A drum-type washing machine

Abstract

A drum-type washing machine comprises a machine shell, an outer drum, an inner drum, a driving unit, characterized in that it further comprises a front suspension device and a rear suspension device for supporting and buffering the vibration of the inner drum, the front suspension device and the rear suspension device make the mass center of the inner drum in the rotating process always on the axis of the inner drum, the front suspension device is connected with the inner drum and the outer drum respectively, the rear suspension device is connected with the inner drum and the machine shell respectively, and the rear suspension device is connected with the inner drum through the driving unit. The advantages of the present application are that the mass center of the inner drum can be kept on the axis of the inner drum through the cooperation of the front suspension device and the rear suspension device, which not only plays a role in stably supporting the inner drum, but also effectively counteracts the center deviation caused by the vibration of the inner drum, reduces the vibration of the inner drum in the washing process, so that the gap between the inner drum and the outer drum can be reduced, and a larger inner drum diameter can be achieved under the existing shell size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a washing machine apparatus, and more particularly to a drum-type washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Front-loading washing machines typically consist of a casing, an outer drum for holding water, and an inner drum inside the outer drum that holds the laundry and rotates. This type of washing machine inevitably experiences a random shift in the center of mass after the laundry is introduced, meaning it is no longer at the geometric center of the inner drum. Therefore, during operation, the high-speed rotation of the inner drum causes excessive centrifugal force on the laundry, resulting in vibration. This vibration is transmitted to the outside of the washing machine via the outer drum and casing. To prevent this vibration from being transmitted from the inner drum to the casing via the outer drum, springs and dampers must be installed between the outer drum and casing to buffer and dampen the vibration of the outer drum. Therefore, existing front-loading washing machine structures require gaps between the inner and outer drums, as well as between the outer drum and the casing, to ensure sufficient space for swaying and displacement during high-speed rotation. With a standard casing width (600mm), the inner drum diameter of most mainstream front-loading washing machines on the market (e.g., 10kg capacity) is around 500mm.

[0003] However, existing drum washing machines generally suffer from the following two major problems: First, the shock absorption system, which uses springs and dampers, typically consists of two bottom support dampers and two top springs. The four components of the shock absorption system are on the same plane, often located at the center plane of the inner drum in the front-to-back direction. When the center of mass shifts randomly, there will often be a front-to-back shift, at which point the shock absorption system cannot perform at its best. Second, most drum washing machines are not installed separately but depend on the existing installation environment (such as in a built-in environment). This requires that the size of the drum washing machine be limited by the space available in the actual installation environment. This limitation makes it difficult to increase the diameter of the inner drum in the structure of drum washing machines.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, existing invention patents, such as ZL201080020322.2 "Washing Machine," disclose a washing machine with a fixed outer drum and a shock absorber buffer assembly disposed between the inner drum and the casing. This patent includes a suspension assembly connected to a drive unit that sustainably buffers the vibration of the drum. Although in the prior art, this suspension assembly is connected to the tub to provide buffering for both the tub and the drum, the washing machine of the present invention can have a structure that isolates the vibration of the drum from the vibration of the tub.

[0005] To increase the diameter of the inner drum, the aforementioned patent achieves a relatively fixed outer drum (i.e., the outer drum is more rigidly supported) to reduce the gap between the outer drum and the casing. This patent is used to increase the capacity for handling clothes, especially without significantly changing the overall size of the washing machine. However, the buffer component in this patent is fixed to the bearing housing with a suspension structure. The bearing housing is supported on the casing base by the suspension component. Furthermore, it includes a symmetrical connecting structure that extends forward and connects to the bottom of the casing. This suspension structure with only bottom buffer support causes excessive swaying of the inner drum and still cannot effectively solve the problem of inner drum vibration causing center offset. Moreover, the aforementioned patent structure still leaves a gap of about 25mm between the inner and outer drums, and its inner drum diameter can only reach about 520mm. Compared with the inner drum diameter of existing mainstream drum washing machines, the improvement is not significant.

