Door lock and electrical appliance including the same

Abstract

To provide a door lock and an electrical appliance.SOLUTION: There are provided a door lock and an electrical appliance with the door lock. The door lock includes a main slider, an operating circuit and an operating switch, a sensing circuit and a sensing switch, and a switch box. The operating circuit and the operating switch are arranged inside the switch box, and the sensing circuit and the sensing switch are arranged outside the switch box. The door lock of the present application includes the sensing circuit and the sensing switch, allowing the electrical appliance to independently indicate the states of the door and the door hook of the electrical appliance, meeting more operational requirements of the electrical appliance, and providing more possibilities for intelligent designs. The sensing circuit and sensing switch of the door lock of the present application are arranged outside the switch box and are separated from the operating circuit, which avoids the arrangements of both high-voltage and low-voltage power sources inside the switch box, thereby improving the reliability of the sensing circuit and the operating circuit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Related Applications] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410381056.X, entitled "DOOR LOCK DEVICE AND ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE INCLUDING SAME," filed on March 29, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of door locks, and in particular to door locks and electrical devices equipped with door locks. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently, the door of an electrical appliance such as a washing machine is locked by a door lock and connected to a panel of the electrical appliance. The door lock is attached to the panel of the electrical appliance and has a locking hole on the door lock. When a door hook attached to the door of the electrical appliance is inserted into the locking hole, a locking device of the door lock locks the door hook, thereby locking the door of the electrical appliance and connecting it to the panel of the electrical appliance. The door lock usually further includes a switch box in which connection terminals of an operating circuit are disposed. When the door of the electrical appliance is locked and connected to the panel of the electrical appliance, the locking device of the door lock can be connected to the connection terminals of the operating circuit, allowing the electrical appliance to be started.

[0004] Some existing door locks further include a sensing device for detecting the state of the door lock, and the sensing device can be linked with the operating circuit to ensure that the connection terminals of the operating circuit are connected after the door lock is locked, thereby improving the reliability of the start-up of the electrical equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Through detailed research, the inventors of the present disclosure have found that the sensing device is usually connected to a low voltage power supply and the operating circuit is usually connected to a high voltage power supply, resulting in an unreliable door lock due to the link between the sensing device and the operating circuit.

[0006] In order to solve at least one of the above technical problems, in a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a door lock including a main slider, an operating circuit and an operating switch, a sensing circuit and a sensing switch, and a switch box. The main slider is driven by a door hook and can reciprocate in a first direction. The operating switch connects or disconnects the operating circuit based on the position of the main slider. The sensing switch connects or disconnects the sensing circuit based on the position of the main slider. The operating circuit and the operating switch are arranged inside the switch box, and the sensing circuit and the sensing switch are arranged outside the switch box.

[0007] According to the first aspect above, the power supply for the operating circuit is a high-voltage power supply, and the power supply for the sensing circuit is a low-voltage power supply.

[0008] According to the first aspect, the main slider has a locked position and a released position, and the door lock further includes a sensing switch drive member configured to connect the sensing circuit by turning on the sensing switch in response to the main slider being in the released position, and to disconnect the sensing circuit by turning off the sensing switch in response to the main slider being in the locked position.

[0009] According to the first aspect, the main slider reciprocates between a locked position and a released position in a first direction, and the sensing switch drive member includes a switch slider that drives the switch slider to move in the first direction.

[0010] According to the first aspect, the sensing switch includes a first contact terminal and a second contact terminal, and the sensing switch drive member includes a resilient piece made of a conductive material. The resilient piece is connected to the switch slider so as to move in a first direction together with the switch slider. The sensing switch drive member is configured such that, when the main slider drives the switch slider to move, the resilient piece can contact the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal, thereby conducting the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal, or the resilient piece can move away from at least one of the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal, thereby disconnecting the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal.

[0011] According to the first aspect, the elastic piece includes a pair of legs extending obliquely away from each other in a first direction, and the distance between the pair of legs in a second direction is set so that the maximum distance is greater than the distance between the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal, and the minimum distance is smaller than the distance between the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal.

[0012] According to the first aspect described above, each leg of the pair of legs further comprises an arch portion, the arch portions of each leg of the pair of legs arch in opposite directions, and the elastic piece is configured to contact the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal at the arch portion.

[0013] According to the first aspect, the sensing switch includes a microswitch, and the sensing switch drive member includes an elastic button that is elastically deformable in a first direction. The sensing switch drive member is configured such that, as the main slider drives and moves the switch slider, the elastic button is compressed and deformed by the switch slider to turn on the microswitch, and expands and restores to its original state to turn off the microswitch.

[0014] According to the first aspect, the door lock further includes a cam and a lock pin. The cam is configured to receive the door hook and drive the main slider to move in a first direction. The lock pin is movable in a third direction to lock or release the main slider and cam, and one end of the lock pin extends into the switch box to turn on the operation switch when the main slider and cam are locked, or to turn off the operation switch when the main slider and cam are released.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an electrical appliance comprising a door lock according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect described above.

[0016] According to some particular embodiments, the electrical appliance is a washing machine and / or a dishwasher.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the door lock of the present disclosure is equipped with a sensing circuit and a sensing switch, which enables the electrical device to independently indicate the status of the door and door hook of the electrical device, meeting more of the operating requirements of the electrical device and providing more possibilities for intelligent design.

[0018] In addition, the sensing circuit and sensing switch of the door lock disclosed herein are arranged outside the switch box and separated from the operating circuit, thereby avoiding the need to arrange both a high-voltage power supply and a low-voltage power supply within the switch box, thereby improving the reliability of the sensing circuit and operating circuit.

