Patent Description:
When laundry is washed in a drum washing machine, a drum is rotated to drive the laundry and water in the drum to rotate and wash the laundry, wherein the laundry is lifted up and down by a baffle in the drum and is dropped by an inner circumferential surface of the drum. However, due to a single washing mode, the washing effect is affected. Therefore, there is a need for improvements.

To this end, a drum washing machine provided with an impeller in a drum is proposed in a related art. For example, <CIT> discloses a drum-type washing machine, in which the impeller is directly driven to rotate by an electric motor while the electric motor drives the drum to rotate by means of transmission of a planetary gear mechanism, such that a rotational speed of the drum is less than a rotational speed of the impeller. However, since the drum itself has a larger volume than the impeller does, and the drum is required to carry the laundry and the water during washing, the planetary gear mechanism has a relatively large load, thereby affecting the effect of transmission of power by the planetary gear mechanism and the service life thereof. In addition, this washing machine has a single washing mode, the washing effect is not ideal, and a washing time cannot satisfy quick washing required by users.

<CIT>) generally relates to a washing machine that comprises: a motor for generating power; and a clutch assembly receiving the power from the motor so as to drive a rotating tub and a pulsator, wherein the clutch assembly includes: a driving shaft rotated by receiving the power from the motor; a pulsator driving part for selectively receiving the power from the driving shaft so as to rotate the pulsator; and a rotating tub driving part for selectively receiving the power from the driving shaft so as to rotate the rotating tub, and the clutch assembly is provided so as to selectively drive at least any one driving part of the rotating tub driving part and the pulsator driving part.

The present application seeks to solve at least one of the problems existing in the related art. To this end, the present invention proposes a drum washing machine capable of implementing various washing modes, and has the advantages of stable performance, long service life, easy control, and the like.

The present invention also proposes a drum washing machine having the above-mentioned brake.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a brake for a drum washing machine according to embodiments of a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: a tub; a drum rotatably provided in the tub; an agitator rotatably provided in the drum; a driver in transmission connection with the drum via a main shaft, and the main shaft transmitting a torque of the driver to the drum; a planetary gear assembly in transmission connection with the main shaft and the agitator respectively and switchable between a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state, the planetary gear assembly transmits a torque of the main shaft to the agitator, to rotate the agitator and the drum in a same direction, and in the second state, the planetary gear assembly transmits the torque of the main shaft to the agitator in an opposite direction, to rotate the agitator and the drum in opposite directions; and a brake, including: a brake disk linked with the planetary gear assembly, wherein when the brake disk is allowed to rotate freely, the planetary gear assembly is in the first state, and when the brake disk is braked, the planetary gear assembly is in the second state; a brake seat provided with a slideway; a brake pawl provided to the brake seat and switchable between a tightening state and a releasing state, wherein in the tightening state, the brake pawl holds the brake disk tightly to brake the brake disk, and in the releasing state, the brake pawl releases the brake disk to allow the brake disk to rotate freely; a brake lever slidably fitted with the slideway between an extending position and a retracting position and linked with the brake pawl, wherein the brake pawl is switched to the tightening state when the brake lever is located at the extending position, and the brake pawl is switched to the releasing state when the brake lever is located at the retracting position; a brake driver mounted to the brake seat, in transmission connection with the brake lever, and driving the brake lever to move between the extending position and the retracting position; and a water supply device in communication with one of the tub and a water supply as well as the agitator respectively, supplying water in the tub or the water supply to the agitator, and spraying the water into the drum through the water spray hole.

In the drum washing machine according to embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing the driver and driving the main shaft to rotate to drive the drum to rotate using the driver, and further providing the agitator in the drum, and transmitting the torque of the main shaft to the agitator using the planetary gear assembly to drive the agitator to rotate, the rotation of the agitator may be combined with the rotation of the drum into various washing modes, for example, only one of the agitator and the drum is rotated or the agitator and the drum are rotated at the same time, or in the same direction, or in opposite directions, thereby diversifying the washing mode of the drum washing machine.

Moreover, the driver drives the drum via the main shaft, so as to directly drive a component with a relatively large load using the driver, the number of levels of power transmission is less, and the power transmission is more direct, thereby stably driving the drum which is large in volume and required to accommodate laundry and water. The planetary gear assembly is provided between the main shaft and the agitator, and the torque of the main shaft is transmitted to the agitator by the planetary gear assembly to indirectly drive the agitator using the driver. Since the load at the agitator is much less than the load at the drum, compared with a drum washing machine with an impeller (agitator) in the related art, the load acting on the planetary gear assembly is greatly reduced, which not only facilitates stable power transmission to improve the performance stability of the drum washing machine, but also greatly reduces the risk of damage to the planetary gear assembly, to prolong the service life of the drum washing machine.

In addition, the brake driver drives the brake lever to move between the extending position and the retracting position, and the brake lever is linked with the brake pawl, the brake disk is held tightly or released, the planetary gear assembly is switched between the first state and the second state. Thus, the rotation of the agitator may be combined with the rotation of the drum into various washing modes to diversify the washing mode of the drum washing machine, and the drum washing machine is easy to control and stable.

Therefore, the drum washing machine according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may implement various washing modes, and has the advantages of stable performance, long service life, easy control, or the like.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following descriptions, become apparent in part from the following descriptions, or be learned from the practice of the embodiments of the present invention.

These and/or other aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following descriptions made with reference to the drawings, in which:.

Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the present application, and the examples of the embodiments are illustrated in the drawings, wherein the same or similar elements and the elements having same or similar functions are denoted by like reference numerals throughout the descriptions. The embodiments described herein with reference to drawings are illustrative, and merely used to explain the present application. The embodiments shall not be construed to limit the present application.

In the description of the present application, it is to be appreciated that terms such as "center", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "anticlockwise", "axial", "radial", and "circumferential" should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the present application be constructed or operated in a particular orientation, thus cannot be construed to limit the present application. Furthermore, the feature defined with "first" and "second" may include one or more of this feature explicitly or implicitly. In the description of the present disclosure, the term "a plurality of" means two or more unless otherwise stated.

In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted", "connected", and "coupled" and the like are used broadly, and may be, for example, fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; may also be mechanical or electrical connections; may also be direct connections or indirect connections via intervening structures; may also be inner communications of two elements. The above terms can be appreciated by those skilled in the art according to specific situations.

A drum washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the drum washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a tub <NUM>, a drum <NUM>, an agitator <NUM>, a driver (such as an electric motor <NUM> described below), and a planetary gear assembly <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> is rotatably provided in the tub <NUM>. The agitator <NUM> is rotatably provided in the drum <NUM> The driver is in transmission connection with the drum <NUM> via a main shaft <NUM> which transmits a torque of the driver to the drum <NUM>. The planetary gear assembly <NUM> is in transmission connection with the main shaft <NUM> and the agitator <NUM> respectively. When the driver drives the main shaft <NUM> to rotate, the planetary gear assembly <NUM> may transmit the torque of the main shaft <NUM> to the agitator <NUM>, thereby driving the agitator <NUM> to rotate.

In the drum washing machine <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the driver and driving the main shaft <NUM> to rotate to drive the drum <NUM> to rotate using the driver, and further providing the agitator <NUM> in the drum <NUM>, and transmitting the torque of the main shaft <NUM> to the agitator <NUM> using the planetary gear assembly <NUM> to drive the agitator <NUM> to rotate, the rotation of the agitator <NUM> may be combined with the rotation of the drum <NUM> into various washing modes, for example, only one of the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> is rotated or the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> are rotated at the same time, or in the same direction or in opposite directions, thereby diversifying the washing mode of the drum washing machine <NUM>.

Moreover, the driver drives the drum <NUM> via the main shaft <NUM>, so as to directly drive a component with a relatively large load using the driver, the number of levels of power transmission is less, and the power transmission is more direct, thereby stably driving the drum which is large in volume and required to accommodate laundry and water. The planetary gear assembly <NUM> is provided between the main shaft <NUM> and the agitator <NUM>, and the torque of the main shaft <NUM> is transmitted to the agitator by the planetary gear assembly <NUM> to indirectly drive the agitator <NUM> using the driver. Since the load at the agitator <NUM> is much less than the load at the drum <NUM>, compared with a drum washing machine with an impeller (agitator) in the related art, the load acting on the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is greatly reduced, which not only facilitates stable power transmission to improve the performance stability of the drum washing machine <NUM>, but also greatly reduces the risk of damage to the planetary gear assembly <NUM> to prolong the service life of the drum washing machine <NUM>.

Therefore, the drum washing machine <NUM> according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may implement various washing modes, and has the advantages of stable performance, long service life, or the like.

Some specific embodiments of the drum washing machine <NUM> according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to <FIG>.

The planetary gear assembly <NUM> of the drum washing machine <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention is switchable between a first state and a second state.

The planetary gear assembly <NUM> in the first state transmits the torque of the main shaft <NUM> to the agitator <NUM> in the same direction, thereby rotating the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> in the same direction. The planetary gear assembly <NUM> in the second state transmits the torque of the main shaft <NUM> to the agitator <NUM> in an opposite direction, thereby rotating the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> in opposite directions. For example, if the driver drives the main shaft <NUM> to rotate clockwise, the planetary gear assembly <NUM> in the first state transmits the torque of the main shaft <NUM> to the agitator <NUM> in the same direction, thereby rotating the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> clockwise. The planetary gear assembly <NUM> in the second state transmits the torque of the main shaft <NUM> to the agitator <NUM> in an opposite direction, thereby rotating the agitator <NUM> counterclockwise.

