Door lock for a washing machine and washing machine

Abstract

The application relates to a door lock for a cleaning machine and the cleaning machine, the door lock comprising a lock groove arranged on the upper surface of a door body and a locking piece arranged on the top of a cleaning machine body and used for being clamped with the lock groove to lock the door body, the locking piece being arranged on the top of the cleaning machine body and being able to be flipped forward and backward, and the front end of the locking piece being provided with a downwardly bent lock hook, the door lock further comprising a pushing assembly used for pressing the rear end of the locking piece forward when the lock hook is flipped downward to the clamped state with the lock groove and used for pressing the rear end of the locking piece forward to limit the position of the locking piece when the lock hook is flipped upward to the state of being separated from the lock groove. In the door closing state, the lock hook of the locking piece is flipped downward to be clamped with the lock groove, the pushing assembly always pushes the rear end of the locking piece forward to make the lock hook tightly clamped with the inner wall of the lock groove, and the door body always keeps the pressing force to the cleaning machine body, so that the sealing property between the door body and the body is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dishwasher technology, specifically to a door lock for a washing machine and the washing machine itself. Background Technology

[0002] A dishwasher typically consists of a main body and a door. The main body has a hollow washing chamber, and an opening on the front of the main body allows the washing chamber to be open. The door is located on the front of the main body and is used to open or close the opening. When the door is closed, a door lock is usually required to lock the door to the main body to ensure that the door will not open during use.

[0003] Chinese utility model patent CN214035161U, entitled "A Door Lock Structure for a Dishwasher and a Dishwasher Using the Door Lock Structure" (application number: CN202021963616.6), discloses a door lock structure for locking the door. This structure includes a dishwasher door and a latch for locking the door. The exterior of the door has a latch that engages with the latch, allowing the latch to move onto and engage with the latch to lock the door. The door has a mounting hole, and the interior has a fixing member for securing the latch. The latch has a connector that passes through the mounting hole and is inserted into the interior of the door. The connector connects to the fixing member to secure the latch to the door.

[0004] While the above structure makes it easy to lock the door to the body, after the latch engages in the recess, the latch is contained in the recess and does not exert any force on the door. It is difficult to achieve a good seal between the door and the body. In fact, the door may even naturally fold outward with its bottom pivot as support, which will adversely affect the seal between the door and the body. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a door lock for a cleaning machine that can maintain tension on the door body in the locked state, thereby improving the sealing between the door body and the main body.

[0006] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine that uses the above-mentioned door lock, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0008] A door lock for a cleaning machine includes a lock groove and a locking member. The lock groove is located on the upper surface of the door body, and the locking member is located on the top of the cleaning machine body for engaging with the lock groove to lock the door body. The locking member is rotatable on the top of the cleaning machine body, and its front end has a downwardly bent locking hook. The door lock also includes:

[0009] A pushing component, located on the rear side of the locking member, is used to press forward against the rear end of the locking member when the locking hook is flipped downwards to engage with the locking groove, thereby tightening the locking hook against the inner wall of the locking groove; and to press forward against the rear end of the locking member to limit the position of the locking member when the locking hook is flipped upwards to disengage from the locking groove.

[0010] A trigger component, located beside the locking element, is used to provide upward rotation force to the locking element during the closing process.

[0011] Preferably, the pushing assembly includes a pushing block and a first elastic member. The pushing block is movably disposed on the rear side of the locking member, and the first elastic member is connected to the pushing block and ensures that the pushing block always maintains a forward-moving tendency. With this structure, a pushing force is maintained on the locking member when the door is closed, ensuring that the lock hook always holds the door body tightly towards the main body, thereby improving the sealing between the door body and the main body.

[0012] To facilitate assembly and coordination, the front end of the push block has a front side plate arranged at the rear end of the corresponding locking member. The push block is hollow inside to form a receiving cavity. The front part of the first elastic member is located in the receiving cavity and its front end abuts against the front side plate, while its rear end is constrained on the cleaning machine body on the rear side of the push block.

[0013] In this invention, the triggering assembly includes a trigger body connected to the top of the main body of the cleaning machine that can flip back and forth. A second elastic element is connected between the trigger body and the locking member to keep their flipping states opposite. With this structure, during the closing process, the trigger body flips backward to make way for the door, while the trigger body drives the locking member to flip forward, gradually causing the latch to engage in the lock groove, thus completing the locking action.

[0014] To facilitate the linkage between the door and the trigger, the front end of the trigger is rotatably connected to the top of the main body of the cleaning machine, and the rear end of the trigger has a hook-shaped structure that can cooperate with the inner wall of the door when the door is closed, causing the trigger to flip backward.

[0015] Preferably, the cross-section of the trigger body is an upwardly arched C-shaped structure, the first end of which is rotatably constrained to the top of the cleaning machine body, and the second end of which forms the hook-shaped structure.

