JP2024516212A - Door lock device and washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

In the door lock device and the washing machine, the door lock device includes a lock hook mechanism (3). The lock hook mechanism (3) includes a lock bracket (33) having a lock hook shaft (34) provided therein, and a lock hook member (31) and a position restriction member (32) that rotate synchronously around the lock hook shaft (34) to open or lock the door lock. A position restriction linking portion (33111) that restricts the reversal of the lock hook member (31) is provided on the side wall of the lock bracket (33) in correspondence with the position restriction member (32). In addition, the lock hook member (31) and the position restriction member (32) transmit and link power through a direction change transmission member (37). The direction change transmission member (37) can convert the reversal displacement of the lock hook member (31) along the circumferential direction of the lock hook shaft (34) into an axial displacement that moves the position restriction member (32) in a direction approaching the position restriction linking portion (33111). This engages and positions the position restriction member (32) with the position restriction linkage portion (33111), restricting the lock hook member (31) from reversing. By installing the door lock device between the inner tub and the inner tub door, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the lock hook member reverses due to centrifugal force caused by the high speed rotation of the inner tub during the washing or spinning program of the washing machine, opening the inner tub door and inducing a serious dangerous accident. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention belongs to the technical field of clothes treatment machines, and more specifically, to a door lock device and a washing machine.

Washing machines are the most widely used household electrical appliances in people's daily lives, freeing people from the hassle of doing laundry and bringing great convenience. In particular, drum washing machines with a non-perforated inner tub have an inner tub door that can be opened and closed attached to the tub opening of the non-perforated inner tub, forming an internal space that can independently contain washing water. In this way, during the washing and rinsing process, the washing water is contained within the inner tub, and the space between the inner tub and the outer tub is waterless. This not only solves the problem of dirt between the inner tub and the outer tub, but also saves on the amount of washing water, making it popular with consumers.

As is clear from the structural characteristics of drum washing machines with non-perforated inner tubs, maintaining the tightness of the inner tub door during the washing and rinsing processes is key to creating an internal space in the inner tub that can independently accommodate washing water. Therefore, a door lock device is provided between the inner tub and the inner tub door. However, during the spin-drying process, when the inner tub rotates at high speed, the door lock can be opened by the action of centrifugal force, easily inducing a serious and dangerous accident.

For example, Patent Document 1 provides a washing machine including an inner tub having a washing chamber that separately accommodates wash water, an inner tub door that is openably and closably attached to the tub mouth of the inner tub, and an inner tub door lock including a lock bracket assembly and a deadbolt assembly. The lock bracket assembly is fixed to the tub mouth wall of the inner tub, and the deadbolt assembly is fixed to the inner tub door. The deadbolt assembly is locked to the lock bracket assembly and cooperates with it to lock the inner tub door. The lock bracket assembly includes a base body, a lock hook, a lock bracket liner, and a lock bracket connecting member. The lock hook is provided on the base body.

The inner tank door lock disclosed in the above application has a lock hook that is rotatably mounted within a lock bracket, and the lock hook has a certain weight. Therefore, when the inner tank is rotating at high speed, the lock hook is rotated radially away from the center of the inner tank due to the action of centrifugal force, which may open the inner tank door and cause a serious dangerous accident.

In view of the above, the present invention provides:

China Patent Application Publication No. 201910767613.0

The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a door lock device that is attached between the inner tub and the inner tub door of a washing machine in order to eliminate the defects of the conventional technology. The door lock device provided by the present invention effectively prevents a situation in which the lock hook member is reversed by centrifugal force due to the high speed rotation of the inner tub while the washing machine is running a washing or spinning program, opening the inner tub door and inducing a serious dangerous accident, by installing a position control member and a direction changing transmission member.

To solve the above technical problems, the basic idea of the technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

The door lock device includes a lock hook mechanism. The lock hook mechanism includes a lock bracket having a lock hook shaft provided therein, and a lock hook member and a position restriction member that rotate synchronously around the lock hook shaft to open or lock the door lock. A position restriction linkage portion that restricts the reversal of the lock hook member is provided on the side wall of the lock bracket in correspondence with the position restriction member. The lock hook member and the position restriction member are transmitted and linked through a direction change transmission member. The direction change transmission member is capable of converting the reversal displacement of the lock hook member along the circumferential direction of the lock hook shaft into an axial displacement that moves the position restriction member in a direction approaching the position restriction linkage portion. This engages and restricts the position of the position restriction member with respect to the position restriction linkage portion, thereby restricting the reversal of the lock hook member.

Furthermore, the direction-changing transmission member includes a first transmission member provided on the lock hook member and having a drive surface, and a second transmission member provided on the position restriction member corresponding to the first transmission member and having a transmission surface that abuts and cooperates with the drive surface. The drive surface and/or the transmission surface is provided with a protruding pressing portion that has a height that changes in the axial direction of the lock hook shaft. When the lock hook member is inverted, the protruding pressing portion is pressed against the drive surface or the transmission surface to cooperate with it, and moves the position restriction member outward along the axial direction of the lock hook shaft.

Furthermore, the lock hook member includes a lock hook base, and the direction change transmission member includes a first transmission sleeve fixed to the lock hook base. The position restriction member includes a position restriction base, and the direction change transmission member further includes a second transmission sleeve fixed to the position restriction base. The first transmission sleeve has at least a portion of its end face inclined to form a driving slope, and a transmission slope that abuts and links with the driving slope is formed on the linking end face of the second transmission sleeve. The linking of the driving slope and the transmission slope forms a wedge mechanism that converts the reversal displacement of the lock hook member in the circumferential direction into an axial displacement that moves the position restriction member in a direction approaching the position restriction linking portion.

Furthermore, the lock hook base and the position restriction base each have a lock hook shaft hole. The first transmission sleeve and the second transmission sleeve are provided along the outer periphery of the lock hook shaft hole and are respectively fitted over the lock hook shaft. Preferably, the first transmission sleeve and the lock hook base are integrally provided, and the second transmission sleeve and the position restriction base are integrally provided.

Furthermore, the lock bracket includes a bottom plate, and a first support plate and a second support plate provided on opposite sides of the bottom plate. The position restriction member is provided on the side adjacent to the first support plate, and the position restriction linking portion is provided on the first support plate corresponding to the position restriction member. The position restriction linking portion has a position restriction abutment wall that restricts the upward rotation of the position restriction member. Preferably, the position restriction linking portion is a position restriction boss or a position restriction engagement groove provided on the first support plate corresponding to the position restriction member.

Furthermore, a position retention mechanism is provided between the first support plate and the position restriction member. The position retention mechanism applies a pressing force to the position restriction member approaching the lock hook member, thereby keeping the position restriction member and the lock hook member in a state of firm contact and linkage. Preferably, the position retention mechanism is a first spring that is compressed and provided between the first support plate and the position restriction member. The first spring is covered by the lock hook shaft. More preferably, the first support plate is provided with an attachment groove for position restriction and attachment of the first spring.

Furthermore, a lock hook torsion spring is provided between the lock hook member and the second support plate. An elastic support member is provided between the position restriction member and the bottom plate. Preferably, the lock hook torsion spring is provided on the lock hook shaft. The elastic support member is a second spring connected between the position restriction member and the bottom plate.

The lock hook base further includes a first base and a second base that are connected at a predetermined included angle. A lock hook portion is provided at the end of the first base. The lock hook portion is made of a high-density metal material. A lock hook pressure plate is provided at the end of the second base. A position restriction pressure plate is provided at the end of the position restriction base that is close to the lock hook pressure plate. The lock hook base further includes an automatic lock release mechanism. The automatic lock release mechanism includes a power member and a transmission member. The transmission member synchronously presses down the lock hook pressure plate and the position restriction pressure plate by the action of the power member, thereby realizing the reversal of the lock hook portion and releasing the door lock.

