Door assembly and washing apparatus
By combining the inner and outer door rings, and utilizing the cooperation of elastic buckles and pins, the problem of buckles coming loose during transportation and use of the washing equipment door components is solved, achieving a stable connection of the door components and improving reliability and production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TCL HOME APPLIANCES (HEFEI) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
The door components of existing washing equipment are prone to the buckles coming loose during transportation and use, resulting in insufficient connection strength and affecting the stability and reliability of the product.
The system employs a combination structure of an inner door ring and an outer door ring. The inner door ring is equipped with an elastic buckle, the end of which forms a hook that engages with the engagement hole of the outer door ring. A pin passes through the pin hole and abuts against the side of the elastic buckle away from the hook, preventing it from coming out. The combined action of multiple engagement holes and pin holes enhances the reliability of the connection.
It effectively prevents the latches from coming loose, improves the connection reliability of door components, simplifies the assembly process, reduces production and after-sales maintenance costs, and at the same time improves the stability and service life of the product.
Smart Images
Figure CN224478307U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of washing structure technology, and in particular to a door assembly and washing equipment. Background Technology
[0002] In the prior art, the door assembly in washing equipment such as washing machines or dryers is usually assembled from an inner door ring and an outer door ring.
[0003] In practical applications, it has been found that the clips in the aforementioned door components are mostly used only for pre-assembly on the production line, providing relatively limited connection strength. To ensure the stability of the door components, additional reinforcement methods are often required, such as using screws or bolts for further fixation. This is mainly because products are inevitably subjected to external factors such as vibration and collisions during transportation. Under these circumstances, the clips are prone to detachment, leading to assembly failure of the door components and negatively impacting the overall quality and reliability of the product. Utility Model Content
[0004] This application provides a door assembly and a washing device that can prevent the latch from coming off and improve reliability.
[0005] This application provides a door component, including:
[0006] The outer door ring is provided with snap-fit holes;
[0007] An inner door ring is provided, which is disposed opposite to the outer door ring. The inner door ring is provided with a pin hole, and an elastic buckle is provided on the side of the inner door ring facing the outer door ring. The end of the elastic buckle forms a hook, which engages with the snap-fit hole.
[0008] A pin, which passes through the pin hole, abuts against the side of the elastic buckle away from the hook, to prevent the elastic buckle from disengaging from the snap hole.
[0009] In some embodiments, the elastic buckle includes a first cantilever and a second cantilever; the first cantilever and the second cantilever are disposed opposite to form a limiting gap, and the pin extends into the limiting gap; the hooks are respectively disposed at the ends of the first cantilever and the second cantilever.
[0010] In some embodiments, a first limiting groove is provided on the side of the first cantilever near the limiting gap, and a second limiting groove is provided on the side of the second cantilever near the limiting gap; one end of the pin is engaged in the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove.
[0011] In some embodiments, the pin includes a main body and a radial boss, the radial boss being connected to one end of the main body and engaging within the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove.
[0012] In some embodiments, a limiting cone surface is formed on the surface of the main body, the cross-sectional area of the limiting cone surface decreases in the direction toward the radial boss, and the limiting cone surface is fitted with the side of the elastic buckle away from the hook.
[0013] In some embodiments, the radial boss has a guide ramp.
[0014] In some embodiments, the width of the pin is greater than the initial width of the limiting gap.
[0015] In some embodiments, the outer door ring is provided with a groove; the snap-fit hole is located on the bottom wall of the groove; and the snap hook abuts against the bottom wall of the groove.
[0016] In some embodiments, the top surface of the pin is not higher than the opening of the groove.
[0017] This application also provides a washing device, including a door assembly, wherein the door assembly is the door assembly described above.
