Self-locking and self-opening catch structure and oven

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, and particularly discloses a self-locking and self-opening lock catch structure and an oven, wherein the self-locking and self-opening lock catch structure comprises a lock catch, a rotating shaft, a mounting seat, an elastic piece, a driver, a transmission mechanism, a power module, a time-delay disconnecting switch and a normally-closed microswitch; the lock catch is fixedly connected with the rotating shaft; the lock catch is rotatably connected with the mounting seat through the rotating shaft; the lock catch can rotate to a locking position and an unlocking position relative to the mounting seat; the elastic piece abuts against or is connected with the rotating shaft; the elastic piece can apply a force to the rotating shaft; and the direction of the force is consistent with the direction in which the lock catch rotates from the unlocking position to the locking position. The application can facilitate a user to open a door body and improve the use experience of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to a self-locking and self-opening latch structure and an oven. Background Technology

[0002] Ovens, microwave ovens, steam ovens and other appliances are usually equipped with a locking mechanism to lock the door to the appliance when closed, ensuring the safety and airtightness of the appliance during operation.

[0003] Currently, some self-locking latch structures have appeared on the market. These latch structures typically include a spring element, and their working principle is as follows: when the door is closed, the door pushes the latch, causing it to first move out of its locking position. Then, under the elastic force of the spring element, the latch automatically springs back to its locking position, thus locking the door. This self-locking structure can automatically complete the locking action when the door is closed, without requiring additional operation from the user, thus improving ease of use.

[0004] However, because the latch remains locked due to the elastic element, users need to apply considerable pulling force to overcome the latch's locking force in order to disengage it and open the door. This process requires users to pull the door forcefully, increasing their workload and reducing the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a self-locking and self-opening latch structure and oven, which makes it convenient for users to open the door and improves the user experience.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention provide a self-locking and self-opening latch structure, comprising a latch, a rotating shaft, a mounting base, an elastic element, a driver, a transmission mechanism, a power module, a time-delay disconnect switch, and a normally closed micro switch; the latch is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, and the latch is rotatably connected to the mounting base via the rotating shaft, and the latch can rotate relative to the mounting base to a locked position and an unlocked position; the elastic element abuts against the rotating shaft or is connected to the rotating shaft, and the elastic element can apply a force to the rotating shaft, the direction of the force being consistent with the direction of the latch's rotation from the unlocked position to the locked position;

[0008] The driver is connected to a transmission mechanism, which includes a connecting rod connected to a rotating shaft. The driver is used to drive the connecting rod to reciprocate between a first position and a second position. When the connecting rod is in the first position, the latch is in the latched position and can rotate to the unlocked position. When the connecting rod is in the second position, the latch is in the unlocked position. During the process of the connecting rod moving from the first position to the second position, the connecting rod can drive the latch to rotate from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0009] The power module, the time-delay disconnect switch, and the driver are electrically connected in sequence. The normally closed micro switch is connected in parallel across the two ends of the time-delay disconnect switch. The connecting rod includes a trigger part. When the connecting rod is in the first position, the trigger part triggers the normally closed micro switch to open it. If the time-delay disconnect switch is closed, the driver is energized to drive the connecting rod to move to a second position away from the micro switch.

[0010] In some embodiments, the end of the rotating shaft is bent to form a swing rod extending radially along the rotating shaft, or a swing rod extending radially along the rotating shaft is fixed on the rotating shaft; the connecting rod is provided with a swing groove, the swing rod is inserted into the swing groove, the extension direction of the swing groove is parallel to the direction from the first position to the second position, when the connecting rod is in the first position, the swing rod can rotate in the swing groove toward the direction closer to the second position, and during the process of the connecting rod moving toward the second position, the side wall of the swing groove can drive the swing rod to rotate toward the direction closer to the second position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism further includes a rotating disk and a transmission shaft. The driver is connected to the rotating disk and is used to drive the rotating disk to rotate about its axis. The transmission shaft is fixed on the rotating disk and is eccentrically arranged. The rotating disk is rotatably connected to the connecting rod through the transmission shaft.

