CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The application relates to the technical field of laundry washing and care, and in
particular to a laundry treatment device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In an existing washing machine, an inner tub and an outer tub are communicated with
each other, the inner tub is used to hold clothes, the outer tub is used to hold water,
a large number of water passing holes are arranged in the inner tub, so that the inner
tub and the outer tub are communicated through the water passing holes, water in the
outer tub enters the inner tub, injection and drainage of water is implemented through
the outer tub. In this type of washing machine, dirt is easily accumulated between
the inner tub and the outer tub, which breeds bacteria which are not easily cleaned.
To this end, a washing machine with a single tub used for washing is present in the
related art is different from existing washing modes in that the inner tub is a non-porous
inner tub and is isolated from the outer tub, and the single tub is not only used
to hold clothes and beat or stir the clothes, but also used to hold water. However,
drainage and dewatering of the washing machine with a single tub used for washing
is a difficult technology urgently to be overcome.
[0004] In the related art, a side wall of the inner tub is provided with a dewatering port
and a dewatering valve, the dewatering valve is connected to the inner tub through
a spring, and when dewatering is performed in the inner tub, the dewatering valve
opens the dewatering port under an action of a centrifugal rotation force of the inner
tub, and water in the inner tub may be discharged out of the inner tub through the
dewatering port; and when washing is performed in the inner tub, the dewatering valve
closes the dewatering port under an action of the spring.
[0005] In the above solution, the dewatering valve may be opened only when the inner tub
rotates at a high speed. When a washing process in the inner tub is finished, a large
amount of water is held in the inner tub, and a motor needs to drive the inner tub
and water in the inner tub to rotate at a high speed to implement drainage. On one
hand, drainage of water may not be implemented when the inner tub rotates at a low
speed, and on the other hand, the motor may operate in an overload manner.
SUMMARY
[0006] In view of this, it is desirable for embodiments of the application to provide a
laundry treatment device which facilitates drainage.
[0007] In order to achieve the above purpose, an embodiment of the application provides
a laundry treatment device, comprising an inner tub, a driving device and a drainage
valve assembly. The inner tub is configured to hold water, and be provided with a
drainage hole. The drainage valve assembly includes a valve core, a transmission rod
mechanism, an elastic positioning member and an elastic reset member.
[0008] The valve core has a sealing position for sealing the drainage hole and a drainage
position for opening the drainage hole.
[0009] The transmission rod mechanism is connected to the inner tub, and has a rotation
center line, a first end of the transmission rod mechanism drives the valve core to
move, and during rotation of the inner tub, the driving device is operative to selectively
toggle a second end of the transmission rod mechanism to drive the transmission rod
mechanism to rotate around the rotation center line.
[0010] The elastic positioning member is operative to keeping the valve core at the sealing
position or the drainage position, and the elastic reset member is operative to drive
at least the second end of the transmission rod mechanism to idle to be reset.
[0011] In some embodiments, the valve core may have an intermediate critical position between
the sealing position and the drainage position, and when the transmission rod mechanism
drives the valve core to cross the intermediate critical position, the elastic positioning
member is operative to drive the valve core to continue to move to the sealing position
or the drainage position, and the elastic reset member is operative to drive at least
the second end of the transmission rod mechanism to idle to be reset.
[0012] In some embodiments, the transmission rod mechanism may comprise a transmission rod,
a first shifting rod, and a reversal mechanism connected between the valve core and
a first end of the transmission rod, the transmission rod mechanism drives the valve
core to translate through the reversal mechanism, the first shifting rod is connected
to a second end of the transmission rod, and the driving device selectively toggles
the first shifting rod.
[0013] In some embodiments, the valve core may be provided with a sliding groove, the reversal
mechanism includes a turntable and a protruding column. The protruding column protrudes
from a side of the turntable, is eccentrically arranged relative to the rotation center
line and extends into the sliding groove. The turntable is provided with a first driving
groove comprising first driving surfaces on opposite sides along a rotation direction,
the first end of the transmission rod is at least partially positioned in the first
driving groove and slidable in the first driving groove, and the first end of the
transmission rod is operative to be alternatively driving-fitted with one of the first
driving surfaces to drive the reversal mechanism to rotate around the rotation center
line.
[0014] In some embodiments, a through hole may be formed in the turntable, the first end
of the transmission rod is arranged in the through hole and passes through the through
hole, an inner wall of the through hole is provided with two rotationally symmetrical
protrusions which divide a part of space of the through hole to form two first driving
grooves distributed in a circumferential direction, the first end of the transmission
rod is provided with a flat shaft portion positioned on the rotation center line,
and opposite ends of the flat shaft portion in a radial direction of the through hole
extend into their respective first driving grooves respectively.
[0015] In some embodiments, a through hole may be formed in the turntable, the first driving
groove penetrates through a part of side wall corresponding to the through hole in
a radial direction of the through hole, a bump is arranged on a surface of the transmission
rod and positioned in the first driving groove, and the transmission rod is arranged
in the through hole and passes through the through hole.
[0016] In some embodiments, the elastic reset member may be a first torsion spring sleeved
on the transmission rod.
[0017] In some embodiments, the elastic positioning member may be a second torsion spring
comprising a spiral body, a first rotation arm and a second rotation arm. The first
rotation arm is fixed relative to the inner tub, the spiral body is suspended, and
the second rotation arm is operative to moving along with the valve core or the transmission
rod mechanism.
[0018] In some embodiments, the second rotation arm may be connected to the valve core,
and when the valve core is positioned at the sealing position, an acting force applied
by the second torsion spring to the valve core has at least a force component parallel
to a movement direction of the valve core and facing toward the drainage hole, and
when the valve core is positioned at the drainage position, an acting force applied
by the second torsion spring to the valve core has at least a force component parallel
to the movement direction of the valve core and away from the drainage hole, and when
the valve core is positioned at the intermediate critical position, an acting force
applied by the second torsion spring to the valve core has a direction perpendicular
to the movement direction of the valve core.
[0019] In some embodiments, the second rotation arm may be connected to the reversal mechanism,
and when the valve core is positioned at the sealing position, the second torsion
spring applies a first torque around the rotation center line to the reversal mechanism,
and when the valve core is positioned at the drainage position, the second torsion
spring applies a second torque around the rotation center line to the reversal mechanism,
the first torque has a direction opposite to the second torque, and when the valve
core is positioned at the intermediate critical position, a torque applied by the
second torsion spring to the reversal mechanism is zero.
[0020] In some embodiments, the drainage valve assembly may comprise a valve seat of which
a side facing toward the drainage hole is opened, at least a part of the valve core
and the reversal mechanism are arranged in the valve seat, and an end of the valve
core is operative to extend out from the opened part of the valve seat; a side wall
of the valve seat is provided with an avoidance groove, the transmission rod is arranged
in the avoidance groove and passes through the avoidance groove, and the first shifting
rod is positioned outside the valve seat.
[0021] In some embodiments, one of the valve seat or the valve core may be provided with
a guide groove, the other of the valve seat or the valve core may be provided with
a convex rib, and the convex rib is sliding-fitted with the guide groove.
