WASHING MACHINE

A washing machine includes a washing tub which can be used for containing water during a washing process and a water collecting device used for collecting drain water from the washing tub, wherein the water collecting device includes a water collecting cavity, and the water collecting cavity is internally provided with a volume expansion structure for expanding a volume of the water collecting cavity. The water collecting cavity of the water collecting device of the present disclosure is internally provided with the volume expansion structure for expanding the volume of the water collecting cavity, and the volume expansion structure achieves a purpose of expanding the volume by outward expanding the water collecting cavity as much as possible under the condition that a height of the water collecting device remains unchanged, so that the problem of water splashing or overflow in the water collecting device is avoided.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of laundry equipment, in particular to a washing machine.

BACKGROUND

A washing machine is designed as a device for washing clothing through electricity. Generally speaking, a washing machine includes: a tub for containing washing water; a rotating tub rotationally installed in the tub; impellers rotationally installed at a bottom of the rotating tub; a motor and a clutch which are configured to rotate the rotating tub and the impellers. When the rotating tub and the impellers rotate in a state in which clothing and detergents are put into the rotating tub, the impellers agitate washing water together with the clothing put into the rotating tub, thereby removing stains from the clothing.

In order to increase the washing capacity of the washing machine, a larger rotating tub is required, that is, a height or diameter of the rotating tub needs to be increased. If the rotating tub is larger, an accommodating tub and a machine shell which are used for accommodating the rotating tub also need to be enlarged as the rotating tub is enlarged.

The enlargement of the machine shell corresponding to the appearance of the washing machine is limited by the space of an area where the washing machine is installed. General users have a limited space for the washing machine in the home, so that it is not realistic to enlarge the washing machine shell to increase the capacity of the washing tub. How to increase the capacity of the rotating tub without enlarging the machine shell of the washing machine has become a major problem for designers.

In view of this, the present disclosure is proposed.

SUMMARY

In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted.

A washing machine includes a washing tub which can be used for containing water during a washing process and a water collecting device used for collecting drain water from the washing tub, wherein the water collecting device includes a water collecting cavity, and the water collecting cavity is internally provided with a volume expansion structure for expanding a volume of the water collecting cavity.

Further, a bottom wall of the water collecting cavity includes a bottom wall body located in the middle and a concave water collecting groove located on the outer periphery of the bottom wall body, the water collecting device includes a drainage port communicating with the water collecting groove, and the volume expansion structure is located on a side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove, and is used for expanding the volume of the water collecting groove.

Further, the volume expansion structure includes a first volume expansion part, and the first volume expansion part is formed by the side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove extending obliquely toward the bottom wall body.

Further, the side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove extends obliquely toward the bottom wall body in an entire circumferential direction to form a full circle of the first volume expansion part; or,

the side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove partially extends obliquely toward the bottom wall body to form a plurality of first volume expansion parts distributed along the outer periphery of the bottom wall body.

Further, inclination angles of the first volume expansion part at positions in the entire circumferential direction of the bottom wall body are the same; or, the inclination angles of the first volume expansion part at the positions in the entire circumferential direction of the bottom wall body gradually increase.

Further, the volume expansion structure includes a second volume expansion part, and the second volume expansion part is formed by recessing the side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove toward the bottom wall body.

Further, the second volume expansion part includes a plurality of inward recesses distributed around the outer periphery of the bottom wall body and formed by partially recessing the side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove toward the bottom wall body, wherein

at least one inward recess corresponds to the position of the drainage port.

Further, a part, below a highest water level, of a tub wall of the washing tub is closed, and the washing tub is used for containing water during the washing process; a part, above the highest water level, of the tub wall of the washing tub is provided with dehydration holes, and the washing tub discharges water from the dehydration holes during a dehydration process. A dehydration and drainage device is arranged on an outer wall of the washing tub, a water inlet end of the dehydration and drainage device communicates with the dehydration holes, and a water outlet end of the dehydration and drainage device extends into the water collecting cavity of the water collecting device.

Further, the water collecting device is located under the washing tub and arranged coaxially with the washing tub, an upper opening of the water collecting device is lower than the dehydration holes of the washing tub, and the dehydration and drainage device includes drainage channels extending into the water collecting groove of the water collecting device from top to bottom; and a depth of the water collecting groove in a vertical direction gradually increases along a direction in which the washing tub rotates during dehydration.

Further, a plurality of dehydration holes are formed at a tub opening of the washing tub, a plurality of drainage channels are arranged and are in one-to-one corresponding to the dehydration holes, upper ends of the drainage channels communicate with the dehydration holes, and lower ends of the drainage channels extend into the water collecting groove of the water collecting device.

Or, a plurality of dehydration hole groups are uniformly formed at the tub opening of the washing tub, each dehydration hole group includes a plurality of dehydration holes, a plurality of drainage channels are arranged and are in one-to-one corresponding to the dehydration hole groups, the upper end of each drainage channel communicates with a plurality of dehydration holes in one dehydration hole group, and the lower end of each drainage channel extends into the water collecting groove of the water collecting device.

