Waterproof connector and washing machine

Abstract

The present application discloses a waterproof connector and a washing machine. The waterproof connector comprises a connecting member and a docking member. The connecting member comprises a connecting main body and an inserting protrusion; the connecting main body is fixed to a first carrier; and the inserting protrusion is provided with first wiring terminals. The docking member comprises a docking main body and an inserting slot; the docking main body is fixed to a second carrier; and the inserting slot is provided with second wiring terminals. A sealing structure is provided on the inserting protrusion and / or the inserting slot. The first carrier and the second carrier are mounted to drive the inserting protrusion to be slotted to the inserting slot, so that the first wiring terminals are electrically connected to the second wiring terminals; and the sealing structure sealingly abuts against the joint between the inserting protrusion and the inserting slot. According to the present application, the sealing structure sealingly abuts between the outer surface of the inserting protrusion and the inner slot wall of the inserting slot, and can directly isolate the inserting space between the inserting protrusion and the inserting slot, thereby ensuring that the electrical connection between the first wiring terminals and the second wiring terminals is waterproof and dustproof.

Description

Waterproof connector and washing machine Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of connectors, and in particular to a waterproof connector and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] Connectors are now widely used in various electromechanical devices, enabling the rapid transmission of required data and signals. However, existing connectors are generally not waterproof. When used on certain water-requiring electrical appliances, these connectors are susceptible to moisture or accumulated water in the installation environment, which can damage the electrical connection and cause data or signal transmission failures. Poor electrical connections can also lead to leakage, posing a safety hazard.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main purpose of this application is to propose a waterproof connector and a washing machine, aiming to solve the problem that traditional electrical connectors do not have a waterproof function, resulting in functional failure and safety hazards.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present application proposes a waterproof connector, comprising:

[0006] A connector, comprising a connecting body and a plug-in protrusion provided at the front end of the connecting body, wherein the connecting body is used to be fixed to the first carrier, and a first terminal is provided on the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion;

[0007] A docking member, comprising a docking body and a plug-in slot portion provided at a rear end of the docking body, wherein the docking body is used to be fixed to a second carrier, and an inner groove wall of the plug-in slot portion is provided with a second connection terminal; and

[0008] A sealing structure, provided on the plug-in protrusion and / or the plug-in groove;

[0009] When the first carrier and the second carrier are installed, the plug-in protrusion and the plug-in slot are connected to each other, so that the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected, and the sealing structure is sealed against the connection between the plug-in protrusion and the plug-in slot.

[0010] Optionally, the sealing structure includes:

[0011] a first sealing ring, provided on the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion and surrounding the outer circumference of the first terminal; and / or,

[0012] The second sealing ring is arranged on the inner groove wall of the plug-in groove and surrounds the outer circumference of the second connecting terminal.

[0013] Optionally, the peripheral side wall of the plug-in protrusion and the groove side wall of the plug-in groove are spaced apart to form an annular gap;

[0014] The sealing structure includes a sealing sleeve. When the plug-in protrusion is plugged and connected with the plug-in groove, the sealing sleeve is inserted into the annular gap from the notch of the plug-in groove.

[0015] Optionally, the sealing sleeve includes an insertion sleeve section inserted into the annular gap, and an operating sleeve section located outside the annular gap; wherein,

[0016] The inner wall of the inserting cylinder section is provided with a limiting rib, and the limiting rib is used to axially limit the plug-in protrusion; and / or,

[0017] An annular step is protruded from the outer wall of the operating cylinder section, and the annular step stops and limits the end wall on the peripheral side of the slot opening of the inserting slot portion.

[0018] Optionally, the sealing sleeve includes an insertion sleeve section inserted into the annular gap, and an operating sleeve section located outside the annular gap;

[0019] The waterproof connector also includes a guide member, which includes a support portion protruding from the peripheral side wall of the plug-in protrusion and a guide protrusion extending forward from the free end of the support portion. The support portion is located on the rear side of the operating cylinder section and abuts against the rear end wall of the operating cylinder end. A guide groove is formed between the guide protrusion and the sealing sleeve. When the plug-in protrusion is inserted and connected with the plug-in groove portion, the shell wall of the plug-in groove portion is slidably connected to the guide groove.