For example, when the drum washing machine <NUM> is in a spin mode, the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is switchable to the first state, and the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> are driven to rotate in the same direction by the mode of power transmission of the planetary gear assembly <NUM> in the first state, ensuring that the laundry will not be entangled or torn when spinning at a high speed.

When the drum washing machine <NUM> is in a wash mode, the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is switchable to the second state, and the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> are driven to rotate in opposite directions by the mode of power transmission of the planetary gear assembly <NUM> in the second state, thereby agitating the laundry and water thoroughly to improve the effect of cleaning the laundry.

It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that the combination of the state switching of the planetary gear assembly <NUM> and the current mode of the drum washing machine <NUM> is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and the first and second states of the planetary gear assembly <NUM> may also be combined with any one of the spin and wash modes.

Thus, by providing the planetary gear assembly <NUM> which is switchable between the first and second states, the rotation direction of the agitator <NUM> is adjustable, such that the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> are rotated in the same direction and in opposite directions, thereby cooperating with the drum <NUM> to form operating modes suitable for different operating conditions.

In some examples, when the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> are rotated in opposite directions, the rotation speed of the agitator <NUM> is less than the rotation speed of the drum <NUM>. That is, when the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is in the second state, the variable-speed transmission of power is implemented. Thus, when the laundry and the water are sufficiently agitated, the laundry are prevented from being entangled, and the stability and noise reduction of the whole machine are contributed
In some examples, when the agitator <NUM> and the drum are rotated in the same direction, the rotational speed of the agitator <NUM> is equal to the rotational speed of the drum <NUM>. That is, when the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is in the first state, the agitator <NUM> is rotated in synchronization with the drum <NUM> (at the same speed and in the same direction).

As shown in <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the planetary gear component <NUM> includes a planetary gear component <NUM> and the planetary gear component <NUM> includes a planet carrier <NUM>, a plurality of planetary gears <NUM>, and a planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM>.

The plurality of planetary gears <NUM> are rotatably mounted to the planet carrier <NUM> respectively, and an outer peripheral wall of the main shaft <NUM> has meshing teeth, and the plurality of planetary gears <NUM> are meshed with the meshing teeth on the main shaft <NUM> respectively. The planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> is fitted over the plurality of planetary gears <NUM>, and the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> meshes with the plurality of planetary gears <NUM> respectively, and the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> is in transmission connection with the agitator <NUM>.

It is appreciated that the inner peripheral wall of planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> has meshing teeth that mesh with the plurality of planetary gears <NUM>. Thus, the main shaft <NUM>, the plurality of planetary gears <NUM>, the planet carrier <NUM>, the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> constitute a planetary gear train, and the shaft section of the main shaft <NUM> meshing with the plurality of planetary gears <NUM> forms a sun gear of the planetary gear train.

When the planet carrier <NUM> is allowed to rotate freely, the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is in the first state, such that the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> are rotated in the same direction; when the planet carrier <NUM> is braked, the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is in the second state, the plurality of planetary gears <NUM> are rotated respectively, and the outer casing <NUM> of the planetary gear and the main shaft <NUM> are rotated in opposite directions, thereby rotating the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> in opposite directions. Thus, by switching the state of the planet carrier <NUM> of the planetary gear assembly <NUM>, the operating mode of the agitator <NUM> is controllable and the drum washing machine <NUM> is switchable among various operating modes.

Thus, according to the drum washing machine <NUM> of the embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing planetary gear assembly <NUM> between the main shaft <NUM> and the agitator <NUM>, and transmitting the torque of the main shaft <NUM> to the agitator <NUM> using the planetary gear assembly <NUM> to drive the agitator <NUM> to rotate, the rotation of the agitator <NUM> may be combined with the rotation of the drum <NUM> into various washing modes, for example, only one of the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> is rotated or the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> are rotated at the same time, or in the same direction or in opposite directions, thereby diversifying the washing mode of the drum washing machine <NUM>.

Moreover, the torque of the main shaft <NUM> is transmitted to the agitator by the planetary gear assembly <NUM>, and the agitator <NUM> is driven by the driver indirectly. Since the load of the agitator <NUM> is much less than the load of the drum <NUM>, compared with the drum washing machine with an impeller (agitator) in the related art, the load acting on the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is greatly reduced, which not only facilitates stable power transmission to improve the performance stability of the drum washing machine <NUM>, but also greatly reduces the risk of damage to the planetary gear assembly <NUM> to prolong the service life of the drum washing machine <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the planet carrier <NUM> includes a planetary gear support <NUM> and a planetary gear fixing disk <NUM>. A plurality of planetary gears <NUM> are rotatably mounted on one side surface of the planetary gear support <NUM>, and one side surface of the planetary gear support <NUM> is provided with a plurality of mounting bosses <NUM>. The planetary gear fixing disk <NUM> is mounted on the plurality of mounting bosses <NUM>, which facilitates the connection of the planetary gear support <NUM> and the planetary gear fixing disk <NUM>.

In some examples, the planetary gear support <NUM> and the planetary gear fixing disk <NUM> are both located in the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM>, and the planetary gear support <NUM> and the planetary gear fixing disk <NUM> are stopped at two sides of internal teeth of the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> respectively, thereby positioning in an axial direction of the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> by means of the internal teeth end of the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM>. The plurality of planetary gears <NUM> may be positioned and mounted by the planetary gear support <NUM>. The combined structure of the planetary gear support <NUM> and the planetary gear fixing disk <NUM> may define the plurality of planetary gears between the planetary gear support <NUM> and the planetary gear fixing disk <NUM>, realizing modular assembly of the structure, a more compact structure and convenient assembly.

In some examples, the planetary gear fixing disk <NUM> is provided in the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> and is secured to the planetary gear support <NUM> by a fastener for reliable connection.

In some examples, one side surface of the planetary gear support <NUM> is provided with a plurality of planetary gear mounting seats <NUM>, and each of the planetary gear mounts <NUM> is provided with a planetary gear fixing shaft <NUM>, and the plurality of planetary gears <NUM> are rotatable respectively and mounted in one-to-one correspondence to the plurality of planetary gear fixing shafts <NUM>. Here, "one-to-one correspondence" may be construed as the equal number of planetary gears <NUM> and planetary gear mounting seats <NUM>, and each of the planetary gear mounting seats <NUM> is provided with one planetary gear <NUM>.

In some specific examples, the planetary gear mounting seat <NUM> is provided with a plughole, one end of the planetary gear fixing shaft <NUM> is inserted into the plughole of the planetary gear mounting seat <NUM>, and the other end of the planetary gear fixing shaft <NUM> is placed in a limiting hole <NUM> of the planetary gear fixing disk <NUM>, thereby positioning and mounting the planetary gear <NUM>.

In some examples, one side surface of the planetary gear support <NUM> is provided with a plurality of mounting bosses <NUM> and a plurality of planetary gear mounting seats <NUM>, the plurality of mounting bosses <NUM> and the plurality of planetary gear mounting seats <NUM> are arranged alternately in a circumferential direction of the planetary gear support <NUM>, such that the plurality of mounting bosses <NUM> and the plurality of planetary gears <NUM> are arranged alternately in a circumferential direction of the planetary gear support <NUM>.

Furthermore, each of the mounting bosses <NUM> is provided with a positioning column <NUM>, the planetary gear fixing disk <NUM> is provided with a plurality of positioning holes <NUM>, the positioning columns <NUM> on the plurality of mounting bosses <NUM> are in a close fit or welded in the plurality of positioning holes <NUM> in one-to-one correspondence, such that the planetary gear fixing disk <NUM> is supported on the plurality of mounting bosses <NUM>, thereby implementing the assembly of the planetary gear fixing disk <NUM> and the planetary gear support <NUM>, with convenient connection.

As shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the planetary gear assembly <NUM> further includes: a planetary gear casing <NUM> which is provided therein with the planetary gear component <NUM> to implement the modular design of the planetary gear assembly <NUM>. The planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> is in transmission connection with the agitator <NUM> via the planetary gear casing <NUM>. For example, the planetary gear casing <NUM> and the agitator <NUM> may be combined by screws, and the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM>, the planetary gear casing <NUM> and the agitator <NUM> are fixedly connected to realize synchronous operation and facilitate the planetary gear assembly <NUM> to transmit the torque of the main shaft <NUM> to the agitator <NUM>.

In some examples, one of an inner peripheral wall of the planetary gear casing <NUM> and an outer peripheral wall of the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> is provided with a flange <NUM>, the other of the inner peripheral wall of the planetary gear casing <NUM> and the outer peripheral wall of the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> is provided with a latching slot <NUM>, and the flange <NUM> is fitted in the latching slot <NUM> to ensure a fixed connection between the planetary gear casing <NUM> and the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM>.

