Door body structure and washing equipment
By designing the outer door component and inner door in the door structure, the problems of dirt accumulation in the inner and outer drums and the complex structure of the window gasket are solved. This allows the inner drum to hold water independently and simplifies the door structure, thereby improving the washing effect and user experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410614342.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-18
AI Technical Summary
In traditional drum washing equipment, dirt easily accumulates between the inner and outer drums, the window gasket structure is complex and easily traps dirt, and the linkage mechanism between the inner drum door and the machine door is complex, resulting in poor washing effect and complex equipment structure.
The system adopts a door structure, including an outer door assembly, a support assembly, an inner door, and an elastic element. The inner door is rotatably connected to the support assembly. The inner cylinder can independently hold water through the elastic element and a protective sleeve. The outer door assembly opens and closes the inner cylinder opening and the clothes inlet simultaneously to avoid vibration transmission.
It enables the inner drum to hold water independently, preventing washing water from overflowing, simplifies the door structure, reduces equipment vibration transmission, and improves washing effect and user observation convenience.
Smart Images

Figure CN120967644A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing equipment technology, specifically, it relates to a door structure and washing equipment. Background Technology
[0002] Traditional drum washing machines typically have a gasket between the outer drum opening and the front loading port to prevent wash water from overflowing during the wash cycle. To accommodate the vibrations of the outer drum during washing, this gasket has a multi-pleated structure; however, this structure easily traps dirt and grime, causing soiling of clothes. To address this, some washing machines incorporate a dedicated spray system for rinsing the gasket, but this makes the internal water system structure more complex.
[0003] On the other hand, traditional washing equipment has a structure with dewatering holes on the inner drum wall, connecting the outer drum to the inner drum. Dirt generated during the washing process can partially remain between the inner and outer drums, making it difficult to clean. Long-term accumulation can also contaminate the washing water and affect the washing effect.
[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technology proposes a washing machine without a dewatering hole on the inner drum. This allows the inner drum to independently hold the washing water during the washing process, largely preventing the accumulation of dirt between the inner and outer drums. Furthermore, since the outer drum no longer stores water, there is no need for a multi-pleated gasket at the outer drum opening.
[0005] However, this structure introduces new problems. On the one hand, during washing, water can easily splash from the inner drum opening into the space between the inner and outer drums, posing a potential risk of residual dirt between them. On the other hand, if the water level in the inner drum exceeds the bottom of the inner drum opening, water will overflow into the outer drum. Therefore, the washing equipment can only use a low water level, which cannot achieve ideal washing and rinsing results when washing a large amount of laundry.
[0006] Existing technologies propose a solution where an inner drum door is installed at the opening of the inner drum. This inner drum door seals the inner drum during washing, preventing wash water from overflowing. However, since the inner drum door needs to rotate with the inner drum, it cannot be integrated with the main door located on the machine casing. Furthermore, to allow users to open and close both the inner drum door and the main door simultaneously, a complex linkage mechanism is required, making the internal structure of the washing equipment overly complex.
[0007] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention
[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a door structure and washing equipment that can seal the opening of the inner drum to allow the inner drum to hold water independently, and achieve the effect of synchronous opening and closing of the outer loading port and the inner drum opening without the need for a complicated linkage opening mechanism.
[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:
[0010] A door structure, comprising:
[0011] Exterior door components;
[0012] A support component is provided at a distance from the outer door component, and an elastic element is provided between the support component and the outer door component;
[0013] The inner door is located on the side of the support assembly facing away from the outer door assembly and is rotatably connected to the support assembly;
[0014] A protective sleeve is fitted over the outside of the elastic member. One end of the protective sleeve is connected to the outer door assembly, and the other end is connected to the support assembly.
[0015] Furthermore, the outer door assembly has a first protrusion on the surface facing the support assembly, and a second protrusion is provided on the raised surface of the first protrusion;
[0016] The protective sleeve is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the first protrusion at one end, and the elastic element is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the second protrusion at one end.
[0017] Furthermore, the outer door assembly has a first light-transmitting area within the coverage area of the second protrusion, and the support assembly has a second light-transmitting area;
[0018] The projection area of the first light-transmitting area onto the inner door at least partially overlaps with the projection area of the second light-transmitting area onto the inner door;
[0019] The elastic element has a cavity that extends through both ends.
[0020] Furthermore, the outer door assembly includes:
[0021] The door frame has a hollow area that forms the first light-transmitting area;
[0022] The window screen is made of transparent material and is installed on the door frame, at least covering the open area of the door frame;
[0023] An installation sleeve is provided on the side surface of the door frame facing the support component. The inner circumference of the installation sleeve is flush with the outer circumference of the hollow area or surrounds the periphery of the hollow area.
[0024] The end of the elastic element and the end of the protective sleeve are respectively fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the mounting sleeve.
[0025] Furthermore, the mounting sleeve extends in a direction away from the door frame and has a first socket section and a second socket section in sequence, wherein the outer diameter of the second socket section is smaller than the outer diameter of the first socket section;
[0026] The end of the elastic element is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the second sleeve segment, and the end of the protective sleeve connected to the outer door assembly is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the first sleeve segment.