[0006] In conclusion, further improvements and refinements are needed to effectively reduce vibration during the washing process of drum washing machines while maximizing the inner drum diameter. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a drum washing machine with less vibration and a larger inner drum diameter within the existing washing machine outer shell size, in view of the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0008] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a drum washing machine that is easier to clean and can effectively prevent dirt from accumulating in the door gaps, in light of the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a drum-type washing machine, comprising:

[0010] chassis;

[0011] The outer tub, which can hold washing water, is fixedly installed inside the machine casing;

[0012] The inner cylinder is rotatably housed within the outer cylinder;

[0013] The driving device can drive the inner cylinder to rotate;

[0014] The washing machine is characterized by the following features: it further includes a front suspension device and a rear suspension device for supporting and buffering the vibration of the inner drum, wherein the front suspension device and the rear suspension device ensure that the center of mass of the inner drum is always on the inner drum axis during rotation; wherein the front suspension device is located at the front end of the inner drum and is connected to both the inner drum and the outer drum, and the rear suspension device is located at the rear end of the inner drum and is connected to both the inner drum and the machine casing; the drive device is located at the rear end of the inner drum, and the rear suspension device is connected to the inner drum through the drive device.

[0015] Considering the simplicity of the overall structure, ease of installation and disassembly, and convenient maintenance, the front suspension device is preferably a roller track device, which includes...

[0016] A track ring, fixed to the front end of the inner cylinder, includes a track groove;

[0017] Rollers are rotatably mounted on grooves in the track;

[0018] Roller retainer, used to mount rollers and enable rolling connection between rollers and track rings;

[0019] An elastic traction member is disposed between the roller retainer and the outer cylinder, and the elastic traction member has the tendency to keep the axis of the inner cylinder always coincident with the axis of the outer cylinder.

[0020] To facilitate the assembly of the roller track device, as a further preferred embodiment, the inner cylinder includes a cylinder body and a front end cover with a convex cross-section that is fixedly connected to the cylinder body. The track ring includes a ring sleeve and a retaining edge. The ring sleeve can be fitted onto the convex small-diameter end 311 of the front end cover. The retaining edge can be axially limited to the convex stepped surface of the front end cover and fixedly connected to the front end cover. The ring sleeve and the retaining edge are vertically arranged and integrally formed. The annular diameter formed by the retaining edge is adapted to the diameter of the convex small-diameter end of the front end cover. The outer side wall of the ring sleeve is provided with a track groove along the circumferential direction for roller installation.

[0021] To prevent axial displacement of the rollers and achieve axial limiting, preferably, the outer wall of the track ring is also provided with a stop that can limit axial movement along the circumferential direction. This stop is formed by radially protruding outward along the outer wall of the ring.

[0022] To ensure the stability of the front suspension device, preferably, the elastic traction member includes at least three, each elastic traction member including a spring sleeve that can limit the axial tension of the spring and a spring housed in the spring sleeve, and all elastic traction members are always located in the same plane perpendicular to the central axis of the inner cylinder.

[0023] To achieve better balance and shock absorption, as a further preferred option, there are six elastic traction components, and each elastic traction component is divided into two groups and respectively set in the upper half and lower half of the track ring.

[0024] To facilitate the fixing of the spring, preferably, both ends of the spring are provided with hooks that can be exposed outside the spring sleeve. The hook at one end of the spring is fixedly connected to the roller retainer, and the hook at the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to the outer cylinder.

[0025] To facilitate the fixing of the roller retainer and reduce the vibration impact of the inner cylinder on the outer cylinder, a traction ring is also provided between the roller retainer and the outer cylinder. The traction ring is fixedly connected to the outer cylinder, and a connection hole is provided on the traction ring that can be connected to the hook at the other end of the spring.

[0026] To facilitate modular assembly and save assembly time, preferably, the roller retainer has an L-shaped cross-section. The vertical plate of the L-shaped roller retainer is provided with two sets of rollers arranged at intervals. The rollers can be installed on the roller retainer. The horizontal plate of the L-shaped roller retainer is provided with a connecting part that can be connected to one end of the elastic traction member.

[0027] For ease of manufacturing, preferably, the connecting part is an L-shaped hanging arm that extends and folds along the L-shaped horizontal plate of the roller retainer. The drooping arm of the L-shaped hanging arm and the L-shaped vertical plate of the roller retainer are both located on the same side of the L-shaped horizontal plate of the roller retainer, and the drooping arm of the L-shaped hanging arm and the L-shaped vertical plate of the roller retainer are parallel to each other. The drooping arm of the L-shaped hanging arm is provided with a hanging arm hanging hole that can be connected to one end of the corresponding elastic traction member.