In some optional examples, the outer peripheral wall of the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> is provided with a plurality of flanges <NUM>, each of the flanges <NUM> extends in the axial direction of the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM>, and the plurality of flanges <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM>.

Correspondingly, the inner peripheral wall of the planetary gear casing <NUM> is provided with a plurality of latching slots <NUM>. Each of the latching slots <NUM> extends in the axial direction of the planetary gear casing <NUM>, and the plurality of latching slots <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the planetary gear casing <NUM>. The plurality of flanges <NUM> are fitted in the plurality of latching slots <NUM> in one-to-one correspondence, which not only implement the connection between the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> and the planetary gear casing <NUM>, but also ensure the circumferential positioning of the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> and the planetary gear casing <NUM>, and realize the synchronous operation of the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> and the planetary gear casing <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the positions of the plurality of flanges <NUM> and the positions of the plurality of latching slots <NUM> are interchangeable, e.g., the plurality of flanges <NUM> are all provided at the inner circumferential wall of the planetary gear casing <NUM>, and the plurality of latching slots <NUM> are all provided at the outer peripheral wall of the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM>, or some of the plurality of flanges <NUM> are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM>, and some other of the plurality of flanges <NUM> are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the planetary gear casing <NUM>, and the plurality of latching slots <NUM> are also provided correspondingly at the outer peripheral wall of the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> and the inner peripheral wall of the planetary gear casing <NUM> respectively, for convenient connection.

As shown in <FIG>, in conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, according to a still further embodiment of the present disclosure, the planetary gear assembly <NUM> further includes: a planetary gear bearing <NUM> provided in the planetary gear casing <NUM> and located on the outer side of the planetary gear component <NUM>, an inner race of the planetary gear bearing <NUM> is fitted over the main shaft <NUM> and rotates with the main shaft <NUM>, an outer race of the planetary gear bearing <NUM> is connected to the planetary gear casing <NUM> and rotates with the planetary gear casing <NUM>, and by providing the planetary gear bearing <NUM>, it is ensured that the planetary gear casing <NUM> rotates relative to the main shaft <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the drum washing machine <NUM> further includes a second shaft <NUM> and a brake <NUM>, wherein the second shaft <NUM> meshes with the planet carrier <NUM>, and the brake <NUM> controls whether the planet carrier <NUM> is braked through the second shaft <NUM>.

In some examples, the side peripheral wall of the second shaft <NUM> is provided with a spline. That is, the second shaft <NUM> forms a spline shaft, and the planet carrier <NUM> is provided with a spline groove engaged with the spline of the second shaft <NUM>, and the second shaft <NUM> is fixedly connected to the planet carrier <NUM> through the engagement of the spline and the spline groove to ensure the synchronous operation of the second shaft <NUM> and the planet carrier <NUM>.

When the brake <NUM> brakes the second shaft <NUM>, the planet carrier <NUM> is braked and unable be rotated; when the brake <NUM> is disengaged from the second shaft <NUM>, the planet carrier <NUM> is in a free state. Therefore, by providing the brake <NUM>, the operating state of the second shaft <NUM> is switchable, thereby switching the planetary gear assembly <NUM> between the first and second states. The planetary gear assembly <NUM> switched between the first and second states may adjust the rotation direction of the agitator <NUM> to rotate the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> in the same direction and in opposite directions, thereby cooperating with the drum <NUM> to form operating modes suitable for different operating conditions.

In some examples, the main shaft <NUM> has a cavity <NUM> extending therethrough in the axial direction thereof, and the second shaft <NUM> penetrates through the cavity <NUM>. For example, a central axis of the main shaft <NUM> is parallel to and coincident with a central axis of the second shaft <NUM>, and the main shaft <NUM> is rotatable relative to the second shaft <NUM>, thereby driving the drum <NUM> and the agitator <NUM> to rotate respectively to ensure the normal operation of the drum washing machine <NUM>.

In some optional examples, the second shaft <NUM> is supported by a second shaft bearing <NUM> fitted thereon and provided in the cavity <NUM>. Specifically, at least two second shaft bearings <NUM> are provided in the cavity <NUM> of the main shaft <NUM>, and the second shaft <NUM> passes through the at least two second shaft bearings <NUM> to be supported in the cavity <NUM> of the main shaft <NUM> and to be rotatable with respect to the main shaft <NUM>.

In some examples, the planetary gear casing <NUM> is provided with a through hole <NUM>, the second shaft <NUM> penetrates through the through hole <NUM>, and the second shaft <NUM> is supported by a second shaft end bearing <NUM> fitted thereon and provided in the through hole <NUM>. Thus, one end of the planetary gear casing <NUM> is supported on the second shaft <NUM> by the second shaft end bearing <NUM>, and the other end of the planetary gear casing <NUM> is supported on the main shaft <NUM> by the planetary gear bearing <NUM>, which not only positions and mounts the planetary gear assembly <NUM>, but also ensure the rotation of the planetary gear casing <NUM> relative to the second shaft <NUM> and the main shaft <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in some examples, the brake <NUM> includes a brake disk <NUM>, a brake pawl <NUM>, a brake lever <NUM>, and a brake driver <NUM>.

The brake disk <NUM> is connected to the second shaft <NUM> and linked with the planetary gear assembly <NUM> via the second shaft <NUM>. When the brake disk <NUM> is braked, the second shaft <NUM> and the planet carrier <NUM> are braked; when the brake disk <NUM> is allowed to rotate freely, the second shaft <NUM> and the planet carrier <NUM> are allowed to rotate freely, and the second shaft <NUM> and the planet carrier <NUM> are in a free state. Thus, when the brake disk <NUM> is allowed to rotate freely, the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is in the first state, and when the brake disk <NUM> is braked, the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is in the second state.

The brake seat <NUM> is provided with a slideway <NUM>. The brake pawl <NUM> is provided to the brake seat <NUM>, switchable between the tightening state and the releasing state. The brake pawl <NUM> in the tightening state holds the brake disk <NUM> tightly to brake the brake disk, and the brake pawl <NUM> in the releasing state releases the brake disk <NUM> to allow the brake disk to rotate freely. The brake lever <NUM> is slidably fitted with the slideway <NUM> between the extending and retracting positions, the brake lever <NUM> is linked with the brake pawl <NUM>, the brake lever <NUM> switches the brake pawl <NUM> to the tightening state when located at the extending position and switches the brake pawl <NUM> to the releasing state when located at the retracting position. The brake driver <NUM> is mounted to the brake seat <NUM> and is in transmission connection with the brake lever <NUM>, and the brake driver <NUM> drives the brake lever <NUM> to move between the extending and retracting positions. Thus, by the brake driver <NUM> driving the brake lever <NUM> to move along the slideway <NUM>, and the brake lever <NUM> acting on the brake pawl <NUM>, the brake pawl <NUM> holds tightly or releases the brake disk <NUM>, and the switching is convenient.

In the brake <NUM> for a drum washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, the brake driver <NUM> drives the brake lever <NUM> to move between the extending position and the retracting position, and the brake lever <NUM> is linked with the brake pawl <NUM>, the brake disk <NUM> on the second shaft <NUM> is held tightly or released using the brake pawl <NUM>, the second shaft <NUM> is switched between the free state and the braking state, and then the torque of the main shaft <NUM> is transmitted to the agitator <NUM> through the planetary gear assembly <NUM> to drive the agitator <NUM> to rotate. Thus, the rotation of the agitator <NUM> may be combined with the rotation of the drum <NUM> into various washing modes to diversify the washing mode of the drum washing machine <NUM>.

Moreover, the brake <NUM> has a small number of parts and a simpler structure. The brake driver <NUM> drives the brake lever <NUM> to move between the extending position and the retracting position, and the brake lever <NUM> at the extending position acts on the brake pawl <NUM> to hold tightly the brake disk <NUM>, and the brake lever <NUM> at the retracting position acts on the brake pawl <NUM> to release the brake disk <NUM>. Therefore, compared with the drum washing machine with an impeller in the related art, the brake pawl <NUM> directly acts on the brake disk <NUM> on the second shaft <NUM> by tight hold, which facilitates control. Due to a small number of transmission structures, power transmission is more direct, an operating state of the second shaft <NUM> may be stably switched, which facilitates stable transmission of power to improve the performance stability of the drum washing machine <NUM>.

Therefore, the brake <NUM> for a drum washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is capable of switching a mode of the agitator <NUM> collaborative with the drum <NUM> and has the advantages of a simple structure, convenient control, stabilization, or the like.

Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer circumferential surface of the brake disk <NUM> is provided with gear teeth <NUM>, and the inner side surface of the brake pawl <NUM> is provided with pawl teeth <NUM>. When the brake pawl <NUM> is in the tightening state, the pawl teeth <NUM> mesh with the gear teeth <NUM>, and when the brake pawl <NUM> is in the releasing state, the pawl teeth <NUM> are disengaged from the gear teeth <NUM>, thereby improving the reliability when the brake pawl <NUM> holds the brake disk <NUM> tightly and improving the braking reliability of the brake <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the brake pawl <NUM> includes a first pawl portion <NUM> and a second pawl portion <NUM>.