[0016] The invention also includes a third elastic element that keeps the trigger element flipped forward, thus causing the hook-shaped structure to extend downward and forward. With this structure, the trigger element automatically resets in the open / closed state, facilitating linkage with the door when the door is closed again.

[0017] To facilitate connection and assembly, a first connecting shaft extending laterally is provided on the first end side of the C-shaped structure, and correspondingly, a first connecting groove that rotatably engages with the first connecting shaft is provided on the top of the main body of the cleaning machine.

[0018] Preferably, the third elastic element includes a first spring ring, a first torsion arm, and a second torsion arm. The first spring ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first connecting shaft. The first end of the first torsion arm is connected to the first end of the first spring ring, and the second end of the first torsion arm abuts against the front inner wall of the main body of the cleaning machine. The first end of the second torsion arm is connected to the second end of the second spring ring, and the second end of the second torsion arm is constrained on the side wall of the trigger body.

[0019] Preferably, the locking member has a first connecting arm on the side near the trigger body, and the second elastic member includes a first spring sleeve, a first elastic arm, and a second elastic arm. The first spring sleeve is located between the locking member and the trigger body. The first end of the first elastic arm is connected to the first end of the first spring sleeve, and the second end of the first elastic arm extends backward and is constrained on the first connecting arm. The first end of the second elastic arm is connected to the second end of the second spring sleeve, and the second end of the second elastic arm extends forward and is constrained on the side wall of the trigger body.

[0020] To improve the reliability of the connection, a second connecting arm extending laterally is provided on the side wall of the top of the trigger body, and the second spring sleeve is fitted around the outer periphery of the second connecting arm. A protrusion is provided on the side wall of the trigger body, the second end of the second torsion arm abuts against the front side of the protrusion, and the second end of the second elastic arm abuts against the edge of the protrusion.

[0021] In this invention, the top of the main body of the cleaning machine is provided with a first opening for the locking hook of the locking member to extend out and a second opening for the hook-shaped structure of the trigger body to extend out. The first opening and the second opening are connected to each other or arranged side by side independently.

[0022] Preferably, the top of the main body of the cleaning machine is further provided with a first signal connection component that can be connected when the door is closed and disconnected when the door is open. This first signal connection component is connected to the trigger element and also connected to the electrical signal of the cleaning machine's controller. This structure, which connects when the door is closed and disconnects when the door is open, helps improve the stability and reliability of the cleaning process.

[0023] For ease of assembly and connection, the first signal connection assembly includes a connecting rod, a slider, a spring, a stationary signal contact, and a moving signal contact. The connecting rod is movable back and forth and is located on the top of the cleaning machine body, with its front end connected to a trigger. The slider is movable laterally and connected to the rear end of the connecting rod. The stationary signal contact is located on the first side of the slider. The spring is constrained on the slider and can move with it. The moving signal contact is located on the spring and can contact or separate from the stationary signal contact as the spring moves. A third connecting shaft is provided on the side wall of the trigger. Correspondingly, a notch is provided on the connecting rod to rotatably engage with the third connecting shaft. A downwardly extending guide block is provided at the rear end of the connecting rod. A guide groove is provided on the upper surface of the slider to engage with the guide block. The guide groove includes a first part extending back and forth and a second part bent from the rear end of the first part toward the first side of the slider. The first end of the spring is constrained beside the connecting rod and in front of the slider. A limiting opening is provided on the slider for the second end of the spring to extend into, thereby constraining its position.

[0024] The door lock of the present invention further includes a second signal connection component that is electrically connected to the controller of the cleaning machine. This second signal connection component includes a first magnetic control and a second magnetic control. The first magnetic control is disposed within the door body and arranged near the top edge of the door body. Correspondingly, the second magnetic control is disposed on the top of the main body of the cleaning machine and can sense the first magnetic control when the door is closed and de-sense against the first magnetic control when the door is open. This structure helps to further improve the stability and reliability of the cleaning process of the cleaning machine.

[0025] Preferably, the locking member has an inverted V-shaped cross-section, with the front portion of the inverted V-shape forming the locking hook. This structure improves the flexibility and stability of the locking member's flipping mechanism.

[0026] As an improvement, the rear end of the locking member has a first guide surface, and correspondingly, the front end of the pushing component has a second guide surface that can cooperate with the first guide surface. When the lock hook is flipped downwards to engage with the lock groove, the force between the first and second guide surfaces is F. When the lock hook is flipped upwards to disengage from the lock groove, the force between the first and second guide surfaces is f, and F > f. In existing dishwasher door locks, because the movement of the latch at the top of the door relative to the recess on the door is vertical, the latch can only move up and down under the pressure of the door during closing. This requires the user to exert considerable force to close and lock the door, affecting the user experience. The present invention, with the above structure, requires only a small force from the user when closing the door, while in the locked state, a greater force constrains the door's locking state, which is beneficial for improving the user experience and locking reliability.