[0012] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism further includes a support plate having a through support groove, through which the connecting rod passes and can move.

[0013] In some embodiments, the delay time of the time-delayed disconnect switch is greater than the time it takes for the trigger part to separate from the normally closed micro switch, and the delay time of the time-delayed disconnect switch is less than the time of one movement cycle of the connecting rod.

[0014] In some embodiments, the mounting base is provided with a limiting structure. When the latch is in the locked position, the limiting structure abuts against the rotating shaft to restrict the rotating shaft from rotating in the direction of the applied force.

[0015] In some embodiments, the rotating shaft includes a flat portion, and the limiting structure includes a limiting block located on the rotation path of the flat portion. When the latch is in the locked position, the limiting block abuts against the flat portion to restrict the rotating shaft from rotating in the direction of the applied force.

[0016] In some embodiments, the rotating shaft consists of a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft arranged coaxially, the latch is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft, and the latch is rotatably connected to the mounting base through the first rotating shaft; the second rotating shaft and the first rotating shaft can rotate synchronously around the axis of the first rotating shaft, and the connecting rod is connected to the second rotating shaft.

[0017] In some embodiments, a hanging rod is fixed on the rotating shaft, and the elastic element is a torsion spring sleeved on the rotating shaft. One end of the torsion spring is hooked on the hanging rod, and the other end abuts against the box or the seat on the box; the latch has a guide slope.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention provides an oven, characterized in that: it includes a door, a housing, and a self-locking and self-opening latch structure as described in any of the first aspects above; the door is rotatably connected to the housing, and the self-locking and self-opening latch structure is disposed on the housing; the door is provided with a latch groove, and when the door is closed, the latch is inserted into the latch groove.

[0019] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: When the door is closed, the linkage does not restrict the latch from rotating to the unlock position. The door can push the latch to rotate to the unlock position, and after the door is closed, the lock hook will return to the locking position under the action of the elastic element to lock the door, thus realizing the self-locking of the door; When the user needs to open the door, the user can operate the delay disconnect switch and close it. The driver will drive the linkage to move to a second position away from the micro switch, so that the latch rotates to the unlock position, and the door can be opened automatically, so as to facilitate the user to open the door and improve the user experience.

[0020] In addition, after the door is opened, the driver can drive the linkage back to the first position, and the self-locking and self-opening latch structure can be reset to the initial state to wait for the next closing. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of a self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the connecting rod is in the first position;

[0023] Figure 3This is a partial structural diagram of a self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the connecting rod is in the second position;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of a self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the connecting rod in the second position, from another perspective.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of a self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from another perspective when the connecting rod is in the second position.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a power module, a time-delay disconnect switch, a normally closed micro switch, and a driver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mounting base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a latch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second rotating shaft and the elastic element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an oven according to an embodiment of the present invention when the door is closed;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an oven according to an embodiment of the present invention after the top cover has been removed;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an oven according to an embodiment of the present invention when the door is open;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of an oven according to an embodiment of the present invention with the door closed;

[0035] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.

[0036] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0037] Locking buckle 100, guide ramp 110;

[0038] Mounting base 200, limiting structure 210, rotating hole 220;

[0039] Rotating shaft 300, flat part 301, first rotating shaft 310, second rotating shaft 320, notch 321, hanging rod 322;

[0040] Elastic element 400, fixing base 410, snap ring 420;

[0041] Box body 500, door 510, latch 511;

[0042] Driver 610; connecting rod 621, trigger part 622, swing groove 623, rotating disk 624, drive shaft 625, trigger surface 626; swing rod 630, power module 640, time-delay disconnect switch 650, normally closed micro switch 660, bracket 670, support plate 680, support groove 681. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The present invention is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings to aid in a full understanding of the various embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. The description includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these details should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0044] In the description of this invention, the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are 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.

[0045] In the description of this invention, the use of "first" and "second" is for the purpose of distinguishing technical features only, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated or the order of the technical features indicated.

