Clothes processing equipment and door seal cleaning device thereof
By installing a collection box and drain pipe at the bottom of the washing machine door seal, the problem of dirt accumulation on the door seal is solved, enabling efficient removal of dirt, avoiding secondary pollution of the washing machine, and improving the user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- XIAOMI TECH (WUHAN) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing washing machine door seals are prone to accumulating stains and grime after use, leading to a decrease in sealing performance, which may cause water leakage and bacterial growth, affecting the user experience.
A collection box is installed at the bottom of the door seal and connected to a drain pipe. The spray water flow removes lint and other dirt through the drain pipe, preventing sewage from entering the washing machine. The rounded corner design improves cleaning efficiency.
It effectively cleans door seal dirt, reduces secondary pollution, and improves user experience and equipment comfort.
Smart Images
Figure CN224186467U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Clothing processing equipment and its door seal cleaning device Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of washing machine technology, and more particularly to clothing handling equipment and its door seal cleaning device. Background Technology
[0002] The door seal is a flexible ring structure. When the door is closed, the door seal is located between the drum and the door, preventing water from leaking out between them. Currently, during operation, dirt and wastewater from cleaning the door seal directly enter the drum and are then discharged through the drain pump, which can easily cause secondary pollution of the washing machine.
[0003] In related technologies, the door seal structure of drum washing machines is usually designed in a pleated shape to provide a seal and prevent water from overflowing from the drum. However, as a sealing opening, the lower part of the door seal structure, which overlaps with the washing water level, is very susceptible to contamination by stains after washing. Water and residual stains from the washing process can accumulate in the pleats of the door seal structure, leading to problems such as dirt sticking to the walls, mold, and odors. Currently, it is not possible to effectively remove accumulated stains. When the drum washing machine has not been used for a long time, the door seal structure can easily corrode and fail to provide a seal, resulting in water overflow or a large number of bacteria on the washed clothes, affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To overcome the problems existing in the related technologies, this disclosure provides a garment processing device and a door seal cleaning device thereof.
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a door seal cleaning device is provided, installed between a door seal and a drain pipe, the door seal cleaning device comprising:
[0006] A door seal, wherein a mounting hole is provided at the bottom end of the door seal;
[0007] A collection box, wherein the top of the collection box is open and installed at the mounting hole, and the bottom of the collection box has a drainage hole; and
[0008] A drain pipe, one end of which is connected to the drain hole, and the other end of which is used to communicate with the drain pipe.
[0009] Optionally, the connection between the sewage pipe and the drainage hole has a rounded corner structure.
[0010] Optionally, the drain pipe is also connected to a drain branch pipe, and the drain branch pipe is equipped with a drain pump.
[0011] Optionally, the sewage pipe is connected to the drainage branch pipe.
[0012] Optionally, the extension direction of the end of the sewage pipe at the connection with the drainage branch pipe is the same as the extension direction of the drainage branch pipe.
[0013] Optionally, the garment processing equipment has an air chamber inside its housing, and the drain pipe is also connected to an air chamber connecting pipe for connecting the air chamber.
[0014] Optionally, the air chamber connecting pipe and the sewage pipe are respectively placed on opposite sides of the drain pipe.
[0015] Optionally, the collection box is adhered to the mounting hole.
[0016] Optionally, the door seal cleaning device further includes a control switch for controlling the opening or closing of the drain hole.
[0017] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a garment processing apparatus is provided, including the door seal cleaning device described above.
[0018] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can include the following beneficial effects: An opening is made in the bottom area of the door seal, a collection box is added at the mounting hole, and a drain hole is made at the bottom of the collection box for connecting a drain pipe. The other end of the drain pipe is connected to a drain pipe. This device can use spray water to flush lint and other debris from the door seal gaps and door panel into the collection box. The lint and other dirt can flow with the water through the drain pipe to the drain pipe, and finally be discharged through the drain outlet. This reduces the user's cleaning work for the door seal, enhances user comfort, and allows wastewater from cleaning the door seal to be directly discharged into the washing machine, avoiding secondary pollution of the washing machine after the wastewater enters it.
[0019] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.
[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a garment processing device according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a door seal cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a door seal cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a door seal cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a door seal cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0027] 1-Box body; 2-Cylinder body; 3-Door panel; 4-Drain pipe; 5-Door seal; 6-Collection box; 61-Drain hole; 7-Sewage pipe; 8-Drain branch pipe; 81-Drain pump; 9-Gas chamber connecting pipe Detailed Implementation
[0028] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.