The deadbolt mechanism also includes a deadbolt mechanism that cooperates with the lock hook mechanism to open or lock the door lock device. The deadbolt mechanism includes two deadbolts arranged opposite each other and a deadbolt shaft arranged between the two deadbolts. The deadbolt mechanism also includes a handle. The handle has a handle shaft. A deadbolt torsion spring is provided on the handle shaft. The deadbolt and the handle are each rotatably attached to the handle shaft. The handle cooperates with the deadbolt to rotate the deadbolt shaft, and cooperates with the lock hook mechanism to lock or open the door lock.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine. The washing machine includes an inner tub and an inner tub door that is openably and closably provided at the tub mouth of the inner tub. The above-mentioned door lock device is provided between the inner tub and the inner tub door. Preferably, the lock hook mechanism is provided in the inner tub, and correspondingly, a deadbolt mechanism is provided in the inner tub door.

By using the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared to the prior art:

1. A position restriction member is added to the door lock device provided by the present invention. The door can be unlocked or locked only when the position restriction member and the lock hook member rotate synchronously around the lock hook axis, and the door can be unlocked only when the position restriction member and the lock hook member are pressed down synchronously, resulting in higher safety and reliability.

The present invention further provides a direction change transmission member between the lock hook member and the position restriction member. The direction change transmission member is capable of converting the reversal displacement of the lock hook member along the circumferential direction of the lock hook shaft into an axial displacement that moves the position restriction member in a direction approaching the position restriction linkage part. This engages and restricts the position of the position restriction member with the position restriction linkage part, thereby restricting the reversal of the lock hook member. This effectively avoids the problem that, when the lock hook member is subjected to an abnormal external force, it reverses and opens the door lock device, inducing related dangerous accidents.

2. In the present invention, by installing the above door lock device between the inner tub and the inner tub door of the washing machine, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the lock hook member is reversed by centrifugal force caused by the high speed rotation of the inner tub while the washing machine is running a washing or spinning program, opening the inner tub door and inducing a serious dangerous accident, and also ensures the sealing effect of the inner tub during the entire washing process.

3. The door lock device provided by the present invention includes an automatic lock release mechanism. The automatic lock release mechanism includes a power member and a transmission member. The transmission member synchronously presses down the lock hook pressure plate and the position restriction pressure plate by the action of the power member, thereby realizing the reversal of the lock hook portion and thereby opening the door lock. The power member drives the transmission member to simultaneously press down the lock hook pressure plate and the position restriction pressure plate to realize automatic opening of the door lock, which is easy to control, efficient, and has a high degree of automation.

In addition, the door lock device provided by the present invention can be opened by manually operating the handle, as the deadbolt mechanism can be disengaged from the lock hook mechanism. This effectively avoids the occurrence of a situation in which the inner tank door cannot be opened if an unexpected situation occurs, such as a loss of function in the automatic unlocking mechanism. The user can open the door lock using the automatic unlocking mechanism, and can also open the inner tank door by manually operating it, resulting in a better user experience.

In addition, the technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a door lock device further provided with a position detection bracket in order to eliminate the defects of the conventional technology. The position detection bracket has one end that is positionally restricted and linked to the lock hook member, and the other end is provided with a detectable terminal. Due to the action of the position detection bracket, when a slight change occurs in the position of the lock hook member, the displacement of the end of the detectable terminal is increased several times. This allows the position sensor to more easily identify the position of the lock hook member, and makes it possible to more accurately and efficiently determine whether the door lock device is locked in a specified position, thereby reliably ensuring safety during operation of the washing machine.

To solve the above technical problems, the basic idea of the technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

The door lock device includes a lock hook mechanism. The lock hook mechanism includes a lock bracket, a lock hook member that is rotatably provided within the lock bracket and that opens or locks the door lock, and a position detection bracket that is rotatably provided at its center on the lock bracket, has one end that is positionally restricted and linked to the lock hook member, and has the other end provided with a detection terminal.

Furthermore, a lock hook portion is provided at an end of the lock hook member. The lock hook portion opens or locks the door lock by moving between a locked position and an open position. The position detection bracket has one end fixedly connected to the lock hook portion or is connected and position-restricted to the lock hook portion, and the detectable terminal is provided at the other end. When the lock hook portion is in the locked position, the detectable terminal is in a first position corresponding to this. Also, when the lock hook portion is in the open position, the detectable terminal is in a second position corresponding to this. Preferably, the position detection bracket and the lock hook portion are operably connected.

The position detection bracket is a pivotal support that is pivotally mounted on the lock bracket via a bracket pivot shaft. The pivotal support has a power end that cooperates with the lock hook member and a resistance end that is provided with a detection terminal. The length from the bracket pivot shaft to the resistance end of the pivotal support is greater than the length from the bracket pivot shaft to the power end of the pivotal support.

Furthermore, the lock bracket includes a first support plate and a second support plate that are provided opposite each other. A lock hook shaft is provided between the first support plate and the second support plate. The lock hook member is rotatably provided on the lock hook shaft. The position detection bracket is rotatably provided on the first support plate or the second support plate. Preferably, the lock hook member is provided on the side of the lock hook shaft that is close to the second support plate, and the position detection bracket is provided on the first support plate.

Furthermore, the lock hook member includes a first base and a second base that are connected at a predetermined included angle. The lock hook portion is provided at the upper end of the first base, and a lock hook pressing plate is provided at the lower end of the second base. The position detection bracket is provided at a position above the first support plate. Preferably, the first support plate is provided with an evacuation groove for mounting the position detection bracket so as to retract it. The position detection bracket is provided in the evacuation groove so as to be rotatable via a bracket rotation shaft.

The lock bracket further includes a support base connected to both sides of the first support plate and the second support plate. A storage groove is provided on the side of the support base that is closest to the first support plate. One end of the position detection bracket is connected to the lock hook member, and the other end extends into the storage groove.

Furthermore, it includes a deadbolt mechanism that cooperates with the lock hook mechanism to open or lock the door lock device. The deadbolt mechanism includes two deadbolts arranged opposite each other and a deadbolt shaft arranged between the two deadbolts.

The device further includes a handle. The handle has a handle shaft. A deadbolt torsion spring is provided on the handle shaft. The deadbolt and the handle are each rotatably attached to the handle shaft. The handle cooperates with the deadbolt to rotate the deadbolt shaft, and cooperates with a lock hook mechanism to lock or unlock the door lock.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine including an inner tub and an inner tub door that is openably and closably attached to the inner tub mouth. The above-mentioned door lock device is provided between the inner tub and the inner tub door.

Furthermore, a position sensor is included, and the position sensor detects the position of the detection terminal to determine whether the lock hook mechanism is locked in a predetermined position.

Furthermore, the lock hook mechanism is provided on the inner tub, and the deadbolt mechanism is provided on the inner tub door. The washing machine further includes an outer tub that is coaxially provided outside the inner tub. The position sensor is provided on the outer tub in correspondence with the detected terminal. Alternatively, the washing machine further includes a housing, and the position sensor is provided on the housing in correspondence with the detected terminal. Preferably, the position sensor is a Hall sensor or a reed switch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method having the above-mentioned washing machine. In the control method, before starting execution of the clothes processing program or while the clothes processing program is being executed, the position sensor is activated to detect position information of the detected terminal and is controlled to feed back to the control unit. The control unit estimates whether the door lock device is locked or not based on the position information of the detected terminal fed back from the position sensor. If the door lock device is locked, the control unit controls the door lock device to maintain the locked state, and if the door lock device is not locked, the control unit controls the execution of the clothes processing program to be temporarily stopped and presented to the user.

