Patent Description:
In our daily lives, there are various home appliances. In particular, in the case of a washing machine, a dryer, a dishwasher, and a microwave oven that are used by inputting contents, a door is installed such that the input contents may be blocked from an outside and a locking device that opens and closes the door is an essential component of such home appliance.

Until recently, various technologies related to a door lock device have been developed. Representative inventions include <CIT> (push and push door lock device), <CIT> (manual door lock device), and the like.

The push and push door lock device describes a door lock device in which a door automatically opens without a user opening the door when an operation of a corresponding home appliance is terminated.

The push and push door lock device includes an unlocking button installed in a main body and configured to unlock a locker by releasing a restraining force of a fastening member by a sliding operation and a driving unit configured to selectively control a door holding operation, a door locking operation, and an automatic door opening operation by a rotational motion of a rotational shaft having a cam protrusion at one side. However, since a driving unit and a sensing member sense a locking operation or an unlocking operation of a locker by sensing a position of a cam protrusion, the above device has an issue in that the overall configuration and control are complex.

The manual door lock device describes a door lock device that may manually operate in a simple structure, which differs from the existing method that electronically operates by a solenoid.

However, the above manual door lock device adopts a manual control method that requires an action of a user, which may be slightly against the trend of convenience-oriented home appliances.

Document <CIT> discloses an actuating device for a door lock, which is provided on a door of a household appliance, wherein the actuating device has a piston-like locking lever. A locking plate is arranged on a housing of the household appliance. A receiving recess for a locking bolt is formed on the locking lever which is suitably mounted on the door so that it can pivot. A gear segment is rotatably mounted on a pivot axis of the locking lever. By means of a leg spring, which rests with its one end on a first limiting flank of the gear segment and with its other end on an arm-like projection of the locking lever, the locking lever is coupled in the pivoting direction to the gear segment. The leg spring is pre-tensioned with a certain force which is sufficient to firmly close the door at a given pivot angle.

In document <CIT>, a vending machine for storing items is described. The vending machine comprises a lock to control access to the interior of the vending machine. In an example, a lock mechanism of a lock includes a housing, an IR receiver or sensor, controls, an electric lock member mover or motor, a C-shaped disk or lock member, and a torque converter or gear set positioned between motor and lock member.

An objective of the present invention is to provide an auto-open door lock device that may perform stable locking and unlocking with a simple configuration and few failures.

The present invention concerns an auto-open door lock device according to claim <NUM>. In particular, an auto-open door lock device according to an example embodiment refers to an auto-open door lock device including a main body cover having an internal space and a motor installed in the main body cover to provide a driving force, and includes a locker configured to couple to or separate from a hook that is introduced from an outside through rotation; a locker shaft having one end connected to the locker and formed at the center of rotation of the locker; a clutch gear configured to connect to another end of the locker shaft and to induce rotation of the locker; a locker spring configured to connect to one side of the locker and to provide a rotational restoring force to the locker; a rack slide configured to provide a rotational force of the motor to the locker through the clutch gear; and a pinion gear configured to transmit the rotational force of the motor to the rack slide. The rack slide includes a first rack gear configured to engage with the clutch gear in a predetermined area at one end; a second rack gear configured to engage with the pinion gear in a predetermined area at another end; and a micro switch formed between the first rack gear and the second rack gear.

Also, the auto-open door lock device may further include a slide spring configured to linearly move the rack slide in the direction of the clutch gear through one end being coupled to the main body cover and another end being connected to the rack slide.

Also, the auto-open door lock device may further include a locker locking slide configured to insert into a locker fastening groove formed in the locker and to prevent rotation of the locker.

Also, the other end of the locker shaft may be formed with a pawl that protrudes from a predetermined area of the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical column and the pawl may be configured to engage with a latch that protrudes from a predetermined area of the inner peripheral surface of the clutch gear.

Also, the pinion gear may include a first pinion gear and a second pinion gear configured to share the center of rotation and to couple in a longitudinal direction, and the second pinion gear may have a gear tooth only in a predetermined area of the outer peripheral surface.

Also, the second pinion gear may be configured to engage with the second rack gear.

Also, the auto-open door lock device may further include a switch terminal installed at a location corresponding to the micro switch and configured to generate a control signal according to a location of the rack slide.

An auto-open door lock device according to an example embodiment may have a relatively simple structure, may have a relatively low manufacturing cost, and may secure durability.

Also, compared to the existing door lock device, the auto-open door lock device according to an example embodiment may be implemented with a compact size and may be advantageous in securing a space accordingly.

Also, a consumer may easily cope with the failure of a door lock device that may occur inadvertently.

Specific structural or functional descriptions related to example embodiments according to the concept of the present invention set forth herein are simply provided to explain the example embodiments according to the concept of the present invention and the example embodiments according to the concept of the present invention may be implemented in various forms and are not limited to the example embodiments described herein.

