Automatic door opening and closing device of dish washing machine, dish washing machine and control method

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic door opening and closing device of a dish-washing machine, the dish-washing machine and a control method, the automatic door opening and closing device comprises a shell, the shell is provided with a telescopic rod, and the telescopic rod telescopically moves between an extension position and a retraction position under the action of a driving mechanism; the telescopic end of the telescopic rod is provided with a lock catch mechanism for locking a lock hook on the machine door, and the shell is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the lock catch mechanism. And a position detector for detecting and positioning the telescopic rod is arranged on the shell. The position detector is installed on the automatic door opening and closing device to detect and position the extending position of the telescopic rod, so that the telescopic rod can stretch out and draw back to the initial position of the non-limiting position, and then the effect of step-by-step action of machine door closing and locking is achieved; the problems that the door cannot be opened smoothly due to too large locking force when the door is opened, and the lock catch mechanism is worn too much when the door is closed are solved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of kitchen household appliances, and particularly relates to an automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher, a dishwasher, and a dishwasher control method using the automatic door opening and closing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, people's requirements for the quality of life are also getting higher and higher. Dishwashers are gradually accepted and recognized by the public and become one of the essential kitchen household appliances in modern intelligent kitchens. They can greatly save manpower and material resources and achieve good cleaning effect.

[0003] The drying method of the dishwasher for tableware mainly includes residual heat drying, cold air drying and hot air drying. In the residual heat drying, after the dishwasher completes the washing program, the exhaust port gradually discharges the moisture in the inner tank, and the tableware is dried by the residual heat of the inner tank. In the cold air drying, after the dishwasher completes the washing program, the air inlet draws natural air into the inner tank through the fan, and the moisture is discharged through the exhaust port. The tableware is dried by the residual heat of the inner tank. The air inlet process and the air exhaust process need to be realized by the fan, which greatly increases the energy consumption. In the hot air drying, after the dishwasher completes the washing program, the air inlet blows natural air into the inner tank through the fan, and the tableware is dried by the natural air heated by the PTC heating module. The moisture is discharged through the exhaust port. The air inlet process and the air exhaust process need to be realized by the fan, which greatly increases the energy consumption.

[0004] After the dishwasher completes the washing program, the door body is automatically opened to quickly discharge the moisture in the inner tank outside the machine body, which not only improves the drying rate of the tableware, but also reduces the power consumption. After the door body is automatically opened, the door body needs to be automatically closed. If the door body is not closed for a long time, the tableware may be contaminated again.

[0005] However, in order to realize the automatic opening and closing of the machine door, the existing automatic door opening and closing device of the dishwasher generally overlaps the position of the user's manual opening and closing of the machine door with the retraction position of the telescopic rod. However, the above setting will cause the machine door to be locked directly when the user closes the door, and long-term use will cause the lock catch mechanism to be worn out, the machine door to be unable to be locked, and other problems. At the same time, during the user's opening and closing process, the user needs to overcome the double action of the lock catch mechanism and the locking mechanism, so that the user's opening and closing action requires a large force, and the operation of opening and closing the machine door is significantly difficult.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a separate initial position needs to be set for the automatic door opening and closing device to realize the separate execution of the user's manual opening and closing of the machine door and the locking action at different positions. In order to realize the above actions, the telescopic rod of the automatic door opening and closing device needs to be effectively position detected.

[0007] Therefore, the present application is 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 accurate detection of the extension and retraction position of the automatic door opening and closing device, thereby greatly improving the control accuracy of the automatic door opening and closing device.

[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, on which a telescopic rod is mounted, the telescopic rod being extended and retracted by a drive mechanism; the telescopic end of the telescopic rod is provided with a locking mechanism for locking a hook on the door, and the housing is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the locking mechanism; characterized in that: the housing is provided with a position detector for detecting and positioning the telescopic rod.