[0027] Furthermore, the support assembly has a mounting plate, and the center of the mounting plate has a bearing mounting part for mounting a bearing; the inner door has a pivot that is inserted into or fitted onto the bearing;
[0028] The second light-transmitting area is formed between the outer periphery of the mounting plate and the outer peripheral wall of the bearing mounting portion;
[0029] One end of the elastic element is connected to the support assembly and is connected to the area near the outer periphery of the mounting plate.
[0030] Preferably, the area between the outer periphery of the mounting plate and the outer peripheral wall of the bearing mounting portion is at least partially made of a transparent material, forming the second light-transmitting area;
[0031] Alternatively, the outer periphery of the mounting plate and the outer peripheral wall of the bearing mounting part have a hollow structure to form the second light-transmitting area.
[0032] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the mounting plate extends a certain length in the direction of the outer door assembly to form a cylindrical portion;
[0033] The end of the elastic element is inserted into the inner side of the cylindrical part, and the end of the protective sleeve connected to the support assembly is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical part.
[0034] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the inner door has a guide flange, which extends obliquely from the outer periphery of the inner door towards the direction of the outer door assembly, gradually moving away from the rotation axis of the inner door;
[0035] Preferably, the extended end of the guide flange surrounds the periphery of the support assembly.
[0036] A washing device has an inner drum that independently holds water during the washing process, including the door structure described above, wherein the inner door is used to open / close the opening of the inner drum.
[0037] Furthermore, the housing of the washing equipment has a clothes inlet, and the outer door assembly is closably installed at the clothes inlet;
[0038] When the outer door assembly closes the garment inlet, the inner door extends into the casing to close the opening of the inner cylinder.
[0039] Preferably, the washing device has an outer drum, and the inner drum is disposed inside the outer drum, with the opening of the inner drum extending from the opening of the outer drum to the outside of the outer drum;
[0040] When the outer door assembly closes the garment inlet, the extended end of the inner cylinder opening comes into sealed contact with the inner door.
[0041] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.
[0042] In this invention, the door structure comprises a relatively rotatable outer door assembly and an inner door, applicable to washing equipment with an independently rotatable inner drum. The outer door assembly can be mounted on a fixed structure within the washing equipment, while the inner door seals the opening of the inner drum and rotates with it. Simultaneously, through the inclusion of an elastic element, the inner door can move relative to the outer door assembly in six dimensions (up, down, left, right, forward, and backward), preventing vibrations from the inner drum from being directly transmitted to the outer door assembly. A protective sleeve is provided on the outside of the elastic element, protecting it and enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the door structure.
[0043] In this invention, the elastic element has a cavity at its center to avoid obstruction between the first and second light-transmitting areas. When the door structure is installed in the washing equipment, the user can observe the operation of the inner drum inside the washing equipment from the side of the outer door assembly, making it convenient for the user to observe the operation of the washing equipment in real time.
[0044] In this invention, the outer periphery of the inner door has an inclined extending guide flange. When the door is closed, even if the support assembly and the inner door droop as a whole relative to the outer door assembly, the inner door can be accurately inserted into the opening of the inner cylinder under the guidance of the guide flange, thereby sealing the opening of the inner cylinder and preventing water from overflowing from the opening of the inner cylinder.
[0045] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0046] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:
[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the washing equipment in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of the door structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0049] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the outer door assembly in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation disk in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0051] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the door structure in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0052] In the diagram: 100, housing; 200, drive motor; 310, suspension spring; 320, damper; 400, inner cylinder; 410, cylinder opening; 500, door structure; 510, inner door; 511, window cover; 5111, guide flange; 512, connecting part; 513, pivot; 520, outer door assembly; 521, first protrusion; 522, second protrusion; 523, mounting sleeve; 5231, first connecting section; 5232, second connecting section; 524, door frame; 525, window screen; 530, elastic element; 540, support assembly; 541, mounting plate; 5411, cylindrical part; 5412, spoke; 5413, bearing sleeve; 5414, annular connector; 542, bearing; 550, protective sleeve; 600, outer cylinder.
[0053] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation
[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0055] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.
[0056] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0057] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a door structure 500 and a washing device having the door structure 500. The washing device can be a washing machine, washer-dryer combo, garment care machine, or other household appliance with clothing cleaning function.
[0058] Specifically, the washing device described in this embodiment of the invention has an outer drum 600 and an inner drum 400. The inner drum 400 is rotatably disposed inside the outer drum 600 and can independently hold water during the washing process.
[0059] More specifically, a drive motor 200 is installed at the rear end of the outer drum 600. The drive motor 200 passes through the bottom of the outer drum 600 and is connected to the inner drum 400, thereby driving the inner drum 400 to rotate when the washing equipment is running.
