A door lock assembly of a dishwasher and a dishwasher

Abstract

The utility model discloses a door lock assembly of dish-washing machine and a dish-washing machine, including mounting seat, sliding element, door body is locked spare, elastic part and clamp jaw. Sliding element movable installation is in mounting seat and can reciprocatingly move along the first direction and its reverse second direction. Door body is locked spare installation is in door body, and its movement track meets with sliding element movement track to realize linkage. Elastic part is installed in mounting seat, and its movement end is connected sliding element, and compresses energy storage under the drive of sliding element, and when releasing, sliding element is pushed and moves. The moving end of clamp jaw is connected with sliding element linkage, and the clamping end can clamp or release door body is locked spare, realizes the automatic locking and unlocking of door body. The utility model discloses a door lock assembly of dish-washing machine and a dish-washing machine to realize the labor saving when door body opens and closes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of dishwasher technology, and in particular to a dishwasher door lock assembly and a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] With advancements in home appliance technology, users have higher expectations for the user experience of products like dishwashers, especially regarding the smoothness and feel of door operation. During the opening and closing of the dishwasher door, the door lock assembly needs to reliably lock and release, and the force required for operation directly impacts the user experience. Traditional door lock structures often use simple springs or latches, requiring a significant and continuous pulling force to open the door, resulting in a stiff feel and a lack of clear feedback when locking. This makes it difficult to balance effortless operation with mechanical reliability. Especially in scenarios requiring quick opening, existing door locks cannot provide assistance after triggering, leading to inconvenience.

[0003] Existing dishwasher door lock components have design flaws. During the opening process, traditional structures cannot instantly eliminate the elastic force hindering opening at a specific location and convert it into an assistive pushing force; similarly, they lack effective assistance during closing. This results in a stiff operating feel, a poor user experience, and long-term use can easily lead to impact wear on the mechanism. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a dishwasher door lock component and a dishwasher to solve the technical problem of the lack of assistance in opening and closing existing door locks. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a door lock assembly for a dishwasher and a dishwasher, so as to save effort when the door is opened and closed.

[0005] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A dishwasher door lock assembly includes a mounting base, a slider, a door locking member, an elastic member, and a gripper. The slider is movably mounted on the mounting base and is capable of reciprocating relative to the mounting base in a first direction. A second direction is defined as the opposite of the first direction. The door locking member is adapted to be mounted on a door, and the movement trajectory of the door locking member intersects with the movement trajectory of the slider, so that the door locking member and the slider can cooperate to move together. The elastic member is mounted on the mounting base, and the moving end of the elastic member is connected to the slider, so that when the moving end is driven by the slider, it compresses the elastic member, and when the moving end releases its elastic potential energy, it pushes the slider to move along the first direction or along the second direction. The moving end of the gripper is linked to the slider so that the two can push each other. The clamping end of the gripper can clamp the door locking member or be pushed by the door locking member to release the door locking member.

[0007] Furthermore, the movable connection between the gripper and the mounting base is located between the linkage portion of the gripper and the clamping end of the gripper.

[0008] Furthermore, the movable connection between the middle part of the gripper and the mounting base is a first movable joint; the door lock assembly of the dishwasher also includes a connecting rod, the first hinged end of the connecting rod is hinged to the sliding member, and the second hinged end of the connecting rod is hinged to the linkage part of the gripper, and is defined as a second movable joint.

[0009] Furthermore, a door lock assembly for a dishwasher also includes a trajectory-limiting swing arm; the trajectory-limiting swing arm is hinged to the mounting base via a first hinge axis; the trajectory-limiting swing arm has a swing guide end; the movable connection between the gripper and the mounting base is located at the middle of the gripper, wherein the middle of the gripper is hinged to the swing guide end of the trajectory-limiting swing arm.

[0010] Furthermore, the mounting base is provided with a first guide rail; both the first movable joint and the second movable joint are movably connected to the first guide rail.

[0011] Furthermore, the elastic element is a torsion spring; a swing link is provided between the sliding element and the moving end of the torsion spring; the middle part of the swing link is hinged to the mounting base through a second hinge shaft, and the swing link has a driving end and an adjusting end; the driving end of the swing link is linked to the sliding element, and the adjusting end of the swing link is connected to the moving end of the torsion spring.

[0012] Furthermore, the swing linkage is provided with a triggering part, the mounting base is provided with a positioning detection sensor, the triggering unit of the positioning detection sensor is located on the swing path of the triggering part, the triggering part is used to trigger the positioning detection sensor when swinging, and the positioning detection sensor is used to detect whether the door is closed.

