Door locking devices and electrical appliances

Abstract

Provision of door locking devices and electrical appliances. [Solution] The switch is switchable between a first switch state and a second switch state. The first operating slider has an operating part that is movable between a first position and a second position. The second operating slider has a first actuated part and a second actuated part that are separated from each other by a certain distance, and the operating part is movable between the first actuated part and the second actuated part. As the first operating slider moves from the first position to the second position, the operating part disengages from the first actuated part and engages with the second actuated part, so that the first operating slider drives the second operating slider to move, and when it reaches the second position, the second operating slider switches the switch from the first switch state to the second switch state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This disclosure claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202411234587.2, titled "DOOR LOCK DEVICE AND ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE", filed on September 4, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and forms part of this disclosure (this specification).

[0002] This disclosure relates to a door lock device and an electrical appliance, and more particularly, to a door lock device that facilitates locking and unlocking of the door of an electrical appliance, and an electrical appliance equipped with the door lock device.

Background Art

[0003] Typically, an electrical appliance such as a dishwasher has a door lock device provided on its door. The door lock device cooperates with a door catch on the door to lock the door catch after the door is closed, and to unlock the door catch to enable opening of the door. The door lock device usually has a microswitch for detecting whether the locking operation and unlocking operation of the door catch are completed, and a control device can control the power - on and power - off of the electrical appliance according to the completion of the locking operation and unlocking operation of the door. When the electrical appliance is powered on, it starts to operate, and when the electrical appliance is powered off, it stops operating. The microswitch is a momentary contact switch with a movable part (e.g., a button) provided thereon. For switching between the on - state and off - state of the switch, the operating stroke of the movable part is very small and can be almost ignored. In one application example, the door lock device includes a slider, and the locking and unlocking of the door are achieved by the movement of the slider. The microswitch can be triggered and not triggered by the slider during the movement of the slider, thereby switching between the on - state and off - state and enabling detection of the completion of the locking operation and unlocking operation of the door based on the position of the slider. [Overview of the project]

[0004] Through long-term observation and research, the inventors of this disclosure have found that in the prior art of the applications described above, the position where the door lock slider completes the door lock operation while moving and the position where the door lock slider completes the door unlock operation while moving (i.e., corresponding to the closed and open points of the door catch, respectively) do not coincide. Instead, there is a certain distance between these positions, for example, about 2.5 mm. Therefore, in the above-described door locking device, where locking and unlocking of the door are achieved by the movement of a single slider, if only one switch is used to detect the completion of both the locking and unlocking operations, it becomes difficult to set the position where the slider triggers the switch. This is because the triggering and non-triggering of the switch by the slider (i.e., switching between the two states of the switch) correspond approximately to the same position on the slider. If the slider is set to trigger the switch after the door lock operation is complete, an unintended force from inside the dishwasher in the door-opening direction (e.g., steam pressure) after the dishwasher has been powered on and started operating may cause the slider to move and the switch to the off position, causing the dishwasher to power off and stop operating. On the other hand, if the slider is set to trigger the switch before the door lock operation is complete, the slider will trigger the switch before the door lock operation is fully complete, switching the switch from the off position to the on position. This will cause the dishwasher to power on and start operating before the door is securely locked. Clearly, both scenarios are undesirable. To address this, conventional technology employs two separate switches. One switch is dedicated to detecting the completion of the door lock operation, and its position is set so that the slider only triggers this switch after the door lock operation is complete, thereby powering on the appliance. The other switch is dedicated to detecting the completion of the door unlock operation, and its position is set so that the slider triggers this switch only after the door unlock operation is complete, thereby turning off the electrical appliance.However, incorporating two switches into a door locking device occupies more internal space within the door lock housing or increases the overall dimensions of the housing. This is disadvantageous for the arrangement of the internal components of the door locking device as well as for its installation and layout in electrical appliances.

