U.S. patent application number 16/979051 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-25 for washing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is HAIER SMART HOME CO., LTD., QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Baozhen CHENG, Tao GONG, Guangbin SUN, Lingchen WANG, Juanjuan ZHANG, Kaihong ZHANG.
Application Number | 20210054558 16/979051 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005207757 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210054558 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHENG; Baozhen ; et
al. |
February 25, 2021 |
WASHING MACHINE
Abstract
The present disclosure discloses a washing machine, including a
washing drum, being a water containing tub during washing; a
balancing ring, arranged on the washing drum; and a sealing
structure, configured to prevent water from overflowing between the
washing drum and the balancing ring. According to the washing
machine, capacity of the washing drum can be expanded; and
meanwhile, since the sealing structure is arranged between the
washing drum and the balancing ring, water is prevented from
overflowing out of the washing drum between the washing drum and
the balancing ring, so as not to corrode a washing machine case or
other components due to splashing as time goes, or not to cause
short circuit.
Inventors: |
CHENG; Baozhen; (Shandong,
CN) ; WANG; Lingchen; (Shandong, CN) ; SUN;
Guangbin; (Shandong, CN) ; ZHANG; Kaihong;
(Shandong, CN) ; GONG; Tao; (Shandong, CN)
; ZHANG; Juanjuan; (Shandong, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD.
HAIER SMART HOME CO., LTD. |
Shandong
Shandong |
|
CN
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO.,
LTD.
Shandong
CN
HAIER SMART HOME CO., LTD.
Shandong
CN
|
Family ID: |
1000005207757 |
Appl. No.: |
16/979051 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
March 5, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2019/076985 |
371 Date: |
September 8, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/088 20130101;
D06F 39/083 20130101; D06F 37/24 20130101; D06F 37/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/08 20060101
D06F039/08; D06F 37/12 20060101 D06F037/12; D06F 37/24 20060101
D06F037/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 7, 2018 |
CN |
201810187413.3 |
Claims
1. A washing machine, comprising: a washing drum, being a water
containing tub during washing; a balancing ring, being arranged on
the washing drum; and a sealing structure, being arranged between
the washing drum and the balancing ring, and configured to prevent
water from overflowing between the washing drum and the balancing
ring.
2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the balancing
ring is provided with a mounting part; a matching part cooperating
with the mounting part is arranged at an upper end of the washing
drum, and the sealing structure is arranged between the mounting
part and the matching part.
3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the mounting
part comprises an annular groove with a downward opening; the
matching part comprises a support extending into the annular
groove; the sealing structure is arranged between the annular
groove and the support.
4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the annular
groove is formed in an outer side wall of the balancing ring.
5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the inner
annular wall protrudes out of the outer annular wall and extends to
the bottom of the balancing ring.
6. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the smooth
support is formed by curling an upper end of the washing drum
outwards.
7. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the smooth
support is formed by folding an upper end of the washing drum
outwards.
8. The washing machine according to claim 1, comprising a drainage
structure, wherein the drainage structure comprises a dewatering
channel arranged on an outer wall of the washing drum and
communicating with the washing drum for discharging water thrown
out from the washing drum; and a water inlet end of the dewatering
channel is arranged on an upper end of the washing drum.
9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein a water inlet
for cooperatively mounting the water inlet end is arranged in the
washing drum; the water inlet is arranged below the balancing
ring.
10. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the sealing
structure is an annular sealing ring which is squeezed between the
washing drum and the balancing ring and has a deformation, or the
sealing structure is an annular sealant.
11. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the outer
side wall of the balancing ring partially extends towards an inner
circumference to form an annular top of the annular groove; an
outer side wall of the balancing ring at an outer end of the
annular top extends towards a bottom of the balancing ring to form
an outer annular wall of the annular groove; and an outer side wall
of the balancing ring at an inner end of the annular top extends to
the bottom of the balancing ring to form an inner annular wall of
the annular groove.
12. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the sealing
structure is arranged between the annular top and the support.
13. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein a protruding
part of the inner annular wall is in sealed connection with the
washing drum at a lower end of the support through a screw.
14. The washing machine according to claim 4, comprising a drainage
structure, wherein the drainage structure comprises a dewatering
channel arranged on an outer wall of the washing drum and
communicating with the washing drum for discharging water thrown
out from the washing drum; and a water inlet end of the dewatering
channel is arranged on an upper end of the washing drum.
15. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the sealing
structure is an annular sealing ring which is squeezed between the
washing drum and the balancing ring and has a deformation, or the
sealing structure is an annular sealant.
16. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the support
is a smooth support.
17. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein an upper edge
of the water inlet is parallel to the bottom of the balancing
ring.
18. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the water
inlet end is mounted at the water inlet in a sealed manner.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the field of washing
machines, and particularly relates to a washing machine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A washing machine is designed as an appliance for washing
clothes using electric power. Generally speaking, the washing
machine includes a tub, used for containing washing water; a
rotating drum, rotationally mounted in the tub; an impeller,
rotationally mounted at the bottom of the rotating drum; a motor
and clutch, configured to enable the rotating drum and the impeller
to rotate; and a balancing ring, arranged on the rotating drum to
supplement weight to keep balance when the rotating drum is
rotated. When the rotating drum and the impeller are rotated at a
state where clothes and detergents are introduced into the rotating
drum, the washing water is agitated by the impeller and the clothes
introduced into the rotating drum, so as to wash off dirt on the
clothes.
[0003] In order to increase washing capacity of the washing
machine, a large rotating drum is needed, that is, a height or
diameter of the rotating drum needs to be increased. If the
rotating drum has a large size, the tub containing the rotating
drum and a casing containing the tub also need to be increased
along with increase of the rotating drum. A dimensional increase of
the casing corresponding to the appearance of the washing machine
is confined to the space of an area where the washing machine is
mounted. For a common user, the space for the washing machine in
the room is limited, and it is not logical to achieve the purpose
of increasing the capacity of a washing drum by increasing the
casing of the washing machine, so that how to increase the capacity
of the rotating drum on the premise of not increasing the casing of
the washing machine becomes a big problem puzzling designers. A
non-perforated washing drum solves the problem of capacity
expansion, the tub is canceled or miniaturized, and the rotating
drum is adopted as a washing tub containing the washing water, and
is configured as the non-perforated washing drum.
[0004] When the washing drum is rotated at a high speed, water in
the washing drum ascends along the wall of the washing drum under
the action of centrifugal force and is discharged from a water
outlet at an upper end, a part of the water continues ascending to
a balancing ring connecting part and overflows out of the washing
drum from the balancing ring connecting part. Thus, as time goes,
the overflowing washing water is likely to corrode the case and
other structures, and short circuit is also likely to be
caused.
[0005] In view of this, the present disclosure is particularly
proposed.
SUMMARY
[0006] A technical problem to be solved in the present disclosure
is to overcome defects in the prior art, and provide a washing
machine.
[0007] To solve the technical problem, a basic concept of technical
solutions in the present disclosure is as follows:
[0008] the present disclosure aims to provide a washing machine,
including:
[0009] a washing drum, serving as a water containing tub during
washing;
[0010] a balancing ring, arranged on the washing drum; and
[0011] a sealing structure, arranged between the washing drum and
the balancing ring and configured to prevent water from overflowing
between the washing drum and the balancing ring. Preferably, the
balancing ring is supported by the upper end part of the wall of
the washing drum, and the sealing structure is configured to
prevent water from overflowing between the upper end part of the
wall of the washing drum and the balancing ring.
[0012] Further, the mounting part includes an annular groove with a
downward opening; the matching part includes a support which
extends into the annular groove; the sealing structure is arranged
between the annular groove and the support; and preferably, the
support is a smooth support.
[0013] Further, the annular groove is formed in the outer side wall
of the balancing ring.
[0014] Preferably, the outer side wall of the balancing ring
partially extends to an inner circumference to form an annular top
of the annular groove, the outer side wall of the balancing ring at
the outer end of the annular top continues extending to the bottom
of the balancing ring to form an outer annular wall of the annular
groove, and the outer side wall of the balancing ring at the inner
end of the annular top extends to the bottom of the balancing ring
to form an inner annular wall of the annular groove.
[0015] More preferably, the sealing structure is arranged between
the annular top and the support.
[0016] Further, the inner annular wall protrudes out of the outer
annular wall and extends to the bottom of the balancing ring, and
preferably, the protruding part of the inner annular wall is in
sealed connection with the washing drum at the lower end of the
support through a screw.
[0017] Further, the smooth support is formed by curling the upper
end of the washing drum outwards.