[0028] To save materials and reduce weight, as another preferred option, the connecting part is a hook provided above the L-shaped horizontal plate of the roller retainer, and the hook has a hook hole that can be connected to one end of the corresponding elastic traction member.

[0029] To ensure the stability of the rear suspension, preferably, the rear suspension includes at least two damper assemblies disposed between the bottom of the housing and the lower half of the drive unit; and at least one upper suspension connection assembly disposed between the top of the housing and the upper half of the drive unit.

[0030] Preferably, the driving device includes:

[0031] The motor assembly includes a bearing and a motor shaft rotatably disposed within the bearing, the inner cylinder being fixedly connected to the motor shaft;

[0032] A motor mounting plate is located at the rear end of the inner cylinder. The motor mounting plate is fixedly connected to the bearing and is also sealed to the outer cylinder.

[0033] To simplify the structure, as a further preferred embodiment, the damper assembly includes a damper and a damper connecting plate, with the fixed end of the damper connected to the bottom of the housing and the movable end of the damper connected to the motor mounting plate.

[0034] To simplify the structure and facilitate installation, as a further preferred embodiment, the upper connecting assembly includes an elastic reset member and an upper connecting plate. One end of the elastic reset member is connected to the housing, and the other end is connected to one end of the upper connecting plate. The other end of the upper connecting plate is connected to the motor mounting plate.

[0035] To facilitate the connection between the elastic reset component and the housing, preferably, the housing includes a rear panel, the top of which is bent inwards to form a flange with a transverse L-shaped cross-section, and one end of the elastic reset component is fixed to the flange.

[0036] Preferably, the inner cylinder includes a cylinder body and a rear end cover fixedly connected to the cylinder body, and the motor shaft is disposed on the central axis of the rear end cover and fixedly connected to the rear end cover.

[0037] For ease of manufacturing and installation, preferably, the outer cylinder includes a front outer cylinder and a rear outer cylinder that are fixedly connected, and the housing includes a front panel with an openable door. Correspondingly, a door frame that can cooperate with the door is formed on the front outer cylinder.

[0038] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a door gap sealing ring is provided between the door frame and the door, wherein the door frame has an open end that matches the inner diameter of the door, the inner wall of the open end is smooth, and the open end of the door frame is formed with a radially outward flared opening, and an annular groove is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the flared opening; correspondingly, the door gap sealing ring includes a sealing ring and a sealing retaining ring integrally formed with the sealing ring; the sealing ring can be fitted outside the flared opening, and the cross-section of the sealing ring is a U-shaped rib that matches the annular groove; the sealing retaining ring is located on one side of the sealing ring and its inner diameter is smaller than that of the sealing ring; the sealing retaining ring is parallel to the end face of the door frame and makes the door tightly fit with the door frame when closed.

[0039] To facilitate quick connection and fixation between the outer cylinder and the housing and for easy assembly, the housing preferably includes a front panel, a top plate, a bottom plate, a rear panel, and two opposite side plates. The front and rear faces of the outer cylinder are respectively provided with circumferentially arranged protruding connecting posts. The front and rear panels of the housing are connected to the corresponding end faces of the outer cylinder via fasteners passing through the connecting posts.

[0040] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0041] 1. By using the front and rear suspension devices together, the center of mass of the inner drum can be kept on the axis of the inner drum. This not only provides stable support for the inner drum, but also effectively counteracts the center offset caused by the vibration of the inner drum. In other words, it better restrains the displacement of the inner drum during vibration and reduces the vibration of the inner drum during the washing process. Therefore, the gap between the inner drum and the outer drum can be reduced, and a larger inner drum diameter can be achieved within the existing outer shell size.

[0042] 2. The outer drum is fixed, eliminating the need for rubber buffers between the outer drum and the door panel. This eliminates the traditional rubber ring structure inside the door frame of washing machines. The integrated door seam sealing ring, combined with the optimized convex door frame structure, achieves a wrinkle-free door seam, thus preventing dirt and grime from accumulating in the door seam, making cleaning easier, reducing cross-contamination, and improving washing performance and hygiene.

[0043] 3. The use of a roller track device as the front suspension device results in a compact structure, a large rolling friction contact surface, smooth operation, convenient installation and disassembly, and low frictional resistance during operation, making the equipment more stable and reliable in operation. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention (with part of the outer shell removed).

