Lock catch device and cooling fan

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model discloses a lock catch device and a cooling fan, the lock catch device is applied to the cooling fan, the cooling fan comprises a machine body and a water tank, the lock catch device comprises a lock catch, the lock catch comprises a pressing end and a buckling end, and the water tank is provided with a clamping groove; the buckle end is clamped with the clamping groove under the pushing effect of the water tank so as to achieve locking of the water tank. The buckle end is separated from the clamping groove under the pressing effect of the pressing end so that the water tank can be unlocked. Compared with the prior art, the water tank locking and unlocking device is simple in structure, the water tank can be locked and unlocked through a single part, such as automatic locking when the water tank is pushed in and easy pressing unlocking operation, the product structure is greatly simplified, and the assembly and maintenance difficulty and the production cost are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of cooling fans, in particular to a locking device and a cooling fan. Background Art

[0002] In the field of household cooling fans, the water tank is one of the core components that achieves cooling. Its secure fixing is crucial to ensure the proper function of the device. The water tank lock, as the bridge connecting the water tank to the cooling fan's main structure, plays an indispensable role.

[0003] There are various water tank lock designs on the market, but the most common and widely adopted is the spring button design. This design uses the elastic force of a spring to firmly secure the water tank, preventing it from shaking or falling off during operation. The spring button design also makes it easier for users to install or remove the water tank, improving convenience.

[0004] However, despite its excellent practicality, the spring button design also has significant drawbacks. First, structurally, the spring button design is relatively complex, requiring multiple parts to function. This not only increases the difficulty and cost of manufacturing but also complicates subsequent maintenance and repair. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a locking device and a cooling fan, aiming to solve the problem that the existing locking device has a complex structure, resulting in high cost and poor maintainability.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the purpose of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a locking device for a cooling fan, wherein the cooling fan includes a body and a water tank, and the locking device includes:

[0008] A lock buckle, the lock buckle comprising a pressing end and a buckle end, and the water tank is provided with a card slot;

[0009] The buckle end is engaged with the card slot under the pushing action of the water tank to lock the water tank;

[0010] The buckle end is separated from the card slot under the pressing action of the pressing end to unlock the water tank.

[0011] Preferably, a rotating shaft is provided in the area between the pressing end and the buckle end, the body is provided with a fixing groove, the rotating shaft is fixedly installed in the fixing groove, and the lock rotates around the rotating shaft.

[0012] Preferably, the pressing end is a horizontal extension plate of the inclined plate provided on one side of the rotating shaft, and the buckle end is a downwardly extending protrusion of the transverse plate provided on the other side of the rotating shaft.

[0013] Preferably, the buckle end includes an extrusion portion and a limiting portion, the extrusion portion is arranged close to the rotating shaft, and the limiting portion is arranged away from the rotating shaft.

[0014] Preferably, the outer side wall of the card slot is a guide wall. When the water tank is pushed in, the guide wall pushes the extrusion portion to lift the buckle end upward to lock the water tank.

[0015] Preferably, the inner side wall of the slot is a limiting wall, and when the water tank is in a locked state, the limiting wall abuts against the limiting portion.

[0016] Preferably, an opening is provided on the inner side wall of the fixing groove, the opening is communicated with the external space, and the pressing end extends from the opening to perform pressing from the outside.

[0017] Preferably, the weight of the buckle end is greater than the weight of the pressing end.

[0018] Preferably, an indicator mark is provided on the surface of the fuselage. When the water tank is in a locked state, the indicator mark is a lock symbol, and when the water tank is in an unlocked state, the indicator mark is an unlock symbol.

[0019] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a cooling fan, comprising a locking device as described in any one of the above embodiments, wherein the locking device is located between the fuselage and the water tank, the fuselage is provided with an installation groove, and the water tank is installed in the installation groove.