[0019] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings, which may contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1A] 1 is a structural perspective view of a door lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from one viewpoint; FIG. [Figure 1B]1B is a structural perspective view of the door lock shown in FIG. 1A, seen from another perspective. FIG. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is an exploded view of the door lock of FIG. 1B with the base removed. [Figure 2A] 1D is a structural perspective view of the cam, slider mechanism, lock pin, and sensing circuit device of FIG. 1C from one viewpoint. FIG. [Figure 2B] 2B is a structural perspective view of the cam, slider mechanism, lock pin, and sensing circuit device shown in FIG. 2A, seen from another viewpoint. [Figure 3A] 2B is a structural perspective view of the sensing circuit device of FIG. 2A from one viewpoint. [Figure 3B] 3B is an exploded view of the sensing circuit arrangement shown in FIG. 3A from another perspective. [Figure 4A] 1D is a top view of the door lock shown in FIG. 1C in the door open state. FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1D is a top view of the door lock shown in FIG. 1C in the door closed state. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a top view of a door lock according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in an open door state. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a top view of the door lock shown in FIG. 5A in the door closed state. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1B is a circuit block diagram of an operating circuit within the door lock of FIG. 1A. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1B is a circuit block diagram of a sensing circuit in the door lock of FIG. 1A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Before describing embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprises" and variations thereof means the inclusion of the preceding listed items and equivalents, as well as additional items and equivalents.

[0022] Various specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings that form a part of this specification. Directional terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" are used in this disclosure to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the present disclosure, but it should be understood that these terms are used herein merely for ease of illustration and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Because the arrangements in the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure may be in various orientations, these directional terms are merely exemplary and should not be considered limiting. Where possible, the same or similar reference numerals used in this disclosure refer to the same components.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, the raw materials used in the embodiments are commercially available industrial products and can be purchased commercially.

[0024] To facilitate the description of specific embodiments, in this disclosure, for purposes of illustration, the length direction of the door lock 100 is defined as the x direction (first direction), the width direction of the door lock 100 is defined as the y direction (second direction), and the height direction of the door lock is defined as the z direction (third direction).

[0025] 1A to 1C show the overall structure of the door lock 100. FIGS. 1A and 1B are structural perspective views of the door lock 100 seen from the front and back, respectively, showing the external structure of the door lock 100. FIG. 1C is an exploded view of the door lock 100 seen from the back with the base removed, showing the internal structure of the door lock 100. The door lock 100 includes a housing 101 located at the top and a base 107 located at the bottom and engaging with the housing 101, with a receiving cavity formed between the housing 101 and the base 107 for receiving components of the door lock. A door lock hole 103 is provided on the left side of the housing 101, and the door lock hole 103 is configured to receive a door hook 102. 1A to 1C, door hook 102 is positioned above door lock hole 103, and when the door of the electrical appliance (i.e., a washing machine) is opened or closed, door hook 102 moves vertically in the z-direction (i.e., the third direction) together with the door of the electrical appliance (e.g., a washing machine or a dishwasher) to enter and exit door lock hole 103. When door hook 102 is inserted into door lock 100 through door lock hole 103 on the front side of housing 101, hole 181 of door hook 102 engages with cam 108 on the inside of door lock 100, and when cam 108 is locked, the door of the electrical appliance is also locked.

[0026] The door lock 100 further includes an operating circuit connection end 104 and a sensing circuit connection end 106. The operating circuit connection end 104 is configured to connect the door lock 100 to an operating circuit (see operating circuit 671 shown in FIG. 6A ) so that the operating circuit 671 can supply power to the electrical device, thereby enabling activation of the electrical device. The sensing circuit connection end 106 is configured to connect to a sensing circuit (see sensing circuit 673 shown in FIG. 6B ) so that the sensing circuit 673 can sense whether the door hook 102 is inserted into the door lock hole 103 and provide a sensing indication accordingly. In this embodiment, the operating circuit connection end 104 includes three connection ends (see connection end 104a, connection end 104b, and ground end 104c in FIG. 6A ), and the sensing circuit connection end 106 includes two connection ends (see connection end 106a and connection end 106b in FIG. 6B ).

[0027] 1C , the door lock 100 further includes a cam 108, a switch box 105, a lock pin 125, a slider mechanism 110, and a sensing circuit device 180. The cam 108 and the switch box 105 are arranged side by side in the y direction (i.e., the second direction) within the receiving cavity between the housing 101 and the base 107 (not shown in FIG. 1C ). The slider mechanism 110 cooperates with the cam 108 to hold and lock the cam 108 in its locked position. The lock pin 125 is arranged between the switch box 105 and the slider mechanism 110 and locks or releases the slider mechanism 110, turning on or off the operating switch 120 in the switch box 105, thereby disconnecting or connecting the operating circuit. The sensing circuit device 180 cooperates with the slider mechanism 110 to open or close the sensing circuit based on the position and state of the slider mechanism 110.

[0028] Specifically, the cam 108 is located on the right side of the housing 101 (see FIG. 1A , it is on the left side of the housing 101, i.e., below the door lock hole 103). The door hook 102 can be received by the cam 108 through the door lock hole 103. When the door is closed, the door hook 102 is inserted into the door lock hole 103 from bottom to top in the z-direction (see FIG. 1A , the door hook 102 is inserted into the door lock hole 103 from top to bottom), pushing the cam 108 to rotate it to its locked position. When the door is opened, the door hook 102 is withdrawn from the door lock hole 103 from top to bottom in the z-direction by pulling the cam 108 and rotating it away from its locked position until it reaches its released position.

[0029] The cam 108 is supported on the housing 101 by rotating shafts 183 provided on two sides of the cam, and the cam 108 can rotate around the rotating shafts 183. An elastic element 109 is attached to the rear side of the cam 108, and the elastic element 109 applies a preload force to the cam 108 to promote or inhibit the rotation of the cam 108. The elastic element may be a torsion spring as shown in FIG. 1C, or a different elastic element. When the door is closed, an external force pushes the door hook 102, which pushes and rotates the cam 108. At this time, the external force must overcome the elastic force of the torsion spring. When the door is opened, if the cam 108 is not locked by the slider mechanism 110, the elastic force of the torsion spring drives the cam 108 to rotate, causing the door hook 102 to pop out.

