Dishwashing tablet dispensing system

Abstract

The present invention provides a dishwashing block delivery system, comprising: a main shell; a storage device with a rotation center, comprising: a plurality of storage compartments, which form an annular row along the circumference of the storage device; a plurality of first and second guide grooves, which respectively form an annular row along the circumference, each of which is recessed in the inner bottom surface of the storage device and has a first end close to the rotation center and a second end away from the rotation center; the first and second guide grooves are adjacent and alternately arranged along the circumference, so that the first end of each first guide groove is adjacent to and connected with the first end of the adjacent second guide groove, and the second end of each first guide groove is adjacent to and connected with the second end of another adjacent second guide groove, and the adjacent first and second guide grooves form a "human" shape structure, and each storage compartment has a first guide groove and a second guide groove corresponding to it; the driving device has: a pushing member, which can reciprocate linearly along the pushing direction and the retracting direction; a rotating limit member, which can follow the movement of the pushing member to move in the first and second guide grooves.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] At present, the technology of multiple dishwashing block placement is gradually emerging, among which the solution using a turntable storage device is more reasonable, because when a turntable storage device is used, the stored dishwashing blocks are easy to divide. However, this type of solution generally has the problem that the dividing action (selecting one from the stored dishwashing blocks for placement) and the feeding action (putting the prepared dishwashing blocks into the inner cavity of the dishwasher) are not linked, so two actuators are required to drive the dividing action and the feeding action respectively. The two actuators make the entire feeding device complex, costly and occupy a large internal space. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a dishwashing block delivery system, comprising: a main shell; a storage device, which is formed into a disc shape with a rotation center, and comprises: a plurality of storage compartments, which form an annular row along the circumference of the storage device and are arranged at the outermost periphery of the storage device; a plurality of first guide grooves, which form an annular row along the circumference of the storage device, each of which is recessed in the inner bottom surface of the storage device, and each of which has a first end close to the rotation center and a second end away from the rotation center; a plurality of second guide grooves, which form an annular row along the circumference of the storage device, each of which is recessed in the inner bottom surface of the storage device, and each of which has a first end close to the rotation center and a second end away from the rotation center; a plurality of first guide grooves, which form an annular row along the circumference of the storage device, each of which is recessed in the inner bottom surface of the storage device, and each of which has a first end close to the rotation center and a second end away from the rotation center; The guide groove is adjacent to a plurality of second guide grooves along the circumferential direction and is alternately arranged, so that the first end of each first guide groove is adjacent to and connected with the first end of an adjacent second guide groove at a first intersection, and the second end of each first guide groove is adjacent to and connected with the second end of another adjacent second guide groove at a second intersection, and the adjacent first guide grooves and second guide grooves form a "human" shaped structure, and each storage compartment has a first guide groove and a second guide groove corresponding to it; the driving device comprises: a pushing member, which is arranged to be able to perform reciprocating linear motion along a pushing direction and a retreat direction opposite to the pushing direction; a rotating limit member, which is arranged to be able to follow the movement of the pushing member to move in the first guide groove and the second guide groove.

[0004] Further, at the first junction, the depth of the first guide groove is greater than the depth of the second guide groove, and at the second junction, the depth of the second guide groove is greater than the depth of the first guide groove.

[0005] Further, the first end of each first guide groove is provided with a first stop portion extending from the first end toward the rotation center in parallel with the radial direction, and the rotation limiter can move in the first stop portion.

[0006] Further, one or both side surfaces of each first stopping portion in the radial direction are arranged to be inclined relative to the inner bottom surface of the storage device.

[0007] Further, the second end of each second guide groove is provided with a second stop portion extending from the second end toward the corresponding storage compartment and parallel to the radial direction, and the rotation limiter can move in the second stop portion.

[0008] Furthermore, the pushing member includes a pushing arm, which is perpendicular to the inner bottom surface of the storage device and extends toward it, and the pushing arm includes an internal cavity for accommodating the rotation limit member and an elastic member; the elastic member applies a force to the rotation limit member toward the inner bottom surface of the storage device.

