Deceleration clutch device, washing assembly, and laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a speed reduction clutch device, a washing assembly and a clothes processing device. The speed reduction clutch device comprises an output shaft, an output shaft sleeve, bearings and a limiting device. The output shaft sleeve is provided with an axial through hole, and the output shaft is arranged in the axial through hole of the output shaft sleeve. An annular connecting boss is arranged on the outer periphery of the output shaft sleeve and is used for connecting an inner drum of the clothes processing device. A plurality of bearings are arranged between the output shaft and the output shaft sleeve along the axial direction of the output shaft, and at least one bearing is located above the annular connecting boss of the output shaft sleeve. The limiting device is arranged on the output shaft and the output shaft sleeve and is used for limiting the axial movement of the output shaft. The axial anti-pulling-off capability of the output shaft can be improved, the radial anti-shaking capability of the pulsator shaft can be improved, the radial and axial anti-friction capability of the output shaft can be improved, and the water seal effect is good. The washing assembly adopts the speed reduction clutch device, so that the radial anti-shaking capability of the output shaft and the bending resistance of the pulsator can be obviously improved, and the service life is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of clothing processing equipment and components, specifically, it relates to a deceleration clutch device, a washing assembly, and clothing processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, conventional single-power or multi-power deceleration clutch devices for washing machines mainly consist of a braking system, a clutch system, a transmission system, and a sealing system.

[0003] During washing, the output shaft of the single-power or multi-power reduction clutch is driven by the upper planetary carrier. The output shaft passes through the output shaft sleeve, which is connected to the inner tub of the washing machine. The output shaft is connected to the pulsator or agitator. The output shaft is radially supported and axially limited by two shaft sleeves and a retaining spring. When the pulsator or agitator connected to the output shaft is positioned high or is long, the pulsator or agitator will pull the output shaft upward. With continuous operation, the output shaft will be pulled out directly, or even the small water seal of the output shaft will fail and leak water. Due to the failure of the reduction clutch, the entire washing machine washing action will fail. Furthermore, because the pulsator or agitator is positioned high or is long, the radial anti-shake ability of the pulsator shaft and the bending resistance of the pulsator are both poor.

[0004] Chinese patent application number 202222354322.9 discloses a clutch and braking structure for a fully automatic washing machine clutch. It adopts a technical solution of setting two sliding bearings between the impeller shaft (output shaft) and the spin-drying shaft (output shaft sleeve). However, the sliding bearings have large starting friction resistance and poor operating performance.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a deceleration clutch device that can improve the axial anti-pull-out capability, improve the radial anti-shake capability of the impeller shaft, improve the radial and axial anti-friction capability of the output shaft, and has a good water seal effect.

[0007] A second objective of the present invention is to provide a washing assembly.

[0008] A third objective of this invention is to provide a garment processing device.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0010] The deceleration clutch device includes an output shaft, an output shaft sleeve, bearings, and a limiting device.

[0011] The output shaft sleeve has an axial through hole, and the output shaft passes through the axial through hole of the output shaft sleeve.

[0012] The output shaft sleeve has an annular connecting boss on its outer circumference for connecting to the inner drum of the garment processing equipment.

[0013] Several bearings are arranged axially along the output shaft between the output shaft and the output shaft sleeve, and at least one bearing is located above the annular connecting boss of the output shaft sleeve.

[0014] Furthermore, the annular connecting boss is located in the middle of the output shaft sleeve.

[0015] Furthermore, a limiting device is provided on the output shaft and the output shaft sleeve to restrict the axial movement of the output shaft. The limiting device includes an annular boss, a first lower step, a first upper step, and a retaining ring arranged from top to bottom. The annular boss is located on the outer periphery of the output shaft, the first lower step is located on the inner periphery of the output shaft sleeve, and a bearing is provided between the annular boss and the first lower step. The first lower step limits the lower movement of this bearing, and this bearing limits the lower movement of the annular boss. The first upper step is located on the inner periphery of the output shaft sleeve, and the retaining ring is set in a groove of the output shaft. A bearing is provided between the first upper step and the retaining ring, and the first upper boss limits the upper movement of this bearing.