Various modifications may be made to the example embodiments according to the concept of the present invention. Therefore, the example embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and are described in detail with reference to the detailed description. However, the example embodiments are not construed as being limited to specific forms and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and replacements within the idea and the technical scope of the present invention.

Although terms of "first," "second," and the like may be used to explain various components, the components are not limited to such terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, or similarly, the second component may be referred to as the first component within the scope of the present invention.

When it is mentioned that one component is "connected" or "joined" to another component, it may be understood that the one component is directly connected or accessed to another component or that still other component is interposed between the two components. In addition, it should be noted that if it is described in the specification that one component is "directly connected" or "directly joined" to another component, still other component may not be present therebetween. Likewise, expressions, for example, "between" and "immediately between" and "adjacent to" and "immediately adjacent to" may also be construed as described in the foregoing.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not to be limiting of the example embodiments. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components or a combination thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined herein, all terms used herein including technical or scientific terms have the same meanings as those generally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms defined in dictionaries generally used should be construed to have meanings matching contextual meanings in the related art and are not to be construed as an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless otherwise defined herein.

Hereinafter, the example embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the claims is not limited to or restricted by such example embodiments. Like reference numerals refer to like components throughout.

<FIG> is a front cross-sectional view of an auto-open door lock device according to an example embodiment.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an auto-open door lock device according to an example embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an auto-open door lock device according to an example embodiment refers to an auto-open door lock device including a main body cover <NUM> having an internal space and a motor <NUM> installed in the main body cover <NUM> to provide a driving force and includes a locker <NUM> configured to couple to or separate from a hook that is introduced from an outside through rotation, a locker shaft <NUM> having one end connected to the locker <NUM> and formed at the center of rotation of the locker <NUM>, a clutch gear <NUM> configured to connect to another end of the locker shaft <NUM> and to induce rotation of the locker <NUM>, a locker spring <NUM> configured to connect to one side of the locker <NUM> and to provide a rotational restoring force to the locker <NUM>, a rack slide <NUM> configured to provide a rotational force of the motor <NUM> to the locker <NUM> through the clutch gear <NUM>, and a pinion gear <NUM> configured to transmit the rotational force of the motor <NUM> to the rack slide <NUM>.

The locker <NUM> refers to a portion to which a hook attached to a door of a home appliance generally couples and is configured to be rotatable at a predetermined angle. The locker <NUM> refers to a portion to which the hook couples and that is directly subject to a load and may be formed of a metal alloy material or a plastic material that ensures as much rigidity as possible. The locker <NUM> may be implemented in various shapes and may have an angled ring shape with one side open as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

When the locker <NUM> rotates by a designed predetermined angle and a coupling portion of the hook is introduced inside the locker <NUM>, the locker <NUM> rotates to prevent the hook from being separated in the same direction and the locker <NUM> reversely rotates to the angle when the hook is introduced and the hook may be disengaged.

One end of the locker shaft <NUM> is connected to the locker <NUM>. The locker shaft <NUM> may be integrally formed with the locker <NUM> and may be firmly assembled with the locker <NUM>. In particular, the locker shaft <NUM> may simultaneously perform the function of a rotation shaft on which the locker <NUM> rotates.

The clutch gear <NUM> is connected to the other end of the locker shaft <NUM> and induces the rotation of the locker <NUM>. The clutch gear <NUM> has one open end and has gear teeth formed on the outer peripheral surface in a hollow cylindrical shape. The clutch gear <NUM> is firmly coupled at the other end of the locker shaft <NUM> and transmits a rotational force transmitted through the clutch gear <NUM> to the locker <NUM> through the locker shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> is a detailed perspective view of a locker and a crutch gear according to an example embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the other end of the locker shaft <NUM> is formed with a pawl <NUM> that protrudes from a predetermined area of the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical column and the pawl <NUM> is configured to engage with a latch <NUM> that protrudes from a predetermined area of the inner peripheral surface of the clutch gear <NUM> that is connected at the other end of the locker shaft <NUM>.

The pawl <NUM> is formed in a sector shape having a specific angle such that an engagement state with the latch <NUM> may be maintained. Referring to <FIG>, two pawls <NUM> may be formed at symmetrical locations.

The clutch gear <NUM> may be formed with the latch <NUM> that protrudes from the predetermined area of the inner peripheral surface and may be formed in the same shape as that of the pawl <NUM> formed at the other end of the locker shaft <NUM>.

A method for rotation of the locker <NUM> and rotation of the clutch gear <NUM> by the locker shaft <NUM> is further described below.