[0045] Figure 2 This is a side view of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention (top cover and side panels removed).

[0046] Figure 3 This is a front view of the mounting structure of the front suspension device for a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a front view of the installation structure of the rear suspension device of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view (including the front cover) of the front suspension device of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the front suspension device of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention (with the front cover removed).

[0050] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the track ring of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly structure of the front suspension device of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The enlarged view of part I shown.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the door seal structure of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the door seal ring of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the front outer drum of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the roller and roller cage mating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 14 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the roller and roller cage in use according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view of the inner drum of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0060] like Figures 1-15 As shown, this embodiment discloses a drum washing machine, which includes a casing 1, an outer drum 2, an inner drum 3, a drive device, a front suspension device, and a rear suspension device. The outer drum 2 can hold washing water and is fixedly installed inside the casing 1. The inner drum 3 is rotatably housed within the outer drum 2. The front suspension device and the rear suspension device are used to support and buffer the vibration of the inner drum 3. The front suspension device is located at the front end of the inner drum 3 and is connected to both the inner drum 3 and the outer drum 2. The rear suspension device is located at the rear end of the inner drum 3 and is connected to both the inner drum 3 and the casing 1. The planes of the front suspension device and the rear suspension device are respectively perpendicular to the axis of the inner drum 3. The drive device is located at the rear end of the inner drum 3 and can drive the inner drum 3 to rotate. The rear suspension device is connected to the inner drum 3 through the drive device.

[0061] For ease of installation and disassembly, as well as convenient maintenance, the front suspension device is preferably a roller track device with a relatively simple overall structure, such as... Figure 3 , Figures 5-9As shown, the roller track device includes a track ring 81, a roller 82, a roller retainer 83, and an elastic traction member 84. The track ring 81 is fixed to the front end of the inner cylinder and includes a track groove 813. The roller retainer 83 is used to install the roller 82 and realize the rolling connection between the roller 82 and the track ring 81. The roller 82 is rotatably disposed on the track groove 813. The elastic traction member 84 is disposed between the roller retainer 83 and the outer cylinder 2. The elastic traction member 84 has the tendency to make the axis of the inner cylinder 3 always coincide with the axis of the outer cylinder 2.

[0062] To ensure the stability of the front suspension device, the elastic traction member 84 includes at least three, each elastic traction member 84 including a spring sleeve 841 that can limit the axial tension of the spring 842 and a spring 842 housed in the spring sleeve 841, and all elastic traction members 84 are always located in the same plane perpendicular to the central axis of the inner cylinder 3.

[0063] To achieve better balance and shock absorption, this embodiment has six elastic traction members 84, which are divided into two groups and respectively arranged in the upper and lower halves of the track ring 81. Correspondingly, this embodiment has six roller retainers 83, each corresponding to one of the elastic traction members 84, and each roller retainer 83 contains a corresponding set of rollers 82. The number and distribution of the elastic traction members 84 can be adjusted according to actual conditions. For example, two elastic traction members 84 can be arranged in the upper and lower halves of the track ring 81, or three elastic traction members 84 can be arranged in the upper half and two in the lower half. Accordingly, the number of roller retainers 83 is adaptively adjusted according to the change in the number of elastic traction members 84.

[0064] To facilitate the fixing of the spring 842, hooks that can be exposed outside the spring sleeve 841 are provided at both ends of the spring 842. The hook 843 at one end of the spring 842 is fixedly connected to the roller retainer 83, and the hook 844 at the other end of the spring 842 is fixedly connected to the outer cylinder 2.

[0065] To facilitate the fixing of the roller retainer 83 and reduce the vibration impact of the inner cylinder on the outer cylinder, a traction member hanging ring 85 is also provided between the roller retainer 83 and the outer cylinder. The traction member hanging ring 85 is fixedly connected to the outer cylinder 2, and a connecting hole 851 is provided on the traction member hanging ring 85 so as to be connected to the hook 844 at the other end of the spring 842.

