Automatic door opening and closing device for dish washing machine and dish washing machine

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic door opening and closing device for a dish-washing machine and the dish-washing machine. The telescopic rod is mounted on the shell in a telescopic movement manner under the action of the driving device; the pair of hoop type lock catch pieces can be installed at the telescopic end of the telescopic rod in the mode of swinging around a shaft, an elastic piece is connected between the two lock catch pieces, and the two lock catch pieces are driven to define a locking space; the pair of locking pieces can be respectively arranged on the shell in a way of swinging around a shaft; a locking elastic piece for preventing the two locking pieces from swinging is arranged between the two locking pieces; when the telescopic rod retracts, the two locking pieces abut against the two lock catch pieces in a one-to-one correspondence mode, and the two hoop type lock catch pieces are clamped and locked. By means of the arrangement, the two hoop type locking pieces are used for driving the two hoop type locking pieces to conduct locking action in a one-to-one correspondence mode, so that the locking mechanism of the automatic door opening and closing device is effectively locked and smoothly unlocked, and then the use reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of kitchen household appliances, and more specifically, relates to an automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher and a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, their demands for quality of life are also increasing. Dishwashers are gradually being accepted and recognized by the public, becoming one of the essential kitchen appliances in modern smart kitchens. They can save manpower and resources to a great extent while achieving good cleaning results.

[0003] Dishwashers primarily dry dishes using three methods: residual heat drying, cold air drying, and hot air drying. Residual heat drying involves the dishwasher gradually expelling moisture from the inner drum after the wash cycle, using the residual heat to dry the dishes. Cold air drying involves drawing natural air into the inner drum via a fan after the wash cycle, drawing moisture out through the exhaust vent, and using the residual heat to dry the dishes. However, both the air intake and exhaust processes require a fan, significantly increasing energy consumption. Hot air drying involves blowing natural air into the inner drum via a fan after the wash cycle, heating it with a PTC heating module before it dries the dishes, drawing moisture out through the exhaust vent. Again, both the air intake and exhaust processes require a fan, further increasing energy consumption.

[0004] After the dishwasher finishes its washing cycle, it automatically opens the door to quickly expel moisture from the inner drum, which not only improves the drying rate of the dishes but also increases energy consumption. After the door opens automatically, it should generally close automatically. If the door is not closed for a long time, it may cause secondary contamination of the dishes.

[0005] To achieve the above functions, existing dishwashers need to be equipped with an automatic door opening and closing device. The locking mechanism on the telescopic rod of the automatic door opening and closing device locks or unlocks the lock hook on the door. Then, the telescopic rod moves to open or close the door synchronously, thus achieving the above-mentioned automatic ventilation function.

[0006] However, in existing technologies, clamp-type locking mechanisms are generally used, and the two locking components are usually locked by the limiting of a single locking component. The aforementioned single locking component may get stuck due to problems such as misalignment, which may lead to situations where the locking mechanism cannot lock or unlock.

[0007] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher, so as to achieve reliable locking and smooth unlocking of the locking hook.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0010] An automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher includes: a housing; a telescopic rod that is telescopically movable under the action of a driving device and mounted on the housing; a pair of clamp-type locking fasteners that are respectively oscillating around an axis and mounted on the telescopic ends of the telescopic rod, with an elastic element connecting the two locking fasteners to form a locking space; and a pair of locking members that are respectively oscillating around an axis and mounted on the housing; when the telescopic rod is in the retracted position, the two locking members abut against the two locking fasteners in a one-to-one correspondence, and a locking elastic element is provided between the two locking members to prevent the two locking members from oscillating, thereby clamping and locking the two clamp-type locking fasteners.

[0011] Furthermore, the two locking fasteners are symmetrically arranged along the axis of the push-pull direction of the telescopic rod, forming a locking space in the shape of a clamp; the middle of the locking fastener has an installation part, and the two installation parts are respectively installed on the telescopic end of the telescopic rod via a vertical pivot, which can rotate relative to each other; the end of the locking fastener in the pull-out direction of the telescopic rod is a swing end, which protrudes from the telescopic end of the telescopic rod and is freely set.

[0012] Furthermore, the swing ends of the two locking components are respectively provided with relatively protruding hook portions, so that the swing ends of the two locking components are set close together to form a locking space for the locking hooks on the dishwasher door to engage.

[0013] Furthermore, the end of the locking member in the retracted direction of the telescopic rod is the locking end, which is freely set; the inner circumference of the locking ends of the two locking members are connected by springs, and the springs provide a restoring force for the two clamp-type locking members to rotate around the axis, which is used to push the two clamp-type locking members to maintain their normal position; when the two locking members are in their normal position, the distance between the swing ends of the two locking members is less than the width of the locking hook set on the dishwasher door, so that the two clamp-type locking members form a locking space to prevent the locking hook from slipping out of the locking space enclosed by the two clamp-type locking members.

[0014] Furthermore, a buffer spring is provided in the locking space of the two locking components. The buffer spring extends along the axis of the extension rod. One end of the buffer spring is connected to the extension rod and is located on the rear side of the locking space, while the other end extends towards the gap between the swing ends of the two locking components and is located in the locking space.

