Drawer locking mechanism

Abstract

The present invention discloses a drawer locking structure, comprising a fixed block for fixing on a box body and a movable block rotatably connected to the fixed block, a notch is provided on the top of the movable block, a stop structure for limiting the rotation angle of the movable block is provided on the fixed block behind the movable block, and a pin shaft matched with the notch is provided on the drawer, and when the drawer is pushed into the rear of the box body, the pin shaft is inserted into the notch and drives the movable block to rotate backward around the axis until the movable block is stopped by the stop structure. The drawer locking structure of the present invention can, on the one hand, buffer the drawer in a section of travel before the drawer is in place during the process of pushing the drawer into the box body, thereby preventing the rear of the drawer from violently colliding with the box body due to excessive thrust, and on the other hand, by setting a stop structure, the drawer pushing stroke is limited, and after the drawer is in place, the pin shaft of the drawer is inserted into the notch to prevent the drawer from shifting in the box body, thereby avoiding the occurrence of sealing failure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a locking structure, in particular to a drawer locking structure for locking a drawer. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of science and technology, more and more intelligent household appliances have entered human life. Drawer-type dishwashers include: a pull-out inner tank and a cabinet. The inner tank is connected to the cabinet through a sliding guide structure. The washing cavity in the inner tank is opened or closed by pulling out or pushing the inner tank into the cabinet. Due to the special use requirements of the dishwasher, water is sprayed in the inner tank cavity when washing dishes. The washing process requires the use of a drainage motor and a ventilation fan. The inner tank must not move in the cabinet during the washing process, causing the closed structure to fail, causing the water in the dishwasher to flow out from the gap and pollute the cabinet. If the water flows into the inside of the casing, it may also cause a safety accident. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to solve the technical problem that the existing drawer moves due to vibration and other reasons during use, which easily leads to the failure of the seal between the drawer and the box body, the present invention proposes a drawer locking structure that can solve the above problem.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions to achieve the above problems:

[0005] A drawer locking structure comprises a fixed block for fixing on a box body and a movable block rotatably connected to the fixed block, a notch is provided on the top of the movable block, a stop structure for limiting the rotation angle of the movable block is provided on the fixed block and located behind the movable block, a pin shaft matching the notch is provided on the drawer, and when the drawer is pushed into the rear of the box body, the pin shaft is inserted into the notch and drives the movable block to rotate backward around the axis until the movable block is stopped by the stop structure.

[0006] Furthermore, the fixed block includes a horizontally arranged bottom support plate and a bracket arranged on the upper surface of the bottom support plate, the bracket includes at least a first support plate and a second support plate arranged in parallel, the upper ends of the first support plate and the second support plate are symmetrically provided with axial holes, and a rotating shaft is respectively arranged on both side surfaces of the movable block, the movable block is inserted between the first support plate and the second support plate, and the rotating shaft is inserted into the corresponding axial hole.

[0007] Furthermore, an elastic structure is connected between the fixed block and the movable block.

[0008] Furthermore, the elastic structure is a spring, both ends of the spring have hooks respectively, a first hanging part is formed on the movable block, a second hanging part is formed on the fixed block, and both ends of the spring are hung on the first hanging part and the second hanging part respectively through the hooks.

[0009] Furthermore, the lower end of the movable block has a center seam, the plane where the center seam is located is perpendicular to the length direction of the rotating shaft, the first hanging portion is located in the center seam, and the first hanging portion is a protruding structure formed by partially extending one side edge of the center seam toward the center seam.

[0010] Furthermore, the stop structure is connected between the first support plate and the second support plate.

[0011] Furthermore, a claw opening toward the front is formed at the rear end of the bottom support plate, and the claw is located above the bottom support plate.

[0012] Furthermore, at least one limiting hole is formed on the bottom supporting plate.

[0013] Furthermore, a plurality of reinforcing ribs are formed between the first support plate and / or the second support plate and the bottom support plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the bottom support plate extends downward from the connection portion between the second support plate and the bottom support plate to form a side plate, the second hanging portion is located on the side plate, and the bottom of the bracket and located between the first support plate and the second support plate has a spring hole for the spring to pass through.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: the drawer locking structure of the present invention fixes the fixed block to the box body through the matching design of the moving block and the fixed block, and the moving block is rotatably connected to the fixed block. When the drawer is pushed into the box body, the pin shaft on the box body cooperates with the notch of the moving block. On the one hand, it can buffer the drawer in a period of travel before the drawer is in place during the process of pushing the drawer into the box body, preventing the rear part of the drawer from violently colliding with the box body due to excessive thrust. On the other hand, by setting a stop structure, the drawer pushing stroke is limited, and after the drawer is in place, the pin shaft of the drawer is stuck in the notch to prevent the drawer from shifting in the box body, thereby avoiding the occurrence of sealing failure.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after reading the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the drawer locking structure proposed by the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the rear structure of the drawer;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of part A;

