Dishwasher

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances and discloses a dish washing machine which has an automatic door opening function and comprises a machine body, a door body, a pull rope and a tension spring, the machine body is provided with a washing cavity, the door body is pivotally arranged on the machine body to open and close the washing cavity, one end of the pull rope is connected with the door body, and one end of the tension spring is connected with the machine body. The other end of the tension spring is connected with the other end of the pull rope, and the length of the tension spring is a first length when the washing cavity is closed by the door body; in the state that the washing cavity is opened by the door body, when the door body is at a preset door opening angle, the length of the tension spring is a second length, and in the process that the door body reaches the preset door opening angle from the closed state, the second length of the tension spring is equal to the first length. Therefore, the drying efficiency is improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on January 27, 2021, with application number 202110111517.8 and invention title "Dishwasher". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and more specifically, to a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, as the dishwasher market expands and consumers become more aware of its capabilities, basic performance parameters such as washing, drying, energy consumption, and water consumption are receiving increasing attention. In related technologies, dishwashers achieve cleaning through high-temperature heating and then dry using the residual heat from the final rinse. Higher temperatures result in better drying, but this also brings safety hazards due to the high-temperature water spray during operation and increased energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a dishwasher that has high drying efficiency and helps reduce energy consumption.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher has an automatic door opening function and includes: a body having a washing chamber; a door pivotally mounted on the body to open and close the washing chamber; a pull cord, one end of which is connected to the door; and a tension spring, one end of which is connected to the body and the other end of which is connected to the other end of the pull cord. When the door is closed and the washing chamber is closed, the length of the tension spring is a first length. When the door is open and the washing chamber is at a predetermined opening angle, the length of the tension spring is a second length. During the process of the door moving from a closed state to the predetermined opening angle, the second length of the tension spring is equal to the first length.

[0006] In some embodiments, when the door is at any opening angle greater than the predetermined opening angle, the length of the tension spring is a third length, which is greater than the first length and the second length.

[0007] In some embodiments, when the door is at any opening angle greater than the predetermined opening angle, the third length can increase as the opening angle of the door increases, so that the door can reach a balanced state at any opening angle greater than the predetermined opening angle.

[0008] In some embodiments, the dishwasher includes: a door lock assembly for locking the machine body and the door; and an automatic door opening assembly for driving the door lock assembly to unlock, thereby achieving automatic door opening, the automatic door opening assembly being installed on one of the door and the machine body.

[0009] In some embodiments, when the door is at the predetermined opening angle, the distance between the end of the door away from the pivot axis and the machine body is 80mm-120mm.

[0010] In some embodiments, the machine body is provided with a limiting part, and the pull rope includes a first pull rope, a limiting engagement part and a second pull rope connected in sequence along its extension direction. One end of the first pull rope away from the limiting engagement part is connected to the other end of the tension spring, and one end of the second pull rope away from the limiting engagement part is connected to the door body. The limiting engagement part is located on the side of the limiting part closer to the door body.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the door is closed and the washing chamber is closed, the tension spring is in a stretched state, and the limiting engagement part abuts against the limiting part; when the door is open and the washing chamber is less than or equal to a predetermined opening angle, the limiting engagement part abuts against the limiting part; when the door is at any opening angle greater than the predetermined opening angle, the limiting engagement part separates from the limiting part.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the door is closed and the washing chamber is closed, the first pull cord is in a slack state and the second pull cord is in a taut state; when the door is open and the washing chamber is open, and the door is at the predetermined opening angle, the first pull cord switches from a slack state to a taut state.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the door is open in the washing chamber and the door is at any opening angle greater than the predetermined opening angle, both the first pull rope and the second pull rope are taut.

