Door lock device and cooking appliance

Abstract

The present application discloses a door lock device and a cooking appliance. The door lock device of the present application is configured to lock a door body and a housing of the cooking appliance. The door lock device comprises an engagement member and a locking assembly. The engagement member is configured to be mounted on the door body, and the engagement member comprises a first engagement portion. The locking assembly comprises a holder, a first locking mechanism, a driven member, and a first microswitch. The holder is configured to be mounted on the housing. The driven member and the first locking mechanism are both movably connected to the holder. The first microswitch is provided on the holder. The first locking mechanism is provided with a first engagement groove, and the holder is provided with an engagement end. The first engagement portion has a first locked state in which the first engagement portion enters from the engagement end to be engaged with the first engagement groove. When an abnormal engagement occurs between the first engagement portion and the first engagement groove and the first engagement portion does not enter the first engagement groove, as the first engagement portion and a first abutting portion are in a separated state, a probability that the driven member is driven by the first engagement portion to trigger the first microswitch is reduced, thereby reducing a probability of erroneous triggering of the first microswitch.

Description

Door lock devices and cooking appliances

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and the rights of the following patent applications, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference:

[0003] A Chinese patent application filed on August 30, 2024, with application number 202411218312.X and title "Door Lock Device and Cooking Appliance";

[0004] Chinese patent application No. 202411218349.2, entitled "Door Lock Device and Cooking Appliance", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 30, 2024;

[0005] A Chinese patent application, application number 202422137677.1, entitled "Door Lock Device and Cooking Appliance", was filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 30, 2024. Technical Field

[0006] This application relates to the field of home appliances, specifically to a door lock device and a cooking appliance. Background Technology

[0007] In related technologies, cooking appliances have a housing and a door. The housing has an opening, and the door is rotatably mounted on the housing to close the opening. The door and housing are locked together by a door lock device. After locking, a microswitch generates a closing signal to confirm that the door is locked and to proceed with subsequent cooking operations. Currently, when a locking malfunction occurs and the door is not locked, the microswitch may be accidentally activated, generating a closing signal, which could affect the safe use of the cooking appliance. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the above problems, this application provides a door lock device and a cooking appliance that can reduce the probability of micro switches being accidentally triggered.

[0009] In a first aspect, this application provides a door lock device for locking the door and housing of a cooking appliance. The door lock device includes:

[0010] A retaining element for installation on the door body, the retaining element including a first retaining part;

[0011] A locking assembly includes a bracket, a first locking mechanism, a follower, and a first micro switch. The bracket is mounted on a housing. The follower and the first locking mechanism are movably connected to the bracket. The first micro switch is disposed on the bracket. The first locking mechanism has a first slot. The bracket has a snap-in end. The first holding part has a first locked state where it enters from the snap-in end and engages with the first slot, and a first unlocked state where it exits from the snap-in end and separates from the first slot. The follower includes a first abutting part, at least a portion of which is located within the first slot. During the switching process of the first holding part from the first unlocked state to the first locked state, the first locking mechanism is configured to be driven by the first holding part to move the first abutting part within the first slot. The first abutting part is configured to abut against the first holding part when the first holding part moves into the first slot, thereby driving the follower to move relative to the bracket and triggering the first micro switch.

[0012] During the closing process, after the first latching part moves into the first slot, it abuts against the first abutting part. As the first latching part moves along the latching direction, it drives the driven member to move relative to the bracket, thereby triggering the first micro switch to generate a closing signal. When the first latching part and the first slot experience an abnormal latching and the first abutting part does not enter the first slot, since the first latching part and the first abutting part are in a separated state, this reduces the probability that the driven member will be driven by the first latching part to trigger the first micro switch, that is, it reduces the probability that the first micro switch will be accidentally triggered because the door and the housing are not locked.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the first card slot includes a first part and a second part, which are connected to each other. The first card holding part has a first locked state that enters from the card insertion end and engages with the first part, and a first unlocked state that exits from the card insertion end and separates from the first part. When the first card holding part moves to its limit position and is located outside the first card slot along the card insertion direction of the first card holding part, at least a portion of the first abutting part is located inside the first part. When the first card holding part is in the first locked state, the first abutting part is located inside the second part.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the follower is rotatably connected to the bracket, the axis of rotation of the follower relative to the bracket is the first axis, and the first abutting part is configured to rotate around the first axis in the first slot.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the bracket has a first limiting part and a second limiting part, and the driven member includes a swing arm connected to a first abutting part. Along the arrangement direction of the locking end and the first locking mechanism, a first limiting part is provided on one side of the swing arm, and a second limiting part is provided on the other side of the swing arm. The swing arm is configured to rotate relative to the bracket around a first axis between the first limiting part and the second limiting part. When the first locking part is in a first locked state, the swing arm triggers a first micro switch. When the first locking part is in a first unlocked state, the swing arm separates from the first micro switch to release the triggering state of the first micro switch.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the first locking mechanism includes:

[0017] The first movable member is rotatably connected to the bracket. The axis of rotation of the first movable member relative to the bracket coincides with the first axis. The first movable member can rotate relative to the driven member. The first movable member has a first slot. During the process of the first holding part switching from the first unlocked state to the first locked state, the first movable member is set to be driven by the first holding part to rotate relative to the bracket, so that the first abutting part moves around the first axis in the first slot.

[0018] The first elastic member has a first end that is rotatably connected to the bracket and a second end that is rotatably connected to the first movable member. When the first holding part is in the first unlocked state, the elastic force of the first elastic member tends to slow down the first holding part from entering the first slot. When the first holding part is in the first locked state, the elastic force of the first elastic member tends to prevent the first holding part from separating from the first slot.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the first movable member has a stop limiting portion, and the driven member has a first stop position and a second stop position. Along the rotation direction of the driven member relative to the bracket, the first stop position and the second stop position are spaced apart. The stop limiting portion is located between the first stop position and the second stop position and can move around the first axis between the first stop position and the second stop position to limit the position of rotation of the driven member relative to the first movable member.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, a first rotation center is provided between the first end and the bracket, a second rotation center is provided between the second end and the first movable member, and a third rotation center is provided between the first movable member and the bracket. On the first cross-section of the first movable member, a straight line passing through the third rotation center and the second rotation center is a first straight line. During the process of the first holding part switching from the first unlocked state to the first locked state, the trajectory curve of the second rotation center intersects with the first straight line, and the axis of rotation of the first movable member relative to the bracket is perpendicular to the first cross-section.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the holding part further includes a second holding part, which is spaced apart from the first holding part along a first direction. The second holding part is connected to the mounting part. The locking component further includes a second locking mechanism, which is spaced apart from the first locking mechanism along a first direction. The second locking mechanism includes a second movable member, which is rotatably connected to the bracket. The second movable member has a second slot. The second holding part has a second locked state where it engages with the second slot from the insertion end, and a second unlocked state where it is separated from the second slot. The first direction is perpendicular to the insertion direction of the holding member, and the rotation axis of the second movable member relative to the bracket is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, the second locking mechanism includes:

[0023] The second movable component is rotatably connected to the bracket, and the second movable component has a second slot.

[0024] The second elastic member has a first end connected to the bracket and a second end connected to the second movable member. When the second holding part is in the second unlocked state, the second elastic member has the tendency to slow down the second holding part from entering the second slot. When the second holding part is in the second locked state, the second elastic member has the tendency to slow down the separation of the second holding part from the second slot.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, a first rotation center is provided between the first connecting end and the bracket, a second rotation center is provided between the second connecting end and the second movable member, and a third rotation center is provided between the second movable member and the bracket. On the second cross-section of the second movable member, a straight line passing through the third rotation center and the first rotation center is a second straight line. During the process of the second holding part switching from the second unlocked state to the second locked state, the trajectory curve of the second rotation center intersects with the second straight line, and the axis of rotation of the second movable member relative to the bracket is perpendicular to the second cross-section.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the door lock device further includes a second micro switch, which is disposed on the bracket. When the second latching part is in the locked state, the second movable member triggers the second micro switch.

[0027] In some embodiments of this application, the second locking mechanism further includes a third elastic member disposed on the bracket. When the second holding part is in the second unlocked state, the third elastic member abuts against the second movable member, and the third elastic member is in a compressed state.

[0028] In some embodiments of this application, the first holding part is a hook structure, which includes a hook head and a hook handle. The hook head and the hook handle are connected, and the hook head and the hook handle together define an avoidance groove. When the first holding part is in a first locked state, part of the hook head is located in the first locking groove, and part of the first movable part is located in the avoidance groove.

[0029] In some embodiments of this application, the locking assembly further includes a damping component disposed on the bracket. The damping component is used to provide a damping force to the second movable member to slow down the speed at which the second holding part engages with the second slot.

[0030] In some embodiments of this application, the second movable member has a partially convex arc surface. The axis of rotation of the second movable member relative to the bracket coincides with the axis of the arc surface. The arc surface is provided with a plurality of meshing teeth continuously arranged circumferentially along the arc surface. The damping component includes a damper and a rack. The rack is slidably connected to the bracket along a first direction. The rack meshes with the meshing teeth. Along the length direction of the rack, the rack is configured to be driven and move linearly relative to the bracket. The movable end of the damper abuts against one end of the rack in the length direction.

[0031] In some embodiments of this application, the second movable member includes a rotating hook arm, and the locking assembly further includes a blocking and limiting member. The blocking and limiting member is located on the side of the second movable member having a second slot. The blocking and limiting member is movably mounted on the bracket. The blocking and limiting member has a limiting slot. When the second holding part moves out from the locking end, the limiting slot engages with the rotating hook arm to limit the rotation of the second movable member relative to the bracket. The blocking and limiting member is configured to be driven by the second holding part to separate the limiting slot from the rotating hook arm.

[0032] In some embodiments of this application, the blocking limit member is rotatably connected to the bracket, and the locking assembly further includes a fourth elastic member. The fourth elastic member is located on the side of the blocking limit member away from the second movable member. The fourth elastic member abuts against the bracket and the blocking limit member respectively. When the rotating hook arm is in the latching state, the elastic force of the fourth elastic member can cause the limiting slot to remain in the latching state with the rotating hook arm.

[0033] Secondly, this application provides a door lock device for locking the door of a cooking appliance to its housing, comprising:

[0034] A retaining element for installation on a door body, the retaining element including a first retaining part;

[0035] A locking assembly includes a bracket and a first locking mechanism. The bracket is connected to a housing, and the first locking mechanism is movably connected to the bracket. The first locking mechanism has a first slot and an abutment surface. The bracket has a snap-in end. The first holding part has a first locked state where it moves from the snap-in end to the abutment surface and slides from the abutment surface into the first slot, and a first unlocked state where it moves out of the first slot and exits from the snap-in end. When the first holding part is not snapped in, the shortest distance between any position on the abutment surface and the snap-in end along the snap-in direction of the first holding part increases progressively. The first locking mechanism is configured to be driven by the first holding part and move relative to the bracket. The first locking mechanism is used to provide the first holding part with a spring force to slow down the first holding part from entering the first slot.

[0036] The door lock device is used in cooking appliances. A latching component is installed on the door of the appliance, and a locking assembly is installed in the appliance's housing. The shortest distance from any point on the contact surface to the latching end increases progressively. During closing, the first latching part engages with the locking assembly from the latching end and slides into the first slot on the surface of the contact surface. Because the distance from the contact surface to the latching end increases along the latching direction, the contact surface has a certain slope. During the locking process, the first latching part drives the first locking mechanism to move relative to the bracket, which reduces the collision noise between the first latching part and the contact surface. Furthermore, the first locking mechanism provides resistance to the first latching part as it enters the first slot, reducing its speed and thus lowering the collision noise between the door and the housing during closing.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, the first locking mechanism includes:

[0038] The first movable component is rotatably connected to the bracket, and the first movable component has a first slot and an abutment surface;

[0039] The first elastic member has one end connected to the bracket and the other end connected to the first movable member. The first elastic member is used to provide elastic force to the first movable member, so that the first movable member has the tendency to slow down the first holding part from entering the first slot.

[0040] The first elastic element includes either a torsion spring or an elastic telescopic rod.

[0041] In some embodiments of this application, the locking component further includes a first micro switch, which is disposed on the first movable member. When the first holding part is in the first locked state, the first holding part triggers the first micro switch to generate a door closing signal.

