Dishwashing tablet dispensing system

Abstract

A dishwashing block delivery system comprises: a main shell; a storage device, and an elastic energy storage member, which connects the storage device to the main shell. The storage device comprises: a plurality of storage compartments, which form an annular row along the circumference of the storage device; a plurality of first limiting structures, which form an annular row circumferentially along the inner bottom surface of the storage device; a plurality of second limiting structures, which form an annular row circumferentially along the inner bottom surface of the storage device, and are arranged between the annular row formed by the plurality of first limiting structures and the annular row formed by the plurality of storage compartments. The driving device comprises: a pushing member, which can perform reciprocating linear motion in a pushing direction and a retreat direction opposite to the pushing direction; and a rotating limiting member, which can follow the movement of the pushing member. During the dishwashing block delivery process, the rotating limiting member first abuts against the corresponding first limiting structure of the storage compartment to limit the rotation of the storage device in the first rotation direction, and then abuts against the corresponding second limiting structure of the storage compartment to limit the rotation of the storage device in the first rotation direction again.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a dishwashing block dispensing system. Background Art

[0002] Most of the dishwashing block delivery systems in the prior art adopt single addition and single delivery, that is, a dishwashing block is manually added each time the dishes are washed. This delivery system is troublesome to use, and dishwashing blocks need to be manually added each time the dishes are washed. Therefore, some manufacturers have developed a dishwashing block delivery system that can achieve multiple delivery with a single addition, such as the automatic delivery system with application number CN201910155866.2, which includes a turntable with multiple storage slots, and the storage slots are used to place the dishwashing blocks. The device adjusts the position of the storage slots through a first drive member (motor or solenoid valve), and delivers the dishwashing blocks through a second drive member (motor or solenoid valve), that is, two motors or solenoid valves are required to achieve multiple delivery of dishwashing blocks, which is costly. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a dishwashing block delivery system, comprising: a main housing; a storage device formed into a disc shape with a rotation center; an elastic energy storage member connecting the storage device to the main housing to apply a force along a first rotation direction to the storage device. The storage device comprises: a plurality of storage compartments forming an annular row along the circumference of the storage device and arranged at the outermost periphery of the storage device; a plurality of first limiting structures forming an annular row circumferentially along the inner bottom surface of the storage device and close to the rotation center in the radial direction; a plurality of second limiting structures forming an annular row circumferentially along the inner bottom surface of the storage device and arranged between the annular row formed by the plurality of first limiting structures and the annular row formed by the plurality of storage compartments; wherein each storage compartment corresponds to a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure respectively, and relative to the first rotation direction, the first limiting structure is arranged downstream and the second limiting structure is arranged upstream. The driving device comprises: a pushing member, which is configured to perform reciprocating linear motion along a pushing direction and a retreating direction opposite to the pushing direction; and a rotation limiting member, which is configured to follow the movement of the pushing member; wherein, during the process in which the pushing member moves along the pushing direction and the storage device rotates along a first rotation direction, the rotation limiting member first abuts against the corresponding first limiting structure of the storage compartment to limit the rotation of the storage device along the first rotation direction, and then abuts against the corresponding second limiting structure of the storage compartment to again limit the rotation of the storage device along the first rotation direction.

[0004] Furthermore, the multiple first limiting structures are configured as wedge-shaped blocks protruding from the inner bottom surface of the storage device, which include an abutment surface and a compression surface, and relative to the first rotation direction, the abutment surface is arranged downstream, and the compression surface is arranged upstream; the rotation limiter includes: an elastic buckle, which is configured to extend from one end of the rotation limiter toward the inner bottom surface of the storage device; the elastic buckle also includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface, relative to the first rotation direction, the first contact surface is arranged downstream, and the second contact surface is arranged upstream and inclined relative to the inner bottom surface of the storage device; wherein, during the rotation of the storage device along the first rotation direction, the first contact surface can abut against the abutment surface of the wedge block; when the storage device rotates along the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the second contact surface can contact with the compression surface and be compressed by it and elastically deformed so as to slide over the wedge block.

[0005] Furthermore, the rotation limit member includes a guide column at one end thereof; each of the multiple first limit structures is formed as a protrusion protruding from the inner bottom surface of the storage device, and has a contact surface and a guide surface; when the storage device rotates along the first rotation direction and the pushing member moves along the pushing direction, the guide column of the rotation limit member can respectively contact the contact surface and slide along the first limit structure; and when the storage device rotates along the second rotation direction, the guide column of the rotation limit member can contact the guide surface and slide along the first limit structure; the multiple second limit structures have a straight portion parallel to the radial direction and an oblique portion inclined relative to the radial direction, and the straight portion is farther away from the rotation center than the oblique portion; when the storage device rotates along the first rotation direction and the pushing member moves along the retracting direction, the guide column of the rotation limit member can respectively contact the straight portion and the oblique portion and slide along them.

[0006] Further, the rotation limiting member comprises: an elastic member mounting portion arranged at the other end thereof, and the rotation limiting member is connected to the housing of the driving device or the main housing through an elastic member mounted on the elastic member mounting portion.

[0007] Furthermore, the storage device also includes: a plurality of third limiting structures, which form an annular row circumferentially along the inner bottom surface of the storage device, and are arranged between the annular row formed by the plurality of second limiting structures and the annular row formed by the plurality of storage compartments; wherein the plurality of third limiting structures can limit the movement of the rotating limiting member along the pushing direction.