[0014] In some embodiments, the dishwasher further includes: a first guide wheel, which is mounted on the machine body and spaced apart from the door body on the side of the limiting portion away from the door body, and a first pull cord is wound around the first guide wheel; and a second guide wheel, which is mounted on the machine body and spaced apart from the door body on the side of the limiting portion near the door body, and a second pull cord is wound around the second guide wheel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the body is provided with a plurality of anti-detachment components for preventing the second pull rope from detaching from the second guide wheel. The plurality of anti-detachment components include a first anti-detachment component disposed between the second guide wheel and the door body, and a second anti-detachment component disposed between the second guide wheel and the limiting engagement portion. In the vertical direction, the first anti-detachment component is higher than the second anti-detachment component.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is closed;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the direction indicated by line AA;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The enlarged structural diagram at point B is shown in the middle circle.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is closed;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a right view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is closed;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is at a predetermined opening angle;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The enlarged structural diagram at point C is shown in the middle circle.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is at a predetermined opening angle;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a right view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is at a predetermined opening angle;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the mating structure of the base and positioning component of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The enlarged structural diagram at point D is shown in the middle circle.

[0029] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A magnified structural diagram of point E in the middle circle;

[0030] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 The enlarged structural diagram at point F in the middle circle;

[0031] Figure 14 This is a right view of the base and positioning assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic door opening assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional view along the direction indicated by line GG;

[0034] Figure 17 This is an exploded view of the automatic door opening assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure label:

[0036] Dishwasher 100;

[0037] Body 10; Limiting part 11; Limiting groove 111; First fixing part 12; Protrusion 121; Second fixing part 13; Inner liner 14; Base 15; Water cup 16;

[0038] Door body 20; Hook 21;

[0039] Positioning component 30; tension spring 31; insert plate 311; first pull rope 32; second pull rope 33; limiting mating part 34; guide wheel 35; anti-detachment component 36; first anti-detachment part 361; second anti-detachment part 362;

[0040] Automatic door opening assembly 40; housing 41; upper housing 411; lower housing 412; wax motor 42; push rod 43; compression spring 44. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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.

[0043] In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features, "multiple" means two or more, "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or the first and second features being in contact through another feature between them, and "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature may include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicate that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0044] A dishwasher 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Reference Figures 1-9 As shown, a dishwasher 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body 10 and a door 20, the door 20 being capable of opening and closing. In some embodiments, the body 10 may have a washing chamber, and the door 20 may be pivotally mounted on the body 10 to open and close the washing chamber. During the washing process of the dishwasher 100 on the dishes, the door 20, as... Figures 1-5 The door is in the closed state. When the user takes or puts away tableware, the door 20 can be at a 90° angle to the plane of the take-and-place opening in the washing chamber, so that the take-and-place opening is fully open.

[0046] In addition, the door body 20 can also be positioned as follows: Figures 6-9 The open state shown is at a certain opening angle, with the end of the door 20 furthest from the pivot axis (e.g., Figure 9 The upper part (as shown) is spaced a certain distance from the body 10 to allow for a certain degree of air convection between the washing chamber and the outside. Therefore, when the dishwasher 100 is in the drying stage, the door 20 is open, allowing the high-temperature, humid air in the washing chamber to be quickly discharged to the outside through the loading / unloading port, thus improving the drying efficiency of the dishes. This reduces the temperature during the rinsing stage, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the dishwasher 100 and avoiding the safety hazard of high-temperature water spraying during operation, while also achieving a better drying effect.

[0047] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figures 10-14 As shown, the dishwasher 100 may also include a positioning component 30, which is capable of positioning the door 20 when it is in the open state so that the door 20 is held at the required opening angle as needed (e.g., during the drying stage).

[0048] The specific structure of the positioning component 30 according to some embodiments of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] like Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figures 10-14 As shown, the machine body 10 is provided with a limiting part 11. The positioning assembly 30 includes a tension spring 31, a first pull rope 32, a second pull rope 33, and a limiting engagement part 34. One end of the tension spring 31 is connected to one end of the first pull rope 32, the other end of the first pull rope 32 is connected to the limiting engagement part 34, and one end of the second pull rope 33 is connected to the limiting engagement part 34, so that the first pull rope 32 and the second pull rope 33 can move together. The other end of the second pull rope 33 is connected to the door body 20. The limiting engagement part 34 is located on the side of the limiting part 11 closer to the door body 20. Figure 5 and Figure 11 As shown, the limiting fitting part 34 is located on the front side of the limiting part 11.

