Sealing structure of an outer plate and a washing machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a sealing structure of outer plate and washing machine, wherein the sealing structure of outer plate includes: roof, the front side of roof has the limiting rib of distribution along the length direction of roof front side and extends outward, the front plate subassembly, the front side of roof is butted with the top end rear side of front plate subassembly, and the top end rear side of front plate subassembly is built -in the accommodating groove of adaptation with limiting rib, and limiting rib is located at the opening side of accommodating groove, the elastic sealing strip, the elastic sealing strip is arranged in accommodating groove and is held with accommodating groove and limiting rib simultaneously. In the utility model, the electronic components for washing operation on washing machine will be installed on the front plate subassembly and be located below accommodating groove, when the gap of roof and front plate subassembly butts -on has a small amount of water and penetrates into washing machine inside, and limiting rib, accommodating groove and elastic sealing strip this combined structure can block the water that penetrates above the electronic components in washing machine, thereby prevent the water that penetrates from the gap and injure the electronic components on front plate subassembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of washing machine technology, and in particular to a sealing structure for an outer panel and a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of washing machines, the outer panel, as an important component of the whole machine, not only plays a key role in protecting the internal core components and maintaining the stability of the machine body structure, but its assembly precision also directly affects the sealing performance and safety of the washing machine.

[0003] The outer panel of a washing machine typically requires multiple processing steps, including cutting, stamping, bending, and polishing. During each step, factors such as the precision deviation of the processing equipment, fluctuations in the physical properties of the raw materials, and differences in operator technique can cause occasional minor errors in the dimensional processing of the outer panel. These seemingly small dimensional errors (e.g., ±0.2mm) directly affect the connection points between the outer panels during the overall assembly of the washing machine. Currently, the front and top panels of drum washing machines are separate units, and these panels usually house electronic components for washing operations, such as control panels, display panels, and adjustment knobs. If gaps appear at the connection between the front and top panels due to processing errors, water may seep into the washing machine in humid environments, potentially damaging the internal electronic components.

[0004] Therefore, existing technologies still need to be improved and enhanced. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a sealing structure for the outer panel and a washing machine, which aims to solve the problem that in the prior art, the outer panel of the washing machine may occasionally have a small error in the dimensional processing stage. However, the front and top panels of the washing machine are usually equipped with electronic components for washing operation, such as control panels, display panels, and adjustment knobs. If a gap appears at the connection between the front and top panels due to processing errors, water may seep into the washing machine through the gap in a humid environment, causing damage to the electronic components used for washing operation inside the washing machine.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the technical problem is as follows: In a first aspect, embodiments of this utility model provide a sealing structure for an outer panel, comprising: A top plate, wherein limiting ribs extend outward from the front side of the top plate and are distributed along the length direction of the front side of the top plate; A front panel assembly, wherein the rear top side of the front panel assembly abuts against the front side of the top panel, and the rear top side of the front panel assembly has a receiving groove adapted to the limiting rib, wherein the limiting rib is located on the opening side of the receiving groove. An elastic sealing strip is disposed within the receiving groove and simultaneously abuts against the receiving groove and the limiting rib.

[0007] As a further improvement to the technical solution, the front panel assembly includes: A top decorative panel, the rear side of which abuts against the front side of the top plate and has the receiving groove built into it; The front panel body has its top side detachably connected to the bottom side of the top decorative panel, and its top rear side abuts against the front side of the top panel.

[0008] As a further improved technical solution, the limiting rib is C-shaped with its opening facing downwards, the middle section of the limiting rib is embedded in the receiving groove and does not contact each other, and the elastic sealing strip simultaneously abuts against the receiving groove and the middle section of the limiting rib.

[0009] As a further improved technical solution, the top side of the front panel body is provided with a first fastening position and a second fastening position, and the bottom side of the top decorative panel is provided with a first elastic buckle and a second elastic buckle. The first elastic buckle is fastened to the first fastening position, the second elastic buckle is fastened to the second fastening position, and the bottom side of the top decorative panel abuts against the top side of the front panel body.

