a specific control program and correspond to the individual positions on the dial of the mode button. For example, there are multiple different areas on the dial of the mode button inFIG.6, wherein each area corresponds to a different program: HEAVY, NORMAL, GENTLE, and each program has three gears: wash, rinse and spin. In this way, it will be possible switch to multiple gears identifying different programs within the rotation range of the mode button. For example, a current gear is NORMAL-wash gear, which means the pin corresponding to the NORMAL-wash gear is electrically connected to the program controller, while the remaining gears are neutral, and in this case, the program controller220may determine, according to the connection situation, that a start operation of the function program corresponding to the current pin is to be performed.

Similarly, the relationship between the water level button and the encoder330may be illustrated byFIG.7. The encoder330may also be configured with multiple pins (or multiple terminals), and these pins are respectively configured to indicate a specific preset water level. For example, there are 3 different areas on the dial of the water level button inFIG.7, and each area corresponds to a different preset water level: MIN, MID, MAX. In this way, within the rotation range of the water level button, it will be possible to switch to 3 gears that identify different preset water levels. For example, the current gear is MID gear, which means that the pin corresponding to the MID gear is electrically connected to the encoder, and the remaining gears are neutral. At this time, the encoder may determine, according to the connection situation, that the setting operation of the preset water level corresponding to the current pin is about to be performed.

Based on the above embodiments of the present application, the accommodation chamber1211may accommodate the program controller220and the encoder330, and with the arrangement of the first bracket1212and the second bracket1213, the program controller220and the encoder330may be mounted more stable and reliable. Moreover, the program controller220and the encoder330may be protected by the control mounting plate122itself.

In some embodiments, at least one of the water injection controller320and the encoder330is connected with the program controller220, and after the water level in the washing tub130reaches a preset water level, at least one of the water injection controller320and the encoder330activates the program controller220to drive the stirring impeller type washing machine to work.

Based on the above embodiments of the present application, the above-mentioned configuration may make the washing process smoother, ensure that only the washing process is to be performed after the water level reaches the preset water level, and improve the washing efficiency.

It should be noted that the water injection controller320may be a water injection pump or a water injection valve, and water injection may be performed or stopped by activation or deactivation of the water injection pump or the water injection valve. At the same time, the following drainage pump113may be combined to discharge excess water, so as to discharge part of the water in time in case that the water level in the washing tub130is higher than the preset water level. Meanwhile, a threshold may be set, for example, if the water level is higher than 0.5 L, it is no need to perform the discharge process, and may directly perform the washing process. When the water level in the washing tub130is much lower than the preset water level, the water injection pump may be controlled to inject water so as to ensure there are sufficient water.

As shown inFIGS.1to5, in some embodiments, the washing tub130includes an inner tub131and an outer tub132, wherein the inner tub131and the outer tub132are movably connected, the inner tub131is rotatable within the outer tub132, and the outer tub132is suspended within the cabinet110through at least three suspension rods137.

Based on the above embodiments of the present application, with the above-mentioned configuration, the relative rotation between the inner tub131and the outer tub132drive the clothes in the washing tub130to move, thereby ensuring the washing effect. The outer tub132suspended within the cabinet110can improve the connection stability between the outer tub132and the cabinet110. Four suspension rods137may be provided as required to further improve the connection stability.

In some embodiments, a connecting pipe135and a tractor136are provided at the bottom of the outer tub132, wherein the connecting pipe135is connected with the drainage pump113arranged on the cabinet110, and the tractor136is respectively connected to the drainage pump113, the washing assembly200and the water level assembly300. An outer ring133is provided at the top portion of the outer tub132, and the outer ring133at least partially covers the upper region of the inner tub131.

Based on the above embodiments of the present application, the connecting pipe135may be connected with the drainage pump113to improve the drainage efficiency of the washing machine (referring to a stirring impeller type washing machine, similar reference exists in the other parts of the description). The outer ring133may cover the upper region of the inner tub131so as to avoid direct contact of human hands with the rotating inner tub131, thereby improving the safety of the washing machine.

It should be noted that the tractor136has three functions of traction, holding, and releasing. The working principle of the cooperation between the tractor136and each program of the washing machine may be as follows: when a control circuit board issues a draining (or drying) command, a traction motor and an anti-reverse electromagnet in the tractor136are simultaneously energized to work, wherein the motor draws a steel wire (or rack) into the tractor136through a gear set, and the steel wire thus pulls the drain valve to drain water, and, with a mechanical linkage mechanism, makes the ratchet and the pawl of a clutch170, which having both washing and drying functions, be separated (at the same time, a locker of the spin-drying tub is released), to prepare for the synchronous rotation of the impeller and the inner bucket131during the next drying process (a square wire spring in the ratchet tightly hugs the impeller shaft and the shaft of the inner tub131together); the anti-reverse electromagnet is energized to attract its linkage mechanism to bounce up, so as to ensure that the motor rotates in one direction to draw the steel wire, and when these have been properly performed, the motor is deenergized via a limit switch in the tractor136, and thus the rotation of the motor is stopped, while the electromagnet is continuously energized, attracting its linkage mechanism to tightly lock the steel wire so as to overcome the reverse tension of the return spring of the drain valve, maintaining the original working state. When the draining (drying) program is completed, a command from the control circuit board111causes the power off of the tractor136, and the anti-reversal mechanism inside it is released, and the traction steel wire is pulled out under the action of the return spring of the drain valve, so that the drain valve is closed, and the linkage mechanism synchronously allows the pawl to mesh with the ratchet of the clutch170(the impeller shaft is disengaged from the shaft of the spin-drying tub, so that the clutch170returns to the washing state).