[0066] To facilitate modular assembly and save assembly time, the roller cage 83 has an L-shaped cross-section, see [reference]. Figure 13 , Figure 14The roller retainer 83 has an L-shaped vertical plate 831 with a set of rollers 82 spaced apart vertically. Each roller 82 has a roller shaft 821, and the roller 82 is rotatably mounted on the roller shaft 821. The roller shaft 821 is fixed to the L-shaped vertical plate 831. The L-shaped horizontal plate 832 of the roller retainer 83 has a connecting part that can be connected to a hook 843 at one end of a spring 842. The number of roller retainers 83 can be adjusted according to the preset vibration amplitude of the washing machine. The fewer the number of roller retainers 83, the greater the vibration amplitude; the more the number of roller retainers 83, the smaller the vibration amplitude.

[0067] The structure of the connecting part can be varied. For ease of manufacturing, the connecting part is an L-shaped hanging arm 833 that extends and folds along the L-shaped horizontal plate 832 of the roller retainer 83. The drooping arm of the L-shaped hanging arm 833 and the L-shaped vertical plate 831 of the roller retainer 83 are both located on the same side of the L-shaped horizontal plate 832 of the roller retainer 83, and the drooping arm of the L-shaped hanging arm 833 is parallel to the L-shaped vertical plate 831 of the roller retainer 83. The drooping arm of the L-shaped hanging arm 833 has a hanging arm hanging hole 834 that can be connected to the hook at one end of the corresponding spring 842. See [reference needed]. Figure 13 .

[0068] To save materials and reduce weight, as another preferred option, the connecting part can also be a hook (not shown in the figure) set above the L-shaped horizontal plate 832 of the roller retainer 83. The hook has a hook hole that can be connected to the hook at one end of the corresponding spring 842.

[0069] To facilitate the assembly of the roller track device, the inner cylinder 3 in this embodiment includes a front end cover 31, a cylinder body 32, and a rear end cover 33. See [reference needed]. Figure 15 The front cover 31 and the rear cover 33 are fixedly connected to the cylinder body 32 respectively. A tripod 34 is also fixedly installed on the inner side of the rear cover 33 of the cylinder body 32. The tripod 34 can increase the strength of the inner cylinder and can drive the inner cylinder 3 to rotate as a transmission component (the motor shaft and the tripod 34 are fixed).

[0070] The front end cap 31 of the inner cylinder 3 has a convex cross-section, including a convex small-diameter end 311, a convex large-diameter end 312, and an end cap connecting surface 313 extending radially outward from the bottom end of the large-diameter end 312. The track ring 81 includes a ring sleeve 811 and a retaining edge 812. The ring sleeve 811 can be fitted onto the convex small-diameter end 311 of the front end cap 31. The retaining edge 812 can be axially limited on the convex stepped surface of the front end cap and is fixedly connected to the front end cap. The cross-sections of the ring sleeve 811 and the retaining edge 812 are perpendicularly arranged and integrally formed, and the inner diameter of the circle formed by the retaining edge 812 is the same as the diameter of the convex small-diameter end of the front end cap. Correspondingly, the retaining edge 812 is connected to the stepped surface 314 at the junction of the convex small-diameter end 311 and the convex large-diameter end 312 by a fastener (such as a screw); the outer side wall of the ring 811 is provided with a track groove 813 for the roller 82 to be installed along the circumferential direction; a set of rollers 82 are respectively arranged above and below the track groove 813 at intervals; in order to prevent the rollers 82 from axially shifting and to achieve axial limiting, the outer side wall of the ring 811 of the track ring 81 is also provided with a stop 814 for axial limiting along the circumferential direction; the stop 814 is formed to bulge outward radially along the outer side wall of the ring 811, see [reference]. Figure 7 .

[0071] To ensure the stability of the rear suspension system, the rear suspension system in this embodiment includes at least two damper assemblies, such as... Figure 4 As shown, a damper assembly is disposed between the bottom of the housing 1 and the lower half of the drive unit; and at least one upper suspension connection assembly is disposed between the top of the housing 1 and the upper half of the drive unit. Depending on actual needs, the number of damper assemblies and upper suspension connection assemblies of the rear suspension system can be adjusted appropriately. For example, two upper suspension connection assemblies and two damper assemblies can be used in combination, or three upper suspension connection assemblies and two damper assemblies can be used in combination to further improve suspension stability.