[0005] To at least partially solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a door locking device for an electrical appliance comprising a switch, a first operating slider, and a second operating slider. The switch is switchable between a first switch state and a second switch state. The first operating slider comprises an actuating part that is movable in a first direction between a first position and a second position. The second operating slider is configured to be movable in a first direction and is capable of operating the switch while moving to switch the state of the switch. The second operating slider comprises a first actuated part and a second actuated part separated from each other by a certain distance, wherein the actuating part of the first operating slider is movable between the first actuated part and the second actuated part and is capable of engaging with the first actuated part and the second actuated part, respectively. As the first operating slider moves from the first position to the second position, the actuating part of the first operating slider disengages from the first actuated part and engages with the second actuated part, causing the first operating slider to drive the second operating slider to move. When it reaches the second position, the second operating slider switches the switch from the first switch state to the second switch state. As the first operating slider moves from the second position to the first position, the actuating part of the first operating slider disengages from the second actuated part and engages with the first actuated part, causing the first operating slider to drive the second operating slider to move. When it reaches the first position, the second operating slider switches the switch from the second switch state to the first switch state.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the second operating slider is provided with a slot, and the first and second side walls of the opposing slots in a first direction form a first actuated portion and a second actuated portion, respectively. The actuated portion is housed in the slot.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, the first operating slider comprises a body portion and a tab extending from the body portion, the tab forming an operating portion.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a portion of a switch operated by a second operating slider includes a button which is movable in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction to switch the switch between a first switch state and a second switch state.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the door lock device further comprises an elastic guide member positioned between a switch button and a second operating slider. The second operating slider is operably engaged with the elastic guide member, the elastic guide member is operably engaged with the switch button, and the elastic guide member is capable of converting a driving force in a first direction by the second operating slider into a pressing force in a second direction applied to the switch button.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the elastic guide member is an elastic guide piece comprising an inclined guide portion and a pressing portion connected to each other. The pressing portion is located above the button, and the inclined guide portion is located on one side of the button and extends obliquely with respect to a first direction.

[0011] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, the second operating slider includes an engaging surface. The engaging surface extends obliquely with respect to a first direction and is in the same inclination direction as the inclined guide portion. The second operating slider begins to apply pressing force to the switch button by the engagement of the engaging surface with the inclined guide portion.

[0012] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, the distance traveled between the first position and the second position of the first operating slider is S1, the distance traveled by the second operating slider driven by the first operating slider is S2, and the distance traveled by the operating part of the first operating slider between the first actuated part and the second actuated part of the second operating slider is S3, so S1 = S2 + S3.

[0013] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, the first switch state is a state in which the electrical appliance is turned off, and the second switch state is a state in which the electrical appliance is turned on.

[0014] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a first operating slider is configured to move from a first position to a second position in the door closing direction and from a second position to a first position in the door opening direction when the door of the electrical appliance is pushed and pulled to perform a door closing and door opening operation. The door closing direction and the door opening direction are opposite directions in the first direction. The first operating slider further comprises a third position and a fourth position located between the first and second positions and adjacent to the first and second positions, respectively. When the first operating slider reaches the fourth position while moving in the door closing direction, the first operating slider is captured and locks the door of the electrical appliance. When the first operating slider reaches the third position while moving in the door opening direction, the first operating slider is released and unlocks the door of the electrical appliance.

[0015] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, in the door opening direction, a portion of the switch operated by the second operating slider is located downstream of the second operating slider.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the door locking device further comprises a housing that houses a switch, a first operating slider, and a second operating slider, and a pair of locking arms, at least a portion of which is housed in the housing and extends from the housing, the pair of locking arms being rotatably connected to the first operating slider and rotatable relative to each other to achieve locking and unlocking of the door of an electrical appliance.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the door locking device further comprises a capture element housed in a housing and having a locking projection. The first operating slider has a locking recess, and the locking projection is engageable with and disengaged from the locking recess. The capture element is movable between a capture position in which the locking projection engages with the locking recess to capture the first operating slider, thereby preventing movement of the first operating slider and locking the door of the electrical appliance, and a release position in which the locking projection disengages from the locking recess to release the first operating slider, thereby allowing movement of the first operating slider and unlocking the door of the electrical appliance.

[0018] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, the second operating slider and the capture element are arranged on the opposite side of the first operating slider.

[0019] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the disclosure provides an electrical appliance comprising the aforementioned door locking device.

[0020] This disclosure provides a second operating slider between a first operating slider and a switch, enabling the use of only one switch within the door lock housing, thereby allowing the first operating slider to operate the switch and switch its state between two different sliding positions, and thereby optimizing the internal space of the door lock housing.