The washing tub of the washing machine of the present disclosure is used for containing water during the washing process, so that the washing tub adopts a “non-porous washing tub” design, meanwhile, the structural design of an outer tub is omitted, the water collecting device is adopted for replacing the outer tub to collect and discharge water, and therefore the washing machine of the present disclosure has the following technical effects.

1. The capacity of the washing tub can be increased under the condition that the volume of a shell remains unchanged, and thus a volume expansion effect of the washing machine is achieved.

2. Water only exists in the washing tub during the washing process, which avoids the problem of “dirt remaining” on an inner wall of an outer tub and the outer wall of the washing tub caused by water stored between an inner tub and an outer tub of a traditional washing machine, and a better washing effect is achieved.

3. The outer tub is omitted, and the washing tub is used as a water containing tub, so that no water is stored between the inner tub and the outer tub during the washing process, the washing water consumption is reduced, and washing water is saved.

4. The water collecting cavity of the water collecting device is internally provided with the volume expansion structure for expanding the volume of the water collecting cavity, and the volume expansion structure achieves the purpose of expanding the volume by outward expanding the water collecting cavity as much as possible on the premise that the height of the water collecting device remains unchanged, so that the problem of water splashing or overflow in the water collecting device is avoided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a washing machine in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a first schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a second schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure along a plane E-E in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure along a plane F-F in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure along a plane A-A in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a bottom of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure along a plane B-B in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a bottom of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure along a plane C-C in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a water collecting device of a washing machine in another implementation mode of Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a water collecting device of a washing machine in another implementation mode of Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a water collecting device of a washing machine in Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a reinforcing structure in an implementation mode of Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of a water collecting device of a washing machine in another implementation mode of Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a reinforcing structure in another implementation mode of Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a water collecting device of a washing machine in another implementation mode of Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of a water collecting device of a washing machine in another implementation mode of Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a water collecting device of a washing machine in another implementation mode of Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A washing machine of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiment 1

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, a washing machine of the embodiment includes a washing tub 200 for containing water during a washing process and a water collecting device 500 for collecting drain water from the washing tub, wherein the water collecting device 500 includes a water collecting cavity 503.

The washing tub 200 of the washing machine in the embodiment is used as a water containing tub, no outer tub is arranged outside the washing tub 200, only the water collecting device 500 is arranged at a bottom of the washing tub 200. Thus washing water in the washing tub is discharged to the water collecting device 500 and then discharged, and therefore the water collecting device 500 is provided with the water collecting cavity 503 to achieve a function of temporarily storing water.

The washing tub of the washing machine in the embodiment is used as the water containing tub, so that the washing tub adopts a “non-porous washing tub” design, meanwhile, an outer tub is omitted and replaced by the water collecting device which only collects and discharges drain water from the washing tub, and therefore the washing machine of the embodiment has the following technical effects.

1. The capacity of the washing tub can be increased under the condition that a volume of a shell remains unchanged, and thus a volume expansion effect of the washing machine is achieved.

2. Water only exists in the washing tub in the washing process, which avoids the problem of “dirt remaining” on an inner wall of an outer tub and the outer wall of the washing tub caused by water stored between an inner tub and an outer tub of a traditional washing machine, and a better washing effect is achieved.

3. The outer tub is omitted, and the washing tub is used as the water containing tub, so that no water is stored between the inner tub and the outer tub during the washing process, the washing water consumption is reduced, and washing water is saved.

Due to the volume expansion of the washing machine, water is discharged from an opening of a water channel on the washing tub in the dehydration stage, as the outer tub is omitted, water discharged from the water channel enters the water collecting cavity of the water collecting device. Due to the volume expansion demand, a height of the water collecting device is limited, a water level in the water collecting cavity is at a certain height, when the washing tub rotates at a high speed for dehydration, the water level increases, and water flow attaches to the inner wall of the water collecting cavity. If water cannot be discharged in time, water splashes or rises to overflow out of a water drainage channel. Therefore, the embodiment aims to increase the volume in the water collecting cavity as much as possible under the condition that that the height of the water collecting device remains unchanged, so as to avoid the problem of water splashing or overflow in the water collecting device.

Therefore, the water collecting cavity 503 of the embodiment is internally provided with a volume expansion structure for expanding the volume. Due to the volume expansion structure, the water collecting cavity 503 is outward expanded as much as possible to achieve the purpose of volume expansion under the condition of ensuring that the height of the water collecting device remains unchanged, so as to avoid the problem of water splashing or overflow in the water collecting device.

Further, a bottom wall of the water collecting cavity 503 in the embodiment includes a bottom wall body 505 located in the middle and a concave water collecting groove 502 located on the outer periphery of the bottom wall body 505, the water collecting device 500 includes a drainage port 504 communicating with the water collecting groove, and the volume expansion structure is located on a side wall, close to the bottom wall body 505, of the water collecting groove 502, and is used for expanding a volume of the water collecting groove 502.

The water collecting groove 502 of the embodiment increases a depth of partial of the water collecting cavity, and meanwhile, outlet ends of drainage channels on the washing tub extend into the water collecting groove 502 of the water collecting device 500, in this way, even if the washing tub rotates at a high speed for dehydration, discharged water directly enters the deeper water collecting groove 502, so that water splashing or overflow is avoided.

