Axial sealing unit and laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The application belongs to the field of household appliances and provides an axial sealing unit and a clothes processing device. The axial sealing unit comprises a sealing support, an elastic member and a pressing member. The sealing support is fixed to one side of a housing of the clothes processing device facing a rotating drum. The elastic member is arranged on one side of the sealing support facing the rotating drum. The pressing member is arranged on part of the elastic member and is fixedly connected with the sealing support. Part of the surface of the elastic member protrudes relative to one side of the pressing member facing away from the sealing support. The surface of the elastic member protruding from the pressing member can rotatably abut one end of the rotating drum axially close to the sealing support. The sealing support can elastically deform when the rotating drum abuts the elastic member. The axial sealing unit and the clothes processing device provided by the application can improve the dynamic sealing effect of the rotating drum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of household appliances, and more specifically, relates to an axial sealing unit and a clothing processing device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, garment processing equipment with drying functions needs to deliver hot air for drying into the drum during operation. To reduce heat loss during the delivery process, a sealing structure is generally required between the drum and the back panel.

[0003] In related technologies, sealing structures typically use elastic felt, foam, rubber, etc., to achieve an interference fit and dynamic seal with the rotating drum along its axial direction, utilizing the elasticity of these materials. However, after use, it has been found that the sealing effect of the above-mentioned dynamic sealing structure is poor, and the elastic materials have defects such as easy wrinkling and poor flatness during installation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an axial sealing unit and a garment processing device, which can improve the dynamic sealing effect of the rotating drum to a certain extent.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, an axial sealing unit is provided for use in a garment processing device with a drying function, the garment processing device having a rotating drum. The axial sealing unit includes a sealing bracket, an elastic element, and a pressing element. The sealing bracket is fixed to the outer casing of the garment processing device on the side facing the rotating drum; the elastic element is disposed on the side of the sealing bracket facing the rotating drum; the pressing element covers a portion of the elastic element and is fixedly connected to the sealing bracket, a portion of the surface of the elastic element protruding relative to the pressing element towards the side opposite to the sealing bracket; wherein the surface of the elastic element protruding from the pressing element can rotatably abut against an end of the rotating drum axially close to the sealing bracket, and the sealing bracket can undergo elastic deformation when the rotating drum abuts against the elastic element.

[0007] In the axial sealing unit provided in this application embodiment, by installing the elastic element used to connect with the rotating cylinder on a sealing bracket that can produce elastic recoverable deformation, not only is the installation difficulty of the elastic element reduced, making the installation of the elastic element more flat; at the same time, it can also provide a more stable and better sealing structure for the rotating cylinder.

[0008] Optionally, the sealing bracket is an annular structure, including a connected support and a connector, wherein the support and the connector are integrally formed, and the elastic element is located on the side of the support facing away from the connector.

[0009] The connector has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end being connected to the housing and the second end being connected to the support member;

[0010] The support member has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The connector is disposed on one side of the first surface in the radial direction. The elastic member is disposed on the second surface. At least a portion of the second surface is provided with a first limiting member and a second limiting member that are radially spaced along the sealing bracket. A mounting groove for mounting the elastic member is defined between the first limiting member and the second limiting member.

[0011] Optionally, the support member has at least two through slots, one of which passes through the end of the support member away from the connector and is spaced apart from the connector.

[0012] Optionally, the axial sealing unit further includes a sealing ring, and the connector is recessed on the side facing the housing to accommodate the sealing ring. When the connector is fixedly installed on the housing, the sealing ring abuts against the housing.

[0013] Optionally, in the radial direction of the sealing bracket, the first end protrudes relative to the second end and forms a protrusion;

[0014] The connector has a reinforcing rib connected to the protrusion on the side opposite to the support member, and the reinforcing rib extends along the axial direction of the sealing bracket toward the location of the first end.

[0015] Optionally, the elastic element is a ring structure, including a first layered elastic element and a second layered elastic element fixedly connected, wherein the first layered elastic element is located between the sealing bracket and the second layered elastic element and the radial length of the first layered elastic element is greater than the radial length of the second layered elastic element;

[0016] The pressing member is disposed on the side of the first layered elastic member facing away from the sealing bracket and adjacent to the second layered elastic member. The second layered elastic member protrudes relative to the pressing member toward the side facing away from the sealing bracket.

[0017] Optionally, the pressing member is located outside the second layered elastic member along the radial direction of the elastic member.

[0018] Optionally, the first layered elastic member has a first through hole, the sealing bracket has a second through hole that mates with the first through hole, and the pressing member has a third through hole that mates with the first through hole. The pressing member is fixedly connected to the sealing bracket by fasteners passing through the third through hole, the first through hole, and the second through hole.

[0019] The number of the first perforation is at least two, and the number of the first perforation, the second perforation, and the third perforation are the same.

[0020] Optionally, the sealing bracket further includes a reinforcing member disposed on the first surface and connected to the connector;

[0021] The reinforcement component includes a first reinforcement plate, a second reinforcement plate, and a positioning post. The first reinforcement plate has an annular structure and is radially spaced from the connector along the sealing bracket. The second reinforcement plate connects the first reinforcement plate and the connector. The positioning post is located between the first reinforcement plate and the connector and is connected to both the first reinforcement plate and the connector.

[0022] The positioning post and the support member are connected and enclose each other to form the second through hole.

[0023] Optionally, the connector is connected to the radially outer side of the support.