[0015] Preferably, a fixing protrusion is provided between the mounting parts of the two locking members, one end of the buffer spring is connected to the fixing protrusion, and the other end extends into the locking space of the two locking members and is freely positioned; the extension length of the buffer spring is less than half the size of the push-pull position of the locking space of the two locking members.

[0016] Preferably, the fixed protrusion is rotatably mounted on the telescopic rod via a vertical pivot, and the pivot of the fixed protrusion is parallel to the pivot of the locking element; the free end of the buffer spring is equipped with a buffer part so that the buffer part can make buffered contact with the locking hook that slides into the locking space.

[0017] Furthermore, the housing is provided with a slide rail, and the telescopic rod is installed in the slide rail so that it can telescopically move along the front and rear axis; the pair of clamp-type locking parts are installed in the slide rail, and the clamp-type locking parts are staggered with the telescopic rod and are at the same height as the clamp-type fasteners installed on the telescopic rod; preferably, the front and rear axis of the telescopic rod is arranged to gradually tilt downward along the extension direction of the telescopic rod.

[0018] Furthermore, the two locking components are arranged horizontally and symmetrically relative to the axis of the slide rail; the end of the locking component on the side of the extension direction of the telescopic rod is the rotating end, which is hinged to the housing via a vertical pivot and can rotate relative to it; the end of the locking component on the side of the extension direction of the telescopic rod is the locking end, which provides a thrust to the locking end of the corresponding locking component in a direction away from the axis of the telescopic rod, so as to push the swing end of the locking component to move in the approach direction and clamp the two locking components together.

[0019] Furthermore, the two locking parts are connected in the middle by a locking spring, which provides locking force to the two locking parts, pushing the two locking parts to remain in the open position or swing away until they are in the open position; preferably, when the two locking parts are in the open position and the telescopic rod is in the retracted position, the outer wall of the locking end of the locking part is in contact with the inner wall of the locking end of the locking fastener, and the locking part pushes the locking fastener to rotate around the axis, thereby swinging the swing ends of the two locking fasteners towards each other.

[0020] Furthermore, the outer wall of the locking end of the locking member is an inclined surface that gradually slopes towards the axis of the telescopic rod along the direction of pulling out of the telescopic rod, with an inclination of a; the inner wall of the locking end of the locking buckle is an inclined surface that gradually slopes towards the axis of the telescopic rod along the direction of pulling out of the telescopic rod, with an inclination of b; the inclination a is less than the inclination b.

[0021] Preferably, the minimum width of the inclined outer wall of the locking end of the two locking members is less than the maximum width of the inclined inner wall of the locking end of the two locking members, but greater than the minimum width of the inclined inner wall of the locking end of the two locking members.

[0022] More preferably, the minimum width of the inclined outer wall of the locking end of the two locking members is equal to the tolerance between the maximum and minimum widths of the inclined inner wall of the locking end of the two locking members.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher that can automatically open and close the dishwasher door, thereby achieving the purpose of automatically locking, tightening and opening the door.

[0024] The specific technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0025] A dishwasher includes a body with an openable and closable door installed on the front side of the body; characterized in that: the body is equipped with any of the above-described automatic door opening and closing devices, and the door is provided with a locking hook to slide into or out of the locking space from the gap between the swing ends of two clamp-type locking fasteners.

[0026] Furthermore, the door is installed on the front side of the machine body via a lower hinge structure that allows it to flip outwards; the upper side of the door is provided with an upwardly protruding protrusion structure, which forms a locking hook; an automatic door opening and closing device is installed inside the machine body, and the telescopic rod of the automatic door opening and closing device can extend forward out of the machine body, with a clamp-type locking buckle at the telescopic end of the telescopic rod protruding from the front side of the machine body and locking or unlocking the locking hook; preferably, a sealing gasket structure that can produce elastic deformation and seals the contact surface is provided at the contact surface between the door and the machine body.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0028] 1. In this invention, by setting a clamp-type locking mechanism on the automatic door opening and closing device of the dishwasher, two clamp-type locking parts are driven one-to-one to perform locking actions, so as to achieve the effect of effectively locking the locking mechanism of the automatic door opening and closing device.

[0029] 2. In this invention, by setting a buffer spring in the locking mechanism, the impact stress of the lock hook sliding into the locking space enclosed by the locking mechanism is buffered, thereby greatly reducing the collision force of the lock hook when the door is closed and improving the user experience during the opening and closing of the door.

[0030] 3. In this invention, by making the extension direction of the telescopic rod a downward inclined line, the vertical thickness of the locking hook is always in contact with the clamp-type locking fastener during the extension and retraction process, thereby achieving the effect of driving the machine door to open synchronously during the extension of the telescopic rod.

[0031] At the same time, the present invention has a simple structure, significant effects, and is suitable for widespread use.