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention provide a self-locking and self-opening latch structure, such as... Figure 1-6As shown, the device includes a latch 100, a rotating shaft 300, a mounting base 200, an elastic element 400, a driver 610, a transmission mechanism, a power module 640, a time-delay disconnect switch 650, and a normally closed micro switch 660. The latch 100 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 300, and the latch 100 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 200 via the rotating shaft 300. Therefore, the rotating shaft 300 and the latch 100 can rotate synchronously relative to the mounting base 200. The latch 100 can rotate relative to the mounting base 200 to a locked position and an unlocked position. When the latch 100 is rotated to the locked position relative to the mounting base 200, it locks the door, keeping it closed. When the latch 100 is rotated to the unlocked position relative to the mounting base 200, it releases the lock, allowing the door to open. The elastic element 400 abuts against the rotating shaft 300, or the elastic element 400 is connected to the rotating shaft 300. The elastic element 400 can apply a force to the rotating shaft 300, and the direction of the force is consistent with the direction of rotation of the latch 100 from the unlocked position to the locked position, so that the latch 100 has a tendency to rotate to the locked position. Without the action of external force, the latch 100 can return to the locked position under the action of the elastic element 400.

[0047] The actuator 610 generates driving force and is connected to a transmission mechanism, thereby transmitting the driving force through the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a connecting rod 621, which is connected to a rotating shaft 300. The actuator 610 drives the connecting rod 621 to reciprocate between a first position and a second position; that is, the actuator 610 can drive the connecting rod 621 from the first position to the second position and then from the second position back to the first position. When the connecting rod 621 is in the first position, the latch 100 is in the latched position and can rotate towards the unlocked position. In this state, the latch 100 is not restricted from rotating towards the unlocked position, creating conditions for self-locking when the door is closed. When the connecting rod 621 is in the second position, the latch 100 is in the unlocked position. During the process of the connecting rod 621 moving from the first position to the second position, the connecting rod 621 can drive the latch 100 to rotate from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0048] The power module 640, time-delay disconnect switch 650, and driver 610 are sequentially electrically connected. A normally closed microswitch 660 is connected in parallel across the time-delay disconnect switch 650. The power module 640 provides power, and the driver 610 operates when powered on and stops operating when powered off. The user can operate the time-delay disconnect switch 650 to close it, and the time-delay disconnect switch 650 opens after a delay following its closure. The normally closed microswitch 660 is normally closed; when triggered, it switches to the open state.

[0049] Link 621 includes a trigger 622. When link 621 is in the first position, trigger 622 triggers normally closed micro switch 660 to open the normally closed micro switch. If time-delayed disconnect switch 650 closes, driver 610 is energized to drive link 621 to move to a second position away from micro switch 660.

[0050] When the door is closed, the linkage 621 does not restrict the latch 100 from rotating to the unlocked position. The door can push the latch 100 to rotate to the unlocked position. After the door is closed, under the action of the elastic element 400, the latch 100 will return to the locked position to lock the door, realizing the self-locking of the door. When the door is closed, the self-locking and self-opening latch structure is in its initial state, and the linkage 621 is in the first position. At this time, the trigger part 622 triggers the normally closed micro switch 660, the normally closed micro switch is opened, the time-delayed disconnect switch 650 is also opened, the power module 640 does not supply power to the driver 610, the driver 610 does not work, and the linkage 621 does not work accordingly. If the user wishes to open the door, they can operate the time-delay disconnect switch 650, causing it to close. This energizes the driver 610, which in turn drives the linkage 621 to move to a second position away from the micro switch 660. Since the time-delay disconnect switch 650 is delayed in opening, the driver 610 continues to drive the linkage 621. After the trigger part 622 moves away from the normally closed micro switch 660, the normally closed micro switch 660 returns to the closed state. Even if the time-delay disconnect switch 650 is delayed in opening, the power module 640 can still supply power to the driver 610, allowing the driver 610 to continue driving the linkage 621. During this process, the linkage 621 drives the rotating shaft 300 to rotate, which in turn drives the latch to the unlock position, allowing the door to open automatically and facilitating user access and improving the user experience.