[0042] In some embodiments of this application, the first holding part is a hook structure, which includes a hook head and a hook handle. The hook head and the hook handle are connected, and the hook head and the hook handle together define an avoidance groove. When the first holding part is in a first locked state, part of the hook head is located in the first locking groove, and part of the first movable part is located in the avoidance groove.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, the opening of the first slot includes a first edge. When the first holding part is in the first locked state, the first edge is located in the clearance groove. Along the depth direction of the opening, the surface of the hook head facing the first edge increases in size from the first edge along the insertion direction.

[0044] In some embodiments of this application, the retaining member further includes a second retaining portion, which has a hook structure. The second retaining portion and the first retaining portion are spaced apart along a first direction. The locking component further includes a second locking mechanism, which is spaced apart from the first locking mechanism along a first direction. The second locking mechanism is movably connected to the bracket and has a second slot. The second retaining portion has a second locked state where it enters from the insertion end and engages with the second slot, and a second unlocked state where it moves out of the second slot and exits from the insertion end. The first movable member is perpendicular to the first direction relative to the axis of rotation of the bracket. When the second locking mechanism is in the second unlocked state, the second locking mechanism has a tendency to slow down the second retaining portion from entering the second slot. When the second retaining portion is in the second locked state, the second locking mechanism has a tendency to prevent the second retaining portion from separating from the second slot.

[0045] In some embodiments of this application, the second locking mechanism includes:

[0046] The second movable component is rotatably connected to the bracket, and the second movable component has a second slot.

[0047] The second elastic member has a first connecting end connected to the bracket and a second connecting end connected to the second movable member. When the second holding part is in the second unlocked state, the second elastic member has the tendency to slow down the second holding part from entering the second slot. When the second holding part is in the second locked state, the second elastic member has the tendency to slow down the separation of the second holding part from the second slot.

[0048] In some embodiments of this application, a first rotation center is provided between the first connecting end and the bracket, a second rotation center is provided between the second connecting end and the second movable member, and a third rotation center is provided between the second movable member and the bracket. On the first cross-section of the second movable member, the line connecting the third rotation center to the first rotation center is a first straight line. During the process of the second holding part switching from the second unlocked state to the second locked state, the trajectory curve of the second rotation center intersects with the first straight line, and the axis of rotation of the second movable member relative to the bracket is perpendicular to the first cross-section.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, the second locking mechanism further includes a third elastic member disposed on the bracket. When the second holding part is in the second unlocked state, the third elastic member abuts against the second movable member, and the third elastic member is in a compressed state.

[0050] In some embodiments of this application, the locking assembly further includes a damping component disposed on the bracket. The damping component is used to provide a damping force to the second movable member to slow down the speed at which the second holding part engages with the second slot.

[0051] In some embodiments of this application, the second movable member has a partially convex arc surface, the axis of rotation of the second movable member relative to the bracket coincides with the axis of the arc surface, the arc surface is provided with a plurality of meshing teeth continuously arranged along the circumference of the arc surface, the damping component includes a damper and a rack, the rack is slidably connected to the bracket along a first direction, the rack meshes with the meshing teeth, along the length direction of the rack, the rack is configured to be driven and move linearly relative to the bracket, and the movable end of the damper is connected to one end of the rack in the length direction.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, the locking component further includes a second micro switch. The second micro switch is disposed on the bracket. When the second holding part is in the second locked state, the second moving member triggers the second micro switch to generate a door closing signal.

[0053] In some embodiments of this application, the second movable member includes a rotating hook arm, and the locking assembly further includes a blocking and limiting member. The blocking and limiting member is located on the side of the second movable member having a second slot. The blocking and limiting member is movably mounted on the bracket. The blocking and limiting member has a limiting slot. When the second holding part moves out from the locking end, the limiting slot engages with the rotating hook arm to limit the rotation of the second movable member relative to the bracket. The blocking and limiting member is configured to be driven by the second holding part to separate the limiting slot from the rotating hook arm.

[0054] In some embodiments of this application, the blocking limit member is rotatably connected to the bracket, and the locking assembly further includes a fourth elastic member. The fourth elastic member is located on the side of the blocking limit member away from the second movable member. The fourth elastic member abuts against the bracket and the blocking limit member respectively. When the rotating hook arm is in the latching state, the elastic force of the fourth elastic member can cause the limiting slot to remain in the latching state with the rotating hook arm.

[0055] Thirdly, this application provides a cooking appliance, comprising:

[0056] The shell has an interior cavity, and the front end of the shell has a doorway that communicates with the cavity.

[0057] The door body is configured to fit with the doorway cover, with one end of the door body pivotally connected to the housing.

[0058] The door lock device of either the first or the second aspect has a latching member installed on the door body, and a first latching part extends from the side of the door body toward the doorway. The locking component is installed inside the housing. When the door body is closed with the doorway, the first latching part is in a locked state, and when the door body is in an open state, the first latching part is in an unlocked state.

[0059] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0061] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a door lock device in a locked state according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 3A is a partial side view of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application, in a first unlocked state, with the first holding part in the first unlocked state;

[0064] Figure 3B is a partial side view of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application during the engagement process of the first holding part and the first slot;

[0065] Figure 3C is a partial side view of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application, in a first locking state;

[0066] Figure 4A is an axonometric view from a first perspective of the connection between the first moving member and the driven member in a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 4B is an axonometric view of a first perspective of the connection between the first moving member and the driven member in a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0068] Figure 5 is an isometric view of the first movable member in a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 6 is an isometric view of a follower in a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0070] Figure 7A is a side view of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application, in which the holding member and the locking component are in a separated state;

[0071] Figure 7B is a side view of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application during the locking process of the holding member and the locking component;

[0072] Figure 7C is a side view of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application after the holding member and the locking component are locked;

[0073] Figure 7D is a side view of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application, in which the holding member and the locking component are in a separated state;

[0074] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 9A is a side view of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application, in which the holding member is located outside the locking assembly;

[0076] Figure 9B is a side view of the engagement process between the latching member and the locking component of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0077] Figure 9C is a side view of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application, in which the latching member is in a locked state;

[0078] Figure 9D is a side view of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application, in which the holding member is located outside the locking assembly;

[0079] Figure 9E is a side view of a door lock device according to certain embodiments of this application, in which the holding member is located outside the locking assembly;

[0080] Figure 10A is a first-view axonometric view of a cooking appliance according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0081] Figure 10B is a partial isometric view from a second perspective of a cooking appliance according to certain embodiments of this application.

[0082] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows:

[0083] 1000. Cooking appliances;

[0084] 100. Door locking device;

[0085] 200. Shell;

[0086] 300. Door body;

[0087] 10. Holding component; 11. First holding part; 111. Hook head; 112. Hook handle; 113. Clearance groove; 12. Second holding part; 121. Hook head; 122. Hook rod; 13. Mounting part;

[0088] 20. Locking component; 21. Bracket; 211. Snap-in end; 212. First limiting part; 213. Second limiting part; 214. Third limiting part; 22. First locking mechanism; 221. First movable member; 2211. First slot; 22111. First part; 22112. Second part; 2212. Stop limiting part; 2213. Abutting surface; 222. First elastic member; 2221. First end; 2222. Second end; 23. Second locking mechanism; 231. Second movable member; 2311. Second slot; 23111. Clearance part; 23112, First guide surface; 2312, Meshing teeth; 2313, Rotating hook arm; 232, Second elastic element; 2321, First connecting end; 2322, Second connecting end; 233, Third elastic element; 24, Blocking and limiting element; 241, Limiting slot; 242, Second guide surface; 25, Fourth elastic element; 26, Cover plate; 27, First micro switch; 28, Second micro switch; 29, Follower; 291, First abutting part; 292, Swing arm; 2921, First stop position; 2922, Second stop position; 293, Rotating mounting part;

[0089] 30. Damping components; 31. Rack; 32. Damper;

[0090] X, insertion direction; Y, first direction; Z, first straight line; P, second straight line. Detailed Implementation

[0091] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0092] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0093] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0094] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0095] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0096] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0097] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0098] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0099] According to an embodiment of this application, referring to Figures 1-8B, a door lock device 100 is proposed for locking the door 300 and housing 200 of a cooking appliance. The door lock device 100 includes a retaining member 10 and a locking assembly 20. The retaining member 10 is installed on the door 300 and includes a first retaining portion 11. The locking assembly 20 includes a bracket 21, a first locking mechanism 22, a follower 29, and a first micro switch 27. The bracket 21 is installed on the housing 200. The follower 29 and the first locking mechanism 22 are movably connected to the bracket 21. The first micro switch 27 is disposed on the bracket 21. The first locking mechanism 22 has a first slot 2211. The bracket 21 has a snap-in end 211. The first retaining portion 11 has a first locking state where it enters from the snap-in end 211 and engages with the first slot 2211, and a locking state where it separates from the first slot 2211 and exits from the snap-in end 211. In the first unlocked state, the driven member 29 includes a first abutment portion 291, at least a portion of which is located within the first slot 2211. The first holding portion 11 switches from the first unlocked state to the first locked state. The first locking mechanism 22 is configured to be driven by the first holding portion 11 to move the first abutment portion 291 within the first slot 2211. The first abutment portion 291 is configured to abut against the first holding portion 11 when it moves into the first slot 2211, thereby driving the driven member 29 to move relative to the bracket 21 and triggering the first micro switch 27.

[0100] The bracket 21 and the housing 200 can be connected by a detachable method such as snap-fit ​​or screws for easy assembly. Alternatively, the bracket 21 can be fixed to the housing 200 by adhesive, welding, or riveting if assembly is not required.

[0101] The retaining element 10 can be installed on the door body 300 by welding, riveting or screw connection.

[0102] The door body 300 and the housing 200 can be engaged via a door lock device 100. Specifically, one end of the door body 300 is rotatably connected to the housing 200, and the other end of the door body 300 is openably and closeably connected to the housing 200 via the door lock device 100. Multiple door lock devices 100 can also be provided, and the door body 300 can be detachably engaged with the housing 200 via the door lock device 100.

[0103] The first holding part 11 can be a hook-shaped structure, or it can be an L-shaped rod or a T-shaped rod.

[0104] As an example, the retaining member 10 includes a mounting portion 13, and a first retaining portion 11 is connected to the mounting portion 13. The connection between the first retaining portion 11 and the mounting portion 13 includes, but is not limited to, screw connection, riveting, welding, or integral molding. The first retaining portion 11 can be a metal part or a plastic part.

[0105] The driven member 29 can be slidably connected to the bracket 21 along the snap-in direction, or it can be rotatably connected to the bracket 21. The first abutting part 291 is restricted to move within the first snap-in slot 2211. That is, during the snap-in process, the first holding part 11 can drive the driven member 29 to translate or rotate relative to the bracket 21 to trigger the first micro switch 27. Depending on the structure of the driven member 29 and its position movably connected to the bracket 21, the first micro switch 27 can be set at different positions on the bracket 21. Taking Figure 3A as an example, with the up and down direction in Figure 3A as a reference, the first micro switch 27 can be set below the driven member 29, or it can be set on the side of the first locking mechanism 22 opposite to the first holding part 11 in Figure 3A.

[0106] As an example, with the reference direction shown in Figure 1, the first micro switch 27 is positioned below the first movable member 221.

[0107] The first micro switch 27 can be connected to the bracket 21 by screws, or it can be fixed to the bracket 21 by snap-fit ​​or adhesive.

[0108] Taking a cooking appliance 1000 as an example, such as a common microwave oven, during microwave oven use, when the door is closed, the first latch reaches a locked state. At this time, the first latch precisely triggers the first microswitch 27, thereby generating a door-closing signal. For example, when a user prepares to heat food and closes the microwave oven door, if the first latch is not in the correct locked state, the first microswitch 27 will not be triggered, and the microwave oven will not start. Only when the first latch successfully locks and triggers the first microswitch 27, generating a door-closing signal, will the microwave oven's heating function be activated. This effectively prevents the microwave oven from being started when the door is not properly closed, avoiding potential harm to the human body caused by microwave leakage.

[0109] When the first holding part 11 is located outside the locking component 20, the opening of the first slot 2211 is set towards the first holding part 11. During the locking process, the first holding part 11 can first enter the first slot 2211, and then move further to change the position of the first locking mechanism 22 relative to the bracket 21, so as to change the orientation of the slot and realize the restriction of the first slot 2211 on the first holding part 11 along the locking direction X.

