Automatic translation opening and closing mechanism of hatch, washing machine and control method

Abstract

The application provides a cabin door automatic translation opening and closing mechanism, a washing machine and a control method, which comprise a cabin body panel, a cabin door, a cabin door jacking assembly and a cabin door translation assembly; the cabin door jacking assembly comprises a jacking driving motor and a jacking telescopic frame, and the jacking telescopic frame is connected to the cabin door; the jacking driving motor drives the jacking telescopic frame to stretch or fold, so as to drive the cabin door to vertically open or close; the cabin door translation assembly comprises a translation driving motor and a translation sliding rail, and the jacking telescopic frame is arranged on the translation sliding rail; the translation driving motor drives the jacking telescopic frame to translate back and forth along the length direction of the translation sliding rail, so as to drive the cabin door to parallelly move apart or move together; the jacking driving motor is provided with a screw rod, the jacking telescopic frame is provided with a screw rod nut, and the screw rod nut is sleeved on the screw rod; the screw rod nut moves along the screw rod to drive the jacking telescopic frame to stretch or fold; the advantage lies in that the washing machine cabin door is automatically translated to open and close, no front space is occupied, and there is no obstacle for taking clothes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of washing machine or dryer technology, and in particular to an automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for a door, a washing machine and a dryer using the automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for a door, and a door sliding opening and closing control method to realize sliding opening and closing of the door. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machines and dryers are used to wash and dry clothes, bedding, etc., and their sizes, power, and functions vary depending on the usage scenario. Taking washing machines as an example, floor-standing washing machines used in daily life in households are usually placed under the countertop next to the sink on the balcony, while small washing machines for baby products are usually designed to be wall-mounted, and laundromats use large washing machines. Currently, there are also washer-dryer combos with both upper and lower drums on the market.

[0003] Washing machines and dryers on the market usually adopt a side-opening door design. For example, the invention patent with authorization announcement number CN109208280B discloses a drum washing machine, which includes a washing machine body and a washing machine door. The washing machine body is provided with a drum, and the drum opening is located at the front of the washing machine body. The front of the washing machine body is provided with a control panel. The inner surface of the washing machine door is provided with a glass window that is fastened and integrated. The glass window corresponds to and is sealed to the drum opening. When the washing machine door is closed, the entire front of the washing machine body is located inside the washing machine door.

[0004] On the one hand, since the drum of a drum washing machine is arranged horizontally with the drum opening facing the side wall of the washing machine body, the side-opening door design is more in line with user habits; on the other hand, as presented in the utility model patent with authorization announcement number CN210946152U, in order to waterproof and seal the opening between the washing machine door, the side wall opening of the washing machine body and the inner drum opening, the inner side of the washing machine door is usually set as a structure that protrudes inward and extends into the drum opening, thus limiting it to the side-opening door method.

[0005] However, when there is limited space in front of the washing machine, the side-opening door will prevent the items to be washed from being loaded into the drum. In particular, when the side-opening door cannot be fully opened, the protrusion on the inside of the door will block the drum opening. In addition, the shaking of the side-opening door during the loading or unloading of washing items will also cause the protrusion to frequently interfere with the user's operation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on the existing problems of side-opening designs of washing machines and dryers requiring front space and affecting users' loading or unloading of laundry items, this invention provides an automatic sliding door opening and closing mechanism, a washing machine and dryer equipped with this mechanism, and a door sliding opening and closing control method to achieve automatic sliding opening or closing of the washing machine or dryer door.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is: an automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for a hatch, including a hatch panel, a hatch for closing the opening of the hatch panel, and a hatch lifting assembly and a hatch sliding assembly installed on the hatch panel;

[0008] The hatch lifting assembly includes a lifting drive motor and a lifting telescopic frame, the lifting telescopic frame being connected to the hatch; the lifting drive motor drives the lifting telescopic frame to extend or retract, thereby driving the hatch to move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel;

[0009] The hatch sliding assembly includes a sliding drive motor and a sliding rail, and the lifting telescopic frame is mounted on the sliding rail;

[0010] The lifting drive motor is equipped with a lead screw. The first side of the lifting telescopic frame is fixed relative to the lead screw, and the second side is equipped with a lead screw nut, which is sleeved on the lead screw. When the lifting drive motor is running, the lead screw nut can move back and forth along the lead screw.

[0011] The lead screw nut moves closer to the first side, and the lifting telescopic frame extends to drive the hatch to move forward in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel, thus opening the hatch; at this time, the translation drive motor drives the lifting telescopic frame to translate back and forth along the length of the translation slide rail to drive the hatch to translate back and forth in a direction parallel to the cabin panel.

[0012] The lead screw nut moves away from the first side, and the lifting telescopic frame folds up to drive the hatch to move backward in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel, thereby closing the hatch.