[0050] With the door 20 closed and the washing chamber closed, such as Figures 1-5 As shown, the second pull cord 33 can be in a slack state, and the limiting engagement part 34 can abut against the limiting part 11. In the closed state described above, under the action of the limiting part 11 and the limiting engagement part 34, the second pull cord 33 has no pre-tension. When it is necessary to open the door 20, for example, when the door lock assembly used to lock the machine body 10 and the door 20 is unlocked, the door 20 is not pulled by the second pull cord 33. Under the action of its own weight and the downward center of gravity, the door 20 will rotate relative to the machine body 10 to open the washing chamber, so that the washing chamber can communicate with the outside. In some embodiments, when the second pull cord 33 is in a slack state, since the limiting part 11 abuts against the limiting engagement part 34, the tension spring 31 can be in a stretched state, the first pull cord 32 is in a taut state, and provides tension to the limiting part 11.

[0051] As the door 20 rotates, the second pull rope 33 gradually stretches. When the door 20 rotates to a certain opening angle, such as... Figures 1-5 As shown, the second pull rope 33 switches from a slack state to a taut state. Under the combined action of the second pull rope 33, the first pull rope 32, the tension spring 31, and the weight of the door body 20, the door body 20 can maintain balance and be at the required opening angle.

[0052] It should be noted that, as Figures 1-5As shown, when the second pull rope 33 switches to the initial state of tension, the initial distance is released, the length of the pull rope of the tension spring 31 remains unchanged, and the limiting engagement part 34 still abuts against the limiting part 11, so that the door body 20 can be maintained at the predetermined opening angle. After the door body 20 is opened, it usually needs to remain in the open state for a period of time, for example, during the drying stage, the door body 20 needs to be maintained at such a position. Figure 6 The position shown is designed to ensure thorough drying of the tableware. The positioning component 30 keeps the door 20 at a predetermined opening angle, requiring no electricity and thus reducing energy consumption. Its simple structure and low cost contribute to simplifying the dishwasher 100's structure and reducing production costs. Furthermore, when closing the door, only the door's own weight needs to be overcome, facilitating quick and convenient operation.

[0053] In addition, it should be noted that the first pull rope 32 and the second pull rope 33 can be two pull ropes or one pull rope, and the limiting fitting part 34 is installed on the pull rope to divide the pull rope into two parts.

[0054] In embodiments of the present invention, the predetermined door opening angle can be flexibly set according to the actual situation such as the weight of the door body 20 and drying requirements, and can be adjusted by changing the length of the second pull rope 33, the setting position of the limiting fitting part 34, and the fixing position of the limiting part 11.

[0055] In some embodiments, the door 20 is in a state where it is at a predetermined opening angle, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the end of the door body 20 furthest from the pivot axis (e.g. Figure 9 The distance L between the upper end shown in the diagram and the body 10 is 80mm-120mm, i.e., 80mm≤L≤120mm. If the distance L is too small, the convection effect between the washing chamber and the outside air is poor, which is not conducive to improving drying efficiency. If the distance L is too large, it is not conducive to maintaining the balance of the door 20. Within the above distance range, the drying efficiency is high, the drying effect is good, and energy consumption can be significantly reduced. In some specific embodiments, the distance L can be 80mm, 90mm, 100mm, 110mm, and 120mm, etc.