One end of the first pawl portion <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the brake seat <NUM>, one end of the second pawl portion <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the brake seat <NUM>, the brake disk <NUM> is located at the first and second pawl portions <NUM> and <NUM>, the gear teeth <NUM> may be formed on the entire outer circumferential surface of the brake disk <NUM>, and the pawl teeth <NUM> are formed at a section of the inner side surface of the first pawl portion <NUM> and a section of the inner side surface of the second pawl portion <NUM> respectively.

When the brake pawl <NUM> is in the tightening state, the other end of the first pawl portion <NUM> is adjacent to the other end of the second pawl portion <NUM>, such that the first and second pawl portions <NUM> and <NUM> hold the brake disk <NUM> tightly together, and the brake disk <NUM> is braked. When the brake pawl <NUM> is in the releasing state, the other end of the first pawl portion <NUM> is away from the other end of the second pawl portion <NUM>, such that the first and second pawl portions <NUM> and <NUM> release the brake disk <NUM>, and the brake disk <NUM> is allowed to rotate freely.

In order to further improve the braking reliability when the first and second pawl portions <NUM> and <NUM> hold the brake disk <NUM> tightly, at least a part of the first pawl portion <NUM> is configured to be in a shape of an arc that matches a shape of the brake disk <NUM>, and at least a part of the second pawl portion <NUM> is configured to be in a shape of an arc that matches a shape of the brake disk <NUM>.

Certainly, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the brake pawl <NUM> may have other structural forms, e.g., a shape of an open elastic ring, and hold tightly or release the brake disk <NUM> under the action of the brake lever <NUM>.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a first rotation column <NUM> and a second rotation column <NUM> are provided in the brake base <NUM>, the first pawl portion <NUM> is provided with a first pivot hole <NUM> pivotally fitted over the first rotation column <NUM>, and the second pawl portion <NUM> is provided with a second pivot hole <NUM> pivotally fitted over the second rotation column <NUM>. Therefore, the one end of the first pawl portion <NUM> and the one end of the second pawl portion <NUM> may be pivotally mounted to the brake seat <NUM> respectively.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the brake lever <NUM> is provided with a first drive chute <NUM> and a second drive chute <NUM> which are obliquely respect to the sliding direction of the brake lever <NUM> respectively.

For example, an end of the first drive chute <NUM> away from the brake disk <NUM> and an end of the second drive chute <NUM> away from the brake disk <NUM> are adjacent to each other, and one end of the first drive chute <NUM> adjacent to the brake disk <NUM> and one end of the second drive chute <NUM> adjacent to the brake disk <NUM> are away from each other. Here, "adjacent to each other" and "away from each other" are relative. That is, a distance between the first drive chute <NUM> and one end of the second drive chute <NUM> adjacent to the brake disk <NUM> is greater than a distance between the first drive chute <NUM> and an end of the second drive chute <NUM> away from the brake disk <NUM>.

The other end of the first pawl portion <NUM> is provided with a first drive column <NUM> slidably fitted with the first drive chute <NUM>, and the other end of the second pawl portion <NUM> is provided with a second drive column <NUM> slidably fitted with the second drive chute <NUM>.

Thus, when the brake lever <NUM> moves from the retracting position to the extending position, i.e., to the direction of the brake disk <NUM>, the first drive chute <NUM> rotates the first pawl portion <NUM> around the first rotation column <NUM> by driving the first drive column <NUM>, the second drive chute <NUM> rotates the second pawl portion <NUM> around the second rotation column <NUM> by driving the second drive column <NUM>, the other end of the first pawl portion <NUM> and the other end of the second pawl portion <NUM> are adjacent to each other, and the brake pawl <NUM> is switched to the tightening state.

When the brake lever <NUM> moves from the extending position to the retracting position, i.e., to the direction apart from the brake disk <NUM>, the first drive chute <NUM> rotates the first pawl portion <NUM> around the first rotation column <NUM> by driving the first drive column <NUM>, the second drive chute <NUM> rotates the second pawl portion <NUM> around the second rotation column <NUM> by driving the second drive column <NUM>, the other end of the first pawl portion <NUM> and the other end of the second pawl portion <NUM> are away from each other, and the brake pawl <NUM> is switched to the releasing state.

Furthermore, the brake lever <NUM> is provided with a first limiting groove <NUM> and a second limiting groove <NUM>. The first and second limiting grooves <NUM> and <NUM> are parallel to the sliding direction of the brake lever <NUM> respectively. The first limiting groove <NUM> is in communication with one end of the first drive chute <NUM> apart from the brake disk <NUM>, and the first limiting groove <NUM> extends from the first drive chute <NUM> in a direction away from the brake disk <NUM>, the second limiting groove <NUM> is in communication with one end of the second drive chute <NUM> apart from the brake disk <NUM>, and the second limiting groove <NUM> extends from the second drive chute <NUM> in a direction away from the brake disk <NUM>.

When the brake lever <NUM> slides to the extending position, the brake pawl <NUM> is in the tightening state, the first drive column <NUM> slides into the first limiting groove <NUM>, and the second drive column <NUM> slides into the second limiting groove <NUM>. Since the directions of the first and second limiting grooves <NUM> and <NUM> are perpendicular to a tangential direction of opening and closing the first and second pawl portions <NUM> and <NUM>, when the brake pawl <NUM> is in the tightening state, the force transmitted from the brake disk <NUM> to the brake pawl <NUM> is converted to have a tangential direction, without causing a reverse thrust to the brake driver <NUM>.

In some specific examples of the present disclosure, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the brake seat <NUM> is provided with a first guide chute <NUM> and a second guide chute <NUM>, and the first and second guide chutes <NUM> and <NUM> are obliquely respect to the sliding direction of the brake lever <NUM> respectively. For example, in the direction of the braking lever <NUM> from the retracting position to the extending position, the distance between the first and second guide chutes <NUM> and <NUM> increases gradually.

A first guide column <NUM> is provided between two ends of the first pawl portion <NUM>, and slidably fitted with the first guide chute <NUM>. A second guide column <NUM> is provided between two ends of the second pawl portion <NUM>, and slidably fitted with the second guide chute <NUM>. Thus, the movement trajectories of the first and second pawl portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be restrained, thereby smoothing the movements of the first and second pawl portions <NUM> and <NUM> and improving the performance reliability of the brake pawl <NUM>.

The portion of the brake seat <NUM> where the first and second guide chutes <NUM> and <NUM> are provided may be configured as a separate piece or a single piece.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the brake seat <NUM> includes a brake base <NUM> and a brake coverplate <NUM>. The brake coverplate <NUM> is detachably mounted to the brake base <NUM>, the brake coverplate <NUM> is provided with a guide chute, the brake pawl <NUM> is provided at the brake base <NUM>, and the brake pawl <NUM> is provided with a guide column slidably fitted with the guide chute.

Specifically, the first and second pawl portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the brake pawl <NUM> are pivotally mounted to the brake base <NUM> respectively. For example, the brake base <NUM> is provided therein with a first rotation column <NUM> and a second rotation column <NUM>, the first pawl portion <NUM> is provided with a first pivot hole <NUM> pivotally fitted over the first rotation column <NUM> penetrates pivotally, and the second pawl portion <NUM> is provided with a second pivot hole <NUM> pivotally fitted over the second rotation column <NUM>.

The guide chute includes a first guide chute <NUM> and a second guide chute <NUM>. The first guide chute <NUM> and the second guide chute <NUM> are obliquely respect to the sliding direction of the brake lever <NUM> respectively, the guide column includes a first guide column <NUM> and a second guide column <NUM>, the first guide column <NUM> is provided between two ends of the first pawl portion <NUM> and slidably fitted with the first guide chute <NUM>, and the second guide column <NUM> is provided between two ends of the second pawl portion <NUM> and slidably fitted with the second guide chute <NUM>.

More specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the brake base <NUM> includes a main base <NUM> and a support <NUM>, wherein the support <NUM> is detachably mounted to the main base <NUM>, the brake coverplate <NUM> is detachably mounted to the main base <NUM>, the brake pawl <NUM> is mounted to the main base <NUM> and the brake driver <NUM> is mounted to the support <NUM>. The slideway <NUM> includes a coverplate section <NUM> and a support section <NUM> spaced apart from each other, the coverplate section <NUM> is formed to the brake coverplate <NUM> and the support section <NUM> is formed to the support <NUM>, the shifter lever <NUM> is slidably fitted with the coverplate section <NUM> and the transmission bar <NUM> is slidably fitted with the support section <NUM>.

Thus, by designing the brake seat <NUM> as a split type, the guide chute is provided using the brake coverplate <NUM>, and the brake driver <NUM> is mounted using the support <NUM>, which facilitates the disassembly and assembly, production, maintenance, or the like of the whole brake <NUM>.

In some specific examples of the present disclosure, the end portion of the first guide column <NUM> is provided with a first anti-off head <NUM>, and the end portion of the second guide column <NUM> is provided with a second anti-off head <NUM>. The first anti-off head <NUM> may prevent the first guide column <NUM> from escaping from the first guide chute <NUM>, and the second anti-off head <NUM> may prevent the second guide column <NUM> from escaping from the second guide chute <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the brake lever <NUM> includes a shifter lever <NUM>, a transmission bar <NUM>, and a brake compression spring <NUM>.