[0021] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the drawer locking structure proposed by the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the local structure of the fixed block;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the local structure;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the local structure;

[0025] Figure 8a yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the equilibrium state;

[0026] Figure 8b yes Figure 4 Another state diagram in FIG.

[0027] Figure 8c yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the state in the middle;

[0028] Fig. 9 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the local structure of the moving block;

[0029] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of the state of the suspension spring of the middle fixed block;

[0030] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Another angle diagram;

[0031] Fig.12 yes Figure 4Schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the middle drawer locking structure;

[0032] Fig.13 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the middle drawer locking structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Embodiment 1: This embodiment is described by taking a dishwasher with a drawer locking structure as an example. In this embodiment, the technical effect that can be achieved by the drawer locking structure will be explained in conjunction with the application of the drawer locking structure on the drawer. The drawer referred to in this embodiment can be an ordinary drawer, or a functional component with a drawer-type design in an electrical appliance, such as a drawer-type dishwasher that can be pulled out, or a freezer drawer or refrigeration drawer in a refrigerator, or a drawer-type washing machine that can be pulled out. All the drawer locking structures in this solution and their specific applications in related fields are within the scope of protection of this patent. It should be noted that the "front" referred to in this embodiment refers to the direction in which the drawer is pulled out from the box body, and the "rear" refers to the direction in which the drawer is pushed into the box body.

[0035] Specifically, Figure 1-Figure 4As shown, the dishwasher includes a drawer 1 and a housing 2, wherein the drawer 1 is drawable and arranged in the housing 2, wherein a guide structure 4 may be further arranged between the drawer 1 and the housing 2 to facilitate the drawing and pulling of the drawer 1, and a drawer locking structure 3 is arranged at the rear of the drawer 1 in the housing 2, comprising a fixed block 31 for fixing on the housing and a movable block 32 rotatably connected to the fixed block 31, a notch 33 is provided on the top of the movable block 32, and a stop structure 311 is provided on the fixed block 31 at the rear of the movable block 32 for limiting the rotation angle of the movable block 32, and a pin shaft 11 matching the notch 33 is provided on the drawer 1, and when the drawer 1 is pushed into the rear of the housing 2, the pin shaft 11 is inserted into the notch 33 and drives the movable block 32 to rotate backward around the axis until the movable block 32 is stopped by the stop structure 311. During the process of drawing and pulling the drawer, the drawer 1 moves relative to the box body 2, that is, the box body 2 is stationary, so by fixing the fixed block 31 to the box body 2, the fixed block 31 is fixed during use and is supported by the box body 2. By setting the drawer locking structure in the box body and at the rear of the drawer, when the drawer is in the withdrawn state, the notch faces forward, and when the drawer is pushed into the box body, the pin on the box body is inserted into the notch of the moving block. At this time, the drawer still has a certain margin from the in-place position. As the drawer is pushed further in, the pin drives the moving block to rotate backward around the axis. On the one hand, it can play a buffering role for the drawer in a section of the stroke before the drawer is in place during the process of pushing the drawer into the box body, preventing the rear of the drawer from violently hitting the box body due to excessive thrust. On the other hand, by setting the stop structure 311, it plays a role in limiting the drawer pushing stroke, and after the drawer is in place, the pin of the drawer is inserted into the notch to prevent the drawer from shifting in the box body, thereby avoiding the occurrence of sealing failure.

[0036] Preferably in this embodiment, Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the fixed block 31 includes a bottom support plate 312 arranged horizontally and a bracket arranged on the upper surface of the bottom support plate 312, the bracket at least includes a first support plate 313 and a second support plate 314 arranged in parallel, the upper ends of the first support plate 313 and the second support plate 314 are symmetrically provided with shaft holes 315, and a rotating shaft 321 is respectively arranged on both sides of the movable block 32, the movable block 32 is inserted into the cavity between the first support plate 313 and the second support plate 314, and the rotating shaft 321 is inserted into the corresponding shaft hole 315. The axial direction of the rotating shaft 321 is perpendicular to the plane where the notch 33 is located, and by arranging a rotating shaft 321 on the two side surfaces of the movable block 32, it is ensured that the movable block is always in a balanced state during the rotation process, and the fixed block 31 provides stable support for it, and by arranging two support plates, the movable block 32 is inserted into the space between the two support plates, so that the supporting body and the supported body are in a stable supporting state, and at the same time, the rotation of the movable block around the axis is not affected, and the required rotation space can be provided for it.