[0056] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the washing chamber is open, the user can control the door 20 to rotate as needed to further increase the opening angle, that is, to make the opening angle greater than a predetermined opening angle. At this time, the first pull rope 32 can be in a taut state, and the limiting engagement part 34 can be separated from the limiting part 11. The tension spring 31 is in a stretched state to provide tension to the door 20, so that the door 20 can reach a balanced state at any opening angle greater than the predetermined opening angle.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the door 20 is closed, the door 20 may be parallel to the plane where the take-up and take-down port of the washing chamber is located, so as to facilitate sealing the take-up and take-down port.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher 100 can position the door 20 by setting the positioning component 30, which is beneficial to improving the drying effect and drying efficiency of the dishwasher 100, reducing the temperature during the rinsing stage, reducing energy consumption and production costs, enabling quick door closing, and making operation convenient and fast.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the limiting part 11 may have a limiting groove 111. The first pull rope 32 is movably located in the limiting groove 111. The limiting groove 111 can not only avoid the first pull rope 32 so that the first pull rope 32 can be connected with the tension spring 31 and the limiting mating part 34, but also the limiting groove 111 can guide and limit the first pull rope 32 to prevent the first pull rope 32 from being misaligned and affecting the positioning of the door body 20.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11 As shown, the body 10 is provided with multiple first fixing parts 12, which are distributed along the front-back direction. The limiting part 11 can be selectively connected to one of the first fixing parts 12. When the limiting mating part 34 abuts against the limiting part 12, the position of the limiting mating part 34 along the front-back direction is different, so that the distance that the second pull rope 33 can be released when it switches from a slack state to a taut state is different, thereby making the predetermined opening angle of the door 20 different.

[0061] In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 11 As shown, the body 10 is provided with multiple pairs of protrusions, which are distributed along the front-back direction. Each pair of protrusions includes two protrusions 121 spaced apart along the vertical direction. The distance between the two protrusions 121 is greater than the vertical dimension of the limiting fitting part 34, so as to facilitate the back-and-forth movement of the limiting fitting part 34. The gap between two adjacent pairs of protrusions forms a first fixing part 12. The limiting part 11 is a limiting plate with a limiting groove 111. The vertical dimension of the limiting groove 111 is greater than the vertical dimension of the limiting fitting part 34, and the limiting plate can be inserted into the gap between two adjacent pairs of protrusions.

[0062] It should be noted that, Figure 11 The example shown is that the limiting part 11 is connected to two different first fixing parts 12, rather than having two limiting parts 11 provided at the same time.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12As shown, the body 10 may be provided with multiple second fixing parts 13, and one end of the tension spring 31 may be selectively connected to one of the second fixing parts 13, so that the distance between one end of the tension spring 31 and the limiting part 11 is different, thereby adjusting the initial tension of the tension spring 31 to meet the need for maintaining balance of door bodies 20 of different weights.

[0064] In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, one end of the tension spring 31 is provided with a insert plate 311, and the second fixing part 13 is a slot formed in the body 10. Multiple slots are spaced apart in the front-back direction, and the insert plate 311 can be inserted into the slot to achieve multi-position fixing of the tension spring 31.

[0065] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 , Figure 9 , Figures 13-14 As shown, the positioning component 30 may further include at least one guide wheel 35, which is mounted on the body 10 and formed as a roller for the pulling rope to roll. In an embodiment where there is one guide wheel 35, a first pulling rope 32 or a second pulling rope 33 is wound around the guide wheel 35; in an embodiment where there are multiple guide wheels 35, a first pulling rope 32 or a second pulling rope 33 is wound around each guide wheel 35 to guide the pulling rope.

[0066] In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the positioning component 30 includes two guide wheels 35, which are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. Each guide wheel 35 has a guide groove on its outer circumferential surface. The first pull rope 32 and the second pull rope 33 are respectively wound around the guide grooves of the two guide wheels 35. The limiting part 11 and the limiting mating part 34 are located between the two guide wheels 35 in the front-rear direction. The two guide wheels 35 not only guide the pull ropes but also facilitate the control of the extension direction of the pull ropes, making the spatial arrangement more reasonable.

[0067] Combination Figure 5 The two guide wheels 35 are the first guide wheel and the second guide wheel, respectively. The first guide wheel is installed on the body 10 and is spaced apart on the side of the limiting part 11 away from the door 20. The first pull rope 32 is wound around the first guide wheel. The second guide wheel is installed on the body 10 and is spaced apart on the side of the limiting part 11 close to the door 20. The second pull rope 33 is wound around the second guide wheel.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, the second pull rope 33 is wound around the guide wheel 35. Considering that the second pull rope 33 is in a slack state when the door 20 is closed, it is easy to detach from the guide wheel 35. Therefore, the positioning assembly 30 also includes an anti-detachment component 36, which is installed on the body 10. The anti-detachment component 36 can limit the second pull rope 33 to prevent it from detaching from the guide wheel 35, thereby ensuring that the door 20 can maintain the predetermined opening angle every time it is opened.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13 As shown, the anti-detachment component 36 may include a first anti-detachment part 361, which is located on the side of the second pull cord 33 facing away from the machine body 10 (e.g., Figure 13 (As shown on the right side), the first anti-detachment part 361 cooperates with the body 10 to limit the second pull rope 33 in the axial direction of the guide wheel 35, so as to achieve the anti-detachment function.