[0022] In some embodiments, the drainage valve assembly may comprise a flexible sealing
member sleeved on the opened side of the valve seat, the flexible sealing member and
the valve seat enclose together to form a sealing cavity, and the valve core, the
elastic positioning member, the elastic reset member and the reversal mechanism are
positioned in the sealing cavity, and the valve core is connected to the flexible
sealing member to drive the flexible sealing member to move.
[0023] In some embodiments, the valve core may comprise a valve plate and a valve column
which are fixedly connected, the flexible sealing member includes a telescopic pipe,
a supporting end plate and a flange. The flange is arranged at an axial end of the
telescopic pipe and connected to the opened side of the valve seat, the supporting
end plate closes the other axial end of the telescopic pipe, the valve plate is stacked
on an inner surface of the supporting end plate, and when the valve core is positioned
at the sealing position, the valve plate abuts the supporting end plate around the
drainage hole.
[0024] In some embodiments, the transmission rod mechanism may comprise a transmission rod
and a first shifting rod, the valve core is provided with a second driving groove
comprising second driving surfaces on opposite sides along a rotation direction respectively,
a first end of the transmission rod is positioned in the second driving groove and
slidable in the second driving groove, the transmission rod is operative to be alternatively
driving-fitted with one of the second driving surfaces to drive the valve core to
rotate, the first shifting rod is connected to a second end of the transmission rod,
and the driving device selectively toggles the first shifting rod.
[0025] In some embodiments, the laundry treatment device may comprise a lifting rib in which
the valve core, the elastic positioning member and the elastic reset member are arranged,
the first end of the transmission rod is positioned in the lifting rib, the second
end of the transmission rod extends outside an axial end of the inner tub, and the
first shifting rod is positioned outside the axial end of the inner tub.
[0026] In some embodiments, the laundry treatment device may comprise an outer tub in which
the inner tub is rotatably arranged, the driving device is arranged on the outer tub,
the first shifting rod is positioned between the inner tub and the outer tub, the
driving device includes a second shifting rod and a power unit driving the second
shifting rod to selectively extend towards the shifting rod or retract, and in an
extending state of the second shifting rod, the second shifting rod is operative to
selectively toggle the first shifting rod to rotate forward or backward around the
rotation center line.
[0027] According to the laundry treatment device provided by the embodiments of the application,
regardless of a rotation speed of the inner tub, switching of the valve core between
the sealing position and the drainage position may be implemented as long as the transmission
rod mechanism may rotate, so that the laundry treatment device has a simple structure,
facilitates drainage of the inner tub and has high reliability, and service life of
the drainage valve assembly may be effectively prolonged. Furthermore, the elastic
reset member drives at least the second end of the transmission rod mechanism to be
reset, so that the driving device may conveniently toggle the second end of the transmission
rod mechanism at the same position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of part of a laundry treatment device according
to an embodiment of the application.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG. 1, here, a valve core
is positioned at a sealing position and a second shifting rod is retracted.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the structure shown in FIG. 2 after the second shifting
rod extends out.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the structure shown in FIG. 2 in another state, here,
the valve core is positioned at a drainage position and the second shifting rod is
retracted.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of movement of an inner tub, a first shifting rod and a
second shifting rod according to an embodiment of the application, here, the first
shifting rod begins to contact the first shifting rod.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the inner tub of FIG. 5 rotated clockwise by a certain
angle.
FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a drainage valve assembly according to
a first embodiment of the application.
FIG. 8 is a schematic exploded view of the structure shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view from another perspective of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the structure shown in FIG. 7 after a flexible sealing
member, a valve cover and a valve plate are omitted.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the drainage valve assembly shown in FIG. 7 along
an A-A direction of FIG. 10, here, a valve core is positioned at a sealing position.
FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the structure shown in FIG. 11 in another state, here,
the valve core is positioned at a drainage position.
FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a reversal mechanism shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 14 is a schematic view of cooperation of a flat shaft portion and a reversal
mechanism shown in FIG. 8, here, the flat shaft portion is positioned at an initial
position, and at the position, the reversal mechanism enables a valve core to be positioned
at a sealing position.
FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the structure shown in FIG. 14 in another state, here,
the flat shaft portion drives the reversal mechanism to move by a certain angle in
an arrow direction.
FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the structure shown in FIG. 15 in another state, here,
the reversal mechanism continues to rotate by a certain angle in a counterclockwise
direction of FIG. 2, and at the position, the reversal mechanism enables the valve
core to be positioned at a drainage position, and the flat shaft portion rotates by
a certain angle in a clockwise direction of FIG. 2 to be reset to the initial position.
FIG. 17 is a schematic exploded view of a drainage valve assembly according to a second
embodiment of the application.
FIG. 18 is a schematic view from another perspective of the structure shown in FIG.
17.
FIG. 19 is a schematic structural diagram of a reversal mechanism shown in FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 is a schematic view from another perspective of the structure shown in FIG.
17 after it is assembled, here, a flexible sealing member, a valve cover and a valve
plate are omitted.
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the drainage valve assembly according to the
second embodiment of the application taken along a B-B direction of FIG. 20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] It should be noted that embodiments of the application and technical features in
the embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict, and detailed descriptions
in specific embodiments should be understood as explanation and illustration of the
purpose of the application, and should not be regarded as an improper limitation to
the application.
[0030] In descriptions of the embodiments of the application, orientations or positional
relationships such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear" are based on an orientation
or positional relationship shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, an upper part is "upper", a
lower part is "lower", a left part is "front", and a right part is "rear".
[0031] It should be understood that these orientation terms are merely intended to facilitate
descriptions of the application and simplify the descriptions, rather than indicating
or implying that a referred device or element must have a specific orientation, constructed
and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be understood as limitation
to the application.
[0032] An embodiment of the application provides a laundry treatment device, with reference
to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the laundry treatment device includes an inner tub 11, a drainage
valve assembly 3, and a driving device 20. The inner tub 11 may hold water. That is,
washing water is held in the inner tub 11 in a process of the laundry treatment device
washing laundries, and the inner tub 11 may also be referred to as a non-porous inner
tub 11, which may avoid the problem of accumulating dirt easily due to water accumulated
in an outer tub 12 of the related art; and a drainage hole 11a is formed on the inner
tub 11 (see FIG. 4).
[0033] With reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the drainage valve assembly
3 includes a valve core 31, an elastic positioning member, an elastic reset member,
and a transmission rod mechanism 32 connected to the inner tub 11. That is, the transmission
rod mechanism 32 may rotate along with the inner tub 11. With reference to FIG. 10
and FIG. 20, the transmission rod mechanism 32 has a rotation center line L, that
is, the transmission rod mechanism 32 revolves around a rotation axis of the inner
tub 11 while rotating around the rotation center line L.
[0034] The valve core 31 has a sealing position for sealing the drainage hole 11a (see FIG.
2) and a drainage position for opening the drainage hole 11a (see FIG. 4).
