Dish washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a dish-washing machine and a control method thereof. The dish-washing machine comprises a box body with an opening in the front side; the dish rack can move in and out of the box body back and forth; the door body can be rotationally arranged at the opening in the front side of the box body around the axis extending in the left-right direction, so that the box body is opened or closed; the baffle can enter and exit from the box body in a front-back moving mode, and the baffle is transversely arranged and located between the dish rack and the door body in the state that the door body is opened; the sensors are arranged on the baffle and comprise the first sensor used for detecting whether a user places tableware on the dish rack or not and / or the second sensor used for detecting the smudginess degree on the baffle. Therefore, kitchen garbage such as oil dirt dropped from tableware placed in the dish rack can be received by the baffle, and the kitchen garbage cannot drop to the door body to block the exhaust port in the door body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dishwasher, and more specifically to a dishwasher and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most dishwashers on the market generally consist of a cabinet and a spray system located within the cabinet. The spray system draws water from the bottom of the cabinet into a spray nozzle and sprays it into the washing chamber to rinse the dishes. The washing chamber volume of most dishwashers is fixed and cannot be adjusted according to the amount of dishes to be washed. When the number of dishes to be washed is small, placing them in a large washing chamber not only affects the washing effect but also wastes water.

[0003] In addition, for some large-capacity dishwashers, users are used to storing the dishes inside the dishwasher after washing. In this case, if the number of dishes used per meal is small, the stored dishes need to be washed together with the dishes the next time, which will also waste water and electricity.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, Chinese utility model patent CN202023348649.2 (publication number CN215383808U) discloses a dishwasher, comprising: a cabinet having an inner cavity; a partition assembly disposed within the inner cavity of the cabinet for dividing the inner cavity into relatively independent upper and lower spaces; the partition assembly includes: a fixed plate horizontally positioned in the middle of the cabinet and connected to the inner side wall of the cabinet; a movable plate movably disposed on the fixed plate for cooperating with the fixed plate to separate or connect the upper and lower spaces; further comprising: a surrounding plate disposed on the lower wall of the fixed plate, forming a relatively independent mounting compartment between the surrounding plate and the inner wall of the cabinet; and a drive mechanism disposed in the mounting compartment, with a power output shaft passing through the surrounding plate and connected to the movable plate.

[0005] When the number of dishes to be washed is small, the movable plate of the partition assembly moves relative to the fixed plate to separate the upper and lower spaces. The upper space can be used to store the washed dishes, while the lower space can be sprayed and washed separately. This not only makes full use of the cabinet space but also helps to save energy such as water and electricity. When the number of dishes to be washed is large, the movable plate of the partition assembly moves relative to the fixed plate to connect the upper and lower spaces, and the dishes in the upper and lower spaces are washed at the same time.

[0006] For side-opening dishwashers, the dish racks are pulled forward outside the dishwasher to facilitate loading and unloading. The dish racks typically have a perforated structure made of several frame strips to allow water to drain. When soiled dishes are placed on the racks, grease and debris may leak out. With the door open, the racks are directly above the door, and drips from the racks will fall onto the door. Since the door usually has an exhaust vent, grease dripping into the vent can cause blockages and affect the dishwasher's ventilation performance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dishwasher that prevents oil and other contaminants from dripping from the dish rack and contaminating the door, 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 control method for the dishwasher described above, 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 dishwasher, comprising...

[0010] The box-shaped structure has an open front.

[0011] The dish rack can move back and forth in and out of the box;

[0012] The door is rotatably positioned at the front opening of the enclosure, allowing the enclosure to be opened or closed.

[0013] Its characteristic is that it also includes

[0014] A baffle that can move back and forth to enter and exit the cabinet. When the door is open, the baffle is horizontally positioned between the dish rack and the door.

[0015] The sensor, located on the baffle, includes a first sensor for detecting whether a user is placing cutlery on the dish rack and / or a second sensor for detecting the degree of dirt on the baffle.

[0016] The dish rack and baffle can be pushed and pulled manually, but this is quite laborious. Therefore, the dishwasher also includes a drive mechanism for moving the dish rack and baffle back and forth.

[0017] While separate drive mechanisms could be provided for the dish rack and the baffle, this involves numerous components. Therefore, preferably, the dishwasher also includes a linkage component that enables the baffle and dish rack to move synchronously. This linkage component is connected to both the dish rack and the baffle, and the drive mechanism is connected to either the linkage component or the dish rack or the baffle. The dish rack and baffle are connected via the linkage component, thus requiring only one drive mechanism to drive the dish rack and baffle to move synchronously, resulting in a simplified structure.

[0018] The linkage component can have various structural forms. Preferably, the dishwasher further includes a first guide structure for moving the dish rack back and forth and a second guide structure for moving the baffle back and forth. The linkage component includes...

[0019] The lower end of the swing arm is fixed vertically relative to the box, and the lower end of the swing arm can rotate around an axis extending in the left and right directions.

[0020] The connecting rod extends in the left and right direction. One end is fixedly connected to the bowl rack, and the other end is connected to the upper part of the swing rod. The other end of the connecting rod and the lower end of the swing rod can generate relative displacement along the length of the swing rod.