It can be seen that since drain water of the washing tub is directly discharged into the water collecting groove 502 of the water collecting device, water splashing or overflow is avoided by arranging the volume expansion structure on the water collecting groove 502 for expanding the volume of the water collecting groove 502 in the present disclosure without overall deepening, and thus the height and strength of the water collecting device are ensured.

As an implementation of the embodiment, the volume expansion structure includes a first volume expansion part 512, and the first volume expansion part 512 is formed by the side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove 502 extending obliquely toward the bottom wall body, so that the volume of the water collecting groove 502 is increased.

In the embodiment, an arrangement mode and an inclination angle of the first volume expansion part 512 need to ensure the overall height and strength of the water collecting device.

Specifically, the side wall, close to the bottom wall body 505, of the water collecting groove 502 extends obliquely toward the bottom wall body 505 in an entire circumferential direction to form a full circle of the first volume expansion part 512; or,

the side wall, close to the bottom wall body 505, of the water collecting groove 502 partially extends obliquely toward the bottom wall body 505 to form a plurality of first volume expansion parts 512 distributed along the outer periphery of the bottom wall body 505.

In the embodiment, inclination angles of the first volume expansion part 512 at positions in the entire circumferential direction of the bottom wall body are the same, and therefore the volume of the water collecting groove 502 can be expanded as much as possible.

Alternatively, the inclination angles of the first volume expansion part 512 at the positions in the entire circumferential direction of the bottom wall body gradually increase, thus, a transition structure is formed between the side wall of the water collecting groove and the bottom wall body 505, a certain water guiding effect is achieved, and water is guided from the bottom wall body to the water collecting groove 502.

As an implementation mode of the embodiment, the volume expansion structure includes a second volume expansion part 513, and the second volume expansion part 513 is formed by recessing the side wall, close to the bottom wall body 505, of the water collecting groove 502 toward the bottom wall body 505.

Further, the second volume expansion part 513 includes a plurality of inward recesses distributed around the outer periphery of the bottom wall body and formed by partially recessing the side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove toward the bottom wall body, wherein

at least one inward recess corresponds to the position of the drainage port.

Further, the inward recess corresponding to the drainage port is larger than the other inward recesses.

According to the washing machine of the embodiment, a part of a tub wall, below a highest water level, of the washing tub 200 is closed, and the washing tub 200 is used for containing water during the washing process; a part of the tub wall, above the highest water level, of the washing tub 200 is provided with dehydration holes, and the washing tub 200 discharges water from the dehydration holes during the dehydration process; a dehydration and drainage device 300 is arranged on the outer wall of the washing tub 200, a water inlet end of the dehydration and drainage device 300 communicates with the dehydration holes, and a water outlet end of the dehydration and drainage device 300 extends into the water collecting cavity 503 of the water collecting device 500.

The washing tub 200 of the washing machine in the embodiment is a “non-porous washing tub”. The washing tub 200 is used as a water containing tub during the washing process, the part of the tub wall, above the highest water level, of the washing tub 200 is provided with the dehydration holes to achieve a dehydration function, meanwhile, the dehydration and drainage device is arranged on the tub wall of the washing tub 200, water of the washing machine during the dehydration process is guided to the water collecting cavity 503 of the water collecting device 500 through the dehydration and drainage device to be collected and discharged, and dehydrated water is prevented from splashing into a shell of the washing machine.

The water collecting device 500 of the embodiment is located under the washing tub 200 and is arranged coaxially with the washing tub, an upper opening of the water collecting device 500 is lower than the dehydration holes of the washing tub 200, and the dehydration and drainage device 300 includes drainage channels extending into the water collecting groove 502 of the water collecting device 500 from top to bottom. A depth of the water collecting groove 502 in a vertical direction gradually increases along a direction in which the washing tub rotates during dehydration. In the embodiment, the dehydration and drainage device 300 is extended into the water collecting groove 502 of the water collecting device 500, water in the dehydration process is collected in the water collecting groove 502 and discharged, meanwhile, the water collecting groove 502 is deeper than the water collecting cavity 503, and splashing during dehydration and drainage can be avoided.

Further, a plurality of dehydration holes are formed in a tub opening of the washing tub 200 in the embodiment, a plurality of drainage channels are arranged and are in a one-to-one corresponding to the dehydration holes, upper ends of the drainage channels communicate with the dehydration holes, and lower ends of the drainage channels extend into the water collecting groove 502 of the water collecting device.

Alternatively, a plurality of dehydration hole groups are uniformly formed at the tub opening of the washing tub 200, each dehydration hole group includes a plurality of dehydration holes, a plurality of drainage channels are arranged and are in one-to-one corresponding to the dehydration hole groups, the upper end of each drainage channel communicates with a plurality of dehydration holes in one dehydration hole group, and the lower end of each drainage channel extends into the water collecting groove 502 of the water collecting device.

As an implementation of the embodiment, the bottom wall of the water collecting cavity 503 includes a bottom wall body 505 flush arranged as a whole and an annular water collecting groove 502 located on the outer periphery of the bottom wall body 505, a plurality of drainage channels are arranged and evenly distributed along the outer wall of the washing tub, and water outlet ends of the plurality of drainage channels communicate to an interior of the annular water collecting groove.