[0060] In one specific implementation, the inner drum 400 does not have a dewatering hole; instead, it has a water passage hole with a sealing valve only in a localized area, such as the installation area covered by the lifting ribs (not shown in the figure). During the washing process, the sealing valve remains closed to the water passage hole. The inner drum 400 can both hold clothes and store water, while the outer drum 600 does not store water. During drainage and spin-drying, the sealing valve can open the water passage hole, thereby draining the water in the inner drum 400 into the outer drum 600, where it is collected and drained away.
[0061] In one specific embodiment, the washing equipment includes a housing 100, with an outer drum 600 disposed inside the housing 100. A damper 320 is installed between the outer drum 600 and the bottom wall of the housing 100, supporting the outer drum 600 within the housing 100. A suspension spring 310 is installed between the outer drum 600 and the top wall of the housing 100, suspending the outer drum 600 from above. The suspension spring 310 and the damper 320 work together to reduce vibration of the outer drum 600 during operation of the washing equipment.
[0062] Furthermore, a clothes inlet is provided on the front side of the casing 100 corresponding to the drum opening 410 of the inner drum 400. A machine door is generally installed at the clothes inlet, which is used to open and close the inlet. Specifically, before starting or after washing, the user can open the machine door to put clothes into or remove them from the inner drum 400. During the washing process, the machine door closes the clothes inlet to prevent the user from contacting the rotating inner drum 400, ensuring the safe operation of the washing equipment.
[0063] During the operation of the washing equipment, it is also necessary to seal the opening 410 of the inner drum 400 to prevent washing water from overflowing from the opening 410. However, since the inner drum 400 needs to rotate during the operation of the washing equipment, it is not possible to simultaneously seal the loading port and the opening 410 of the inner drum 400 through the aforementioned machine door.
[0064] If a separate inner drum door is used to seal the opening 410 of the inner drum 400, the user needs to operate the machine door and the inner drum door separately when using the washing equipment, which is cumbersome. Although a linkage mechanism can be set between the machine door and the inner drum door to open or close the inner drum door in conjunction with the opening and closing of the machine door, the structure is relatively complex.
[0065] Example 1
[0066] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a door structure 500 and a washing device having the door structure 500 to solve the problem of sealing the opening 410 of the inner drum 400 of the washing device in which the inner drum 400 is independently filled with water.
[0067] Specifically, in this embodiment, the door structure 500 includes an outer door assembly 520, a support assembly 540, and an inner door 510. The support assembly 540 and the outer door assembly 520 are spaced apart, with an elastic element 530 positioned between them. The inner door 510 is located on the side of the support assembly 540 facing away from the outer door assembly 520 and is rotatably connected to the support assembly 540.
[0068] When the aforementioned door structure 500 is applied in a washing machine, the outer door assembly 520 is installed on the housing 100 of the washing machine. Specifically, the outer door assembly 520 is closably installed at the loading port on the front panel of the housing 100, thereby allowing the loading port to be opened and closed via the outer door assembly 520.
[0069] When the outer door assembly 520 closes the loading opening, the inner door 510 extends into the inner side of the casing 100, sealing the opening 410 of the inner drum 400. Since the inner door 510 is rotatably connected to the support assembly 540, during washing machine operation, the outer door assembly 520 is relatively fixed to the casing 100, while the inner door 510 can rotate synchronously with the inner drum 400. When the outer door assembly 520 opens the loading opening, the inner door 510 separates from the opening 410 of the inner drum 400, thus allowing the inner drum 400 opening 410 to open synchronously.
[0070] The elastic element 530 extends along the rotation axis of the inner door 510, with one end connected to the outer door assembly 520 and the other end connected to the support assembly 540. The elastic element 530 can extend and retract along its extension direction, and can also bend relative to the rotation axis of the inner door 510. In this way, the whole formed by the support assembly 540 and the inner door 510 can move in six dimensions (up, down, left, right, forward, and backward) relative to the outer door assembly 520, thereby adapting to the vibration of the inner drum 400 during the operation of the washing equipment and preventing the vibration of the inner drum 400 from being transmitted to the casing 100 through the outer door assembly 520, which would cause a bad user experience.
[0071] In one specific implementation, the elastic element 530 is a spring. When the outer door assembly 520 closes the garment opening, the inner door 510 abuts against the opening 410 of the inner tubing 400, compressing the elastic element 530 between the outer door assembly 520 and the support assembly 540. At this time, the elastic force generated by the elastic element 530 can also help the inner door 510 to fit tightly against the opening 410, ensuring a sealing effect at the opening 410.
[0072] In this embodiment, the door structure 500 is provided with a protective sleeve 550, which is sleeved on the outside of the elastic member 530. One end of the protective sleeve 550 is connected to the outer door assembly 520, and the other end is connected to the support assembly 540.
[0073] To accommodate the relative movement between the outer door assembly 520 and the support assembly 540, the protective sleeve 550 adopts a deformable structure. In one specific embodiment, the protective sleeve 550 is a corrugated sleeve, allowing it to extend, contract, or bend synchronously with the elastic element 530.
