A vibration damping device and a laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to the clothes treatment technical field, and provides a damping device which comprises two supports and an execution assembly. The support has a first end and a second end, the first end of one of the supports is used for connecting a water containing barrel or a box body of a clothes treatment equipment, the first end of the other support is used for connecting a hanger rod of the clothes treatment equipment, the second ends of the two supports are rotationally connected and axially stacked, the second end of the support is formed with a damping surface, the damping surfaces of the two supports can contact each other and can relatively rotate; the execution assembly comprises a force applying piece located at the second end of the support, the force applying piece drives the second ends of the two supports to relatively slide in the axial direction, so as to adjust the pressure between the damping surfaces of the two supports. The damping device provided by the application can reduce the amplitude of the relative movement between the hanger rod and the box body or the water containing barrel in the horizontal direction, and the execution assembly can adjust the frictional damping force between the two damping surfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of clothing processing technology, and provides a vibration damping device and clothing processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] The suspension system is an important vibration damping device in clothing processing equipment, such as top-loading washing machines. The suspension system itself has considerable flexibility to buffer the vibrations generated by the water tank during operation. However, top-loading washing machines experience strong transient vibrations during the spin-drying cycle. As the structure of current top-loading washing machines becomes increasingly compact, and with the external dimensions of the cabinet remaining constant, the gradually increasing washing capacity leads to a smaller gap between the cabinet and the water tank. This makes the water tank more prone to impacting the cabinet, posing a serious safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a vibration damping device and a clothing processing equipment, wherein the vibration damping device can adjust the vibration suppression effect.

[0004] One aspect of this application provides a vibration damping device, including:

[0005] Two supports, each support having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of one support is used to connect to the water tank or box of the garment processing equipment, and the first end of the other support is used to connect to the hanging rod of the garment processing equipment; the second ends of the two supports are rotatably connected and stacked axially; the second ends of the supports are formed with damping surfaces; the damping surfaces of the two supports can contact each other and can rotate relative to each other.

[0006] An actuating component includes a force-applying element located at the second end of the support, the force-applying element driving the second ends of the two supports to slide relative to each other axially to adjust the pressure between the damping surfaces of the two supports.

[0007] In some embodiments, the actuating component includes a cylinder having a piston chamber, the force-applying element includes a piston and a connector connected to the piston, the piston being slidably disposed within the piston chamber, the piston causing the connector to slide to push the second ends of the two supports to slide axially relative to each other.

[0008] In some embodiments, one of the two supports is a first support and the other of the two supports is a second support. The cylinder and the force-applying component are both located on the side of the first support away from the second support. The cylinder is connected to the second end of the second support, and the connector pushes the second end of the first support to slide.

[0009] In some embodiments, the actuating component includes a mounting bracket disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the cylinder body, and the second support includes at least one fixing rod, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the second end of the mounting bracket and the second support.

[0010] In some embodiments, the vibration damping device includes an air passage, an air pump, and a valve assembly. The air passage connects the air pump and the piston chamber, and the valve assembly is disposed on the air passage. The valve assembly controls the air pump to draw or inject gas from the piston chamber.

[0011] In some implementations, the valve assembly includes a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve, the first solenoid valve being located on the outlet side of the air pump and the second solenoid valve being located on the inlet side of the air pump.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second end of the support is provided with a seat body and a friction pad having the damping surface, the friction pad being disposed on the seat body, two seat bodies being stacked axially, and two friction pads being located between the two seat bodies.

[0013] In some embodiments, the vibration damping device includes a limiting member, a shaft, and a shaft support. The limiting member and the shaft support are respectively disposed at both axial ends of the shaft. The second ends of the two supports are rotatably mounted on the shaft, and the second ends of the two supports are located between the limiting member and the shaft support.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first end of the support is provided with a ball joint, wherein the ball joint of one of the supports is located on the end cap at the upper end of the water tank, and the ball joint of the other support is located on the upper part of the boom.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support includes a connecting rod, a seat is disposed at a second end of the support, and the two ends of the connecting rod are detachably connected to the seat and the ball joint, respectively.

[0016] Another aspect of this application provides a garment processing device, comprising:

[0017] Box;

[0018] A water container is located inside the box.

[0019] A boom is located inside the box, with its upper end fixed to the box and its lower end fixed to the water tank.

[0020] In any of the above-mentioned vibration damping devices, the first end of one of the supports is connected to the water tank or the box, and the first end of the other support is connected to the hanger.