Further, the drainage port 504 in the embodiment is formed in a position at a lowest water level in the annular water collecting groove 502, the drainage port 504 expands toward the bottom wall body 505 to meet the water discharge quantity requirement, thus a diameter of the drainage port can be increased, a water outflow rate is increased the drainage requirements can be met, and water accumulation and overflow of the water collecting device 500 are avoided.

The bottom wall body 505 of the embodiment is provided with a valve plug installation part 506 and a locking component installation part 507, a valve plug is installed on the valve plug installation part 506, a locking component is installed on the locking component installation part 507. The bottom of the washing tub 200 is provided with a positioning hole and a washing tub drainage port. When the washing tub discharges water, the locking component moves to be inserted into the positioning hole in the washing tub 200 so as to lock the washing tub 200 in position, and meanwhile, the valve plug moves to open the washing tub drainage port to discharge water in the washing tub.

The water collecting device 500 of the embodiment is of a basin-shaped structure internally provided with a cavity. The water collecting device 500 is arranged inside a shell 100 of the washing machine in a hoisting manner through suspension rods 400, suspension rod installation bases 501 for assembling the suspension rods 400 are arranged on an outer peripheral wall of the water collecting device, and preferably, four suspension rod installation bases are arranged and evenly distributed in a circumferential direction.

A driving device 600 is installed on a bottom wall of the water collecting device 500 of the embodiment, and the driving device is provided with a washing tub shaft and an impeller shaft which drives the washing tub 200 and impellers 800 to rotate.

A balance ring 900 is arranged at the opening of the washing tub 200 of the embodiment, and the dehydration holes of the washing tub 200 are formed in the opening and blocked by the balance ring 900, thus, the washing tub 200 achieves a “non-porous” effect in appearance, and the overall integration is improved.

Embodiment 2

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 7-9, a washing machine of the embodiment includes a washing tub 200 used for containing water during a washing process and a water collecting device 500 for collecting water discharged from the washing tub 200, wherein the water collecting device 500 includes a water collecting cavity 503 and a drainage port 504 communicating with the water collecting cavity 503, and a bottom wall of the water collecting cavity 503 is provided with a water guiding structure for guiding water to flow to the drainage port 504.

The washing tub 200 of the washing machine in the embodiment is used as a water containing tub, no outer tub is arranged outside the washing tub 200, only the water collecting device 500 is arranged at a bottom of the washing tub 200 in the embodiment, thus washing water in the washing tub is discharged to the water collecting device 500 and then discharged. Therefore the water collecting device 500 is provided with the water collecting cavity 503 to achieve a function of temporarily storing water. A height of the water collecting device 500 is less than a height of the washing tub 200, the bottom wall of the water collecting cavity 503 is provided with the water guiding structure for guiding water to flow to the drainage port 504, so as to ensure that water is discharged in time, and avoid overflow caused by excessive water accumulation in the water collecting device 500.

As an implementation of the embodiment, all or part of the bottom wall of the water collecting cavity 503 is arranged in a transition manner from high to low to form the water guiding structure, and the drainage port 504 is arranged at a position, below a highest water level, on the bottom wall of the water collecting cavity 503. In this way, drain water can be better discharged to the drainage port 504 along the water guiding structure of the water collecting cavity 503 to be discharged.

Further, the bottom wall of the water collecting cavity 503 of the embodiment is provided with a concave water collecting groove 502, a depth of the water collecting groove 502 in a vertical direction is set in a transition manner from high to low, thus the water guiding structure is formed, and the drainage port 504 is arranged in the water collecting groove 502 and is located at the position below the highest water level. In the embodiment, the concave water collecting groove 502 is arranged in the water collecting cavity 503, which increases a water collecting volume on and prevents water from splashing. Since the water level of the water collecting groove in the water collecting cavity 503 is the lowest, arranging the drainage port 504 in the water collecting groove is more conducive to drainage.

Specifically, the water collecting groove 502 in the embodiment is circumferentially arranged along the bottom wall of the water collecting cavity 503, and the depth of the water collecting groove 502 is set in a transition manner from high to low in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, so that the water guiding structure is formed.

Preferably, the depth of the water collecting groove in the vertical direction is set in a transition manner from high to low in a clockwise direction, so that the water guiding structure is formed.

As an implementation of the embodiment, the water guiding structure is a spiral structure or a stepped structure formed by the bottom of the water collecting groove 502 from high to low, and the drainage port 504 is formed in the water collecting groove and located at the position at the lowest water level of the spiral structure or the stepped structure. In this way, drain water is completely discharged, and water is prevented from remaining in the water collecting cavity 503.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, a height difference between the highest and lowest positions of the bottom of the water collecting groove 502 is h, and the h is designed according to the drainage requirements of the washing machine.

The washing machine of the embodiment adopts the structural design of a “non-porous washing tub” without an outer tub, and the water collecting groove of the water collecting device is arranged in a high-low transition manner, so that water is better guided and discharged, water collecting and drainage of the water collecting device are ensured, and water accumulation and overflow are prevented.