[0029] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the directional terms “upper,” “lower,” “top,” and “bottom” are defined based on the actual direction of use of the relevant components. “Inner” and “outer” refer to the inner and outer contours of the corresponding components. The terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish different components and do not indicate sequence or importance. Furthermore, in the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise explained, the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements.
[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, this disclosure provides a door seal cleaning device, installed between a door seal 5 and a drain pipe 4. The door seal cleaning device may include a door seal 5, a collection box 6, and a drain pipe 7. The bottom end of the door seal 5 has an installation hole; the top end of the collection box 6 is open and installed at the installation hole, and the bottom end of the collection box 6 has a drain hole 61. Specifically, the collection box 6 may be constructed as a square or other suitable shape; one end of the drain pipe 7 is connected to the drain hole 61, and the other end is used to communicate with the drain pipe 4. Specifically, the drain pipe 4 and the drain pipe 7 are respectively constructed as corrugated pipes.
[0031] The above technical solution involves creating an opening in the bottom area of the door seal, adding a collection box at the mounting hole, and creating a drain hole at the bottom of the collection box for connecting a drain pipe. The other end of the drain pipe is connected to the drain pipe. This device uses a spray of water to flush lint and other debris from the door seal gaps and door panel into the collection box. The lint and other dirt then flow with the water through the drain pipe to the drain pipe and are finally discharged through the drain outlet. This reduces the amount of cleaning work required for the door seal, enhances user comfort, and allows wastewater from cleaning the door seal to be directly discharged into the washing machine, preventing secondary pollution of the washing machine after it enters the machine.
[0032] In some embodiments, referring to FIG1, the connection between the drain pipe 7 and the drain hole 61 may have a rounded corner structure. In order for foreign objects such as lint to flow into the drain pipe 7 better with the water flow, the rounded corner design at the connection between the collection box and the drain pipe 7 can improve the collection and cleaning efficiency of foreign objects such as lint, while further reducing the problem of residual water in the door seal.
[0033] Referring to Figure 1, the drain pipe 4 can also be connected to a drain branch pipe 8, and the drain branch pipe 8 is equipped with a drain pump 81. The lint in the sewage pipe 7 can be sucked into the drain branch pipe 8 by the drain pump 81 and flow out with the drainage from the drain pipe 4.
[0034] Furthermore, referring to Figure 2, the sewage pipe 7 can be connected to the drainage branch pipe 8, so that the water flow from the sewage pipe 7 can be directly discharged from the drainage branch pipe 8 under the action of the drainage pump 81.
[0035] In some embodiments, referring to FIG2, the extension direction of the end of the drain pipe 7 at the connection with the drainage branch pipe 8 can be the same as the extension direction of the drainage branch pipe 8. With this configuration, there will be no bends when the water flows from the drain pipe 7 into the drainage branch pipe 8, avoiding the retention of foreign objects such as lint in the pipe and facilitating the discharge of water containing lint from the drain pipe 7.
[0036] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the housing 1 of the garment processing device is provided with an air chamber, and the drain pipe 4 can also be connected to an air chamber connecting pipe 9 for connecting the air chamber. The air chamber can prevent the washing liquid in the drain pipe 4 from flowing back into the drum 2, avoiding water accumulation or soaking inside the washing machine and ensuring the normal operation of the washing machine. The air chamber connecting pipe 9 connects to the air chamber, which can balance the air pressure and facilitate drainage.
[0037] Furthermore, in order to make better use of the space inside the box 1, referring to Figure 2, the air chamber connecting pipe 9 and the drain pipe 7 can be placed on opposite sides of the drain pipe 4.
[0038] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the collection box 6 can be glued to the mounting hole. In other embodiments, the collection box 6 can also be welded or screwed to the mounting hole. This disclosure does not limit the installation method of the collection box 6.
[0039] In some embodiments, the door seal cleaning device may further include a control switch for controlling the opening or closing of the drain hole 61. When the door seal needs to be cleaned, the control switch controls the drain hole 61 to open to discharge foreign objects such as lint; after cleaning is completed, the control switch controls the drain hole 61 to close.