[0013] Furthermore, the door lock assembly of the dishwasher also includes a protective plate, which is movably connected to the mounting base. The protective plate is located on the swing path of the trigger part and between the trigger part and the positioning detection sensor.

[0014] Furthermore, the door lock assembly of the dishwasher also includes an elastic reset structure, the two ends of which abut against the protective plate and the mounting base respectively, and the elastic reset structure has the tendency to prevent the trigger part from squeezing the position detection sensor.

[0015] Furthermore, at least two elastic elements are provided, and the two elastic elements are respectively provided on opposite sides of the slider and located on opposite sides of the slider's movement trajectory.

[0016] Furthermore, the mounting base is provided with a slide rail that extends along a first direction, and the sliding member slides in cooperation with the slide rail.

[0017] Furthermore, the sliding member includes a linkage block and a collision force-receiving block; the linkage block is connected to and supported by the collision force-receiving block; the moving end of the elastic member is connected to the linkage block of the sliding member, so that when the moving end is driven by the sliding member, it compresses the elastic member, and when the moving end releases its elastic potential energy, it pushes the sliding member to move along a first direction or a second direction; the collision force-receiving block is slidably connected to the slide rail and is supported by the slide rail.

[0018] Furthermore, the mounting base is provided with a linear drive mechanism; the output end of the linear drive mechanism is connected to a push rod; the sliding member is located on the movement path of the push rod.

[0019] A dishwasher includes a frame, a door, and a door lock assembly; the frame has a dishwasher inner tub, the door is hinged to the frame, a mounting base is mounted on the frame, and a locking element is provided on the door.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0021] 1. Based on the fact that the sliding member is movably installed on the mounting base and can reciprocate along the first direction and the second direction opposite to it, the sliding member has bidirectional movement capability, providing a basic movement path for the locking and unlocking action of the door lock.

[0022] 2. Based on the intersection of the movement trajectory of the door locking component and the movement trajectory of the sliding component, the two can come into contact with each other and achieve linkage, ensuring that the power of the door is effectively transmitted to the sliding component during the closing or opening process.

[0023] 3. Based on the fact that the moving end of the elastic element is connected to the sliding element, and can resist the movement of the sliding element when it is compressed and stored under the action of the sliding element, and push the sliding element to move when it releases potential energy, the elastic element provides resistance in the early stage of door closing to confirm the position, and releases potential energy to push the sliding element to move after passing the critical point. This realizes the "resistance then smooth" control of the movement of the sliding element, so that the door lock assembly can achieve effortless operation when the door is opened and closed.

[0024] 4. Based on the linkage between the moving end of the gripper and the sliding member, the clamping end can clamp or release the locked part of the door. The movement of the sliding member drives the gripper to rotate, so that the clamping end can reliably engage or disengage from the locked part of the door, thereby realizing the locking and unlocking of the door. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1This is a structural schematic diagram of a door lock assembly for a dishwasher according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A structural diagram from another perspective is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of a dishwasher door lock assembly with double-sided distribution.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Mounting base; 2. Sliding component; 201. Linkage block; 202. Collision force-bearing block; 3. Door locking component; 4. Elastic component; 401. Moving end; 5. Gripper; 501. Linkage part; 502. Clamping end; 6. First movable joint; 7. Second movable joint; 8. Connecting rod; 801. First hinge end; 802. Second hinge end; 9. Track limiting swing rod; 901. Swing guide end; 10. First hinge shaft; 11. First guide rail; 12. Swing connecting rod; 121. Drive end; 122. Adjustment end; 123. Trigger part; 13. Second hinge shaft; 14. Position detection sensor; 15. Trigger unit; 16. Protective plate; 17. Elastic reset structure; 18. Slide rail; 19. Linear drive mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0030] It should be noted that when an element is described as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is described as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementations.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] See Figures 1-3 The specific implementation of a preferred embodiment of this utility model is as follows:

[0033] A dishwasher door lock assembly includes a mounting base 1, a slider 2, a door locking member 3, an elastic member 4, and a gripper 5. The slider 2 is movably mounted on the mounting base 1 and is capable of reciprocating relative to the mounting base 1 in a first direction. A second direction is defined as the opposite of the first direction. The door locking member 3 is adapted to be mounted on a door, and the movement trajectory of the door locking member 3 intersects with the movement trajectory of the slider 2, so that the door locking member 3 and the slider 2 can cooperate to move together. The elastic member 4 is mounted on the mounting base 1, and the moving end 401 of the elastic member 4 is connected to the slider 2, so that when the moving end 401 is driven by the slider 2, it compresses the elastic member 4, and when the moving end 401 releases its elastic potential energy, it pushes the slider 2 to move in the first direction or in the second direction. The moving end of the gripper 5 is linked to the slider 2 so that the two can push each other. The clamping end 502 of the gripper 5 can clamp the door locking member 3, or be pushed by the door locking member 3 to release the door locking member 3. The core function of this utility model is to achieve automatic locking and effortless unlocking during the closing and opening of the door through a set of purely mechanical linkage mechanisms.

