Locking mechanism and dishwasher

Abstract

This application discloses a locking mechanism and a dishwasher, including: a locked member, a locking assembly, and a housing assembly; wherein, the locking assembly is separately disposed from the locked member, and the locked member is disposed in another mechanism that needs to cooperate with the locking assembly to produce a locking effect; the locking assembly is disposed in the housing assembly, and the housing assembly has openings, which are located on a first sidewall of the housing assembly in the direction of entry of the locked member and a second sidewall adjacent to the first sidewall; the locking assembly includes a limiting member and two or more locking members, the wall ends of the locking members not protruding from the openings. By providing openings on multiple sides of the housing assembly, the operating space for the locked member to enter is increased, avoiding the problem of difficult cooperation caused by overly compact openings in traditional designs. This design makes the locking mechanism more flexible and can adapt to locked members of different shapes and sizes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of washing and cleaning, and in particular to a locking mechanism and a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] In the washing industry, the locking mechanism is an important component as it is the part that interacts most with the user. The smoothness of locking and the airtightness of the locking mechanism directly affect the user experience of the entire washing device.

[0003] In existing technologies, locking mechanisms mostly employ a locking arm and a latch to form a locking engagement. This engagement effectively facilitates the locking arm and latch to interlock. However, many existing technologies involve extending the locking arm out of an opening to engage with the latch. In this case, the force points during the engagement of the locking arm and latch are misaligned with the force points that cause the locking arm to close, resulting in poor stability and consistency of the locking structure during locking. Furthermore, the manufacturing process becomes more complex. Additionally, this type of locking mechanism suffers from inflexible opening design, limited space for the latch and locking arm to engage, and an aesthetically unappealing result due to the locking arm extending out of the opening. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of this application is to provide a locking structure, which can lock flexibly and stably, including:

[0005] Locked component;

[0006] A locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is separately disposed from the locked member, and the locked member is disposed in another mechanism that needs to cooperate with the locking assembly to produce a locking effect;

[0007] A housing assembly, wherein the locking component is disposed in the housing assembly, the housing assembly is provided with an opening, and the locked member is locked in place with the locking component through the opening, the opening being disposed on a first sidewall in the direction of entry of the locked member and a second sidewall adjacent to the first sidewall on the housing assembly;

[0008] The locking assembly includes a limiting member and two or more locking members. The limiting member and the locking members are mutually limiting and engaging, thereby giving the locking members a tendency to move in opposite directions. The wall end of the locking member is provided not to protrude from the opening.

[0009] When the locked member engages with the locking member, the locked member overcomes the tendency of the locking member to move in the opposite direction and forms a snap-fit ​​engagement with the locking member.

[0010] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is provided with two locking members, which are rotatably disposed on the housing assembly;

[0011] The housing assembly includes a first housing and a second housing, which together form an accommodating space.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first sidewall and the second sidewall are disposed on the first housing, the first sidewall is oriented toward the direction of entry of the locked member, the second sidewall is disposed opposite to the second housing, and the locking member is rotatably disposed on the second sidewall.

[0013] In some embodiments, the opening is provided on the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the openings on the first sidewall and the second sidewall are connected. Two locking members are provided in the opening, so that the locked member can be locked with the locking member from the direction of the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0014] In some embodiments, the locking member includes a first locking part, a first limiting part, and a first connecting part. One end of the first connecting part is rotatably connected to the second sidewall, and the other end is connected to the first locking part. The first locking part engages with the locked member.

[0015] The first limiting part is disposed between the two ends of the first connecting part, and the first limiting part is used to limit the rotational position of the locking member.

[0016] In some embodiments, the locking member is provided with a locking feature on the side facing the accommodating space;

[0017] The locked member includes an abutting feature and a locking engagement feature. The abutting feature is used to overcome the tendency of the locking member to move towards each other, and the locking engagement feature is used to form a locking engagement with the locking feature.

