A washing machine door lock detection module

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing machine door lock detection module, comprising a positioning and unlocking device with a built-in positioning rod and door opening rod. The positioning and unlocking device can achieve positioning and unlocking movements. The positioning movement comprises the positioning rod extending into corresponding positioning holes provided on the washing machine door and / or washing drum. The unlocking movement comprises the positioning rod driving the door opening rod to trigger door unlocking. A detection device detects the position of the positioning rod to determine whether the positioning and unlocking movements have been completed. The door lock detection module of the present invention can detect the unlocking status of the door lock and the positioning status of the washing drum and / or door by detecting the position of the positioning rod.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of drying household appliances, and in particular to a washing machine door lock detection module. Background Art

[0002] The washing machine is equipped with an unlocking device for unlocking the door. The unlocking device includes a door opening rod that triggers the door unlocking. The door opening rod needs to trigger contact with the door lock module during the unlocking process. If a detection device is provided on the door opening rod to detect the unlocking status, it may affect the unlocking action of the door opening rod. In other words, it is difficult to detect the unlocking status through the detection device during the door unlocking process. Some washing machines are equipped with a positioning rod for locating the locking position of the door and / or washing drum, but lack a detection device for accurately detecting the positioning movement of the positioning rod. Current washing machines are even more lacking in a detection device that can simultaneously detect the unlocking and positioning status.

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine door lock detection module, which can accurately detect the door lock unlocking status and the positioning status of the washing drum and / or the machine door by detecting the position of the positioning rod.

[0005] The present invention provides a washing machine door lock detection module, comprising a positioning and unlocking device with a built-in positioning rod and door opening rod. The positioning and unlocking device can achieve positioning and unlocking movements. The positioning movement comprises the positioning rod extending into corresponding positioning holes provided on the washing machine door and / or washing drum. The unlocking movement comprises the positioning rod driving the door opening rod to trigger door unlocking. A detection device detects the position of the positioning rod to determine whether the positioning and unlocking movements have been completed. The door lock detection module of the present invention can detect the unlocking status of the door lock and the positioning status of the washing drum and / or door by detecting the position of the positioning rod.

[0006] Furthermore, during both the positioning and unlocking movements, the positioning rod moves along the same linear trajectory; the detection device detects the position of the positioning rod during its movement along the linear trajectory. Preferably, during the positioning movement, the positioning rod extends outwardly along the linear trajectory into the positioning hole; during the unlocking movement, the positioning rod, which has been inserted into the positioning hole, continues to move outward along the linear trajectory, and during this outward movement, drives the door opening rod to trigger door unlocking. Because the positioning rod's movement trajectory is relatively simple, being a single linear line, it is easier to detect its position.

[0007] Furthermore, the specific structure of the detection device is as follows: the detection device is a light-sensing detection device, a light-shielding plate is provided on the positioning rod, and a luminous photoelectric panel and a light-sensing detector are fixedly installed at a set position on the straight track, at least part of the light source of the photoelectric panel and the light-sensing detector are fixed on two sides opposite to the light-shielding plate, the photoelectric panel emits detection light toward the light-sensing detector, and the light-shielding plate blocks the detection light emitted by the photoelectric panel when it moves to the corresponding position together with the positioning rod; preferably, the direction of the detection light irradiated by the photoelectric panel to the light-sensing detector is perpendicular to the moving direction of the positioning rod.

[0008] Furthermore, the light detector includes a first light detector and a second light detector. The first light detector is disposed when the positioning rod completes positioning movement and the light shield is in the desired position. The second light detector is disposed when the positioning rod completes unlocking movement and the light shield is in the desired position. The first light detector can detect whether the positioning rod has completed the positioning phase of movement, and the second light detector can correspondingly detect whether the positioning rod has completed the unlocking phase of movement.

[0009] Furthermore, a limiting hole extending a certain length along the direction of movement of the positioning rod is provided on the photoelectric panel. A light shielding plate is embedded in the limiting hole, corresponding to a cross section of the positioning rod, and moves with the positioning rod. The first and second light sensors are respectively provided on one side of the limiting hole. Preferably, the light shielding plate is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the positioning rod and the direction of detection light emitted by the photoelectric panel to the light sensors. The provision of the limiting hole allows the movement direction of the light shielding plate to be limited, and ensures that the light shielding plate can block the light sources at the first and second light sensors as it moves with the positioning rod.

[0010] Furthermore, both the first and second light detectors are equipped with control switches, each of which is connected to a motor that powers the movement of the door opening rod and the positioning rod. Since the switches of the first and second light detectors are both connected to the motor, the motor can be controlled to activate the first and second light detectors during movement. That is, the first and second light detectors are only activated during the movement of the positioning rod, thereby preventing energy waste.

[0011] Furthermore, the light sensing detection device can transmit a position signal, and the washing machine door lock detection module includes a signal receiving device for receiving the position signal.

[0012] Furthermore, guide rail grooves are provided at the positioning holes of the door and / or washing tub. The guide rail grooves extend from the positioning holes along the direction of movement of the positioning rod. The positioning rod, inserted into the positioning holes, is embedded and moves within the guide rail grooves. A slider is fixed to the bottom of the positioning rod. A groove is provided within the guide rail grooves for engaging the slider. A detection device is provided within the grooves for detecting whether the slider is engaged. In other words, the door lock detection module provided by the present invention can also detect whether the positioning rod has moved into position through the provision of the guide rail grooves, slider, and grooves.

[0013] Furthermore, the washing machine door lock detection module includes a door closing detection device for detecting whether the door is fully closed. The door closing detection device includes a magnet disposed on the door, and a Hall sensor disposed on the housing and / or outer drum. The Hall sensor is used to detect the position of the magnet. The Hall sensor is disposed so as to detect the magnet disposed on the door when the door is closed and locked. Preferably, the Hall sensor can detect the magnet disposed on the door when the door is fully closed and locked; the Hall sensor cannot detect the magnet disposed on the door when the door is not fully closed and locked. The arrangement of the magnet and the Hall sensor enables detection of whether the door lock module is fully locked.

[0014] Furthermore, the washing machine is provided with a door lock device, which includes a door hook fixed on the machine door and a lock body fixed in a position opposite to the door hook. The action of the machine door being closed in place triggers the lock body to lock the door hook.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0016] 1) The washing machine door lock detection module provided by this invention enables linkage between the positioning lever and the door opening lever. This means that by detecting the position of the positioning lever, both the unlocking status of the door opening lever and the positioning status of the positioning lever can be detected. This means that comprehensive detection of both unlocking and positioning can be achieved using only one door lock detection module.

[0017] 2) The positioning rod of the present invention has a relatively simple movement trajectory during the unlocking process, which facilitates the detection of the position of the positioning rod. In other words, the washing machine door lock detection module provided by the present invention can facilitate the convenient and rapid detection of the door lock status.

[0018] 3) The present invention accurately detects the position of the positioning rod through a light-sensing detection device. Furthermore, the light-sensing detection device operates only when the motor is running, that is, detection is performed only when the positioning rod begins to move, thus avoiding energy waste and extending the life of the light-sensing detection device.

[0019] 4) The present invention also provides a detection scheme for detecting whether the positioning rod is positioned in place by setting a guide groove, a slider, a groove, and a detection device, and detecting whether the slider on the positioning rod is embedded in the groove, thereby accurately detecting whether the positioning rod is inserted into the positioning hole.

[0020] 5) The present invention also provides a solution of arranging a magnet on the door and arranging a Hall sensor at the corresponding position of the washing tub. By detecting the magnet by the Hall sensor, it can be accurately determined whether the door is locked in place.