Embodiment 3

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 7-11, a washing machine of the embodiment includes a washing tub 200 used for containing water during a washing process and a water collecting device 500 for collecting water discharged from the washing tub 200. The water collecting device 500 includes a water collecting cavity 503 and a drainage port 504 communicating with the water collecting cavity 503, a bottom wall of the water collecting cavity 503 is provided with a concave water collecting groove 502, and the innermost circumference of the drainage port 504 is located in the outermost circumference of the water collecting groove 502.

The washing tub 200 of the washing machine in the embodiment is used as a water containing tub, no outer tub is arranged outside the washing tub 200, only the water collecting device 500 is arranged at a bottom of the washing tub 200 in the embodiment, thus washing water in the washing tub is discharged to the water collecting device 500 and then discharged, Therefore the water collecting device 500 is provided with the water collecting cavity 503 to achieve a function of temporarily storing water. In the embodiment, the innermost circumference of the drainage port 504 is located in the outermost circumference of the water collecting groove 502, so that the drainage port 504 can work at full capacity to meet drainage requirements.

As an implementation of the embodiment, the innermost circumference of the drainage port 504 and the outermost circumference of the water collecting groove 502 are internally tangent. In this way, the drainage port 504 can discharge water quickly, and water accumulated in the water collecting groove 502 is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 5, the outermost circumference of the water collecting groove 502 is R0, the innermost circumference of the drainage port 504 is R1, and the R0 and R1 are internally tangent.

As an implementation of the embodiment, at least two drainage ports 504 are formed and are respectively formed in the water collecting groove 502 to better meet the drainage requirements of the water collecting device 500. The innermost circumferences of the plurality of drainage ports 504 are located in the outermost circumference of the water collecting groove 502 so that each drainage port 504 can discharge water quickly, and water accumulated in the water collecting groove 502 is greatly reduced.

Preferably, the innermost circumference of at least one of the drainage ports 504 and the outermost circumference of the water collecting groove 502 are internally tangent. Further preferably, the innermost circumferences of the drainage ports 504 are internally tangent to the outermost circumference of the water collecting groove 502.

As an implementation of the embodiment, a depth of the water collecting groove 502 in a vertical direction is set in a transition manner from high to low, and the plurality of drainage ports 504 are distributed in the water collecting groove 502 and located at positions below a highest water level. At least one of the drainage ports 504 is formed in a position at a lowest water level in the water collecting groove 502.

Further, the drainage ports 504 include a first drainage port and a second drainage port, the first drainage port is formed in the position at the lowest water level in the water collecting groove 502, and the second drainage port is formed in a position between the highest water level and the lowest water level in the water collecting groove 502. The innermost circumference of the first drainage port and the innermost circumference of the second drainage port are internally tangent to the outermost circumference of the water collecting groove respectively.

Preferably, the water collecting groove 502 is circumferentially arranged along the bottom wall of the water collecting cavity 503, the depth of the water collecting groove 502 in the vertical direction is set in a transition manner from high to low in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the first drainage port and the second drainage port are formed in the water collecting groove 502, and an included angle A between the first drainage port and the second drainage port meets the requirement: 90°≤A≤180°, and preferably, the A=180°.

Specifically, the bottom wall of the water collecting cavity 503 in the embodiment includes a bottom wall body 505 flush arranged as a whole and an annular water collecting groove 502 located on the outer periphery of the bottom wall body 505, the drainage ports 504 are formed in the annular water collecting groove 502, one sides of the innermost circumferences of the drainage ports 504 are tangent to the outermost circumference of the annular water collecting groove 502, and the other opposite sides of the innermost circumferences of the drainage ports 504 extend toward the bottom wall body 505.

Embodiment 4

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 12-14, a washing machine of the embodiment includes a washing tub 200 used for containing water during a washing process and a water collecting device 500 for collecting water discharged from the washing tub 200, wherein the water collecting device 500 includes a water collecting cavity 503 and a plurality of drainage ports 504 communicating with the water collecting cavity 503, the plurality of drainage ports 504 are formed to meet the drainage requirement of preventing overflow of the water collecting device 500.

The washing tub 200 of the washing machine in the embodiment is used as a water containing tub, no outer tub is arranged outside the washing tub 200, only the water collecting device 500 is arranged at a bottom of the washing tub 200 in the embodiment, thus washing water in the washing tub is discharged to the water collecting device 500 and then discharged Therefore the water collecting device 500 is provided with the water collecting cavity 503 to achieve a function of temporarily storing water. The plurality of drainage ports 504 are formed in the embodiment, the water discharge per unit time of the water collecting device 500 is increased, rapid drainage is achieved, water accumulated in a water collecting groove is reduced, and overflow of the water collecting device 500 is prevented.

Specifically, as an implementation of the embodiment, a concave water collecting groove 502 is formed in a bottom wall of the water collecting cavity 503, and at least two drainage ports 504 are formed in the water collecting groove 502. Since the position of the water collecting groove 502 is low, the two drainage ports are formed in the water collecting groove to better meet the drainage requirements.