[0110] During the closing process, the first holding part 11 abuts against the first abutting part 291 in the first card slot 2211. As the first holding part 11 moves, it drives the driven member 29 to move, thereby triggering the first micro switch 27 to generate a closing signal. When the first holding part 11 and the first card slot 2211 malfunction and do not enter the first card slot 2211, for example, when a foreign object enters the first card slot 2211 or the first card slot 2211 is not in the predetermined position, a jamming abnormality will occur. Since the first holding part 11 does not contact the first abutting part 291, this will reduce the probability that the driven member 29 will be driven by the first holding part 11 to trigger the first micro switch 27, that is, reduce the probability that the first micro switch 27 will be accidentally triggered because the door body 300 and the housing 200 are not locked.

[0111] In some embodiments of this application, the first card slot 2211 includes a first part 22111 and a second part 22112, which are connected. The first card holding part 11 has a first locked state that enters from the card insertion end 211 and engages with the first part 22111, and a first unlocked state that separates from the first part 22111 and exits from the card insertion end 211. When the first card holding part 11 moves to its limit position and is located outside the first card slot 2211 along the card insertion direction X of the first card holding part 11, at least a portion of the first abutment part 291 is located inside the first part 22111. When the first card holding part 11 is in the first locked state, the first abutment part 291 is located inside the second part 22112.

[0112] When a jamming abnormality occurs, the first holding part 11 is always located outside the first slot 2211. At this time, the range of motion of the first abutting part 291 within the first slot 2211 increases, which can reduce the probability that the first slot 2211 drives the first abutting part 291 to move and cause the follower 29 to move relative to the bracket 21, thereby reducing the probability that the first micro switch 27 is accidentally triggered, so as to improve the reliability of the door lock device 100.

[0113] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 3A-3C. The follower 29 is rotatably connected to the bracket 21. The axis of rotation of the follower 29 relative to the bracket 21 is the first axis. The first abutment portion 291 is configured to rotate around the first axis in the first slot 2211.

[0114] By rotatably connecting the follower 29 to the bracket 21 and allowing the first abutment 291 to move around the first axis within the first slot 2211, the smoothness of the entire system's movement is greatly enhanced. This design allows the follower 29 to be driven more precisely, reducing jamming and friction, and improving transmission efficiency.

[0115] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 3A-3C, the bracket 21 has a first limiting part 212 and a second limiting part 213. The follower 29 includes a swing arm 292, which is connected to the first abutting part 291. Along the arrangement direction of the locking end 211 and the first locking mechanism 22, the first limiting part 212 is provided on one side of the swing arm 292, and the second limiting part 213 is provided on the other side of the swing arm 292. The swing arm 292 is configured to rotate relative to the bracket 21 about a first axis between the first limiting part 212 and the second limiting part 213. When the first holding part 11 is in a first locked state, the swing arm 292 triggers the first micro switch 27. When the first holding part 11 is in a first unlocked state, the swing arm 292 separates from the first micro switch 27 to release the triggering state of the first micro switch 27.

[0116] As an example, the follower 29 also includes a rotating mounting portion 293, which is rotatably connected to the bracket 21 and has a first axis. The first abutment portion 291 is connected to the swing arm 292 through the rotating mounting portion 293, and can be formed into an integral structure by welding, bonding or injection molding. The rotating mounting portion 293 is generally cylindrical, and the first abutment portion 291 and the swing arm 292 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the rotating mounting portion 293.

[0117] The first limiting part 212 and the second limiting part 213 can limit the movement space of the swing arm 292, thereby reducing the probability that the first micro switch 27 will be deactivated due to the excessive angle of the swing arm 292 after the engagement (the swing arm 292 passes over the first micro switch 27, and the first micro switch 27 is deactivated after being triggered).

[0118] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 3A-3C and 7D, the first locking mechanism 22 includes a first movable member 221 and a first elastic member 222. The first movable member 221 is rotatably connected to the bracket 21. The axis of rotation of the first movable member 221 relative to the bracket 21 coincides with a first axis. The first movable member 221 is rotatable relative to the driven member 29. The first movable member 221 has a first slot 2211. The first holding part 11 switches from a first unlocked state to a first locked state. The first movable member 221 is configured to be driven by the first holding part 11 to rotate relative to the bracket 21, so that the first abutting part 291 moves within the first slot 2211 around the first axis. The first end 2221 of the first elastic member 222 is rotatably connected to the bracket 21, and the second end 2222 of the first elastic member 222 is rotatably connected to the first movable member 221. When the first holding part 11 is in the first unlocked state, the elastic force of the first elastic member 222 tends to slow down the first holding part 11 from entering the first slot 2211. When the first holding part 11 is in the first locked state, the elastic force of the first elastic member 222 tends to prevent the first holding part 11 from separating from the first slot 2211.

[0119] The first elastic element 222 includes, but is not limited to, any one of a torsion spring or an elastic telescopic rod.

[0120] As an example, please refer to Figure 7D. The elastic telescopic rod can be an air spring; the elastic telescopic rod can also include a first rod, a second rod and a first compression spring. The first rod is a hollow rod, a portion of the second rod is located in the cavity of the first rod and extends from one end of the first rod, the other end of the first rod is blocked, and a first compression spring is provided between the other end of the first rod and the second rod.

[0121] As an example, the bracket 21 also has a third limiting part 214, which abuts against the first moving member 221 when the first holding part 11 is outside the locking assembly 20.

[0122] As an example, please refer to Figures 3A-3C to illustrate the structure of the first elastic member 222 as a first torsion spring. With the direction shown in Figure 3A as a reference, the first torsion spring is located above the first movable member 221. The bracket 21 is provided with a first connecting hole, and the first movable member 221 is provided with a second connecting hole. One end of the first torsion spring is rotatably connected to the first connecting hole, and the other end of the first torsion spring is rotatably connected to the second connecting hole. The rotatable connection position with the second connecting hole is offset from the rotation center of the first movable member 221.

[0123] As an example, the first elastic element 222 can be a first tension spring. One end of the first tension spring is connected to the bracket 21, and the other end is connected to the first movable element 221. The position where the first tension spring is connected to the bracket 21 is above the first movable element 221 and located behind the first axis along the insertion direction X. The position where the first tension spring is connected to the first movable element 221 is below the first axis. When the first holding part 11 is withdrawn from the insertion end 211, the position where the first tension spring is connected to the first movable element 221 is located behind the first axis along the insertion direction X. When the first holding part 11 is engaged, the position where the first tension spring is connected to the first movable element 221 is located in front of and below the first axis along the insertion direction X. During the engagement process, the first tension spring crosses the first axis so that the torque direction of the first tension spring acting on the first movable element 221 is opposite to that before the first holding part 11 is engaged, so that the engagement of the first holding part 11 can be slowed down during engagement and the engagement state can be maintained after engagement.

[0124] The first elastic element 222 can be, but is not limited to, any one of a torsion spring or an elastic telescopic rod, and the structure of the elastic telescopic rod can be, but is not limited to, the structures listed above.

[0125] The first elastic element 222 slows down the engagement speed of the first latching part 11. On the one hand, it buffers the noise from the impact between the door 300 and the housing 200 when the door is closed, and on the other hand, it reduces the engagement noise of the first latching part 11. At the same time, it allows the first latching part 11 to switch between the first unlocked state and the first locked state by overcoming the elastic force of the first elastic element 222 through external force, which facilitates the opening and closing operations.

[0126] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 4A-6, the first movable member 221 has a stop limiting portion 2212, and the driven member 29 is provided with a first stop position 2921 and a second stop position 2922. Along the rotation direction of the driven member 29 relative to the bracket 21, the first stop position 2921 and the second stop position 2922 are spaced apart. The stop limiting portion 2212 is located between the first stop position 2921 and the second stop position 2922, and can move around the first axis between the first stop position 2921 and the second stop position 2922 to limit the position of rotation of the driven member 29 relative to the first movable member 221.

[0127] As an example, the swing arm 292 of the follower 29 has a groove on one side extending along the first axis, and a stop limiting part is located in the groove. In the direction of rotation of the follower 29 relative to the bracket 21, one of the two spaced groove walls serves as the first stop position 2921, and the other serves as the second stop position 2922. The stop limiting part 2212 can be a protruding structure extending along the first axis.

[0128] The setting of the first stop position 2921 and the second stop position 2922 can limit the rotation range of the driven member 29, thereby reducing the probability that the driven member 29 will fail to trigger the first micro switch 27 due to excessive rotation angle, as well as the abnormal jamming, and improving the reliability of the door lock device 100. In other embodiments, the first elastic member 222 may be omitted, and the first movable member 221 may be driven by a motor. The motor is controlled by a controller to achieve forward and reverse rotation. A position sensor is provided on the bracket 21. When the first holding part 11 is not engaged, the opening of the first slot 2211 is obliquely upward facing the side of the first holding part 11. The position sensor is positioned opposite to the first slot 2211. During the engagement process, after the position sensor detects the signal that the first holding part 11 has entered the first slot 2211, it sends a command to the controller to drive the first movable member 221 to rotate, thereby achieving engagement of the first holding part 11. At the same time, during the rotation of the first movable member 221, the first holding part 11 abuts against the first abutting part 291 and drives the driven member 29 to rotate, thereby causing the driven member 29 to trigger the first micro switch 27.

[0129] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 3A-3C and 7D. The first end 2221 has a first rotation center with respect to the bracket 21, the second end 2222 has a second rotation center with respect to the first movable member 221, and the first movable member 221 has a third rotation center with respect to the bracket 21. On the first cross-section of the first movable member 221, the straight line passing through the third rotation center and the second rotation center is the first straight line Z. During the process of the first holding part 11 switching from the first unlocked state to the first locked state, the trajectory curve of the second rotation center intersects with the first straight line Z. The axis of rotation of the first movable member 221 relative to the bracket 21 is perpendicular to the first cross-section.

[0130] As an example, referring to Figure 7D, the first elastic element 222 can be a first elastic telescopic rod, one end of which is hinged to the bracket 21, and the other end of which is hinged to the first movable element 221. On the same plane perpendicular to the hinge axis between the first elastic element 222 and the bracket 21, the center of the hinge axis between the first elastic telescopic rod and the bracket 21 is the first rotation center. The center of the hinge axis between the first elastic telescopic rod and the first movable element 221 is the second rotation center. During the engagement process, the first movable element 221 rotates, while the first elastic telescopic rod swings relative to the bracket 21.

[0131] The first elastic element 222 can reduce the snapping speed of the first snapping part 11. On the one hand, it can buffer the noise of the door 300 hitting the housing 200 when closing, and on the other hand, it can reduce the snapping noise.

[0132] In some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG3A, the first holding part 11 can be a hook structure, the hook structure includes a hook head 111 and a hook handle 112, the hook head 111 is connected to the hook handle 112, the hook head 111 and the hook handle 112 together define an avoidance groove 113, when the first holding part 11 is in the first locked state, part of the hook head 111 is located in the first slot 2211, and part of the first movable part 221 is located in the avoidance groove 113.

[0133] The clearance groove 113 can increase the engagement volume of the first holding part 11, thereby improving the reliability of the first holding part 11.

[0134] Thus, the first latching part 11 can be latched and unlocked, thereby enabling the door lock device 100 to be opened and locked when the door is closed.

[0135] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 1, 2, and 7A-7D, the holding part further includes a second holding part 12, which is spaced apart from the first holding part 11 along the first direction Y. The second holding part 12 is connected to the mounting part 13. The locking assembly 20 further includes a second locking mechanism 23, which is spaced apart from the first locking mechanism 22 along the first direction Y. The second locking mechanism 23 includes a second movable member 231, which is rotatably connected to the bracket 21. The second movable member 231 has a second slot 2311. The second holding part 12 has a second locked state where it enters from the insertion end 211 and engages with the second slot 2311, and a second unlocked state where it separates from the second slot 2311 and exits from the insertion end 211. The first direction Y is perpendicular to the insertion direction X of the holding member 10, and the axis of rotation of the second movable member 231 relative to the bracket 21 is perpendicular to the first direction Y.

[0136] The second holding part 12 is connected to the mounting part 13, specifically by means of integral molding, riveting, welding or screw connection.

[0137] The second movable member 231 can be rotated with the bracket 21 by a motor drive to change the position of the second slot 2311, thereby enabling the active engagement and separation of the second slot 2311 and the second holding part 12. Alternatively, the second movable member 231 can be elastically connected to the bracket 21 by the second elastic member 232, and driven by the second holding part 12 to achieve passive engagement and separation of the second slot 2311 and the second holding part 12.

[0138] Taking the microwave oven as an example of the cooking appliance 1000, the setting of the second latching part 12 can increase the number of latching positions between the door 300 and the housing 200, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the door 300 when closing, thus reducing the probability of microwave leakage of the microwave oven when closing the door; at the same time, it reduces the deformation of the door 300 when closing the door, thereby reducing the impact sound of the door 300 against the housing 200 caused by deformation, and improving the user experience.