[0016] Furthermore, the bearing between the annular boss and the first lower step is a ball bearing or a combination thereof, and the bearing between the first upper step and the retaining ring is a ball bearing or a combination thereof; or, the bearing between the annular boss and the first lower step is a needle roller bearing or a combination thereof, and the bearing between the first upper step and the retaining ring is a ball bearing or a combination thereof; or, the bearing between the annular boss and the first lower step is an oil-impregnated bearing, and the bearing between the first upper step and the retaining ring is a ball bearing or a combination thereof.

[0017] Furthermore, based on any of the above three schemes, the bearing set between the first upper step and the retaining ring also includes a planar thrust bearing, which is located above the retaining ring, and the retaining ring limits the planar thrust bearing to a lower position.

[0018] Furthermore, the deceleration clutch also includes an upper housing and a water seal. The upper housing is provided with a stepped hole, and the output shaft sleeve passes through the stepped hole. Annular four-lip water seals are respectively provided between the output shaft and the output shaft sleeve, and between the output shaft sleeve and the stepped hole wall of the upper housing. The four-lip water seal includes four lips, with at least one lip extending obliquely upward and inward, and at least one lip extending radially inward along the output shaft.

[0019] Furthermore, the water seal includes a second water seal between the output shaft sleeve and the stepped hole wall of the upper end shell. The inner side of the second water seal has four lips from top to bottom, from the first lip to the fourth lip, which contact the outer periphery of the output shaft sleeve. The first lip and the third lip extend from bottom to top and obliquely toward the output shaft sleeve, while the second lip and the fourth lip extend vertically toward the output shaft. Two tension springs are fitted on the second water seal, with the tension springs located at the root of the second lip and the root of the fourth lip, respectively.

[0020] The present invention also proposes a washing assembly, including the aforementioned deceleration clutch device, and further including an impeller, an output shaft, and an upper part of an output shaft sleeve extending from the bottom of the impeller into the interior of the impeller, with the output shaft connected to the impeller. The output shaft sleeve and the impeller are rotatable relative to each other. Alternatively, a bearing may be provided between the output shaft sleeve and the impeller bore wall, allowing relative rotation between them.

[0021] Furthermore, the connection point between the impeller and the impeller shaft is located in the middle or lower-middle part of the impeller. The connection point between the output shaft and the impeller, where force is applied, is located at one-half to one-quarter of the height of the impeller; the top of the output shaft sleeve is inserted into the impeller at one-quarter to one-eighth of the height of the impeller.

[0022] The present invention also provides a garment processing device, including the washing components described above.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0024] This invention relates to a deceleration clutch device, a washing assembly, and a garment processing device. The deceleration clutch device includes an output shaft, an output shaft sleeve, a bearing, and a limiting device. The output shaft sleeve has an axial through hole, through which the output shaft passes. An annular connecting boss is provided on the outer periphery of the output shaft sleeve for connecting the inner cylinder of the garment processing device. Multiple bearings are arranged axially between the output shaft and the output shaft sleeve, with at least one bearing located above the annular connecting boss of the output shaft sleeve. A limiting device is provided on the output shaft and the output shaft sleeve to restrict the axial movement of the output shaft. This device can improve the axial anti-pull-out capability, improve the radial anti-shake capability of the impeller shaft, and improve the radial and axial anti-friction capability of the output shaft. It also provides a good water seal effect. The washing unit uses the aforementioned speed reduction clutch device. The output shaft and output shaft sleeve are directly inserted into the pulsator, with a considerable length of insertion. When the pulsator is long or installed high in the garment processing equipment, the force-bearing position of the output shaft (i.e., the pulsator shaft) and the pulsator is changed from the bottom of the pulsator to the middle / lower-middle part of the pulsator. This significantly improves the radial anti-shake capability of the output shaft and the bending resistance of the pulsator, ensuring a longer lifespan for the speed reduction clutch device when it is used in agitator-type or V-type washing machines with long pulsators or when the pulsator is installed high in the garment processing equipment, thus improving the user experience.

