Door seal and laundry drying machine having the same

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention include a door seal for a laundry dryer, comprising a sealing portion and an air inlet portion connected to the sealing portion, wherein the sealing portion forms a first passage for fluid flow, the air inlet portion comprises a second wall surrounding a second passage, the second passage is in spatial communication with the first passage, and further comprising a guiding device for guiding air from the second passage into the first passage, the guiding device is at least partially located within a projection of the second passage perpendicular to the direction of air flow. Embodiments of the present invention also include a laundry dryer, comprising a drum, an air heating passage for providing heated air into the drum, and a door seal connecting the air heating passage and the drum.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to washer-dryer and its door seal ring, belonging to the field of household appliance technology. [Background Technology]

[0002] Washer dryers, especially those with horizontal or tilted drums, typically use a door seal ring to connect the drum to the dryer housing, preventing detergent from entering the gap between the drum and the housing. The door seal ring has a pleated structure to allow for proper drum movement relative to the housing. During washing, detergent easily enters these pleats and is difficult to drain. Foam and other impurities from the washing process can also remain trapped. This can lead to the formation of a bacterial film within the pleats, especially at the bottom, causing secondary contamination of clothes. Furthermore, the chemical components in the residual detergent can corrode the door seal ring over time, reducing its lifespan.

[0003] Washer dryers generate hot air during the drying process to dry the clothes inside the drum. However, because the air inside the folded structure lacks circulation and is at a lower temperature compared to the inside of the drum, the dampness inside the folded structure cannot be completely eliminated, and the bacteria that grow cannot be completely killed. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] One object of the present invention is to improve the existing door seal ring so that the above-mentioned defects of the door seal ring when applied to washing machines and dryers can be effectively improved.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention include a door seal ring for a washer-dryer, comprising a sealing portion and an air intake portion connected to the sealing portion, wherein the sealing portion includes a circumferentially closed first wall having a pleated structure to form a circumferentially extending groove, within which a first channel for fluid flow is formed, the air intake portion includes a second wall surrounding to form a second channel, the outlet of the second channel being located on the first wall and the second channel being spatially connected to the first channel, and further comprising a guiding device for guiding a portion of the air from the second channel into the first channel, the guiding device being at least partially located within a projection of the second channel perpendicular to the airflow direction.

[0006] The guiding device is at least partially located within the projection of the second channel perpendicular to the airflow direction. Specifically, the guiding device can be located within the flow path of the second channel, or directly facing the outlet of the second channel, allowing air to enter the path defined by the guiding device directly without significant change in flow direction, guided by the second wall, and then deflected by the guiding device into the first channel. Preferably, at least a portion of the guiding device, particularly the portion near the outlet of the second channel, is within the projection perpendicular to the airflow direction.

[0007] When door seals are used in washer-dryers, air, especially heated air, can enter the second channel from the air inlet. Some of this air, while passing through the second channel or after passing through it, directly enters the guiding area of ​​the guiding device and is then guided into the first channel. This effectively diverts the air into the first channel, ventilating the grooves of the pleated structure and facilitating rapid drying of moisture, thus preventing or reducing the formation of bacterial film. When high-temperature air enters, it not only promotes rapid drying but also has a sterilizing effect, killing any bacteria that may be multiplying.

[0008] In some embodiments, the inlet end of the guide device is located within the second channel along the airflow direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outlet end of the guide device is close to or connected to the slot along the airflow direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, a third channel is formed between the guiding device and the second wall, the outlet of the third channel facing the inlet of the first channel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air intake is adapted to connect to the air heating channel of the washer-dryer. Heated air within the air heating channel can enter both the second and first channels through the air intake. The hot air entering the first channel can dry and sterilize it, thereby improving the hygienic performance of the door seal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first wall is adapted to connect to the drum of a washer-dryer, the axis of which is horizontal or inclined. When the door seal is connected to the drum, the bottom of the groove in the vertical direction has a hole communicating with the space inside the drum. Thus, air can enter the first channel and flow out through the hole, allowing air to continuously enter the first channel and maintain circulation, thereby better improving the hygiene of the door seal.

[0013] An optional embodiment further includes that the guiding device is integrally formed with the sealing portion and the air intake portion.

[0014] An optional implementation further includes a first inlet and a second inlet in the circumferential direction of the first channel, with the first inlet and the second inlet located on opposite sides of the outlet of the second channel, and the guiding device disposed near the first inlet and the second inlet, respectively. Air enters the first inlet and the second inlet of the first channel from the second channel, flowing circumferentially relative to each other in two directions, and finally converging. This makes the airflow in the first channel stronger, resulting in better sterilization and drying effects. Moreover, the two airflows form intense turbulence at the confluence point, which also enhances the sterilization and drying effect in that area.