[0011] Furthermore, when the telescopic rod is in the extended position, the locking hook on the dishwasher door slides into the locking mechanism and is locked, corresponding to the automatic opening state of the dishwasher door;

[0012] When the telescopic rod is in the retracted position, the locking hook on the dishwasher door slides into the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism connects with the locking mechanism to produce a locking action, and the locking hook is in a locked state that cannot be unlocked, corresponding to the locked state of the dishwasher door;

[0013] The telescopic rod has an initial position between the extended and retracted positions, allowing the user to manually close or unlock the dishwasher door by sliding the locking hook on the door into or out of the locking mechanism.

[0014] Furthermore, a detector is provided on the housing, and a component to be detected is provided on the telescopic rod, so that when the telescopic rod is in the 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 that the telescopic rod is in the initial position;

[0015] Preferably, when the telescopic rod is in the initial position, only the locking mechanism protrudes from the housing; when the telescopic rod is in the initial position, the locking mechanism and the locking fastening mechanism do not contact each other, and the locking mechanism is in an unlockable locked state.

[0016] Furthermore, the detector is a contact switch mounted on the housing, and the component to be detected is a trigger groove provided on the telescopic rod. When the telescopic rod is in the initial position, the telescopic contact of the contact switch extends into the trigger groove, thereby generating a detection signal that the telescopic rod is in the initial position.

[0017] Preferably, the telescopic rod is further provided with a second and / or a third triggering groove, so that when the telescopic rod is in the extended position or the retracted position, the telescopic contact of the contact switch extends into the second or third triggering groove, thereby generating a detection signal that the telescopic rod is in the extended position or the retracted position.

[0018] Furthermore, the locking mechanism is equipped with a locking detector so that when the locking hook extends into the clamp-type locking mechanism and the locking hook performs the locking action, the locking detector detects the locking detection part set on the locking hook and sends out a locking signal.

[0019] And / or, when the locking hook slides out or is about to slide out of the clamp-type locking mechanism, or when the locking hook performs or is about to perform an unlocking action, the locking detector fails to detect the locking of the object under test and issues a locking hook unlocking signal.

[0020] Furthermore, a drive motor is installed on the housing, and the drive motor is directly or via a transmission structure connected to the telescopic rod, so as to use the forward and reverse output of the drive motor to drive the telescopic rod to extend out of the housing or retract into the housing; preferably, a rack structure is provided on one side of the telescopic rod along the push-pull direction, and the output shaft of the drive motor meshes with the rack structure via a transmission gear set to push the telescopic rod to extend out of the housing or retract into the housing; preferably, the automatic door opening and closing device is provided with a motor detector to detect the working power and / or working current of the drive motor, so as to generate a signal that the telescopic rod has extended to the extended position or retracted to the retracted position after the detected value exceeds the set value, thereby controlling the drive motor to stop working.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher that can automatically open or close the door.

[0022] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0023] A dishwasher includes a body with an openable and closable door installed on the front side of the body; an automatic door opening and closing device installed on the body, and a locking hook on the door; a telescopic rod installed on the housing of the automatic door opening and closing device, the telescopic end of the telescopic rod having a locking mechanism for locking the locking hook on the door, and the housing having a locking mechanism for tightening the locking mechanism to allow the locking hook to slide into or out of the locking mechanism through a gap in the swing end of the locking mechanism; a position detector for detecting the position of the telescopic rod is provided on any one or a combination of the dishwasher's body, door, and automatic door opening and closing device.

[0024] Furthermore, the automatic door opening and closing device adopts any of the above-described automatic door opening and closing devices, and a position detector is installed on the housing of the automatic door opening and closing device; and / or, a position detector is installed between the dishwasher body and the door to detect the opening and closing displacement of the door and thus obtain the position of the telescopic rod of the automatic door opening and closing device.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a dishwasher to achieve the purpose of closing and locking the door.

[0026] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0027] A method for controlling the dishwasher described above, comprising:

[0028] When the dishwasher door is closed, the telescopic rod is in its initial position;

[0029] When the machine door is closed by external force, the locking hook on the machine door slides into the locking mechanism and is locked by the locking mechanism.

[0030] When the drive mechanism is activated, it causes the telescopic rod to retract into the housing to the retracted position. The locking mechanism then engages with the fastening mechanism, and the locking mechanism is engaged by the fastening mechanism to perform a locking action. The locking mechanism is in a locked state that cannot be unlocked, and the door is locked.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a dishwasher to achieve the purpose of manually opening the door.