[0025] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0026] 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:

[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the deceleration clutch device of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between a high-positioned or long impeller and a reduction clutch.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the connection between a portion of the deceleration clutch device in this invention and the impeller;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a half-sectional view of the assembly of the output shaft sleeve, output shaft, water seal, bearing, and upper end shell of the deceleration clutch device in this invention.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Input shaft; 1A. Input shaft gear; 2. Brake wheel shaft; 5. Output shaft gear; 5A. Output shaft gear tooth groove; 6. Brake wheel; 10. First gear shaft; 11. First lower fixed shaft gear; 12. First upper fixed shaft gear; 13. First fixed shaft wheel frame; 14. Second wheel frame lower cover; 14A. Second wheel frame lower cover gear insert; 15. Internal gear ring; 16. Second fixed shaft gear; 17. Second gear shaft; 18. Second fixed shaft wheel frame; 19. Transmission disc; 19A. 19B, Drive disc gear slot; 22, Output shaft sleeve; 23, Output shaft; 23A, Gear; 24, Upper end housing; 26, Center gear; 27, Impeller; 28, Reduction clutch device; 33, Upper ball bearing assembly; 34, Lower ball bearing assembly; 35, Annular connecting boss; 36, Annular boss; 37, First water seal; 38, Expansion spring; 39, Snap ring; 40, Second water seal; 401, Inner ring; 402, Connecting part; 403, Outer ring.

[0032] 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

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 used only to facilitate the description of this invention and to simplify 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, a deceleration clutch device 28 includes an input shaft 1, a first fixed-axis gear train, a second fixed-axis gear train, an output shaft 23, and an output shaft sleeve 22. The output shaft 23 passes through an axial through hole in the output shaft sleeve 22.

[0037] Input shaft 1 transmits power to the first fixed-axis gear train, the first fixed-axis gear train outputs power to output shaft 23, output shaft 23 simultaneously transmits power to the second fixed-axis gear train, the second fixed-axis gear train outputs power to output shaft sleeve 22.

[0038] The first fixed-axis gear train includes a fixedly mounted first fixed-axis gear carrier 13 and a first fixed-axis gear set rotatably mounted on the first fixed-axis gear carrier 13. The first fixed-axis gear set includes a first lower fixed-axis gear 11 and a first upper fixed-axis gear 12 mounted on the same first gear shaft 10. The first lower fixed-axis gear 11 is connected to the first upper fixed-axis gear 12, driving them to rotate synchronously. Both the first lower fixed-axis gear 11 and the first upper fixed-axis gear 12 are planetary gears.

[0039] The first lower fixed shaft gear 11 and the first upper fixed shaft gear 12, which are mounted on the same first gear shaft 10, constitute a double fixed shaft gear. By designing the number of teeth of the first lower fixed shaft gear 11 and the first upper fixed shaft gear 12 of the double fixed shaft gear, the speed can be reduced to the set requirement.

[0040] The first fixed-axis gear train also includes an input shaft gear 1A and an output shaft gear 5. The input shaft gear 1A is fixedly mounted on the input shaft 1, and the input shaft gear 1A meshes with all the first lower fixed-axis gears 11 simultaneously for transmission.

[0041] The inner wall of the center hole of the output shaft gear 5 is provided with an output shaft gear tooth groove 5A. The gear 23A of the output shaft 23 is inserted into the center gear tooth groove, thereby fixing the output shaft gear 5 on the output shaft 23. The output shaft gear 5 meshes and transmits power with all the first upper fixed shaft gears 12 at the same time.

[0042] Input shaft 1 transmits power to the first fixed-axis gear set of the first fixed-axis gear train. Input shaft 1, through input shaft gear 1A, engages with the first lower fixed-axis gear 11, transmitting power to the first lower fixed-axis gear 11. The first lower fixed-axis gear 11 drives the first upper fixed-axis gear 12 to rotate synchronously. The first upper fixed-axis gear 12, through output shaft gear 5, engages with the output shaft 23, driving the output shaft 23 to rotate. This achieves the goal of power being output from input shaft 1 to output shaft 23 after being reduced in speed by the first fixed-axis gear set.

[0043] The second fixed-axis gear train of the deceleration clutch device 28 includes an internal gear ring 15, a fixedly mounted second fixed-axis gear carrier 18, and a second fixed-axis gear set rotatably mounted on the second fixed-axis gear carrier 18, and also includes a transmission disk 19. The second fixed-axis gear set includes multiple second fixed-axis gears 16, forming a set of planetary gears, located inside the internal gear ring 15.

[0044] The output shaft 23 and the second fixed-axis gear set are driven together to transmit the output of the first fixed-axis gear train to the second fixed-axis gear train. The second fixed-axis gear set meshes with the internal gear ring 15 to drive the internal gear ring 15 to rotate.