[0008] Furthermore, the dishwashing block dispensing system also includes a storage device limiter, which is rotatably mounted on a rotating shaft provided on the main shell and is located between a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding from the main shell; the storage device also includes a fourth limiter structure protruding from the outer bottom surface of the storage device, wherein when the storage device rotates along the first rotation direction and along the second rotation direction, the fourth limiter structure can cooperate with the storage device limiter to limit the rotation of the storage device.

[0009] Furthermore, the pushing member and the rotation limiting member are integrally formed.

[0010] Furthermore, the driving device also includes a cover body installed at one end of the pushing member; the dishwashing block delivery system also includes: a first sealing member, which is circumferentially arranged around the outer wall of the pushing channel and can contact the cover body; a second sealing member, which is circumferentially arranged between the inner wall of the pushing channel and the cover body.

[0011] Furthermore, the driving device further comprises: a first detection position and a second detection position arranged on the pushing member, and a position sensor arranged on the driving device housing, wherein the position sensor can detect the first detection position and the second detection position.

[0012] Further, the storage compartment includes a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall facing parallel to the first vertical wall.

[0013] Furthermore, the main housing includes a storage area for accommodating the storage device and a placement area for placing the dishwashing blocks, and the storage area is connected to the placement area through a pushing channel.

[0014] Compared with the existing solution that uses a motor or electromagnet to drive the storage device to rotate and a second motor or solenoid valve to realize the delivery of dishwashing blocks, the present invention only uses one driving device to deliver the dishwashing blocks and uses elastic energy storage parts to drive the rotation of the storage device. This solution is more economical and has a simpler and more reliable structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 is an overall view of a dishwashing block dispensing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a dishwashing block dispensing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 is a view of the main housing of the dishwashing block dispensing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5A -B is a view of a storage device of a dishwashing block dispensing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention

[0020] Figure 6-9 is a view of a driving device and its components of a dishwashing block delivery system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 10-23is a view of various stages of a dishwashing block dispensing operation using the dishwashing block dispensing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 24-25 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom surface of the storage device of the dishwashing block dispensing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 26-29 is a view of an improvement on a rotation limiting member and a limiting structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Fig.30a -c is a view of the first limiting structure in different forms;

[0025] Fig.31a -e is a view of the different structures of the storage compartments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the dishwashing block delivery system of the present invention is usually installed in a dishwasher, more specifically, installed on the dishwasher door, and as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the dishwashing block delivery system includes a panel assembly and a main body assembly having a panel cover and a delivery port. The panel assembly also has a feed port (not shown) for adding dishwashing blocks. When in use, the main plane of the dishwashing block delivery system is basically along the vertical Y axis.

[0027] First embodiment

[0028] See also Figure 3 The composition of the dishwashing block delivery system is further described. The dishwashing block delivery system preferably includes a main housing 1, a storage device 2, a driving device 3, a cover 4, a storage device stopper 5, a recovery device 6, a first sealing member 7, a second sealing member 8, and a fastener 9.

[0029] main housing

[0030] See also Figure 4The main housing 1 is mainly provided with a storage area for accommodating storage devices and a placement area for placing dishwashing blocks, and the two areas are connected by a push channel 10. In the storage area, there are also provided: a first rotating shaft 11 for installing the storage device 2, and the storage device 2 can rotate around the first rotating shaft after installation; a second rotating shaft 12 for installing the recovery device 6, and the recovery device 6 can rotate around the second rotating shaft 12 after installation to release or recover the elastic energy storage member installed on the recovery device 6 (in this embodiment, it is a constant force spring, such as a spring or an elastic rope, etc.); a third rotating shaft 13 for installing the storage device limiter 5, and the storage device limiter 5 can rotate around the third rotating shaft 13 after installation, and as shown in the figure, in a preferred embodiment, the storage device limiter 5 can only be arranged between the first protrusion 131 and the second protrusion 132 protruding from the main housing 1, and rotate within the inferior angle range defined by the two; a mounting seat 14 for installing the driving device 3, so that the driving device 3 is fixedly connected to the main housing 1, and the movement of the storage device 2 along the Z axis direction is limited.

[0031] Storage Devices

[0032] See also Figure 5A and 5B , further describing the specific structure of the storage device 2. The storage device 2 is preferably in the shape of a disk with a rotation center, which can rotate around the rotation center in a first rotation direction (hereinafter referred to as a clockwise direction) and a second rotation direction (hereinafter referred to as a counterclockwise direction), and has: a plurality of storage compartments 20, which form an annular row along the circumference of the storage device 2 and are arranged at the outermost periphery of the storage device 2, and in this embodiment, preferably 15 are evenly distributed (in different embodiments, the number may vary), for storing dishwashing blocks, and each compartment can store a dishwashing block; a plurality of first limiting structures 21 and a plurality of second limiting structures 22 arranged on the inner bottom surface 26 of the storage device 2. It should be understood that the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2 is relative to the storage compartment 20 for storing the dishwashing blocks, which is parallel to the XY plane and usually faces the dishwashing blocks.

[0033] Specifically, a plurality of first limiting structures 21 form an annular row circumferentially along the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2, and are closest to the rotation center in the radial direction; a plurality of second limiting structures 22 form an annular row circumferentially along the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2, and are arranged between the annular row formed by the plurality of first limiting structures 22 and the annular row formed by the plurality of storage compartments; wherein each storage compartment 20 corresponds to a corresponding first limiting structure 21 and a second limiting structure 22, respectively, and relative to the clockwise direction, the first limiting structure 21 is arranged downstream and the second limiting structure 22 is arranged upstream, that is, the first limiting structure 21 and the second limiting structure 22 are arranged offset along the circumference of the storage device 2.

