Gear automatic cleaning and drying machine
By designing an automatic gear cleaning and drying machine, which uses a motor-driven cleaning brush and gear transmission system, the problems of insufficient drying and labor-intensive cleaning are solved, achieving efficient cleaning and uniform drying, simplifying the cleaning process and reducing energy consumption.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FUQING YONGYULAI GEAR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing dryers suffer from insufficient drying and labor-intensive cleaning, especially the accumulation of lint, dust, and condensate on the filters and condensers, which makes the cleaning process cumbersome and time-consuming, affecting the drying effect.
An automatic gear cleaning and drying machine was designed, which uses a motor-driven cleaning brush and a gear transmission system, combined with a hot air blower to achieve automatic cleaning and drying. The bevel gear and gear meshing transmission structure ensure efficient cleaning and drying.
It achieves efficient cleaning of oil and impurities on gear surfaces, improves drying uniformity, reduces energy consumption and equipment wear, simplifies the cleaning process, and enhances the automation level of the equipment.
Smart Images

Figure CN224321907U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of dryer technology, and in particular to an automatic gear cleaning and drying machine. Background Technology
[0002] A dryer is a device that uses electric heating, heat pumps, or other methods to generate heat energy to dry items such as clothing, food, and medicinal materials. It can quickly remove moisture from items and is characterized by high efficiency, convenience, and weather resistance. It is widely used in homes, laundries, food processing plants, and other settings, allowing damp items to quickly return to a dry state and bringing convenience to life and production.
[0003] Drying equipment mainly includes household drum dryers (consisting of heating elements, rotating drums, fans, and temperature control elements), industrial belt dryers (consisting of conveyor belts, heat source devices, temperature control devices, and exhaust equipment), and energy-saving heat pump dryers (equipped with compressors, evaporators, condensers, and circulating fans). Their working principle involves heating air using electric heating, gas combustion, or a heat pump device. The hot air is then propelled by a fan to circulate within the drying chamber, fully contacting clothing, materials, and other items to remove moisture. The humid air is then dehumidified by condensation or directly discharged, forming a closed-loop or open-loop drying cycle. Simultaneously, the temperature control device monitors and adjusts the temperature in real time, preventing damage to items due to excessive heat during efficient drying and achieving precise drying for different items.
[0004] Insufficient drying in dryers is a common problem. If the items are overloaded or the hot air circulation in the drying chamber is poor, moisture can easily remain in the inner layers of thick items and deep areas of stacked items. Some low-end models may even have a situation where the surface is dry but the inside is damp due to insufficient temperature control accuracy. The labor-intensive nature of manual cleaning cannot be ignored. During operation, lint, dust, and condensate scale can easily accumulate on the filter screen, condenser, and inner wall of the drum. In particular, the filter screen needs to be frequently disassembled and cleaned, and the removal of scale from the condenser often requires special tools or reagents. The entire cleaning process is tedious and time-consuming. If cleaning is not timely, it will further affect the drying effect. Therefore, an automatic gear cleaning dryer is proposed to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] To overcome the above shortcomings, this utility model provides an automatic gear cleaning and drying machine, which aims to improve the problems of insufficient drying and labor-intensive cleaning in the prior art.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] An automatic gear cleaning and drying machine includes a cabinet. A motor is fixedly connected to the rear end of the cabinet. A rotating column is fixedly connected to the front end of the motor. A connecting rod is fixedly connected to the front end of the rotating column. A conical column is fixedly connected to the bottom of the connecting rod. A limiting ball is fixedly connected to the bottom of the conical column. A limiting ball is slidably connected to the outer side of the limiting ball. A displacement column is fixedly connected to the front end of the limiting ball. A support rod is fixedly connected to the lower part of the displacement column. A cleaning brush is fixedly connected to the lower end of the support rod. A drying component is slidably connected to the lower end of the cleaning brush.
[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0009] The drying assembly includes a second motor, a rotating rod fixedly connected to the front end of the second motor, a bevel gear fixedly connected to the front end of the rotating rod, a fixed box rotatably connected to the outer side of the rotating rod, a connecting rod fixedly connected inside the fixed box, a bearing second fixedly connected to the upper end of the connecting rod, a bearing first fixedly connected to the lower end of the connecting rod, a rotating shaft first fixedly connected to the inner side of the bearing first, a bevel gear second fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating shaft first, a rotating shaft second fixedly connected to the inner side of the bearing second, a bevel gear third fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating shaft second, the upper side of the bevel gear first and the rear side of the bevel gear third meshing with each other, and the lower side of the bevel gear first and the rear side of the bevel gear second meshing with each other.