In some embodiments, a control circuit board111and a capacitor112are arranged inside the cabinet110, wherein the control circuit board111is connected to the capacitor112, and the control circuit board111is electrically connected to both the washing assembly200and the water level assembly300to control the washing assembly200and the water level assembly300to work.

Based on the above embodiments of the present application, the control circuit board111is provided thereon with a controller, that is, a processor, which may centrally control the operation of the entire washing machine, and the various components of the washing machine are electrically connected onto the control circuit board111directly or indirectly. The work of the washing assembly200and the water level assembly300may be controlled by the control circuit board111, and the control of the control circuit board111may be assisted by the mode switch210and the water level switch310.

It should be noted that the capacitor112may be connected to a driving member150described below, which may reduce the difficulty of activating the driving member150, and the driving member150may be a motor.

In some embodiments, the washing machine body100further includes a driving member150, a transmission assembly160, and a clutch170. The driving member150is mounted in the cabinet110, under the outer tub132; the transmission assembly160has an input end connected with the driving member150and an output end; the clutch170is connected with the inner tub131, and can drive the inner tub131to rotate relative to the outer tub132, and one side of the clutch170away from the inner tub131is connected with the output end.

The clutch170has a first connecting member and a second connecting member that can be connected or separated, and the clutch170has a connected state and a separated state. In the connected state, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected as a whole, and the clutch170can transmit the torque of the output end to the inner tub131; in the separated state, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are separated from each other and are movably connected, the torque of the output end can only be transmitted to the first connecting member or the second connecting member, and the inner tub131is stationary.

Based on the above embodiments of the present application, the driving member150can provide power for the rotation of the inner tub131in the washing machine, the transmission assembly160can transmit the power of the driving member150to the inner tub131, and the clutch170may selectively transmit the torque of the output end as required, thereby providing support for the various modes of the washing machine. Specifically, the driving member150may be a torque motor. The transmission assembly160may be a belt transmission assembly, a gear transmission assembly, a rack and pinion transmission assembly, a worm gear transmission assembly, and the like.

In some embodiments, the washing machine body100further includes a base140fixedly connected at the bottom of the cabinet110.

Based on the above embodiments of the present application, the base140may better support the washing machine body100, and the whole washing machine can be placed more stably through the base140. An adjustment mechanism may be provided on the base140as required, and the adjustment structure may adjust the support height of the base140. When the ground is uneven, the washing machine may be leveled through the adjustment mechanism. Further, structures such as a rubber pad an anti-skid pad and the like may be provided under the base140. The base140may consist of four legs.

In some embodiments, a stirring seat134is disposed inside the inner tub131, and the outer peripheral surface of the stirring seat134presents a shape of a spiral rod.

Based on the above embodiments of the present application, the above structures further allow to prevent the possibility of clothes being entangled with each other, improve the cleanliness of the washing machine, and reduce the possibility of clothes being damaged.

The working principle of the washing machine according to the present application (the principle described below is only exemplary description, it does not mean that the washing machine according to this application can only be controlled in the following manner) is as follows:1) Water inflow control: there is no need to count the time during the water inflow process; according to the selection of the water level gear, the encoder330sends a signal to the control circuit board111, the control circuit board111feeds back the signal to the water level sensor340, and the water level sensor340senses the amount of the water inflow through the air pressure of the pressure pipe, so as to control the water intake valve (or water injection pump, some water injection pumps may function as water valves when they stop working) to continuously allow water to enter, or not, and after a set water level is achieved, the water inflow is stopped;2) Washing control: start to count the washing time (controlled by the program controller220) after the water inflow is completed. That is, after a set water level is achieved, the motor works as required.3) Drainage control: a drainage process begins after the washing process is completed, the drainage pump113is activated and other outputs are deactivated (the drainage time of the program controller220is not fixed, and after the program controller220detects an emptying (water level of 0), the software controls to continue to drain water for 60 seconds), and then follows a dehydration process;4) Dehydration control

StagesRemarks1(6 s ON-3 s OFF) *1 time, (6 s ON-15 s OFF) *4 times, (15 sIntermittentON-50 s OFF) *1 time, enter stage 2. If there is not enough timeDehydrationfor the intermittent dehydration, go directly to stage 4.2Carry out a continuous dehydration of 202 seconds, and thenContinuousenter stage 3. If the remaining time is less than 202 seconds,Dehydrationenter stage 4.3Carry out the inertial dehydration according to the remaining timeInertialafter the intermittent dehydration and the continuous dehydration.DehydrationIf there is no remaining time, skip the inertial dehydration andenter stage 4.4All electrical devices stop and the dehydration process ends.Stop