[0034] Due to this arrangement, in the process where the pushing member 31 and the rotating limit member 32 thereon move in the pushing direction for pushing the dishwashing blocks described below and the storage device 2 rotates in the clockwise direction, the rotating limit member 32 first abuts against the corresponding first limiting structure 21 of the storage compartment 20 to limit the rotation of the storage device 2 in the clockwise direction. Subsequently, with the further rotation of the storage device 2 and the further movement of the pushing member 31 in the pushing direction, the rotating limit member 32 abuts against the corresponding second limiting structure 22 of the storage compartment 20 to again limit the rotation of the storage device 2 in the clockwise direction, thereby enabling intermittent movement of the storage device 2 and correct pushing of the dishwashing blocks to be achieved.

[0035] Preferably, the storage device 2 may further include a plurality of third limiting structures 23, which are arranged in an annular row along the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2 and are disposed between the annular row formed by the plurality of second limiting structures 22 and the annular row formed by the plurality of storage compartments 20. The plurality of third limiting structures 23 are used to block further movement of the rotation limiting member 32 along the pushing direction. It should be noted that the plurality of third limiting structures 23 are not necessary and will be described in detail later.

[0036] The plurality of first to third limiting structures 21 - 23 may protrude from the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2 along the Z-axis direction, and are preferably formed integrally with the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2 .

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, each storage compartment 20 corresponds to a first limiting structure 21, a second limiting structure 22 and a third limiting structure 23, so that the number of first, second and third limiting structures 21, 22, 23 is the same as the number of storage compartments 20, which is also 15 (this number may also vary in different embodiments).

[0038] Preferably, the second limiting structure 22 may also be connected to the third limiting structure 23 , for example, formed integrally therewith.

[0039] Preferably, the storage device 2 may further include: a fourth limiting structure 24 protruding from the outer bottom surface of the storage device 2, which may have a first contact surface 241 and a second contact surface 242; an axial hole 25, which cooperates with the first rotating shaft 11 of the main housing 1, so that the storage device 2 can rotate around the first rotating shaft 11; an annular groove 26 and an elastic energy storage member mounting portion 27, both of which are used to install an elastic energy storage member (not shown, such as a spring or an elastic rope), that is, one end of the elastic energy storage member is fixedly connected to the elastic energy storage member mounting portion 27, and can be released from the recovery device 6 or retracted back to the recovery device 6. During the release and retraction process, the elastic energy storage member moves in the annular groove 26. When the elastic energy storage member is stretched, it always applies a force in the clockwise direction to the storage device 2, so that the storage device 2 tends to rotate in the clockwise direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the fourth limiting structure 24 is arranged on the outer bottom surface opposite to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2, and is preferably formed integrally therewith, so as to cooperate with the storage device limiting member 5 as described above, so that during the process of the storage device rotating in the clockwise direction and in the counterclockwise direction (that is, after all the dishwashing blocks have been put in, the elastic energy storage member is stored with energy again and the dishwashing blocks are added), the storage device 2 is limited to only rotating about 360 degrees relative to the main shell 11.

[0041] Drive device

[0042] See also Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The driving device 3 preferably mainly includes: a gear set 30, a pushing member 31, a rotation limiting member 32, a housing 33, a position sensor 34, an elastic member 35 (preferably a spring), etc. According to the principle of the present invention, the pushing member 31 and the rotation limiting member 32 cooperate with the multiple first limiting structures 21 and the multiple second limiting structures 22 of the storage device 2 as described above to realize the intermittent rotation of the storage device 2 and the pushing of the dishwashing block at the same time, which will be described in detail below.

[0043] The gear set 30 is driven by a driving motor to drive the pushing member 31 through meshing between an output gear of the gear set 30 and a rack 311 on the pushing member 31 as described below.

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown, the push member 31 is configured to be able to perform reciprocating linear motion along the pushing direction and the retreating direction opposite to the pushing direction, and includes: a rack 311, a push arm 312 having a first contact surface 3121 and a second contact surface 3122, a first detection position 313 and a second detection position 314, and a cover body mounting end 315 for mounting the cover body 4. Among them, the first contact surface 3121 can abut against the rotation limiter 32 described later, as described below, and the second contact surface 3122 can abut against the dishwashing block in the storage compartment 20, so as to push the dishwashing block to the delivery area of ​​the main housing 1, and then slide down from the sliding channel.

[0045] The first detection position 313 and the second detection position 314 are used to cooperate with the position sensor 34 provided on the housing 33 of the driving device 3. When the position sensor 34 detects the first detection position 313, it indicates that the pushing member 31 is in the initial state, that is, the pushing member 31 is in its fully retracted position. Fig.10 As the push member 31 moves in the pushing direction (ie, moves toward the dishwashing block in the storage compartment 20), when the position sensor 34 detects the second detection position 314, it indicates that the push member 31 moves to its fully extended position, as shown in FIG. Fig.18As shown, at this time, the push member 31 has completely pushed the dishwashing block from the storage compartment 20 to the delivery area of ​​the main housing 1. It should be understood that the position sensor 34 can also be set at any other suitable position, such as on the main housing, or on the panel assembly, etc., as long as it can detect the first detection position and the second detection position.

[0046] Fig. 9 The rotation limiter 32 is shown, which is arranged to follow the movement of the pusher. The rotation limiter 32 includes an elastic member mounting portion arranged at a first end 321 thereof and an elastic buckle 323 arranged to extend from an opposite second end 322 toward the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2. The elastic buckle and the rotation limiter 32 can preferably be integrally formed. An elastic member 35 is connected to the elastic member mounting portion, and the elastic member 35 is connected to the housing 33 of the drive device. The second end 322 can contact the first contact surface 3121 of the push arm 312 of the pusher 31 and be limited by it.