[0021] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, as part of this disclosure, are intended to provide a further understanding of the disclosure. The exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and their descriptions are intended to explain the disclosure and do not constitute undue limitations thereon. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely examples, and those skilled in the art can derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall exterior of the door lock module of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the locking portion and the limiting block when the door of the present invention is unlocked;

[0025] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the locking portion of the limit block of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the manual door opening block and the limit block of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall exterior of the positioning and unlocking module of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the positioning and unlocking module housing of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the door lock detection module of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the door system of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the door lock module and the positioning and unlocking module of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the operating steps for opening the door of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of the operating steps of closing the door of the present invention.

[0034] Description of the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings:

[0035] 1. Door hook; 2. Limit block; 3. Housing; 4. Locking part; 5. One end surface; 6. First limiting surface; 7. Guide slope; 8. Second limiting surface; 9. Third limiting surface; 10. Support rod; 11. Torsion spring; 12. Hook part; 13. Clamping hole; 14. Guide rail; 15. Fixing part; 16. Opening; 17. Manual door opening block; 18. First contact surface; 19. Second contact surface; 20. Button; 21. Housing; 22. Positioning rod; 23. Door opening rod; 24. Motor; 25. Output gear; 26. First gear module; 27. Second gear module; 28. Running block; 29. ​​Second rack; 30. Third rack; 31. Third gear module; 32. First rack; 33. Fourth gear module; 34. Protrusion; 35. First gear; 36. Second gear; 37. Sunshade; 38. Photoelectric panel; 39. Guide hole; 40. Door lock module; 41. Positioning and unlocking module; 42. Washing drum door; 43. Washing machine door; 44. Limiting column.

[0036] It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention provides a washing machine, wherein a washing drum for washing clothes is provided in the washing machine, and a washing drum door 42 is provided on the washing drum. A support shell and / or an outer drum are provided outside the washing drum, and a washing machine door 43 is provided on the support shell and / or the outer drum at a position opposite to the washing drum door 42 of the washing drum.

[0038] The washing machine of the present invention is provided with a door lock system for locking and unlocking the door. The door lock system includes a door lock module 40 that locks the door when the door is closed; and a positioning and unlocking module 41 that correspondingly unlocks the door lock module 40. The positioning and unlocking module 41 also locates the locking position of the washing drum. The door lock structure can be applied to the washing machine door 43 and / or the washing drum door 42.

[0039] Specifically, the door lock module 40 can be applied to either the washing drum door 42 or the washing machine door 43. The door lock module 40 includes a door hook secured to the door and a locking device secured to the washing drum or supporting housing. When the door is closed, the door hook engages with the locking device to lock the door. For example, a door hook can be provided on the washing drum door 42 and a locking device can be provided on the washing drum to lock the door 42. Alternatively, a door hook can be provided on the washing machine door 43 and a locking device can be provided on the supporting housing to lock the washing machine door 43.

[0040] The positioning and unlocking module 41 includes a positioning rod 22, which can be inserted into a positioning hole to achieve positioning. The positioning and unlocking module 41 also includes a door opening rod 23. Upon desired movement, the door opening rod 23 triggers the door hook of the door lock module 40 to disengage from the locking mechanism, thereby unlocking the door. In other words, the positioning and unlocking module 41 provided by the present invention not only performs positioning but also unlocking functions. To unlock the washing drum door 42, the positioning and unlocking module 41 can be positioned on the washing drum opposite the door lock mechanism on the washing drum door 42, with the positioning hole located on the front flange of the washing drum. This allows the washing drum and washing drum door 42 to be positioned in the locked position. Alternatively, to unlock the washing machine door 43, the positioning and unlocking module 41 can be mounted on the support housing.

[0041] As can be seen from the foregoing, the door lock system of the washing machine provided by the present invention can independently open or lock the washing drum door 42 and the washing machine door 43, and the door lock system can also determine the locking position of the washing drum and the washing machine door. The present invention also provides a control method for controlling the inner and outer double-layered machine doors in accordance with the structure of the door lock system described above. The control method provided by the present invention can ensure the reasonable control of the opening and closing of the double-layered machine doors.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] This embodiment provides a door lock module 40 for locking and unlocking the appliance door. The door lock module 40 includes a door hook 1 fixed to the appliance door. The door hook 1 moves with the door during closing. The door lock module 40 also includes a lock body that locks the door hook 1. The lock body has an outer shell. When the appliance door is closed, the door hook 1 extends into the lock body and is locked by the lock body, thereby locking the appliance door.

[0044] The lock body includes a rotatable locking portion 4. Rotating in one direction, the locking portion 4 engages the door hook 1, and disengages from the door hook 1 when rotating in the opposite direction. The lock body also includes a stopper 2 that restricts the movement of the locking portion 4. When the door hook 1 is engaged by the locking portion 4, the stopper 2 abuts against the locking portion 4, keeping it stationary and ensuring that it maintains a continuous and stable lock on the door hook 1. To unlock the door, the stopper 2 moves, releasing the restraint on the locking portion 4, allowing the locking portion 4 to rotate in the opposite direction, separating the locking mechanism from the door hook 1 and unlocking the door.

[0045] like Figure 1As shown in , the lock body includes a shell 3, and the locking part 4 is rotatably arranged in the shell 3. Specifically, a support rod 10 is set in the shell 3, and both ends of the support rod 10 are fixed on the shell 3 of the lock body. The rotatable locking part 4 is sleeved on the support rod 10, and the locking part 4 is fixed inside the shell 3 by the support of the support rod 10. The limit block 2 has a structure similar to an "L" shape. When the locking device does not start to move, the locking part 4 is embedded in the gap of the "L"-shaped structure on the limit structure. The "L"-shaped structure consists of a vertical limit column 44 and a horizontal base perpendicular to it. When the limit block 2 is embedded in the gap of the "L"-shaped structure, the end face 5 of the locking part 4 perpendicular to the rotation axis abuts against the first limit surface 6 on the limit column 44. That is, at the beginning of the movement, the locking part 4 and the limit block 2 are locked and limited. A compression spring is provided between the end of the stopper 2, perpendicular to the rotation axis of the locking portion 4, and the housing 3. At the beginning of the movement, when the stopper 2 is stationary, the compression spring is compressed by the stopper 2. That is, when the locking portion 4 is stationary, the stopper 2 is restrained by the stationary locking portion 4, while the stopper 2 in turn compresses the compression spring.

[0046] When the door hook 1 contacts and triggers the locking part 4 to rotate, the locking part 4 rotates and releases the movement restriction of the limit block 2, so the limit block 2 starts to move under the action of the compression spring. Figure 2 、 3 As shown in FIG, a guide slope 7 is provided on the stop column 44 at a vertex angle opposite the rotating locking portion 4. The locking portion 4, which begins to rotate, can engage with the guide slope 7 on the moving stop block 2. Guided by the contacting guide slope 7, the locking portion 4 rotates along a predetermined trajectory.

[0047] The guide slope 7 is a slope that gradually expands downward from the top of the limiting post 44. This shape facilitates the clockwise rotation of the locking portion 4, which contacts the guide slope 7. The clockwise rotating locking portion 4 easily hooks onto the door hook 1. After hooking onto the door hook 1, the locking portion 4 eventually comes into contact with the limiting block 2, locking the locking portion 4. In other words, the provision of the guide slope 7 facilitates the locking portion 4 to rotate along a predetermined trajectory and hook onto the door hook.

[0048] The specific structure of the limiting column 44 abutting against the locking portion 4 hooking the door hook 1 is as follows Figure 3As shown in FIG, the locking post 44 has a second limiting surface 8 parallel to the rotation axis of the locking portion 4, and the locking portion 4 has a third limiting surface 9 parallel to the rotation axis. The second limiting surface 8 of the limiting post 44 can engage with the third limiting surface 9 of the rotating locking portion 4. This allows the limiting post 44 to lock the locking portion 4 hooked on the door hook 1, thereby locking the door. The second limiting surface 8 of the limiting post 44 is connected to the guiding slope 7 and is located on the side closest to the rotating locking portion 4. Guided by the guiding slope 7, the locking portion 4 rotates until it engages with the second limiting surface 8 of the limiting post 44, effectively locking the locking portion 4. To unlock the door, the limiting block 2 is simply activated to move. The second and third limiting surfaces 8 and 9 release their restraints, and the locking portion 4 rotates in the opposite direction under the action of the torsion spring 11, disengaging the locking portion 4 from the door hook 1.