[0018] In some embodiments, a guide is provided on the second sidewall, the guide being disposed at the bottom end of the opening, the guide being used to guide the locked member to form a locking engagement with the locking member.

[0019] In some embodiments, the limiting member includes two elastic members that abut against the locking member on the side opposite to the other locking member, thereby giving the locking members a tendency to move toward each other.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first locking portion is provided with an elastic fitting member, and the elastic member abuts against the elastic fitting member.

[0021] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism further includes a detection mechanism disposed on the side of the locking assembly opposite to the opening, the detection mechanism being used to detect the opening and closing of the locking mechanism.

[0022] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism includes a detection element, a sliding element, and a return element, wherein the sliding element is connected to the detection element, and the return element is disposed within the sliding element and abuts against the housing assembly;

[0023] The sliding member is disposed on the plane on which the movement trajectory of the locked member is located when the locking member and the locked member are locked together;

[0024] When the locked member engages with the locking member, the locked member drives the sliding member to move, thereby allowing the detection member to detect the closing of the locking mechanism by detecting the movement state of the sliding member;

[0025] When the locked member is engaged with the locking member, the locked member moves away from the sliding member, and the return member drives the sliding member to reset, so that the detection member can detect the opening of the locking mechanism by detecting the movement of the sliding member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism further includes a driving mechanism disposed on the side of the locking component opposite to the opening, the driving mechanism being used to drive the locked component to open and engage with the locking component.

[0027] On the other hand, this application also provides a dishwasher, including:

[0028] The main body has a cleaning chamber that can be accessed through an inlet;

[0029] A door, mounted on the main body, is used to lock the entrance, wherein the door is defined on its door side facing the cleaning chamber by an inner wall, the inner wall providing a sealing contact surface for a sealing structure mounted on the main body;

[0030] A latch has a latch head fixedly mounted on the door relative to the door and a locking unit disposed on the body. The locking unit has two latch arms that can move in opposite directions. When the door is closed, the latch arms hold the latch head on both sides, wherein the latch head collides with the latch arms when the door is closed and pushes the latch arms away from a relatively stationary state against the elastic force.

[0031] The latch arm includes a free arm end that collides with and is pushed open by the latch head when the door is closed;

[0032] The main body includes an end wall, the main body cover plate is suspended above the end wall and a locking unit is installed behind the end wall, and the end of the free arm is disposed in a recess in the end wall and does not protrude from the end wall;

[0033] The recess opens toward the bottom of the body.

[0034] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0035] 1. By providing openings on multiple sides of the housing assembly, the operating space for the locked component to enter is increased, avoiding the fitting difficulties caused by overly tight openings in traditional designs. At the same time, this design makes the locking mechanism more flexible, adaptable to locked components of different shapes and sizes.

[0036] 2. The limiting engagement between the limiting and locking components creates a tendency for the locking components to move in opposite directions. This design not only improves the stability of the locking mechanism but also allows for different locking forces to be achieved by adjusting the position and strength of the limiting components, meeting the needs of various application scenarios.

[0037] 3. Because the wall end of the locking component does not protrude from the opening, the aesthetic problems caused by the exposed locking arm in traditional designs are avoided, making the entire locking mechanism more aesthetically pleasing. At the same time, by simultaneously placing the force points when the locking arm and bolt engage, and the force points that cause the locking arm to close, within the housing assembly, the proximity of the force points is ensured, thereby guaranteeing the stability and consistency of the locking structure during locking, while also simplifying the manufacturing process of the locking structure. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the locking mechanism in the embodiment;

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another perspective structural schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in the embodiment;

[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Another perspective exploded view of the locking mechanism in the embodiment;

[0043] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the locking component structure of the locking mechanism in the embodiment;

[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the locked component structure of the locking mechanism in the embodiment;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism including the detection mechanism in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in another embodiment;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism structure in another embodiment;