[0030] The length of the switch box 105 is set in the x-direction (i.e., the first direction). The switch box 105 is attached to the left side of the housing 101 (see FIG. 1A , the switch box 105 is attached to the right side of the housing 101). The operation switch 120 is disposed inside the switch box 105, and the operation switch 120 is connected to an operation circuit (see operation circuit 671 shown in FIG. 6A ) by the operation circuit connection end 104. The switch box 105 mainly functions to control the movement of the lock pin 125 and turn the operation switch 120 on or off based on the movement of the lock pin 125. The slider mechanism 110 can be locked or released by controlling the movement of the lock pin 125, and the cam 108 is locked or released by locking or releasing the slider mechanism 110. In this way, the switch box 105 can turn the operation switch 120 on or off while locking or releasing the cam 108. In this embodiment, the operation switch 120 includes a pair of elastic pieces 113, and the locking pin 125 can extend from below the switch box 105, pass through the switch box 105, and into the switch box 105 until it contacts one of the pair of elastic pieces 113. When the locking pin 125 moves in the z direction (i.e., the third direction), the locking pin 125 can move upward to lift one of the elastic pieces and separate the pair of elastic pieces 113 from each other, or can move downward without applying a pressing force to the elastic pieces that causes the pair of elastic pieces 113 to contact each other. When the pair of elastic pieces 113 are in contact with each other, the operation switch 120 is turned on, and when the pair of elastic pieces 113 are separated from each other, the operation switch 120 is turned off. Therefore, the operation switch 120 can be turned on or off by moving the locking pin 125 in the z direction.

[0031] The slider mechanism 110 includes a main slider 117 and a lock slider 118. The main slider 117 and the lock slider 118 are disposed perpendicular to each other, and the extension direction of the lock slider 118 is perpendicular to the rotation plane of the cam 208 (i.e., the xz plane). In this embodiment, the main slider 117 extends in the x direction, and the lock slider 118 extends in the y direction. The main slider 117 is disposed on the right side of the housing 101 (on the left side of the housing 101 with reference to FIG. 1A ) and is located adjacent to the cam 108, and can abut against the cam 108. The main slider 117 can move in the x direction as the cam 108 rotates. The lock slider 118 is disposed between the housing 101 and the switch box 105, and an end of the lock slider 118 is disposed adjacent to the main slider 117 and can contact the main slider 117. When the main slider 117 moves in the x direction, it can drive the lock slider 118 to move in the y direction. When the movement of the lock slider 118 is locked, the movement of the main slider 117 is also locked, i.e., the slider mechanism 110 is locked.

[0032] A spring 215 is connected to the tail end of the main slider 117 (see FIG. 2B), and a spring 116 is connected to the tail end of the lock slider 118. The spring 215 extends in the x direction, with one end of the spring 215 abutting against the tail end of the main slider 117 and the other end abutting against the inner wall of the housing 101 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), thereby applying a constant preload force to the main slider 117. The spring 116 extends in the y direction, with one end of the spring 116 abutting against the tail end of the lock slider 118 and the other end abutting against the inner wall of the housing 101, thereby applying a constant preload force to the lock slider 118. In this way, the main slider 117 can reciprocate in the x direction under the action of the cam 108 and the spring 215, and the lock slider 118 can reciprocate in the y direction under the action of the main slider 117 and the spring 116. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that spring 215 and spring 116 may be different elastic components capable of providing a constant preload force.

[0033] The lock slider 118 is provided with a lock hole 119, which is configured to receive a lock pin 125. When the lock pin 125 moves downward in the z direction and enters the lock hole 119, the lock pin 125 can lock the lock slider 118, thereby locking the slider mechanism 110 and turning on the operation switch 120. When the lock pin 125 moves upward in the z direction and exits the lock hole 119, the lock pin 125 can release the lock slider 118, thereby releasing the slider mechanism 110 and turning off the operation switch 120. In this way, the lock pin 125 can lock or release the slider mechanism 110, and therefore the cam 108, while turning on or off the operation switch 120. A more detailed movement process of the cam 108, the slider mechanism 110, and the lock pin 125 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B .

[0034] The sensing circuit device 180 includes a sensing switch 130 and a sensing switch driving member 135. The sensing switch driving member 135 is configured to turn the sensing switch 130 on or off. The sensing switch 130 is connected to a sensing circuit (see sensing circuit 673 shown in FIG. 6A ) by a sensing circuit connecting end 106. In this embodiment, the sensing switch driving member 135 abuts against the main slider 117 to move together with the main slider 117 in the x-direction. Based on the position of the main slider 117, the sensing switch driving member 135 can turn the sensing switch 130 on by contacting the contact terminals (see the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212 in FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the sensing switch 130, or can turn the sensing switch 130 off by separating from the contact terminals. A more detailed movement process of the sensing circuit device 180 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B .

[0035] 2A and 2B are structural perspective views of the cam, slider mechanism, lock pin, and sensing circuit device of the door lock 100 from two perspectives, illustrating their positional relationship and movement process. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the door hook is in the extended position (i.e., when the door is open), the cam 108, slider mechanism 110, and lock pin 125 are each in their respective release positions, and the sensing switch drive member 135 is in the switch-on position that turns on the sensing switch 130. As shown in FIG. 2A, an opening slot 282 is provided in the cam 108. The opening slot 282 is configured to receive the end of the door hook 102, and the opening slot 282 has an upper end 288 and a lower end 284. When the door hook 102 is inserted into the door lock hole 103, the door hook 102 pushes the cam 108 upward. The outer side of the front end of the door hook 102 abuts against the upper end 288 of the open slot 282, and by further inserting the door hook 102, the door hook 102 pushes the cam 108 to rotate clockwise (i.e., in the direction of arrow 231) around the rotating shaft 183, and then the lower end 284 of the open slot 282 is inserted into the hole 181 of the door hook 102, thereby hooking the door hook 102, at which point the cam 108 reaches its locked position. In the process of pulling the door hook 102 out of the door lock hole 103, the door hook 102 pulls the cam 108 downward. The inside of the front end of the door hook 102 abuts against the lower end 284 of the opening slot 282, and by further pulling out the door hook 102, the door hook 102 pulls the cam 108 to rotate counterclockwise (i.e., in the opposite direction to the arrow 231) around the rotating shaft 183, which then moves the lower end 284 of the opening slot 282 away from the hole 181 of the door hook 102, at which point the cam 108 leaves its locked position until it reaches the released position as shown in FIG. 2A.