[0049] As shown in the figure, part of the structure of the limit block 2 is arranged outside the shell 3, so that other structures can push the limit block 2. When the machine door is in a locked state, the compression spring provided on the limit block 2 is in a compressed and force-storing state. When the machine door needs to be unlocked, other structures push the part of the limit block 2 located outside the shell 3, and the limit block 2 produces an unlocking movement under the action of the compression spring. Then, as mentioned above, the door hook 1 is separated from the locking structure and the machine door is unlocked. Specifically, the end of the limit block 2 where the compression spring is not provided extends to the outside of the shell 3, and the part extending to the outside of the shell 3 is used by other devices to stimulate the movement of the limit block 2.

[0050] The specific structure of the door hook 1 is shown in the figure. The door hook 1 includes a fixing portion 15 fixed to the machine door. The fixing portion 15 can be provided with screw holes or bolt holes, and the door hook 1 is fixed to the machine door through a threaded connection. Alternatively, the fixing portion 15 can be provided with other fixing structures such as snaps to fix the door hook 1 to the machine door. In this embodiment, screw connection is used as an example, and screw holes are provided on the door hook 1. A mounting groove for mounting the door hook 1 is provided on the machine door. The fixing portion 15 of the door hook 1 can be embedded in the mounting groove, and the fixing portion 15 of the door hook 1 is fixed in the mounting groove through a threaded connection. The fixing portion 15 of the door hook 1 is provided on the outside of the outer shell 3 and fixed to the machine door. The door hook 1 also includes a hook portion 12 connected to the fixing portion 15. The hook portion 12 extends from the connection position with the fixing portion 15 to the interior of the outer shell 3. A hook hole 13 is provided on the portion of the hook portion 12 that extends into the interior of the outer shell 3. When the door needs to be locked, the door hook 1 follows the movement of the door, and the hook portion 12 of the door hook 1 contacts the locking structure. This triggers the rotation of the locking portion 4, and a portion of the locking portion 4 engages with the latching hole 13. This interlocking connection between the hook and the locking portion 4 locks the door hook 1, thereby locking the door. The door hook 1 must move along a predetermined trajectory to ensure that the latching hole 13 on the door hook 1 engages with the locking portion 4, thereby locking the door. Therefore, to better define the trajectory of the door hook 1, a guide rail 14 is provided within the locking structure's housing 3 for the movement of the door hook 1. The guide rail 14 extends from the top end of the housing 3 opposite the door hook 1 toward the interior of the housing 3. The hook portion 12 of the door hook 1 is embedded in the guide rail 14. When the door hook 1 is locked and unlocked, the hook portion 12 moves in the direction set by the guide rail 14, thereby ensuring that the door is properly locked and unlocked.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown in , when the door is closed, the door hook 1 extends into the locking portion 4, contacting the oppositely positioned locking portion 4 and triggering the locking portion 4 to engage with the latching hole 13 on the door hook 1. The locking portion 4 is configured as a "C"-shaped structure with the opening 16 facing the latching hole 13. The opening 16 of the "C"-shaped structure can engage with the latching hole 13 of the door hook 1. The structure of the locking portion 4 rotates due to the contact of the door hook 1. During this rotation, the latching hole 13 of the door hook 1 engages with the opening 16 of the "C"-shaped structure. Simultaneously, the stopper 2 moves to a position of contact with the "C"-shaped structure, keeping the door hook 1 locked by the "C"-shaped structure, thereby locking the door. Specifically, as described above, the second stopper surface 8 of the stopper 2 engages with the third stopper surface 9 of the locking portion 4. The third stopper surface 9 is the surface of the "C"-shaped structure of the locking portion 4 that faces the door with the opening 16. The locking structure also needs to be provided with a torsion spring 11 to rotate the locking portion 4 of the locking structure when unlocking, thereby disengaging the "C"-shaped structure of the locking portion 4 from the door hook 1. The torsion spring 11 is specifically mounted on the support rod 10 and is provided on both end surfaces of the locking portion 4 perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0052] The stopper block 2 in the door lock module 40 provided in this embodiment has a rational design. The stopper block 2 includes multiple end surfaces that contact the locking portion 4. These end surfaces prevent the locking portion 4 from rotating when stationary, while the stopper block 2 prevents it from rotating. Once the locking portion 4 is triggered to move, it is guided by the stopper block 2 to rotate along a predetermined trajectory. Once the locking portion 4 engages the door hook 1, it is locked by the stopper block 2. The door lock module 40 provided in this embodiment has a rational design, allowing the door to be locked and unlocked simply by pushing the portion of the stopper block 2 located outside the housing 3. Locking and unlocking the door can be achieved simply by moving the stopper block 2, making operation relatively simple.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] This embodiment, based on Example 1, provides a door lock module 40. Door lock module 40 comprises the aforementioned door hook 1, locking portion 4, and stopper 2. Similarly, door hook 1 engages with locking portion 4 to lock the washing machine door, and stopper 2 maintains the door hook 1 in a stable engagement with locking portion 4 or disengages the door hook 1 from the locking portion 4. The door lock module 40 of this embodiment differs from the door lock module 40 of Example 1 in that a manual door opening block 17 is provided within the door lock module 40 to manually control the movement of stopper 2, thereby enabling manual control of door lock module 40 to unlock the washing machine door. Example 1 mentions that other structures external to door lock module 40 can be used to automatically trigger the movement of stopper 2 in door lock module 40, thereby automatically unlocking the washing machine door. A malfunction in the device that automatically powers door unlocking would prevent the door from unlocking properly, impacting the use of the washing machine. Because the manual door opening block 17 is internal to the door lock module 40 of this embodiment, manual unlocking can be triggered in any situation, ensuring that the door can be properly unlocked and used.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, a mounting hole for inserting the manual door opening block 17 is provided on the housing 3 of the door lock module 40. A raised button 20 is provided on the top of the manual door opening block 17 to facilitate pressing the manual door opening block 17 downward. Preferably, the button 20 protrudes from the surface of the housing 3 of the door lock module 40 to facilitate pressing the button 20 when needed. The manual door opening block 17 inserted into the housing 3 and the limiting device have end surfaces that contact each other. The end surfaces that contact each other are the first contact surface 18 on the limiting block 2 and the second contact surface 19 on the manual door opening block 17.

[0056] Specific as Figure 4As shown in , a contact portion that can contact the embedded manual door opening block 17 is provided on the limit block 2. The contact portion is provided on the side of the limit block 2 close to the manual door opening block 17 and opposite to the manual installation block. A first contact surface 18 is provided on the contact portion, and the first contact surface 18 is provided as a curved surface protruding outward. The second contact surface 19 on the manual door opening block 17 is correspondingly designed as an inclined surface that gradually expands outward from the bottom to the top. When the button 20 is pressed, the manual door opening block 17 moves downward. At this time, due to the shape characteristics of the first contact surface 18 and the second contact surface 19, the second contact surface 19 will push the first contact surface 18, that is, trigger the limit block 2 to move. The compression spring at the tail of the limit block 2 is in a compressed state when the machine door is locked. Once the limit block 2 is triggered to move, the compression spring will drive the limit block 2 to disengage from the locking structure, thereby disengaging the door hook 1 from the locking structure and completing the unlocking of the machine door.