[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0011] The front end of the cabinet is provided with a gripping slot, and multiple hot air blowers are fixedly connected to the outside of the cabinet.
[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0013] A fixing block 1 is fixedly connected to the front end of the motor 1, a frame is fixedly connected to the outside of the fixing block 1, a fixing block 2 is fixedly connected to the front end of the frame, a screw is fixedly connected to the lower end of the fixing block 2, and a buckle plate is fixedly connected to the outside of the screw.
[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0015] The rear end of the rotating column is fixedly connected to a follower disk, the outer side of the follower disk is slidably connected to a movable module, and the rear end of the movable module is fixedly connected to a limit module.
[0016] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0017] A limit cover is fixedly connected to the outside of the active module, and a fastener is fixedly connected to the outside of the limit cover. A rotating column two is threadedly connected to the inside of the limit module, and a thread is opened on the outside of the rotating column two. A knob is fixedly connected to both ends of the rotating column two.
[0018] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0019] A drying tray is fixedly connected to the upper end of the first rotating shaft, and a stirring rod is fixedly connected to the upper end of the second rotating shaft.
[0020] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0021] A spring is fixedly connected to the upper side of the support rod, and a dustproof box is slidably connected to the lower end of the drying tray.
[0022] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0023] 1. In this utility model, when the motor starts, it drives the limiting cover. The rotation of the limiting cover drives the movable module to rotate. The rotation of the movable module drives the follower plate to move. The follower plate drives the rotating column to move. The rotating column drives the connecting rod. The connecting rod drives the displacement column to move. The displacement column drives the support rod to move. The support rod drives the cleaning brush to move. By rotating the knob, the movement range of the cleaning brush can be increased. It can imitate the human wiping action to achieve efficient cleaning. Compared with traditional soaking cleaning, it can deeply remove oil and debris and improve the cleanliness.
[0024] 2. In this utility model, the second motor drives the rotating rod, which in turn drives the first bevel gear. The first bevel gear and the second bevel gear mesh with each other. The first bevel gear drives the second bevel gear to rotate, which in turn drives the first rotating shaft to rotate. The first rotating shaft drives the stirring rod to rotate. The first bevel gear and the third bevel gear mesh with each other, which in turn drives the third bevel gear to rotate. The third bevel gear drives the second rotating shaft to rotate, which in turn drives the drying tray to rotate. This improves the uniformity of drying, reduces the moisture content, and ensures a stable transmission structure and balanced power distribution, guaranteeing efficient and continuous drying operations while reducing energy consumption and equipment wear. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an automatic gear cleaning and drying machine proposed in this utility model;
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drying tray of an automatic gear cleaning and drying machine proposed in this utility model;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning component of an automatic gear cleaning and drying machine proposed in this utility model;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the drying tray assembly of an automatic gear cleaning and drying machine proposed in this utility model.
[0029] Legend:
[0030] 1. Cabinet; 2. Grip slot; 3. Hot air blower; 4. Motor 1; 5. Fixing block 1; 6. Frame; 7. Limit cover; 8. Rotating column 1; 9. Connecting rod; 10. Conical column; 11. Limit ball 1; 12. Fixing block 2; 13. Support rod; 14. Cleaning brush; 15. Displacement column; 16. Fastener; 17. Limit module; 18. Rotating column 2; 19. Knob; 20. Thread; 21. Movable module; 22. Follower plate; 23. Limiting ball II; 24. Spring; 25. Screw; 26. Buckle plate; 27. Drying tray; 28. Stirring rod; 29. Dustproof box; 30. Motor II; 31. Rotating rod; 32. Fixing box; 33. Bevel gear I; 34. Bevel gear II; 35. Bevel gear III; 36. Rotating shaft I; 37. Rotating shaft II; 38. Bearing I; 39. Bearing II; 40. Connecting rod. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The present invention provides an embodiment of an automatic gear cleaning and drying machine, comprising a cabinet 1, which serves as the main body of the equipment and provides a stable installation platform for the internal components, ensuring the stability of the equipment during operation. A motor 4 is fixedly connected to the rear end of the cabinet 1, which serves as the power source for the cleaning module. The motor 4 drives the subsequent components to perform cleaning actions through high-speed operation, ensuring the efficient operation of the cleaning process.
[0033] A fixing block 5 is fixedly connected to the front end of motor 4. The fixing block 5 fits tightly against the front end of motor 4, serving to position and reinforce it, preventing displacement during motor operation and ensuring stable power transmission. A frame 6 is fixedly connected to the outside of fixing block 5. The frame 6 surrounds fixing block 5 to form a protective and support structure, which not only protects internal components from external interference but also provides a reliable mounting support for other components.