[0034] The main structure of this component includes a mounting base 1, a sliding member 2, a door locking member 3, an elastic member 4, and a gripper 5. The mounting base 1 serves as the basic support structure; the sliding member 2 is movably mounted on the mounting base 1, and its movement path is defined as a first direction and a second direction opposite to it; the door locking member 3 is mounted on the door, and its design position ensures that its movement trajectory intersects with the movement trajectory of the sliding member 2; the elastic member 4 is mounted on the mounting base 1, and its moving end 401 is directly connected to the sliding member 2; the gripper 5 is linked to the sliding member 2 through its moving end, and its clamping end 502 is used to directly act on the door locking member 3.

[0035] When the door is manually pushed to close, the locking component 3 moves and first contacts the clamping end 502 of the gripper 5. The initial pushing force of the locking component 3 on the clamping end 502 is converted into a pulling or pushing force on the sliding component 2 through the gripper 5, forcing the sliding component 2 to begin to overcome the resistance of the elastic component 4 and move in the second direction. During this stage, the user can feel obvious resistance. As the door continues to move forward, after the sliding component 2 moves to a critical position, the direction of the force of the compressed elastic component 4 changes from resistance to power, thus pushing the sliding component 2 to move in the first direction. The sliding component 2 then drives the gripper 5 to rotate, so that its clamping end 502 quickly and forcefully engages the locking component 3, finally completing the locking. This process utilizes the "resistance followed by smoothness" effect of the elastic component 4, which not only ensures the buffering and confirmation of the position at the beginning of closing the door, but also achieves automatic and reliable locking at the end.

[0036] When the door needs to be opened, the user applies outward force to the door, and the locking component 3 of the door applies a reverse force to the clamping end 502 of the gripper 5. This force is transmitted through the gripper 5 to the sliding component 2, forcing the sliding component 2 to overcome the resistance of the elastic component 4 and move in the second direction. The gripper 5 then rotates, disengaging its clamping end 502 from the locking component 3 of the door. During this process, the external force applied by the user is mainly used to overcome the resistance generated when the elastic component 4 is compressed. Once the gripper 5 rotates to the release position, the locking component 3 of the door separates from the gripper 5, and the energy stored in the elastic component 4 is used to keep the sliding component 2 and the gripper 5 in the unlocked state, allowing the user to easily open the door. This process utilizes the overcoming of the resistance of the elastic component 4 to achieve unlocking, and automatically resets after unlocking, preparing for the next closing and locking.

[0037] It is understood that, based on the fact that the sliding member is movably mounted on the mounting base and can reciprocate along the first direction and the opposite second direction, the sliding member possesses bidirectional movement capability, providing a basic movement path for the locking and unlocking actions of the door lock. Since the movement trajectory of the locked door component intersects with the movement trajectory of the sliding member, the two can contact each other and achieve linkage, ensuring that power is effectively transmitted to the sliding member during the closing or opening of the door. Based on the fact that the moving end of the elastic member is connected to the sliding member, and can impede the sliding member's movement when compressed and stored under the sliding member's influence, and push the sliding member's movement when releasing potential energy, the elastic member provides resistance in the initial stage of door closing to confirm the position, and releases potential energy to push the sliding member's movement after passing the critical point. This achieves "resistance followed by smooth" control of the sliding member's movement, enabling the door lock assembly to achieve effortless operation when the door is opened and closed. Based on the linkage between the moving end of the gripper 5 and the sliding member 2, the clamping end 502 can clamp or release the locked part 3 of the door. The movement of the sliding member 2 drives the gripper 5 to rotate, so that the clamping end 502 can reliably engage or disengage from the locked part 3 of the door, thereby realizing the locking and unlocking of the door.