[0057] The manual installation block is also equipped with a compression spring, for example, located at its base. When the button 20 on the manual installation block is pressed to unlock it, the compression spring resets the block. During this reset, the second contact surface 19 and the first contact surface 18 engage, ultimately locking the second contact surface 19 with the first contact surface 18, ensuring that the manual door opening block 17 returns to its pre-set position and that the manual installation block can be used normally the next time.

[0058] The door lock module 40 provided in this embodiment can ensure that the machine door can be manually unlocked in any situation because a manual door opening block 17 is provided inside the locking device.

[0059] Example 3

[0060] This embodiment provides a positioning unlocking module 41 for a washing machine door for unlocking the door and positioning the locking position. The positioning unlocking module 41 is applicable to all washing machine doors, and is particularly applicable to unlocking a washing drum door 42 provided on a washing drum. Figure 5 As shown in , it has a door opening rod 23 and a positioning rod 22; the structure of the positioning unlocking module 41 can enable the positioning rod 22 to locate the locking position, and at the same time enable the door opening rod 23 to unlock the machine door.

[0061] When the positioning and unlocking module 41 is in the natural starting state, the positioning rod 22 and the door opening rod 23 both remain stationary inside the positioning and unlocking module 41. When the positioning and unlocking module 41 is positioned and unlocked, it can go through two stages of movement. The first stage is the positioning stage, in which the positioning rod 22 extends to the outside of the positioning and unlocking module 41 and extends into the corresponding positioning hole for positioning the positioning rod 22. The positioning rod 22 passes through the positioning hole to limit the position of the washing drum. The positioning hole can be set on the washing drum door 42 and / or the washing drum. When the washing machine stops running, the washing drum and the washing drum door 42 will be stopped at a preset position. At this time, the position of the positioning hole is opposite to the position of the positioning rod 22. Controlling the positioning rod 22 to extend into the positioning hole can ensure that the washing drum and / or the washing drum door 42 are locked in the preset position. Specifically, the positioning hole can be set on the front flange of the outer drum. Once the washing machine stops running, the washing drum door 42 and the washing drum will stop at the preset position. At this time, the positioning hole on the front flange of the washing outer drum is opposite to the positioning rod 22. The positioning rod 22 is controlled to move downward into the positioning hole to complete the locking position of the washing drum and / or the washing drum door 42.

[0062] In order to ensure the accuracy of positioning, a guide rail groove can also be set at the position of the positioning hole of the front flange of the washing drum, and the positioning rod 22 can be embedded in the guide rail groove to accurately limit the movement trajectory of the positioning rod 22. A slider can also be set on the positioning rod 22, and a groove for embedding the slider is set on the guide rail groove. When the positioning rod 22 completes the positioning movement, the slider can be controlled to embed in the groove. In this way, a detection device can be set in the guide rail groove and / or the groove, and the detection device can detect whether the positioning is completed, that is, if the positioning is successful, the positioning rod 22 and / or the slider should move to the preset position of the guide rail groove and / or the groove, and the detection device can detect the positioning rod 22 and / or the slider. The positioning and unlocking module 41 provided in the embodiment can not only use the positioning rod 22 to position the washing drum and the machine door locking position, but also use the detection device to detect whether the positioning is successfully completed.

[0063] During the positioning phase, the door opening rod 23 moves horizontally to the outside of the positioning and unlocking module 41, specifically toward the door lock module 40, allowing it to subsequently trigger the door lock module 40 to unlock. During the positioning phase, the positioning rod 22 extends into the positioning hole, and the door opening rod 23 extends a distance toward the door lock module 40. This ensures that when the door opening rod 23 is subsequently extended outward, it will contact the door lock module 40, triggering unlocking. This embodiment uses the example of horizontal movement of the door opening rod 23 and vertical movement of the positioning rod 22. In practice, the desired motion trajectories of the door opening rod 23 and positioning rod 22 can be adjusted. The structure of the positioning and unlocking module 41 in this embodiment allows the door opening rod 23 and positioning rod 22 to move perpendicularly to each other. Adjusting the mounting angle of the positioning and unlocking module 41 also allows the door opening rod 23 to move vertically and the positioning rod 22 to move horizontally.

[0064] After completing the positioning phase, the positioning and unlocking module 41 enters the unlocking phase. During the unlocking phase, the door opening rod 23 continues to move horizontally outward from the positioning and unlocking module 41, contacting and activating the door lock module 40 on the washing machine door, thereby unlocking the door lock module 40. During operation, the positioning and unlocking module 41 of this embodiment first undergoes a positioning phase and then an unlocking phase, ensuring that the washing drum and door are locked in a preset position before unlocking. This ensures that the washing drum and door remain locked in the preset position during the unlocking process. Furthermore, during the locking movement of the door, the positioning rod 22 and other structures of the positioning and unlocking module 41 of this embodiment can also be utilized to ensure that the washing drum and door remain locked in the preset position. In other words, the positioning and unlocking module 41 provided in this embodiment enables the washing machine to maintain the washing drum locked in the preset position during both the opening and closing of the door.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown in , the positioning and unlocking module 41 includes a first drive system that provides power for the positioning phase movement. The first drive system includes a motor 24, which includes an output shaft that outputs rotational motion. The output shaft is sleeved with an output gear 25, which is in turn meshed with a first gear 35. The first gear module 26 is mainly used to reduce speed and transmit rotational motion. The first gear module 26 is a reduction gear set. The first gear module 26 includes a first gear 35 with a larger number of teeth and a second gear 36 with a smaller number of teeth. The first gear 35 and the second gear 36 are coaxially arranged. The output gear 25 is meshed with the first gear 35 with a larger number of teeth. The rotation of the first gear 35 can also drive the rotation of the second gear 36. That is, through the connection between the output gear 25 and the first gear 35 module 26, the rotational motion output by the motor 24 is reduced.

[0066] The first gear module 26 meshes with the second gear module 27. Specifically, the second gear 36 of the first gear module 26 meshes with the second gear module 27. The second gear module 27 provides power for the desired movement of the door opening rod 23 and the positioning rod 22. Specifically, the second gear module 27 drives the positioning rod 22 downward while simultaneously driving the door opening rod 23 outward a distance via the third gear module 31. Because the second gear module 27 provides power for both the positioning rod 22 and the door opening rod 23, it must withstand significant forces. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the second gear module 27. Specifically, as shown in the figure, reinforcing ribs can be provided on the second gear module 27.

[0067] It should be noted that the purpose of providing the third gear module 31 is to ensure that the door opening rod 23 extends outward a certain distance during the unlocking phase. This ensures that, when the positioning rod 22 continues to drive the door opening rod 22 outward during the unlocking phase, the total outward extension of the door opening rod 23 is guaranteed to ensure that the door opening rod 23 contacts the door lock module to trigger unlocking. The first gear module 26, the second gear module 27, and the third gear module 31 are all fixed gears with fixed rotating shafts.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the positioning and unlocking module 41 also includes an operating block 28, which is embedded with the positioning rod 22. The positioning rod 22 can move in conjunction with the operating block 28. A second rack 29 is provided on the operating block 28 opposite the second gear module 27. The second rack 29 meshes with the second gear module 27. This allows the second gear module 27 to drive the second rack 29, which in turn drives the operating block 28 and the positioning rod 22, ultimately achieving positioning movement of the positioning rod 22. In other words, the second gear module 27, through its connection with the second rack 29, provides power for the movement of the positioning rod 22 during the positioning phase.