[0009] Furthermore, the driving device further comprises:

[0010] A first detection position and a second detection position are provided on the push member, and

[0011] A position sensor is provided, wherein the position sensor is capable of detecting a first detection position and a second detection position.

[0012] Furthermore, the pushing member is configured as a flexible rod and is formed integrally with the rotation limiting member.

[0013] Furthermore, a rolling element is provided at the end portion of the rotation limiting element.

[0014] Further, the parts of the rotation limiter in contact with the first and second guide grooves are arranged to be mutually lubricated by coating or material selection.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Furthermore, the dishwashing block delivery system further comprises a dishwashing block sensor arranged near the pushing channel, which can detect the presence of the dishwashing blocks in the storage compartment near the pushing channel.

[0017] Furthermore, the dishwashing block sensor is a micro switch having an operating handle. When the operating handle contacts the dishwashing block, the micro switch enters a triggered state, and when the operating handle does not contact the dishwashing block, the micro switch enters a non-triggered state.

[0018] Further, in the delivery area, a first sealing member is arranged around the pushing channel, and the first sealing member can cooperate with a first cover body connected to the pushing member to seal the pushing channel.

[0019] Furthermore, the dishwashing block delivery system also includes a panel assembly covering the main shell, which has a feeding port for adding dishwashing blocks, a second cover for opening and closing the feeding port, and a delivery port for delivering the dishwashing blocks.

[0020] Furthermore, a cleaning port is provided on the lower side wall of the main housing, and the cleaning port is sealed by a detachable second sealing member.

[0021] The present invention can realize the rotational drive of the storage device via the rotation limiter only by using the power from the driving device. Therefore, compared with the solution of dual motors driving the storage device and the pushing member in the prior art, the present invention has a simpler structure and lower cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a dishwashing block dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 is a view of a main assembly of a dishwashing block dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4A is an exploded view of a main assembly of a dishwashing block dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4B is a view of a main housing of a dishwashing block dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figures 5A-5D is a view of a storage device of a dishwashing block dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6-8 is a view of an improved storage device of a dishwashing block dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9-12 is a view of a driving device and components thereof of a dishwashing block delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 13-20 is a diagram of various stages of dispensing dishwashing tablets using a dishwashing tablet dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Fig.21 The invention is an improvement on the first stop part in the dishwashing block dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] 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 2When the dishwasher door is open, the dishwashing tablet delivery system is in a horizontal or nearly horizontal state; when the dishwasher door is closed, the dishwashing tablet delivery system is in a vertical or nearly vertical state, which is the state when dishwashing tablets are delivered.

[0033] The dishwashing block delivery system includes a panel assembly and a main body assembly. When in use, the main plane of the dishwashing block delivery system is basically along the vertical Y axis (see Figure 3 ).

[0034] See also Figure 1-4A -B, further describing the composition of the dishwashing block delivery system, which preferably includes: a main housing 1, a storage device 2B, a driving device 3, a first cover 4, a dishwashing block sensor 5, a first seal S1, a second seal S2, and fasteners, etc. The panel assembly covers the main housing 1 and has a feeding port for adding dishwashing blocks, a second cover for opening and closing the feeding port, and a delivery port for throwing out dishwashing blocks.

[0035] main housing

[0036] The preferred structure of the main housing 1 is described below. It should be noted that the components and structures thereon may be increased or decreased according to actual needs. The main housing 1 is mainly provided with a storage area for accommodating a storage device and a delivery area for delivering dishwashing blocks, and the storage area and the delivery area are connected through a push channel. Preferably, in the delivery area, a first sealing member S1 is provided around the push channel, and the first sealing member S1 can cooperate with a first cover body 4 connected to a push arm described later to seal the push channel. For example, the first sealing member S1 can be installed in a groove around the outer wall of the push channel.

[0037] The storage area is provided with: a shaft for inserting Figure 6 The axial hole shown is used to install the storage device 2B, and after installation, the storage device 2B can rotate around the rotating shaft; the mounting seat is used to install the driving device 3, so that the driving device 3 is fixedly connected to the main shell 1 and limits the movement of the storage device 2B along the Z axis direction.

