Hinge assembly and household appliance

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of connecting structures of household appliances, and provides a hinge assembly and a household appliance, the hinge assembly comprises a hinge main body and a plugging piece, a concave cavity is formed in the hinge main body, and the concave cavity is used for wiring of a wire harness connecting a control panel and a control part; the blocking piece is connected with the hinge body in a clamped mode and blocks the open end of the concave cavity, a clamping structure is arranged on the hinge body, and a clamping matching structure is arranged on the blocking piece. According to the hinge assembly provided by the utility model, the plugging piece is connected with the hinge main body in a clamping connection manner, and the concave cavity of the hinge main body is plugged to support and limit the wire harness, so that the driving influence on the wire harness in the opening and closing process of the door plate main body relative to the electric appliance main body is reduced, and the probability that the wire harness is worn and damaged is further reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connection structure technology for household appliances, and in particular provides a hinge structure and a household appliance. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of household appliance technology products, an increasing number of products adopt a large door design, such as washing machines and dishwashers with large doors. The human-computer interaction and functional operation of these appliances are all located on the door. Therefore, to enable the operation of various functions, a wiring harness needs to be added between the door panel and the main unit to transmit commands. Furthermore, the door and the main unit are connected and fixed by door hinges. Typically, the interior of the door hinge is designed with a hollow structure, allowing the wiring harness to connect the control panel on the door to the main control circuit board inside the appliance.

[0003] However, since the door body and the door hinge rotate relative to each other around the axis, the connecting wire harness will move, which will cause wear and damage to the connecting wire harness. Therefore, it is urgent to solve the problem of the service life and safety of the connecting wire harness. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hinge assembly and household appliance, which aims to improve the problems of short service life and low safety caused by the easy wear and tear of the connecting wire harness in existing household appliances.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a hinge assembly for a household appliance, the household appliance including an appliance body and a door panel assembly, the appliance body having a control unit inside, and the door panel assembly including a door panel body and a control panel disposed on the door panel body;

[0007] The hinge assembly is used to enable the door panel body to rotate and open relative to the electrical appliance body. The hinge assembly includes a hinge body and a sealing member. A cavity is formed on the hinge body. The cavity is used for the wiring harness connecting the control panel and the control unit. The sealing member is engaged with the hinge body and seals the opening end of the cavity to enclose and support the wiring harness.

[0008] The hinge body is provided with a snap-fit ​​structure, and the sealing member is provided with a snap-fit ​​engagement structure adapted to the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0009] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The hinge assembly provided by this utility model utilizes a sealing component to connect to the hinge body via a snap-fit ​​connection, and seals the cavity of the hinge body to support and limit the wiring harness connecting the control panel and the control unit. This reduces the impact of the door panel on the wiring harness during the opening and closing of the door body relative to the appliance body, thereby reducing the probability of wear and damage to the wiring harness. Furthermore, the cavity can be formed by adding a core pull to the existing mold of the hinge body, resulting in less damage to the appearance of the hinge body and relatively lower costs. The sealing component connects to the hinge body via a snap-fit ​​connection, allowing the hinge assembly to be more compact and thinner. When the hinge assembly of this application embodiment is used to hinge the door panel of a household appliance and the appliance body, it is more suitable for household appliances with thinner door panels.

[0010] In some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​structure includes a groove structure formed on the sidewall of the cavity, and the snap-fit ​​mating structure includes a snap-fit ​​arm disposed on the sealing member, the snap-fit ​​arm snapping into the groove structure.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the snap-fit ​​arm is used to snap-fit ​​the groove structure to achieve quick assembly and disassembly of the sealing component relative to the hinge body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the groove structure is provided on both opposite sidewalls of the cavity, and the snap-fit ​​arm is provided on both opposite edge sides of the sealing member.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the locking arms are connected to the corresponding groove structure by being locked together to achieve force balance of the sealing component in the cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, the hinge body includes a first hinge member, the first hinge member including a first connecting portion connected to the electrical body, a hinge arm disposed on the first connecting portion, and a hinge post disposed on the hinge arm. The hinge arm has a mounting end face perpendicular to the central axis of the hinge post. The mounting end face is recessed inward to form the cavity. A through hole is provided on the first connecting portion. One end of the cavity is open and communicates with the through hole, and the other end of the cavity is closed.