[0020] Compared to the prior art, the present invention offers the following advantages: The present invention provides a locking device and cooling fan, which utilizes a locking latch disposed between the body and the water tank. The water tank is unlocked by pressing the locking latch's pressing end, and locked by pushing the water tank against the locking latch's snap end. Compared to the prior art, the present invention offers a simpler structure, utilizing a single component to lock and unlock the water tank, enabling automatic locking when the water tank is pushed in and easy unlocking by pressing. This significantly simplifies the product structure, reduces assembly and maintenance difficulties, and reduces production costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a cooling fan provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a cooling fan body provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A local enlarged schematic diagram of point A shown;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a lock in a lock device provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the cooling fan provided by an embodiment of the utility model before being pushed into the water tank;

[0027] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the cooling fan provided by an embodiment of the utility model in a locked state of the water tank;

[0028] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the cooling fan provided by an embodiment of the utility model in a state where the water tank is unlocked;

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 5 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of point B shown;

[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 6 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of point C is shown;

[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 7 A local enlarged schematic diagram of point D is shown.

[0032] Reference numerals:

[0033] 1. Body; 11. Mounting slot; 12. Fixing slot; 121. Rotating shaft slot; 122. Opening; 2. Water tank; 21. Slot; 211. Guide wall; 212. Limiting wall; 3. Lock; 31. Pressing end; 32. Snap end; 321. Extrusion part; 322. Limiting part; 33. Rotating shaft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] With reference to the drawings of the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described, obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0035] It should be understood that the terms "comprising" and "including" as used in the specification and the appended claims indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] It should also be understood that the terms used in the present application specification are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in the present application specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] It should be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in the present application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes these combinations.

[0038] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 The present application embodiment discloses a locking device applied to a cold fan, the cold fan comprising a body 1 and a water tank 2, the locking device comprising: a lock 3, the lock 3 comprising a pressing end 31 and a buckle end 32, the water tank 2 being provided with a clamping groove 21, the buckle end 32 being clamped with the clamping groove 21 under the pushing action of the water tank 2 to realize the locking of the water tank 2, and the buckle end 32 being separated from the clamping groove 21 under the pressing action of the pressing end 31 to realize the unlocking of the water tank 2.

[0039] Specifically, the water tank 2 is an important component of the cold fan, used for storing water and providing a refrigeration effect for the cold fan through evaporation; the lock 3 is a key component connecting the body 1 and the water tank 2, comprising the pressing end 31 and the buckle end 32. The buckle end 32 will be in a locked state under the pushing action of the water tank 2, ensuring that the water tank 2 is stably installed on the body 1. The pressing end 31 changes the lock 3 from the locked state to the unlocked state under the action of external force, facilitating the user to disassemble the water tank 2.

[0040] Furthermore, the installation process for water tank 2 is as follows: the user places water tank 2 into body 1 and pushes it until it contacts the snap end 32 of latch 3. Under the force of this push, snap end 32 automatically locks, securing water tank 2 to body 1. To remove water tank 2, the user simply presses the pressing end 31 of latch 3, causing it to shift from a locked state to an unlocked state. At this point, the user can easily remove water tank 2. This method utilizes a single component to lock and unlock water tank 2, significantly simplifying the product structure and reducing assembly and maintenance difficulties, as well as production costs.

[0041] like Figures 3 and 4 As shown, a rotating shaft 33 is provided in the area between the pressing end 31 and the buckle end 32 , and the body 1 is provided with a fixing groove 12 . The rotating shaft 33 is fixedly installed in the fixing groove 12 , and the lock buckle 3 rotates around the rotating shaft 33 .

[0042] Specifically, the lock buckle 3 not only includes a pressing end 31 and a snap-on end 32, but also has a rotating shaft 33 in a certain area (center or to one side) between the pressing end 31 and the snap-on end 32. This rotating shaft 33 is fixedly installed in the rotating shaft groove 121 opened in the fixing groove 12, serving as the central axis for the rotation of the lock buckle 3. When the water tank 2 is placed in the body 1, it pushes the snap-on end 32 of the lock buckle 3. Since the lock buckle 3 rotates around the rotating shaft 33, the snap-on end 32 will rotate around the rotating shaft 33 under the push of the water tank 2 until it engages with the snap-on groove 21 on the water tank 2. In this process, the lock buckle 3 plays the role of fixing the water tank 2 to the body 1. When the user needs to unlock and remove the water tank 2, by pressing the pressing end 31 of the lock buckle 3, the lock buckle 3 will rotate around the rotating shaft 33 again under the action of the pressing force, and this time the direction of rotation is opposite to the direction of rotation when the water tank 2 is installed. As the lock buckle 3 rotates, the buckle end 32 will be disengaged from the locking slot 21, thereby unlocking the water tank 2.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the pressing end 31 is a horizontal extension of the inclined plate provided on one side of the rotating shaft 33, and the buckle end 32 is a downwardly extending protrusion of the horizontal plate provided on the other side of the rotating shaft 33.