Further, a depth of the water collecting groove 502 in a vertical direction is set in a transition manner from high to low, thus water flow is better guided to be discharged, the plurality of the drainage ports 504 are distributed in the water collecting groove 502 and located at positions below a highest water level, and at least one of the drainage ports 504 is formed in a position at a lowest water level in the water collecting groove to ensure that water in the water collecting groove 502 is completely discharged.

As an implementation of the embodiment, the drainage ports 504 include a first drainage port 5041 and a second drainage port 5042, the first drainage port 5041 is formed in the position at the lowest water level in the water collecting groove 502, and the second drainage port 5042 is formed in a position between the highest water level and the lowest water level in the water collecting groove 502. Although arranging as many drainage ports as possible can better meet the drainage requirements, processing, manufacturing and the overall strength of the water collecting device 500 are affected, two drainage ports are arranged in the embodiment, the drainage requirements are well met, and the manufacturing and strength requirements of the water collecting device 500 are ensured.

In the embodiment, the first drainage port 5041 is connected to a first drainage pipe 701, the second drainage port 5042 is connected to a second drainage pipe 702, the first drainage pipe 701 and the second drainage pipe 702 are connected to a tee joint 704, the tee joint 704 is connected to a third drainage pipe 703, and the third drainage pipe 703 communicates to the outside of a shell 100 of the washing machine.

Further, the water collecting groove 502 is circumferentially arranged along the bottom wall of the water collecting cavity 503, the depth of the water collecting groove 502 in the vertical direction is set in a transition manner from high to low in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the first drainage port 5041 and the second drainage port 5042 are formed in the water collecting groove respectively, an included angle A between the first drainage port 5041 and the second drainage port 5042 meets the requirement: 90°≤A≤180°, and thus water in two areas as far away as possible in the water collecting cavity 503 are discharged simultaneously, and drainage pressure of the other drainage port is lowered.

Preferably, the A=180°, simultaneous drainage in two opposite areas in the water collecting cavity 503 can be achieved, and the drainage pressure of other drainage port is lowered.

Preferably, the innermost circumferences of the plurality of drainage ports are located in the outermost circumference of the water collecting groove.

Preferably, the innermost circumference of at least one of the drainage ports is internally tangent to the outermost circumference of the water collecting groove; and

Further preferably, the innermost circumference of the first drainage port and the innermost circumference of the second drainage port are internally tangent to the outermost circumference of the water collecting groove.

As an implementation of the embodiment, diameters of the plurality of drainage ports are the same or different; and

preferably, the diameters of the drainage ports increase as the water levels at the positions where the drainage ports are located in the water collecting cavity increase.

Embodiment 5

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 15-17, a washing machine of the embodiment includes a washing tub 200 used for containing water during a washing process and a water collecting device 500 for collecting water discharged from the washing tub 200, wherein the water collecting device 500 includes a water collecting cavity 503, an overflow structure 510 is arranged on a side wall of the water collecting cavity 503, and the overflow structure 510 includes an overflow port 509 for discharging overflowing water in the water collecting cavity.

The washing tub 200 of the washing machine in the embodiment is used as a water containing tub, no outer tub is arranged outside the washing tub 200, only the water collecting device 500 is arranged at a bottom of the washing tub 200 in the embodiment, thus washing water in the washing tub is discharged to the water collecting device 500 and then discharged, and therefore the water collecting device 500 is provided with the water collecting cavity 503 to achieve a function of temporarily storing water. The side wall of the water collecting cavity 503 of the embodiment is provided with the overflow structure 510, when accumulated water in the water collecting cavity 503 reaches the overflow structure 510, accumulated water in the water collecting cavity 503 is discharged from the overflow port 509 of the overflow structure 510, so that a situation that excessive water accumulated in the water collecting device 500 overflows from the water collecting cavity 503 is avoided.

The overflow structure 510 in the embodiment includes an overflow cavity arranged on the upper side wall of the water collecting cavity 503, and the overflow port 509 is formed in a bottom wall of the overflow cavity. When accumulated water in the water collecting cavity 503 reaches the overflow structure 510, the accumulated water in the water collecting cavity 503 enters the overflow cavity of the overflow structure 510 and is directly discharged through the overflow port 509 to reduce the amount of the accumulated water in the water collecting cavity 503, and overflow of the water collecting cavity 503 is prevented.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, as an implementation of the embodiment, the overflow cavity is formed by partially expanding the upper side wall of the water collecting cavity.

As shown in FIG. 12, an overflow ring 511 is arranged on an outer wall of the water collecting cavity 503 in the embodiment, the overflow ring 511 is internally provided with the overflow cavity, the overflow port 509 is formed in a bottom of the overflow ring 511 and communicates with the overflow cavity, and overflowing water in the water collecting cavity 503 overflows through the water collecting cavity wall into the overflow cavity in the overflow ring 511 and is discharged from the overflow port 509.

Further, the water collecting device 500 is provided with an opening of the water collecting cavity, the overflow ring 511 is a ring body with an annular opening in an upper end, and the ring body is installed on the outer wall of the water collecting cavity 503 in a sealed manner and is close to the opening of the water collecting cavity.

As an implementation of the embodiment, the bottom of the overflow cavity 503 is set in a transition manner from high to low, and the overflow port 509 is formed in a position at a lowest water level of the bottom of the overflow cavity 503.