[0032] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic door opening and closing device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic door opening and closing device after the top cover is removed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic door opening and closing device after the telescopic rod has been removed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic door opening and closing device in the locked state after the telescopic rod is removed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the dishwasher door in the locked state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a top view of the dishwasher in the locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the AA section structure;

[0041] Figure 8 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the BB cross-section structure;

[0042] Figure 9 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 A partial enlarged view of the automatic door opening and closing device in the state shown;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a top view of the dishwasher in the locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 11 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 A partial enlarged view of the automatic door opening and closing device in the state shown;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a structural schematic diagram of the dishwasher with its door open in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 13 This is a top view of the dishwasher in the open state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 14 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the CC section structure;

[0048] Figure 15This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the DD cross-section structure;

[0049] Figure 16 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 A partial enlarged view of the automatic door opening and closing device in the state shown.

[0050] Description of main components in the diagram:

[0051] 100. Dishwasher body; 200. Door; 300. Automatic door opening and closing device; 1. Drive mechanism; 11. Drive motor; 12. Transmission gear set; 13. Telescopic rod; 131. Rack; 2. Locking mechanism; 21. Locking element; 211. Rotating shaft; 212. Swinging end; 213. Locking end; 22. Spring; 23. Buffer structure; 231. Fixed protrusion; 232. Buffer part; 233. Buffer spring; 3. Locking mechanism; 31. Locking element; 311. Rotating end; 312. Locking end; 32. Locking spring; 41. Contact switch; 42. Waiting groove; 5. Locking hook; 51. Slide out locking end; 52. Slide in unlocking end; 6. Housing; 61. Drive cavity; 62. Track cavity.

[0052] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0054] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "longitudinal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. 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.

[0055] 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0056] This invention provides a dishwasher, comprising: a body 100, an inner tub inside the body 100, an opening on the front side of the inner tub for placing or removing dishes or other items to be washed into the inner tub through the opening; and a door 200 on the front side of the body 100 that can be flipped outward to open the front opening of the inner tub. An automatic door opening and closing device 300 is installed on the upper front side of the machine body 100. The automatic door opening and closing device 300 has a telescopic rod 13 that can extend outward or retract inward. The end of the telescopic rod 13 is provided with a locking mechanism 2 that can perform locking or unlocking actions. The machine door 200 is provided with a locking hook 5. The locking mechanism 2 locks or unlocks the locking hook 5. After the locking mechanism 2 and the locking hook 5 are locked, the extension of the telescopic rod 13 drives the machine door 200 to open a certain gap to allow ventilation of the inner liner. Or, when the telescopic rod 13 retracts inward, it drives the machine door 200 to close the inner liner opening. It can also unlock the locking mechanism 2 and separate it from the locking hook 5, and then flip the machine door 200 outward to fully open the front opening of the inner liner.

[0057] In this embodiment of the invention, the automatic door opening and closing device 300 of the dishwasher includes: a housing 6; a telescopic rod 13, which is movable outwardly and is installed in the housing 6; a locking mechanism 2, which is installed on the telescopic end of the telescopic rod 13; and a locking mechanism 3, which is installed on the housing 6 and performs a locking action on the locking mechanism 2 on the retracted telescopic rod 13, so that when the telescopic rod 13 is retracted to the retracted position, the locking mechanism 2 is pushed by the locking mechanism 3 and is in a locked state that cannot be unlocked.

[0058] Of course, in order to realize the inward and outward telescopic movement of the telescopic rod of the automatic door opening and closing device, a drive mechanism 1 can be installed in the housing 6 of the automatic door opening and closing device 300. The drive mechanism 1 drives the telescopic rod 13 to automatically generate inward and outward telescopic movement. The drive mechanism can be as follows: the drive mechanism 1 includes a drive motor 11; the output end of the drive motor 11 is directly or through a transmission structure connected to the telescopic rod 13, so as to use the forward and reverse rotation of the output end of the drive motor to drive the telescopic rod 13 to generate telescopic movement along the axial direction.

[0059] For example, in this application, a drive cavity 61 and a track cavity 62 are provided on the housing 6. A drive motor 11 and a transmission gear set 12 are installed in the drive cavity 61. A telescopic rod 13 that can move axially is installed in the track cavity 62. The output shaft of the drive motor 11 meshes with the input gear of the transmission gear set 12, and the output gear of the transmission gear set meshes with the rack 131 that extends axially on the telescopic rod, so as to achieve the effect of synchronously extending and retracting the telescopic rod 13 by using the drive motor 11 to drive the telescopic rod 13.

[0060] In this embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism 2 and the fastening mechanism 3 of the automatic door opening and closing device of the dishwasher can adopt any existing structural form of mechanism capable of locking and unlocking the locking hook 5, and the fastening mechanism 3 can also adopt any existing structural form of mechanism capable of fastening the locking mechanism 2. In this embodiment of the invention, the specific structure of the automatic door opening and closing device 300 of the dishwasher is as follows:

[0061] like Figures 1 to 16 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the automatic door opening and closing device 300 of the dishwasher includes: a telescopic rod 13, disposed in the housing 6 of the automatic door opening and closing device, which can generate axial telescopic movement under the action of the drive mechanism 1; a locking mechanism 2 consisting of a pair of clamp-type locking fasteners 21, which are respectively mounted on the telescopic ends of the telescopic rod 13 and can swing around an axis to form a clamp-shaped locking space, so as to enclose or open the swing ends 212 of the two clamp-type locking fasteners 21, so that the locking hook can slide into or out of the locking space, thereby realizing the locking or unlocking of the locking hook 5 provided on the door; and a locking mechanism 3 consisting of a pair of clamp-type locking fasteners 31, disposed on the housing 6. Located at the retracted direction of the telescopic rod 13, the two clamp-type locking parts 31 are provided with rotating ends 311. The rotating ends 311 are hinged to the telescopic rod 13 via a vertical axis, so that the two clamp-type locking parts 31 can swing around the axis and are installed on the housing 6. The other end of the swing is the locking end 312, which is connected to the locking buckle 21. It is used to drive the two clamp-type locking parts 21 in the retracted position to move in the clamping direction, clamp and lock the two clamp-type locking parts 21 in the enclosed position, and drive the swing end 212 of the two clamp-type locking parts 21 to move in the enclosed direction or have a tendency to move, thereby achieving the effect of locking the two clamp-type locking parts 21.

[0062] In this embodiment of the invention, a pair of clamp-type fasteners 21 are arranged horizontally and symmetrically along the push-pull direction of the telescopic rod 13; the middle part of the clamp-type fastener 21 has a pivot part 211, and the two pivot parts 211 are respectively mounted on the telescopic end of the telescopic rod 13 via a vertical pivot that can rotate relative to each other; the end of the clamp-type fastener 21 in the pull-out direction of the telescopic rod 13 is a swing end 212, which protrudes from the telescopic end of the telescopic rod 13 and is freely set; the swing ends 212 of the two clamp-type fasteners 21 are respectively provided with relatively protruding and extending hook parts to form a locking space for the locking hook 5 on the dishwasher door 200 to engage.

[0063] In this embodiment of the invention, the end of the clamp-type locking member 21 located in the retracting direction of the telescopic rod 13 is the locking end 213, which is freely disposed; the inner circumference of the locking ends 213 of the two clamp-type locking members 21 are connected by a spring 22, which provides a restoring force for the two clamp-type locking members 21 to rotate around the axis, thereby pushing the two clamp-type locking members 21 to maintain in the normal position; when the two clamp-type locking members 21 are in the normal position, the distance between the swing ends 212 of the two clamp-type locking members 21 is less than the width of the locking hook 5 provided on the dishwasher door.

[0064] In this embodiment of the invention, a buffer structure 23 is provided in the locking space of the two clamp-type locking fasteners 21. The buffer structure 23 provides a buffering force to the locking hook 5 entering the locking space of the two clamp-type locking fasteners 21. The buffer structure 23 includes a buffer spring 233, one end of which is connected to the telescopic rod 13 and extends in the axial direction of the telescopic rod 13. The other end extends in the gap direction of the swing end 212 of the two clamp-type locking fasteners 21. The locking end of the buffer spring 233 extending into the locking space of the two clamp-type locking fasteners 21 provides a buffering force to the locking hook 5, effectively improving the smoothness of the locking action.

[0065] Preferably, a fixing protrusion 231 is provided between the pivot portions 211 of the two clamp-type locking fasteners 21. One end of the buffer spring 233 is connected to the fixing protrusion 231, and the other end extends into the locking space of the two clamp-type locking fasteners 21 and is freely positioned. The extension length of the buffer spring 233 is less than half the size of the push-pull position of the locking space of the two clamp-type locking fasteners 21. More preferably, the fixing protrusion 231 is rotatably mounted on the telescopic rod 13 via a vertical pivot, and the pivot of the fixing protrusion 231 is parallel to the pivot of the clamp-type locking fastener 21. Similarly, in order to improve the buffering effect of the buffer spring 233 on the sliding hook 5, a buffer part 232 can be provided at the locking end of the buffer spring 233 extending into the locking space of the two clamp-type locking fasteners 21. The buffer part 232 is a shock-absorbing block made of elastic material to further improve the locking smoothness.

[0066] In this embodiment of the invention, the housing 6 is provided with a track cavity 62 for the telescopic rod 13 to slide telescopically. The track cavity 62 restricts the slide of the telescopic rod 13 to move axially. The pair of clamp-type locking members 31 are installed on the bottom wall of the track cavity 62 and are arranged vertically and vertically with the telescopic rod 13, and are in the same horizontal position as the locking mechanism 2. When the telescopic rod 13 is retracted, it can contact the locking mechanism 2 and the locking mechanism 3 to achieve a locking action. The two clamp-type locking members 31 are arranged horizontally and symmetrically with respect to the axis of the slide. The end of component 31 located on the side of the telescopic rod 13 extending inward is a rotating end 311, which is hinged to the housing 6 via a vertical pivot and can rotate relative to each other. The end of the clamp-type locking component 31 located on the side of the telescopic rod 13 extending outward is a freely set locking end 312, which provides a thrust to the locking end 213 of the corresponding clamp-type locking component 21 in a direction away from the axis of the telescopic rod 13, so as to push the swing end 212 of the clamp-type locking component 21 to move in the approaching direction and clamp the two clamp-type locking components 21 together.