[0021] The features and advantages of the present disclosure can be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals denote like components throughout the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher having a door lock device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of an embodiment of a door lock device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] It is a perspective assembly view of a first operation slider, a second operation slider, a switch, and an elastic guide member of the door lock device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 3B] It is an exploded view of a first operation slider, a second operation slider, a switch, and an elastic guide member of the door lock device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 3C] It is a cross-sectional view of the second operation slider shown in FIG. 3B taken along line A-A. [Figure 4A] It is a side view of the first operation slider of the door lock device according to the present disclosure in a first position. [Figure 4B] It is a simplified explanatory view of an enlarged part of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] It is a side view of the first operation slider of the door lock device according to the present disclosure in a fourth position. [Figure 5B] It is a simplified explanatory view of an enlarged part of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] It is a side view of the first operation slider of the door lock device according to the present disclosure in a second position. [Figure 6B] It is a simplified explanatory view of an enlarged part of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] It is a side view of the first operation slider of the door lock device according to the present disclosure in a third position. [Figure 7B] It is a simplified explanatory view of an enlarged part of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram of the relative relationship between the moving positions of the first operation slider. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Hereinafter, various specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings which constitute part of this specification. In this disclosure, terms indicating direction, such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “top,” and “bottom,” are used to describe structural parts and elements in various examples of the present disclosure. These terms are used in this disclosure solely for the purpose of facilitating illustration and should be understood to be determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the arrangements in the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure can be in various directions, these terms indicating direction are merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher having a door locking device according to the present disclosure.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the dishwasher 1 includes a dishwasher housing 12, a door 13, a dishwasher housing cavity 14 inside the dishwasher housing 12, and a door lock device 100. A door catch 16 is provided on the door 13, and the door lock device 100 is positioned on the dishwasher body 12. When the door 13 is pushed to close, the door catch 16 is caught and locked by the door lock device 100, and the door 13 closes and locks in the closed position accordingly. A control device 15 is provided on the dishwasher housing 12 and can control the start and stop of the operation of the dishwasher components according to the switch trigger signal received by the door lock device 100.

[0026] The dishwasher 1 shown in Figure 1 is merely an example, and the door lock device 100 of this disclosure may be mounted on various types of electrical appliances having a cavity and a door for closing the cavity, such as washing machines, dryers, and microwave ovens, or on other non-electrical appliances.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the door lock device 100 according to the present disclosure. The upper cover of the housing of the door lock device is not shown in the figure in order to show the various internal components of the door lock device 100.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the door lock device 100 comprises a housing 10, a pair of lock arms 20, a switch 30, a first operating slider 40, a second operating slider 50, a capture element 60, and an elastic guide member 80. The switch 30, the first operating slider 40, the second operating slider 50, the capture element 60, and the elastic guide member 80 are housed in the housing 10. At least a portion of the pair of lock arms 20 is housed in the housing 10. The second operating slider 50 and the capture element 60 are positioned opposite the first operating slider 40. The pair of lock arms 20, the first operating slider 40, and the capture element 60 cooperate with each other to enable locking and unlocking of the door 13. The switch 30, the first operating slider 40, the second operating slider 50, and the elastic guide member 80 cooperate with each other to control the state of the switch 30.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, one end of each of the pair of locking arms 20 is rotatably connected to the left end of the first operating slider 40, and the other end extends from the housing 10. By rotating the pair of locking arms 2 relative to each other, the door catch can be engaged and released, thereby locking and unlocking the door of the electrical appliance. The switch 30 communicates with the control device 15 and can switch between a first switch state and a second switch state, so that different switch state signals are sent to the control device 15 to control the operation of the dishwasher. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the switch 30 is in the first switch state, the switch 30 itself is turned off, and the electrical appliance is turned off by the switch 30. When the switch 30 is in the second switch state, the switch 30 itself is turned on, and the electrical appliance is turned on by the switch 30.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the first operating slider 40 includes an actuation part 402 configured to drive the second operating slider 50. The first operating slider 40 is movable in a first direction between a first position and a second position. In the illustrated embodiment, the first position is the position when the switch 30 is off, and the second position is the position when the switch 30 is on, and the first operating slider 40 moves a distance S1 between the first position and the second position. The second operating slider 50 is arranged to be movable in a first direction and moves under the drive of the first operating slider 40. The second operating slider 50 can operate the switch 30 while moving to switch the state of the switch 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the first operating slider 40 can drive the second operating slider 50 to move a distance S2.

[0031] When the door of the electrical appliance is pushed and pulled to perform the door closing and door opening operations, the first operating slider 40 moves from a first position to a second position in the door closing direction and from a second position to a first position in the door opening direction, under the driving of the door of the electrical appliance. The door closing direction and the door opening direction are opposite in the first direction. In the door opening direction, a portion of the switch 30 operated by the second operating slider 50 is located downstream of the second operating slider 40.

