Door cover device and laundry treatment apparatus

Abstract

A door cover device and a laundry treatment apparatus. The door cover device comprises a base, a door cover and an energy storage mechanism. The base is provided with a mounting groove (11); the door cover is provided with a rotary shaft portion (32), the door cover is rotatably connected to the base by means of the rotary shaft portion (32), and the door cover has a door open position and a door closed position relative to the base; the energy storage mechanism is mounted in the mounting groove (11), and the energy storage mechanism is connected between the base and the door cover; when the door cover rotates towards the door closed position, the energy storage mechanism stores energy and applies a resistance force to the door cover away from the door closed position, so as to slow down the speed of the door cover when closing; and when the door cover rotates towards the door open position, the energy storage mechanism releases energy and applies an assisting force to the door cover towards the door open position, so as to facilitate opening of the door cover by a user.

Description

Door cover device and laundry treating apparatus

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411556453.2, filed on November 01, 2024, and entitled "Door cover device and laundry treating apparatus", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of household appliances, in particular to a door cover device and a laundry treating apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] At present, the door cover and the base of a household appliance such as a pulsator washing machine are usually connected by a hinge. The hinge structure is usually arranged in the door cover. The weight of the door cover is large, and it is laborious for a user to open the door cover. A cut groove needs to be made on the door cover to accommodate the movement of the hinge structure during the opening process. The components are numerous and scattered, which makes the structure of the door cover complex and affects the assembly efficiency. SUMMARY

[0004] (I) Technical problem to be solved

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to solve the problem that the existing hinge structure is usually arranged in the door cover, the weight of the door cover is large, it is laborious for a user to open the door cover, a cut groove needs to be made on the door cover to accommodate the movement of the hinge structure during the opening process, the components are numerous and scattered, which makes the structure of the door cover complex and affects the assembly efficiency.

[0006] (II) Technical solution

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problem, the present disclosure provides a door cover device, comprising:

[0008] a base, wherein an installation groove is arranged on the base;

[0009] a door cover, wherein a rotating shaft part is arranged on the door cover, the door cover is rotatably connected to the base through the rotating shaft part, and the door cover has an opening position and a closing position relative to the base;

[0010] an energy storage mechanism, which is installed in the installation groove and connected between the base and the door cover;

[0011] When the door cover rotates towards the closing position, the energy storage mechanism stores energy and applies a resistance force away from the closing position to the door cover. When the door cover rotates towards the opening position, the energy storage mechanism releases energy and applies an assisting force towards the opening position to the door cover.

[0012] In some embodiments, one side of the door cover is provided with a connecting portion, the connecting portion is located at one side of the mounting groove, a through opening is arranged on the groove wall of the mounting groove, the rotating shaft portion is connected to one side of the connecting portion, and the rotating shaft portion extends into the mounting groove through the through opening and is rotationally connected to the base.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base is provided with a receiving groove, the receiving groove is arranged adjacent to the mounting groove and is in communication with the mounting groove through the through opening, and the receiving groove is used for accommodating the connecting portion when the door cover is in the closed position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the energy storage mechanism includes a torsional spring, the torsional spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft portion, and two ends of the torsional spring are respectively connected to the base and the door cover.

[0015] In some embodiments, the door cover includes a door cover body and a rotating support fixed on the door cover body, the rotating support includes a support body and the rotating shaft portion, the support body is fixedly connected to the door cover body, and the rotating shaft portion is connected to one side of the support body.

[0016] The base includes a base body and a fixed support, the mounting groove is arranged on the base body, the fixed support is mounted in the mounting groove and is fixedly connected to the base body, and the rotating shaft portion extends to the fixed support and is rotationally connected to the fixed support.

[0017] In some embodiments, two ends of the torsional spring are respectively formed with two support arms, one of the support arms is connected to the fixed support, and the other support arm is connected to the rotating support.

[0018] In some embodiments, the rotating shaft portion is provided with a baffle extending in the radial direction of the rotating shaft portion, and one of the support arms abuts against one side of the baffle in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft portion.

[0019] The fixed support is provided with a fixed hole, and the other support arm is inserted into the fixed hole and abuts against the hole wall of the fixed hole.

[0020] In some embodiments, the included angle between the two support arms when the door cover is in the closed position is a1, the included angle between the two support arms when the door cover is in the open position is a2, and the included angle between the two support arms in the natural state is a3, a3>a2>a1.

[0021] In some embodiments, the door cover body includes a first cover body and a second cover body, the first cover body and the second cover body are connected in a cover-hinge manner, and the rotating support is clamped between the first cover body and the second cover body.

[0022] And / or, the fixing support comprises a bottom plate and two vertical plates, the two vertical plates are oppositely and spacedly arranged on the bottom plate, two rotating holes are respectively arranged on the two vertical plates, the rotating shaft part is inserted into the two rotating holes, and the torsional spring is arranged between the two vertical plates.

[0023] In some embodiments, the base is respectively provided with a mounting slot at opposite ends in the width direction, the number of the energy storage mechanisms is two, and the two energy storage mechanisms are respectively mounted in the two mounting slots.

[0024] In some embodiments, the door cover device further comprises a cover plate, the cover plate is arranged to extend in the width direction of the base and covers the mounting slot, and the cover plate is connected with the base.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cover plate is a control panel.