[0036] 2A and 2B, when the cam 108 rotates between its locked position and its released position, the slider mechanism 110 also moves between its locked position and its released position accordingly. As an example, when the slider mechanism 110 is in the locked position, both the main slider 117 and the lock slider 118 are in the locked position, and when the slider mechanism 110 is in the released position, both the main slider 117 and the lock slider 118 are in the released position.

[0037] Specifically, the main slider 117 is disposed on the back side of the cam 108, and a front end surface 292 of the main slider 117 contacts or abuts against a lower end surface 294 of the cam 108, thereby allowing the main slider 117 to move in the x direction as the cam 108 rotates. The lock slider 118 is located on the side of the main slider 117 and abuts against the main slider 117. The main slider 117 has a main slider bevel 221 on its side, and the lock slider 118 has a lock slider bevel 223 on its head, and the main slider bevel 221 and the lock slider bevel 223 are complementary to each other, allowing the lock slider 118 to move in the y direction as the main slider 117 moves.

[0038] The main slider 117 has a cavity for accommodating the spring 215, one end of which abuts against the inner wall of the cavity of the main slider 117 and the other end of which abuts against the inner wall of the housing 101 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). An opening 233 is formed on the cavity side of the main slider 117, and a main slider bevel 221 is disposed within the opening 233. The main slider 117 moves in the x direction from its released position toward its locked position until the opening 233 is aligned with the head of the lock slider 118, and the lock slider 118 moves in the y direction toward its locked position under the elastic force of the spring 116, so that the head of the lock slider 118 can extend into the opening 233. When the main slider 117 moves in the x direction from its locked position toward its released position, the component forces generated in the main slider bevel 221 and the lock slider bevel 223 drive the lock slider 118 to move in the y direction from its locked position toward its released position until the head of the lock slider 118 leaves the opening 233 and abuts against the side wall of the main slider 117.

[0039] The lock pin 125 is located above the lock slider 118, and the lock pin 125 can reciprocate vertically in the z-direction between its locked position and its released position. When the lock slider 118 is moved to its locked position, the lock pin 125 can be aligned with the lock hole 119 of the lock slider 118. The lock pin 125 is driven by a pair of elastic pieces 113 of the operation switch 120 to move downward, and when it reaches its locked position, it can be inserted into the lock hole 119 to lock the lock slider 118, thereby preventing the slider mechanism 110 from moving. When the lock pin 125 moves upward and exits the lock hole 119 and reaches its released position, the lock slider 118 can be released.

[0040] 2A, when the lock slider 118 is not locked by the lock pin 125, when the cam 108 rotates clockwise (i.e., when the door hook 102 is inserted into the door lock hole 103), the cam 108 rotates from the release position to the lock position, and the lower end surface 294 of the cam 108 moves away from the front end surface 292 of the main slider 117, and the elastic force generated by the spring 215 overcomes the elastic force of the torsion spring of the cam 108, pushing the main slider 117 from the release position. When the cam 108 rotates counterclockwise (i.e., when the door hook 102 leaves the door lock hole 103), the cam 108 rotates from the locked position to the released position, and the lower end surface 294 of the cam 108 applies a force to the front end surface 292 of the main slider 117, pushing the main slider 117 to move in the x direction from the locked position to the released position (i.e., move to the right in FIG. 2A), and the movement of the main slider 117 compresses the spring 215.

[0041] Similarly, based on the structure shown in FIG. 2B , when the lock slider 118 is not locked by the lock pin 125, when the main slider 117 moves from its release position to its lock position in the x direction (i.e., to the right in FIG. 2B ), the opening 233 of the main slider 117 is aligned with the head of the lock slider 118, and the elastic force generated by the spring 116 causes the head of the lock slider 118 to extend into the opening 233 of the main slider 117, pushing the lock slider 118 to move from its release position to its lock position in the y direction (i.e., to the front in FIG. 2B ), and the main slider 117 moves to its lock position. When the main slider 117 moves in the x direction from its locked position to its released position (i.e., moving to the left in FIG. 2B ), the main slider bevel 221 of the main slider 117 applies a force to the complementary lock slider bevel 223 of the lock slider 118, and the component force generated by the two complementary bevels causes the lock slider 118 to move in the x direction from its locked position to its released position (i.e., moving backward in FIG. 2B ), and the head of the lock slider 118 comes out of the opening 233 of the main slider 117, compressing the spring 116 due to the movement of the lock slider 118.

[0042] In this way, when the lock slider 118 and the main slider 117 are in their respective lock positions, the cam 108 is also in a lockable position. In this case, when the lock pin 125 moves downward so that the bottom of the lock pin 125 can be inserted into the lock hole 119 (i.e., the lock pin lock position is reached), the lock slider 118 is locked, and the main slider 117 and the cam 108 are locked accordingly, whereby the door hook 102 is also locked to the cam 108 and the door hook 102 cannot be pulled out. In this case, when the bottom of the lock pin 125 exits the lock hole 119 (i.e., leaves the lock pin lock position), even if the lock slider 118 and the main slider 117 are in the lock position, the lock slider 118 is not locked by the lock pin 125, so the main slider 117 can still push the cam 108 to the lock position, and therefore the door hook 102 can still be pulled out from the cam 108. By pulling out the door hook 102, the main slider 117 and the lock slider 118 can be moved from their respective lock positions to their release positions.