[0027] Preferably, the first guide surface is an outwardly arched arc surface, and the second guide surface is a curved surface that gradually concaves backward from top to bottom. The first arc surface and the curved surface that gradually concave backward from top to bottom cooperate with each other, and during the rotational cooperation, it is convenient to achieve the effect of saving effort during the closing process and stabilizing the door after closing by changing the lever arm of the locking member.

[0028] Further preferably, the middle part of the locking member is rotatably connected to the top of the washing machine body, and the projection of the first arc surface falls on a circle centered on the rotation axis of the locking member. Further preferably, the second guide surface includes a first vertical force-bearing surface, a second arc surface, and a second vertical force-bearing surface connected sequentially from top to bottom, with smooth connections between the first vertical force-bearing surface and the second arc surface, and between the second arc surface and the second vertical force-bearing surface. Further preferably, the projection of the second arc surface falls on a circle centered on the rotation axis of the locking member, and the projections of the second arc surface and the first arc surface lie on circles of the same radius. Using the above structure, when the door is open, the first arc surface abuts against the second vertical force-bearing surface, and the rear part of the locking member is basically placed horizontally. At this time, when closing the door begins, the locking member only needs to overcome the friction between the first arc surface and the second vertical force-bearing surface to flip forward, which is very easy. During the closing process, the locking member continues to flip forward. When the first arc surface mates with the second arc surface, the rear part of the locking member flips forward by a small angle relative to the center of rotation. At this time, when closing the door continues, the locking member only needs to overcome the friction between the first arc surface and the second arc surface to flip forward. The small increase in force due to the change in lever arm caused by the small-angle rotation of the locking element is relatively labor-saving. When the door is fully closed, the lower edge of the first arc surface abuts against the first vertical force-bearing surface. At this time, since the locking element has rotated forward at a large angle, if the locking element were to rotate backward, it would not only need to overcome the friction between the first arc surface and the first vertical force-bearing surface, but also the large increase in force due to the change in lever arm caused by the large-angle rotation of the locking element. Therefore, the locking element is in a very stable state at this time, which can make the lock hook firmly locked in the lock groove, thereby improving the reliability of the door lock.

[0029] Preferably, the lower end of the second arcuate surface is tangentially connected to the upper end of the second vertical force-bearing surface. This structure facilitates a smoother door-closing process.

[0030] To facilitate assembly and connection, a second connecting shaft extending laterally is provided on the side wall of the locking component, and correspondingly, a shaft groove that can rotate with the second connecting shaft is provided on the top of the main body of the cleaning machine.

[0031] Preferably, the front side of the lock hook is formed into an outwardly arched mating surface that can guide and engage with the inner edge of the top of the door. The rear side of the shaft groove is connected to an inclined surface extending backward and upward from the bottom of the shaft groove. When the second connecting shaft is disengaged from the shaft groove, the first guide surface and the second guide surface cooperate to form a driving force that allows the second connecting shaft to return to the shaft groove along the inclined surface during the closing process. If, in the open state, the locking member rotates to the locked position due to human error or other reasons, the above structure is provided. During the closing process, the outer surface of the lock hook engages with the inner edge of the top of the door to push the locking member upward until the second connecting shaft disengages from the shaft groove. As the locking member falls back down to engage with the lock hook in the lock groove, the second connecting shaft of the locking member slides along the inclined surface to return to the shaft groove under the push of the pushing component, thereby ensuring the assembly reliability of the locking member.

[0032] The door lock of the present invention also includes a housing, in which the locking member, the pushing assembly, and the triggering assembly are all disposed. The locking hook of the locking member and a portion of the triggering assembly are exposed below the housing. This structure facilitates the modular manufacturing of the door lock, simplifying production and assembly.

[0033] A cleaning machine includes a main body and a door. The main body has a washing chamber and an opening on the side that communicates with the washing chamber. The lower edge of the door is rotatably connected to the lower edge of the opening of the main body. The machine also includes the aforementioned door lock, which is located on the top of the machine and is used to lock or unlock the top of the main body and the top of the door.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: The present invention is provided with a locking member that cooperates with the locking groove at the top of the door. In the closed state, the locking hook of the locking member flips down to cooperate with the locking groove and engages. The pushing component always pushes the rear end of the locking member forward so that the locking hook is tightly engaged with the inner wall of the locking groove, so that the door always maintains a pressing force towards the washing machine body, thereby improving the sealing between the door and the body. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (door open).

[0036] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view (with the door closed) of the cleaning machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the hidden door of the cleaning machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (closed state);

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the door lock structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5A schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the door lock in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the upper housing of the hidden part of the door lock in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the door lock in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the door lock at the trigger element in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the door lock in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, between the locking element and the trigger.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the locking component in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 11 This is a side view of the locking component in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the push block structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the pushing block in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the trigger body in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the trigger body from another angle in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure between the locking element and the pushing block in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (open door state);

[0051] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure between the locking element and the pushing block in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (during the door closing process);

[0052] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure between the locking element and the pushing block in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (closed state). Detailed Implementation

[0053] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0054] Example 1:

[0055] The door lock for the cleaning machine in this embodiment can be used on a dishwasher or other containers with the same door locking requirements as in this embodiment. This embodiment uses a cleaning machine as an example for explanation.