[0010] As a further improved technical solution, a third fastening position is provided on the top side of the front panel body, and a third elastic buckle is provided on the bottom side of the top decorative panel, and the third elastic buckle is fastened to the third fastening position.

[0011] As a further improved technical solution, a first connecting plate extends downward from the bottom side of the receiving groove, and a first screw hole is provided on the first connecting plate. A second connecting plate extends downward from the rear top side of the front plate body, and a second screw hole is provided on the second connecting plate. The first connecting plate and the second connecting plate abut against each other, and the first screw hole and the second screw hole correspond to each other and are locked together by screws.

[0012] As a further improved technical solution, along the length direction of the limiting rib, a plurality of first reinforcing ribs are evenly spaced on the top side of the middle section of the limiting rib, and a plurality of second reinforcing ribs are evenly spaced on the bottom side of the middle section of the limiting rib.

[0013] As a further improved technical solution, along the length direction of the top decorative panel, a plurality of third reinforcing ribs are evenly spaced between the bottom side of the top decorative panel and the first connecting plate.

[0014] As a further improved technical solution, the bottom side of the top decorative panel is provided with a mesh reinforcing rib, and the second elastic buckle is disposed at a portion of the mesh reinforcing rib.

[0015] Secondly, this utility model embodiment also provides a washing machine, which includes a sealing structure for the outer panel as described in any one of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of this utility model have the following advantages: This utility model embodiment provides a sealing structure for an outer panel, comprising: a top plate, wherein a limiting rib extends outward from the front side of the top plate and is distributed along the length direction of the front side of the top plate; a front panel assembly, wherein the rear side of the top end of the front panel assembly abuts against the front side of the top plate, and a receiving groove adapted to the limiting rib is built into the rear side of the top end of the front panel assembly, the limiting rib being located on the opening side of the receiving groove; and an elastic sealing strip, wherein the elastic sealing strip is disposed within the receiving groove and simultaneously abuts against the receiving groove and the limiting rib. In this utility model, the electronic components used for washing operations on the washing machine are mounted on the front panel assembly and located below the receiving groove. When a small amount of water seeps into the washing machine through the gap at the abutment between the top plate and the front panel assembly, the combined structure of the limiting rib, the receiving groove, and the elastic sealing strip can block the seeping water above the electronic components inside the washing machine, thereby preventing the water seeping from the gap from damaging the electronic components on the front panel assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A cross-sectional structural diagram of a sealing structure for an outer panel provided by this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of A in the middle; Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a sealing structure for an outer panel provided by this utility model; Figure 4 An exploded view of a sealing structure for an outer panel provided by this utility model; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the top plate in this utility model; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged diagram of B in the middle; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the top decorative panel in this utility model; Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged diagram of C in the middle; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom side structure of the top decorative panel in this utility model; Figure 10This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the front panel body in this utility model; Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged diagram of D in the middle; Figure 12 for Figure 10 An enlarged diagram of E in the middle.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Top plate; 2. Limiting rib; 21. First reinforcing rib; 22. Second reinforcing rib; 3. Front panel assembly; 31. Top decorative panel; 311. Receiving groove; 312. First elastic buckle; 313. Second elastic buckle; 314. Third elastic buckle; 315. Mesh reinforcing rib; 316. First connecting plate; 317. First screw hole; 318. Third reinforcing rib; 32. Front panel body; 321. First fastener; 322. Second fastener; 323. Third fastener; 324. Second connecting plate; 325. Second screw hole; 4. Elastic sealing strip. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0020] Example 1: Please see Figures 1-12 The sealing structure of the outer panel includes: a top plate 1, with limiting ribs 2 extending outward from the front side of the top plate 1 along the length direction of the front side of the top plate 1; a front plate assembly 3, the rear side of the top end of the front plate assembly 3 abutting against the front side of the top plate 1, and the rear side of the top end of the front plate assembly 3 having a receiving groove 311 adapted to the limiting ribs 2, the limiting ribs 2 being located on the opening side of the receiving groove 311; and an elastic sealing strip 4, the elastic sealing strip 4 being disposed within the receiving groove 311 and simultaneously abutting against the receiving groove 311 and the limiting ribs 2.