[0032] The first operating slider 40 is located between the first and second positions and further comprises a third and a fourth position, which are adjacent to the first and second positions, respectively. When the first operating slider 40 reaches the fourth position while moving in the door closing direction, the first operating slider 40 is captured by the capture element 60 and locks the door of the electrical appliance, i.e., the locking operation is completed. When the first operating slider 40 reaches the third position while moving in the door opening direction, the capture element 60 releases the first operating slider 40 and unlocks the door of the electrical appliance, i.e., the unlocking operation is completed.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the capture element 60 is equipped with a locking projection 610, and the first operating slider 40 is equipped with a locking recess 410. The locking projection 610 can engage with or disengage from the locking recess 410. The capture element 60 is movable between a capture position and a release position. In the capture position, the locking projection 610 engages with the locking recess 410 to capture the first operating slider 40, thereby preventing the first operating slider 40 from moving in the door-opening direction and locking the door of the electrical appliance. In the release position, the locking projection 610 disengages from the locking recess 410 to release the first operating slider 40, thereby allowing the first operating slider 40 to move in the door-opening direction and unlocking the door of the electrical appliance.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the door lock device 100 further comprises a first biasing means 91 and a second biasing means 92. The first biasing means 91 is mounted between the first operating slider 40 and the housing 10 and is configured to provide a biasing force to the first operating slider 40 to move in the door opening direction. The second biasing means 92 is mounted between the capture element 60 and the housing 10 and is configured to provide a biasing force to the capture element 60 to move in the door closing direction and in the direction of engagement with the first operating slider 40.

[0035] Figures 3A to 3C show the specific structures of the first operating slider 40, the second operating slider 50, the switch 30, and the elastic guide member 80. Figure 3A is a perspective assembly view of the first operating slider 40, the second operating slider 50, the switch 30, and the elastic guide member 80; Figure 3B is an exploded view of the first operating slider 40, the second operating slider 50, the switch 30, and the elastic guide member 80; and Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of the second operating slider 50 of Figure 3B along line AA.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3A to 3C, the second operating slider 50 comprises a first actuated portion 501 and a second actuated portion 502 that are separated from each other by a certain distance. The actuated portion 402 of the first operating slider 40 is movable between the first actuated portion 501 and the second actuated portion 502 and is engageable with the first actuated portion 501 and the second actuated portion 502, respectively. The first operating slider 40 comprises a body portion 401 and a tab extending from the body portion 401, the tab forming the actuated portion 402. The second operating slider 50 is provided with a slot 510 for housing the actuated portion 402, and the first and second side walls of the slot 510 facing each other in a first direction form the first actuated portion 501 and the second actuated portion 502, respectively. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the actuating portion 402 of the first operating slider 40 moves a distance S3 between the first actuated portion 501 and the second actuated portion 502 of the second operating slider 150, that is, the first operating slider 40 moves a distance S3 within the slot 510 of the second operating slider 50, and the distance S1 that the first operating slider 40 moves between the first position and the second position is equal to the sum of the distance S2 that the first operating slider 40 drives the second operating slider 50 to move and the distance S3 that the first operating slider 40 moves within the slot 510 (i.e., S1 = S2 + S3).

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3A to 3C, a portion of the switch 30 operated by the second operating slider 50 includes a button 301. The button 301 is movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to switch the switch 30 between a first switch state and a second switch state. Specifically, when the button 301 is pressed (the switch is triggered), the switch 30 switches from the second switch state (the ON state, where the electrical appliance is powered on) to the first switch state (the OFF state, where the electrical appliance is powered off). When the button 301 is released and springs up (the switch is not triggered), the switch 30 switches from the first switch state (the OFF state, where the electrical appliance is powered off) to the second switch state (the ON state, where the electrical appliance is powered on). The switch 30 further includes a mounting frame 302 configured to fix the switch 30 within the housing 10 while maintaining the fixed end of the elastic guide member 80 fixed to the switch 30.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3A to 3C, the elastic guide member 80 is an elastic guide piece having a metal plate structure. The elastic guide member 80 is positioned between the button 301 of the switch 30 and the second operating slider 50. The second operating slider 50 is operably engaged with the elastic guide member 80, and the elastic guide member 80 is operably engaged with the button 301 of the switch 30, and the elastic guide member 80 can convert the driving force in the first direction by the second operating slider 50 into a pressing force in the second direction applied to the button 301. The elastic guide member 80 comprises an inclined guide portion 801 and a pressing portion 802 connected to each other. The pressing portion 802 is located above the button 301, and the inclined guide portion 801 is located on one side of the button 301 and extends obliquely with respect to the first direction. The second operating slider 50 extends obliquely with respect to the first direction and comprises an engaging surface 504 that is in the same inclination direction as the inclined guide portion 801. The second operating slider 50 begins to apply pressing force to the button 301 of the switch 30 by engaging the engaging surface 504 with the inclined guide portion 801.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will understand that in some other embodiments the elastic guide member 80 may be omitted. Instead, an operating inclination is provided on the second operating slider 50 so that the movement of the second operating slider 50 directly presses or releases the button 301 of the switch 30.