[0018] Further, the smooth support is formed by folding the upper
end of the washing drum outwards.
[0019] Further, the washing machine also includes a drainage
structure, wherein the drainage structure includes a dewatering
channel that is arranged on the outer wall of the washing drum,
communicates with the washing drum and is used for discharging
water thrown out from the washing drum, and the water inlet end of
the dewatering channel is arranged on the upper end of the washing
drum.
[0020] Further, a water inlet for cooperatively mounting the water
inlet end is arranged in the washing drum, and the water inlet is
arranged below the balancing ring.
[0021] Preferably, the upper edge of the water inlet is parallel to
the bottom of the balancing ring.
[0022] Preferably, the water inlet end is mounted at the water
inlet in a sealed manner.
[0023] Further, the sealing structure is an annular sealing ring
which is squeezed between the washing drum and the balancing ring
and has a deformation, or the sealing structure is an annular
sealant.
[0024] Through the technical solutions, compared with the prior
art, the present disclosure has the following beneficial
effects:
[0025] 1. The sealing structure is arranged between the washing
drum and the balancing ring, so that water is prevented from
overflowing out of the washing drum between the washing drum and
the balancing ring, so as not to corrode a washing machine case or
other components due to splashing as time goes, or not to cause
short circuit.
[0026] 2. The washing machine and the balancing ring disclosed by
the present disclosure are simple and convenient to mount, capacity
expansion is not affected, and the mounting cost is reduced.
[0027] 3. The washing drum is a non-perforated washing drum, so
that a space is provided for capacity expansion of the washing
machine.
[0028] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are further
described below in detail in combination with drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The drawings serving as one part of the present disclosure
are intended to provide a further understanding for the present
disclosure. Schematic embodiments and illustrations of the present
disclosure are intended to explain the present disclosure, rather
than an improper limitation of the present disclosure. Apparently,
the accompanying drawings in the description below are merely some
of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other drawings may be
obtained by those ordinary skilled in the art without making
creative labor in accordance with these drawings. In the
drawings:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a washing
machine;
[0031] FIG. 2 is an enlarged drawing of part A of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a washing
machine according to embodiment II of the present disclosure;
and
[0033] FIG. 4 is an enlarged drawing of part B of FIG. 3.
[0034] In the drawings: 1 washing drum, 101 matching part, 102
water retaining part, 103 water collecting chamber, 104 water
inlet, 2 balancing ring, 201 mounting part, 3 sealing structure, 4
water channel.
[0035] It should be indicated that, these accompanying drawings and
textual descriptions are intended not to limit the concept scope of
the present disclosure in any manner, but to explain the concept of
the present disclosure to those skilled in the art with reference
to specific embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages
of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, a clear and
complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments
will be given below, in combination with the accompanying drawings
in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments described
herein are only adopted to explain the present disclosure, rather
than a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure.
[0037] It should be understood in the description of the present
disclosure that, terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear",
"left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc. indicate
direction or position relationships shown based on the drawings,
and are only intended to facilitate the description of the present
disclosure and simplify the description rather than to indicate or
imply that the indicated device or element must have a specific
direction or constructed and operated in a specific direction, and
therefore, shall not be understood as a limitation to the present
disclosure.
[0038] In the present disclosure, it should be noted that, unless
otherwise specifically regulated and defined, terms such as
"installation", "connected", "connecting" and the like shall be
understood in broad sense, and for example, may refer to fixed
connection or detachable connection or integral connection, may
refer to mechanical connection or electrical connection, and may
refer to direct connection or indirect connection through an
intermediate medium. For those ordinary skilled in the art, the
specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure may
be understood according to concrete conditions.
Embodiment I
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1-2, the present embodiment provides a
washing machine including: a washing drum 1, serving as a water
containing tub during washing; a balancing ring 2, arranged on the
washing drum 1; and a sealing structure 3, arranged between the
washing drum 1 and the balancing ring 2, and configured to prevent
water from overflowing between the washing drum 1 and the balancing
ring 2.
