Door lock structure and dish washing machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a door lock structure and a dish washing machine, and relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances. The door lock structure comprises a fixed seat, the fixed seat is provided with a mounting cavity, the top of the fixed seat is provided with a first opening, and the first opening communicates with the mounting cavity; the sealing piece is arranged at the top of the fixing seat, and the sealing piece is arranged on the peripheral side of the first opening in a surrounding mode; the spring bolt is connected with the fixed seat, part of the spring bolt is inserted into the mounting cavity through the first opening, and the other part of the spring bolt is located outside the mounting cavity; a gap is formed between at least part of the outer wall of the spring bolt and the inner wall of the mounting cavity, and the gap is configured to contain liquid; and the lock cylinder is connected or disconnected with the spring bolt located outside the mounting cavity. According to the door lock structure and the dish washing machine, the service life of the sealing piece in the door lock structure is long.

Description

A door lock structure and a dishwasher Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, and more particularly to a door lock structure and a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] As living standards improve, more and more families are equipped with dishwashers.

[0003] In related technologies, the door lock structure includes a fixed base, a seal, a bolt, and a lock cylinder. The fixed base is connected to the door body, and the bolt is connected to the fixed base. The door body has a clearance structure to avoid the bolt, and part of the bolt protrudes from the door body through the clearance structure and connects to the lock cylinder located on the cabinet to lock the dishwasher door and cabinet. The seal is located on the fixed base, and the bolt is located within the area enclosed by the seal. The seal is used to prevent liquid from entering through the clearance structure.

[0004] However, the seals have a relatively short service life. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a door lock structure and a dishwasher, wherein the seal in the door lock structure has a long service life.

[0006] This application provides a door lock structure, including:

[0007] The fixing base has a mounting cavity and a first opening on its top, which communicates with the mounting cavity.

[0008] A seal is disposed on the top of the fixed seat and is arranged around the periphery of the first opening;

[0009] The latch is connected to the mounting base. A portion of the latch is inserted into the mounting cavity through a first opening, while the remaining portion of the latch is located outside the mounting cavity. At least a portion of the outer wall of the latch has a gap with the inner wall of the mounting cavity, and the gap is configured to accommodate liquid.

[0010] The lock cylinder is connected to or disconnected from the bolt located outside the mounting cavity.

[0011] The door lock structure provided in this embodiment includes a fixed base, a seal, a bolt, and a lock cylinder. The fixed base has a mounting cavity, and its top has a first opening communicating with the mounting cavity. The seal is disposed on the top of the fixed base and surrounds the first opening. The bolt is connected to the fixed base, with a portion of the bolt inserted into the mounting cavity through the first opening, and the remainder located outside the mounting cavity. At least a portion of the outer wall of the bolt has a gap with the inner wall of the mounting cavity, configured to accommodate liquid. The lock cylinder is connected to or disconnected from the bolt located outside the mounting cavity. Thus, liquid accumulated in the area enclosed by the inner wall of the seal and the top wall of the fixed base will flow under gravity into the gap between the outer wall of the bolt and the inner wall of the mounting cavity. The seal has less contact time with the liquid, and the amount of liquid in contact with the seal is less. Therefore, this improves the service life of the seal, resulting in a longer service life.

[0012] In some embodiments, the locking tongue includes:

[0013] The first connecting part is located inside the mounting cavity, and part of the outer wall of the first connecting part contacts the inner wall of the mounting cavity so that the locking tongue engages with the fixing seat.

[0014] The second connecting part is located outside the mounting cavity and is connected to the top of the first connecting part.

[0015] In this way, the first connecting part and the fixed base are installed by snap-fitting, pressing the first connecting part into the mounting cavity, which results in high installation efficiency.

[0016] In some embodiments, the direction from the first connecting portion away from the second connecting portion to the direction closer to the second connecting portion is the third direction;

[0017] Along a third direction, the dimension of a portion of the outer wall of the first connecting part increases along the first direction, and the dimension of a portion of the outer wall of the first connecting part increases along the second direction;

[0018] Among them, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and both the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the third direction.

[0019] In this way, the first connecting part is used to snap into the outer wall, with a smaller bottom dimension and a larger top dimension, which facilitates the insertion of the first connecting part into the mounting cavity. Moreover, the bottom dimension is smaller and the top dimension is larger along both the first and second directions, thereby improving the reliability of the snap-fit.