[0139] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 7A-7D, the second locking mechanism 23 further includes a second elastic member 232. The first connecting end 2321 of the second elastic member 232 is rotatably connected to the bracket 21, and the second connecting end 2322 of the second elastic member 232 is rotatably connected to the first movable member 221. When the second holding part 12 is in the second unlocked state, the elastic force of the second elastic member 232 tends to slow down the second holding part 12 from entering the second slot 2311. When the second holding part 12 is in the locked state, the elastic force of the second elastic member 232 tends to prevent the second holding part 12 from separating from the second slot 2311.

[0140] The second elastic element 232 can be any one of, but is not limited to, a tension spring, a torsion spring, or an elastic telescopic rod.

[0141] As an example, the second elastic element 232 can be a second tension spring. One end of the second tension spring is connected to the bracket 21, and the other end is connected to the second movable element 231. The position where the second tension spring is connected to the bracket 21 is above the first movable element 221 and is located in front of the second axis along the insertion direction X. The position where the second tension spring is connected to the second movable element 231 is below the second axis. When the second holding part 12 is withdrawn from the insertion end 211, the position where the second tension spring is connected to the second movable element 231 is in front of the second axis along the insertion direction X. When the second holding part 12 is engaged, the position where the second tension spring is connected to the second movable element 231 is located behind and below the second axis along the insertion direction X. During the engagement process, the second tension spring crosses the second axis so that the torque direction of the second tension spring acting on the second movable element 231 is opposite to that before the second holding part 12 is engaged, so that the engagement of the second holding part 12 can be slowed down during engagement and the engagement state can be maintained after engagement.

[0142] The second elastic element 232 can be, but is not limited to, any one of a torsion spring or an elastic telescopic rod, and the structure of the elastic telescopic rod can be, but is not limited to, the structures listed above.

[0143] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 7A-7D. The first connecting end 2321 has a first rotation center between itself and the bracket 21, the second connecting end 2322 has a second rotation center between itself and the second movable member 231, and the second movable member 231 has a third rotation center between itself and the bracket 21. On the second cross-section of the second movable member 231, the straight line passing through the third rotation center and the first rotation center is the second straight line P. During the process of the second holding part 12 switching from the second unlocked state to the second locked state, the trajectory curve of the second rotation center intersects with the second straight line P. The axis of rotation of the second movable member 231 relative to the bracket 21 is perpendicular to the second cross-section.

[0144] As an example, referring to Figure 7D, the second elastic member 232 can be a second elastic telescopic rod. One end of the second elastic telescopic rod is hinged to the bracket 21, and the other end is hinged to the second movable member 231. In the second cross-section, the center of the hinge axis between the second elastic telescopic rod and the bracket 21 is the first rotation center. The hinge center between the second elastic telescopic rod and the second movable member 231 is the second rotation center. During the engagement of the second locking part 12, the second movable member 231 rotates, and the second elastic telescopic rod rotates relative to the bracket 21. When the second locking part 12 is not engaged, the second movable member 231 remains in an unlocked state under the elastic force of the second elastic telescopic rod. During the engagement process of the second holding part 12, the second holding part 12 overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic telescopic rod and causes the second movable member 231 to rotate. When the second rotation center moves to the second straight line P, the torque of the elastic force of the second elastic telescopic rod on the second movable member 231 is zero. As the second holding part 12 further causes the second movable member 231 to rotate, the direction of the torque of the second elastic telescopic rod on the second movable member 231 is opposite to that before engagement.

[0145] Figures 7A-7C exemplarily illustrate the structure of the second elastic element 232 being a torsion spring connected to the bracket 21 and the second movable element 231, respectively.

[0146] Therefore, during the engagement or unlocking process of the second latching part 12, the second elastic member 232 can provide elastic force in different directions to the second movable member 231 to generate torque in different directions, thereby slowing down the engagement speed during the engagement of the second latching part 12 and maintaining the locked state after the second latching part 12 is locked.

[0147] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 1 and 7A, the door lock device 100 further includes a second micro switch 28, which is disposed on the bracket 21. When the second holding part 12 is in the second locked state, the second moving part 231 triggers the second micro switch 28.

[0148] The connection between the second micro switch 28 and the bracket 21 includes, but is not limited to, snap-fit, screw connection, or adhesive connection.

[0149] The second microswitch 28 provides a door-closing signal to the second latching part 12 upon successful engagement, ensuring that the cooking appliance 1000 performs cooking operations after the door is closed. Taking a microwave oven as an example, this design prevents the microwave oven from being started if the door is not properly closed, avoiding potential harm to the human body from microwave leakage.

[0150] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 7A-7C. The locking component 20 further includes a third elastic member 233. The third elastic member 233 is disposed on the bracket 21. When the second holding part 12 is in the unlocked state, the third elastic member 233 abuts against the second moving part 231, and the third elastic member 233 is in the compressed state.

[0151] The third elastic element 233 includes, but is not limited to, one of a compression spring, an elastic rubber element, an elastic telescopic rod, or an elastic polyurethane element. The elastic telescopic rod can be, but is not limited to, the examples mentioned above.

[0152] As an example, during the engagement process of the second holding part 12, the second movable member 231 can separate from the third elastic member 233 when it rotates at a certain angle, or it can remain in contact with the third elastic member 233.

[0153] In the second unlocked state, the second movable member 231 remains balanced under the force of the third elastic member 233 and the second elastic member 232. On the one hand, when the second holding part 12 is unlocked, the third elastic member 233 can have a buffering effect, which can reduce the impact of the second movable member 231 on the bracket 21, thereby reducing damage to the bracket 21 and extending the service life of the bracket 21. On the other hand, during the locking process of the second holding part 12, the elastic force of the third elastic member 233 can offset part of the elastic force of the second elastic member 232, thereby reducing the thrust acting on the holding member 10 and making locking easier.

[0154] In some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG2, the locking assembly 20 further includes a damping component 30, which is disposed on the bracket 21. The damping component 30 is used to provide damping force to the second movable member 231 to slow down the speed at which the second holding part 12 engages in the second slot 2311.

[0155] The damping component 30 includes either an elastic telescopic rod or a damper 32.

[0156] The damping component 30 can further slow down the engagement speed of the second latching part 12, so as to reduce the impact sound between the door 300 and the housing 200 when the door 300 of the cooking appliance 1000 is closed, and at the same time reduce the engagement sound of the second latching part 12.

[0157] In some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG2, the second movable member 231 has a partially convex arc surface. The axis of rotation of the second movable member 231 relative to the bracket 21 coincides with the axis of the partially outer cylindrical surface. The arc surface is provided with a plurality of meshing teeth 2312 continuously arranged circumferentially along the arc surface. The damping component 30 includes a damper 32 and a rack 31. The rack 31 is slidably connected to the bracket 21 along the first direction Y. The rack 31 meshes with the meshing teeth 2312. Along the straight direction of the rack 31, the rack 31 is configured to be driven to make linear motion relative to the bracket 21. The movable end of the damper 32 is connected to the rack 31.

[0158] As an example, the bracket 21 is provided with a cover plate 26, which is detachably connected to the bracket 21. Specifically, it can be one or both of snap-fit ​​or screw connection, and together with the bracket 21, it defines a guide groove. The length direction of the guide groove can be the same as the first direction Y. The rack 31 and the damper 32 are both disposed in the guide groove.

[0159] The damper 32 can be a unidirectional damper. In other examples, the damping component 30 can be a flexible telescopic rod, which can be one of the structures listed above.

[0160] As an example, the second slot 2311 can generally be a U-shaped slot.

[0161] During the engagement of the second latching part 12, the second latching part 12 drives the second movable member 231 to rotate relative to the bracket 21. The rotation of the second movable member 231 drives the rack 31 to move along its own linear direction, thereby compressing the damper 32. The damper 32 provides a reverse damping force to slow down the speed at which the second latching part 12 enters the second latching slot 2311, thereby reducing the noise generated by the collision between the door 300 and the housing 200 when the door is closed, and also reducing the noise of the latching member 10 engaging with the locking assembly 20. In other examples, the rack 31 structure can be omitted, one end of the damper 32 abuts against the second movable member 231, and the other end of the damper 32 is hinged to the bracket 21.

[0162] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 2 and 7A-7C. The second movable member 231 includes a rotating hook arm 2313, and the locking assembly 20 also includes a blocking limit member 24. The blocking limit member 24 is located on the side of the second movable member 231 with the second slot 2311. The blocking limit member 24 is movably mounted on the bracket 21. The blocking limit member 24 has a limiting slot 241. When the second holding part 12 moves out from the locking end 211, the limiting slot 241 engages with the rotating hook arm 2313 to limit the rotation of the second movable member 231 relative to the bracket 21.

[0163] As an example, the second movable member 231 is also provided with a first guide surface 23112, which is connected to the groove wall of the second slot 2311. During the process of the second holding part 12 being inserted into the second slot 2311, the second holding part 12 first abuts against the first guide surface 23112. The second holding part 12 is driven by an external force to make the second movable member 231 rotate. At this time, the position of the second slot 2311 relative to the second holding part 12 changes, and slides into the second slot 2311 under the guidance of the first guide surface 23112, and finally moves into the second slot 2311. At the same time, it maintains the locked state under the force of the second elastic member 232.

[0164] As an example, the second slot 2311 has a clearance portion 23111. During the engagement of the second holding portion 12, as the second movable member 231 rotates, the orientation of the opening of the second slot 2311 changes, and the clearance portion 23111 can avoid the second slot 2311, thereby reducing the probability of interference during engagement. A portion of the clearance portion 23111 can connect with the aforementioned first guide surface 23112. In other examples, the width of the second slot 2311 is slightly larger than the width (dimension along the engagement direction X) of the second holding portion 12, to further reduce the probability of jamming due to interference during engagement.

[0165] As an example, the second holding part 12 has a hook-shaped structure, including a hook rod 122 and a hook head 121. The hook head 121 is connected to the hook rod 122, which can be welded or integrally formed. A clearance groove 113 is formed between the hook head 121 and the hook rod 122 to accommodate at least a partial rotation of the hook arm 2313 during the locking process. Along the direction from the hook head 121 to the hook rod 122, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hook rod 122 increases progressively, which can improve the strength of the hook rod 122 and reduce stress concentration of the hook rod 122 during the locking process.

[0166] The limiting slot 241 can be, but is not limited to, a U-shaped slot, a trapezoidal slot, or a rectangular slot, etc., and can be designed according to actual needs.

[0167] The blocking and limiting member 24 can be slidably connected to the bracket 21, and the blocking and limiting member 24 can also be rotatably connected to the bracket 21.

[0168] As an example, the blocking and limiting member 24 is slidably connected to the bracket 21 along the first direction Y. Specifically, the bracket 21 is provided with a guide groove extending along the first direction Y, the blocking and limiting member 24 is disposed in the guide groove, and is capable of moving along the first direction Y. A spring or elastic telescopic rod is provided between the guide groove and the blocking and limiting member 24.

[0169] As an example, the end of the bracket 21 that receives the holding member 10 is the insertion end 211. The blocking and limiting member 24 is provided with a second guide surface 242 on the side facing the insertion end 211. Along the first direction Y, the minimum dimension from any position on the second guide surface 242 to the insertion end 211 increases. During the engagement of the second holding part 12, the second guide surface 242 is squeezed by the second holding part 12, so that the limiting groove 241 moves away from the rotating hook arm 2313, thereby releasing the restriction of the blocking and limiting member 24 on the rotation of the second movable member 231, and finally realizing the engagement of the second holding part 12.

[0170] As an example, the blocking and limiting member 24 is provided with a first magnet and a second magnet on the side opposite to the second movable member 231. The first magnet is connected to the blocking and limiting member 24 and can also be part of the blocking and limiting member 24. The second magnet is fixed to the bracket 21 and can also be part of the bracket 21. The first magnet and the second magnet are arranged opposite each other and their magnetic poles face each other. The repulsive force of the first magnet and the second magnet can keep the rotating hook arm 2313 in a locked state with the limiting slot 241.

[0171] By rotating the hook arm 2313 and setting the limiting slot 241, the probability of the second moving part 231 being abnormally triggered can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the second holding part 12 engaging with the second slot 2311.