[0040] In the solution, the washing machine disclosed by the
embodiment is not equipped with an outer drum. The washing drum 1
may serve as the water containing tub, i.e. an inner drum 2 with
dewatering holes in an upper part only and without holes in a
middle part or a lower part. In case of dewatering, washing water
ascends to the dewatering holes along the wall of the washing drum
under the action of centrifugal force, and is thus discharged out
of the washing drum 1. Under normal circumstances, the balancing
ring 2 is arranged on the washing drum 1 of an impeller type
washing machine. Since the balancing ring 2 and the washing drum 1
are not integrally formed, but mounted together later, water flow
ascending along the wall of the washing drum under the action of
centrifugal force may easily overflow from a mounting gap between
the washing drum 1 and the balancing ring 2, and splashing in all
directions may be caused under the action of high-speed rotation.
Thus, as time goes, a washing machine case or other components are
likely to be corroded by splashing of water, or short circuit may
be caused. The present disclosure adopts the sealing structure 3,
so as to prevent water from overflowing between the washing drum 1
and the balancing ring 2. A good sealing effect can be achieved if
the sealing structure 3 is arranged between the washing drum 1 and
the balancing ring 2, and in addition, the sealing structure 3 can
be easily fixed. A better effect can be achieved in comparison with
a case where the sealing structure is arranged on the outer side of
the washing drum 1 or the balancing ring 2.
[0041] Further, the balancing ring 2 is provided with a mounting
part 201; a matching part 101 cooperating with the mounting part
201 is arranged at the upper end of the washing drum 1; and the
sealing structure 3 is arranged between the mounting part 201 and
the matching part 101.
[0042] In the solution, the balancing ring 2 is mounted on the
washing drum 1 through cooperation of the mounting part 201 and the
matching part 101, the sealing structure 3 is arranged between the
mounting part and the matching part, a good sealing effect is
achieved, the sealing structure 3 is also easily fixed and cannot
be easily damaged or disconnected from an original position to
cause failure of a sealing function under the action of external
force or in long-term use.
[0043] Further, the mounting part 201 includes an annular groove
with a downward opening, the matching part 101 includes a support
which extends into the annular groove, the sealing structure 3 is
arranged between the annular groove and the support, and
preferably, the support is a smooth support.
[0044] In the solution, the matching part 101 is contained by the
annular groove, and the matching part 101 is mounted through the
support and supports the balancing ring 2 on the washing drum 1.
The annular groove is opened downwards. After the balancing ring 2
is mounted, the support extends into the annular groove, under the
action of gravity, the balancing ring 2 is not likely to be
disconnected from the washing drum 1, and under the action of the
annular groove, movement of the balancing ring 2 in a radial
direction is also limited. In the preferable embodiment, the
support is a smooth support, so as to avoid consequences that the
edge of a sharp support is likely to cause scratches or the sealing
structure 3 is damaged to cause failure of a sealing effect, or
even the balancing ring 2 is damaged or broken by a sharp
support.
[0045] Further, the annular groove is formed in the outer side wall
of the balancing ring 2.
[0046] Preferably, the outer side wall of the balancing ring 2
partially extends to an inner circumference to form an annular top
of the annular groove; the outer side wall of the balancing ring 2
at the outer end of the annular top continues extending to the
bottom of the balancing ring 2 to form an outer annular wall of the
annular groove; and the outer side wall of the balancing ring 2 at
the inner end of the annular top extends to the bottom of the
balancing ring 2 to form an inner annular wall of the annular
groove.
[0047] Further preferably, the sealing structure 3 is arranged
between the annular top and the support.
[0048] In the solution, the annular groove may be formed in the
bottom of the balancing ring 2, or is arranged on the side wall of
the balancing ring 2. The annular groove in the embodiment is
arranged on the outer side wall of the balancing ring 2, and in
that case, the external space of the washing drum 1 is not
excessively occupied by the balancing ring 2, and capacity
expansion of the washing drum 1 is not affected. In the preferred
embodiment, the annular top is propped against the support, and the
outer annular wall and the inner annular wall are used for limiting
movement of the support in the radial direction. In the more
preferable embodiment, the inner annular wall is in interference
fit with the inner wall of the washing drum 1, so that the
balancing ring 2 is stably mounted without phenomena such as
displacement or disconnection. In the preferable embodiment, the
sealing structure 3 is arranged between the annular top and the
support, and then a good sealing effect is achieved. Meanwhile, the
sealing structure 3 is also easily fixed so as to avoid
consequences that the sealing effect is failed as the sealing
structure 3 is disconnected or displaced, then water between the
washing drum 1 and the balancing ring 2 overflows out of the
washing drum 1, as times goes, the washing machine case or other
components are corroded by splashing of water, or short circuit is
caused.