[0024] In a second aspect, this application also provides a garment processing device, comprising:

[0025] The housing includes a rear panel and the axial sealing unit described in any of the above;

[0026] A rotating drum is rotatably disposed within the housing. The rotating drum is configured to hold garments to be processed. The rear end face of the rotating drum facing the back panel has a flange extending circumferentially thereon and projecting toward the back panel. The flange is matched with the elastic element.

[0027] The rotating drum abuts against the axial sealing unit via the flange.

[0028] Optionally, the flange is formed by a recess in the rear end face toward the rear back plate.

[0029] Optionally, the flange is an annular structure.

[0030] Optionally, an exhaust port is provided on the rear panel, an air inlet is provided on the rear end face of the rotating drum, and a sealing bracket is arranged around the exhaust port and the air inlet;

[0031] The airflow flows into the rotating drum through the exhaust port and the air inlet.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, this application includes at least the following beneficial effects:

[0033] The axial sealing unit provided in this application reduces the installation difficulty of the elastic element and improves the installation flatness of the elastic element by adjusting the structure of the sealing structure. Simultaneously, by combining the sealing bracket with the elastic element, the sealing bracket provides axial elastic deformation compensation for the rotating drum, thereby forming a stable and well-sealed axial sealing structure. This improves the sealing performance of the sealing structure located at the back plate and reduces the possibility of seal failure. The garment processing equipment provided in this application incorporates the beneficial effects of any one or more of the above-mentioned axial sealing units, which will not be elaborated further here. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the axial sealing unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the axial sealing unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of the structure of region A in the middle;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing bracket in the axial sealing unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of the structure of region B in the middle;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing bracket at another angle in the axial sealing unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of the structure of region C;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the press-fit component in the axial sealing unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of the structure of region D in the middle;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a partially exploded view of the clothing processing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 11 This is a partial structural cross-sectional view of the garment processing device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Enlarged view of the structure of region E in the middle;

[0047] Figure 13 This is a structural schematic diagram of the clothing processing device provided in an embodiment of this application from another angle;

[0048] Figure 14 for Figure 13 Enlarged view of the structure of region F in the middle.

[0049] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0050] 1. Sealing bracket; 11. Support component; 111. First limiting component; 112. Second limiting component; 113. Mounting groove; 114. Through groove; 1101. First surface; 1102. Second surface; 12. Connector; 121. Slot; 122. Reinforcing rib; 1201. First end; 1202. Second end; 1203. Protrusion; 13. Second through hole; 14. Reinforcing component; 141. First reinforcing plate; 142. Second reinforcing plate; 143. Positioning post; 2. Elastic component; 21. First layered elastic component; 211. First through hole; 22. Second layered elastic component; 3. Pressing component; 31. Third through hole; 4. Sealing ring; 5. Positioning component; 51. Positioning groove; 52. Positioning protrusion;

[0051] 10. Axial sealing unit;

[0052] 20. Rear panel; 201. Fourth perforation; 202. Exhaust vent;

[0053] 30. Rotary drum; 301. Rear end face; 311. Flange; 312. Air inlet;

[0054] 100. Clothing processing equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0055] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0056] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0057] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, 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.

[0058] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0059] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between components; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0060] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0061] In this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0062] This application provides an axial sealing unit 10 and a clothing processing device 100, wherein the clothing processing device 100 can be a device for drying clothing. It is understood that the clothing processing device 100 can be a clothing processing device directly placed on the ground or a display surface, or it can be a wall-mounted or countertop clothing processing device 100. The clothing processing device 100 has a clothing processing main unit, which has a housing. Inside the housing is a rotating drum 30 for holding clothing, and the housing also has a clothing loading / unloading port for convenient user access. The clothing processing device 100 also has a movable door, located outside the clothing processing main unit and movable relative to the clothing loading / unloading port to open or close the port.

[0063] On the side of the garment handling device 100 opposite to the garment loading / unloading port, the garment handling device 100 also includes a back panel 20, which is part of the outer casing. The rotating drum 30 can rotate relative to the back panel 20 to facilitate the handling of garments located inside the rotating drum 30. Therefore, in order to prevent the drying hot air from leaking out from the gap between the rotating drum 30 and the back panel 20 during the conveying process, an axial sealing structure is generally required here.

[0064] Traditional axial sealing structures utilize the flexibility and elasticity of materials such as felt, foam, and rubber to seal the gap between the rotating cylinder 30 and the back plate 20. However, experience has shown that these elastic materials have poor sealing performance and exhibit wear and aging after prolonged use, gradually reducing their sealing effectiveness. Furthermore, these materials are prone to wrinkling during installation, resulting in poor surface flatness and further affecting the sealing performance.

[0065] To at least partially improve the above-mentioned problems, this application provides an axial sealing unit 10.

[0066] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the axial sealing unit provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of the axial sealing unit provided in the embodiment of this application. Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of the structure of region A in the middle.

[0067] The aforementioned axial sealing unit 10 is applied in a garment processing device 100 with a drying function, and the garment processing device 100 has a rotating drum 30. The axial sealing unit 10 is arranged between the back panel 20 and the rotating drum 30.

[0068] Please see Figure 1 The axial sealing unit 10 includes a sealing bracket 1, an elastic element 2, and a pressing element 3. The sealing bracket 1 can be fixed to the outer shell of the garment processing device 100 on the side facing the rotating drum 30. The elastic element 2 is located on the side of the sealing bracket 1 facing the rotating drum 30. The pressing element 3 covers a portion of the surface of the elastic element 2 facing away from the sealing bracket 1 and is fixedly connected to the sealing bracket 1. The portion of the surface of the elastic element 2 facing away from the sealing bracket 1 protrudes relative to the pressing element 3.