[0038] In practical implementation, the mounting base 1 is fixed to the dishwasher cabinet with screws; the sliding member 2 can be a slider or a sliding rod structure, which cooperates with the mounting base 1 through a guide rail or a sliding groove; the door locking member 3 is designed as a locking hook or locking pin, and is fixed to the inside of the door; the elastic member 4 is preferably a compression spring or a torsion spring, one end of which is fixed to the mounting base 1, and the other end serves as the moving end 401 connected to the sliding member 2; the gripper 5 is designed as a lever structure, with its middle part hinged to the mounting base 1 to form a fulcrum, and its moving end is linked to the sliding member 2 through a connecting rod or directly, while the clamping end 502 is formed into a bayonet that matches the door locking member 3. In addition, the closing or opening action can also be assisted by a motor-driven sliding member 2 or fully automated.

[0039] Preferably, the movable connection between the gripper 5 and the mounting base 1 is located between the linkage part 501 of the gripper 5 and the clamping end 502 of the gripper 5. The core function of this solution is to optimize the fulcrum position of the gripper 5, thereby constructing it as an efficient lever, which amplifies the force transmitted from the sliding member 2 to the clamping end 502 and ensures the stability and reliability of the clamping and releasing actions.

[0040] The gripper 5 is movably connected to the mounting base 1, and the position of the movable connection is specifically set between the linkage part 501 and the clamping end 502 of the gripper 5. This arrangement causes the linkage part 501, the movable connection and the clamping end 502 to be distributed sequentially on the gripper 5, forming a lever structure with the movable connection as the fulcrum.

[0041] When the slider 2 pushes or pulls the linkage part 501 of the gripper 5, the gripper 5 rotates around its movable connection point (i.e., fulcrum) with the mounting base 1. According to the lever principle, the small displacement or force input by the linkage part 501 is effectively converted and amplified into a powerful opening and closing motion with a larger stroke of the clamping end 502. This allows the clamping end 502 to lock the locked part 3 of the door with a greater clamping force, or to ensure its smooth disengagement with a fuller opening angle, significantly improving the reliability of locking and the smoothness of unlocking.

[0042] Preferably, the movable connection between the middle part of the gripper 5 and the mounting base 1 is the first movable joint 6; a dishwasher door lock assembly also includes a connecting rod 8, the first hinged end 801 of the connecting rod 8 is hinged to the slider 2, and the second hinged end 802 of the connecting rod 8 is hinged to the linkage part 501 of the gripper 5, and is defined as the second movable joint 7. The core function of this solution is to form a stable kinematic chain by introducing the connecting rod 8 and the double movable joints, so as to accurately and efficiently convert the linear motion of the slider 2 into the rotational clamping action of the gripper 5.

[0043] Preferably, a dishwasher door lock assembly further includes a trajectory-limiting swing arm 9; the trajectory-limiting swing arm 9 is hinged to the mounting base 1 via a first hinge shaft 10; the trajectory-limiting swing arm 9 has a swing guide end 901; the movable connection between the gripper 5 and the mounting base 1 is located at the middle of the gripper 5, wherein the middle of the gripper 5 is hinged to the swing guide end 901 of the trajectory-limiting swing arm 9. The core function of this solution is to provide a controlled floating fulcrum for the movement of the gripper 5 by introducing the trajectory-limiting swing arm 9, thereby guiding and limiting the movement trajectory of the gripper 5, ensuring the consistency of its clamping and releasing actions.

[0044] The trajectory-limiting swing arm 9 is hinged to the mounting base 1 via a first hinge shaft 10, with the end of the swing arm 901 located away from the first hinge shaft 10. The movable connection in the middle of the gripper 5 is specifically implemented by hinged to the swing guide end 901 of the trajectory-limiting swing arm 9, so that the fulcrum of the gripper 5 is no longer fixed to the mounting base 1, but is transferred to the movable swing arm.

[0045] When the gripper 5 is driven to move, its force is transmitted to the swing guide end 901 of the trajectory-limiting swing arm 9, forcing the swing arm to swing around its first hinge axis 10. This swinging process, together with the rotation of the gripper 5 itself, determines the final movement path of the clamping end 502 of the gripper 5. The constraint effect of the trajectory-limiting swing arm 9 forces the clamping end 502 to follow a preset, optimized trajectory movement. This not only ensures that the gripper 5 can accurately engage or disengage from the door locking member 3, but also effectively avoids interference with surrounding components during the operation.

[0046] Preferably, the mounting base 1 is provided with a first guide rail 11; the first movable joint 6 and the second movable joint 7 are both movably connected to the first guide rail 11. The core function of this solution is to uniformly constrain the motion paths of the two key movable joints through the first guide rail 11, ensuring that the components of the gripper 5 system always maintain a relative motion relationship during complex linkage.