[0040] As the first operating slider 40 moves from a first position to a second position in the door closing direction, the actuating part 402 of the first operating slider 40 disengages from the first actuated part 501 and engages with the second actuated part 502, causing the first operating slider 40 to drive the second operating slider 50 to move in the door closing direction. When it reaches the second position, the second operating slider 50 switches the switch 30 from a first switch state (electrical appliance is turned off) to a second switch state (electrical appliance is turned on). As the first operating slider 40 moves from the second position to the first position in the door-opening direction, the operating part 402 of the first operating slider 40 disengages from the second actuated part 502 and engages with the first actuated part 501, causing the first operating slider 40 to drive the second operating slider 50 to move in the door-opening direction. When it reaches the first position, the second operating slider 50 switches the switch 30 from the second switch state (the electrical appliance is powered on) to the first switch state (the electrical appliance is powered off).

[0041] Figures 4A to 7B show the cooperative relationship of the components while the first operating slider of the door lock device of this disclosure is moving from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position. Figure 4A is a side view of the first operating slider of the door lock device of this disclosure at the first position, and Figure 4B is a simplified explanatory diagram that is an enlargement of a part of Figure 4A. Figure 5A is a side view of the first operating slider of the door lock device of this disclosure at the fourth position, and Figure 5B is a simplified explanatory diagram that is an enlargement of a part of Figure 5A. Figure 6A is a side view of the first operating slider of the door lock device of this disclosure at the second position, and Figure 6B is a simplified explanatory diagram that is an enlargement of a part of Figure 6A. Figure 7A is a side view of the first operating slider of the door lock device of this disclosure at the third position, and Figure 7B is a simplified explanatory diagram that is an enlargement of a part of Figure 7A.

[0042] In the simplified explanatory diagrams Figures 4B, 5B, 6B, and 7B, the elastic guide member 80 has been removed to more clearly show the relative positional relationship between the first operating slider 40, the second operating slider 50, and the button 301 of the switch 30.

[0043] To facilitate the explanation of the movement positions of the first operating slider 40, the above simplified diagram uses P1 to P4, which represent the movement positions of the first operating slider 40 with the left end as the reference point. Of these, P1 represents the first position, i.e., the position for turning the switch off. P2 represents the second position, i.e., the position for turning the switch on. P3 represents the third position, i.e., the position for unlocking the door. P4 represents the fourth position, i.e., the position for locking the door. When the first operating slider 40 is at P1, the door is unlocked, and when the first operating slider 40 is at P2, the door is locked.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, when the door of the electrical appliance is open, the first operating slider 40 is in the first position. The locking projection 610 of the capture element 60 disengages from the locking recess 410 of the first operating slider 40, and the first operating slider 40 is in the released position because it is not captured by the capture element 60. The second operating slider 50 presses the button 301 of the switch 30 by the elastic guide member 80, turning the switch 30 into the first switched state and thus turning off the power to the electrical appliance. The operating part 402 of the first operating slider 40 abuts against the first side wall (first actuated part 501) of the slot 510 of the second operating slider 50. In this state, the door closing operation is performed, and the door catch 6 receives a pressing force F1 toward the pair of lock arms 20 and moves toward the position shown in Figures 5A and 5B. When the door catch 6 pushes the first operating slider 40, the operating part 402 of the first operating slider 40 moves within the slot 510 toward the second side wall (second actuated part 502).