[0035] A first end of the transmission rod mechanism 32 drives the valve core 31 to move,
and during rotation of the inner tub 11, the driving device 20 may selectively toggle
a second end of the transmission rod mechanism 32 to drive the transmission rod mechanism
32 to rotate around the rotation center line L, that is, the driving device 20 provides
a power source for the transmission rod mechanism 32.
[0036] The elastic positioning member may keep the valve core 31 at the sealing position
or the drainage position, that is, when the valve core is positioned at the sealing
position, the valve core 31 may be kept at the sealing position under an action of
the elastic positioning member, and when the valve core is positioned at the drainage
position, the valve core 31 may be kept at the drainage position under an action of
the elastic positioning member. The elastic reset member may drive at least the second
end of the transmission rod mechanism 32 to be reset. During washing or in other cases
where drainage is not required, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the valve core
31 is positioned at the sealing position, the drainage hole 11a is blocked by the
valve core 31, and water in the inner tub 11 does not flow out of the inner tub 11.
When drainage or dewatering is required, with reference to FIG. 4, the valve core
31 is switched from the sealing position to the drainage position, the drainage hole
11a is opened, and water in the inner tub 11 is discharged from the inner tub 11 through
the drainage hole 11a.
[0037] According to the laundry treatment device provided by the embodiments of the application,
regardless of a rotation speed of the inner tub 11, switching of the valve core 31
between the sealing position and the drainage position may be implemented as long
as the transmission rod mechanism 32 may rotate, so that the laundry treatment device
has a simple structure, facilitates drainage of the inner tub 11 and has high reliability,
and service life of the drainage valve assembly 3 may be effectively prolonged. Furthermore,
the elastic reset member drives at least the second end of the transmission rod mechanism
32 to be reset, so that the driving device 20 may conveniently toggle the second end
of the transmission rod mechanism 32 at the same position.
[0038] It should be noted that resetting of the second end of the transmission rod mechanism
32 means that the second end of the transmission rod mechanism 32 returns to an initial
position before it is toggled by the driving device 20.
[0039] It should be noted that the laundry treatment device discharges water through the
drainage hole 11a during washing or after washing is finished, and may also discharges
water through the drainage hole 11a during dewatering.
[0040] In an embodiment, the valve core 31 further has an intermediate critical position
between the sealing position and the drainage position. It should be noted that the
intermediate critical position between the sealing position and the drainage position
refers to the intermediate critical position between the sealing position and the
drainage position in a movement stroke of the valve core 31, that is, the valve core
31 passes through the intermediate critical position in a process of the valve core
31 moving from the sealing position to the drainage position, and also passes through
the intermediate critical position in a process of the valve core 31 moving from the
drainage position to the sealing position.
[0041] When the transmission rod mechanism 32 drives the valve core 31 to cross the intermediate
critical position, the elastic positioning member may drive the valve core 31 to continue
to move to the sealing position or the drainage position. Specifically, when the valve
core 31 moves in a direction from the sealing position to the drainage position and
crosses the intermediate critical position, the elastic positioning member may drive
the valve core 31 to continue to move to the drainage position, that is, after the
valve core 31 crosses the intermediate critical position, even though the transmission
rod mechanism 32 stops driving the valve core 31, the valve core 31 may continue to
move to the drainage position under an action of the elastic positioning member. When
the valve core 31 moves from the drainage position to the sealing position and crosses
the intermediate critical position, the elastic positioning member may drive the valve
core 31 to continue to move to the sealing position, that is, after the valve core
31 crosses the intermediate critical position, even though the transmission rod mechanism
32 stops driving the valve core 31, the valve core 31 may continue to move to the
sealing position under an action of the elastic positioning member.
[0042] When the transmission rod mechanism 32 drives the valve core 31 to move to cross
the intermediate critical position, the elastic reset member may drive at least the
second end of the transmission rod mechanism 32 to idle to be reset. The elastic positioning
member may drive the valve core 31 to continue to move to the sealing position or
the drainage position, therefore, as long as the transmission rod mechanism 32 drives
the valve core 31 to cross the intermediate critical position, even when the driving
device 20 stops driving the transmission rod mechanism 32, at least the second end
of the transmission rod mechanism 32 may idle to be reset under an action of the elastic
reset member. In this way, when the driving device 20 needs to toggle the transmission
rod mechanism 32 next time, the driving device 20 will toggle the second end of the
transmission rod mechanism 32 at the same position, which may simplify driving and
fitting structures of the transmission rod mechanism 32 and the driving device 20.
[0043] It should be noted that "idle" refers to that the transmission rod mechanism 32 does
not form a driving force on the valve core 31 during idling.
[0044] In order to facilitate supporting and mounting the inner tub 11, with reference to
FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, in an embodiment, the laundry treatment device includes an outer
tub 12 in which the inner tub 11 is rotatably arranged, the outer tub 12 supports
the inner tub 11. The laundry treatment device may discharge water through the outer
tub 12, specifically, water discharged from the drainage hole 11a enters the outer
tub 12, and the outer tub 12 discharges collected water out of the laundry treatment
device.
[0045] The drainage hole 11a may be arranged at a suitable position of the inner tub 11,
as long as water in the inner tub 11 may be discharged through the drainage hole 11a.
The number and specific shape of the drainage hole 11a are not limited.
[0046] In the embodiment of the application, with reference to FIG. 4, the drainage hole
11a is formed in a circumferential direction of rotation of the inner tub 11, so that
the inner tub 11 spins water out from the drainage hole 11a by a centrifugal force
during dewatering.
[0047] It should be noted that a rotation axis L1 of the inner tub 11 may extend in a horizontal
direction, or may extend in a vertical direction, or may extend in an oblique direction
between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, which is not limited
here.
[0048] In an embodiment of the application, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the rotation
axis L1 of the inner tub 11 is approximately in the horizontal direction, and during
rotation of the inner tub 11, the drainage hole 11a may circularly pass through a
lowest point of a rotation trajectory of the inner tub 11, so that water in the inner
tub 11 may be emptied without a dead angle. It should be noted that the transmission
rod mechanism 32 may drive the valve core 31 to rotate, or may drive the valve core
31 to translate.
[0049] Specific structural forms of the transmission rod mechanism 32 are not limited. Exemplarily,
in some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the transmission
rod mechanism 32 includes a transmission rod 321, a first shifting rod 322, and a
reversal mechanism 323 connected between the valve core 31 and a first end of the
transmission rod 321, the transmission rod mechanism 32 drives the valve core 31 to
translate through the reversal mechanism 323, that is, the reversal mechanism 323
is configured to convert rotation of the transmission rod mechanism 32 into translation
of the valve core 31. The first shifting rod 322 is connected to a second end of the
transmission rod 321, and the driving device 20 selectively toggles the first shifting
rod 322. Specifically, after the driving device 20 toggles the first shifting rod
322, since the transmission rod mechanism 32 rotates along with the inner tub 11,
the first shifting rod 322 rotates under a combined action of the driving device 20
and the inner tub 11, and the first shifting rod 322 drives the transmission rod 321
to rotate synchronously.
