Panel locking piece and split type household appliance shell

By designing hooks and panel locking mechanisms, the problems of unstable locking and complex operation of split panels were solved, achieving stable locking and convenient unlocking.

CN224250000UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-15SUZHOU SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SUZHOU SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-03-11
Publication Date
2026-05-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing split-panel designs lack an effective locking mechanism, resulting in poor stability, easy accidental opening, and complex operation, which increases safety risks and production costs.

Method used

Design a panel locking component, including a hook and a mating mechanism. The hook and the locking component are rotated together to achieve a self-locking function, and the button is pressed to unlock, simplifying the operation.

Benefits of technology

It achieves stable locking and convenient unlocking of the panel, improving the stability and ease of operation of the panel, and reducing production costs and maintenance difficulty.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a panel locking piece and a split type household appliance shell. The panel locking piece comprises a hooking piece and a locking piece, the matching mechanism comprises a shell and a clamping assembly, an insertion opening is formed in one side of the shell, the hooking piece can penetrate into the shell in the first direction through the insertion opening, the clamping assembly is arranged in the shell and comprises a clamping piece, and the clamping piece is rotationally connected to the shell so as to be clamped with or separated from the hooking piece. Locking and unlocking of the opposite-opening type panel are achieved through the hooking piece and the matching mechanism which are arranged on a set of panels, the clamping piece can be matched with and disengaged from the hooking piece through the rotatable structure of the clamping piece, and therefore the highly-stable locking function can be achieved in the panel moving process; and unlocking can be realized only by pressing the button. Compared with a conventional locking structure design, the panel locking structure has the advantages of being simple in structure, stable in function, high in structure matching degree, convenient to operate and the like, and a new design thought is provided for the panel locking structure.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of locking structure technology, specifically to a panel locking component and a split-type appliance casing. Background Technology

[0002] In modern home appliance design, split-panel designs have become the preferred choice for many products due to their elegant visual appeal and ease of operation. However, existing split-panel designs have a significant design flaw: they lack an effective locking mechanism, or even if they do have a locking function, its stability is insufficient for practical use. Furthermore, users need to manually pull the panel to unlock it, making the control process rather complex.

[0003] Many split-panel designs currently on the market do not consider the importance of a locking function, making them prone to accidental opening under frequent use or impact. This not only inconveniences users but may also lead to safety accidents. Furthermore, panels without locking mechanisms are at risk of internal structural damage during transportation, undoubtedly reducing product durability and user satisfaction.

[0004] Based on the above problems, the industry is currently attempting to design locking mechanisms on panels, but their stability is often unsatisfactory. These locking mechanisms are prone to deformation or breakage when subjected to external impacts, thus losing their locking function and significantly reducing the stability of the panel. In addition, some special locking structures are complex in design, increasing production costs and maintenance difficulty, while also being inconvenient to operate, causing inconvenience to users. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the cumbersome design and complicated operation of the existing split panel locking structure, and to provide a panel locking component and a split type appliance shell.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a panel locking component, which includes: a hook and a mating mechanism. The mating mechanism includes a housing and a locking assembly. One side of the housing is provided with an insertion opening. The hook and the hook can pass through the insertion opening along a first direction into the housing. The locking assembly is disposed inside the housing and includes a locking member. The locking member is rotatably connected to the housing to lock / unlock the hook and the hook.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hook includes a first body and a first hook body, one end of the first body is detachably connected to a movable panel, and the other end is connected to the first hook body.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the snap-fit ​​component includes a second body, a second hook, and a pressing part. The second body is rotatably connected to the housing. The second hook and the pressing part are respectively disposed at both ends of the second body. The housing is provided with a pressing opening, and the pressing part is disposed corresponding to the pressing opening. It drives the second body and the second hook to rotate by an external force so that the second hook engages / disengages from the hook and hanger.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the engaging assembly further includes a rotating shaft and a button. One end of the rotating shaft is fixed to the housing, and the other end is inserted through and connected to the center of the second body. The button is connected to the pressing part and can extend through the pressing opening to the outside of the housing.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the engaging assembly further includes a first elastic element, which is connected between the second body and the inner wall of the housing, and is disposed at both ends of the second body along with the pressing portion.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mating mechanism further includes a pushing assembly disposed inside the housing, which includes a pushing plate and a second elastic member. The pushing plate is disposed corresponding to the insertion opening, and the second elastic member is connected between the pushing plate and the inner wall of the mating mechanism. The hook and the second elastic member are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the pushing plate. The hook pushes the pushing plate along the first direction so that the pushing plate drives the snap-fit ​​member to rotate.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the snap-fit ​​component includes a guide surface, which can abut against the push plate to adjust the direction of the force applied to the push plate.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the push assembly further includes at least one guide module, the guide module being disposed on the inner wall of the housing and extending along a first direction, and the push plate being slidably connected to the guide module.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mating mechanism further includes a pressure cap, which is detachably connected to the housing to jointly enclose a protective space with the housing, and the hook and the mating mechanism are located in the protective space.