[0038] In addition, a dishwashing block sensor 5 may be provided near the push channel, such as Figure 3-4B As shown, it is installed on the sensor mounting buckle of the main housing ( Figure 4B), which can detect the presence of dishwashing blocks in the storage compartment near the push channel. For example, the sensor is preferably a micro switch, which has an operating handle, and the operating handle can enter a triggered state after contacting the dishwashing blocks in the storage compartment, and enter a non-triggered state after breaking contact with the dishwashing blocks. Therefore, whether dishwashing blocks are put in during the delivery process can be judged according to the triggered state and non-triggered state of the micro switch, and the counting of dishwashing blocks can also be realized. It should be understood that the dishwashing block sensor 5 can also be implemented by other forms of sensors, such as a photoelectric counter, etc., as long as it can detect the presence of dishwashing blocks in the storage compartment.

[0039] As a preferred improvement, a cleaning port may be provided on the lower side wall of the main housing 1 for cleaning waste in the storage area, such as dishwashing tablet residue. It should be understood that the "lower" here refers to the Y-axis direction in the accompanying drawings, or to the vertical direction when the dishwashing tablet delivery system is working normally. When the delivery system is working normally, the cleaning port is sealed by a detachable second sealing member S2. After a certain period of use, the second sealing member S2 can be removed to open the cleaning port, and the dishwashing tablet residue in the storage area can fall out of the delivery system from the cleaning port after opening.

[0040] Storage Devices

[0041] See also Figures 5A-5D , further describing the specific structure of a storage device 2B according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The storage device 2B is preferably in the shape of a disk having a rotation center, and can rotate in a direction (hereinafter referred to as clockwise direction) around the rotation center. It should be understood that, depending on the specific application environment and situation, the storage device can also rotate in a counterclockwise direction.

[0042] The storage device 2B includes:

[0043] A plurality of storage compartments 20B, for example formed by a partition 20B1, the plurality of storage compartments form an annular row along the circumference of the storage device 2B, and are arranged at the outermost periphery of the storage device 2B. In this embodiment, preferably 16 storage compartments are evenly distributed (in different embodiments, the number may vary) for storing dishwashing blocks, and each storage compartment can store one dishwashing block;

[0044] A plurality of first guide grooves 21B are arranged in an annular row along the circumference of the storage device 2B, each of which is recessed in the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B, and each of which has a first end portion close to the rotation center (e.g., at Figure 5A ) and a second end away from the center of rotation (e.g., at Figure 5A on the right side of the enlarged image);

[0045] A plurality of second guide grooves 22B are formed in an annular row along the circumference of the storage device 2B, each of which is recessed in the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B, and each of which has a first end portion close to the rotation center (e.g., at Figure 5A ) and a second end away from the center of rotation (e.g. Figure 5A on the right of the enlarged image).

[0046] It will be appreciated that the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B, relative to the storage compartment 20B for storing the dishwashing block, is parallel to the XY plane and generally faces the dishwashing block.

[0047] Further, a plurality of first guide grooves 21B and a plurality of second guide grooves 22B are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and are alternately arranged, or in other words, such an alternate arrangement makes each first guide groove 21B adjacent to and arranged between two second guide grooves 22B in the circumferential direction, and each second guide groove 22B is also adjacent to and arranged between two first guide grooves 21B in the circumferential direction. The first end of each first guide groove 21B is adjacent to and connected with the first end of the adjacent second guide groove 22B at the first junction F1, and the second end of each first guide groove 21B is adjacent to and connected with the second end of another adjacent second guide groove 22B at the second junction F2. An angle exists between adjacent first guide grooves 21B and second guide grooves 22B to form a "herringbone" structure, or a zigzag structure. Each first guide groove 21B and second guide groove 22B are inclined in different directions approximately relative to the radial direction of the storage device 2B. Each storage compartment 20B has a first guide groove 21B and a second guide groove 22B corresponding thereto.