The shifter lever <NUM> is linked with the brake pawl <NUM>. The first drive chute <NUM>, the second drive chute <NUM>, the first limiting groove <NUM> and the second limiting groove <NUM> are all provided on the shifter lever <NUM>. The transmission bar <NUM> is in transmission connection with the brake driver <NUM>, and the transmission bar <NUM> is hooked to the shifter lever <NUM>. Specifically, the shifter lever <NUM> is provided with a hooking surface <NUM> facing the brake disk <NUM>, the transmission bar <NUM> is provided with a hook <NUM>, and the hook <NUM> is hooked to the hooking surface <NUM>. The brake compression spring <NUM> is compressed between the shifter lever <NUM> and the transmission bar <NUM>.

When the brake driver <NUM> drives the brake lever <NUM> to move from the retracting position to the extending position, the brake driver <NUM> first drives the transmission bar <NUM> to move toward the brake disk <NUM>, and the transmission bar <NUM> pushes the shifter lever <NUM> through the brake compression spring <NUM> and moves the shifter lever <NUM> to the brake disk <NUM>, thereby driving the brake pawl <NUM> to be switched to the tightening state. When the brake driver <NUM> drives the brake lever <NUM> to move from the extending position to the retracting position, the brake driver <NUM> first drives the transmission bar <NUM> to move apart from the brake disk <NUM>, and the transmission bar <NUM> pulls the hooking surface <NUM> through the hook <NUM>, and moves the shifter lever <NUM> apart from the brake disk <NUM>, thereby driving the brake pawl <NUM> to be switched to the releasing state.

Furthermore, as in the process of switching the brake pawl <NUM> to the tightening state, the pawl teeth <NUM> and the gear teeth <NUM> do not mesh due to the initial position of the brake disk <NUM>, and the brake driver <NUM> may continue to operate, thereby further compressing the brake compression spring <NUM>. When the brake disk <NUM> is rotated by a certain angle, the brake pawl <NUM> is driven by the brake compression spring <NUM> to be switched to the tightening state, and the pawl teeth <NUM> mesh with the gear teeth <NUM>, i.e., the provision of the brake compression spring <NUM> may ensure that the pawl teeth <NUM> finally mesh with the gear teeth <NUM>.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the shifter lever <NUM> is provided with a mounting cavity <NUM>. An opening of the mounting cavity <NUM> faces the transmission bar <NUM>, and the mounting cavity <NUM> is provided therein with a stop step <NUM>. The transmission bar <NUM> is provided with a slide block <NUM>, and the shape of the cross section of the slide block <NUM> is matched with the shape of the cross section of the slideway <NUM> to improve the smoothness of the transmission bar <NUM> sliding in the slideway <NUM>. The brake compression spring <NUM> is fitted over the transmission bar <NUM>, and the brake compression spring <NUM> and the transmission bar <NUM> extend into the mounting cavity <NUM>. One end of the brake compression spring <NUM> abuts against the stop step <NUM> and the other end of the brake compression spring <NUM> abuts against the slide block <NUM>, thereby mounting and positioning the brake compression spring <NUM>.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in order to facilitate the disassembly, assembly and maintenance of the brake <NUM>, the brake seat <NUM> includes a main housing <NUM> and a support <NUM>, the support <NUM> detachably mounted to the main housing <NUM>. The brake pawl <NUM> is mounted in the main housing <NUM>, and the brake driver <NUM> is mounted to the support <NUM>.

The slideway <NUM> includes a housing section <NUM> and a support section <NUM> spaced apart from each other, the housing section <NUM> is formed to the main housing <NUM>, the support section <NUM> is formed to the support <NUM>, the shifter lever <NUM> is slidably fitted with the housing section <NUM> and the transmission bar <NUM> is slidably fitted with the support section <NUM>.

In some specific examples of the present disclosure, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the brake <NUM> further includes: a brake cam <NUM>. The brake driver <NUM> is configured as an electric motor and is in transmission connected to the brake lever <NUM> via the brake cam <NUM>, and the brake cam <NUM> may convert the rotational motion of the electric motor shaft of the electric motor into a linear motion of the brake lever <NUM> in the slideway <NUM> to ensure the normal operation of the brake <NUM>.

In some examples, the brake cam <NUM> is provided with an eccentric column <NUM>, the brake lever <NUM> is provided with a straight sliding groove <NUM>, and the eccentric column <NUM> is slidably fitted in the straight sliding groove <NUM>. When the electric motor drives the brake cam <NUM> to rotate, the eccentric column <NUM> of the brake cam <NUM> is eccentrically rotated, and since the slideway <NUM> limits the brake lever <NUM> to only move linearly in its length direction, when the eccentric column <NUM> slides in the straight sliding groove <NUM>, the brake lever <NUM> is driven to move in the length direction of the slideway <NUM>, with continuous operating actions, and high use reliability.

Optionally, the length direction of the straight sliding groove <NUM> is perpendicular to the linear motion direction of the brake lever <NUM>, with a simple and compact structure, facilitating the cooperation with the brake cam <NUM>, thereby achieving the above functions.

According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the drum washing machine <NUM> further includes: a detector (not shown) for detecting power of the driver. When the detector detects that the power of the driver reaches a predetermined value, the brake <NUM> controls whether the planet carrier <NUM> is allowed to rotate freely through the second shaft <NUM>, such that the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> are rotated in the same direction, and the laundry in the drum <NUM> is prevented from being entangled severely and torn, with high safety.

As shown in <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the drum washing machine <NUM> further includes a drum support <NUM> mounted to a rear wall of the drum <NUM> and located between the rear wall of the drum <NUM> and the rear wall of the tub <NUM>, and the main shaft <NUM> is rotatably connected to the drum <NUM> via the drum support <NUM> and rotatably supported at the rear wall of the tub <NUM>. That is, the main shaft <NUM> directly drives the drum <NUM> to rotate, and at the same time, the agitator <NUM> may be rotated by the planetary gear assembly <NUM>, such that the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is not easily damaged.

Specifically, the drum <NUM> includes a drum body <NUM> with two open axial ends and a rear cover <NUM> of the drum provided at a rear end of the drum body <NUM>. An outer periphery of the rear cover <NUM> of the drum is formed as a folded edge extending in an axial direction of the drum body <NUM>. The rear end of the drum body <NUM> is connected to the folded edge of the rear cover <NUM> of the drum. A drum support <NUM> is fixed at the joint of the drum body <NUM> and the folded edge of the rear cover <NUM> of the drum by a connecting member (for example, a screw), thereby fixing the drum <NUM> onto the drum support <NUM>, such that the drum <NUM> is rotatable with the drum support <NUM> relative to the tub <NUM>.

In some examples, the drum support <NUM> has a central shaft portion <NUM> and a support portion <NUM>, wherein the central shaft portion <NUM> extends in the axial direction of the tub <NUM> and is rotatably supported on the rear wall of the tub <NUM>, the support portion <NUM> is connected to the side peripheral wall of the central shaft portion <NUM>, and the drum <NUM> is mounted to the support portion <NUM>.

Optionally, the support portion <NUM> of the drum support <NUM> includes a plurality of (for example, three) connecting arms distributed in the circumferential direction of the drum <NUM>, each of the connecting arms extends in the radial direction of the drum <NUM>, and an inner end of each of the connecting arms is connected to the side peripheral wall of the central shaft portion <NUM>, and an outer end of each of the connecting arms is connected to the drum <NUM> through a connecting member. The drum <NUM> is connected by using the plurality of connecting arms, which not only guarantees the reliability and stability of connection between the drum support <NUM> and the drum <NUM>, but also reduces a material utilization amount of the drum support <NUM> and lowers material costs and weight, thereby improving the cost performance of the drum washing machine <NUM>. It is appreciated that the support portion <NUM> and the central shaft portion <NUM> may be integrally formed.

In some examples, the rear wall of the tub <NUM> is provided with a mounting hole <NUM>, the mounting hole <NUM> is provided therein with a main shaft bearing seat <NUM>, and the main shaft <NUM> is rotatably supported by the main shaft bearing <NUM> provided in the main shaft bearing seat <NUM>. That is, the main shaft bearing seat <NUM> and the main shaft bearing <NUM> mounted in the main shaft bearing seat <NUM> are provided in the mounting hole <NUM>, the main shaft <NUM> extends into the mounting hole <NUM> in the axial direction of the mounting hole <NUM> and is mounted to the rear wall of the tub <NUM> by the main shaft bearing <NUM>, and thus, the main shaft <NUM> is rotatable relative to the tub <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, and in conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, in some examples, a main shaft sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the main shaft <NUM>, a main shaft flange <NUM> is fitted over the main shaft sleeve <NUM>, and the drum support <NUM> is connected to the main shaft flange <NUM>, with convenient and reliable connection.

Optionally, the main shaft sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the main shaft <NUM>, the main shaft flange <NUM> is fitted over the main shaft sleeve <NUM>, and the drum support <NUM> is cast on the main shaft flange <NUM>. For example, the drum support <NUM> may be a cast aluminum part. The main shaft <NUM>, the main shaft sleeve <NUM> and the main shaft flange <NUM> may be integrally formed by machine work, which is advantageous for improving the production efficiency of the drum washing machine <NUM>.