[0020] Optionally, the guide groove is further used to hold and connect the shell wall of the plug-in slot portion when the plug-in protrusion is plugged and connected to the plug-in slot portion.

[0021] Optionally, the insertion barrel section includes a first barrel section and a second barrel section, the first barrel section is connected between the operating barrel section and the second barrel section, and extends straight in the front-to-back direction, and the second barrel section extends gradually inclined toward the guide protrusion from back to front; wherein,

[0022] At least the second barrel section is made of elastic material; and / or,

[0023] A notch is provided at the front end of the second barrel section toward the rear, and a plurality of notches are spaced apart along the circumference of the second barrel section. The second barrel section defines a sheet-like monomer between every two adjacent notches, and the sheet-like monomer can be flipped and deformed in the direction of approaching and moving away from the guide protrusion.

[0024] Optionally, a rearwardly disposed stop surface is formed at the connection between the first barrel section and the second barrel section, and a forwardly disposed mating surface is formed on the side groove wall of the insertion groove portion corresponding to the stop surface, and when the insertion barrel section is inserted into the annular gap, the stop surface abuts against the mating surface.

[0025] Optionally, the first connecting terminal and / or the second connecting terminal are / is / are arranged to be telescopically movable.

[0026] In addition, to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application also provides a washing machine, including a waterproof connector, wherein the waterproof connector includes:

[0027] A connector, comprising a connecting body and a plug-in protrusion provided at the front end of the connecting body, wherein the connecting body is used to be fixed to the first carrier, and a first terminal is provided on the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion;

[0028] A docking member, comprising a docking body and a plug-in slot portion provided at a rear end of the docking body, wherein the docking body is used to be fixed to a second carrier, and an inner groove wall of the plug-in slot portion is provided with a second connection terminal; and

[0029] A sealing structure, provided on the plug-in protrusion and / or the plug-in groove;

[0030] When the first carrier and the second carrier are installed, the plug-in protrusion and the plug-in slot are connected to each other, so that the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected, and the sealing structure is sealed against the connection between the plug-in protrusion and the plug-in slot.

[0031] In the technical solution provided in the present application, the connecting body is fixed to the first carrier, and the docking body is fixed to the second carrier. When the first carrier and the second carrier are assembled, the plug-in protrusion is driven to dock with the plug-in groove, and the first terminal is driven to dock with the second terminal, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the connecting member and the docking member, and ensuring the effectiveness of the electrical function of the waterproof connector; in addition, when the plug-in protrusion is docked with the plug-in groove, the sealing structure is sealed between the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion and the inner groove wall of the plug-in groove, and can directly isolate the plug-in space between the plug-in protrusion and the plug-in groove, ensuring that the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal is water-proof and dust-proof, thereby making the application of the waterproof connector more extensive and can be applied to various installation environments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0033] FIG1 is a perspective schematic diagram of an embodiment of a waterproof connector provided by the present application;

[0034] FIG2 is a perspective schematic diagram of the waterproof connector in FIG1 when the connecting member and the docking member are not plugged in;

[0035] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the waterproof connector in FIG1;

[0036] FIG4 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sealing structure in FIG1 being installed on a connecting piece;

[0037] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a radial cross-section of the waterproof connector in FIG1 ;

[0038] FIG6 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sealing sleeve in FIG1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6. The present application provides a waterproof connector, which includes a connecting member 100, a docking member 200 and a sealing structure 300. In which, the connecting member 100 includes a connecting body 110 and a plug-in protrusion 120 provided at the front end of the connecting body 110, the connecting body 110 is used to be fixed to the first carrier, and the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion 120 is provided with a first terminal 130; the docking member 200 includes a docking body 210 and a plug-in slot 220 provided at the rear end of the docking body 210, the docking body 210 is used to be fixed to the second carrier, and the inner groove wall of the plug-in slot 220 is provided with a second terminal 230; the sealing structure 300 is provided at the plug-in protrusion 120 and / or the plug-in slot 220; wherein, when the first carrier and the second carrier are installed, the plug-in protrusion 120 is driven to mate with the plug-in slot 220, so that the first terminal 130 is electrically connected to the second terminal 230, and the sealing structure 300 is sealed against the connection between the plug-in protrusion 120 and the plug-in slot 220.