[0026] In some embodiments, the door cover is respectively provided with a connecting part at opposite ends in the width direction, the two connecting parts are protruded towards one side of the door cover, and an installation opening is formed between the two connecting parts.

[0027] The control panel is located between the two connecting parts and exposed through the installation opening.

[0028] In the second aspect, a laundry treating apparatus comprising the door cover device according to any one of the above is further provided.

[0029] (III) Advantages

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the above technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure has the following advantages:

[0031] This disclosure provides a door cover device and a garment handling apparatus. The door cover device includes a base, a door cover, and an energy storage mechanism. The base has a mounting groove; the door cover has a pivot portion, and the door cover is rotatably connected to the base via the pivot portion, with the door cover having an open position and a closed position relative to the base; the energy storage mechanism is installed in the mounting groove and connected between the base and the door cover; when the door cover rotates towards the closed position, the energy storage mechanism stores energy and applies resistance to the door cover away from the closed position to slow down the rotation speed of the door cover towards the closed position, preventing the door cover from colliding with the base and causing abnormal noise or pinching the user; when the door cover rotates towards the open position, the energy storage mechanism releases energy and applies assistance to the door cover towards the open position, so that the user can drive the door cover to rotate towards the open position with a small force. The energy storage mechanism is set in the mounting slot of the base. On the one hand, the setting of the energy storage mechanism does not affect the arrangement of electrical components such as the control panel above the mounting slot, thus leaving more space for the installation of the control panel and other electrical components on the base. Compared with setting the energy storage mechanism on the door cover, setting it on the door cover would occupy more lateral space, thus affecting the space for the control panel and other electrical components on the base. On the other hand, compared with setting the energy storage mechanism on the door cover, it avoids the need to set additional decorative covers or other items to cover the energy storage mechanism, making the structure of the door cover simpler. It avoids setting more parts on the door cover and slots on the door cover, simplifying the door cover structure. The door cover only needs to be rotated and connected to the base through the pivot to complete the assembly, improving the assembly efficiency.

[0032] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the door cover device after the cover plate is removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the door cover device after the second cover is removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the door cover device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure after removing the cover plate and the second cover body;

[0038] Figure 4 is a top view of the door cover device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure after removing the cover plate and the second cover body;

[0039] Figure 5 is an assembly diagram of the rotating bracket, fixed bracket and torsion spring described in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rotating bracket according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the fixed bracket according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 8 is a side view of the torsion spring when the door cover is in the closed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 9 is a side view of the torsion spring when the door cover is in the open position according to the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 10 is a side view of the torsion spring in its natural state according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0045] The components include: 1. Base body; 11. Mounting groove; 12. Receiving groove; 13. Cover plate; 2. Door cover body; 21. First cover; 22. Second cover; 23. Connecting part; 3. Rotating bracket; 31. Bracket body; 32. Rotating shaft; 33. Baffle; 41. Fixed bracket; 411. Base plate; 412. Vertical plate; 413. Rotating hole; 42. Torsion spring; 421. Support arm; 43. Fixing hole. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, an embodiment of this disclosure provides a door cover device, including a base, a door cover, and an energy storage mechanism.

[0048] The base has a mounting groove 11; the door cover has a pivot 32, which is rotatably connected to the base, and the door cover has an open position and a closed position relative to the base; the energy storage mechanism is installed in the mounting groove and is connected between the base and the door cover; when the door cover rotates toward the closed position, the energy storage mechanism stores energy and applies resistance to the door cover away from the closed position; when the door cover rotates toward the open position, the energy storage mechanism releases energy and applies assistance to the door cover toward the open position.

[0049] The energy storage mechanism can be a torsion spring 42 fitted on the rotating shaft. When the door cover rotates toward the base to the closed position, the torsion spring 42 stores energy and applies resistance to the door cover in the direction away from the base. When the door cover rotates away from the base to the open position, the torsion spring 42 releases energy and applies assistance to the door cover in the direction away from the base.

[0050] The base can be a frame structure, and the cover can be a panel structure. The cover can be rotatably connected to the top side of the base, so that after the cover is rotated away from the base, it can rotate towards the base under its own weight. The base can be installed on the top of the garment processing equipment's housing. The housing contains a bucket, and the bucket contains a garment processing chamber. The base has a loading port that communicates with the garment processing chamber.

[0051] When the door is closed, it fits snugly against the base, covering the storage opening. When the door is open, there is a set angle between the door and the base to expose the storage opening. The angle between the door and the base can be greater than or equal to 90° when the door is open, ensuring that the door does not obstruct clothing from passing through the storage opening. Furthermore, when the door is positioned on the top side of the base, it will not rotate towards the closed position under its own weight when the door is open.

[0052] The aforementioned door cover can be rotatably mounted on the top side of the base via a pivot 32 and an energy storage mechanism. The top side of the base is recessed to form a mounting groove 11. The mounting groove 11 can have a through hole on one side wall of the base in the width direction as a communication port, so that the pivot 32 can be inserted into the communication port along the width direction of the base.

[0053] A bracket structure can be optionally installed in the mounting slot 11. The bracket structure has a movable hole, and the rotating shaft 32 is movably inserted into the movable hole of the bracket structure, so that the door cover can rotate relative to the base with the rotating shaft 32 as the axis.