[0069] At this time, when the axial sealing unit 10 is installed in the garment processing equipment 100, the elastic element 2 protrudes from the surface of the pressing element 3 and can rotatably abut against the end of the rotating drum 30 that is axially close to the sealing bracket 1. At this time, the sealing bracket 1 can produce a recoverable elastic deformation under the abutment action of the rotating drum 30.

[0070] In some embodiments, the sealing bracket 1 may be fixed to the back plate 20 of the housing on the side facing the rotating cylinder 30, and the orthographic projection of the sealing bracket 1 in the axial direction of the rotating cylinder 30 is a closed shape.

[0071] Specifically, the aforementioned axial sealing unit 10 is an overall annular structure, with its axial direction parallel to that of the rotating cylinder 30. The orthographic projection of the sealing bracket 1 onto the axial direction of the rotating cylinder 30 is consistent with the orthographic projection shape of the sealing bracket 1 in the axial direction. The orthographic projection of the sealing bracket 1 onto the axial direction of the rotating cylinder 30 is set to a closed shape, and the orthographic projection of the elastic element 2 onto the axial direction of the sealing bracket 1 is also a closed shape. The combination of these two ensures that the axial sealing unit 10 can form a closed space with good dynamic sealing effect at the connection between the back plate 20 and the rotating cylinder 30, preventing airflow and the heat carried by the airflow from leaking along the periphery of the axial sealing unit 10.

[0072] Specifically, the orthographic projection of the elastic element 2 in the axial direction of the axial sealing unit 10 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the sealing bracket 1 in the axial direction of the axial sealing unit 10, and the overlapping part is also a closed shape.

[0073] With the above-mentioned structural limitations, it can be ensured that when the sealing bracket 1 is fixedly installed on the back plate 20 and the elastic member 2 is rotatably abutting against the side of the rotating cylinder 30 near the sealing bracket 1, a closed space can be formed between the rotating cylinder 30 and the back plate 20 through the axial sealing unit 10, ensuring that the airflow can enter the rotating cylinder 30 along the set path.

[0074] When the axial sealing unit 10 is assembled on the garment processing equipment 100, the rotating drum 30 can abut against the elastic element 2. At this time, the sealing bracket 1 can generate a recoverable elastic deformation under the squeezing force generated when the rotating drum 30 abuts against the elastic element 2, so as to improve the adaptability to the jumping and eccentric actions generated during the operation of the rotating drum 30, improve the sealing effect of the axial sealing unit 10, and improve the reliability and stability of the sealing structure between the back plate 20 and the rotating drum 30.

[0075] In addition, the aforementioned sealing bracket 1 can also compensate for the wear caused by the mutual rotation between the rotating cylinder 30 and the elastic element 2, thereby forming a stable and well-sealed axial sealing structure.

[0076] To ensure that the elastic element 2 can be firmly fixed on the sealing bracket 1 without affecting the contact between the elastic element 2 and the rotating drum 30, this embodiment provides a pressing element 3 on at least one side of the elastic element 2 in the radial direction. The pressing element 3 can cover the part of the surface of the elastic element 2 facing away from the sealing bracket 1 and is fixedly connected to the sealing bracket 1. At this time, the part of the elastic element 2 that protrudes relative to the pressing element 3 is not affected by the pressing element 3 and can abut against the side of the rotating drum 30 axially close to the back plate 20 when assembled into the clothing processing equipment 100.

[0077] When both the sealing bracket 1 and the elastic element 2 are annular structures, the aforementioned pressing element 3 can be annular or a plurality of independent segmental or block-shaped structures arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the elastic element 2.

[0078] It should be noted that, in the axial direction of the axial sealing unit 10, the end of the elastic element 2 facing away from the sealing bracket 1, while in contact with the rotating cylinder 30, always remains protruding relative to the pressing element 3.

[0079] To facilitate the installation of the pressing component 3, the side of the elastic element 2 facing away from the sealing bracket 1 can be shaped as a slope or a step, and the pressing component 3 covers the relatively thin area of ​​the elastic element 2.

[0080] Taking the side of the elastic element 2 facing away from the sealing bracket 1 as an example, the step shape can be extended along the circumference of the elastic element 2 and form a ring structure. The pressing element 3 can be a ring or a plurality of segmented structures spaced apart. In other similar embodiments, the step shape can be spaced along the circumference of the elastic element 2. The pressing element 3 is a plurality of segmented structures that match the size and number of the step shape.

[0081] Please see Figures 1-3 The following text takes the example of both the pressing component 3 and the elastic component 2 being ring structures to briefly explain the shape and fitting method of the pressing component 3 and the elastic component 2.

[0082] Specifically, the elastic element 2 can be an integral structure or a separate structure.

[0083] Please see Figure 2 At this time, the elastic element 2 is a double-layer structure stacked sequentially along the axial direction of the sealing bracket 1. The elastic element 2 includes a first layered elastic element 21 and a second layered elastic element 22 fixedly connected by stitching, wherein the first layered elastic element 21 is located between the second layered elastic element 22 and the sealing bracket 1, and the radial length of the first layered elastic element 21 is greater than the radial length of the second layered elastic element 22. At this time, the aforementioned pressing member 3 can cover the surface of the first layered elastic element 21 that faces away from the sealing bracket 1 and is exposed relative to the second layered elastic element 22. The second layered elastic element 22 can be arranged adjacent to the pressing member 3 along the radial direction of the elastic element 2 and protrudes towards the side opposite to the sealing bracket 1 relative to the pressing member 3.