[0040] In the technical solution provided by the present application, the connecting body 110 is fixed to the first carrier, and the docking body 210 is fixed to the second carrier. When the first carrier and the second carrier are assembled, the plug-in protrusion 120 is driven to mate with the plug-in groove 220, and the first terminal 130 is driven to mate with the second terminal 230, thereby achieving electrical connection between the connecting member 100 and the docking member 200, and ensuring the effective electrical function of the waterproof connector. In addition, when the plug-in protrusion 120 and the plug-in groove 220 are mate-jointed, the sealing structure 300 is sealed between the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion 120 and the inner groove wall of the plug-in groove 220, which can directly isolate the plug-in space between the plug-in protrusion 120 and the plug-in groove 220, ensuring that the electrical connection between the first terminal 130 and the second terminal 230 is waterproof and dustproof, thereby making the waterproof connector more widely applicable and applicable to various installation environments. In this design, the waterproof connector can be widely used in various suitable electrical equipment. An electrical device generally includes at least two functional components, and the two functional components need to be electrically connected. The two functional components may be, for example, a driving component and a movable component electrically connected to the driving component, or a control component and an actuator electrically connected to the control component. One of the two functional components constitutes a first carrier, and the other constitutes a second carrier. When the first carrier and the second mounting carrier perform their respective installation operations, that is, the first carrier is operated to be installed on the body of the electrical device, and the second carrier is operated to be installed on the body of the electrical device; or after the first carrier and the second carrier are installed in advance, the two are installed together on the body of the electrical device. In this process, the installation of the first carrier and the second carrier is achieved. The connector 100 is fixedly installed on the first carrier through the connecting body 110, and the docking member 200 is fixedly installed on the second carrier through the docking body 210. Then, during the installation process of the first carrier and the second carrier, the connector 100 and the docking member 200 are driven to connect, and the plug-in protrusion 120 is plugged into the plug-in groove.

[0041] The connecting body 110 and the plug-in protrusion 120 can be integrally formed or separately formed and then connected and fixed. The docking body 210 and the plug-in recess 220 can be integrally formed or separately formed and then connected and fixed. The connection and fixation method between the two can be welding, heat pressing, or detachable connection and fixation. The detachable connection and fixation can be one or more of, but not limited to, screwing, snap fastening, adhesive bonding, magnetic attraction, or vacuum adsorption.

[0042] Regarding the first terminal 130:

[0043] A first terminal 130 is provided on the outer surface of at least the portion of the plugging protrusion 120 where it engages with the plugging groove 220. Specifically, the first terminal 130 can be provided from the rear end of the connector 100 to the front end of the connector 100. A plurality of first terminals 130 are provided, and the plurality of first terminals 130 can be provided on the front end surface of the plugging protrusion 120 or on the outer peripheral surface of the plugging protrusion 120. The first terminal 130 can be provided protruding from the outer surface of the plugging protrusion 120, can be substantially flush with the outer surface of the plugging protrusion 120, or can be provided recessed relative to the outer surface of the plugging protrusion 120.

[0044] When the first terminal 130 protrudes from the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion 120:

[0045] In one application, the first connecting terminal 130 may be fixedly protruded from the outer surface of the plugging protrusion 120 , that is, the protruding length of the first connecting terminal 130 relative to the outer surface of the plugging protrusion 120 is fixed.