[0054] The aforementioned door cover may have a protrusion on one side, and a pivot portion 32 may be provided on the protrusion. When the door cover is placed on the top side of the base, the pivot portion 32 may be arranged in a horizontal direction, so that the door cover can rotate about the pivot portion 32 as an axis and rotate toward or away from the base.

[0055] Alternatively, a notch can be formed by recessing one side of the door cover. The notch has two opposing inner walls, and a pivot portion 32 is formed on at least one of the two inner walls. The base is placed in the notch, and the pivot portion 32 is rotatably connected to the base. Thus, after the pivot portion 32 is rotatably connected to the base, the door cover can rotate about the pivot portion 32 as an axis and rotate towards or away from the base.

[0056] The energy storage mechanism described above can be a torsion spring 42, which is sleeved on the rotating shaft 32. Both ends of the torsion spring 42 are connected to the inner wall of the mounting groove 11 and the rotating shaft 32, respectively. When the door rotates towards the base, causing the rotating shaft 32 to rotate, one end of the torsion spring 42 is fixed, while the other end rotates with the rotating shaft 32, causing the torsion spring 42 to undergo elastic deformation and store energy. Alternatively, the energy storage mechanism can be an elastic metal sheet. One end of the metal sheet is connected to the bottom of the mounting groove, and the other end is connected to the door. As the door rotates towards the base to the closed position, the metal sheet gradually bends and undergoes elastic deformation, applying resistance to the door against the closed position. When the door rotates towards the open position, the elastic force of the metal sheet is applied to the door, providing assistance to the door's rotation towards the open position.

[0057] When the aforementioned door rotates from the open position to the closed position, the energy storage mechanism applies resistance to the door, slowing down the rotation speed of the door towards the base. This prevents the door from closing onto the base at a high speed, which could easily cause abnormal noise or pinch the user. When the door rotates from the open position to the closed position, the energy storage mechanism releases energy to assist the door, allowing the user to apply less force to drive the door towards the open position, making it easier for the user to open the door.

[0058] In specific use, the door cover device provided in this embodiment has a rotating shaft 32 rotatably connected to a base, and an energy storage mechanism installed in the mounting groove 11, connected between the base and the door cover. When the door cover rotates towards the closed position, the energy storage mechanism stores energy and applies resistance to the door cover in the direction away from the base, slowing down the rotation speed of the door cover towards the closed position and preventing the door cover from colliding rapidly with the base when it reaches the closed position, causing abnormal noise and pinching the user. When the user opens the door cover, the user applies a force to the door cover in the direction away from the base to make the door cover rotate towards the open position. At this time, the energy storage mechanism releases energy and applies assistance to the door cover in the direction away from the base, reducing the force applied by the user to the door cover, so that the user can drive the door cover to rotate towards the open position with a smaller force, making it convenient for the user to open the door cover.

[0059] The door cover device provided in this embodiment includes a base, a door cover, and an energy storage mechanism. The base has a mounting groove 11; the door cover has a pivot 32, which rotatably connects the door cover to the base, and the door cover has an open position and a closed position relative to the base; the energy storage mechanism is installed in the mounting groove 11 and connected between the base and the door cover; when the door cover rotates towards the closed position, the energy storage mechanism stores energy and applies resistance to the door cover away from the closed position to slow down the rotation speed of the door cover towards the closed position, preventing the door cover from colliding with the base and causing abnormal noise or pinching the user; when the door cover rotates towards the open position, the energy storage mechanism releases energy and applies assistance to the door cover towards the open position, allowing the user to apply a small force to drive the door cover to rotate towards the open position. The energy storage mechanism is set in the mounting slot 11 of the base. On the one hand, the setting of the energy storage mechanism does not affect the arrangement of electrical components such as the control panel above the mounting slot 11, thus leaving more space for the installation of the control panel and other electrical components on the base. Compared with setting the energy storage mechanism on the door cover, setting the energy storage mechanism on the door cover will occupy more lateral space, thus affecting the space for arranging the control panel and other electrical components on the base. On the other hand, compared with setting the energy storage mechanism on the door cover, it avoids the need to set additional decorative covers or other items on the door cover to cover the energy storage mechanism, making the structure of the door cover simpler. It avoids setting more parts on the door cover and slotting on the door cover, simplifying the door cover structure. The door cover only needs to be rotatably connected to the base through the pivot part 32 to complete the assembly, improving the assembly efficiency.

[0060] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, in some embodiments, a connecting portion 23 protrudes from one side of the door cover. The connecting portion 23 is located on one side of the mounting groove 11, and a communication port is provided on the groove wall of the mounting groove 11. A rotating shaft portion 32 is connected to one side of the connecting portion 23, and the rotating shaft portion 32 extends into the mounting groove 11 through the communication port and is rotatably connected to the base. With this configuration, the connecting portion 23 can seat the basic structure for mounting the rotating shaft portion 32, and the connecting portion 23 protrudes from the door cover, so that after the rotating shaft portion 32 is rotatably connected to the base, there can be a certain distance between the door cover and the base through the connecting portion 23, avoiding interference between the edge of the door cover and the base when the door cover rotates relative to the base.

[0061] The aforementioned mounting groove 11 can be optionally set at the edge of the base along the width direction of the base. The mounting groove 11 has a connecting port on the groove wall along the width direction of the base. A bracket can be optionally set in the mounting groove 11. The rotating shaft 32 extends into the mounting groove 11 through the connecting port, so that the rotating shaft 32 can be rotatably connected with the bracket.