[0047] According to other embodiments, when the driving device and the main housing are fixedly connected, the main housing also serves as the housing of the driving device, so the elastic member 35 can also be connected to the main housing 1. In addition, although in this embodiment, the rotation limiter 32 is configured as a component separate from the pushing member 31, according to other embodiments, the pushing member (31) can also be formed integrally with the rotation limiter (32).

[0048] In this embodiment, the elastic buckle 323 extends from the second end 322 of the rotation limiter 32 in a counterclockwise direction toward the inner bottom of the storage device 2. The elastic buckle 323 also includes a first contact surface 3231 and a second contact surface 3232. With respect to the clockwise direction, the first contact surface 3231 is arranged upstream and preferably perpendicular to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2, and the second contact surface 3232 is arranged downstream and inclined relative to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2.

[0049] During the process of the storage device 2 rotating in the clockwise direction and the pushing member 31 reciprocating (i.e., the delivery cycle described later), the first contact surface 3231 can intermittently abut against the multiple first and second limiting structures 21 and 22 on the storage device 2, thereby limiting the rotation of the storage device 2 in the clockwise direction to an intermittent rotation.

[0050] During the counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2, the counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2 causes the second contact surface 3232 of the elastic buckle 323 of the rotation limiter 32 to contact the multiple first limit structures 21 of the storage device 2, and the elastic buckle 323 is compressed by the first limit structure 21 and elastically deformed, and further slides over the first limit structure 21, so that the storage device 2 can continue to rotate counterclockwise. The multiple first limit structures 21 can have any suitable shape, as long as they can cooperate with the rotation limiter 32 to achieve the above function.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, during the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2, in order to facilitate the above-mentioned interaction between the elastic buckle 323 and the first limiting structure 21, the first limiting structure 21 is configured as a wedge-shaped block, which includes an abutment surface 211 and a compression surface 212, see Fig.12 With respect to the clockwise direction, the abutting surface 211 is arranged downstream, and the pressing surface 212 is arranged upstream. The abutting surface 211 can be preferably arranged to be perpendicular or at a certain angle to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2, and accordingly the first contact surface 3231 ( Fig.12 The inner bottom surface (not shown) is arranged to be perpendicular or at a certain angle relative to the inner bottom surface, so that the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 is parallel to the abutment surface 211, so that during the above-mentioned clockwise rotation process, the abutment surface 211 abuts against the first contact surface 3231 reliably to prevent the storage device 2 from rotating clockwise. Fig.12 The diagram shows a situation where the abutment surface 211 is perpendicular to the inner bottom surface, and when the abutment surface 211 is inclined at an acute angle to the inner bottom surface, the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 also presents a corresponding angle, thereby more conducive to ensuring the abutment between the first contact surface 3231 and the abutment surface 211; and when the abutment surface 211 is inclined at an obtuse angle to the inner bottom surface, the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 also presents a corresponding angle, and by setting the material elasticity and friction coefficient of the abutment surface 211 and the first contact surface 3231, effective abutment between the two can also be achieved.

[0052] During the counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2, the pressing surface 212 and the inclined second contact surface 3232 ( Fig.12 (not shown) to make the elastic buckle 323 elastically deform and slide through the first limiting structure 21 along the pressing surface 212, thereby not hindering the storage device 2 from rotating in the counterclockwise direction.

[0053] In such Fig.10In the initial state, the rotation limit member 32 is squeezed by the first contact surface 3121 of the pushing arm 312 of the pushing member 31, so that the elastic member 35 connected thereto is also compressed, so that the elastic member 35 applies a force along the pushing direction to the rotation limit member 32, so as to ensure that when the pushing member 31 moves out along the pushing direction, the rotation limit member 32 follows the extension movement of the pushing member 31 under the action of the elastic member 35.

[0054] Next, the dispensing cycle of dispensing a dishwashing block (such as the dishwashing block in the No. 1 storage compartment 20) according to the dishwashing block dispensing system of the present invention will be described. The dispensing cycle is roughly divided into: initial state, forward stage 1, forward stage 2, dispensing stage, retracting stage 1, retracting stage 2, and returning to the initial state.

[0055] Initial state

[0056] Figure 10-12 The diagram shows the initial state of the dishwashing block dispensing system in the dispensing cycle. At this time, the drive device 3 is in a standby state, the push member 31 is stationary in its fully retracted position, the cover body 4 is in its fully retracted position, and the first and second sealing members 7 and 8 seal the push channel 10.

[0057] The rotation limiter 32 is pressed by the first contact surface 3121 of the push arm 312 on the pusher 31 and is also in the fully retracted position. Fig.11 At the same time, the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 of the rotation limiter 32 abuts against the first limit structure 21 of the storage device 2, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the storage device 2 cannot rotate in the clockwise direction. The elastic member 35 is compressed by the rotation limiter 32 and is in its maximum compression state. At this time, the storage device 2 is simultaneously restricted by the clockwise force from the elastic energy storage member and the rotation limiter 32 and remains stationary. Moreover, the position sensor 34 senses the first detection position 313 of the push member 31, thereby determining that the state at this time is the initial state.

[0058] Advancement Stage 1

[0059] Figure 13-15 The forward stage 1 of the delivery cycle is shown. The driving device 3 drives the push member 31 and its push arm 312 to move in the pushing direction through its driving gear, and the rotation limit member 32 follows the push arm 312 under the push of the elastic member 35 and also moves in the pushing direction until the elastic buckle 323 is out of contact with the first limit structure 21 of the storage device 2, thereby releasing the rotation restriction of the storage device 2. Fig.14 shown.