[0046] Alternatively, in another application, the first terminal 130 may be movably and adjustably protruded from the outer surface of the plugging protrusion 120, that is, the first terminal 130 may be flexibly and movably mounted on the outer surface of the plugging protrusion 120. For example, when the first terminal 130 is protruded from the front end surface of the plugging protrusion 120, at least a portion of the first terminal 130 may be flexibly and movably adjusted in the front-to-back direction, so that the protruding length of the first terminal 130 can be adjusted according to actual needs, thereby further facilitating a smooth mating between the first terminal 130 and the second terminal 230. Alternatively, at least a portion of the first terminal 130 may be elastically and movably arranged in the front-to-back direction, so that when the first terminal 130 is mated with the second terminal 230, it can be subjected to a certain degree of elastic expansion and contraction under force, thereby facilitating automatic adaptation of the mating distance between the first terminal 130 and the second terminal 230.

[0047] In order to achieve elastic expansion and contraction adjustment of the first terminal 130:

[0048] In one application, at least the front section of the first terminal 130 is made of an elastic material. Alternatively, in another application, the first terminal 130 is formed of a metal spring fixed at one end, the other end of which is movable in a forward-backward direction. Alternatively, in yet another application, referring to FIG. 4 , the first terminal 130 includes a fixed portion 131 and a telescopic portion 132 that are movably coupled in a forward-backward direction. For example, in the case where the fixed portion 131 is formed with a through hole, and the telescopic portion 132 is movably mounted in the through hole of the fixed portion 131 in the forward-backward direction, the length of the telescopic portion 132 protruding relative to the fixed portion 131 can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the telescopic portion 132 accommodated in the through hole.

[0049] Based on any of the above embodiments, the configuration of the second connection terminal 230 may refer to the above first connection terminal 130 and will not be described in detail.

[0050] The sealing structure 300 can be pre-installed on the plug-in protrusion 120 and / or the plug-in groove 220. Therefore, when the first carrier and the second carrier are assembled, the connector 100 and the docking member 200 are connected, and the sealing structure 300 is installed in place between the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion 120 and the inner wall of the plug-in groove 220. There is no need to perform additional installation operations for the sealing structure 300 between the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion 120 and the inner wall of the plug-in groove 220, making the assembly and disassembly of the sealing structure 300 more convenient and simple.

[0051] The specific solution of the sealing structure 300 is:

[0052] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, in one embodiment, the sealing structure 300 includes a first sealing ring 310 and / or a second sealing ring. The first sealing ring 310 is disposed on the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion 120 and surrounds the outer periphery of the first terminal 130; the second sealing ring is disposed on the inner groove wall of the plug-in groove 220 and surrounds the outer periphery of the second terminal 230. It is understood that when the peripheral sidewall of the plug-in protrusion 120 and the groove sidewall of the plug-in groove 220 are spaced apart to form an annular gap, the protruding length of the first sealing ring 310 relative to the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion 120 at its location, and / or the protruding length of the second sealing ring relative to the inner groove wall of the plug-in groove 220 at its location, is set to be no less than the length of the annular gap in the corresponding direction. In this way, when the plug-in protrusion 120 and the plug-in groove 220 are plugged into place, the two squeeze the first sealing ring 310 and / or the second sealing ring therein, causing the first sealing ring 310 and / or the second sealing ring to be compressed and deformed, which helps to tightly install the first sealing ring 310 and / or the second sealing ring in the annular gap.

[0053] In a further solution, multiple first sealing rings 310 and / or second sealing rings can be respectively arranged along the front-to-back direction, and each two adjacent first sealing rings 310 and / or second sealing rings can be adjacent to each other, or a certain interval can be maintained to achieve multiple waterproof and dustproof properties of the first sealing ring 310 and / or the second sealing ring.

[0054] In a further solution, when multiple first sealing rings 310 and / or second sealing rings are respectively provided in the front-to-back direction, the protruding length of each first sealing ring 310 relative to the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion 120 can be gradually increased in the direction from front to back, and / or the protruding length of the second sealing ring relative to the inner groove wall of the plug-in groove 220 can be gradually decreased. In this way, when the plug-in protrusion 120 is operated to dock with the plug-in groove 220, the degree of extrusion on the first sealing ring 310 and / or the second sealing ring gradually increases, so that the multiple sealing effects are enhanced layer by layer.