By using the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared to the prior art:

The door lock device provided by the present invention includes a position detection bracket. The position detection bracket is rotatably mounted at its center on the lock bracket, one end of which is positionally restricted and linked to the lock hook member, and the other end of which is provided with a detectable terminal. Due to the action of the position detection bracket, when a slight change occurs in the position of the lock hook portion of the lock hook member, the displacement of the end of the detectable terminal of the position detection bracket is increased several times. This allows the position sensor to more easily identify the position of the lock hook member and more accurately and efficiently determine whether the door lock device is locked in a specified position, improving detection accuracy and reliably ensuring safety during operation of the washing machine.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings are used as part of the present invention for further understanding of the present invention. Furthermore, the schematic embodiments of the present invention and their explanations are used for interpreting the present invention, but do not unduly limit the present invention. Needless to say, the drawings described below are only a part of the embodiments, and a person skilled in the art can derive further drawings from these drawings without requiring creative labor.

FIG. 1 is a partial view of an inner tank, an inner tank door, and a door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial view of the inner tub, the inner tub door, and the door lock device after the handle is omitted in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 2 in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 3 in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the inner tub, the inner tub door, and the door lock device after the handle is omitted in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the lock hook member according to the embodiment of the present invention, with the lock bracket omitted. FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of one angle of the locking hook mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of the locking hook mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention at another angle.

It should be noted that these drawings and written descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concept in any manner, but are intended to explain the inventive concept to those skilled in the art with reference to specific embodiments.

In order to clarify the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, the following will clearly and concisely describe the technical solution of the embodiments in combination with the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Note that the following embodiments are for the purpose of explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The following examples will be used to further explain the present invention.

As shown in Figures 1 to 8, this embodiment is primarily intended to solve the problem that the lock hook mechanism 3 of a conventional door lock device reverses when subjected to an abnormal external force, opening the door lock device and inducing related dangerous accidents.

3 to 7, the present embodiment provides a door lock device including a lock hook mechanism 3. The lock hook mechanism 3 includes a lock bracket 33 having a lock hook shaft 34 provided therein, a lock hook member 31, and a position restriction member 32. The lock hook member 31 and the position restriction member 32 are two independent members, and are circumferentially restricted in position, so that they rotate synchronously around the lock hook shaft 34 to open or lock the door lock. A position restriction linkage portion 3311 that restricts the reversal of the lock hook member 31 is provided on the side wall of the lock bracket 33 in correspondence with the position restriction member 32. In addition, the lock hook member 31 and the position restriction member 32 are transmitted and linked through a direction change transmission member 37. Combining FIGS. 6 to 8, the direction change transmission member 37 can convert the reversal displacement of the lock hook member 31 along the circumferential direction of the lock hook shaft 34 into an axial displacement that moves the position restriction member 32 in a direction approaching the position restriction linkage portion 3311. This causes the position restriction member 32 to engage with and restrict its position relative to the position restriction linkage portion 3311, restricting the lock hook member 31 from reversing.

The door lock device provided in this embodiment is further provided with a position restriction member 32. The door can be unlocked or locked only when the position restriction member 32 and the lock hook member 31 rotate synchronously around the lock hook shaft 34, and the door can be unlocked only when the position restriction member 32 and the lock hook member 31 are pressed down synchronously, resulting in higher safety and reliability.

In addition, in this embodiment, a direction change transmission member 37 is also provided between the lock hook member 31 and the position restriction member 32. When the lock hook member 31 has a tendency to reverse, the direction change transmission member 37 can convert the reversal displacement of the lock hook member 31 along the circumferential direction of the lock hook shaft 34 into an axial displacement that moves the position restriction member 32 in a direction approaching the position restriction linkage part 3311. The lock hook member 31 presses the position restriction member 32 to move it in a direction approaching the position restriction linkage part 3311, thereby engaging and position-regulating the position restriction member 32 with the position restriction linkage part 3311. As a result, the lock hook member 31 cannot continue to reverse, effectively preventing the lock hook member 31 from being released by an abnormal external force.

The position restriction member 32 and the lock hook member 31 are circumferentially restricted in position and rotate synchronously in the circumferential direction. As a result, when the position restriction member 32 is restricted in position and fixed, the lock hook member 31 cannot continue to rotate, so the purpose of restricting the reversal of the lock hook member 31 can be achieved.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the direction change transmission member 37 includes a first transmission member provided on the lock hook member 31 and having a drive surface, and a second transmission member provided on the position restriction member 32 corresponding to the first transmission member and having a transmission surface that abuts and cooperates with the drive surface. The drive surface and/or the transmission surface is provided with a protruding pressing portion that has a height that changes in the axial direction of the lock hook shaft 34. When the lock hook member 31 is inverted, the protruding pressing portion is pressed against the drive surface or the transmission surface to cooperate, and the position restriction member 32 is moved outward along the axial direction of the lock hook shaft 34 to engage and regulate the position within the position restriction cooperation portion 3311.

By forming the protruding pressing portion to resemble a cam mechanism, firstly, it is possible to realize circumferential position regulation of the lock hook member 31 and the position regulation member 32. Secondly, when the lock hook member 31 has a tendency to reverse, the protruding pressing portion has a certain height change in the axial direction of the lock hook shaft 34, so that the position regulation member 32 can be moved outward along the axial direction to enter and engage with the position regulation linkage portion 3311.

In the above solution, the protruding pressing portion may be provided on both the driving surface and the transmission surface, or the protruding pressing portion may be provided on at least one of the connecting surfaces.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, as shown in Figs. 5 to 8, the lock hook member 31 includes a lock hook base, and the direction change transmission member 37 includes a first transmission sleeve 313 fixed to the lock hook base. The position restriction member 32 includes a position restriction base, and the direction change transmission member 37 further includes a second transmission sleeve 321 fixed to the position restriction base. The end faces of the first transmission sleeve 313 and the second transmission sleeve 321 abut and cooperate with each other.

Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the first transmission sleeve 313 has at least a portion of its end face inclined to form a driving slope 3131, and the linking end face of the second transmission sleeve 321 has a transmission slope 3211 that abuts and links with the driving slope 3131. The linking of the driving slope 3131 and the transmission slope 3211 forms a wedge mechanism that converts the reversal displacement in the circumferential direction of the lock hook member 31 into an axial displacement that moves the position restriction member 32 in a direction approaching the position restriction linking portion 3311. The driving slope 3131 and the transmission slope 3211 may be flat inclined wall surfaces or inclined wall surfaces having a certain degree of arc.

The driving inclined surface 3131 of the first transmission sleeve 313 and the transmission inclined surface 3211 of the second transmission sleeve 321 transmit and cooperate with each other, so that not only can the reversal displacement of the lock hook member 31 be converted into an axial displacement that moves the position restriction member 32 in a direction approaching the position restriction cooperation portion 3311, but it is also possible to restrict the positions of the position restriction member 32 and the lock hook member 31 in the circumferential direction. As a result, the position restriction member 32 and the lock hook member 31 have a certain restricting force in the circumferential direction, and synchronous rotation of these members around the lock hook shaft 34 is realized.

Specifically, in one embodiment, the first transmission sleeve 313 includes a first semi-connected cylinder, and the second transmission sleeve 321 includes a second semi-connected cylinder that is compatible with and connected to the first semi-connected cylinder. The first and second half sleeves are joined in the circumferential direction to form a complete cylindrical structure. The first semi-connected cylinder includes a first circumferential end wall surface and a first axial end wall surface connected to both sides of the first circumferential end wall surface. The second semi-connected cylinder includes a second circumferential end wall surface and a second axial end wall surface connected to both sides of the second circumferential end wall surface. In addition, the first axial end wall surface and the second axial end wall surface abut and are in close contact with each other.

