Door lock device and clothes processing equipment

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of clothes processing equipment, and discloses a door lock device and clothes processing equipment. The mounting cavity has a certain height; the locking piece is provided with a mounting part movably arranged in the mounting cavity and a working part matched with the locking assembly; the mounting part has an initial position and a moving position in the mounting cavity; and when the working part is matched with or separated from the locking assembly, the mounting part can be kept at the initial position or the moving position. According to the invention, when the door body droops to cause the malposition of the working part and the locking assembly, the working part is matched with the locking assembly in the door closing state to drive the mounting part to move, and after the working part is separated from the locking assembly, the mounting part can be kept at the moved position, so that the malposition caused by the drooping of the door body is compensated; and when the user closes the door next time, the position of the working part is aligned with the locking assembly again, and the door is closed more smoothly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of clothing processing equipment, specifically, it relates to a door lock device and clothing processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Front-loading laundry appliances, such as drum washing machines, often experience door sagging after a period of use, making it difficult for users to close. When a user first purchases a laundry appliance, the latch can easily engage the lock with a gentle shake. However, after some use, the door often sags, causing the latch and lock to become misaligned, requiring the user to exert force or even lift the door to close it.

[0003] One reason for door sagging is the relatively large weight of the door, and the fact that the door is open most of the time, only closing when the machine is running or when it will not be used for an extended period. For example, front-loading washing machines typically have a top-drain design, and after each wash, about 500 ml of water remains inside. To prevent this residual water from deteriorating in the enclosed environment of the washing machine, manufacturers usually recommend not closing the door immediately after washing.

[0004] On the other hand, many users intentionally or unintentionally press the door when loading or unloading clothes, especially some elderly people or those with back problems. They may use one hand to hold down the door for support while using the other hand to take clothes from the basket and load them into the washing machine. For households with children, when the washing machine door is open, children may also apply force to the door in various directions, accelerating the sagging of the door.

[0005] Increasing the stiffness at the hinge connection can reduce sagging, but it won't eliminate it completely and will also lead to excessive cost increases. Existing technologies have also proposed solutions that change the geometry of the front of the latch to address the problem of the door not closing smoothly after sagging, but most of these solutions are structurally complex or have limited improvement effects.

[0006] Chinese patent application No. 202011437903.8 discloses a door lock device and a garment processing device including the door lock device. The door lock device includes a lock hook and a door lock that can be matched and connected. The door lock is provided with a key hole. The lock hook can be inserted into the key hole so that the door lock locks the lock hook. The door lock device also includes a guide component. The guide component is configured to guide the lock hook into the key hole by a rolling engagement when the lock hook and the key hole are misaligned, so as to ensure the matching connection between the door lock and the lock hook.

[0007] However, in the above solution, the guide component can only reduce the closing resistance when the lock hook and lock hole are misaligned to a certain extent, but it cannot correct the misalignment of the lock hook and lock hole. As long as the door sags, especially when the door sags severely, the user still needs to use more force to close the door.

[0008] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. On the one hand, it provides a door lock device that can autonomously compensate for the misalignment caused by the sagging of the door, making the closing of the door smoother.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention provides a garment processing device having the above-described door lock device.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0012] A door lock device, characterized in that it comprises:

[0013] Locking components;

[0014] The mounting cavity has a certain height;

[0015] The locking member has a mounting portion movably disposed within the mounting cavity, and a working portion that cooperates with the locking assembly;

[0016] The mounting part has an initial position and a movable position within the mounting cavity;

[0017] After the working part engages with and then disengages from the locking component, the mounting part can remain in the initial position or the movable position.

[0018] Furthermore, when the working part cooperates with the locking component, it can be subjected to force, driving the mounting part to move to the moving position within the mounting cavity; when the working part separates from the locking component, the mounting part remains in the moving position.

[0019] Furthermore, the working part is subjected to the force of the locking component, which drives the mounting part to move within the mounting cavity against the moving resistance;

[0020] Preferably, the height of the mounting part is less than the height of the mounting cavity, and the mounting part moves within the mounting cavity against the moving resistance along the height direction.

[0021] Furthermore, the mounting cavity and / or the mounting portion are provided with a resistance-providing structure for providing the movement resistance.

[0022] Furthermore, the moving resistance is the frictional force between the mounting cavity and the mounting part;

[0023] The resistance-providing structure is a friction part disposed on the side wall of the mounting cavity and / or the mounting portion;

[0024] Preferably, the friction part is a friction plate disposed on the side wall of the mounting cavity, and the friction plate is disposed in contact with the mounting part;

[0025] Alternatively, the friction part may be a friction plate disposed on the mounting part, and the friction plate is disposed in contact with the side wall of the mounting cavity.