[0074] In the above solution, the protective sleeve 550 located on the outside of the elastic element 530 protects the elastic element 530 and helps ensure the stability of the connection between the elastic element 530 and the outer door assembly 520 and the support assembly 540. At the same time, the protective sleeve 550 can also provide auxiliary support for the support assembly 540. The support assembly 540 is connected to both the elastic element 530 and the protective sleeve 550, which can prevent the support assembly 540 from sagging significantly relative to the outer door assembly 520.
[0075] In a further embodiment, the surface of the outer door assembly 520 facing the support assembly 540 (i.e., Figure 2 and 3 The rear surface of the protective sleeve 550 is provided with a first protrusion 521, and a second protrusion 522 is provided on the raised surface of the first protrusion 521. One end of the protective sleeve 550 connected to the outer door assembly 520 is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the first protrusion 521, and one end of the elastic member 530 connected to the outer door assembly 520 is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the second protrusion 522.
[0076] The above structure ensures that the elastic element 530 and the protective sleeve 550 can be securely installed on the outer door assembly 520, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the entire door structure 500.
[0077] In a further embodiment, the elastic member 530 has a cavity extending through both ends. The outer door assembly 520 has a first light-transmitting area, and the support assembly 540 has a second light-transmitting area. The first and second light-transmitting areas respectively communicate with the cavities inside the elastic member 530. Thus, the user can observe the inner door 510 from the outside of the outer door assembly 520.
[0078] In this embodiment, the inner door 510 has a window cover 511 and a pivot 513. The window cover 511 is used to close the opening 410 of the inner cylinder 400, and the pivot 513 is rotatably connected to the support assembly 540. The window cover 511 is preferably made of a transparent material, so that the user can observe the operation of the inner cylinder 400 from the outside of the door structure 500.
[0079] In the specific structure, the first light-transmitting area is located within the coverage area of the second protrusion 522 on the outer door assembly 520. The end of the elastic member 530 is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the second protrusion 522, thereby surrounding the first light-transmitting area and preventing any obstruction of the first light-transmitting area. The projection area of the first light-transmitting area onto the inner door 510 at least partially overlaps with the projection area of the second light-transmitting area onto the inner door 510, ensuring that the user can observe the inner door 510 from the outside.
[0080] In one specific structure of this embodiment, the outer door assembly 520 includes a door frame 524, a window screen 525, and a mounting sleeve 523. The door frame 524 forms the foundation of the entire door structure 500 and is hinged to the front panel of the housing 100. The door frame 524 has a hollowed-out area in the middle, thus forming the first light-transmitting area.
[0081] The window screen 525 is installed on the door frame 524 and is made of transparent material, covering at least the open area of the door frame 524. In this way, the outer door component 520 is partially transparent, allowing the user to observe the inside, while the aforementioned open area is completely sealed, thereby preventing heat from the inner cylinder 400 from escaping and preventing burns to the user.
[0082] Mounting sleeve 523 is disposed on the rear side of door frame 524 to form the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 mentioned above, providing mounting positions for elastic member 530 and protective sleeve 550. The inner circumference of mounting sleeve 523 is flush with the outer circumference of the hollow area of door frame 524, or surrounds the periphery of the hollow area, without obstructing the first light-transmitting area.
[0083] In one specific implementation, the outer contour of the window screen 525 is adapted to the shape of the hollowed-out area, and the window screen 525 is embedded in the hollowed-out area of the door frame 524. The mounting sleeve 523 is fixed to the rear surface of the door frame 524, and its inner diameter is adapted to the size of the window screen 525, thereby making the inner peripheral wall of the mounting sleeve 523 flush with the outer peripheral of the hollowed-out area of the door frame 524. With the above structure, the outer side of the outer door assembly 520 has a flat surface, which is more aesthetically pleasing, and at the same time, it can save on the manufacturing materials of the window screen 525.
[0084] In another specific implementation, the area of the window screen is larger than the area of the hollowed-out area, and the window screen is attached and fixed to the door frame, completely covering the hollowed-out area.
[0085] In one specific structure, the window screen is fixed to the front surface of the door frame, and the mounting sleeve is fixed to the rear surface of the door frame. Preferably, the window screen completely covers the front surface of the door frame.
[0086] In another specific structure, the window screen is fixed to the rear surface of the door frame. In this case, one specific arrangement is that the window screen completely covers the rear surface of the door frame, and a mounting sleeve is fixed to the rear surface of the window screen. Another specific arrangement is that the window screen covers the hollowed-out area and the outer periphery of the hollowed-out area on the rear side of the door frame, and a mounting sleeve is positioned around the window screen and fixed to the rear surface of the door frame.
[0087] In the preferred structure, the window screen is locally thickened corresponding to the hollowed-out area, thereby embedding into the hollowed-out area and forming a flat surface on the outer surface of the outer door component.
[0088] In this embodiment, the front ends of the elastic element 530 and the protective sleeve 550 are respectively fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the mounting sleeve 523.