[0021] like Figures 1-3As shown, in this embodiment, the sealing structure of the outer panel includes a top plate 1, a front plate assembly 3, and an elastic sealing strip 4. The top plate 1 has a limiting rib 2 extending forward along its length, which is integrally formed with the top plate 1. The rear top of the front plate assembly 3 abuts against the top top of the front side of the top plate 1, and the rear top of the front plate assembly 3 has a receiving groove 311 adapted to the limiting rib 2. The length of the limiting rib 2 is the same as the length of the receiving groove 311, and the limiting rib 2 is located within the opening side of the receiving groove 311. The elastic sealing strip 4 is disposed within the receiving groove 311 and simultaneously abuts against both the receiving groove 311 and the limiting rib 2. The elastic sealing strip 4 tightly abuts against the inner wall of the receiving groove 311 and the surface of the limiting rib 2, effectively preventing water from seeping in from the gap between the top plate 1 and the front plate assembly 3, thus avoiding damage to the electronic components on the front plate assembly 3 from water entering through the gap. The elastic sealing strip 4 fills the gap between the receiving groove 311 and the limiting rib 2, which not only seals the gap but also provides continuous elastic support, tightly pressing the two together and reducing gap movement caused by manufacturing tolerances. The elastic sealing strip 4 can be pre-installed in the receiving groove 311 (e.g., fixed with glue, with the receiving groove 311 clamping and limiting), forming a pre-assembly unit of the front panel assembly 3 with sealing strip. During on-site assembly, it is only necessary to align the top plate 1, without the need for separate handling of the positioning and fixing of the elastic sealing strip 4, avoiding problems such as the elastic sealing strip 4 falling off or misaligning, and improving assembly consistency.

[0022] like Figure 4 As shown, as a further embodiment, the front panel assembly 3 includes a top decorative panel 31 and a front panel body 32. The rear side of the top decorative panel 31 abuts against the front side of the top panel 1 and has the receiving groove 311 built in. The top side of the front panel body 32 is detachably connected to the bottom side of the top decorative panel 31, and the top rear side of the front panel body 32 abuts against the front side of the top panel 1.

[0023] Specifically, the top decorative panel 31 is used for a sealed assembly with the top plate 1, and the front panel body 32 is used to install electronic components such as knobs, buttons, or displays for washing operations. The top decorative panel 31 is detachably installed on the top side of the front panel body 32, and can form a sealed structure with the top plate 1 through the combination of the receiving groove 311, the limiting rib 2, and the elastic sealing strip 4, thereby preventing water entering through the gap between the top decorative panel 31 and the top plate 1 from interfering with the electronic components on the front panel body 32. Furthermore, when the electronic components of the washing machine (such as malfunctioning knobs or faulty displays) need repair or replacement, since the front panel body 32 and the top decorative panel 31 are detachably connected, only the front panel body 32 needs to be disassembled, without touching the sealed assembly part between the top decorative panel 31 and the top plate 1. This design effectively avoids the problems of loosening of the sealing structure and damage to the sealing strip caused by disassembly during the repair of traditional integrated front panels, reducing the risk of secondary sealing performance failure, and lowering the operational cost of readjusting the seal after repair. If only the sealing structure of the top decorative panel 31 is faulty (such as wear of the receiving groove 311 or aging of the elastic sealing strip 4), or only the component mounting positions of the front panel body 32 are damaged, the corresponding parts can be replaced individually without replacing the entire front panel assembly 3. For example, when the elastic sealing strip 4 is aged, only the top decorative panel 31 needs to be removed for replacement, without touching the electronic components on the front panel body 32; conversely, if the front panel body 32 is deformed due to a collision, there is no need to replace the intact top decorative panel 31, significantly reducing the material costs and resource waste of maintenance.