[0060] Then, the storage device 2 rotates clockwise through an angle α under the action of the elastic energy storage member force, where the angle α is the angle between a first limiting structure 21 and a second limiting structure 22 corresponding to the current storage compartment 20, and as the pushing member 31 continues to move in the pushing direction, the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 of the rotating limiting member 32 contacts the second limiting structure 22 of the storage device 2, and the clockwise rotation of the storage device 2 is limited by the second limiting structure 22, so that the storage device 2 stops rotating again. Fig.15 shown.

[0061] Advance Stage 2

[0062] Figure 16-17 The forward stage 2 of the delivery cycle is shown in cross-sectional views at different levels. The driving device 3 continues to drive the push member 31 to move in the pushing direction, and the rotation limit member 32 moves along the pushing direction with the push member 31 under the push of the elastic member 35, until the elastic buckle 323 of the rotation limit member 32 contacts the third limiting structure 23 (if any) or until the elastic member 35 releases pressure and reaches its maximum length, and the rotation limit member 32 will not be able to continue to move along the pushing direction with the push member 31, thereby reaching its fully extended position. In this stage, the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 of the rotation limit member 32 always maintains contact with the second limiting structure 22 of the storage device 2, and the storage device 2 does not rotate.

[0063] As mentioned above, the third limiting structure 23 of the storage device 2 is not necessarily provided. In the absence of the third limiting structure 23, it is only necessary to set the elastic member 35 to an appropriate length so that the rotating limiting member 32 can stay in the appropriate position when the pressure on the elastic member 35 is completely released, and will not follow the pushing member 31 to move further.

[0064] Casting stage

[0065] Figure 18-19 The dispensing phase of the dispensing cycle is shown in cross-sectional views at different levels. The drive device 3 continues to drive the push member 31 to move in the pushing direction until the push member 31 reaches its fully extended position and stops moving. At this time, the second contact surface 3122 of the push arm 312 pushes the dishwashing block out of the pushing channel, and the pushed dishwashing block falls from the sliding channel through the feeding port to the outside of the dispensing system. At this time, the position sensor 34 detects the second detection position 314 of the push member 31, thereby determining that the push member 31 is in its fully extended position and the dishwashing block has been dispensed. Thereafter, the push member 31 will move in a retracting direction opposite to the pushing direction.

[0066] In this stage, the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 of the rotation limiting member 32 always keeps in contact with the second limiting structure 22 of the storage device 2, and the storage device 2 does not rotate.

[0067] Fallback stage 1

[0068] Figure 20-21 The retraction phase 1 of the dispensing cycle is shown in cross-sectional views at different levels. After the dishwashing block is dispensed, the drive device 3 drives the pusher 31 to move in the retraction direction, so that the first contact surface 3121 of the pusher arm 312 contacts the rotation limiter 32 again, and pushes the rotation limiter 32 away from the third limiter structure 23 and / or starts to squeeze the elastic member 35 of the rotation limiter 32.

[0069] Fallback stage 2

[0070] Figure 22-23 The retraction phase 2 of the delivery cycle is shown in cross-sectional views at different levels. The driving device 3 continues to drive the push member 31 to move in the retraction direction. The rotation limiter 32 is squeezed by the push arm 312 of the push member 31 and moves along the retraction direction with the push member 31 until it is out of contact with the second limiter structure 22 of the storage device 2.

[0071] After that, due to the clockwise force continuously applied by the elastic energy storage member to the storage device 2, the storage device 2 will rotate clockwise through an angle β, which is the angle between the surface where the second limiting structure 22 corresponding to the current storage compartment 20 contacts the first contact surface 3231 and the surface where the first limiting structure 21n corresponding to the next storage compartment 20 contacts the first contact surface 3231. Subsequently, as the push member 31 moves in the retracting direction, the first limiting structure 21n corresponding to the next storage compartment will contact the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 of the rotation limiting member 32, causing the storage device 2 to stop rotating again.

[0072] At this state of the placement cycle, for the current storage compartment 20 (in which the dishwashing blocks have been placed), the storage device 2 has cumulatively rotated an angle α+β. Further preferably, since the number and distribution of the plurality of first and second limiting structures 21, 22 of the storage device 2 can be set to be the same for each storage compartment and evenly arranged, the above-mentioned rotation angle α+β can be equal for each storage compartment. Furthermore, the angle α and the angle β can also be preferably equal.

[0073] Return to initial state

[0074] After the retraction stage 2, the driving device 3 continues to drive the pushing member 31 to move in the retraction direction, so that the pushing member 31 and the rotation limit member 32 return to their respective fully retracted positions, thereby returning the pushing member to the fully retracted position. Figure 10-12The initial state shown is ready for placing the dishwashing blocks in the next storage compartment 20. At this time, since the first limiting structure 21n of the next storage compartment has abutted against the rotation limiting member 32, the storage device 2 will not rotate.

[0075] At this point, the placement cycle for one dishwashing block is completed. Subsequently, according to the placement cycle, the placement of the remaining dishwashing blocks (e.g., the dishwashing blocks in the storage compartments 20 of No. 2 to No. 15) can be achieved. After all the dishwashing blocks are placed, the user performs the dishwashing block filling operation and the resetting operation of the storage device 2 as described below.

[0076] Filling and resetting operations

[0077] Figure 24-25 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the bottom surface of the storage device 2 .