[0015] The hinge arm includes a first hinge segment connected to the first connecting portion and a second hinge segment connected to the hinge post. The second hinge segment is connected to the first hinge segment and is set at an angle to the first hinge segment. The cavity includes a first sub-cavity formed at the first hinge segment and a second sub-cavity formed at the second hinge segment. The first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity are connected. The groove structure is provided on the two opposite side walls of the first sub-cavity. The sealing member includes a sealing main body. The sealing main body includes a first sealing sub-part sealing the first sub-cavity and a second sealing sub-part sealing the second sub-cavity. A plurality of snap-fit ​​arms are provided on the edge of the first sealing sub-part.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, a cavity is formed on the mounting end face of the hinge arm perpendicular to the central axis of the hinge column. The forming process is simpler and will not damage the appearance of the hinge arm or increase the processing difficulty of the forming mold of the hinge body. The hinge arm is divided into two hinge sub-segments, and the two hinge sub-segments are set at an angle to provide the space required for the hinge rotation of the door panel body relative to the washing machine body. At the same time, the cavity also includes two sub-cavities corresponding to the two hinge sub-arms to meet the wiring requirements of the wire harness and the requirement for snap-fit ​​connection with the sealing component.

[0017] In some embodiments, each of the snap-fit ​​arms is asymmetrically arranged on the two edge sides of the first sealing sub-part.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the asymmetrically arranged locking arms can provide more balanced connection points, thereby improving the connection stability of the sealing component on the hinge body.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sealing body is provided with at least three snap-fit ​​arms, wherein one of the groove structures extends from the first sub-cavity to the second sub-cavity, at least two of the snap-fit ​​arms are located in the first sub-cavity and snap-fit ​​into the corresponding groove structure, and at least one of the snap-fit ​​arms is located in the second sub-cavity and snap-fit ​​into the groove structure.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, at least three connection points are formed by using at least three snap-fit ​​arms and groove structures to improve the connection stability between the sealing body and the hinge body.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second sealing sub-part is provided with a protrusion structure, the protrusion structure being used to abut against the sidewall of the second sub-cavity.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the second sealing sub-part is connected to the side wall of the second sub-cavity through the convex structure. The friction between the two is used to seal the second sealing sub-part into the second sub-cavity, thereby providing corresponding coverage and protection for the wire harness.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second sealing sub-part has a top abutment at one end away from the first sealing sub-part, the top abutment being oriented away from the second sub-cavity, and the door panel body has a boss structure that abuts against the top abutment.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the protrusion structure of the door panel body is used to abut the top to prevent the second sealing part of the sealing component from sagging during the rotation and opening and closing of the door panel body.

[0025] In some embodiments, the hinge body includes a second hinge member, the second hinge member including a second connecting portion connected to the door panel body and a hinge sleeve disposed on the second connecting portion, the hinge sleeve being sleeved on the hinge post, the hinge sleeve being provided with a partition portion, and the outer wall of the hinge arm being provided with a limiting portion for abutting against the partition portion, so as to limit the opening and closing size of the door panel body relative to the electrical appliance body.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the blocking part and the limiting part abut against each other to limit the opening and closing angle of the door panel body relative to the electrical appliance body, so as to protect the wiring harness and prevent the wiring harness from moving significantly due to the large opening and closing angle.

[0027] In some embodiments, the sealing member includes a sealing stop at one end of the first sealing sub-part, the sealing stop extending to the first connecting part and extending into the through hole.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, a sealing edge is inserted into the through hole to form a relatively closed channel for accommodating the wire harness.

[0029] Secondly, this application also provides a household appliance including the hinge assembly described above.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The household appliance provided by this utility model, based on the above-mentioned hinge assembly, has a connection harness that is not easily worn, has a longer service life and higher safety, and the thickness of the household appliance can be thinner. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a household appliance provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 Exploded view of the hinge assembly of a household appliance provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first hinge member of the hinge assembly of a household appliance provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0035] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing component of the hinge assembly of a household appliance provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 5 A partial view of a household appliance provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0037] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0038] 10. Electrical appliance body;

[0039] 20. Door panel assembly; 21. Door panel body; 22. Control panel; 23. Boss structure;