[0021] This application provides a vibration damping device in which the second ends of two supports are stacked and rotatably connected. One support's first end is connected to a housing or water tank, and the other support's first end is connected to a boom. The damping surfaces of the second ends of the two supports abut against each other. When the water tank vibrates horizontally and causes the boom to swing horizontally, the two damping surfaces generate a rotational friction damping force. This effectively increases the damping of the vibration system consisting of the boom and housing or the boom and water tank. Since the horizontal component of the rotational friction damping force generated by the two damping surfaces is not zero, it suppresses and reduces the amplitude of the relative horizontal motion between the boom and housing or the boom and water tank, thus preventing the water tank from colliding with the housing due to excessive horizontal amplitude. Furthermore, the actuating component can adjust the friction damping force generated by the relative rotation between the two damping surfaces to adapt to the vibration damping requirements of different clothing processing equipment under different operating conditions, improving the versatility of the vibration damping device. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a garment processing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The enlarged view of section A of the structure shown schematically illustrates the main structure of the vibration damping device.

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The enlarged view of section B of the structure shown schematically illustrates the damping cylinder, base, shock-absorbing spring, and lower structure of the garment processing equipment.

[0025] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the vibration damping device in one embodiment of this application; it schematically shows the structure of two supports, a fixing rod, and friction plates, etc.

[0026] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the vibration damping device in one embodiment of this application; wherein, the cylinder, piston, and fixing frame are schematically shown.

[0027] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the vibration damping device in one embodiment of this application; wherein, the main structure of the ball joint is schematically shown.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic control principle of the vibration damping device in one embodiment of this application.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] Vibration damping device 100; connecting hole 100a; fastener 100b; support 1; damping surface 1a; seat 11; shaft hole 11a; internal thread hole 11b; friction plate 12; ball joint 13; ball head 131; mounting hole 131a; ball seat 132; ball cavity 132a; connecting rod 14; first support 15; second support 16; fixing rod 161; actuating assembly 2; force-applying component 21; piston 211; connector 212; cylinder 22; piston cavity 22 a; Flow port 22b; Fixing frame 23; Air passage 3; Air pump 4; Inlet side 41; Outlet side 42; Valve group 5; First solenoid valve 51; Second solenoid valve 52; Inlet 5a; Outlet 1 5b; Outlet 2 5c; Limiting component 6; Shaft 7; Shaft support 8; Clothing processing equipment 900; Water tank 91; End cap 911; Connecting slot 912; Hanging rod 92; Fastener 93; Damping cylinder 94; Base support 95; Vibration damping spring 96; Hanging rod bracket 97. Detailed Implementation

[0031] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, and the detailed descriptions in the specific implementation should be understood as explanations of the purpose of this application and should not be regarded as undue limitations on this application.

[0032] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the terms "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," and "vertical" refer to the orientation or positional relationship of the garment processing equipment during normal use. For example, Figure 1 The orientation or positional relationship shown. The "horizontal" direction refers to the orientation or positional relationship perpendicular to the "vertical" direction. The terms "first / second" are merely to distinguish different objects and do not indicate any similarity or connection between them. It should be understood that these orientational terms are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0033] One embodiment of this application provides a vibration damping device 100, please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 The vibration damping device 100 includes two supports 1 and an actuator 2.

[0034] Another embodiment of this application provides a garment processing device 900, please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 The garment processing equipment 900 includes a housing, a water tank 91, a hanging rod 92, and a vibration damping device 100 according to any one of the claims.

[0035] The water tank 91 is located inside the box. For example, the box has a regular hexahedral structure. The box includes four vertically arranged rectangular sidewalls and two horizontally arranged rectangular top and bottom plates. The four sidewalls are joined together in pairs along the circumference to form four corners.

[0036] The hanging rods 92 are located inside the housing, with their upper ends fixed to the housing and their lower ends fixed to the water tank 91. In other words, the water tank 91 of the clothing processing equipment 900 is suspended from the housing by the hanging rods 92. Specifically, there are four hanging rods 92, fixed to the upper parts of the four corners of the housing. The water tank 91 is located at the center of the housing, and the lower ends of the four hanging rods 92 are fixed to the side walls of the water tank 91 opposite to the four corners of the housing. This arrangement ensures that each hanging rod 92 evenly distributes the weight of the water tank 91, resulting in good suspension alignment of the water tank 91.

[0037] The support 1 has a first end and a second end. The first end of one support 1 is connected to the water tank 91 or the box, and the first end of the other support 1 is connected to the hanging rod 92. That is, the first end of one support 1 can be connected to the box or the water tank 91 as needed, and the first end of the other support 1 is connected to the hanging rod 92.