[0026] Furthermore, the locking assembly has a lock hole, and the working part can be inserted into the lock hole to cooperate with the locking assembly;

[0027] The forces acting on the working part when it cooperates with the locking component include the supporting force of the lock hole on the working part.

[0028] Furthermore, the locking assembly has a guide structure for guiding the working part into the lock hole;

[0029] Preferably, the guide structure includes a guide surface that extends obliquely toward one end of the lock hole toward the working part;

[0030] More preferably, the guiding surface includes:

[0031] The first guide surface is provided on the lower side of the lock hole and extends obliquely upward;

[0032] And / or, a second guide surface is provided on the upper side of the lock hole and extends obliquely downward.

[0033] Furthermore, the mounting part extends along the height direction of the mounting cavity, and the working part is connected to the side wall of the mounting part and extends out of the mounting cavity through the side wall of the mounting cavity;

[0034] Preferably, the working part extends in a direction perpendicular to the height of the mounting cavity;

[0035] More preferably, the inner wall of the keyhole contacts the upper or lower surface of the working part to generate the supporting force;

[0036] Preferably, the working part is connected to the central region of the mounting part.

[0037] Furthermore, the side wall of the mounting cavity is provided with an opening for the working part to pass through; the height of the opening is greater than the height of the end of the working part connected to the mounting part;

[0038] Preferably, when the bottom end of the mounting part contacts the bottom wall of the mounting cavity, there is a gap between the lower side of the working part and the bottom end of the opening;

[0039] And / or, when the top end of the mounting portion contacts the top wall of the mounting cavity, there is a gap between the upper side of the working portion and the top end of the opening.

[0040] A garment processing device having the aforementioned door lock device;

[0041] Preferably, the mounting cavity is disposed on the door of the garment processing equipment, and the locking component is disposed on the housing of the garment processing equipment;

[0042] Alternatively, the mounting cavity may be located on the housing of the garment processing equipment, and the locking assembly may be located on the door of the garment processing equipment.

[0043] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0044] In this invention, the mounting part of the locking component has a certain amount of room to move within the mounting cavity. When the door sags and causes misalignment between the working part of the locking component and the locking assembly, the mounting part can move within the mounting cavity while the working part and the locking assembly are engaged. After the working part separates from the locking assembly, the mounting part can remain in its moved position, allowing the working part to realign with the locking assembly. This compensates for the misalignment caused by the door sag, making the next time the user closes the door smoother.

[0045] In this invention, the installation part needs to overcome a certain resistance to move within the installation cavity. Only when the working part cooperates with the locking component can the force generated by the locking component on the working part drive the installation part to move within the installation cavity. After the working part separates from the locking component, the working part is no longer subjected to additional external force, and the installation part can remain in the position after moving, thus achieving effective compensation for the sagging of the door.

[0046] In this invention, by setting a guiding structure, the working part can be effectively guided into the keyhole to reduce the resistance when the working part is misaligned before closing the door, thus improving the user's experience. After the working part is fully inserted into the keyhole, the support force of the keyhole on the working part can drive the mounting part to move slowly overcoming the movement resistance. This corrects the misalignment between the working part and the keyhole to a certain extent after the door is opened, reducing the closing resistance on the next time the door is closed.

[0047] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the clothing processing device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the locking element on the door body in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the locking element and the locking assembly when the door is about to close in an embodiment of the present invention (during factory assembly);

[0052] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the locking element and the locking assembly when the door is closed in an embodiment of the present invention (in the factory assembly state);

[0053] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the locking element and the locking assembly when the door is closed in an embodiment of the present invention (after a period of use after leaving the factory);

[0054] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the locking element and the locking assembly when the door is closed in an embodiment of the present invention (when the door is slightly drooping);

[0055] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the locking element and the locking assembly when the door is about to close (when the door is obviously drooping) in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the locking element and the locking assembly when the door is closed in an embodiment of the present invention (when the door is obviously drooping);

[0057] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the locking element and the locking assembly when the door is closed in an embodiment of the present invention (automatic compensation continues to be used after the door sags significantly).