[0069] The positioning and unlocking module 41 comprises a housing 21, within which the first gear module 26, the second gear module 27, and the third gear module 31 are disposed. Both the positioning rod 22 and the door opening rod 23 can be retracted. This results in a relatively large number of components within the housing 21. To conserve space within the housing 21 and prevent interference between the various components disposed therein, the space within the housing 21 must be rationally arranged. Specifically, the rotation axis of the second gear module 27 is parallel to the rotation axis of the motor 24. The second gear module 27 has a vertical center plane passing through the rotation axis. The first gear module 26 and the third gear module 31 are disposed on the same side of the vertical center plane, while the positioning rod 22 is disposed on the other side of the vertical center plane. Placing the positioning rod 22 and the third gear module 31 on either side of the second gear module 27 prevents interference between the movement of the positioning rod 22 and the door opening rod 23. And since the first gear module 26, the second gear module 27, and the third gear module 31 are connected in sequence, that is, there must be a height difference between the first gear module 26 and the third gear module 31, the first gear module 26 and the third gear module 31 can be set on the same side.

[0070] It can be seen from the above structure that in the positioning stage, the positioning and unlocking module 41 can simultaneously control the movement of the door opening rod 23 and the positioning rod 22. The motor 24 first drives the first gear module 26 to decelerate the rotation, and then the first gear module 26 drives the second gear module 27 to rotate. The rotating second gear module 27 drives the third rack 30 and the third gear module 31 to rotate, and then drives the positioning rod 22 to move downward and the door opening rod 23 to move horizontally toward the outside of the positioning and unlocking module 41.

[0071] like Figure 6As shown in , during the unlocking phase, the door opening rod 23 continues to move horizontally toward the exterior of the positioning and unlocking module 41 to unlock the door. To facilitate this movement, the positioning and unlocking module 41 includes a fourth gear module 33 that pushes the door opening rod 23 further outward. The fourth gear module 33 is also a fixed gear with a fixed rotation axis. It is mounted above the third rack 30 of the door opening rod 23 and maintains constant contact with the third rack 30. Once the fourth gear module 33 begins to rotate, the first meshing surface on the fourth gear module 33 meshes with the third rack 30. A first rack 32 is mounted on the surface of the operating block 28 opposite the fourth gear module 33. During the positioning phase, the first rack 32 descends with the operating block 28. Upon completion of the positioning phase, the operating block 28 and its first rack 32 move to a predetermined position. The fourth gear module 33 is positioned to engage with the first rack 32 at this predetermined position. When the first rack 32 of the operating block 28 engages with the fourth gear module 33, it rotates the fourth gear module 33, which in turn pushes the door opening rod 23 to unlock. The door opening rod 23 then extends outward from the positioning and unlocking module 41, triggering the door lock module 40 to unlock the door. The rotation axes of the fourth gear module 33 and the third gear module 31 are equidistant from the door opening rod 23. This configuration ensures a more uniform force on the door opening rod 23, ensuring horizontal movement.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG, a rectangular protrusion 34 can be provided on the operating block 28. The second rack 29 is provided on the side of the protrusion 34 opposite the second gear module 27. The first rack 32 is provided on the side of the protrusion 34 parallel to the side provided with the second rack 29. In this way, by providing the operating block 28, the positioning rod 22 can be driven by the second gear module 27, and the positioning rod 22 can in turn drive the fourth gear module 33, thus saving space within the housing 21.

[0073] like Figure 6 As shown in , the bottom end surfaces of the first rack 32 and the second rack 29 are both flush with the bottom end surface of the operating block 28, which makes the shape of the protrusion 34 relatively simple. In particular, since the positioning rod 22 needs to be driven downward by the second rack 29 throughout the entire positioning and unlocking movement, the length of the second rack 29 should be sufficient to enable the positioning rod 22 to complete the entire movement of the positioning and unlocking stages. That is, the length of the second rack 29 should be greater than or equal to the total length of the positioning rod 22 extending outward during the positioning and unlocking stages. In order to save the length of the rack, the length of the second rack 29 is equal to the total length of the positioning rod 22 extending outward during the positioning and unlocking stages, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in , L5 is the length the positioning rod 22 needs to extend downward during the positioning phase, and L4 is the length the positioning rod 22 needs to extend downward during the unlocking phase. Therefore, the length of the second rack 29 = L4 + L5. Because the first rack 32 drives the door opening rod 23 during the unlocking phase, the length of the second rack 32 should be sufficient for the door opening rod 23 to complete its movement during the unlocking phase. Therefore, the length of the first rack 32 is greater than or equal to the length of the door opening rod 23 extending outward during the unlocking phase. Preferably, the length of the second rack 29 is greater than the length of the first rack 32.

[0074] And as Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the fourth gear module 33 and the third gear module 31 both drive the third rack 30 on the door opening lever 23. Assuming the horizontal distance between the rotation axis of the fourth gear module 33 and the rotation axis of the third gear module 31 is L1, and assuming that the third rack 30 extends leftward from its contact with the third gear module 31, if L1 is greater than the total outward extension length of the door opening lever 23 during the positioning and unlocking stages, the third rack 30 may not engage with the fourth gear module 33. Therefore, L1 is less than the total outward extension length of the door opening lever 23 during the positioning and unlocking stages.

[0075] When all gears are properly meshed, the second rack 29 of the positioning rod 22 begins meshing with the second gear module 27 at the location of its rotational axis, and the first rack 32 of the positioning rod 22 begins meshing with the fourth gear module 33 at the location of its rotational axis. Let L2 be the vertical distance between the rotational axes of the second gear module 27 and the fourth gear module 33. The length of L2 should be greater than or equal to the outward extension length of the positioning rod 22 during the positioning phase to ensure that the positioning rod 22 completes the movement during the positioning phase. Therefore, to save space within the positioning and unlocking module housing, the length of L2 is preferably equal to the outward extension length of the positioning rod 22 during the positioning phase.

[0076] The positioning and unlocking module 41 provided in this embodiment includes a door-opening rod 23 and a positioning rod 22. The internal structure of the positioning and unlocking module 41 enables the positioning rod 22 to locate the locked position of the washing tub and simultaneously enable the door-opening rod 23 to unlock the door. Furthermore, the structure of the positioning and unlocking module 41 in this embodiment enables the positioning rod 22, inserted into the positioning hole, to drive the door-opening rod 23 to unlock the door, ensuring that the washing tub and / or door are unlocked only when locked in a predetermined position.

[0077] Example 4

[0078] This embodiment provides a washing machine door lock detection module based on the above embodiments. The washing machine door lock detection module provided in this embodiment can be used to detect the status of the door lock. The door lock may include the door lock module 40 mentioned in Examples 1 and 2, and the positioning and unlocking module 41 mentioned in Example 3. The washing machine door lock detection module includes at least a door opening rod 23 that triggers door lock unlocking and a positioning rod 22 that positions the door lock and / or washing tub; wherein the door opening rod 23 and the positioning rod 22 can be interlocked. The washing machine door lock detection module also includes a detection device for detecting and determining the door lock status of the positioning rod 22. Because the door opening rod 23 and the positioning rod 22 are interlocked, as described in Example 3, after the positioning rod 22 positions the washing tub and / or the door, it drives the door opening rod 23 to move. Therefore, when the door opening rod 23 has not unlocked the machine door, or when the door opening rod 23 has already unlocked the machine door, the positioning rod 22 also has different motion states and / or moves to different positions accordingly. Therefore, the positioning rod 22 can be detected by the detection device to determine the motion state of the door lock.

[0079] In the actual process of unlocking the door, the door opening rod 23 needs to contact and trigger the door lock module 40 described in Examples 1 and 2. However, it is not convenient to install a detection device between the door opening rod 23 and the door lock module 40, which makes it difficult to detect the door opening rod 23. However, if the door opening rod 23 is equipped with a mutually linked positioning rod 22, such as the positioning and unlocking module 41 provided in Example 3, the door lock can be detected by detecting the movement of the positioning rod 22 as described above.