[0048] Figure 10 This is a simplified structural diagram of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Reference numerals: 10 Locked component / latch, 100 Abutment feature, 101 Locking engagement feature, 20 Locking assembly / locking unit, 200 Limiting component, 201 Elastic component, 202 Locking component / latch arm, 2020 First locking part / free arm end, 2020a Elastic engagement component, 2020b Locking feature, 2021 First limiting part, 2021a Gap, 2022 First connecting part, 30 Housing assembly, 300 First housing, 30 00 First sidewall, 3000a discontinuous, 3001 Second sidewall, 3001a Fixing member, 3002 Guide member, 301 Second housing, 302 Accommodating space, 303 Opening / recess, 2 Locking mechanism / latch, 4 Detection mechanism, 40 Detection member, 400 Rotating member, 401 Detection switch, 41 Responding member, 42 Sliding member, 5 Drive mechanism, 6 Main body, 7 Door, 70 Door inner wall, 71 Sealing contact surface, 8 Cleaning chamber, 9 End wall. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0051] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

[0052] The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in the embodiments of this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," or "third" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of components in a specific posture (as shown in the figures). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or components inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0053] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0054] In the laundry industry, the locking mechanism is an important component that involves a lot of user interaction. The smoothness of locking and the airtightness of the locking mechanism directly affect the user experience of the entire laundry device.

[0055] In existing technologies, locking mechanisms mostly employ a locking arm and a latch to form a locking engagement. This engagement effectively facilitates the locking arm and latch to interlock. However, many existing technologies involve extending the locking arm out of an opening to engage with the latch. In this case, the force points during the engagement of the locking arm and latch are misaligned with the force points that cause the locking arm to close, resulting in poor stability and consistency of the locking structure during locking. Furthermore, the manufacturing process becomes more complex. Additionally, this type of locking mechanism suffers from inflexible opening design, limited space for the latch and locking arm to engage, and an aesthetically unappealing result due to the locking arm extending out of the opening.

[0056] The purpose of the embodiments of this application is to overcome the defects and deficiencies in the prior art and to provide a locking mechanism that aims to solve the problems in the prior art, such as the lack of flexibility in the use between the locking member and the locked member and the lack of aesthetic appeal in the structure.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism according to an embodiment of this application. This application provides a locking mechanism 2, which includes: a locked member 10, a locking component 20, and a housing component 30. The locking component 20 is separately disposed from the locked member 10. The locked member 10 is disposed in another mechanism that needs to cooperate with the locking component 20 to produce a locking effect. In some embodiments, the locking component 20 and the housing component 30 can be disposed on the dishwasher body, and the locked component 20 can be disposed in the door of the washing machine for locking. In another embodiment, the locking component 20 and the housing component 30 can be disposed on the washing machine body, and the locked component 20 can be disposed in the door of the washing machine for locking. The locking mechanism 2 involved in this application embodiment can be disposed in various devices that require closing and locking, and their principles are similar, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another perspective structural diagram of the locking mechanism in the embodiment shows that the locking component 20 is disposed in the housing component 30, and the housing component 30 has an opening 303. The locked member 10 is locked to the locking component 20 through the opening 303. The opening 303 is disposed on a first sidewall 3000 in the direction of entry of the locked member 10 and a second sidewall 3001 adjacent to the first sidewall 3000 on the housing component 30. The opening 303 has at least one discontinuity 3000a on the side facing the direction of entry of the locked member 10. The fact that the opening 303 has at least one discontinuity 3000a on the side facing the direction of entry of the locked member 10 means that the shape or path of the opening 303 on the side facing the locked member 10 is not a regular shape, but has a certain tortuous or broken part. This design can increase the operating space of the locked member 10 when entering the opening 303, avoid the locking member 202 being too compact and difficult to fit, and greatly enhance the flexibility of the fit between the locking component 20 and the locked member 10.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 yes Figure 1The exploded structural diagram of the locking mechanism in the embodiment shows that the locking assembly 20 includes a limiting member 200 and two or more locking members 202. The limiting member 200 and the locking members 202 are mutually limiting and engaging, thereby giving the locking members 202 a tendency to move towards each other. The wall end of the locking member 202 does not protrude from the opening 303. In this application, the wall end of the locking member 202 refers to any arm surface of the locking member 202, none of which protrudes from the opening 303. This arrangement allows the locking member 202 and the locked member 10 to lock and engage within the opening, thereby making the structure of the locking mechanism 2 more compact and enhancing its aesthetics. When the locked member 10 engages with the locking member 202, the locked member 10 overcomes the tendency of the locking member 202 to move towards each other and forms a snap-fit ​​engagement with the locking member 202. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 2 is provided with two locking members 202, and the limiting member 200 includes two elastic members 201. The elastic members 201 may be, but are not limited to, springs. The two locking members 202 and the two elastic members 201 cooperate with each other, and the elastic members 201 abut against the side of the locking member 202 away from the other locking member 202, so that the locking members 202 have a tendency to move towards each other.