[0038] The second ends of the two supports 1 are rotatably connected and stacked axially. Each second end of support 1 forms a damping surface 1a, and the damping surfaces 1a of the two supports 1 can contact each other and rotate relative to each other. Specifically, the second ends of the two supports 1 rotate along the same axis of rotation, and the second ends of the two supports 1 are stacked along the axis of rotation. The damping surfaces 1a of both supports 1 are perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The line connecting the first and second ends of the supports 1 is also perpendicular to the axis of rotation. During relative rotation of the damping surfaces 1a, as long as the component of the rotational friction damping force projected onto the horizontal plane at any point on the damping surfaces 1a is not zero, the relative movement between the boom 92 and the box, or between the boom 92 and the water tank 91, on the horizontal plane can be constrained. It should be noted that the rotational friction damping force formed by the relative rotation of the two damping surfaces 1a is a Coulomb damping. Compared with viscous damping and hysteresis damping, the structural form for implementing Coulomb damping is relatively simple, and the manufacturing cost of the supports 1 is relatively low.

[0039] The actuating component 2 includes a force-applying element 21 located at the second end of the support 1. The force-applying element 21 drives the second ends of the two supports 1 to slide relative to each other axially, thereby adjusting the pressure between the damping surfaces 1a of the two supports 1. That is, the force-applying element 21 can increase or decrease the normal force of the damping surfaces 1a of the two supports 1 against each other. The greater the normal force applied by the force-applying element 21, the greater the frictional damping force generated by the relative rotation between the two damping surfaces 1a; the smaller the normal force applied by the force-applying element 21 or the greater the frictional damping force generated by the relative rotation between the two damping surfaces 1a, or the absence of damping force.

[0040] Because existing garment processing equipment 900, such as pulsator washing machines, has an extremely low overall first-order natural frequency, this stems from the inherent characteristics of the oscillating suspension structure of pulsator washing machines. The first-order natural frequency of pulsator washing machines is primarily characterized by horizontal oscillation. However, the existing suspension structure of pulsator washing machines lacks sufficient damping constraint in the horizontal direction. This results in a large amplitude of vibration in the water tank 91 during the spin-drying or washing process when the critical rotational speed is near the first-order natural frequency. This can easily cause the water tank 91 to collide with the machine body, leading to serious safety issues.

[0041] The vibration damping device 100 provided in this application embodiment has two supports 1 whose second ends are stacked and rotatably connected. The first end of one support 1 is connected to a box or a water tank 91, and the first end of the other support 1 is connected to a rod 92. The damping surfaces 1a of the second ends of the two supports 1 abut against each other. When the water tank 91 vibrates in the horizontal direction and causes the rod 92 to swing in the horizontal direction, the two damping surfaces 1a generate a rotational friction damping force, which is equivalent to increasing the damping of the vibration system composed of the rod 92 and the box or the rod 92 and the water tank 91. The horizontal component of the rotational friction damping force generated by the two damping surfaces 1a is not zero, thereby suppressing and reducing the amplitude of the relative motion between the rod 92 and the box or the rod 92 and the water tank 91 in the horizontal direction, thus preventing the water tank 91 from hitting the box due to excessive horizontal amplitude. On the other hand, the actuator 2 can adjust the frictional damping force generated by the relative rotation between the two damping surfaces 1a to adapt to the vibration suppression requirements of different clothing processing equipment 900 under different working conditions, thereby improving the universality of the vibration damping device 100.

[0042] For example, when the critical speed frequency of the garment processing equipment 900 during dehydration reaches near the first-order resonant frequency, the actuator 2 drives the force-applying component 21 to increase the rotational friction damping force of the two damping surfaces 1a, thereby limiting the horizontal vibration between the water tank 91 and the box. When the critical speed frequency exceeds the first-order resonant frequency, the actuator 2 drives the force-applying component 21 to separate from the support 1, the rotational friction damping force disappears, and the water tank 91 of the garment processing equipment 900 relies on the original balance ring to suppress vibration. In this way, the garment processing equipment 900 can have a good vibration suppression effect in each working stage.

[0043] For example, in one embodiment, the execution component 2 can be powered by a motor, which directly drives the force-applying component 21 to move. The force-applying component 21 can be a robotic arm. Two supports 1 are clamped between the robotic arm, and the robotic arm clamps or disengages from the second ends of the two supports 1 to adjust the pressure between the damping surfaces 1a of the two supports 1.