[0062] A raised block structure can be provided on one side edge of the door cover as a connecting part 23. The connecting part 23 is provided on one side of the mounting groove 11 along the width direction of the base. The rotating shaft part 32 is connected to the side of the connecting part 23 along the width direction of the base facing the mounting groove 11, so that the rotating shaft part 32 can enter the mounting groove 11 through the communication port.

[0063] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the base is provided with a receiving groove. The receiving groove 12 is arranged adjacent to the mounting groove 11 and is connected to the mounting groove 11 through a connecting port. The receiving groove 12 is used to accommodate the connecting part when the door cover is in the closed position. With this arrangement, when the door cover is in the closed position, the receiving groove 12 can protect the connecting part 23 and prevent the connecting part 23 from being directly hit by the outside.

[0064] The receiving groove 12 and the mounting groove 11 can be arranged along the width direction of the base so that the receiving groove 12 and the mounting groove 11 share a groove wall, so that the connecting port on the groove wall of the mounting groove 11 can connect the receiving groove 12 and the mounting groove 11 to each other.

[0065] The aforementioned receiving groove 12 may have a notch at one end away from the communication opening along the width direction of the base, and the connecting part 23 may be arranged parallel to the base, so that when the door is in the closed position, a portion of the connecting part 23 extends into the receiving groove 12, and the rest extends out of the receiving groove 12. Alternatively, the connecting part 23 may be arranged at an angle relative to the door, so that when the door is in the closed position, the connecting part 23 extends into the receiving groove 12, and the receiving groove 12 accommodates the connecting part 23.

[0066] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, in some embodiments, the energy storage mechanism includes a torsion spring 42, which is sleeved on the rotating shaft 32, and both ends of the torsion spring 42 are connected to the base and the door cover, respectively. This configuration results in low cost for the torsion spring 42, and the torsion spring 42 can be sleeved on the rotating shaft 32, providing good stability within the mounting groove 11 without requiring an additional structure to confine the torsion spring 42 within the mounting groove 11, thus simplifying the connection structure between the base and the energy storage mechanism.

[0067] The torsion spring 42 is a cylindrical structure formed by coiling an elastic material, with both ends of the elastic material exposed on the cylindrical structure to form two support arms 421.

[0068] Optionally, the bottom of the mounting groove 11 can be provided with a fixing hole, one support arm 421 of the torsion spring 42 can be inserted into the fixing hole, and the other support arm 421 can be connected to the rotating shaft 32. Alternatively, the inner wall of the mounting groove 11 can be provided with a buckle, one support arm 421 of the torsion spring 42 can be connected to the buckle, and the other support arm 421 can be connected to the rotating shaft 32.

[0069] A buckle can be optionally provided on the rotating shaft 32, so that one support arm 421 of the torsion spring 42 is connected to the base, and the other support arm 421 is snapped into place, so that the rotation of the rotating shaft 32 can drive the torsion spring 42 to rotate together. Alternatively, a baffle can be provided on the rotating shaft 32, with one support arm 421 of the torsion spring 42 connected to the base, and the other support arm 421 abutting against the baffle along one side of the circumference of the rotating shaft 32, so that the rotation of the rotating shaft 32 can drive the torsion spring 42 to rotate together.

[0070] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, in some embodiments, the door cover includes a door cover body 2 and a rotating bracket 3 fixed on the door cover body. The rotating bracket 3 includes a bracket body 31 and a rotating shaft 32. The bracket body 31 is fixedly connected to the door cover body 2, and the rotating shaft 32 is connected to one side of the bracket body 31.

[0071] The base includes a base body 1 and a fixed bracket 41. The base body 1 is provided with an installation groove 11. The fixed bracket 41 is installed in the installation groove 11 and is fixedly connected to the base body 1. The rotating shaft 32 extends to the fixed bracket 41 and is rotatably connected to the fixed bracket 41.

[0072] This design simplifies the structure and reduces manufacturing costs of the bracket body 31 and the rotating shaft 32. Furthermore, the connection between the bracket body 31 and the door cover body 2 eliminates the need for additional mating structures on the door cover body 2, simplifying its design and making it easier to manufacture. The fixed bracket 41 provides support and rotational connection for the rotating shaft 32, eliminating the need for machining a structure within the mounting groove 11 that mates with the rotating shaft 32, thus reducing the manufacturing difficulty of the base body 1. The door cover body 2 can be rotatably mounted on the base body 1 through the interaction of the rotating bracket 3 and the fixed bracket 41. The rotating bracket 3 and the fixed bracket 41 simplify the structure of both the door cover body 2 and the base body 1, further reducing their manufacturing difficulty.

[0073] The aforementioned door cover body 2 can be a panel structure. The door cover body 2 is rotatably connected to the base body 1 via a rotating bracket 3 and a fixed bracket 41. The door cover body 2 can rotate relative to the base body 1 and can rotate between the closed and open positions. The base body 1 is the main structure of the base, and the fixed bracket 41 is set in the mounting groove 11 as a basic structure for rotatably connecting with the rotating shaft 32.