[0048] In addition, in order to facilitate the above-mentioned delivery movement, in another improved embodiment, the depth relationship between the first and second guide grooves is designed. At the first intersection F1, the depth of the first guide groove 21B is greater than the depth of the second guide groove 22B, and at the second intersection F2, the depth of the second guide groove 22B is greater than the depth of the first guide groove 21B. Through this arrangement, it can be ensured that the rotation limiter 32B smoothly enters the corresponding first guide groove or second guide groove in the different stages of pushing and retracting described later, avoiding the situation of accidentally entering the wrong guide groove.

[0049] In addition, according to a preferred form, near the second boundary F2, a portion of each of the first guide groove 21B and the second guide groove 22B is located in the corresponding storage compartment 20B, such as Figure 5A As shown, the pushing member 31 and the rotation limiting member 32B thereon described later can enter the storage compartment 20B along the guide groove to smoothly push out the dishwashing blocks therein.

[0050] Due to this arrangement, when the pushing member 31 and the rotation limiting member 32B thereon described later move along the pushing direction for pushing the dishwashing block, the rotation limiting member 32B starts to move in the first guide groove 21B from the first end portion of a first guide groove 21B corresponding to a storage compartment 20B (e.g., Figure 5B As shown in FIG. 1 ), the rotation stopper 32B pushes the first guide groove 21B to rotate the storage device 2B in a clockwise direction and contact the dishwashing block (as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 5C As shown in FIG. 1 , the storage device 2B rotates a certain angle (e.g., 5 degrees). As the pushing member 31 and the rotation limiting member 32B further push the dishwashing block in the pushing direction, the storage device 2B further rotates. When the storage device 2B rotates a certain angle (e.g., 6.25 degrees), the rotation limiting member 32B reaches the second end of the first guide groove 21B (e.g., Figure 5D As shown), the dishwashing block is finally placed from the pushing channel to the placement area. Subsequently, the rotation limiter 32B leaves the second end of the first guide groove 21B at the second junction F2 and enters the second end of the second guide groove 22B connected thereto.

[0051] Thereafter, the pushing member 31 moves in the second guide groove 22B in a retreat direction opposite to the pushing direction, and at the same time pushes on the second guide groove 22B, so that the storage device 2B further rotates in the clockwise direction. For example, after rotating 11.25 degrees, the rotation limit member 32B enters the first end of the first guide groove corresponding to the next storage compartment at the next first intersection, so as to be ready for the next delivery.

[0052] With this structure, the storage device 2B can be rotationally driven by the power from the driving device 3 via the rotation limiter 32B. Therefore, compared with the dual-motor drive storage device and pusher solution of the prior art, the structure of the present invention is simpler and the cost is lower.

[0053] Figure 6-8 Some improvements to the above-described embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0054] One improvement is that the first end portion (at the first boundary F1) of each first guide groove (21B) is provided with a first stop portion 21B1 extending from the first end portion toward the rotation center substantially parallel to the radial direction, such as Figure 6 As shown. It should be understood that the first stopper portion 21B1 is an extension of the first guide groove 21B, and is connected to the first guide groove 21B, so it is also recessed relative to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B, and the rotation limiter 32B can move in the first stopper portion 21B1. Compared with the solution without the first stopper portion 21B1, when the rotation limiter 32B described later is located in the first stopper portion 21B1, it can more reliably prevent the storage device 2B from shaking in the rotation direction.

[0055] Another improvement is that the second end portion (at the second boundary F2) of each second guide groove 22B is provided with a second stop portion 22B1 extending from the second end portion toward the corresponding storage compartment 20B and substantially parallel to the radial direction, such as Figure 6 It should be understood that the second stopper portion 22B1 is an extension of the second guide slot 22B, is connected to the second guide slot 22B, and is therefore also recessed relative to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B, and the rotation limiter 32B can move in the second stopper portion 22B1.

[0056] Due to this improvement, the respective second ends of the first guide groove 21B and the second guide groove 22B are no longer located in the corresponding storage compartment 20B, and the second stopper portion 22B1 is located in the corresponding storage compartment 20B.