[0040] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, referring to FIG1, a garment processing device is also provided. This garment processing device may include a housing 1, a cylinder 2 disposed within the housing 1, a door panel 3 mounted on the housing 1, and a door seal cleaning device provided in this disclosure. The door panel 3 movably covers the opening of the cylinder 2. A door seal 5 is mounted circumferentially on the inner side of the door panel 3. The cylinder 2 is connected to a drain pipe 4, and the door seal cleaning device is installed between the door seal 5 and the drain pipe 4. This garment processing device has the same advantages over the prior art as the door seal cleaning device described above, and will not be repeated here.
[0041] In the above detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific aspects of this disclosure by way of illustration. In this regard, terms indicating direction or positional relationship, such as “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential,” are used with reference to the orientation of the described figures. Since components of the described device can be positioned in multiple different orientations, directional terms are used for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. It should be understood that other aspects can be utilized and structural or logical changes can be made without departing from the concept of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting.
[0042] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specifically indicated, features of various embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be combined with each other. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the relevant listed items and any combination of any two or more; similarly, “at least one of…” includes any one of the relevant listed items and any combination of any two or more.
[0043] It should be understood that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "joining," "attaching," "installing," "connecting," "linking," "fixing," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure 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 them; 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 herein based on the specific circumstances.
[0044] Furthermore, the term "above" as used herein with respect to components, elements, or material layers formed or located "above" a surface may be used to indicate that the component, element, or material layer is "indirectly" positioned (e.g., placed, formed, deposited, etc.) on the surface such that one or more additional components, elements, or layers are arranged between the surface and the component, element, or material layer. However, the term "above" as used with respect to components, elements, or material layers formed or located "above" a surface may also optionally have a specific meaning: that the component, element, or material layer is "directly" positioned (e.g., placed, formed, deposited, etc.) on the surface, for example, in direct contact with the surface.
[0045] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited to these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or section from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, part, region, layer, or section mentioned in the examples may also be referred to as the second component, part, region, layer, or section. 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as “first” or “second” may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description herein, “a plurality” means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0046] It should be understood that spatial relative terms, such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower,” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another shown in the figures. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, these spatial relative terms are also intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “above” or “upper” relative to another element would be “below” or “lower” relative to that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term “above” encompasses both above and below orientations. Devices may have other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.
[0047] Furthermore, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous compared to other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the term “exemplary” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. As used herein, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, “X applies A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive arrangements. That is, “X applies A or B” satisfies any of the foregoing instances if X applies A; X applies B; or both X applies A and B. Additionally, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context to refer to the singular form, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims are generally understood to mean “one or more.”
[0048] Similarly, although this disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. This disclosure includes all such modifications and variations and is limited only by the scope of the claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the components described above (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), unless otherwise indicated, the terminology used to describe such components is intended to correspond to any component (functionally equivalent) that performs the specific function of the described component, even if structurally not equivalent to the disclosed structure. Furthermore, although specific features of this disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations, as may be desired and advantageous to any given or particular application. Moreover, with regard to the terms “comprising,” “owning,” “having,” “having,” or variations thereof as used in the detailed description or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “including.”
[0049] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.
[0050] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A door seal cleaning device, characterized in that, The door seal cleaning device, installed between the door seal and the drain pipe, includes: a door seal with an installation hole at its bottom; a collection box with an opening at its top and installed at the installation hole, and a drain hole at its bottom; and a drain pipe, one end of which is connected to the drain hole and the other end of which is connected to the drain pipe.
2. The door seal cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection between the sewage pipe and the drainage hole has a rounded corner structure.
3. The door seal cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drain pipe is also connected to a drain branch pipe, and the drain branch pipe is equipped with a drain pump.
4. The door seal cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sewage pipe is connected to the drainage branch pipe.
5. The door seal cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The extension direction of the end of the sewage pipe at the connection with the drainage branch pipe is the same as the extension direction of the drainage branch pipe.
6. The door seal cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment has an air chamber inside its housing, and the drain pipe is also connected to an air chamber connecting pipe for connecting the air chamber.
7. The door seal cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air chamber connecting pipe and the sewage pipe are respectively located on opposite sides of the drain pipe.
8. The door seal cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collection box is adhered to the mounting hole.
9. The door seal cleaning device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The door seal cleaning device also includes a control switch, which is used to control the opening or closing of the drain hole.
10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The door seal cleaning device includes any one of claims 1 to 9.