[0055] Furthermore, based on any of the above embodiments, in one embodiment, when the peripheral sidewalls of the plugging protrusion 120 and the groove sidewalls of the plugging groove 220 are spaced apart to form an annular gap, the sealing structure 300 includes a sealing sleeve 320. When the plugging protrusion 120 and the plugging groove 220 are plugged and connected, the sealing sleeve 320 is inserted into the annular gap from the notch of the plugging groove 220. When the first sealing ring 310 / the second sealing ring and the sealing sleeve 320 are provided simultaneously, the sealing sleeve 320 is provided behind the first sealing ring 310 and / or the second sealing ring to seal the notch of the plugging groove 220 after insertion, thereby preventing water, impurities, and other contaminants from entering the annular gap through the notch of the plugging groove after insertion. The sealing sleeve 320 also fills and supports the rear portion of the annular gap, thereby facilitating a secure connection between the plugging protrusion 120 and the plugging groove 220.

[0056] Furthermore, referring to Figures 5 and 6, in one embodiment, the sealing sleeve 320 includes an insertion barrel section 321 inserted into the annular gap, and an operating barrel section 322 located outside the annular gap; wherein the inner barrel wall of the insertion barrel section 321 is provided with a limiting rib 323, and the limiting rib 323 is used to axially limit the plug-in protrusion 120. The limiting rib 323 extends along the circumference of the insertion barrel section 321 in an annular shape, or extends along the circumference of the insertion barrel section 321 in a plurality of intermittent strips. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting rib 323 can be set to be triangular, and the cross-sectional area is gradually increased from the center of the insertion barrel section 321 to its edge. In this way, as the limiting rib 323 and the plug-in protrusion 120 gradually approach each other, a gradually increasing elastic force and a gradually increasing abutment area can be formed. It is understood that the limiting ribs 323 can be any protruding structure capable of interfering with and limiting the insertion protrusion 120 abutting against it. They can be made of metal or a polymer material with sufficient strength. Their shape can be a rib-like strip along the circumference of the insertion barrel section 321, or a serrated shape along the circumference of the insertion barrel section 321. In actual application, the limiting ribs 323 can be specifically configured as metal serrations to help improve the interference and limiting strength with the insertion protrusion 120.

[0057] And / or in one embodiment, the outer wall of the operating barrel section 322 is provided with an annular step 324, which acts as a stop against the end wall surrounding the slot opening of the insertion slot portion 220. In this way, the forwardly facing step surface of the operating annular step 324 abuts against the rear end surface of the insertion slot wall, effectively preventing the insertion barrel section 321 from being inserted too far or too deeply into the annular gap.

[0058] In addition, please refer to Figures 1 to 3. In one embodiment, when the sealing sleeve 320 includes an insertion cylinder section 321 inserted into the annular gap and an operating cylinder section 322 located outside the annular gap as described above, the waterproof connector also includes a guide member 400, and the guide member 400 includes a support portion 410 protruding from the peripheral side wall of the plug-in protrusion 120, and a guide protrusion 420 extending forward from the free end of the support portion 410. The support portion 410 is located on the rear side of the operating cylinder section 322 and abuts against the rear end wall of the operating cylinder end. A guide groove is formed between the guide protrusion 420 and the sealing sleeve 320. When the plug-in protrusion 120 and the plug-in slot portion 220 are inserted and connected, the shell wall of the plug-in slot portion 220 is slidably connected and cooperates with the guide groove. In this way, by providing the guide member 400 , the plugging process between the plugging protrusion 120 and the plugging groove 220 can be accurately guided when the plugging protrusion 120 and the plugging groove 220 are plugged and fixed.