[0015] The first wall is adapted to connect to the drum of a washer-dryer. The axis of the drum is horizontal or inclined. When the door seal is connected to the drum, the bottom of the groove in the vertical direction has a hole communicating with the space inside the drum. The first inlet and the second inlet are located at the top of the groove in the vertical direction. Thus, the two streams of air entering the first channel from the first and second inlets respectively converge near the hole, generating intense turbulence. This area, located at the bottom of the groove, is typically the main area where washing liquid accumulates and is prone to mold growth. The converging airflows can wash away residual washing liquid and provide better drying and sterilization. After the airflows converge, at least part of them can flow out from the hole, thereby creating a continuous circumferential airflow within the first channel.

[0016] The above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily.

[0017] The second objective of this invention is to improve the washer-dryer and enhance the hygienic performance and service life of its door seal during use.

[0018] An embodiment of the present invention provides a washer-dryer comprising a drum, the axis of which is horizontal or inclined, an air heating channel providing heated air into the drum, and a door seal ring of various embodiments and any combination thereof connecting the air heating channel and the drum, wherein the air inlet portion is connected to the air heating channel and the sealing portion is connected to the drum.

[0019] The air heating channel contains a heating device and a fan, and when the fan is started, air flows from the air heating channel to the door seal ring.

[0020] After the fan starts, air enters the intake section through the air heating channel. It then enters the first channel within the pleated structure of the door seal ring and directly into the space surrounding the first wall, which is connected to the drum's interior. The air entering the first channel dries and / or sterilizes the grooves in the first wall before flowing into the drum. Thus, any residual detergent, foam, etc., on the door seal ring after the washing cycle in the washer-dryer can be dried by the air. If the air is heated by the heating device, the drying effect is even better, as is the sterilization effect.

[0021] In some implementations, the heating device is not activated; simply turning on the fan allows room-temperature air to enter the first channel, which can also accelerate the drying process in the first channel, making it less likely for bacteria to grow and multiply, and also reducing the corrosion of the door seal by chemicals in the washing liquid.

[0022] The following will illustrate some specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Attached Image Description]

[0023] Figure 1 This is a side view of a washer-dryer according to one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a door seal ring and an air heating channel according to one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 3 This is an axial cross-sectional view of the bottom of the door seal ring;

[0026] Figure 4 A partial schematic diagram of a door seal ring according to another embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the projection of the second channel perpendicular to the airflow direction, including a portion of the projection containing the guide device.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the washer-dryer 1 includes a housing 2 and a drum 3 disposed within the housing 2. The shaft 30 of the drum 3 is generally horizontal. In other embodiments, the shaft of the drum may also be inclined. The drum 3 has a clothing inlet 31 opened at an axial end and facing the front of the housing 2. The clothing inlet 31 is opposite to an opening 21 on the housing 2. A door seal 10 made of elastic material connects the clothing inlet 31 to the opening 21 on the housing 2, preventing detergent from entering the housing 2 during the washing process.

[0029] Inside the drum 3 is a rotating drum 4 that is approximately coaxial with the drum 3. Clothes are washed or dried inside the drum 4.

[0030] Cylinder 3 is connected to air circulation channel 5, thus forming an air circuit within cylinder 3 and air circulation channel 5. Air circulation channel 5 includes air heating channel 51. Air heating channel 51 is equipped with heating device 52 and fan 53. When fan 53 and heating device 52 are activated, air is heated and then enters cylinder 3. Activating only fan 53 supplies room temperature air into cylinder 3.

[0031] In other embodiments, such as direct-flow washer-dryers, an air circulation channel is not included, but an air heating channel is still included to provide heated air into the drum.

[0032] The air heating channel 51 is connected to the door seal ring 10, and thus in fluid communication with the cylinder 3.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the door seal ring 10 includes a sealing part 11 and an air intake part 12 connected to the sealing part 11. The sealing part 11 connects the clothing inlet 31 of the cylinder 3 to the opening 21 of the box body 2, and the air intake part 12 is connected to the air heating channel 51.

[0034] The sealing portion 11 includes a circumferentially closed first wall 111. The first wall 111 has a pleated structure, thereby forming a circumferentially extending groove 112, within which a first channel 113 for fluid flow is formed.

[0035] The air intake section 12 includes a second wall 121. The second wall 121 surrounds and forms a second channel 122. The outlet 123 of the second channel is located on the first wall 111, and the second channel 122 is spatially connected to the first channel 113.

[0036] In the installed state, the clothing inlet 31 of the connecting cylinder 3 and the opening 21 of the housing 2 are connected to the first wall 11. The air inlet 12 is approximately connected to the top vertically of the first wall 11. The bottom vertically of the groove 112 formed by the first wall 11 has a hole 114 that communicates with the internal space of the cylinder 3. The bottom vertically of the groove 112 does not refer to a specific part of the groove 112, but rather to a relatively low position in the entire circumferential direction relative to the groove 112 as a whole. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, especially as Figure 3 As shown, locally, hole 114 can be located on one side of groove 112.

[0037] The first channel 113 is not continuous and closed in the circumferential direction, but is broken at the outlet 123 of the second channel 122. A first inlet 115 and a second inlet 116 are respectively located on both sides near the outlet 123 of the second channel. The first inlet 115 and the second inlet 116 are separated along the circumferential direction of the groove 112.