[0051] After the linkage 621 reaches the second position, the driver 610 will drive the linkage 621 to move to the first position. The trigger 622 will then approach the normally closed micro switch 660. When the linkage 621 reaches the first position, the trigger 622 will trigger the normally closed micro switch 660 to open the normally closed micro switch 660, de-energize the driver 610, and the linkage 621 will remain in the first position. The self-locking and self-opening latch structure can then be reset to its initial state to wait for the next closing.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the end of the rotating shaft 300 is bent to form a swing rod 630 extending radially along the rotating shaft 300, or the swing rod 630 extending radially along the rotating shaft 300 is fixed on the rotating shaft 300. The connecting rod 621 is provided with a swing groove 623, and the swing rod 630 is inserted into the swing groove 623.

[0053] When the connecting rod 621 moves, the side wall of the swing groove 623 pushes the swing rod 630 to rotate, which in turn drives the rotating rod 300 to rotate, so as to lock and unlock the latch.

[0054] Furthermore, the extension direction of the swing groove 623 is parallel to the direction from the first position to the second position. When the connecting rod 621 is in the first position, the swing rod 630 can rotate in the swing groove 623 toward the direction closer to the second position. During the process of the connecting rod 621 moving toward the second position, the side wall of the swing groove 623 can drive the swing rod 630 to rotate toward the direction closer to the second position.

[0055] Traditional latch position switching requires a drive mechanism. When the latch is in one position, it cannot be switched to another position by the restoring force of the elastic element or by manual operation by the user, greatly reducing its flexibility and hindering diverse product configurations. In this embodiment, when the connecting rod 621 is in the first position, the swing rod 630 is not restricted from rotating towards the second position. Consequently, the latch position switching is not restricted, enabling locking or unlocking of the door, facilitating self-locking of the latch. Simultaneously, as the connecting rod 621 moves towards the second position, it can still drive the latch to switch positions.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the transmission mechanism also includes a rotating disk 624 and a transmission shaft 625. The driver 610 is connected to the rotating disk 624 and is used to drive the rotating disk 624 to rotate around its axis. The transmission shaft 625 is fixed on the rotating disk 624 and is eccentrically arranged. The rotating disk 624 is rotatably connected to the connecting rod 621 through the transmission shaft 625.

[0057] When the driver 610 operates, it drives the rotating disk 624 to rotate. Due to the eccentric arrangement of the transmission shaft 625, a structure similar to a crank-connecting rod mechanism is formed, causing the connecting rod 621 to oscillate and reciprocate between the first and second positions. In this embodiment, the driver 610 can continuously output driving force to the rotating disk 624, keeping the rotating disk 624 rotating. During the rotation of the rotating disk 624, the connecting rod 621 can be driven to reciprocate between the first and second positions without requiring the driver 610 to change the direction of the driving force, resulting in smoother operation.

[0058] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism also includes a support plate 680, which has a through support groove 681. The connecting rod 621 passes through the support groove 681 and can move within it. The bottom wall of the support groove 681 can effectively support the connecting rod 621, providing support to reduce the force on the transmission shaft 625. At the same time, it can keep the connecting rod 621 stable, allowing it to reciprocate on the same plane and ensuring stable reciprocating movement in the first and second positions.

[0059] Furthermore, there are two support plates 680, each with a support groove 681. Correspondingly, the connecting rod 621 passes through the support grooves 681 of the two support plates 680, which enhances the support for the connecting rod 621 and further ensures that it can reciprocate stably in the first and second positions.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1-6 As shown, the delay time of the time-delayed disconnect switch 650 is greater than the time it takes for the trigger part 622 to separate from the normally closed micro switch 660. When the user operates the time-delayed disconnect switch 650, causing it to close, the connecting rod 621 moves to a second position away from the micro switch 660. Correspondingly, it takes a certain amount of time from when the trigger part 622 triggers the normally closed micro switch 660 until the trigger part 622 separates from the normally closed micro switch 660. Since the delay time of the time-delayed disconnect switch 650 is longer, the normally closed micro switch 660 has already returned to the closed state before the time-delayed disconnect switch 650 is disconnected. In this way, even if the time-delayed disconnect switch 650 is disconnected, the driver 610 is still powered on and works, preventing the driver 610 from working prematurely.