[0059] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the guide groove is further configured to retain the wall of the insertion slot portion 220 when the insertion protrusion 120 is inserted and connected to the insertion slot portion 220. In this manner, when the insertion protrusion 120 is inserted and fixed to the insertion slot portion 220, the wall of the insertion slot can be simultaneously inserted and fixed within the slot, thereby forming a multiple insertion and fixation across the width of the insertion slot portion 220. The guide protrusion 420 and the support portion 410 can be integrally formed or separately formed and then fixedly connected. At least the guide protrusion 420 can be made of an elastic material.

[0060] In view of the above, referring to Figures 5 and 6 , in one embodiment, the insertion barrel section 321 includes a first barrel section 321a and a second barrel section 321b. The first barrel section 321a is connected between the operating barrel section 322 and the second barrel section 321b and extends straight in the front-to-back direction. The second barrel section 321b extends gradually and tilted from back to front toward the guide protrusion 420. Correspondingly, the insertion slot wall forming the insertion slot may include a first shell wall 221 and a second shell wall 222. When the insertion slot portion 220 is plugged into the insertion protrusion 120, the first shell wall 221 is substantially corresponding to the first barrel section 321a, and both extend straight in the front-to-back direction. The second shell wall 222 is substantially corresponding to the second barrel section 321b, and both extend gradually and tilted from back to front toward the guide protrusion 420. In this way, the guide groove defined between the second barrel section 321b and the guide protrusion 420 can be gradually narrowed from back to front, which can effectively clamp and limit the second shell wall 222, preventing the first shell wall 221 and the second shell wall 222 from escaping from the guide groove.

[0061] Furthermore, in one embodiment, at least the second barrel section 321b is made of elastic material. In this way, during the plug-in connection between the plug-in groove 220 and the plug-in protrusion 120, the second barrel section 321b is squeezed and shrinks and deforms, and the limiting rib 323 tightly abuts the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion 120, making it easier for the two to be plugged and fixed; and then when the plug-in groove 220 and the plug-in protrusion 120 are plugged into place, the second barrel section 321b is reset at the groove section of the plug-in groove with gradually larger groove width formed by the second shell wall 222, forming a backward limit to prevent the plug-in protrusion 120 from escaping backward from the plug-in groove 220.

[0062] And / or in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 6, the front end of the second barrel section 321b is provided with a notch 321c facing backward, and a plurality of notches 321c are spaced apart along the circumference of the second barrel section 321b, and the second barrel section 321b defines a sheet-like monomer 321d between every two adjacent notches 321c, and the sheet-like monomer 321d can be flipped and deformed in the direction of approaching and moving away from the guide protrusion 420. In this way, during the plug-in connection process between the plug-in groove 220 and the plug-in protrusion 120, the sheet-like monomers 321d in the second barrel section 321b are squeezed and move in the direction of approaching each other, the second barrel section 321b shrinks and deforms as a whole, and the limiting ribs 323 tightly abut the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion 120, making it easier for the two to be plugged and fixed; then when the plug-in groove 220 and the plug-in protrusion 120 are plugged into place, the second barrel section 321b is reset at the groove section of the plug-in groove with gradually increasing width formed by the second shell wall 222, and the sheet-like monomers 321d move in the direction of moving away from each other, forming a backward limit, thereby preventing the plug-in protrusion 120 from detaching backward from the plug-in groove 220.

[0063] The sheet-like monomers 321d can be integrally formed with the remaining portion of the second barrel section 321b, and the two can be made of the same material. In this case, the sealing sleeve 320 can be specifically configured as a claw, and each sheet-like monomer 321d plays the role of clamping and fixing the plug-in protrusion 120.

[0064] Alternatively, the sheet-like monomer 321d and the remaining portion of the second barrel section 321b may be separately molded and then connected detachably or non-detachably. In this case, the materials used for the two may be consistent or different depending on actual needs.