[0024] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, as a further embodiment, the limiting rib 2 is U-shaped with its opening facing downwards. The middle section of the limiting rib 2 is embedded in the receiving groove 311 without contacting each other. The elastic sealing strip 4 simultaneously abuts against the receiving groove 311 and the middle section of the limiting rib 2. Specifically, the middle section of the U-shaped limiting rib 2 has a straight structure. After being embedded in the receiving groove 311, the elastic sealing strip 4 can simultaneously form multi-faceted abutments with the upper, lower, and outer surfaces of the middle section of the limiting rib 2, as well as the top, bottom, and inner sidewalls of the receiving groove 311. The U-shaped structure increases the contact area between the elastic sealing strip 4 and the limiting rib 2 and the receiving groove 311, forming a surrounding sealing contact surface, which can more comprehensively block the intrusion of media such as water and dust. Since the middle section of the limiting rib 2 does not contact the wall of the receiving groove 311, there is an annular gap between them. The elastic sealing strip 4 can completely fill this gap through its own elastic deformation. Furthermore, due to the wrapping nature of the C-shaped structure, the elastic sealing strip 4 is not easily dislodged or displaced from the gap. This design avoids the wear that may occur from direct contact between the limiting rib 2 and the receiving groove 311, and eliminates the sealing blind spots that may exist in the non-contact structure through the full-fill sealing of the elastic sealing strip 4, ensuring a seal without dead angles.

[0025] like Figures 9-12As shown, in this embodiment, the top side of the front panel body 32 is provided with a first fastening position 321 and a second fastening position 322, and the bottom side of the top decorative panel 31 is provided with a first elastic buckle 312 and a second elastic buckle 313. The first elastic buckle 312 is fastened to the first fastening position 321, and the second elastic buckle 313 is fastened to the second fastening position 322. The bottom side of the top decorative panel 31 abuts against the top side of the front panel body 32. The combination of the first elastic buckle 312 and the first fastening position 321 is used to prevent the top decorative panel 31 and the front panel body 32 from moving forward relative to each other, and the combination of the second elastic buckle 313 and the second fastening position 322 is used to prevent the top decorative panel 31 and the front panel body 32 from moving backward relative to each other.

[0026] As a further embodiment, the top side of the front panel body 32 is provided with a third fastening position 323, and the bottom side of the top decorative panel 31 is provided with a third elastic buckle 314, which is fastened to the third fastening position 323. The combination of the third elastic buckle 314 and the third fastening position 323 is used to prevent the top decorative panel 31 from moving relative to the front panel body 32 in the left and right directions.

[0027] As a further improvement, a first connecting plate 316 extends downward from the bottom side of the receiving groove 311, and the first connecting plate 316 is provided with a first screw hole 317, as detailed below. Figure 7 and Figure 8 A second connecting plate 324 extends downward from the rear top of the front plate body 32, and a second screw hole 325 is provided on the second connecting plate 324, as detailed below. Figure 9 The first connecting plate 316 abuts against the second connecting plate 324, and the first screw hole 317 corresponds to the second screw hole 325 and is locked with screws. After the first connecting plate 316 and the second connecting plate 324 abut against each other, their mating surfaces can form a physical barrier to prevent external dust and moisture from seeping in from the splicing gap between the top decorative plate 31 and the front panel body 32.

[0028] In this embodiment, along the length of the limiting rib 2, a plurality of first reinforcing ribs 21 are evenly spaced on the top side of the middle section of the limiting rib 2, as detailed below. Figure 6 The bottom side of the middle section of the limiting rib 2 is provided with a plurality of second reinforcing ribs 22 at even intervals. The first reinforcing rib 21 and the second reinforcing ribs 22 can be used to strengthen the structural strength of the limiting rib 2, thereby improving the stability of the sealing structure.

[0029] As a further embodiment, along the length of the top decorative panel 31, a plurality of third reinforcing ribs 318 are evenly spaced between the bottom side of the top decorative panel 31 and the first connecting plate 316, as detailed in [link to details]. Figure 9The third reinforcing rib 318 is used to strengthen the structural strength of the first connecting plate 316.

[0030] As a further improved technical solution, the bottom side of the top decorative panel 31 is provided with a mesh reinforcing rib 315, and the second elastic buckle is disposed at a portion of the mesh reinforcing rib 315. The mesh reinforcing rib 315 is used to strengthen the support strength of the upper surface of the top decorative panel 31 and prevent the top decorative panel 31 from easily deforming.