[0172] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 7A-7C. The blocking and limiting member 24 is rotatably connected to the bracket 21. The locking assembly 20 also includes a fourth elastic member 25. The fourth elastic member 25 is located on the side of the blocking and limiting member 24 away from the second movable member 231. The fourth elastic member 25 abuts against the bracket 21 and the blocking and limiting member 24 respectively. When the rotating hook arm 2313 is in the latching state, the elastic force of the fourth elastic member 25 can cause the limiting slot 241 to remain in the latching state with the rotating hook arm 2313.

[0173] The fourth elastic element 25 includes a compression spring, an elastic telescopic rod, or a torsion spring.

[0174] As an example, the fourth elastic element 25 can be a first compression spring. The first compression spring is located on the side of the blocking limit member 24 away from the second movable member 231 and is offset from the rotation center of the blocking limit member 24. One end of the fourth elastic element 25 abuts against the bracket 21, and the other end abuts against the blocking limit member 24. Under the elastic force of the fourth elastic element 25, the blocking limit member 24 tends to rotate toward the second movable member 231 so as to maintain the locking state of the rotating hook arm 2313.

[0175] The fourth elastic element 25 enables the rotating hook arm 2313 to remain in a locked state, thereby reducing the probability of the second movable element 231 being abnormally triggered and further improving the reliability of the locking of the second locking part 12. Furthermore, by overcoming the elastic force of the fourth elastic element 25, the rotating hook arm 2313 can be released from the locked state, facilitating the locking operation of the second locking part 12. At the same time, during the locking process, it can also provide damping force to the second locking part 12 to slow down the speed of entering the second slot 2311.

[0176] According to an embodiment of this application, referring to Figures 8-9E, a door lock device 100 is proposed for locking the door 300 of a cooking appliance 1000 to the housing 200. The door lock device 100 includes a retaining member 10 and a locking assembly 20. The retaining member 10 is used to install on the door 300. The retaining member 10 includes a first retaining portion 11. The locking assembly 20 includes a bracket 21 and a first locking mechanism 22. The bracket 21 is used to connect to the housing 200, and the first locking mechanism 22 is movably connected to the bracket 21. The first locking mechanism 22 has a first slot 2211 and an abutment surface 2213. The bracket 21 has an insertion end 211. The first retaining portion 11 has a first locking state where it moves from the insertion end 211 to the abutment surface 2213 and slides from the abutment surface 2213 into the first slot 2211, and a locking state where it moves from the first slot 2211 into the first slot 2211. In the first unlocked state, when the first holding part 11 is not engaged, the shortest distance between any position on the contact surface 2213 and the holding end 211 along the holding direction X of the first holding part 11 increases. The first locking mechanism 22 is configured to be driven by the first holding part 11 and move relative to the bracket 21. The first locking mechanism 22 is used to provide elastic force to the first holding part 11 to slow down the first holding part 11 from entering the first slot 2211.

[0177] Any position on the contact surface 2213 refers to the position of the contact surface 2213 along the insertion direction X of the first holding part 11, that is, along the insertion direction X of the first holding part 11, the position on the contact surface 2213 gradually approaches the opening of the first slot 2211, and the distance from the insertion end 211 gradually increases.

[0178] As shown in Figure 2A, the shortest distance dmin between any position on the contact surface 2213 and the snap-in end 211 is given. The size of dmin increases along the snap-in direction X.

[0179] The bracket 21 and the housing 200 can be connected by a detachable method such as snap-fit ​​or screws for easy assembly. Alternatively, the bracket 21 can be fixed to the housing 200 by adhesive, welding, or riveting if assembly is not required.

[0180] The retaining element 10 can be installed on the door body 300 by welding, riveting or screw connection.

[0181] The snap-in end 211 refers to the end of the bracket 21 used to receive the snap-in member 10. As an example, the snap-in end 211 of the bracket 21 is provided with a first passage. During the snap-in process of the first snap-in part 11 and the first slot 2211, the first snap-in part 11 first passes through the first passage and abuts against the abutting surface 2213. The first snap-in part 11 moves under the action of external force. Since the dimension of the abutting surface 2213 to the snap-in end 211 along the snap-in direction X increases, the abutting surface 2213 has a certain slope. Under the pressure of the first snap-in part 11, the abutting surface 2213 causes the first locking mechanism 22 to move relative to the bracket 21.

[0182] The insertion direction X refers to the direction in which the first holding part 11 enters the locking component 20 from the insertion end 211.

[0183] As an example, the retaining member 10 also includes a mounting portion 13, and a first retaining portion 11 is connected to the mounting portion 13. The electrical connection between the first retaining portion 11 and the mounting portion 13 includes, but is not limited to, screw connection, riveting, welding, or integral molding. The first retaining portion 11 can be a metal part or a plastic part.

[0184] As an example, the first holding part 11 can be a hook-shaped structure or a structure with a snap-fit ​​protrusion at the end, such as a rod-shaped structure with a ball at the end.

[0185] The contact surface 2213 can be any one of a plane, a convex arc surface, or a concave arc surface, but is not limited to a plane.

[0186] The door lock device 100 is used in the cooking appliance 1000. The retaining member 10 can be installed on the door 300 of the cooking appliance 1000, and the locking component 20 can be installed in the housing 200 of the cooking appliance 1000. The dimensions of the contact surface 2213 to the engaging end 211 increase gradually along the engaging direction X. During the closing process, the first retaining part 11 engages with the locking component 20 from the engaging end 211 and slides into the first slot 2211 on the surface of the contact surface 2213. The first retaining part 11 is locked by the locking component 20 during this process. In the middle, the first holding part 11 drives the first locking mechanism 22 to move relative to the bracket 21. Since the size of the abutment surface 2213 to the locking end 211 increases along the locking direction X, the collision sound between the first holding part 11 and the abutment surface 2213 can be reduced. In addition, the first locking mechanism 22 can provide the first holding part 11 with resistance to enter the first slot 2211, so as to reduce the speed at which the first holding part 11 enters the first slot 2211, thereby reducing the collision noise between the door 300 and the housing 200 during the closing process.

[0187] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 8 and 9A-9C, the first locking mechanism 22 includes a first movable member 221 and a first elastic member 222. The first movable member 221 is rotatably connected to the bracket 21 and has a first slot 2211 and an abutment surface 2213. One end of the first elastic member 222 is connected to the bracket 21, and the other end is connected to the first movable member 221. The first elastic member 222 provides elastic force to the first movable member 221, thereby reducing the tendency of the first holding portion 11 to enter the first slot 2211.

[0188] The first elastic element 222 includes, but is not limited to, any one of a torsion spring, a compression spring, or a first elastic telescopic rod.

[0189] As an example, the first elastic element 222 can be a torsion spring. Referring to the direction shown in Figure 2A, the first elastic element 222 is located below the first movable element 221. The bracket 21 has a first connecting hole, and the first movable element 221 has a second connecting hole. One end of the first elastic element 222 is rotatably connected to the first connecting hole, and the other end is rotatably connected to the second connecting hole. The position of the rotatable connection with the second connecting hole is offset from the axis of rotation between the first movable element 221 and the bracket 21. When the first holding part 11 presses against the pressing surface and slides onto the surface of the abutting surface 2213 into the first slot 2211, due to the slope of the abutting surface 2213, the first holding part 11 drives the first movable element 221 to rotate relative to the bracket 21. At this time, the first elastic element 222 is compressed, causing the first movable element 221 to generate resistance that slows down the entry of the first holding part 11 into the first elastic element 222, thereby slowing down the speed at which the first holding part 11 enters the first slot 2211. In another example, the first elastic element 222 can also be fitted onto the position where the first movable element 221 is rotatably connected to the bracket 21.

[0190] As an example, the first elastic element 222 can be a compression spring. The bracket 21 is provided with a connecting part, and one end of the first elastic element 222 is installed in the connecting part, for example, by bonding or welding. When the first holding part 11 presses against the pressing surface and slides into the first slot 2211 on the surface of the abutting surface 2213, the first movable element 221 rotates relative to the bracket 21 and abuts against the compression spring, causing the compression spring to be compressed. The compression spring can be replaced by an elastic telescopic rod, i.e., Figure 9D exemplarily shows the structure of the first elastic element 222 as a first elastic telescopic rod. As an example, the first elastic telescopic rod can be an air spring. The elastic telescopic rod can also include a first rod, a second rod, and a first compression spring. The first rod is a hollow rod, and part of the second rod is disposed in the cavity of the first rod and extends from one end of the first rod. The other end of the first rod is blocked, and a first compression spring is provided between the other end of the first rod and the second rod. During installation, one end of the first elastic telescopic rod can be hinged to the bracket 21, and the other end can be hinged to the first movable member 221 or abut against the second movable member 231. The axes of rotation of the first movable member 221 and the bracket 21 can be perpendicular to the axis of the first elastic telescopic rod and are spaced apart.

[0191] As an example, the first movable part 221 includes a first rotating part, a main body part, and an abutting part. The first rotating part is connected to the main body part, and can be formed into an integral structure by injection molding or welding. The first rotating part has an insertion hole, and the bracket 21 has a rotating shaft, with the insertion hole and rotating shaft being inserted into each other; alternatively, the first rotating part is a cylindrical protrusion mechanism, the bracket 21 has an insertion hole, and the first rotating part is inserted into the insertion hole. The abutting part is connected to the side of the main body part facing the insertion end. The abutting part can be formed into an integral structure with the main body part by injection molding or welding, and the side of the abutting part facing the insertion end has an abutting surface 2213. The abutting part and the first rotating part are spaced apart along the insertion direction X, and the abutting part, the first rotating part, and the main body part together define the first slot 2211.

[0192] As an example, the first card slot 2211 can also be provided on the abutment surface 2213, that is, when the first card holding part 11 slides along the abutment surface 2213, it can slide directly into the first card slot 2211.

[0193] As an example, in order to improve the reliability of the engagement between the first slot 2211 and the first holding part 11, the bracket 21 is provided with a first limiting part 212 for limiting the rotation angle of the first movable member 221. When the first holding part 11 slides along the abutment surface 2213 and slides into the slot of the first slot 2211, the first movable member 221 rotates and approaches the first limiting part 212, or abuts against the first limiting part 212, so that the first movable member 221 rotates within a predetermined angle range, thereby improving the reliability of the engagement between the first holding part 11 and the first slot 2211.

[0194] When the first holding part 11 abuts against the abutting surface 2213, the first movable member 221 can rotate and the first elastic member 222 can be compressed to buffer the impact force between the first holding part 11 and the abutting surface 2213, thereby reducing noise. At the same time, it can slow down the speed at which the first movable member 221 enters the first slot 2211, thereby further reducing the noise generated by the engagement of the first holding part 11 and the first slot 2211.

[0195] In some embodiments of this application, taking the reference direction in FIG9E as an example, the first movable member 221 can also move relative to the bracket 21 in the vertical direction. The first elastic member 222 is disposed below the first movable member 221. One end of the first elastic member 222 abuts against the first movable member 221, and the other end of the first elastic member 222 abuts against the bracket 21.

[0196] As the first holding part 11 slides from the abutment surface 2213 to the first slot 2211, since the abutment surface 2213 is a sloping structure, the first holding part 11 can drive the first movable part 221 to move vertically relative to the bracket 21, so that the first elastic member 222 is compressed. When the first holding part 11 collides with the abutment surface 2213, the first elastic member 222 can reduce the impact sound and also reduce the speed at which the first holding part 11 enters the first slot 2211, thereby reducing the impact sound of the door 300 and the shell 200 and the clicking sound.

[0197] In some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG9A, the locking component 20 further includes a first micro switch 27. The first micro switch 27 is disposed on the first movable member 221. When the first holding part 11 is in the first locked state, the first holding part 11 triggers the first micro switch 27 to generate a door closing signal.

[0198] As an example, the first movable member 221 is provided with two spaced and oppositely arranged latches, which can press the first micro switch 27 into the two latch brackets 21 to fix the first micro switch 27. The first micro switch 27 can also be glued to the first movable member 221, or it can be fixed to the first movable member 221 by screws.

[0199] Taking a cooking appliance 1000 as an example, such as a common microwave oven, during microwave oven use, when the door is closed, the first locking part 11 reaches a first locked state. At this time, the first locking part 11 precisely triggers the first microswitch 27, thereby generating a door-closing signal. For example, when a user prepares to heat food and closes the microwave oven door, if the first locking part 11 is not in the correct locked state, the microwave oven will not start. Only when the first locking part 11 successfully locks and triggers the first microswitch 27, generating a door-closing signal, will the microwave oven's heating function be activated. This effectively prevents the microwave oven from being started when the door is not properly closed, avoiding potential harm to the human body caused by microwave leakage.