[0043] As described above, in the present disclosure, the transmission action of the main slider 117 and the lock slider 118 can convert the rotational motion of the cam 108 into the linear motion of the main slider 117 in the x-direction and the linear motion of the lock slider 118 in the y-direction, thereby facilitating lock control for the cam 108 (e.g., locking or releasing the lock slider 118 by the lock pin 125 to control the cam 108), while achieving a compact size and square shape, further shortening the length of the door lock 100. Furthermore, the requirements for precision and strength of the slider mechanism 110 are reduced. It should be noted that the present disclosure is also applicable to an embodiment in which the lock hole is directly provided in the main slider, as long as the position of the lock pin is set accordingly.

[0044] The sensing switch drive member 135 is disposed on the rear side of the main slider 117. In this embodiment, the sensing switch drive member 135 includes a switch slider 236 and an elastic piece 237. The switch slider 236 moves in response to the main slider 117 moving between its locked position and its released position. The elastic piece 237 is connected to the switch slider 236 and moves in conjunction with the movement of the switch slider 236. In this embodiment, the front end of the switch slider 236 abuts against the rear end surface of the main slider 117. A spring 338 (see FIG. 3A ) is connected to the rear end of the switch slider 236. The spring 338 extends in the x direction, with one end of the spring 338 abutting against the rear end of the switch slider 236 and the other end abutting against the inner wall of the housing 101, thereby applying a certain preload force to the switch slider 236. In this way, under the action of the main slider 117 and the spring 338, the switch slider 236 and the elastic piece 237 can reciprocate in the x-direction as the main slider 117 moves in the x-direction. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the spring 338 may be a different elastic component that can provide a certain preload force. Also, in other embodiments, the sensing switch drive member 135 may also be provided as a different structure as long as it can perform a corresponding movement depending on the position of the main slider 117.

[0045] The sensing switch 130 includes a first contact terminal 211 and a second contact terminal 212, and tail ends of the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212 form the sensing circuit connecting end 106. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , when the main slider 117 is in the released position, the switch slider 236 and the elastic piece 237 of the sensing switch driving member 135 are in the switch-on position, and the elastic piece 237 can contact the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212 to turn on the sensing switch 130. When the main slider 117 moves to its locked position in the x direction, the switch slider 236 of the sensing switch driving member 135 moves forward in the x direction under the elastic force of the spring 338 to its switch-off position, and the elastic piece 237 moves away from the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212 to turn off the sensing switch 130. In this embodiment, the elastic piece 237 is a V-shaped elastic piece. A pair of legs of the elastic piece 237 are configured to contact the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212, respectively. In addition, the maximum distance between the pair of legs of the elastic piece 237 is smaller than the distance between the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212. As a result, when the sensing switch driving member 135 is in the switch-on position, the pair of legs of the elastic piece 237 can be pressed and deformed by the corresponding contact terminals, thereby realizing a holding force between the elastic piece 237 and the corresponding contact terminals. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the elastic piece may be configured in any other shape as long as it can contact or separate from the contact terminals of the sensing switch 130 as the switch slider 236 moves.

[0046] In this embodiment, the main slider 117 moves with the rotation of the cam 108, so the position of the main slider 117 reflects the position of the cam 108, and therefore the position of the door hook 102 and the state of the door of the electrical appliance. In addition, the sensing switch drive member 135 moves with the movement of the main slider 117 and can turn the sensing switch 130 on or off. As a result, the switching on or off of the sensing switch 130 can reflect the position of the door hook 102 and the state of the door of the electrical appliance.

[0047] 3A and 3B are structural perspective views of the sensing circuit device from two viewpoints to explain the specific structure of the sensing circuit device. In the states shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the sensing switch driving member 135 is in a switch-off position that turns off the sensing switch 130. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the switch slider 236 has a shape of an elongated block extending substantially in the x-direction and moves in the x-direction. The switch slider has a blocking wall 343 disposed at its top end and a recess 342 disposed at its bottom end in the extension direction. The blocking wall 343 is configured to connect to the spring 338 to more stably receive the acting force of the spring 338. In this embodiment, the blocking wall 343 is formed by extending vertically from the top of the switch slider 236 and is shaped and sized to fit a corresponding portion of the housing 101, thereby allowing the spring 338 to be connected between the inner wall of the housing 101 and the blocking wall 343, and the blocking wall 343 applies an elastic force to the switch slider 236. The recess 342 is configured to allow the blocking wall 141 (see FIG. 1C ) on the inner wall of the housing 101 to slide within the recess 342 to limit the switch-on and switch-off positions of the switch slider 236. In this embodiment, the recess 342 is formed by recessing laterally from the bottom of the switch slider 236 and is shaped and sized to fit the blocking wall 141 (see FIG. 1C ), thereby allowing two outer portions of the recess 342 to abut against the main slider 117 when the switch slider 236 is in the switch-on position. Also, when the switch slider 236 moves from the switch-on position to its switch-off position, the recess 342 provides space for the blocking wall 141 to move until the blocking wall 141 abuts the bottom of the recess 342, thereby restricting the switch slider 236 to its switch-off position.

[0048] A vertically extending support pillar 344 is provided on the side of the switch slider 236 near the blocking wall 343. The support pillar 344 is configured to connect to the elastic piece 237. The support pillar 344 may be provided in any shape that fits the elastic piece 237 so that the elastic piece 237 does not displace relative to the switch slider 236. In this embodiment, the support pillar 344 is substantially cylindrical and has a tab 345 extending radially outward at its top end, which is configured to capture the elastic piece 237 from above, thereby holding the elastic piece 237 in place.