[0084] In some embodiments, the number of the aforementioned pressing member 3 is one, and the pressing member 3 may be located on the radially outer or inner side of the second layered elastic member 22. See also... Figure 2 and Figure 3 At this point, the outer side of the first layered elastic element 21 is exposed relative to the second layered elastic element 22 in the radial direction, and the pressing element 3 is located on the outer side of the second layered elastic element 22 in the radial direction. In other similar embodiments, the number of the pressing elements 3 may be two, and they may be located on both sides of the second layered elastic element 22 in the radial direction. In this case, both sides of the first layered elastic element 21 have a portion of their surface exposed relative to the second layered elastic element 22 in the radial direction. The two nested annular pressing elements 3 may cover the surface of the first layered elastic element 21, and the second layered elastic element 22 is located between the two spaced-apart annular pressing elements 3.

[0085] When arranging the first layered elastic element 21 and the second layered elastic element 22, the actual arrangement position and actual size of the second layered elastic element 22 can be adaptively adjusted according to the size of the rotating cylinder 30 and the size and shape of the part of the rotating cylinder 30 that contacts the elastic element 2. The structures described above are only examples, and this embodiment does not limit the dimensions of the first layered elastic element 21, the second layered elastic element 22, and the pressing element 3.

[0086] To further optimize the sealing effect of the elastic element 2, in some embodiments, the first layered elastic element 21 is made of rubber material and is a rubber ring; the second layered elastic element 22 is made of felt or foam, etc. Felt has a dense fiber structure, which can effectively fill gaps and block gas passage. It also has good wear resistance and thermal stability, and can withstand long-term friction without being easily damaged. Rubber has good elasticity and flexibility, and can closely fit the moving parts during dynamic sealing, making up for the possible shortcomings of insufficient sealing of felt. The combination of the two can greatly improve the sealing effect of the elastic element 2, reduce the leakage of airflow and heat during the operation of the clothing processing equipment 100, and prevent impurities such as lint from entering the interior of the clothing processing equipment 100.

[0087] To prevent damage such as delamination of the elastic element 2, in some embodiments, the first layered elastic element 21 and the second layered elastic element 22 can be fixed by gluing or sewing. The elastic element 2 supported by sewing the first layered elastic element 21 and the second layered elastic element 22 has good flexibility and deformability, facilitating installation.

[0088] To ensure that the press-fitting component 3 can effectively fix the elastic component 2, please refer to... Figures 1-3 The aforementioned pressing component 3 can be fixedly connected to the sealing bracket 1.

[0089] Specifically, the first layered elastic member 21 has a first through hole 211, the sealing bracket 1 has a second through hole 13 that mates with the first through hole 211, and the pressing member 3 has a third through hole 31 that mates with the first through hole 211.

[0090] When the sealing bracket 1, the elastic element 2, and the pressing element 3 are assembled together in sequence along the axial direction of the axial sealing unit 10, the second through hole 13, the first through hole 211, and the third through hole 31 can be arranged exactly opposite to each other. Under the action of the fasteners passing through the above three through holes, the pressing element 3 can make close contact with the surface of the first layered elastic element 21 and be firmly fixed on the sealing bracket 1.

[0091] Specifically, in order to ensure that all positions of the elastic element 2 in the circumferential direction can be firmly connected to the sealing bracket 1, at least two first perforations 211 are provided and are evenly arranged along the circumferential direction of the pressing element 3, and the number of first perforations 211, second perforations 13 and third perforations 31 are the same.

[0092] Multiple second perforations 13 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the pressing part 3, which can apply pressure evenly to the elastic part 2 under the fixing action of the fastener, so that each position of the elastic part 2 can be firmly fixed to the sealing bracket 1.

[0093] To reduce the assembly difficulty of the pressing component 3 and the sealing bracket 1, in some embodiments, the axial sealing unit 10 further includes a positioning component 5. The positioning component 5 is used to achieve rapid positioning of the pressing component 3 and the sealing bracket 1.

[0094] The positioning element 5 includes a positioning groove 51 and a positioning protrusion 52, wherein the positioning groove 51 is located in one of the pressing element 3 and the sealing bracket 1, and the positioning protrusion 52 is located in the other.

[0095] Please see Figure 1 The sealing bracket 1 has the aforementioned positioning groove 51, and the pressing component 3 has the aforementioned positioning protrusion 52. When the pressing component 3 is assembled onto the sealing bracket 1, by adjusting the positioning protrusion 52 located in its circumferential direction to be aligned with the positioning groove 51 formed in the circumferential direction of the sealing bracket 1, the two can be quickly and initially positioned, effectively improving assembly efficiency; in addition, this structural design can also avoid assembly errors caused by parts being installed backwards, improving the assembly success rate.

[0096] The aforementioned pressing component 3 is a rigid structure and can be made of metal or plastic.

[0097] In some embodiments, the press-fit part 3 may be a metal part manufactured by sheet metal processing. Compared with other processes, sheet metal processing has lower processing costs and produces products with higher strength and hardness.

[0098] In the axial sealing unit 10 provided in this embodiment, in addition to the elastic element 2, the sealing bracket 1 can also provide a certain degree of elasticity. Under the action of the sealing bracket 1, the elastic element 2 can fit more tightly against the moving parts during the dynamic sealing process, so as to improve the dynamic sealing effect.

[0099] In addition, the aforementioned axial sealing unit 10 separates the elastic element 2 from the back plate 20 structure. Compared with direct installation on the back plate 20, installing the elastic element 2 on the sealing bracket 1 through a fastener can effectively reduce the installation difficulty of the elastic element 2. With the special structure of the elastic element 2, it can improve to a certain extent the defects of traditional dynamic sealing structures, such as the easy wrinkling and uneven surface of felt during installation.

