Door lock device for household electrical appliance

Abstract

A door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a body cover part having a space formed therein; the door lock device of the present invention includes a lock cylinder, a lock cylinder shaft, a rack sliding portion, a pinion gear, a damper, a side panel, a release cam, an elastic reset member, a rotating body, and a bridge, the side panel includes a first moving rail for guiding the up-down and left-right movement of the lock cylinder shaft, and a second moving rail for guiding the lock cylinder shaft to move up and down and left and right of the rack sliding portion, the pinion gear, the damper, the side panel, the release cam, the elastic reset member, the rotating body, and the bridge. Second moving rails are arranged on one side face and the other side face of the release cam and used for guiding the lock cylinder shaft to move left and right.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to door lock devices for household appliances, and more specifically, to door lock devices installed in washing machines, dryers, etc. Background Technology

[0002] In daily life, there are many kinds of home appliances. In particular, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and other appliances that are used to put their contents into the door locks are equipped with door locks that can prevent the contents from being separated from the outside. Locking devices used to open and close door locks are an essential component of home appliances.

[0003] To date, various technologies related to door lock devices have been developed. Representative inventions include Korean Patent No. 10-1667916 (push-type door lock device) and Korean Patent No. 10-1915250 (manual door lock device).

[0004] The push-type door lock device discloses a door lock device that can automatically open the door without the user having to open it when the home appliance is not working.

[0005] The push-type door lock device includes: a fixed release button, located inside the body, which releases the binding force of the fixed component by sliding to release the lock cylinder; and a drive unit, which selectively controls the door to remain open, lock, and automatically open by rotating a rotating shaft with a cam protrusion on one side.

[0006] Unlike existing methods based on solenoid electromagnetic actuation, the manual door lock device discloses a door lock device with a simple structure and manual operation capability.

[0007] As an automatic door lock device, Korean Patent No. 10-2356893 (January 25, 2022) "Automatic Door Lock Opening Device for Automatic Household Products (hereinafter referred to as "893 Patent")" discloses an automatic door lock opening device with a structure that can automatically unlock the door to open the door when the washing machine or dryer stops working.

[0008] However, there is still controversy regarding whether the door lock should be opened manually or automatically after the device stops working. Therefore, it has been difficult to find a silent door lock device that can achieve automatic locking.

[0009] Door lock devices attached to washing machines or dishwashers typically have two states: fully locked and fully closed. In particular, the door closed state is characterized by a rotating cam engaged in the lock hook, and the automatic door lock device described above opens the door by automatically rotating the cam.

[0010] In this situation, the impact exerted on the door lock mechanism by the user closing the door forcefully could cause a malfunction. Furthermore, if a washing machine or dishwasher starts operating while the door is not fully locked, it could potentially leak water or malfunction.

[0011] Therefore, as an essential function of door lock devices, current devices need to have the ability to automatically close and lock the door. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues The purpose of this invention is to provide a door lock device that can be gently closed.

[0013] Technical solution The door lock device of this invention includes: a body cover having a space inside; and a motor disposed inside the body cover for providing driving force. The door lock device includes: a lock cylinder, which engages with or separates from a lock hook that enters from the outside by rotation; a lock cylinder shaft, one end of which is connected to the lock cylinder and formed at the rotation center of the lock cylinder; a rack and pinion sliding portion that provides rotational force of the motor 20 to a rotating body; a pinion gear that transmits the rotational force of the motor 20 to the rack and pinion sliding portion; a damper connected to one end of the lock cylinder shaft; a side panel connected to both ends of the lock cylinder shaft; and a release cam that houses the lock cylinder inside, with one end of the lock cylinder shaft passing through one side of the release cam to connect to the damper. The other end of the lock cylinder shaft passes through the other side of the release cam to connect with the side panel, and performs an arc motion around the rotation axis combined with the main body; an elastic reset component is housed inside the release cam to provide an upward elastic force; a rotating body moves in the opposite direction to the elastic force acting on the release cam through the elastic reset component; and a bridge connects the rack sliding part to the rotating body, and the rotating body is rotated by the movement of the rack sliding part. The side panel includes a first moving track for guiding the lock cylinder shaft to move up, down, left, and right, and a second moving track is included on one side and the other side of the release cam for guiding the lock cylinder shaft to move left and right.

[0014] The rack sliding portion includes: a track groove, forming a space for the bridge to rotate within a predetermined area at one end of the rack sliding portion; and a rack gear, formed within a predetermined area at the other end of the rack sliding portion, meshing with the pinion.

[0015] Furthermore, the door lock device in this embodiment of the invention also includes a sliding spring, one end of which is combined with the body cover and the other end of which is connected to the rack sliding part, so that the rack sliding part moves linearly along the lock cylinder direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the door lock device in this embodiment of the invention also includes a lock cylinder locking sliding part, which is inserted into the lower part of the rotating body to prevent the rotating body from rotating.

