A washing machine door sealing device and a washing machine using the door sealing device

Abstract

A washing machine door seal device and a washing machine using the same device are disclosed. The door seal device is an integrally formed door seal ring adapted to the size of the inner drum opening of the washing machine. The door seal ring includes a first elastic portion with a hollow, irregularly shaped, closed cross-section; a first extension portion with an "I"-shaped cross-section, extending horizontally outward from the top surface of the second elastic portion. In the absence of external force, the top surface of the extension portion connects with the top surface of the second elastic portion, forming a substantially horizontal inner ring surface of the door seal ring; a first connecting portion is disposed on the outside of the second elastic portion for sealingly connecting to the outer drum; and a second connecting portion is disposed on the outside of the extension portion for sealingly connecting to the door frame. The advantages of this invention are: the use of a door seal ring with a closed cross-section structure makes the upper surface of the door seal ring essentially flat, making it easier to clean and solving the problem of dirt accumulation caused by the internal grooves on the surface of traditional door seal rings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a door sealing structure, and more particularly to a door sealing device for a washing machine and a washing machine using the door sealing structure. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machine doors are typically fitted with door seals, which serve to absorb shock between the outer drum and the door. Currently, the most common door seal design is a "Z" shape. The cross-section shows a groove at the lower end of the Z-shape, which easily traps dirt and grime and is difficult to clean.

[0003] In the prior art, such as the Chinese utility model "Door Sealing Device and Washing Machine" with patent number 202323164346.9, a door seal with a "Z" structure is disclosed. The improvement of this patent is that the door sealing device includes a door seal and an air guide fixed to the door seal. The door seal includes an annular main body and an extension provided on the main body. The extension forms an air inlet channel. The air guide includes an air guide part. When the air guide part extends into the space enclosed by the main body, it changes the direction of the air blown out from the air inlet channel so that it blows towards the main body.

[0004] The door sealing device described in the aforementioned patent uses an air guide to change the direction of the airflow from the air inlet channel, directing it towards the door seal to dry any residual water or foam. While this can keep the door seal dry to some extent, it requires an additional structure on the door seal ring for installing the air guide, increasing design complexity and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the air guide needs to be manually installed or extended each time it is used, and its extended extension can obstruct the door entrance, causing inconvenience in subsequent use and operation.

[0005] In summary, the existing door seal structure of washing machines still has the aforementioned problems and needs further improvement. Utility Model Content

[0006] The first technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a washing machine door seal device that can effectively prevent dirt and grime from accumulating and is easy to clean, in light of the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0007] The second technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a washing machine equipped with the aforementioned door sealing device, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a washing machine door sealing device, which is installed between the door frame and the outer tub of the washing machine, characterized in that the door sealing device is an integrally formed door sealing ring adapted to the size of the inner tub opening of the washing machine, and the door sealing ring includes...

[0009] The first elastic part has a hollow special-shaped closed cross-section and can be elastically deformed along the axial direction of the inner tub of the washing machine.

[0010] The first extension part has a cross-section in the shape of a "one" character and extends horizontally outward from the top surface of the first elastic part. In the state without external force, the top surface of the first extension part is connected to the top surface of the first elastic part and forms the inner ring surface of the door seal ring that is basically horizontal.

[0011] The first connecting part is arranged on the outer side of the first elastic part and is used for sealing and connecting the outer tub.

[0012] The second connecting part is arranged on the outer side of the first extension part and is used for sealing and connecting the door frame.

[0013] In order to ensure that the first elastic part has a certain elastic stretchability and at the same time improve the supporting force of the first elastic part, preferably, the cross-section of the first elastic part includes a first ridge edge in the shape of an arch and a first special-shaped edge that can enclose a closed cross-section with the first ridge edge. The first ridge edge is located on the top surface of the first elastic part. The first ridge edge structure can achieve a certain elastic deformation when the first elastic part is squeezed.

[0014] In order to achieve the connection sealing performance between the first elastic part and the first connecting part and facilitate assembly, preferably, the first connecting part is a first clamping groove in the shape of a "ji" character formed by extending outward from the first ridge edge of the first elastic part and between the first special-shaped edges. A convex ring with a cross-section in the shape of an L and that can be clamped and sealed with the first clamping groove of the first connecting part is formed on the edge of the outer tub.

[0015] In order to further improve the connection sealing performance, preferably, an inner groove in the shape of an arch is further arranged at the bottom of the convex ring on the edge of the outer tub, and a first n-shaped hook that can be embedded in the inner groove and is of a size adapted to it is formed at the left lower end of the first connecting part.

