Door body structure for kitchen appliance and kitchen appliance

Abstract

The door body structure comprises an inner door and an outer door, the outer door is rotatably connected with the inner door through a first rotating shaft extending in the left-right direction, and the outer door can rotate to a first position attached to the inner door; the outer door can rotate to a second position where an included angle is formed between the outer door and the inner door and is an acute angle, and the outer door can also rotate to a third position perpendicular to the inner door. The door body is diversified in function, the door body can be shielded, objects can be placed, or the door body can be used as a cutting board, and when the outer door is located at the second position, the inner door can be suspended, and the supporting and positioning effects can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, specifically to a door structure for kitchen appliances and the kitchen appliances themselves. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing dishwasher doors are balanced using springs, allowing them to hover at any position from 0° to 90°. For example, Chinese utility model patent application CN201621107970.2 (publication number CN206299258U) discloses a door balance hinge adjustment mechanism and a dishwasher having the same. This adjustment mechanism includes a tension spring, a pull rope, a pulley assembly, and a hinge structure. One end of the tension spring is connected to the pull rope, which is then connected to the hinge structure via the pulley assembly. The adjustment mechanism also includes an adjustment plate with at least two adjustment holes. The end of the tension spring furthest from the pull rope can be connected to any one of these adjustment holes. In this door balance hinge adjustment mechanism, the adjustment plate has several adjustment holes, allowing the tension of the tension spring to be adjusted by attaching it to different adjustment holes. This prevents the spring from being too tight or too loose, balancing the spring force with the frictional force generated by the door's weight, allowing the door to hover at any opening angle.

[0003] However, when the dishwasher door is at least partially open and the door is in a suspended state, the weight of the door will greatly affect the lifespan of the tension spring.

[0004] In addition to opening and closing the washing chamber of the dishwasher, some dishwashers also have air vents on their doors to discharge airflow from the washing chamber. For example, the Chinese invention patent application CN202210778760.X (publication number CN115067849A) discloses a drying device for a washing machine and its drying control method. This washing machine has an exhaust assembly installed on the inner door and a hot air assembly installed on the side wall of the chamber. The hot air assembly has a heating element and a blower fan installed in the hot air channel, and the exhaust assembly has an exhaust fan installed in the exhaust channel.

[0005] As can be seen from the figure, the air vent is located at a relatively high position on the door, which results in poor heat dissipation efficiency and also causes the temperature of the upper and lower layers in the washing chamber to be different, with the lower layer being hotter.

[0006] As can be seen from the above, the door generally only serves to open and close the washing chamber and to exhaust air, and its function is singular. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a multifunctional door structure for kitchen appliances, in light of the current state of the technology.

[0008] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a kitchen appliance that applies the above-mentioned door structure, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a door structure for kitchen appliances, characterized in that it includes an inner door and an outer door, the outer door is rotatably connected to the inner door through a first pivot extending in the left and right direction, the outer door can be rotated to a first position that fits against the inner door, and the outer door can be rotated to a second position that has an angle with the inner door and the angle is an acute angle, and the outer door can also be rotated to a third position that is perpendicular to the inner door.

[0010] A positioning structure can be installed between the outer and inner doors, allowing the outer door to be positioned relative to the inner door when in the third position. For example, they could be connected by screws. However, removing and installing screws when switching positions is cumbersome. Therefore, the outer door is equipped with a support leg and a first perforated hole. One end of the support leg is rotatably connected to the outer door via a second pivot extending in the left-right direction. When the outer door is in the first position, the support leg rotates to a position within the first perforated hole, preventing interference between the outer and inner doors. When the outer door is in the second position, the support leg can be rotated to a position perpendicular to the outer door (supporting the outer door) or to a position within the first perforated hole (no support required). When the outer door is in the third position, the support leg rotates to a position perpendicular to the outer door to provide support. This method simplifies operation by requiring only the rotation of the support leg to support the inner door.

[0011] If the support platform is too low and the outriggers cannot be supported on it, the outer door is further provided with a support column and a second perforated hole. The support column is detachably embedded in the second perforated hole. When the support column is removed from the second perforated hole and the outriggers are rotated to be perpendicular to the outer door, the support column is detachably installed at the lower end of the outriggers. In this way, the support column and the outriggers are connected, which is equivalent to extending the length of the outriggers to support the outer door on the support platform.