[0072] The drive device in this embodiment includes a motor assembly 4 and a motor mounting plate 5. The motor assembly 4 includes a bearing, a shaft water seal, and a motor shaft rotatably disposed within the bearing. The motor assembly 4 can adopt a conventional structure in the prior art. The specific mounting structure of this drive device is as follows:

[0073] The motor mounting plate 5 is located behind the rear end cover 33 of the inner cylinder 3. The motor mounting plate 5 and the outer cylinder 2 are sealed and connected by an elastic connecting ring 51. The motor mounting plate 5 is fixedly connected to the bearing. The inner cylinder 3 is fixedly connected to the motor shaft. Specifically, the motor shaft is fixedly connected to the tripod 34. The tripod 34 drives the inner cylinder 3 to rotate together. Furthermore, the motor shaft and the central axis of the inner cylinder 3 are on the same straight line.

[0074] To simplify the structure, the damper assembly includes a damper 91 and a damper connecting plate 92. The fixed end of the damper 91 is connected to the bottom of the housing 1, and the movable end of the damper 91 is connected to the motor mounting plate 5.

[0075] To simplify the structure and facilitate installation, the upper connection assembly includes an elastic reset member 93 and an upper connecting plate 94. One end of the elastic reset member 93 is connected to the housing 1, and the other end is connected to one end of the upper connecting plate 94. The other end of the upper connecting plate 94 is connected to the motor mounting plate 5.

[0076] For ease of manufacturing and installation, the outer cylinder 2 includes a front outer cylinder 21 and a rear outer cylinder 22 that are fixedly connected. The housing 1 includes a front panel 11, a top plate, a bottom plate 12, a rear panel 13, and two opposite side plates. The front panel 11 is also provided with an openable door 7. The door 7 is provided with a door glass 71 that is convex in the shape of a frustum. Correspondingly, the front outer cylinder 21 is formed with a door frame that can cooperate with the door glass 71. The door glass 71 can be inserted into the opening of the door frame so that the door 7 is closed.

[0077] A door gap sealing ring 6 is provided between the door frame and the door glass 71, see [link / reference]. Figures 10-12 The door frame has an open end that matches the inner diameter of the maximum cross-section of the door glass 71. The inner wall of this open end is smooth, and the open end of the door frame is formed with a radially outwardly flared opening 211. An annular groove 212 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the flared opening 211. Correspondingly, the door gap sealing ring 6 includes a sealing ring 61 and a sealing retainer ring 62 integrally formed with the sealing ring 61. The sealing ring 61 can be fitted outside the flared opening 211, and the cross-section of the sealing ring 61 is a U-shaped rib 611 that matches the annular groove 212. The sealing retainer ring 62 is located on one side of the sealing ring 61 and its inner diameter is smaller than that of the sealing ring 61, that is, the cross-section of the door gap sealing ring 6 is L-shaped. The cross-section of the sealing retainer ring 62 is perpendicular to the sealing ring 61. The sealing retainer ring 62 is parallel to the end face of the door frame, so that when the door 7 is closed, the door glass 71 and the door frame are in an interference fit. See [reference needed]. Figure 10 .

[0078] To achieve quick connection and fixation between the outer cylinder 2 and the housing 1, circumferentially arranged protruding connecting posts 23 are respectively provided on the front and rear faces of the outer cylinder 2. The front panel 11 and rear panel 13 of the housing 1 are connected to the corresponding end faces of the outer cylinder 2 via fasteners passing through the connecting posts 23. To facilitate the connection between the elastic reset member 93 and the housing 1, the top of the rear panel 13 of the housing 1 is bent inward to form a flange 131 with a transverse L-shaped cross-section. One end of the elastic reset member 93 is fixed to this flange 131. (See Figure 131 for details.) Figure 2 .

[0079] This embodiment employs a combination of front and rear suspension devices, ensuring that the center of mass of the inner drum 3 tends to always lie on its axis during rotation. The front and rear suspension devices not only provide stable support for the inner drum 3 but also better restrain its displacement during vibration, thereby reducing vibration during washing. This allows for a smaller gap between the inner drum 3 and the outer drum 2, enabling a larger diameter for the inner drum 3 within the existing outer casing dimensions. Increasing the diameter of the inner drum 3 offers the following advantages: ① It extends the tumbling path of the clothes during washing, resulting in cleaner washing; ② During spin-drying, a longer inner drum diameter allows for greater centrifugal force, resulting in drier clothes; ③ During drying, a larger inner drum diameter allows clothes to stretch more freely, reducing wrinkles; ④ It increases washing capacity while maintaining the same depth. Therefore, a larger inner drum diameter offers significant advantages.