[0078] like Fig.24 As shown, after all the dishwashing blocks are put in, since the storage device 2 has completed approximately 360° clockwise rotation, the fourth limiting structure 24 on its outer bottom surface abuts against the storage device limiting member 5 on the main shell and presses it against the second protrusion 132, so that the storage device 2 cannot rotate further clockwise, and the elastic energy storage member is also basically wound onto the recovery device 6.

[0079] Subsequently, the user can add dishwashing blocks from the feeding port, and after the storage compartment 20 opened by the feeding port is fully filled, the user can manually rotate the storage device 2 in a counterclockwise direction.

[0080] During the counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2, the second contact surface 3232 of the elastic clip 323 of the rotation limiter 32 contacts each first limiting structure 21 of the storage device 2 (contacts the compression surface thereof when the first limiting structure 21 is formed as a wedge-shaped block), and due to the structure of the elastic clip 323, it will be compressed by each first limiting structure 21 and elastically deformed, and slide over each first limiting structure 21, so these first limiting structures 21 will not prevent the counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2.

[0081] like Fig.25 As shown, when the storage device 2 completes approximately 360° counterclockwise rotation, the fourth limiting structure 24 of the storage device 2 contacts the storage device limiting member 5, causing the storage device limiting member 5 to contact the first protrusion 131 on the main shell, and the storage device 2 will be unable to continue to rotate counterclockwise.

[0082] While the storage device 2 rotates counterclockwise, the elastic energy storage member is again pulled out from the recovery device 6 until the extension reaches the maximum, thereby applying a clockwise force to the storage device 2 again to provide power for its clockwise movement in a new delivery process.

[0083] Due to the cooperation of the first protrusion 131, the second protrusion 132 and the fourth limiting structure 24, the storage device 2 can and can only rotate a complete circle, so that the alignment state of each storage compartment 20 and the push channel is the same when it is released. Otherwise, if it rotates to other angles, the storage compartment 20 and the push channel will no longer be accurately aligned when it is released for the last time. In addition, the rotation range of the storage device 2 is also limited, that is, the telescopic range of the elastic energy storage member is determined, and the elastic energy storage member is prevented from being infinitely extended.

[0084] Compared with the prior art solution of using dual motors or electromagnets to realize the rotation of the storage device, the present invention uses a single motor to drive the pusher and an elastic energy storage element to provide rotational force for the storage device, which is more economical to manufacture and has a simpler and more reliable structure.

[0085] Second embodiment

[0086] Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described, in which the same structure as that in the first embodiment will not be described in detail.

[0087] In the second embodiment, the elastic buckle of the rotation limiting member on the pushing member is mainly improved, and the first to third limiting structures on the storage device are improved accordingly.

[0088] like Fig.26 As shown in FIG. 3 , the elastic buckle of the rotation limiter is replaced with a rigid guide column 323A. Fig. 27 As shown, the first and second limiting structures 21A and 22A are transformed into a ramp guide form. Fig.28 As shown, the rotation limiting member 32A is still driven by the elastic member 35 .

[0089] A first limiting structure 21A and a second limiting structure 22A corresponding to a storage compartment will be described below.

[0090] like Fig.29 In the preferred embodiment shown, the first limiting structure 21A is formed as an oblique parallelogram protrusion protruding from the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2A, which has an abutment surface 21A1 roughly parallel to the radial direction of the disc-shaped storage device 2A, a guide surface 21A2 close to the rotation center and an outer side surface 21A3 away from the rotation center.

[0091] When the storage device 2A rotates in the clockwise direction and the pushing member 31 moves in the pushing direction, the guide column 323A of the rotation limit member 32A can respectively abut against the abutment surface 21A1 and the outer surface 21A3 and slide along the first limiting structure 21A to respectively stop and guide the clockwise rotation movement of the storage device 2A.

[0092] When the storage device 2A rotates counterclockwise, the guide post 323A of the rotation limiting member 32A can abut against the guide surface 21A2 and slide along the first limiting structure 21A to allow the storage device 2A to rotate counterclockwise.

[0093] According to other modified embodiments, Fig.30a As shown in FIG. 1-c, the first limiting structure 21A can take different convex block forms, such as a triangle ( Fig.30a and 30b ) and roughly trapezoidal ( Fig.30c ), etc., no matter what form is adopted, the first limiting structure at least includes abutting surface 21A1 and guiding surface 21A2. Fig.30b The form shown can realize the above-mentioned function of the first limiting structure 21A as long as it includes the abutting surface 21A1 and the guiding surface 21A2.

[0094] The second limiting structure 22A has a straight portion 22A1 substantially parallel to the radial direction and an oblique portion 22A2 inclined relative to the radial direction. The straight portion 22A1 is further away from the rotation center than the oblique portion 22A2. The oblique portion 22A2 is inclined relative to the radial direction and is opposite to the inclination direction of the first limiting structure 21A.

[0095] When the storage device 2A rotates in the clockwise direction and the pushing member 31A moves in the retracting direction, the guide column 323A of the rotation limit member 32A can respectively abut against and slide along the straight portion 22A1 and the oblique portion 22A2 to respectively stop and guide the clockwise rotation movement of the storage device 2A.

[0096] Along the axial direction, there is a gap between the first limiting structure 21A and the second limiting structure 22A for the guide column 323A to pass through.

[0097] The third limiting structure 23A is arranged in the form of an integral ring formed around the axial direction of the storage device 2A. Preferably, the second limiting structure 22A is connected to or integrally formed with the third limiting structure 23A. As mentioned above, such a third limiting structure 23A is not necessary.

[0098] Delivery cycle

[0099] The second embodiment also follows the dosing cycle described above for the first embodiment.