[0065] Based on the above, in one embodiment, glue or other adhesive structures can be provided on the outer surface of the limiting rib 323. In this way, when the second barrel section 321b is squeezed and deformed as a whole during the plugging process of the plugging groove 220 and the plugging protrusion 120, the limiting rib 323 is driven to closely abut the outer surface of the plugging protrusion 120, which helps to strengthen the bonding strength between the limiting rib 323 and the outer surface of the plugging protrusion 120 with the help of the plugging action. Then, when the plugging groove 220 and the plugging protrusion 120 are plugged into place, the second barrel section 321b is reset, maintaining or canceling the abutment force of the limiting rib 323 on the outer surface of the plugging protrusion 120, or when other external forces cause the abutment force between the limiting rib 323 and the outer surface of the plugging protrusion 120 to be reduced or canceled, it can still ensure that the limiting rib 323 and the outer surface of the plugging protrusion 120 are tightly fitted.

[0066] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the sealing sleeve 320 is movably adjustable in the front-rear direction relative to the plug-in protrusion 120 and the plug-in groove 220 . In this way, when the operating sealing sleeve 320 moves backward, a groove section of the guide groove with a relatively narrow groove width is formed between the relatively expanded second barrel section 321b and the guide protrusion 420, which can effectively hold and limit the first shell wall 221 and the second shell wall 222, and prevent the plug-in protrusion 120 and the plug-in groove portion 220 from separating from each other; conversely, when the operating sealing sleeve 320 moves forward, the relatively expanded second barrel section 321b moves forward and is staggered with the guide protrusion 420, so that a groove section of the guide groove with a relatively wide groove width is formed between the first barrel section 321a and the guide protrusion 420, which can release the holding and limiting of the first shell wall 221 and the second shell wall 222, so that the plug-in protrusion 120 can be easily disengaged from the plug-in groove portion 220, thereby realizing the quick disassembly of the plug-in protrusion 120 and the plug-in groove portion 220.

[0067] Furthermore, in one embodiment, a rearward-facing stop surface 325 is formed at the connection between the first barrel section 321a and the second barrel section 321b. A forward-facing mating surface 223 is formed on the side wall of the insertion groove 220 corresponding to the stop surface 325. When the insertion barrel section 321 is inserted into the annular gap, the stop surface 325 abuts against the mating surface 223. This engagement of the stop surface 325 and the mating surface 223 helps achieve a self-locking connection between the insertion protrusion 120 and the insertion groove 220, preventing the insertion protrusion 120 and the insertion groove 220 from easily separating.

[0068] In addition, based on any of the above embodiments, the waterproof connector can be applied to various types of electrical equipment. The electrical equipment can be, but is not limited to, household appliances such as air conditioners, washing machines, and sweepers. The present application also provides a washing machine, which includes the waterproof connector as described above. It should be noted that the detailed structure of the waterproof connector in the washing machine can refer to the embodiment of the above-mentioned waterproof connector, which will not be repeated here; since the above-mentioned waterproof connector is used in the washing machine of the present application, the embodiment of the washing machine of the present application includes all the technical solutions of all the embodiments of the above-mentioned waterproof connector, and the technical effects achieved are also exactly the same, which will not be repeated here.

[0069] The washing machine's cleaning mechanism includes an inner drum and an outer drum, the inner drum being rotatable relative to the outer drum. A cleaning chamber is formed within the inner drum. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the inner drum may be recessed to create a mounting space between the inner and outer drums, which can accommodate, for example, a pickup mechanism. The pickup mechanism includes a pickup component extending into the inner drum and a drive component located within the mounting space. The pickup component is movably disposed. During its movement, the pickup component picks up clothing within the cleaning chamber. The drive component is electrically connected to the pickup component to drive the pickup component's picking motion. Given the foregoing, it is understood that the drive component requires electrical power during normal operation. Therefore, during installation, the drive component may constitute one of the first and second carriers, while a power supply component, which directly or indirectly provides power, or the power supply component and its mounting structure may together constitute the other of the first and second carriers. The power supply component may be an electrical cable directly connected to an external power supply device, and the mounting structure for the power supply component may be the outer drum, a bracket structure disposed between the inner and outer drums, or the like, without limitation.