[0034] The front end of frame 6 is fixedly connected to fixing block 2 12. Fixing block 2 12 works in conjunction with frame 6 to further enhance the structural strength of the front end of the main body, so that the overall structure remains stable during equipment operation. The lower end of fixing block 2 12 is fixedly connected to screw 25. Screw 25 firmly connects fixing block 2 12 to the component below, realizing a tight connection between the components and ensuring the reliability of the equipment structure.
[0035] A snap-fit plate 26 is fixedly connected to the outside of the screw 25. The snap-fit plate 26 is fitted on the outside of the screw 25 to effectively prevent the screw 25 from loosening and falling off, thereby improving the safety and durability of the equipment connection parts. A grip groove 2 is provided at the front end of the cabinet 1. The grip groove 2 is ergonomically designed to make it easy for operators to grip and move or move equipment more easily and effortlessly.
[0036] Multiple hot air blowers 3 are fixedly connected to the outside of the cabinet 1. The multiple hot air blowers 3 deliver hot air to the drying area from different angles to achieve all-round and uniform drying of the gears and ensure good drying effect. A rotating column 8 is fixedly connected to the front end of the motor 4. The rotating column 8 rotates at high speed under the drive of the motor 4 and transmits the power of the motor to the subsequent components. It is a key link in the power transmission of cleaning. A follower plate 22 is fixedly connected to the rear end of the rotating column 8. The follower plate 22 rotates synchronously with the rotating column 8 to provide basic power for the movement of the movable module 21, so that the movable module 21 can move along a predetermined trajectory.
[0037] A movable module 21 is slidably connected to the outer side of the follower disk 22. The movable module 21 slides flexibly on the outer side of the follower disk 22, converting the rotational motion of the follower disk 22 into its own reciprocating linear motion, providing power conversion for the cleaning action. A limit cover 7 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the movable module 21. The limit cover 7 precisely limits the range of motion of the movable module 21, ensuring that it moves within the specified track, making the cleaning action more precise and stable.
[0038] Fasteners 16 are fixedly connected to the outer side of the limiting cover 7. The fasteners 16 firmly fix the limiting cover 7 to the frame 6 to prevent the limiting cover 7 from loosening during equipment operation and to ensure the stability of the entire cleaning module structure. The rear end of the movable module 21 is fixedly connected to the limiting module 17. The limiting module 17 further limits the movement direction of the movable module 21 to prevent it from deviating during rotation and to ensure the accuracy of the cleaning action. The inner side of the limiting module 17 is threadedly connected to the rotating column 18. The threaded connection between the rotating column 18 and the limiting module 17 allows the rotating column 18 to drive the limiting module 17 and the movable module 21 to produce corresponding movement changes when rotating, thereby realizing the adjustment of the cleaning action.
[0039] The outer side of the rotating column 2 18 is provided with a thread 20, which cooperates with the limiting module 17. By rotating the rotating column 2 18, the operator can precisely adjust the tilt angle of the movable module 21, thereby changing the movement amplitude of the cleaning brush 14. Both ends of the rotating column 2 18 are fixedly connected with knobs 19. The knobs 19 allow the operator to manually adjust the rotation angle of the rotating column 2 18, thereby achieving flexible control over the cleaning force and range.
[0040] A connecting rod 9 is fixedly connected to the front end of the rotating column 8. The connecting rod 9 transmits the movement of the rotating column 8 to the lower component and plays a connecting and transition role in the entire cleaning transmission process. A tapered column 10 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the connecting rod 9. The tapered column 10 has a gradually tapering structure at the lower end and cooperates with the tapered hole of the limiting ball 11 to play a precise guiding role and ensure the accuracy of the movement transmission. A limiting ball 23 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the tapered column 10. The limiting ball 23 is embedded in the spherical groove of the limiting ball 11 to form a universal movable connection, allowing the component to swing flexibly within a certain range and ensuring the flexibility of the cleaning brush 14 movement.
[0041] Limiting ball 23 is slidably connected to limiting ball 11 on its outer side. Limiting ball 11 is fixed to fixing block 22 by a bracket, which limits the range of motion of limiting ball 23 and provides stable support to ensure smooth cleaning action. A displacement column 15 is fixedly connected to the front end of limiting ball 11. The displacement column 15 transmits the movement of limiting ball 11 to the support rod 13, so that the support rod 13 can follow the movement and realize the reciprocating movement of cleaning brush 14. The lower part of the displacement column 15 is fixedly connected to the support rod 13. The support rod 13 has an L-shaped structure. Its horizontal section is fixed to the cleaning brush 14, and its vertical section is connected to the displacement column 15, so as to accurately transmit the movement of the displacement column 15 to the cleaning brush 14.