[0050] In the embodiment, a movement mode of the valve core 31 is translation, so that a
side of the valve core 31 used to close the drainage hole 11a always faces the drainage
hole 11a, and when the valve core 31 is switched from the drainage position to the
sealing position, the side of the valve core 31 used to close the drainage hole 11a
may stably, reliably, directly or indirectly press against periphery of the drainage
hole 11a, so that sealing reliability of the drainage hole 11a may be greatly improved,
and sealing effect thereof is good.
[0051] Connection modes of the first shifting rod 322 and the transmission rod 321 are not
limited, as long as the first shifting rod 322 and the transmission rod 321 may implement
synchronous movement, for example, the first shifting rod 322 and the transmission
rod 321 may be integrally formed, clamped, screwed, or the like with respect to each
other, which is not limited here.
[0052] It may be understood that in order to facilitate connection between the first shifting
rod 322 and the transmission rod 321, in some embodiments, with reference to FIG.
8 and FIG. 17, the first shifting rod 322 includes a rod portion 3221 and a barrel
portion 3222 which are fixedly connected, the driving device 20 is in contact with
the rod portion 3221, the barrel portion 3222 is connected to an end of the rod portion
3221 and is sleeved on the second end of the transmission rod 321.
[0053] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 21, the valve core 31 is provided
with a sliding groove 31a, the reversal mechanism 323 includes a turntable 3231 and
a protruding column 3232. The protruding column 3232 protrudes from a side of the
turntable 3231, is eccentrically arranged relative to the rotation center line L,
extends into the sliding groove 31a and may rotate in the sliding groove 31a. The
reversal mechanism 323 is equivalent to a cam transmission mechanism, and when the
reversal mechanism 323 rotates around the rotation center line L, the protruding column
3232 may drive the valve core 31 to translate.
[0054] With reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 19, the turntable 3231 is provided with a first
driving groove 3231a comprising first driving surfaces 3231b on opposite sides along
a rotation direction, the first end of the transmission rod 321 is at least partially
positioned in the first driving groove 3231a and slidable in the first driving groove
3231a, and the first end of the transmission rod 321 may be alternatively driving-fitted
with one of the first driving surfaces 3231b to drive the reversal mechanism 323 to
rotate around the rotation center line L.
[0055] It should be noted that a rotation direction of the transmission rod mechanism 32
is related to a rotation direction of the inner tub 11. For example, when the inner
tub 11 rotates in a clockwise direction of FIG. 5, in case that the driving device
20 toggles the first shifting rod 322, the first shifting rod 322 only drives the
transmission rod mechanism 32 to rotate around the rotation center line L in a counterclockwise
direction of FIG. 5. When the inner tub 11 rotates in the counterclockwise direction
of FIG. 5, in case that the driving device 20 toggles the first shifting rod 322,
the first shifting rod 322 only drives the transmission rod mechanism 32 to rotate
around the rotation center line L in the clockwise direction of FIG. 5.
[0056] Specifically, during washing of the laundry treatment device, the valve core 31 is
positioned at the sealing position. Then, with reference to FIG. 14, a part of the
first end of the transmission rod 321 is in contact with one of the first driving
surfaces 3231b, and at this time, the inner tub 11 continues to rotate in the same
direction. In case that the first shifting rod 322 is toggled due to misoperation
of the driving device 20, then the first shifting rod 322 may drive the transmission
rod mechanism 32 to rotate in a clockwise direction of FIG. 14, and the first end
of the transmission rod 321 idles in the first driving groove 3231a, that is, the
first shifting rod 322 and the transmission rod 321 generate an idle stroke. At this
time, the transmission rod mechanism 32 does not drive the valve core 31 to move,
and the valve core 31 may be still kept at the current sealing position, so that reliability
of the laundry treatment device may be improved. When the inner tub 11 rotates reversely,
the first end of the transmission rod 321 biases the first driving surface 3231b after
the driving device 20 toggles the first shifting rod 322, so that the reversal mechanism
323 is forced to rotate in a counterclockwise direction of FIG. 14. When the reversal
mechanism 323 rotates to a position shown in FIG. 15, the valve core 31 has crossed
the intermediate critical position, and thereafter, in case that the driving device
20 no longer applies an acting force to the first shifting rod 322, the transmission
rod 321 rotates backward in a clockwise direction of FIG. 15, the reversal mechanism
323 continues to rotate in a counterclockwise direction shown in FIG. 15 until the
reversal mechanism 323 moves to a state shown in FIG. 16, in which the valve core
31 is successfully switched from the sealing position to the drainage position, the
transmission rod 321 is also reset to the initial position, and at this time, the
first end of the transmission rod 321 is in contact with the other of the first driving
surfaces 3231b.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 16, when the inner tub 11 does not change its rotation direction,
in case that the first shifting rod 322 is toggled due to misoperation of the driving
device 20, then the first shifting rod 322 may drive the transmission rod mechanism
32 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction of FIG. 16, and the first end of the
transmission rod 321 idles in the first driving groove 3231a, that is, the first shifting
rod 322 and the transmission rod 321 generate an idle stroke, the transmission rod
mechanism 32 does not drive the valve core 31 to move, the valve core 31 may be still
kept at the current drainage position, and after idling, the transmission rod 321
still returns to the initial position under an action of the elastic reset member,
so that reliability of the laundry treatment device may be improved. When the inner
tub 11 rotates reversely, the first end of the transmission rod 321 biases the other
of the first driving surfaces 3231b after the driving device 20 toggles the first
shifting rod 322, so that the reversal mechanism 323 is forced to rotate so as to
drive the valve core 31 to translate, and drive the valve core 31 to switch from the
drainage position to the sealing position.
[0058] Specific connection structures of the turntable 3231 and the transmission rod 321
are not limited.
[0059] Exemplarily, in an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 13, a through hole 3231c is
formed in the turntable 3231, an inner wall of the through hole 3231c is provided
with two rotationally symmetrical protrusions 32311 which divide a part of space of
the through hole 3231c to form two first driving grooves 3231a distributed in a circumferential
direction, and the first end of the transmission rod 321 is provided with a flat shaft
portion 3211 positioned on the rotation center line L. With reference to FIG. 14 to
FIG. 16, opposite ends of the flat shaft portion 3211 in a radial direction of the
through hole 3231c extend into their respective first driving grooves 3231a respectively.
In this way, on one hand, torque transmission of the turntable 3231 and the transmission
rod 321 may be more stable, and on the other hand, two reaction forces applied by
the turntable 3231 to the flat shaft portion 3211 may be balanced with respect to
each other, thereby avoiding or reducing a shear force borne by the transmission rod
321 and improving stressing conditions of the transmission rod 321.
[0060] In another embodiment, with reference to FIG. 19, a through hole 3231c is formed
in the turntable 3231, the first driving groove 3231a penetrates through a part of
side wall corresponding to the through hole 3231c in a radial direction of the through
hole 3231c, that is, the first driving groove 3231a is generally notch-shaped. With
reference to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, a bump 3212 is arranged on a surface of the transmission
rod 321, the transmission rod 321 is arranged in the through hole 3231c and passes
through the through hole 3231c, and the bump 3212 is positioned in the first driving
groove 3231a. In the embodiment, torque transmission is implemented by driving cooperation
of the bump 3212 and two first driving surfaces 3231b of the first driving groove
3231a. It should be noted that specific shapes of the bump 3212 are not limited.