[0100] For operators, the limited operating space when installing the elastic element 2 on the back panel 20 makes it difficult to ensure a perfect fit between the elastic element 2 and the back panel 20, easily leading to wrinkles and affecting the flatness and sealing effect of the elastic element 2 surface. Furthermore, when the elastic element 2 is glued to the back panel 20, it is difficult for operators to adjust it if there are deviations in the glued position or unevenness. In this embodiment, the elastic element 2 is fixed to the sealing bracket 1. Since the sealing bracket 1 is smaller than the back panel and its operating environment is not restricted, it provides more operating space, allowing operators to easily adjust the installation position and surface shape of the elastic element 2, resulting in a smoother assembly. Additionally, the elastic element 2 is fixed by a snap-fit ​​cover instead of glue, avoiding the difficulty of adjusting the assembly position that exists with glue. Combined with improvements to the material of the elastic element 2, its elasticity and anti-wrinkle effect are greatly improved, ensuring that the final axial sealing unit 10 has a better dynamic sealing effect.

[0101] As can be seen, the sealing bracket 1 provided in this embodiment is an overall annular structure, and in combination with Figure 3 It can be seen that the cross-sectional structure of the sealing bracket 1 is an L-shaped or approximately L-shaped bent structure.

[0102] Specifically, the sealing bracket 1 includes a support member 11 and a connector 12 connected together. The support member 11 and the connector 12 are integrally formed, and the elastic member 2 is located on the side of the support member 11 facing away from the connector 12.

[0103] The support member 11 and the connector 12 are connected to form an L-shaped suspension beam structure. When the sealing bracket 1 is squeezed or pushed by an external force from the direction of the elastic member 2, the sealing bracket 1 with the suspension beam structure can bend under the action of the external force. This bending deformation allows the support member 11 and the connector 12 in the sealing bracket 1 to bear and disperse the extrusion force as a whole, avoiding damage to the sealing bracket 1 under the action of the external force. When the external force is removed, the sealing bracket 1 can return to its original shape through its own elastic restoring force, so that the axial sealing unit 10 can maintain a relatively reliable and stable sealing performance.

[0104] In the axial section of the sealing bracket 1, the connector 12 is connected to the support 11 and remains perpendicular or approximately perpendicular.

[0105] In this embodiment, the connector 12 is connected to the radially outer side of the support 11; of course, in other similar embodiments, the connector 12 can also be connected to the radially inner side of the support 11 as needed.

[0106] Please see Figure 3The axial sealing unit 10 also includes a sealing ring 4, which is located on the side of the sealing bracket 1 facing the rear back plate 20. That is, the sealing ring 4 is located on the side of the connector 12 away from the support member 11. The sealing ring 4 has a structure that matches the shape of the sealing bracket 1; when the sealing bracket 1 is annular, the sealing ring 4 is also annular.

[0107] When the sealing bracket 1 is fixed on the back plate 20, the opposite sides of the sealing ring 4 come into contact with the sealing bracket 1 and the back plate 20 respectively, and undergo elastic deformation under the action of extrusion force. This causes the sealing ring 4 to fit tightly against the opposite surfaces of the sealing bracket 1 and the back plate, forming an annular sealing band with a better sealing effect. This further improves the sealing effect of the axial sealing unit 10 and reduces the possibility of airflow and heat loss through the assembly gap between the sealing bracket 1 and the back plate 20. For the garment processing equipment 100, this axial sealing unit 10 can further improve the drying performance of the garment processing equipment 100.

[0108] To better limit and install the sealing ring 4, a groove 121 for accommodating the sealing ring 4 is recessed at one end of the connector 12 facing away from the support member 11. When the sealing bracket 1 is fixedly installed on the back plate 20, the sealing ring 4 located in the groove 121 can be deformed by force and abut against the back plate 20.

[0109] The sealing ring 4 installed in the aforementioned slot 121 will undergo a certain degree of compression, resulting in elastic deformation. When the sealing bracket 1 is installed on the back plate 20, it will further compress the sealing ring 4 and cause the sealing ring 4 to elastically deform and keep it tightly fitted to the back plate 20, so as to prevent airflow and heat in the aforementioned enclosed space from leaking out from the gap between the sealing bracket 1 and the back plate 20.

[0110] To achieve a fixed connection between the sealing bracket 1 and the back panel 20, please refer to... Figure 3 The aforementioned sealing bracket 1 has a second through hole 13, and the back plate 20 has a fixing hole corresponding to the second through hole 13. The sealing bracket 1 can be fixedly installed on the back plate 20 using fasteners that pass through the second through hole 13 and the fixing hole. Figure 3 In the drawing, neither the fasteners nor the fixing holes are shown.

[0111] The fastener has the same structure as the fasteners described above. This fastener can be a screw or other fastening structure with similar fastening functions, such as a bolt or rivet.

[0112] Specifically, the sealing bracket 1 also includes a reinforcing member 14, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 The reinforcing member 14 and the connecting member 12 are located on the same side of the supporting member 11 and are connected.

[0113] Please refer to the specific structure of the sealing bracket 1 mentioned above. Figures 4-7 .

[0114] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing bracket 1 in the axial sealing unit 10 provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of the structure of region B in the middle. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing bracket 1 in the axial sealing unit 10 provided in this embodiment of the application from another angle. Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of the structure of region C.