[0047] The mounting base 1 is provided with a first guide rail 11. The first movable joint 6 (i.e., the hinge point between the middle of the gripper 5 and the trajectory-limiting swing rod 9) and the second movable joint 7 (i.e., the hinge point between the connecting rod 8 and the gripper 5) are both in sliding engagement with the first guide rail 11 through movable connecting parts such as sliders or bearings.

[0048] The first guide rail 11 serves as a reference track, forcing the first movable joint 6 and the second movable joint 7 to move along their prescribed trajectories. This constraint decomposes the complex motion of the gripper 5 into controlled linear and rotational movements, ensuring that the gripper 5 maintains the optimal motion posture during opening and closing, effectively preventing motion deviations and ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the gripping action.

[0049] Preferably, the elastic element 4 is a torsion spring; a swing link 12 is provided between the sliding element 2 and the moving end 401 of the torsion spring; the middle part of the swing link 12 is hinged to the mounting base 1 through a second hinge shaft 13, and the swing link 12 has a driving end 121 and an adjusting end 122; the driving end 121 of the swing link 12 is linked to the sliding element 2, and the adjusting end 122 of the swing link 12 is connected to the moving end 401 of the torsion spring. The core function of this solution is to efficiently convert the linear motion of the sliding element 2 into the torsional deformation of the torsion spring through the swing link 12, thereby realizing the transmission of force and the storage and release of elastic potential energy, providing a stable and reliable power source for the door lock operation.

[0050] The elastic element 4 is specifically a torsion spring, the body of which is fixed to the mounting base 1. A swing link 12 is added between the sliding element 2 and the moving end 401 of the torsion spring. The middle part of the link is hinged to the mounting base 1 through the second hinge shaft 13 to form a lever fulcrum. Its driving end 121 is linked to the sliding element 2, and its adjusting end 122 is connected to the moving end 401 of the torsion spring.

[0051] When the slider 2 moves linearly, it pushes or pulls the drive end 121 of the swing link 12, forcing the link to swing around the second hinge axis 13. The swing of the link then actuates the moving end 401 of the torsion spring through its adjusting end 122, causing the torsion spring to coil or unwind, thereby storing or releasing elastic potential energy. This structure converts the large-stroke linear motion of the slider 2 into the efficient angular displacement of the torsion spring, optimizes the force transmission path, and makes the operation of the door lock assembly smoother and the power output more stable.

[0052] Preferably, the swing link 12 is provided with a trigger part 123, and the mounting base 1 is provided with a position detection sensor 14. The trigger unit 15 of the position detection sensor 14 is located on the swing path of the trigger part 123. The trigger part 123 is used to trigger the position detection sensor 14 during swinging. The position detection sensor 14 is used to detect whether the door is closed. The core function of this solution is to use the swinging motion of the swing link 12 to directly drive the trigger part 123 to activate the position detection sensor 14, thereby achieving direct and reliable detection of the closed state of the door.

[0053] A trigger part 123 is provided on the swing link 12; a position detection sensor 14 is fixedly installed on the mounting base 1, and the trigger unit 15 of the sensor is arranged within the swing trajectory range of the trigger part 123.

[0054] When the door is closed, the sliding member 2 moves to the locked position and drives the swing linkage 12 to swing to a specific angle. At this time, the trigger part 123 on the swing linkage 12 moves accordingly and enters the sensing area of ​​the position detection sensor 14, triggering the sensor to generate a signal indicating that the door is closed. Conversely, when the door is not closed, the swing linkage 12 is at another angle, and the trigger part 123 is away from the sensor, so it cannot trigger a signal. This structure directly converts the mechanical position into an electrical signal, making the detection direct and accurate. The position detection sensor 14 can be one of a micro switch, a Hall sensor, or a photoelectric sensor.

[0055] Preferably, the door lock assembly of a dishwasher further includes a protective plate 16, which is movably connected to the mounting base 1. The protective plate 16 is located on the swing path of the trigger part 123 and between the trigger part 123 and the positioning detection sensor 14. The core function of this solution is to form a physical isolation between the trigger part 123 and the sensor by adding a movable protective plate 16, effectively preventing direct impact and wear of the precision sensor by mechanical parts.

[0056] The component is equipped with a protective plate 16, which is movably connected to the mounting base 1 by means of hinge or sliding. Its physical position is set on the swing path of the trigger part 123 and located between the trigger part 123 and the position detection sensor 14.

[0057] When the swing linkage 12 drives the trigger part 123 to swing, the trigger part 123 does not directly contact the sensor, but first contacts and pushes the protection plate 16. The protection plate 16 then transmits the force to the sensor to complete the triggering. During this process, the protection plate 16 acts as a buffer, dispersing the local impact force and thus reliably protecting the sensor from damage.