[0089] Specifically, the mounting sleeve 523 extends in a direction away from the door frame 524 and has a first connecting segment 5231 and a second connecting segment 5232 in sequence, wherein the outer diameter of the second connecting segment 5232 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first connecting segment 5231. In the above structure, the first connecting segment 5231 of the mounting sleeve 523 forms the aforementioned first protrusion 521, and the second connecting segment 5232 forms the aforementioned second protrusion 522.
[0090] The front end of the elastic element 530 is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the second connecting segment 5232, and the front end of the protective sleeve 550 is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the first connecting segment 5231. In this way, the front ends of the elastic element 530 and the protective sleeve 550 are securely fixed.
[0091] In a further embodiment, the support component 540 includes a mounting plate 541 and a bearing 542. The bearing 542 is mounted at the center of the mounting plate 541, and the pivot 513 of the inner door 510 is rotatably connected to the mounting plate 541 through the bearing 542.
[0092] The rear ends of the protective sleeve 550 and the elastic element 530 are respectively connected to the mounting plate 541. Specifically, the outer periphery of the mounting plate 541 extends a certain length in the direction of the outer door assembly 520 to form a cylindrical portion 5411. The rear end of the elastic element 530 is inserted into the inner side of the cylindrical portion 5411, and the rear end of the protective sleeve 550 is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 5411.
[0093] In the above scheme, the rear end of the protective sleeve 550 and the rear end of the elastic element 530 are separated by the cylindrical part 5411 on the outer periphery of the mounting plate 541. This not only achieves a stable fixation of the rear ends of the protective sleeve 550 and the elastic element 530, but also allows it to cooperate with the assembly structure of the front end of the protective sleeve 550 and the elastic element 530, reducing contact interference between the protective sleeve 550 and the elastic element 530.
[0094] In a further embodiment, a bearing mounting portion for mounting the bearing 542 is provided at the center of the mounting plate 541, and a second light-transmitting area of the support assembly 540 is formed between the outer periphery of the mounting plate 541 and the outer peripheral wall of the bearing mounting portion. The rear end of the elastic member 530 is inserted into the inner side of the cylindrical portion 5411, that is, the rear end of the elastic member 530 is connected to the area near the outer periphery of the mounting plate 541, which will not cause large-area obstruction to the second light-transmitting area.
[0095] With the above solution, the central area of the door structure 500 is completely hollow with almost no obstruction. During the operation of the washing equipment, the user can observe the operation inside the drum from the outside of the door structure 500.
[0096] As a specific structure, the bearing mounting part is a bearing sleeve 5413, which is coaxially arranged with the cylindrical part 5411. The bearing 542 is installed inside the bearing sleeve 5413, and the rotating shaft 513 of the inner door 510 is inserted into the bearing 542.
[0097] More specifically, the bearing 542 is interference-fitted into the bearing sleeve 5413, and the inner ring of the bearing 542 is interference-fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the shaft 513.
[0098] In detail, the bearing sleeve 5413 protrudes forward a certain length from the front surface of the mounting plate 541, thereby improving the stability of the bearing 542 during installation.
[0099] In this embodiment, the end of the rotating shaft 513 near the window cover 511 has a connecting part 512, which is fixedly connected to the center of the window cover 511. The rotating shaft 513 is inserted into the center of the bearing 542, allowing the inner door 510 and the mounting plate 541 to rotate relative to each other.
[0100] In a further embodiment, the outer periphery of the mounting plate 541 and the outer peripheral wall of the bearing sleeve 5413 have a hollow structure, thereby forming the second light-transmitting area.
[0101] As one specific implementation method, see Figure 4 A plurality of spokes 5412 are disposed between the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 5411 and the outer peripheral wall of the bearing sleeve 5413. The spokes 5412 extend radially along the mounting plate 541, with one end connected to the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 5411 and the other end connected to the outer peripheral wall of the bearing sleeve 5413. The plurality of spokes 5412 are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the mounting plate 541, and the interval area between two adjacent spokes 5412 forms the second light-transmitting area.
[0102] More specifically, the spoke 5412 is connected to the rear end of the cylindrical part 5411 and the bearing sleeve 5413, and a clearance space is reserved on the front side of the spoke 5412 for installing the elastic element 530.
[0103] In one specific structure, the mounting disc 541 has three spokes 5412, with a 120° interval between adjacent spokes 5412. The width of the spokes 5412 gradually increases from the center of the mounting disc 541 to the outer periphery, making the structure more stable.
[0104] In a further embodiment, the outer periphery of the window cover 511 of the inner door 510 has a guide flange 5111. The guide flange 5111 extends obliquely from the outer periphery of the window cover 511 toward the side where the outer door assembly 520 is located, gradually moving away from the rotation axis of the inner door 510.
[0105] Specifically, the window cover 511 has a main body with a planar structure, and a guide flange 5111 is formed by extending forward at an angle from the outer periphery of the main body. The area of the main body is slightly smaller than the opening area of the inner cylinder 400 opening 410. When the inner door 510 closes the inner cylinder 400 opening 410, the window cover 511 is partially inserted into the opening 410, and a seal is achieved by the guide flange 5111 tightly fitting against the inner peripheral wall of the opening 410.