[0044] Specifically, the pressing end 31 is designed as a horizontal extension of the inclined plate located on one side of the rotating shaft 33. This design allows the user to operate the pressing end 31 by pushing or pulling in the horizontal direction, thereby causing the lock 3 to rotate. The locking end 32 is a protrusion extending downward from the horizontal plate located on the other side of the rotating shaft 33. This protrusion is designed to match the locking slot 21 on the water tank 2. When the water tank 2 is pushed into the installation slot of the fuselage 1, the protrusion is pushed by the water tank 2 and rotates around the rotating shaft 33 until it fully engages with the locking slot 21. This design ensures the stability and firmness of the water tank 2 during installation.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the buckle end 32 includes an extrusion portion 321 and a limiting portion 322 . The extrusion portion 321 is disposed close to the rotation shaft 33 , and the limiting portion 322 is disposed away from the rotation shaft 33 .

[0046] Specifically, the extrusion portion 321 is arranged close to the rotating shaft 33 and is the portion of the buckle end 32 used to contact the water tank 2 and generate an extrusion effect. Its shape and size must ensure that it can fit tightly with the water tank 2 and generate sufficient friction when the water tank 2 is pushed in, so that the buckle end 32 can remain firmly in the card slot 21. The limiting portion 322 is arranged away from the rotating shaft 33 and is the portion of the buckle end 32 used to limit the movement range of the water tank 2. Once the extrusion portion 321 is successfully squeezed into the card slot 21 of the water tank 2, the limiting portion 322 will play a blocking role to prevent the water tank 2 from accidentally falling off from the fuselage 1. The shape and size of the limiting portion 322 must match the card slot 21 of the water tank assembly to ensure an effective limiting effect. By subdividing the buckle end 32 into the extrusion portion 321 and the limiting portion 322, the locking process 3 can be controlled more accurately. The squeezing portion 321 is responsible for generating friction and stabilizing the position of the buckle end 32 in the slot 21, while the limiting portion 322 is responsible for limiting the range of movement of the water tank 2. This design makes the lock 3 more stable and reliable.

[0047] like Figures 5 to 10 As shown, the outer side wall of the slot 21 is a guide wall 211 . When the water tank 2 is pushed in, the guide wall 211 pushes the extrusion portion 321 to lift the buckle end 32 upward to lock the water tank 2 .

[0048] Specifically, the outer wall of the card slot 21 is designed as a guide wall 211, and the shape and inclination angle of the guide wall 211 are carefully calculated to ensure that the extrusion part 321 can be pushed smoothly when the water tank 2 is pushed in. The buckle end 32 includes an extrusion part 321 and a limiting part 322, wherein the extrusion part 321 is used to contact the guide wall 211 and generate a pushing effect. The shape and size of the extrusion part 321 need to match the guide wall 211 to ensure that it can smoothly move along the guide wall 211 and lift the buckle end 32 when the water tank 2 is pushed in. When the user pushes the water tank 2 into the body 1 of the cooling fan, the card slot 21 of the water tank 2 first contacts the extrusion part 321 of the buckle end 32. As the water tank 2 continues to be pushed in, the guide wall 211 gradually pushes the extrusion part 321, causing the buckle end 32 to lift upward around the rotating shaft 33. When the water tank 2 is fully inserted, the pressing portion 321 has moved along the guide wall 211 to a certain position. The stopper 322 of the clip end 32 will then fall into the corresponding position of the water tank assembly, locking the water tank 2. To remove the water tank 2, the user simply presses the pressing end 31, causing the clip end 32 to pop out of the locked position, allowing the water tank 2 to be easily removed. This locks the water tank 2 without manually adjusting or rotating the lock 3. Simply push the water tank 2 into place, and the guide wall 211 automatically pushes the pressing portion 321 and lifts the clip end 32, quickly locking it.