[0061] The delay time of the time-delay disconnect switch 650 is less than the time of one movement cycle of the link 621. The time of one movement cycle of the link 621 is equal to the time it takes for the link 621 to move from the first position to the second position plus the time it takes for the link 621 to move from the second position to the first position. This can prevent the time-delay disconnect switch 650 from still being closed when the link 621 returns to the first position, ensuring that the driver 610 can stop working and the link 621 can stop in the first position when the link 621 returns to the first position.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the triggering part 622 has a triggering surface 626 with a circular arc cross-section. The triggering surface 626 can trigger the normally closed micro switch 660 to open the normally closed micro switch 660. The triggering surface 626 is smoother, which can reduce the frictional resistance when it contacts the normally closed micro switch 660, and make it easier for the triggering part 622 to swing with the connecting rod 621.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the locking mechanism's drive structure also includes a bracket 670. The driver 610, transmission mechanism, and normally closed micro switch 660 are all fixed on the bracket 670. The bracket 670 provides mounting space for the driver 610, transmission mechanism, and normally closed micro switch 660. During later assembly, the bracket 670 can be installed onto the housing to install the driver 610, transmission mechanism, and normally closed micro switch 660, simplifying the installation process. At the same time, the overall structure is relatively compact, reducing space occupation.

[0064] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the driver 610 is a motor, which drives the transmission mechanism to operate by rotating its output shaft. It is particularly suitable for embodiments where the transmission mechanism also includes a rotating disk 624 and a transmission shaft 625, and can continuously drive the rotating disk 624 to rotate.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7-10 As shown, a limiting structure 210 is provided on the mounting base 200. When the latch 100 is in the locked position, the limiting structure 210 abuts against the rotating shaft 300 to restrict the rotating shaft 300 from rotating in the direction of the applied force. Thus, the elastic element 400 applies a force to the rotating shaft 300, while the limiting mechanism 210 applies a reverse force to the rotating shaft 300. The two forces counteract each other, creating an effect similar to clamping the rotating shaft 300. The rotating shaft 300 can then remain abutting against the limiting structure 210, and the latch 100 can be stably kept in the locked position, ensuring the normal use of the door.

[0066] Furthermore, the rotating shaft 300 includes a flat portion 301, and the limiting structure 210 includes a limiting block. The limiting block is located on the rotation path of the flat portion 301. When the latch 100 is in the locked position, the limiting block abuts against the flat portion 301 to restrict the rotating shaft 300 from rotating in the direction of the force.

[0067] The flat portion 301 ensures that the cross-sectional shape of the rotating shaft 300 is not circular, providing space for the limiting block to be positioned within its rotation path without affecting the rotation of the latch 100 from the locked position to the unlocked position. The cross-sectional shape of the flat portion 301 can be either a cleft or a long, flat strip.

[0068] Furthermore, the mounting base 200 is provided with a rotating hole 220, and the flat portion 301 is located in the rotating hole 220 and can rotate within it. The limiting block is located on the inner wall of the rotating hole 220, thus concealing the limiting block and preventing it from being directly exposed, providing a certain degree of protection. The limiting block is relatively closer to the flat portion 301, enabling a simple and efficient limiting effect.

[0069] As needed, two rotating holes 220 can be coaxially arranged. The rotating shaft 300 has two flat parts 301, which are respectively inserted into the two rotating holes 220. Limiting blocks are provided on the inner walls of the two rotating holes to enhance the limiting effect.

[0070] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7-10As shown, the rotating shaft 300 consists of a first rotating shaft 310 and a second rotating shaft 320 coaxially arranged. The latch 100 is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft 310 and rotatably connected to the mounting base 200 via the first rotating shaft 310. The second rotating shaft 320 and the first rotating shaft 310 can rotate synchronously around the axis of the first rotating shaft 310. When the second rotating shaft 320 rotates, the first rotating shaft 310 rotates synchronously. The second rotating shaft 320 is connected to the connecting rod. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 300 is configured as a two-part structure, which allows the transmission mechanism to transmit driving force to the first rotating shaft 310 through the second rotating shaft 320, thereby electrically driving the latch 100 to rotate. The first rotating shaft 310 is also easier to assemble with the mounting base 200.