[0049] The elastic piece 237 includes a cylindrical tube portion 354, and a pair of legs 351 extend downward and outward from both ends of the tube portion 354 to form free ends, thereby forming a substantially V-shaped elastic piece 237. The tube portion 354 is configured to be sleeved onto the support post 344 of the switch slider 236, and the tab 345 abuts on the upper surface of the tube portion 354, thereby connecting the elastic piece 237 to the switch slider 236 via the support post 344, and the pair of legs 351 form free ends. Therefore, the pair of legs 351 can elastically deform to expand outward or contract inward. In the x-direction (i.e., from the tube portion 354 to the free end), the distance between the pair of legs 351 of the elastic piece 237 generally gradually increases. The elastic piece 237 is positioned substantially between the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212. In this embodiment, the distance between the pair of legs 351 (i.e., the distance in the y direction) is set so that the maximum distance is greater than the distance between the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212 and the minimum distance is smaller than the distance between the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212. In addition, the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212 are configured to have an appropriate length in the x direction so that the pair of legs 351 can abut against or separate from the corresponding contact terminal as the elastic piece 237 moves in the x direction. In this embodiment, the pair of legs 351 includes a first leg 351 a and a second leg 351 b, and one end of each of the first leg 351 a and the second leg 351 b is connected to the cylindrical portion 354 and the other end forms a free end. The first leg 351a and the second leg 351b can be elastically deformed to allow their free ends to move toward or away from each other. The first leg 351a is configured to abut against the first contact terminal 211, and the second leg 351b is configured to abut against the second contact terminal 212. When the elastic piece 237 moves in the x direction, the first leg 351a and the second leg 351b synchronously come into contact with or are separated from the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal, respectively.In this embodiment, each of the pair of legs 351 further has an outwardly arched arch portion 352 near its free end, and the arch portion 352 is substantially in the form of a circular arc, thereby allowing the elastic piece 237 to contact the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212 at the arch portion 352.

[0050] The first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212 are in the form of angular sheets and are spaced apart from each other. Portions of the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212 that are close to the sensing switch driving member 135 extend in the x direction and are in contact with or separated from the elastic piece 237. Other portions of the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212 extend in the y direction and form the sensing circuit connecting end 106. The first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212 are configured with an angular shape to shorten the length of the door lock 100 in the x direction, making it easier to mount the door lock 100 on an electrical equipment panel.

[0051] In the present disclosure, the elastic piece 237, the first contact terminal 211, and the second contact terminal 212 are all made of a metal material with excellent conductivity, so that when the elastic piece 237 comes into contact with the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212, a current flows, thereby connecting the sensing circuit.

[0052] 4A and 4B are top view diagrams of the door lock in the door open state and the door closed state, respectively, for explaining the sensing principle of the sensing circuit device. Fig. 4A shows the top view of the door lock 100 in the door open state (i.e., when the door hook 102 is not inserted into the door lock 100) with the base removed. Fig. 4B shows the top view of the door lock 100 in the door closed state (i.e., when the door hook 102 is inserted into the door lock 100) with the base removed.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 4A, when the door of the electrical equipment is opened, the cam 108, the main slider 117, and the lock slider 118 are all in the release position. The main slider 117 is in the uppermost position shown in Fig. 4A, and the spring 215 is compressed, exerting an elastic force on the main slider 117 and pushing the main slider 117 downward. The lock pin 125 is also in the release position, and the lock pin 125 turns off the operation switch 120.

[0054] The sensing switch drive member 135 is in the switch-on position. The switch slider 236 abuts against the top surface of the main slider 117. When the main slider 117 moves to its uppermost position, the spring 338 is compressed (as shown in FIG. 3A , the spring 338 is blocked by the switch slider 236), exerting an elastic force on the switch slider 236 and pushing it downward. The blocking wall 141 of the housing 101 is positioned at the opening of the recess 342 of the switch slider 236 and does not prevent the switch slider 236 from moving downward. The elastic piece 237 is also moved to its uppermost position accordingly. The arch portions 352 of the pair of legs 351 of the elastic piece 237 contact the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212, respectively, electrically connecting the first contact terminal 211 to the second contact terminal 212. As a result, the sensing switch 130 is turned on. Since the maximum distance between the legs 351 of the elastic piece 237 is smaller than the distance between the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212, the legs 351 of the elastic piece 237 are squeezed and deformed, and when they enter a contracted and deformed state, the legs 351 apply pressure to the corresponding contact terminals, bringing the arch portions 352 into contact with the corresponding contact terminals.

[0055] At this point, when the door hook 102 is inserted into the door lock 100, the cam 108 rotates toward the lock position, and the spring 215 pushes the main slider 117 toward the lock position, and the lock slider 118 also moves toward the lock position (i.e., moves to the right) under the elastic force of the spring 116, aligning the lock pin 125 with the lock hole 119.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4B, the cam 108, main slider 117, and lock slider 118 are all in the locked position. The main slider 117 is urged downward by the spring 215 to the lowest position shown in Figure 4B. At this point, the lock pin 125 can move to the locked position within the lock hole 119, and the lock pin 125 turns on the operation switch 120.

[0057] The sensing switch drive member 135 is in the switch-off position. The switch slider 236 is pushed by the spring 338 to move downward to its lowest position. The blocking wall 141 of the housing 101 abuts against the bottom (i.e., the top) of the recess 342 of the switch slider 236, preventing the switch slider 236 from continuing its downward movement. The elastic piece 237 is also moved to its lowest position accordingly. The pair of legs 351 of the elastic piece 237 move away from the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212, and the narrower portion between the pair of legs 351 is located between the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212 but is not in contact with the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212. As a result, the first contact terminal 211 and the second contact terminal 212 are no longer electrically connected, thereby turning off the sensing switch 130.

[0058] In this way, the cam 108 and the main slider 117 can move to different positions with the door hook and door in different states, resulting in the sensing switch 130 being turned on or off, thereby disconnecting or connecting the sensing circuit.