[0017] The pinion includes a first pinion and a second pinion that share a common rotation center and are coupled to each other along the length direction. The second pinion has gear teeth only in a specified area on its outer circumference.

[0018] The damper includes: a damper cover, which is directly connected to the lock core shaft; and a damper body, which is connected to the damper cover and is used to generate a load.

[0019] The effects of the invention The door lock device of this invention can achieve gentle closing of a door that closes naturally.

[0020] Furthermore, compared to existing door lock devices, it can achieve a compact size, thus helping to ensure space.

[0021] Furthermore, it not only reduces the impact on the door, but also lowers the risk of the door lock actually malfunctioning. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a front view of the door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the damper according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a top view of the door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the disclosure of this specification, the specific structural or functional descriptions related to the embodiments based on the concept of the present invention are only used to illustrate the embodiments of the concept of the present invention. The embodiments of the concept of the present invention can be implemented through various methods and are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification.

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways and can have multiple implementations. Therefore, the embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and this specification. However, this does not mean that the embodiments of the present invention are limited to the specific disclosed implementation, including all modifications, equivalent technical solutions, or alternative technical solutions within the scope of the inventive concept and technology.

[0030] Terms such as "first" or "second" can be used to describe various structural elements. The structural elements are not limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one structural element from others; for example, without departing from the scope of the invention claims, a first structural element may be named a second structural element, and similarly, a second structural element may be named a first structural element.

[0031] When indicating that a structural element is "connected" or "linked" to another structural element, it not only means that it is directly connected or linked to the other structural element, but can also be understood as implying the presence of other structural elements in between. Conversely, when indicating that a structural element is "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another structural element, it can be understood as implying that no other structural elements are in between. Other expressions used to describe the relationship between structural elements, such as "located between," "directly located between," "adjacent to," or "directly adjacent to," should also be interpreted in the same way.

[0032] In this specification, the terminology used is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are used to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, structural elements, components, or combinations thereof described herein, and should not be construed as pre-excluding the presence or additional possibilities of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, structural elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries have the same meaning as in the relevant technical context and should not be construed as idealized or overly formal unless explicitly defined herein.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to or restricted to the described embodiments. In the various drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same parts.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a front view of the door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the door lock device 1 of this embodiment includes: a body cover 10 with an internal space; and a motor 20 disposed inside the body cover 10 for providing driving force. The door lock device 1 includes: a lock cylinder 100, which is engaged with or separated from a lock hook 30 that enters from the outside by rotation; a lock cylinder shaft 110, one end of which is connected to the lock cylinder 100 and formed at the rotation center of the lock cylinder 100; a rack and pinion sliding part 200, which provides the rotational force of the motor 20 to a rotating body 430; a pinion 300, which transmits the rotational force of the motor 20 to the rack and pinion sliding part 200; a damper 400, which is connected to one end of the lock cylinder shaft 110; a side panel 130, which is engaged with the body cover 10 and connected to both ends of the lock cylinder shaft 110; and a release cam 150, which internally houses the lock cylinder 100, with one end of the lock cylinder shaft 110 passing through one side of the release cam 150 to engage with the damper. The lock cylinder 110 is connected to the device 400. The other end of the lock cylinder 110 passes through the other side of the release cam 150 to connect with the side panel 130. It moves in an arc around the rotating shaft 151 that is combined with the body cover 10. The elastic reset member 153 is housed inside the release cam 150 and is used to provide an upward elastic force. The rotating body 430 moves in the opposite direction to the elastic force acting on the release cam 150 by the elastic reset member 153. The bridging member 450 connects the rack sliding part 200 to the rotating body 430. The rotating body 430 is rotated by the movement of the rack sliding part 200. The side panel 130 includes a first moving track 138 for guiding the lock cylinder 110 to move up, down, left, and right. The release cam 150 includes a second moving track 158 on one side and the other side for guiding the lock cylinder 110 to move left and right.

[0038] Typically, the lock hook 30 is attached to the door of a household appliance, and the lock cylinder 100 is configured to rotate by a predetermined angle relative to the position where the lock hook 30 is fastened. Preferably, the lock cylinder 100, as the part that fastens the lock hook 30 and directly bears the load, is made of a metal alloy or plastic material that ensures rigidity as much as possible. The lock cylinder 100 can have various forms, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it can be a polygonal ring with one side open.

[0039] The lock cylinder 100 is designed to rotate at a predetermined angle. If the fastening part of the lock hook 20 enters the lock cylinder 100, the lock cylinder 100 will rotate to prevent the lock hook 20 from separating in the same direction. As the lock cylinder 100 rotates again in the opposite direction to the angle at which the lock hook 20 entered, the lock hook 20 can be disengaged.