[0044] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 The second end of the support 1 is provided with a seat body 11 and a friction plate 12 with a damping surface 1a. The friction plate 12 is disposed on the seat body 11, and the two seat bodies 11 are stacked axially, with the two friction plates 12 located between the two seat bodies 11. The structure of the seat body 11 is not limited. For example, in one embodiment, both the seat body 11 and the friction plate 12 of the two supports 1 are disc-shaped structures. The friction plate 12 of any support 1 includes a connecting surface for connecting the seat body 11 and a damping surface 1a. The connecting surface is connected to the disc surface of the seat body 11, and the damping surface 1a is connected to the damping surface 1a of the friction plate 12 of the other support 1. Since the mechanical characteristics of the rotational friction damping force generated by different types of friction plates 12 are not entirely the same, by setting the friction plate 12 on the seat body 11, different types of friction plates 12 can be used or replaced according to the actual situation to change or adjust the mechanical characteristics of the rotational friction damping force, thereby better adapting to the vibration suppression requirements of different clothing processing equipment 900 under different working conditions.

[0045] The materials of friction pad 12 include, but are not limited to, rubber-based friction materials, semi-metallic friction materials, carbon fiber friction materials, resin-based friction materials, and paper-based friction materials.

[0046] The connection method between the friction plate 12 and the seat 11 is not limited. If the friction plate 12 is made of semi-metallic friction material or carbon fiber friction material, the friction plate 12 can be welded to the seat 11. If the friction plate 12 is made of rubber-based friction material, such as asbestos-free rubber, cork and fiber, the friction plate 12 can be pasted to the seat 11.

[0047] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 The actuator 2 includes a cylinder 22 with a piston chamber 22a, and a force-applying component 21 includes a piston 211 and a connector 212 connected to the piston 211. The piston 211 is slidably disposed within the piston chamber 22a. The piston 211 drives the connector 212 to slide, thereby pushing the second ends of the two supports 1 to slide relative to each other axially. Specifically, the piston 211 has a pushing stroke and a retraction stroke. In the pushing stroke, the piston 211 extends axially toward the support 1 along the cylinder 22, and the piston 211 drives the connector 212 to push the second end of one of the supports 1 to increase the normal pressure between the second ends of the two supports 1. In the retraction stroke, the piston 211 retracts axially away from the support 1 along the cylinder 22, and the connector 212 separates from the second end of one of the supports 1 to reduce or eliminate the normal pressure between the second ends of the two supports 1.

[0048] As an example, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5The cylinder body 22 is a hollow cylindrical structure. One axial end of the cylinder body 22 has a flow port 22b, which connects to the piston chamber 22a. Liquid or gaseous media can enter the piston chamber 22a or exit through the flow port 22b. The cylinder body 22 is made of materials including, but not limited to, metal or engineering plastics.

[0049] As an example, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 The piston 211 has a cylindrical structure. The outer contour of the piston 211 fits against the inner wall of the piston cavity 22a and can slide along the axial direction of the cylinder 22. The piston 211 is made of materials including but not limited to rubber. Using rubber components for the piston 211 can improve sealing performance, reduce the probability of the medium in the piston cavity 22a leaking from the sliding piston 211, and improve operational reliability.

[0050] As an example, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 A connector 212 is provided on the axial side of the piston 211 away from the flow port 22b. The connector 212 engages with the piston 211. The connector 212 has a cylindrical structure with an outer diameter slightly smaller than that of the piston 211 to ensure that the connector 212 does not contact the inner wall of the cylinder 22, thereby reducing unnecessary frictional resistance during the sliding of the piston 211. The material of the connector 212 includes, but is not limited to, rubber materials with low operating noise and good quietness.

[0051] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 There are two supports 1, one of which is the first support 15, and the other of which is the second support 16. The cylinder body 22 and the force-applying component 21 are both located on the side of the first support 15 away from the second support 16. Specifically, the cylinder body 22 and the force-applying component 21 are both arranged in the direction of the rotation axis connecting the second ends of the two supports 1, wherein the first support 15 is the support 1 relatively close to the force-applying component 21 and the cylinder body 22, and the second support 16 is the support 1 relatively far away from the force-applying component 21 and the cylinder body 22.

[0052] The cylinder body 22 is connected to the second end of the second support 16, and the connector 212 pushes the second end of the first support 15 to slide. That is, the first support 15 is sandwiched between the second support 16 and the connector 212. The second support 16 is connected to the cylinder body 22 so that the second support 16 will not move relative to the cylinder body 22. During the piston 211's pushing stroke, the connector 212 can push the first support 15 along the rotation axis in the direction toward the second support 16 to increase the positive pressure between the first support 15 and the second support 16.