[0042] A spring 24 is fixedly connected to the upper side of the support rod 13, providing a restoring force when the support rod 13 moves, ensuring that the cleaning brush 14 can quickly return to the initial position after completing one cleaning action, ready for the next cleaning. The cleaning brush 14 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the support rod 13. Driven by the support rod 13, the cleaning brush 14 imitates the human wiping action to clean the gear surface in all directions, effectively removing oil and impurities from the gear surface. A drying component is slidably connected to the lower end of the cleaning brush 14. The drying component is activated after cleaning, and through the coordinated operation of the internal structure, it achieves rapid drying of the gear, so that the gear can be put into use quickly after cleaning.
[0043] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4The drying assembly includes a second motor 30, which serves as the core power source for the drying module, providing continuous and stable power for the entire drying process and ensuring efficient drying operations. A rotating rod 31 is fixedly connected to the front end of the second motor 30, which transmits the rotational power of the second motor 30. The rotating rod 31 is a key component in the power transmission chain, ensuring stable power output to the subsequent gear transmission structure.
[0044] A bevel gear 33 is fixedly connected to the front end of the rotating rod 31. The bevel gear 33, through its special tooth design, converts the direction of the power of the rotating rod 31 and distributes the torque, providing power input to the bevel gears 34 and 35. A fixed box 32 is rotatably connected to the outside of the rotating rod 31. The fixed box 32 supports and positions the rotating rod 31, restricts its movement trajectory, and ensures that the rotating rod 31 remains stable during rotation, avoiding the impact of shaking on power transmission. A connecting rod 40 is fixedly connected inside the fixed box 32. The connecting rod 40 serves as an internal support structure, enhancing the overall strength of the fixed box 32, and also provides an installation base for the bearings 38 and 39, ensuring their stable operation.
[0045] A bearing 39 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the connecting rod 40. The bearing 39 reduces the friction when the rotating shaft 37 rotates, allowing the rotating shaft 37 to rotate smoothly and efficiently, reducing energy loss and improving drying efficiency. A bearing 38 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the connecting rod 40. The bearing 38 supports the rotating shaft 36, ensuring that the rotating shaft 36 maintains a precise axial and radial position during rotation, allowing the drying tray 27 to operate smoothly. The rotating shaft 36 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the bearing 38. The rotating shaft 36 converts the power transmitted by the bevel gear 34 into its own rotational motion, thereby driving the drying tray 27 to rotate, providing a motion basis for gear drying. The drying tray 27 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft 36. The drying tray 27 rotates under the drive of the rotating shaft 36, causing the gear placed on it to rotate accordingly, achieving full contact between the gear surface and the hot air, and improving drying uniformity.
[0046] A dustproof box 29 is slidably connected to the lower end of the drying tray 27. The dustproof box 29 prevents dust and impurities generated during the drying process from entering the drying assembly, protecting the internal precision components and extending the service life of the equipment. A bevel gear 34 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating shaft 36. The bevel gear 34 meshes with the bevel gear 33, transmitting power to the rotating shaft 36 and changing the direction of power transmission to achieve the opposite rotation of the rotating shaft 36 and the rotating shaft 37. The rotating shaft 37 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the bearing 39. The rotating shaft 37 rotates stably under the support of the bearing 39, converting the power transmitted by the bevel gear 35 into the rotation of the stirring rod 28, which works with the drying tray 27 to achieve efficient drying.
[0047] A stirring rod 28 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft 2 37. The stirring rod 28 rotates under the drive of the rotating shaft 2 37, agitating the gears on the drying tray 27, causing the gears to continuously change position, ensuring that the surface of each gear is heated evenly. A bevel gear 35 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating shaft 2 37. The bevel gear 35 meshes with the bevel gear 1 33, transmitting power to the rotating shaft 2 37. It works in conjunction with the bevel gear 2 34 to achieve coaxial reversal of the drying tray 27 and the stirring rod 28.
[0048] The upper side of bevel gear 33 and the rear side of bevel gear 35 mesh with each other. This meshing method ensures that the power can be accurately and stably transmitted from bevel gear 33 to bevel gear 35, driving the rotating shaft 37 to rotate. The lower side of bevel gear 33 and the rear side of bevel gear 34 mesh with each other. This meshing structure enables bevel gear 34 to obtain power, driving the rotating shaft 36 to rotate. Through the reverse transmission of the two sets of gears, the drying tray 27 and the stirring rod 28 are finally rotated in opposite directions, improving the drying effect.