[0060] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing assembly 30 includes a first housing 300 and a second housing 301, which form an accommodating space 302. The housing assembly 30 adopts a split design (i.e., the first housing 300 and the second housing 301), which facilitates disassembly and maintenance, and also provides more space for the layout of internal mechanical components. This structure also improves the modularity of the overall device, facilitating subsequent upgrades and maintenance.

[0061] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the locking mechanism in another embodiment shows that the first housing 300 includes a first sidewall 3000 and a second sidewall 3001. The first sidewall 3000 faces the direction of entry of the locked member 10, and the second sidewall 3001 is disposed opposite to the second housing 301. The locking member 202 is rotatably disposed on the second sidewall 3001. In some embodiments, the locking member 202 may be, but is not limited to, axially rotatable. A fixing member 3001a is provided on the second sidewall 3001. The fixing member 3001a may be, but is not limited to, a fixing column. The locking member 202 is provided with a rotational fitting groove, which is connected to the fixing member 3001a, so that the locking member 202 can rotate axially around the fixing member 3001a.

[0062] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, to make the engagement between the locking member 202 and the locked member 10 more flexible, it is not limited to setting the opening 303 on the same side, but rather the opening 303 is set on the first sidewall 3000 and the second sidewall 3001, and the openings 303 on the first sidewall 3000 and the second sidewall 3001 are connected. The two locking members 202 are set in the opening 303, so that the locked member 10 can lock with the locking member 202 from the direction of the first sidewall 3000 and the second sidewall 3001; the opening 303 continues The locking member 10 is positioned on two side walls, allowing its size to be expanded laterally beyond the opening 303. For example, in this application, the locking member 10 enters the opening 303 from the first side wall 3000, and can extend a reinforcing member from the second side wall 3001. The reinforcing member can then engage the locking member 10 with the locking member 202 from the second side wall, making the locking engagement between the locking member 202 and the locking member 10 more secure and enhancing the user experience.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, a guide 3002 is provided on the second sidewall 3001. The guide 3002 is located at the bottom end of the opening 303. The guide 3002 is a funnel-shaped guide groove. The guide 3002 communicates with the opening 303. When the locked member 10 and the locking member 202 form a locking engagement, part of the locked member 10 enters the guide 3002, thereby limiting the movement direction of the locked member 10.

[0064] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 yes Figure 1The schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in the embodiment shows that the locking member 202 includes a first locking part 2020, a first limiting part 2021, and a first connecting part 2022. One end of the first connecting part 2022 is rotatably connected to the second sidewall 3001, and the other end is connected to the first locking part 2020. The first locking part 2020 engages with the locked member 10. The first limiting part 2021 is disposed between the two ends of the first connecting part 2022 and is used to limit the rotational position of the locking member 202. In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 2022 and the first locking portion 2020 are arranged along the direction perpendicular to the second sidewall 3001, the first connecting portion 2022 and the first limiting portion 2021 are arranged parallel to the second sidewall 3001, and the first locking portion 2020 is a claw structure. The side of the locking member 202 facing away from the accommodating space 302 is a plane parallel to the first sidewall 3000. The locking member 202 is provided with a locking feature 2020b on the side facing the accommodating space 302. The locking feature 2020b is an oblique sidewall. In some embodiments, the first locking part 2020 is provided with an elastic fitting member 2020a. The elastic member 201 abuts against the elastic fitting member 2020a, so that the force of the elastic member 201 can be directly applied to the first locking part 2020. The locking engagement between the locked member 10 and the locking member 202 also occurs in the first locking part 2020. This arrangement can make the force on the first locking part 2020 more reasonable.