[0013] The preferred technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: the lifting telescopic frame includes a first fixed seat connected to the hatch and a second fixed seat connected to the translation slide rail, as well as a folding linkage group formed by several connecting rods that are movably hinged to each other; the front end of the folding linkage group is connected to the first fixed seat and the rear end is connected to the second fixed seat;

[0014] The folding linkage group includes a first folding linkage group and a second folding linkage group arranged in parallel and symmetrically; the lead screw nut is movably hinged between the first folding linkage group and the second folding linkage group.

[0015] The preferred technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problem is as follows: the hatch sliding assembly is provided with a pair of parallel sliding rails, the upper sliding rail is provided above the opening of the hatch panel, and the lower sliding rail is provided below the opening of the hatch panel.

[0016] The hatch lifting assembly is equipped with a pair of lifting telescopic frames. The upper lifting telescopic frame is mounted on the upper sliding rail and connected to the upper end of the hatch; the lower lifting telescopic frame is mounted on the lower sliding rail and connected to the lower end of the hatch.

[0017] The lifting drive motor is located on the side of the upper lifting telescopic frame. The lead screw includes an upper lead screw and a lower lead screw. The lifting drive motor extends out of the upper lead screw. The lower lead screw is located in front of the lower translation slide rail. The upper lead screw is connected to the lower lead screw through a transmission flexible shaft so that the lifting drive motor drives the upper lead screw and the lower lead screw synchronously.

[0018] The lead screw nut of the upper lifting telescopic frame is sleeved on the upper lead screw, and the lead screw nut of the lower lifting telescopic frame is sleeved on the lower lead screw.

[0019] The preferred technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: the lifting telescopic frame is set on the translation slide rail through the translation connecting plate, one end of the lifting telescopic frame is fixed to the front side of the translation connecting plate, and the rear side of the translation connecting plate is movably set on the translation slide rail and can be translated along the length direction of the translation slide rail.

[0020] The preferred technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: the translation drive motor is connected to a gear, the translation connecting plate has a rack extending along the length direction, and the gear and the rack mesh with each other; when the translation drive motor is running, the gear and the rack cooperate to drive the translation connecting plate to translate back and forth along the length direction of the translation slide rail.

[0021] Another technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is: an automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for a hatch, including a hatch panel, a hatch for closing the opening of the hatch panel, and a hatch lifting assembly and a hatch sliding assembly installed on the hatch panel;

[0022] The hatch sliding assembly includes a sliding drive motor and a pair of parallel sliding rails. The upper sliding rail is located above the opening of the hatch panel, and the lower sliding rail is located below the opening of the hatch panel. The two sliding rails are provided with sliding connecting plates that can slide back and forth along their length.

[0023] The hatch lifting assembly includes a lifting drive motor and a pair of lifting telescopic frames. One end of the upper lifting telescopic frame is connected to the upper translation slide rail via an upper translation connecting plate, and the other end is connected to the upper end of the hatch. One end of the lower lifting telescopic frame is connected to the lower translation slide rail via a lower translation connecting plate, and the other end is connected to the lower end of the hatch.

[0024] The lifting drive motor drives the lifting telescopic frame to extend or retract, thereby driving the hatch to move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel, so as to open and close the hatch.

[0025] The translation drive motor is located beside the upper translation slide rail. The translation drive motor drives the upper translation connecting plate to move back and forth along the length direction of the upper translation slide rail, and the lower translation connecting plate moves back and forth synchronously along the length direction of the lower translation slide rail, so as to drive the hatch to move back and forth in a direction parallel to the hatch panel.

[0026] Another preferred technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: the translation drive motor is connected to a gear, the upper translation connecting plate has a rack extending along the length direction, and the gear and the rack mesh with each other; when the translation drive motor is running, the gear and the rack cooperate to drive the upper translation connecting plate to translate back and forth along the length direction of the upper translation slide rail.

[0027] Another preferred technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: the lifting drive motor is arranged on the side of the upper lifting telescopic frame; an upper lead screw is arranged in front of the upper translation connecting plate, and a lower lead screw is arranged in front of the lower translation connecting plate; the upper lead screw is connected to the lower lead screw through a transmission flexible shaft, so that the lifting drive motor drives the two lead screws synchronously.

[0028] The second side of each of the two lifting telescopic frames is provided with a screw nut. The screw nut of the upper lifting telescopic frame is sleeved on the upper screw, and the screw nut of the lower lifting telescopic frame is sleeved on the lower screw. The first side of each of the two lifting telescopic frames is fixedly arranged relative to the corresponding screw.

[0029] When the lifting drive motor is running, the lead screw nut can move back and forth along the corresponding lead screw; when the lead screw nut moves closer to the first side, the lifting telescopic frame extends to drive the hatch to move forward in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel, thus opening the hatch; when the lead screw nut moves away from the first side, the lifting telescopic frame retracts to drive the hatch to move backward in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel, thus closing the hatch.

[0030] Another preferred technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: both of the lifting telescopic frames include a first fixed seat connecting the hatch and a second fixed seat connecting the translation connecting plate, as well as a folding link group formed by a plurality of connecting rods that are movably hinged to each other; the front end of the folding link group is connected to the first fixed seat and the rear end is connected to the second fixed seat.