[0016] In order to achieve the connection sealing performance between the first extension part and the second connecting part and facilitate assembly, preferably, the second connecting part is a second clamping groove that extends outward from the outer side of the first extension part and is bent downward into a V shape, and a flanging that can be inserted into the second clamping groove for sealing is formed on the door frame.

[0017] In order to further improve the sealing connection reliability between the door frame and the first extension part, preferably, one side of the flanging of the door frame extends vertically downward and forms an inverted V-shaped angle with the flanging. Correspondingly, the end of the second connecting part is vertically folded downward to form a V-shaped first convex tip that can abut against the inverted V-shaped angle.

[0018] As another preferred solution, a washing machine door seal device is installed between the door frame and the outer tub of the washing machine. It is characterized in that the door seal device is an integrally formed door seal ring adapted to the opening size of the inner tub of the washing machine, and the door seal ring includes

[0019] a second elastic part, having a hollow special-shaped closed cross-section, and the second elastic part can be elastically deformed along the axial direction of the inner tub of the washing machine;

[0020] a second extension part, having a cross-section in the shape of "one", and the second extension part extends horizontally outward from the top surface of the second elastic part. In the state without external force, the top surface of the second extension part is connected to the top surface of the second elastic part and forms a substantially horizontal inner ring surface of the door seal ring;

[0021] a third connecting part, arranged on the outer side of the second elastic part, for sealing and connecting the door frame;

[0022] a fourth connecting part, arranged on the outer side of the second extension part, for sealing and connecting the outer tub.

[0023] In this preferred solution, the positions of the elastic part and the extension part are interchanged, so that the elastic part is arranged close to the door frame, and the extension part is arranged close to the outer tub.

[0024] In order to ensure that the second elastic part has a certain elastic stretchability and at the same time improve the supporting force of the second elastic part to prevent deformation after being squeezed, preferably, the cross-section of the second elastic part includes a second ridge edge in the shape of an arch and a second special-shaped edge that can enclose a closed cross-section with the second ridge edge, and the second ridge edge is located on the top surface of the second elastic part.

[0025] In order to facilitate installation and connection and at the same time achieve the connection sealing performance between the second elastic part and the third connecting part, preferably, the third connecting part is a third card slot formed by the second ridge edge of the second elastic part extending outward and bending downward into a V shape, and a flanging is formed on the door frame that can be inserted into the third card slot to achieve sealing.

[0026] In order to further improve the sealing reliability between the second elastic part and the third connecting part, preferably, one side of the flanging of the door frame extends vertically downward and forms an inverted V-shaped angle with the flanging, and correspondingly, the end of the third connecting part is vertically folded downward to form a V-shaped second convex tip that can abut against the inverted V-shaped angle.

[0027] In order to facilitate assembly and at the same time achieve the connection sealing performance between the second extension part and the fourth connecting part, preferably, the fourth connecting part is a fourth card slot formed by extending outward from the outer side of the second extension part and bending into a "U" shape, and a convex ring with an L-shaped cross-section is formed on the edge of the outer tub that can be clamped and sealed with the fourth card slot of the fourth connecting part.

[0028] To further improve the sealing reliability of the second extension and the fourth connection, preferably, the edge of the outer barrel is provided with an arch-shaped inner groove at the bottom of the convex ring, and the lower left end of the fourth connection is formed with an n-shaped second hook that can be embedded in the inner groove and is adapted to its size.

[0029] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a washing machine, including a door frame and an outer tub installed behind the door frame, wherein a rotatable inner tub is provided in the outer tub, characterized in that: a door sealing device as described above is provided between the door frame and the outer tub.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: It adopts a door seal ring structure with a closed cross-section, making the upper surface of the door seal ring basically flat. Compared with the existing Z-shaped cross-section door seal ring, it is easier to clean, eliminating dead corners and blind spots, and solving the problem of dirt accumulation caused by the inner grooves on the surface of traditional door seal rings. This makes cleaning the washing machine more convenient and hygienic. Secondly, the door seal ring adopts an integrated structure of elastic and extended parts, and the elastic part adopts a hollow closed cross-section, ensuring shock absorption and meeting strength requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a washing machine equipped with the door sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the installation structure of the door sealing device according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural cross-sectional view of the door sealing device shown.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the installation structure of the door sealing device according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural cross-sectional view of the door sealing device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, this is a washing machine structure disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model. The washing machine includes a door frame 1, on which an openable washing machine door can be installed. An outer tub 2 is installed after the door frame 1, and a rotatable inner tub 3 is provided in the outer tub 2. A door sealing device is also provided between the door frame 1 and the outer tub 2.