[0061] Specific shape and type of the elastic reset member are not limited, as long as the
elastic reset member may drive the transmission rod 321 to be reset. It should be
noted that since the transmission rod 321 may rotate forward and backward relative
to the initial position, the elastic reset member needs to drive the transmission
rod 321 to be reset after the transmission rod 321 rotates forward, and also needs
to drive the transmission rod 321 to be reset after the transmission rod 321 rotates
backward.
[0062] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the application, forward rotation and
backward rotation have opposite meanings, and definitions of forward rotation and
backward rotation may be interchanged.
[0063] For example, in an embodiment, the elastic reset member includes a first cylindrical
spring and a second cylindrical spring arranged on opposite lateral sides of the transmission
rod 321. When the transmission rod 321 rotates forward, the first cylindrical spring
is compressed, and then the first cylindrical spring may drive the transmission rod
321 to be reset, and when the transmission rod 321 rotates forward, the second cylindrical
spring is compressed, and then the second cylindrical spring may drive the transmission
rod 321 to be reset.
[0064] In another embodiment, with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the
elastic reset member is a first torsion spring 33 sleeved on the transmission rod
321. No matter the transmission rod 321 rotates forward or backward, the transmission
rod 321 may force the first torsion spring 33 to be twisted to store torque potential
energy, and then the first torsion spring 33 may drive the transmission rod 321 to
be reset. In the embodiment, the transmission rod 321 may be driven to be reset by
only one first torsion spring 33, which has a simple structure, is easy to implement
mounting, and also saves mounting space.
[0065] It may be understood that in some embodiments, a plurality of first torsion springs
33 may also be provided simultaneously.
[0066] It should be noted that mounting modes of two rotation arms of the first torsion
spring 33 are not limited, as long as the first torsion spring 33 may be twisted during
rotation of the transmission rod 321.
[0067] Specific structural forms of the elastic positioning member are not limited.
[0068] Exemplarily, in an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 17 and FIG.
18, the elastic positioning member is a second torsion spring 34. With reference to
FIG. 8, the second torsion spring 34 includes a spiral body 341, a first rotation
arm 342 and a second rotation arm 343, position of the first rotation arm 342 is fixed
relative to the inner tub 11, that is, the first rotation arm 342 does not move relative
to the inner tub 11; the spiral body 341 is suspended, and the second rotation arm
343 may move along with the valve core 31 or the transmission rod mechanism 32. During
movement of the second rotation arm 343 along with the valve core 31 or the transmission
rod mechanism 32, the second rotation arm 343 drives the spiral body 341 to move therewith.
When the second rotation arm 343 are positioned at different positions, direction
of an acting force applied by the second rotation arm 343 to the valve core 31 directly
or indirectly also changes, so that the second torsion spring 34 may drive the valve
core 31 to translate in a direction within a certain stroke range, and drive the valve
core 31 to translate in a reverse direction within another stroke range.
[0069] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 12, the second rotation arm 343
is connected to the valve core 31. With reference to FIG. 11, when the valve core
31 is positioned at the sealing position, position of the second rotation arm 343
is positioned on a side of the first rotation arm 342 close to the drainage hole 11a.
An acting force applied by the second torsion spring 34 to the valve core 31 has at
least a force component parallel to a movement direction of the valve core 31 and
facing toward the drainage hole 11a. Specifically, the acting force applied by the
second torsion spring 34 to the valve core 31 has an upward force component in FIG.
11, and this force component abuts the valve core 31 around the drainage hole 11a.
[0070] With reference to FIG. 12, when the valve core 31 is positioned at the drainage position,
position of the second rotation arm 343 is positioned on a side of the first rotation
arm 342 away from the drainage hole 11a. An acting force applied by the second torsion
spring 34 to the valve core 31 has at least a force component parallel to the movement
direction of the valve core 31 and away from the drainage hole 11a. Specifically,
the acting force applied by the second torsion spring 34 to the valve core 31 has
a downward force component in FIG. 12, and this force component keeps the valve core
31 at the drainage position relatively stable.
[0071] When the valve core 31 is positioned at the intermediate critical position, an acting
force applied by the second torsion spring 34 to the valve core 31 has a direction
perpendicular to the movement direction of the valve core 31. Specifically, the acting
force applied by the second torsion spring 34 to the valve core 31 is perpendicular
to direction of a paper surface of FIG. 11 or FIG. 12, that is, at this time, the
second torsion spring 34 does not drive the valve core 31 to move upward, and does
not drive the valve core 31 to move downward.
[0072] It should be noted that the intermediate critical position is only a transition position,
and the valve core 31 is not required to be kept at this position.
[0073] In another embodiment, with reference to FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the
second rotation arm 343 is connected to the reversal mechanism 323. With reference
to FIG. 21, when the valve core 31 is positioned at the sealing position, the second
torsion spring 34 applies a first torque around the rotation center line L to the
reversal mechanism 323, and the reversal mechanism 323 abuts the valve core 31 around
the drainage hole 11a under an action of the first torque, and specifically, direction
of the first torque is a clockwise direction of FIG. 21. When the valve core 31 is
positioned at the drainage position, the second torsion spring 34 applies a second
torque around the rotation center line L to the reversal mechanism 323, and the reversal
mechanism 323 keeps the valve core 31 at the drainage position under an action of
the second torque, and the first torque has a direction opposite to the second torque.
When the valve core 31 is positioned at the intermediate critical position, a torque
applied by the second torsion spring 34 to the reversal mechanism 323 is zero.
[0074] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the drainage
valve assembly 3 includes a valve seat 35 of which a side facing toward the drainage
hole 11a is opened, and at least a part of the valve core 31, the reversal mechanism
323, the elastic positioning member and the elastic reset member are arranged in the
valve seat 35, and an end of the valve core 31 may extend out from the opened part
of the valve seat 35. A side wall of the valve seat 35 is provided with an avoidance
groove 35a, the transmission rod 321 is arranged in the avoidance groove 35a and passes
through the avoidance groove 35a, and the first shifting rod 322 is positioned outside
the valve seat 35. The valve seat 35 provides mounting support for the valve core
31 and the transmission rod mechanism 32, and also protects the valve core 31, the
transmission rod mechanism 32, the elastic positioning member and the elastic reset
member, thereby avoiding interference with other structures of the laundry treatment
device and improving reliability of the drainage valve assembly 3.
[0075] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 17 and FIG. 20, one of
the valve seat 35 or the valve core 31 is provided with a guide groove 35b, the other
of the valve seat 35 or the valve core 31 is provided with a convex rib 3110, and
the convex rib 3110 is sliding-fitted with the guide groove 35b. In this way, translation
reliability of the valve core 31 may be improved, and the valve core 31 is prevented
from biasing.