[0058] In the diagram: 100, housing; 110, front panel; 200, door; 210, mounting cavity; 211, opening; 310, locking element; 311, mounting part; 312, working part; 3121, through hole; 3122, mating surface; 320, locking assembly; 321, lock hole; 322, guide surface; 3221, first guide surface; 3222, second guide surface; 400, friction plate.

[0059] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0060] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0061] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0062] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, embodiments of the present invention provide a door lock device for a garment processing equipment, and a garment processing equipment having the door lock device. The garment processing equipment is a front-opening garment processing equipment, such as a drum washing machine, dryer, washer-dryer combo, etc.

[0064] Specifically, the garment processing device described in this embodiment of the invention includes a housing 100 and a door 200. The housing 100 contains a roller, and a garment loading / unloading port is located on the front panel 110 of the housing 100. Users can load or unload garments into the roller through this port. The door 200 is mounted on the front panel 110 of the housing 100, and one side of the door 200 is hinged to the front panel 110. When the garment processing device is in operation, the garment loading / unloading port is closed by the door 200 to prevent injury from the roller or other rotating parts inside the housing 100, or to prevent property damage due to water leakage.

[0065] Furthermore, the garment handling equipment is equipped with a door lock device, which can keep the door 200 locked to the front panel 110, preventing the user from opening the door 200 from the outside and improving the reliability of the door 200 in sealing the garment loading and unloading opening.

[0066] The door lock device includes a locking component 320 and a locking member 310 that cooperate to achieve locking. One of them is installed on the door body 200, and the other is installed at a corresponding position on the front panel 110, specifically on the outer periphery of the clothing access opening. When the door body 200 is closed, the locking component 320 and the locking member 310 cooperate to keep the door body 200 locked to the front panel 110.

[0067] In one specific structure, a hinge device for connecting the door body 200 and the front panel 110 is installed on one side of the door body 200, and the door lock device is installed on the other side opposite to the hinge device.

[0068] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the locking component 320 includes a lock hole 321, and the locking member 310 has a working part 312. When the door 200 is closed, the working part 312 is inserted into the lock hole 321 to achieve a locking engagement. Specifically, the working part 312 is provided with through holes 3121 extending through both sides, and a movable lock hook (not shown in the figure) is provided in the lock hole 321. After the working part 312 is inserted into the lock hole 321, the lock hook is inserted into the through hole 3121, making the working part 312 and the lock hole 321 relatively fixed and immovable, thereby locking the door 200 and preventing the user from opening the door 200 from the outside. The lock hook can be pulled out of the through hole 3121 to unlock the door, at which point the user can pull the door 200 open outwards.

[0069] In one specific embodiment, the locking hook is controlled by an electromagnet or a motor to insert into or withdraw from the through hole 3121 on the working part 312, thereby locking and unlocking the door 200 and the front panel 110.

[0070] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the locking component 320 is disposed on the front panel 110 of the housing 100, and the locking member 310 is disposed on the door 200.

[0071] In another specific embodiment, provided that the locking hook can be controlled, the locking component can be set on the door body and the locking element can be set on the front panel of the box body.

[0072] However, after the garment handling equipment has been used for a period of time, the door 200 may sag, causing the locking assembly 320 and the locking member 310 to become misaligned in height. When the misalignment is small, the working part 312 of the locking member 310 can still be inserted into the lock hole 321, but this will increase the resistance to closing the door. If the sag of the door 200 is large, resulting in a more serious misalignment, the user may even need to lift the door 200 to close it, affecting the user experience.

[0073] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of the present invention further employ the following technical solutions.

[0074] It should be noted that the following technical solution is illustrated by taking the example of the locking component 320 being set on the housing 100 and the locking member 310 being set on the door 200. However, provided that the door can be locked, the positions of the locking component 320 and the locking member 310 can be interchanged.

[0075] The door lock device is provided with a mounting cavity 210 of a certain height. The locking member 310 has a mounting part 311 movably disposed within the mounting cavity 210, and a working part 312 is connected to the mounting part 311. The mounting part 311 has an initial position and a movable position within the mounting cavity 210. After the working part 312 engages with and then disengages from the locking assembly 320, the mounting part 311 can remain in the initial position or the movable position.

[0076] It should be noted that the "initial position" and "moving position" mentioned in this invention are not fixed positions, but rather relative to the state before and after the door 200 is closed, that is, before and after the working part 312 engages with the locking component 320. Specifically, the "initial position" refers to the position of the mounting part 311 before the door 200 is closed and before the working part 312 engages with the locking component 320. The "moving position" refers to the position reached by the mounting part 311 after the door 200 is closed, after the working part 312 engages with the locking component 320, and after it moves within the mounting cavity 210.