[0032] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0033] A method for controlling the dishwasher described above, comprising:

[0034] When the dishwasher door is opened, the telescopic rod is in the retracted position;

[0035] When the door is opened by an external force, the locking hook on the door moves in the direction of sliding out of the locking mechanism, generating an unlocking signal;

[0036] When the drive mechanism is activated, it causes the telescopic rod to extend out of the housing to its initial position. The locking mechanism separates from the fastening mechanism, and the locking mechanism is in a state where it can be unlocked by external force.

[0037] When the machine door is subjected to an external force to open, the locking hook on the machine door slides out of the space enclosed by the locking mechanism, and the machine door is opened.

[0038] Furthermore, the specific process of generating the unlock signal is as follows:

[0039] When the door is opened by an external force, it moves outward, and the locking hook moves in the direction of disengaging from the locking mechanism. The locking detector on the locking mechanism can no longer detect the locking device on the locking hook, and sends a locking hook unlocking signal.

[0040] Another objective of this invention is to provide a control method for a dishwasher to achieve automatic opening and closing of the door for ventilation.

[0041] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0042] A method for controlling the dishwasher described above, comprising:

[0043] The dishwasher has a ventilation program, as detailed below.

[0044] The door is in the closed position, the locking mechanism is locked with the locking hook, and the telescopic rod is in the retracted position;

[0045] The drive motor rotates forward, causing the telescopic rod to extend from the retracted position to the extended position;

[0046] The drive motor stops working, the door opens slightly, and the dishwasher tub is ventilated.

[0047] After the ventilation is completed, the drive motor reverses its operation, causing the telescopic rod to retract inward from the retracted position to the initial position;

[0048] Preferably, the ventilation program is performed before the dishwasher finishes its cycle.

[0049] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0050] 1. 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. This achieves the differentiation between the initial position corresponding to the manual opening and closing of the automatic door opening and closing device and the door closing and locking position, thus achieving the effect of two-step action of door closing and locking. This avoids problems such as excessive locking force during door opening and closing, which prevents smooth opening and excessive wear of the locking mechanism.

[0051] 2. In this invention, by setting an initial position for the automatic door opening and closing device, when the door is closed, the locking hook on the door first slides into the locking mechanism to lock the door; then the telescopic rod retracts backward to abut against the locking mechanism, thereby locking the door. This achieves the effect of sequential execution of the locking and tightening steps when the door is closed, which greatly reduces the wear between the locking mechanism and the locking hook, and effectively prevents the locking mechanism from failing to lock due to excessive use of the door opening and closing.

[0052] 3. In this invention, the control method of opening the door by applying external force twice ensures that the door first moves from a locked position to a locked position before opening from the locked state. This effectively reduces wear between the locking mechanism and the locking mechanism, reduces the external force required for the user to open the door, and greatly improves the smoothness of opening the door.

[0053] 4. In this invention, by controlling the door from locking to locking, then extending, and then locking again, the effect of automatic control of the door opening and closing is achieved, thereby achieving the effect of automatic ventilation of the inner tank by using the automatic opening and closing of the door.

[0054] Meanwhile, the present invention has a simple structure, a concise method, and significant effects, making it suitable for widespread use.

[0055] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0056] 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:

[0057] 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;

[0058] 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;

[0059] 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;

[0060] 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.

[0061] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the dishwasher door in the locked state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 6 This is a top view of the dishwasher in the locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 7 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the AA section structure;

[0064] Figure 8 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the BB cross-section structure;

[0065] 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;

[0066] Figure 10 This is a top view of the dishwasher in the locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 11This 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;

[0068] Figure 12 This is a structural schematic diagram of the dishwasher with its door open in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 13 This is a top view of the dishwasher in the open state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 14 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the CC section structure;

[0071] Figure 15 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the DD cross-section structure;

[0072] 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.

[0073] Description of main components in the diagram:

[0074] 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. Clamp-type 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. Clamp-type locking element; 311. Rotating end; 312. Locking end; 32. Locking spring; 41. Contact switch; 42. Waiting-to-trigger groove; 5. Lock hook; 51. Slide-out locking end; 52. Slide-in unlocking end; 6. Housing; 61. Drive cavity; 62. Track cavity.