[0059] 5A and 5B show the structure of a door lock 500 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and are top views of the door lock in a door-open state and a door-closed state, respectively. FIG. 5A shows the top view of the door lock 500 in a state where the base is removed in a door-open state (i.e., when the door hook 102 is not inserted into the door lock 500). FIG. 5B shows the top view of the door lock 500 in a state where the base is removed in a door-closed state (i.e., when the door hook 102 is inserted into the door lock 500). As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the structure of the door lock 500 is substantially the same as the structure of the door lock 100, except that the structures of the sensing switch 530 and the sensing switch drive member 535 are different from the structures of the sensing switch 130 and the sensing switch drive member 135. Specifically, in this embodiment, the sensing switch 530 includes a microswitch electrically connected to the sensing circuit connection end 106, and turning the microswitch on or off opens or closes the sensing circuit. The sensing switch driving member 535 includes a switch slider 536 and an elastic button 537. The elastic button 537 is configured to turn the microswitch on or off. The elastic button 537 has a certain elasticity and can be compressed and deformed in the x-direction or expanded and restored. When the elastic button 537 is compressed and deformed, the microswitch is turned on, and when the elastic button 537 is expanded and restored, the microswitch is turned off. The top end of the switch slider 536 abuts against the bottom of the elastic button 537, and the bottom end of the switch slider 536 abuts against the main slider 117. When the main slider 117 moves in the x direction between the release position and the lock position, the switch slider 536 can also move between the switch-on position and the switch-off position, and the sensing switch 530 is turned on or off by the elastic button 537. In this embodiment, a blocking wall 542 extending in the y direction is provided at the top end of the main slider 117, and the bottom end of the switch slider 536 can abut against the blocking wall 542 of the main slider 117.The structures of the cam, lock slider, switch box, and lock pin of the door lock 500 are the same as those of the door lock 100 and will not be described again.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 5A, when the door of the electrical appliance is opened, the cam 108, main slider 117, and lock slider are all in the release position. The main slider 117 is in the uppermost position shown in Fig. 5A, and the spring 515 is compressed, applying an elastic force to the main slider 117 and pushing the main slider 117 downward. The lock pin is also in the release position, and the lock pin turns off the operation switch.

[0061] The sensing switch driving member 535 is in the switch-on position. The switch slider 536 abuts against the top surface of the main slider 117, and as the main slider 117 moves to its uppermost position, the elastic button 537 is compressed and deformed, thereby applying an elastic force to the switch slider 536 and pushing the switch slider 536 downward. The compressed and deformed elastic button 537 can then turn on the microswitch of the sensing switch 530.

[0062] At this point, when the door hook 102 is inserted into the door lock 100, the cam 108 rotates toward the lock position, and the spring 515 pushes the main slider 117 to move toward the lock position, and the lock slider also moves toward the lock position (i.e., moves to the right) under the elastic force of the spring, aligning the lock pin with the lock hole.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5B, the cam 108, main slider 117, and lock slider are all in the locked position. The main slider 117 is pushed by the spring 515 to move downward to the lowest position shown in Figure 5B. At this point, the lock pin can move to the locked position within the lock hole, and the lock pin turns on the operating circuit.

[0064] The sensing switch driving member 535 is in the switch-off position. The switch slider 536 is pushed by the elastic button 537 and moves downward to its lowest position. The elastic button 537 can turn off the microswitch of the sensing switch 530 by extending to its restored state. Only when the main slider 117 pushes the switch slider 536 and presses the elastic button 537, the microswitch of the sensing switch 530 turns on again.

[0065] In this way, the cam 108 and the main slider 117 can move to different positions with the door hook and door in different states, so that the sensing circuit can be disconnected or connected by turning on or off the sensing switch 530. Compared with the door lock 100, the microswitch of the door lock 500 according to this embodiment can be commercially available.

[0066] 6A and 6B show block circuit diagrams of the door lock 100 shown in Fig. 1A. Fig. 6A shows a circuit block diagram of the operating loop 672, and Fig. 6B shows a circuit block diagram of the sensing loop 674.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6A , the operating loop 672 includes an operating circuit 671. The operating switch 120 is disposed within the operating circuit 671 in the switch box 105. The operating switch 120 can open or close the operating circuit 671 to open or close the operating loop 672. Specifically, the connection end 104a and the ground end 104c of the operating circuit connection end 104 are connected by the operating switch 120. The connection end 104b and the ground end 104c of the operating circuit connection end 104 are connected by an electromagnet 665 and an electronic starter 667. The electromagnet 665 and the electronic starter 667 are also disposed within the switch box 105. The connection end 104a and the connection end 104b of the operating circuit connection end 104 are connected in series with an electric motor 660 (or other driving component, such as a motor) and a power source 662. The electronic starter 667 receives an electronic pulse signal, which causes the electromagnet 665 to drive the lock pin 125 to move vertically. Vertical movement of the lock pin 125 controls switching on or off of the operation switch 120, thereby locking or releasing the slider mechanism 110 and the cam 108. Switching on or off the operation switch 120 is configured to control the connection or disconnection of the operation loop 672, thereby controlling the connection or disconnection of the electric motor 660 and the power source 662, and further controlling whether the electric device can operate. In the present disclosure, the power source 662 is a high-voltage power source. In this embodiment, the voltage of the power source 662 is 220V.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6B , the sensing loop 674 includes a sensing circuit 673. The sensing switch 130 is disposed in the sensing circuit 673 outside the switch box 105. The sensing switch 130 can open or close the sensing circuit 673 to open or close the sensing loop 674. Specifically, the connection end 106a and the connection end 106b of the sensing circuit connection end 106 are connected by the sensing switch 130. In some embodiments, the connection end 106a and the connection end 106b can be connected in series with the indicator 661 and the power supply 663 in the sensing loop 674. Switching on or off the sensing switch 130 is configured to control the connection or disconnection of the sensing loop 674, thereby controlling the connection or disconnection of the indicator 661 and the power supply 663, and further indicating the door status via the indicator 661. In some embodiments, the indicator 661 may be a visual indicator, such as a light, or an audible indicator, such as a bell. In this disclosure, the power supply 663 is a low voltage power supply. In this embodiment, the voltage of the power supply 663 is 5V.