[0037] The shaft hole 315 can be a closed or non-closed through hole, or a closed or non-closed blind hole. When it is a blind hole, it at least has a support portion for accommodating the end of the rotating shaft to be inserted and for supporting the rotating shaft 321. In this embodiment, the shaft hole 315 is preferably a non-closed hole, and an insertion port is opened at the top of the shaft hole 315, that is, the shaft hole 315 has a U-shaped groove structure. The rotating shaft 321 can be inserted into the clamping cavity between the two support plates from above the first support plate 313 and the second support plate 314, and the rotating shaft 321 can slide into the shaft hole 315 from the insertion port accordingly, which is very convenient to operate. Similarly, when it is necessary to remove the moving block 32 from the fixed block 31, it is only necessary to hold the moving block 32 and move it upward to remove it.

[0038] The notch 33 is preferably a U-shaped groove structure, and the bottom of the notch 33 is at a certain distance from its mouth. When the drawer is pushed into the box body, the pin 11 is first aligned with the notch 33, and then as the drawer continues to be pushed in, the pin 11 acts on the inner wall of the notch 33, generating a backward force on the movable block 32. The backward force has a component in the tangential direction of the shaft, driving the movable block 32 to rotate backward around the axis. At the same time, the pin 11 slides along the inner wall of the notch 33 to the bottom of the notch 33 until the movable block 32 rotates to the position of the stop structure 311, and is stopped by the stop structure 311 and cannot continue to rotate. At this time, the drawer 1 is completely in place in the box body 2 and cannot continue to move backward. On the contrary, when the drawer 1 is pulled out from the box body 2, the pin 11 acts on the inner wall of the notch 33, generating a forward force on the movable block 32. The forward force has a component in the tangential direction of the rotating shaft, driving the movable block 32 to rotate forward around the axis. At the same time, the pin 11 slides from the bottom of the notch 33 to the mouth of the notch 33 along the inner wall of the notch 33, and the drawer 1 is continued to be pulled out forward. The pin 11 disengages from the notch 33. At this time, the movable block 32 maintains the current state, that is, the opening of the notch 33 faces forward or tilted forward, until the drawer 1 is pushed into the box body again and the pin 11 slides into the notch 33.

[0039] In order to prevent the movable block 32 from being separated from the fixed block 31, an elastic structure is connected between the fixed block 31 and the movable block 32, and the two ends of the elastic structure are connected to the fixed block 31 and the movable block 32 one by one to prevent the movable block 32 from being separated from the fixed block 31 when subjected to external force.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment, Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the elastic structure is a spring 34, and the two ends of the spring 34 have hooks 341 and 342 respectively. A first hanging portion 322 is formed on the movable block 32, and a second hanging portion 316 is formed on the fixed block 31. The two ends of the spring 34 are hung on the first hanging portion 322 and the second hanging portion 316 respectively through the hooks 341 and 342. The spring 34 connects the movable block 32 and the fixed block 31 through the two ends respectively, which can prevent the movable block 32 from being separated from the fixed block 31. In addition, the movement trajectory of the first hanging portion 322 is to move on an arc with the rotation shaft 321 as the center and the distance between the first hanging portion 322 and the rotation shaft 321 as the radius. The connecting line between the first hanging portion 322 and the second hanging portion 316 always satisfies the acute angle between the connecting line and the stop structure 311, and the first hanging portion 322 is located above the rotation shaft 321, as shown in FIG. Figure 8a As shown, the balance position is when the rotation direction of the movable block 32 satisfies the axis of the spring passing through the rotating shaft 321. When the movable block 32 is in the balance position, the tension force F0 of the spring passes through the axis of the rotating shaft 321, so no tangential component is generated for the rotation of the rotating shaft 321. When the movable block 32 deviates from the balance position, there are two conditions, namely (1) the process of pushing the drawer into the box body and (2) the process of pulling the drawer out of the box body. For (1) the process of pushing the drawer into the box body, before reaching the balance position, as shown in FIG. Figure 8b As shown, the spring generates a pulling force F1, which causes the moving block to rotate clockwise, in the opposite direction to the direction in which the thrust causes it to rotate. The pulling force F1 prevents the drawer 1 from advancing, and thus acts as a buffer for the drawer 1, preventing the drawer 1 from violently colliding with the cabinet 2 due to excessive thrust. As the drawer 1 continues to advance backward, it exceeds the equilibrium position, as shown in FIG. Figure 8c As shown, the spring 34 generates a pulling force F2, which causes the movable block 32 to rotate counterclockwise in the same direction as the thrust, thereby assisting the drawer 1 in pushing forward, so that the drawer 1 can be quickly put in place in the last section of the stroke. After the drawer 1 is in place, the pulling force F2 always exists, which can prevent the drawer 1 from being accidentally pulled out due to vibration or other external forces inside the box 2, resulting in the loss of sealing performance. On the contrary, for (2) the process of pulling the drawer 1 out of the box 2, the pulling force must first overcome the pulling force F2, and then the drawer 1 is gradually pulled out to the equilibrium position. After exceeding the equilibrium position, the pulling force F1 causes the movable block to rotate in the same direction as the pulling force causes the movable block to rotate, thereby assisting the drawer 1 in pulling out, facilitating its removal.