[0071] Furthermore, the second rotating shaft 320 has a notch 321 extending axially along the first rotating shaft 310 on its end face near the first rotating shaft 310. The first rotating shaft 310 includes a flat portion 301 at its end, which is inserted into the notch 321. This allows the transmission of driving force, enabling the second rotating shaft 320 and the first rotating shaft 310 to rotate synchronously around the axis of the first rotating shaft 310. Simultaneously, the first rotating shaft 310 and the second rotating shaft 320 can be assembled using a plug-in method, making assembly and disassembly easier. A limiting mechanism is provided on the second rotating shaft 320 to prevent the second rotating shaft 320 from detaching axially from the first rotating shaft 310. Therefore, the second rotating shaft 320 is less likely to separate from the first rotating shaft 310, ensuring that the second rotating shaft 320 can stably transmit driving force to the first rotating shaft 310.

[0072] Furthermore, the limiting mechanism includes a fixed base 410 and a retaining ring 420. The fixed base 410 is provided with a fixing hole, through which the second rotating shaft 320 passes and can rotate. Thus, the fixed base 410 can provide necessary support and limitation for the second rotating shaft 320, keeping its axial position relatively fixed. The retaining ring 420 is sleeved on the outside of the second rotating shaft 320. The outer diameter of the retaining ring 420 is larger than the diameter of the fixing hole, so the retaining ring 420 cannot pass through the fixing hole. The first rotating shaft 310, the retaining ring 420, and the fixed base 410 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the second rotating shaft 320. When the second rotating shaft 320 moves axially away from the first rotating shaft 310, before the flat portion 301 disengages from the notch 321, the retaining ring 420 abuts against the fixing seat 410 to restrict the second rotating shaft 320 from moving further axially away from the first rotating shaft 310. Thus, the flat portion 301 cannot disengage from the notch 321, and the second rotating shaft 320 cannot separate from the first rotating shaft 310. Simultaneously, the retaining ring 420 can also be removed from the second rotating shaft 320 to separate the second rotating shaft 320 from the first rotating shaft 310, facilitating subsequent disassembly and maintenance.

[0073] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7-10 As shown, a hanging rod 322 is fixed on the rotating shaft 300, and the elastic element 400 is a torsion spring sleeved on the rotating shaft 300. One end of the torsion spring is hooked on the hanging rod 322, and the other end of the torsion spring abuts against the box or the seat on the box.

[0074] In this embodiment, the torsion spring can transmit torque to drive the rotating shaft 300 to rotate. Since the torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft 300, it is not easy to separate from the rotating shaft 300, so as to provide a relatively stable torque. One end of the torsion spring is hooked on the hanging rod 322 to prevent its torsion arm at the end from separating from the rotating shaft 300. The other end of the torsion spring abuts against the cabinet, which can be the main cabinet of an appliance such as an oven. The seat on the cabinet can be other devices fixed to the cabinet. This allows the torsion arm at the other end of the torsion spring to maintain a relatively fixed position so that torque can be generated when the end of the torsion spring hooked on the hanging rod 322 rotates.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7-10 As shown, the latch 100 has a guide ramp 110. When the door rotates to the closed position, the door will abut against the guide ramp 110 and exert a pushing force on the guide ramp 110, thereby driving the latch 100 to move to the unlocked position. When the door is closed, under the force of the elastic element 400, the latch 100 can return to the locked position to lock the door.

[0076] An embodiment of the present invention provides an oven, such as Figure 11-15 As shown, the enclosure includes a door 510, a housing 500, and a self-locking and self-opening latch structure as described in any of the above embodiments. A detailed description of the self-locking and self-opening latch structure can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here. The housing 500 has a receiving cavity in which food is placed for baking. The door 510 is rotatably connected to the housing 500. The door 510 can be rotated to the open position to open the receiving cavity for easy access to food, and can also be rotated to the closed position to close the receiving cavity for heat preservation. The self-locking and self-opening latch structure is provided on the housing 500. The door 510 has a latch groove 511. When the door 510 is closed, the latch 100 inserts into the latch groove 511 to restrict the opening of the door 510, thus locking the door 510.