In some examples, an assembly seal <NUM> is fitted over the planetary gear assembly <NUM> to seal a gap between the planetary gear assembly <NUM> and the main shaft flange <NUM>, thereby guaranteeing the sealed connection between the planetary gear assembly <NUM> and the main shaft flange <NUM>.

Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall of the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is provided with an annular limiting ring, a wear sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the planetary gear assembly <NUM> and one end is abutted against the annular limiting ring, the wear sleeve <NUM> is located between the planetary gear assembly <NUM> and the assembly seal <NUM>, the assembly seal <NUM> is formed in a ring shape and fitted over the wear sleeve <NUM>, an inner surface of the assembly seal <NUM> is hermetically connected to the wear sleeve <NUM>, and an outer surface of the assembly seal <NUM> is hermetically connected to the main shaft flange <NUM> and the drum support <NUM> respectively. By providing the wear sleeve <NUM> between the assembly seal <NUM> and the planetary gear assembly <NUM>, the wear sleeve <NUM> is engaged with the assembly seal <NUM> to guarantee dimensional accuracy and improve wear resistance.

As shown in <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the main shaft <NUM> is in transmission connection with a pulley <NUM>, the driver is configured as an electric motor <NUM>, and the electric motor <NUM> drives the pulley <NUM> to rotate by a belt <NUM> tensioned on the pulley <NUM>, i.e., the belt <NUM> is wound on the electric motor shaft <NUM> and the pulley <NUM>. Thus, by providing the pulley <NUM> and the belt <NUM> on the main shaft <NUM>, the transmission connection between the main shaft <NUM> and the driver is realized by the belt <NUM>, which cushions impact and attenuates vibration load, smoothes the operation of the main shaft <NUM>, and reduces the noise generated during operation.

In some examples, the pulley <NUM>, the belt <NUM> and the driver are all located outside the tub <NUM>, and the pulley <NUM> is stopped between the rear wall of the tub <NUM> and a lock nut <NUM> on the main shaft <NUM>. That is, the pulley <NUM> is fixedly connected to the main shaft <NUM> and located between the rear wall of the tub <NUM> and the lock nut <NUM>. By providing the lock nut <NUM>, the pulley <NUM> may be positioned and mounted, such that the driver drives the pulley <NUM> to rotate through the belt <NUM>, and the pulley <NUM> drives the main shaft <NUM> to rotate, thereby achieving synchronous rotation of the pulley <NUM> with the main shaft <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, the agitator <NUM> has a water spray hole <NUM>, and the drum washing machine <NUM> further includes a water supply device (not shown), the water supply device is in communication with the tub <NUM> and the agitator <NUM> respectively, and the water supply device supplies the water in the tub <NUM> to the agitator <NUM> and sprays into the drum <NUM> through the water spray hole <NUM>.

In the process of washing the laundry, the water supply device supplies water to the agitator <NUM>, and the water spray hole <NUM> sprays water to the laundry in the drum <NUM>, thereby wetting the laundry and improving the laundry wetting effect. At the same time, the agitator <NUM> may agitate the water in the drum <NUM>, which diversifies the washing mode, thereby improving the laundry washing effect and facilitating the reduction of the washing time.

In some optional examples, the water supply device includes a water supply pipe and a water supply pump, wherein the water supply pipe has a first end and a second end, the first end of the water supply pipe is in communication with the tub <NUM>, and the second end of the water supply pipe is connected to the agitator <NUM>, thereby supplying the water in the tub <NUM> to the agitator <NUM> through the water supply pipe. Herein, the "connected" in the "the second end of the water supply pipe is connected to the agitator <NUM>" should be appreciated broadly. For example, the water supply pipe may or may not be physically connected to the agitator <NUM>, as long as the water from the second end of the water supply pipe may be supplied to the agitator <NUM>.

Thus, the water in an inner cavity of the tub <NUM> is supplied to the agitator <NUM> through the water supply pipe, such that the laundry may be wetted, and the laundry wetting effect is improved. By communicating the water supply device with the inner cavity of the tub <NUM>, the laundry may be wetted by the washing water in the tub <NUM>, without an additional water source, reducing the water consumption. It is appreciated that in some models without a circulating pump, the first end of the water supply pipe may also be directly connected to the water supply source for water supply, such as an external faucet, instead of using circulating water in the washing machine.

In some specific examples, the first end of the water supply pipe is in communication with the bottom of the inner cavity of the tub <NUM>. In this way, the water supply pump may pump the water at the bottom of the inner cavity of the tub <NUM> to the agitator <NUM>, and even if the drum washing machine <NUM> is in the washing mode with the lowest water level, the water supply device may still ensure the water supply to the agitator <NUM>, thereby guaranteeing the wetting and washing effects of the drum washing machine <NUM> in different washing modes.

In some examples, the agitator <NUM> has a water collection cavity <NUM> and a water dividing passage <NUM> inside, wherein the water collection cavity <NUM> is in communication with the water supply device, and the water spray hole <NUM> is in communication with the water collection cavity <NUM> through the water dividing passage <NUM>. By providing the water collection cavity <NUM> and the water dividing passage <NUM> in the agitator <NUM>, the water supply device may transport the water to the water collection cavity <NUM> and the water dividing passage <NUM>, and finally water is sprayed from the water spray hole <NUM> into the drum <NUM>, thereby wetting the laundry, and improving the laundry wetting effect and the washing effect.

In some examples, the surface of the agitator <NUM> facing the interior of the drum <NUM> is provided with a plurality of ribs <NUM>, each of the ribs <NUM> extends in the radial direction of the agitator <NUM> and the plurality of ribs <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the agitator <NUM>. The water spray hole <NUM> is defined on the rib <NUM>. When the laundry is washed, the water spray hole <NUM> sprays water toward the inner cavity of the drum <NUM>, and the rib <NUM> enables the water in the drum <NUM> to generate a vortex to drive the laundry to rotate and turn over, thereby improving the laundry washing effect.

In some specific examples, the agitator <NUM> is configured as an impeller. That is , the impeller is provided at the bottom of the drum <NUM> of the drum washing machine <NUM>. In the process of washing the laundry, the laundry in the drum <NUM> is lifted up and dropped continuously, and thus may be washed clean. Simultaneously, under the action of the impeller, the drum washing machine <NUM> according to the present application is provided additionally with the impeller to rub the laundry based on the conventional method of dropping and washing the laundry (only the drum is rotated), thereby further improving the washing effect and shortening the washing time.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some other optional examples, the second shaft <NUM> has a water supply passage <NUM> inside, and the water supply device supplies water in the tub <NUM> to the agitator <NUM> through the water supply passage <NUM>. By providing the water supply passage <NUM> in the second shaft <NUM>, the second shaft <NUM> has a function of transporting water, thereby transporting the washing water in the tub <NUM> into the water supply passage <NUM> of the second shaft <NUM> through the water supply device, and finally spraying water from the water spray hole <NUM> into the tub <NUM>.

In some examples, an end of the second shaft <NUM> extending out of the tub <NUM> is provided with an adapter <NUM>, and the water supply device is connected to the second shaft <NUM> via the adapter <NUM>. By providing the adapter <NUM> at one end of the second shaft <NUM> extending out of the tub <NUM>, a water supply end of the water supply passage <NUM> is sealed, and the water supply device transports the water in the tub <NUM> into the water supply passage <NUM>.

In some specific examples, the adapter <NUM> is fitted over one end of the second shaft <NUM> extending out of the tub <NUM>, an adapter bearing <NUM> is provided between the adapter <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM>, an inner race of the adapter bearing <NUM> is fixedly connected to the second shaft <NUM>, the outer race of the adapter bearing <NUM> is fixedly connected to the adapter <NUM>, and the adapter bearing <NUM> may be configured as two ball bearings arranged side by side, or a roller bearing. Thus, the rotatable connection between the second shaft <NUM> and the adapter <NUM> is realized by the adapter bearing <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a main housing <NUM> of the brake seat <NUM> is provided with an avoidance hole <NUM>, the second shaft <NUM> passes through the avoidance hole <NUM>, and the adapter <NUM> is fitted with the avoidance hole <NUM> and located outside the brake disk <NUM>, such that the adapter <NUM> may be mounted and positioned using the avoidance hole <NUM> of the brake seat <NUM>.

Specifically, the inner peripheral surface of the avoidance hole <NUM> is provided with an anti-rotation groove <NUM>, the outer peripheral surface of the adapter <NUM> is provided with an anti-rotation protrusion <NUM>, and the anti-rotation protrusion <NUM> is fitted with the anti-rotation groove <NUM>, so as to limit the adapter <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the adapter <NUM> and to prevent the adapter <NUM> from rotating in the avoidance hole <NUM>.

Furthermore, in order to further improve the circumferential limiting effect on the adapter <NUM>, a plurality of anti-rotation grooves <NUM> is are spaced apart from each other, e.g., at equal intervals, in the circumferential direction of the avoidance hole <NUM>. A plurality of anti-rotation protrusions <NUM> are spaced apart from each other, e.g., at equal intervals, in the circumferential direction of the adapter <NUM>. The plurality of anti-rotation protrusions <NUM> are fitted with the plurality of anti-rotation grooves <NUM> in one-to-one correspondence.