[0106] In the above design, the window cover 511 is nearly frustum-shaped. On the one hand, this enhances the sealing effect of the window cover 511 and the inner cylinder 400 opening 410. On the other hand, when the door is closed, even if the support assembly 540 and the inner door 510 droop relative to the outer door assembly 520, the guide flange 5111 can guide the window cover 511 to accurately insert into the inner cylinder 400 opening 410, ensuring a good seal.
[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the extended end of the guide flange 5111 surrounds the periphery of the support assembly 540. Specifically, the guide flange 5111 extends forward from the main body of the window cover 511 until it exceeds the rear surface of the mounting plate 541. In this way, the window cover 511 forms a semi-enclosed structure for the support assembly 540, providing a certain degree of protection.
[0108] The washing equipment in this embodiment is equipped with the aforementioned door structure 500, which allows the inner drum 400's opening 410 to be opened / closed via the inner door 510 of the door structure 500. Thus, the inner drum 400 can independently hold water during the washing process, and because the opening 410 is closed by the inner door 510, washing water will not overflow from the opening 410.
[0109] In a further embodiment, the washing equipment has an outer drum 600, and an inner drum 400 is rotatably disposed inside the outer drum 600. The opening 410 of the inner drum 400 extends from the outer drum opening at the front end of the outer drum 600 to the outside of the outer drum 600, and the extended end of the opening 410 makes a sealing contact with the inner door 510 of the door structure 500, thereby closing the opening 410.
[0110] Specifically, the inner cylinder 400 has an opening on its front flange, and the cylinder opening 410 extends from the outer periphery of the opening on the front flange toward the garment inlet of the housing 100, with the extended end protruding from the outer cylinder opening to the outside of the outer cylinder 600. This shortens the distance between the front end of the cylinder opening 410 and the front plate of the housing 100, thereby shortening the axial length of the door structure 500 along the inner cylinder 400. This ensures that when the outer door assembly 520 rotates to open the garment inlet, the support assembly 540 and the inner door 510 located inside the housing 100 can rotate with the outer door assembly 520 and move through the garment inlet to the outside of the housing 100.
[0111] In addition, since the water in the inner drum 400 will not overflow from the drum opening 410 to the outer drum 600, and the outer drum 600 is only used to collect the drainage from the inner drum 400 and then discharge it outward, there is no need to install a window gasket between the outer drum opening and the casing 100, thus avoiding the problem that the window gasket with multiple pleats can easily trap dirt and grime, contaminating the washing water and clothes.
[0112] In a preferred embodiment, an elastic seal (not shown in the figure) is provided at the opening 410 of the inner door 510 and / or the inner cylinder 400, thereby enhancing the sealing performance when the inner door 510 closes the opening 410 of the inner cylinder 400.
[0113] As one specific implementation, an elastic sealing element is provided on one of the outer peripheral areas of the window cover 511, namely the surface of the guide flange 5111, and the inner peripheral wall of the inner cylinder 400 opening 410, or both of them are provided with elastic sealing elements, so as to achieve a reliable seal when the window cover 511 is inserted into the opening 410.
[0114] In this embodiment, when using the washing equipment, the user only needs to operate the outer door assembly 520 of the door structure 500. The user rotates the outer door assembly 520 to open the loading port. At this time, the window cover 511 of the inner door 510 separates from the drum opening 410 of the inner drum 400, that is, the drum opening 410 of the inner drum 400 is opened simultaneously. The user can put the clothes to be washed into the inner drum 400 through the loading port and the drum opening 410.
[0115] After the user completes the clothes-loading operation, the outer door assembly 520 is rotated in the opposite direction to close the clothes-loading opening. At this time, the support assembly 540 and the inner door 510 extend into the housing 100 through the clothes-loading opening as the outer door assembly 520 rotates. The window cover 511, guided by the guide flange 5111, gradually inserts into the opening 410 of the inner cylinder 400. When the outer door assembly 520 is fully closed, the outer periphery of the window cover 511 makes sealing contact with the inner peripheral wall of the opening 410, thereby sealing the opening 410. At this time, the elastic element 530 is in a slightly compressed state, providing auxiliary pressure for sealing the opening 410.
[0116] When the user starts the washing machine's washing program, the inner drum 400 rotates under the drive of the motor 200, and the inner door 510 rotates synchronously with it, allowing the inner drum 400 to perform soaking, washing, and rinsing functions independently while holding water. When the inner drum 400 and outer drum 600, as a whole, vibrate, the elastic element 530 absorbs the vibration, preventing it from being directly transmitted to the casing 100 through the outer door assembly 520. During the washing process, the user can also directly observe the operation of the inner drum 400 through the door structure 500.
[0117] After the washing cycle is finished, the user can open the outer door assembly 520 again to separate the inner door 510 from the drum opening 410 of the inner drum 400, thereby removing the clothes from the inner drum 400.