[0018] The door assembly and washing equipment provided in this application include an outer door ring, an inner door ring, and a latch, with the inner and outer door rings positioned opposite each other. The inner door ring has a latch hole, the position and size of which are adapted to the latch so that it can pass smoothly through. An elastic buckle is provided on the side of the inner door ring facing the outer door ring. The end of the elastic buckle forms a hook, which is hook-shaped and can tightly engage with a locking hole on the outer door ring. When the inner and outer door rings are assembled, the elastic buckle undergoes elastic deformation, allowing the hook to smoothly engage in the locking hole, achieving initial locking and fixing of the inner and outer door rings. The latch passes through the latch hole and abuts against the side of the elastic buckle away from the hook. When the latch is inserted into the latch hole, it applies an outward pressure to the elastic buckle, limiting its elastic deformation and preventing the hook from dislodging from the locking hole, effectively improving the connection reliability of the door assembly. Attached Figure Description
[0019] 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 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.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure of a door assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of part A.
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of a door assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the inner door ring provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0024] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the inner door ring provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified schematic diagram of part B.
[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the latch provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the outer door ring provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0028] Figure 9 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the outer door ring provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0029] 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 them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0030] This application provides a door assembly and a washing device that can prevent the latches from coming loose and improve reliability. The following is a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0031] Please see Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure of a door assembly provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of part A.
[0032] This application provides a door assembly 100, which is a collection of components used to close the opening of the washing chamber of a washing device and is an important component of the washing device.
[0033] The door assembly 100 includes an outer door ring 10, an inner door ring 20, and a latch 30.
[0034] The outer door ring 10 serves as the outer support structure of the door assembly 100, and the outer door ring 10 is provided with snap-fit holes 11.
[0035] The inner door ring 20 and the outer door ring 10 are arranged opposite to each other, together forming the main structure of the door assembly 100. The inner door ring 20 is provided with a bolt hole 21 to ensure that the bolt 30 can pass through smoothly.
[0036] An elastic buckle 22 is provided on the side of the inner door ring 20 facing the outer door ring 10. The elastic buckle 22 is made of high-strength, high-elasticity plastic material, which has good flexibility and fatigue resistance. The end of the elastic buckle 22 forms a hook 221, which engages with the engagement hole 11. When the inner door ring 20 and the outer door ring 10 are assembled, the elastic buckle 22 will undergo elastic deformation under the pressure of the outer door ring 10, so that the hook 221 can be smoothly engaged in the engagement hole 11, thus achieving the initial engagement and fixation of the inner door ring 20 and the outer door ring 10.
[0037] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of the door assembly provided in an embodiment of this application. A pin 30 passes through a pin hole 21 and abuts against the side of the elastic latch 22 away from the hook 221, thereby preventing the elastic latch 22 from disengaging from the engagement hole 11. When the pin 30 is inserted into the pin hole 21, it applies an outward pressure to the elastic latch 22, limiting the elastic deformation of the elastic latch 22 and effectively preventing the hook 221 from disengaging from the engagement hole 11.
[0038] To further improve the connection stability and structural rationality between the components of the door assembly 100, in this application, the number of the snap-fit holes 11 can be set to multiple, and these snap-fit holes 11 are evenly distributed around the outer door ring 10. Correspondingly, the number of the pin holes 21 provided on the inner door ring 20 is also multiple, and their number and position are adapted to the matching requirements of the snap-fit holes 11 and subsequent components. In addition, the number of elastic buckles 22 is also multiple, and they are reasonably arranged on the inner door ring 20. Through the coordinated cooperation of multiple snap-fit holes 11, pin holes 21 and elastic buckles 22, the connection between the various parts of the door assembly 100 can be made more stable, effectively dispersing stress and reducing the risk of damage caused by excessive local stress, thereby ensuring the reliability and stability of the door assembly 100 during long-term use.