[0020] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the first connecting portion is provided with a first positioning portion;

[0021] Along the extending direction of the second connecting portion, the first positioning portion is close to the first end of the first connecting portion, or the first positioning portion is close to the second end of the first connecting portion;

[0022] The inner wall of the mounting cavity is provided with a second positioning part corresponding to the first positioning part;

[0023] The second positioning part is connected to the first positioning part so that the first end of the second connecting part along the extension direction faces the lock cylinder; wherein the size of the first end of the second connecting part is smaller than the size of the second end.

[0024] In this way, the cooperation of the first positioning part and the second positioning part can achieve the function of preventing mistakes, thereby ensuring that after installation, the first end of the second connecting part is in the correct position and facing the lock cylinder, thus ensuring that it can be properly connected with the lock cylinder.

[0025] In some embodiments, the seal and the mounting base are integrally injection molded.

[0026] This results in better sealing and a lower leakage rate. Furthermore, it reduces installation steps, improves assembly efficiency, and lowers labor costs.

[0027] In some embodiments, the mounting base is an engineering plastic component; the seal is a thermoplastic elastomer component.

[0028] In this way, the mounting base and the seal can be manufactured using a two-material injection molding process.

[0029] In some embodiments, along a third direction, the size of the seal is greater than 0.5 mm and less than 1.2 mm.

[0030] When the size of the seal is less than 0.5mm, the parallelism between the seal and the wall surface it abuts against is poor, resulting in a poor sealing effect. When the size of the seal is greater than 1.2mm, a larger external force is required to produce greater deformation to ensure a reliable connection between the fixing seat and the door liner, making installation more difficult. Furthermore, the cost of the seal is also higher.

[0031] This application provides a dishwasher, comprising:

[0032] The enclosure includes a cleaning chamber.

[0033] The door is rotatably connected to the housing to open or close the cleaning chamber;

[0034] In the above-mentioned door lock structure, the fixing base is connected to the door body, the lock cylinder is connected to the housing, and the lock cylinder is connected to or disconnected from the lock tongue located outside the mounting cavity, so as to lock or disconnect the door body from the housing.

[0035] The dishwasher provided in this embodiment includes a door lock structure. When the dishwasher door is opened, water vapor forms water droplets on the door body. After the water droplets enter the door lock structure, they flow under gravity into the gap between the outer wall of the latch and the inner wall of the mounting cavity. The contact time between the seal and the liquid is short, and the amount of liquid in contact with the seal is also short. Therefore, it is beneficial to improve the service life of the seal, resulting in a longer service life.

[0036] In some embodiments, the door body includes a door liner, the door liner being provided with a protrusion that matches the inner sidewall of the cleaning cavity, the door body closing the cleaning cavity, and the periphery of the protrusion fitting against the inner sidewall of the cleaning cavity;

[0037] The fixing seat is located below the top wall of the protrusion and is connected to the top wall of the protrusion. The top wall of the protrusion is provided with a clearance part to avoid the locking tongue. Part of the locking tongue is located above the protrusion through the clearance part. The side of the seal opposite to the fixing seat contacts the top of the protrusion and the seal is located on the periphery of the clearance part.

[0038] In this way, liquid entering through the clearance section will enter the area enclosed by the inner wall of the seal, the top wall of the fixing seat, and the wall surface of the protrusion in contact with the seal, making it less likely to leak out and damage the electrical components in the door.

[0039] In some embodiments, a third connecting portion is provided on the top of the fixing seat, and a fourth connecting portion is provided on the top of the protrusion. The fourth connecting portion is provided corresponding to the third connecting portion, and a fastener is inserted into the third connecting portion through the fourth connecting portion to connect the fixing seat and the door liner.

[0040] This ensures a high level of connection reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dishwasher provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 is a magnified view of part A in Figure 1;

[0043] Figure 3 is a magnified view of part B in Figure 1;

[0044] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing seat, sealing element and locking tongue in the door lock structure provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing seat and sealing element in the door lock structure provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the lock tongue in the door lock structure provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 7 is a top view of Figure 6;

[0048] Figure 8 is a bottom view of Figure 6;

[0049] Figure 9 is a top view of Figure 5;

[0050] Figure 10 is the front view of Figure 5.