Furthermore, the first axial end wall surface is a driving inclined surface 3131 that is gradually inclined from the lock hook member 31 side toward the position restriction member 32. The inclination direction of the first axial end wall surface is opposite to the reversal direction of the lock hook member 31. Correspondingly, the second axial end wall surface is a linking inclined surface that is gradually inclined from the position restriction member 32 side toward the lock hook member 31. The inclination direction of the second axial end wall surface is the same direction as the reversal direction of the lock hook member 31. The linking inclined surface abuts against the driving inclined surface 3131 and links with it. By providing it as described above, it is possible to effectively guarantee that the position restriction member 32 can be moved outward when the lock hook member 31 is reversed, and as a result, the position restriction member 32 can be engaged and positionally restricted with respect to the position restriction linking portion 3311.

Furthermore, the first and second semi-connected cylinders may be formed by directly providing the first and second transmission sleeves 313 and 321 as semi-cylindrical structures. Alternatively, the first and second transmission sleeves 313 and 321 may further include cylindrical bases connected to the lock hook base and the position restriction base, respectively, and the first and second semi-connected cylinders may protrude from the cylindrical bases, respectively.

In the door lock device provided in this embodiment, the direction change transmission member 37 can be a cam mechanism or a wedge mechanism provided between the lock hook member 31 and the position restriction member 32. By using a cam mechanism or a wedge mechanism to convert the circumferential reversal displacement of the lock hook member 31 into an axial displacement that moves the position restriction member 32 in a direction approaching the position restriction linkage portion 3311, the structure becomes simpler and easier to realize.

Furthermore, the lock hook base and the position restriction base each have a lock hook shaft hole. The first transmission sleeve 313 and the second transmission sleeve 321 are provided along the outer periphery of the lock hook shaft hole and are respectively covered by the lock hook shaft 34. Of course, the first transmission sleeve 313 and the second transmission sleeve 321 may be provided at any other position.

Preferably, as shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the first transmission sleeve 313 and the lock hook base are integrally provided, and the second transmission sleeve 321 and the position restriction base are integrally provided. The first transmission sleeve 313 and the lock hook base, and the second transmission sleeve 321 and the position restriction base may be integrally provided by a method of integral injection molding. In this case, since there is no need to connect and fix using other connection structures or other connection methods, the manufacturing and assembly efficiency is improved and the structure is simplified.

Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 1, 5, 7 and 8, the lock bracket 33 includes a bottom plate 333, and a first support plate 331 and a second support plate 332 provided opposite each other on either side of the bottom plate 333. The position restricting member 32 is provided on the side adjacent to the first support plate 331, and the lock hook member 31 is provided on the side adjacent to the second support plate 332. A gap is provided between the position restricting member 32 and the first support plate 331, and a gap is provided between the lock hook member 31 and the second support plate 332. This avoids interference with the normal rotation of the position restricting member 32 and the lock hook member 31.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the position restriction linking portion 3311 is provided on the first support plate 331 in correspondence with the position restriction member 32. The position restriction linking portion 3311 has a position restriction abutment wall 33111 that restricts the upward rotation of the position restriction member 32. When the lock hook member 31 is subjected to the action of centrifugal force and has a tendency to reverse, the drive slope 3131 of the first transmission sleeve 313 and the transmission slope 3211 of the second transmission sleeve 321 cooperate to allow the position restriction member 32 to move in a direction approaching the first support plate 331. As a result, the position restriction member 32 is pressed and pushed into the position restriction linking portion 3311. Then, the position restriction abutment wall 33111 engages with the upper part of the position restriction member 32 to restrict its position, thereby restricting the upward rotation of the position restriction member 32. In addition, because the first transmission sleeve 313 and the second transmission sleeve 321 have a certain restrictive force in the circumferential direction, the lock hook member 31 cannot continue to reverse.

The lock hook portion 3111 at the end of the lock hook member 31 has a high density and is heavy, so that the lock hook member 31 can be flipped outward by the action of centrifugal force. However, the reversal movement of the lock hook member 31 and the cooperation of the drive slope 3131 and the transmission slope 3211 slopes realize linear movement of the position restriction member 32 in the direction toward the first support plate 331, and the position restriction member 32 enters the position restriction cooperation portion 3311, or a part of the position restriction member 32 enters the position restriction cooperation portion 3311. As a result, the position restriction member 32 becomes unable to move, and furthermore, by acting against the lock hook member 31, it becomes impossible for the lock hook member 31 to continue flipping over.

Preferably, the position restriction linkage portion 3311 is a position restriction boss or a position restriction engagement groove provided on the first support plate 331 in correspondence with the position restriction member 32.

In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 5, 7, and 8, the position restriction linking portion 3311 is a position restriction boss provided on the first support plate 331. The position restriction boss is a protrusion provided on the side wall surface of the first support plate 331 close to the position restriction member 32. The lower wall surface of the position restriction boss is slightly higher than the height of the ceiling wall of the position restriction member 32 in the locked state. The lower wall surface of the position restriction boss forms the position restriction abutment wall 33111. The position restriction member 32 is pushed downward into the position restriction boss, and the position restriction abutment wall 33111 blocks the upper side of the position restriction member 32, thereby restricting the upward reversal of the position restriction member 32. As a result, the position restriction member 32 becomes unable to move, and furthermore, by acting against the lock hook member 31, the purpose of restricting the lock hook member 31 from reversing is achieved.

In another embodiment, the position restriction linking portion 3311 is a position restriction engagement groove provided in the first support plate 331. The position restriction engagement groove is a recessed groove provided in the side wall surface of the first support plate 331 close to the position restriction member 32. The upper ceiling wall of the position restriction engagement groove is slightly higher than the height of the ceiling wall of the position restriction member 32 in the locked state, and the lower bottom wall is lower than the height of the bottom wall of the position restriction member 32 in the locked state. The upper ceiling wall of the position restriction engagement groove forms the position restriction abutment wall 33111. The position restriction member 32 is pushed into the position restriction engagement groove, and the position restriction abutment wall 33111 is positioned above the position restriction member 32, thereby restricting the upward reversal of the position restriction member 32. As a result, the position restriction member 32 becomes unable to move, and further, by acting against the lock hook member 31, the purpose of restricting the lock hook member 31 from reversing is achieved.

Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 6 to 8, a position retention mechanism is provided between the first support plate 331 and the position restriction member 32. The position retention mechanism applies a pressing force to the position restriction member 32 approaching the lock hook member 31, thereby keeping the position restriction member 32 and the lock hook member 31 in a state of firm contact and linkage. By providing a position retention mechanism, it is possible to keep the linking surfaces of the first transmission sleeve 313 and the second transmission sleeve 321 in a state of firm contact and linkage. This ensures that the two can be mutually restricted in the circumferential direction, making it possible to realize synchronous rotation of the two while also making it possible to apply a certain force to restrict the reversal of the lock hook member 31.

Preferably, the position retention mechanism is a first spring 322 that is compressed and provided between the first support plate 331 and the position restriction member 32. The first spring 322 is provided over the lock hook shaft 34. By employing a spring structure for the position retention mechanism, costs are reduced and it is easy to implement.

More preferably, the first support plate 331 is provided with an attachment groove for regulating the position and attaching the first spring 322. One end of the first spring 322 is regulated in position and attached in the attachment groove, and the other end abuts against the position regulating member 32.

The action of the first spring 322 ensures that the drive slope 3131 of the first transmission sleeve 313 and the transmission slope 3211 of the second transmission sleeve 321 work together to restrict the position of the position restriction member 32 and the lock hook member 31 in the circumferential direction, providing a constant restricting force in the circumferential direction. As a result, the two rotate synchronously around the lock hook shaft 34, and the door lock must be opened or locked.