[0200] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 9A-9C. The first holding part 11 is a hook structure, which includes a hook head 111 and a hook handle 112. The hook head 111 is connected to the hook handle 112. The hook head 111 and the hook handle 112 together define an avoidance groove 113. When the first holding part 11 is in the first locked state, part of the hook head 111 is located in the first slot 2211, and part of the first movable part 221 is located in the avoidance groove 113.

[0201] As an example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection between the hook head 111 and the hook handle 112 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the hook head 111. When the first holding part 11 engages with the first slot 2211, the narrow area where the hook head 111 and the hook handle 112 are connected forms a relief groove 113. When part of the hook head 111 engages with the first slot 2211, part of the first movable part 221 can move into the relief groove 113 to increase the volume of the hook head 111 entering the first slot 2211, thereby improving the reliability of the engagement between the holding part and the first slot 2211.

[0202] The first holding part 11 is configured as a hook structure to facilitate the engagement and disengagement of the first holding part 11 with the first card slot 2211.

[0203] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to FIG9C. The groove of the first slot 2211 includes a first edge. When the first holding part 11 is in the first locked state, the first edge is located in the relief groove 113. Along the depth direction of the groove, the size of the hook head 111 facing the surface of the first edge to the first edge along the insertion direction X increases.

[0204] As an example, the hook head 111 includes a first guide surface, a second guide surface, and a third guide surface. The second guide surface connects to the first guide surface on one side along the engagement direction X, and connects to the third guide surface on the other side along the engagement direction X. The distance between the third guide surface and the hook shank 112 along the engagement direction X is greater than the distance between the first guide surface and the hook shank 112 along the engagement direction X. When the first holding part 11 slides against the abutment surface 2213, the third guide surface contacts the abutment surface 2213. When it slides to the opening position of the first slot 2211, the second guide surface and the third guide surface successively contact the edge of the slot. In order to enable the first holding part 11 to disengage from the first slot 2211 by pulling the holding member 10 under the action of external force, the dimensions of the first guide surface and the third guide surface increase in the direction of insertion X along the bottom to the opening of the first slot 2211 (the change in the dimensions of the first holding member 10 in the first locked state), and the first guide surface can be an outwardly convex arc surface. By pulling the holding member 10 with external force, the force of the first elastic member 222 on the first movable member 221 is overcome, so that the first guide surface of the first holding part 11 can slide relative to the edge of the opening of the first slot 2211, and the first movable member 221 can rotate relative to the bracket 21, thereby enabling the first holding part 11 to disengage from the first slot 2211 and completing the unlocking operation of the first holding part 11.

[0205] Therefore, when an external force pulls the retaining member 10 out of the first slot 2211, the surface of the hook 111 facing the first edge will slide relative to the first edge, and the dimension of the surface of the hook 111 facing the first edge to the first edge along the insertion direction X will decrease, which can generate a torque that drives the first movable member 221 to rotate relative to the bracket 21, so as to overcome the torque of the first elastic member 222 on the first movable member 221, thereby enabling the hook 111 to be pulled out of the first slot 2211.

[0206] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 9A-9C, the retaining member 10 further includes a second retaining portion 12, which has a hook structure. The second retaining portion 12 and the first retaining portion 11 are spaced apart along the first direction Y. The locking assembly 20 further includes a second locking mechanism 23, which is spaced apart from the first locking mechanism 22 along the first direction Y. The second locking mechanism 23 is movably connected to the bracket 21 and has a second slot 2311. The second retaining portion 12 has a... The insertion end 211 enters a second locked state that engages with the second card slot 2311, and a second unlocked state that moves out of the second card slot 2311 and exits from the insertion end 211. The first direction Y is perpendicular to the insertion direction X. When the second locking mechanism 23 is in the second unlocked state, the second locking mechanism 23 has a tendency to slow down the second holding part 12 from entering the second card slot 2311. When the second holding part 12 is in the second locked state, the second locking mechanism 23 has a tendency to slow down the separation of the second holding part 12 from the second card slot 2311.

[0207] Taking the microwave oven as an example of the cooking appliance 1000, when one end of the door 300 is pivotally connected to the housing 200 and the other end of the door 300 is locked by the door lock device 100, the locking direction X is the direction in which the door 300 rotates relative to the housing 200. The first direction Y is perpendicular to the locking direction X of the holding member 10, meaning that the first direction Y is perpendicular to both the normal and tangential directions of the rotation of the door 300 relative to the housing 200.

[0208] The first direction Y is the direction in which the normal and tangential directions of the second holding part 12 are both perpendicular.

[0209] As an example, the second holding part 12 can be an L-shaped rod or a hook-shaped structure.

[0210] As an example, the retaining member 10 also includes a mounting part 13, with the first retaining part 11 and the second retaining part 12 respectively connected to the mounting part 13. The connection between the first retaining part 11 and the mounting part 13 and the connection between the second retaining part 12 and the mounting part 13 include, but are not limited to, welding, screw connection, riveting or integral molding.

[0211] Taking the door lock device 100 applied to a microwave oven as an example, one end of the microwave oven door 300 is pivotally connected to the microwave oven housing 200. The mounting part 13 of the latching member 10 can be installed on the door 300, specifically by connecting it to the door 300 with screws. The first latching part 11 and the second latching part 12 protrude from the surface of the first door 300 facing the opening of the housing 200. A locking component 20 is installed at the front end of the housing 200. The bracket 21 of the locking component 20 can be connected to the housing 200 with screws or by a snap-fit ​​connection. When the microwave oven is in normal placement or use, the spacing direction of the first latching part 11 and the second latching part 12 is vertical, that is, the first direction Y is vertical. By pushing and pulling the door 300, the first latching part 11 and the second latching part 12 can be latched and disengaged from the locking component 20, respectively.

[0212] During the process of the second holding part 12 moving from the locking end 211 into the second slot 2311, the second locking mechanism 23 slows down the entry of the second holding part 12 into the second slot 2311. This reduces the noise of the door 300 colliding with the housing 200 during the closing of the cooking appliance 1000 door 300, and also reduces the noise of the second holding part 12 engaging with the second slot 2311. When the second holding part 12 separates from the second slot 2311, because the second locking mechanism 23 slows down the separation process, a certain pulling force needs to be applied to the holding member 10 to release the second locking mechanism 23 from engaging the second holding part 12, thereby improving the reliability of the engagement.

[0213] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 9A-9D, the second locking mechanism 23 includes a second movable member 231 and a second elastic member 232. The second movable member 231 is rotatably connected to the bracket 21 and has a second slot 2311. The first connecting end 2321 of the second elastic member 232 is rotatably connected to the bracket 21, and the second connecting end 2322 of the second elastic member 232 is rotatably connected to the second movable member 231. When the second holding portion 12 is in the second unlocked state, the second elastic member 232 tends to slow the second holding portion 12 from entering the second slot 2311. When the second holding portion 12 is in the second locked state, the second elastic member 232 tends to prevent the second holding portion 12 from separating from the second slot 2311.

[0214] The second elastic element 232 can be, but is not limited to, any one of a torsion spring or a second elastic telescopic rod, and the structure of the second elastic telescopic rod can be the same as that of the first elastic telescopic rod described above. Figure 9D exemplarily shows the structure of the second elastic element 232 as a second elastic telescopic rod, and Figure 9A exemplarily shows the structure of the second elastic element 232 as a torsion spring.

[0215] As an example, please refer to Figures 9A-9E. The bracket 21 is provided with a second limiting part 213. The second limiting part 213 can limit the rotation angle of the second movable member 231 relative to the bracket 21. That is, when the second holding part 12 is inserted into the second slot 2311, the second movable member 231 abuts against the second limiting part 213 or maintains a predetermined distance from the second limiting part 213, so as to reduce the probability that the second holding part 12 will fail to engage due to the second movable member 231 rotating too much.

[0216] The second elastic element 232 slows down the speed at which the second latching part 12 engages with the second slot 2311. This buffers the noise from the impact of the door 300 closing with the housing 200, and also reduces the engagement noise between the second latching part 12 and the second slot 2311. In other examples, the second movable part 231 is slidably connected to the bracket 21 along the first direction Y. A fourth elastic element 25, a compression spring, is provided between the second movable part 231 and the bracket 21. The end of the slot 2311 near the engaging end 211 has an inclined surface. Along the direction from the first latching part 11 to the second latching part 12, the distance from any point on the inclined surface to the engaging end 211 increases progressively. During the engagement of the second latching part 12, it slides on the inclined surface, the second movable part 231 moves relative to the bracket 21, the fourth elastic element 25 is compressed, and the second latching part 12 slides into the second slot 2311, achieving engagement.

[0217] In some embodiments of this application, the first connecting end 2321 has a first rotation center with the bracket, the second connecting end 2322 has a second rotation center with the second movable member 231, and the second movable member 231 has a third rotation center with the bracket 21. On the first cross-section of the second movable member 231, the line connecting the third rotation center to the first rotation center is a first straight line P. During the process of the second holding part 12 switching from the second unlocked state to the second locked state, the trajectory curve of the second rotation center intersects with the first straight line P. The axis of rotation of the second movable member 231 relative to the bracket 21 is perpendicular to the first cross-section.

[0218] On the same cross section of the second movable member 231, the straight line from the center of rotation of the second movable member 231 relative to the bracket 21 to the center of the first connecting end 2321 is the first straight line P. When the second holding part 12 switches from the second unlocked state to the second locked state, the trajectory curve of the second connecting end 2322 intersects the first straight line P. The axis of rotation of the second movable member 231 relative to the bracket 21 is perpendicular to the cross section of the second movable member 231.

[0219] As an example, please refer to Figure 9D. The second elastic element 232 is a second elastic telescopic rod. One end of the second elastic telescopic rod is rotatably connected to the bracket 21, and the other end of the second elastic telescopic rod is rotatably connected to the second movable element 231. During the process of the second holding part 12 switching from the second unlocked state to the second locked state, the second movable element 231 is driven by the second holding part 12 and rotates relative to the bracket 21. At the same time, the second elastic element 232 swings relative to the bracket 21, and the second rotation center intersects the first straight line P. When the second locking part 12 is in the unlocked state, the second movable member 231 remains in the unlocked state under the elastic force of the second elastic telescopic rod. When the second locking part 12 moves from the locking end 211 to the second slot 2311 and overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic telescopic rod, the second movable member 231 rotates. When the rotation center between the second elastic telescopic rod and the second movable member 231 moves to the first straight line P, the elastic force of the second elastic telescopic rod will not cause the second movable member 231 to rotate. As the second locking part 12 further causes the second movable member 231 to move and move into the second slot 2311, the component of the elastic force of the second elastic telescopic rod along the rotation direction of the second movable member 231 relative to the bracket 21 can cause the second locking part 12 to remain in the second slot 2311. In other words, during the locking process of the second locking part 12, as the second movable member 231 rotates, the direction of the torque generated by the elastic force of the second elastic telescopic rod acting on the second movable member 231 changes, causing the second movable member 231 to have different rotational tendencies at different rotational positions.

[0220] The trajectory curve of the second rotation center intersects the first straight line P. When the second holding part 12 is in the second unlocked state or the second locked state, the second elastic member 232 can provide elastic force in different directions to the second movable member 231. Specifically, when the second holding part 12 is in the second unlocked state and located outside the inserting end 211, the elastic force of the second elastic member 232 provides a component force to the second movable member 231 in the opposite direction of the inserting direction X, so as to slow down the second holding part 12 entering the second slot 2311. When the second holding part 12 is in the second locked state, the elastic force of the second elastic member 232 provides a component force to the second movable member 231 in the same direction of the inserting direction X, so as to prevent the second holding part 12 from separating from the second slot 2311.

[0221] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 9A-9E. The second locking mechanism 23 further includes a third elastic member 233. The third elastic member 233 is disposed on the bracket 21. When the second holding part 12 is in the second unlocked state, the third elastic member 233 abuts against the second moving part 231, and the third elastic member 233 is in a compressed state.

[0222] The third elastic element 233 includes, but is not limited to, one of a compression spring, an elastic rubber element, an elastic telescopic rod, or an elastic polyurethane element. The elastic telescopic rod can be, but is not limited to, the examples mentioned above.

[0223] As an example, during the engagement of the second retaining member 10 and the second slot 2311, the second movable member 231 can separate from the third elastic member 233 when it rotates at a certain angle, or it can remain in contact with the third elastic member 233.