[0100] In the initial state, the guide post 323A abuts against the abutting surface 21A1 of the first limiting structure 21A, preventing the storage device 2A from rotating clockwise.

[0101] Then, in the forward stage 1, the guide post 323A of the rotation stopper 32A moves along the pushing direction with the pushing member 31 and contacts the outer side surface 21A3. Since the outer side surface 21A3 is inclined, the storage device 2A is allowed to rotate clockwise.

[0102] In the forward stage 2, the guide post 323A is separated from the outer side surface 21A3, abuts against the straight portion 22A1 of the second limiting structure 22A, and continues to move in the pushing direction until it is blocked by the third limiting structure 23A and / or the pressure on the elastic member 35 is completely released and reaches the maximum length. The pushing member 31 continues to move in the pushing direction and throws the dishwashing block out when it reaches the fully extended position. Subsequently, the pushing member 31 moves in the retracting direction.

[0103] In the retraction stage 1, the guide post 323A is pushed away from the third limiting structure 23A in the retraction direction and / or starts to squeeze the elastic member 35 of the rotation limiting member 32A, and moves again along the straight portion 22A1 of the second limiting structure 22A.

[0104] In the retraction stage 2, the guide post 323A continues to move in the retraction direction, and leaves the straight portion 22A1 of the second limiting structure 22A through the gap between the first limiting structure 21A and the second limiting structure 22A, and contacts the oblique portion of the second limiting structure 22A, and the storage device 2A is allowed to continue to rotate clockwise. The guide post 323A continues to move to the fully retracted position, and contacts the straight portion of the next second limiting structure corresponding to the next storage compartment 20, so that the storage device 2A stops rotating again, and a delivery cycle is completed.

[0105] Filling and resetting operations

[0106] Similar to the first embodiment, when all the dishwashing blocks have been put in, the user moves the storage device 2A in the counterclockwise direction. Although the pushing member 31 is in its fully retracted position at this time, the guide post 323A of the rotation limiter 32A still has a certain degree of freedom of movement in the extension / retraction direction (that is, the elastic member 35 still has a certain degree of freedom of extension and contraction), so that during the counterclockwise movement of the storage device 2A, when the guide post 323A slides along the inclined guide surface 21A2 of the first limiting structure 21A, the rotation limiter 32A can slide in the retraction direction and compress the elastic member 35A, and the guide post 323A can pass over the first limiting structure 21A in contact with it after continuing to slide in the retraction direction for a certain distance, and then contact the guide surface of the next first limiting structure. Therefore, the guide post 323A can slide over each first limiting structure 21A, so it will not prevent the storage device 2A from rotating counterclockwise.

[0107] The advantages of the first embodiment and the second embodiment are:

[0108] 1) The elastic buckle on the rotation limiter is replaced with a rigid guide column, which reduces the process difficulty of the rotation limiter. The elastic buckle of the rotation limiter in the first embodiment will experience repeated deformation and easily fatigue fracture, but the second embodiment does not face the problem of solving this problem.

[0109] 2) In the second embodiment, the first and second limit structures on the storage device are changed to slope structures, so that the rotation of the storage device 2 is more stable and smooth, which can reduce the rigid impact generated when the storage device rotates, reduce noise and increase product life.

[0110] Other improvements

[0111] A first seal 7 is installed on the main shell 1, and it contacts and cooperates with the cover body 4 to achieve end face sealing. A second seal 8 is installed on the cover body 4, and it contacts and cooperates with the inner wall of the push channel to achieve axial sealing. At the same time, the second seal 8 has the function of cleaning the push channel when it reciprocates along the X-axis direction.

[0112] This double seal makes the seal more reliable, wherein the cleaning effect of the axial second seal 8 further protects the sealing surface of the end face seal. Solid detergents have much higher sealing requirements than liquid detergents, and therefore, reliable sealing is crucial to the solid detergent delivery system.

[0113] In another preferred embodiment, the structure of the storage compartment 20 is also improved. Take the fifth storage compartment 20 of the storage device as an example (eg Fig.31a and b), the storage compartment 20 includes a first vertical wall 2051 and a second vertical wall 2052 parallel to the first vertical wall 2051, which helps to guide the dishwashing blocks when they are put in, so that the dishwashing blocks will not touch the edge of the left opening of the pushing channel, thereby avoiding the dishwashing blocks from getting stuck.

[0114] While achieving the above functions, the effective capacity of the storage compartment is not limited. Common dishwashing blocks are mostly symmetrical structures of rectangular blocks or rectangular blocks with spherical protrusions. If the second vertical wall is not parallel to the first vertical wall opposite to it or is parallel but too long, the effective capacity of the storage compartment will be reduced. Fig.31c and Fig.31d shown.

[0115] In addition, the second vertical wall 2052 also improves the structural strength and rigidity of the first vertical wall 2051 (eg Fig.31e The structure shown lacks both guidance and structural strength).