[0077] In this embodiment, the mounting part 311 does not move within the mounting cavity 210 every time the working part 312 and the locking component 320 engage. Specifically, before the door 200 closes, if the working part 312 and the locking component 320 are substantially flush in height, then when the door 200 closes and the working part 312 engages with the locking component 320, the mounting part 311 can remain in its initial position without moving. Furthermore, after the working part 312 separates from the locking component 320, the mounting part 311 continues to remain in its initial position.

[0078] If there is a misalignment between the working part 312 and the locking component 320 before the door 200 closes, the mounting part 311 will move within the mounting cavity 210 when the door 200 closes and the working part 312 engages with the locking component 320. This movement can compensate for the misalignment between the working part 312 and the locking component 320. When the door 200 is opened and the working part 312 and the locking component 320 are about to separate, the mounting part 311 has already moved from its initial position to a moving position within the mounting cavity 210. Furthermore, after the working part 312 and the locking component 320 are completely separated, the mounting part 311 can remain in its current moving position without moving further.

[0079] Thus, regarding the misalignment between the working part 312 and the locking component 320 caused by the sagging of the door body 200, when the working part 312 and the locking component 320 are engaged, the mounting part 311 can be moved. Furthermore, the mounting part 311 remains in its moved position even after the working part 312 and the locking component 320 separate, effectively causing a certain displacement of the locking element 310 as a whole. Therefore, when the user closes the door next time, the misalignment between the working part 312 and the locking component 320 is reduced or realigned, resulting in smoother door closing.

[0080] In a further embodiment, when the working part 312 engages with the locking component 320, it is subjected to a force applied by the locking component 320, thereby moving the mounting part 311 within the mounting cavity 210 to a movable position. After the working part 312 separates from the locking component 320, the mounting part 311 can remain in the movable position.

[0081] Specifically, when the working part 312 and the locking component 320 are basically level in height, after the door 200 is closed, the working part 312 is basically not subjected to the force exerted by the locking component 320, and the mounting part 311 remains in its initial position before the door closes. However, when the working part 312 and the locking component 320 are misaligned before the door closes, after the door 200 is closed, the working part 312 will be subjected to the force exerted by the locking component 320, which will then drive the mounting part 311 to move in the direction of compensating for the misalignment.

[0082] Furthermore, when the mounting part 311 moves within the mounting cavity 210, it needs to overcome a certain resistance. Thus, the mounting part 311 can only move by overcoming the resistance when the working part 312 is subjected to a force applied by the locking component 320. When the working part 312 separates from the locking component 320, the working part 312 is not under force, and the mounting part 311 no longer moves, thus maintaining its position after movement.

[0083] Specifically, in this embodiment, the height of the mounting part 311 is less than the height of the mounting cavity 210, so that it can move along the height direction within the mounting cavity 210 to compensate for the misalignment between the working part 312 and the locking assembly 320 caused by the sagging of the door body 200. Correspondingly, the movement of the mounting part 311 within the mounting cavity 210 needs to overcome the moving resistance along the height direction.

[0084] In a further embodiment, the mounting cavity 210 and / or the mounting portion 311 are provided with a resistance-providing structure to provide the aforementioned movement resistance.

[0085] In one specific embodiment, the mounting part 311 is tightly fitted within the mounting cavity 210, and the moving resistance is the frictional force between the mounting cavity 210 and the mounting part 311. The resistance-providing structure is a friction part provided on the side wall of the mounting cavity 210 and / or on the mounting part 311.

[0086] More specifically, the friction part is a friction plate 400, which is a sheet material with a certain coefficient of friction on its surface.

[0087] In the above scheme, the installation part 311 needs to overcome a certain frictional force to move within the installation cavity 210, so that the installation part 311 can move but cannot be moved easily. Instead, after the working part 312 is subjected to force for a long time, it can drive the installation part 311 to move within the installation cavity 210, changing the height of the working part 312, thereby dynamically adapting to the sag of the door body 200.

[0088] In one detailed embodiment, the friction plate 400 is disposed on the side wall of the mounting cavity 210 and is in contact with the mounting part 311. When the mounting part 311 moves within the mounting cavity 210, it experiences sliding friction with the friction plate 400 and is subjected to a frictional force opposite to the direction of movement.