[0224] In the second unlocked state, the second movable member 231 remains balanced under the force of the third elastic member 233 and the second elastic member 232. On the one hand, when the second holding part 12 is unlocked, the third elastic member 233 can buffer the impact of the second movable member 231 on the bracket 21 to reduce damage to the bracket 21 and extend the service life of the bracket 21. On the other hand, during the process of the second holding part 12 being inserted into the second slot 2311, the elastic force of the third elastic member 233 can offset part of the elastic force of the second elastic member 232 to reduce the thrust acting on the holding member 10, making it easier to engage.

[0225] In some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG8, the locking assembly 20 further includes a damping component 30, which is disposed on the bracket 21. The damping component 30 is used to provide damping force to the second movable member 231 to slow down the speed at which the second holding part 12 engages in the second slot 2311.

[0226] The damping component 30 includes either an elastic telescopic rod or a damper 32.

[0227] The damping component 30 can further slow down the speed at which the second retaining part 12 enters the second slot 2311, so as to reduce the impact sound between the door 300 and the housing 200 when the door 300 of the cooking appliance 1000 is closed. At the same time, after the second retaining part 12 enters the second slot 2311, the sound of the second retaining part 12 engaging with the second slot 2311 can also be reduced.

[0228] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 8 and 9A, the second movable member 231 has a partially convex arc surface. The axis of rotation of the second movable member 231 relative to the bracket 21 coincides with the axis of the arc surface. The arc surface is provided with a plurality of meshing teeth 2312 continuously arranged along the circumference of the arc surface. The damping component 30 includes a damper 32 and a rack 31. The rack 31 is slidably connected to the bracket 21 along the first direction Y. The rack 31 meshes with the meshing teeth 2312. Along the length direction of the rack 31, the rack 31 is configured to be driven and move linearly relative to the bracket 21. The movable end of the damper 32 is connected to one end of the rack 31 in the length direction.

[0229] As an example, the bracket 21 is provided with a cover plate 26, which is detachably connected to the bracket 21. Specifically, it can be one or both of snap-fit ​​or screw connection, and together with the bracket 21, it defines a guide groove. The length direction of the guide groove can be the same as the first direction Y. The rack 31 and the damper 32 are both disposed in the guide groove, and the damper 32 abuts against the end of the rack 31.

[0230] The damper 32 can be a unidirectional damper. In other examples, the damping component 30 can be a flexible telescopic rod, which can be one of the structures listed above.

[0231] As an example, the second slot 2311 can generally be a U-shaped slot.

[0232] During the process of the second retaining part 12 engaging with the second retaining slot 2311, the second retaining part 12 drives the second movable member 231 to rotate relative to the bracket 21. The rotation of the second movable member 231 drives the rack 31 to move along its own length, thereby compressing the damper 32. The damper 32 provides a reverse damping force to the rack 31 to slow down the speed at which the second retaining part 12 enters the second retaining slot 2311, thereby reducing the noise generated by the collision between the door 300 and the housing 200 when the door is closed, and also reducing the noise of the retaining member 10 engaging with the locking assembly 20. In other examples, the rack structure can be omitted, one end of the damper 32 abuts against the second movable member, and the other end of the damper is hinged to the bracket 21.

[0233] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 9A-9E. The locking component 20 further includes a second micro switch 28. The second micro switch 28 is disposed on the bracket 21. When the second holding part 12 is in the second locked state, the second moving part 231 triggers the second micro switch 28.

[0234] The connection between the second micro switch 28 and the bracket 21 includes, but is not limited to, snap-fit, screw connection, or adhesive connection.

[0235] The second micro switch 28 can provide a door-closing signal for the second latching part 12 to engage with the second latching slot 2311, ensuring that the cooking appliance 1000 performs cooking operations after the door is closed. Taking a microwave oven as an example, this design can prevent the microwave oven from being started when the door is not closed tightly, avoiding potential harm to the human body caused by microwave leakage.

[0236] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 9A-9E, the second movable member 231 includes a rotating hook arm 2313, and the locking assembly 20 further includes a blocking limit member 24. The blocking limit member 24 is located on the side of the second movable member 231 with the second slot 2311. The blocking limit member 24 is movably mounted on the bracket 21. The blocking limit member 24 has a limiting slot 241. When the second holding part 12 moves out from the locking end 211, the limiting slot 241 engages with the rotating hook arm 2313 to limit the rotation of the second movable member 231 relative to the bracket 21. The blocking limit member 24 is configured to be driven by the second holding part 12 to separate the limiting slot 241 from the rotating hook arm 2313.

[0237] As an example, the second movable member 231 is also provided with a first guide surface 23112, which is connected to the groove wall of the second slot 2311. During the process of the second holding part 12 being inserted into the second slot 2311, the second holding part 12 first abuts against the first guide surface 23112. The second holding part 12 is driven by an external force to make the second movable member 231 rotate. At this time, the position of the second slot 2311 relative to the second holding part 12 changes, and slides into the second slot 2311 under the guidance of the first guide surface 23112, and finally moves into the second slot 2311. At the same time, the second elastic member 232 maintains the locking state under its force.

[0238] As an example, the second slot 2311 has a clearance portion 23111, which allows a portion of the second holding portion 12 to have a certain amount of room to move within the second slot 2311 during the engagement of the two parts, thereby reducing the probability of interference during engagement. A portion of the clearance portion 23111 may connect with the aforementioned first guide surface 23112. In other examples, the width of the second slot 2311 may be made slightly larger than the width of the second holding portion 12, which can also reduce the probability of interference between the second holding portion 12 and the second slot 2311 during engagement.

[0239] As an example, the second holding part 12 has a hook-shaped structure, including a hook rod 122 and a hook head 121. The hook head 121 is connected to the hook rod 122, which can be welded or integrally formed. A clearance groove is formed between the hook head 121 and the hook rod 122 to accommodate at least a partial rotation of the hook arm 2313 during the locking process. Along the direction from the hook head 121 to the hook rod 122, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hook rod 122 increases progressively, which can improve the strength of the hook rod 122 and reduce stress concentration of the hook rod 122 during the locking process.

[0240] The limiting slot 241 can be, but is not limited to, a U-shaped slot, a trapezoidal slot, or a rectangular slot, etc., and can be designed according to actual needs.

[0241] The blocking and limiting member 24 and the bracket 21 can be slidably connected (as shown in Figure 9E), or the blocking and limiting member 24 and the bracket 21 can be rotatably connected (as shown in Figures 9A-9D).

[0242] As an example, referring to Figure 9E, the blocking and limiting member 24 is slidably connected to the bracket 21 along the first direction Y. Specifically, the bracket 21 is provided with a guide groove extending along the first direction Y, and the blocking and limiting member 24 is disposed in the guide groove and can move along the first direction Y. A spring or elastic telescopic rod is provided between the guide groove and the blocking and limiting member 24.

[0243] As an example, the blocking and limiting member 24 has a second guide surface 242 on the side facing the snap-in end 211. Along the direction from the second snap-in part 12 to the first snap-in part 11, the size of the second guide surface 242 to the snap-in end 211 increases in the snap-in direction X. During the process of the second snap-in part 12 snapping into the second slot 2311, the blocking and limiting member 24 is driven by the second snap-in part 12 and can squeeze the second guide surface 242 to make the limiting slot 241 move away from the rotating hook arm 2313, so that the limiting slot 241 can separate from the rotating hook arm 2313, thereby releasing the restriction on the rotation of the second movable member 231 relative to the bracket 21, and finally realizing the snap-in between the second snap-in part 12 and the second slot 2311.

[0244] As an example, the blocking and limiting member 24 is provided with a first magnet and a second magnet on the side opposite to the second movable member 231. The first magnet is connected to the blocking and limiting member 24 and can also be part of the blocking and limiting member 24. The second magnet is fixed to the bracket 21 and can also be part of the bracket 21. The first magnet and the second magnet are arranged opposite each other and their magnetic poles face each other. The repulsive force of the first magnet and the second magnet can keep the rotating hook arm 2313 in a locked state with the limiting slot 241.

[0245] By rotating the hook arm 2313 and setting the limiting slot 241, the probability of the second moving part 231 being abnormally triggered can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the second holding part 12 engaging with the second slot 2311.

[0246] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 9A-9E. The blocking and limiting member 24 is rotatably connected to the bracket 21. The locking assembly 20 also includes a fourth elastic member 25. The fourth elastic member 25 is located on the side of the blocking and limiting member 24 away from the second movable member 231. The fourth elastic member 25 abuts against the bracket 21 and the blocking and limiting member 24 respectively. When the rotating hook arm 2313 is in the latching state, the elastic force of the fourth elastic member 25 can cause the limiting slot 241 to remain in the latching state with the rotating hook arm 2313.

[0247] The fourth elastic element 25 includes a compression spring, an elastic telescopic rod, or a torsion spring.

[0248] As an example, the fourth elastic element 25 is a torsion spring. The fourth elastic element 25 can be set on the rotating shaft that is rotatably connected to the blocking and limiting member 24 and the bracket 21, or it can be not set on the rotating shaft, but one end of the fourth elastic element 25 abuts against the blocking and limiting member 24 and the other end abuts against the bracket 21, and the fourth elastic element 25 is located on the side of the blocking and limiting member 24 away from the second movable member 231.

[0249] As an example, the fourth elastic element 25 is a compression spring. The fourth elastic element 25 is located on the side of the blocking limit member 24 away from the second movable member 231 and is offset from the circumferential direction of the rotation of the blocking limit member 24 and the bracket 21. One end of the fourth elastic element 25 abuts against the bracket 21, and the other end abuts against the blocking limit member 24. Under the elastic force of the fourth elastic element 25, the blocking limit member 24 tends to rotate toward the second movable member 231 so as to maintain the engagement state of the limiting slot 241 and the rotating hook arm 2313.

[0250] The fourth elastic element 25 enables the limiting slot 241 and the rotating hook arm 2313 to remain engaged, thereby reducing the probability of the second movable element 231 being abnormally triggered and further improving the reliability of the engagement between the second holding part 12 and the second slot 2311. Furthermore, by overcoming the elastic force of the fourth elastic element 25, the limiting slot 241 and the rotating hook arm 2313 can be disengaged, facilitating the engagement operation between the second holding part 12 and the second slot 2311. At the same time, during the engagement process, it can also provide damping force to the second holding part 12 to slow down the speed of entering the second slot 2311.

[0251] According to an embodiment of this application, referring to Figures 1-10B, a cooking appliance 1000 is proposed, including a housing 200, a door 300, and a door lock device 100 as described in the above embodiment. The housing 200 has an interior cavity, and a doorway communicating with the cavity is provided at the front end of the housing 200. The door 300 is configured to close to the doorway, and one end of the door 300 is pivotally connected to the housing 200. A retaining member 10 is installed on the door 300, and a first retaining portion 11 extends from the side of the door 300 toward the doorway. A locking assembly 20 is installed inside the housing 200. When the door 300 is closed to the doorway, the first retaining portion 11 is in a first locked state; when the door 300 is open, the first retaining portion 11 is in a first unlocked state.

[0252] Cooking appliances 1000 can include, but are not limited to, microwave ovens or electric ovens.

[0253] A cavity is a space used for cooking food.

[0254] The retaining element 10 can be installed on the door body 300 by means of screws, welding or riveting.

[0255] Taking a microwave oven as an example of a cooking appliance 1000, the first latching part 11 and the second latching part 12 are spaced vertically. During the closing process of the microwave oven, the first latching part 11 and the second latching part 12 are engaged with the locking component 20, which can improve the reliability of closing the door.

[0256] Since the cooking appliance 1000 includes all the technical features of the door lock device 100 described above, and has the same effect as described above, it will not be repeated here.

[0257] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A door lock device for locking the door and housing of a cooking appliance, wherein, include: A retaining element for installation on the door body, the retaining element including a first retaining part; A locking assembly includes a bracket, a first locking mechanism, a follower, and a first micro switch. The bracket is mounted on the housing. The follower and the first locking mechanism are movably connected to the bracket. The first micro switch is disposed on the bracket. The first locking mechanism has a first slot. The bracket has a snap-in end. The first snap-in portion has a first locked state where it enters from the snap-in end and engages with the first slot, and a first unlocked state where it separates from the first slot and exits from the snap-in end. The follower includes a first abutment portion, at least a portion of which is located within the first slot. During the switching process of the first snap-in portion from the first unlocked state to the first locked state, the first locking mechanism is driven by the first snap-in portion to move within the first slot. The first abutment portion is configured to abut against the first snap-in portion when it moves into the first slot, thereby driving the follower to move relative to the bracket and triggering the first micro switch.

