Hinge assembly, door assembly and laundry treatment device

Abstract

The present application provides a hinge assembly, a door assembly and a laundry treatment device, the hinge assembly comprising a hinge arm and a hinge cover, wherein a cable trunking is provided on the hinge arm, an opening of the cable trunking is formed on an outer wall of the hinge arm such that a cable to be installed can be installed in the cable trunking in a direction toward a trunking bottom via the trunking opening; and the hinge cover covers the trunking opening to close the trunking opening. By providing the cable trunking on the hinge arm and forming the trunking opening of the cable trunking on the outer wall of the hinge arm, the cable to be installed can be directly installed in the cable trunking from the trunking opening in the direction toward the trunking bottom, which allows the cable installation work to be completed simply by partially inserting a wire having a smaller diameter into the cable trunking, making the cable installation work simpler and more convenient. By providing the hinge cover and enabling the hinge cover to cover the trunking opening, so as to close the trunking opening, a cable is limited in the cable trunking, preventing the cable from being exposed, such that aesthetics are improved and the cable is protected to prevent the cable from damage which would otherwise cause safety hazards.

Description

Hinge assembly, door assembly and clothes treating device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on September 26, 2023, with application number 202322633352.8, and invention titled "Hinge assembly, door assembly and clothing processing device", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular relates to a hinge assembly, a door assembly and a clothing processing device. Background Art

[0003] With the advancement of technology, laundry processing devices such as washing machines, dryers, and washer-dryers often feature display screens to display laundry processing information and form a user interface. However, due to size limitations and aesthetic considerations, more and more displays are being installed on the doors of laundry processing devices, replacing the traditional placement on the main control panel.

[0004] To power and transmit information to the display screen, existing technologies often rely on hinged wiring solutions, often using slots in the hollow hinge arm or on one side of the hinge arm. However, the limited internal diameter of the hollow hinge arm makes it difficult to pass cable terminals through. While slots on one side facilitate wiring, the exposed cables not only affect the aesthetics but also pose safety risks.

[0005] Application Contents

[0006] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a hinge assembly, a door assembly and a clothing processing device that can facilitate wiring and cover cables.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the first aspect of the present application provides a hinge assembly, including a hinge arm and a hinge cover, wherein a wire groove is provided on the hinge arm, and the groove of the wire groove is opened to the outer wall of the hinge arm so that the cable to be installed can be inserted into the wire groove through the groove in the direction toward the bottom of the groove, and the hinge cover is provided on the groove to close the groove.

[0008] Optionally, the wire groove extends along the extension direction of the hinge arm.

[0009] Optionally, the hinge assembly includes a hinge base, the hinge arm includes a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the hinge base, the second end is provided with a hinge shaft, and the wire groove extends from the first end to the second end.

[0010] Optionally, the notch of the wire trough is arranged on a side of the hinge arm away from the hinge seat.

[0011] Optionally, the hinge shaft is arranged on the first direction side of the second end, and the wire outlet of the wire trough is arranged on the second direction side of the second end.

[0012] Optionally, the first direction side and the second direction side are two opposite sides of the hinge shaft in the axial direction; the hinge shaft and the wire outlet are coaxially arranged.

[0013] Optionally, the wire outlet of the wire trough is arranged on the hinge arm; or, the wire outlet of the wire trough is arranged on the hinge cover; or, a first trough body is arranged on the hinge arm, and a second trough body is arranged on the hinge cover, and the first trough body and the second trough body are buckled together to form the wire outlet.

[0014] Optionally, the wire outlet and the outer wall of the hinge arm on the second direction side are in the same plane.

[0015] Optionally, the second end extends along the second direction so that the wire outlet protrudes from a portion of the hinge arm other than the second end.

[0016] Optionally, the hinge cover is snap-connected to the hinge arm.

[0017] Optionally, when the hinge arm includes a first end and a second end, one end of the hinge cover is clamped to the first end via a first clamping structure, and the other end of the hinge cover is clamped to the second end via a second clamping structure.