[0057] although Figure 6-8 The embodiment includes the above two improvements (the first stopper portion 21B1 and the second stopper portion 22B1), but it should be understood that Figures 5A-5D The embodiment applies the first stopper portion 21B1 alone or the second stopper portion 22B1 alone.

[0058] according to Figure 6-8 In an embodiment, when the pushing member 31 and the rotation limit member 32B thereon described later move along the pushing direction for pushing the dishwashing block, the rotation limit member 32B moves out from the first stop portion 21B1 at a first guide groove 21B corresponding to a storage compartment 20B, enters the first guide groove 21B, and pushes on the first guide groove 21B to rotate the storage device 2B in a clockwise direction; as the pushing member 31 further moves along the pushing direction, the rotation limit member 32B will leave the second end of the first guide groove 21B at the second boundary F2 and enter the second stop portion 22B1 at the second guide groove 22B connected thereto, so that the storage device 2B temporarily stops rotating in the clockwise direction; the pushing member 31 continues to move along the pushing direction in the second stop portion 22B1 to push the dishwashing block and drop it from the pushing channel to the drop area.

[0059] After being put in, the pushing member 31 moves in the second stop portion 22B1 in a retracting direction opposite to the pushing direction, enters the second guide groove 22B from the second stop portion 22B1 and pushes thereon, causing the storage device 2B to rotate in the clockwise direction again, until the rotation limiter 32B enters the first end of the first guide groove 21Bn corresponding to the next storage compartment 20B at the next first boundary F1n, and then enters the first stop portion 21B1n, so that the storage device 2B stops rotating again (such as Fig. 20 It should be understood that although the next first junction is marked as F1n, this is only for convenience of description, and each first junction is substantially the same.

[0060] Through this arrangement, during one delivery process of the dishwashing blocks, the intermittent movement of the storage device 2B is realized, so that the delivery of the dishwashing blocks is carried out in stages, thereby achieving a more stable and smooth delivery.

[0061] and Figures 5A-5D Similar to the embodiment of Figure 6-8 In the illustrated embodiment, at the first junction F1 , the depth of the first guide groove 21B is greater than the depth of the second guide groove 22B, and at the second junction F2 , the depth of the second guide groove 22B is greater than the depth of the first guide groove 21B.

[0062] Drive device

[0063] See also Figure 9-12 The driving device 3 is arranged at the rotation center, and preferably mainly includes: a gear set 30, a push member 31, a rotation limit member 32B, a shell 33, a shell cover 331, a position sensor 34, an elastic member 35 (preferably a spring), a driving motor 36, etc.

[0064] The gear set 30 is driven by a driving motor 36 to drive the pushing member 31 through meshing between an output gear 301 of the gear set 30 and a rack (not numbered) on the pushing member 31 .

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, the push member 31 is configured to be capable of reciprocating linear motion in a pushing direction and a retracting direction opposite to the pushing direction, and includes a push arm 312, which is perpendicular to and extends toward the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B; a first detection position 313 and a second detection position 314; and a cover body mounting end 315 for mounting the first cover body 4. The push arm 312 includes an internal cavity 3121 for accommodating the rotation limiter 32B and the elastic member 35 described below.

[0066] The first detection position 313 and the second detection position 314 are used to cooperate with the position sensor 34 provided on the housing cover 331 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 and the rotation limit member 32B are in their fully retracted positions (such as Figure 5A or Fig.13 As the pushing member 31 moves in the pushing direction (in the above embodiment of the present invention, it can also be said that it moves toward the dishwashing block in the storage compartment 20B), when the position sensor 34 detects the second detection position 314, it indicates that the pushing member 31 and the rotation limit member 32B move to their fully extended position (as shown in FIG. Figure 5D or Fig.19As shown in FIG. 1 , the push member 31 has completely pushed the dishwashing block from the storage compartment 20B 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.

[0067] According to the principle of the present invention, the rotation limit member 32B is configured to move in the first guide groove 21B (and the first stop portion 21B1) and the second guide groove 22B (and the second stop portion 22B1) following the movement of the pushing member 31, so as to realize the pushing of the dishwashing block while driving the rotational movement of the storage device 2B.