[0058] Preferably, the door lock assembly of a dishwasher further includes an elastic reset structure 17, with its two ends abutting against the protective plate 16 and the mounting base 1, respectively. The elastic reset structure 17 has the function of preventing the trigger part 123 from pressing the detection sensor 14 into place. The core function of this solution is to provide the protective plate 16 with automatic reset capability and buffering effect through the elastic reset structure 17, thereby ensuring trigger reliability and further preventing the sensor from being damaged due to overload.

[0059] The component incorporates an elastic reset structure 17, whose two ends abut against the protective plate 16 and the mounting base 1, respectively. This structure has an elastic tendency to move the protective plate 16 away from the positioning detection sensor 14. When the trigger 123 pushes the protective plate 16 to compress the sensor, the elastic reset structure 17 is compressed and stores energy. When the trigger 123 moves away, the elastic reset structure 17 releases energy, automatically resetting the protective plate 16 to its initial position. This structure ensures that the protective plate 16 can effectively transmit the trigger signal while also preventing the sensor from experiencing continuous pressure through elastic buffering, significantly improving the durability of the detection system.

[0060] Preferably, at least two elastic elements 4 are provided, with the two elastic elements 4 respectively located on opposite sides of the sliding member 2 and on opposite sides of the sliding trajectory of the sliding member 2. The core function of this solution is to form a clamping system with completely balanced force by symmetrically arranging the elastic elements 4, as well as the entire transmission mechanism including the gripper 5, connecting rod 8, and guide rail, thus ensuring the absolute stability and reliability of the clamping action.

[0061] At least two elastic elements 4 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the sliding element 2. On this basis, the gripper 5, connecting rod 8 and first guide rail 11 and other transmission components are also mirror-arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the sliding element 2, together forming a clamping system that is completely symmetrical from left to right.

[0062] When the sliding member 2 reciprocates, the symmetrical transmission mechanisms on both sides move synchronously, driving the two grippers 5 to perform completely synchronized opening and closing actions. This symmetrical clamping system ensures that the door body locking member 3 receives equal and opposite clamping forces from both sides when clamped, achieving center positioning and stable clamping, and completely avoiding problems such as component wear, poor movement, or unstable clamping that may be caused by force on one side.

[0063] Preferably, the mounting base 1 is provided with a slide rail 18, which extends along a first direction, and the sliding member 2 slides in cooperation with the slide rail 18. The core function of this solution is to provide linear motion guidance for the sliding member 2 through the slide rail 18, ensuring that its motion trajectory is stable and reliable during reciprocating movement.

[0064] The mounting base 1 is provided with a slide rail 18, which extends along a first direction; the slider 2 forms a sliding engagement with the slide rail 18 through a groove or slider structure thereon.

[0065] When the sliding member 2 is driven by an external force or the elastic member 4, the slide rail 18 serves as a rigid guide reference, constraining the sliding member 2 to move strictly in a straight line along the first direction and its opposite direction, effectively preventing the sliding member 2 from shifting laterally or twisting during movement, thus providing a basic guarantee for the reliable linkage of the entire door lock assembly.

[0066] Preferably, the sliding member 2 includes a linkage block 201 and a collision force-bearing block 202; the linkage block 201 is connected to and supported by the collision force-bearing block 202; the moving end 401 of the elastic member 4 is connected to the linkage block 201 of the sliding member 2, so that when the moving end 401 is driven by the sliding member 2, it compresses the elastic member 4, and when the moving end 401 releases its elastic potential energy, it pushes the sliding member 2 to move along a first direction or a second direction; the collision force-bearing block 202 is slidably connected to the slide rail 18 and is supported by the slide rail 18. The core function of this solution is to achieve a specialized division of labor between the force-bearing structure and the transmission structure by designing the sliding member 2 separately as the linkage block 201 and the collision force-bearing block 202, thereby improving the impact resistance and service life of key components while ensuring guidance.

[0067] The sliding member 2 is composed of a linkage block 201 and a collision force-bearing block 202, which are connected to each other. The collision force-bearing block 202 is slidably connected to the slide rail 18 and is directly supported by the slide rail 18, bearing the main collision force and support functions. The linkage block 201 is supported by the collision force-bearing block 202 and is connected to the moving end 401 of the elastic member 4, responsible for force transmission and motion conversion.