[0056] like Figures 1-18 As shown, the cleaning machine in this embodiment includes a cleaning machine body 1 and a door 2. The cleaning machine body 1 has a washing chamber 11 and an opening 12 on the side that communicates with the washing chamber 11. The lower edge of the door 2 is rotatably connected to the lower edge of the opening 12 of the cleaning machine body 1. A door lock 3 is provided on the top of the cleaning machine for locking or unlocking the top of the cleaning machine body 1 and the top of the door 2.

[0057] In this embodiment, the door lock 3 includes a lock groove 31, a locking member 32, a pushing component 33, a triggering component 34, and a housing 37. The locking member 32, the pushing component 33, and the triggering component 34 are all disposed in the housing 37, and the locking hook 321 of the locking member 32 and a portion of the triggering component 34 are exposed below the housing 37.

[0058] A locking groove 31 is located on the upper surface of the door body 2. A locking member 32 is located on the top of the main body 1 of the cleaning machine and is used to engage with the locking groove 31 to lock the door body 2. The locking member 32 is rotatably located in the top housing 37 of the main body 1 of the cleaning machine. The front end of the locking member 32 is provided with a downwardly bent locking hook 321. A pushing component 33 is located on the rear side of the locking member 32 and is used to press the rear end of the locking member 32 forward when the locking hook 321 is rotated downward to engage with the locking groove 31, so that the locking hook 321 is tightly engaged with the inner wall of the locking groove 31. When the locking hook 321 is rotated upward to disengage from the locking groove 31, it presses the rear end of the locking member 32 forward to limit the position of the locking member 32. A triggering component 34 is located on the side of the locking member 32 and is used to provide the upward rotation force for the locking member 32 during the closing process.

[0059] The aforementioned locking member 32 has an inverted V-shaped cross-section, with the front portion of the inverted V-shaped structure forming a locking hook 321. The outer surface of the front portion of the locking hook 321 forms an outwardly protruding mating surface 3210 with a small arc. This mating surface 3210 can better fit with the inner top edge of the door body 2, which is beneficial to improving the flipping flexibility and stability of the locking member.

[0060] Specifically, the aforementioned pushing assembly 33 includes a pushing block 331 and a first elastic member 332. The pushing block 331 is movably disposed on the rear side of the locking member 32, and the first elastic member 332 is connected to the pushing block 331, ensuring that the pushing block 331 always maintains a forward-moving tendency. This structure maintains a pushing force on the locking member 32 when the door is closed, ensuring that the locking hook 321 always holds the door 2 tightly towards the main body, thereby improving the sealing between the door and the main body. For ease of assembly and fitting, the front end of the pushing block 331 has a front side plate 3311 corresponding to the rear end of the locking member 32. The interior of the pushing block 331 is hollow, forming a receiving cavity 3312. The front part of the first elastic member 332 is disposed in this receiving cavity 3312, with its front end abutting against the front side plate 3311 and its rear end constrained within the housing 37 on the rear side of the pushing block 331.

[0061] In this embodiment, the trigger assembly 34 includes a trigger body 341 connected to the top of the main body 1 of the cleaning machine and capable of flipping back and forth. A second elastic member 342 is connected between the trigger body 341 and the locking member 32, which keeps their flipping states opposite. With this structure, during the closing process, the trigger body 341 flips backward to make way for the door 2. At the same time, the trigger body 341 drives the locking member 32 to flip forward, gradually causing the latch 321 to engage in the lock groove 31, thus completing the locking action.

[0062] To facilitate the linkage between the door body 2 and the trigger body 341, the front end of the trigger body 341 is rotatably connected to the top of the main body 1 of the cleaning machine, and the rear end of the trigger body 341 has a hook-shaped structure 3411 that can engage with the inner wall of the door body 2 when the door is closed, causing the trigger body 341 to flip backward. The cross-section of the trigger body 341 is an upwardly arched C-shaped structure. The first end of the C-shaped structure is rotatably constrained to the top of the main body 1 of the cleaning machine, and the second end of the C-shaped structure forms the hook-shaped structure 3411.

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment also includes a third elastic member 343 that enables the trigger 341 to remain flipped forward, thus causing the hook structure 3411 to extend downward and forward. With this structure, the trigger 341 automatically resets in the open / closed state, facilitating linkage with the door 2 when the door is closed again. Figure 9 As shown, a first connecting shaft 3412 extending laterally is provided on the first end side of the C-shaped structure. Correspondingly, a first connecting groove 371 that rotatably engages with the first connecting shaft 3412 is provided in the housing 37 at the top of the main body 1 of the cleaning machine.