[0089] More specifically, the friction plate 400 may be provided on only one side wall of the mounting cavity 210, or it may be provided on two or more side walls. Preferably, in order to make the force on the mounting part 311 more even, the friction plate 400 is provided on at least two opposite side walls of the mounting cavity 210, for example, it may be provided on the front and rear side walls, or on the left and right side walls, or the friction plate 400 may be provided on all four side walls.

[0090] It should be noted that, in this invention, the front side of the mounting cavity 210 refers to the side closer to the outer side of the door body 200, and correspondingly, the rear side of the mounting cavity 210 refers to the side closer to the inner side of the door body 200.

[0091] In another detailed embodiment, the friction plate can be mounted on the mounting portion, making it contact the side wall of the mounting cavity. When the mounting portion moves within the mounting cavity, the friction plate moves synchronously with the mounting portion, thereby sliding and rubbing against the side wall of the mounting cavity, generating a frictional force that hinders the movement of the mounting portion.

[0092] In another detailed embodiment, friction plates can be provided on both the side wall of the mounting cavity and the outer wall of the mounting part. When the mounting part moves, the friction plates on the side wall of the mounting cavity and the friction plates on the outer wall of the mounting part come into contact and rub against each other to generate friction.

[0093] In this embodiment, the working part 312 of the locking member 310 is inserted into the lock hole 321 of the locking assembly 320 to achieve cooperation with the locking assembly 320. Preferably, the dimension of the lock hole 321 in the height direction is slightly larger than the dimension of the working part 312 in the height direction, so that the working part 312 can be inserted into or withdrawn from the lock hole 321 more smoothly.

[0094] When the working part 312 is basically flush with the lock hole 321 in height, the working part 312 can be smoothly inserted into the lock hole 321, and when the door 200 is completely closed, the upper and lower sides of the working part 312 do not contact the lock hole 321 (e.g., Figure 6 As shown), at this time, the working part 312 is not subject to the force applied by the lock hole 321.

[0095] If the working part 312 and the lock hole 321 are misaligned vertically, when the door 200 is fully closed and the working part 312 is inserted into the lock hole 321, the working part 312 will abut against the inner wall of the lock hole 321 (e.g., Figure 4 or Figure 8 At this time, the working part 312 is supported by the key hole 321, which in turn drives the mounting part 311 to move within the mounting cavity 210, compensating for the misalignment between the working part 312 and the key hole 321.

[0096] In a further embodiment, the mounting portion 311 extends along the height direction of the mounting cavity 210, and the working portion 312 is connected to the side wall of the mounting portion 311 and extends through the side wall of the mounting cavity 210. A through hole 3121 is provided on the portion of the working portion 312 located outside the mounting cavity 210, penetrating the upper and lower sides of the working portion 312.

[0097] Specifically, the working part 312 extends in a direction perpendicular to the height of the mounting cavity 210. In the case where the working part 312 and the lock hole 321 are misaligned vertically, when the working part 312 is inserted into the lock hole 321, the upper or lower surface of the working part 312 abuts against the inner wall of the lock hole 321, thereby receiving the support force from the inner wall of the lock hole 321.

[0098] As a specific structure, the front end of the working part 312 is connected to the middle region of the mounting part 311, and the rear end extends out of the mounting cavity 210 for insertion into the lock hole 321 to lock the door 200. The locking member 310 has a horizontal T-shaped structure, and the mounting part 311 extends longitudinally and is movably confined within the mounting cavity 210. When the rear end region of the working part 312 abuts against the inner wall of the lock hole 321 and receives a vertical support force, the upper and lower end regions of the mounting part 311 are respectively clamped by the front and rear side walls of the mounting cavity 210, restricting the rotation of the mounting part 311. Consequently, the support force received by the rear region of the working part 312 can effectively drive the mounting part 311 to move longitudinally within the mounting cavity 210.

[0099] Furthermore, the rear side wall of the mounting cavity 210 is provided with an opening 211 through which the working part 312 passes. The height of the opening 211 is greater than the height of the rear end of the working part 312, ensuring that the locking member 310 as a whole can move up and down relative to the mounting cavity 210.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, by rationally designing the heights of the mounting cavity 210, opening 211, mounting portion 311, and working portion 312, when the mounting portion 311 moves downwards until its bottom end abuts against the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 210, there is a gap between the lower side of the working portion 312 and the bottom end of the opening 211. Similarly, when the mounting portion 311 moves upwards until its top end abuts against the top wall of the mounting cavity 210, there is a gap between the upper side of the working portion 312 and the top end of the opening 211.