[0012] To facilitate the removal of the support column, one end of the second perforation extends through the edge of the outer door, allowing the support column to be removed or inserted through the opening of the second perforation.

[0013] To facilitate the detachable connection of the support column, the support leg, and the outer door, the support column is provided with a plug, the lower end of the support leg is provided with a first slot into which the plug can be detachably inserted, and the second hollow hole is provided with a second slot into which the plug can be detachably inserted on the wall facing its opening.

[0014] Alternatively, the support column is provided with a socket, the lower end of the support leg is provided with a first rod that can be detachably inserted into the socket, and the wall surface of the second hollow hole facing its opening is provided with a second rod that can be detachably inserted into the socket.

[0015] To improve the stability of the external door, there are two support legs, spaced apart in the left-right direction; correspondingly, there are two support pillars, spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0016] For kitchen appliances that generate steam and require ventilation, exhaust vents are usually provided on the door. Therefore, exhaust vents are provided on the outer door and / or legs and / or pillars, and multiple air outlets corresponding to the exhaust vents are provided on the inner door.

[0017] Preferably, the support legs are provided with exhaust vents, and the support column is also provided with exhaust vents, with the first perforation located below the second perforation. This arrangement of multiple exhaust vents ensures high exhaust efficiency, and the different heights of the vents prevent uneven temperature distribution within the kitchen appliance's enclosure. Furthermore, the exhaust vents are located on the support column and legs, rather than on the outer door, so as not to interfere with the outer door's use as a shelf or cutting board.

[0018] Preferably, a nut is installed in the exhaust port, and the area enclosed by the nut is an air passage for airflow. The nut is also threadedly connected to the corresponding air outlet. Thus, when the outer door is in the first position, the nut can not only exhaust air, but also connect the inner door and the outer door, fixing the outer door relative to the inner door.

[0019] To facilitate the connection between the outer door and the inner door via the first pivot, the top of the inner door is provided with a connecting post extending in the left-right direction. There are at least two connecting posts, which are spaced apart in the left-right direction. A first pivot is provided between two adjacent connecting posts, and the two ends of the first pivot are rotatably connected to the two connecting posts respectively.

[0020] The outer door can be used as a cutting board, but after prolonged use, it will be covered with scratches. Therefore, the connecting post can be detachably installed on the inner door, and the connecting post can be removed from the inner door to replace the entire outer door.

[0021] The connecting post can be detachably connected to the inner door by screws or magnetic attraction. Alternatively, the inner door can have a through groove, and the connecting post can have a protrusion embedded in the groove, with the protrusion able to enter and exit the groove from the left and right ends.

[0022] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a kitchen appliance, characterized in that it includes a cabinet and the aforementioned door structure, wherein the front side of the cabinet is open, and the lower part of the inner door is rotatably connected to the cabinet, thereby allowing the cabinet to be opened and closed by rotating back and forth;

[0023] With the outer door in the first position, the inner door extends vertically and covers the front opening of the box; with the outer door in the second position, the inner door opens at least partially to the front opening of the box, and the bottom of the outer door is supported on a support platform; with the outer door in the third position, the inner door extends vertically and covers the front opening of the box, and the upper surface of the outer door is used as a shelf or cutting board.

[0024] In the above solution, the kitchen appliance is a dishwasher or a steam cooking device that generates steam.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are as follows: By designing the door body into an outer door and an inner door, the outer door can rotate to three positions relative to the inner door. The outer door can rotate to the first position where it is flush with the inner door, at which point the outer and inner doors work together to shield the kitchen appliance cabinet, providing good sealing. The outer door can also rotate to the second position where it forms an acute angle with the inner door, at which point the inner door is in a semi-open position, and the outer door can be supported on a support platform to support the inner door, reducing the impact of gravity on the lifespan of the suspension components (the suspension components are the parts that position the inner door, such as the tension spring in the prior art). The outer door can also rotate to the third position where it is perpendicular to the inner door, at which point the outer door can be used as a shelf or cutting board, thus eliminating the need to purchase an additional food preparation table, reducing costs and space occupation.