[0039] In summary, the door assembly 100 provided in this application embodiment, by setting up an outer door ring 10, an inner door ring 20, a latch 30, and an elastic buckle 22, and by having the latch 30 abut against the side of the elastic buckle 22 away from the hook 221 to restrict the elastic buckle 22 from disengaging from the snap-fit hole 11, can effectively improve the connection reliability of the door assembly 100 and reduce the assembly complexity, and has significant technical advantages: On the one hand, this design makes the insertion of the latch 30 simple and quick, without the need for complex positioning and adjustment, and can be optimized and integrated into the automated production process. Automated equipment can accurately and quickly complete the insertion action, greatly shortening the assembly time, reducing manual intervention, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing production costs; on the other hand, the door assembly 100 has the characteristic of "easy to install but difficult to disassemble". It is convenient for users to assemble, but it is relatively difficult to disassemble by themselves due to the special abutment between the latch 30 and the elastic buckle 22 and the complexity of the overall structure. This effectively avoids damage caused by user misoperation or improper disassembly, ensures the normal performance and life of the door assembly 100, and reduces after-sales maintenance costs.
[0040] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the inner door ring provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the inner door ring provided in an embodiment of this application. The elastic buckle 22 includes a first cantilever 222 and a second cantilever 223. The first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223 are arranged opposite to each other to form a limiting gap 224. This relative arrangement allows the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223 to work together and jointly withstand external forces, thereby improving the overall strength and stability of the elastic buckle 22.
[0041] The first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223 can be disposed on both sides of the latch hole 21. During the assembly of the door assembly 100, after the latch 30 extends into the latch hole 21, it immediately extends into the limiting gap 224. After the latch 30 extends into the limiting gap 224, it will interact with the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223. Specifically, the latch 30 will exert a certain squeezing force on the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223, while the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223 will also generate a reaction force on the latch 30. This interaction enables the latch 30 to effectively limit the elastic buckle 22, prevent the deformation of the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223, and ensure that the hook 221 is always fixed in the snap-fit hole 11, thereby ensuring the structural stability of the door assembly 100.
[0042] Hooks 221 are respectively located at the ends of the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223, and can achieve a tight and reliable engagement with the engagement holes 11 on the outer door ring 10. When the inner door ring 20 is assembled with the outer door ring 10, the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223 will undergo elastic deformation under the pressure of the outer door ring 10, so that the hooks 221 can be smoothly engaged in the engagement holes 11, thus achieving the initial engagement and fixation of the inner door ring 20 and the outer door ring 10.
[0043] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 4 A magnified schematic diagram of part B. To further enhance the limiting effect of the pin 30 on the elastic buckle 22, a first limiting groove 2221 is provided on the side of the first cantilever 222 near the limiting gap 224, and a second limiting groove 2222 is provided on the side of the second cantilever 223 near the limiting gap 224. One end of the pin 30 is engaged in the first limiting groove 2221 and the second limiting groove 2222. This engagement method ensures that the pin 30 is stably positioned within the limiting gap 224 and will not easily loosen or shift. When the pin 30 is engaged in the first limiting groove 2221 and the second limiting groove 2222, it applies an outward pressure to the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223, limiting their elastic deformation, thereby effectively preventing the hook 221 from coming out of the engagement hole 11.
[0044] The width of the pin 30 is greater than the initial width of the limiting gap 224. The initial width of the limiting gap 224 refers to the width of the limiting gap 224 when the first cantilever 222 and / or the second cantilever 223 are not deformed. The width of the pin 30 is designed based on the initial width of the limiting gap 224 and the elastic deformation capacity of the elastic buckle 22, and its width is generally 0.5 to 2 mm larger than the initial width of the limiting gap 224. The length of the pin 30 should be sufficient to ensure that it can effectively limit the elastic buckle 22 after being inserted into the limiting gap 224.