[0068] Preferably, the rotation limit member 32B is preferably a cylinder, which is arranged together with the elastic member 35 in the internal cavity 3121 of the pushing arm 312, so that the elastic member 35 applies a force toward the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B to the rotation limit member 32B, so that the rotation limit member 32B is always located in the first guide groove 21B (and the first stop portion 21B1) and the second guide groove 22B (and the second stop portion 22B1) during the process of delivering the dishwashing block.

[0069] Next, we will focus on Figure 6-8 The preferred embodiment of the present invention describes the dispensing cycle of a dishwashing block dispensing system according to the present invention for dispensing a dishwashing block (such as the dishwashing block in the No. 1 storage compartment 20B). The dispensing cycle is roughly divided into: an initial state, a forward phase, a dispensing phase, and a return to the initial state.

[0070] Initial state

[0071] Figure 13-14 The sectional view shows the tablet dispensing system in the initial state of the dispensing cycle. Fig.13 The dishwashing block is hidden in the storage device 2B. At this time, the driving device 3 is in the standby state, the pushing member 31 is in its fully retracted position; the first cover body 4 is also in its fully retracted position and cooperates with the first sealing member S1 to seal the pushing channel; the rotation limiter 32B is in the first stop portion 21B1, so that the storage device 2B remains stationary. Moreover, the position sensor 34 senses the first detection position 313 of the pushing member 31, thereby determining that the state at this time is the initial state.

[0072] Advancement stage

[0073] Figure 15-17 The forward phase of the launch cycle is shown in cross-section at different levels.

[0074] like Fig.15As shown, the driving device 3 drives the pushing member 31 and its pushing arm 312 through its driving gear to start moving in the pushing direction, and the rotation limit member 32B follows the pushing arm 312 and also moves in the pushing direction to enter the first guide groove 21B from the first stop portion 21B1.

[0075] like Fig.16 As shown, as the rotation limiting member 32B further moves in the first guide groove 21B along the pushing direction and applies a thrust on the first guide groove 21B, the storage device 2B is pushed to rotate clockwise.

[0076] like Fig.17 As shown, as the pushing member 31 further moves in the pushing direction, the rotation limiting member 32B leaves the first guide groove 21B at the second boundary F2 and enters the second stopping portion 22B1, so that the rotation of the storage device 2B is temporarily stopped.

[0077] Casting stage

[0078] Figure 18-19 The casting phase of the casting cycle is shown in cross-section at different levels.

[0079] The driving device 3 continues to drive the pushing member 31 to move in the pushing direction, and the rotation limit member 32B continues to move in the pushing direction in the second stop portion 22B1 until the pushing member 31 reaches the fully extended position, and the dishwashing block is pushed out of the pushing channel and falls to the sliding channel by gravity. At this time, the position sensor 34 detects the second detection position 314 on the pushing member 31, thereby determining that the pushing member 31 is in its fully extended position and the dishwashing block has been put in.

[0080] In this stage, since the rotation limiting member 32B is always located in the second stop portion 22B1, the storage device 2B does not rotate. Thereafter, the pushing member 31 will move in a retracting direction opposite to the pushing direction.

[0081] Return to initial state

[0082] As the pushing member 31 moves in the retracting direction, the rotation limiting member 32B also moves in the retracting direction in the second stop portion 22B1, and applies a thrust on the second guide groove 22B after entering the second guide groove 22B to push the storage device 2B to rotate in the clockwise direction again.

[0083] See back Fig.17 and Figure 8Since at the second boundary F2, the depth of the corresponding first guide groove 21B corresponding to the storage compartment 20B (for example, storage compartment No. 1) is less than the depth of the corresponding second guide groove 22B, during the movement of the pushing arm 31 from the second stop portion 22B1 to the second guide groove 22B after the throwing stage, the rotation limiter 32B will not disengage from the second guide groove 22B or the second stop portion 22B1, thereby smoothly pushing the storage device 2B to rotate clockwise.

[0084] Then the rotation limiter 32B passes the next first boundary F1n and enters the first guide groove 21Bn and the first stop portion 21B1n corresponding to the next adjacent storage compartment (for example, storage compartment No. 2). The storage device 2B can stop rotating again to prepare for the next dishwashing block to be placed, see Fig. 20 .