[0067] In this embodiment of the invention, the middle parts of the two clamp-type locking members 31 are connected by a locking spring 32. The locking spring 32 provides locking force to the two clamp-type locking members 31, pushing the clamp-type locking members 31 on both sides to remain in the open position or swing away until the open position. Preferably, when the two clamp-type locking members 31 are in the open position and the telescopic rod 13 is in the retracted position, the outer side wall of the locking end 312 of the clamp-type locking member 31 is connected to the inner side wall of the locking end 213 of the clamp-type locking member 21. The clamp-type locking member 31 pushes the clamp-type locking member 21 to rotate around the axis, thereby swinging the swing ends 213 of the two clamp-type locking members 21 towards the closer direction.

[0068] In this embodiment of the invention, the outer wall of the locking end 312 of the clamp-type locking member 31 is an inclined surface that gradually slopes towards the axis of the telescopic rod 13 along the pulling direction of the telescopic rod 13, with an inclination of a; the inner wall of the locking end 213 of the clamp-type locking member 21 is an inclined surface that gradually slopes towards the axis of the telescopic rod 13 along the pulling direction of the telescopic rod 13, with an inclination of b; the inclination a is less than the inclination b; preferably, the minimum width of the inclined outer wall of the locking end 312 of the two clamp-type locking members 31 is less than the maximum width of the inclined inner wall of the locking end 213 of the two clamp-type locking members 21, and greater than the minimum width of the inclined inner wall of the locking end 213 of the two clamp-type locking members 21; more preferably, the minimum width of the inclined outer wall of the locking end 312 of the two clamp-type locking members 31 is equal to the tolerance between the maximum width and the minimum width of the inclined inner wall of the locking end 213 of the two clamp-type locking members 21.

[0069] In this embodiment of the invention, the locking hook 5 on the door 200 is an outwardly protruding protrusion structure. The protrusion structure can enter the locking space through the gap between the swing ends 212 of the two clamp-type locking fasteners 21 to achieve locking, or slide out through the gap to achieve unlocking. Simultaneously, to ensure that the protrusion structure constituting the locking hook 5 can smoothly overcome the spring force and open the clamp-type locking fasteners 21 on both sides, the protrusion structure is set as a rhombus. The two opposite cone angles of the rhombus-shaped protrusion structure face opposite sides in the opening and closing directions of the door 200, forming a sliding locking end 51 and a sliding unlocking end 52, so that the two cone angles of the rhombus-shaped protrusion face opposite sides in the opening and closing directions. The door is set to open or close in the opposite direction of the machine door 200, so that the cone angle is inserted into the gap between the swing ends 212 of the two clamp-type locking fasteners 21, thereby opening the two and realizing the effect of the locking hook 5 sliding into or out of the locking space. More preferably, in order to improve the effect of the locking hook 5 sliding into and locking, the cone angles at both ends of the locking hook 5 can be set to different angles. Generally, the cone angle of the sliding-in side, the sliding-out unlocking end 52 can be set to be smaller than the cone angle of the sliding-out side, the sliding-in locking end 51, so as to ensure that the locking hook 5 sliding into the locking space will not easily slide out and improve the locking stability.

[0070] In this embodiment of the invention, the extension direction of the telescopic rod 13 is a downward-sloping line, so that during the opening and closing of the door 200 around the lower hinge, the clamp-type locking member 21 at the telescopic end of the telescopic rod 13 is in constant contact with the locking hook 5, preventing disengagement. Simultaneously, the locking hook 5 is a protruding structure with a certain thickness at the top and bottom, ensuring that the vertical thickness of the locking hook 5 remains in contact with the clamp-type locking member 21 during the extension and retraction of the telescopic rod 13, thereby achieving the effect of synchronously opening the door 200 during the extension of the telescopic rod 13. Preferably, to improve the locking effect, the connecting wire of the locking hook 5 on the door 200 can be parallel to or overlapped with the extension line of the telescopic rod 13 when the door 200 is in the closed position and the open position during dishwasher ventilation, thereby ensuring that the clamp-type locking member 21 on the telescopic rod 13 can effectively lock the locking hook 5.

[0071] In this embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher automatic door opening and closing device 300 includes the following states:

[0072] State 1, such as Figure 16 As shown, when the telescopic rod 13 extends, the locking mechanism 2 separates from the locking mechanism 3. The locking mechanism 2 is kept in the locked state by the elastic force of its own elastic element, and can be driven to overcome its own elastic force to produce an unlocking action after being subjected to external force.

[0073] State 2, such as Figure 9 As shown, when the telescopic rod 13 retracts, the locking mechanism 2 comes into contact with the locking mechanism 3, and the locking mechanism 2 is in a locked state that cannot be unlocked due to the action of the locking mechanism 3.

[0074] In this embodiment of the invention, the two extreme positions of the telescopic rod 13 are: the extended position and the retracted position; for example... Figure 12 As shown, when the telescopic rod 13 is in the extended position, the corresponding door 200 is opened a certain gap, and the locking mechanism 2 on the telescopic rod 13 separates from the locking mechanism 3, with the locking mechanism 2 in an unlockable locked state; as Figure 4 As shown, when the telescopic rod 13 is in the retracted position, the corresponding door 200 is closed and locked. The locking mechanism 2 on the telescopic rod 13 is in contact with the locking mechanism 3, and the locking mechanism 2 is in a locked state that cannot be unlocked due to the action of the locking mechanism 3.