In some specific examples of the present disclosure, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the main housing <NUM> of the brake seat <NUM> is provided with an axial hook <NUM> extending outwards in the axial direction of the brake seat <NUM>, the adapter <NUM> is provided with an axial jaw <NUM>, and the axial hook <NUM> is hooked to the axial jaw <NUM>. Thus, the adapter <NUM> may be positioned in the axial direction of the adapter <NUM> to prevent the adapter <NUM> from coming off the second shaft <NUM>.

Furthermore, in order to further improve the axial limiting effect on the adapter <NUM>, a plurality of axial jaws <NUM> is provided at intervals, e.g., at equal intervals, in the circumferential direction of the adapter <NUM>. A plurality of axial hooks <NUM> is provided at intervals, e.g., at equal intervals, in the circumferential direction of the avoidance hole <NUM>. A plurality of axial hooks <NUM> are hooked to the plurality of axial jaws <NUM> in one-to-one correspondence. The anti-rotation protrusion <NUM> and the axial jaw <NUM> may be arranged alternately and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the adapter <NUM>, such that the circumferential and axial limiting forces of the adapter <NUM> are distributed uniformly, thereby further improving the stability and reliability of the adapter <NUM>.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG>, the adapter <NUM> is provided with a shield cover <NUM> for shielding the axial jaw <NUM> and the axial hook <NUM>. The number of shield covers <NUM> is the same as the number of axial jaws <NUM> and the positions of the shield covers <NUM> are in one-to-one correspondence to the positions of the axial jaws <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in order to facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the adapter <NUM>, the adapter <NUM> includes an adapter seat <NUM> and an adapter cover <NUM>.

The adapter seat <NUM> is fitted over an end of the second shaft <NUM> extending out of the tub <NUM> through the adapter bearing <NUM>. The adapter cover <NUM> is detachably mounted to the adapter seat <NUM> and connected to the water supply device. Each of the anti-rotation protrusions <NUM> is composed of two parts, one part is formed on the adapter seat <NUM> and the other part is formed on the adapter cover <NUM>. The axial jaw <NUM> is formed on the adapter seat <NUM>, and the shield cover <NUM> is formed on the adapter cover <NUM>.

In some specific examples of the present disclosure, as shown in <FIG>, the adapter cover <NUM> is fastened to the adapter seat <NUM> by an adapter fastener (not shown, such as a bolt, screw, or the like). The adapter fastener may be mounted at the anti-rotation protrusion <NUM>, and the adapter cover <NUM> and the adapter seat <NUM> are provided with mounting holes for mounting the adapter fastener at the anti-rotation protrusion <NUM>.

Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, an adapter seal ring <NUM> is fitted over the second shaft <NUM>, the adapter seal ring <NUM> is configured to seal the gap between the second shaft <NUM> and the adapter cover <NUM> and the gap between the adapter cover <NUM> and the adapter seat <NUM>. Thus, the water entering the adapter <NUM> is prevented from permeating to a place outside the water supply passage <NUM>, such as the main shaft <NUM>, thereby improving waterproofness and ensuring performance reliability.

In some examples, a shaft seal <NUM> is fitted over the second shaft <NUM>, and is provided on the second shaft <NUM> and located at an outer side of a second shaft end bearing <NUM>. That is, the shaft seal <NUM> is further away from the axial center of the second shaft <NUM> relative to the second shaft end bearing <NUM>, and the shaft seal <NUM> seals the gap between the second shaft <NUM> and the planetary gear casing <NUM>, which prevents water in the water supply passage <NUM> of the second shaft <NUM> from entering the cavity <NUM> of the main shaft <NUM> and the planetary gear assembly <NUM> through the gap between the second shaft <NUM> and the planetary gear casing <NUM>.

Some embodiments of the drum washing machine <NUM> according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the drum washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a tub <NUM>, a drum <NUM>, a main shaft <NUM>, a second shaft <NUM>, a driver (such as an electric motor <NUM> described below), a planetary gear assembly <NUM> and a brake <NUM>.

The tub <NUM> extends in a front and rear direction and has an open front end. The rear wall of the tub <NUM> is provided with a mounting hole <NUM> penetrating in a thickness direction thereof, and the mounting hole <NUM> is provided therein with a main shaft bearing seat <NUM> extending in the axial direction thereof.

The main shaft <NUM> extends in the front and rear direction and has a cavity <NUM> extending in the axial direction thereof, and the main shaft <NUM> penetrates through the main shaft bearing seat <NUM> through two spaced main shaft bearings <NUM>. One end (front end shown in <FIG>) of the main shaft <NUM> extending out of an inner surface of the rear wall of the tub <NUM> is fixedly connected to the drum support <NUM>, and one end (rear end shown in <FIG>) of the main shaft <NUM> extending out of an outer surface of the rear wall of the tub <NUM> is connected to the lock nut <NUM>, the pulley <NUM> for mounting the belt <NUM> is provided between the lock nut <NUM> and the outer surface of the rear wall of the main shaft <NUM>, and the pulley <NUM> is in transmission connection with the electric motor shaft <NUM> of the electric motor <NUM> through the belt <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> includes the drum body <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM> of the drum. The drum body <NUM> extends in the axial direction of the tub <NUM> and has two open ends. The rear cover <NUM> of the drum is hermetically connected at the rear end of the drum body <NUM>, and the drum <NUM> is rotatably mounted in the tub <NUM> by the drum support <NUM>. The drum support <NUM> includes a central shaft portion <NUM> and a support portion <NUM> connected to an outer side wall of the central shaft portion <NUM>. The drum <NUM> is supported on the support portion <NUM>, and the central shaft portion <NUM> is rotatably supported on the rear wall of the tub <NUM>.

The second shaft <NUM> penetrates through the cavity <NUM> of the main shaft <NUM> by at least two second shaft bearings <NUM> spaced apart in the axial direction thereof. The two ends of the second shaft <NUM> extend out of the two ends of the main shaft <NUM> respectively, one end (front end shown in <FIG>) of the second shaft <NUM> extending out of the main shaft <NUM> is fitted with the planetary gear assembly <NUM> through the second shaft end bearing <NUM>, and the shaft seal <NUM> located at an outer side of the second shaft end bearing <NUM> is further provided between the planetary gear assembly <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM>, thereby guaranteeing the sealed connection between the planetary gear assembly <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM>. The other end (rear end shown in <FIG>) of the second shaft <NUM> extending out of the main shaft <NUM> is mounted with the brake disk <NUM>.

The agitator <NUM> is rotatably provided at the bottom of the drum <NUM> and cooperates with the planetary gear assembly <NUM> (such as the planetary gear casing <NUM> described below).

The planetary gear assembly <NUM> of the drum washing machine <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

The planetary gear assembly <NUM> includes the planetary gear component <NUM>, the planetary gear casing <NUM>, and the planetary gear bearing <NUM>. The planetary gear casing <NUM> has a through hole <NUM>, the planetary gear component <NUM> is provided in the planetary gear casing <NUM>, the planetary gear bearing <NUM> is provided in the planetary gear casing <NUM> and is located on a side of the planetary gear casing <NUM> back on to the through hole <NUM>, and the planetary gear bearing <NUM> is provided at the rear of the planetary gear casing <NUM>.

The planetary gear component <NUM> includes the planet carrier <NUM>, three planetary gears <NUM>, and the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM>. The planet carrier <NUM> includes the planetary gear support <NUM> and the planetary gear fixing disk <NUM>. One side of the planetary gear support <NUM> is provided with the plurality of mounting bosses <NUM> and the plurality of planetary gear mounting seats <NUM>. The plurality of mounting bosses <NUM> and the plurality of planetary gear mounting seats <NUM> are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the planet carrier <NUM>. Each of the planetary gear mounting seats <NUM> is provided with the planetary gear fixing shaft <NUM>. One end of the planetary gear fixing shaft <NUM> is provided in the planetary gear mounting seat <NUM>, and the other end is provided in the limiting hole <NUM> of the planetary gear fixing disk <NUM>, suitable to be engaged and configured to mount the planetary gear <NUM>; each of the mounting bosses <NUM> is provided with the positioning column <NUM>, and the planetary gear fixing plate <NUM> is provided with the positioning hole <NUM> engaged with the positioning column <NUM>. By welding the positioning column <NUM> at the positioning hole <NUM>, or make the positioning column <NUM> close fit with the positioning hole <NUM>, the planetary gear fixing plate <NUM> is connected to the planetary gear support <NUM>. The three planetary gears <NUM> are mounted on the planet carrier <NUM> and mesh with the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> respectively.

The planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> of the planetary gear component <NUM> is provided with the flange <NUM> protruding from the outer surface, and the inner surface of the planetary gear casing <NUM> is provided with the latching slot <NUM> engaged with the flange <NUM>, thereby fixedly connecting the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> with the planetary gear casing <NUM>.