[0074] The aforementioned bracket body 31 can be a rectangular bracket structure, or it can be a bracket structure of other shapes. The rotating shaft 32 of the rotating bracket 3 can be a cylindrical shaft. The rotating shaft 32 protrudes from one side of the bracket body 31. The bracket body 31 and the rotating shaft 32 can be perpendicular to each other, or the rotating shaft 32 and the bracket body 31 can be inclined to each other. The rotating shaft 32 is rotatably connected to the fixed bracket 41. The bracket body 31 and the door cover body 2 are fixedly connected by welding or bolts, so that the rotation of the rotating shaft 32 relative to the fixed bracket 41 can drive the rotating bracket 3 to rotate together. The door cover body 2 can then rotate relative to the base body 1 with the rotating shaft 32 as the axis.

[0075] The aforementioned fixing bracket 41 may include a base plate and two upright plates, with the two upright plates positioned on the same side of the base plate. Each upright plate has through holes, and the rotating shaft 32 is movably inserted into these through holes, allowing the shaft 32 to rotate relative to the upright plates. The base plate is fixedly connected to the bottom or wall of the mounting groove 11. Alternatively, the fixing bracket 41 may be a frame structure with through holes, and the rotating shaft 32 may be rotatably connected to these through holes. The fixing bracket 41 can be fixedly connected to the inner wall of the mounting groove 11 using bolts or welding.

[0076] Referring to Figures 1, 3, and 7 to 10, in some embodiments, the torsion spring 42 has two support arms 421 formed at each end. One support arm 421 is connected to the fixed bracket 41, and the other support arm 421 is connected to the rotating bracket 3. This arrangement allows the two support arms 421 to rotate relative to the fixed bracket 41 when the rotating bracket 3 rotates relative to it, causing the torsion spring 42 to elastically deform. The rotating bracket 3 and the fixed bracket 41 are inexpensive to manufacture and easy to process into a connection structure that matches the support arms 421. Furthermore, when the door cover rotates between the open and closed positions, the rotating bracket 3 and the fixed bracket 41 rotate relative to each other, and the two support arms 421 are connected to the rotating bracket 3 and the fixed bracket 41 respectively. This ensures that the force of the torsion spring 42 acts on the relatively rotating rotating bracket 3 and the fixed bracket 41, reducing the loss when the torsion spring 42 applies elastic force.

[0077] A through hole can be provided on the fixed bracket 41, and one support arm 421 can be inserted into the through hole. A buckle can be provided on the rotating shaft 32 of the rotating bracket 3, and the other support arm 421 can be connected to the buckle. Alternatively, the support arm 421 can abut against one side of the rotating bracket 3 along the circumference of the rotating shaft 32, so that when the rotating shaft 32 rotates relative to the fixed bracket 41, the support arm 421 can rotate with the rotating bracket 3 relative to the fixed bracket 41.

[0078] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, in some embodiments, a baffle 33 extending radially along the shaft portion 32 is provided on the shaft portion 32, and one of the support arms 421 abuts against one side of the baffle 33 along the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 32.

[0079] The fixed bracket 41 has a fixing hole 43, and another support arm 421 is inserted into the fixing hole 43 and abuts against the wall of the fixing hole 43. This arrangement limits the support arm 421, ensuring a stable relative position between the support arm 421 and the fixed bracket 41. The fixing hole 43 on the fixed bracket 41 is convenient to operate and saves on manufacturing costs. The baffle 33 has a simple structure; manufacturing the baffle 33 on the rotating shaft 32 is low-cost. Furthermore, the support arm 421 can rotate with the baffle 33 simply by abutting against it, allowing the torsion spring 42 to store energy, thus simplifying the connection between the torsion spring 42 and the support arm 421.

[0080] A through hole is provided on the fixed bracket 41 as a fixing hole 43. One support arm 421 is inserted into the fixing hole 43, and the other support arm 421 abuts against the baffle 33 of the rotating bracket 3. When the rotating bracket 3 rotates, it drives one support arm 421 to rotate together through the baffle 33. The support arm 421 inside the fixing hole 43 is limited by the fixing hole 43. The support arm 421 inside the fixing hole 43 will not rotate together with the rotating bracket 3. When the door cover rotates towards the base and drives the rotating bracket 3 to rotate, the torsion spring 42 undergoes elastic deformation and stores elastic potential energy.

[0081] The aforementioned baffle 33 is a panel structure provided on the rotating shaft 32. The baffle 33 extends radially along the rotating shaft 32, and the torsion spring 42 abuts against the baffle 33 along the circumference of the rotating shaft 32. The support arm 421 can be provided on the side of the baffle 33 facing the base in the direction of the door cover rotating towards the base. Thus, during the process of the door cover rotating towards the base to the closed position, the baffle 33 drives the support arm 421 to rotate together towards the base, thereby causing the torsion spring 42 to elastically deform and apply an elastic force to the door cover in the direction away from the base as resistance.

[0082] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 8 to 10, in some embodiments, the angle between the two support arms 421 when the door cover is in the closed position is a1, the angle between the two support arms 421 when the door cover is in the open position is a2, and the angle between the two support arms in the natural state is a3, where a3 > a2 > a1.

[0083] With this configuration, the torsion spring 42 applies an elastic force to the door cover when it is in the open position, making it easier for the door cover to remain in the open position under the action of the elastic force. When the door cover is in the closed position, the elastic deformation of the torsion spring 42 is at its maximum. When the user opens the door cover, the user's arm exertion posture is relatively difficult to open the door cover from the closed position that is attached to the base. At this time, the torsion spring 42 can apply a large elastic force to the door cover, so that the torsion spring 42 has a good assisting effect on opening the door cover, making it easier for the user to drive the door cover from the closed position to the open position.