[0080] The door opening rod 23 and the positioning rod 22 may go through different stages of motion during the unlocking and positioning process, each corresponding to a different state of the door lock. Therefore, the door lock state can be determined by detecting the stage of motion of the positioning rod 22. For example, the positioning and unlocking module 41 described in Example 3 can control the movement of the positioning rod 22 and the door opening rod 23 during the positioning and unlocking stages. During the positioning stage, the positioning rod 22 is inserted into the positioning hole to achieve positioning, and the door opening rod 23 accordingly extends out of the positioning and unlocking device. When the positioning rod 22 and the door opening rod 23 complete the positioning stage, the door lock is locked, and the washing tub and the door are locked in the preset position. When the door opening rod 23 and the positioning rod 22 complete the unlocking stage, the door lock is unlocked, and the washing tub and the door remain locked in the preset position. Since the position of the positioning rod 22 changes constantly during the positioning and unlocking stages, the detection device can determine the stage of motion of the positioning rod 22 and, therefore, the aforementioned states of the door and the door lock by detecting the position of the positioning rod 22. The positioning unlocking module 41 may also be different from the positioning unlocking module 41 in Example 3. As long as the door opening rod 23 is linked with the positioning rod 22 and the positioning rod 22 has different positions in different movement stages, the status of the door lock and / or the machine door can be determined based on the position of the positioning rod 22.

[0081] To better detect the position of the positioning rod 22, the positioning rod 22 preferably moves along the same linear trajectory during both the positioning and unlocking phases, and a detection device is configured to detect the position of the positioning rod 22 along this linear trajectory. The linear trajectory of the positioning rod 22 simplifies its motion trajectory, facilitating tracking of the positioning rod 22's position, and thus facilitating the placement of the detection device. For example, the positioning and unlocking module 41 provided in Example 3 enables the positioning rod 22 to move along the same linear trajectory during both the positioning and unlocking phases; the detection device need only be positioned along the linear trajectory of the positioning rod 22.

[0082] The detection device can be an image acquisition device or an electrical signal detection device. In this embodiment, a light sensing detection device is used as an example for description. Figure 7As shown in , a light shielding plate 37 is provided on the positioning rod 22, and a light sensing detection device is arranged at the linear motion trajectory of the positioning rod 22. A photoelectric panel 38 that can emit light is provided in the housing 21 of the positioning and unlocking module 41 at a position opposite to the linear trajectory of the positioning rod 22. The light shielding plate 37 is fixed on the positioning rod 22, and the positioning rod 22 will drive the light shielding plate 37 to move. When the positioning rod 22 moves to different positions, the light shielding plate 37 will block the light at different positions. By detecting different light shielding positions by the light sensing detection device, the position of the positioning rod 22 can be located. Specifically, part of the light source of the photoelectric panel 38 and the light sensing detection device are arranged on both sides relative to the light shielding plate 37, so that part of the light emitted by the photoelectric panel 38 to the light sensing detection device will be blocked by the light shielding plate 37.

[0083] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG, the shading plate 37 is provided on the running block 28 fixed on the positioning rod 22. Figure 7 As shown in the figure, a guide hole 39 is provided on the photoelectric panel 38, and the light shielding plate 37 can be inserted into the guide hole 39 and run along the direction defined by the guide hole 39, so that the operation of the light shielding plate 37 can be limited; and the light sensing detection device is provided along the guide hole 39, so that it can be ensured that the light sensing detection device detects that the light is blocked.

[0084] Specifically, the light-sensing detection device includes a first light detector and a second light detector. The first light detector is disposed when the positioning rod 22 completes the positioning phase and the light shielding plate 37 is in the desired position. The second light detector is disposed when the positioning rod 22 completes the unlocking phase and the light shielding plate 37 is in the desired position. Both the first and second light detectors are disposed on the photoelectric panel 38. Thus, when the first light detector detects light obstruction, the positioning rod 22 completes the positioning phase; when the second light detector detects light obstruction, the positioning rod 22 completes the unlocking phase. The first and second light detectors can be light-sensitive detectors.

[0085] Furthermore, preferably, each of the first and second light detectors can be equipped with a control switch, each connected to a motor 24 that powers the door opening lever 23 and the positioning lever 22. This allows the first and second light detectors to operate only when the motor 24 begins operating, thereby reducing energy consumption and extending the life of the light detectors. Furthermore, all light detection devices can emit position signals, and the washing machine door lock detection module also includes a signal receiving device that receives the position signals. The washing machine door lock detection module can then determine the door lock status based on the position signals emitted by the light detection devices.

[0086] This embodiment provides a method for detecting whether the positioning rod 22 is locked in place. The washing tub is provided with a positioning hole for the positioning rod 22 to pass through. A guide rail groove is provided at the location of the positioning hole. Once inserted into the positioning hole, the positioning rod 22 is embedded and moves within the guide rail groove. A slider is fixed to the bottom of the positioning rod 22. A groove is provided within the guide rail groove for the slider to engage. A detection device is provided within the groove to detect whether the slider is engaged within the groove. When the positioning rod 22 completes all movements during the positioning and unlocking phases, the slider on the positioning rod 22 will be embedded in the groove. Therefore, the detection device provided in the groove can be used to detect whether the positioning rod 22 has been locked in place.

[0087] This embodiment also provides a lock detection device for detecting whether the door is locked. The lock detection device includes a magnet disposed on the door and a Hall effect sensor disposed at a corresponding position on the washing tub; the Hall effect sensor detects the position of the magnet. When the door is locked, the magnet on the door reaches a preset position, and the Hall effect sensor detects the magnet accordingly, thereby confirming that the door is locked.

[0088] Because the washing drum door 42 rotates with the washing drum, it cannot be automatically closed via electrical signals. Instead, the washing drum door 42 can be provided with a door lock device, such as those described in Examples 1 and 2, to lock the washing drum door 42 by simply closing the door. Therefore, when manually closing and locking the washing drum door 42, the door may not be locked. In this case, the aforementioned magnet and Hall effect sensor can be used to detect whether the door is locked.

[0089] The door lock device described in Examples 1 and 2 has the door hook 1 and locking part 4 as described above. When the locking part 4 is not locked, the rotatable locking part 4 will exert a force on the door hook 1, and the machine door fixedly connected to the door hook 1 will not be able to stay in the locked position under the driving action of the door hook 1. The corresponding magnet is not in the preset position, and the Hall sensor cannot detect the magnet.

[0090] The door lock detection module provided in this embodiment can accurately determine the door lock status by detecting the position of the positioning rod 22. The door lock detection module also includes a lock detection device to detect whether the door is correctly locked. In other words, the door lock detection module provided in this embodiment can comprehensively detect the locking, unlocking, and positioning processes of the door.

[0091] Example 5

[0092] This embodiment provides a washing machine based on the above embodiment. The washing machine includes the positioning unlocking module 41 as described in embodiment 3, and the door lock module 40 as described in embodiment 1 or embodiment 2. Figure 7As shown in FIG, the positioning and unlocking module 41 is positioned opposite the door lock module 40. The positioning and unlocking module 41 contacts and cooperates with the door lock module 40 to unlock the appliance door. Specifically, the door opening rod 23 of the positioning and unlocking module 41 is opposite the stop block 2 extending from the exterior of the housing 3 of the door lock module 40. When the door opening rod 23 automatically moves during the unlocking phase, it activates and drives the stop block 2 to unlock, thereby unlocking the appliance door.

[0093] It should be noted that the mounting position and structure of the door-opening rod 23 in the positioning and unlocking module 41 can be adjusted to adjust the direction of movement of the door-opening rod 23. As shown in the figure, the movement direction of the door-opening rod 23 in this embodiment is aligned with the axial direction of the stop block 2, that is, the door-opening rod 23 pushes the stop block 2 along the axial direction to activate the stop block 2. The positioning and unlocking module 41 can also be adjusted so that the door-opening rod 23 moves in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the stop block 2, that is, the door-opening rod 23 pushes the stop block 2 from the side to activate the stop block 2, while the other structures remain unchanged, and the door can still be unlocked.