[0040] The lock cylinder shaft 110 is combined with the lock cylinder 100. The lock cylinder shaft 110 can be integrally formed with the lock cylinder 100, or it can be securely assembled with the lock cylinder 100. In particular, the lock cylinder shaft 110 can simultaneously perform the function of rotating the lock cylinder 100.

[0041] Preferably, the lock cylinder shaft 110 and the lock cylinder 100 are made of the same material, but are not limited thereto, and are made of a strong and non-bending material. The lock cylinder shaft 110 is in the shape of a long tube and can support the lock cylinder 100 around it.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the rack sliding part 200 transmits the rotational force of the motor 20 to the rotating body 430 described below. The rack sliding part 200 can be located at the edge of the body cover 10 and is inserted into the body cover 10 in the shape of a long rod, and can perform linear movement.

[0043] The rack sliding part 200 is connected to a sliding spring 220 fixed at one end to the main body cover part 10, and bears tension along the length direction. As the motor 20 rotates, this tension can be canceled out by the rotation of the gear.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the rack sliding portion 200 includes: a track groove 240, which is formed to allow the bridge 450 to rotate within a predetermined area at one end of the rack sliding portion 200; and a rack gear 270, which is formed within a predetermined area at the other end of the rack sliding portion 200 and meshes with the pinion 300.

[0045] The pinion 300 transmits the rotational force of the motor 20 to the rack sliding part 200. The pinion 300 includes a first pinion 310 and a second pinion (not shown) that share a common rotation center and are coupled to each other along the length direction. The second pinion has gear teeth only in a defined area on its outer peripheral surface.

[0046] The rack gear 270 of the rack sliding part 200 is combined with the second pinion, and the first pinion 310 is directly or indirectly connected to the electrode 20.

[0047] The first pinion 310 rotates with the rotation of the motor 20, and at the same time, the second pinion can also rotate. However, as the second pinion rotates due to the meshing of the rack and pinion 270 with the gear teeth, within a specified range where there are no gear teeth, the rack and pinion 270 is not limited by the rotational force of the motor 20 and can freely move the rack sliding part 200 toward the lock cylinder 100 side.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the damper according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the damper 400 is connected to one end of the lock cylinder 110. More specifically, the damper 400 is divided into a damper cover 410 and a damper body 430, with the lock cylinder 110 fixed to the cylindrical damper cover 410. The damper cover 410 is inserted into the damper body 430 through toothed engagement. As the damper body 430 rotates, a rotational load is generated due to the silicon or fluid contained within, thereby acting as a load for movement or impact as much as possible.

[0050] The side panel 130 is connected to both ends of the lock cylinder shaft 110. The side panel 130 is integrated with the main body cover 10, and a first moving track 138 is formed on the side panel 130, allowing the lock cylinder shaft 110 to move up, down, left, and right. Figure 1 As shown, it can be in the shape of an "L".

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the release cam 150 is a rotating component that moves in an arc around a rotation axis connected to the main body cover 10 at a predetermined angle. The lock cylinder 100 is housed inside the release cam 150. One end of the lock cylinder shaft 110 passes through one side of the release cam 150 to connect with the side panel 130, and is then connected to the damper 400. The other end of the lock cylinder shaft 110 passes through the other side of the release cam 150 to connect with the side panel 130.

[0052] The release cam 150 is inserted inside the body cover 10. The release cam 150 itself is a hollow structure, thus accommodating the lock cylinder 100 and the elastic reset component 153 (described later). The elastic reset component 153 housed inside the release cam 150 can be an elastic spring, but is not limited to it. Figure 2 As shown, the elastic spring is fixed to the bottom of the body cover 10, and its upper end is attached to the lower surface of the release cam 150, which can perform the function of raising the release cam 150.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, a second moving track 158 is formed on one side and the other side of the release cam 150 to guide the left and right movement of the lock cylinder shaft 110.

[0054] The rotating body 430 applies a force that moves in the opposite direction to the elastic force acting on the release cam 150 via the elastic reset member 153. As described above, the rotating body 430 rotates as the rack slide 200 moves, and can perform the function of pressing the release cam 150 from the opposite side of the rotation axis.

[0055] The bridge 450 connects the rack slide 200 to the rotating body 430, and the rotating body 430 can be rotated by the movement of the rack slide 200.

[0056] More specifically, one end of the bridge 450 is housed in the track groove 240 of the rack slide 200. As the rack slide 200 moves linearly, the bridge 450 rotates left and right along the track groove 240. As the rotating body 430 connected to the bridge 450 also rotates, the cam 150 can be pressed down to release it.