[0076] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the drainage
valve assembly 3 includes a flexible sealing member 36 sleeved on the opened side
of the valve seat 35, the flexible sealing member 36 and the valve seat 35 enclose
together to form a sealing cavity 3a, and the valve core 31, the elastic positioning
member, the elastic reset member and the reversal mechanism 323 are positioned in
the sealing cavity 3a, and the valve core 31 is connected to the flexible sealing
member 36 to drive the flexible sealing member 36 to move.
[0077] The valve core 31, the reversal mechanism 323, the elastic reset member, the elastic
sealing member, or the like may not in contact with washing water, since all of them
are arranged in the sealing cavity 3a. On one hand, hairs and scraps in the washing
water may not enter the sealing cavity 3a, therefore, hairs, scraps and other impurities
are prevented from blocking or winding on the transmission rod mechanism 32 and the
valve core 31, normal movement of the drainage valve may be guaranteed, working reliability
and service life of the sealing valve assembly are improved. On the other hand, when
the transmission rod mechanism 32 or the valve core 31 is made of a metal material,
corrosion effect of the washing water on the metal material may also be prevented.
[0078] Specific structural forms of the flexible sealing member 36 are not limited.
[0079] With reference to FIG. 8, the valve core 31 includes a valve plate 312 and a valve
column 311 which are fixedly connected, the flexible sealing member 36 includes a
telescopic pipe 361, a supporting end plate 362 and a flange 363. The supporting end
plate 362 and the flange 363 are positioned at opposite ends of the telescopic pipe
361, the flange 363 is arranged at an axial end of the telescopic pipe 361 and connected
to the opened side of the valve seat 35, the supporting end plate 362 closes the other
end of the telescopic pipe 361, the valve plate 312 is stacked on an inner surface
of the supporting end plate 362, and when the valve core 31 is positioned at the sealing
position, the valve plate 312 abuts the supporting end plate 362 around the drainage
hole 11a.
[0080] It should be noted that the flexible sealing member 36 may be an integrally formed
structure to improve structural reliability of the flexible sealing member 36. Material
of the flexible sealing member 36 is not limited, for example, includes but is not
limited to: silica gel, rubber, or the like.
[0081] On one hand, the flexible sealing member 36 needs to reliably seal the drainage hole
11a when it is positioned at the sealing position, and may reliably elude the drainage
hole 11a when it is positioned at the drainage position, to avoid a great movement
acting force on the valve core 31, and improve movement reliability of the sealing
valve. To this end, in an embodiment of the application, the telescopic pipe 361 is
a corrugated tube, to be adapted to movement of the valve core 31 by stretching or
folding of the corrugated tube itself, and does not have great elastic deformation
resistance itself.
[0082] In order to facilitate reliable connection between the flange 363 and the valve seat
35, in some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG.
18 and FIG. 21, the drainage valve assembly 3 includes a valve cover 37, and with
reference to FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. 21, the valve cover 37 is pressed against a
side of the flange 363 away from the valve seat 35, the flange 363 is sandwiched between
the valve cover 37 and an end surface of the opened side of the valve seat 35, and
a screw passes through the valve cover 37 and the flange 363 and is screwed into the
valve seat 35 to connect the flange 363 to the valve seat 35.
[0083] In some other embodiments, the transmission rod mechanism 32 drives the valve core
31 to rotate. Specifically, the transmission rod mechanism 32 includes a transmission
rod 321 and a first shifting rod 322, the valve core 31 is provided with a second
driving groove comprising second driving surfaces on opposite sides along a rotation
direction respectively, a first end of the transmission rod 321 is positioned in the
second driving groove and slidable in the second driving groove, the transmission
rod 321 may be alternatively driving-fitted with one of the second driving surfaces
to drive the valve core 31 to rotate, the first shifting rod 322 is connected to a
second end of the transmission rod 321, and the driving device 20 selectively toggles
the first shifting rod 322. In the embodiment, structures of the transmission rod
321 and the second shifting rod 22 may be the same as structures in any one of the
above embodiments. The structure of the second driving groove may also be the same
as the structure of the first driving groove in any one of the above embodiments.
The principle of the first end of the transmission rod 321 fitting with the second
driving groove may refer to the principle of the transmission rod 321 fitting and
the first driving groove, which are not elaborated here.
[0084] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the laundry treatment device
includes a lifting rib 14 in which the valve core 31, the elastic positioning member
and the elastic reset member are arranged, the first end of the transmission rod 321
is positioned in the lifting rib 14, the second end of the transmission rod 321 extends
outside an axial end of the inner tub 11, and the first shifting rod 322 is positioned
outside the axial end of the inner tub 11. It should be noted that in the embodiment
of the drainage valve assembly 3 comprising the valve seat 35, the valve seat 35 is
also arranged in the lifting rib 14, and the valve seat 35 is fixedly connected to
the lifting rib 14.
[0085] In a process of the laundry treatment device washing laundries, the laundries are
carried by the lifting rib 14 to rotate together with the lifting rib 14, and after
the laundries are lifted to a certain height, the laundries fall into water again
under an action of gravity of the laundries themselves, so that rod beating and falling
effects are generated, achieving washing effect. On one hand, the lifting rib 14 protects
the drainage valve assembly 3 and prevents the laundries from winding on the drainage
valve assembly 3. On the other hand, existing structures of the laundry treatment
device are fully utilized, space inside the lifting rib 14 is fully utilized, and
capacity of the inner tub 11 used to wash laundries is not reduced.
[0086] Specific arrangement positions of the driving device 20 are not limited, as long
as the driving device 20 may provide a mounting position, so that the driving device
20 does not rotate along with the inner tub 11.
[0087] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the driving device 20 is arranged
on the outer tub 12, the first shifting rod 322 is positioned between the inner tub
11 and the outer tub 12. The driving device 20 includes a second shifting rod 22 and
a power unit 21 driving the second shifting rod 22 to selectively extend towards the
shifting rod or retract, and in an extending state of the second shifting rod 22,
the second shifting rod 22 may selectively toggle the first shifting rod 322 to rotate
forward or backward around the rotation center line L.
[0088] Movement forms of the second shifting rod 22 are not limited, and may be linear movement
or rotation.
[0089] Specific structures of the power unit 21 are not limited. For example, in an embodiment,
the power unit 21 may be a linear motor driving the second shifting rod 22 to extend
or retract along a length direction of the second shifting rod 22. In another embodiment,
the power unit 21 may be a rotation motor with a rotation shaft fixedly connected
to the second shifting rod 22, and the rotation motor drives the second shifting rod
22 to rotate forward or backward, so as to extend or retract the second shifting rod
22.
[0090] The drainage valve assembly according to a plurality of specific embodiments of the
application is described below with reference to the drawings.
First embodiment
[0091] With reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 16, in the embodiment, the transmission rod mechanism
32 drives the valve core 31 assembly to translate.
[0092] The drainage valve assembly 3 includes the transmission rod mechanism 32, the valve
seat 35, the valve core 31, the flexible sealing member 36, the reversal mechanism
323, the first torsion spring 33 and the second torsion spring 34 as described above.
[0093] The first torsion spring 33 is sleeved on the transmission rod 321. A first end of
the transmission rod 321 is provided with a flat shaft portion 3211, and a second
end of the transmission rod 321 is sleeved on the first shifting rod 322 so that synchronous
rotation may be implemented.