[0015] This utility model also provides a split-type appliance housing, which includes the above-mentioned panel locking member, two panels and a housing. The two panels are slidably disposed at the opening of the housing along a first direction. The hook and the cooperating mechanism in the panel locking member are respectively connected to the two panels and move synchronously with the corresponding panels.

[0016] The above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0017] The panel locking component and split-type appliance housing described in this utility model achieve locking and unlocking of the split-type panels through hooks and a mating mechanism set on different panels. The rotatable structure of the snap-fit ​​component allows for a high degree of engagement with the hooks, enabling spontaneous interaction between the panel and the hooks during panel movement to achieve a highly stable locking function. Unlocking is achieved simply by pressing a button. Compared to conventional locking structure designs, this application offers advantages such as simple structure, stable function, high degree of structural fit, and ease of operation, providing a new design concept for panel locking structures. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To make the content of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the panel locking component and the panel in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the hook and hanger in the panel locking mechanism shown;

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point B;

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the mating mechanism in the panel locking component shown;

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the mating mechanism in the panel locking component from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the locking mechanism of the panel shown when the hook and the engaging mechanism are not locked.

[0026] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the locking mechanism in the panel shown, in which the hook and the locking mechanism are locked together.

[0027] Figure 9This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a split-type appliance casing according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings: 100, hook; 110, first body; 120, first hook; 200, mating mechanism; 210, housing; 220, engaging assembly; 221, engaging component; 2211, second hook; 2212, second body; 2213, pressing part; 222, rotating shaft; 223, button; 224, first elastic element; 230, pushing assembly; 231, pushing plate; 232, second elastic element; 233, guide module; 240, pressure cover; 300, panel; 400, housing; X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. Example 1

[0030] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a panel locking component, which includes: a hook 100; and a mating mechanism 200. The mating mechanism 200 includes a housing 210 and a locking assembly 220. One side of the housing 210 is provided with an insertion opening. The hook 100 can pass through the insertion opening along a first direction X into the housing 210. The locking assembly 220 is disposed inside the housing 210 and includes a locking member 221. The locking member 221 is rotatably connected to the housing 210 to lock / unlock the hook 100.

[0031] The panel locking mechanism described in this embodiment achieves locking and unlocking of the split-type panel 300 through hooks 100 and mating mechanisms 200 mounted on different panels 300. The rotatable structure of the snap-fit ​​member 221 allows for a high degree of engagement with the hooks 100, thus enabling spontaneous interaction between the panel 300 and the hooks 100 during panel movement, achieving a highly stable locking function. Compared to conventional locking structure designs, this application offers advantages such as simple structure, stable function, high degree of structural fit, and ease of operation, providing a new design concept for panel 300 locking structures.

[0032] See Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the panel locking component is connected between the split movable panels 300, and is used to achieve self-locking of the panels 300 as they approach each other. The hook 100 and the engaging mechanism 200 are respectively connected to different panels 300. When not locked, the hook 100 and the engaging mechanism 200 can move synchronously with the corresponding panel 300. When the panels 300 approach each other, the hook 100 passes through the engaging mechanism 200 and pushes the latch 221 to rotate in the reverse direction first. After passing the rotation apex, it rotates in the forward direction, thus achieving the locking process through the mutual latching between the latch 221 and the hook 100. Afterwards, an external force can drive the latch 221 to rotate in the reverse direction, causing the hook 100 to disengage from the engaging mechanism 200, thus achieving the unlocking process. After the forward rotation is canceled, the latch 221 can rotate in the forward direction to reset, facilitating the next locking action.

[0033] It should be noted that, for ease of description, this embodiment defines the rotation direction of the snap-fit ​​component 221, in order to... Figure 1 Using the panel locking member shown as a reference, clockwise rotation of the latching member 221 is defined as forward rotation, and counterclockwise rotation of the latching member 221 is defined as reverse rotation. Further, in this embodiment, the direction in which the two panels 300 move relative to each other in the same horizontal plane is defined as the first direction X, the direction perpendicular to the first direction X in the same plane is defined as the second direction Y, and the thickness direction of the panel locking member is defined as the third direction Z, so that the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are mutually perpendicular to each other.