As shown in FIG. 16, the overflow port 509 in the embodiment is connected to an overflow pipe 705, the overflow pipe 705 is directly led to the outside of a washing machine body, and a drainage pipe connected to a drainage port also extends to the outside of the washing machine body separately.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15, the water collecting cavity 503 is internally provided with a drainage port 504, the drainage port 504 is connected to drainage pipes, the overflow port 509 is connected to an overflow pipe, and the overflow pipe is connected to the drainage pipes.

Specifically, the drainage pipes include a first drainage pipe 701 and a second drainage pipe, one end of the first drainage pipe 701 communicates with the drainage port 504, and the other end of the first drainage pipe 701 communicates with a tee joint 704; one end of the overflow pipe 705 communicates with the overflow port 509, and the other end of the overflow pipe 705 communicates with the tee joint 704; one end of the second drainage pipe communicates with the tee joint 704, and the other end of the second drainage pipe is led to the outside of the washing machine body; and preferably, the first drainage pipe, the second drainage pipe and the overflow pipe are straight pipes.

Embodiment 6

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 18-24, a washing machine of the embodiment includes a washing tub 200 used for containing water during a washing process and a water collecting device 500 for collecting water discharged from the washing tub 200, wherein the water collecting device 500 includes a water collecting cavity 503, and a side wall 508 of the water collecting cavity 503 is provided with a reinforcing structure for increasing the strength of the side wall.

The washing tub 200 of the washing machine in the embodiment is used as a water containing tub, no outer tub is arranged outside the washing tub 200, only the water collecting device 500 is arranged at a bottom of the washing tub 200 in the embodiment, thus washing water in the washing tub is discharged to the water collecting device 500 and then discharged, and therefore the water collecting device 500 is provided with the water collecting cavity 503 to achieve a function of temporarily storing water. Although the washing machine of the embodiment is no longer provided with an outer tub, the bottom of the washing tub 200 is still arranged in the water collecting cavity of the water collecting device 500, the washing tub 200 needs to be determined relative to the water collecting cavity of the water collecting device to prevent collision between the washing tub 200 and the water collecting device during dehydration. In the embodiment, by arranging the reinforcing structure on the side wall 508 of the water collecting cavity 503 to increase the strength of the side wall, the overall strength of the water collecting device is improved, phenomena that the water collecting device deforms and then a distance between an inner tub and an outer tub becomes shorter, resulting “tub collision” or even “tub abrasion” and the like are prevented, and the stability of the washing and dehydration conditions of the washing tub is ensured.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the above reinforcing structure in the embodiment is a reinforcing member that is embedded and injection-molded in the side wall of the water collecting cavity. In the embodiment, by injection-molding the reinforcement member into the side wall of the water collecting cavity, a purpose of enhancing the strength of the side wall of the water collecting cavity is achieved.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, as an implementation of the embodiment, the reinforcing member is a sheet reinforcing circular ring 1001 matched with the side wall of the water collecting cavity 503, and the sheet reinforcing circular ring 1001 is vertically embedded and injection-molded into the side wall of the water collecting cavity 503. In this way, the side wall of the water collecting cavity 503 is strengthened in an entire vertical direction by the embedded sheet reinforcing circular ring 1001, and the overall strength is higher.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the reinforcing member is a steel wire-shaped reinforcing circular ring 1002 matched with the side wall of the water collecting cavity 503, the water collecting device includes an opening of the water collecting cavity, and the steel wire-shaped reinforcing circular ring 1002 is embedded and injection-molded in the side wall of the water collecting cavity 503 and is close to the opening of the water collecting cavity. The steel wire-shaped reinforcing circular ring 1002 penetrates through the side wall of the water collecting cavity 503 in an entire circumferential direction to increase the strength of the side wall in the entire circumferential direction, and by arranging the reinforcing circular ring close to the opening of the water collecting cavity, the strength at the opening of the water collecting cavity can be ensured, and the opening cannot deform easily.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, as an implementation of the embodiment, the reinforcing structure is a reinforcing member fastened to the inside of the side wall of the water collecting cavity, and an outer diameter of the reinforcing member is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the water collecting cavity

Or, the reinforcing structure is a reinforcing member fastened to the outside of the side wall of the water collecting cavity, and an inner diameter of the reinforcing member is slightly larger than an outer diameter of the side wall of the water collecting cavity.

As shown in FIG. 22, the reinforcing member is a sheet reinforcing circular ring 1003 matched with the side wall of the water collecting cavity, and the sheet reinforcing circular ring 1003 is fastened inside or outside the side wall 508 of the water collecting cavity 503 by a clamping device 1100.

The clamping device 1100 in the embodiment includes a clamping slot 1101, and the clamping device 1100 clamps the sheet reinforcing circular ring 1003 inside or outside the side wall 508 of the water collecting cavity 503 through the clamping slot.

Further, an upper opening of the sheet reinforcing circular ring 1003 in the embodiment is provided with a flanging structure 10031 to further enhance the overall strength of the sheet reinforcing circular ring 1003.

