A dishwasher with an automatic door opening device and its control method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a dishwasher with an automatic door opening device, which includes a dishwasher body and a door body rotatably connected to the dishwasher body. The automatic door opening device includes a door lock installed on the door body, a door hook installed on the dishwasher body and engaged with the door lock, and a pushing device installed on the dishwasher body; the pushing device includes a motor, a reduction mechanism driven by the motor, and a push rod driven by the reduction mechanism to apply a thrust force to the door body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of dishwashers, and in particular to a dishwasher with an automatic door opening device and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] The load of the dishwasher is tableware such as pots, bowls, chopsticks, spoons, etc.

[0003] After the load in the existing dishwasher is washed, there is still water remaining on the load, and the dishwasher cannot automatically open the door, resulting in a bad smell emitting from the barrel when the user opens the door, and the experience is poor; after the washing is completed, it is necessary to wait for a long time for the temperature in the barrel to drop. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a dishwasher with an automatic door opening device and a control method thereof.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A dishwasher with an automatic door opening device includes a dishwasher body and a door body rotatably connected to the dishwasher body. The automatic door opening device includes a door lock installed on the door body, a door hook installed on the dishwasher body and engaged with the door lock, and a pushing device installed on the dishwasher body; the pushing device includes a motor, a speed reduction mechanism driven by the motor, and a push rod driven by the speed reduction mechanism to apply a thrust to the door body.

[0007] Further, the speed reduction mechanism includes a gear shaft fixedly sleeved on the rotating shaft of the motor, and a speed reduction gear set composed of a plurality of gears; a rack is arranged on one side of the push rod close to the speed reduction gear set; the speed reduction gear set is engaged with both the rack and the gear shaft, and is used to convert the torque of the gear shaft into a driving force for the rack.

[0008] Further, it also includes a base and an upper cover. A fixed shaft for installing gears is fixedly provided on the inner surface of the base, and a fixing hole matching the fixed shaft is opened on the inner surface of the upper cover.

[0009] Further, a positioning groove extending along the long side direction of the push rod is opened on the push rod, and a limiting block extending into the positioning groove and matching with the positioning groove is fixedly provided on the base.

[0010] Further, it includes a computer board, and a detection device, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor that are signal-connected to the computer board; the detection device is installed in the door lock and is used to detect whether the door hook is engaged with the door lock.

[0011] A control method for a dishwasher with an automatic door opening device includes the following steps:

[0012] Step 1: During the washing operation of the dishwasher, collect the real-time temperature T and real-time humidity M inside the dishwasher multiple times, and calculate the average temperature and the average humidity

[0013] Step 2: After the washing of the dishwasher is completed, perform drying. If and , the push rod pushes the door body to rotate by the first angle α; if and , the push rod pushes the door body to rotate by the second angle β; where β > α;

[0014] Step 3: Measure the real-time temperature and real-time humidity inside the dishwasher at fixed intervals. If T ≥ T1 and M < M1, the drying ends; if T < T1 or M ≥ M1, repeat Step 3; where T1 is the temperature set value and M1 is the humidity set value.

[0015] Specifically, during the drying in Step 2, and In the case where the door body rotates by the first angle α, when the high-temperature gas inside the dishwasher escapes to a space more than 5 cm away from the door body, the temperature of the high-temperature gas is less than or equal to 50 °C.

[0016] Specifically, during the drying in Step 2, and In the case where the door body rotates by the second angle β, when the high-temperature gas inside the dishwasher escapes to a space more than 25 cm away from the door body, the temperature of the high-temperature gas is less than or equal to 36 °C.