[0034] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the hook and hanger 100 in this embodiment includes a first body 110 and a first hook 120. One end of the first body 110 is detachably connected to the movable panel 300, and the other end is connected to the first hook 120. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first body 110 extends along the first direction X, with one end detachably connected to the panel 300 by screws or other connectors, and the other end extending outside the panel 300 along the first direction X, so that the first hook 120 can be inserted into the mating mechanism 200.

[0035] See Figures 3 to 6As shown, in this embodiment, the housing 210 is connected to the movable panel 300. Its interior provides installation space for the latching member 221. It has an insertion opening and a pressing opening that communicate with the outside. The insertion opening allows the hook 100 to pass through, facilitating locking between the hook 100 and the mating mechanism 200. The pressing part 2213 drives the latching member 221 to rotate in the opposite direction, enabling it to disengage from the hook 100 and unlock. In different embodiments, the reverse rotation of the latching member 221 can be achieved by electromagnetic control or by external driving force pushing the pressing part 2213; this invention does not impose specific limitations on this. Furthermore, the mating mechanism 200 in this embodiment also includes a pressure cover 240, which is detachably connected to the housing 210 to jointly enclose a protective space with the housing 210. The hook 100 and the mating mechanism 200 are located in the protective space, thereby providing a stable working space for the locking and unlocking process of the hook 100 and the snap-fit ​​221.

[0036] The snap-fit ​​component 221 in this embodiment includes a second body 2212, a second hook 2211, and a pressing part 2213. The center of the second body 2212 is rotatably connected to the housing 210. The second hook 2211 and the pressing part 2213 are respectively disposed at both ends of the second body 2212. The pressing part 2213 is disposed corresponding to the pressing opening. It drives the second body 2212 and the second hook 2211 to rotate by an external force, so that the second hook 2211 snaps into / detaches from the hook and hanger 100. The second body 2212 is rotatably connected to the housing 210 via a rotating shaft 222. One end of the rotating shaft 222 is fixed to the housing 210, and the other end is connected to the center of the second body 2212. A button 223 is also provided on the pressing part 2213. The button 223 is detachably connected to the pressing part 2213 and can extend through the pressing opening to the outside of the housing 210 so that an external driving force can push the locking piece 221 to rotate in the opposite direction.

[0037] Furthermore, in order to convert the linear driving force of the hook 100 into a rotational driving force on the latching member 221, the latching member 221 in this embodiment is also provided with a guide surface. Specifically, the guide surface is provided on the side of the second hook body 2211 facing the first hook body 120, and it is preferably an outwardly convex arc-shaped surface. Based on this, the position of the hook 100 acting on the second hook body 2211 can move along the guide surface, thereby achieving a rotational driving effect on the latching member 221. See details below. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown.

[0038] Furthermore, to achieve the self-locking function between the hook 100 and the latching member 221, the latching assembly 220 in this embodiment further includes a first elastic element 224. The first elastic element 224 is connected between the second body 2212 and the inner wall of the housing 210, and is respectively disposed at both ends of the second body 2212 along with the pressing part 2213. During the process of the hook 100 pressing the latching member 221, the compressive elastic potential energy of the first elastic element 224 gradually increases. When the hook 100 continues to move until it disengages from the guide surface, the latching member 221 will rotate forward under the elastic action of the first elastic element 224, thereby realizing the latching of the first hook 120 and the second hook 2211. Specifically, the first elastic element 224 in this embodiment is preferably a compression spring, which can deform along the second direction Y.

[0039] To achieve a stable relative interaction structure between the hook 100 and the snap-fit ​​member 221, and to ensure the accuracy of their interaction, the mating mechanism 200 in this embodiment further includes a push assembly 230. The push assembly 230 is disposed inside the housing 210 and includes a push plate 231 and a second elastic member 232. The push plate 231 is positioned corresponding to the insertion opening, and the second elastic member 232 is connected between the push plate 231 and the inner wall of the mating mechanism 200. The hook 100 and the second elastic member 232 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the push plate 231. When the panel is closed, the hook 100 pushes the push plate 231 along the first direction X, causing the push plate 231 to drive the snap-fit ​​member 221 to rotate in the opposite direction. The push plate 231 guides the pushing force of the hook 100, enabling it to stably transmit the pushing driving force of the hook to the guide surface. See details [link to documentation]. Figure 7 As shown; when the panel is opened, the second elastic element 232 provides a reverse pushing force to the hook 100, so that after it is unlocked by disengaging from the latch 221, it can drive the connected panel 300 to pop out quickly and return to its initial state. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second elastic element 232 is also preferably a compression spring, which can deform along the first direction X.