[0070] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13 As shown, the anti-slip component 36 may include a second anti-slip part 362, the second anti-slip part 362 being located on the side of the second pull rope 33 facing away from the guide wheel 35 (e.g. Figure 13 As shown, the guide wheel 35 is located on the upper side of the second pull rope 33, and the second anti-detachment part 362 is located on the lower side of the second pull rope 33. The bottom wall of the guide groove and the second anti-detachment part 362 limit the second pull rope 33 in the radial direction of the guide wheel 35 to achieve the anti-detachment function.

[0071] In some specific embodiments, the anti-detachment component 36 includes a fastener and a limiting piece, the limiting piece being connected to the body 10 via the fastener, wherein the limiting piece is formed as a first anti-detachment part 361, and the rod of the fastener is formed as a second anti-detachment part 362.

[0072] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 13 As shown, there can be multiple anti-slip elements 36. In the extending direction of the second pull rope 33, at least two anti-slip elements 36 are respectively located on both sides of the guide wheel 35 (e.g. Figure 13 As shown, the two anti-detachment components 36 are located on the front and rear sides of the guide wheel 35, respectively, to improve the anti-detachment effect.

[0073] Combination Figure 5 The multiple anti-detachment components 36 include a first anti-detachment component and a second anti-detachment component. The first anti-detachment component is located between the end of the second pull rope 33 connected to the door body 20 and the second guide wheel. The second anti-detachment component is located between the end of the second pull rope 33 connected to the limiting engagement part 34 and the second guide wheel. In the vertical direction, the end of the second pull rope 33 connected to the door body 20 is higher than the end connected to the limiting engagement part 34, and the first anti-detachment component is higher than the second anti-detachment component.

[0074] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the dishwasher 100 further includes a door lock assembly and an automatic door opening assembly 40. The door lock assembly is used to lock the body 10 and the door 20, and the automatic door opening assembly 40 is used to drive the door lock assembly to unlock, thereby achieving automatic door opening. The dishwasher 100 has an automatic door opening function, eliminating the need for manual operation by the user and making it more convenient to use. Of course, the user can also manually open the door as needed.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figures 15-17 As shown, the automatic door opening assembly 40 may include a housing 41, a wax motor 42, a push rod 43, and a compression spring 44, all of which are installed inside the housing 41. The housing 41 is mounted on the body 10, one end of the compression spring 44 abuts against the housing 41, and the wax motor 42 is located between the other end of the compression spring 44 and one end of the push rod 43.

[0076] After door 20 is opened or after door 20 is closed, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the wax motor 42 can be de-energized, and the door body 20 is kept balanced by the positioning component 30. The automatic door opening component 40 does not need to be continuously powered, which helps to reduce energy consumption and increase the service life of the automatic door opening component 40. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, after the wax motor 42 is energized and heated to expand, it can drive the push rod 43 to move, allowing the other end of the push rod 43 to extend out of the housing 41 to apply a pushing force to the door body 20, thereby driving the door lock assembly to unlock. In addition, after the wax motor 42 drives the push rod 43 to the extreme position, it can compress the compression spring 44. The compression spring 44 can play a role in buffering and adjusting deviations, ensuring the structural reliability of the automatic door opening assembly 40, and helping to reduce production costs.

[0077] In some specific embodiments, the wax motor 42 drives the push rod 43 to reciprocate for a stroke of 10mm-80mm, so that the push rod 43 can apply sufficient thrust to the door body 20 to overcome the locking force of the door lock assembly.