[0057] The door lock device 1 of this embodiment may further include a lock cylinder locking sliding part 600, which is inserted into the lower part of the rotating body 430 to prevent the rotating body 430 from rotating.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a top view of the door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] The lock cylinder locking slide 600 enters the lower part of the rotating body 430, preventing the rotating body 430 from rotating. That is, the lock cylinder 100 remains locked when the rotating body 430 cannot press the release cam 150. Conversely, if the lock cylinder locking slide 600 moves to the right and disengages from the lower part of the rotating body 430, the rotating body 430 is in a rotatable state. As the rack slide 200 moves to the right, if the rotating body 430 moves counterclockwise via the bridge 450 and presses the release cam 150, the lock cylinder 100 can be unlocked and placed in the closed state.

[0060] The lock cylinder locking sliding part 600 operates via an electromagnetic motor or the like and can be implemented in various forms.

[0061] The structural elements of the door lock device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention have been described above. Hereinafter, reference will be made to... Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 This describes the working state of the door lock device in this embodiment of the invention.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, if the lock hook 30 attached to the door enters the lock cylinder 100 side, the lock hook 30 is locked in place by the ring formed in the lock cylinder 100. As the lock hook 30 locked in the lock cylinder 100 is pushed in, the lock cylinder 100 rotates counterclockwise.

[0065] exist Figure 5 In the state shown, when the lock cylinder 100 is in the closed state, as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the lock cylinder shaft 110 is located at position B on the first moving track 138 of the side panel 130. The rotating body 430 presses the release cam 150.

[0066] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, when the rack slide 200 moves to the right, the rack slide 200 rotates the bridge 450. Simultaneously, as the rotating body 430 of the release cam 150 rises, the release cam 150 also rises. Figure 6 As shown, if the release cam 150 rises, the lock cylinder 110 is located at position C on the first moving track 138.

[0067] The power to move from position B to position C is provided by the elastic reset member 153. When the release cam 150 rises due to the elastic reset member 153, it does not rise abruptly, but closes gently by the damper 500 located on the side.

[0068] Finally, as Figure 4 As shown, the lock cylinder locking sliding part 600 enters the lower part of the rotating body 430 and fixes the rotating body 430, preventing the rotating body 430 from rotating in the counterclockwise direction, so that the lock hook 30 is engaged with the lock cylinder 100, thereby fixing it in the locked state.

[0069] While the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that these are merely examples, and those skilled in the art can implement various modifications and equivalent embodiments thereto. For example, even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described methods and / or the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, and other structural elements are combined or integrated in a different manner than the described methods, or even if they are replaced or substituted by other structural elements or equivalent technical solutions, suitable results can still be achieved. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the present invention should be defined based on the technical concept claimed in the appended invention claims.

Claims

1. A door lock device comprising: a body cover portion in which a space is formed inside; and a motor provided inside the body cover portion for providing a driving force, characterized by comprising: a lock cylinder which is combined with or separated from a lock hook which enters from the outside by rotation; a lock cylinder shaft connected to one end of the lock cylinder and formed at the center of rotation of the lock cylinder; a rack slide portion which provides the rotational force of the motor to a rotating body; a pinion which transmits the rotational force of the motor to the rack slide portion; a damper connected to one end of the lock cylinder shaft; a side panel connected to both ends of the lock cylinder shaft; a release cam in which the lock cylinder is accommodated, one end of the lock cylinder shaft penetrates one side surface of the release cam to be connected to the damper, the other end of the lock cylinder shaft penetrates the other side surface of the release cam to be connected to the side panel, and performs circular arc motion with the rotating shaft combined with the body as the center; an elastic return member accommodated inside the release cam for providing an elastic force upward; a rotating body which moves in the opposite direction of the elastic force applied to the release cam by the elastic return member; and a bridge which connects the rack slide portion to the rotating body and makes the rotating body rotate by the movement of the rack slide portion, the side panel includes a first movement track for guiding the up-and-down and left-and-right movement of the lock cylinder shaft, the one side surface and the other side surface of the release cam include a second movement track for guiding the left-and-right movement of the lock cylinder shaft.

2. The door latch arrangement of claim 1, wherein the rack slide portion includes: a track groove formed as a space so that the bridge rotates in a prescribed area of one end of the rack slide portion; and a rack gear formed in a prescribed area of the other end of the rack slide portion and engaged with the pinion.

3. The door latch arrangement of claim 2, wherein a slide spring is further included, one end of which is combined with the body cover portion and the other end of which is connected to the rack slide portion so that the rack slide portion moves linearly in the direction of the lock cylinder.

4. The door latch arrangement of claim 1, wherein a lock cylinder lock slide portion is further included, which is inserted into the lower portion of the rotating body for preventing the rotation of the rotating body.

5. The door lock device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pinion includes a first pinion and a second pinion which are combined with each other along the length direction with a common center of rotation, the second pinion is formed with gear teeth only in a prescribed area of the outer peripheral surface.

6. The door latch arrangement of claim 1, wherein the damper includes: a damper cover portion directly connected to the lock cylinder shaft; and a damper body connected to the damper cover portion for generating a load.

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