[0049] Working principle: When motor 4 is turned on, it drives the limit cover 7 to rotate, and at the same time, the rotating column 18 rotates with the limit cover 7. Turning the knob 19 tilts the movable module 21. The movable module 21 rotates with the limit cover 7 and pushes the driven plate to move back and forth. This causes the rotating column 8 and the connecting rod 9 to move back and forth. The limit ball 11 moves back and forth with the connecting rod 9, so that the support rod 13 can also move back and forth. The cleaning brush 14 is connected to the support rod 13 and is driven to move, imitating the manual wiping action, which saves manpower.
[0050] When motor 2 30 is turned on, power is transmitted to bevel gear 1 33 via rotating rod 31, causing it to rotate. The upper side of bevel gear 1 33 meshes with bevel gear 35, and its lower side meshes with bevel gear 2 34. Therefore, bevel gear 2 34 and bevel gear 35 rotate in opposite directions on the same axis. Rotating shaft 2 37 and bevel gear 35 rotate together, and rotating shaft 1 36 and bevel gear 2 34 rotate together. Therefore, rotating shaft 2 37 and rotating shaft 1 36 rotate in opposite directions on the same axis. Thus, drying tray 27 and stirring rod 28 rotate in opposite directions on the same axis, which can achieve a more thorough drying function.
[0051] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An automatic gear cleaning and drying machine, comprising a cabinet (1), characterized in that: The rear end of the cabinet (1) is fixedly connected to a motor (4), the front end of the motor (4) is fixedly connected to a rotating column (8), the front end of the rotating column (8) is fixedly connected to a connecting rod (9), the bottom of the connecting rod (9) is fixedly connected to a conical column (10), the bottom of the conical column (10) is fixedly connected to a limiting ball (23), the outer side of the limiting ball (23) is slidably connected to a limiting ball (11), the front end of the limiting ball (11) is fixedly connected to a displacement column (15), the lower part of the displacement column (15) is fixedly connected to a support rod (13), the lower end of the support rod (13) is fixedly connected to a cleaning brush (14), and the lower end of the cleaning brush (14) is slidably connected to a drying component.
2. The automatic gear cleaning and drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drying assembly includes a second motor (30), a rotating rod (31) fixedly connected to the front end of the second motor (30), a bevel gear (33) fixedly connected to the front end of the rotating rod (31), a fixed box (32) rotatably connected to the outer side of the rotating rod (31), a connecting rod (40) fixedly connected inside the fixed box (32), a bearing (39) fixedly connected to the upper end of the connecting rod (40), and a bearing (38) fixedly connected to the lower end of the connecting rod (40). A rotating shaft 1 (36) is fixedly connected to the inner side of bearing 1 (38), a bevel gear 2 (34) is fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating shaft 1 (36), a rotating shaft 2 (37) is fixedly connected to the inner side of bearing 2 (39), a bevel gear 3 (35) is fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating shaft 2 (37), the upper side of bevel gear 1 (33) and the rear side of bevel gear 3 (35) are meshed, and the lower side of bevel gear 1 (33) and the rear side of bevel gear 2 (34) are meshed.
3. The automatic gear cleaning and drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the cabinet (1) is provided with a gripping groove (2), and multiple hot air blowers (3) are fixedly connected to the outside of the cabinet (1).
4. The automatic gear cleaning and drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the motor (4) is fixedly connected to a fixing block (5), the outer side of the fixing block (5) is fixedly connected to a frame (6), the front end of the frame (6) is fixedly connected to a fixing block (12), the lower end of the fixing block (12) is fixedly connected to a screw (25), and the outer side of the screw (25) is fixedly connected to a buckle plate (26).
5. The automatic gear cleaning and drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear end of the rotating column (8) is fixedly connected to a follower disk (22), and the outer side of the follower disk (22) is slidably connected to an active module (21). The rear end of the active module (21) is fixedly connected to a limit module (17).
6. The automatic gear cleaning and drying machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer side of the active module (21) is fixedly connected to a limit cover (7), and the outer side of the limit cover (7) is fixedly connected to a fastener (16). The inner side of the limit module (17) is threadedly connected to a rotating column (18), and the outer side of the rotating column (18) is threaded (20). Both ends of the rotating column (18) are fixedly connected to knobs (19).
7. The automatic gear cleaning and drying machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: A drying tray (27) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the first rotating shaft (36), and a stirring rod (28) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the second rotating shaft (37).
8. The automatic gear cleaning and drying machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: A spring (24) is fixedly connected to the upper side of the support rod (13), and a dustproof box (29) is slidably connected to the lower end of the drying tray (27).