[0115] The connector 12 has a first end 1201 and a second end 1202, the first end 1201 being used to connect to the rear panel 20, and the second end 1202 being used to connect to the support member 11. (See also...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0116] The support member 11 for assembling the elastic member 2 includes opposing first surfaces 1101 and second surfaces 1102 in the thickness direction, wherein the connecting member 12 is disposed on one radial side of the first surface 1101, and the elastic member 2 is disposed on the second surface 1102. (See also...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 The aforementioned reinforcement 14 is also located on the first surface 1101.

[0117] Specifically, at least a portion of the second surface 1102 forms an annular mounting surface for assembling the aforementioned elastic element 2 (the annular mounting surface faces the rotating cylinder 30).

[0118] To further reinforce and limit the elastic element 2 and reduce the assembly difficulty of the elastic element 2, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of the second surface 1102 is provided with a first limiting element 111 and a second limiting element 112 that are radially spaced along the sealing bracket 1, and a mounting groove 113 for mounting the elastic element 2 is defined between the first limiting element 111 and the second limiting element 112.

[0119] Specifically, the second limiting member 112 is located radially outside the first limiting member 111. A portion of the inner wall of the mounting groove 113 is formed on the surface of the first limiting member 111 facing the second limiting member 112, and a portion of the inner wall of the mounting groove 113 is formed on the surface of the second limiting member 112 facing the first limiting member 111. The mating surface between the first limiting member 111 and the second limiting member 112 forms a portion of the bottom wall of the mounting groove 113. These two opposing inner walls and the bottom wall are connected to form the mounting groove 113.

[0120] When the elastic element 2 is assembled in the mounting groove 113, one side wall of the elastic element 2 in the radial direction may contact or abut against the first limiting element 111 or the second limiting element 112, or it may maintain a certain distance from the first limiting element 111 or the second limiting element 112. The mounting groove 113 is only used to provide the mounting position of the elastic element 2, to achieve the initial assembly and limiting of the elastic element 2, and is not used to fix the elastic element 2.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first limiting member 111 and the second limiting member 112 are both annular structures and nested within each other to form an annular mounting groove 113. See also... Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the figure, the first limiting member 111 and the second limiting member 112 are both ring structures. At this time, the first limiting member 111 is located on the inner side of the support member 11 in the radial direction, and the second limiting member 112 is located on the outer side of the support member 11 in the radial direction.

[0122] In other similar embodiments, one of the first limiting member 111 and the second limiting member 112 is an annular structure, and the other is composed of a plurality of arc-shaped sidewalls or block-shaped sidewalls arranged in annular intervals.

[0123] When the sealing bracket 1 is a non-annular structure, the shape of the first limiting member 111 will also be adjusted accordingly, but its orthogonal projection in the axial direction will always remain a closed shape.

[0124] In order to further improve the elastic deformation and recovery ability of the sealing bracket 1, in addition to improving the material and selecting a material with a higher elastic modulus to make the sealing bracket 1, the structure of the sealing bracket 1 can also be optimized.

[0125] Specifically, a groove-shaped cross section can be added to the support member 11 of the sealing bracket 1.

[0126] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The support member 11 is provided with through slots 114 that penetrate both sides of the support member 11 in the thickness direction. The number of through slots 114 is at least two and they are evenly spaced along the circumference of the sealing bracket 1.

[0127] Any through slot 114 passes through the side of the support member 11 away from the connector 12 and is spaced apart from the connector 12.

[0128] Taking the connector 12 located on the radially outer side of the support member 11 as an example, the through slot 114 is arranged through the radially inner side of the support member 11 and is spaced apart from the connector 12 in the radial direction of the support member 11. Multiple through slots 114 are arranged in a ring array on the support member 11.

[0129] In other similar embodiments, when the connector 12 is located radially inside the support 11, the through groove 114 penetrates the radially outer side of the support 11 and is arranged radially spaced from the connector 12 in the support 11.

[0130] Specifically, in the radial direction of the support member 11, the length of the slot 114 is substantially consistent with half the width of the support member 11. In other similar embodiments, the length of the slot 114 is slightly less than half the width of the support member 11.

[0131] Please see Figure 5 The second surface 1102 of the aforementioned through groove 114, which penetrates the mounting groove 113, is provided on the support member 11.

[0132] In addition, the support member 11 is also provided with the positioning groove 51 mentioned above, please refer to Figure 5 The positioning groove 51 is formed on the support member 11 and extends through the second limiting member 112. In other similar embodiments, the positioning groove 51 can also be adjusted to be formed on the radially inner side of the support member 11 so as to extend through the first limiting member 111.

[0133] Please refer to the structure of reinforcement 14. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The reinforcing member 14 includes a first reinforcing plate 141, a second reinforcing plate 142, and a positioning post 143. The first reinforcing plate 141 has an annular structure and is radially spaced from the connector 12 along the sealing bracket 1. The second reinforcing plate 142 is located between the first reinforcing plate 141 and the connector 12, with its two ends in the extending direction connected to both the first reinforcing plate 141 and the connector 12, respectively. The positioning post 143 is located between the first reinforcing plate 141 and the connector 12 and is connected to both. The positioning post 143 can be connected to the support member 11 and forms an integral structure. The positioning post 143 and the support member 11 together form the second through hole 13.

[0134] The aforementioned positioning posts 143 with second through holes 13 are multiple and are spaced apart along the extension direction of the sealing bracket 1, thereby ensuring that each position of the sealing bracket 1 can be firmly connected and fixed to the back plate 20. In addition, it can also ensure that each position of the sealing bracket 1 can provide uniform compressive force to the sealing ring 4, ensuring that the sealing ring 4 can fit tightly against the back plate 20 on the entire contact surface.