[0084] When the cover is attached to the base and covers the dispensing opening on the base, the cover is in the closed position; when the cover rotates away from the base and the angle between the cover and the base is greater than or equal to 90°, the cover is in the open position when the cover's own weight does not cause the cover to rotate towards the base to cover the dispensing opening on the base, or when the cover does not block the dispensing opening on the base in the axial direction of the dispensing opening.

[0085] In its natural state, the torsion spring 42 does not undergo elastic deformation. At this time, the torsion spring 42 does not store elastic potential energy, and the two support arms 421 do not apply elastic force to the door cover and the base. When the door cover is in the open position, the angle between the two support arms 421 is a2, and a2 is less than a1. At this time, the torsion spring 42 is in a compressed elastic deformation state and stores elastic potential energy. The two support arms 421 will have a tendency to move away from each other under the action of the elastic force of the torsion spring 42, so that the two support arms 421 apply elastic force to the base and the door cover respectively, and the torsion spring 42 applies an elastic force to the door cover in the direction away from the base. The elastic force of the torsion spring 42 is conducive to keeping the door cover in the open state.

[0086] When the door cover is in the closed state, the included angle a1 is smaller than the included angle a2. The smaller the included angle between the two supporting arms 421 of the torsion spring 42, the greater the elastic potential energy stored in the torsion spring 42. The greater the elastic force exerted by the two supporting arms 421 of the torsion spring 42 on the base and the door cover, the greater the elastic force exerted by the torsion spring 42 on the door cover when the door cover is in the closed state. When the user pulls the door cover by hand to rotate the door cover away from the base to open the door cover, the elastic force of the torsion spring 42 is greater and can assist in opening the door cover.

[0087] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, in some embodiments, the door cover body 2 includes a first cover 21 and a second cover 22, which are closed and connected together. A rotating bracket 3 is sandwiched between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. This arrangement allows the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 to conceal the rotating bracket 3, preventing the bracket body 31 of the rotating bracket 3 from being exposed on the outside of the door cover, thus improving the aesthetics of the door cover.

[0088] The first cover 21 can be a panel structure, and the second cover 22 can be a frame structure. The first cover 21 and the second cover 22 are connected to each other, that is, the panel structure is connected to the frame structure. Alternatively, both the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 can be panel structures, and the two panel structures are connected to each other. The support body 31 of the rotating bracket 3 can be sandwiched between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. The support body 31 can be connected to the second cover 22, or it can be connected to the first cover 21, or it is not limited to connecting the support body 31 to both the first cover 21 and the second cover 22.

[0089] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, in some embodiments, the fixed bracket 41 includes a base plate 411 and two upright plates 412. The two upright plates 412 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart on the base plate 411. Each of the two upright plates 412 is provided with a rotating hole 413. The rotating shaft 32 is inserted into the two rotating holes 413, and the torsion spring 42 is disposed between the two upright plates 412. With this arrangement, the base plate 411 can be used to connect with the base, and the rotating shaft 32 can be movably inserted into the rotating holes 413 of the two upright plates 412, which can improve the stability of the rotational connection between the rotating shaft 32 and the fixed bracket 41. The two upright plates 412 can also limit and protect the torsion spring 42.

[0090] The base plate 411 is a flat panel structure. The upright plates 412 can be set at both ends of the base plate 411 along its length or width. The two upright plates 412 are set on the same side of the base plate 411. The two upright plates 412 can be parallel to each other or inclined to each other. Each upright plate 412 is provided with a through hole as a rotating hole 413. The through holes on the two upright plates 412 are arranged opposite each other, that is, the axes of the through holes of the two upright plates 412 coincide with each other, so that the rotating shaft part 32 can be movably inserted into the two rotating holes 413 at the same time. The torsion spring 42 is set on the rotating shaft part 32 and is located between the two upright plates 412, so that the two upright plates 412 can protect the torsion spring 42.

[0091] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, in some embodiments, mounting grooves 11 are respectively provided at both ends of the base along the width direction, and two energy storage mechanisms are installed in the two mounting grooves 11 respectively. This arrangement, with two energy storage mechanisms, allows the door cover to be rotatably mounted on the base via the two energy storage mechanisms and two rotating brackets 3. The door cover and the base have two rotatable connection points, which improves the stability of the door cover during rotation. When the door cover rotates from the closed position to the open position, the torsion springs 42 of both energy storage mechanisms provide assistance to the door cover; when the door cover rotates from the open position to the closed position, the two torsion springs 42 provide resistance to the door cover, improving the effect of slowing down the rotation of the door cover towards the base, thus giving the energy storage mechanism better resistance and assistance effects when the door cover rotates.

[0092] Energy storage mechanisms are respectively provided on the two opposite edges of the base along the width direction. The axes of the two energy storage mechanisms and the two rotating shafts 32 are on the same straight line, that is, the door cover can rotate relative to the base with the two rotating shafts 32 as the axes.