Furthermore, a lock hook torsion spring 38 is provided between the lock hook member 31 and the second support plate 332. By providing the lock hook torsion spring 38, it is possible to ensure that the lock hook member 31 is maintained in the locked position.

Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 5 to 7, an elastic support member is provided between the position restriction member 32 and the bottom plate 333. The installed elastic support member acts to support the position restriction member 32 in the vertical direction. This allows the position restriction member 32 to match the height of the lock hook member 31 in the vertical direction, and allows the second transmission sleeve 321 to abut and cooperate with the first transmission sleeve 313.

Preferably, the lock hook torsion spring 38 is provided on the lock hook shaft 34. One end of the lock hook torsion spring 38 is connected to the lock hook member 31, and the other end is connected to the second support plate 332. The elastic support member is a second spring 324 connected between the position restriction member 32 and the bottom plate 333.

More preferably, the second spring 324 is a compression coil spring connected between the position restriction member 32 and the bottom plate 333. By providing a compression coil spring, it is possible to more effectively restore the position restriction member 32.

Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 3 to 6, the lock hook base includes a first base 311 and a second base 312 that are connected to each other at a predetermined included angle. A lock hook portion 3111 is provided at the end of the first base 311. The lock hook portion 3111 is made of a metal material with high density. Due to the action of centrifugal force, the lock hook member 31 is inverted outward due to the high density of the lock hook portion 3111 at the end. However, the position restriction member 32 moves outward and enters the position restriction linkage portion 3311 due to the installed direction change transmission member 37. The position restriction linkage portion 3311 has a position restriction abutment wall 33111 that restricts the upward rotation of the position restriction member 32, thereby restricting the inversion of the lock hook member 31.

Furthermore, a lock hook pressure plate 3121 is provided at the end of the second base 312. Also, a position regulation pressure plate 323 is provided at the end of the position regulation base that is close to the lock hook pressure plate 3121. The lock hook pressure plate 3121 and the position regulation pressure plate 323 are flat pressure plates that are installed horizontally.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the automatic lock release mechanism 5 further includes a power member and a transmission member. The transmission member synchronously presses down the lock hook pressure plate 3121 and the position restriction pressure plate 323 by the action of the power member, thereby realizing the reversal of the lock hook portion 3111, thereby releasing the door lock.

The power member is a drive motor 51 fixedly mounted on the outer tub 6 or the housing, and the transmission member is a pressure rod 52. Only when the pressure rod 52 synchronously presses down the lock hook pressure plate 3121 and the position control pressure plate 323 by the action of the drive motor 51, is the lock hook member 31 reversible outward, and the door lock device can be opened. In addition, an elastic member is provided in front of the inner tub door 2 and the inner tub 1, or a torsion spring is provided at the hinge point of the inner tub door 2, so that the inner tub door 2 is automatically opened elastically.

The door lock device provided in this embodiment includes an automatic lock release mechanism 5. The automatic lock release mechanism 5 includes a power member and a transmission member. The transmission member synchronously presses down the lock hook pressure plate 3121 and the position restriction pressure plate 323 by the action of the power member, thereby realizing the reversal of the lock hook portion 3111 and thereby opening the door lock. The power member drives the transmission member to simultaneously press down the lock hook pressure plate 3121 and the position restriction pressure plate 323 to realize automatic opening of the door lock, which is easy to control, efficient, and highly automated.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the deadbolt mechanism 4 also includes a deadbolt mechanism that cooperates with the lock hook mechanism 3 to open or lock the door lock device. The deadbolt mechanism 4 includes two deadbolts 41 that are provided opposite each other and a deadbolt shaft 42 that is provided between the two deadbolts 41. It also includes a handle 43. The inner tank door 2 is provided with a handle groove 47 for attaching the handle 43. The handle 43 has a handle shaft 44. The deadbolt 41 and the handle 43 are each rotatably attached to the handle shaft 44. A deadbolt torsion spring 45 is provided on the handle shaft 44. One end of the deadbolt torsion spring 45 is connected to the handle 43 and the other end is connected to the deadbolt 41. The handle 43 cooperates with the deadbolt 41 to rotate the deadbolt shaft 42, and cooperates with the lock hook mechanism 3 to lock or open the door lock.

After the inner tank door 2 is closed, the handle 43 is lifted, the deadbolt shaft 42 is inserted into the lock hook mechanism 3, and then the grip is released. This causes the deadbolt shaft 42 to engage with the lock hook member 31 by the action of the deadbolt torsion spring 45, and the door lock device is locked. Similarly, when it is desired to open the inner tank door 2, the handle 43 is lifted and the deadbolt shaft 42 is rotated downward to disengage it from the lock hook portion 3111, thereby manually unlocking the door.

The door lock device provided in this embodiment can release the deadbolt shaft 42 from the lock hook mechanism 3 and open the door lock by manually operating the handle 43. This effectively avoids the occurrence of a situation in which the inner tank door 2 cannot be opened if an unexpected situation occurs, such as a loss of function in the automatic lock release mechanism 5. The user can open the door lock using the automatic lock release mechanism 5, and can also open the inner tank door 2 by manually operating it, resulting in a better usage experience.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine. The washing machine includes an inner tub 1 and an inner tub door 2 that is openably and closably provided at the tub mouth of the inner tub 1. The above-mentioned door lock device is provided between the inner tub 1 and the inner tub door 2.

Preferably, the lock hook mechanism 3 is provided on the inner tank 1, and the deadbolt mechanism 4 is provided on the inner tank door 2 correspondingly. Of course, the lock hook mechanism 3 may be provided on the inner tank door 2, and the deadbolt mechanism 4 may be provided on the inner tank 1 correspondingly.

When the handle 43 is provided on the inner tank door 2, it is much easier to operate than when it is provided on the inner tank 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable to attach the lock hook mechanism 3 to the inner tank 1 and provide the deadbolt mechanism 4 on the inner tank door 2.

In this embodiment, by installing the door lock device between the inner tub 1 and the inner tub door 2 of the washing machine, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the lock hook member 31 is reversed by centrifugal force due to the high speed rotation of the inner tub 1 while the washing machine is running a washing or spinning program, opening the inner tub door 2 and inducing a serious dangerous accident, and also ensures the sealing effect of the inner tub 1 during the entire washing process.

As shown in FIG. 3, preferably, an inner tank door seal member 7 is provided between the inner tank 1 and the inner tank door 2 to further ensure the sealing effect of the inner tank 1.

As shown in Figures 1 to 8, this embodiment is based on the first embodiment and provides a door lock device that mainly solves the problem with conventional door lock devices, that is, the door lock device is prone to being unable to be locked in a specified position, which can lead to related dangerous accidents.

As shown in Figures 3 to 5 and 8, this embodiment provides a door lock device including a lock hook mechanism 3. The lock hook mechanism 3 includes a lock bracket 33, a lock hook member 31 that is rotatably provided within the lock bracket 33 and that opens or locks the door lock, and a position detection bracket 8. The position detection bracket 8 has a central portion rotatably provided on the lock bracket 33, one end of which is linked to the lock hook member 31 by being positionally restricted, and the other end of which is provided with a detection terminal 82.

As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the deadbolt mechanism 4 also includes a deadbolt mechanism that cooperates with the lock hook mechanism 3 to open or lock the door lock device. The deadbolt mechanism 4 includes two deadbolts 41 that are provided opposite each other, and a deadbolt shaft 42 that is provided between the two deadbolts 41. The deadbolt mechanism 4 also includes a handle 43. The handle 43 has a handle shaft 44. The deadbolts 41 and the handle 43 are each rotatably attached to the handle shaft 44. A deadbolt torsion spring 45 is provided on the handle shaft 44. One end of the deadbolt torsion spring 45 is connected to the handle 43, and the other end is connected to the deadbolt 41. The handle 43 cooperates with the deadbolt 41 to rotate the deadbolt shaft 42, and cooperates with the lock hook mechanism 3 to lock or open the door lock.