[0068] When the door is impacted by the lock element 3 or when the clamping claw 5 transmits force, the impact-bearing block 202 acts as the main load-bearing structure to absorb and disperse the impact, protecting the linkage block 201 from direct damage. The linkage block 201, under the stable support of the impact-bearing block 202, then compresses or releases the elastic element 4. This collaborative mechanism ensures the overall movement accuracy of the sliding element 2 and significantly improves the durability of the door lock assembly under frequent impact conditions.

[0069] Preferably, the mounting base 1 is provided with a linear drive mechanism 19; the output end of the drive motor is connected to a push rod; and the sliding member 2 is located on the movement path of the push rod. The core function of this solution is to provide an automated linear drive force to the sliding member 2 through the linear drive mechanism 19, thereby realizing the electric locking and unlocking functions of the door lock assembly.

[0070] The mounting base 1 is provided with a linear drive mechanism 19, which consists of a drive motor and a push rod; the output end of the drive motor is connected to the push rod, and the sliding member 2 is set on the linear motion path of the push rod.

[0071] When locking or unlocking is required, the drive motor starts and pushes the push rod to move linearly. During the movement, the push rod directly pushes the slider 2 to move along the slide rail 18, which in turn drives the gripper 5 to perform the corresponding clamping or releasing action through the connecting rod 8, realizing the electric control of the door lock. The linear drive mechanism 19 can be one of a linear motor, a servo motor, or a stepper motor.

[0072] A dishwasher includes a frame, a door, and a door lock assembly. The frame has a dishwasher inner tub, the door is hinged to the frame, a mounting base 1 is mounted on the frame, and a locking element 3 is disposed on the door. The core function of this solution is to integrate the door lock assembly into the entire dishwasher, enabling automatic and reliable locking and unlocking of the door and frame.

[0073] The dishwasher includes a frame, a door, and a door lock assembly; the frame forms the dishwasher inner tub, and the door is mounted on the frame via hinges; the mounting base 1 of the door lock assembly is fixed on the frame, and the door locking component 3 is correspondingly mounted on the door.

[0074] When the door is closed, it rotates around the hinge, causing the locking element 3 to move to the contact position with the gripper 5 of the door lock assembly. This triggers the gripper 5 to engage with the sliding element 2, and the locking is automatically completed under the action of the elastic element 4. When it is necessary to open the door, the door lock assembly can be unlocked manually or by motor drive, allowing the door to open around the hinge. This structure ensures a secure lock and safe use after the dishwasher door is closed.

[0075] In summary, the sliding member 2 is movably mounted on the mounting base 1 and can move bidirectionally, providing a basic motion path for locking and unlocking; the intersection of the movement trajectories of the locked door part 3 and the sliding member 2 achieves reliable contact and power transmission; the elastic member 4 connects to the sliding member 2, utilizing its energy storage and release characteristics to achieve automatic reset and motion drive; the gripper 5 is linked with the sliding member 2 to achieve reliable clamping or release of the locked door part 3; the movable connection between the gripper 5 and the mounting base 1 is located between the linkage part 501 and the clamping end 502, forming a lever structure to effectively transmit motion; the gripper 5 has a first movable joint 6 in the middle, which is hinged to the sliding member 2 via the connecting rod 8 to form a second movable joint. The movable joint 7 enhances transmission stability; the swing arm 9 is hinged to the mounting base 1 based on the trajectory limitation, and the middle part of the gripper 5 is hinged to the swing guide end 901 of the swing arm, guiding and limiting the movement trajectory of the gripper 5; the first movable joint 6 and the second movable joint 7 are both connected to the first guide rail 11, constraining the movement path to maintain a predetermined relationship; the elastic element 4 uses a torsion spring, and the linear motion of the sliding element 2 is converted into torsional deformation of the torsion spring through the swing linkage 12, realizing efficient force transmission; the swing linkage 12 is provided with a trigger part 123, which works with the position detection sensor 14 to realize the door's closed state detection; at least two elastic elements 4 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the sliding element 2 to balance the force and ensure smooth movement. This structure achieves automatic locking and unlocking through the coordinated action of each component, and has the functions of saving effort and reliability.

[0076] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0077] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0078] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these should all be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A door lock assembly for a dishwasher, characterized in that, include: Mounting base (1); A slider (2) is movably mounted on the mounting base (1) and is capable of reciprocating relative to the mounting base (1) in a first direction; the second direction is defined as the opposite direction of the first direction; Door locking component (3), the door locking component (3) is adapted to be installed on the door body, the movement trajectory of the door locking component (3) intersects with the movement trajectory of the sliding component (2), so that the door locking component (3) and the sliding component (2) can cooperate to link with each other; An elastic element (4) is mounted on the mounting base (1). The moving end (401) of the elastic element (4) is connected to the sliding element (2) so that when the moving end (401) is driven by the sliding element (2), it compresses the elastic element (4) and when the moving end (401) releases its elastic potential energy, it pushes the sliding element (2) to move along a first direction or along a second direction. The moving end of the gripper (5) is linked to the sliding member (2) so that the two can push each other; the clamping end (502) of the gripper (5) can clamp the door lock member (3) or be pushed by the door lock member (3) to release the door lock member (3).