[0051] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0052] 100-Inner Liner;

[0053] 200 - Door lining; 210 - Protrusion; 220 - Clearance section;

[0054] 300-Door lock structure; 310-Fixing base; 311-Mounting cavity; 312-Third connecting part; 313-Second positioning part; 320-Lock tongue; 321-First connecting part; 322-Second connecting part; 323-First positioning part; 330-Sealing element; 340-Lock cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0055] As described in the background section, the door lock structure includes a fixed base, a seal, a bolt, and a lock cylinder. The fixed base is connected to the door body, and the bolt is connected to the fixed base. The door body has a clearance structure to avoid the bolt, with part of the bolt protruding from the door body via the clearance structure and connecting to the lock cylinder located on the housing to lock the door body and housing. The seal is located on the fixed base, and the bolt is situated within the area enclosed by the seal. The seal prevents liquid from entering through the clearance structure, effectively preventing damage to the electrical components inside the door. Specifically, after entering through the clearance structure, liquid accumulates in the area enclosed by the inner wall of the seal and the top wall of the fixed base. The seal is in contact with liquid for an extended period, which can negatively impact its lifespan, resulting in a shorter service life.

[0056] Moreover, in related technologies, the seal and the fixing seat are connected by adhesive, and the adhesive is prone to failure under the action of liquid.

[0057] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a door lock structure and a dishwasher. The door lock structure includes a fixed base, a seal, a latch, and a lock cylinder. The fixed base has a mounting cavity, and its top has a first opening communicating with the mounting cavity. The seal is disposed on the top of the fixed base and surrounds the first opening. The latch is connected to the fixed base, with a portion inserted into the mounting cavity through the first opening, and the remainder located outside the mounting cavity. At least a portion of the outer wall of the latch has a gap with the inner wall of the mounting cavity, configured to accommodate liquid. The lock cylinder is connected to or disconnected from the latch located outside the mounting cavity. Thus, liquid accumulated in the area enclosed by the inner wall of the seal and the top wall of the fixed base flows under gravity into the gap between the outer wall of the latch and the inner wall of the mounting cavity. The seal has less contact time with the liquid, and the amount of liquid in contact with the seal is less. Therefore, this improves the service life of the seal, resulting in a longer service life.

[0058] Furthermore, to improve the sealing effect, the seal and the mounting base are integrally injection molded.

[0059] To make the objectives and implementation methods of this application clearer, the exemplary implementation methods of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the exemplary embodiments of this application. Obviously, the exemplary embodiments described are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0060] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terms in this application are only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise stated, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meaning.

[0061] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar or related objects or entities, and do not necessarily imply a specific order or sequence, unless otherwise specified. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate.

[0062] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover but not exclude inclusion, for example, a product or device that includes a range of components is not necessarily limited to all of the components that are clearly listed, but may include other components that are not clearly listed or that are inherent to such product or device.

[0063] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "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 application 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 application.

[0064] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0065] This application provides a door lock structure that can be used for sealing the doors of household appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and disinfection cabinets. The following description uses a dishwasher as an example to illustrate the door lock structure.

[0066] This application provides a dishwasher, which can be a built-in dishwasher, a freestanding dishwasher, or an integrated dishwasher.

[0067] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dishwasher provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0068] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the dishwasher includes a cabinet. The cabinet is provided with a cleaning chamber.

[0069] Specifically, the enclosure includes an outer shell, which serves both aesthetic and protective purposes.

[0070] The enclosure includes an inner liner 100, which is located within the outer shell and serves to form a cleaning chamber.

[0071] The enclosure includes a base located inside the outer shell and at the bottom of the inner liner 100. The base serves to create installation space for components such as the drainage system and filtration system.

[0072] In some embodiments, the dishwasher includes a dish rack. The dish rack is used to hold dishes.

[0073] Specifically, the dish basket is slidably connected to the box body, and the dish basket slides along the depth direction of the box body, thus being located inside or outside the cleaning chamber.

[0074] In some embodiments, the dishwasher includes a spray arm for communicating with a water supply system to spray liquid onto the dish rack.

[0075] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the dishwasher includes a door.

[0076] The door is rotatably connected to the housing to open or close the cleaning chamber.

[0077] Specifically, the door body includes a door panel, which is rotatably connected to the housing.