[0075] In this embodiment of the invention, the telescopic rod 13 has an initial position between the extended position and the retracted position; as shown... Figure 10 As shown, when the telescopic rod 13 is in the initial position, the locking mechanism 2 protrudes from the front side of the dishwasher body 100 and from the front opening of the housing 6 of the automatic door opening and closing device 300. The entire telescopic rod 13 is inside the housing 6, with the locking mechanism 2 only protruding from the front. When the telescopic rod 13 is in the initial position, the locking mechanism 2 does not contact the locking mechanism 3, and the locking mechanism 2 is in an unlockable locked state, allowing the corresponding door 200 to be opened or closed by the user with external force.

[0076] In this embodiment of the invention, a detector is provided on the housing 6 of the dishwasher automatic door opening and closing device 300, and a component to be detected is provided on the telescopic rod 13. When the telescopic rod is in its initial position, the component to be detected moves to the detector, and the detector detects the component to be detected and generates a detection signal indicating that the telescopic rod 13 is in its initial position. Preferably, as shown... Figures 1 to 16 As shown, the detector is a contact switch 41 mounted on the housing 6, and the component to be detected is a trigger groove 42 provided on the telescopic rod 13. When the telescopic rod 13 is in its initial position, the trigger groove 42 on the telescopic rod 13 moves to the telescopic contact position of the contact switch 41, causing the telescopic contact of the contact switch 41 to extend and correspondingly enter the trigger groove 42, thereby generating a detection signal that the telescopic rod 13 is in its initial position. As described above, the housing 6 is provided with a track cavity 62 with an extended opening. The telescopic rod 13 can extend outward from the opening or retract inward and is installed in the track cavity 62. On the first side of the track cavity perpendicular to the telescopic direction, it meshes with the transmission gear set 12, and on the second side, the contact switch 41 is allowed to extend into it; that is, the first side of the telescopic rod 13 is provided with a rack 131, and the second side is provided with a trigger groove 42.

[0077] In this invention, by installing a position detector on the automatic door opening and closing device, the extension position of the telescopic rod is detected and positioned, so that the telescopic rod can extend and retract to the initial position of the non-limit position, thereby achieving the effect of two-step action of closing and locking the door, avoiding problems such as excessive locking force when the door is opened and closed, which prevents it from opening smoothly and excessive wear of the locking mechanism.

[0078] Similarly, in order to further improve the detection of the extension position of the telescopic rod 13, additional trigger grooves can be provided at both ends of the telescopic rod 13 so that when the telescopic rod 13 extends to the extension position or retracts to the retracted position, it also extends outwards, thereby triggering the detection signal that the telescopic rod 13 is in the extension position or retracted position.

[0079] In this embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism 2 is provided with a locking detector, and the locking hook 5 provided on the dishwasher door 200 is provided with a locking detection component. When the locking hook 5 extends into the locking mechanism 2 and the locking mechanism 2 performs a locking action, the locking detector detects the locking detection component and issues a locking signal; and / or, when the locking hook 5 slides out or performs a sliding action towards the locking mechanism 2, the locking detector does not detect the locking detection component and issues an unlocking signal or an upcoming unlocking signal for the locking hook 5. Preferably, the locking detector can be any existing detection device capable of detecting whether the hook 5 is within the locking space of the locking mechanism 2; for example, the locking detector is a Hall sensor installed in the locking space of the locking mechanism, and the hook 5 is provided with a magnet as a detection element, so as to generate a locking signal of the hook 5 when the Hall sensor detects the detection element and an unlocking signal of the hook 5 when the detection element is not detected; or, a contact switch is provided in the locking mechanism, so as to generate a locking signal of the hook 5 when the hook 5 slides into the locking space of the locking mechanism 2 and abuts against the contact switch, and generate an unlocking signal of the hook 5 when the hook slides out of the locking space of the locking mechanism 2 and separates from the contact switch.

[0080] In this embodiment of the invention, a drive motor 11 is installed on the housing 6. The drive motor 11 is directly or via a transmission structure connected to the telescopic rod 13, so that the forward and reverse output of the drive motor 11 drives the telescopic rod 13 to extend out of the housing 6 or retract into the housing 6. Preferably, a rack 131 is provided on one side of the telescopic rod 13 along the push-pull direction. The output shaft of the drive motor 11 meshes with the rack 131 via a transmission gear set 12. The output shaft of the drive motor 11 can rotate in both directions, and then be driven by the transmission gear set 12 and the rack 131 to push the telescopic rod 13 to extend out of the housing 6 or retract into the housing 6.

[0081] In this embodiment of the invention, the process of the dishwasher being opened by the user is as follows:

[0082] S101. The machine door 200 is in the closed position, the locking mechanism 2 is locked with the locking hook 5, and the telescopic rod 13 is in the initial position;

[0083] S102. When the user manually pulls open the door 200, the locking mechanism 2 is overcome by the external force of the locking hook 5 to unlock itself, and the locking hook 5 on the door 200 separates from the locking mechanism 2.