[0049] Further, the inner annular wall protrudes out of the outer
annular wall and extends to the bottom of the balancing ring 2, and
preferably, the protruding part of the inner annular wall is in
sealed connection with the washing drum 1 at the lower end of the
support through a screw.
[0050] In the solution, the inner annular wall protrudes out of the
outer annular wall and extends to the bottom of the balancing ring
2, that is, the height of the inner annular wall is larger than
that of the outer annular wall, so that the inner annular wall
cooperates with the washing drum 1 to mount the balancing ring 2
conveniently. In the preferable embodiment, a part, protruding out
of the outer annular wall, of the inner annular wall is in sealed
connection with the washing drum 1 at the lower end of the support
through a screw, so that fixation and connection of the balancing
ring 2 are further ensured, an accidental phenomenon that the
balancing ring 2 is shaken, displaced or disconnected from the
washing drum 1 when the washing drum 1 is rotated at a high speed
is prevented, the overall safety is improved, and a balancing
effect of the balancing ring 2 performs well.
[0051] Further, the smooth support is formed by curling the upper
end of the washing drum 1 outwards.
[0052] Further, the smooth support is formed by folding the upper
end of the washing drum 1 outwards.
[0053] In the solution, a drum wall at the upper part of the
washing drum 1 may function as the support directly, but since the
wall of the washing drum 1 is generally thin, the support may be
sharp and cannot easily fix the balancing ring 2 together with the
annular groove if the drum wall at the upper part functions as the
support directly, the balancing ring 2 cannot be conveniently fixed
due to thin wall even though the drum wall has a round corner; and
meanwhile, sealing cannot be achieved conveniently, either. In the
embodiment, the smooth support is formed by curling the upper end
of the washing drum 1 outwards, or the smooth support is formed by
folding the upper end of the washing drum 1 outwards, so that the
contact area of the support and the annular groove is increased,
the balancing ring 2 is solidly mounted without accidents such as
shaking and displacement.
[0054] Further, the washing machine further includes a drainage
structure, wherein the drainage structure includes a dewatering
channel 4 that is arranged on the outer wall of the washing drum 1,
communicates with the washing drum 1 and is used for discharging
water thrown out from the washing drum 1, and the water inlet end
of the dewatering channel 4 is arranged on the upper end of the
washing drum 1.
[0055] Further, a water inlet 104 for cooperatively mounting the
water inlet end is formed in the washing drum 1, and the water
inlet 104 is arranged below the balancing ring 2.
[0056] Preferably, the upper edge of the water inlet 104 is
parallel to the bottom of the balancing ring 2.
[0057] Preferably, the water inlet end is mounted at the water
inlet 104 in a sealed manner.
[0058] In the solution, the water inlet 104 is arranged below the
balancing ring 2, so that water can be discharged out from the
washing drum 1 smoothly. If the water inlet is not arranged below
the balancing ring 2, water is likely to be accumulated between the
washing drum 1 and the balancing ring 2 and overflows out of the
washing drum 1. In the preferable embodiment, the upper edge of the
water inlet 104 is parallel to the bottom of the balancing ring 2,
so that water is further prevented from being accumulated between
the balancing ring 2 and the washing drum 1, and a good sealing
effect may be achieved. In the preferable embodiment, the water
inlet end is mounted at the water inlet 104 in the sealed manner,
so as to avoid consequences that water overflows out of the washing
drum 1 between the water inlet end and the water inlet 104, the
washing machine case or other components are corroded by splashing
of water as time goes, or short circuit is caused.
[0059] Further, the sealing structure 3 is an annular sealing ring
which is squeezed between the washing drum 1 and the balancing ring
2 and has a deformation, or the sealing structure 3 is an annular
sealant.
Embodiment II
[0060] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present embodiment
provides a washing machine, including:
[0061] a washing drum 1, wherein the washing drum 1 is a water
accommodating drum during washing;
[0062] a balance ring 2, arranged at the top part the washing drum
1; and
[0063] a sealing structure 3, configured to prevent water from
overflowing between the washing drum 1 and the balance ring 2.
[0064] In the above solution, the washing machine of the present
embodiment is not provided with an outer drum. The washing drum 1
is used as a water accommodating drum, and the washing drum 1 is an
inner drum which is provided with dewatering holes only in an upper
part and provided with no holes in a middle part and a lower part.