In the door lock device provided in this embodiment, the deadbolt shaft 42 can be released from the lock hook mechanism 3 by manually operating the handle 43, and the door lock can be released. This effectively avoids the occurrence of a situation in which the inner tank door 2 cannot be opened if an unexpected situation occurs, such as a loss of function in the automatic lock release mechanism 5. The user can release the door lock using the automatic lock release mechanism 5, and can also open the inner tank door 2 by manually operating it, resulting in a better usage experience.

In the above solution, the position detection bracket 8 is provided to make it possible to determine whether the lock hook member 31 is locked in a predetermined position. When the lock hook member 31 is present in a position corresponding to the open position, the door lock device is in an open state. When the lock hook member 31 is present in a locked position, the door lock device is in a locked state. The position detection bracket 8 is provided at its center so as to be rotatable on the lock bracket 33, and one end is linked to the lock hook member 31 by being positionally restricted, and a detection terminal 82 is provided at the other end. When the position of the lock hook member 31 changes, the position of the corresponding detection terminal 82 may also change accordingly. Therefore, by detecting the position of the detection terminal 82, it is possible to determine whether the lock hook member 31 is locked in a predetermined position, and a situation in which the door lock device is not locked in a predetermined position is avoided, thereby improving the safety of the operation of the washing machine.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, a lock hook portion 3111 is provided at the end of the lock hook member 31. The lock hook portion 3111 opens or locks the door lock by moving between the lock position and the open position.

Specifically, after the inner tank door 2 is closed, the handle 43 is lifted, the deadbolt shaft 42 is inserted into the lock hook mechanism 3, and then the hand is released. This causes the deadbolt shaft 42 to be engaged with the lock hook member 31 by the action of the deadbolt torsion spring 45, and the door lock device is locked. The lock hook member 31 is maintained in the locked position by the action of the engaging force of the deadbolt shaft 42. Similarly, when it is desired to open the inner tank door 2, the handle 43 is lifted, the deadbolt shaft 42 is rotated downward to disengage from the lock hook portion 3111, and manual unlocking is achieved. When the lock is released, the lock hook member 31 is rotated upward by the action of the lock hook torsion spring 38 and maintained in the open position.

Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 5 and 8, one end of the position detection bracket 8 is fixedly connected to the lock hook portion 3111, or is positionally restricted and connected to the lock hook portion 3111, and the detectable terminal 82 is provided at the other end. When the lock hook portion 3111 is in the locked position, the detectable terminal 82 is in the first position Z1. When the lock hook portion 3111 is in the released position, the detectable terminal 82 is in the second position Z2.

In one embodiment, the position detection bracket 8 can be connected and fixed to the lock hook member 31, and may be fixed, for example, by a connection member such as a screw. Preferably, the position detection bracket 8 and the lock hook portion 3111 are operably connected, for example, by a hinge connection. If the position detection bracket 8 and the lock hook member 31 are connected by an operable connection method, the influence of lateral forces generated in the position detection bracket 8 when directly connected in a fixed manner can be avoided. Alternatively, the position detection bracket 8 and the lock hook portion 3111 may be connected and fixed by a flexible connection method, for example, by a flexible connection member such as a tow rope.

In another embodiment, the position detection bracket 8 and the lock hook member 31 are positionally restricted and connected in a manner that links them through position restriction. That is, there is no substantial connection between the position detection bracket 8 and the lock hook member 31. The end of the position detection bracket 8 can be abutted against the lower part of the lock hook portion 3111. Alternatively, the lock hook member 31 is provided with a position restriction accommodation groove, and the end of the position detection bracket 8 is positionally restricted within the position restriction accommodation groove.

For example, a spherical position restriction accommodating groove having a position restriction opening on one side is provided on the side of the lock hook portion 3111, and a spherical position restriction part that is position restricted within the spherical position restriction accommodating groove is provided on the end of the position detection bracket 8, and the spherical position restriction part is position restricted within the spherical position restriction accommodating groove.

Furthermore, the position detection bracket 8 is a pivotal support that is rotatably mounted on the lock bracket 33 via a bracket pivot shaft 81. The pivotal support has a power end that cooperates with the lock hook member 31 and a resistance end on which a detectable terminal 82 is provided. The length from the bracket pivot shaft 81 to the resistance end of the pivotal support is greater than the length from the bracket pivot shaft 81 to the power end of the pivotal support. By designing as described above, when a slight displacement change occurs in the lock hook member 31, the position detection bracket 8 can generate a large displacement change in the resistance end on which the detectable terminal 82 is provided. This is convenient for detecting the position of the detectable terminal 82, and makes it possible to accurately determine whether the door lock device is locked in a specified position.

The door lock device provided in this embodiment adopts the above design, so that when a slight change occurs in the position of the lock hook portion 3111 of the lock hook member 31, the displacement of the end of the detected terminal of the position detection bracket 8 is increased several times. This allows the position sensor to more easily identify the position of the lock hook member 31 and more accurately and efficiently determine whether the door lock device is locked in a specified position, improving detection accuracy and ensuring safety during operation of the washing machine.

Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 3, 5, 7, and 8, the lock bracket 33 includes a first support plate 331 and a second support plate 332 that are provided opposite each other. A lock hook shaft 34 is provided between the first support plate 331 and the second support plate 332. The lock hook member 31 is rotatably provided on the lock hook shaft 34. The position detection bracket 8 is rotatably provided on the first support plate 331 or the second support plate 332.

Preferably, the lock hook member 31 is provided on the side of the lock hook shaft 34 that is close to the second support plate 332, and the position restricting member 32 is provided on the side of the lock hook shaft 34 that is close to the first support plate 331. The position restricting member 32 also includes a position restricting base. The position restricting base has a long plate-like structure with a certain thickness. The position restricting base is provided horizontally in the initial state. The lock hook member 31 includes a first base 311 and a second base 312 that are connected to each other at a predetermined included angle. The second base 312 extends outward along the horizontal direction, and the first base 311 extends obliquely upward. The included angle between the first base 311 and the second base 312 is greater than 90°.

As shown in Figs. 5, 7 and 8, preferably, the position detection bracket 8 in this embodiment is provided on the first support plate 331. Since the second support plate 332 is close to the lock hook member 31, the length of the position detection bracket 8 is restricted when the position detection bracket 8 is provided on the second support plate 332. As a result, if the length of the position detection bracket 8 becomes too short, the change in the position of the detection terminal 82 cannot be accurately detected, and it becomes impossible to accurately determine whether the door lock is locked or not.

The first support plate 331 is slightly farther from the lock hook member 31 than the second support plate 332, so the position detection bracket 8 can also be made slightly longer in comparison. By making the length of the position detection bracket 8 slightly longer, it becomes possible to more accurately detect changes in the position of the detection terminal 82, and it becomes possible to more accurately determine whether the door is locked or not. In this embodiment, the position restriction base and the second base 312 are at the same height. An evacuation space that can avoid the movement of the position detection bracket 8 is formed above the position restriction base, so interference with the movement of the position detection bracket 8 is avoided.

Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 3, 5, 7, and 8, the lock hook portion 3111 is provided at the upper end of the first base 311. In addition, a lock hook pressing plate 3121 is provided at the end of the second base 312. The position detection bracket 8 is rotatably provided at a position above the first support plate 331. When the lock hook portion 3111 moves between the locked position and the released position, a corresponding change occurs in the position of the second end of the corresponding position detection bracket 8 where the magnetic body is provided. Therefore, by detecting the position of the detection target terminal 82 at the second end of the position detection bracket 8, it is possible to estimate whether the door lock device is locked in a predetermined position.