[0031] Another preferred technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: the folding linkage group includes a first folding linkage group and a second folding linkage group arranged in parallel and symmetrically; each folding linkage group includes two three-point linkages and four two-point linkages; the middle points of the two three-point linkages are movably hinged to each other, and the two end points are respectively movably hinged to one end of a two-point linkage; the other ends of the two two-point linkages are movably hinged to the first fixed seat, and the other ends of the other two two-point linkages are movably hinged to the second fixed seat.

[0032] Another technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is: a washing machine, including a washing machine body and an automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the door, wherein the door panel is disposed on one side of the washing machine body.

[0033] Another technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is: a dryer, including a dryer body and an automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the cabin door, wherein the cabin panel is disposed on one side of the dryer body.

[0034] Another technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is: a hatch sliding opening and closing control method, the controlled object of which is an automatic hatch sliding opening and closing mechanism, including a hatch panel, a hatch for closing the opening of the hatch panel, and a hatch lifting assembly and a hatch sliding assembly installed on the hatch panel;

[0035] The hatch sliding assembly includes a sliding drive motor and a pair of sliding rails arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the hatch panel opening. Each of the two sliding rails is provided with a sliding connecting plate that can slide back and forth along its length direction. The sliding drive motor is connected to a gear, and each of the sliding connecting plates has a rack extending along its length direction. The gear and the rack mesh with each other.

[0036] The hatch lifting assembly includes a lifting drive motor and a pair of lifting telescopic frames. The two lifting telescopic frames are respectively fixedly mounted on the two translation connecting plates and connected to one end of the hatch.

[0037] A lead screw is provided in front of each of the two translational connecting plates. The two lead screws are connected by a transmission flexible shaft. The lead screw nuts of the two lifting telescopic frames are respectively sleeved on the corresponding lead screws. The lifting drive motor drives the two lead screws synchronously.

[0038] In the initial state, the hatch is closed to seal the opening of the cabin panel, the two lifting telescopic frames are in a folded state, and the two translation connecting plates are respectively located at the first position of the two translation slide rails;

[0039] Step 1: Open the hatch vertically:

[0040] The lifting drive motor rotates forward, synchronously driving the two lead screws to rotate forward. The lead screw nuts of the two lifting telescopic frames move closer to the first side, and the two lifting telescopic frames extend, driving the hatch to move forward in a direction perpendicular to the hatch panel.

[0041] When both of the aforementioned lifting telescopic frames are fully extended, the hatch is in a vertically open state;

[0042] Step 2: Slide the hatch open horizontally.

[0043] The translation drive motor rotates forward, and the gear and rack cooperate to drive the translation connecting plate to translate along the length direction of the translation slide rail toward the second position, thereby driving the hatch to move open in a direction parallel to the hatch panel;

[0044] When the two sliding connecting plates reach the second position of the two sliding slide rails respectively, the hatch is in the sliding open state;

[0045] Step 3: Parallel sliding and closing of the hatch:

[0046] The translation drive motor reverses, and the gear and rack cooperate to drive the translation connecting plate to translate along the length direction of the translation slide rail toward the first position, thereby driving the hatch to move and close in a direction parallel to the hatch panel;

[0047] When the two translation connecting plates reach the first position of the two translation slide rails respectively, the hatch is in a vertically open state;

[0048] Step 4: Close the hatch vertically:

[0049] The lifting drive motor reverses, synchronously driving the two lead screws to reverse, the lead screw nuts of the two lifting telescopic frames move away from the first side, the two lifting telescopic frames fold, and drive the hatch to move backward in a direction perpendicular to the hatch panel;

[0050] When both of the aforementioned lifting telescopic frames are fully retracted, the hatch closes to seal the opening in the cabin panel.

[0051] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are: the washing machine or dryer is equipped with the automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism of the door provided by the present invention, or adopts the sliding opening and closing control method of the door provided by the present invention, which realizes the sliding opening and closing of the door relative to the body panel. Compared with the existing side opening door method, it does not occupy the space in front of the body panel. When the door is in the sliding open state, the opening of the body panel is fully opened and exposed, and the user will not be obstructed by the protrusion on the inside of the door when putting in and taking out clothes.

[0052] Furthermore, the hatch lifting assembly and hatch sliding assembly used in this invention can realize the automatic vertical opening and closing of the hatch, as well as the parallel opening and closing, with stable movement, without requiring the user to manually open the hatch. Attached Figure Description

[0053] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that these drawings are drawn only for the purpose of explaining the preferred embodiments and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, unless specifically indicated, the drawings are only schematic representations of the composition or structure of the described objects and may contain exaggerated depictions, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the hatch when the hatch is closed;

[0055] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the hatch when the hatch is in the vertically open state.