[0078] The door body includes a door liner 200, which is located on the side of the door panel facing the box. The door liner 200 and the door panel can be connected by fasteners such as screws.

[0079] In some embodiments, the dishwasher includes a door lock structure 300. The door lock structure 300 is used to lock the door and the cabinet, which helps to ensure that the door will not be accidentally opened during the washing process.

[0080] Figure 2 is a partial enlarged view of point A in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partial enlarged view of point B in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the fixing seat, sealing element, and latch in the door lock structure provided in the embodiment of this application; Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the fixing seat and sealing element in the door lock structure provided in the embodiment of this application; Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the latch in the door lock structure provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0081] Referring to Figures 2 to 6, in some embodiments, the door lock structure 300 includes a mounting base 310. The mounting base 310 is used to connect to the door body and to secure the latch 320.

[0082] The fixing seat 310 is connected to the door body. The fixing seat 310 is provided with a mounting cavity 311, and the top of the fixing seat 310 is provided with a first opening, which communicates with the mounting cavity 311.

[0083] In some embodiments, the door lock structure 300 includes a seal 330. The seal 330 forms an surrounding space with the top wall of the mounting base 310, effectively preventing liquid from flowing to the outside of the seal 330 and damaging the electrical components inside the door.

[0084] The sealing element 330 is disposed on the top of the fixing seat 310 and is arranged around the periphery of the first opening.

[0085] In some embodiments, the door lock structure 300 includes a bolt 320. The bolt 320 is used to engage with the lock cylinder 340 for locking.

[0086] The locking tongue 320 is connected to the fixing base 310. A portion of the locking tongue 320 is inserted into the mounting cavity 311 through the first opening, while the remaining portion of the locking tongue 320 is located outside the mounting cavity 311.

[0087] At least a portion of the outer wall of the latch 320 has a gap with the inner wall of the mounting cavity 311, and the gap is configured to accommodate liquid. Under the influence of gravity, the liquid flows downward from the top of the mounting base 310 along the gap.

[0088] In some embodiments, the door lock structure 300 includes a lock cylinder 340. The lock cylinder 340 is used to engage with the bolt 320 for locking.

[0089] The lock cylinder 340 is connected to the housing, and can be connected to or disconnected from the latch 320 located outside the mounting cavity 311 to lock or unlock the door to the housing. Specifically, the lock cylinder 340 is connected to the top of the inner liner 100. The lock cylinder 340 and the top of the inner liner 100 can be connected using fasteners such as screws.

[0090] The door lock structure 300 provided in this embodiment includes a fixed base 310, a sealing element 330, a bolt 320, and a lock cylinder 340. The fixed base 310 has a mounting cavity 311, and a first opening is provided at the top of the fixed base 310, communicating with the mounting cavity 311. The sealing element 330 is disposed at the top of the fixed base 310 and surrounds the periphery of the first opening. The bolt 320 is connected to the fixed base 310, with a portion of the bolt 320 inserted into the mounting cavity 311 through the first opening, and the remaining portion of the bolt 320 located outside the mounting cavity 311. At least a portion of the outer wall of the bolt 320 has a gap with the inner wall of the mounting cavity 311, the gap being configured to accommodate liquid. The lock cylinder 340 is connected to or disconnected from the bolt 320 located outside the mounting cavity 311. In this way, the liquid accumulated in the area enclosed by the inner wall of the seal 330 and the top wall of the mounting base 310 will flow under gravity into the gap between the outer wall of the latch 320 and the inner wall of the mounting cavity 311. The seal 330 has less contact time with the liquid, and the amount of liquid in contact with the seal 330 is also less. Therefore, this helps to improve the service life of the seal 330, resulting in a longer service life.