[0085] Since the depth of the first guide groove 21Bn corresponding to the next storage compartment (for example, storage compartment No. 2) at the first junction F1n is greater than the depth of the second guide groove 22B corresponding to the current storage compartment (for example, storage compartment No. 1), it can be ensured that the rotation limit member 32B falls into the next first guide groove 21Bn after detaching from the current second guide groove 22B.

[0086] At this point, the storage device 2B has rotated clockwise by an angle corresponding to a storage compartment (eg, storage compartment No. 1) (preferably, if there are n storage compartments, the storage device rotates 360 / n degrees after one placement cycle).

[0087] Filling and resetting operations

[0088] After all dishwashing blocks have been placed, the user can add dishwashing blocks to the storage device 2B.

[0089] For example, the user can simply remove the panel assembly to expose all storage compartments 20B to quickly add dishwashing blocks; or the user can manually rotate the storage device 2B and add dishwashing blocks to the storage compartment 20B of the storage device 2B through the loading port on the panel assembly.

[0090] In the latter case, in order to facilitate the rotation of the storage device 2B, a slope 21B1i may be provided on each first stop portion 21B1, such as Fig.21 Specifically, one or two side surfaces of the first stop portion 21B1 in the radial direction are arranged to be inclined relative to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B, so that when the storage device 2B is manually rotated, the rotation limiter 32B can resist the action of the elastic member 35 and move on the inclined side surface, and slide out of the first stop portion 21B1 to enter the next first stop portion, so that the storage device 2B can be smoothly rotated in the clockwise direction and / or counterclockwise direction.

[0091] exist Fig.21 In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , only one such inclined side is provided, in which case the storage device 2B is only allowed to rotate in the clockwise direction.

[0092] Other improvements

[0093] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, other changes may be made to the present invention.

[0094] For example, there is no need to set an elastic member for the rotation limit member, but the pushing member can be set as a flexible rod with a certain flexibility and formed integrally with the rotation limit member, that is, it has a certain degree of elastic deformation ability in the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the storage device, thereby ensuring that the rotation limit member can reliably move in the first and second guide grooves without disengaging during the delivery cycle, and when the storage device is manually rotated, the rotation limit member can move along the slope of a first stop portion to the next first stop portion due to the elastic deformation of the pushing member.

[0095] According to further improvements, a rolling element (such as a roller or a ball) can be provided at the end of the rotation limiter, which can roll along the inner wall and / or bottom wall of the first guide groove and the second guide groove to facilitate the movement of the rotation limiter in the two guide grooves. Alternatively, the contacting parts of the rotation limiter and the first and second guide grooves can be provided to be mutually lubricated by coating or material selection to reduce friction and facilitate relative sliding therebetween.

[0096] In addition, although the depth difference between the first and second guide grooves as described above is set at the first junction and the second junction, the depth difference can also be omitted, as long as the rotation limiter can reliably move in the first and second guide grooves without shaking during the delivery cycle. For example, a biasing mechanism can be set for the storage device and its rotation direction to apply a biasing force in, for example, a clockwise direction to the storage device, so that the storage device always has a tendency to rotate in the clockwise direction, avoiding the storage device from shaking between the clockwise and counterclockwise directions during the delivery process, thereby ensuring that the rotation limiter of the pusher correctly enters the second guide groove from the first guide groove or enters the first guide groove from the second guide groove. Alternatively, a ratchet and ratchet structure can be added to the storage device, so that during the delivery process, the storage device only rotates in the clockwise direction, and when it is necessary to move in the counterclockwise direction (for example, when adding dishwashing blocks), the ratchet and ratchet structure is released, so that the storage device can move in the counterclockwise direction and / or clockwise direction.