[0056] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the hatch when the hatch is in the sliding open state;

[0057] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of the structure at point A after removing the upper translation connecting plate;

[0058] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the lifting telescopic frame Figure 1 ;

[0059] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the lifting telescopic frame Figure 2 ;

[0060] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a washing machine or dryer equipped with an automatic sliding door opening and closing mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these descriptions are merely descriptive and exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0062] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Similarly, "first" and "second" are only for ease of understanding and have no other directional meaning, and should not be considered as limitations on this invention.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 3 The automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism 100 for the hatch provided in this embodiment is shown, including a hatch panel 101, a hatch 102 for closing the hatch panel opening 101k, and a hatch lifting assembly and a hatch sliding assembly installed on the hatch panel 101.

[0064] Let's first look at the hatch sliding assembly:

[0065] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 Combination Figure 4 As shown, the hatch sliding assembly includes a sliding drive motor 10 and a pair of parallel sliding rails 20. The upper sliding rail 20a is positioned above the hatch panel opening 101k, and the lower sliding rail 20b is positioned below the hatch panel opening 101k. The two sliding rails 20 are provided with sliding connecting plates 21 that can slide back and forth along their length direction. The rear side of the upper sliding connecting plate 21a passes through the front side of the upper sliding rail 20a, and the rear side of the lower sliding connecting plate 21b passes through the front side of the lower sliding rail 20b.

[0066] A translation drive motor 10 is located below and beside the upper translation slide rail 20a. The translation drive motor 10 is connected to a gear 11. The upper translation connecting plate 21a has a rack 22 extending along its length. The gear 11 and the rack 22 mesh with each other. When the translation drive motor 10 is running, the gear 11 and the rack 22 work together to drive the upper translation connecting plate 21a to move back and forth along the length of the upper translation slide rail 20a.

[0067] Of course, in other embodiments, the translation drive motor 10 may also be located on the side of the lower translation slide rail 20b, and the lower translation connecting plate 21b has a rack 22 extending along the length direction, so that the translation drive motor 10 drives the lower translation connecting plate 21b to translate back and forth along the length direction of the lower translation slide rail 20b.

[0068] Let's take a look at the hatch lifting assembly:

[0069] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the hatch lifting assembly includes a lifting drive motor 30 and a pair of lifting telescopic frames 40. One end of the upper lifting telescopic frame 40a is fixed to the front side of the upper translation connecting plate 21a, thereby connecting to the upper translation slide rail 20a through the upper translation connecting plate 21a, and the other end is connected to the upper end of the hatch 102. One end of the lower lifting telescopic frame 40b is fixed to the front side of the lower translation connecting plate 21b, thereby connecting to the lower translation slide rail 20b through the lower translation connecting plate 21b, and the other end is connected to the lower end of the hatch 102.

[0070] The lifting drive motor 30 drives the lifting telescopic frame 40 to extend or retract in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel 101, thereby driving the hatch 102 to move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel 101, so as to open and close the hatch 102.

[0071] Specifically, let's look at the 40-inch telescopic lifting frame:

[0072] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 Combination Figure 1 As shown, the lifting telescopic frame 40 includes a first fixed seat 41 connected to the hatch 102 and a second fixed seat 42 connected to the translation connecting plate 21, as well as a folding linkage group 50 formed by several connecting rods that are movably hinged to each other. The front end of the folding linkage group 50 is connected to the first fixed seat 41, and the rear end is connected to the second fixed seat 42. The first fixed seat 41 is connected to the hatch 102 through the hatch bracket J.

[0073] The folding linkage group 50 includes a first folding linkage group 50a and a second folding linkage group 50b arranged in parallel and symmetrically. Each folding linkage group 50 includes two three-point links 51 and four two-point links 52. The two three-point links 51 intersect, and their middle points 51a are movably hinged to each other. Their front ends 51b are movably hinged to one end of one of the two two-point links 52, and the other ends of the two two-point links 52 are movably hinged to the first fixed base 41. Their rear ends 51c are movably hinged to one end of the other two two-point links 52, and the other ends of the two two-point links 52 are movably hinged to the second fixed base 42.

[0074] Thus, the folding linkage 50 can be extended or retracted. When extended, the first fixed seat 41 moves away from the second fixed seat 42, and when retracted, the first fixed seat 41 moves closer to the second fixed seat 42.

[0075] The lifting telescopic frame 40 also includes a first side portion C1 and a second side portion C2, which are also the first side portions C1 and C2 of the folding linkage assembly 50. When extended, the first side portion C1 is close to the second side portion C2; when folded, the first side portion C1 is away from the second side portion C2. The second side portion C2 of the lifting telescopic frame 40 is provided with a lead screw nut 43. In this embodiment, the lead screw nut 43 is movably hinged between the first folding linkage assembly 50a and the second folding linkage assembly 50b, at the rear end point 51c of the three-point link 51.

[0076] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the lifting drive motor 30 is connected to and drives the lead screw 31. In this embodiment, the lifting drive motor 30 can synchronously drive the two lead screws 31. The upper lead screw 31a is provided in front of the upper translation connecting plate 21a, and the lower lead screw 31b is provided in front of the lower translation connecting plate 21b. The lifting drive motor 30 extends the upper lead screw 31a. The upper lead screw 31a is connected to the lower lead screw 31b through the transmission flexible shaft 32, and universal joints 33 are provided at both ends of the transmission flexible shaft 32. Thus, the lifting drive motor 30 drives the upper lead screw 31a to rotate and synchronously drives the lower lead screw 31b through the transmission flexible shaft 32.