[0064] The aforementioned third elastic element 343 includes a first spring ring, a first torsion arm, and a second torsion arm. The first spring ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first connecting shaft. The first end of the first torsion arm is connected to the first end of the first spring ring, and the second end of the first torsion arm abuts against the front inner wall of the upper housing 37 of the washing machine body 1. The first end of the second torsion arm is connected to the second end of the second spring ring, and the second end of the second torsion arm is constrained on the side wall of the trigger body 341.

[0065] like Figure 6 , 7 As shown, the locking member 32 has a first connecting arm 324 on the side near the trigger body 341. The second elastic member 342 includes a first spring sleeve, a first elastic arm, and a second elastic arm. The first spring sleeve is located between the locking member 32 and the trigger body 341. The first end of the first elastic arm is connected to the first end of the first spring sleeve, and the second end of the first elastic arm extends backward and is constrained on the first connecting arm 324. The first end of the second elastic arm is connected to the second end of the second spring sleeve, and the second end of the second elastic arm extends forward and is constrained on the side wall of the trigger body 341.

[0066] like Figure 14 , 15 As shown, a second connecting arm 3413 extending laterally is provided on the side wall of the top of the trigger body 341, and a second spring sleeve is fitted around the outer periphery of the second connecting arm 3413. A protrusion 3414 is provided on the side wall of the trigger body 341, the second end of the second torsion arm abuts against the front side of the protrusion 3414, and the second end of the second elastic arm abuts against the edge of the protrusion 3414.

[0067] In this embodiment, the top of the main body 1 of the cleaning machine and the bottom wall of the housing 37 are respectively provided with a first opening 101 for the locking hook 321 of the locking member 32 to extend out and a second opening 102 for the hook-shaped structure 3411 of the trigger body 341 to extend out. The first opening 101 and the second opening 102 are connected to each other or arranged side by side independently.

[0068] The top of the main body 1 of the cleaning machine is also equipped with a first signal connection component 35 that can be connected when the door is closed and disconnected when the door is open. The first signal connection component 35 is connected to the trigger 341 and is also connected to the electrical signal of the controller of the cleaning machine. This structure, which connects when the door is closed and disconnects when the door is open, helps to improve the stability and reliability of the cleaning process of the cleaning machine.

[0069] like Figure 6 , 7As shown, the first signal connection assembly 35 includes a connecting rod 351, a slider 352, a spring 353, a stationary signal contact 354, and a moving signal contact 355. The connecting rod 351 is movable back and forth and is located on the top of the main body 1 of the cleaning machine, with its front end connected to the trigger member 341. The slider 352 is movable laterally and connected to the rear end of the connecting rod 351. The stationary signal contact 354 is located on the first side of the slider 352. The spring 353 is constrained on the slider 352 and can move with the slider 352. The moving signal contact 355 is located on the spring 353 and can contact or separate from the stationary signal contact 354 as the spring 353 moves. A third connecting shaft 3415 is provided on the side wall of the trigger member 341. Correspondingly, a notch 3511 is provided on the connecting rod 351 to rotatably engage with the third connecting shaft 3415. The rear end of the connecting rod 351 is provided with a downwardly extending guide block 3512. The upper surface of the slider 352 has a guide groove 3521 that can cooperate with the guide block 3512. The guide groove 3521 includes a first part that extends back and forth and a second part that bends from the rear end of the first part toward the first side of the slider. The first end of the spring piece 353 is constrained to the side of the connecting rod 351 and the front side of the slider 352. The slider 352 has a limiting opening 3522 for the second end of the spring piece 353 to extend into it so as to constrain its position.

[0070] This embodiment also includes a second signal connection component that is electrically connected to the controller of the cleaning machine. This second signal connection component includes a first magnetic control (not shown in the figure) and a second magnetic control 36. The first magnetic control is located in the door body 2 and is positioned near the top edge of the door body 2. Correspondingly, the second magnetic control 36 is located on the top of the main body 1 of the cleaning machine and can sense the first magnetic control when the door is closed and de-sense against the first magnetic control when the door is open. This structure helps to further improve the stability and reliability of the cleaning process of the cleaning machine.

[0071] In this embodiment, the rear end of the locking member 32 has a first guide surface 322, and correspondingly, the front end of the pushing component 33 has a second guide surface 333 that can cooperate with the first guide surface 322. When the locking hook 321 is flipped downwards to engage with the locking groove 31, the force between the first guide surface 322 and the second guide surface 333 is F. When the locking hook 321 is flipped upwards to disengage from the locking groove 31, the force between the first guide surface 322 and the second guide surface 333 is f, and F > f. In existing dishwasher door locks, because the movement of the latch at the top of the door 2 relative to the recess on the door is vertical, that is, during the closing process, the latch can only move up and down under the pressure of the door, which requires the consumer to exert a large force to close and lock the door, affecting the user experience. This embodiment adopts the above structure, which requires only a small force from the consumer when closing the door, while in the locked state of the door 2, a large force is used to constrain the locked state of the door 2, which is beneficial to improving the user experience and the reliability of the lock.