[0075] 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

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] In this embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher automatic door opening and closing device 300 includes the following states:

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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 10As 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] Furthermore, the position detector can also be installed on other components of the dishwasher. For example, a position detector can be installed between the dishwasher door 200 and the dishwasher body 100. The position detector can be used to detect the opening and closing displacement of the door 200, and the position of the telescopic rod 13 of the automatic door opening and closing device 300 can be calculated using the detected opening and closing displacement. The aforementioned position detector can be a Hall sensor installed on the body 100 and a device to be detected installed on the door 200. The detection or non-detection of the device to be detected by the Hall sensor determines whether the door 200 is in the set position, and thus indirectly determines whether the telescopic rod 13 of the automatic door opening and closing device 300 is in the set position (not shown in the accompanying drawings).

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] In this embodiment of the invention, the process of the dishwasher being opened by the user is as follows:

[0095] 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;

[0096] 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.

[0097] S103. The locking hook 5 unlocks from the locking mechanism 2, and the door 200 is pulled outward by the user.

[0098] 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:

[0099] 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;

[0100] 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.

[0101] S1013. Drive motor 11 to work, push telescopic rod 13 to extend outward until telescopic rod 13 extends to the initial position;

[0102] Then continue to execute steps S101 to S103 in sequence.

[0103] In step S1013 above, the specific method for detecting whether the telescopic rod 13 is in its initial position is as follows:

[0104] 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.

[0105] In this embodiment of the invention, the process of the dishwasher being closed by the user is as follows:

[0106] 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;

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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;

[0109] 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.

[0110] In step S204 above, the specific method for detecting whether the telescopic rod 13 is in the retracted position is as follows:

[0111] 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.

[0112] In this embodiment of the invention, the automatic door opening and ventilation process of the dishwasher is as follows:

[0113] 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;

[0114] S302. The dishwasher is performing a ventilation program;

[0115] S303. The drive motor 11 rotates forward, causing the telescopic rod 13 to extend outward from the retracted position to the extended position;

[0116] S304. Drive motor 11 stops working, door 200 opens a certain gap, and the dishwasher tub is ventilated.

[0117] S305. Ventilation complete;

[0118] S306. Drive motor 11 reverses its operation, causing telescopic rod 13 to retract inward from the retracted position to the initial position.

[0119] The specific method for determining whether the telescopic rod 13 is in the extended position in step S303 above is as follows:

[0120] 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.

[0121] In step S306 above, the specific method for detecting whether the telescopic rod 13 is in its initial position is as follows:

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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:

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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, characterized in that: include: The housing has a telescopic rod installed on it, which moves telescopically between an extended position and a retracted position under the action of a drive mechanism. The telescopic rod is equipped with a locking mechanism at its telescopic end to lock the door hook, and the housing is equipped with a locking mechanism to tighten the locking mechanism; the housing is equipped with a position detector to detect and position the telescopic rod.

2. The automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is equipped with a detector, and the telescopic rod is equipped with a component to be tested. When the telescopic rod is in the initial position, the component to be tested moves to the detector, and the detector detects the component to be tested and generates a detection signal that the telescopic rod is in the initial position. Preferably, the telescopic rod has an initial position between the extended position and the retracted position, allowing the user to manually close or unlock the dishwasher door, and slide the locking hook on the dishwasher door into or out of the locking mechanism; When the telescopic rod is in its initial position, only the locking mechanism protrudes from the housing; When the telescopic rod is in its initial position, the locking mechanism and the fastening mechanism are not in contact, and the locking mechanism is in an unlockable locked state.

3. The automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detector is a contact switch mounted on the housing, and the part to be detected is a trigger groove provided on the telescopic rod. When the telescopic rod is in the initial position, the telescopic contact of the contact switch extends into the trigger groove, thereby generating a detection signal that the telescopic rod is in the initial position. Preferably, the telescopic rod is further provided with a second and / or a third triggering groove, so that when the telescopic rod is in the extended position or the retracted position, the telescopic contact of the contact switch extends into the second or third triggering groove, thereby generating a detection signal that the telescopic rod is in the extended position or the retracted position.