[0040] 30. Hinge assembly; 31. Hinge body; 32. Sealing component; 30a. Cavity; 30b. Groove structure; 33. Snap-fit ​​arm; 311. First hinge component; 3111. First connecting part; 3112. Hinge arm; 3113. Hinge post; 3114. Limiting part; 311a. Mounting end face; 311b. Through hole; 31121. First hinge sub-segment; 31122. Second hinge sub-segment; 30a1. First sub-cavity; 30a2. Second sub-cavity; 321. Sealing body part; 322. Sealing edge; 3211. First sealing sub-part; 3212. Second sealing sub-part; 323. Protruding structure; 324. Top abutment; 312. Second hinge component; 3121. Second connecting part; 3122. Hinge sleeve; 3123. Partition. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "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 utility model 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 limitations on this utility model.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0044] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] In related technological products, an increasing number of household appliances adopt a door-type design, such as washing machines and dishwashers with open doors. The human-computer interaction and functional operation of these appliances are all located on the door. Therefore, to meet the various control-dependent functions, a connecting harness needs to be added between the door panel and the main appliance body to transmit commands. Furthermore, the door body and the main unit are connected and fixed by door hinges. Typically, the interior of the door hinge is designed with a hollow structure, allowing the connecting harness to connect the control panel on the door body to the main control circuit board inside the main unit. However, because the door body and the door hinge rotate relative to each other around an axis, the connecting harness moves, causing wear and damage. Therefore, it is urgent to solve the problems of the lifespan and safety of the connecting harness.

[0046] In view of this, this application provides a hinge assembly in which a cavity is formed on the hinge body, and a sealing member is added. The sealing member is connected to the hinge body by a snap-fit ​​connection and seals the cavity of the hinge body. This supports and limits the wiring harness connecting the control panel and the control unit, thereby reducing the impact of the door panel body on the wiring harness during the opening and closing of the electrical body, and thus reducing the probability of the wiring harness being worn and damaged.

[0047] Firstly, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides a hinge assembly 30 for a household appliance. The household appliance includes an appliance body 10 and a door panel assembly 20. The appliance body 10 has a control unit inside, and the door panel assembly 20 includes a door panel body 21 and a control panel 22 disposed on the door panel body 21.

[0048] Among them, the main body 10 is the main part of the household appliance. For example, when the household appliance is a washing machine, the main body 10 can be the main body of a drum washing machine or a top-loading washing machine, and is the main part of the mechanism used for washing clothes. The door panel assembly 20 is the cover part of the household appliance, which, together with the main body 10, forms a space for storing clothes. Depending on the type of household appliance, the relative opening direction of the door panel assembly 20 and the main body 10 is different. For example, the door panel assembly 20 adapted to the main body of a drum washing machine has a horizontal opening direction, while the door panel assembly 20 adapted to the main body of a top-loading washing machine has a vertical opening direction. The hinge assembly 30 is a structural component used to realize the rotation and opening of the door panel assembly 20 relative to the main body 10. It usually includes two parts that rotate relative to each other, one part is connected to the main body 10, and the other part is connected to the door panel assembly 20.

[0049] Specifically, the electrical body 10 has a control unit (not shown in the figure); the door panel assembly 20 includes a door panel body 21 and a control panel 22 disposed on the door panel body 21; and the hinge assembly 30 is used to realize the rotation and opening of the door panel body 21 relative to the electrical body 10. The hinge assembly 30 includes a hinge body 31 and a sealing member 32. A cavity 30a is formed on the hinge body 31. The cavity 30a is used for the wiring harness connecting the control panel 22 and the control unit. The sealing member 32 is engaged with the hinge body 31 and seals the opening end of the cavity 30a to surround and support the wiring harness. The hinge body 31 is provided with a snap-fit ​​structure, and the sealing member 32 is provided with a snap-fit ​​engagement structure adapted to the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0050] Understandably, the control unit is the motor or power pump part of the household appliance, providing the power needed to wash clothes or dishes; the door panel body 21 is the non-interactive part of the door panel assembly 20, and can rotate and open relative to the electrical body 10; the control panel 22 is the part that interacts with the user, having an operating interface and buttons, and is electrically connected to the control unit via a wiring harness; the hinge body 31 is the main part of the hinge assembly 30, typically comprising two parts that are hinged to each other to allow the door panel body 21 to rotate and open relative to the electrical body 10; the cavity 30a is a recessed structure formed by the inward indentation of the surface of the hinge body 31, serving as a concave structure for the wiring harness; simultaneously, the opening end of the cavity 30a is sealed by the sealing member 32, thereby supporting and limiting the wiring harness to reduce the probability of the wiring harness being damaged or even destroyed.