[0018] Optionally, the hinge arm and the hinge cover are L-shaped, and the axis of the first clamping structure intersects or is not aligned with the axis of the second clamping structure.

[0019] Optionally, the number of the hinge arms is at least one, and the wire trough and the hinge cover are jointly provided on at least one of the hinge arms.

[0020] In a second aspect of the present application, a door assembly is provided, comprising the hinge assembly as described above.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present application, a clothing processing device is provided, comprising the hinge assembly or the door assembly as described above. Beneficial effects

[0022] The hinge assembly, door assembly, and clothing processing device provided in the embodiments of the present application are configured such that, by providing a wire trough on the hinge arm and extending the notch of the wire trough to the outer wall of the hinge arm, the cables to be installed can be directly inserted into the wire trough from the notch toward the bottom of the trough. Larger terminals do not need to be inserted into the wire trough; only the smaller diameter wire portion needs to be inserted into the wire trough to complete the wiring operation, making the wiring operation simpler and more convenient, and improving work efficiency. By providing a hinge cover and positioning the hinge cover over the notch to close the notch, the cables can be confined within the wire trough, preventing them from being exposed. This improves the aesthetics while also protecting the cables from damage and potential safety hazards. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present application from a first viewing angle;

[0024] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present application, excluding a hinge cover, from a first viewing angle;

[0025] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present application, without a hinge cover, from a second viewing angle;

[0026] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present application from a third viewing angle;

[0027] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present application, excluding the hinge cover, from a third viewing angle;

[0028] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present application at a fourth viewing angle;

[0029] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a hinge assembly according to another embodiment of the present application from a fifth viewing angle;

[0030] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a hinge assembly according to another embodiment of the present application, without the hinge cover, from a fifth viewing angle.

[0031] The reference numerals indicate:

[0032] 1. Hinge arm; 11. Wire trough; 111. Wire outlet; 12. First end; 13. Second end; 2. Hinge cover; 3. Hinge seat; 41. First clamping structure; 42. Second clamping structure; 5. Hinge shaft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integral connection; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0036] The preferred embodiments of the present application are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate and explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0037] With reference to Figures 1 to 8 , according to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a hinge assembly is provided, comprising a hinge arm 1 and a hinge cover 2. A wire groove 11 is provided on the hinge arm 1, and a slot of the wire groove 11 is opened on the outer wall of the hinge arm 1 so that the cable to be installed can be loaded into the wire groove 11 through the slot in a direction toward the bottom of the slot. The hinge cover 2 is provided on the slot to close the slot.

[0038] By providing a wire trough 11 on the hinge arm 1 and extending the notch of the wire trough 11 to the outer wall of the hinge arm 1, the cables to be installed can be directly inserted into the wire trough 11 from the notch toward the bottom of the trough. Larger terminals do not need to be inserted into the wire trough 11. Only the smaller diameter wire portion needs to be inserted into the wire trough 11 to complete the wiring operation, making the wiring operation simpler and more convenient, and improving work efficiency. By providing a hinge cover 2 and covering the notch to close the notch, the cables can be confined within the wire trough 11, preventing the cables from being exposed. This improves the aesthetics while also protecting the cables from damage and potential safety hazards.

[0039] The opening of the wire groove 11 is opened on the outer wall of the hinge arm 1 , which can also be understood as the outer wall of the hinge arm 1 being recessed inward to form the wire groove 11 .

[0040] Specifically, the cable trough 11 is a U-shaped trough, the U-shaped opening of which is the notch, which extends to the outer wall of the hinge arm 1. The direction toward the bottom of the trough is also the depth direction of the cable trough 11, and the cables to be installed can be inserted into the cable trough 11 through the notch along the depth direction.

[0041] The cross section of the cable duct 11 can be adapted to the cable.

[0042] The hinge cover 2 is arranged along the extending direction of the slot and covers at least a portion of the slot. In order to improve the protection of the cable, the hinge cover 2 covers at least most of the slot.