[0077] Two lead screw nuts 43 are respectively sleeved on two lead screws 31. When the lifting drive motor 30 is running, it drives the lead screws 31 to rotate, thereby causing the lead screw nuts 43 to move back and forth along the length direction of the corresponding lead screws 31. The lead screw nuts 43 of the upper lifting telescopic frame 40a are sleeved on the upper lead screw 31a, and the lead screw nuts 43 of the lower lifting telescopic frame 40b are sleeved on the lower lead screw 31b.

[0078] Meanwhile, the first side C1 of the two lifting telescopic frames 40 are fixedly set relative to the corresponding lead screw 31. In this embodiment, the first side C1 of the upper lifting telescopic frame 40a is movably hinged to the upper floating sleeve 34a fixed to the end of the lifting drive motor 30, and the first side C1 of the lower lifting telescopic frame 40b is movably hinged to the lower floating sleeve 34b fixed to the end of the lower lead screw 31b.

[0079] Thus, the lifting drive motor 30 drives the upper lead screw 31a and the lower lead screw 31b to rotate synchronously. When the lead screw nuts 43 of the two lifting telescopic frames 40 move closer to the first side C1 along the length direction of the corresponding lead screw 31, the two lifting telescopic frames 40 extend synchronously, thereby driving the hatch 102 to move forward in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel 101 and opening the hatch 102. When the lead screw nuts 43 of the two lifting telescopic frames 40 move away from the first side C1 along the length direction of the corresponding lead screw 31, the two lifting telescopic frames 40 retract synchronously, thereby driving the hatch 102 to move backward in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel 101 and closing the hatch 102.

[0080] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a lifting micro switch D1 and a sensor D2 are respectively provided on the first side C1 and the second side C2 of the folding linkage assembly 50. When the folding linkage assembly 50 extends to the point where the sensor D2 triggers the micro switch, the lifting drive motor 30 stops running. At this time, the hatch 102 opens to a suitable position, and the protrusion T on its inner side fully extends out of the hatch panel opening 101k, which will not block the subsequent translation of the hatch 102, and the hatch 102 will not open too far forward to avoid occupying the space on the front side of the hatch panel 101.

[0081] Therefore, when the hatch lifting assembly extends and drives the hatch 102 to open vertically via the lifting telescopic frame 40, the hatch translation assembly can further drive the hatch 102 to translate. Furthermore, when the translation drive motor 10 drives the upper translation connecting plate 21a to translate back and forth along the length direction of the upper translation slide rail 20a, the upper lifting telescopic frame 40a will also translate back and forth along the length direction of the upper translation slide rail 20a. In addition, through the hatch 102 and the lower lifting telescopic frame 40b, the lower translation connecting plate 21b will be driven to translate back and forth synchronously along the length direction of the lower translation slide rail 20b.

[0082] Therefore, the translation drive motor 10 only needs to drive one of the translation connecting plates 21 to drive the entire hatch 102 to translate back and forth in a direction parallel to the hatch panel 101.

[0083] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a first translation micro switch P1 is installed on the cabin panel 101 near one end of the upper translation slide rail 20a, a second translation micro switch P2 is installed on the cabin panel 101 near the other end of the upper translation slide rail 20a, and a contact piece P3 is provided at one end of the upper translation connecting plate 21a.

[0084] When the upper translation connecting plate 21a moves along the length of the upper translation slide rail 20a to the second position, in this embodiment it moves to the left, moving the hatch 102 parallel to open until the contact piece P3 triggers the first micro switch P1, the translation drive motor 10 stops running, and the hatch 102 moves to a suitable position to expose the hatch panel opening 101a as much as possible, and to prevent the upper translation connecting plate 21a from slipping off the upper translation slide rail 20a.

[0085] When the upper translation connecting plate 21a moves along the length of the upper translation slide rail 20a toward the first position, in this embodiment it moves to the right, and the hatch 102 moves parallel to the opening until the contact piece P3 triggers the second micro switch P2, the translation drive motor 10 stops running, and the hatch 102 moves to the vertical opening position, thereby ensuring that the hatch 102 is facing the hatch panel opening 101k at this time.

[0086] Of course, in other embodiments, the two microswitches P1 and P2 and the contact piece P3 can also be installed at the corresponding positions of the lower translation slide rail 20b and the lower translation connecting plate 21b.

[0087] The operation mode of the automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism 100 of the hatch is further explained below with reference to the hatch sliding opening and closing control method provided in this embodiment:

[0088] like Figure 1 As shown, in the initial state, the hatch 102 is closed to seal the hatch panel opening 101k, the two lifting telescopic frames 40 are in a folded state, and the two translational connecting plates 21 are respectively located at the first position of the two translational slide rails 20.