[0084] S103. The locking hook 5 unlocks from the locking mechanism 2, and the door 200 is pulled outward by the user.

[0085] When the dishwasher door is opened by the user, if the telescopic rod 13 is in the locked position in step S101, the following steps are performed:

[0086] S1011. The machine door 200 is in the closed position, the locking mechanism 2 is locked with the locking hook 5, and the telescopic rod 13 is in the locked position;

[0087] S1012. When the user manually pulls open the door 200, the locking hook 5 moves in the direction of disengaging from the locking mechanism 2. The locking detector on the locking mechanism 2 cannot detect the locking device to be detected on the locking hook 5 and sends an unlocking signal for the locking hook 5.

[0088] S1013. Drive motor 11 to work, push telescopic rod 13 to extend outward until telescopic rod 13 extends to the initial position;

[0089] Then continue to execute steps S101 to S103 in sequence.

[0090] In step S1013 above, the specific method for detecting whether the telescopic rod 13 is in its initial position is as follows:

[0091] During the retraction of the telescopic rod 13 into the housing 6, the drive motor 11 operates at a set power, driving the telescopic rod 13 to automatically extend outward via the transmission gear set 12 and rack 131; the contact switch 41 installed on the housing 6 is always in contact with the corresponding side wall of the telescopic rod 13 and is limited to the non-extended state; until the telescopic rod 13 extends to the initial position, the telescopic contact of the contact switch 41 extends and enters the trigger groove 42 on the corresponding side wall of the telescopic rod 13, and then the contact switch 41 generates a detection signal that the telescopic rod 13 is in the initial position, the drive motor 11 stops working, and the telescopic rod 13 remains in the initial position.

[0092] In this embodiment of the invention, the process of the dishwasher being closed by the user is as follows:

[0093] S201. The machine door 200 is in the open position, the locking mechanism 2 is separated from the locking hook 5, and the telescopic rod 13 is in the initial position;

[0094] S202. When the user manually closes the door 200, the locking mechanism 2 is overcome by the external force of the hook 5 to unlock itself. The hook 5 on the door 200 slides into the locking mechanism 2 and locks the hook 5 with the locking mechanism 2.

[0095] S203. The locking detector on the locking mechanism 2 detects the locking device to be detected on the locking hook 5 and sends a locking signal;

[0096] S204. The telescopic rod 13 retracts into the housing 6 until it is in the retracted position. The locking mechanism 2 contacts the locking mechanism 3, and the locking mechanism 2 is locked in a locked state that cannot be unlocked by the locking mechanism 3.

[0097] In step S204 above, the specific method for detecting whether the telescopic rod 13 is in the retracted position is as follows:

[0098] During the retraction movement of the telescopic rod 13 into the housing 6, the drive motor 11 operates at a set power, driving the telescopic rod 13 to automatically retract inward via the transmission gear set 12 and rack 131. During the above process, the operating power or operating current of the drive motor 11 is detected. If the operating power or operating current exceeds the set range, it is determined that the telescopic rod 13 has moved to the retracted position, the drive motor 11 is stopped, and the telescopic rod 13 stops moving.

[0099] In this embodiment of the invention, the automatic door opening and ventilation process of the dishwasher is as follows:

[0100] S301. The door 200 is in the closed position, the locking mechanism 2 is locked with the locking hook 5, and the telescopic rod 13 is in the retracted position;

[0101] S302. The dishwasher is performing a ventilation program;

[0102] S303. The drive motor 11 rotates forward, causing the telescopic rod 13 to extend outward from the retracted position to the extended position;

[0103] S304. Drive motor 11 stops working, door 200 opens a certain gap, and the dishwasher tub is ventilated.

[0104] S305. Ventilation complete;

[0105] S306. Drive motor 11 reverses its operation, causing telescopic rod 13 to retract inward from the retracted position to the initial position.

[0106] The specific method for determining whether the telescopic rod 13 is in the extended position in step S303 above is as follows:

[0107] During the process of the telescopic rod 13 extending outward from the housing 6, the drive motor 11 operates at a set power, and drives the telescopic rod 13 to automatically extend inward via the transmission gear set 12 and rack 131; during the above process, the operating power of the drive motor 11 is detected, and if the operating power exceeds the set range, it is determined that the telescopic rod 13 has moved to the extended position, the drive motor 11 stops working, and the telescopic rod 13 stops moving.

[0108] In step S306 above, the specific method for detecting whether the telescopic rod 13 is in its initial position is as follows:

[0109] During the retraction of the telescopic rod 13 into the housing 6, the drive motor 11 operates at a set power, driving the telescopic rod 13 to automatically retract inward via the transmission gear set 12 and rack 131; the contact of the contact switch 41 installed on the housing 6 is always in contact with the corresponding side wall of the telescopic rod 13 and is limited to the non-extended state; until the telescopic rod 13 extends to the initial position, the telescopic contact of the contact switch 41 extends and enters the trigger groove 42 on the corresponding side wall of the telescopic rod 13, and then the contact switch 41 generates a detection signal that the telescopic rod 13 is in the initial position, the drive motor 11 stops working, and the telescopic rod 13 remains in the initial position.