The planetary gear assembly <NUM> is rotatably fitted to the second shaft <NUM> via the second shaft end bearing <NUM>. The planetary gear assembly <NUM> is rotatably fitted to the main shaft <NUM> via the planetary gear bearing <NUM>. Specifically, the main shaft sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the main shaft <NUM>, the main shaft sleeve <NUM> is provided with the main shaft flange <NUM> connected to the drum support <NUM>, the wear sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the planetary gear assembly <NUM>, the wear sleeve <NUM> is provided with the assembly seal <NUM>, and the sealed connections between the planetary gear assembly <NUM> and the drum support <NUM> as well as the planetary gear assembly <NUM> and the main shaft flange <NUM> are realized by the assembly seal <NUM>.

The brake <NUM> of the drum washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

The brake <NUM> is provided at the rear of the tub <NUM> and includes the brake disk <NUM>, the brake seat <NUM>, the brake pawl <NUM>, the brake lever <NUM>, the brake driver <NUM>, and the brake cam <NUM>.

The brake seat <NUM> is mounted on the rear wall of the tub <NUM>, and the brake lever <NUM> is slidably fitted with the slideway <NUM> between the extending position and the retracting position. The brake lever <NUM> includes the shifter lever <NUM>, the transmission bar <NUM>, and the brake compression spring <NUM> compressed between the shifter lever <NUM> and the transmission bar <NUM>.

The brake lever <NUM> at the extending position acts on the brake pawl <NUM> and switches the brake pawl <NUM> to the tightening state to hold tightly the brake disk <NUM>. The brake lever <NUM> at the retracting position acts on the brake pawl <NUM> and switches the brake pawl <NUM> to the releasing state to release the brake disk <NUM>.

The brake cam <NUM> is mounted to the brake seat <NUM> and has the eccentric column <NUM>, and the brake driver <NUM> is configured to drive the brake cam <NUM> to rotate, thereby rotating the eccentric column <NUM> eccentrically. The eccentric column <NUM> is engaged with the straight sliding groove <NUM> on the transmission bar <NUM>, and then drives the brake lever <NUM> to move linearly.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an end of the second shaft <NUM> extending out of the rear wall of the tub <NUM> is provided with the adapter <NUM> for connecting the water supply device, the adapter seat <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> is fitted over the second shaft <NUM> through the adapter bearing <NUM>, the adapter seal ring <NUM> is fitted over the second shaft <NUM>, and the adapter seal ring 3237is located at the outer side of the adapter bearing <NUM>.

Furthermore, the second shaft <NUM> has the water supply passage <NUM> inside extending in the axial direction thereof, one end of the water supply passage <NUM> is in communication with the adapter <NUM>, and the other end of the water supply passage <NUM> is in communication with the agitator <NUM>. The agitator <NUM> has the water collection cavity <NUM> to be in communication with the water supply passage <NUM>, the water dividing passage <NUM> defined by the rib <NUM>, and the water spray hole <NUM> provided on the rib <NUM>.

The water supply device includes the water supply pipe and the water supply pump. The first end of the water supply pipe is in communication with the tub <NUM>, the second end of the water supply pipe is in communication with the water supply passage <NUM>, and the water supply pump is arranged on the water supply pipe, such that when the water supply pump is working, the water in the tub <NUM> is conveyed into the agitator <NUM> via the water supply pipe and the water supply passage <NUM>.

The working process of the drum washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

When the drum washing machine <NUM> is operating in the washing mode, the brake driver <NUM> drives the brake lever <NUM> to move to the extending position, and the brake pawl <NUM> is switched to the tightening state to hold tightly and lock the brake disk <NUM>, such that the second shaft <NUM> is fixed, and since the planet carrier <NUM> of the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is fitted with the second shaft <NUM> by a spline structure, the planet carrier <NUM> is also fixed, and only the plurality of planetary gears <NUM> on the planet carrier <NUM> are rotatable.

Subsequently, when the electric motor <NUM> is in operation, the pulley <NUM> is driven to rotate in a forward direction by the belt <NUM>, such that the main shaft <NUM> and the drum <NUM> are driven to rotate in the forward direction. Since the main shaft <NUM> meshes with the plurality of planetary gears <NUM>, the main shaft <NUM> simultaneously drives drive the plurality of planetary gears <NUM> to rotate when rotating, which further drives the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> to rotate in the opposite direction. Since the planetary gear outer teeth casing <NUM> is connected to the planetary gear casing <NUM> and the planetary gear casing <NUM> is connected to the agitator <NUM>, the main shaft <NUM> drives the agitator to rotate in the opposite direction by the planetary gear assembly <NUM>.

In this process, the laundry in the drum <NUM> is lifted up and dropped continuously, and thus may be washed clean. Simultaneously, under the action of the agitator <NUM>, the drum washing machine <NUM> according to the present application is provided additionally with the impeller to rub the laundry based on the conventional method of dropping and washing the laundry (only the drum is rotated), thereby further improving the washing effect and shortening the washing time.

As the agitator <NUM> has the water spray hole <NUM>, the water supply pump may supply water to the agitator <NUM> through the water supply passage <NUM> of the second shaft <NUM> or through the water supply pipe, thereby causing the water spray hole <NUM> to spray water to the laundry in the drum <NUM>, which wets the laundry, improves the laundry wetting effect, and further improves the laundry washing effect.

It is appreciated that when the drum washing machine <NUM> is in the washing mode, the planetary gear assembly <NUM> transmits the forward rotation of the main shaft <NUM> as the reversed rotation of the agitator <NUM>, and at the same time, the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is in transmission connection with the main shaft <NUM>, which may reduce the speed of the main shaft <NUM>, thereby making the rotational speed of the agitator <NUM> less than the rotational speed of the main shaft <NUM>. Here, the "forward rotation" and "reversed rotation" are relative terms and do not refer to a specific counterclockwise or clockwise rotation.

When the drum washing machine <NUM> is operating in the spin mode, the brake driver <NUM> drives the brake lever <NUM> to move to the retracting position, the brake pawl <NUM> is switched to the releasing state, and the brake disk <NUM> is released, such that the second shaft <NUM> is in the free state.

Subsequently, when the electric motor <NUM> drives the pulley <NUM> to rotate in the forward direction through the belt <NUM>, the main shaft <NUM> and the drum <NUM> may be driven to rotate in the forward direction, and then the main shaft <NUM> drives the planetary gear component <NUM> to rotate in the same direction, thereby driving the planetary gear casing <NUM>, the agitator <NUM> and the drum <NUM> to rotate in the same direction and at the same speed.

In the drum washing machine <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing the driver, the driver drives the drum <NUM> via the main shaft <NUM>, the number of levels of power transmission is less, and the power transmission is more direct, thereby stabilizing the operation of the drum <NUM>. The planetary gear assembly <NUM> is provided between the main shaft <NUM> and the agitator <NUM>, and the torque of the main shaft <NUM> is transmitted to the agitator <NUM> by the planetary gear assembly <NUM>. Since the load of the agitator <NUM> is much less than the load of the drum <NUM>, compared with the drum washing machine with an impeller in the related art, the load acting on the planetary gear assembly <NUM> is greatly reduced, which greatly reduces the risk of damage to the planetary gear assembly <NUM> to prolong the service life of the drum washing machine <NUM>.

Other components and operations of the drum washing machine <NUM> according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail herein.

In the description of the present specification, reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiment", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In the specification, the schematic expressions to the above-mentioned terms are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example,.

Claim 1:
A drum washing machine (<NUM>), comprising:
a tub (<NUM>);
a drum (<NUM>) rotatably provided in the tub;
an agitator (<NUM>) rotatably provided in the drum;
a driver (<NUM>) in transmission connection with the drum via a main shaft (<NUM>); and
a planetary gear assembly (<NUM>) in transmission connection with the main shaft and the agitator respectively
characterized in that:
the agitator (<NUM>) comprises a water spray hole;
the main shaft transmitting a torque of the driver directly to the drum;
the planetary gear assembly (<NUM>) is switchable between a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state, the planetary gear assembly transmits a torque of the main shaft to the agitator, to rotate the agitator and the drum in a same direction, and in the second state, the planetary gear assembly transmits the torque of the main shaft to the agitator in an opposite direction, to rotate the agitator and the drum in opposite directions; and
the drum washing machine (<NUM>) further comprises:
a brake (<NUM>), comprising:
a brake disk (<NUM>) linked with the planetary gear assembly, wherein when the brake disk is allowed to rotate freely, the planetary gear assembly is in the first state, and when the brake disk is braked, the planetary gear assembly is in the second state;
a brake seat (<NUM>) provided with a slideway (<NUM>);
a brake pawl (<NUM>) provided to the brake seat and switchable between a tightening state and a releasing state, wherein in the tightening state, the brake pawl holds the brake disk tightly to brake the brake disk, and in the releasing state, the brake pawl releases the brake disk to allow the brake disk to rotate freely;
a brake lever (<NUM>) slidably fitted with the slideway between an extending position and a retracting position and linked with the brake pawl, wherein the brake pawl is switched to the tightening state when the brake lever is located at the extending position, and the brake pawl is switched to the releasing state when the brake lever is located at the retracting position; and
a brake driver (<NUM>) mounted to the brake seat, in transmission connection with the brake lever, and driving the brake lever to move between the extending position and the retracting position; and
a water supply device in communication with one of the tub and a water supply as well as the agitator respectively, supplying water in the tub or the water supply to the agitator, and spraying the water into the drum through the water spray hole.