[0041] It should be noted that the spring 34 in this embodiment is always in a stretched state, and relies on the spring's own resilience to tighten the movable block 32 and the fixed block 31 to prevent them from falling off. When the movable block 32 rotates to different angles, the direction and magnitude of the spring's tension are different.

[0042] In order to ensure that the spring 34 is in a stable tension state, it is necessary to ensure that the tension direction of the spring 34 is parallel to the length direction of the spring 34, that is, the first hanging portion and the second hanging portion are at least partially located on the same vertical plane. Therefore, the lower end of the movable block 32 has a middle seam 323, and the plane where the middle seam 323 is located is perpendicular to the length direction of the rotating shaft 321. The first hanging portion 322 is located in the middle seam, and the first hanging portion 322 is a convex structure formed by one side edge of the middle seam 323 partially extending toward the middle seam 323. In this way, it can be ensured that the first hanging portion 322 and the second hanging portion 316 are at least partially located on the same vertical plane, thereby ensuring that the spring 34 is in a stable tension state. At the same time, the space on the movable block 32 can be fully utilized, which is beneficial to reducing the volume of the movable block 32, reducing the space it occupies, and facilitating assembly. Fig. 9 As shown, the first hanging portion 322 is provided with process holes 324 around it to facilitate production.

[0043] The movable block 32 is inserted between the first support plate 313 and the second support plate 314 and rotates around the rotation axis. The stop structure 311 is preferably connected between the first support plate 313 and the second support plate 314. When the movable block 32 rotates around the rotation axis, it can be stopped and limited by the stop structure 311. The stop structure 311 and the first support plate 313 and the second support plate 314 are preferably an integrally formed structure for easy production and manufacturing.

[0044] like Figure 4 , Fig.12 As shown, a claw 317 with an opening facing forward is formed at the rear end of the bottom support plate 312, and the claw 317 is located above the bottom support plate 312. When the drawer locking structure is fixed to the box body 2, an L-shaped fixing plate 4 is arranged between the box body 2 and the drawer locking structure. One side edge 41 of the L-shaped fixing plate is fixed to the box body, and the drawer locking structure is fixed to the other side edge 42 of the L-shaped fixing plate. Specifically, the claw 317 is clamped to the end of the side edge 42, so that the drawer locking structure is fixed to the box body 2 through the L-shaped fixing plate 4.

[0045] The fixing ability of the claw 317 is limited. In order to prevent the drawer locking structure from being displaced relative to the box body 2 when the drawer is subjected to the force of the drawer or other external forces, it is preferred to open at least one limiting hole 318 on the bottom support plate 312. The limiting hole 318 cooperates with the fixing structure on the fixing plate 4, such as setting a fixing claw 43 on the fixing plate 4, and the fixing claw 43 is clamped into the limiting hole 318, so that the two are further fixed. A clamping groove 319 is also provided at the bottom of the bottom support plate 312. Two fixing claws are provided on the fixing plate 4, and the opening directions of the two fixing claws are arranged facing each other. One fixing claw is clamped into the limiting hole 318, and the other fixing claw is clamped into the clamping groove 319. The drawer locking structure can be limited in at least two directions. That is, if the two fixing claws are arranged front and back, the drawer locking structure can be limited in the front and back directions. If the two fixing claws are arranged left and right, the drawer locking structure can be limited in the left and right directions. In short, it can enhance the fixing stability of the drawer locking structure and the L-shaped fixing plate.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the slot 319 is a semi-closed structure with one end open, which is formed by convex ribs protruding downward from the lower surface of the bottom support plate 312. The fixing claw of the fixing plate is inserted into the slot from the opening of the slot 319. The slot can limit the position in at least three directions in the horizontal direction at the same time. In conjunction with another claw arranged oppositely, the position can be limited in four directions in the horizontal direction at the same time.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, in order to enhance the connection stability between the bracket and the bottom support plate 312 and prevent the bracket from bending due to force, a plurality of first reinforcing ribs 3141 are preferably formed between the first support plate 313 and / or the second support plate 314 and the bottom support plate 312 .