[0045] To achieve transmission between the second fixed-axis gear set and the output shaft 23, the second fixed-axis gear train also includes a central gear 26 fixedly mounted on the output shaft. The central gear 26 engages with all the second fixed-axis gears 16 for external transmission. One end of the output shaft 23 is provided with a toothed gear 23A, and the inner wall of the central hole of the central gear 26 is provided with a central gear tooth groove. The toothed gear 23A of the output shaft 23 is inserted into the central gear tooth groove to achieve fixed installation between the output shaft 23 and the central gear 26.

[0046] The gear 23A of the output shaft 23 is sequentially inserted into the tooth groove of the central gear and the tooth groove 5A of the output shaft gear to achieve fixed installation of the central gear 26, the output shaft gear 5, and the output shaft 23. The output shaft gear 5 and the central gear 26 are spaced apart to ensure the independence and stability of the transmission between the output shaft gear 5 and the first fixed-axis gear train, and the transmission between the central gear 26 and the second fixed-axis gear train.

[0047] The transmission disc 19 is connected to the internal gear ring 15 as a whole; the transmission disc 19 is provided with a transmission disc tooth groove 19B in the middle, and the output shaft sleeve 22 is provided with an output shaft sleeve tooth on the outer periphery of one end. The output shaft sleeve tooth is inserted into the transmission disc tooth groove 19B to connect the output shaft sleeve 22 and the transmission disc 19 as a whole.

[0048] The output shaft sleeve 22 and the internal gear ring 15 are fixedly connected to the transmission disk 19. The internal gear ring 15 drives the output shaft sleeve 22 to rotate synchronously through the transmission disk 19. The outer circle of the transmission disk 19 is provided with transmission disk insertion teeth 19A, and the internal gear ring 15 is provided with internal gear ring tooth grooves that match the transmission disk insertion teeth 19A. The transmission disk insertion teeth 19A are inserted into the internal gear ring tooth grooves to connect the transmission disk 19 and the internal gear ring 15 into one unit. The inner wall of the through hole in the middle of the transmission disk 19 is provided with a transmission disk tooth groove 19B, and one end of the outer circumference of the output shaft sleeve 22 is provided with an output shaft sleeve tooth. The output shaft sleeve tooth is inserted into the transmission disk tooth groove 19B to connect the output shaft sleeve 22 and the transmission disk 19 into one unit.

[0049] The output shaft 23 serves as both the power output for the washing machine impeller and the power input for the second fixed-axis gear train. Furthermore, the introduction of the internal gear ring 15 enables the reversal of power transmission, resulting in the output shaft sleeve 22 and the output shaft 23 having opposite rotation directions. That is, the washing tub of the washing machine connected to the output shaft sleeve 22 and the impeller of the washing machine connected to the output shaft 23 have opposite directions of rotation.

[0050] The deceleration clutch device 28 also includes a brake wheel 6 and a brake wheel shaft 2. The brake wheel 6 has an open internal cavity. The brake wheel shaft 2 is a combination of a disc and a columnar body located on one side of the disc. A through hole is provided along the axial direction of the columnar body, which passes through the disc and the columnar body. The brake wheel shaft 2 is fixed to the open end of the brake wheel 6 by a disc cover. The input shaft 1 passes through this through hole of the brake wheel shaft 2. The first fixed-axis gear train and the second fixed-axis gear train are respectively arranged in the internal cavity of the brake wheel 6. The first fixed-axis gear carrier 13 of the first fixed-axis gear train is fixed on the disc of the brake wheel shaft 2.

[0051] The second fixed-axis wheel frame 18 includes a second wheel frame upper cover, a second wheel frame lower cover 14, and a second gear shaft 17 that is fixedly connected to the second wheel frame upper cover and the second wheel frame lower cover 14. The second fixed-axis gear 16 is rotatably mounted on the second gear shaft 17. The second wheel frame lower cover 14 is fixedly mounted on the first fixed-axis wheel frame 13.

[0052] Openings are respectively formed in the middle of the second wheel frame lower cover 14 and the middle of the first fixed-axis wheel frame 13. Internal teeth are formed on the inner peripheral wall of the opening of the first fixed-axis wheel frame 13 to form a toothed groove. A convex ring structure extends from the periphery of the opening of the second wheel frame lower cover 14 toward the first fixed-axis wheel frame 13. External teeth are formed on the outer peripheral wall of the convex ring structure to form a toothed tooth 14A of the second wheel frame lower cover. The toothed groove of the first fixed-axis wheel frame matches the tooth shape of the toothed tooth 14A of the second wheel frame lower cover. The toothed tooth 14A of the second wheel frame lower cover is inserted into the toothed groove of the first fixed-axis wheel frame to achieve a relatively fixed setting, thereby fixing the second fixed-axis wheel frame 18 of the second fixed-axis wheel system to the first fixed-axis wheel frame 13.