2. The door lock device according to claim 1, wherein, The first card slot includes a first part and a second part, which are connected. The first card holding part has a first locked state in which it enters from the card insertion end and engages with the first part, and a first unlocked state in which it separates from the first part and exits from the card insertion end. When the first card holding part moves to its limit position and is located outside the first card slot along the card insertion direction of the first card holding part, at least part of the first abutting part is located inside the first part. When the first card holding part is in the first locked state, the first abutting part is located inside the second part.

3. The door lock device according to claim 1, wherein, The driven member is rotatably connected to the bracket, and the axis of rotation of the driven member relative to the bracket is a first axis. The first abutting part is configured to rotate around the first axis within the first slot.

4. The door lock device according to claim 3, wherein, The bracket has a first limiting part and a second limiting part. The driven member includes a swing arm, which is connected to the first abutting part. Along the arrangement direction of the locking end and the first locking mechanism, the first limiting part is provided on one side of the swing arm, and the second limiting part is provided on the other side of the swing arm. The swing arm is configured to rotate relative to the bracket between the first limiting part and the second limiting part and about the first axis. When the first locking part is in the first locked state, the swing arm triggers the first micro switch. When the first locking part is in the first unlocked state, the swing arm separates from the first micro switch to release the triggering state of the first micro switch.

5. The door lock device according to claim 3, wherein, The first locking mechanism includes: The first movable member is rotatably connected to the bracket. The axis of rotation of the first movable member relative to the bracket coincides with the first axis. The first movable member can rotate relative to the driven member. The first movable member has the first slot. During the process of the first holding part switching from the first unlocked state to the first locked state, the first movable member is configured to be driven by the first holding part to rotate relative to the bracket, so that the first abutting part moves around the first axis in the first slot. The first elastic element has a first end rotatably connected to the bracket and a second end rotatably connected to the first movable element. When the first holding part is in the first unlocked state, the elastic force of the first elastic element tends to slow down the first holding part from entering the first slot. When the first holding part is in the first locked state, the elastic force of the first elastic element tends to prevent the first holding part from separating from the first slot.

6. The door lock device according to claim 5, wherein, The first movable member has a stop limiting part, and the driven member has a first stop position and a second stop position. Along the rotation direction of the driven member relative to the bracket, the first stop position and the second stop position are spaced apart. The stop limiting part is located between the first stop position and the second stop position and can move around the first axis between the first stop position and the second stop position to limit the position of rotation of the driven member relative to the first movable member.

7. The door lock device according to claim 5, wherein, The first end has a first rotation center with respect to the bracket, the second end has a second rotation center with respect to the first movable member, and the first movable member has a third rotation center with respect to the bracket. On the first cross-section of the first movable member, a straight line passing through the third rotation center and the second rotation center is a first straight line. During the process of the first holding part switching from the first unlocked state to the first locked state, the trajectory curve of the second rotation center intersects with the first straight line. The axis of rotation of the first movable member relative to the bracket is perpendicular to the first cross-section.

8. The door lock device according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The holding part further includes a second holding part, which is spaced apart from the first holding part along a first direction. The second holding part is connected to the mounting part. The locking component further includes a second locking mechanism, which is spaced apart from the first locking mechanism along the first direction. The second locking mechanism includes a second movable member, which is rotatably connected to the bracket. The second movable member has a second slot. The second holding part has a second locking state where it enters from the insertion end and engages with the second slot, and a second unlocking state where it separates from the second slot and exits from the insertion end. The first direction is perpendicular to the insertion direction of the holding member, and the axis of rotation of the second movable member relative to the bracket is perpendicular to the first direction.

9. The door lock device according to claim 8, wherein, The second locking mechanism further includes a second elastic member. The first connecting end of the second elastic member is rotatably connected to the bracket, and the second connecting end of the second elastic member is rotatably connected to the second movable member. When the second holding part is in the second unlocked state, the elastic force of the second elastic member tends to slow down the second holding part from entering the second slot. When the second holding part is in the locked state, the elastic force of the second elastic member tends to prevent the second holding part from separating from the second slot.

10. The door lock device according to claim 9, wherein, The first connecting end and the bracket have a first rotation center, the second connecting end and the second movable part have a second rotation center, the second movable part and the bracket have a third rotation center, and on the second cross section of the second movable part, the straight line passing through the third rotation center and the first rotation center is the second straight line. During the process of the second holding part switching from the second unlocked state to the second locked state, the trajectory curve of the second rotation center intersects with the second straight line, and the axis of rotation of the second movable part relative to the bracket is perpendicular to the second cross section. And / or, the door lock device further includes a second micro switch, the second micro switch being disposed on the bracket, and when the second holding part is in the locked state, the second moving part triggers the second micro switch; And / or, the locking component further includes a third elastic member disposed on the bracket, wherein when the second holding portion is in the second unlocked state, the third elastic member abuts against the second movable member, and the third elastic member is in a compressed state; And / or, the first holding part is a hook structure, the hook structure includes a hook head and a hook shank, the hook head is connected to the hook shank, the hook head and the hook shank together define an avoidance groove, when the first holding part is in the first locked state, part of the hook head is located in the first locking groove, and part of the first moving part is located in the avoidance groove.

11. The door lock device according to claim 8, wherein, The locking assembly further includes a damping component disposed on the bracket. The damping component is used to provide damping force to the second movable member to slow down the speed at which the second retaining part engages with the second slot.

12. The door lock device according to claim 8, wherein, The second movable component includes a rotating hook arm, and the locking assembly further includes a blocking and limiting component. The blocking and limiting component is located on the side of the second movable component with the second slot. The blocking and limiting component is movably mounted on the bracket. The blocking and limiting component has a limiting slot. When the second holding part moves out from the locking end, the limiting slot engages with the rotating hook arm to restrict the rotation of the second movable component relative to the bracket.

13. The door lock device according to claim 12, wherein, The blocking and limiting member is rotatably connected to the bracket. The locking assembly also includes a fourth elastic member. The fourth elastic member is located on the side of the blocking and limiting member away from the second movable member. The fourth elastic member abuts against the bracket and the blocking and limiting member respectively. When the rotating hook arm is in the latching state, the elastic force of the fourth elastic member can cause the limiting slot to maintain the latching state with the rotating hook arm.

14. A door lock device for locking the door of a cooking appliance to its housing, wherein, include: A retaining element for installation on the door body, the retaining element including a first retaining part; A locking assembly includes a bracket and a first locking mechanism. The bracket is connected to the housing, and the first locking mechanism is movably connected to the bracket. The first locking mechanism has a first slot and an abutment surface. The bracket has a snap-in end. The first snap-in part has a first locked state where it moves from the snap-in end to the abutment surface and slides from the abutment surface into the first slot, and a first unlocked state where it moves out of the first slot and exits from the snap-in end. When the first snap-in part is not snapped in, the shortest distance from any position on the abutment surface to the snap-in end along the snap-in direction of the first snap-in part increases progressively. The first locking mechanism is configured to move relative to the bracket when driven by the first snap-in part. The first locking mechanism is used to provide the first snap-in part with a spring force to slow down the first snap-in part from entering the first slot.

15. The door lock device according to claim 14, wherein, The first locking mechanism includes: The first movable component is rotatably connected to the bracket. The first movable component has the first slot and the abutting surface. When the first holding part switches from the first unlocked state to the first locked state, the first holding part drives the first locking mechanism to rotate relative to the bracket. A first elastic element, one end of which is connected to the bracket and the other end of which is connected to the first movable element, is used to provide elastic force to the first movable element, so that the first movable element has the tendency to slow down the first holding part from entering the first slot.

16. The door lock device according to claim 15, wherein, The locking component further includes a first micro switch, which is disposed on the first movable member. When the first holding part is in the first locked state, the first holding part triggers the first micro switch to generate a door closing signal.

17. The door lock device according to claim 15, wherein, The first holding part is a hook structure, which includes a hook head and a hook shank. The hook head is connected to the hook shank, and the hook head and hook shank together define an avoidance groove. When the first holding part is in the first locked state, part of the hook head is located in the first locking groove, and part of the first movable part is located in the avoidance groove.

18. The door lock device according to any one of claims 14-17, wherein, The retaining member further includes a second retaining portion, which has a hook structure. The second retaining portion and the first retaining portion are spaced apart along a first direction. The locking component further includes a second locking mechanism, which is spaced apart from the first locking mechanism along the first direction. The second locking mechanism is movably connected to the bracket. The second locking mechanism has a second slot. The second retaining portion has a second locked state where it enters from the insert end and engages with the second slot, and a second unlocked state where it moves out of the second slot and exits from the insert end. The first direction is perpendicular to the insert direction. When the second locking mechanism is in the second unlocked state, the second locking mechanism has a tendency to slow down the second retaining portion from entering the second slot. When the second retaining portion is in the second locked state, the second locking mechanism has a tendency to prevent the second retaining portion from separating from the second slot.

19. The door lock device according to claim 18, wherein, The second locking mechanism includes: The second movable component is rotatably connected to the bracket, and the second movable component has the second slot. The second elastic member has a first connecting end that is rotatably connected to the bracket and a second connecting end that is rotatably connected to the second movable member. When the second holding part is in the second unlocked state, the second elastic member has the tendency to slow down the second holding part from entering the second slot. When the second holding part is in the second locked state, the second elastic member has the tendency to keep the second holding part engaged with the second slot.

20. The door lock device according to claim 19, wherein, The first connecting end and the bracket have a first rotation center, the second connecting end and the second movable part have a second rotation center, and the second movable part and the bracket have a third rotation center. On the first cross-section of the second movable part, the line connecting the third rotation center to the first rotation center is a first straight line. During the process of the second holding part switching from the second unlocked state to the second locked state, the trajectory curve of the second rotation center intersects with the first straight line. The axis of rotation of the second movable part relative to the bracket is perpendicular to the first cross-section.

21. The door lock device according to claim 19, wherein, The second locking mechanism further includes a third elastic member disposed on the bracket. When the second holding part is in the second unlocked state, the third elastic member abuts against the second movable member, and the third elastic member is in a compressed state.

22. The door lock device according to claim 19, wherein, The locking assembly further includes a damping component disposed on the bracket. The damping component is used to provide damping force to the second movable member to slow down the speed at which the second retaining part engages with the second slot.

23. The door lock device according to claim 22, wherein, The second movable member has a partially convex arc surface. The axis of rotation of the second movable member relative to the bracket coincides with the axis of the arc surface. The arc surface is provided with a plurality of meshing teeth continuously arranged along the circumference of the arc surface. The damping component includes a damper and a rack. The rack is slidably connected to the bracket along the first direction. The rack meshes with the meshing teeth. Along the length direction of the rack, the rack is configured to be driven and move linearly relative to the bracket. The movable end of the damper is connected to one end of the rack along the length direction.

24. The door lock device according to claim 19, wherein, The locking assembly further includes a second micro switch, which is disposed on the bracket. When the second holding part is in the second locked state, the second movable member triggers the second micro switch to generate a door closing signal.

25. The door lock device according to claim 19, wherein, The second movable member includes a rotating hook arm, and the locking assembly further includes a blocking and limiting member. The blocking and limiting member is located on the side of the second movable member having the second slot. The blocking and limiting member is movably mounted on the bracket. The blocking and limiting member has a limiting slot. When the second holding part moves out from the locking end, the limiting slot engages with the rotating hook arm to restrict the rotation of the second movable member relative to the bracket. The blocking and limiting member is configured to be driven by the second holding part to separate the limiting slot from the rotating hook arm.

26. The door lock device according to claim 25, wherein, The blocking and limiting member is rotatably connected to the bracket. The locking assembly also includes a fourth elastic member. The fourth elastic member is located on the side of the blocking and limiting member away from the second movable member. The fourth elastic member abuts against the bracket and the blocking and limiting member respectively. When the rotating hook arm is in the latching state, the elastic force of the fourth elastic member can cause the limiting slot to remain in the latching state with the rotating hook arm.

27. A cooking appliance, wherein, include: A housing, wherein a cavity is formed inside the housing, and a doorway communicating with the cavity is provided at the front end of the housing; A door body configured to close with the doorway cover, one end of the door body being pivotally connected to the housing; The door lock device as described in any one of claims 1-26, wherein the other end of the door body is connected to the latching member, the locking component is installed in the housing, and when the door body is closed with the door opening, the first latching part is in the first locked state, and when the door body is in the open state, the first latching part is in the first unlocked state.

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