[0038] The door seal device of the present utility model cancels the door seal ring with a Z-shaped cross-section in traditional washing machines, and adopts a door seal ring with a brand-new integrated structure, which eliminates sanitary dead corners while ensuring shock absorption and is extremely easy to clean.

[0039] The door seal device of the present utility model is specifically implemented by the following structure.

[0040] Example 1, as Figures 2-3 shown:

[0041] The door seal device 4 of this embodiment is a door seal ring adapted to the opening size of the inner tub 3 of the washing machine. The door seal ring includes an integrally formed first elastic part 41 and a first extension part 42, and also includes a first connection part 43 arranged on the outer side of the first elastic part 41, and a second connection part 44 arranged on the outer side of the first extension part 42. The first connection part 43 is used for sealingly connecting the first elastic part 41 and the outer tub 2, and the second connection part 44 is used for sealingly connecting the door frame 1 and the first extension part 42.

[0042] Among them, the first elastic part 41 has a special-shaped closed cross-section, which is a hollow cross-section 411. The cross-section of the first elastic part 41 includes a first ridge edge 412 in an arched shape and a first special-shaped edge 413 that can enclose a closed cross-section with the first ridge edge 412. The first ridge edge 412 is located on the top surface of the first elastic part 41. The closed cross-section enclosed by the first ridge edge 412 and the first special-shaped edge 413 is similar to a gourd shape; the first elastic part 41 can have a certain elastic deformation along the axial direction of the inner tub 3 of the washing machine. When the washing machine door is opened or closed, the first elastic part 41 plays a role in shock absorption.

[0043] The first extension part 42 has a cross-section in the shape of a "one". The first extension part 42 extends horizontally outward from the top surface of the first elastic part 41. In the state without external force, the top surface of the first extension part 42 is connected to the top surface of the first elastic part 41 and forms a substantially horizontal inner ring surface of the door seal ring.

[0044] The first connection part 43 is a first card slot 431 in the shape of a "ji" formed by extending outward from the first ridge edge 412 of the first elastic part 41 and between the first special-shaped edges 413. A convex ring 21 with an L-shaped cross-section that can be snap-fitted and sealed with the first card slot 431 of the first connection part 43 is formed on the edge of the outer tub 2; in order to further improve the connection sealing performance and reliability, an inner groove 22 in the shape of an arch is also provided at the bottom of the convex ring 21 on the edge of the outer tub 2. The first connection part 43 forms an n-shaped first hook 432 that can be embedded in the inner groove 22 and is adapted to its size at the lower left end of the first card slot 431 (i.e., the bottom of the left hook 433 of the "ji" shape).

[0045] The second connecting part 44 is a second slot 441 that extends outward from the outside of the first extension part 42 and bends downward into a V shape. The door frame 1 has a flange 11 that can be inserted into the second slot 441 to achieve a seal.

[0046] In order to further improve the sealing connection reliability of the door frame 1 and the first extension 42, one side of the flange 11 of the door frame 1 extends vertically downward and forms an inverted V-shaped angle 12 with the flange 11. Correspondingly, the end of the second connecting part 44 is folded vertically downward to form a V-shaped first protrusion 442 that can abut against the inverted V-shaped angle 12.

[0047] In this first embodiment, the top surface of the door seal ring is designed as a basically horizontal surface. The door seal ring adopts an integrated design structure of the elastic part and the first extension part 42. The cross-section of the elastic part adopts a closed hollow structure, which has both elastic function and shock resistance. The extension part provides a certain extension space for the width of the door seal ring and also has a supporting function to ensure the strength of the door seal ring. This new design structure makes the surface of the door seal ring free of the inner groove 22, which can effectively prevent dirt from accumulating and is very easy to clean, greatly improving the cleanliness and cleaning efficiency of the washing machine.

[0048] Example 2, as Figures 4-5 As shown:

[0049] The difference between the door sealing device 4' in this second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the elastic part and its position are interchanged, so that the elastic part is set closer to the door frame 1, and the extension part is set closer to the outer barrel 2.