[0077] The terms and words used in the foregoing description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are merely used by the applicant to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention is illustrative only and not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A self-locking and self-opening latch structure, characterized in that: The device includes a latch, a rotating shaft, a mounting base, an elastic element, a driver, a transmission mechanism, a power module, a time-delay disconnect switch, and a normally closed micro switch. The latch is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft and rotatably connected to the mounting base via the rotating shaft. The latch can rotate relative to the mounting base to a locked position and an unlocked position. The elastic element abuts against or is connected to the rotating shaft and can apply a force to the rotating shaft. The direction of the force is the same as the direction in which the latch rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position. The driver is connected to a transmission mechanism, which includes a connecting rod connected to a rotating shaft. The driver is used to drive the connecting rod to reciprocate between a first position and a second position. When the connecting rod is in the first position, the latch is in the latched position and can rotate to the unlocked position. When the connecting rod is in the second position, the latch is in the unlocked position. During the process of the connecting rod moving from the first position to the second position, the connecting rod can drive the latch to rotate from the locked position to the unlocked position. The power module, the time-delay disconnect switch, and the driver are electrically connected in sequence. The normally closed micro switch is connected in parallel across the two ends of the time-delay disconnect switch. The connecting rod includes a trigger part. When the connecting rod is in the first position, the trigger part triggers the normally closed micro switch to open it. If the time-delay disconnect switch is closed, the driver is energized to drive the connecting rod to move to a second position away from the micro switch.

2. The self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the rotating shaft is bent to form a swing rod extending radially along the rotating shaft, or a swing rod extending radially along the rotating shaft is fixed on the rotating shaft; the connecting rod is provided with a swing groove, the swing rod is inserted into the swing groove, the extension direction of the swing groove is parallel to the direction from the first position to the second position, when the connecting rod is in the first position, the swing rod can rotate in the swing groove toward the direction closer to the second position, and during the process of the connecting rod moving toward the second position, the side wall of the swing groove can drive the swing rod to rotate toward the direction closer to the second position.

3. The self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism also includes a rotating disk and a transmission shaft. The driver is connected to the rotating disk and is used to drive the rotating disk to rotate around its axis. The transmission shaft is fixed on the rotating disk and is eccentrically arranged. The rotating disk is rotatably connected to the connecting rod through the transmission shaft.

4. The self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism also includes a support plate with a through support groove, through which the connecting rod passes and can move.

5. The self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The delay time of the time-delayed disconnect switch is greater than the time it takes for the trigger part to separate from the normally closed micro switch, and the delay time of the time-delayed disconnect switch is less than the time of one movement cycle of the connecting rod.

6. The self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The mounting base is provided with a limiting structure. When the latch is in the locked position, the limiting structure abuts against the rotating shaft to restrict the rotating shaft from rotating in the direction of the applied force.

7. The self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The rotating shaft includes a flat portion, and the limiting structure includes a limiting block. The limiting block is located on the rotation path of the flat portion. When the latch is in the locked position, the limiting block abuts against the flat portion to restrict the rotating shaft from rotating in the direction of the applied force.

8. The self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The rotating shaft consists of a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft arranged coaxially. The latch is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft and is rotatably connected to the mounting base through the first rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft and the first rotating shaft can rotate synchronously around the axis of the first rotating shaft, and the connecting rod is connected to the second rotating shaft.

9. The self-locking and self-opening latch structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: A hanging rod is fixed on the rotating shaft, and the elastic element is a torsion spring sleeved on the rotating shaft. One end of the torsion spring is hooked on the hanging rod, and the other end abuts against the box or the seat on the box. The latch has a guide slope.

10. An oven, characterized in that: It includes a door, a housing, and a self-locking and self-opening latch structure as described in any one of claims 1-9; the door is rotatably connected to the housing, and the self-locking and self-opening latch structure is disposed on the housing; the door is provided with a latch groove, and when the door is closed, the latch is inserted into the latch groove.

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