[0101] By adopting the above solution, the movable space of the mounting part 311 in the mounting cavity 210 can be fully utilized, and the working part 312 can be avoided from contacting the top or bottom of the opening 211 first when there is a machining error, thereby limiting the movement range of the mounting part 311.

[0102] In one specific structure of this embodiment, the height of the opening 211 is less than the height of the mounting cavity 210, and it is located in the middle region of the rear sidewall of the mounting cavity 210. The front end of the working part 312 is connected to the mounting part 311 and extends rearward through the opening 211 out of the mounting cavity 210. In this way, the upper and lower regions of the mounting cavity 210 clamp the mounting part 311 from both the front and rear sides.

[0103] In a further embodiment, the locking assembly 320 has a guiding structure that guides the working part 312 into the lock hole 321. This ensures that the working part 312 can be smoothly inserted into the lock hole 321 even when it is misaligned with the lock hole 321. After the working part 312 is fully inserted into the lock hole 321, the supporting force of the lock hole 321 on the working part 312 can be used to move the mounting part 311 within the mounting cavity 210 to compensate for the misalignment.

[0104] In one specific embodiment, the guide structure includes a guide surface 322 that extends obliquely toward one end of the lock hole 321 toward the working part 312, that is, the front end of the lock hole 321.

[0105] When the working part 312 is misaligned with the lock hole 321, the working part 312 moves closer to the lock hole 321 as the door 200 closes, and the rear end of the working part 312 first contacts the guide surface 322. As the user continues to push the door 200 to the closing direction, the rear end of the working part 312 can slide along the guide surface 322 and finally smoothly insert into the lock hole 321.

[0106] It is understandable that during the above process, the closing resistance felt by the user will be higher than the closing resistance when the working part 312 and the lock hole 321 are basically level in height.

[0107] Furthermore, the guide surface 322 includes a first guide surface 3221 disposed below the lock hole 321. The first guide surface 3221 extends upward at an angle relative to the horizontal plane, and its extended end is connected to the bottom of the front end of the lock hole 321. When the door body 200 sags, causing the rear end of the working part 312 to be lower than the lock hole 321, during the user's closing process, the rear end of the working part 312 can slide upward along the first guide surface 3221 and eventually insert into the lock hole 321.

[0108] Normally, in order to delay the sagging of the door 200, the door 200 of the garment handling equipment is offset upwards by a certain height during factory assembly, so that the rear end of the working part 312 is slightly higher than the height of the lock hole 321.

[0109] To ensure that the working part 312 can be easily inserted into the lock hole 321 even in its factory-prepared state, in a further embodiment, the guide surface 322 further includes a second guide surface 3222 disposed on the upper side of the lock hole 321. The second guide surface 3222 extends downward at an angle relative to the horizontal direction, and its extended end connects to the top of the front end of the lock hole 321. Thus, during the closing process, the rear end of the working part 312 can slide downward along the second guide surface 3222 and finally be inserted into the lock hole 321.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment, the rear end of the working part 312 has a mating surface 3122 that forms a certain angle with the horizontal plane. Specifically, the mating surface 3122 on the upper side of the working part 312 extends downward at an angle from front to back, and the mating surface 3122 on the lower side of the working part 312 extends upward at an angle from front to back.

[0111] With the aforementioned mating surface 3122, the height of the rear end face of the working part 312 is smaller. When there is misalignment between the working part 312 and the lock hole 321, as long as the rear end of the upper mating surface 3122 is lower than the front end of the second guide surface 3222, or the rear end of the lower mating surface 3122 is higher than the front end of the first guide surface 3221, the working part 312 can be smoothly inserted into the lock hole 321, allowing for a larger range of misalignment.

[0112] In this embodiment, preferably, during factory assembly, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, there is a gap between the lower end of the mounting part 311 and the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 210. Since the rear end of the working part 312 is slightly higher than the lock hole 321 during factory assembly, when the door 200 is fully closed, the upper side of the working part 312 abuts against the lock hole 321 and receives a downward supporting force. With each closing operation, the mounting part 311 gradually moves downwards until the bottom end of the mounting part 311 contacts the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 210.

[0113] With the above-described configuration, during a period of use after the garment processing equipment leaves the factory, the supporting force of the lock hole 321 on the working part 312 can gradually compensate for the upward misalignment of the working part 312 relative to the lock hole 321, making it easier for the user to close the door. In cases where the door body 200 is offset upwards during factory assembly to delay sagging, this avoids the problem of significant closing resistance caused by the upward misalignment of the working part 312 during a considerable period of initial use of the garment processing equipment.