[0091] The dishwasher provided in this embodiment includes a door body, a cabinet body, and a door lock structure 300. The door lock structure 300 includes a fixing base 310, a sealing element 330, a latch 320, and a lock cylinder 340. The fixing base 310 is connected to the door body and has a mounting cavity 311. The top of the fixing base 310 has a first opening communicating with the mounting cavity 311. The sealing element 330 is disposed on the top of the fixing base 310 and surrounds the periphery of the first opening. The latch 320 is connected to the fixing base 310, with a portion of the latch 320 inserted into the mounting cavity 311 through the first opening, and the remaining portion of the latch 320 located outside the mounting cavity 311. At least a portion of the outer wall of the latch 320 has a gap with the inner wall of the mounting cavity 311, the gap being configured to accommodate liquid. The lock cylinder 340 is connected to the cabinet and can be connected to or disconnected from the latch 320 located outside the mounting cavity 311 to lock or unlock the door to the cabinet. When the dishwasher door is opened, water vapor forms water droplets on the door. After the water droplets enter the door lock structure 300, they flow under gravity into the gap between the outer wall of the latch 320 and the inner wall of the mounting cavity 311. The seal 330 has less contact time with the liquid, and the amount of liquid in contact with the seal 330 is also less. Therefore, this helps to improve the service life of the seal 330, resulting in a longer service life.

[0092] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, in some embodiments, the door body includes a door liner 200. The door liner 200 is used to fit against the inner liner 100 to improve the sealing of the cleaning chamber.

[0093] The door liner 200 is provided with a protrusion 210 that matches the inner sidewall of the cleaning chamber. When the door is closed inside the cleaning chamber, the periphery of the protrusion 210 fits against the inner sidewall of the cleaning chamber.

[0094] Specifically, the protrusion 210 is fitted to the inner wall of the inner liner 100 on all four sides.

[0095] The fixing seat 310 is located below the top wall of the protrusion 210. The fixing seat 310 is connected to the top wall of the protrusion 210. The top wall of the protrusion 210 is provided with a relief part 220 to avoid the locking tongue 320. Part of the locking tongue 320 is located above the protrusion 210 via the relief part 220.

[0096] The side of the seal 330 away from the fixing seat 310 contacts the top of the protrusion 210, and the seal 330 is located on the periphery of the clearance portion 220.

[0097] Specifically, the clearance portion 220 is a clearance hole, the shape of which matches the outer wall shape of the latch 320. The clearance hole is a through hole that penetrates the top wall of the protrusion 210.

[0098] Understandably, by placing the fixing seat 310 and the seal 330 below the top wall of the protrusion 210, with the side of the seal 330 facing away from the fixing seat 310 contacting the top of the protrusion 210, and the seal 330 located around the periphery of the clearance portion 220, liquid entering through the clearance portion 220 will enter the area enclosed by the inner wall of the seal 330, the top wall of the fixing seat 310, and the wall surface of the protrusion 210 in contact with the seal 330, making it less likely to leak out and less likely to damage the electrical components in the door.

[0099] It should be noted that, in order to improve the sealing performance, the seal 330 can be in a compressed state under the action of the fixed seat 310 and the protrusion 210.

[0100] Referring to Figures 2 and 5, in some embodiments, a third connecting portion 312 is provided on the top of the fixing base 310.

[0101] The top of the protrusion 210 is provided with a fourth connecting part, which corresponds to the third connecting part 312. Fasteners are inserted into the third connecting part 312 via the fourth connecting part to connect the fixing seat 310 and the door liner 200. This ensures a high degree of reliability in the connection.

[0102] Specifically, the third connecting part 312 includes a light hole that penetrates the top wall of the protrusion 210. The fourth connecting part includes a threaded hole, and the fastener is a screw. The screw is inserted into the threaded hole through the light hole and is screwed in by the thread to fix the fixing seat 310 to the protrusion 210.

[0103] In some embodiments, the number of third connecting portions 312 is at least two, and the at least two third connecting portions 312 are arranged at intervals. The number of fourth connecting portions is at least two, and the third connecting portions 312 and the fourth connecting portions are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0104] For example, the number of third connecting parts 312 can be three or four.

[0105] In some embodiments, there are two third connecting portions 312, located on opposite sides of the mounting cavity 311 along the width direction of the housing. The width direction is the direction indicated by the X-axis.

[0106] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, in some embodiments, the latch 320 includes a first connecting portion 321. The first connecting portion 321 is used to connect with the fixing seat 310 and cooperates with the fixing seat 310 to form a gap for containing liquid.

[0107] The first connecting portion 321 is located within the mounting cavity 311, with a portion of its outer wall contacting the inner wall of the mounting cavity 311 to engage the locking tongue 320 with the fixing seat 310. A gap exists between the outer wall of the first connecting portion 321 and the inner wall of the mounting cavity 311 to accommodate liquid. It is understood that the first connecting portion 321 and the fixing seat 310 are installed by a snap-fit ​​method, pressing the first connecting portion 321 into the mounting cavity 311, resulting in high installation efficiency.