[0051] Here, the cavity 30a on the hinge body 31 can be formed by adding a core-pulling structure on the basis of the original mold. This has relatively little impact on the appearance of the hinge body 31. Compared with the hollow structure of the channel type, it also has the least impact on the forming mold and the cost is lower.

[0052] The sealing member 32 is connected to the hinge body 31 by a snap-fit ​​connection. A snap-fit ​​structure is provided on the hinge body 31, and a snap-fit ​​engagement structure is provided on the sealing member 32.

[0053] For example, the snap-fit ​​structure can be a snap-fit ​​hole structure formed on the hinge body 31, and the snap-fit ​​engagement structure can be a snap-fit ​​structure provided on the sealing member 32. Of course, the positions of the snap-fit ​​hole structure and the snap-fit ​​structure can also be interchanged.

[0054] For example, when the thickness of the hinge body 31 is relatively thin, the cavity and the sealing member are used to complete the snap-fit ​​connection. That is, the snap-fit ​​structure is the cavity 30 itself, and the snap-fit ​​structure can be a protrusion or other protruding mechanism provided on the sealing member 32. Then, the protrusion and the side wall of the cavity 30a are interference fit so that the sealing member 32 is pressed into the cavity 30a and a snap-fit ​​connection is formed.

[0055] For example, when the thickness of the hinge body 31 is relatively thin, the snap-fit ​​structure is a channel formed on the side wall of the cavity 30a, and the snap-fit ​​engagement structure is a snap-fit ​​structure provided on the sealing member 32 and snap-fitted into the channel. That is, the sealing member 32 is snapped into the side wall of the cavity 30a by pressing.

[0056] The sealing component 32 should be a thin sheet or plate structure.

[0057] For example, the sealing member 32 is a sealing plate with the same width as the hinge body 31. The snap-fit ​​structure is a snap-fit ​​hole formed on the hinge body 31, and the snap-fit ​​engagement structure is a snap-fit ​​arm provided on the sealing plate. The snap-fit ​​arm is inserted into the snap-fit ​​hole to achieve the snap-fit ​​engagement between the two. At the same time, the sealing plate seals the cavity 30a.

[0058] For example, the sealing member 32 is a sealing piece, the width of which is the same as the cavity width of the recess 30a. Meanwhile, the snap-fit ​​structure is a snap-fit ​​structure provided on the sealing piece, and the snap-fit ​​structure is a groove formed on the side wall of the recess 30a and snap-fitted to the snap-fit ​​structure. In this way, the sealing piece is placed on the hinge body by pressing and is sealed at the opening end of the recess 30a.

[0059] It should be noted that the sealing member 32 does not completely block the opening end of the cavity 30a, but only blocks part of the opening end of the cavity 30a. That is, the sealing member 32 and the hinge body with the cavity 30a enclose each other to form a channel that is connected to the outside at both ends, so that the wire harness can be passed through the channel.

[0060] The household appliance provided by this utility model adds a sealing component 32 to the hinge assembly 30. The sealing component 32 is connected to the hinge body 31 by a snap-fit ​​connection to seal the cavity 30a of the hinge body. This supports and limits the wiring harness connecting the control panel 22 and the control unit, reducing the impact of the door panel 21 on the wiring harness during the opening and closing of the appliance body 10, thereby reducing the probability of wear and damage to the wiring harness. At the same time, the cavity 30a can be formed by adding a core pull to the existing mold of the hinge body 31, which causes less damage to the appearance of the hinge body 31 and is relatively cheaper.

[0061] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​structure includes a groove structure 30b formed on the sidewall of the cavity 30a, and the snap-fit ​​mating structure includes a snap-fit ​​arm 33 disposed on the sealing member 32 and snap-fitted to the groove structure 30b.

[0062] Understandably, in this embodiment, the groove structure 30b formed on the cavity 30a causes minimal damage to the appearance of the hinge body 31 and is easy to process. The snap-fit ​​arm 33 is used to snap-fit ​​with the groove structure 30b to achieve the snap-fit ​​connection of the sealing member 32 to the hinge body 31.