[0045] During the assembly of the door assembly 100, the inner door ring 20 is first aligned with the outer door ring 10. Then, a certain pressure is applied, causing the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223 to undergo elastic deformation due to the compression of the outer door ring 10. The hook 221 then engages in the locking hole 11. Next, the pin 30 is inserted into the pin hole 21. As the pin 30 extends into the limiting gap 224, the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223 undergo further elastic deformation due to the compression of the pin 30. When the pin 30 is fully inserted into the limiting gap 224, the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223 recover part of their deformation and exert a clamping force on the pin 30, thus completing the assembly of the door assembly 100.
[0046] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pin provided in an embodiment of this application. The pin 30 includes a main body 31 and a radial boss 32. The radial boss 32 is connected to one end of the main body 31 and is engaged in the first limiting groove 2221 and the second limiting groove 2222. When the pin 30 is inserted into the elastic buckle 22, the radial boss 32 accurately enters the first limiting groove 2221 and the second limiting groove 2222. Through the tight fit with the limiting grooves, reliable axial and radial limiting is provided for the pin 30, preventing the pin 30 from loosening or shifting within the elastic buckle 22.
[0047] The surface of the main body 31 forms a limiting cone surface 311. The cross-sectional area of the limiting cone surface 311 decreases in the direction towards the radial boss 32. This design ensures that during the insertion of the pin 30 into the elastic buckle 22, the limiting cone surface 311 and the side of the elastic buckle 22 away from the hook 221 are in contact. As the pin 30 is inserted deeper, the limiting cone surface 311 exerts a gradually increasing squeezing force on the elastic buckle 22, causing the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223 to undergo elastic deformation. At the same time, the elastic buckle 22 generates a reaction force on the limiting cone surface 311. This interaction not only facilitates the smooth insertion of the pin 30, but also, after the pin 30 is inserted, the tight contact between the limiting cone surface 311 and the elastic buckle 22 further enhances the connection stability between the pin 30 and the elastic buckle 22, effectively dispersing external forces and reducing fatigue damage to the elastic buckle 22.
[0048] The radial boss 32 has a guide ramp 321. When the pin 30 is inserted, the guide ramp 321 first contacts the entrance of the elastic latch 22. Due to the inclination angle of the guide ramp 321, the insertion force of the pin 30 can be decomposed into a component force perpendicular to the surface of the elastic latch 22 and a component force along the insertion direction. The component force perpendicular to the surface of the elastic latch 22 causes the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223 to undergo elastic deformation, creating space for further insertion of the pin 30; the component force along the insertion direction pushes the pin 30 smoothly into the limiting gap 224. The presence of the guide ramp 321 greatly reduces the resistance when the pin 30 is inserted, improves the smoothness and accuracy of the pin 30 insertion, and also reduces the damage to the elastic latch 22 caused by forced insertion.
[0049] Please see Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the outer door ring provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9This is a partial structural diagram of the outer door ring provided in an embodiment of this application. The outer door ring 10 is provided with a groove 12, the shape and size of which are designed according to the overall structure and installation requirements of the door assembly 100. The depth, width and length of the groove 12 should be able to accommodate the hook 221 of the elastic buckle 22 and the corresponding part of the pin 30, while ensuring that the door assembly 100 has a compact structure after assembly.
[0050] Please continue reading. Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 The snap-fit hole 11 is located on the bottom wall of the groove 12, and its position and size match the hook 221 of the elastic buckle 22. The hook 221 is located at the end of the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223 of the elastic buckle 22, respectively. Its shape is usually hook-shaped, and its bending angle and size are carefully designed to ensure that it can be smoothly snapped into the snap-fit hole 11 during the snap-fit process. When the inner door ring 20 is assembled with the outer door ring 10, the first cantilever 222 and the second cantilever 223 are elastically deformed by the compression of the outer door ring 10, and the hook 221 moves closer to the snap-fit hole 11 and finally snaps into it, realizing the initial snap-fit fixation of the inner door ring 20 and the outer door ring 10.
[0051] The hook 221 abuts against the bottom wall of the groove 12. This abutment provides stable support for the hook 221, preventing it from tilting upward or coming out of the locking hole 11 when subjected to external force, thus enhancing the connection stability of the door assembly 100.