[0108] In some embodiments, the latch 320 includes a second connecting portion 322. The second connecting portion 322 is used to connect with the lock cylinder 340.

[0109] The second connecting part 322 is located outside the mounting cavity 311 and is connected to the first connecting part 321. The second connecting part 322 is located on top of the first connecting part 321.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 321 and the second connecting portion 322 are integrally disposed.

[0111] Figure 7 is a top view of Figure 6, and Figure 8 is a bottom view of Figure 6.

[0112] Referring to Figures 6 to 8, in some embodiments, the direction from the first connecting portion 321 away from the second connecting portion 322 to the direction closer to the second connecting portion 322 is the third direction.

[0113] Along a third direction, the outer wall of the first connecting portion 321 increases in size along the first direction, and the outer wall of the first connecting portion 321 also increases in size along the second direction. Thus, in the outer wall of the first connecting portion 321 used for snap-fitting, the bottom dimension is smaller and the top dimension is larger, facilitating the insertion of the first connecting portion 321 into the mounting cavity 311. Furthermore, the smaller bottom dimension and larger top dimension along both the first and second directions improve the reliability of the snap-fitting connection.

[0114] Among them, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and both the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the third direction.

[0115] It should be noted that the third direction is the direction indicated by the Z-axis. The first direction is the direction indicated by the X-axis, and the second direction is the direction indicated by the Y-axis. Alternatively, the third direction is the direction indicated by the Z-axis, the first direction is the direction indicated by the Y-axis, and the second direction is the direction indicated by the X-axis.

[0116] In some embodiments, the lower dimension of the outer wall of the first connecting portion 321 along the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the mounting cavity 311 along the first direction, and the upper dimension along the first direction is larger than the dimension of the mounting cavity 311 along the first direction. This facilitates the insertion of the first connecting portion 321 into the mounting cavity 311 and its engagement with the inner wall of the mounting cavity 311.

[0117] In some embodiments, the lower dimension of the outer wall of the first connecting portion 321 along the second direction is smaller than the dimension of the mounting cavity 311 along the second direction, and the upper dimension along the third direction is larger than the dimension of the mounting cavity 311 along the second direction. This facilitates the insertion of the first connecting portion 321 into the mounting cavity 311 and its engagement with the inner wall of the mounting cavity 311.

[0118] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the outer wall of the first connecting portion 321 is provided with a first positioning portion 323.

[0119] Along the extending direction of the second connecting portion 322, the first positioning portion 323 is close to the first end of the first connecting portion 321, or the first positioning portion 323 is close to the second end of the first connecting portion 321. That is to say, the first positioning portion 323 cannot be located at the exact center of the first connecting portion 321.

[0120] Figure 9 is a top view of Figure 5.

[0121] Referring to Figures 5 and 9, the inner wall of the mounting cavity 311 is provided with a second positioning part 313 corresponding to the first positioning part 323.

[0122] The second positioning part 313 is connected to the first positioning part 323 so that the first end of the second connecting part 322 along its extension direction faces the lock cylinder 340. The size of the first end of the second connecting part 322 is smaller than the size of the second end. The extension direction of the second connecting part 322 is the direction indicated by the Y-axis.

[0123] It should be noted that when the door rotates toward the lock body, the first end faces the lock cylinder 340 and the first end contacts the lock cylinder 340 first.

[0124] In some embodiments, one of the first positioning portion 323 and the second positioning portion 313 may be a positioning protrusion, such as a positioning rib. The other may be a positioning recess corresponding to the positioning protrusion.

[0125] It is understandable that the cooperation of the first positioning part 323 and the second positioning part 313 can achieve the function of preventing mistakes, thereby ensuring that after installation, the first end of the second connecting part 322 is in the correct position, facing the lock cylinder 340, so as to ensure that it can be properly connected with the lock cylinder 340.

[0126] In some embodiments, the seal 330 and the mounting base 310 are integrally injection molded.

[0127] Understandably, the seal 330 and the mounting base 310 are integrally formed by injection molding. Compared to related technologies where the seal 330 is bonded to the mounting base 310, this method provides better sealing and reduces leakage. Furthermore, it reduces installation steps, improves assembly efficiency, and lowers labor costs.