During dewatering, washing water climbs up to the dewatering holes
along a drum wall under the action of a centrifugal force, and is
then discharged out of the washing drum 1. Generally, the balance
ring 2 is arranged on the top part of the washing drum 1 of the
washing machine. The balance ring 2 and the washing drum 1 are
mounted together in the later stage instead of being integrated, so
that a water flow climbing up along the drum wall under the action
of the centrifugal force may overflow from a mounting gap between
the washing drum 1 and the balance ring 2 and splash all over under
the action of high-speed rotation, and after a long time, the water
flow may splash to corrode a washing machine case body or other
components or cause a short circuit.
[0065] The sealing structure 3 is provided in the present
disclosure to prevent water from overflowing from the space between
the washing drum 1 and the balance ring 2.
[0066] Further, the sealing structure 3 is arranged between the
washing drum 1 and the balance ring 2.
[0067] In the above solution, the sealing structure 3 is arranged
between the washing drum 1 and the balance ring 2 to achieve a
better sealing effect, and is fixed more easily. Compared with a
sealing structure arranged on an outer side of the washing drum 1
or the balance ring 2, the sealing structure 3 of the present
disclosure has a better sealing effect.
[0068] Further, the balance ring 2 is provided with a mounting part
201. An upper end of the washing drum 1 is provided with a matching
part 101 fitted with the mounting part 201. The sealing structure 3
is arranged between the mounting part 201 and the matching part
101.
[0069] In the above solution, the balance ring 2 is mounted on the
top part of the washing drum 1 through mutual fitting of the
mounting part 201 and the matching part 101. The sealing structure
3 is arranged between the mounting part and the matching part to
achieve the better sealing effect, and the sealing structure 3 is
easily fixed. Therefore, the phenomenon that the sealing structure
cannot continue to achieve the sealing effect because of easy
breakage or separation from an original position under external
force or after long-time use is avoided.
[0070] Further, the mounting part 201 includes an annular bulge
radially protruding from the side wall of the balance ring 2; the
matching part 101 includes an annular groove matched with the
annular bulge; and the sealing structure 3 is arranged between the
annular bulge and the annular groove.
[0071] In the above solution, the annular bulge is provided to
facilitate the installation of the balance ring 2. Of course, an
inwards sunken recess may also be selectively arranged on the side
wall of the balance ring 2 and used as the mounting part 201.
However, arrangement of the recess may affect the size and the
intensity of the balance ring 2 and reduce the balance effect, so
that in the present application, it is preferred that the mounting
part 201 includes the annular bulge protruding from the side wall
of the balance ring 2.
[0072] Further, the washing drum 1 further includes a water
retaining part 102 arranged below the annular groove and configured
to narrow a gap between the washing drum 1 and the balance ring 2
to retain water; a water collection cavity 103 is formed by the
washing drum 1, the water retaining part 102 and the balance ring
2; and the water collection cavity 103 is configured to collect
rising water.
[0073] In the above solution, the washing drum 1 further includes
the water retaining part 102. The water retaining part 102 narrows
the gap between the washing drum 1 and the balance ring 2, and when
the water flow rises to the water retaining part 102, a part of the
water is blocked from reaching the annular groove and overflowing,
via the inside of the annular groove, out of the washing drum 1.
Thus, a sealing pressure of the sealing structure 3 is reduced. The
water collection cavity 103 narrows the gap between the washing
drum 1 and the balance ring 2 due to the existence of the water
retaining part 102, so that a higher pressure is required when the
water passes through the water retaining part 102, and most of the
water is collected.
[0074] Further, the washing machine further includes a drainage
structure. The drainage structure includes a dewatering passage
which is arranged on an outer wall of the washing drum 1,
communicates with the washing drum 1 and is configured to drain
water thrown out by the washing drum 1; and a water inlet end 104
of the dewatering passage is arranged on the top part of the
washing drum 1.
[0075] Further, the water inlet end 104 is arranged on the water
collection cavity 103 below the water retaining part 102.
[0076] In the above solution, the water inlet end 104 is arranged
on the water collection cavity 103, so that boosted water in the
water collection cavity 103 can more easily enter the dewatering
passage from the water inlet end 104 and is then discharged.
[0077] Further, the water retaining part 102 is a necking part
formed by retraction from an outer side to an inner side of the
washing drum 1.