[0063] Meanwhile, depending on actual usage requirements, the number of snap-fit ​​arms 33 can be one or more. Similarly, the slot structure 30b can be a continuous slot structure 30b, with each snap-fit ​​arm snapped onto the side wall of the same slot structure 30b. Alternatively, it can be a segmented slot structure 30b, that is, one snap-fit ​​arm snapped onto the side wall of one slot structure 30b.

[0064] Thus, the snap-fit ​​arm 33 is snapped into the groove structure 30b to enable quick assembly and disassembly of the sealing component 32 relative to the hinge body 31.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, groove structures 30b are provided on the two oppositely arranged side walls of the cavity 30a, and snap-fit ​​arms 33 are provided on the two oppositely arranged edge sides of the sealing member 32.

[0066] Here, the cavity 30a should have two oppositely arranged side walls and a bottom wall connecting the two side walls. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 30a is U-shaped or similar to U-shaped. Then, a groove structure 30b is provided on the two opposite side walls of the cavity 30a so that the snap-fit ​​arms 33 on the two opposite edges of the sealing member 32 can be connected to achieve force balance of the sealing member 32 in the cavity 30a.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 2 To the diagram Figure 4 In some embodiments, the hinge body 31 includes a first hinge member 311. The first hinge member 311 includes a first connecting portion 3111 connected to the electrical body 10, a hinge arm 3112 disposed on the first connecting portion 3111, and a hinge post 3113 disposed on the hinge arm 3112. The hinge arm 3112 has a mounting end face 311a perpendicular to the central axis of the hinge post 3113. The mounting end face 311a is recessed inward to form a cavity 30a. A through hole 311b is provided on the first connecting portion 3111. One end of the cavity 30a is in an open state and communicates with the through hole 311b, while the other end of the cavity 30a is in a closed state.

[0068] Understandably, the first hinge 311 is a part of the hinge body 31. The first hinge 311 can be used to connect with the electrical body 10. Thus, the other part of the hinge body 31 is connected with the door panel body 21.

[0069] Specifically, the first connecting part 3111 is the structural part that connects the first hinge member 311 to the electrical body 10. The first connecting part 3111 can be a connecting bracket, a connecting plate, or a connecting block, etc. The hinge post 3113 is the structural part that is hinged to another part of the hinge body 31. The hinge arm 3112 is the intermediate structural part that connects the first connecting part 3111 and the hinge post 3113. It is used to adjust the hinge distance of the hinge post 3113. Especially when the thickness of the door panel body 21 is relatively thick, the length of the hinge arm 3112 is longer.

[0070] The mounting end face 311a is the end face of the hinge arm 3112 that is perpendicular to the central axis of the hinge post 3113. It should be understood that in the normal use state, that is, when the household appliance is in the upright state, the mounting end face 311a can be the top or bottom end face of the hinge arm 3112. Therefore, depending on the actual use requirements, the opening direction of the cavity 30a formed on the mounting end face 311a can be either vertically upward or vertically downward.

[0071] Furthermore, the ends of the cavity 30a refer to the first and last ends of the cavity 30a. That is, the cavity 30a should have two oppositely arranged ends, one of which is closed to ensure the structural strength of the first hinge 311, and the other end is open and connected to the through hole 311b on the first connecting part 3111 so that the wire harness housed in the cavity 30a can enter the electrical body 10 through the through hole 311b.

[0072] Thus, a cavity 30a is formed on the mounting end face 311a of the hinge arm 3112, which is perpendicular to the central axis of the hinge column 3113. The forming process is simpler and will not damage the appearance of the hinge arm 3112 or increase the processing difficulty of the forming mold of the hinge body 31.

[0073] Furthermore, the hinge arm 3112 includes a first hinge segment 31121 connected to the first connecting portion 3111 and a second hinge segment 31122 connected to the hinge post 3113. The second hinge segment 31122 is connected to the first hinge segment 31121 and is arranged at an angle to the first hinge segment 31121. The cavity 30a includes a first sub-cavity 30a1 formed at the first hinge segment 31121 and a second sub-cavity 30a2 formed at the second hinge segment 31122. The first sub-cavity 30a1 and the second sub-cavity 30a2 are connected. The two side walls of the first sub-cavity 30a1 are provided with groove structures 30b.