[0128] In some embodiments, the mounting base 310 is an engineering plastic part. For example, a high-rigidity engineering plastic part.

[0129] Understandably, high-rigidity engineering plastics have good strength and are suitable for injection molding processes.

[0130] For example, the mounting base 310 can be made of PA66+GF30. PA66 represents Nylon 66 (polyamide 66), while GF30 indicates that the material contains 30% glass fiber. This composite material has the following characteristics: Enhanced strength and rigidity: The addition of glass fiber significantly improves the mechanical strength and rigidity of the material, enabling it to withstand greater loads and stresses. Heat resistance: PA66 itself has good heat resistance, and the addition of glass fiber further improves its stability in high-temperature environments. Dimensional stability: Glass fiber reinforced materials generally have better dimensional stability, reducing thermal expansion and contraction. Abrasion resistance: This composite material exhibits excellent abrasion resistance, making it suitable for applications requiring high abrasion resistance. Chemical resistance: PA66 has good resistance to many chemicals, making it suitable for use in chemical environments.

[0131] In some embodiments, the seal 330 is a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0132] As you can understand, TPE stands for Thermoplastic Elastomer, a type of material that combines the properties of thermoplastics and elastomers. TPE can be processed and molded at high temperatures, exhibiting rubber-like elasticity and flexibility upon cooling. Here are some key characteristics and applications of TPE: Elasticity and Flexibility: TPE has rubber-like elasticity, able to return to its original shape after stretching. This makes it suitable for applications requiring a soft touch and flexibility. Processability: Unlike traditional thermosetting rubbers, TPE can be molded using thermoplastic processing techniques such as injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. This makes the production process more efficient and allows for recycling. Weather and Chemical Resistance: TPE has good resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and many chemicals, making it suitable for outdoor and chemical environments. Customizability: By adjusting the composition and proportions of the polymer, the hardness, elasticity, color, and other properties of TPE can be customized to meet specific application needs. Environmental Friendliness: Due to its recyclability and low processing energy consumption, TPE is considered a relatively environmentally friendly material choice.

[0133] It should be noted that TPE material is resistant to high and low temperatures (-40℃-120℃) and repeated compression, with a lifespan of ≥100,000 door opening and closing cycles.

[0134] In this embodiment, the fixing seat 310 is an engineering plastic part, and the sealing part 330 is a thermoplastic elastomer part. The fixing seat 310 and the sealing part 330 can be processed by a two-material injection molding process.

[0135] It should be noted that two-component injection molding (also known as two-color injection molding or two-part injection molding) is an injection molding process that involves using two different materials or colors to form a mold on the same injection molding machine. This process is typically used to manufacture complex parts with multiple material properties or colors.

[0136] In some embodiments, the seal 330 is a silicone sealant.

[0137] Figure 10 is the front view of Figure 5.

[0138] Referring to Figure 10, in some embodiments, along a third direction, the dimension a of the seal 330 is greater than 0.5 mm and less than 1.2 mm. The third direction is the direction indicated by the Z-axis.

[0139] When the dimension a of the seal 330 is less than 0.5 mm, the parallelism between the seal 330 and the wall surface that abuts against the top of the seal 330 is poor, resulting in a poor sealing effect of the seal 330.

[0140] When the dimension a of the seal 330 is greater than 1.2 mm, the seal 330 needs to be subjected to a large external force and undergo a large deformation to ensure a reliable connection between the fixing seat 310 and the door liner 200, which makes installation more difficult. Moreover, the cost of the seal 330 is relatively high.

[0141] In some embodiments, along a third direction, the dimension a of the seal 330 can be 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 1.1mm, or 1.2mm.

[0142] In some embodiments, the seal 330 includes a first sealing portion, a second sealing portion, and a third sealing portion. The bottom of the first sealing portion is connected to the top of the fixing base 310. The first sealing portion is annular and surrounds the periphery of the first opening. The bottom of the second sealing portion is connected to the top of the first sealing portion and surrounds the periphery of the first opening. The bottom of the third sealing portion is connected to the top of the first sealing portion and surrounds the periphery of the second sealing portion. The outer wall of the second sealing portion and the inner wall of the third sealing portion are spaced apart.