[0050] Specifically, the door seal ring includes an integrally formed second elastic portion 41' and a second extended portion 42', a third connecting portion 43' disposed on the outside of the second elastic portion 41', and a fourth connecting portion 44' disposed on the outside of the second extended portion 42'. The third connecting portion 43' is used to seal and connect the second elastic portion 41' and the door frame 1, and the fourth connecting portion 44' is used to seal and connect the outer barrel 2 and the second extended portion 42'.

[0051] The second elastic part 41' has an irregular closed cross section with a hollow shape 411'. The second elastic part 41' can have a certain elastic deformation along the axial direction of the inner drum 3 of the washing machine. When the washing machine door is opened or closed, the second elastic part 41' plays a shock absorption role.

[0052] The cross-section of the second elastic part 41' includes an arched second ridge edge 412' and a second irregular edge 413' that can form a closed cross-section with the second ridge edge 412'. The second ridge edge 412' is located on the top surface of the second elastic part 41', and the second ridge edge 412' and the second irregular edge 413' form a hollow closed cross-section similar to the shape of the letter "Z".

[0053] The second extension part 42' has a cross-section in the shape of a "one", and the second extension part 42' extends horizontally outward from the top surface of the second elastic part 41'. In the state without external force, the top surface of the second extension part 42' is connected to the top surface of the second elastic part 41' and forms the inner ring surface of the substantially horizontal door seal ring.

[0054] In order to ensure the connection sealing performance between the second elastic part 41' and the third connection part 43', the third connection part 43' is formed by the second ridge edge 412' of the second elastic part 41' extending outward and then bending downward into a V-shaped third card slot 431'. A flange 11 that can be inserted into the third card slot 431' for sealing is formed on the door frame 1. Further, one side of the flange 11 of the door frame 1 extends vertically downward and forms an inverted V-shaped angle 12 with the flange 11. Correspondingly, the end of the third connection part 43' is vertically folded downward to form a V-shaped second convex tip 432' that can abut against the inverted V-shaped angle 12.

[0055] In order to facilitate assembly and ensure the connection sealing performance between the second extension part 42' and the fourth connection part 44', the fourth connection part 44' is formed by extending outward from the outside of the second extension part 42' and bending into a "ji" (Chinese character for "several") - shaped fourth card slot 441'. A convex ring 21 with an L-shaped cross-section that can be snap-fitted and sealed with the fourth card slot 441' of the fourth connection part 44' is formed on the edge of the outer barrel 2. Further, an inner groove 22 in the shape of an arch is provided at the bottom of the convex ring 21 on the edge of the outer barrel 2. An n-shaped second hook 442' that can be embedded in the inner groove 22 and is of a size adapted thereto is formed at the lower left end of the fourth connection part � (i.e., the bottom of the left hook 443' of the "ji" - shaped part).

[0056] The positions of the elastic part and the extension part in the above embodiments can be interchanged, and moreover, the shape of the special-shaped edge forming the elastic part can also be set arbitrarily, as long as it can ensure that the elastic part can elastically deform and reset after being squeezed.

[0057] In addition, the ridge edge on the top surface of the elastic part is only a preferred solution in this embodiment. The purpose is to be able to achieve slight folding deformation, ensure the flatness of the surface after being integrally formed with the extension part, and the upward convex design of the ridge edge also facilitates the water to flow directly to both sides, making it more convenient for cleaning and not easy to accumulate dirt.

[0058] In the specification and claims of this utility model, terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," are used to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of this utility model. However, the use of these terms is merely for the purpose of explanation and is based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this utility model can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be regarded as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

[0059] In the description of this utility model patent, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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 adhesive 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 utility model patent based on the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. A laundry machine door seal device, which is installed between a door frame (1) and an outer tub (2) of a laundry machine, characterized in that, The described door seal device is an integrally formed door seal ring that is adapted to the opening size of the inner tub (3) of the washing machine. The door seal ring includes a first elastic part (41) having a hollow special-shaped closed cross-section, and the first elastic part (41) can elastically deform along the axial direction of the inner tub (3) of the washing machine; a first extension part (42) having a cross-section in the shape of "one", and the first extension part (42) extends horizontally outward from the top surface of the first elastic part (41). In the state without external force, the top surface of the first extension part (42) is connected to the top surface of the first elastic part (41) and forms an inner ring surface of the door seal ring that is substantially horizontal; a first connecting part (43) arranged on the outer side of the first elastic part (41) for sealingly connecting the outer tub (2); a second connecting part (44) arranged on the outer side of the first extension part (42) for sealingly connecting the door frame (1).