[0118] In this embodiment, the door structure 500 has an outer door assembly 520 that can be installed on the washing machine housing 100, and an inner door 510 that seals against the opening 410 of the inner drum 400. The inner door 510 can rotate relative to the outer door assembly 520, either closing the opening 410 of the inner drum 400 or rotating synchronously with the inner drum 400. The inner door 510 and the outer door assembly 520 are assembled into a single door structure 500. Users do not need to operate two doors or set up a complex linkage opening mechanism to simultaneously open and close the loading port and the opening 410 of the inner drum 400. When the washing machine is running, users can observe the inner drum 400 from the outside of the door structure 500, facilitating real-time monitoring of the inner drum 400's operating status. Simultaneously, users will not come into contact with the inner drum 400 or other moving parts, ensuring safety during use.
[0119] Example 2
[0120] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a door structure 500 and a washing device having the door structure 500. The difference from the first embodiment is that the outer periphery of the mounting plate 541 and the outer peripheral wall of the bearing mounting part are at least partially made of transparent material to form the second light-transmitting area.
[0121] In one specific embodiment, the mounting disc 541 has a complete disc structure, with a central protrusion extending towards the side where the outer door assembly 520 is located, and a through hole is formed to create a bearing sleeve 5413, which serves as the bearing mounting portion. A bearing 542 is interference-fitted onto the inner side of the bearing sleeve 5413 for rotatably connecting the inner door 510. The outer periphery of the disc structure extends towards the side where the outer door assembly 520 is located, forming a cylindrical portion 5411 for assembling the elastic element 530 and the protective sleeve 550. The cylindrical portion 5411 and the bearing sleeve 5413 are coaxially arranged.
[0122] In the above scheme, the assembly method of the elastic element 530 and the protective sleeve 550 with the mounting plate 541, as well as the connection method of the mounting plate 541 with the inner door 510, are the same as in Embodiment 1.
[0123] Between the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 5411 and the outer peripheral wall of the bearing sleeve 5413, the mounting plate 541 does not have a hollow structure, but is made of at least part of a transparent material to form the second light-transmitting area, thereby ensuring that the user can observe the inner door 510 and the inner cylinder 400 through the mounting plate 541.
[0124] In one specific embodiment, the cylindrical portion 5411 and the bearing sleeve 5413 are made of opaque material and are connected by an annular connector 5414 that is at least partially transparent. Specifically, the annular connector 5414 is connected to the ends of the cylindrical portion 5411 and the bearing sleeve 5413 near the inner door 510, respectively.
[0125] In one specific embodiment, a complete annular disk made of transparent material is used as the annular connector 5414. The cylindrical portion 5411 is fixed to the outer periphery of the annular disk, and the bearing sleeve 5413 is fixed to the center of the annular disk. In this way, the entire area between the cylindrical portion 5411 and the bearing sleeve 5413 serves as the second light-transmitting area, making it easier for the user to observe the operation of the inner cylinder 400.
[0126] In another specific embodiment, the annular connector 5414 is formed by splicing a transparent light-transmitting plate and a non-transparent support plate to form an annular disk, and the second light-transmitting area is formed through the light-transmitting plate. One light-transmitting plate and one support plate can be provided, or multiple plates can be provided. The specific distribution of the light-transmitting plate and support plate is not limited, as long as it allows the user to observe the inner cylinder 400 through the light-transmitting plate.
[0127] In another specific embodiment, the mounting plate 541 is integrally molded from a transparent material. That is, the outer cylindrical portion 5411, the central bearing sleeve 5413, and the area between the cylindrical portion 5411 and the bearing sleeve 5413 are all transparent. The mounting plate 541 is an integrally molded structure, which can save manufacturing steps.
[0128] In this embodiment, there is an area made of transparent material between the outer periphery of the mounting plate 541 and the outer peripheral wall of the bearing mounting part, so that the outer periphery of the mounting plate 541 and the bearing mounting part are at least partially transparent, which satisfies the user's need to observe the operation of the inner cylinder 400 from the outside of the door structure 500.
[0129] Example 3
[0130] This embodiment provides a door structure that differs from Embodiment 1 or 2 above in that the specific structure of the bearing mounting part is different.
[0131] Specifically, in this embodiment, a bearing mounting portion is formed by a protrusion at the center of the mounting plate towards the inner door, and the bearing is fitted onto the outer periphery of the bearing mounting portion. The pivot of the inner door is a sleeve-shaped structure with at least one open end, which is fitted onto the outer ring of the bearing, thereby enabling a rotatable connection between the inner door and the mounting plate.
[0132] More specifically, the bearing mounting part is interference-fitted into the inner ring of the bearing, and the inner door's rotating shaft is interference-fitted onto the outer ring of the bearing.
[0133] Similar to Embodiments 1 and 2, the outer periphery of the mounting plate has a cylindrical portion for assembling the elastic element and protective sleeve. A second light-transmitting area is formed between the cylindrical portion and the bearing mounting portion, which cooperates with the first light-transmitting area on the outer door assembly, facilitating the user to observe the operation of the inner cylinder from the outside of the door structure.
[0134] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure forming the second light-transmitting area can adopt any scheme in Embodiment 1 or 2.