[0065] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 yes Figure 1The schematic diagram of the locked member structure of the locking mechanism in the embodiment shows that the locked member 10 includes an abutment feature 100 and a locking engagement feature 101. The abutment feature 100 is used to overcome the tendency of the locking members 202 to move towards each other, and the locking engagement feature 101 is used to form a locking engagement with the locking feature 2020b. In some embodiments, both the locking engagement feature 101 and the abutment feature 100 are composed of two oblique sidewalls. The locking engagement feature 101 and the abutment feature 100 are oriented in opposite directions, and the angle between the two oblique sidewalls constituting the abutment feature 100 is smaller than the angle between the two oblique sidewalls constituting the locking engagement feature 101. Therefore, the apex of the triangular component of the abutment feature 100 can more easily push open the two first locking portions 2020, thereby allowing the locked member 10 to overcome the tendency of the locking members 202 to move towards each other. The locking engagement feature 101 matches the shape of the locking feature 2020b. When the locked member 10 passes through the first locking portion 2020, the locking engagement feature 101 and the locking feature 2020b abut, thereby forming a locking engagement. In some embodiments, when the two limiting portions abut, there is a gap 2021a between the first locking portions 2020. This arrangement makes it easier for the abutment feature 100 to abut against the first locking portion 2020, thereby achieving a locking engagement.

[0066] When the locked member 10 and the locking member 202 are locked together, the abutting feature 100 is inserted between the two first locking parts 2020. The two side walls of the abutting feature 100 abut against the two first locking members 202. As the width between the two side walls increases, the two first locking parts 2020 overcome the tendency of the two elastic members 201 to move towards each other and move in a direction away from the other first locking part 2020.

[0067] When the junction of the abutment feature 100 and the locking engagement feature 101 passes through the first locking part 2020, the slope direction reverses. As the locked member 10 continues to move, the width between the two side walls of the locking engagement feature 101 gradually decreases. The two elastic members 201 cause the two first locking parts 2020 to move towards each other until the top of the locking engagement feature 101 passes through the two first locking parts 2020. At this time, the locking feature 2020b of the first locking part 2020 and the two side walls of the locking engagement feature 101 lock and abut, thereby completing the locking engagement between the locked member 10 and the locking member 202.

[0068] When the locked part 10 and the locking part 202 are engaged in the opening engagement, the steps are reversed compared to the locking engagement, and the other principles are the same, so they will not be described again.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism including the detection mechanism in an embodiment of this application. The locking mechanism 2 of this application is further provided with a detection mechanism 4, which is located on the side of the locking component 20 away from the opening 303. The detection mechanism is used to detect the opening and closing of the locking mechanism 2.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the detection mechanism 4 includes a detection element 40, a sliding element 42, and a return element 41. The sliding element 42 is connected to the detection element 40, and the return element 41 is disposed within the sliding element 42 and abuts against the housing assembly 30. The sliding element 42 is disposed on the plane where the movement trajectory of the locked element 10 is located when the locking assembly 20 and the locked element 10 are locked together. When the locked element 10 is locked together with the locking element 202, the locked element 10 drives the sliding element 42 to move, thereby enabling the detection element 40 to detect the closing of the locking mechanism 2 by detecting the movement state of the sliding element 42.

[0071] When the locked member 10 and the locking assembly 20 are engaged, the locked member 10 moves away from the sliding member 42, and the return member 41 drives the sliding member 42 to reset, so that the detection member 40 detects the opening of the locking mechanism 2 by detecting the movement of the sliding member 42.