[0053] As an example, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The actuator 2 includes a fixing frame 23, which is disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the cylinder body 22. The second support 16 includes at least one fixing rod 161, with both ends of the fixing rod 161 connected to the second ends of the fixing frame 23 and the second support 16, respectively. That is, the cylinder body 22 and the second support 16 are connected by the fixing frame 23 and the fixing rod 161. Specifically, the fixing frame 23 has a ring structure and surrounds the outer peripheral wall of the cylinder body 22.

[0054] The connection method between the mounting bracket 23 and the cylinder body 22 is not limited, and includes, but is not limited to, welding, snap-fitting, riveting, screwing, and pin connection. For an example, please refer to [link to example]. Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Both the outer peripheral wall of the cylinder body 22 and the inner ring wall of the fixing frame 23 have connecting holes 100a for fasteners 100b such as rivets, pins, and screws to pass through. The fasteners 100b pass through the connecting holes 100a to connect the cylinder body 22 and the fixing frame 23 together. The connection method of fasteners 100b passing through the connecting holes 100a allows for multiple disassemblies and reassemblies, facilitating the inspection and maintenance of the vibration damping device 100.

[0055] The connection method between the fixing frame 23 and the fixing rod 161 is not limited, including but not limited to welding, snap-fitting, riveting, screwing, and pin connection. For example, in one embodiment, the fixing rod 161 extends along the rotation axis, with one end connected to the outer periphery of the seat 11 of the second support 16, and the other end connected to the fixing frame 23. Both the end face of the fixing rod 161 connecting to the fixing frame 23 and the end face of the fixing frame 23 facing the second support 16 have connecting holes 100a. Fasteners 100b, such as rivets, pins, and screws, pass through the connecting holes 100a to connect the fixing frame 23 and the fixing rod 161 together.

[0056] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 7 The vibration damping device 100 includes an air passage 3, an air pump 4, and a valve group 5. The air passage 3 connects the air pump 4 and the piston chamber 22a. The valve group 5 is located on the air passage 3 and controls the air pump 4 to draw or inject gas from the piston chamber 22a. The piston chamber 22a is used to contain gas, and the air pump 4 provides a power source for the movement of the piston 211 within the piston chamber 22a. In other words, this application uses a pneumatic system to control the movement of the actuator 2. Compared with a hydraulic system, the pneumatic system does not have the problem of oil leakage from the cylinder 22, will not cause oil contamination to other components, has high cleanliness, the piston 211 moves quickly, the control components are simple, and the cost is lower.

[0057] As an example, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 7Valve assembly 5 includes a first solenoid valve 51 and a second solenoid valve 52. The first solenoid valve 51 is located on the outlet side 42 of the air pump 4, and the second solenoid valve 52 is located on the inlet side 41 of the air pump 4. Specifically, both the first solenoid valve 51 and the second solenoid valve 52 are two-position three-way valves. Both the first solenoid valve 51 and the second solenoid valve 52 include an inlet 5a, an outlet 1 5b, and an outlet 2 5c. The outlet side 42 of the air pump 4 is connected to the inlet 5a of the first solenoid valve 51 through an air passage 3, and the inlet side 41 of the air pump 4 is connected to the inlet 5a of the second solenoid valve 52 through an air passage 3. The outlet 2 5c of the first solenoid valve 51 and the outlet 1 5b of the second solenoid valve 52 are both connected to the piston chamber 22a of the cylinder 22, and the outlet 1 5b of the first solenoid valve 51 and the outlet 2 5c of the second solenoid valve 52 are connected to the outside.

[0058] Both the first solenoid valve 51 and the second solenoid valve 52 have two operating positions: a first operating position and a second operating position. In the first operating position, inlet 5a is connected to outlet 1 5b, and inlet 5a is disconnected from outlet 2 5c; in the second operating position, inlet 5a is connected to outlet 2 5c, and inlet 5a is disconnected from outlet 1 5b.

[0059] During the pushing stroke of piston 211, both the first solenoid valve 51 and the second solenoid valve 52 are in the second working position. The air intake side 41 of air pump 4 draws in air from the outside through the inlet 5a of the second solenoid valve 52 and the outlet 5c of the second solenoid valve 52. The air from the outlet side 42 of air pump 4 is injected into the piston chamber 22a of cylinder 22 through the inlet 5a and the outlet 5c of the first solenoid valve 51. The air pressure in the piston chamber 22a is greater than atmospheric pressure, and piston 211 extends axially toward support 1 along cylinder 22.