[0078] Further, an upper end of the necking part extends to a
periphery to form a supporting part for supporting the mounting
part 201 of the balance ring 2; the supporting part extends upwards
to form an accommodating part surrounding the mounting part 201 of
the balance ring 2; and an upper end of the accommodating part is
inwards flanged to form a fixing part for fixing the mounting part
201 of the balance ring 2.
[0079] Further, the supporting part, the accommodating part and the
fixing part together form an annular groove with an inward opening.
Preferably, all corners formed by the necking part and the annular
groove are rounded corners.
[0080] In the above solution, the supporting part is a bottom
surface of the annular groove. The accommodating part is a side
surface of the annular groove. The fixing part is a top surface of
the annular groove. The accommodating part can accommodate the
mounting part 201 and limit a radial movement of the balance ring
2. All the corners formed by the necking part and the annular
groove are rounded corners. The rounded corners can prevent
operators from being cut in a mounting or carrying process and also
prevent damage caused by sharp corners to the balance ring, and can
further avoid damage, in a rotating process, to other pipelines and
elements in the washing machine at the same time.
[0081] Further, the sealing structure 3 is arranged between the
fixing part and the annular bulge.
[0082] In the above solution, the sealing structure 3 can be
arranged between the supporting part and the annular bulge, or can
be arranged between the accommodating part and the annular bulge,
or can be arranged between the fixing part and the annular bulge as
mentioned in the present embodiment. The sealing structure 3
arranged between the supporting part and the annular bulge is
subjected to an extra pressure from the balance ring 2, so that the
sealing structure 3 is easy to break, and is inconvenient to
install below the annular bulge. The sealing structure 3 arranged
between the accommodating part and the annular bulge is subjected
to radial squeezing force provided by the washing drum 1 and the
balance ring 2 during rotation of the washing drum, so that the
sealing structure 3 is easy to break. The sealing structure 3
arranged between the fixing part and the annular bulge is subjected
to a minimum pressure and thus unlikely to break, and is convenient
to install and effective in sealing.
[0083] Further, the sealing structure 3 is of a flat sheet
structure. Preferably, a friction coefficient of a fitting surface
between the sealing structure 3 and the annular bulge is larger
than friction coefficients of other surfaces.
[0084] In the above solution, the sealing structure 3 is of the
flat sheet structure because the flat sheet structure is not prone
to curl, displace or deform during rolling and flanging of the
fixing part. Generally, the sealing structure 3 is of the flat
sheet structure. The friction coefficient of the fitting surface
between the sealing structure 3 and the annular bulge is larger
than friction coefficients of other surfaces, so that the sealing
structure 3 is not prone to motion or curling during rolling and
flanging of the fixing part.
[0085] Further, the sealing structure 3 is an annular sealing ring
which is squeezed between the washing drum and the balance ring and
has certain deformation.
Embodiment III
[0086] In the present embodiment, the difference from Embodiment I
is that the water retaining part 102 is an annular convex part
arranged on the inner side of the washing drum 1. The upper surface
of the annular convex part and the top of the washing drum 1
flanged inwards to form an annular groove with an inward opening of
the matching part 101 of the balance ring 2.
Embodiment IV
[0087] In the present embodiment, the difference from Embodiment I
is that the annular groove is an annular groove outwards sunken
from the inner side of the washing drum 1, and does not include the
water retaining part 102.
[0088] A lower surface of the annular groove is a supporting part
for supporting the mounting part 201 of the balance ring 2; the
supporting part extends upwards to form an accommodating part
surrounding the mounting part 201 of the balance ring 2; and an
upper end of the accommodating part is inwards flanged and rolled
to form a fixing part for fixing the mounting part 201 of the
balance ring 2.
[0089] The sealing structure 3 is arranged between the fixing part
and the annular bulge.
[0090] The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the
present disclosure, but are not aimed at limiting the present
disclosure in any forms. Although the present disclosure is
disclosed above by the preferred embodiments, the preferred
embodiments are not aimed at limiting the present disclosure. Any
person skilled in the art can make some changes by using the
above-mentioned technical contents or modify the technical contents
as equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes without departing
from the scope of the technical solution of the present disclosure.
Any simple alterations, equivalent changes and modifications that
are made to the above embodiments according to the technical
essence of the present disclosure without departing from the
contents of the technical solution of the present disclosure should
all fall within the scope of the solution of the present
disclosure.
* * * * *