[0074] Understandably, in this embodiment, the hinge arm 3112 includes a first hinge segment 31121 and a second hinge segment 31122, and the cavity 30a includes a corresponding first sub-cavity 30a1 and a second sub-cavity 30a2, wherein the first hinge segment 31121 is connected to the first connecting portion 3111, and therefore, the first sub-cavity 30a1 is connected to the through hole 311b on the first connecting portion 3111.

[0075] Since the first hinge segment 31121 is close to the first connecting part 3111, the groove structure 30b can be obtained by a corresponding core-pulling structure and by core-pulling at the through hole 311b. The extension direction of the second hinge segment is set at an angle to the extension direction of the first hinge segment. Therefore, it is relatively difficult to set the groove structure 30b on the side wall of the second hinge segment. That is, the groove structure 30b is concentrated in the first sub-cavity 30a1.

[0076] Thus, the hinge arm 3112 is divided into two hinge segments, and the two hinge segments are set at an angle to provide the space required for the hinge rotation of the door panel body 21 relative to the washing machine body. At the same time, the cavity 30a also includes two sub-cavities corresponding to the two hinge segments respectively to meet the wiring requirements of the wiring harness and the requirement for snap-fit ​​connection with the sealing member 32.

[0077] In addition, the sealing component 32 includes a sealing main body 321, which includes a first sealing sub-part 3211 that seals the first sub-cavity 30a1 and a second sealing sub-part 3212 that seals the second sub-cavity 30a2. The first sealing sub-part 3211 and the second sealing sub-part 3212 are connected to each other, and the edge of the first sealing sub-part 3211 is provided with a plurality of snap-fit ​​arms.

[0078] Understandably, the sealing body 321 is the main part of the sealing member 32, used to seal and adapt to the first sub-cavity 30a1 and the second sub-cavity 30a2. Specifically, the first sealing sub-part 3211 and the second sealing sub-part 3212 correspond to the first sub-cavity 30a1 and the second sub-cavity 30a2 respectively to fulfill the sealing requirements.

[0079] In some embodiments, each snap-fit ​​arm 33 is asymmetrically arranged on the two edge sides of the first sealing sub-part 3211.

[0080] Understandably, the asymmetrical arrangement means that each snap-fit ​​arm 33 is staggered on the two sides of the first sealing sub-part 3211. For example, one snap-fit ​​arm 33 is provided on one side of the first sealing sub-part 3211, while two snap-fit ​​arms 33 are provided on the other side of the first sealing sub-part 3211. The snap-fit ​​arms 33 are located in the gap between the two snap-fit ​​arms 33, thereby forming an asymmetrical arrangement.

[0081] In this way, the asymmetrically arranged locking arms can provide more balanced connection points, thereby improving the connection stability of the sealing component on the hinge body.

[0082] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the sealing body 321 is provided with at least three snap-fit ​​arms 33, wherein a groove structure 30b extends from the first sub-cavity 30a1 to the second sub-cavity 30a2, at least two snap-fit ​​arms 33 are located in the first sub-cavity 30a1 and snap-fit ​​into the corresponding groove structure 30b, and at least one snap-fit ​​arm 33 is located in the second sub-cavity 30a2 and snap-fit ​​into the groove structure 30b.

[0083] Understandably, in order to further improve the connection stability of the sealing member 32 in the first sub-cavity 30a1 and the second sub-cavity 30a2, the groove structure 30b in the first sub-cavity 30a1 can be extended to the second sub-cavity 30a2 to increase the number of connection points between the sealing member 32 and the two hinged segments.

[0084] Optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the sealing member 32 is provided with three snap-fit ​​arms 33, two of which are located in the first sub-cavity 30a1 and the arrangement direction of the two snap-fit ​​arms 33 is the same as the extension direction of the groove structure 30b; the remaining snap-fit ​​arm 33 is located in the second sub-cavity 30a2 and the arrangement direction of the snap-fit ​​arm 33 is set at an angle to the arrangement direction of the two snap-fit ​​arms 33. In this way, the connection stability of the sealing member 32 in the cavity 30a can be further improved.

[0085] In this way, the three snap-fit ​​arms 33 and the groove structure 30b form three connection points to improve the connection stability between the sealing component 32 and the hinge body 31.

[0086] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the sealing member 32 includes a sealing edge 322 disposed at one end of the first sealing sub-part 3211, the sealing edge 322 extending to the first connecting part 3111 and extending into the through hole 311b.