2. The door lock assembly of a dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable connection between the gripper (5) and the mounting base (1) is located between the linkage part (501) of the gripper (5) and the clamping end (502) of the gripper (5).

3. A dishwasher door lock assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The middle part of the gripper (5) is connected to the mounting base (1) at a first movable joint (6); the door lock assembly of the dishwasher also includes a connecting rod (8), the first hinge end (801) of the connecting rod (8) is hinged to the sliding member (2), and the second hinge end (802) of the connecting rod (8) is hinged to the linkage part (501) of the gripper (5), and is defined as the second movable joint (7).

4. A dishwasher door lock assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, A door lock assembly for a dishwasher also includes a trajectory-limiting swing arm (9); the trajectory-limiting swing arm (9) is hinged to the mounting base (1) via a first hinge shaft (10); the trajectory-limiting swing arm (9) has a swing guide end (901); the movable connection between the gripper (5) and the mounting base (1) is located at the middle of the gripper (5): the middle of the gripper (5) is hinged to the swing guide end (901) of the trajectory-limiting swing arm (9).

5. A dishwasher door lock assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting base (1) is provided with a first guide rail (11); the first movable joint (6) and the second movable joint (7) are both movably connected to the first guide rail (11).

6. A dishwasher door lock assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element (4) is a torsion spring; a swing link (12) is provided between the sliding element (2) and the moving end (401) of the torsion spring; the middle part of the swing link (12) is hinged to the mounting base (1) through a second hinge shaft (13), and the swing link (12) has a driving end (121) and an adjusting end (122); the driving end (121) of the swing link (12) is linked to the sliding element (2), and the adjusting end (122) of the swing link (12) is connected to the moving end (401) of the torsion spring.

7. A dishwasher door lock assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The swing linkage (12) is provided with a trigger part (123), and the mounting base (1) is provided with a position detection sensor (14). The trigger unit (15) of the position detection sensor (14) is located on the swing path of the trigger part (123). The trigger part (123) is used to trigger the position detection sensor (14) when swinging. The position detection sensor (14) is used to detect whether the door is closed.

8. A dishwasher door lock assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The door lock assembly of the dishwasher also includes a protection plate (16), which is movably connected to the mounting base (1). The protection plate (16) is located on the swing path of the trigger part (123) and between the trigger part (123) and the position detection sensor (14).

9. A dishwasher door lock assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The door lock assembly of the dishwasher further includes an elastic reset structure (17), the two ends of which abut against the protective plate (16) and the mounting base (1) respectively, and the elastic reset structure (17) has a tendency to prevent the trigger part (123) from squeezing the position detection sensor (14).

10. A dishwasher door lock assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two elastic elements (4) are provided, and the two elastic elements (4) are respectively provided on opposite sides of the sliding element (2) and located on opposite sides of the moving trajectory of the sliding element (2).

11. A dishwasher door lock assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base (1) is provided with a slide rail (18), which extends along a first direction, and the sliding member (2) slides in cooperation with the slide rail (18).

12. A dishwasher door lock assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The sliding member (2) includes a linkage block (201) and a collision force block (202); the linkage block (201) is connected to the collision force block (202) and is supported by the collision force block (202); the moving end (401) of the elastic member (4) is connected to the linkage block (201) of the sliding member (2) so that when the moving end (401) is driven by the sliding member (2), it compresses the elastic member (4), and when the moving end (401) releases elastic potential energy, it pushes the sliding member (2) to move along a first direction or along a second direction; the collision force block (202) is slidably connected to the slide rail (18) and is supported by the slide rail (18).

13. A dishwasher door lock assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base (1) is provided with a linear drive mechanism (19); the output end of the linear drive mechanism (19) is connected to a push rod; the sliding member (2) is located on the movement path of the push rod.

14. A dishwasher, characterized in that, The dishwasher includes a frame, a door, and a door lock assembly according to any one of claims 1-13; the frame has a dishwasher inner liner, the door is hinged to the frame, the mounting base (1) is mounted on the frame, and the door is secured by a locking element (3).

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