[0017] Specifically, in Step 1, when calculating the average temperature, remove the maximum and minimum values among the multiple collected real-time temperatures, and use the average value of the other real-time temperatures as the average temperature When calculating the average humidity, remove the maximum and minimum values among the multiple collected real-time humidities, and use the average value of the other real-time humidities as the average humidity

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the present invention are:

[0019] 1. The present invention adopts a speed reduction mechanism to convert the torque of the motor into the driving force of the push rod. When the push rod pushes the door body open, the speed is stable and the amplitude is controllable; there is no fixed connection relationship between the push rod and the door body. The automatic door opening device and the door lock device are independently designed. The automatic door opening and the manual switch of the dishwasher do not affect each other. Even if the automatic door opening device fails, the user can still manually open the door body without affecting the use of other functions. After the washing is completed, the door can be automatically opened to reduce the temperature inside the dishwasher and accelerate the evaporation of moisture inside the dishwasher.

[0020] 2. The present invention discharges the moisture inside the dishwasher by opening the door body at a small angle, accelerates the drying of the load, and has a human protection function, restricting the temperature of the high-temperature gas escaping from the dishwasher in a specific area to prevent the human body from being scalded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the dishwasher of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the speed reduction structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the base of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the upper cover of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the push rod of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] As Figure 1 and 2 shown, a dishwasher with an automatic door opening device includes a dishwasher body 1 and a door body 2 rotatably connected to the dishwasher body. The automatic door opening device includes a door lock 4 installed on the door body, a door hook 5 installed on the dishwasher body and engaged with the door lock, and a pushing device 3 installed on the dishwasher body; the pushing device includes a motor 31, a speed reduction mechanism driven by the motor, and a push rod 34 driven by the speed reduction mechanism to apply a thrust to the door body.

[0028] The automatic door opening device of the present invention adopts a speed reduction mechanism to convert the torque of the motor into the driving force of the push rod. When the push rod pushes the door body open, the speed is stable and the amplitude is controllable.

[0029] There is no fixed connection relationship between the push rod and the door body. The automatic door opening device and the door lock device are independently designed. The automatic door opening and the manual switch of the dishwasher do not affect each other. Even if the automatic door opening device fails, the user can still manually open the door body without affecting the use of other functions.

[0030] The door lock and the door hook are engaged. When the separation force reaches a certain value, the two are separated from each other; there are many structures that can achieve the above-mentioned engagement. For example, the door lock uses an inclined surface to cooperate with the door hook, and the door hook is an elastic member. When a force acts between the two to separate them, the door hook undergoes elastic deformation. After the force reaches a certain value, the door hook is disengaged from the door lock.

[0031] As shown Figure 2 in the figure, the speed reduction mechanism includes a gear shaft 32 fixedly sleeved on the rotating shaft of the motor, and a speed reduction gear set 33 composed of a plurality of gears 331; a rack 341 is arranged on one side of the push rod 34 close to the speed reduction gear set; the speed reduction gear set is meshed with both the rack and the gear shaft, and is used to convert the torque of the gear shaft into the driving force for the rack.

[0032] The rotation speed of the motor is high. If the push rod is directly driven by the motor, it is difficult to accurately control. Through the speed reduction gear set of the present invention, the rotation speed of the motor is reduced, and the thrust of the push rod can be increased, indirectly reducing the power and volume of the motor, and the stroke of the push rod can be accurately controlled.

[0033] The speed reduction gear set is composed of a plurality of gears, and the plurality of gears are meshed in sequence. The first gear is meshed with the gear shaft, and the last gear is meshed with the rack. The number and size of the gears can be set according to needs, and the number of teeth on the rack can be set according to needs.

[0034] As shown Figure 3 and 4 in the figure, it further includes a base 35 and an upper cover 36. A fixed shaft 351 for installing gears is fixedly arranged on the inner surface of the base, and a fixing hole 361 matched with the fixed shaft is opened on the inner surface of the upper cover.

[0035] When the gear rotates, it is limited by the fixed shaft and the fixing hole; the upper end of the fixed shaft is installed in the fixing hole to prevent the gear from disengaging.