As shown in FIG. 23, the reinforcing member is a steel wire-shaped reinforcing circular ring 1004 matched with the side wall of the water collecting cavity. The steel wire-shaped reinforcing circular ring 1004 is connected by a clamp nut 10041 to form a closed circular ring. The water collecting device 500 includes an opening of the water collecting cavity, and the steel wire-shaped reinforcing circular ring 1004 is fastened inside or outside the side wall 508 of the water collecting cavity 503 by adjusting the clamp nut 10041 and is close to the opening of the water collecting cavity 503.

As shown in FIG. 24, the water collecting device includes an opening of the water collecting cavity, and the reinforcing structure is a flanging structure 1005 which is turned outward or inward from an edge of the opening of the water collecting cavity.

The above embodiments can be implemented individually, or can be combined with each other to form a new technical solution while solving multiple corresponding technical problems.

The above embodiments are only the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not limit the present disclosure in any form. Although the present disclosure has been disclosed as above in the preferred embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any technicians familiar with this patent can make some variations or modifications to the above technical contents to form equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes without departing from the scope of the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and any simple variations, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present disclosure without departing from the content of the technical solutions of the present disclosure still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising a washing tub for containing water during a washing process and a water collecting device for collecting drain water from the washing tub, wherein,

the water collecting device comprises a water collecting cavity, and the water collecting cavity internally provided with a volume expansion structure for expanding a volume of the water collecting cavity.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, a bottom wall of the water collecting cavity comprises a bottom wall body located in middle and a water collecting groove recessed and located on an outer periphery of the bottom wall body, the water collecting device comprises a drainage port communicating with the water collecting groove, and

the volume expansion structure is located on a side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove, and is used for expanding a volume of the water collecting groove.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein, the volume expansion structure comprises a first volume expansion part, and

the first volume expansion part is formed by the side wall extending obliquely toward the bottom wall body, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein, the side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove extends obliquely toward the bottom wall body in an entire circumferential direction to form a circle of the first volume expansion part.

5. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein inclination angles of the first volume expansion parts at positions in the entire circumferential direction of the bottom wall body are same.

6. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the volume expansion structure comprises a second volume expansion part, and the second volume expansion part is formed by recessing the side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove toward the bottom wall body.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the second volume expansion part comprises inward recesses distributed around the outer periphery of the bottom wall body and formed by partially recessing the side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove toward the bottom wall body, wherein

at least one of the inward recesses corresponds to a position of the drainage port.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a part, below a highest water level, of a tub wall of the washing tub is impermeable, and the washing tub is for containing water during the washing process;

a part, above the highest water level, of the tub wall of the washing tub is provided with a dehydration hole, and the washing tub discharges water from the dehydration hole during a dehydration process; and
a dehydration and drainage device is arranged on an outer wall of the washing tub, a water inlet end of the dehydration and drainage device is communicated with the dehydration hole, and a water outlet end of the dehydration and drainage device is in the water collecting cavity of the water collecting device.

9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the water collecting device is located under the washing tub and arranged coaxially with the washing tub, an upper opening of the water collecting device is lower than the dehydration hole of the washing tub, and the dehydration and drainage device comprises a drainage channel extending into the water collecting groove of the water collecting device from top to bottom; and a depth of the water collecting groove in a vertical direction gradually increases along a direction in which the washing tub rotates during the dehydration process.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein dehydration holes are formed at a tub opening of the washing tub, drainage channels are arranged and are in one-to-one corresponding to the dehydration holes, upper ends of the drainage channels are communicated with the dehydration holes, and lower ends of the drainage channels are in the water collecting groove of the water collecting device; or,

dehydration hole groups are uniformly formed at the tub opening of the washing tub, each of the dehydration hole groups comprises the dehydration holes, and the drainage channels are in one-to-one corresponding to the dehydration hole groups, an upper end of each of the drainage channels is communicated with the dehydration holes in one of the dehydration hole groups, and the lower ends of the drainage channels are in the water collecting groove of the water collecting device.

11. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein, the side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove partially extends obliquely toward the bottom wall body to form first volume expansion parts distributed along the outer periphery of the bottom wall body.

12. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein inclination angles of the first volume expansion parts at positions in the entire circumferential direction of the bottom wall body are same.

13. The washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the inclination angles of the first volume expansion parts gradually increase in the entire circumferential direction of the bottom wall body.

14. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the volume expansion structure comprises a second volume expansion part, and the second volume expansion part is formed by recessing the side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove toward the bottom wall body.

15. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the volume expansion structure comprises a second volume expansion part, and the second volume expansion part is formed by recessing the side wall, close to the bottom wall body, of the water collecting groove toward the bottom wall body.

Patent History
Publication number: 20200407908
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 7, 2019
Publication Date: Dec 31, 2020
Applicants: QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD. (Shandong), HAIER SMART HOME CO., LTD. (Shandong)
Inventors: Baozhen CHENG (Shandong), Lingchen WANG (Shandong), Mei LI (Shandong), Jinsheng DONG (Shandong), Shuo WANG (Shandong), Juanjuan ZHANG (Shandong)
Application Number: 16/979,037
Classifications
International Classification: D06F 39/08 (20060101); D06F 23/04 (20060101); D06F 37/12 (20060101);