[0094] The turntable 3231 is formed with a through hole 3231c, two rotationally symmetrical
protrusions 32311 are arranged on an inner wall of the through hole 3231c and divide
a part of space of the through hole 3231c to form two first driving grooves 3231a
distributed in a circumferential direction, and opposite ends of the flat shaft portion
3211 along a radial direction of the through hole 3231c extend into their respective
first driving grooves 3231a respectively.
[0095] The turntable 3231 is connected to a transverse side of the valve column 311, and
the second rotation arm 343 of the second torsion spring 34 is connected to the other
side of the valve column 311.
[0096] The first rotation arm 342 of the second torsion spring 34 is connected to the valve
seat 35, and specifically, the valve seat 35 is provided with a first insertion hole,
and the first rotation arm 342 is inserted into the first insertion hole and may rotate
in the first insertion hole. The second rotation arm 343 of the second torsion spring
34 is connected to the valve column 311, and specifically, with reference to FIG.
8, a side of the valve column 311 is provided with a second insertion hole 31b, and
the second rotation arm 343 is inserted into the second insertion hole 31b and may
rotate in the second insertion hole 31b.
[0097] In order to limit movement amplitude of the second torsion spring 34, in an embodiment,
with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the valve seat 35 is provided with a first
blocking rib 351 and a second blocking rib 352, and the second rotation arm 343 may
move within a range defined by the first blocking rib 351 and the second blocking
rib 352. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 11, when the valve core 31 is positioned
at the sealing position, the second rotation arm 343 is in blocking-contact with the
first blocking rib 351. With reference to FIG. 12, when the valve core 31 is positioned
at the drainage position, the second rotation arm 343 is in blocking-contact with
the second blocking rib 352. The first blocking rib 351 and the second blocking rib
352 may limit and block movement of the second rotation arm 343 to prevent excessive
movement of the second rotation arm 343.
[0098] With reference to FIG. 10, convex ribs 3110 are arranged on opposite sides of the
valve core 31 along the rotation center line L respectively and extend along the movement
direction of the valve core 31, two guide grooves 35b arranged at an interval are
arranged in the valve seat 35, the convex ribs 3110 extend into the guide grooves
35b in a sliding manner respectively, and specifically, the valve core 31 is sandwiched
between the two guide grooves 35b.
Second embodiment
[0099] With reference to FIG. 17 to FIG. 21, most of the structures according to the embodiment
of the application are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and
differences there-between comprise structure of the second end of the transmission
rod 321, structure of the reversal mechanism 323, and connection position of the second
torsion spring 34.
[0100] Specifically, the turntable 3231 is formed with a through hole 3231c, and the first
driving groove 3231a penetrates through a part of side wall corresponding to the through
hole 3231c along a radial direction of the through hole 3231c, that is, the first
driving groove 3231a is generally notch-shaped. A surface of the transmission rod
321 is provided with a bump 3212, the transmission rod 321 is arranged in the through
hole 3231c and passes through the through hole 3231c, and the bump 3212 is positioned
in the first driving groove 3231a.
[0101] The second torsion spring 34 and the reversal mechanism 323 are arranged on the same
side of the valve core 31, and the second rotation arm 343 of the second torsion spring
34 is connected to the reversal mechanism 323. Specifically, with reference to FIG.
19, the reversal mechanism 323 is provided with a third insertion hole 3231d, and
the second rotation arm 343 extends into the third insertion hole 3231d and may rotate
in the third insertion hole 3231d.
[0102] The drainage principle of the laundry treatment device is described below.
[0103] With reference to FIG. 5, it is assumed that the inner tub 11 rotates in the clockwise
direction of FIG. 5, the second shifting rod 22 extends towards the drainage valve
assembly 3, there is relative movement between the second shifting rod 22 and the
inner tub 11, and a trajectory of the second shifting rod 22 relative to the inner
tub 11 is a circle I. The second shifting rod 22 is in contact with the first shifting
rod 322 from a right side of the first shifting rod 322, and since the first shifting
rod 322 continues to rotate along with the inner tub 11, with reference to FIG. 6,
the second shifting rod 22 forces the first shifting rod 322 to rotate counterclockwise,
and the first shifting rod 322 drives the transmission rod 321 to rotate counterclockwise
synchronously, so as to drive the valve core 31 to move. After the first shifting
rod 322 is disengaged from the second shifting rod 22, the first shifting rod 322
rotates clockwise under an action of the elastic reset member to be reset to the position
shown in FIG. 5. Since position of the valve core 31 has been switched, then the shifting
rod is retracted, or the inner tub 11 rotates several circles and then the shifting
rod is retracted.
[0104] Even though the second shifting rod 22 is not retracted, when the inner tub 11 rotates
for a next circle, the second shifting rod 22 toggles the first shifting rod 322 again,
and the first shifting rod 322 and the transmission rod 321 may idle counterclockwise
in a direction of FIG. 5, without changing the position of the valve core 31. That
is, in case that the position of the valve core 31 has been successfully switched,
even though the second shifting rod 22 is not retracted, the second shifting rod 22
does not jam the first shifting rod 322, and thus, in subsequent rotation, the second
shifting rod 22 does not affect rotation of the inner tub 11, and the second shifting
rod 22 does not hold the inner tub 11 and does not mistakenly trigger change of the
position of the valve core 31.
[0105] When the inner tub 11 rotates reversely, i.e., in the counterclockwise direction
of FIG. 5, the second shifting rod 22 extends toward the drainage valve assembly 3,
the second shifting rod 22 is in contact with the first shifting rod 322 from a left
side of the first shifting rod 322 and forces the first shifting rod 322 to rotate
clockwise, and the first shifting rod 322 drives the transmission rod 321 to rotate
clockwise synchronously, so as to drive the valve core 31 to move. When the first
shifting rod 322 is disengaged from the second shifting rod 22, the first shifting
rod 322 rotates counterclockwise under an action of the elastic reset member to be
reset to the position shown in FIG. 5. Since the position of the valve core 31 has
been switched, then the shifting rod is retracted, or the inner tub 11 rotates several
circles and then the shifting rod is retracted.
[0106] It should be noted that as long as a rotation angle of the first shifting rod 322
enables the valve core 31 to bypass the above intermediate critical position, after
the valve core 31 crosses the critical position, the valve core 31 may continue to
rotate under an action of the elastic positioning member, until the valve core 31
moves to the drainage position.
[0107] Various embodiments/embodiments provided in the application may be combined with
each other without contradiction.
[0108] The foregoing are merely preferred embodiments of the application, and are not intended
to limit the application, and various changes and variations may be made to the application
for those skilled in the art. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement,
or the like made within the spirit and principle of the application shall fall within
the scope of protection of the application.