[0070] Of course, in other embodiments, the installation space defined between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder can also be used for the installation of other devices according to actual needs, such as lighting devices for lighting, purification devices for sterilization and disinfection, sensors or detection devices for material identification, dryness and humidity detection of clothing, etc., etc., etc. There is no restriction.

[0071] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and does not limit the patent scope of the present application. All equivalent structural transformations made based on the contents of the present application specification and drawings, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A waterproof connector, characterized in that: include: A connector, comprising a connecting body and a plug-in protrusion arranged at the front end of the connecting body, wherein the connecting body is used to be fixed to the first carrier, and the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion is provided with a first connection terminal; A docking member, comprising a docking body and a plug-in slot portion provided at the rear end of the docking body, wherein the docking body is used to be fixed to a second carrier, and an inner groove wall of the plug-in slot portion is provided with a second connection terminal; and a sealing structure provided at the plug-in protrusion and / or the plug-in slot portion; When the first carrier and the second carrier are installed, the plug-in protrusion is driven to mate with the plug-in slot, so that the first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal, and the sealing structure is sealed against the connection between the plug-in protrusion and the plug-in slot.

2. The waterproof connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing structure comprises: A first sealing ring is provided on the outer surface of the plug-in protrusion and is arranged around the outer circumference of the first terminal; and / or a second sealing ring is provided on the inner groove wall of the plug-in groove and is arranged around the outer circumference of the second terminal.

3. The waterproof connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The peripheral side wall of the plug-in protrusion and the groove side wall of the plug-in groove are spaced apart to form an annular gap; The sealing structure comprises a sealing sleeve. When the plug-in protrusion is plugged and connected with the plug-in groove, the sealing sleeve is inserted into the annular gap from the notch of the plug-in groove.

4. The waterproof connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sealing sleeve comprises an insertion sleeve section inserted into the annular gap, and an operating sleeve section located outside the annular gap; wherein, The inner cylinder wall of the insertion cylinder section is provided with a limiting rib, and the limiting rib is used to axially limit the plug-in protrusion; and / or, An annular step is protruding from the outer cylinder wall of the operating cylinder section, and the annular step stops and limits the end wall on the peripheral side of the notch of the insertion groove portion.

5. The waterproof connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sealing sleeve comprises an insertion sleeve section inserted into the annular gap, and an operating sleeve section located outside the annular gap; The waterproof connector further comprises a guide member, the guide member comprising a support portion protruding from the peripheral side wall of the plug-in protrusion, and a guide protrusion extending forward from the free end of the support portion, the support portion is located at the rear side of the operating cylinder section and abuts against the rear end wall of the operating cylinder end, and a guide protrusion is formed between the guide protrusion and the sealing sleeve. A guide groove is formed, and when the plug-in protrusion is plug-connected with the plug-in groove, the shell wall of the plug-in groove is slidably connected with the guide groove.

6. The waterproof connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The guide groove is also used to hold and connect the shell wall of the plug-in groove portion when the plug-in protrusion is plug-connected with the plug-in groove portion.

7. The waterproof connector according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The insertion barrel section comprises a first barrel section and a second barrel section, wherein the first barrel section is connected between the operating barrel section and the second barrel section and extends straightly in the front-rear direction, and the second barrel section extends gradually inclined from the back to the front in the direction of the guide protrusion; wherein at least the second barrel section is made of elastic material; and / or, A notch is formed at the front end of the second barrel section and is spaced apart along the circumference of the second barrel section. The second barrel section defines a sheet-like monomer between every two adjacent notches, and the sheet-like monomer can be flipped and deformed in the direction of approaching and moving away from the guide protrusion.

8. The waterproof connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: A rearwardly disposed stop surface is formed at the connection between the first barrel section and the second barrel section, and a forwardly disposed mating surface is formed at the side groove wall of the insertion groove portion corresponding to the stop surface. When the insertion barrel section is inserted into the annular gap, the stop surface and the mating surface are stopped and abutted.

9. The waterproof connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting terminal and / or the second connecting terminal are / is / are arranged to be telescopically movable.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that: Comprising the waterproof connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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