[0026] As can be seen from the above, the door of the present invention has multiple functions. It can not only cover the door, but also place objects or be used as a cutting board. Furthermore, when the outer door is in the second position, it can also support and position the inner door. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention (the inner door is in the first position);

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the inner door structure;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A sectional view;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Structural diagram of the outer door, support legs, and pillars;

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the fit between the door structure and the box body;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention (the inner door is in the third position);

[0034] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the fit between the door structure and the box body;

[0035] Figure 9 for Figure 7 An exploded view of one of the pillars and legs;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention (the inner door is in the second position);

[0037] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing the door structure and its fit with the box. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, and the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the 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.

[0040] In the description of this invention patent, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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 adhesive 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 patent based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] like Figures 1-11 As shown, the kitchen appliance of this preferred embodiment includes a cabinet 1 and a door structure. The door structure includes an inner door 2 and an outer door 3. The front of the cabinet 1 is open. The lower part of the inner door 2 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 1, so that it can be deflected back and forth to open or close the front opening of the cabinet 1.

[0042] The connection between the inner door 2 and the cabinet 1 can be achieved using existing technologies, which will not be elaborated here. For example, the Chinese utility model patent disclosed in patent application number CN201621107970.2 (publication number CN206299258U) entitled "Door Balance Hinge Adjustment Mechanism and Dishwasher Having It" can be used.

[0043] The outer door 3 is rotatably connected to the inner door 2 via a first pivot 31 extending in the left-right direction, and the outer door 3 can rotate to a first position that fits against the inner door 2 (e.g., Figure 1 As shown), and the outer door 3 can rotate to a second position where it forms an acute angle with the inner door 2 (as shown). Figure 10 As shown), the outer door 3 can also rotate to a third position perpendicular to the inner door 2 (as shown). Figure 7 (As shown).

[0044] With the outer door 3 in the first position, the inner door 2 extends vertically and covers the front opening of the cabinet 1. At this time, the outer door 3 and the inner door 2 work together to cover the cabinet 1 of the kitchen appliance, providing good sealing. With the outer door 3 in the second position, the inner door 2 opens at least partially the front opening of the cabinet 1. The bottom of the outer door 3 is supported on a support platform (such as the ground or tabletop). When the inner door 2 is in a half-open state, the outer door 3 automatically rotates relative to the inner door 2 at a certain angle due to gravity. The angle between the two is an acute angle. The outer door 3 supports the inner door 2, thus solving the problem of the inner door 2's suspension affecting the lifespan of suspension components such as tension springs when it is suspended. With the outer door 3 in the third position, the inner door 2 extends vertically and covers the front opening of the cabinet 1. At this time, the outer door 3 can be used as a shelf or cutting board, eliminating the need to purchase an additional food preparation table and reducing costs and space occupation.

[0045] As can be seen from the above, the door of this embodiment has multiple functions. It can not only cover the box 1, but also store items or be used as a cutting board. Furthermore, when the outer door 3 is in the second position, it can also support and position the inner door 2, reducing the impact of gravity on the life of the tension spring.

[0046] The outer door 3 is provided with a support leg 4 and a first hollow hole 32. One end of the support leg 4 is rotatably connected to the outer door 3 via a second pivot extending in the left-right direction. When the outer door 3 is in the first position, the support leg 4 rotates to a position located in the first hollow hole 32 (e.g., Figure 1 As shown), it will not interfere with the fit between the outer door 3 and the inner door 2; when the outer door 3 is in the second position, the support leg 4 can be rotated to a position perpendicular to the outer door 3 (support leg 4 supports the outer door 3, support leg 4 supports the support platform) or to a position in the first hollow hole 32 (support leg 4 does not need to support the outer door 3, the outer door 3 supports the support platform, such as...). Figure 10 As shown), with the outer door 3 in the third position, the support leg 4 rotates to a position perpendicular to the outer door 3 (as shown). Figure 7 As shown), it is used to support the outer door 3.

[0047] The outer door 3 is also provided with a support column 5 and a second hollow hole 33. The support column 5 can be detachably embedded in the second hollow hole 33. In order to facilitate the removal of the support column 5, one end of the second hollow hole 33 passes through the edge of the outer door 3, so that the support column 5 can be removed or inserted from the through opening of the second hollow hole 33.