[0036] As shown Figure 3 and 5 in the figure, a positioning groove 342 extending along the long side direction of the push rod is opened on the push rod, and a limiting block 352 extending into the positioning groove and matched with the positioning groove is fixedly arranged on the base 35; the limiting hole is matched with the positioning groove, so that the push rod moves along the extension direction of the limiting hole, which can avoid the phenomenon that when the rack on the push rod is worn and fails, the push rod cannot extend or retract to the initial position.

[0037] It includes a computer board, and a detection device, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor that are signal-connected to the computer board; the detection device is installed in the door lock and is used to detect whether the door hook is engaged with the door lock; when the door hook is engaged with the door lock and when the door hook is disengaged from the door lock, the detection device can send a switch signal to the computer board; the detection device can be a pressure sensor or an infrared sensor, and when the door hook is engaged with the door lock, the pressure sensor or the infrared sensor can send a signal to the computer board.

[0038] The motor, temperature sensor, detection device, and humidity sensor are all connected to the computer board for signal transmission. The temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature inside the dishwasher and send a temperature signal to the dishwasher, and the humidity sensor is used to measure the humidity inside the dishwasher and send a humidity signal to the dishwasher. When the computer board sends a forward rotation signal to the motor, the motor rotates forward; when the computer board sends a reverse rotation signal to the motor, the motor rotates in reverse.

[0039] When the motor is blocked in the forward direction, it can send a forward blocked rotation signal to the computer board, and when the motor is blocked in the reverse direction, it can send a reverse blocked rotation signal to the computer board.

[0040] The working principle of the automatic door opening of the dishwasher in the present invention is as follows.

[0041] After the washing program of the dishwasher ends, the door lock is in the locked state at this time. The temperature sensor measures the temperature inside the dishwasher. When the temperature reaches the set value, the computer board will first monitor whether the push rod of the automatic door opening device has retracted to the initial position: send a reverse rotation signal with a time of t1 to the motor, that is, a reverse voltage. At this time, if the push rod is in the initial position, the computer board will monitor the reverse blocked rotation signal of the motor, and stop providing the reverse voltage to the motor after t1 time; if the reverse blocked rotation signal is not monitored within t1 time, at this time the push rod has not retracted to the initial position, then provide a reverse voltage to the motor until the reverse blocked rotation signal is monitored for the first time; after monitoring the reverse blocked rotation signal, send a forward rotation signal to the motor, and the motor drives the push rod to push the door body out against the resistance between the door lock and the door hook.

[0042] When the push rod extends to the limit position, the computer board will monitor the forward blocked rotation signal, and the push rod will stop for a period of time. Then the computer board sends a reverse rotation signal to the motor, and the motor drives the push rod to retract. After monitoring the reverse blocked rotation signal again, stop supplying power to the motor, and the switching action of the automatic door opening device ends; at this time, the door body is in the open state, and the high temperature inside the dishwasher and the cold air outside form a convection, so as to accelerate the evaporation of the residual water inside the dishwasher and increase the drying effect of the load inside the dishwasher.

[0043] The forward blocked rotation signal and the reverse blocked rotation signal are actually the blocked rotation current of the motor.

[0044] The action of automatic door opening can be selected on the user operation interface according to the user's personal preference, without affecting the user's manual opening and closing of the dishwasher door.

[0045] The automatic door opening of the dishwasher can be realized not only through the temperature sensor, but also through methods such as voice recognition, infrared induction, gravity induction, touch control, and software remote control.

[0046] Voice recognition: When signals such as "open" or "open the door" are spoken, the voice system transmits the signals to the computer board to achieve the door-opening action; Infrared sensing: When the infrared sensor on the dishwasher senses a human body, it transmits the signal to the computer board to achieve the door-opening action; Gravity sensing: When the peripheral position of the gravity sensor of the dishwasher is tapped, a gravity sensing signal is triggered and transmitted to the computer board to achieve the door-opening action; Touch control: When the touch button for opening or closing the door on the touch control panel is pressed, the signal is transmitted to the computer board to achieve the door-opening action; Software remote control: When the "open door" option is selected on the mobile APP, the mobile phone transmits the signal to the computer board through WiFi to achieve the door-opening action.