1. A laundry treatment device, comprising: an inner tub, configured to hold water, and
be provided with a drainage hole; a driving device; and a drainage valve assembly,
comprising: a valve core, having a sealing position for sealing the drainage hole
and a drainage position for opening the drainage hole; a transmission rod mechanism,
connected to the inner tub, and having a rotation center line, a first end of the
transmission rod mechanism driving the valve core to move, and during rotation of
the inner tub, the driving device operative to selectively toggle a second end of
the transmission rod mechanism to drive the transmission rod mechanism to rotate around
the rotation center line; and an elastic positioning member and an elastic reset member,
the elastic positioning member operative to keep the valve core at the sealing position
or the drainage position, the elastic reset member operative to drive at least the
second end of the transmission rod mechanism to be reset.
2. The laundry treatment device of claim 1, wherein the valve core has an intermediate
critical position between the sealing position and the drainage position, and when
the transmission rod mechanism drives the valve core to cross the intermediate critical
position, the elastic positioning member is operative to drive the valve core to continue
to move to the sealing position or the drainage position, and the elastic reset member
is operative to drive at least the second end of the transmission rod mechanism to
idle to be reset.
3. The laundry treatment device of claim 2, wherein the transmission rod mechanism comprises
a transmission rod, a first shifting rod, and a reversal mechanism connected between
the valve core and a first end of the transmission rod, the transmission rod mechanism
drives the valve core to translate through the reversal mechanism, the first shifting
rod is connected to a second end of the transmission rod, and the driving device selectively
toggles the first shifting rod.
4. The laundry treatment device of claim 3, wherein the valve core is provided with a
sliding groove, the reversal mechanism comprises a turntable, and a protruding column
protruding from a side of the turntable, eccentrically arranged relative to the rotation
center line and extending into the sliding groove, the turntable is provided with
a first driving groove comprising first driving surfaces on opposite sides along a
rotation direction, the first end of the transmission rod is at least partially positioned
in the first driving groove and slidable in the first driving groove, and the first
end of the transmission rod is operative to be alternatively driving-fitted with one
of the first driving surfaces to drive the reversal mechanism to rotate around the
rotation center line.
5. The laundry treatment device of claim 4, wherein a through hole is formed in the turntable,
the first end of the transmission rod is arranged in the through hole and passes through
the through hole, an inner wall of the through hole is provided with two rotationally
symmetrical protrusions which divide a part of space of the through hole to form two
first driving grooves distributed in a circumferential direction, the first end of
the transmission rod is provided with a flat shaft portion positioned on the rotation
center line, and opposite ends of the flat shaft portion in a radial direction of
the through hole extend into their respective first driving grooves respectively.
6. The laundry treatment device of claim 4, wherein a through hole is formed in the turntable,
the first driving groove penetrates through a part of side wall corresponding to the
through hole in a radial direction of the through hole, a bump is arranged on a surface
of the transmission rod and positioned in the first driving groove, and the transmission
rod is arranged in the through hole and passes through the through hole.
7. The laundry treatment device of claim 3, wherein the elastic reset member is a first
torsion spring sleeved on the transmission rod.
8. The laundry treatment device of claim 3, wherein the elastic positioning member is
a second torsion spring comprising a spiral body, a first rotation arm and a second
rotation arm, the first rotation arm is fixed relative to the inner tub, the spiral
body is suspended, and the second rotation arm is operative to move along with the
valve core or the transmission rod mechanism.
9. The laundry treatment device of claim 8, wherein the second rotation arm is connected
to the valve core, and when the valve core is positioned at the sealing position,
an acting force applied by the second torsion spring to the valve core has at least
a force component parallel to a movement direction of the valve core and facing toward
the drainage hole, and when the valve core is positioned at the drainage position,
an acting force applied by the second torsion spring to the valve core has at least
a force component parallel to the movement direction of the valve core and away from
the drainage hole, and when the valve core is positioned at the intermediate critical
position, an acting force applied by the second torsion spring to the valve core has
a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the valve core.
10. The laundry treatment device of claim 8, wherein the second rotation arm is connected
to the reversal mechanism, and when the valve core is positioned at the sealing position,
the second torsion spring applies a first torque around the rotation center line to
the reversal mechanism, and when the valve core is positioned at the drainage position,
the second torsion spring applies a second torque around the rotation center line
to the reversal mechanism, the first torque has a direction opposite to the second
torque, and when the valve core is positioned at the intermediate critical position,
a torque applied by the second torsion spring to the reversal mechanism is zero.
11. The laundry treatment device of any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the drainage valve
assembly comprises a valve seat of which a side facing toward the drainage hole is
opened, at least a part of the valve core and the reversal mechanism are arranged
in the valve seat, and an end of the valve core is operative to extend out from the
opened part of the valve seat; a side wall of the valve seat is provided with an avoidance
groove, the transmission rod is arranged in the avoidance groove and passes through
the avoidance groove, and the first shifting rod is positioned outside the valve seat.
12. The laundry treatment device of claim 11, wherein one of the valve seat or the valve
core is provided with a guide groove, the other of the valve seat or the valve core
is provided with a convex rib, and the convex rib is sliding-fitted with the guide
groove.
13. The laundry treatment device of claim 11, wherein the drainage valve assembly comprises
a flexible sealing member sleeved on the opened side of the valve seat, the flexible
sealing member and the valve seat enclose together to form a sealing cavity, and the
valve core, the elastic positioning member, the elastic reset member and the reversal
mechanism are positioned in the sealing cavity, and the valve core is connected to
the flexible sealing member to drive the flexible sealing member to move.
14. The laundry treatment device of claim 13, wherein the valve core comprises a valve
plate and a valve column which are fixedly connected, the flexible sealing member
comprises a telescopic pipe, a supporting end plate and a flange, the flange is arranged
at an axial end of the telescopic pipe and connected to the opened side of the valve
seat, the supporting end plate closes the other axial end of the telescopic pipe,
the valve plate is stacked on an inner surface of the supporting end plate, and when
the valve core is positioned at the sealing position, the valve plate abuts the supporting
end plate around the drainage hole.
15. The laundry treatment device of claim 2, wherein the transmission rod mechanism comprises
a transmission rod and a first shifting rod, the valve core is provided with a second
driving groove comprising second driving surfaces on opposite sides along a rotation
direction respectively, a first end of the transmission rod is positioned in the second
driving groove and slidable in the second driving groove, the transmission rod is
operative to be alternatively driving-fitted with one of the second driving surfaces
to drive the valve core to rotate, the first shifting rod is connected to a second
end of the transmission rod, and the driving device selectively toggles the first
shifting rod.
16. The laundry treatment device of any one of claims 3 to 10 and 15, comprising a lifting
rib in which the valve core, the elastic positioning member and the elastic reset
member are arranged, the first end of the transmission rod is positioned in the lifting
rib, the second end of the transmission rod extends outside an axial end of the inner
tub, and the first shifting rod is positioned on outside the axial end of the inner
tub.
17. The laundry treatment device of claim 16, comprising an outer tub in which the inner
tub is rotatably arranged, the driving device is arranged on the outer tub, the first
shifting rod is positioned between the inner tub and the outer tub, the driving device
comprises a second shifting rod and a power unit driving the second shifting rod to
selectively extend towards the shifting rod or retract, and in an extending state
of the second shifting rod, the second shifting rod is operative to selectively toggle
the first shifting rod to rotate forward or backward around the rotation center line.