[0048] like Fig.13 As shown, the bottom support plate 312 extends downward from the connection position between the second support plate 314 and the bottom support plate 312 to form a side plate 310, and the second hanging portion 316 is located on the side plate 310. The bottom of the bracket and located between the first support plate 313 and the second support plate 314 has a spring hole 3121 for the spring 34 to pass through. The upper end of the spring 34 is connected to the first hanging portion 322 through a hook, and the other end passes through the spring hole 3121 and is connected to the second hanging portion 316.

[0049] In order to improve the stability of the spring hook and the first hanging portion 322 and the second hanging portion 316, take the hanging of the spring and the second hanging portion 316 as an example. Fig.10 , Fig.11The lower surface of the second hanging part 316 is provided with a hanging groove 3161, and the hook is inserted into the hanging groove 3161 to prevent the hook and the second hanging part 316 from falling off. Similarly, the upper surface of the first hanging part 322 can also be provided with a similar groove to also prevent the hook from falling off.

[0050] In order to enhance the stability of the connection between the side plate 310 and the bottom support plate 312 , a second reinforcing rib 3101 is further provided between the side plate 310 and the bottom support plate 312 .

[0051] Of course, the above description is not a limitation of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above examples. Changes, modifications, additions or substitutions made by ordinary technicians in this technical field within the essential scope of the present invention should also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drawer locking structure, characterized in that: The drawer comprises a fixed block for fixing on a box body and a movable block rotatably connected with the fixed block, a notch is formed on the top of the movable block, a stop structure for limiting the rotation angle of the movable block is provided on the fixed block and located behind the movable block, and a pin shaft matching with the notch is provided on the drawer, and when the drawer is pushed into the rear part of the box body, the pin shaft is inserted into the notch and drives the movable block to rotate backward around the axis until the movable block is stopped by the stop structure; an elastic structure is also connected between the fixed block and the movable block, and the elastic structure is a spring, a first hanging part is formed on the movable block, and a second hanging part is formed on the fixed block, the first hanging part is located above the rotating shaft, and two ends of the spring are respectively connected with the first hanging part and the second hanging part; The fixed block includes a horizontally arranged bottom support plate and a bracket arranged on the upper surface of the bottom support plate, the bracket includes at least a first support plate and a second support plate arranged in parallel, the upper ends of the first support plate and the second support plate are symmetrically provided with axial holes, a rotating shaft is respectively arranged on both side surfaces of the movable block, the movable block is inserted between the first support plate and the second support plate, and the rotating shaft is inserted into the corresponding axial hole, and the stop structure is connected between the first support plate and the second support plate.

2. The drawer locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the spring are provided with hooks respectively, and the two ends of the spring are respectively hung on the first hanging part and the second hanging part through the hooks.

3. The drawer locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower end of the movable block has a center seam, the plane where the center seam is located is perpendicular to the length direction of the rotating shaft, the first hanging part is located in the center seam, and the first hanging part is a protruding structure formed by partially extending one side edge of the center seam toward the center seam.

4. The drawer locking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A clamping claw with an opening facing forward is formed at the rear end of the bottom supporting plate, and the clamping claw is located above the bottom supporting plate.

5. The drawer locking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: At least one limiting hole is formed on the bottom supporting plate.

6. The drawer locking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A plurality of reinforcing ribs are formed between the first support plate and / or the second support plate and the bottom support plate.

7. The drawer locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A side plate is formed on the bottom support plate and extends downward from the connection position between the second support plate and the bottom support plate. The second hanging portion is located on the side plate. A spring hole for the spring to pass through is provided at the bottom of the bracket and between the first support plate and the second support plate.

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