[0143] It is understandable that by setting a first sealing part, a second sealing part, and a third sealing part, two layers of sealing lips are formed, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0144] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0145] For ease of explanation, the above description has been provided in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Various modifications and variations can be obtained based on the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments are for the purpose of better explaining the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the described embodiments and various different variations of embodiments suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. A door lock structure, characterized in that, include: A fixing seat (310) is provided with a mounting cavity (311), and a first opening is provided on the top of the fixing seat (310), the first opening communicating with the mounting cavity (311); a sealing member (330) is provided on the top of the fixing seat (310), and the sealing member (330) is arranged around the periphery of the first opening; A latch (320) is connected to a mounting base (310), a portion of which is inserted into the mounting cavity (311) through the first opening, and the remaining portion of which is located outside the mounting cavity (311); at least a portion of the outer wall of the latch (320) has a gap between it and the inner wall of the mounting cavity (311), the gap being configured to contain liquid; a lock cylinder (340) is connected to or disconnected from the latch (320) located outside the mounting cavity (311).

2. The door lock structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The latch (320) includes: a first connecting part (321), which is located inside the mounting cavity (311), and a portion of the outer wall of the first connecting part (321) contacts the inner wall of the mounting cavity (311) so that the latch (320) engages with the fixing seat (310); and a second connecting part (322), which is located outside the mounting cavity (311) and is connected to the top of the first connecting part (321).

3. The door lock structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The direction from the first connecting portion (321) away from the second connecting portion (322) to the direction closer to the second connecting portion (322) is a third direction; along the third direction, the size of a portion of the outer wall of the first connecting portion (321) increases along the first direction, and the size of a portion of the outer wall of the first connecting portion (321) increases along the second direction; wherein, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and both the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the third direction.

4. The door lock structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer wall of the first connecting part (321) is provided with a first positioning part (323); along the extending direction of the second connecting part (322), the first positioning part (323) is close to the first end of the first connecting part (321), or the first positioning part (323) is close to the second end of the first connecting part (321); the inner wall of the mounting cavity (311) is provided with a second positioning part (313) corresponding to the first positioning part (323); the second positioning part (313) is connected to the first positioning part (323) so that the first end of the second connecting part (322) along the extending direction of the second connecting part (322) faces the lock cylinder (340); wherein, the size of the first end of the second connecting part (322) is smaller than the size of the second end of the second connecting part (322).

5. The door lock structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing element (330) and the fixing seat (310) are integrally injection molded.

6. The door lock structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting base (310) is an engineering plastic part; the sealing element (330) is a thermoplastic elastomer part.

7. The door lock structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, Along the third direction, the dimensions of the seal (330) are greater than 0.5 mm and less than 1.2 mm.

8. A dishwasher, characterized in that, include: The housing includes a cleaning chamber. A door, which is rotatably connected to the housing to open or close the cleaning chamber; The door lock structure (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fixing seat (310) is connected to the door body, the lock cylinder (340) is connected to the housing, and the lock cylinder (340) is connected to or disconnected from the latch (320) located outside the mounting cavity (311) so that the door body is locked or disconnected from the housing.

9. The dishwasher according to claim 8, characterized in that, The door body includes a door liner (200), the door liner (200) is provided with a protrusion (210) that matches the inner sidewall of the cleaning cavity, the door body closes the cleaning cavity, and the periphery of the protrusion (210) fits against the inner sidewall of the cleaning cavity; The fixing seat (310) is located below the top wall of the protrusion (210). The fixing seat (310) is connected to the top wall of the protrusion (210). The top wall of the protrusion (210) is provided with a relief part (220) to avoid the locking tongue (320). Part of the locking tongue (320) is located above the protrusion (210) through the relief part (220). The sealing member (330) is in contact with the top of the protrusion (210) on the side away from the fixing seat (310). The sealing member (330) is located on the periphery of the relief part (220).

10. The dishwasher according to claim 9, characterized in that, The top of the fixed base (310) is provided with a third connecting part (312), and the top of the protrusion (210) is provided with a fourth connecting part. The fourth connecting part is provided in correspondence with the third connecting part (312). Fasteners are inserted into the third connecting part (312) through the fourth connecting part to connect the fixed base (310) and the door liner (200).

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