[0078] In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 17 As shown, housing 41 may include an upper housing 411 and a lower housing 412. The upper housing 411 and the lower housing 412 are detachably connected to define a mounting cavity for mounting the wax motor 42 and the compression spring 44, as well as a guide channel for guiding the push rod 43, making installation more convenient.

[0079] Of course, in other embodiments, the automatic door opening assembly 40 may also be disposed on the door body 20. Specifically, the housing 41 may be disposed on the door body 20, and the push rod 43 may apply a pushing force to the body 10 to drive the door lock assembly to unlock.

[0080] This invention does not impose any special restrictions on the specific structure of the door lock assembly.

[0081] For example, in some embodiments, the door lock assembly can be a mechanical lock. Specifically, the mechanical lock includes a latch disposed on the door body 20 and a latching part disposed on the body 10, the latch being capable of locking and unlocking with the latching part. As another example, in some embodiments, the door lock assembly may include a magnetic element (e.g., a magnet) and a magnetically attractable element (e.g., a sheet of iron), one of which is disposed on the door body 20 and the other on the body 10, the magnetic element being capable of magnetically attracting the magnetically attractable element to achieve locking of the door lock assembly.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention, the door lock assembly and the automatic door opening assembly 40 can be integrated to make the structure more compact, easier to assemble, and make it easier for the automatic door opening assembly 40 to push the door body 20 to overcome the locking force of the door lock assembly.

[0083] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 10 As shown, the body 10 may include an inner liner 14, a base 15, and a water cup 16. The inner liner 14 has a washing chamber, the base 15 may be located below the inner liner 14, and a positioning component 30 may be installed on the base 15. The water cup 16 is integrally formed on the base 15; in other words, the base 15 and the water cup 16 adopt an integrated structure to facilitate the production and assembly of the water cup 16.

[0084] A dishwasher 100 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the following description is merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0085] like Figures 1-9 As shown, the dishwasher 100 includes a door 20, a main body 10, an automatic door opening assembly 40, a door lock assembly, and a positioning assembly 30. The lower end of the door 20 is connected to the main body 10 via a hinge, and the door 20 can pivot within a range of 0°-90° around the hinge axis. The automatic door opening assembly 40 and the door lock assembly are installed on the top of the main body 10. The automatic door opening assembly 40 enables automatic door opening during the drying stage of the dishwasher 100, accelerating the heat exchange between the hotter dishes in the washing chamber and the colder outside air. This allows for good drying without the need for higher temperatures and lower water levels during the rinsing stage, reducing the rinsing temperature and thus lowering the overall energy consumption of the machine, while also achieving better drying results.

[0086] The main body 10 includes an inner liner 14, a base 15, a water cup 16, a dish rack loading system, a sprinkler system, a motor assembly, and a limiting part 11, etc. The door 20 includes a control panel, a display panel, hooks 21, etc. Figures 10-14As shown, the positioning component 30 includes a tension spring 31, a first pull rope 32, a second pull rope 33, a limiting engagement part 34, two guide wheels 35, and two anti-detachment parts 36. The second pull rope 33 is connected to the hook 21 to achieve connection with the door body 20.

[0087] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the door 20 is closed, and the door 20 and the machine body 10 are parallel in the horizontal direction. The door lock assembly is locked, and the limiting engagement part 34 abuts against the limiting part 11, so that the second pull rope 33 has no preload and is in a relaxed state. In the relaxed state, anti-disengagement parts 36 are respectively provided on the front and rear sides of the guide wheel 35 that cooperates with the second pull rope 33 to prevent the second pull rope 33 from deviating and disengaging from the guide wheel 35.