[0114] In one specific embodiment of this invention, the mounting cavity 210 can be directly formed on the door body 200. In another specific embodiment, a separate part with the mounting cavity 210 can also be provided, and this separate part can be mounted on the door body 200.

[0115] The following is combined Figures 3 to 9 The following is a detailed description of how the door lock device described above changes during the use of the clothing processing equipment in this embodiment.

[0116] See Figure 3 During factory assembly, to delay the sagging of the door 200, it is usually installed with the door 200 offset upwards slightly. At the same time, the bottom end of the mounting part 311 of the locking member 310 is installed into the mounting cavity 210 slightly higher than the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 210. Correspondingly, when the door 200 is about to close, the rear end of the working part 312 of the locking member 310 is slightly higher than the height of the lock hole 321.

[0117] After door 200 is fully closed, see Figure 4Guided by the second guide surface 3222, the working part 312 smoothly inserts into the lock hole 321. However, the door body 200 tends to rise, causing the upper side of the working part 312 to abut against the inner wall of the lock hole 321. At this time, although the door body 200 can close smoothly, the working part 312 will be pushed downward by the lock hole 321, causing the mounting part 311 to overcome friction and move downward.

[0118] As the number of times the door is closed increases, the mounting part 311 will slowly move downwards until its bottom end abuts against the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 210. (See below) Figure 5 At this point, the space at the bottom of the mounting cavity 210 disappears, and the upper side of the working part 312 is basically level with the top of the lock hole 321. When the door 200 closes again, the rear end of the working part 312 can be directly inserted into the lock hole 321 without sliding against the second guide surface 3222, making the door closing smoother.

[0119] After the garment processing equipment has been used for an extended period of time since its manufacture, the door 200 will inevitably sag slightly, and correspondingly, the working section 312 will also drop slightly. At this point, it reaches its optimal operating condition. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 6 When closing the door, the working part 312 is inserted into the lock hole 321 without contact, resulting in minimal resistance when closing the door.

[0120] After prolonged use of the garment processing equipment, the door 200 may experience significant sagging. (See...) Figure 7 At this point, as the door 200 is about to close, the rear end of the working part 312 is lower than the height of the lock hole 321. During the user's closing process, the rear end of the working part 312 first contacts the first guide surface 3221, and can only enter the lock hole 321 by sliding along the first guide surface 3221.

[0121] When door 200 is fully closed, see Figure 8 Due to the downward sag of the door body 200, the lower side of the working part 312 abuts against the inner wall of the lock hole 321 and receives an upward supporting force from the lock hole 321. This supporting force pushes the working part 312 upward, thereby causing the mounting part 311 to overcome friction and move upward.

[0122] See Figure 9During repeated use, the mounting part 311 slowly moves upward within the mounting cavity 210, compensating for the downward misalignment of the working part 312 caused by the sagging of the door body 200. Consequently, when the user closes the door again, the misalignment between the working part 312 and the lock hole 321 is reduced or even eliminated, allowing the working part 312 to smoothly insert into the lock hole 321. In most cases, the sagging of the door body 200 is a slow process. Whenever the rear end of the working part 312 needs to abut against the first guide surface 3221 to enter the lock hole 321, the upward support force of the lock hole 321 on the working part 312 in the closed state can achieve a certain degree of correction, reducing the resistance to closing the door the next time and making closing smoother, thereby improving the user experience.

[0123] In this embodiment, the height of the mounting cavity 210 above the mounting portion 311 determines the maximum extent to which the door lock device can compensate for the sagging of the door body 200. The specific difference in height can be determined through prior testing.

[0124] Specifically, when the door 200 sags, the locking member 310 in the door lock device described in this embodiment can move adaptively to avoid increasing the closing resistance. However, at this time, the door 200 itself is still in a sag state, that is, there is a certain degree of misalignment relative to the clothing access opening. If the misalignment is slight, the seal will not be affected because the window gasket at the clothing access opening has a certain degree of elasticity. However, if the sag of the door 200 is too large, even if it can be successfully locked with low closing resistance, the seal at the clothing access opening cannot be guaranteed, and locking the door 200 becomes meaningless. Therefore, the specific height of the mounting cavity 210 above the mounting part 311 can be determined based on the amount of sag that does not affect the seal when the door 200 is closed.