[0093] Two fixed brackets 41 and two rotating brackets 3 can be selected. The two fixed brackets 41 are located on opposite sides of the door cover along the width direction, and the two fixed brackets 41 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the two energy storage mechanisms. The two energy storage mechanisms and the two rotating brackets 3 are all mirror images of each other along a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the base, so that when the door cover rotates toward the base, the torsion springs 42 of the two energy storage mechanisms store energy and provide resistance to the rotation of the door cover toward the base.

[0094] The aforementioned base is provided with a mounting groove 11 on each of its two sides along the width direction. The energy storage mechanism is installed in the mounting groove 11. Alternatively, two mounting grooves 11 can be provided with a corresponding receiving groove 12, so that when the door is closed, the two support bodies 31 can be installed in the two receiving grooves 12 respectively.

[0095] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, in some embodiments, the cover device further includes a cover plate 13. The cover plate 13 extends along the width direction of the base and covers the mounting groove 11, and the cover plate 13 is connected to the base. This arrangement allows the cover plate 13 to cover the mounting groove 11, protecting the two energy storage mechanisms and preventing foreign objects or dust from entering the mounting groove 11 and affecting the normal operation of the energy storage mechanisms. Furthermore, the cover plate 13 covers the mounting groove 11, preventing the mounting groove 11 and the energy storage mechanisms from being exposed on the outside of the cover device, thus improving the aesthetics of the cover device.

[0096] The cover plate 13 extends along the width of the base. When the base has two mounting slots 11, the cover plate 13 covers the two mounting slots 11 and is connected to the base.

[0097] The aforementioned base forms the main structure of the home appliance. The cover plate 13 can be selected as the control panel of the appliance, connected to the base, and capable of concealing the two mounting slots 11, preventing them from being directly exposed on the base. Alternatively, the cover plate 13 can be a panel structure, protecting the energy storage mechanism within the mounting slots 11 after sealing them. The cover plate 13 can be bonded to the base, or it can be bolted to the base.

[0098] Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the cover plate serves as a control panel. This arrangement allows the cover plate 13 to be exposed on the base as a control panel, facilitating user operation. Simultaneously, the cover plate 13 conceals the mounting groove 11, providing protection for the energy storage mechanism. By utilizing the control panel inherent in the garment processing equipment as the cover plate 13, the number of parts in the garment processing equipment can be reduced, lowering the manufacturing cost of the door cover device.

[0099] The base is installed on the garment processing equipment, which typically has various electrical components and a control panel. The control panel is electrically connected to these components, enabling it to control their operating status. The cover 13 serves as the control panel, exposed on the base for user convenience. Simultaneously, the cover 13 conceals the mounting groove 11, providing protection for the energy storage mechanism.

[0100] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, in some embodiments, the door cover has connecting portions protruding from opposite ends along its width direction. Both connecting portions protrude towards one side of the door cover, and an installation opening is formed between the two connecting portions. The control panel is located between the two connecting portions and is exposed through the installation opening. With this arrangement, when the door cover is connected to the base, the relative position of the door cover and the base is positioned by the cooperation of the installation opening formed by the two connecting portions 23 and the control panel. Furthermore, the installation opening allows the control panel to be exposed on the base, facilitating user operation. The connecting portions 23 also provide protection for both sides of the control panel along the width direction of the base.

[0101] The connecting part 23 can be a rectangular or other shaped protrusion structure. The two connecting parts 23 are spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the door cover, so that the space between the two connecting parts 23 forms an installation opening. After the door cover and the base are rotatably connected, the two connecting parts 23 are on both sides of the control panel, so that the control panel is in the installation opening.

[0102] The two connecting parts 23 can be configured with two rotating shaft parts 32 respectively, so that the two rotating shaft parts 32 are rotatably connected to both sides of the base along the width direction. Alternatively, the two connecting parts 23 can be connected to the two rotating brackets 3 respectively, so that the rotating shaft parts 32 on the two rotating brackets 3 are rotatably connected to both sides of the base along the width direction.

[0103] The second aspect of this disclosure provides a garment handling apparatus, including the door cover device described above. The garment handling apparatus can be a washing machine, a dryer, or other garment handling apparatus, wherein the garment handling apparatus can be selected as a top-opening type, that is, the pivot portion 32 is arranged in a horizontal direction, so that the door cover can rotate upward relative to the base to open the door cover.

[0104] By using the door cover device described above in the garment processing equipment, the energy storage mechanism is installed on the base. The door cover only needs to be connected to the bracket body 31 to allow the door cover to be rotatably mounted on the base. When the door cover rotates in the closed position, the energy storage mechanism provides resistance, slows down the speed at which the door cover falls, and prevents the door cover from colliding with the base, causing abnormal noise and pinching the user. When the door cover is in the closed position, the energy stored in the energy storage mechanism can provide assistance when the door cover is opened. When the door cover rotates toward the open position, it reduces the force that the user needs to apply to open the door cover, making it easier for the user to open the door cover.

[0105] In specific use, the door cover device and clothing processing equipment provided in this embodiment are as follows: the base plate 411 is connected to the bottom of the mounting groove 11; the rotating shaft 32 is inserted into the mounting groove 11 through the connecting port; the rotating shaft 32 is rotatably connected to the rotating holes 413 on the two upright plates 412; the bracket body 31 is disposed in the receiving groove 12; the connecting part 23 is disposed in the receiving groove 12 and connected to the bracket body 31; and the bracket body 31 is sandwiched between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. One support arm 421 of the torsion spring 42 is inserted into the fixing hole 43, and the other support arm 421 abuts against the baffle 33.