[0087] Understandably, the sealing edge 322 is an extension of the sealing member 32 toward the through hole 311b, and is used to seal the connection between the first hinge segment 31121 and the first connecting part 3111.

[0088] Thus, the sealing edge 322 extends into the through hole 311b to form a relatively closed channel for accommodating the wire harness.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the second sealing sub-part 3212 is provided with a protrusion structure 323, which is used to abut against the side wall of the second sub-cavity 30a2.

[0090] Understandably, the first sealing sub-part 3211 and the second sealing sub-part 3212 correspond to the first sub-cavity 30a1 and the second sub-cavity 30a2 respectively to fulfill the sealing requirements. Since the second sealing sub-part 3212 and the first sealing sub-part 3211 are set at an angle, and in terms of manufacturing process, it is difficult to form a corresponding groove structure 30b on the second sub-cavity 30a2 to meet the connection requirements, a protruding structure is provided on the second sealing sub-part 3212. Here, the protruding structure is a structure that protrudes from the surface of the second sealing sub-part 3212. Using the protruding structure, an interference fit is formed between the second sealing sub-part 3212 and the second sub-cavity 30a2 to improve the connection stability of the sealing body in the concave cavity 30a.

[0091] Thus, the second sealing sub-part 3212 is connected to the side wall of the second sub-cavity 30a2 through the protrusion structure 323, and the friction between the two is used to seal the second sealing sub-part 3212 in the second sub-cavity 30a2, thereby providing corresponding coverage and protection for the wire harness.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the second sealing sub-part 3212 is provided with a top abutment 324 at the end away from the first sealing sub-part 3211. The top abutment 324 is oriented away from the second sub-cavity 30a2. The door panel body 21 is provided with a boss structure 23, which abuts against the top abutment 324.

[0093] Understandably, the top abutment 324 is the part that extends outward from the second sealing sub-part 3212 and from the cavity 30a. The boss structure 23 on the door panel body 21 corresponds to the top abutment 324. Therefore, when the door panel body 21 rotates relative to the sealing member 32, the boss structure 23 supports the top abutment 324.

[0094] Thus, the boss structure 23 of the door panel body 21 is used to abut against the top 324 to prevent the second sealing part 3212 of the sealing member 32 from sagging during the rotation and opening and closing of the door panel body 21.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the hinge body 31 includes a second hinge member 312. The second hinge member 312 includes a second connecting portion 3121 connected to the door panel body 21 and a hinge sleeve 3122 provided on the second connecting portion 3121. The hinge sleeve 3122 is sleeved on the hinge post 3113. The hinge sleeve 3122 is provided with a partition portion 3123. The outer wall of the hinge arm 3112 is provided with a limiting portion 3114 for abutting against the partition portion 3123, so as to limit the opening and closing size of the door panel body 21 relative to the electrical body 10.

[0096] Understandably, the second hinge 312 is another part of the hinge body 31, used to connect with the door panel body 21, and to hinge and rotate with the first hinge 311. Specifically, the second connecting part 3121 is connected to the door panel body 21, and the hinge sleeve 3122 is fitted onto the hinge post 3113 of the first hinge 311 to realize the relative hinge rotation of the two hinges.

[0097] In theory, the hinge sleeve 3122 can rotate 360° around the central axis of the hinge post 3113. However, the opening and closing angle of the door panel body 21 relative to the electrical body 10 should not exceed 150°. An excessively large opening and closing angle will cause the wire harness in the cavity 30a to move, increasing the probability of the wire harness being worn. Therefore, a partition part 3123 is provided on the hinge sleeve 3122, and a limiting part 3114 is provided on the hinge arm 3112, so that when the hinge sleeve 3122 rotates around the axis relative to the hinge post 3113, it abuts against the limiting part 3114 to limit the angle of rotation of the hinge sleeve 3122 relative to the hinge post 3113 around the axis, thereby reducing the probability of wear on the wire harness in the cavity 30a.

[0098] In this way, by utilizing the abutment action between the partition part 3123 and the limiting part 3114, the opening and closing angle of the door panel body 21 relative to the electrical body 10 is limited, thereby protecting the wiring harness and preventing the wiring harness from moving significantly due to the large opening and closing angle.

[0099] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a household appliance, including the hinge assembly 30 described above.

[0100] Here, most household appliances are those with door panels that need to be operated via a control panel on the door panel, such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, and microwave ovens.

