Sealing device for sleeves of washing machines

A sealing device for a sleeve of a washing machine, the washing machine comprising a bearing unit, the sealing device comprising:

• a first annular stationary screen comprising:
• a first cylindrical mounting portion comprising an axially facing free annular edge;
• and
• a first flange portion;
• a first elastomeric element supported by the first annular stationary screen, wherein the free annular edge is free from the first elastomeric element;
• a second annular rotating screen facing the first annular stationary screen, the second annular rotating screen comprising:
• a second cylindrical mounting portion;
• and
• a second flange portion;
• a second elastomeric element supported by the second annular rotating screen,
• wherein the first elastomeric element and the second elastomeric element face each other and define a first annular meatus (M) of predetermined axial dimensions;
• and
• a plurality of pairs of annular sealing lips (L1, L2) arranged inside the first annular meatus (M), wherein a first sealing lip (L1) of each pair of annular sealing lips (L1, L2) is part of the first elastomeric element and is supported by the first annular stationary screen and a second sealing lip (L2) of each pair of annular sealing lips (L1, L2) is part of the second elastomeric element and is supported by the second annular rotating screen;
• wherein the first sealing lip (L1) and the second sealing lip (L2) of the plurality of pairs of annular sealing lips (L1, L2) are substantially radially and axially superimposed and have predetermined axial dimensions to be radially and axially separated from each other and to define, inside the first annular meatus (M) and with the first and second sealing lips of the other pairs of annular sealing lips (L1, L2), a tortuous labyrinth (L),
• wherein the first annular stationary screen is configured to be non-contacting with the sleeve mounted externally with interference in the sleeve by the interposition of a third cylindrical portion of the first elastomeric element between the sleeve and the first cylindrical mounting portion of the first annular stationary screen.