[0060] During the retraction stroke of piston 211, both the first solenoid valve 51 and the second solenoid valve 52 are in the first working position. The air intake side 41 of the air pump 4 draws air from the piston chamber 22a of the cylinder 22 through the inlet 5a and outlet 5b of the second solenoid valve 52. The air from the outlet side 42 of the air pump 4 is discharged to the outside through the inlet 5a of the first solenoid valve 51 and the outlet 5b of the first solenoid valve 51. The air pressure in the piston chamber 22a is less than atmospheric pressure, and piston 211 retracts in the opposite direction to support 1 along the axial direction of cylinder 22.

[0061] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7The vibration damping device 100 consists of a first support 15, a second support 16, a cylinder 22, and a force-applying component 21, which together constitute a set of vibration damping components. At least one set of vibration damping components is provided between the upper part of the four suspension rods 92 and the water tank 91 to effectively suppress the horizontal vibration around the water tank 91. For example, each of the four suspension rods 92 is provided with a set of vibration damping components. To ensure that the force-applying components 21 of the four sets of vibration damping components can push or retract synchronously, two of the interfaces of a three-way fitting can be connected to the outlet 5c of the first solenoid valve 51 and the outlet 5b of the second solenoid valve 52, respectively. Then, the five interfaces of a five-way fitting can be connected to the other interface of the three-way fitting and the flow port 22b of the cylinder 22 of the four vibration damping devices 100. Alternatively, a six-way connector 212 can be used to connect the outlet 5c of the first solenoid valve 51, the outlet 5b of the second solenoid valve 52, and the flow port 22b of the cylinder 22 of the four vibration damping devices 100.

[0062] The two two-position three-way solenoid valves used in this application have simple internal structures, ensuring reliable piston 211 operation, and the market procurement cost of solenoid valves is relatively low.

[0063] The orientation of the rotation axis affects the direction of the rotational friction damping force. Since the direction of the rotational friction damping force is parallel to the damping surface 1a and always perpendicular to the direction of the rotation radius and the rotation axis, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 2 The rotation axes of the two supports 1 are vertical. This arrangement ensures that the rotational friction damping force at any point on the damping surface 1a is parallel to the horizontal plane, thus achieving a good vibration suppression effect in the horizontal direction by applying a relatively small rotational friction damping force. Similarly, the rotation axes of the two supports 1 can also be slightly inclined relative to the vertical direction, so that the rotational friction damping force also has a large horizontal component on the horizontal plane, thereby suppressing horizontal vibrations between the box and the boom 92 or between the water tank 91 and the boom 92.

[0064] The connection method of the second end of the two supports 1 is not limited. In one embodiment, the seat body 11 of one support 1 has a shaft platform protruding towards the other seat body 11 along the rotation axis, and the seat body 11 of the other support 1 has a shaft groove coaxial with the shaft platform. The shaft platform is inserted into the shaft groove and is clearance-fitted with the shaft groove to realize the rotational connection of the two supports 1.

[0065] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4The vibration damping device 100 includes a limiting member 6, a shaft 7, and a shaft support 8. The limiting member 6 and the shaft support 8 are respectively disposed at both axial ends of the shaft 7. The second ends of the two supports 1 can be rotatably mounted on the shaft 7, and the second ends of the two supports 1 are located between the limiting member 6 and the shaft support 8. Specifically, the seat body 11 of the two supports 1 each forms a shaft hole 11a coaxial with the rotation axis. The seat body 11 of the two supports 1 is sleeved on the shaft 7 through the shaft hole 11a. The two seat bodies 11 are sandwiched between the adjusting member and the shaft support 8. Each of the two seat bodies 11 is clamped between its own friction plate 12, and the damping surfaces 1a of the two friction plates 12 are in contact with each other.

[0066] The structure of the shaft support 8 is not limited. In one embodiment, the shaft support 8 is a stop structure fixed to one axial end of the shaft 7, including but not limited to baffles and blocks.

[0067] The structure of the limiting member 6 is not limited. In one embodiment, the limiting member 6 is a nut sleeved on the shaft 7. The nut has a simple structure, and rotating the nut allows it to slide along the axial direction of the shaft 7, providing a certain degree of adjustability. It can be adjusted and limited according to the thickness of the seat 11, ensuring that the seat 11 will not easily come off the axial direction of the shaft 7, thus guaranteeing a reliable rotational connection between the two supports 1. Specifically, the shaft 7 is a threaded rod, and the nut is sleeved on the threaded rod.