[0089] Step 1: Hatch door 102 opens vertically:

[0090] The lifting drive motor 30 rotates forward, synchronously driving the two lead screws 31 to rotate forward. The lead screw nuts 43 of the two lifting telescopic frames 40 move closer to the first side C1, and the two lifting telescopic frames 40 extend, driving the hatch 102 to move forward in a direction perpendicular to the hatch panel 101.

[0091] When both lifting telescopic frames 40 are fully extended, the hatch 102 is in the position as follows: Figure 2 The vertical opening state is shown;

[0092] In this step, it is necessary to ensure that the protrusion T on the inside of the hatch 102 is completely removed from the hatch panel opening 101k to prevent obstruction of the subsequent translational movement of the hatch 102.

[0093] Step 2: Hatch door 102 is moved open in parallel:

[0094] The translation drive motor 10 rotates forward, and the gear 11 and rack 22 cooperate to drive the upper translation connecting plate 21a to translate along the length direction of the upper translation slide rail 20a to the second position. In this embodiment, it translates to the left, thereby driving the hatch 102 to move to the left in a direction parallel to the hatch panel 101.

[0095] At this time, the lower translation connecting plate 21b synchronously translates towards the second position along the length direction of the lower translation slide rail 20b;

[0096] When the two sliding connecting plates 21 reach the second position of the two sliding rails 20 respectively, the hatch 102 is in the position as shown in the figure. Figure 3 The translation open state is shown;

[0097] At this time, the opening 101k of the cabin panel is fully opened and exposed, allowing the user to put in clothes to be washed or dried, or to take out clothes that have been washed or dried.

[0098] Step 3: Parallel sliding and closing of hatch 102:

[0099] The translation drive motor 10 reverses, and the gear 11 and rack 22 cooperate to drive the upper translation connecting plate 21a to translate along the length direction of the upper translation slide rail 20a toward the first position. In this embodiment, it translates to the right, thereby driving the hatch 102 to move to the right in a direction parallel to the hatch panel 101.

[0100] At this time, the lower translation connecting plate 21b synchronously translates towards the first position along the length direction of the lower translation slide rail 20b;

[0101] When the two translational connecting plates 21 reach the first position of the two translational slide rails 20 respectively, the hatch 102 is in a vertically open state;

[0102] Step 4: Close hatch 102 vertically.

[0103] The lifting drive motor 30 reverses, synchronously driving the two lead screws 21 to reverse, the lead screw nuts 43 of the two lifting telescopic frames 40 move away from the first side C1, the two lifting telescopic frames 40 fold, and drive the hatch 102 to move backward in a direction perpendicular to the hatch panel 101.

[0104] When the two lifting telescopic frames 40 are fully retracted, the hatch 102 closes to seal the hatch panel opening 101k.

[0105] The above-mentioned hatch sliding opening and closing control method realizes the sliding opening and closing of the hatch 102 relative to the cabin panel 101. Compared with the existing side-opening door method, it does not occupy the space in front of the cabin panel 101. When the hatch 102 is in the sliding open state, the cabin panel opening 101k is fully opened and exposed, and the user will not be obstructed by the protrusion T on the inside of the hatch 102 when putting in and taking out clothes.

[0106] Furthermore, this invention also claims protection for washing machines and dryers equipped with an automatic sliding door opening and closing mechanism, wherein the body panel 101 can be as follows: Figure 7 It is shown to be disposed on one side of the washing machine body or dryer body 200.

[0107] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the translation direction of the door 102 can also be opposite, for example, it can be translated to the right or to the top, depending on the orientation of the translation rail 20 and the direction in which the translation drive motor 10 drives the translation connecting plate 21 to move along the translation rail 20. Thus, consumers can choose the appropriate door translation direction based on the specific placement of the washing machine and dryer.

[0108] It should also be noted that in other embodiments, the hatch sliding assembly may consist of only one sliding rail 20 and a sliding connecting plate 21, and the hatch lifting assembly may consist of only one lifting telescopic frame 40, with one end of the lifting telescopic frame 40 fixedly mounted on the sliding connecting plate 21 and the other end connected to the hatch 102. However, in this embodiment, a pair of parallel sliding rails 20 and a corresponding pair of lifting telescopic frames 40 are provided, respectively connecting the two ends of the hatch 102, which makes both the vertical and translational movements of the hatch 102 more stable.

[0109] In addition, in other embodiments, the translation drive motor 10 can use other assembly methods to drive the lifting telescopic frame 40 to move back and forth along the translation slide rail 20. For example, the lifting telescopic frame 40 is movably mounted on the translation slide rail 20 with the second fixed seat 42, and the translation drive motor 10 is also a worm gear reducer motor, which drives the lifting telescopic frame 40 to move back and forth along the translation slide rail 20 by inserting a lead screw into the lead screw nut on the second fixed seat 42.