[0072] The first guide surface 322 is an outwardly arched arc surface, and the second guide surface 333 is a curved surface that gradually concaves backward from top to bottom. The first arc surface 322 and the curved surface that gradually concave backward from top to bottom cooperate with each other. During the rotational cooperation, the locking member 32 can be adjusted to achieve the effect of saving effort during the closing process and ensuring stability after the door is closed.

[0073] Specifically, the middle part of the locking member 32 is rotatably connected to the top housing 37 of the main body 1 of the washing machine, and the projection of the first arc surface falls on a circle centered on the rotation axis of the locking member 32. The second guide surface 333 includes a first vertical force-bearing surface 3331, a second arc surface 3332, and a second vertical force-bearing surface 3333 connected sequentially from top to bottom. The first vertical force-bearing surface 3331 and the second arc surface 3332, as well as the second arc surface 3332 and the second vertical force-bearing surface 3333, are smoothly connected. The projection of the second arc surface 3332 falls on a circle centered on the rotation axis of the locking member 32, and the projection of the second arc surface 3332 and the projection of the first arc surface are located on a circle of the same radius. The lower end of the second arc surface 3332 is tangentially connected to the upper end of the second vertical force-bearing surface 3333, which facilitates a smoother closing process.

[0074] like Figure 16 As shown, when the door is open, the first arc surface abuts against the second vertical force-bearing surface 3333, and the rear of the locking member 32 is basically placed horizontally. At this time, when closing the door begins, the locking member 32 flips forward easily by simply overcoming the friction between the first arc surface and the second vertical force-bearing surface 3333. Figure 17 As shown, during the closing process, the locking element 32 continues to rotate forward. When the first arc surface engages with the second arc surface 3332, the rear part of the locking element 32 rotates forward at a very small angle relative to the center of rotation. At this point, continuing to close the door requires the locking element 32 to overcome the friction between the first and second arc surfaces 3332 and the small component force increased due to the change in lever arm caused by the small angle rotation of the locking element 32, which is relatively effortless. Figure 18 As shown, when the door 2 is fully closed, the lower edge of the first arc surface abuts against the first vertical force-bearing surface 3331. At this time, since the locking member 32 has been flipped forward at a large angle, if the locking member 32 is flipped backward, it not only needs to overcome the friction between the first arc surface and the first vertical force-bearing surface 3331, but also needs to overcome the large component force increased due to the change of lever arm caused by the large angle of the locking member 32. Therefore, the locking member 32 is in a very stable state at this time, which can make the lock hook 321 firmly locked in the lock groove 31, thereby improving the reliability of the door lock.

[0075] In this embodiment, as Figure 9As shown, a second connecting shaft 323 extending laterally is provided on the side wall of the locking member 32, and correspondingly, a shaft groove 372 that can rotate with the second connecting shaft 323 is provided in the housing 37 at the top of the main body 1 of the cleaning machine.

[0076] The front side of the locking hook 321 is formed into an outwardly arched mating surface 3210 that can guide and engage with the inner edge of the top of the door body 2. The rear side of the shaft groove 372 is connected to an inclined surface 373 extending backward and upward from the bottom of the shaft groove 372. When the second connecting shaft 323 is disengaged from the shaft groove 372 upward, the first guide surface 322 and the second guide surface 333 cooperate with each other during the closing process to form a driving force that enables the second connecting shaft 323 to return to the shaft groove 372 along the inclined surface 373. If, while the door is open, the locking element 32 rotates to the locked position due to human error or other reasons, the above structure is designed so that, during the closing process, the outer surface of the locking hook 321 engages with the inner edge of the top of the door body 2 to push the locking element 32 upwards until the second connecting shaft 323 disengages from the shaft groove 372. As the locking element 32 falls back down until the locking hook 321 engages with the locking groove 31, the second connecting shaft 323 of the locking element 32 will slide along the inclined surface 373 back into the shaft groove 372 to reset under the push of the pushing component 2, thereby ensuring the assembly reliability of the locking element 32.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the door is closed, the locking hook 321 of the locking member 32 flips downward to engage with the lock groove 31. The pushing component 2 continuously pushes the rear end of the locking member 32 forward, causing the locking hook 321 to hook tightly against the inner wall of the lock groove 31. This ensures that the door body 2 maintains a pressing force against the washing machine body 1, thereby improving the sealing between the door body 2 and the body. During the closing process, the cooperation between the first guide surface 322 and the second guide surface 333 achieves the effect of saving effort during the closing process and ensuring reliable locking after closing.