[0049] like Figures 5 to 10 As shown, the inner side wall of the locking slot 21 is a limiting wall 212 . When the water tank 2 is in the locked state, the limiting wall 212 abuts against the limiting portion 322 .

[0050] Specifically, the inner wall of the slot 21 of the water tank 2 is designed as a retaining wall 212. Its shape and dimensions are carefully calculated to ensure tight contact with the retaining portion 322 of the latch end 32 when the water tank 2 is locked. The surface treatment of the retaining wall 212 ensures sufficient friction between the retaining portion 322 and the retaining portion 322 to prevent the water tank 2 from easily falling out when subjected to external forces. The retaining portion 322 of the latch end 32 is designed to match the shape and dimensions of the retaining wall 212 to ensure tight contact when the water tank 2 is locked. When the user pushes the water tank 2 into the cooling fan body 1 and locks it into place, the retaining portion 322 of the latch end 32 will tightly contact the retaining wall 212 inside the slot 21. This abutment not only provides additional support but also increases friction between the water tank 2 and the cooling fan body 1, preventing the water tank 2 from falling out when subjected to external forces. At the same time, the close fit between the limiting wall 212 and the limiting portion 322 also ensures the stability of the water tank 2 in the locked state, avoiding potential problems caused by shaking or vibration.

[0051] like Figures 5 to 10As shown, an opening 122 is provided on the inner side wall of the fixing groove 12 , and the opening 122 is communicated with the external space. The pressing end 31 extends from the opening 122 for pressing from the outside.

[0052] Specifically, the opening 122 not only allows the pressing end 31 to extend but also provides ample room for its movement. This means that during the pressing process, the pressing end 31 can move freely within the opening 122 without any obstruction. The size of this room is determined based on the size of the pressing end 31 and the required pressing stroke, ensuring that the user can easily press and unlock the water tank 2. Furthermore, this design conceals the lock 3 within the body 1, eliminating the problem of protruding screws and stoppers, significantly improving the overall aesthetics of the product.

[0053] In an optional embodiment, the weight of the buckle end 32 is greater than the weight of the pressing end 31 .

[0054] Specifically, the snap-on end 32 is designed to be the heavier part, achieved by increasing the material density and volume or using a heavier alloy material. Its shape and structure must ensure that it can fit tightly with the slot 21 of the water tank assembly to form an effective locking mechanism. The pressing end 31 is designed to be relatively light to facilitate easy operation by the user. The material can be selected from plastic or lightweight alloy with lower density while maintaining sufficient strength and durability. When the user pushes the water tank 2 into the body 1 of the cooling fan, the snap-on end 32 will first contact the water tank assembly. Because the snap-on end 32 is heavier than the pressing end 31, when the water tank 2 is pushed into place, the snap-on end 32 will naturally fall under the action of gravity and fall into the slot 21 of the water tank assembly. Once the snap-on end 32 falls into the slot 21, it will form a tight fit with the slot 21, thereby locking the water tank 2 and preventing it from shaking or falling off during the operation of the cooling fan. When the user needs to disassemble the water tank 2 , he only needs to gently press the pressing end 31 to make the buckle end 32 pop out from the card slot 21 , and then the water tank 2 can be easily taken out.

[0055] Furthermore, an indicator mark is provided on the surface of the body 1. When the water tank 2 is in a locked state, the indicator mark is a lock symbol, and when the water tank 2 is in an unlocked state, the indicator mark is an unlock symbol.