[0043] In this embodiment, the hinge cover 2 covers all the slots, ie, completely closes the slots.

[0044] The cable duct 11 extends along the extension direction of the hinge arm 1 , thereby improving the supporting effect of the cable duct 11 on the cable, while also ensuring that the cable has better concealment.

[0045] The hinge arm 1 can extend in a substantially L-shape, and the wire groove 11 also extends in a substantially L-shape along with the hinge arm 1 .

[0046] The hinge assembly includes a hinge seat 3, and the hinge arm 1 includes a first end 12 and a second end 13. The first end 12 is connected to the hinge seat 3, and the second end 13 is provided with a hinge shaft 5. The wire trough 11 extends from the first end 12 to the second end 13, which ensures the supporting effect of the wire trough 11 on the cable while further improving the concealment of the cable.

[0047] The hinge seat 3 is provided with a wire inlet, which is communicated with the wire slot 11 .

[0048] The hinge base 3 is used to be connected to other carriers, for example, to the housing of the washing machine, so that the door assembly is rotatably arranged on the housing of the washing machine through the hinge assembly.

[0049] The hinge base 3 may be in the shape of an elongated strip, and the hinge arm 1 is arranged on a side of the hinge base 3 away from the carrier.

[0050] The number of hinge arms 1 can be one, two, or more. When there are two hinge arms 1, the two hinge arms 1 are respectively arranged near the ends in the length direction of the hinge base 3. When there are multiple hinge arms 1, the multiple hinge arms 1 can be evenly arranged along the length direction of the hinge base 3.

[0051] The first end 12 of the hinge arm 1 is fixedly connected to the hinge base 3 .

[0052] The hinge shaft 5 is used for rotational connection with the door assembly.

[0053] The second end 13 may be substantially cylindrical and coaxially arranged with the hinge shaft 5 .

[0054] The cross section of the hinge arm 1 except the second end 13 is substantially rectangular. The cross section refers to a section perpendicular to the extension direction.

[0055] There is an arcuate transition between a section of the cable duct 11 close to the second end 13 and a section of the cable duct 11 located inside the second end 13 to avoid scratching the cables.

[0056] The notch of the wire duct 11 can be arranged on the upper side, lower side, inner side or outer side of the hinge arm 1, which can make the wiring operation simpler and more convenient.

[0057] In this embodiment, in order to facilitate the insertion of cables into the wire trough 11 , the notch of the wire trough 11 is arranged on a side of the hinge arm 1 away from the hinge seat 3 .

[0058] The side of the hinge arm 1 away from the hinge seat 3 is usually the side facing the operator, which is convenient for installing cables and then covering the hinge cover 2.

[0059] The hinge shaft 5 is disposed on the first direction side of the second end 13 , and the wire outlet 111 of the wire trough 11 is disposed on the second direction side of the second end 13 .

[0060] In the existing wiring scheme of the hollow hinge arm 1, the axial side wire outlet 111 of the wire is set in the hinge shaft 5. Due to the structural requirements of the hinge shaft 5, such as the shaft sleeve, its diameter limits the size of the cable, and the hollow hinge shaft 5 also reduces the strength of the hinge shaft 5, resulting in a reduction in the support force of the hinge on the door assembly. The hinge assembly in this embodiment does not need to pass the terminal into the wire groove 11, and the wire outlet 111 of the wire groove 11 is set on the second direction side of the second end 13, eliminating the limitation of the structural diameter of the hinge shaft 5 on the cable size, and can be applied to cables of more sizes. Moreover, the wire outlet 111 is not the load-bearing hinge shaft 5 in the prior art. The wire outlet 111 in this embodiment can have a larger diameter, with less restriction on the cable, reducing wear on the cable. The hinge shaft 5 in this embodiment can be a solid shaft rod, thus having higher strength.

[0061] The hinge shaft 5 does not need to be set as a hollow structure, which ensures the strength of the hinge shaft 5 and improves the supporting effect on the door assembly.

[0062] The first direction side and the second direction side are different sides of the second end 13 .