[0068] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6 The first end of the support 1 is equipped with a ball joint 13. The ball joint 13 is a ball cage type universal structure. Compared with universal structures such as cross shaft and three shaft, the ball joint 13 has a simpler structure, more flexible universal rotation, compact structure, and small size, making it more suitable for installation in smaller enclosure spaces.

[0069] There may be multiple vibration damping devices 100, which can be installed at suitable locations within the garment processing equipment 900. For example, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 6 One of the ball joints 13 of the support 1 is mounted on the end cap 911 at the upper end of the water tank 91, and the other ball joint 13 of the support 1 is mounted on the upper part of the hanging rod 92. Since the upper space of the clothing processing equipment 900 is relatively spacious, the vibration damping device 100 is conveniently installed and fixed at the upper part of the clothing processing equipment 900. Specifically, the end cap 911 is detachably fixed to the upper opening of the water tank 91. Fixing one ball joint 13 to the end cap 911 does not damage the structure of the water tank 91, avoiding potential structural damage and leakage caused by fixing the ball joint 13. The end cap 911 is located at the upper part of the clothing processing equipment 900, making the installation of the support 1 convenient.

[0070] As an example, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6The ball joint 13 includes a ball head 131 and a ball seat 132 with a ball cavity 132a. The ball head 131 is rotatably disposed within the ball cavity 132a and is used to connect with the boom 92, the water tank 91, or the box. Specifically, the ball seat 132 is an annular structure with openings at both ends. The inner annular wall of the ball seat 132 is the ball cavity 132a. The ball seat 132 is connected to the seat body 11 at the second end of the support 1. The ball seat 132 can rotate freely relative to the ball head 131 in three-dimensional space.

[0071] Compared to conventional ball-cage universal joints, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the ball joint 131 of the ball joint 13 has a mounting hole 131a. The mounting hole 131a passes through the ball joint 131. The rod 92 passes through the mounting hole 131a of one of the ball joints 131 and is clearance-fitted with the mounting hole 131a so that the ball joint 131 can slide along the extension direction of the rod 92.

[0072] Since the water tank 91 bears different weights each time it washes clothes, its working position relative to the garment container will also change each time. Since one of the supports 1 is fixed to the water tank 91, the support 1 fixed to one end of the water tank 91 will also change position as the water tank 91 changes. To accommodate the different working positions of the water tank 91 each time, the ball joint 13 of the support 1 on the hanging rod 92 can adaptively slide up or down in the extension direction of the hanging rod 92, so that the working distance between the two supports 1 can always be maintained within a good range. This improves the installation adaptability and operational reliability of the vibration damping device 100 in the garment processing equipment 900.

[0073] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6 The mounting hole 131a of the other ball joint 131 is used to pass through a fastener 93 for connection to the water tank 91 or the box body. The structure of the fastener 93 is not limited, including but not limited to screws, bolts, pins, etc. Specifically, one of the supports 1 is fixed to the upper end face of the end cap 911 of the water tank 91, and the fastener 93 passes through the mounting hole 131a of the ball joint 131 of the ball joint 13 of the support 1 in the vertical direction.

[0074] The connection method between the first end of support 1 and the second end of support 1 is not limited. In one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 4The support 1 includes a connecting rod 14, and a seat 11 is disposed at the second end of the support 1. The two ends of the connecting rod 14 are detachably connected to the seat 11 and the ball joint 13, respectively. The detachable connection methods of the two ends of the connecting rod 14 include, but are not limited to, threaded connection, interference fit, snap-fit, etc. For example, the two ends of the connecting rod 14 are formed with externally threaded tubes extending along their own axial direction, and the peripheral sides of the seat 11 and the ball joint 132 are formed with radially extending internally threaded holes 11b; or, the two ends of the connecting rod 14 are formed with internally threaded holes 11b extending along their own axial direction, and the peripheral sides of the seat 11 and the ball joint 132 are formed with radially extending externally threaded tubes, and the externally threaded tubes are threadedly connected to the internally threaded holes 11b. The detachable connecting rod 14 facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the vibration damping device 100.

[0075] In one embodiment, the connecting rod 14, the seat 11, and the ball seat 132 are integrally formed. The support 1 adopts an integrally formed structure, resulting in good overall structural strength of the vibration damping device 100.

[0076] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The garment processing equipment 900 includes a hanging rod bracket 97 fixed to any corner of the housing, with the upper end of the hanging rod 92 connected to the hanging rod bracket 97. Specifically, the hanging rod bracket 97 is located at the four corners of the upper part of the housing, and the upper end of the hanging rod 92 is fixed to the housing via the hanging rod bracket 97. The connection between the hanging rod 92 and the hanging rod bracket 97 includes, but is not limited to, universal joint connection methods such as spherical fit connection, planar hinge connection, and spherical hinge connection. This ensures that the upper end of the hanging rod 92 can rotate along a plane or sphere with the hanging rod bracket 97 as the connection point, thereby allowing the water tank 91 suspended from the lower end of the hanging rod 92 to have a certain degree of freedom of vibration.