[0135] In addition, combined Figure 5 and Figure 7 It can be seen that, in the radial direction of the sealing bracket 1, the first end 1201 of the connector 12 protrudes outward in the radial direction relative to the second end 1202 and forms a protrusion 1203.

[0136] The connector 12 has a reinforcing rib 122 on the outer side of the sealing bracket 1 in the radial direction. The reinforcing rib 122 is located on the side of the connector 12 facing away from the support member 11 in the radial direction and is connected to the protrusion 1203 located at the first end 1201.

[0137] Please see Figure 5 The reinforcing rib 122 of the sealing bracket 1 extends axially toward the location of the first end 1201 to enhance the strength of the connector 12, especially the strength of the first end 1201 of the connector 12 and its surrounding area.

[0138] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressing member 3 in the axial sealing unit 10 provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of the structure of region D in the middle. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The pressing component 3 has a recessed groove structure in the middle. This structure can enhance the strength of the pressing component 3 to a certain extent, enabling it to better cover and fix the elastic component 2.

[0139] In addition, the annular pressing member 3 is provided with a positioning protrusion 52 in its circumferential direction for quick assembly of the pressing member 3 and the sealing bracket 1. The positioning protrusion 52 can cooperate with the positioning groove 51 provided on the sealing bracket 1 to quickly achieve the initial positioning of the two and improve the assembly efficiency of the axial sealing structure.

[0140] Please see Figure 9 The positioning protrusion 52 is located on the outer side of the pressing member 3 in the radial direction. In other similar embodiments, the positioning protrusion 52 can also be adjusted to the inner side of the pressing member 3 in the radial direction as needed.

[0141] It is understood that the axial sealing unit 10 provided in this application embodiment can effectively reduce its installation difficulty and improve the installation flatness of the elastic element 2 by adjusting the structure and using the pressing part 3; at the same time, by combining the sealing bracket 1 with the elastic element 2, the sealing bracket 1 provides a certain axial elastic deformation compensation for the rotating cylinder 30, thereby forming a stable axial sealing structure with good sealing effect, so as to improve the sealing performance of the sealing structure located at the back plate 20 and reduce the possibility of sealing failure.

[0142] This application also provides a garment processing device 100, which includes the axial sealing unit 10 described in any of the above claims.

[0143] Figure 10 This is a partially exploded view of the clothing processing device 100 provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 11 This is a partial structural cross-sectional view of the garment processing device 100 provided in this application embodiment. Figure 12 for Figure 11 Enlarged view of the structure of region E in the middle. Figure 13 This is a structural schematic diagram of the garment processing device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application from another angle. Figure 14 for Figure 13 Enlarged view of the structure of region F in the middle.

[0144] Please see Figure 10 and Figure 11 The garment processing device 100 includes a housing and a rotating drum 30, wherein the other structural components of the housing, except for the back panel 20, are not shown in the diagram. The back panels 20 of the rotating drum 30 are located on opposite sides of the aforementioned axial sealing unit 10 in the axial direction.

[0145] The hot airflow within the garment processing equipment 100 is typically generated in the base portion of the equipment. A fan is installed on the area of ​​the back panel 20 opposite to the base, and an exhaust port 202 is provided on the area opposite the rotating drum 30. One end of the fan is connected to the internal space of the base, and the other end is connected to the exhaust port 202. An air inlet 312 is provided on the end of the rotating drum 30 pointing towards the back panel 20. When the fan is running, it can transport the airflow drawn from the base to the exhaust port 202. The airflow at the exhaust port 202 can be further transported to the rotating drum 30 through the air inlet 312, thereby achieving drying, reversing, and other treatments of the garments inside the rotating drum 30.

[0146] During the airflow from the exhaust port 202 to the inlet 312, to prevent airflow from leaking out along the gap between the back panel 20 and the rotating drum 30 and affecting the processing efficiency of the garment processing equipment 100, an axial sealing structure, namely the axial sealing unit 10 mentioned above, needs to be provided between the back panel 20 and the rotating drum 30, which has the exhaust port 202 and the inlet 312. The sealing bracket 1 is arranged around the inlet 312 and the exhaust port 202 to ensure that the periphery of the inlet 312 and the exhaust port 202 is a closed space, preventing airflow leakage through the inlet 312 and the exhaust port 202.

[0147] In addition, the aforementioned axial sealing unit 10 can also prevent lint, vapor, etc. formed inside the rotating drum 30 or carried by the airflow from leaking into the interior of the garment processing equipment 100, which helps to ensure the electrical safety inside the garment processing equipment 100 and the durability of the garment processing equipment 100.

[0148] The rotating drum 30, rotatably disposed within the housing, is configured to hold clothing to be processed. The rear end face 301 of the rotating drum 30 facing the back panel 20 has a flange 311 extending circumferentially and protruding toward the back panel 20. The rotating drum 30 can be matched with the elastic member 2 via the flange 311 protruding on the back panel 20, so that the rotating drum 30 abuts against the axial sealing unit 10 via the flange 311.

[0149] When the elastic element 2 and the rotating cylinder 30 abut against each other, the surface of the elastic element 2 facing the rotating cylinder 30 is provided with a recessed abutment groove. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12 The flange 311 of the rotating cylinder 30 contacts the elastic element 2 through the abutment groove.

[0150] The aforementioned abutment groove can increase the contact area between the flange 311 and the elastic element 2, which helps to enhance the sealing effect between the rotating cylinder 30 and the sealing structure.

[0151] Specifically, the flange 311 can be formed by a recess in the rear end face 301 of the rotating cylinder 30 towards the rear back plate 20.