[0045] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, under the action of the pressing force F1, the door catch 6 is captured by the pair of locking arms 20, and the actuating part 402 of the first operating slider 40 moves to the fourth position in the slot 510 of the second operating slider 50, and does not drive the movement of the second operating slider 50. The actuating part 402 of the first operating slider 40 moves from a position in which the actuating part abuts the first side wall (first actuated part 501) of the slot 510 to a position in which the actuating part contacts the second side wall (second actuated part 502), and the displacement distance of the actuating part 402 is S3. Since the second operating slider 50 does not move, the button 301 of the switch 30 is still pressed by the elastic guide member 80, putting the switch 30 into the first switched state and keeping the electrical appliance powered off.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5A, when the first operating slider 40 reaches the fourth position, it is in a trapped state. The locking projection 610 of the trapping element 60 engages with the locking recess 410 of the first operating slider 40, trapping the first operating slider 40. After the locking projection 610 engages with the locking recess 410, if the pressing force F1 is removed, the first operating slider 40 continues to move in the door closing direction under the action of the trapping element 60, allowing the door of the electrical appliance to be automatically closed rather than opened.

[0047] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the first operating slider 40 moves further in the door closing direction under the action of the pressing force F1 or the trapping element 60 to reach the second position. As the operating part 402 of the first operating slider 40 comes into contact with the second side wall (second actuated part 502), the first operating slider 40 drives the second operating slider 50 to move together by a distance S2 in the door closing direction. In this case, the second operating slider 50 stops the pressing of the button 301 of the switch 30 by the elastic guide member 80, the button 301 is released and springs up, and the switch 30 switches from the first switch state to the second switch state, thereby turning on the electrical appliance.

[0048] The door opening operation takes place at the positions shown in Figures 6A and 6B, and the door catch 6 receives a pulling force (tensile force) F2 that separates it from the pair of lock arms 20, causing it to move toward the positions shown in Figures 7A and 7B. The pair of lock arms 20 pull the first operating slider 40 in the door opening direction under the pulling force of the door catch 6. Since the lock recess 410 of the first operating slider 40 remains locked (locked) to the lock projection 610 of the capture element 60, the first operating slider 40 also pulls the capture element 60 and moves together in the door opening direction.

[0049] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the first operating slider 40 reaches its third position, at which point the first operating slider 40 is in the position for unlocking the door. During the movement from the second position shown in Figures 6A and 6B to the third position shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the actuating portion 402 of the first operating slider 40 moves within the slot 510 of the second operating slider 50 from a position where the actuating portion abuts the second side wall (second actuated portion 502) to a position where the actuating portion abuts the first side wall (first actuated portion 501), but the second operating slider 50 does not move. Therefore, the button 301 of the switch 30 remains released and springs up, the switch 30 remains in the second switched state, and the electrical appliance remains powered on.

[0050] When the pulling force F2 continues to be applied in the state shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the movement of the first operating slider 40 in the door opening direction causes the lock recess 410 of the first operating slider to disengage from the lock projection 610 of the capture element 60, and the first operating slider 40 moves to the first position shown in Figures 4A and 4B. In this process, the operating part 402 of the first operating slider 40 comes into contact with the first side wall (first actuated part 501), so the first operating slider 40 drives the second operating slider 50 to move together with it by a distance S2 in the door opening direction. As a result, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the second operating slider 50 presses the button 301 of the switch 30 with the elastic guide member 80, switching the switch 30 from the second switch state to the first switch state, thereby turning off the power to the electrical appliance.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, when the first operating slider 40 moves to the fourth position in the door closing direction, the operating portion 402 of the first operating slider 40 contacts the second side wall (second actuated portion 502) of the slot 510. When the first operating slider 40 moves to the third position in the door opening direction, the operating portion 402 of the first operating slider 40 contacts the first side wall (first actuated portion 501) of the slot 510. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some other embodiments, by adjusting the distance between the button 301 of the switch 30 and the second operating slider 50, the operating portion 402 of the first operating slider 40 does not have to contact the second side wall of the slot 510 when the first operating slider 40 is in the fourth position, or the operating portion 402 is already in contact with the second side wall of the slot 510 before the first operating slider 40 moves to the fourth position. When the first operating slider 40 is in the third position, its operating part 402 does not need to contact the first side wall of the slot 510, or the operating part 402 is already in contact with the first side wall of the slot 510 before the first operating slider 40 moves to the third position.