[0078] Example 2:

[0079] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the triggering component in embodiment 1 achieves flipping through direct linkage with the door, while the triggering component in this embodiment may have indirect linkage with the door, or there may be no linkage between the triggering component and the door. Instead, an independent drive source is set to drive the triggering component to flip, such as a motor connected to the rotating shaft of the triggering component, to achieve the flipping of the triggering component.

[0080] The specification and claims of this invention use terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the invention. However, these terms are used herein merely for ease of explanation and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. A door lock for a cleaning machine, comprising a lock groove (31) and a locking member (32), wherein the lock groove (31) is disposed on the upper surface of a door body (2), and the locking member (32) is disposed on the top of the cleaning machine body (1) for engaging with the lock groove (31) to lock the door body (2), characterized in that: The locking element (32) is rotatably mounted on the top of the main body (1) of the cleaning machine. The front end of the locking element (32) has a downwardly bent locking hook (321). The door lock also includes... A pushing component (33), located on the rear side of the locking member (32), is used to press forward against the rear end of the locking member (32) when the locking hook (321) is flipped downward to engage with the locking groove (31), thereby tightening the locking hook (321) against the inner wall of the locking groove (31); and to press forward against the rear end of the locking member (32) when the locking hook (321) is flipped upward to disengage from the locking groove (31), thereby limiting the position of the locking member (32); and A trigger component (34) is located on the side of the locking member (32) and is used to provide the locking member (32) with the power to flip upward during the closing process; The trigger assembly (34) includes a trigger body (341) that can be flipped back and forth and connected to the top of the main body (1) of the cleaning machine. A second elastic member (342) is connected between the trigger body (341) and the locking member (32) to keep their flipping states opposite. The front end of the trigger body (341) is rotatably connected to the top of the main body (1) of the cleaning machine. The rear end of the trigger body (341) has a hook-shaped structure (3411) that can cooperate with the inner wall of the door (2) in the closed state to flip the trigger body (341) backward. The locking member (341) 2) A first connecting arm is provided on the side near the trigger body (341). The second elastic element (342) includes a first spring sleeve, a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm. The first spring sleeve is located between the locking element (32) and the trigger body (341). The first end of the first elastic arm is connected to the first end of the first spring sleeve, and the second end of the first elastic arm extends backward and is constrained on the first connecting arm. The first end of the second elastic arm is connected to the second end of the second spring sleeve, and the second end of the second elastic arm extends forward and is constrained on the side wall of the trigger body (341).

2. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pushing component (33) includes a pushing block (331) and a first elastic member (332). The pushing block (331) is movably disposed on the rear side of the locking member (32). The first elastic member (332) is connected to the pushing block (331) and makes the pushing block (331) always maintain a forward moving tendency.

3. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The front end of the push block (331) has a front side plate (3311) arranged at the rear end of the corresponding locking member (32). The push block (331) is hollow inside to form a receiving cavity (3312). The front part of the first elastic member (332) is located in the receiving cavity (3312) and its front end abuts against the front side plate (3311), while its rear end is constrained on the cleaning machine body (1) on the rear side of the push block (331).

4. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: The trigger body (341) has an upwardly arched C-shaped cross-section. The first end of the C-shaped structure is rotatably constrained on the top of the main body (1) of the cleaning machine, and the second end of the C-shaped structure constitutes the hook-shaped structure (3411).

5. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a third elastic element (343) that enables the trigger body (341) to always remain flipped forward, thereby causing the hook structure (3411) to exhibit a downward and forward extension trend.

6. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first end of the C-shaped structure is provided with a first connecting shaft (3412) extending laterally, and correspondingly, the top of the cleaning machine body (1) is provided with a first connecting groove (371) that rotates with the first connecting shaft (3412).

7. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The third elastic element (343) includes a first spring ring, a first torsion arm and a second torsion arm. The first spring ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first connecting shaft (3412). The first end of the first torsion arm is connected to the first end of the first spring ring, and the second end of the first torsion arm abuts against the front inner wall of the washing machine body (1). The first end of the second torsion arm is connected to the second end of the second spring ring, and the second end of the second torsion arm is constrained on the side wall of the trigger body (341).

8. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: A second connecting arm (3413) extending laterally is provided on the side wall at the top of the trigger body (341), and the second spring sleeve is fitted around the outer periphery of the second connecting arm (3413).

9. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: The top of the main body (1) of the cleaning machine has a first opening (101) for the locking hook (321) of the locking member (32) to extend out and a second opening (102) for the hook structure (3411) of the trigger body (341) to extend out. The first opening (101) and the second opening (102) are connected to each other or arranged side by side independently.

10. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: The top of the main body (1) of the cleaning machine is also provided with a first signal connection component (35) that can be connected when the door is closed and disconnected when the door is open. The first signal connection component (35) is connected to the trigger body (341) and is also connected to the controller of the cleaning machine via electrical signal.

11. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first signal connection component (35) includes a connecting rod (351), a slider (352), a spring (353), a stationary signal contact (354), and a moving signal contact (355). The connecting rod (351) is movable back and forth and is located on the top of the main body (1) of the cleaning machine, with its front end connected to the trigger body (341). The slider (352) is movable laterally and is connected to the rear end of the connecting rod (351). The stationary signal contact (354) is located on the first side of the slider (352). The spring (353) is constrained on the slider (352) and can move with the slider (352). The moving signal contact (355) is located on the spring (353) and can contact or separate from the stationary signal contact (354) as the spring (353) moves.

12. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The trigger body (341) has a third connecting shaft (3415) on its side wall, and correspondingly, the connecting rod (351) has a notch (3511) that can rotate with the third connecting shaft (3415).

13. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The rear end of the connecting rod (351) is provided with a downwardly extending guide block (3512), and the upper surface of the slider (352) is provided with a guide groove (3521) that can cooperate with the guide block (3512). The guide groove (3521) includes a first part that extends back and forth and a second part that bends from the rear end of the first part toward the first side of the slider (352).

14. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first end of the spring piece (353) is constrained to the side of the connecting rod (351) and the front side of the slider (352). The slider (352) has a limiting port (3522) for the second end of the spring piece (353) to extend into it so as to constrain its position.

15. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: It also includes a second signal connection component that is electrically connected to the controller of the cleaning machine. The second signal connection component includes a first magnetic control and a second magnetic control (36). The first magnetic control is located in the door body (2) and is arranged near the top edge of the door body (2). Correspondingly, the second magnetic control is located on the top of the main body (1) of the cleaning machine and can sense the first magnetic control when the door is closed and cancel the sense with the first magnetic control when the door is open.

16. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: The locking member (32) has an inverted V-shaped cross-section, and the front part of the inverted V-shaped structure forms the locking hook (321).

17. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: The rear end of the locking member (32) is formed with a first guide surface (322), and correspondingly, the front end of the pushing component (33) is formed with a second guide surface (333) that can cooperate with the first guide surface (322). When the locking hook (321) is flipped downward to engage with the locking groove (31), the force between the first guide surface (322) and the second guide surface (333) is F. When the locking hook (321) is flipped upward to disengage from the locking groove (31), the force between the first guide surface (322) and the second guide surface (333) is f, and F > f.

18. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 17, characterized in that: The first guide surface (322) is an outwardly arched first arc surface, and the second guide surface (333) is a curved surface that gradually concaves backward from top to bottom.

19. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 18, characterized in that: The middle part of the locking member (32) is rotatably connected to the top of the cleaning machine body (1), and the projection of the first arc surface falls on a circle centered on the rotation axis of the locking member (32).

20. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 19, characterized in that: The second guide surface (333) includes a first vertical force-bearing surface (3331), a second arc surface (3332), and a second vertical force-bearing surface (3333) connected sequentially from top to bottom. The first vertical force-bearing surface (3331) and the second arc surface (3332), as well as the second arc surface (3332) and the second vertical force-bearing surface (3333) are smoothly connected.

21. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 20, characterized in that: The projection of the second arc surface (3332) falls on a circle centered on the rotation axis of the locking member (32), and the projection of the second arc surface (3332) and the projection of the first arc surface are located on a circle of the same radius.

22. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 20, characterized in that: The lower end of the second arc surface (3332) is tangentially connected to the upper end of the second vertical force-bearing surface (3333).

23. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 18, characterized in that: The locking member (32) has a second connecting shaft (323) extending laterally on its side wall. Correspondingly, the top of the cleaning machine body (1) has a shaft groove (372) that can rotate with the second connecting shaft (323).

24. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 23, characterized in that: The front side of the lock hook (321) is formed into a mating surface (3210) that arches outward and can guide and cooperate with the inner edge of the top of the door body (2). The rear side of the shaft groove (372) is connected to an inclined surface (373) extending backward and upward from the bottom of the shaft groove (372). When the second connecting shaft (323) is disengaged from the shaft groove (372) upward, the first guide surface (322) and the second guide surface (333) cooperate with each other during the closing process to form a driving force that enables the second connecting shaft (323) to return to the shaft groove (372) along the inclined surface (373).

25. The door lock for a cleaning machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: It also includes a housing (37), in which the locking member (32), the pushing component (33) and the triggering component (34) are all disposed, and the locking hook (321) of the locking member (32) and the triggering component (34) are partially exposed below the housing (37).

26. A cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning machine body (1) and a door (2), wherein the cleaning machine body (1) has a washing chamber (11) and an opening (12) communicating with the washing chamber (11) on its side, and the lower edge of the door (2) is rotatably connected to the lower edge of the opening (12) of the cleaning machine body (1), characterized in that: It also includes a door lock as described in any one of claims 1 to 25, the door lock being located on the top of the cleaning machine for locking or unlocking the top of the cleaning machine body (1) and the top of the door (2).

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