[0047] The innovation in the structure of the present invention lies in combining the door lock, door latch, automatic door-opening device, temperature sensor, computer board, and motor to solve the defects existing in the prior art. Among them, the computer board is used to detect the signals of the sensors and send control signals to other components. However, implementing the above through the computer board is a very common technical means in the prior art and is used as an auxiliary means in the present invention.

[0048] The computer board in the present invention includes a control chip, a control module, and a detection module. Among them, the control chip is connected to the control interface of the dishwasher, the control module and the detection module are connected to the control chip, the motor is connected to the control module through a connector assembly, and the detection device, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and other sensors are connected to the detection module through a connector assembly.

[0049] Regarding problems in dishwashers in the prior art, after the dishwashing of the dishwasher is completed, the heating device is used to dry the moisture on the load. Due to the lack of a moisture exhaust function, the drying effect is poor; but if the door is directly opened for drying, it is easy to cause burns to the people beside the dishwasher.

[0050] The door body is also connected to the dishwasher body through an elastic member, which can give the door body a force close to the dishwasher door body so that the rotation angle of the door body is controllable.

[0051] The present invention also provides a control method for a dishwasher with an automatic door-opening device, including the following steps:

[0052] Step 1: During the washing operation of the dishwasher, collect the real-time temperature T and real-time humidity M inside the dishwasher multiple times, and calculate the average temperature and the average humidity

[0053] The average temperature and the average humidity are the basis for whether the door of the dishwasher is opened and the opening angle. When the dishwasher washes different loads, the performance of the internal environmental parameters is different. Therefore, in the present invention, instead of using a fixed value as the basis for the door movement, the average value of the real-time temperature and the average value of the real-time humidity inside the dishwasher are used as the basis for the door movement.

[0054] Specifically, in step one, when calculating the average temperature, the maximum value and the minimum value among the multiple collected real-time temperatures are removed, and the average value of the other real-time temperatures is used as the average temperature. When calculating the average humidity, the maximum value and the minimum value among the multiple collected real-time humidities are removed, and the average value of the other real-time humidities is used as the average humidity.

[0055] When calculating the average temperature and the average humidity, removing the maximum value and the minimum value can reduce the interference of measurement errors on the final result.

[0056] Step two: After the dishwasher finishes washing, perform drying. If and at this time, the push rod pushes the door to rotate by the first angle α; if and at this time, the push rod pushes the door to rotate by the second angle β; where β > α.

[0057] When performing step two, if it indicates that the temperature inside the dishwasher is too high at this time, and opening the door easily causes scalding to the human body. Measure the real-time temperature every once in a while. When the temperature perform the corresponding movement of the door in step two.

[0058] Specifically, in step two, perform drying, and in the case that when the door rotates by the first angle α, the high-temperature gas inside the dishwasher escapes to a space more than 5 cm away from the door, and the temperature of the high-temperature gas is less than or equal to 50 °C.

[0059] Specifically, in step two, perform drying, and in the case that when the door rotates by the second angle β, the high-temperature gas inside the dishwasher escapes to a space more than 25 cm away from the door, and the temperature of the high-temperature gas is less than or equal to 36 °C.

[0060] Temperature and humidity are two indicators for measuring the risk of scalding. If the temperature is less than a certain value but the humidity is very high, the risk of scalding to the human body is also relatively high at this time. Therefore, when the temperature is low and the humidity is high, the opening angle of the door body is small; when both the temperature and humidity are low, the opening angle of the door body is large. The ultimate measurement indicator is that in the space at a certain distance from the door body, the temperature of the high-temperature gas escaping from the dishwasher should be less than 40°C. This temperature is the minimum guaranteed temperature at which the human skin will not be scalded without protection.

[0061] Step 3: Measure the real-time temperature and real-time humidity in the dishwasher at fixed intervals. If T≥T1 and M<M1, the drying is completed; if T<T1 or M≥M1, repeat Step 3; where T1 is the temperature set value and M1 is the humidity set value.