[0038] Guiding devices 13 are respectively provided near the first inlet 115 and the second inlet 116 to guide a portion of the air from the second channel 122 into the first channel 113. Thus, after the fan 53 is started, air can enter the intake section 12 from the air heating channel 51. The first portion of air A1 flowing through the second channel 122 directly enters the space circumferentially surrounded by the first wall 111, which communicates with the internal space of the cylinder 3. The second portion of air A2, guided by the guiding devices 13, first enters the first channel 113 and then enters the cylinder 3. The second portion of air A2 enters the first inlet 115 and the second inlet 116 of the first channel 113 from the second channel 122, flowing circumferentially opposite each other in two directions, and finally meeting face-to-face. The meeting point is approximately near the hole 114. Subsequently, at least part of the second portion of air A2 enters the internal space of the cylinder 3 through the hole 114, while the other part enters the internal space of the cylinder 3 through the gap in the slot 112. The ventilation effect of the airflow quickly dries the interior of the slot 112. If the air from the air heating channel 51 is heated by the heating device 52, it can achieve better drying and sterilization effects.

[0039] Among them, such as Figure 5As shown, viewed from the projection of the second channel 122 perpendicular to the airflow direction, especially from the projection of the portion near the outlet 123 of the second channel perpendicular to the airflow direction, at least a portion of the guiding device 13 lies within the projection of the second channel 122 perpendicular to the airflow direction. Thus, at least a portion of the air guided by the second wall 121 directly enters the path defined by the guiding device 13 without substantially changing its flow direction, and is then deflected by the guiding effect of the guiding device into the first channel 113.

[0040] like Figure 2 In one embodiment shown, along the airflow direction, the inlet end 131 of the guide device 13 is located within the second channel 122, and the outlet end 132 of the guide device 13 bends towards the first channel 113, close to the groove 112, or may be directly connected to the groove 112. A third channel 133 is formed between the guide device 13 and the second wall 121. The outlet of the third channel 133 faces the inlets 115 and 116 of the first channel 113. A second portion of the air A2 flowing through the second channel 122 enters the third channel 133 and is then guided by the guide device 13 into the first channel 113.

[0041] like Figure 4 In another embodiment shown, the guide device 13 is not located inside the second channel 122, but is directly opposite the outlet 123 of the second channel 122. Thus, at least a portion of the air guided by the second wall 121 can directly enter the path defined by the guide device 13 without substantially changing its flow direction.

[0042] A more advantageous implementation includes making the guide device 13 integral with the sealing portion 11 and the air intake portion 12, for example, by injection molding using an elastic material.

[0043] The various specific embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only. Any modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the basic technical concept of this invention are within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A door seal ring for a washer-dryer, comprising a sealing portion (11) and an air inlet portion (12) connected to the sealing portion, wherein the sealing portion comprises a circumferentially closed first wall (111) having a pleated structure to form a circumferentially extending groove (112) in which a first channel (113) for fluid flow is formed, the air inlet portion comprising a second wall (121) surrounding to form a second channel (122), the outlet (123) of the second channel being located on the first wall, and the second channel being spatially connected to the first channel, characterized in that: It also includes a guiding device (13) for guiding a portion of the air from the second channel into the first channel, the guiding device being at least partially located within the projection of the second channel perpendicular to the airflow direction, and the inlet end (131) of the guiding device being located within the second channel along the airflow direction.

2. The door seal ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the direction of airflow, the outlet end (132) of the guide device is close to or connected to the slot.

3. The door seal ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: A third channel (133) is formed between the guiding device and the second wall, and the outlet of the third channel faces the inlet (115, 116) of the first channel.

4. The door seal ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air intake section (12) is adapted to connect to the air heating channel (51) of the washer-dryer.

5. The door seal ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first wall (111) is adapted to connect the drum (3) of the washer-dryer. The axis of the drum is set horizontally or inclined. When the door seal ring (10) is connected to the drum, the bottom of the groove in the vertical direction has a hole (114) that communicates with the space inside the drum.

6. The door seal ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guiding device is integrally formed with the sealing part and the air intake part.

7. The door seal ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first channel (113) has a first entrance (115) and a second entrance (116) in the circumferential direction. The first entrance and the second entrance are respectively located near the two sides of the second channel outlet (123). The guide device (13) is provided near the first entrance and the second entrance respectively.

8. The door seal ring according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first wall is adapted to connect to the drum of a washer-dryer. The axis of the drum is horizontal or inclined. When the door seal ring is connected to the drum, the bottom of the groove in the vertical direction has a hole that communicates with the space inside the drum. The first inlet and the second inlet are located at the top of the groove in the vertical direction.

9. A washer-dryer comprising a drum, wherein the axis of the drum is horizontally or inclined, and an air heating channel supplies heated air into the drum, characterized in that: The door seal ring (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 connects the air heating channel to the cylinder, wherein the air inlet portion is connected to the air heating channel and the sealing portion is connected to the cylinder.

10. The washer-dryer according to claim 9, characterized in that: The air heating channel (51) contains a heating device (52) and a fan (53), and when the fan is started, air flows from the air heating channel to the door seal (10).

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