[0052] The top surface of the latch 30 is not higher than the opening of the groove 12. From an aesthetic perspective, this design makes the surface of the door assembly 100 smoother and more aesthetically pleasing, enhancing the overall quality of the product. Functionally, it prevents the latch 30 from interfering with other components during equipment operation, reducing the risk of damage to the latch 30 due to collisions.
[0053] This application provides a washing device, which can be a washing machine, a dryer, or a washer-dryer combo. The washing device includes the door assembly 100 described in the above embodiments. The washing device also includes a body having a washing chamber and a clothing inlet. The washing chamber is used to accommodate clothes to be washed or dried, and the clothing inlet is a channel for the user to place or remove clothes from the washing chamber.
[0054] The door assembly 100 is fixed to the machine body by a hinge to close the clothes inlet. The hinge ensures that the door assembly 100 opens and closes smoothly and steadily, while also ensuring that the door assembly 100 fits tightly against the machine body when closed, effectively sealing the clothes inlet and preventing water leakage and heat loss.
[0055] Specifically, in the above embodiments, the outer door ring 10 of the door assembly 100 serves as the external frame structure of the door assembly 100 and is directly connected to the body of the washing equipment. The outer door ring 10 is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or engineering plastics, to ensure sufficient strength and stability, providing reliable support and a reliable installation base for the entire door assembly 100. The shape and size of the outer door ring 10 match the clothing loading opening of the machine body and are tightly connected to the machine body via bolts, clips, or other suitable connection methods. This connection method not only ensures the connection strength between the door assembly 100 and the machine body but also effectively disperses external forces on the door assembly 100, reducing loosening and damage caused by vibration and other factors.
[0056] The door assembly 100 and the machine body are designed to improve sealing performance. A sealing strip is provided on the door assembly 100. When the door assembly 100 is closed, the sealing strip fits tightly against the edge of the garment inlet on the machine body, creating a good seal and preventing wash water from leaking to the outside of the washing equipment during the washing process. It also reduces heat loss during drying, improving the energy efficiency of the washing equipment.
[0057] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.
[0058] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features.
[0059] The door assembly and washing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application, and the descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this application, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
Claims
1. A door assembly, characterized in that, include: The outer door ring is provided with snap-fit holes; An inner door ring is provided, which is disposed opposite to the outer door ring. The inner door ring is provided with a pin hole, and an elastic buckle is provided on the side of the inner door ring facing the outer door ring. The end of the elastic buckle forms a hook, which engages with the snap-fit hole. A pin, which passes through the pin hole, abuts against the side of the elastic buckle away from the hook, to prevent the elastic buckle from disengaging from the snap hole.
2. The door assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic buckle includes a first cantilever and a second cantilever; the first cantilever and the second cantilever are arranged opposite each other to form a limiting gap, and the pin extends into the limiting gap; the hooks are respectively provided at the ends of the first cantilever and the second cantilever.
3. The door assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first cantilever has a first limiting groove on the side near the limiting gap, and the second cantilever has a second limiting groove on the side near the limiting gap; one end of the pin is engaged in the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove.
4. The door assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pin includes a main body and a radial boss. The radial boss is connected to one end of the main body and is engaged in the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove.
5. The door assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The surface of the main body is formed with a limiting cone surface, the cross-sectional area of which decreases toward the radial boss, and the limiting cone surface is in contact with the side of the elastic buckle away from the hook.
6. The door assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The radial boss has a guide ramp.
7. The door assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The width of the pin is greater than the initial width of the limiting gap.
8. The door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The outer door ring is provided with a groove; the snap-fit hole is located on the bottom wall of the groove; the snap hook abuts against the bottom wall of the groove.
9. The door assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The top surface of the pin is not higher than the opening of the groove.
10. A washing device, characterized in that, Includes a door assembly, wherein the door assembly is the door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.