4. An automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The locking mechanism is equipped with a locking detector so that when the locking hook extends into the clamp-type locking mechanism and the locking hook performs the locking action, the locking detector detects the locking test piece set on the locking hook and sends out a locking hook locking signal. And / or, when the locking hook slides out or is about to slide out of the clamp-type locking mechanism, or when the locking hook performs or is about to perform an unlocking action, the locking detector fails to detect the locking of the object under test and issues a locking hook unlocking signal.

5. An automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A drive motor is installed on the housing. The drive motor is directly or via a transmission structure connected to the telescopic rod so that the forward and reverse outputs of the drive motor can drive the telescopic rod to extend out of the housing or retract into the housing. Preferably, a rack structure is provided on one side of the telescopic rod along the push-pull direction, and the output shaft of the drive motor meshes with the rack structure through a transmission gear set to push the telescopic rod out of the housing or retract into the housing; Preferably, the automatic door opening and closing device is equipped with a motor detector to detect the operating power and / or operating current of the drive motor, so as to generate a signal that the telescopic rod extends to the extended position or retracts to the retracted position after the detected value exceeds the set value, thereby controlling the drive motor to stop working.

6. 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, and the door is equipped with a locking hook; the housing of the automatic door opening and closing device is equipped with a telescopic rod, and the telescopic end of the telescopic rod is equipped with a locking mechanism to lock the locking hook on the door. The housing is equipped with a locking mechanism to tighten the locking mechanism so that the locking hook slides into or out of the locking mechanism through the gap of the swing end of the locking mechanism; any one or combination of the dishwasher's body, door, and automatic door opening and closing device is equipped with a position detector to detect the position of the telescopic rod.

7. A dishwasher according to claim 6, characterized in that, The automatic door opening and closing device described herein adopts any one of the automatic door opening and closing devices described in claims 1 to 5, and a position detector is installed on the housing of the automatic door opening and closing device; And / or, a position detector is installed between the dishwasher body and the door to detect the opening and closing displacement of the door and thus obtain the position of the telescopic rod of the automatic door opening and closing device.

8. A control method for a dishwasher as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: When the dishwasher door is closed, the telescopic rod is in its initial position; When the machine door is closed by external force, the locking hook on the machine door slides into the locking mechanism and is locked by the locking mechanism. When the drive mechanism is activated, it causes the telescopic rod to retract into the housing to the retracted position. The locking mechanism then engages with the fastening mechanism, and the locking mechanism is engaged by the fastening mechanism to perform a locking action. The locking mechanism is in a locked state that cannot be unlocked, and the door is locked.

9. A control method for a dishwasher as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: When the dishwasher door is opened, the telescopic rod is in the retracted position; When the door is opened by an external force, the locking hook on the door moves in the direction of sliding out of the locking mechanism, generating an unlocking signal; When the drive mechanism is activated, it causes the telescopic rod to extend out of the housing to its initial position. The locking mechanism separates from the fastening mechanism, and the locking mechanism is in a state where it can be unlocked by external force. When the machine door is subjected to an external force to open, the locking hook on the machine door slides out of the space enclosed by the locking mechanism, and the machine door is opened.

10. An automatic door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to claim 9, characterized in that, The specific process for generating the unlock signal is as follows. When the door is opened by an external force, it moves outward, and the locking hook moves in the direction of disengaging from the locking mechanism. The locking detector on the locking mechanism can no longer detect the locking device on the locking hook, and sends a locking hook unlocking signal.

11. A control method for a dishwasher as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The dishwasher has a ventilation program, as detailed below. The door is in the closed position, the locking mechanism is locked with the locking hook, and the telescopic rod is in the retracted position; The drive motor rotates forward, causing the telescopic rod to extend from the retracted position to the extended position; The drive motor stops working, the door opens slightly, and the dishwasher tub is ventilated. After the ventilation is completed, the drive motor reverses its operation, causing the telescopic rod to retract inward from the retracted position to the initial position; Preferably, the ventilation program is performed before the dishwasher finishes its cycle.

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