2. The laundry machine door seal apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The cross-section of the first elastic part (41) includes a first ridge edge (412) in the shape of an arch and a first special-shaped edge (413) that can enclose a closed cross-section with the first ridge edge (412), and the first ridge edge (412) is located on the top surface of the first elastic part (41).

3. The laundry machine door seal apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The first connecting part (43) is a first clamping groove (431) in the shape of "ji" formed by extending outward from the first ridge edge (412) of the first elastic part (41) and between the first special-shaped edge (413). A convex ring (21) with a cross-section in the shape of L and capable of being clamped and sealed with the first clamping groove (431) of the first connecting part (43) is formed on the edge of the outer tub (X).

4. The laundry machine door seal apparatus of claim 3, wherein: An inner groove (22) in the shape of an arch is further arranged at the bottom of the convex ring (21) on the edge of the outer tub (2). A first n-shaped hook (432) that can be embedded in the inner groove (22) and is adapted to its size is formed at the lower left end of the first connecting part (43).

5. The laundry machine door seal of claim 1, wherein: The second connecting part (44) is a second clamping groove (4XI) that extends outward from the outer side of the first extension part (42) and is bent downward into a V shape. A flanging (11) that can be inserted into the second clamping groove (441) for sealing is formed on the door frame (1).

6. The laundry machine door seal apparatus of claim 5, wherein: One side of the flanging (11) of the door frame (1) extends vertically downward and forms an inverted V-shaped angle (12) with the flanging (11). Correspondingly, the end of the second connecting part (44) is vertically folded downward to form a V-shaped first convex tip (442) that can abut against the inverted V-shaped angle (12).

7. A door seal device for a washing machine, which is installed between a door frame (1) and an outer tub (2) of the washing machine, characterized in that, The described door seal device is an integrally formed door seal ring that is adapted to the opening size of the inner tub (3) of the washing machine. The door seal ring includes a second elastic part (41') having a hollow special-shaped closed cross-section, and the second elastic part (41') can elastically deform along the axial direction of the inner tub (3) of the washing machine; a second extension part (42') having a cross-section in the shape of "one", and the second extension part (42') extends horizontally outward from the top surface of the second elastic part (41'). In the state without external force, the top surface of the second extension part (42') is connected to the top surface of the second elastic part (41') and forms an inner ring surface of the door seal ring that is substantially horizontal; The third connecting part (43'), which is arranged outside the second elastic part (41'), is used for sealing and connecting the door frame (1); The fourth connecting part (44'), which is arranged outside the second extending part (42'), is used for sealing and connecting the outer barrel (2).

8. The washing machine door seal apparatus of claim 7, wherein: The cross-section of the second elastic part (41') includes a second ridge edge (412') in an arch shape and a second special-shaped edge (413') that can enclose a closed cross-section with the second ridge edge (412'). The second ridge edge (412') is located on the top surface of the second elastic part (41').

9. The laundry machine door seal apparatus of claim 8, wherein: The third connecting part (43') is a third clamping groove (431') formed by the second ridge edge (412') of the second elastic part (41') extending outward and bending downward into a V shape. A flange (11) that can be inserted into the third clamping groove (431') for sealing is formed on the door frame ().

10. The laundry machine door seal apparatus of claim 9, wherein: One side of the flange (11) of the door frame (1) extends vertically downward and forms an inverted V-shaped angle (12) with the flange (11). Correspondingly, the end of the third connecting part (43') is vertically folded downward to form a V-shaped second convex tip (432') that can abut against the inverted V-shaped angle (12).

11. The laundry machine door seal of claim 7, wherein: The fourth connecting part (44') is a fourth clamping groove (441') formed by extending outward from the outside of the second extending part (42') and bending into a "ji" shape. A convex ring (21) with an L-shaped cross-section that can be clamped and sealed with the fourth clamping groove (441') of the fourth connecting part (44') is formed on the edge of the outer barrel (2).

12. The laundry machine door seal apparatus of claim 11, wherein: An inner groove (22) in the shape of an arch is further arranged at the bottom of the convex ring (21) on the edge of the outer barrel (2). An n-shaped second hook (442') that can be embedded in the inner groove (22) and is adapted to its size is formed at the left lower end of the fourth connecting part (44').

13. A washing machine comprising a door frame (1) and a tub (2) mounted behind the door frame (1), a rotatable drum (3) being provided in the tub (2), characterized in that: A washing machine door seal device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 is provided between the door frame (1) and the outer barrel (2).

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