The locker spring <NUM> is connected to one side of the locker <NUM>, more particularly, to an opposite side of a portion to which the hook couples based on the locker shaft <NUM>. Also, one end of the locker spring <NUM> is fastened to a separation wall of the main body cover <NUM> and provides a continuous elastic force to the locker <NUM>. The locker spring <NUM> applies the elastic force in the direction of the locker <NUM> at all times. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the case of connecting the locker spring <NUM> to the locker <NUM>, the locker <NUM> may maintain an angle of rotation in a closed state at all times or in an open state at all times.

That is, the locker <NUM> may not be in an intermediate state of closing or opening due to the continuous elastic force (repulsion or repulsive force) applied by the locker spring <NUM>. When the elastic force (repulsion or repulsive force) of maintaining the closed state that is a state in which the hook is introduced continuously acts and the locker <NUM> is in the open state by removing the hook from the locker <NUM> due to an external force, the locker <NUM> does not rotate and remains in the open state by the locker spring <NUM> without another external force being applied.

That is, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the locker spring <NUM> may have one end coupled to a hole to be formed at the rear of the locker <NUM> and may be firmly connected to the locker <NUM>. In a state in which the hook is introduced and is coupled to the locker <NUM>, the locker spring <NUM> enters a state in which minimum load is applied to the locker spring <NUM>. Also, when the hook retracts and is removed from the locker <NUM>, the minimum load is applied to the locker spring <NUM> connected to the locker <NUM> and the open state is maintained.

The rack slide <NUM> is in a shape of an elongated column and is provided to slidably perform a linear motion on the main body cover <NUM>. The rack slide <NUM> may be formed of a plastic material or a metal material, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the rack slide <NUM> includes a first rack gear <NUM> configured to engage with the clutch gear <NUM> in a predetermined area at its one end, a second rack gear <NUM> configured to engage with the pinion gear <NUM> to be described below in a predetermined area at its another end, and a micro switch <NUM> formed between the first rack gear <NUM> and the second rack gear <NUM>.

The surface of the rack slide <NUM> on which the first rack gear <NUM> is formed and the surface of the rack slide <NUM> on which the second rack gear <NUM> is formed may differ from each other, but is not limited thereto.

Also, the micro switch <NUM> formed between the first rack gear <NUM> and the second rack gear <NUM> includes a conductive electrode of a conductive material and accordingly, may control the motor <NUM> by transmitting an electrical signal to a control device for controlling the auto-open door lock device through connection between the conductive electrode and a switch terminal <NUM>.

The switch terminal <NUM> is installed at a location corresponding to that of the micro switch <NUM> and generates a control signal according to a location of the rack slide <NUM>.

The pinion gear <NUM> may be directly connected to the motor <NUM> or may be connected to the motor <NUM> in association with a few gears, and refers to a gear that directly rotates with a rotational force of the motor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a pinion gear according to an example embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the pinion gear <NUM> according to an example embodiment may include a first pinion gear <NUM> and a second pinion gear <NUM> configured to share the center of rotation and to couple in a longitudinal direction, and the second pinion gear <NUM> may be formed with gear teeth only in a predetermined area of the outer circumferential surface.

Here, through the second rack gear <NUM> of the rack slide <NUM> and the second pinion gear <NUM> being coupled and the first pinion gear <NUM> being directly or indirectly connected to the motor <NUM>, the motor <NUM> rotates and the first pinion gear <NUM> rotates and, at the same time, the second pinion gear <NUM> rotates accordingly. Here, the second pinion gear <NUM> rotates with the second rack gear <NUM> through engagement with gear teeth, and, in a predetermined section without a gear tooth, the second rack gear <NUM> is not constrained by the rotational force of the motor <NUM> and may freely transfer the rack slide <NUM> toward the clutch gear <NUM>.

The auto-open door lock device according to an example embodiment includes a slide spring <NUM> and a locker locking slide <NUM>.

One end of the slide spring <NUM> is coupled to the main body cover <NUM> and another end thereof is connected to the rack slide <NUM> to linearly move the rack slide <NUM> toward the clutch gear <NUM>. That is, in a state in which the second rack gear <NUM> formed in the rack slide <NUM> and the second pinion gear <NUM> are engaged, the rack slide <NUM> is constrained by the rotational force of the motor <NUM> and moves in the direction of the motor <NUM>. However, in an area in which a gear tooth is absent in the second pinion gear <NUM>, the rack slide <NUM> is not affected by the rotational force of the motor <NUM> and moves in the direction of the clutch gear <NUM> by the slide spring <NUM>. A movement of the rack slide <NUM> by the slide spring <NUM> is described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

The locker locking slide <NUM> moves in the direction of the locker <NUM> and fastens the locker <NUM> through coupling to a locker fastening groove <NUM> of <FIG>. A linear movement method of the locker locking slide <NUM> may be variously implemented. In particular, when a home appliance is driven in a closed state in which the locker <NUM> is coupled to the hook in a protruding area toward the locker <NUM>, the locker locking slide <NUM> functions to prevent rotation of the locker <NUM> such that the locker <NUM> and the hook are not separated by an external force.