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG, a washing machine includes a washing drum with a washing drum door 42 disposed thereon. Washing drum door 42 rotates with the washing drum. Therefore, as previously described, washing drum door 42 cannot be automatically closed via electrical control. Therefore, a door lock module 40, such as that described in Examples 1 and 2, can be disposed on washing drum door 42 so that closing washing drum door 42 locks the washing drum door 42. Accordingly, a positioning and unlocking module 41 can be fixed to the outer drum and / or the washing machine housing at a position opposite door lock module 40.

[0095] In washing machines, the outer drum is often located at the door position and requires an outer drum front flange. The door lock module 40 is fixed to the washing drum door 42, and the positioning and unlocking module 41 is fixed to the outer drum. Therefore, in order for the door opening rod 23 to contact the stop block 2, the door opening rod 23 must pass through the outer drum front flange. Therefore, an unlocking hole for the door opening rod 23 to pass through is provided on the outer drum front flange. Because the outer drum front flange may come into contact with water, a seal is preferably provided at the unlocking hole to ensure sealing.

[0096] The washing machine provided in this embodiment further includes the washing machine door lock detection module as described in Embodiment 5. The door lock detection module can detect whether the door is locked by the door lock module 40 and whether the door is unlocked and positioned by the positioning and unlocking module 41.

[0097] Example 6

[0098] This embodiment, based on the above embodiments, provides a washing machine control method, wherein a washing drum door 42 is disposed on the washing drum and rotates with the washing drum during the washing process; and a door lock module 40, such as that described in Embodiments 1 and 2, is provided on the washing drum door 42. A washing drum door 42 is provided on the washing drum, and a washing machine door 43 is provided on the outer drum and / or outer casing of the washing machine at a position corresponding to the washing drum door 42. Both washing drum door 42 and washing machine door 43 can be opened and closed independently. This embodiment is particularly suitable for washing machines containing only a single washing drum. The washing machine control method provided in this embodiment rationally defines the operations to be performed by the washing drum door 42 and the washing machine door 43 during opening and closing, ensuring the proper operation of the double-door opening and closing.

[0099] When the double door of a washing machine needs to be opened and closed, the machine must be stopped and locked to prevent clothing or liquids from spilling out when the door is opened during operation, or to prevent the machine from entering operation with the door closed, which could cause danger. Therefore, the control method of this embodiment includes detecting whether the washing machine has stopped operating before opening and closing the double door. When the washing machine stops operating, the washing drum should be locked. Furthermore, after opening and closing the door, the washing machine needs to proceed to other procedures, such as a wash cycle. The washing drum should begin the next operation from a preset locking position, so it is necessary to simultaneously detect whether the washing drum is locked in the preset locking position. Whether the washing drum is locked can be detected by a detection device installed on the washing drum.

[0100] Specifically, when the washing drum door needs to be opened, the positioning unlocking module 40 is controlled to lock the washing drum at the set position, that is, the positioning rod 22 in the positioning unlocking module 40 is controlled to complete the movement of the positioning stage as described in Example 3, and then the operation of opening the washing drum door is allowed.

[0101] After the positioning and unlocking module 40 locks the washing drum at the set position, the door lock detection module detects whether the positioning and unlocking module 40 has completed locking the washing drum at the set position. Specifically, the door lock detection module detects the position of the positioning rod 22 as described in Example 4, and determines whether the positioning rod 22 extends into the positioning hole to complete locking the washing drum at the preset position.

[0102] After determining that the washing tub is locked in the set position, the positioning and unlocking module 41 is controlled to unlock the door lock module 40. The door lock detection module detects that the positioning and unlocking module 41 has completed unlocking and allows the washing tub door to be opened. Specifically, when the positioning and unlocking module 41 unlocks the door lock module 40, the positioning and unlocking module 41 controls the positioning rod 22 to complete the unlocking phase as described in Example 3. When the door lock detection module detects whether the door is unlocked, as described in Example 4, the door lock detection module determines whether the door is unlocked by detecting the position of the positioning rod 22.

[0103] After opening the washing drum door and loading clothes, when the washing drum door needs to be closed, the control door lock detection module detects whether the positioning and unlocking module 41 is still locking the washing drum in the set position. After confirming that the positioning and unlocking module 41 is still locking the washing drum in the set position, the washing drum door closing operation is allowed. At this time, the door lock detection module is also required to detect the specific position of the positioning rod 22 to determine whether the positioning rod 22 remains inserted into the positioning hole, and then determine whether the washing drum remains locked in the preset position.

[0104] When the door is closed, the door lock module 40 is controlled to lock the washing drum door, and the door lock detection module detects whether the washing drum door is locked. Specifically, the door lock module 40 can lock the washing drum door by closing the door, as described in Examples 1 and 2. The door lock detection module can use the lock detection device described in Example 4 to detect whether the washing drum door is locked.

[0105] After confirming that the washing drum door is locked, the positioning and unlocking module 41 is controlled to release the restriction on the washing drum being locked in the set position. Specifically, as described in Example 3, the motor 24 in the positioning and unlocking module 41 is reversed, driving the positioning rod 22 to extend into the positioning hole, thereby releasing the locking restriction on the washing drum. The door lock detection module is then controlled to detect whether the positioning and unlocking module 41 has released the restriction on the washing drum being locked in the set position. Specifically, the door lock detection module detects the position of the positioning rod 22 and determines that the positioning rod 22 extends out of the positioning hole, thereby contacting the restriction on the washing drum being locked in the set position. After confirming that the restriction on the washing drum being locked in the set position has been released, the washing machine is allowed to operate, allowing the washing drum to rotate and perform subsequent operations.

[0106] A washing machine typically has a washing drum door 42 located on the inner layer of the washing drum, and a washing drum door 43 located on the outer layer of the washing drum and / or the outer casing. During the actual door opening process, washing drum door 43 and washing drum door 42 are opened sequentially. While opening washing drum door 43, washing drum door 42 can be locked to prevent movement of washing drum door 42 during the opening process, which could cause the inner and outer doors to collide. During the door opening process, washing drum door 42 is first locked. After detecting that washing drum door 42 is locked, washing drum door 43 is unlocked, and the door opening process can proceed. After washing drum door 43 is opened, washing drum door 42 is unlocked when it is needed, and then the washing drum door 42 can be opened. Specifically, the control method involves unlocking washing drum door 42 after detecting that washing drum door 43 has been opened.

[0107] It can be seen from the above-mentioned embodiment that since the above-mentioned door lock module 40 and positioning unlocking module 41 can be provided on the washing drum door 42, the washing drum door 42 can be locked and unlocked when the washing drum is locked in a preset position; that is, the washing drum door 42 can remain locked while the washing machine door 43 is opening, and can be unlocked only after the washing machine door 43 is opened.

[0108] Specific as Figure 10 As shown in , the operation of opening the door includes the following steps:

[0109] Step S1, detecting whether the washing tub is locked and locked in a preset position, if the washing tub is not locked and locked in the preset position, executing step S2, if the washing tub is locked and locked in the preset position, executing step S3;

[0110] Step S2, controlling the washing tub to lock and lock it in a preset position and executing step S3;

[0111] Step S3, controlling the washing drum door 42 to lock, and executing step S4 after detecting that the washing drum door 42 is successfully locked;

[0112] Step S4, controlling the washing machine door 43 to unlock and executing step S5;

[0113] Step S5, detecting whether the washing machine door 43 is opened, if the washing machine door 43 is not opened, executing step S6, if the washing machine door 43 is opened, executing step S7;

[0114] Step S6, open the washing machine door 43, and execute step S7;

[0115] Step S7: Control the washing tub door 42 to unlock and open the washing tub door 42.