[0053] The deceleration clutch device 28 includes an upper end shell 24, which is fitted onto the output shaft sleeve 22 through a central hole. A bearing is provided between the upper end shell 24 and the output shaft sleeve 22. The deceleration clutch device 28 is fixed to the outer tub of the washing machine using the upper end shell 24.

[0054] The first gear shaft 10 includes three, and each first gear shaft 10 is provided with a first lower fixed shaft gear 11 and a first upper fixed shaft gear 12.

[0055] In other embodiments, when the number of first gear shafts 10 is greater, the number of first lower fixed-axis gears 11 and first upper fixed-axis gears 12 are correspondingly the same. To ensure gear train strength, reduce gear train noise, and lower the overall cost of the reduction clutch device 28, some of the first lower fixed-axis gears 11 are made of plastic, and some are made of metal, with plastic and metal gears alternating. That is, the same type of planetary gear in the first fixed-axis gear train uses an alternating distribution of metal and plastic gears.

[0056] There are four second gear shafts 17, so there are also four second fixed shaft gears 16. In order to ensure the strength of the gear train, reduce gear train noise, and reduce the overall cost of the reduction clutch device 28, two of the four second fixed shaft gears 16 are made of plastic gears and two are made of metal gears. The plastic gears and metal gears are distributed alternately, that is, adjacent second fixed shaft gears 16 are made of different materials.

[0057] In other embodiments, when the number of second fixed-axis gears 16 is greater, they are arranged in an alternating manner of plastic gears and metal gears, that is, adjacent second fixed-axis gears 16 are made of different materials. In other words, the planetary gears in the second fixed-axis gear train employ an alternating arrangement of metal gears and plastic gears.

[0058] Compared to existing deceleration clutches, the deceleration clutch of this invention features an extended output shaft and output shaft sleeve. The upper part of the output shaft protrudes beyond the output shaft sleeve. An annular connecting boss 35 is provided on the outer periphery of the output shaft sleeve of this invention. When installed in a garment processing device, it is used to connect to the inner drum of the garment processing device, such as the inner drum of a washing machine. The upper part of the output shaft is used to connect to the impeller. Compared to existing deceleration clutches, the annular connecting boss 35 is located in the middle of the output shaft sleeve. After the annular connecting boss 35 is connected to the inner drum, there is still a relatively long output shaft sleeve above the annular connecting boss 35. Sufficient portion of the upper part of the output shaft sleeve can be inserted into the impeller of the garment processing device and can rotate relative to the impeller. In existing deceleration clutches, the annular connecting boss 35 is located on the upper part of the output shaft sleeve.

[0059] Since both the output shaft and the output shaft sleeve are longer, multiple bearings are provided between the output shaft and the output shaft sleeve along the output shaft axis, and at least one bearing is located above the annular connecting boss 35 of the output shaft sleeve to enhance the strength and durability of the longer output shaft and output shaft sleeve.

[0060] Combination Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the deceleration clutch device of the present invention also includes a limiting device. The output shaft sleeve 22 has an axial through hole, and the output shaft 23 passes through the axial through hole of the output shaft sleeve 22. A bearing is axially arranged between the output shaft 23 and the output shaft sleeve 22. A limiting device is provided on the output shaft sleeve 22 and the output shaft 23 to prevent the output shaft 23 from moving upwards or downwards. The axial through hole of the output shaft sleeve 22 is a stepped hole.

[0061] The limiting device includes an annular boss 36, a first lower step, a first upper step, and a retaining spring 39 arranged from top to bottom.

[0062] The annular boss 36 is located on the outer periphery of the output shaft, and the first lower step is located on the inner periphery of the output shaft sleeve. A bearing is provided between the annular boss 36 and the first lower step. The first lower step limits the lower position of this bearing, and this bearing limits the lower position of the annular boss 36.

[0063] The first upper step is located on the inner circumference of the output shaft sleeve. The retaining ring 39 is set in the groove of the output shaft. A bearing is provided between the first upper step and the retaining ring 39. The first upper boss provides upper limit positioning for this bearing.