[0152] In some embodiments, the flange 311 is an annular structure. The annular flange 311 structure can, to some extent, avoid assembly errors and ensure that the sealing between the rotating cylinder 30 and the axial sealing unit 10 remains uniform.

[0153] When assembling the aforementioned axial sealing unit 10 onto the back plate 20, to reduce assembly difficulty, a fourth through hole 201 is provided on the back plate 20 to mate with the second through hole 13. The fasteners mentioned above can pass through the fourth through hole 201 and be fixed onto the back plate 20 to achieve a fixed connection between the axial sealing unit 10 and the back plate 20.

[0154] To enhance the connection strength and firmness between the back panel 20 and the fasteners, and to prevent wear and assembly failure at the fourth perforation 201 due to long-term vibration and contact force, in some embodiments, the edge of the fourth perforation 201 is folded towards the side opposite to the axial sealing unit 10 to form a flange. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 13 and Figure 14 .

[0155] The aforementioned flange structure can enhance the reliability and stability of the assembly between the axial sealing bracket 1 and the back plate 20.

[0156] The garment processing device 100 provided in this application embodiment includes the beneficial effects of any one or more of the above-mentioned axial sealing units 10, which will not be repeated here.

[0157] The description of the various embodiments above tends to emphasize the differences between the various embodiments. The similarities or similarities between them can be referred to, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0158] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An axial sealing unit, applied to a garment processing device with a drying function, the garment processing device having a rotating drum, characterized in that, include: A sealing bracket is fixed to the outer casing of the garment processing equipment on the side facing the rotating drum; An elastic element is provided on the side of the sealing bracket facing the rotating cylinder; A pressing member is disposed on a portion of the elastic member and fixedly connected to the sealing bracket, wherein a portion of the surface of the elastic member protrudes relative to the pressing member toward the side opposite to the sealing bracket; The elastic element protrudes from the surface of the pressing element and can rotatably abut against one end of the rotating cylinder that is axially close to the sealing bracket. The sealing bracket can undergo elastic deformation when the rotating cylinder abuts against the elastic element.

2. The axial sealing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing bracket is a ring structure, including a connected support and a connector. The support and the connector are integrally formed, and the elastic element is located on the side of the support facing away from the connector. The connector has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end being connected to the housing and the second end being connected to the support member; The support member has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The connector is disposed on one side of the first surface in the radial direction. The elastic member is disposed on the second surface. At least a portion of the second surface is provided with a first limiting member and a second limiting member that are radially spaced along the sealing bracket. A mounting groove for mounting the elastic member is defined between the first limiting member and the second limiting member.

3. The axial sealing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support member has at least two through slots, one of which passes through the end of the support member away from the connector and is spaced apart from the connector.

4. The axial sealing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The axial sealing unit further includes a sealing ring. The connector has a recessed groove on the side facing the housing for accommodating the sealing ring. When the connector is fixedly installed on the housing, the sealing ring abuts against the housing.

5. The axial sealing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the radial direction of the sealing bracket, the first end protrudes relative to the second end and forms a protrusion. The connector has a reinforcing rib connected to the protrusion on the side opposite to the support member, and the reinforcing rib extends along the axial direction of the sealing bracket toward the location of the first end.

6. The axial sealing unit according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The elastic element is a ring structure, including a first layered elastic element and a second layered elastic element that are fixedly connected. The first layered elastic element is located between the sealing bracket and the second layered elastic element, and the radial length of the first layered elastic element is greater than the radial length of the second layered elastic element. The pressing member is disposed on the side of the first layered elastic member facing away from the sealing bracket and adjacent to the second layered elastic member. The second layered elastic member protrudes relative to the pressing member toward the side facing away from the sealing bracket.

7. The axial sealing unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the radial direction of the elastic element, the press-fit element is located outside the second layered elastic element.

8. The axial sealing unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first layered elastic member has a first through hole, the sealing bracket has a second through hole that mates with the first through hole, and the pressing member has a third through hole that mates with the first through hole. The pressing member is fixedly connected to the sealing bracket by fasteners that pass through the third through hole, the first through hole, and the second through hole. The number of the first perforation is at least two, and the number of the first perforation, the second perforation, and the third perforation are the same.

9. The axial sealing unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sealing bracket further includes a reinforcing member, which is disposed on the first surface and connected to the connector. The reinforcement component includes a first reinforcement plate, a second reinforcement plate, and a positioning post. The first reinforcement plate has an annular structure and is radially spaced from the connector along the sealing bracket. The second reinforcement plate connects the first reinforcement plate and the connector. The positioning post is located between the first reinforcement plate and the connector and is connected to both the first reinforcement plate and the connector. The positioning post and the support member are connected and enclose each other to form the second through hole.

10. The axial sealing unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector is radially connected to the outer side of the support.

11. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: The housing includes a rear panel and an axial sealing unit as described in any one of claims 1-10; A rotating drum is rotatably disposed within the housing. The rotating drum is configured to hold garments to be processed. The rear end face of the rotating drum facing the back panel has a flange extending circumferentially thereon and projecting toward the back panel. The flange is matched with the elastic element. The rotating drum abuts against the axial sealing unit via the flange.

12. The garment processing equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The flange is formed by a recess on the rear end face facing the rear back plate; And / or, the flange is a ring structure.

13. The garment processing equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, An exhaust port is provided on the rear panel, an air inlet is provided on the rear end face of the rotating drum, and a sealing bracket is arranged around the exhaust port and the air inlet; The airflow flows into the rotating drum through the exhaust port and the air inlet.

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