[0106] When the door cover is in the closed position and is attached to the base, the included angle between the two support arms 421 of the torsion spring 42 is a1. At this time, the torsion spring 42 stores elastic potential energy. The torsion spring 42 applies an elastic force to the door cover in the direction away from the base. When the user pulls the door cover by hand and rotates it toward the open position, the elastic force of the torsion spring 42 can assist the door cover in rotating toward the open position, so that the user can rotate the door cover to the open position and open it with a small force.

[0107] When the door cover is in the open position, the included angle between the two support arms 421 is a2. The torsion spring 42 applies an elastic force to the door cover to rotate away from the base, so that the door cover can be kept in the open position.

[0108] As the door rotates from the open position toward the closed position, the included angle of the torsion spring 42 gradually decreases, causing the force exerted by the torsion spring 42 on the door to gradually increase. This slows down the rotation speed of the door toward the closed position, preventing the door from colliding with the base when it closes quickly, thus avoiding abnormal noise and potential injury to the user.

[0109] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0110] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement it. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Industrial applicability

[0111] The door cover device and garment processing equipment disclosed herein place the energy storage mechanism in the mounting groove of the base, avoiding the need for an additional decorative cover on the door cover to obscure the energy storage mechanism, simplifying the door cover structure. Furthermore, the door cover can be assembled simply by rotating it to the base via a pivot, improving assembly efficiency. This effectively simplifies the door cover structure and improves assembly efficiency, demonstrating strong industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A door cover device, comprising: A base, wherein the base is provided with a mounting groove; A door cover, wherein the door cover is provided with a pivot portion, the door cover is rotatably connected to the base through the pivot portion, and the door cover has an open position and a closed position relative to the base; An energy storage mechanism is installed in the mounting slot and is connected between the base and the door cover; When the door rotates toward the closed position, the energy storage mechanism stores energy and applies resistance to the door away from the closed position; when the door rotates toward the open position, the energy storage mechanism releases energy and applies assistance to the door toward the open position.

2. The door cover device according to claim 1, wherein a connecting portion is provided on one side of the door cover, the connecting portion is located on one side of the mounting groove, a communicating opening is provided on the groove wall of the mounting groove, the rotating shaft is connected to one side of the connecting portion, and the rotating shaft extends into the mounting groove through the communicating opening and is rotatably connected to the base.

3. The door cover device according to claim 2, wherein the base is provided with a receiving groove, the receiving groove is disposed adjacent to the mounting groove and communicates with the mounting groove through the communicating port, and the receiving groove is used to receive the connecting part when the door cover is in the closed position.

4. The door cover device according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage mechanism includes a torsion spring, the torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and both ends of the torsion spring are respectively connected to the base and the door cover.

5. The door cover device according to claim 4, wherein the door cover includes a door cover body and a rotating bracket fixed on the door cover body, the rotating bracket includes a bracket body and the rotating shaft portion, the bracket body is fixedly connected to the door cover body, and the rotating shaft portion is connected to one side of the bracket body; The base includes a base body and a fixed bracket. The base body is provided with the mounting groove. The fixed bracket is installed in the mounting groove and fixedly connected to the base body. The rotating shaft extends to the fixed bracket and is rotatably connected to the fixed bracket.

6. The door cover device according to claim 5, wherein two support arms are formed at both ends of the torsion spring, one of the support arms being connected to the fixed bracket and the other support arm being connected to the rotating bracket.

7. The door cover device according to claim 6, wherein the pivot portion is provided with a baffle extending radially along the pivot portion, and one of the support arms abuts against the baffle on one side of the pivot portion in the circumferential direction; The fixed bracket is provided with a fixing hole, and another support arm is inserted into the fixing hole and abuts against the wall of the fixing hole.

8. The door cover device according to claim 6, wherein the angle between the two support arms when the door cover is in the closed position is a1, the angle between the two support arms when the door cover is in the open position is a2, and the angle between the two support arms in the natural state is a3, where a3 > a2 > a1.

9. The door cover device according to claim 5, wherein the door cover body includes a first cover and a second cover, the first cover and the second cover are closed and connected, and the rotating bracket is clamped between the first cover and the second cover; And / or, the fixed bracket includes a base plate and two upright plates, the two upright plates are arranged opposite each other and spaced apart on the base plate, each of the two upright plates is provided with a rotating hole, the rotating shaft is inserted into the two rotating holes, and the torsion spring is arranged between the two upright plates.

10. The door cover device according to claim 1, wherein the base is provided with mounting grooves at its two opposite ends along the width direction, and the number of energy storage mechanisms is two, with the two energy storage mechanisms respectively installed in the two mounting grooves.

11. The door cover device according to claim 1, wherein the door cover device further comprises a cover plate, the cover plate extending along the width direction of the base and covering the mounting groove, and the cover plate being connected to the base.

12. The door cover device according to claim 11, wherein the cover plate is a control panel.

13. The door cover device according to claim 12, wherein the door cover is provided with connecting portions at its two opposite ends along the width direction, both connecting portions protrude toward one side of the door cover, and an installation opening is formed between the two connecting portions; The control panel is located between the two connecting parts and is exposed through the installation opening.

14. A garment handling apparatus, comprising a door cover device as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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