[0064] Regarding the bearing configuration, the combination of radial support bearings is not limited in quantity or type: such as radial bearings, thrust bearings, or radial-thrust bearings or oil-impregnated bearings.

[0065] For example, the bearing between the annular boss 36 and the first lower step is a ball bearing or a combination of ball bearings, and the bearing between the first upper step and the retaining ring 39 is a ball bearing or a combination of ball bearings; or, the bearing between the annular boss 36 and the first lower step is a needle roller bearing or a combination of needle roller bearings, and the bearing between the first upper step and the retaining ring 39 is a ball bearing or a combination of ball bearings; or, the bearing between the annular boss 36 and the first lower step is an oil-impregnated bearing, and the bearing between the first upper step and the retaining ring 39 is a ball bearing or a combination of ball bearings.

[0066] Taking one of the aforementioned bearing configurations as an example, two ball bearings are arranged between the annular boss 36 and the first lower step to form an upper ball bearing assembly 33, and two ball bearings are arranged between the first upper step and the retaining ring 39 to form a lower ball bearing assembly 34. The first lower step of the output shaft sleeve limits the lower position of the upper ball bearing assembly, which in turn limits the lower position of the annular boss 36 of the output shaft, thereby preventing the output shaft from moving downwards. The first upper step of the output shaft sleeve limits the upper position of the lower ball bearing assembly, which in turn limits the upper position of the retaining ring 39, which is located in the groove of the output shaft, thereby preventing the output shaft from moving upwards.

[0067] In this embodiment, the bearing disposed between the first upper step and the retaining ring 39 further includes a planar thrust bearing, which is located above the retaining ring 39, and the retaining ring 39 provides a lower limit for the planar thrust bearing. In other embodiments, this planar thrust bearing may be omitted.

[0068] In order to enable the deceleration clutch device to be installed as a whole on the washing machine, the deceleration clutch device also includes an upper end shell 24 and a lower end shell. The upper end shell 24 and the lower end shell fasten some of the other components of the deceleration clutch device into the cavity formed by the upper end shell 24 and the lower end shell, and the deceleration clutch device is installed as a whole on the washing machine by using bolts to fit the bolt holes on the upper end shell 24 and the lower end shell.

[0069] The upper housing 24 is provided with a stepped hole, and the output shaft sleeve 22 passes through the stepped hole.

[0070] The deceleration clutch also includes water seals, with annular multi-lip water seals provided between the output shaft 23 and the output shaft sleeve 22, and between the output shaft sleeve 22 and the stepped hole wall of the upper end housing 24 of the deceleration clutch. The multi-lip water seals include a first water seal 37 between the output shaft 23 and the output shaft sleeve 22, and a second water seal 40 between the output shaft sleeve 22 and the stepped hole wall of the upper end housing 24.

[0071] The first water seal 37 is positioned above the annular boss 36. To further improve the sealing effect of the first water seal 37, when viewed from the perspective of its installation on the washing machine, the inner side of the first water seal 37 has four lips arranged axially from top to bottom along the output shaft 23: a first lip, a second lip, a third lip, and a fourth lip, which contact the outer periphery of the output shaft. Among the four lips, the first and second lips, located at the top, extend obliquely upwards and towards the output shaft 23, the third lip extends vertically towards the output shaft 23, and the fourth lip, located at the bottom, extends obliquely downwards and towards the output shaft 23.

[0072] To ensure the sealing effect of the first water seal 37 and improve the contact between the first water seal 37 and the output shaft, a tension spring 38 is fitted around the outer periphery of the first water seal 37, located between the third lip and the fourth lip. In other embodiments, to further ensure the sealing effect of the first water seal 37, multiple tension springs 38 can be fitted axially around the outer periphery of the first water seal 37.

[0073] Since the four lips of the first water seal 37 extend in different directions, including those extending obliquely upwards, downwards, and perpendicular to the output shaft, the lips of the first water seal 37 swing when the output shaft 23 moves slightly upwards or downwards. However, the deformation of the lips of the first water seal 37 is different, which ensures that at least one lip is in close contact with the outer periphery of the output shaft to achieve a sealing effect.