[0056] Specifically, an indicator area is designed on the surface of the body 1 (located in a location easily visible to the user). This area can be displayed through printing, engraving, LED display, or other means. The indicator includes two symbols: a lock symbol and an unlock symbol. The lock symbol typically represents a closed lock or similar graphic, while the unlock symbol may represent an open lock, an arrow, or other graphic indicating release or movement. A status detection mechanism is installed within the cooling fan to detect the locked or unlocked status of the water tank 2. This mechanism can be implemented using a sensor, switch, or other detection method. When the water tank 2 is properly locked, the sensor sends a signal to the indicator system; when the water tank 2 is unlocked or improperly locked, the sensor sends another signal. After receiving the signal, the indicator system displays the corresponding symbol in the indicator area based on the signal content. The user can intuitively understand the current status of the water tank 2 by observing the indicator on the surface of the body 1. If the indicator displays the lock symbol, the user knows that the water tank 2 is locked and can use the cooling fan safely. If the indicator shows an unlock symbol, the user knows that the water tank 2 is not locked or has been unlocked, and needs to take corresponding actions (such as relocking the water tank 2).

[0057] On the other hand, Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment also provides a cooling fan, including a body 1 and a locking device 3 as in the above embodiment, wherein the locking device 3 is located between the body 1 and the water tank 2, the body 1 is provided with an installation groove 11, and the water tank 2 is installed in the installation groove 11.

[0058] Specifically, the cooling fan comprises a body 1, which houses a refrigeration system, a fan, and other components for generating cooling air. The front or top portion of the body 1 is designed with a mounting slot 11 for a water tank 2, which is used to place and secure the water tank 2. A locking device, such as that described in the above embodiment, is integrated into the mounting slot for the water tank 2 to secure and unlock the water tank 2. The cooling fan's operating interface is typically located on the front or top portion of the body 1 and includes buttons or knobs for switching on and off, adjusting wind speed, and adjusting cooling intensity. The user can use this interface to control parameters such as the fan's start and stop, wind speed, and cooling intensity. During use, the user can view information such as the fan's operating status and remaining water level at any time through the interface. By integrating the locking device described in the above embodiment, the installation and securing of the cooling fan's water tank 2 becomes more convenient and quicker. The user can lock and unlock the water tank 2 with a simple press.

[0059] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and such modifications or substitutions should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

[0060] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and such modifications or substitutions should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A locking device, applied to a cooling fan, the cooling fan comprising a body and a water tank, characterized in that: include: A lock buckle, the lock buckle comprising a pressing end and a buckle end, and the water tank is provided with a card slot; The buckle end is engaged with the card slot under the pushing action of the water tank to lock the water tank; The buckle end is separated from the card slot under the pressing action of the pressing end to unlock the water tank.

2. The locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A rotating shaft is provided in an area between the pressing end and the buckle end, the body is provided with a fixing groove, the rotating shaft is fixedly installed in the fixing groove, and the lock rotates around the rotating shaft.

3. The locking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pressing end is a horizontal extension plate of the inclined plate provided on one side of the rotating shaft, and the buckle end is a downwardly extending protrusion of the transverse plate provided on the other side of the rotating shaft.

4. The locking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The buckle end includes an extrusion portion and a limiting portion, wherein the extrusion portion is arranged close to the rotating shaft, and the limiting portion is arranged away from the rotating shaft.

5. The locking device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer side wall of the card slot is a guide wall. When the water tank is pushed in, the guide wall pushes the extrusion portion to lift the buckle end upward to lock the water tank.

6. The locking device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner side wall of the slot is a limiting wall, and when the water tank is in a locked state, the limiting wall abuts against the limiting portion.

7. The locking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: An opening is provided on the inner side wall of the fixing groove, and the opening is communicated with the external space. The pressing end extends from the opening to perform pressing from the outside.

8. The locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The weight of the buckle end is greater than the weight of the pressing end.

9. The locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An indicator mark is provided on the surface of the fuselage. When the water tank is in a locked state, the indicator mark is a lock symbol. When the water tank is in an unlocked state, the indicator mark is an unlock symbol.

10. A cooling fan, characterized in that: It comprises a locking device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the locking device is located between the fuselage and the water tank, the fuselage is provided with a mounting groove, and the water tank is installed in the mounting groove.

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