[0110] It should be noted that similar labels in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it may not be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0111] The automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the hatch, the washing machine, and the control method provided by this invention have been described above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand this invention and its core ideas. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this invention without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. An automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for a hatch, characterized in that: It includes a cabin panel, a hatch for closing the opening of the cabin panel, and a hatch lifting assembly and a hatch translation assembly installed on the cabin panel; The hatch lifting assembly includes a lifting drive motor and a lifting telescopic frame, the lifting telescopic frame being connected to the hatch; the lifting drive motor drives the lifting telescopic frame to extend or retract, thereby driving the hatch to move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel; The hatch sliding assembly includes a sliding drive motor and a sliding rail, and the lifting telescopic frame is mounted on the sliding rail; The lifting telescopic frame is mounted on the translation slide rail via a translation connecting plate. One end of the lifting telescopic frame is fixed to the front side of the translation connecting plate, and the rear side of the translation connecting plate is movably mounted on the translation slide rail and can be translated along the length of the translation slide rail. The lifting drive motor is equipped with a lead screw. The first side of the lifting telescopic frame is fixed relative to the lead screw, and the second side is equipped with a lead screw nut, which is sleeved on the lead screw. When the lifting drive motor is running, the lead screw nut can move back and forth along the lead screw. The lead screw nut moves closer to the first side, and the lifting telescopic frame extends to drive the hatch to move forward in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel, thereby opening the hatch; At this time, the translation drive motor drives the lifting telescopic frame to move back and forth along the length direction of the translation slide rail, so as to drive the hatch to move back and forth in a direction parallel to the hatch panel; The lead screw nut moves away from the first side, and the lifting telescopic frame folds up to drive the hatch to move backward in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel, thereby closing the hatch.

2. The automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the hatch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting telescopic frame includes a first fixed seat connected to the hatch and a second fixed seat connected to the translation slide rail, as well as a folding linkage group formed by several connecting rods that are movably hinged to each other; the front end of the folding linkage group is connected to the first fixed seat and the rear end is connected to the second fixed seat. The folding linkage group includes a first folding linkage group and a second folding linkage group arranged in parallel and symmetrically; the lead screw nut is movably hinged between the first folding linkage group and the second folding linkage group.

3. The automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the hatch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hatch sliding assembly is provided with a pair of parallel sliding rails, with the upper sliding rail positioned above the opening of the hatch panel and the lower sliding rail positioned below the opening of the hatch panel. The hatch lifting assembly is equipped with a pair of lifting telescopic frames. The upper lifting telescopic frame is mounted on the upper sliding rail and connected to the upper end of the hatch; the lower lifting telescopic frame is mounted on the lower sliding rail and connected to the lower end of the hatch. The lifting drive motor is located on the side of the upper lifting telescopic frame. The lead screw includes an upper lead screw and a lower lead screw. The lifting drive motor extends out of the upper lead screw. The lower lead screw is located in front of the lower translation slide rail. The upper lead screw is connected to the lower lead screw through a transmission flexible shaft so that the lifting drive motor drives the upper lead screw and the lower lead screw synchronously. The lead screw nut of the upper lifting telescopic frame is sleeved on the upper lead screw, and the lead screw nut of the lower lifting telescopic frame is sleeved on the lower lead screw.

4. The automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the hatch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The translation drive motor is connected to a gear, and the translation connecting plate has a rack extending along the length direction. The gear and the rack mesh with each other. When the translation drive motor is running, the gear and the rack work together to drive the translation connecting plate to move back and forth along the length direction of the translation slide rail.

5. An automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the hatch, characterized in that: It includes a cabin panel, a hatch for closing the opening of the cabin panel, and a hatch lifting assembly and a hatch translation assembly installed on the cabin panel; The hatch sliding assembly includes a sliding drive motor and a pair of parallel sliding rails. The upper sliding rail is located above the opening of the hatch panel, and the lower sliding rail is located below the opening of the hatch panel. The two sliding rails are provided with sliding connecting plates that can slide back and forth along their length. The hatch lifting assembly includes a lifting drive motor and a pair of lifting telescopic frames. One end of the upper lifting telescopic frame is connected to the upper translation slide rail via an upper translation connecting plate, and the other end is connected to the upper end of the hatch. One end of the lower lifting telescopic frame is connected to the lower translation slide rail via a lower translation connecting plate, and the other end is connected to the lower end of the hatch. The lifting drive motor drives the lifting telescopic frame to extend or retract, thereby driving the hatch to move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel, so as to open and close the hatch. The translation drive motor is located beside the upper translation slide rail. The translation drive motor drives the upper translation connecting plate to move back and forth along the length direction of the upper translation slide rail, and the lower translation connecting plate moves back and forth synchronously along the length direction of the lower translation slide rail, so as to drive the hatch to move back and forth in a direction parallel to the hatch panel.

6. The automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the hatch according to claim 5, characterized in that: The translation drive motor is connected to a gear, and the upper translation connecting plate has a rack extending along the length direction. The gear and the rack mesh with each other. When the translation drive motor is running, the gear and the rack cooperate to drive the upper translation connecting plate to translate back and forth along the length direction of the upper translation slide rail.