[0077] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The garment handling equipment 900 includes a damping cylinder 94, a base 95 located at the lower end of a suspension rod 92, and a vibration damping spring 96. The vibration damping spring 96 passes through the suspension rod 92 and is sandwiched between the damping cylinder 94 and the base 95. A connecting groove 912 is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the lower part of the water tank 91, and the connecting groove 912 is sleeved on the damping cylinder 94. Specifically, the damping cylinder 94 is sleeved on the suspension rod 92, and the vibration damping spring 96 is a compression spring. The lower end of the damping cylinder 94 abuts against one end of the vibration damping spring 96, and the other end of the vibration damping spring 96 abuts against the base 95. The peripheral side wall of the water tank 91 is provided with a connecting groove 912 for connecting the suspension rod 92. The water tank 91 is hung on the upper end face of the damping cylinder 94 through the connecting groove 912, so that the suspension rod 92 can support the water tank 91.

[0078] In one embodiment, each of the four booms 92 is equipped with its own damping cylinder 94, vibration damping spring 96, and base support 95. The damping cylinder 94, vibration damping spring 96, and base support 95 on each boom 92 are independently and evenly distributed around the water tank 91 to share the weight of the water tank 91 in the vertical direction and suppress the vibration of the water tank 91 in the vertical direction during operation.

[0079] Clothing processing equipment 900 includes, but is not limited to, top-loading washing machines or spin dryers.

[0080] The various embodiments / implementations provided in this application can be combined with each other without creating contradictions. The above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A vibration damping device, characterized in that, include: Two supports, each support having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of one support is used to connect to the water tank or box of the garment processing equipment, and the first end of the other support is used to connect to the hanging rod of the garment processing equipment; the second ends of the two supports are rotatably connected and stacked axially; the second ends of the supports are formed with damping surfaces; the damping surfaces of the two supports can contact each other and can rotate relative to each other. An actuating component includes a force-applying element located at the second end of the support, the force-applying element driving the second ends of the two supports to slide relative to each other axially to adjust the pressure between the damping surfaces of the two supports; The actuating component includes a cylinder having a piston chamber, and the force-applying element includes a piston and a connector connected to the piston. The piston is slidably disposed within the piston chamber, and the piston drives the connector to slide, thereby pushing the second ends of the two supports to slide relative to each other axially.

2. The vibration damping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the two supports is a first support, and the other of the two supports is a second support. The cylinder and the force-applying component are both located on the side of the first support away from the second support. The cylinder is connected to the second end of the second support, and the connector pushes the second end of the first support to slide.

3. The vibration damping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The actuator includes a mounting frame disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the cylinder body, and the second support includes at least one fixing rod, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the second end of the mounting frame and the second support.

4. The vibration damping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vibration damping device includes an air passage, an air pump, and a valve group. The air passage connects the air pump and the piston chamber. The valve group is located on the air passage and controls the air pump to draw or inject gas from the piston chamber.

5. The vibration damping device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve assembly includes a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve. The first solenoid valve is located on the outlet side of the air pump, and the second solenoid valve is located on the inlet side of the air pump.

6. The vibration damping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the support is provided with a seat body and a friction plate having the damping surface formed thereon. The friction plate is disposed on the seat body, the two seat bodies are stacked axially, and the two friction plates are located between the two seat bodies.

7. The vibration damping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vibration damping device includes a limiting member, a shaft, and a shaft support. The limiting member and the shaft support are respectively disposed at both ends of the shaft. The second ends of the two supports can be rotatably passed through the shaft, and the second ends of the two supports are located between the limiting member and the shaft support.

8. The vibration damping device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first end of the support is provided with a ball joint, one of the ball joints of the support is located on the end cap at the upper end of the water tank, and the other ball joint of the support is located on the upper part of the rod.

9. The vibration damping device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The support includes a connecting rod, and a seat is disposed at the second end of the support. The two ends of the connecting rod are detachably connected to the seat and the ball joint, respectively.

10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: Box; A water container is located inside the box. A boom is located inside the box, with its upper end fixed to the box and its lower end fixed to the water tank. The vibration damping device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first end of one of the supports is connected to the water tank or the box, and the first end of the other support is connected to the hanging rod.

Images