[0080] Meanwhile, this embodiment adopts the method of fixing the outer drum 2. Therefore, there is no need for rubber buffer between the outer drum 2 and the door 7 panel. The structure of setting a rubber ring inside the door frame in traditional washing machines is eliminated. Through the integrated door seam sealing ring 6 and the optimized door frame structure, the door seam is wrinkle-free, thereby avoiding dirt and grime from accumulating in the door seam, making it easier to clean, improving the washing effect and improving the hygiene environment inside the washing machine, making the product more environmentally friendly and healthy to use.

[0081] The specification and claims of this invention use terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the invention. However, these terms are used herein merely for ease of explanation and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. A drum-type washing machine, comprising: Casing (1); The outer tub (2) can hold washing water and is fixedly installed inside the casing (1); The inner cylinder (3) is rotatably housed within the outer cylinder (2); The driving device can drive the inner cylinder (3) to rotate; The feature is that the drum washing machine further includes a front suspension device and a rear suspension device for supporting and buffering the vibration of the inner drum (3), wherein the front suspension device and the rear suspension device ensure that the center of mass of the inner drum is always on the inner drum axis during the rotation process. The front suspension device is located at the front end of the inner cylinder (3) and is connected to the inner cylinder (3) and the outer cylinder (2) respectively. The rear suspension device is located at the rear end of the inner cylinder (3) and is connected to the inner cylinder (3) and the housing (1) respectively. The drive device is located at the rear end of the inner cylinder (3) and the rear suspension device is connected to the inner cylinder (3) through the drive device. The aforementioned front suspension device is a roller (82) track device, which includes: A track ring (81) is fixed to the front end of the inner cylinder, and the track ring (81) includes a track groove (813); A roller (82) is rotatably mounted on a track groove (813); A roller retainer (83) is used to mount the roller (82) and to enable rolling connection between the roller (82) and the track ring (81); An elastic traction member (84) is disposed between the roller retainer (83) and the outer cylinder. The elastic traction member (84) tends to make the axis of the inner cylinder always coincide with the axis of the outer cylinder. The roller retainer (83) has an L-shaped cross section. The L-shaped vertical plate (831) of the roller retainer (83) is provided with two sets of rollers (82) arranged at intervals. The L-shaped horizontal plate (832) of the roller retainer (83) is provided with a connecting part that can be connected to one end of the elastic traction member (84).

2. The drum washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner cylinder (3) includes a cylinder body (32) and a front end cover (31) fixedly connected to the cylinder body (32) and having a convex cross section. The track ring (81) includes a ring sleeve (811) and a retaining edge (812). The ring sleeve (811) can be fitted onto the convex small diameter end (311) of the front end cover (31). The retaining edge (812) can be axially limited on the convex stepped surface (314) of the front end cover (31) and fixedly connected to the front end cover (31). The ring sleeve (811) and the retaining edge (812) are vertically arranged and integrally formed. The annular diameter formed by the retaining edge (812) is adapted to the diameter of the convex small diameter end (311) of the front end cover (31). The outer side wall of the ring sleeve (811) is provided with a track groove (813) for the roller (82) to be installed along the circumferential direction.

3. The drum washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer wall of the ring sleeve (811) of the track ring (81) is also provided with a stop (814) that can be axially limited along the circumferential direction. The stop (814) is formed by radially protruding outward along the outer wall of the ring sleeve (811).

4. The drum washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic traction member (84) includes at least three, each elastic traction member (84) including a spring sleeve (841) that can limit the axial tension of the spring (842) and a spring (842) housed in the spring sleeve (841), and all elastic traction members (84) are always located in the same plane perpendicular to the central axis of the inner cylinder.

5. The drum washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: There are six elastic traction members (84), and each elastic traction member (84) is divided into two groups and respectively set in the upper half and lower half of the track ring (81).

6. The drum washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The spring (842) is also provided with hooks at both ends that can be exposed outside the spring sleeve (841). The hook at one end of the spring (842) is fixedly connected to the roller retainer (83), and the hook at the other end of the spring (842) is fixedly connected to the outer cylinder.