[0063] Specifically, for example, the hinge shaft 5 is arranged above the second end 13 , and the wire outlet 111 of the wire duct 11 can be arranged laterally, below or obliquely to the second end 13 , as long as the position is different from that of the hinge shaft 5 .

[0064] More specifically, the central axes of the hinge shaft 5 and the second end 13 both extend vertically, and the hinge shaft 5 is arranged above the second end 13, then the wire outlet 111 is arranged at a position deviated from the central axis of the hinge shaft 5, for example, inclined relative to the central axis of the hinge shaft 5 or radially deviated.

[0065] The first direction side and the second direction side are two opposite sides of the hinge shaft 5 in the axial direction. The hinge shaft 5 and the wire outlet 111 are coaxially arranged to avoid interference between the wires out of the wire outlet 111 and the hinge shaft 5. At the same time, the wires out of the wire outlet 111 are further away from the hinge shaft 5, which is convenient for operation and can further reduce the impact on the rotating shaft.

[0066] The hinge shaft 5 is arranged along the first direction of the second end 13 and extends along the first direction. The cable outlet 111 is arranged on the second direction side of the second end 13 opposite to the first direction. The cables in the cable outlet 111 are discharged along the second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0067] The hinge shaft 5 , the second end 13 and the wire outlet 111 are coaxially arranged.

[0068] In one embodiment, the wire outlet 111 of the wire trough 11 is provided on the hinge arm 1 , and wires are output through the wire outlet 111 on the hinge arm 1 .

[0069] In one embodiment, the wire outlet 111 of the wire trough 11 is provided on the hinge cover 2 , and wires are output through the wire outlet 111 on the hinge cover 2 .

[0070] In one embodiment, a first slot is provided on the hinge arm 1 and a second slot is provided on the hinge cover 2. The first slot and the second slot are engaged with each other to form a wire outlet 111, which can make the hinge arm 1 and the hinge cover 2 thinner and more beautiful.

[0071] The first trough body is a semicircular trough, the second trough body is a semicircular trough matching the first trough body, and the second trough body is radially engaged with the first trough body to form a circular wire outlet 111 .

[0072] As an embodiment, as shown in FIG7 and FIG8, the wire outlet 111 and the outer wall of the second direction side of the hinge arm 1 are in the same plane. After the wire is output through the wire outlet 111, it can be bent to the desired direction to achieve connection with the electrical components.

[0073] As another embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, the second end 13 extends along the second direction so that the wire outlet 111 protrudes from the part of the hinge arm 1 other than the second end 13. After the wire is output through the wire outlet 111, it can provide a guiding function for the wire. The part of the second end 13 protruding along the second direction can also be directly plugged into the electrical component to achieve direct connection, so that the cable is better sealed.

[0074] The hinge cover 2 is snap-connected with the hinge arm 1 , which facilitates assembly and disassembly of the hinge cover 2 and the hinge arm 1 , thereby facilitating wiring and disassembly operations.

[0075] The hinge cover 2 and the hinge arm 1 can be connected by a snap assembly.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 6 , one end of the hinge cover 2 is engaged with the first end 12 via a first engaging structure 41 , and the other end of the hinge cover 2 is engaged with the second end 13 via a second engaging structure 42 .

[0077] A latching tongue is provided on one end of the hinge cover 2 , and a buckle is provided on the first end 12 , and the latching tongue is engaged in the buckle to achieve a latching connection.

[0078] Among them, a latch tongue is provided on the other end of the hinge cover 2, and a buckle is provided on the second end 13, and the latch tongue is engaged in the buckle to achieve the engagement.

[0079] The hinge arm 1 and the hinge cover 2 are L-shaped, and the axis of the first clamping structure 41 intersects or is not aligned with the axis of the second clamping structure 42 , so that the hinge cover 2 can be more firmly mounted on the hinge arm 1 .

[0080] The hinge arm 1 and the hinge cover 2 are in a matching L-shape, and the hinge cover 2 is arranged on the notch of the wire groove 11 of the hinge arm 1 .