[0110] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher, comprising: case; A telescopic rod, which is mounted on a housing and can extend or retract under the action of a driving device; A pair of clamp-type locking fasteners are installed on the telescopic end of the telescopic rod, which can swing around the axis respectively. An elastic element connects the two locking fasteners, which drive the two locking fasteners to form a locking space. Its features are, It also includes a pair of locking parts, which are mounted on the housing and can swing around an axis respectively; a locking elastic element is provided between the two locking parts to prevent them from swinging; when the telescopic rod retracts, the two locking parts and the two locking buckles are matched one by one to clamp and lock the two clamp-type locking buckles.

2. The automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two locking fasteners are arranged symmetrically along the axis of the push-pull direction of the telescopic rod, forming a locking space in the shape of a clamp; The locking fastener has a mounting part in the middle, and the two mounting parts are respectively mounted on the telescopic end of the telescopic rod via a vertical pivot and can rotate relative to each other. The end of the locking fastener in the direction of the extension of the telescopic rod is the swing end, which protrudes from the extension end of the telescopic rod and can be freely set. Preferably, the swing ends of the two locking components are respectively provided with relatively protruding hook portions, so that the swing ends of the two locking components are set close together to form a locking space for the locking hooks on the dishwasher door to engage.

3. An automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the locking fastener in the retracting direction of the telescopic rod is the locking end, and the locking end can be freely set. The inner circumference of the locking ends of the two locking parts are connected by a spring. The spring provides a restoring force to the two clamp-type locking parts to rotate around the pivot, which is used to push the two clamp-type locking parts to maintain the normal position. When the two locking components are in their normal positions, the distance between the swing ends of the two locking components is less than the width of the locking hook on the dishwasher door, so that the two clamp-type locking components form a locking space.

4. An automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to claim 2, characterized in that, A buffer spring is provided in the locking space of the two locking parts. The buffer spring extends along the axis of the extension rod. One end of the buffer spring is connected to the extension rod and is located behind the locking space, while the other end extends toward the gap between the swing ends of the two locking parts and is located in the locking space. Preferably, a fixing protrusion is provided between the mounting parts of the two locking components, one end of the buffer spring is connected to the fixing protrusion, and the other end extends into the locking space of the two locking components and is freely positioned.

5. An automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The housing is equipped with a slide rail, and the telescopic rod is installed in the slide rail, which can extend and retract along the front and rear axis; The pair of clamp-type locking components are installed in the slide rail, and the clamp-type locking components are staggered with the telescopic rod and are at the same height as the clamp-type locking fasteners installed on the telescopic rod; Preferably, the front and rear axes of the telescopic rod are arranged to gradually slope downwards along the extension direction of the telescopic rod.

6. An automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to claim 5, characterized in that, The two locking components are arranged horizontally and symmetrically relative to the axis of the slide rail; The locking element is a rotating end located on the side of the telescopic rod extending in the direction of insertion. The rotating end is hinged to the housing via a vertical pivot, allowing it to rotate relative to the housing. The locking end of the locking element on the side of the telescopic rod in the pulling direction is the locking end. The locking end provides a thrust to the locking end of the corresponding locking element in the direction away from the axis of the telescopic rod, so as to push the swing end of the locking element to move in the direction of approach, so that the two locking elements are clamped and locked.

7. An automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to claim 6, characterized in that, The two locking parts are connected in the middle by a locking spring. The locking spring provides locking force to the two locking parts, pushing the two locking parts to remain in the open position or swinging them away until they are in the open position. Preferably, when the two locking parts are in the open position and the telescopic rod is in the retracted position, the outer wall of the locking end of the locking part is in contact with the inner wall of the locking end of the fastener, and the locking part pushes the fastener to rotate around the axis, thereby swinging the swing ends of the two fasteners towards each other.

8. An automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer wall of the locking end of the locking component is an inclined surface that gradually slopes towards the axis of the telescopic rod along the direction of the extension of the telescopic rod, with an inclination of a. The inner wall of the locking end of the locking fastener is an inclined surface that gradually slopes towards the axis of the telescopic rod along the direction of its pull-out, with an inclination of b. The slope a is less than the slope b.

9. A dishwasher, comprising a body, wherein an openable and closable door is installed on the front side of the body; characterized in that: The machine body is equipped with an automatic door opening and closing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and the door is provided with a locking hook to slide into or out of the locking space from the gap between the swing ends of the two clamp-type locking fasteners.

10. A dishwasher according to claim 9, characterized in that, The machine door is installed on the front side of the machine body and can be flipped outward via a lower hinge structure; The upper side of the machine door is provided with an upward protruding protrusion structure, which forms a locking hook; The automatic door opening and closing device is installed inside the machine body. The telescopic rod of the automatic door opening and closing device can extend forward out of the machine body. The clamp-type fastener at the telescopic end of the telescopic rod protrudes from the front side of the machine body and locks or unlocks the lock hook. Preferably, a sealing gasket structure that can elastically deform and seal the contact surface between the machine door and the machine body is provided.

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