Main components that constitute the auto-open door lock device according to an example embodiment are described. Hereinafter, a driving method of the auto-open door lock device according to an example embodiment is further described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a driving state of a rack slide according to an example embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates a driving state of a locker and a crutch gear according to an example embodiment.

Referring to (a) of <FIG>, in a state in which the slide spring <NUM> is tensioned, the rack slide <NUM> is placed at the origin. Here, the micro switch <NUM> and the switch terminal <NUM> are connected and generate a first control signal. When the rack slide <NUM> is placed at the origin, a user may open and close a door of a home appliance without unreasonableness. Also, when the rack slide <NUM> is placed at the origin, the locker locking slide <NUM> is operated to make the locker <NUM> be in a locked state.

On the contrary, referring to (b) of <FIG>, when the motor <NUM> rotates, the pinion gear <NUM> rotates and moves the rack slide <NUM> in the direction of the slide spring <NUM>. In a situation such as (b), the micro switch <NUM> and the switch terminal <NUM> generate a second control signal to thereby prevent an excessive external force from being applied to the locker <NUM> and to prevent the locker locking slide <NUM> from being introduced in the direction of the locker <NUM>, and when the locker <NUM> is in a locked state with the locker locking slide <NUM>, releases the locked state to prevent the excessive external force from being applied to the motor <NUM>.

Also, referring to (a) of <FIG>, when the rack slide <NUM> moves to the right (the motor <NUM> rotates and the rack slide <NUM> moves by the second pinion gear <NUM>) for auto-open of a door, the first rack gear <NUM> rotates the clutch gear <NUM> and the latch <NUM> formed in the clutch gear <NUM> rotates the locker <NUM> through coupling to the pawl <NUM> formed in the locker shaft <NUM>.

Here, as the locker <NUM> rotates, the hook and the looker <NUM> are decou0led and the door is automatically opened.

Referring to (b) of <FIG>, when the second rack gear <NUM> meets a portion in which the gear teeth of the second pinion gear <NUM> are absent, the rack slide <NUM> moves in the direction of the locker <NUM> due to the elastic force of the slide spring <NUM> and enters an origin state of <FIG>.

In the origin state, although the locker shaft <NUM> rotates clockwise, the latch <NUM> and the pawl <NUM> are not coupled and the locker shaft <NUM> and the locker <NUM> may freely rotate clockwise. In a state of (c) in which the hook enters, the clutch gear <NUM> does not rotate and the locker shaft <NUM> and the locker <NUM> rotate clockwise while engaging with the hook. Further, in a state of (d), when the hook is fully introduced and the locker <NUM> is no longer rotatable, it is a state in which the latch <NUM> of the clutch gear <NUM> and the pawl <NUM> of the locker shaft <NUM> are coupled. (a) of <FIG> that is the origin state corresponds to (b), (c), and (d) of <FIG> and a state in which the motor <NUM> rotates and the rack slide <NUM> moves in the direction of the slide spring <NUM> as in (b) of <FIG> corresponds to a state in which the door is automatically opened.

While the present invention is described with reference to the illustrated example embodiments, it is provided as an example only and it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various alterations and modifications in form and details may be made in these example embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claim 1:
An auto-open door lock device comprising a main body cover (<NUM>) having an internal space and a motor (<NUM>) installed in the main body cover (<NUM>) to provide a driving force, the auto-open door lock device comprising:
a locker (<NUM>) configured to couple to or separate from a hook that is introduced from an outside through rotation;
a locker shaft (<NUM>) having one end connected to the locker (<NUM>) and formed at the center of rotation of the locker (<NUM>);
a clutch gear (<NUM>) configured to connect to another end of the locker shaft (<NUM>) and to induce rotation of the locker (<NUM>);
a locker spring (<NUM>) configured to connect to one side of the locker (<NUM>) and to provide a rotational restoring force to the locker (<NUM>);
a rack slide (<NUM>) configured to provide a rotational force of the motor (<NUM>) to the locker (<NUM>) through the clutch gear (<NUM>); and
a pinion gear (<NUM>) configured to transmit the rotational force of the motor (<NUM>) to the rack slide (<NUM>),
wherein the rack slide (<NUM>) comprises:
a first rack gear (<NUM>) configured to engage with the clutch gear (<NUM>) in a predetermined area at one end;
a second rack gear (<NUM>) configured to engage with the pinion gear in a predetermined area at another end; and
a micro switch (<NUM>) formed between the first rack gear (<NUM>) and the second rack gear (<NUM>).