7. The drum washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: A traction ring (85) is also provided between the roller retainer (83) and the outer cylinder. The traction ring (85) is fixedly connected to the outer cylinder. The traction ring (85) has a connection hole that can be connected to the hook at the other end of the spring (842).

8. The drum washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting part is an L-shaped hanging arm (833) that extends and folds along the L-shaped horizontal plate (832) of the roller retainer (83). The drooping arm of the L-shaped hanging arm (833) and the L-shaped vertical plate (831) of the roller retainer (83) are both located on the same side of the L-shaped horizontal plate (832) of the roller retainer (83), and the drooping arm of the L-shaped hanging arm (833) and the L-shaped vertical plate (831) of the roller retainer (83) are parallel to each other. The drooping arm of the L-shaped hanging arm (833) is provided with a hanging arm hanging hole that can be connected to one end of the corresponding elastic traction member (84).

9. The drum washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting part is a hook provided above the L-shaped horizontal plate (832) of the roller retainer (83), and the hook has a hook hole that can be connected to one end of the corresponding elastic traction member (84).

10. The drum washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear suspension device includes: At least two damper assemblies are disposed between the bottom of the housing (1) and the lower half of the drive unit; as well as At least one upper connecting component is disposed between the top of the housing (1) and the upper half of the drive unit.

11. The drum washing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that: The driving device includes: The motor assembly (4) includes a bearing and a motor shaft rotatably disposed within the bearing, and the inner cylinder (3) is fixedly connected to the motor shaft; The motor mounting plate (5) is located at the rear end of the inner cylinder (3). The motor mounting plate (5) is fixedly connected to the bearing and is sealed to the outer cylinder (2).

12. The drum washing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The damper assembly includes a damper (91) and a damper connecting plate (92). The fixed end of the damper (91) is connected to the bottom of the housing (1), and the movable end of the damper (91) is connected to the motor mounting plate (5).

13. The drum washing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The upper connecting assembly includes an elastic reset member (93) and an upper connecting plate (94). One end of the elastic reset member (93) is connected to the housing (1), and the other end is connected to one end of the upper connecting plate (94). The other end of the upper connecting plate (94) is connected to the motor mounting plate (5).

14. The drum washing machine according to claim 13, characterized in that: The housing (1) includes a rear panel (13), the top of which is bent into the housing (1) to form a flange (131) with a transverse L-shaped cross section, and one end of the elastic reset member (93) is fixed to the flange (131).

15. The drum washing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The inner cylinder (3) includes a cylinder body (32) and a rear end cover (33) fixedly connected to the cylinder body (32). The motor shaft is located on the central axis of the rear end cover (33) and fixedly connected to the rear end cover (33).

16. The drum washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer cylinder (2) includes a front outer cylinder (21) and a rear outer cylinder (22) that are fixedly connected. The housing (1) includes a front panel (11) and a door (7) that can be opened and closed is provided on the front panel (11). Correspondingly, a door frame that can cooperate with the door (7) is formed on the front outer cylinder (21).

17. The drum washing machine according to claim 16, characterized in that: A door gap sealing ring (6) is provided between the door frame and the door (7). The door frame has an open end that matches the inner diameter of the door (7). The inner wall of the open end is smooth, and the open end of the door frame is formed with a radially outward flared opening (211). An annular groove (212) is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the flared opening (211). Correspondingly, the door gap sealing ring (6) includes a sealing ring (61) and a sealing retainer ring (62) integrally formed with the sealing ring (61). The sealing ring (61) can be fitted outside the flared opening (211), and the cross-section of the sealing ring (61) is a U-shaped rib (611) that matches the annular groove (212). The sealing retainer ring (62) is located on one side of the sealing ring (61) and its inner diameter is smaller than that of the sealing ring (61). The sealing retainer ring (62) is parallel to the end face of the door frame and makes the door (7) fit tightly with the door frame when closed.

18. The drum washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) includes a front panel (11), a top plate, a bottom plate (12), a rear panel (13), and two opposite side plates. The front and rear faces of the outer cylinder (2) are respectively provided with circumferentially arranged protruding connecting columns (23). The front panel (11) and the rear panel (13) of the housing (1) are respectively connected to the corresponding end faces of the outer cylinder (2) through fasteners passing through the connecting columns (23).

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