8, the first support plate 331 is preferably provided with an evacuation groove 3201 for mounting the position detection bracket 8 to be retracted. The position detection bracket 8 is rotatably mounted in the evacuation groove 3201 via a bracket rotation shaft 81. By providing the evacuation groove 3201, firstly, it is possible to realize the storage and mounting of the position detection bracket 8, and it is possible to prevent the position detection bracket 8 from protruding outward from the first support plate 331 and affecting and interfering with the installation of other components. Secondly, the evacuation groove 3201 also provides sufficient evacuation space for the movement of the position detection bracket 8.

Specifically, as shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the first support plate 331 includes a first support base located at the bottom, and the second support plate 332 includes a second support base located at the bottom. The lock hook shaft 34 is fixedly provided between the first support base of the first support plate 331 and the second support base of the second support plate 332. The lock hook shaft 34 passes through the first support base and the second support base, and both ends are regulated in position and fixed by a retaining ring 35 and a pin 36, respectively.

The first support plate 331 further includes a support pillar connected to the first support base. The support pillar is provided on the outside of the first support base, and an L-shaped step is formed between the support pillar and the first support base. The support pillar has a protrusion. The retraction groove 3201 is jointly formed between the protrusion, the support pillar, and the first support base. The bracket rotation shaft 81 is fixedly provided on the support pillar located within the retraction groove 3201. The position detection bracket 8 is rotatably provided on the bracket rotation shaft 81.

In the above solution, by providing the retraction groove 3201, firstly, it is possible to mount the position detection bracket 8 in a retracted manner, and sufficient retraction space is provided for the movement of the position detection bracket 8. Secondly, the installed overhang also makes it possible to regulate the limit position of the upward movement of the position detection bracket 8.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the lock bracket 33 also includes a support base 334 connected to both sides of the first support plate 331 and the second support plate 332. A receiving groove 3341 is provided on the side of the support base 334 close to the first support plate 331. One end of the position detection bracket 8 is connected to the lock hook member 31, and the other end extends into the receiving groove 3341. The support base 334 is fixed to the inner tank door 2.

This embodiment further provides a washing machine including an inner tub 1 and an inner tub door 2 that is openably and closably attached to the tub mouth of the inner tub 1. The door lock device described above is provided between the inner tub 1 and the inner tub door 2. The washing machine further includes a position sensor. By detecting the position of the detection target terminal 82 with the position sensor, it is determined whether the lock hook mechanism 3 is locked in a predetermined position.

Furthermore, the lock hook mechanism 3 is provided on the inner tub 1, and the deadbolt mechanism 4 is provided on the inner tub door 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine further includes an outer tub 6 that is coaxially provided outside the inner tub 1. The position sensor is provided on the outer tub 6 in correspondence with the detected terminal 82. Alternatively, the washing machine further includes a housing, and the position sensor is provided on the housing in correspondence with the detected terminal 82.

Preferably, the position sensor is a Hall sensor or a reed switch. The detected terminal 82 is a magnetic body provided at the resistive end of the position detection bracket 8. The magnetic body may be a magnetic member such as a magnet.

This embodiment further provides a control method having the above-mentioned washing machine. In this control method, before starting execution of the clothes processing program or while the clothes processing program is being executed, the position sensor is activated to detect position information of the detection terminal 82 and feed it back to the control unit.

The control unit estimates whether the door lock device is in a locked state based on the position information of the detected terminal 82 fed back from the position sensor. If the door lock device is in a locked state, the control unit controls the door lock device to maintain the locked state, and if the door lock device is not in a locked state, the control unit controls the execution of the clothes processing program to be temporarily stopped and notifies the user. If the control unit determines that the door lock is not locked in a specified position, the control unit warns the user and controls the execution of the clothes processing program to be temporarily stopped. This prevents the induction of more serious dangerous accidents and improves the safety and reliability of the washing machine during operation.

As shown in Figures 3 to 5 and 8, when the deadbolt shaft 42 enters the lock hook member 31, the end of the position detection bracket 8 where the detection terminal 82 is provided can be operated from the second position Z2 to the first position Z1. A hall sensor or reed switch provided in the outer tub 6 detects the detection terminal 82 to determine whether the inner tub door 2 is locked in a predetermined position. If it is determined that the inner tub door 2 is not locked or not locked in a predetermined position, the user is immediately alerted to avoid a situation in which a dangerous accident occurs due to the inner tub door 2 being unlocked.

The door lock device provided in this embodiment can increase the displacement of the lock hook member 31 when the door lock device is locked and unlocked by adding a position detection bracket 8. This makes it easier to detect by the position sensor and ensures detection accuracy, greatly improving the safety of the washing machine, the health of the user, and the user experience. In addition, the position detection bracket 8 has a simple structure, low manufacturing costs, and is easy to use and popularize.

The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed above through a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, slight changes or modifications that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art using the technical content presented above are equivalent embodiments that have been modified in an equivalent manner, and none of them deviate from the content of the technical solution of the present invention. In addition, any simple modifications, equivalent variations and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention all belong to the scope of the solution of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Inner tank 2 Inner tank door 3 Lock hook mechanism 31 Lock hook member 311 First base 3111 Lock hook portion 312 Second base 3121 Lock hook pressure plate 313 First transmission sleeve 3131 Drive slope 32 Position restriction member 3201 Retraction groove 321 Second transmission sleeve 3211 Transmission slope 322 First spring 323 Position restriction pressure plate 324 Second spring 33 Lock bracket 331 First support plate 3311 Position restriction linkage portion 33111 Position restriction abutment wall 332 Second support plate 333 Bottom plate 334 Support base 3341 Housing groove 34 Lock hook shaft 35 Retaining ring 36 Pin 37 Direction change transmission member 38 Lock hook torsion spring 4 Deadbolt mechanism 41 Deadbolt 42 Deadbolt shaft 43 Handle 44 Handle shaft 45 Deadbolt torsion spring 47 Handle groove 5 Automatic lock release mechanism 51 Motor 52 Pressing rod 6 Outer tub 7 Inner tub door seal member 8 Position detection bracket 81 Bracket rotation shaft 82 Terminal to be detected Z1 First position Z2 Second position

Claims (20)