[0072] Specifically, in some embodiments, the detection mechanism 4 is a high-voltage detection component, which includes a rotating component 400 and a detection switch 401. When the locking mechanism 2 is in an unlocked state, the rotating component 400 abuts against the detection switch 401. At this time, the detection switch 401 detects that the rotating component 400 is abutting and determines this state as an open state. When the locking mechanism 2 is in a locked state, the sliding component 42 will drive the rotating component 400 to rotate, so that the rotating component 400 no longer abuts against the detection switch 401. At this time, the detection switch detects that the rotating component 400 is not abutting and determines this state as a locked state.

[0073] like Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in another embodiment is shown. In some other embodiments, the detection mechanism 4 is a low-voltage detection element 40. The detection mechanism 4 includes a microswitch disposed on the sliding member 42 and a detection element 40 disposed on the housing assembly 30. The detection mechanism 4 determines the state based on the number of times the microswitch passes through the detection element 40 on the housing assembly 30. For example, when the microswitch on the sliding member 42 passes through the detection element 40 on the housing assembly 30 for the first time, the state is determined to be locked. When the microswitch on the sliding member 42 passes through the detection element 40 on the housing assembly 30 for the second time, the state is determined to be open. Detection mechanisms 4 of this type operate on the same principle and will not be described again.

[0074] like Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism structure according to another embodiment of the present application. The locking mechanism 2 of the present application also includes a driving mechanism 5. The driving component is disposed on the side of the locking component 20 away from the opening 303. The driving component is used to drive the locked part 10 to open and cooperate with the locking component 20.

[0075] like Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a simplified structural diagram of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of this application. This application also provides a dishwasher, including: a main body 6, a door 7, and a latch 2; wherein the door 7 has a washing chamber 8 accessible through an inlet, and in some embodiments, the washing chamber 8 is the internal washing space of the dishwasher; it is mounted on the main body 6 for locking the inlet, wherein the door 7 is defined on its side facing the washing chamber 8 by an inner door wall 70, the inner door wall 70 providing a sealing contact surface 71 for a sealing structure mounted on the main body 6; the latch 2 has a latch head 10 fixedly mounted on the door 7 relative to the door 7 and a locking unit 20 disposed on the main body 6, the locking unit 20 having two latch arms 202 capable of moving in opposite directions, the latch arms 202 being closed when the door 7 is closed. The latch head 10 is held on both sides, wherein the latch head 10 collidees with the latch arm 202 when the door 7 is closed and pushes the latch arm 202 away from a relatively static state by overcoming the elastic force; the latch arm 202 includes a free arm end 2020, which collidees with the latch head 10 and is pushed away when the door 7 is closed; the body 6 includes an end wall 9, the body 6 cover plate is suspended above the end wall 9 and a locking unit 20 is installed behind the end wall 9, the free arm end 2020 is provided in a recess 303 in the end wall 9 and does not protrude from the end wall 9; the recess 303 is open toward the bottom of the body 6, and in some embodiments, the recess 303 is the opening 303 of the body locking unit 20, and the latch head 10 is locked with the locking unit 20 through the recess 303.

[0076] The dishwasher described in this application improves the stability of the latch by setting the end of the free arm in a recess in the end wall, avoiding the aesthetic problems caused by the exposed locking arm in traditional designs, making the entire latch structure more aesthetically pleasing. At the same time, opening the recess towards the bottom of the main body makes the latch more flexible and able to adapt to latches of different shapes and sizes.