[0062] The low-temperature air outside the dishwasher and the high-temperature air inside the dishwasher conduct convection through the door gap, with a relatively high flow rate, which accelerates the drying of the load. When the temperature is less than the set value T1 or the humidity is greater than the set value M1, it indicates that there is still more moisture inside at this time and the drying is not complete. If T≥T1 and M<M1, it means that there is less moisture in the dishwasher and the load has been dried. At this time, the machine can be stopped, or stay in this state for a period of time to ensure the drying effect.

[0063] For those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, from any point of view, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the above description. Therefore, all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims are intended to be encompassed within the present invention, and any reference signs in the claims should not be regarded as limiting the claims involved.

[0064] In addition, it should be understood that although this specification is described according to the embodiments, not every embodiment only contains an independent technical solution. This narrative way of the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A control method for a dishwasher with an automatic door opening device, including a dishwasher body (1) and a door body (2) rotatably connected to the dishwasher body, characterized in that: The automatic door opening device includes a door lock (4) installed on the door body, a door hook (5) installed on the dishwasher body and engaged with the door lock, and a pushing device (3) installed on the dishwasher body; the pushing device includes a motor (31), a reduction mechanism driven by the motor, and a push rod (34) driven by the reduction mechanism to apply a thrust force to the door body; The control method includes the following steps: Step 1: During the washing operation of the dishwasher, collect the real-time temperature T and real-time humidity M inside the dishwasher multiple times, and calculate the average temperature and the average humidity Step 2: After the dishwasher finishes washing, perform drying. If and at this time, the push rod pushes the door body to rotate by the first angle α; if and at this time, the push rod pushes the door body to rotate by the second angle β; where β > α; Step three: Measure the real-time temperature and real-time humidity in the dishwasher every fixed period. If T≥T1 and M<M1, the drying is completed; if T<T1 or M≥M1, repeat step three; where T1 is the temperature set value and M1 is the humidity set value; In Step 2, drying is performed. and in the case where, when the door body rotates by the first angle α, the high-temperature gas in the dishwasher escapes outward to a space more than 5 cm away from the door body, the temperature of the high-temperature gas is less than or equal to 50 °C. In Step 2, drying is performed. and In the case where the door body rotates by the second angle β, when the high-temperature gas in the dishwasher escapes outward to a space more than 25 cm away from the door body, the temperature of the high-temperature gas is less than or equal to 36°C.

2. The control method of a dishwasher with an automatic door opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reduction mechanism includes a gear shaft (32) fixedly sleeved on the rotating shaft of the motor, and a reduction gear set (33) composed of a plurality of gears (331); a rack (341) is arranged on one side of the push rod (34) close to the reduction gear set; the reduction gear set is engaged with both the rack and the gear shaft, and is used to convert the torque of the gear shaft into the driving force for the rack.

3. The control method of a dishwasher with an automatic door opening device according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a base (35) and an upper cover (36). A fixed shaft (351) for installing the gear is fixedly provided on the inner surface of the base, and a fixing hole (361) matched with the fixed shaft is opened on the inner surface of the upper cover.

4. The control method of a dishwasher with an automatic door opening device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A positioning groove (342) extending along the long side direction of the push rod is opened on the push rod, and a limiting block (352) extending into the positioning groove and matched with the positioning groove is fixedly provided on the base (35).

5. The control method of a dishwasher with an automatic door opening device according to claim 4, characterized in that: It includes a computer board, and a detection device, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor that are signal-connected to the computer board; the detection device is installed in the door lock and is used to detect whether the door hook is engaged with the door lock.

6. The control method of the dishwasher with an automatic door opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In Step 1, when calculating the average temperature, the maximum and minimum values among the multiple collected real-time temperatures are removed, and the average of the other real-time temperatures is used as the average temperature. When calculating the average humidity, the maximum and minimum values among the multiple collected real-time humidities are removed, and the average of the other real-time humidities is used as the average humidity.

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