In a door lock device including a lock hook mechanism,
The lock hook mechanism is
A lock bracket having a lock hook shaft provided therein;
A lock hook member and a position restriction member that rotate synchronously around the lock hook shaft to open or lock the door lock,
A position restriction linking portion that restricts the reversal of the lock hook member is provided on the side wall of the lock bracket in correspondence with the position restriction member, and the lock hook member and the position restriction member are transmitted and linked through a direction change transmission member,
The direction-changing transmission member is capable of converting a reversal displacement of the lock hook member along the circumferential direction of the lock hook shaft into an axial displacement that moves the position regulating member in a direction approaching the position regulating linkage portion, thereby engaging and position-regulating the position regulating member with the position regulating linkage portion, thereby restricting the reversal of the lock hook member. The direction-changing transmission member is
a first transmission member provided on the lock hook member and having a drive surface;
a second transmission member provided on the position restriction member in correspondence with the first transmission member, the second transmission member having a transmission surface that abuts against and cooperates with the drive surface,
2. The door lock device according to claim 1, wherein the drive surface and/or the transmission surface is provided with a protruding pressing portion having a height that varies in the axial direction of the lock hook shaft, and when the lock hook member is inverted, the protruding pressing portion is pressed against the drive surface or the transmission surface to cooperate with the drive surface or the transmission surface, thereby moving the position regulating member outward along the axial direction of the lock hook shaft. The lock hook member includes a lock hook base, and the direction-changing transmission member includes a first transmission sleeve fixed to the lock hook base,
The position restricting member includes a position restricting base, and the direction changing transmission member further includes a second transmission sleeve fixed to the position restricting base,
The first transmission sleeve has at least a part of an end surface that is inclined to form a driving slope, and the second transmission sleeve has a transmission slope formed on a linking end surface thereof that abuts against and links with the driving slope,
2. The door lock device according to claim 1, wherein the drive inclined surface and the transmission inclined surface cooperate to form a wedge mechanism that converts a circumferential reversal displacement of the lock hook member into an axial displacement that moves the position restriction member in a direction approaching the position restriction cooperation portion. The lock hook base and the position regulating base each have a lock hook shaft hole, and the first transmission sleeve and the second transmission sleeve are provided along an outer periphery of the lock hook shaft hole and respectively cover the lock hook shaft,
4. The door lock device according to claim 3, wherein the first transmission sleeve and the lock hook base are integrally provided, and the second transmission sleeve and the position restriction base are integrally provided. The lock bracket includes a bottom plate and a first support plate and a second support plate provided on both sides of the bottom plate to face each other,
the position restriction member is provided on a side adjacent to the first support plate, and the position restriction linking portion is provided on the first support plate corresponding to the position restriction member, and the position restriction linking portion has a position restriction abutment stop wall that restricts the upward rotation of the position restriction member,
Preferably, the position restriction linkage portion is a position restriction boss or a position restriction engagement groove provided on the first support plate corresponding to the position restriction member. a position retention mechanism is provided between the first support plate and the position restriction member, and the position retention mechanism applies a pressing force to the position restriction member to bring the position restriction member and the lock hook member into a state of being firmly in contact with and linked to each other;
Preferably, the position holding mechanism is a first spring that is compressed between the first support plate and the position restricting member, and the first spring is covered by the lock hook shaft.
More preferably, the first support plate is provided with a mounting groove for regulating the position of and mounting the first spring. a lock hook torsion spring is provided between the lock hook member and the second support plate, and an elastic support member is provided between the position restriction member and the bottom plate,
Preferably, the lock hook torsion spring is provided on the lock hook shaft, and the elastic support member is a second spring connected between the position restriction member and the bottom plate. The lock hook base includes a first base and a second base connected to each other at a predetermined included angle, a lock hook portion is provided at an end of the first base, the lock hook portion is made of a high density metal material, and a lock hook pressing plate is provided at an end of the second base,
5. The door lock device according to claim 3, further comprising an automatic unlocking mechanism, the automatic unlocking mechanism including a power member and a transmission member, the power member being operable to synchronously press down the lock hook pressure plate and the position restriction pressure plate to reverse the lock hook portion and thereby release the door lock. Further, the door lock device includes a deadbolt mechanism that cooperates with the lock hook mechanism to open or lock the door lock device, the deadbolt mechanism including two deadbolts disposed opposite to each other and a deadbolt shaft disposed between the two deadbolts,
The door lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a handle, the handle having a handle shaft, a deadbolt torsion spring provided on the handle shaft, the deadbolt and the handle each being rotatably attached to the handle shaft, and the handle cooperates with the deadbolt to rotate the deadbolt shaft and cooperates with a lock hook mechanism to lock or unlock the door lock. A washing machine including an inner tub and an inner tub door that is openably and closably provided at a tub opening of the inner tub,
The door lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided between the inner tank and the inner tank door,
Preferably, the lock hook mechanism is provided on the inner tub, and a corresponding deadbolt mechanism is provided on the inner tub door. In a door lock device including a lock hook mechanism,
The lock hook mechanism is
A lock bracket and
a lock hook member rotatably provided within the lock bracket for opening or locking the door lock;
A door lock device characterized by including a position detection bracket whose central portion is rotatably attached to the lock bracket, whose one end is positionally restricted and linked to the lock hook member, and whose other end is provided with a detectable terminal. A lock hook portion is provided at an end of the lock hook member, and the lock hook portion opens or locks the door lock by moving between a lock position and an open position,
one end of the position detection bracket is fixedly connected to the lock hook portion or is connected and positionally restricted to the lock hook portion, and the detection terminal is provided at the other end,
When the lock hook portion is in the locked position, the detected terminal is in a first position corresponding thereto, and when the lock hook portion is in the released position, the detected terminal is in a second position corresponding thereto;
12. The door lock device according to claim 11, wherein the position detection bracket and the lock hook portion are operatively connected to each other. the position detection bracket is a pivot pillar that is pivotally mounted on the lock bracket via a bracket pivot shaft,
13. The door lock device according to claim 11, wherein the pivot pillar has a power end that cooperates with the lock hook member and a resistance end that is provided with a detectable terminal, and the length from the bracket pivot axis to the resistance end of the pivot pillar is greater than the length from the bracket pivot axis to the power end of the pivot pillar. The lock bracket includes a first support plate and a second support plate disposed opposite to each other,
a lock hook shaft is provided between the first support plate and the second support plate, the lock hook member is rotatably provided on the lock hook shaft, and the position detection bracket is rotatably provided on the first support plate or the second support plate,
Preferably, the lock hook member is provided on a side of the lock hook shaft adjacent to the second support plate, and the position detection bracket is provided on the first support plate. The lock hook member includes a first base and a second base connected to each other at a predetermined included angle, the lock hook portion is provided on an upper end of the first base, and a lock hook pressing plate is provided on a lower end of the second base,
the position detection bracket is provided above the first support plate,
Preferably, the first support plate is provided with a retraction groove for mounting the position detection bracket therein, and the position detection bracket is provided in the retraction groove so as to be rotatable via a bracket pivot axis. The lock bracket further includes a support base connected to both sides of the first support plate and the second support plate,
The door lock device according to claim 15, wherein a receiving groove is provided on the side of the support base adjacent to the first support plate, and one end of the position detection bracket is connected to the lock hook member and the other end extends into the receiving groove. Further, the door lock device includes a deadbolt mechanism that cooperates with the lock hook mechanism to open or lock the door lock device, the deadbolt mechanism including two deadbolts disposed opposite to each other and a deadbolt shaft disposed between the two deadbolts,
The door lock device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, further comprising a handle, the handle having a handle shaft, a deadbolt torsion spring provided on the handle shaft, the deadbolt and the handle each being rotatably attached to the handle shaft, and the handle cooperates with the deadbolt to rotate the deadbolt shaft and cooperates with a lock hook mechanism to lock or unlock the door lock. The present invention relates to a tank that includes an inner tank and an inner tank door that is openably and closably provided at a tank mouth of the inner tank, and the door lock device according to any one of claims 11 to 19 is provided between the inner tank and the inner tank door,
The washing machine further includes a position sensor, and determines whether or not the lock hook mechanism is locked in a predetermined position by detecting the position of the detection terminal with the position sensor. The lock hook mechanism is provided on the inner tank, and the deadbolt mechanism is provided on the inner tank door,
The washing machine further includes an outer tub that is coaxially provided outside the inner tub, and the position sensor is provided in the outer tub in correspondence with the detection terminal,
Alternatively, the washing machine further includes a housing, the position sensor is provided in the housing in correspondence with the detection terminal,
19. The washing machine according to claim 18, characterized in that the position sensor is preferably a Hall sensor or a Reed switch. A method for controlling a washing machine comprising the steps of:
Before starting execution of the clothing processing program or while the clothing processing program is being executed, the position sensor is activated to detect position information of the detection terminal and feed the information back to the control unit;
The control unit estimates whether the door lock device is locked or not based on the position information of the detected terminal fed back from the position sensor, and if the door lock device is locked, controls the door lock device to maintain the locked state, and if the door lock device is not locked, controls the execution of the clothing processing program to be temporarily stopped and notified to the user.