[0077] The above description is only a part of the embodiments of this application and does not limit the scope of protection of this application. Any equivalent changes in mechanism or process made based on the content of this application specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included in the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism, characterized in that, include: Locked component; A locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is separately disposed from the locked member, and the locked member is disposed in another mechanism that needs to cooperate with the locking assembly to produce a locking effect; A housing assembly, wherein the locking component is disposed in the housing assembly, the housing assembly is provided with an opening, and the locked member is locked in place with the locking component through the opening, the opening being disposed on a first sidewall in the direction of entry of the locked member and a second sidewall adjacent to the first sidewall on the housing assembly; The locking assembly includes a limiting member and two or more locking members. The limiting member and the locking members are mutually limiting and engaging, thereby giving the locking members a tendency to move in opposite directions. The wall end of the locking member is provided not to protrude from the opening. When the locked member engages with the locking member, the locked member overcomes the tendency of the locking member to move in the opposite direction and forms a snap-fit ​​engagement with the locking member.

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism is provided with two locking members, which are rotatably disposed on the housing assembly; The housing assembly includes a first housing and a second housing, which together form an accommodating space.

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sidewall and the second sidewall are disposed on the first housing. The first sidewall faces the direction of entry of the locked member, and the second sidewall is disposed opposite to the second housing. The locking member is rotatably disposed on the second sidewall.

4. The locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The opening is provided on the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the openings on the first sidewall and the second sidewall are connected. The two locking members are provided in the opening, so that the locked member can be locked with the locking member from the direction of the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

5. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking member includes a first locking part, a first limiting part, and a first connecting part. One end of the first connecting part is rotatably connected to the second sidewall, and the other end is connected to the first locking part. The first locking part engages with the locked member. The first limiting part is disposed between the two ends of the first connecting part, and the first limiting part is used to limit the rotational position of the locking member.

6. The locking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking member has a locking feature on the side facing the accommodating space; The locked member includes an abutting feature and a locking engagement feature. The abutting feature is used to overcome the tendency of the locking member to move towards each other, and the locking engagement feature is used to form a locking engagement with the locking feature.

7. The locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, A guide is provided on the second sidewall, the guide is located at the bottom end of the opening, and the guide is used to guide the locked part to form a locking engagement with the locking part.

8. The locking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting member includes two elastic members, which abut against the side of the locking member opposite to the other locking member, thereby giving the locking members a tendency to move towards each other.

9. The locking mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first locking part is provided with an elastic fitting member, and the elastic member abuts against the elastic fitting member.

10. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism further includes a detection mechanism, which is disposed on the side of the locking assembly opposite to the opening, and is used to detect the opening and closing of the locking mechanism.

11. The locking mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that, The detection mechanism includes a detection component, a sliding component, and a return component. The sliding component is connected to the detection component, and the return component is disposed within the sliding component and abuts against the housing assembly. The sliding member is disposed on the plane on which the movement trajectory of the locked member is located when the locking member and the locked member are locked together; When the locked member engages with the locking member, the locked member drives the sliding member to move, thereby allowing the detection member to detect the closing of the locking mechanism by detecting the movement state of the sliding member; When the locked member is engaged with the locking member, the locked member moves away from the sliding member, and the return member drives the sliding member to reset, so that the detection member can detect the opening of the locking mechanism by detecting the movement of the sliding member.

12. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism further includes a driving mechanism, which is located on the side of the locking assembly opposite to the opening. The driving mechanism is used to drive the locked component to open and engage with the locking component.

13. A dishwasher, characterized in that, include: The main body has a cleaning chamber that can be accessed through an inlet; A door, mounted on the main body, is used to lock the entrance, wherein the door is defined on its door side facing the cleaning chamber by an inner wall, the inner wall providing a sealing contact surface for a sealing structure mounted on the main body; A latch has a latch head fixedly mounted on the door relative to the door and a locking unit disposed on the body. The locking unit has two latch arms that can move in opposite directions. When the door is closed, the latch arms hold the latch head on both sides, wherein the latch head collides with the latch arms when the door is closed and pushes the latch arms away from a relatively stationary state against the elastic force. The latch arm includes a free arm end that collides with and is pushed open by the latch head when the door is closed; The main body includes an end wall, the main body cover plate is suspended above the end wall and a locking unit is installed behind the end wall, and the end of the free arm is disposed in a recess in the end wall and does not protrude from the end wall; The recess opens toward the bottom of the body.

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