[0101] Based on the aforementioned hinge assembly 30, the connecting wiring harness in this household appliance is less prone to wear, has a longer service life, and offers higher safety. Furthermore, the appliance can be made thinner. Understandably, compared to a solution where the sealing element is connected to the hinge body via screws, the snap-fit ​​connection between the sealing element and the hinge body avoids the use of screws. This allows the hinge assembly 30 to be thinner, at least in the thickness direction of the household appliance (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the door panel assembly when closed), thus making it suitable for household appliances with thinner door panel assemblies.

[0102] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly for a household appliance, the household appliance comprising an appliance body and a door panel assembly, the appliance body having a control unit therein, the door panel assembly comprising a door panel body and a control panel disposed on the door panel body, characterized in that: The hinge assembly is used to enable the door panel body to rotate and open relative to the electrical appliance body. The hinge assembly includes a hinge body and a sealing member. A cavity is formed on the hinge body. The cavity is used for the wiring harness connecting the control panel and the control unit. The sealing member is engaged with the hinge body and seals the opening end of the cavity to enclose and support the wiring harness. The hinge body is provided with a snap-fit ​​structure, and the sealing member is provided with a snap-fit ​​engagement structure adapted to the snap-fit ​​structure.

2. The hinge assembly of claim 1, wherein: The snap-fit ​​structure includes a groove structure formed on the side wall of the cavity, and the snap-fit ​​mating structure includes a snap-fit ​​arm provided on the sealing member, the snap-fit ​​arm snapping into the groove structure.

3. The hinge assembly of claim 2, wherein: The groove structure is provided on the two opposite side walls of the cavity, and the snap-fit ​​arm is provided on the two opposite edge sides of the sealing member.

4. The hinge assembly of claim 2, wherein: The hinge body includes a first hinge member, which includes a first connecting part connected to the electrical body, a hinge arm disposed on the first connecting part, and a hinge post disposed on the hinge arm. The hinge arm has a mounting end face perpendicular to the central axis of the hinge post. The mounting end face is recessed inward to form the cavity. A through hole is provided on the first connecting part. One end of the cavity is open and communicates with the through hole, and the other end of the cavity is closed. The hinge arm includes a first hinge segment connected to the first connecting portion and a second hinge segment connected to the hinge post. The second hinge segment is connected to the first hinge segment and is set at an angle to the first hinge segment. The cavity includes a first sub-cavity formed at the first hinge segment and a second sub-cavity formed at the second hinge segment. The first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity are connected. The groove structure is provided on the two opposite side walls of the first sub-cavity. The sealing member includes a sealing main body. The sealing main body includes a first sealing sub-part sealing the first sub-cavity and a second sealing sub-part sealing the second sub-cavity. A plurality of snap-fit ​​arms are provided on the edge of the first sealing sub-part.

5. The hinge assembly of claim 4, wherein: Each of the aforementioned snap-fit ​​arms is asymmetrically arranged on the two edge sides of the first sealing sub-part.

6. The hinge assembly of claim 4 or 5, wherein: The sealing body is provided with at least three snap-fit ​​arms, wherein one of the groove structures extends from the first sub-cavity to the second sub-cavity, at least two of the snap-fit ​​arms are located in the first sub-cavity and snap-fit ​​into the corresponding groove structure, and at least one of the snap-fit ​​arms is located in the second sub-cavity and snap-fit ​​into the groove structure.

7. The hinge assembly of claim 4, wherein: The second sealing sub-part is provided with a protruding structure, which is used to abut against the side wall of the second sub-cavity.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second sealing sub-part has a top abutment at one end away from the first sealing sub-part. The top abutment is oriented away from the second sub-cavity. The door panel body has a boss structure that abuts against the top abutment.

9. The hinge assembly of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein: The hinge body includes a second hinge member, which includes a second connecting portion connected to the door panel body and a hinge sleeve disposed on the second connecting portion. The hinge sleeve is sleeved on the hinge post and has a partition portion. The outer wall of the hinge arm has a limiting portion for abutting against the partition portion to limit the opening and closing size of the door panel body relative to the electrical appliance body.

10. The hinge assembly of claim 4, wherein: The sealing component further includes a sealing stop edge disposed at one end of the first sealing sub-part, the sealing stop edge extending to the first connecting part and extending into the through hole.

11. A domestic appliance characterized in that: Includes the hinge assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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