[0040] Furthermore, the push assembly 230 also includes at least one guide module 233, which is disposed inside the housing 210 and extends along the first direction X. The push plate 231 is slidably connected to the guide module 233. Specifically, in this embodiment, the push assembly 230 includes two guide modules 233 spaced apart along the second direction Y, thereby improving the movement stability of the push plate 231. Both ends of the push plate 231 are respectively inserted into the corresponding guide modules 233 via sliding members and can slide along the extension direction of the guide modules 233. Based on this, the hook 100 can achieve a stable pushing action on the latch 221 during the locking process through the push assembly 230. Correspondingly, the hook 100 and the panel 300 connected to it can also automatically pop out through the push assembly 230 during unlocking to facilitate the next locking action. Example 2

[0041] See Figure 9 As shown, this embodiment provides a split-type appliance casing, which includes the panel locking component described in Embodiment 1, two panels 300, and a housing 400. The two panels 300 are slidably disposed at the openings of the housing 400 along a first direction X. The hook 100 and the engaging mechanism 200 in the panel locking component are respectively connected to the two panels 300 and move synchronously with the corresponding panels 300. Specifically, as the two panels 300 approach each other, the hook 100 and the latching component 221 can latch onto each other to achieve a locking effect between the panels 300. When unlocking is required, simply push the pressing part 2213 of the latching component 221 to rotate it in the opposite direction to unlock the panels 300.

[0042] In summary, the panel locking component and split-type appliance housing described in this utility model achieve locking and unlocking of the split-type panels 300 through hooks 100 and mating mechanisms 200 disposed on different panels 300. The rotatable structure of the snap-fit ​​component 221 allows for a high degree of mating with the hooks 100, thus enabling spontaneous interaction between the panel 300 and the hooks 100 during panel movement, achieving a highly stable locking function. Compared to conventional locking structure designs, this application offers advantages such as simple structure, stable function, high degree of structural fit, and ease of operation, providing a new design concept for panel 300 locking structures.

[0043] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A panel locking component, characterized in that: include: Hooks and pendants; The mating mechanism includes a housing and a locking assembly. One side of the housing is provided with an insertion opening, through which the hook can be inserted into the housing along a first direction. The locking assembly is disposed inside the housing and includes a locking member, which is rotatably connected to the housing to engage / disengage the hook. The mating mechanism further includes a push assembly, which is disposed inside the housing and includes a push plate and a second elastic member. The push plate is disposed corresponding to the insertion opening, and the second elastic member is connected between the push plate and the inner wall of the mating mechanism. The hook and the second elastic member are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the push plate. The hook pushes the push plate along the first direction so that the push plate drives the snap-fit ​​member to rotate.

2. The panel locking member according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hook includes a first body and a first hook body. One end of the first body is detachably connected to the movable panel, and the other end is connected to the first hook body.

3. The panel locking member according to claim 1, characterized in that: The snap-fit ​​component includes a second body, a second hook, and a pressing part. The second body is rotatably connected to the housing. The second hook and the pressing part are respectively disposed at both ends of the second body. The housing is provided with a pressing opening, and the pressing part is disposed corresponding to the pressing opening. It drives the second body and the second hook to rotate by an external force so that the second hook engages with / disengages from the hook and hanger.

4. The panel locking member according to claim 3, characterized in that: The engaging assembly also includes a rotating shaft and a button. One end of the rotating shaft is fixed to the housing, and the other end is inserted and connected to the center of the second body. The button is connected to the pressing part and can extend through the pressing opening to the outside of the housing.

5. The panel locking member according to claim 3, characterized in that: The engaging assembly further includes a first elastic element, which is connected between the second body and the inner wall of the housing, and is respectively disposed at both ends of the second body along with the pressing part.

6. The panel locking member according to claim 1, characterized in that: The snap-fit ​​component includes a guide surface that can abut against the push plate to adjust the direction of the force applied to the push plate.

7. The panel locking member according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pusher assembly further includes at least one guide module, which is disposed inside the housing and extends along a first direction, and the pusher plate is slidably connected to the guide module.

8. The panel locking member according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mating mechanism also includes a pressure cap, which is detachably connected to the housing to jointly enclose a protective space with the housing, and the hook and the mating mechanism are located in the protective space.

9. A split-type appliance casing, characterized in that: The device includes a panel locking component as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, two panels, and a housing. The two panels are slidably disposed at the opening of the housing along a first direction. The hook and engagement mechanism in the panel locking component are respectively connected to the two panels and move synchronously with the corresponding panels.