[0052] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the relative relationship between the movement positions of the first control slider.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, coordinate axis X1 represents the movement of the first operating slider during the door closing process, and coordinate axis X2 represents the movement of the first operating slider during the door opening process. The second position P2 for turning the switch on is located to the right of the fourth position P4, i.e., when the first operating slider is at the fourth position P4 (the door locking operation has just been completed), the switch is still in the first switched state, and the electrical appliance remains powered off. The electrical appliance is powered on only when the first operating slider at the fourth position P4 continues to move in the door closing direction, i.e., the door closes further, moving the first operating slider to the position P2 for turning the switch on. This configuration has the advantage of ensuring that the electrical appliance can be powered on and started operating when the door is closed, and preventing the electrical appliance from being powered on and started operating when the door is not closed.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, in the door opening process, the first position P1 for turning off the switch is located to the left of the third position P3. That is, when the first operating slider moves to the third position P3 (the door unlocking operation has just been completed), the switch is still in the second switch state, and the electrical appliance remains powered on. The electrical appliance is powered off only when the first operating slider, which is in the third position P3, continues to move to the first position P1 in the door opening direction, i.e., when the door is unlocked and opened further. Such a configuration has the advantage of ensuring that if the door is operated improperly (for example, due to pressing force from internal expansion gas or accidental door pulling by a child), the electrical appliance will stop operating without being abruptly powered off, even if the first operating slider moves only a very small distance from the second position P2 in the door opening direction (the first operating slider does not unlock accordingly).

[0055] The door locking device of this disclosure further includes a second operating slider in addition to a first operating slider. The second operating slider comprises a first actuated portion and a second actuated portion that are separated from each other by a certain distance. The first operating slider is movable relative to the second operating slider such that its actuated portion engages with the first actuated portion and the second actuated portion of the second operating slider, respectively. As a result, the first operating slider can operate the same switch at two different positions separated by a certain distance by the second operating slider, so that the on and off states of the switch correspond to the two different positions of the first operating slider. Therefore, the door locking device of this disclosure ensures that an electrical appliance can be powered on and operated using only one switch after the door is locked, and that it can be powered off and stopped from operating after the door is unlocked.

[0056] Furthermore, by arranging an elastic guide piece with an inclined surface between the second operating slider and the switch button, the driving force of the second operating slider along the first direction is converted into a pressing force along a direction perpendicular to the first direction applied to the button, thereby ensuring smooth pressing of the button. Moreover, since the elastic guide piece has a metal plate structure, it occupies almost no space between the second operating slider and the switch button, and does not increase the space requirements of the door lock device.

[0057] While this disclosure describes examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternative forms, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents that are known, current, or expected in the near future may be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, the technical effects and / or technical problems described herein are illustrative, not limiting. Accordingly, this disclosure can be used to solve other technical problems, may have other technical effects, and / or may solve other technical problems. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of this disclosure described above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to include all known or previously developed alternative forms, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or basic equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 Dishwasher 10 Housing 100 Door locking device 12 Dishwasher Housing 13 doors 14 Dishwasher-compatible cavities 15 Control device 16 Door catch 20 pairs of locking arms 30 switches 301 button 302 Mounting Frame 40. First control slider 402 Operating parts 50 Second control slider 501 First acted part 502 Second actuated part 504 Engagement surface 510 slots 60 capture elements 610 Locking protrusion 80 Elastic guide member 801 Inclined guide section 802 Pressing part 91 First biasing means 92 Second biasing means

Claims

1. A door locking device (100) for electrical appliances, A switch (30) that can be switched between a first switch state and a second switch state, A first operating slider (40) having an operating part (402), the first operating slider (40) being movable in a first direction between a first position and a second position, A second operating slider (50) is configured to be movable in the first direction and to be operable to the switch (30) while moving to switch the state of the switch, wherein the second operating slider (50) comprises a first actuated portion (501) and a second actuated portion (502) separated from each other by a certain distance, and the actuated portion (402) of the first operating slider (40) is movable between the first actuated portion (501) and the second actuated portion (502) and is engaged with the first actuated portion (501) and the second actuated portion (502), respectively. Equipped with, During the movement of the first operating slider (40) from the first position to the second position, the actuating portion (402) of the first operating slider (40) disengages from the first actuated portion (501) and engages with the second actuated portion (502), so that the first operating slider (40) drives the second operating slider (50) to move, and when it reaches the second position, the switch is switched from the first switch state to the second switch state by the second operating slider (50). During the movement of the first operating slider (40) from the second position to the first position, the actuating portion (402) of the first operating slider (40) disengages from the second actuated portion (502) and engages with the first actuated portion (501), so that the first operating slider (40) drives the second operating slider (50) to move, and when it reaches the first position, the switch is switched from the second switch state to the first switch state by the second operating slider (50). Door locking device (100).