[0048] With the support column 5 detached from the second perforated hole 33 and the support leg 4 rotated to be perpendicular to the outer door 3, the support column 5 can be detachably installed at the lower end of the support leg 4. In this way, the support column 5 and the support leg 4 are connected, which is equivalent to extending the length of the support leg 4 to support the outer door 3 on the support platform.

[0049] To facilitate the detachable connection of support column 5, support leg 4, and outer door 3, such as Figure 7 , 9 As shown, the support column 5 is provided with a plug 51, and the lower end of the support leg 4 is provided with a first slot 41 into which the plug 51 can be detachably inserted. The second slot 34 is provided on the wall surface of the second hollow hole 33 facing its opening, so that the plug 51 can be detachably inserted.

[0050] Of course, it is also possible that the support column 5 is provided with a socket, the lower end of the support leg 4 is provided with a first rod that can be detachably inserted into the socket, and the second hollow hole 33 is provided with a second rod that can be detachably inserted into the socket on the wall facing its opening.

[0051] In this embodiment, there are two support legs 4, which are spaced apart in the left and right direction. Correspondingly, there are two support columns 5, which are spaced apart in the left and right direction. The first hollow hole 32 is located below the second hollow hole 33.

[0052] For kitchen appliances that generate steam and require venting, such as dishwashers or steam cooking equipment like steam ovens and steamers, the outer door 3 and / or support legs 4 and / or support pillar 5 are equipped with vents 35, and the inner door 2 is equipped with multiple air outlets 21 corresponding to the vents 35. When the outer door 3 is in the first position, the vents 35 and air outlets 21 are connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0053] In this embodiment, each support leg 4 is provided with an exhaust port 35, and each support column 5 is also provided with an exhaust port 35. The multiple exhaust ports 35 ensure high exhaust efficiency, and their varying heights prevent uneven temperature distribution within the kitchen appliance's housing 1. Furthermore, the exhaust ports 35 are located on the support columns 5 and support legs 4, rather than on the outer door 3, thus not affecting the outer door's use as a shelf or cutting board.

[0054] A nut 6 is installed in the exhaust port 35. The area enclosed by the nut 6 is an air passage 61 for airflow. The nut 6 is also threadedly connected to the corresponding air outlet 21. Thus, when the outer door 3 is in the first position, the nut 6 not only allows air to escape but also connects the inner door 2 and the outer door 3, fixing the outer door 3 relative to the inner door 2 and positioning the support leg 4 in the first hollow hole 32. When the outer door 3 needs to be switched to the second or third position, the nut 6 is first rotated to disengage it from the air outlet 21, and then the outer door 3 can be rotated. Of course, the support leg 4 can also be positioned in the first hollow hole 32 without the nut 6. A first magnet can be installed on the support leg 4, and a second magnet can be installed in the first hollow hole 32, with the first and second magnets magnetically attracted to each other.

[0055] The top of the inner door 2 is provided with connecting posts 22 extending in the left and right direction. There are at least two connecting posts 22 and they are spaced apart in the left and right direction. A first rotating shaft 31 is provided between two adjacent connecting posts 22. The two ends of the first rotating shaft 31 are rotatably connected to the two connecting posts 22 respectively.

[0056] The outer door 3 can be used as a cutting board. After long-term use, it will be covered with scratches. Therefore, the connecting post 22 can be detached and installed on the inner door 2. The connecting post 22 can be removed from the inner door 2 to replace the outer door 3 as a whole.

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner door 2 is provided with a through groove 23, and the connecting post 22 is provided with a protrusion 221 embedded in the groove 23. The protrusion 221 can enter and exit the groove 23 from the left and right ports of the groove 23 to realize the assembly and disassembly of the connecting post 22.

[0058] In another embodiment, the smart appliance equipped with the door structure has a smart voice control module. The smart voice control module includes a controller, a voice receiving module, and a voice parsing module. The voice receiving module receives user commands, and the voice parsing module parses the commands. Based on the parsed commands, the controller controls the kitchen appliance to perform corresponding operations, thereby realizing intelligent control of the kitchen appliance and improving the user experience of using the smart appliance.