7. The automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the hatch according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lifting drive motor is located on the side of the upper lifting telescopic frame; an upper lead screw is located in front of the upper translation connecting plate, and a lower lead screw is located in front of the lower translation connecting plate. The upper lead screw is connected to the lower lead screw through a transmission flexible shaft so that the lifting drive motor drives the two lead screws synchronously. The second side of each of the two lifting telescopic frames is provided with a screw nut. The screw nut of the upper lifting telescopic frame is sleeved on the upper screw, and the screw nut of the lower lifting telescopic frame is sleeved on the lower screw. The first side of each of the two lifting telescopic frames is fixedly arranged relative to the corresponding screw. When the lifting drive motor is running, the lead screw nut can move back and forth along the corresponding lead screw; when the lead screw nut moves closer to the first side, the lifting telescopic frame extends to drive the hatch to move forward in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel, thus opening the hatch; when the lead screw nut moves away from the first side, the lifting telescopic frame retracts to drive the hatch to move backward in a direction perpendicular to the cabin panel, thus closing the hatch.

8. The automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the hatch according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both of the aforementioned lifting and telescopic frames include a first fixed seat connecting the hatch and a second fixed seat connecting the translational connecting plate, as well as a folding linkage group formed by several connecting rods that are movably hinged to each other; the front end of the folding linkage group is connected to the first fixed seat, and the rear end is connected to the second fixed seat.

9. The automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for the hatch according to claim 8, characterized in that: The folding linkage group includes a first folding linkage group and a second folding linkage group arranged in parallel and symmetrically. Each folding linkage group includes two three-point linkages and four two-point linkages. The middle points of the two three-point linkages are movably hinged to each other, and the two end points are movably hinged to one end of a two-point linkage, respectively. The other ends of the two two-point linkages are movably hinged to the first fixed seat, and the other ends of the other two two-point linkages are movably hinged to the second fixed seat.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that: It includes a washing machine body and an automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for any of the compartments as described in claims 1-9, wherein the compartment panel is disposed on one side of the washing machine body.

11. A dryer, characterized in that: It includes a dryer body and an automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism for any of the compartment doors as described in claims 1-9, wherein the compartment panel is disposed on one side of the dryer body.

12. A method for controlling the sliding opening and closing of a hatch, characterized in that: Its controlled object is the automatic sliding opening and closing mechanism of the hatch, including the hatch panel, the hatch for closing the opening of the hatch panel, and the hatch lifting assembly and hatch sliding assembly installed on the hatch panel; The hatch sliding assembly includes a sliding drive motor and a pair of sliding rails arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the hatch panel opening. Each of the two sliding rails is provided with a sliding connecting plate that can slide back and forth along its length direction. The sliding drive motor is connected to a gear, and each of the sliding connecting plates has a rack extending along its length direction. The gear and the rack mesh with each other. The hatch lifting assembly includes a lifting drive motor and a pair of lifting telescopic frames. The two lifting telescopic frames are respectively fixedly mounted on the two translation connecting plates and connected to one end of the hatch. A lead screw is provided in front of each of the two translational connecting plates. The two lead screws are connected by a transmission flexible shaft. The lead screw nuts of the two lifting telescopic frames are respectively sleeved on the corresponding lead screws. The lifting drive motor drives the two lead screws synchronously. In the initial state, the hatch is closed to seal the opening of the cabin panel, the two lifting telescopic frames are in a folded state, and the two translation connecting plates are respectively located at the first position of the two translation slide rails; Step 1: Open the hatch vertically: The lifting drive motor rotates forward, synchronously driving the two lead screws to rotate forward. The lead screw nuts of the two lifting telescopic frames move closer to the first side, and the two lifting telescopic frames extend, driving the hatch to move forward in a direction perpendicular to the hatch panel. When both of the aforementioned lifting telescopic frames are fully extended, the hatch is in a vertically open state; Step 2: Slide the hatch open horizontally. The translation drive motor rotates forward, and the gear and rack cooperate to drive the translation connecting plate to translate along the length direction of the translation slide rail toward the second position, thereby driving the hatch to move open in a direction parallel to the hatch panel; When the two sliding connecting plates reach the second position of the two sliding slide rails respectively, the hatch is in the sliding open state; Step 3: Parallel sliding and closing of the hatch: The translation drive motor reverses, and the gear and rack cooperate to drive the translation connecting plate to translate along the length direction of the translation slide rail toward the first position, thereby driving the hatch to move and close in a direction parallel to the hatch panel; When the two translation connecting plates reach the first position of the two translation slide rails respectively, the hatch is in a vertically open state; Step 4: Close the hatch vertically: The lifting drive motor reverses, synchronously driving the two lead screws to reverse, the lead screw nuts of the two lifting telescopic frames move away from the first side, the two lifting telescopic frames fold, and drive the hatch to move backward in a direction perpendicular to the hatch panel; When both of the aforementioned lifting telescopic frames are fully retracted, the hatch closes to seal the opening in the cabin panel.

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