[0081] The axis of the first clamping structure 41 may extend in a left-right direction, and the axis of the second clamping structure 42 may extend in a front-back direction.

[0082] There is at least one hinge arm 1 , and the wire groove 11 and the hinge cover 2 are jointly provided on at least one hinge arm 1 .

[0083] The number of hinge arms 1 can be one, two, or more. When there are two hinge arms 1, the two hinge arms 1 are respectively arranged near the ends in the length direction of the hinge base 3. When there are multiple hinge arms 1, the multiple hinge arms 1 can be evenly arranged along the length direction of the hinge base 3.

[0084] The wire grooves 11 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the hinge covers 2 .

[0085] In a second aspect of this embodiment, a door assembly is provided, comprising the hinge assembly as described above.

[0086] A display screen is provided on the door assembly, and the cables in the cable duct 11 are used to connect to the display screen.

[0087] In a third aspect of the present embodiment, a clothes processing device is provided, comprising the hinge assembly or the door assembly as described above.

[0088] Among them, the clothing processing device can be a washing machine, a dryer, a washer-dryer, etc.

[0089] It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that, under the premise of no conflict, the above-mentioned advantageous methods can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0090] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application. The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various improvements and variations without departing from the technical principles of the present application, and such improvements and variations shall also be considered within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly, wherein: The invention comprises a hinge arm (1) and a hinge cover (2), wherein the hinge arm (1) is provided with a wire groove (11), the groove opening of the wire groove (11) is opened on the outer wall of the hinge arm (1), so that the cable to be installed can be inserted into the wire groove (11) through the groove in a direction toward the groove bottom, and the hinge cover (2) is covered on the groove to close the groove.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The wire groove (11) extends along the extension direction of the hinge arm (1).

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The hinge assembly comprises a hinge seat (3), the hinge arm (1) comprises a first end (12) and a second end (13), the first end (12) is connected to the hinge seat (3), the second end (13) is provided with a hinge shaft (5), and the wire groove (11) extends from the first end (12) to the second end (13).

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The notch of the wire groove (11) is arranged on a side of the hinge arm (1) away from the hinge seat (3).

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The hinge shaft (5) is arranged on the first direction side of the second end (13), and the wire outlet (111) of the wire trough (11) is arranged on the second direction side of the second end (13).

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The first direction side and the second direction side are two opposite sides of the hinge shaft (5) in the axial direction; The hinge shaft (5) is coaxially arranged with the wire outlet (111).

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The wire outlet (111) of the wire trough (11) is arranged on the hinge arm (1); or, the wire outlet (111) of the wire trough (11) is arranged on the hinge cover (2); or, a first trough body is arranged on the hinge arm (1), and a second trough body is arranged on the hinge cover (2), and the first trough body and the second trough body are buckled to form the wire outlet (111).

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The wire outlet (111) and the outer wall of the hinge arm (1) on the second direction side are located in the same plane.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The second end (13) extends along a second direction so that the wire outlet (111) protrudes from a portion of the hinge arm (1) other than the second end (13).

10. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The hinge cover (2) is snap-connected with the hinge arm (1).

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 10, wherein: When the hinge arm (1) comprises a first end (12) and a second end (13), one end of the hinge cover (2) is clamped to the first end (12) via a first clamping structure (41), and the other end of the hinge cover (2) is clamped to the second end (13) via a second clamping structure (42).

12. The hinge assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The hinge arm (1) and the hinge cover (2) are L-shaped, and the axis of the first clamping structure (41) and the axis of the second clamping structure (42) intersect or are not aligned with each other.

13. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The number of the hinge arm (1) is at least one, and the wire groove (11) and the hinge cover (2) are jointly arranged on at least one of the hinge arms (1).

14. A door assembly, wherein: Comprising the hinge assembly as described in any one of claims 1-13.

15. A clothes processing device, wherein: It comprises the hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or the door assembly according to claim 14.

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