[0074] The outer periphery of the first water seal 37 is cylindrical at least within the height range corresponding to the root of the second lip, thereby ensuring a tight seal between the outer periphery of the first water seal 37 and the inner periphery of the output shaft sleeve 22. In other embodiments, to improve the sealing effect, the cylindrical surface of the outer periphery of the first water seal 37 extends down to between the second and third lips.

[0075] To enhance the sealing effect between the outer side of the output shaft sleeve 22 and the upper end shell 24 of the reduction clutch device 28, an annular second water seal 40 is provided between the outer side of the output shaft sleeve 22 and the upper end shell 24 of the reduction clutch device 28. The second water seal 40 includes two annular portions, an inner ring 401 and an outer ring 403, and a connecting portion 402. The inner ring 401 is provided with four lips.

[0076] The upper housing 24 of the deceleration clutch device 28 has a stepped hole, through which the output shaft sleeve 22 passes. The outer circumference of the outer ring 403 of the second water seal 40 is provided with a cylindrical surface that fits and seals against the wall of the stepped hole in the upper housing 24 of the deceleration clutch device 28. The inner ring 401 and the outer ring 403 of the second water seal 40 are connected by a connecting part 402. One end of the connecting part 402 is connected to the middle of the outer side of the inner ring 401, thus leaving the outer circumference of other parts of the inner ring 401 unobstructed; the other end of the connecting part 402 is connected to the inner side of the outer ring 403. Figure 4 As shown, viewed from half of the longitudinal section, the connecting part 402 is folded. The connecting part 402 includes a U-shaped bend and a cross arm. The top of the outer arm of the U-shaped bend connects to the inner side of the outer ring 403, and the top of the inner arm of the U-shaped bend connects to the cross arm. The cross arm connects to the middle of the outer side of the inner ring 401. The bottom end of the U-shaped bend of the connecting part 402 has a flat portion, which is flush with the bottom end of the outer ring 403 and fits against the stepped hole of the upper end shell 24.

[0077] To further improve the sealing effect of the second water seal 40, when viewed in the washing machine installation configuration, the inner ring 401 of the second water seal 40 has four lips—a first lip, a second lip, a third lip, and a fourth lip—arranged axially from top to bottom along the output shaft sleeve 22, which contact the outer periphery of the output shaft sleeve 22. The first and third lips extend obliquely upwards and towards the output shaft sleeve 22, while the second and fourth lips extend vertically towards the output shaft. Two tension springs 38 are fitted around the outer periphery of the inner ring 401 of the second water seal 40, located at the roots of the second and fourth lips, respectively.

[0078] The present invention also proposes a washing assembly, including the aforementioned deceleration clutch device and impeller 27, combined with... Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the impeller 27 is relatively long or is installed at a high position in the garment processing equipment. The upper part of the output shaft and output shaft sleeve of the deceleration clutch extends into the interior of the impeller 27 through a hole at the bottom of the impeller 27. The upper part of the output shaft is connected to the impeller 27, and there is a gap between the output shaft sleeve and the impeller 27, allowing them to rotate relative to each other. In this way, only the output shaft 22 is connected to the impeller 27 to drive the impeller 27 to rotate.

[0079] By lengthening the output shaft and output shaft sleeve of the existing conventional reduction clutch device, the output shaft and output shaft sleeve are directly inserted into the impeller 27, with a considerable length of insertion with the impeller 27. When the impeller 27 is long or installed in a high position in the clothing processing equipment, the force-bearing position of the connection between the output shaft (i.e., the impeller shaft) and the impeller 27 is changed from the bottom of the impeller 27 to the middle / lower-middle part of the impeller 27. This can significantly improve the radial anti-shake capability of the output shaft and the bending resistance of the impeller 27, ensuring an increased lifespan of the reduction clutch device when it is used in agitator-type or V-type washing machines with long impeller 27s or when the impeller 27 is installed in a high position in the clothing processing equipment, thus improving the user experience.

[0080] The connection point between the output shaft (i.e., the impeller shaft) and the impeller is located at one-half to one-quarter of the height of the impeller 27. In this embodiment, the connection point between the output shaft (i.e., the impeller shaft) and the impeller 27 is located at one-quarter of the height of the impeller 27.

[0081] The top of the output shaft sleeve is inserted into the impeller 27 at a height of one-quarter to one-eighth of the impeller 27. This allows the upper bearing to provide effective support for the output shaft.