[0135] As a specific implementation, similar to the scheme in Embodiment 1, the cylindrical portion and the bearing mounting portion are connected by several spokes, and the hollow structure between two adjacent spokes forms the second light-transmitting area. Specifically, one end of the spoke is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion near the inner door, and the other end of the spoke is connected to the end of the bearing mounting portion near the outer door assembly.
[0136] As another specific implementation, similar to one of the solutions in Embodiment 2, the cylindrical part and the bearing mounting part have at least partially transparent annular connecting members. The outer periphery of the annular connecting member is connected to the end of the cylindrical part near the inner door, and the inner periphery of the annular connecting member is connected to the end of the bearing mounting part near the outer door assembly.
[0137] The ring-shaped connector can be a single piece of transparent ring, or it can be formed by splicing together one or more transparent light-transmitting plates and one or more opaque support plates.
[0138] As another specific implementation, similar to another solution in Embodiment 2, the mounting plate is integrally molded from a transparent material, and the outer cylindrical part, the bearing mounting part in the center, and the area between the cylindrical part and the bearing mounting part are all transparent.
[0139] In this embodiment, the rotatable connection structure between the mounting plate and the inner door has been adjusted, which can also achieve the effect of synchronously opening and closing the loading port and the inner drum opening. Furthermore, during the operation of the washing equipment, the inner door can close the inner drum opening to prevent water overflow, and can rotate with the inner drum without affecting normal operation.
[0140] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A door structure, characterized in that, include: Exterior door components; A support component is provided at a distance from the outer door component, and an elastic element is provided between the support component and the outer door component; The inner door is located on the side of the support assembly facing away from the outer door assembly and is rotatably connected to the support assembly; A protective sleeve is fitted over the outside of the elastic member. One end of the protective sleeve is connected to the outer door assembly, and the other end is connected to the support assembly.
2. The door structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer door assembly has a first protrusion on the surface facing the support assembly, and a second protrusion is provided on the raised surface of the first protrusion. The protective sleeve is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the first protrusion at one end, and the elastic element is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the second protrusion at one end.
3. The door structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer door assembly has a first light-transmitting area within the coverage area of the second protrusion, and the support assembly has a second light-transmitting area; The projection area of the first light-transmitting area onto the inner door at least partially overlaps with the projection area of the second light-transmitting area onto the inner door; The elastic element has a cavity that extends through both ends.
4. The door structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer door assembly includes: The door frame has a hollow area that forms the first light-transmitting area; The window screen is made of transparent material and is installed on the door frame, at least covering the open area of the door frame; An installation sleeve is provided on the side of the door frame facing the support assembly. The inner circumference of the installation sleeve is flush with the outer circumference of the hollow area or surrounds the periphery of the hollow area. The end of the elastic element and the end of the protective sleeve are respectively fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the mounting sleeve.
5. The door structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting sleeve extends away from the door frame and has a first socket section and a second socket section in sequence, wherein the outer diameter of the second socket section is smaller than the outer diameter of the first socket section; The end of the elastic element is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the second sleeve segment, and the end of the protective sleeve connected to the outer door assembly is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the first sleeve segment.
6. The door structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support assembly has a mounting plate, and the center of the mounting plate has a bearing mounting part for mounting a bearing; the inner door has a pivot that is inserted into or fitted onto the bearing; The second light-transmitting area is formed between the outer periphery of the mounting plate and the outer peripheral wall of the bearing mounting portion; One end of the elastic element is connected to the support assembly and is connected to the area near the outer periphery of the mounting plate. Preferably, the area between the outer periphery of the mounting plate and the outer peripheral wall of the bearing mounting portion is at least partially made of a transparent material, forming the second light-transmitting area; Alternatively, the outer periphery of the mounting plate and the outer peripheral wall of the bearing mounting part have a hollow structure to form the second light-transmitting area.
7. The door structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the mounting plate extends a certain length in the direction of the outer door assembly to form a cylindrical part; The end of the elastic element is inserted into the inner side of the cylindrical part, and the end of the protective sleeve connected to the support assembly is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical part.
8. The door structure according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the inner door has a guide flange, which extends obliquely from the outer periphery of the inner door toward the direction of the outer door assembly, gradually moving away from the rotation axis of the inner door. Preferably, the extended end of the guide flange surrounds the periphery of the support assembly.
9. A washing device, comprising an inner drum that independently holds water during the washing process, characterized in that, Includes the door structure as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the inner door is used to open / close the opening of the inner cylinder.
10. The washing equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The washing machine housing has a clothes inlet, and the outer door assembly is closably installed at the clothes inlet; When the outer door assembly closes the garment inlet, the inner door extends into the casing to close the opening of the inner cylinder. Preferably, the washing device has an outer drum, and the inner drum is disposed inside the outer drum, with the opening of the inner drum extending from the opening of the outer drum to the outside of the outer drum; When the outer door assembly closes the garment inlet, the extended end of the inner cylinder opening comes into sealed contact with the inner door.