[0069] In the present disclosure, by locating the sensing circuit 673 and the sensing switch 130 outside the switch box 105, it is possible to avoid locating both the high voltage circuit and the low voltage circuit inside the switch box 105.

[0070] The door lock of the present disclosure is equipped with a sensing circuit and a sensing switch, allowing the electrical device to independently indicate the status of the door and door hook of the electrical device, meeting more of the operating requirements of the electrical device and providing more possibilities for intelligent design.

[0071] In addition, the sensing circuit and sensing switch of the door lock of the present disclosure are arranged outside the switch box and separated from the operating circuit, which avoids arranging both a high-voltage power supply and a low-voltage power supply within the switch box, thereby improving the reliability of the sensing circuit and operating circuit.

[0072] While the present disclosure has been described in terms of the example embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents that are known, currently existing, or anticipated in the near future may be apparent to at least those skilled in the art. In addition, the technical effects and / or technical problems described herein are exemplary and not limiting. Thus, the present disclosure herein may be used to solve other technical problems and may have other technical effects. Thus, the example embodiments of the present disclosure described above are intended to be exemplary and not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all known or previously developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or basic equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 100 Door Lock 101 Housing 102 Door Hook 103 Door lock hole 104 Operating circuit connection end 104a Connection end 104b Connection end 104c Connection end 105 Switch Box 106 Sensing circuit connection end 106a Connection end 106b Connection end 107 Base 108 Cam 109 Elastic parts 110 Slider mechanism 113 Elastic piece 116 Spring 117 Main Slider 118 Rock Slider 119 Lock hole 120 Operation Switch 125 Lock pin 130 Sensing Switch 135 Sensing switch drive member 141 Baffle 180 Sensing circuit device 181 holes 183 Rotating Shaft 211 first contact terminal 212 second contact terminal 215 Spring 221 Main slider bevel 223 Rock Slider Bevel 231 Arrow 233 Opening 236 Switch Slider 237 Elastic Piece 282 Open Slots 284 Lower end 288 Upper end 292 Front end surface 294 Lower end surface 338 Spring 342 recess 343 Baffle 344 Support Pillar 345 tabs 351 Legs 351a First Leg 351b Second leg 352 Arch 354 Cylinder part 500 Door Lock 515 Spring 530 Sensing Switch 535 Sensing switch drive member 536 Switch Slider 537 Elastic Button 542 Baffle 660 Electrical Machinery 661 Indicating device 662 Power supply 663 Power supply 665 Electromagnet 667 Electronic Activation Device 671 Operating circuit 672 Operation Loop 673 Sensing Circuit 674 Senshin Group

Claims

1. A door lock, a main slider that is driven by the door hook and can reciprocate in a first direction; an operating circuit and an operating switch, the operating switch connecting or disconnecting the operating circuit based on the position of the main slider; a sensing circuit and a sensing switch that connects or disconnects the sensing circuit based on the position of the main slider; a switch box, the operating circuit and the operating switch being disposed inside the switch box, and the sensing circuit and the sensing switch being disposed outside the switch box; A door lock comprising:

2. 2. The door lock according to claim 1, wherein the power source for the operating circuit is a high-voltage power source, and the power source for the sensing circuit is a low-voltage power source.

3. the main slider has a locked position and a released position; The door lock further includes a sensing switch driving member, the sensing switch driving member including: turning on the sensing switch in response to the main slider being in the released position, thereby connecting the sensing circuit; and turning off the sensing switch in response to the main slider being in the locked position, thereby disconnecting the sensing circuit; 2. The door lock according to claim 1, characterized in that:

4. the main slider reciprocates in the first direction between the locked position and the released position, and the sensing switch drive member includes a switch slider; The main slider can drive the switch slider to move in the first direction.

4. The door lock according to claim 3, wherein:

5. the sensing switch includes a first contact terminal and a second contact terminal, and the sensing switch driving member includes an elastic piece made of a conductive material; the elastic piece is connected to the switch slider so as to move in the first direction together with the switch slider; When the main slider drives and moves the switch slider, the sensing switch driving member The elastic piece is capable of contacting the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal to electrically connect the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal, or the elastic piece is movable away from at least one of the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal to disconnect the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal, 5. The door lock according to claim 4, characterized in that:

6. the elastic piece has a pair of legs, and the pair of legs are formed by extending obliquely in the first direction so as to move away from each other; a distance between the pair of legs in the second direction is set so that the maximum distance is greater than the distance between the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal, and the minimum distance is smaller than the distance between the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal; 6. The door lock according to claim 5.

7. Each leg of the pair of legs further includes an arch portion, the arch portion of each leg of the pair of legs being arched in opposite directions, and the elastic piece is configured to contact the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal at the arch portion.

7. The door lock according to claim 6, wherein:

8. the sensing switch includes a microswitch, and the sensing switch drive member includes an elastic button that is elastically deformable in the first direction; The sensing switch driving member is configured so that when the main slider drives and moves the switch slider, the elastic button can be compressed and deformed by the switch slider to turn on the microswitch, and can be expanded and restored to its original state to turn off the microswitch.

5. The door lock according to claim 4.

9. a cam configured to receive the door hook and to drive the main slider to move in the first direction; a lock pin that is movable in a third direction to lock or release the main slider and the cam, one end of the lock pin extending into the switch box when the main slider and the cam are locked to turn on the operation switch, or one end of the lock pin extending into the switch box to turn on the operation switch when the main slider and the cam are released to turn off the operation switch; and 2. The door lock of claim 1, comprising:

10. An electrical appliance comprising a door lock according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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