[0125] The door lock device provided in this embodiment is applied to a garment processing device. When the door 200 sags, it automatically corrects the misalignment between the working part 312 and the lock hole 321, preventing increased closing resistance caused by door 200 sagging. Installing this door lock device in the garment processing device eliminates concerns about door 200 sagging for up to ten years, ensuring minimal closing resistance throughout the device's lifespan and significantly improving the user experience.

[0126] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A door locking device, characterized by comprising: The application relates to a locking assembly (320) and a mounting cavity (210) with a height. The locking assembly (320) comprises a mounting part (311) movably arranged in the mounting cavity (210) and a working part (312) matched with the locking assembly (320). The mounting part (311) has an initial position and a moving position in the mounting cavity (210). After the working part (312) is matched with or separated from the locking assembly (320), the mounting part (311) can be kept in the initial position or the moving position. When the working part (312) is matched with the locking assembly (320), the working part (312) can be forced to move the mounting part (311) to the moving position in the mounting cavity (210); when the working part (312) is separated from the locking assembly (320), the mounting part (311) is kept in the moving position. The working part (312) is forced by the locking assembly (320) to move the mounting part (311) against the moving resistance in the mounting cavity (210).

2. The door latch arrangement of claim 1, wherein Preferably, the height of the mounting part (311) is smaller than the height of the mounting cavity (210), and the mounting part (311) is moved in the mounting cavity (210) against the moving resistance along the height direction.

3. The door latch arrangement of claim 2, wherein The inside of the mounting cavity (210) and / or the mounting part (311) is provided with a resistance providing structure for providing the moving resistance. The moving resistance is the friction between the mounting cavity (210) and the mounting part (311).

4. The door latch arrangement of claim 3, wherein The resistance providing structure is a friction part arranged on the side wall of the mounting cavity (210) and / or the mounting part (311).

5. The door latch arrangement of claim 4, wherein Preferably, the friction part is a friction sheet (400) arranged on the side wall of the mounting cavity (210) and in contact with the mounting part (311). Alternatively, the friction part is a friction sheet (400) arranged on the mounting part (311) and in contact with the side wall of the mounting cavity (210). The locking assembly (320) has a lock hole (321), and the working part (312) can be inserted into the lock hole (321) to be matched with the locking assembly (320). When the working part (312) is matched with the locking assembly (320), the working part (312) is forced by the support force of the lock hole (321) on the working part (312).

6. A door closer according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein, The locking assembly (320) has a guide structure for guiding the working part (312) to be inserted into the lock hole (321). Preferably, the guide structure comprises a guide surface (322) extending obliquely towards one end of the lock hole (321) towards the working part (312).

7. The door latch arrangement of claim 6, wherein More preferably, the guide surface (322) comprises: a first guide surface (3221) arranged on the lower side of the lock hole (321) and extending obliquely upwards; and / or a second guide surface (3222) arranged on the upper side of the lock hole (321) and extending obliquely downwards. ​ ​ ​ 8. A door closer device according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that, The mounting portion (311) is arranged along the height direction of the mounting cavity (210), and the working portion (312) is connected to the side wall of the mounting portion (311) and penetrates the mounting cavity (210) through the side wall of the mounting cavity (210); Preferably, the working portion (312) is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the height of the mounting cavity (210); More preferably, the inner wall of the lock hole (321) is in contact with the upper side surface or the lower side surface of the working portion (312) to generate the supporting force; Preferably, the working portion (312) is connected to the middle region of the mounting portion (311).

9. The door latch arrangement of claim 8, wherein The side wall of the mounting cavity (210) is provided with an opening (211) through which the working portion (312) penetrates, and the height of the opening (211) is greater than the height of the end of the working portion (312) connected to the mounting portion (311); Preferably, when the bottom end of the mounting portion (311) is in contact with the bottom wall of the mounting cavity (210), the lower side of the working portion (312) is spaced from the bottom end of the opening (211); And / or, when the top end of the mounting portion (311) is in contact with the top wall of the mounting cavity (210), the upper side of the working portion (312) is spaced from the top end of the opening (211). 10.A laundry treating apparatus, characterized by, The door lock device has the mounting cavity (210) and the lock assembly (320) as claimed in any one of claims 1-9. Preferably, the mounting cavity (210) is arranged on the door body (200) of the clothes treatment apparatus, and the lock assembly (320) is arranged on the cabinet (100) of the clothes treatment apparatus. Alternatively, the mounting cavity (210) is arranged on the cabinet (100) of the clothes treatment apparatus, and the lock assembly (320) is arranged on the door body (200) of the clothes treatment apparatus.

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