[0116] The exemplary implementation scheme of the present disclosure is described in detail above with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that, without departing from the concept of the present disclosure, various modifications and variations can be made to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, and various technical features and structures proposed in the present disclosure can be combined in various ways without exceeding the protection scope of the present disclosure, which is determined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A dishwashing block delivery system, comprising: Main shell (1); A panel assembly covering the main housing (1); A storage device (2) formed in a disk shape having a rotation center; An elastic energy storage member, connecting the storage device (2) to the main housing (1) to apply a force along a first rotational direction to the storage device (2); The storage device (2) comprises: A plurality of storage compartments (20) are arranged in an annular row along the circumference of the storage device (2) and are arranged at the outermost periphery of the storage device (2); A plurality of first limiting structures (21) are arranged in an annular row circumferentially along the inner bottom surface of the storage device (2) and are close to the rotation center in the radial direction; A plurality of second limiting structures (22) are arranged in an annular row along the inner bottom surface of the storage device (2) in a circumferential direction and are arranged between the annular row formed by the plurality of first limiting structures (21) and the annular row formed by the plurality of storage compartments (20); Each storage compartment (20) corresponds to a first limiting structure (21) and a second limiting structure (22), respectively, and relative to the first rotation direction, the first limiting structure (21) is arranged downstream and the second limiting structure (22) is arranged upstream; A drive device having: A pushing member (31), comprising a pushing arm (312) and arranged to be capable of reciprocating linear motion in a pushing direction and a retreating direction opposite to the pushing direction; A rotation limiting member (32) is configured to follow the movement of the pushing member (31); In the process where the pushing member (31) moves along the pushing direction and the storage device (2) rotates along the first rotation direction, the rotation limiting member (32) first abuts against the corresponding first limiting structure (21) of the storage compartment (20) to limit the rotation of the storage device (2) along the first rotation direction, and then abuts against the corresponding second limiting structure (22) of the storage compartment (20) to again limit the rotation of the storage device (2) along the first rotation direction.

2. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of first limiting structures (21) are arranged as wedge-shaped blocks protruding from the inner bottom surface of the storage device (2), and include a contact surface (211) and a pressing surface (212), and relative to the first rotation direction, the contact surface (211) is arranged downstream, and the pressing surface (212) is arranged upstream; The rotation limiting member (32) comprises: An elastic buckle (323) is arranged to extend from one end (322) of the rotation limiting member (32) toward the inner bottom surface of the storage device (2); The elastic buckle (323) further comprises a first contact surface (3231) and a second contact surface (3232); relative to the first rotation direction, the first contact surface (3231) is arranged downstream, and the second contact surface (3232) is arranged upstream and inclined relative to the inner bottom surface of the storage device (2); When the storage device (2) rotates in a first rotation direction, the first contact surface (3231) can abut against the abutment surface (211) of the wedge block; when the storage device (2) rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the second contact surface (3232) can contact the pressing surface (212) and be pressed thereby to elastically deform so as to slide over the wedge block.

3. The dishwashing block delivery system according to claim 1, wherein: The rotation limiter (32A) includes a guide post (323A) at one end thereof; Each of the plurality of first limiting structures (21A) is formed as a convex block protruding from the inner bottom surface of the storage device (2A), and has an abutting surface (21A1) and a guiding surface (21A2); When the storage device (2A) rotates in the first rotation direction and the pushing member (31) moves in the pushing direction, the guide column (323A) of the rotation limiting member (32A) can respectively abut against the abutment surface (21A1) and slide along the first limiting structure (21A); and When the storage device (2A) rotates along the second rotation direction, the guide column (323A) of the rotation limiting member (32A) can abut against the guide surface (21A2) and slide along the first limiting structure (21A); The plurality of second limiting structures (22A) have a straight portion (22A1) parallel to the radial direction and an oblique portion (22A2) inclined relative to the radial direction, and the straight portion (22A1) is farther from the rotation center than the oblique portion (22A2); When the storage device (2A) rotates in a first rotation direction and the pushing member (31) moves in a retracting direction, the guide column (323A) of the rotation limiting member (32A) can respectively abut against the straight portion (22A1) and the inclined portion (22A2) and slide along them.

4. The dishwashing block delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The rotation limiting member (32, 32A) comprises an elastic member mounting portion arranged at the other end thereof, and the rotation limiting member (32, 32A) is connected to the housing of the driving device or the main housing via an elastic member (35) mounted on the elastic member mounting portion.

5. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to claim 4, wherein: The storage device (2) further comprises: a plurality of third limiting structures (23, 23A) which form an annular row circumferentially along the inner bottom surface of the storage device (2, 2A) and are arranged between the annular row formed by the plurality of second limiting structures (22, 22A) and the annular row formed by the plurality of storage compartments (20); Among them, the plurality of third limiting structures (23, 23A) can limit the movement of the rotation limiting member (32, 32A) along the pushing direction.

6. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to claim 5, further comprising a storage device stopper (5), which is rotatably mounted on a rotating shaft (13) provided on the main housing (1) and is located between a first protrusion (131) and a second protrusion (132) protruding from the main housing (1); The storage device (2) further comprises a fourth limiting structure (24) protruding from the outer bottom surface of the storage device (2). in, When the storage device (2, 2A) rotates along the first rotation direction and along the second rotation direction, the fourth limiting structure (24) can cooperate with the storage device limiting member (5) to limit the rotation of the storage device (2).

7. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The pushing member (31) and the rotation limiting member (32) are integrally formed.

8. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The main housing (1) comprises a storage area for accommodating a storage device and a placement area for placing dishwashing blocks, and the storage area and the placement area are connected through a pushing channel.

9. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to claim 8, wherein: The driving device also includes a cover body (4) mounted on one end of the pushing member (31); The dishwashing block delivery system also includes: A first sealing member (7) is circumferentially arranged around the outer wall of the pushing channel and is capable of contacting the cover body (4); The second sealing member (8) is circumferentially arranged between the inner wall of the pushing channel and the cover body (4).

10. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The drive device also includes: A first detection position (313) and a second detection position (314) are arranged on the pushing member (31), and A position sensor (34) is arranged on a housing of a drive device and is capable of detecting a first detection position (313) and a second detection position (314).

11. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The storage compartment (20) comprises a first vertical wall (2051) and a second vertical wall (2052) facing and parallel to the first vertical wall (2051).

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