[0082] In other embodiments, in order to further enhance the overall strength, a bearing is provided between the hole wall at the bottom of the impeller 27 and the output shaft sleeve, so that the impeller 27 and the output shaft sleeve can rotate relative to each other, and the radial force brought by the impeller 27 can be resisted by the output shaft and the output shaft sleeve as a whole, thereby improving the overall strength of the washing assembly.

[0083] The present invention also provides a garment processing device, including the washing components described above.

[0084] When the washing assembly is installed in a garment handling device such as a washing machine, and the impeller 27 of the washing assembly is long or installed in a high position in the garment handling device, the output shaft and output shaft sleeve of the deceleration clutch device are lengthened, and the output shaft and output shaft sleeve are directly inserted into the impeller 27 with a considerable length of insertion with the impeller. The connection force position between the output shaft (i.e., the impeller shaft) and the impeller is changed from the bottom of the impeller to the middle / lower middle part of the impeller. This can significantly improve the radial anti-shake capability of the output shaft and the bending resistance of the impeller, ensuring and extending the life of the washing assembly when the impeller installed in the garment handling device is long or installed in a high position.

[0085] 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. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. 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 deceleration clutch device, characterized in that: Includes output shaft, output shaft sleeve, bearings, and limiting device. The output shaft sleeve has an axial through hole, and the output shaft passes through the axial through hole of the output shaft sleeve. The output shaft sleeve has an annular connecting boss on its outer circumference for connecting to the inner drum of the garment processing equipment. Several bearings are arranged axially along the output shaft between the output shaft and the output shaft sleeve, and at least one bearing is located above the annular connecting boss of the output shaft sleeve.

2. The deceleration clutch device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The annular connecting boss is located in the middle of the output shaft sleeve.

3. The deceleration clutch device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The output shaft and output shaft sleeve are equipped with a limiting device to restrict the axial movement of the output shaft. ， The limiting device includes an annular boss, a first lower step, a first upper step, and a retaining spring arranged from top to bottom. The annular boss is located on the outer circumference of the output shaft, and the first lower step is located on the inner circumference of the output shaft sleeve. A bearing is provided between the annular boss and the first lower step. The first lower step limits the lower position of this bearing, and this bearing limits the lower position of the annular boss. The first upper step is located on the inner circumference of the output shaft sleeve. The retaining ring is set in the groove of the output shaft. A bearing is set between the first upper step and the retaining ring. The first upper boss provides upper limit control for this bearing.

4. The deceleration clutch device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bearing between the annular boss and the first lower step is a ball bearing or a combination thereof, and the bearing between the first upper step and the snap ring is a ball bearing or a combination thereof; Alternatively, the bearing between the annular boss and the first lower step is a needle roller bearing or a combination thereof, and the bearing between the first upper step and the snap ring is a ball bearing or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the bearing between the annular boss and the first lower step is an oil-impregnated bearing, and the bearing between the first upper step and the snap ring is a ball bearing or a combination thereof. Alternatively, based on any of the three schemes mentioned above, the bearing between the first upper step and the retaining ring may also include a planar thrust bearing, which is located above the retaining ring and the retaining ring provides a lower limit for the planar thrust bearing.

5. The deceleration clutch device according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes the upper shell and water seal. The upper housing has a stepped hole, and the output shaft sleeve passes through the stepped hole. An annular four-lip water seal is provided between the output shaft and the output shaft sleeve, and between the output shaft sleeve and the stepped hole wall of the upper end shell. The four-lip water seal includes four lips, and at least one lip extends obliquely upward and inward, and at least one lip extends radially inward along the output shaft.

6. A washing assembly, characterized in that: The deceleration clutch device according to any one of claims 1-5 further includes an impeller, and the upper part of the output shaft and the output shaft sleeve extends into the interior of the impeller from the bottom of the impeller. The output shaft is connected to the impeller, and the output shaft sleeve can rotate relative to the impeller.

7. The washing assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: There is a gap between the output shaft sleeve and the impeller, or a bearing is provided between the output shaft sleeve and the impeller bore wall.

8. The washing assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The connection point between the impeller and the impeller shaft is located in the middle or lower middle part of the impeller.

9. The washing assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connection point between the output shaft and the impeller is located at one-half to one-quarter of the impeller's height; the top of the output shaft sleeve is inserted into the impeller at one-quarter to one-eighth of the impeller's height.

10. A garment processing device, characterized in that: Includes the washing assembly as described in any one of claims 6 to 9.

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