[0097] 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 (2B) formed in a disk shape having a rotation center and comprising: A plurality of storage compartments (20B) are arranged in an annular row along the circumference of the storage device (2B) and are arranged at the outermost periphery of the storage device (2B); A plurality of first guide grooves (21B) forming an annular row along the circumference of the storage device (2B), each of which is recessed in the inner bottom surface of the storage device (2B), and each of which has a first end close to the rotation center and a second end away from the rotation center; a plurality of second guide grooves (22B) forming an annular row along the circumference of the storage device (2B), each of which is recessed in the inner bottom surface of the storage device (2B), and each of which has a first end close to the rotation center and a second end away from the rotation center; A plurality of first guide grooves (21B) and a plurality of second guide grooves (22B) are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and are alternately arranged, so that the first end of each first guide groove (21B) is adjacent to and connected with the first end of an adjacent second guide groove (22B) at a first junction (F1), and the second end of each first guide groove (21B) is adjacent to and connected with the second end of another adjacent second guide groove (22B) at a second junction (F2), and the adjacent first guide grooves (21B) and second guide grooves (22B) form a herringbone structure, and, Each storage compartment (20B) has a first guide groove (21B) and a second guide groove (22B) corresponding thereto; A drive device having: A pushing member (31), comprising a pushing arm (312) and arranged to be capable of reciprocating linear motion along a pushing direction and a retreating direction opposite to the pushing direction; The rotation limiting member (32B) is arranged to follow the movement of the pushing member (31) so as to move in the first guide groove (21B) and the second guide groove (22B).

2. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: At the first junction (F1), the depth of the first guide groove (21B) is greater than the depth of the second guide groove (22B), and at the second junction (F2), the depth of the second guide groove (22B) is greater than the depth of the first guide groove (21B).

3. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The first end of each first guide groove (21B) is provided with a first stop portion (21B1) extending from the first end toward the rotation center in parallel with the radial direction, and the rotation limiter (32B) can move in the first stop portion (21B1).

4. The dishwashing block delivery system according to claim 3, wherein: One or both side surfaces of each first stopper portion (21B1) in the radial direction are arranged to be inclined relative to the inner bottom surface of the storage device (2B).

5. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The second end of each second guide groove (22B) is provided with a second stop portion (22B1) extending from the second end toward the corresponding storage compartment (20B) and parallel to the radial direction, and the rotation limiter (32B) can move in the second stop portion (22B1).

6. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The pushing arm (312) is perpendicular to the inner bottom surface of the storage device (2B) and extends toward the inner bottom surface thereof, and the pushing arm (312) comprises an internal cavity (3121) for accommodating the rotation limiting member (32B) and an elastic member (35); The elastic member (35) applies a force to the rotation limiting member (32B) toward the inner bottom surface of the storage device (2B).

7. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 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 capable of detecting a first detection position (313) and a second detection position (314).

8. The dishwashing block delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The pushing member is configured as a flexible rod and is integrally formed with the rotation limiting member.

9. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to claim 8, wherein: A rolling element is arranged at the end portion of the rotation limiting element.

10. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to claim 8, wherein: Portions of the rotation stopper in contact with the first and second guide grooves are arranged to lubricate each other through coating or material selection.

11. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 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.

12. The dishwashing tablet dispensing system as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a dishwashing tablet sensor (5) arranged near the pushing channel, which can detect the presence of the dishwashing tablet in the storage compartment near the pushing channel.

13. The dishwashing block dispensing system as claimed in claim 12, wherein: The dishwashing block sensor (5) is a micro switch having an operating handle. When the operating handle is in contact with the dishwashing block, the micro switch enters a triggered state, and when the operating handle is not in contact with the dishwashing block, the micro switch enters a non-triggered state.

14. The dishwashing block dispensing system as claimed in claim 11, wherein: In the delivery area, a first sealing member (S1) is arranged around the pushing channel, and the first sealing member (S1) can cooperate with a first cover body (4) connected to the pushing member to seal the pushing channel.

15. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the panel assembly comprises a feeding port for adding dishwashing blocks, a second cover for opening and closing the feeding port, and a dispensing port for dispensing dishwashing blocks.

16. The dishwashing block dispensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: A cleaning port is arranged on the lower side wall of the main housing (1), and the cleaning port is sealed by a detachable second sealing member (S2).

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