[0088] like Figures 6-9 As shown, when the wax motor 42 of the automatic door opening assembly 40 is energized, it drives the push rod 43 to move forward to provide initial force to open the door lock assembly, thus releasing the door body 20 from the machine body 10. At this time, the second pull rope 33 is still in a slack state. Under the force of its own weight and the downward center of gravity, the door body 20 will open to a predetermined opening angle, so that the distance between the upper end of the door body 20 and the machine body 10 is 80mm-120mm. Within this distance range, a better drying effect can be achieved. At this time, the second pull rope 33 switches to a taut state. When the door body 20 rotates beyond the above-mentioned distance range, the initial distance of the second pull rope 33 is released, pulling the limiting engagement part 34 to separate from the limiting part 11. The first pull rope 32 pulls the tension spring 31. Under the action of the tension spring 31, the door body 20 can reach a balanced state in any position, that is, maintain any opening angle.

[0089] After the door opens automatically, the wax motor 42 can be de-energized and the push rod 43 retracts. At this time, the door 20 is only subject to its own weight and the pulling force of the positioning component 30. The user can push the door 20 to close the washing chamber. Manually closing the door is effortless and can achieve seamless switching between opening and closing the door.

[0090] Other configurations and operations of the dishwasher 100 according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0091] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0092] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "embodiment," "specific embodiment," and "example" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0093] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, characterized in that, The dishwasher has an automatic door opening function and includes: The machine body has a washing chamber; A door, which is pivotally mounted on the machine body to open and close the washing chamber; A pull rope, one end of which is connected to the door body; A tension spring, one end of which is connected to the machine body and the other end of which is connected to the other end of the pull rope, wherein the length of the tension spring is a first length when the washing chamber is closed by the door; When the door is open and the washing chamber is in the state of being open, and the door is at a predetermined opening angle, the length of the tension spring is the second length. During the process of the door moving from the closed state to the predetermined opening angle, the second length of the tension spring is equal to the first length.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the door is at any opening angle greater than the predetermined opening angle, the length of the tension spring is a third length, which is greater than the first length and the second length.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the door is at any opening angle greater than the predetermined opening angle, the third length can increase as the opening angle of the door increases, so that the door can reach a balanced state at any opening angle greater than the predetermined opening angle.

4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dishwasher includes: A door lock assembly for locking the body and the door; An automatic door opening assembly is used to drive the door lock assembly to unlock, thereby achieving automatic door opening. The automatic door opening assembly is installed in one of the door body and the machine body.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the door is at the predetermined opening angle, the distance between the end of the door away from the pivot axis and the machine body is 80mm-120mm.

6. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The machine body is provided with a limiting part, and the pull rope includes a first pull rope, a limiting fitting part and a second pull rope connected in sequence along its extension direction. The end of the first pull rope away from the limiting fitting part is connected to the other end of the tension spring, and the end of the second pull rope away from the limiting fitting part is connected to the door body. The limiting fitting part is located on the side of the limiting part closer to the door body.

7. The dishwasher according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the door is closed and the washing chamber is closed, the tension spring is in a stretched state, and the limiting engagement part abuts against the limiting part; when the door is open and the washing chamber is less than or equal to a predetermined opening angle, the limiting engagement part abuts against the limiting part; when the door is at any opening angle greater than the predetermined opening angle, the limiting engagement part separates from the limiting part.

8. The dishwasher according to claim 6, characterized in that, With the door closed and the washing chamber closed, the first pull rope is in a slack state and the second pull rope is in a taut state. When the door is open and the washing chamber is open, and the door is at the predetermined opening angle, the first pull rope switches from a slack state to a taut state.

9. The dishwasher according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the door is open and the washing chamber is open, and the door is at any opening angle greater than the predetermined opening angle, both the first pull rope and the second pull rope are taut.

10. The dishwasher according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The first guide wheel is mounted on the machine body and is spaced apart on the side of the limiting part away from the door body, and the first pull rope is wound around the first guide wheel; The second guide wheel is mounted on the machine body and is spaced apart on the side of the limiting part near the door body. The second pull rope is wound around the second guide wheel.

11. The dishwasher according to claim 10, characterized in that, The machine body is provided with a plurality of anti-detachment components for preventing the second pull rope from detaching from the second guide wheel. The plurality of anti-detachment components include a first anti-detachment component disposed between the second guide wheel and the door body, and a second anti-detachment component disposed between the second guide wheel and the limiting engagement part. In the vertical direction, the first anti-detachment component is higher than the second anti-detachment component.

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