[0116] Generally, the double door is opened to remove the laundry from the washing machine, and after removing the laundry, the washing machine is usually no longer in use. The washing machine is not used until laundry is added again and the door is closed. During this period of time when the washing machine is not in use, the washing drum should be locked and locked in the preset locking position. This ensures that when the washing machine needs to be operated again, the washing drum can start from the preset locking position, facilitating the normal operation of the washing cycle. In other words, the washing drum remains locked and locked in the preset locking position from the time the double door is opened until the double door is closed.

[0117] When closing the doors, the washing drum door 42 and the washing machine door 43 are closed sequentially. After closing the washing drum door 42, it should be locked and checked to see if it is locked in the preset position. As can be seen from the door lock module 40 provided on the washing drum door 42 in the above embodiment, once the washing drum door 42 is properly closed, it is locked by the door lock module 40. Furthermore, the magnet provided on the washing drum door 42 as described above can also detect whether the washing drum door 42 is closed and locked in the correct position. In other words, the above control method ensures that the washing drum door 42 is properly closed by detecting whether it is locked in the preset position. The control method provided in this embodiment is well designed. Locking the washing drum door 42 after closing ensures that the washing drum door 42 is not affected by the subsequent closing operation of the washing machine door 43. The washing machine door 43 can only be closed after confirming that the washing drum door 42 is locked in the preset locking position, ensuring that the washing machine door 43 is closed only after the washing drum door 42 is properly closed. Locking the washing machine door 43 after closing it prevents the door from closing repeatedly if the washing drum door 42 is not properly locked.

[0118] After the washing machine's inner and outer double doors are properly closed and locked, the washing machine can begin subsequent washing operations, including other operations. However, the washing drum needs to move as desired during subsequent operations, necessitating unlocking of the washing drum. Furthermore, the inner and outer double doors should remain locked after closing to prevent the washing machine door 43 from being opened during operation, potentially disrupting normal operation. As can be seen from the description of the positioning and unlocking module 41 in the above embodiment, the positioning and unlocking module 41 can be used to lock and unlock the washing drum, thereby achieving the unlocking of the washing drum and locking of the washing drum door 42 mentioned in this control method.

[0119] Specific as Figure 11 As shown in , the door closing operation includes the following steps:

[0120] Step S1, detecting whether the washing tub is locked and locked in a preset position, if the washing tub is not locked and locked in the preset position, executing step S2, if the washing tub is locked and locked in the preset position, executing step S3;

[0121] Step S2, controlling the washing tub to lock and lock it in a preset position and executing step S3;

[0122] Step S3, closing and locking the washing drum door 42, detecting whether the washing drum door 42 is locked in the preset locking position, if not locked in the preset locking position, executing step S4, if locked in the preset locking position, executing step S5;

[0123] Step S4, controlling the washing drum door 42 to lock at a preset locking position and executing step S5;

[0124] Step S5, closing and locking the washing machine door 43, detecting whether the washing machine door 43 is successfully locked, and executing step S6 after the washing machine door 43 is successfully locked;

[0125] Step S6, controlling the washing tub to unlock.

[0126] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any form of limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in terms of a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make slight changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments using the above technical content without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine door lock detection module, characterized in that: A positioning and unlocking device comprising a built-in positioning rod (22) and a door opening rod (23), wherein the positioning rod of the positioning and unlocking device can sequentially realize positioning movement and unlocking movement; The positioning movement includes the positioning rod (22) correspondingly extending into a positioning hole provided on the door and / or the washing tub of the washing machine; The unlocking movement includes the positioning rod (22) driving the door opening rod (23) to trigger the door unlocking; It also includes a gear module, which is used to enable the positioning rod to continue to drive the door opening rod to extend outward during the unlocking stage, so that the door opening rod contacts the door lock module to trigger unlocking; The detection device detects the position of the positioning rod (22) and is used to detect whether the positioning movement and the unlocking movement are completed.

2. A washing machine door lock detection module according to claim 1, characterized in that: During the positioning movement and the unlocking movement, the positioning rod (22) moves along the same linear trajectory; The detection device detects the position of the positioning rod (22) during the movement along the straight track.

3. A washing machine door lock detection module according to claim 2, characterized in that: During the positioning movement, the positioning rod (22) extends outward along the linear trajectory into the positioning hole; During the unlocking movement, the positioning rod (22) inserted into the positioning hole continues to move outward along the linear trajectory, and in the process of moving outward, drives the door opening rod (23) to trigger the door unlocking.

4. A washing machine door lock detection module according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that: The detection device is a light sensing detection device, A light shielding plate (37) is provided on the positioning rod (22), and a light-emitting photoelectric panel (38) and a light-sensing detector are fixedly installed at a position set on the linear track. At least part of the light source of the photoelectric panel (38) and the light-sensing detector are fixed on two sides opposite to the light shielding plate (37). The photoelectric panel (38) emits detection light toward the light-sensing detector. When the light shielding plate (37) moves to a corresponding position together with the positioning rod (22), it blocks the detection light emitted by the photoelectric panel (38).

5. A washing machine door lock detection module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The direction of the detection light irradiated by the photoelectric panel (38) toward the light-sensitive detector is perpendicular to the moving direction of the positioning rod.

6. A washing machine door lock detection module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The light-sensing detector includes a first light-sensing detector and a second light-sensing detector. The first light sensor is arranged when the positioning rod (22) completes the positioning movement and the light shielding plate (37) is at the desired position. The second light-sensing detector is arranged when the positioning rod (22) completes the unlocking movement and the light shielding plate (37) is in the desired position.

7. A washing machine door lock detection module according to claim 6, characterized in that: A limiting hole (39) extending a certain length along the running direction of the positioning rod (22) is provided on the photoelectric plate (38); a light shielding plate (37) is embedded in the limiting hole (39), is provided corresponding to a cross section of the positioning rod (22), and moves together with the positioning rod (22); a first light sensor and a second light sensor are respectively provided on one side of the limiting hole (39).

8. A washing machine door lock detection module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The moving directions of the light shielding plate (37) and the positioning rod (22) and the direction of the detection light irradiated by the photoelectric plate (38) toward the light-sensitive detector are respectively perpendicular.

9. A washing machine door lock detection module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first light-sensing detector and the second light-sensing detector are both provided with control switches, and the control switches are both connected to a motor (24) that supplies energy for the movement of the door opening rod (23) and the positioning rod (22).

10. A washing machine door lock detection module according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that: The light sensing detection device can transmit a position signal, and the washing machine door lock detection module includes a signal receiving device for receiving the position signal.

11. A washing machine door lock detection module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A guide rail groove is provided at the positioning hole of the machine door and / or the washing tub, the guide rail groove extending from the positioning hole along the movement direction of the positioning rod (22), and the positioning rod (22) inserted into the positioning hole is embedded in the guide rail groove and moves; The bottom of the positioning rod (22) is fixed with a slide block, a groove in which the slide block can be embedded is provided in the guide rail groove, and a detection device for detecting whether the slide block is embedded in the groove is provided in the groove.

12. A washing machine door lock detection module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The washing machine door lock detection module includes a door closing detection device for detecting whether the door is closed properly. The door closing detection device includes a magnet arranged on the door, and a Hall sensor is arranged on the outer shell and / or the outer drum. The Hall sensor is used to detect the position of the magnet. The Hall sensor is arranged to detect the magnet on the door when the door is closed and locked.

13. A washing machine door lock detection module according to claim 12, characterized in that: When the door is closed and locked in place, the Hall sensor can detect the magnet on the door; when the door is not closed and locked in place, the Hall sensor cannot detect the magnet on the door.

14. A washing machine door lock detection module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The washing machine is provided with a door lock device, comprising a door hook (1) fixed on the machine door, and a lock body fixed in a position opposite to the door hook (1); the action of the machine door being fully closed triggers the lock body to lock the door hook (1).

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