2. A slot (510) is provided in the second operating slider (50), and the first side wall and the second side wall of the slot (510) facing each other in the first direction form the first actuated portion (501) and the second actuated portion (502), respectively. The operating part (402) is housed within the slot (510). The door lock device according to claim 1.

3. The door lock device according to claim 2, wherein the first operating slider (40) comprises a main body portion (401) and a tab extending from the main body portion (401), the tab forming the operating portion (402).

4. The portion of the switch (30) operated by the second operating slider (50) comprises a button (301), the button (301) being movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to switch the switch (30) between a first switch state and a second switch state, according to claim 1.

5. The door lock device according to claim 4, further comprising an elastic guide member (80) disposed between the button (301) of the switch (30) and the second operating slider (50), wherein the second operating slider (50) is operably engaged with the elastic guide member (80), and the elastic guide member (80) is operably engaged with the button (301) of the switch (30), thereby enabling the elastic guide member (80) to convert the driving force in the first direction by the second operating slider (50) into a pressing force in the second direction applied to the button (301) of the switch (30).

6. The door lock device according to claim 5, wherein the elastic guide member (80) is an elastic guide piece comprising an inclined guide portion (801) and a pressing portion (802) connected to each other, the pressing portion (802) is located above the button (301), and the inclined guide portion (801) is located on one side of the button (301) and extends obliquely with respect to the first direction.

7. The second operating slider (50) is provided with an engaging surface (504), the engaging surface (504) extends obliquely with respect to the first direction and is in the same inclination direction as the inclined guide portion (801), The second operating slider (50) begins to apply the pressing force to the button (301) of the switch (30) by the engagement of the engaging surface (504) and the inclined guide portion (801). The door lock device according to claim 6.

8. The door lock device according to claim 1, wherein the distance traveled by the first operating slider (40) between the first position and the second position is S1, the distance traveled by the second operating slider (50) driven by the first operating slider (40) is S2, and the distance traveled by the operating part (402) of the first operating slider (40) between the first actuated part (501) and the second actuated part (502) of the second operating slider (50) is S3, and S1 = S2 + S3.

9. The door lock device according to claim 1, wherein the first switch state is a state in which the electrical appliance is powered off, and the second switch state is a state in which the electrical appliance is powered on.

10. The first operating slider (40) is configured to move from a first position to a second position in the door closing direction and from a second position to a first position in the door opening direction when the door of the electrical appliance is pushed and pulled to perform a door closing operation and a door opening operation, under the drive of the door of the electrical appliance, wherein the door closing direction and the door opening direction are opposite directions in the first direction. The first operating slider (40) further comprises a third position and a fourth position located between the first position and the second position, the third position and the fourth position being close to the first position and the second position, respectively. When the first operating slider (40) moves in the door closing direction, and the first operating slider (40) reaches the fourth position, the first operating slider (40) is captured and locks the door of the electrical appliance. When the first operating slider (40) moves in the door opening direction, and the first operating slider (40) reaches the third position, the first operating slider (40) is released, unlocking the door of the electrical appliance. The door lock device according to claim 9.

11. The door lock device according to claim 10, wherein, in the door opening direction, the portion of the switch (30) operated by the second operating slider (50) is located downstream of the second operating slider (40).

12. Furthermore, A housing (10) that houses the switch (30), the first operating slider (40), and the second operating slider (50), A pair of locking arms (20), wherein at least a portion of the pair of locking arms (20) is housed within the housing (10) and extends from the housing (10), the pair of locking arms (20) are rotatably connected to the first operating slider (40), and are rotatable relative to each other to achieve locking and unlocking the door of the electrical appliance, The door lock device according to claim 10, comprising:

13. A capture element (60) housed within the housing (10), further comprising a capture element (60) equipped with a locking projection (610), The first operating slider (40) is provided with a lock recess (410), and the lock projection (610) is capable of engaging with and disengaging from the lock recess (410). The capture element (60) is movable between a capture position in which the lock projection (610) engages with the lock recess (410) to capture the first operating slider (40), thereby preventing the movement of the first operating slider (40) and locking the door of the electrical appliance, and a release position in which the lock projection (610) disengages from the lock recess (410) to release the first operating slider (40), thereby allowing the movement of the first operating slider (40) and unlocking the door of the electrical appliance. The door lock device according to claim 12.

14. The door lock device according to claim 13, wherein the second operating slider (50) and the capturing element (60) are arranged on opposite sides of the first operating slider (40).

15. An electrical appliance (1) comprising a door lock device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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