Claims

1. A door structure for kitchen appliances, characterized in that, It includes an inner door (2) and an outer door (3). The outer door (3) is rotatably connected to the inner door (2) via a first pivot (31) extending in the left-right direction. The outer door (3) can rotate to a first position that fits against the inner door (2), and the outer door (3) can rotate to a second position that forms an acute angle with the inner door (2). The outer door (3) can also rotate to a third position that is perpendicular to the inner door (2).

2. The door structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer door (3) is provided with a support leg (4) and a first hollow hole (32). One end of the support leg (4) is rotatably connected to the outer door (3) through a second rotating shaft extending in the left and right direction. When the outer door (3) is in the first position, the support leg (4) rotates to the position state located in the first hollow hole (32). When the outer door (3) is in the second position, the support leg (4) rotates to the position state perpendicular to the outer door (3) or the position state located in the first hollow hole (32). When the outer door (3) is in the third position, the support leg (4) rotates to the position state perpendicular to the outer door (3).

3. The door structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer door (3) is also provided with a support column (5) and a second hollow hole (33). The support column (5) is detachably embedded in the second hollow hole (33). When the support column (5) is removed from the second hollow hole (33) and the support leg (4) is rotated to be perpendicular to the outer door (3), the support column (5) is detachably installed at the lower end of the support leg (4).

4. The door structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: One end of the second perforated hole (33) passes through the edge of the outer door (3).

5. The door structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The support column (5) is provided with a plug (51), and the lower end of the support leg (4) is provided with a first slot (41) into which the plug (51) can be detachably inserted. The second hollow hole (33) is provided with a second slot (34) on the wall facing its opening, into which the plug (51) can be detachably inserted. Alternatively, the support column (5) is provided with an insertion hole, the lower end of the support leg (4) is provided with a first rod that can be detachably inserted into the insertion hole, and the second hollow hole (33) is provided with a second rod that can be detachably inserted into the insertion hole on the wall facing its opening.

6. The door structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: There are two legs (4) and they are spaced apart in the left and right directions. Correspondingly, there are two pillars (5) and they are spaced apart in the left and right directions.

7. The door structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer door (3) and / or the support leg (4) and / or the support column (5) are provided with exhaust ports (35), and the inner door (2) is provided with multiple air outlets (21) corresponding to the exhaust ports (35).

8. The door structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The support leg (4) is provided with an exhaust port (35), and the support column (5) is also provided with an exhaust port (35). The first hollow hole (32) is located below the second hollow hole (33).

9. The door structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: A nut (6) is installed in the exhaust port (35). The area enclosed by the nut (6) is the air outlet (61) for airflow. The nut (6) is also threadedly connected to the corresponding air outlet (21).

10. The door structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The top of the inner door (2) is provided with connecting posts (22) extending in the left and right direction. There are at least two connecting posts (22) and they are spaced apart in the left and right direction. A first rotating shaft (31) is provided between two adjacent connecting posts (22). The two ends of the first rotating shaft (31) are rotatably connected to the two connecting posts (22) respectively.

11. The door structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The connecting column (22) can be detachably installed on the inner door (2).

12. The door structure according to claim 11, characterized in that: The inner door (2) is provided with a through groove (23) that runs from left to right. The connecting column (22) is provided with a protrusion (221) that is embedded in the groove (23), and the protrusion (221) can enter and exit the groove (23) from the left and right ports of the groove (23).

13. A kitchen appliance, characterized in that, Includes a housing (1) and a door structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the front of the housing (1) is open and the lower part of the inner door (2) is rotatably connected to the housing (1); When the outer door (3) is in the first position, the inner door (2) extends vertically and covers the front opening of the box (1); when the outer door (3) is in the second position, the inner door (2) opens at least partially the front opening of the box (1), and the bottom of the outer door (3) is supported on the support platform; when the outer door (3) is in the third position, the inner door (2) extends vertically and covers the front opening of the box (1), and the upper surface of the outer door (3) is used as a shelf or cutting board.

14. The kitchen appliance according to claim 13, characterized in that: The kitchen appliance is a dishwasher or a steam cooking device that generates steam.

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