[0031] Example 2: This embodiment also provides a washing machine, which includes a sealing structure for the outer panel as described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0032] This utility model embodiment provides a sealing structure for an outer panel, including: a top plate 1, wherein a limiting rib 2 extends outward from the front side of the top plate 1 and is distributed along the length direction of the front side of the top plate 1; a front plate assembly 3, wherein the rear side of the top end of the front plate assembly 3 abuts against the front side of the top plate 1, and the rear side of the top end of the front plate assembly 3 has a receiving groove 311 adapted to the limiting rib 2, wherein the limiting rib 2 is located on the opening side of the receiving groove 311; and an elastic sealing strip 4, wherein the elastic sealing strip 4 is disposed in the receiving groove 311 and simultaneously abuts against the receiving groove 311 and the limiting rib 2. In this invention, the electronic components used for washing operations on the washing machine are installed on the front panel assembly 3 and located below the receiving groove 311. When a small amount of water seeps into the washing machine through the gap between the top plate 1 and the front panel assembly 3, the combined structure of the limiting rib 2, the receiving groove 311 and the elastic sealing strip 4 can block the seeping water above the electronic components inside the washing machine, thereby preventing the water seeping in from damaging the electronic components on the front panel assembly 3.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0034] 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 of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; 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 explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0038] Of course, the above description of the embodiments of this utility model is quite detailed, but it should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. This utility model may have other various implementations. Based on this implementation, other implementations obtained by those skilled in the art without any creative effort are all within the scope of protection of this utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sealing structure for an outer panel, characterized in that, include: A top plate, wherein limiting ribs extend outward from the front side of the top plate and are distributed along the length direction of the front side of the top plate; A front panel assembly, wherein the rear top side of the front panel assembly abuts against the front side of the top panel, and the rear top side of the front panel assembly has a receiving groove adapted to the limiting rib, wherein the limiting rib is located on the opening side of the receiving groove. An elastic sealing strip is disposed within the receiving groove and simultaneously abuts against the receiving groove and the limiting rib.

2. The sealing structure of the outer panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front panel assembly includes: A top decorative panel, the rear side of which abuts against the front side of the top plate and has the receiving groove built into it; The front panel body has its top side detachably connected to the bottom side of the top decorative panel, and its top rear side abuts against the front side of the top panel.

3. The sealing structure of the outer panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting rib is U-shaped with its opening facing downwards. The middle section of the limiting rib is embedded in the receiving groove and does not contact each other. The elastic sealing strip simultaneously abuts against the receiving groove and the middle section of the limiting rib.

4. The sealing structure of the outer panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top side of the front panel body is provided with a first fastening position and a second fastening position, and the bottom side of the top decorative panel is provided with a first elastic buckle and a second elastic buckle. The first elastic buckle is fastened to the first fastening position, and the second elastic buckle is fastened to the second fastening position. The bottom side of the top decorative panel abuts against the top side of the front panel body.

5. The sealing structure of the outer panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top side of the front panel body is provided with a third fastening position, and the bottom side of the top decorative panel is provided with a third elastic buckle, which is fastened to the third fastening position.

6. The sealing structure of the outer panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first connecting plate extends downward from the bottom side of the receiving groove, and a first screw hole is provided on the first connecting plate. A second connecting plate extends downward from the rear top side of the front plate body, and a second screw hole is provided on the second connecting plate. The first connecting plate and the second connecting plate abut against each other, and the first screw hole and the second screw hole correspond to each other and are locked together by screws.

7. The sealing structure of the outer panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, Along the length of the limiting rib, a plurality of first reinforcing ribs are evenly spaced on the top side of the middle section of the limiting rib, and a plurality of second reinforcing ribs are evenly spaced on the bottom side of the middle section of the limiting rib.

8. The sealing structure of the outer panel according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the length of the top decorative panel, a plurality of third reinforcing ribs are evenly spaced between the bottom side of the top decorative panel and the first connecting plate.

9. The sealing structure of the outer panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom side of the top decorative panel is provided with a mesh reinforcing rib, and the second elastic buckle is located at a portion of the mesh reinforcing rib.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that, The sealing structure includes the outer panel as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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