[0021] The linkage rod extends in the left and right direction and is located below the connecting rod. One end of the linkage rod is fixedly connected to the baffle, and the other end of the linkage rod and the lower end of the swing rod can generate relative displacement along the length of the swing rod.

[0022] The drive mechanism is connected to the lower end of the rocker arm. When the drive mechanism is working, it drives the lower end of the rocker arm to rotate around an axis extending in the left-right direction, and the upper end of the rocker arm moves accordingly. Due to the constraints of the first and second guide structures, the rocker arm drives the bowl holder and the baffle to move back and forth.

[0023] In order to enable the other end of the linkage rod and the connecting rod to generate relative displacement with the lower end of the swing rod along the length direction of the swing rod, one method is as follows: the swing rod is a single rod with a strip groove extending along its length direction, and the other end of the connecting rod and the other end of the linkage rod are both inserted into the strip groove and can slide along the strip groove.

[0024] In order to enable the other end of the connecting rod to have relative displacement with the lower end of the swing rod along the length of the swing rod, another method is as follows: the swing rod includes an upper rod body and a lower rod body, the lower end of the lower rod body is driven and connected to the driving mechanism, the upper rod body and the lower rod body are inserted and fitted together, and the upper rod body can move axially relative to the lower rod body, and the connecting rod and the linkage rod are both connected to the upper rod body.

[0025] To prevent the upper rod from detaching from the lower rod, a limiting structure is provided between the upper rod and the lower rod to restrict the movement of the upper rod.

[0026] The limiting structure can have various structural forms. In a simple case, the lower rod body is provided with a slot with an open top, and the lower part of the upper rod body is inserted into the slot. The limiting structure includes a limiting groove closed at both ends and a limiting block that can slide in the limiting groove.

[0027] The limiting block is disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the upper rod, and the limiting groove is disposed on the wall of the slot; or, the limiting block is disposed on the wall of the slot, and the limiting groove is disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the upper rod. When the end of the limiting block abuts against the limiting groove, the upper rod cannot continue to move in the same direction, but can only move in the opposite direction.

[0028] In order to adapt to different user needs, the connecting rod and the swing rod can be detachably connected. A fixing plate is horizontally placed at the rear of the box. When the door is closed, there is a gap between the fixing plate and the door.

[0029] The baffle can move in the front-back direction within the housing to either a first position or a second position. When the baffle is in the first position, the connecting rod is connected to the swing rod, and the baffle is located at the notch and cooperates with the fixed plate to divide the interior of the housing into an independent upper space and a lower space. When the baffle is in the second position, the connecting rod is disengaged from the swing rod, and the baffle is offset from the notch, thereby connecting the upper space and the lower space.

[0030] When the number of dishes to be washed is small, the baffle moves to separate the upper and lower spaces. The upper space can be used to store the washed dishes, while the lower space can be sprayed and washed separately. This not only makes full use of the cabinet space but also helps to save water and electricity. When the number of dishes to be washed is large, the baffle moves to connect the upper and lower spaces, washing the dishes in both spaces at the same time. At this time, the baffle needs to move backward, but the dish rack cannot move backward. Therefore, the connecting rod and the swing rod are disengaged. When the linkage component works, only the baffle moves.

[0031] In order to allow the connecting rod and the swing arm to be detachably connected, the swing arm is provided with a mounting groove, and the other end of the connecting rod is flexible and can swing relative to the bowl rack, thereby entering or leaving the mounting groove of the swing arm.

[0032] Preferably, the housing is further provided with a spray arm. When the baffle is in the first position, the spray arm is located between the dish rack and the baffle. The spray arm is provided with multiple spray holes facing the dish rack. The water sprayed by the spray arm onto the dish rack flows downward onto the baffle to clean the baffle.

[0033] The first guide structure can have various structural forms. Preferably, the first guide structure includes a guide rail and a sliding member.

[0034] The bowl rack is provided with guide rails extending in the front-to-back direction on both the left and right sides. The guide rails can move back and forth to enter and exit the box, and both ends of the guide rails are provided with limiting parts.

[0035] The bowl rack is equipped with a sliding component that can slide with the guide rail. When the sliding component abuts against the limiting part, the bowl rack and the guide rail are relatively fixed in the front-to-back direction.

[0036] When the slider is not in contact with the limiting part, it slides along the guide rail, while the guide rail remains stationary and only the dish rack moves. When the slider is in contact with the limiting part, it and the guide rail are relatively fixed in the forward or backward direction. At this time, the guide rail and the dish rack move synchronously, and the dish rack is relatively fixed relative to the guide rail in the forward-backward direction. This cooperation between the guide rail and the dish rack allows the dish rack to have a longer movement trajectory.

[0037] To reduce the moving friction of the guide rail, the guide rail has guide grooves extending in the front-to-back direction. The dishwasher also includes a roller assembly, which includes...

[0038] The axle is relatively fixed in the housing and extends in the left and right direction;

[0039] A roller is embedded in a guide groove and can generate relative displacement with the guide rail in the front-to-back direction. The roller is sleeved on a wheel axle and can rotate around the axis of the wheel axle.

[0040] An inner sleeve is fitted onto the axle and located between the axle and the roller. Rotatable ball bearings are provided between the inner sleeve and the roller, with multiple ball bearings spaced circumferentially along the inner sleeve. When the guide rail moves, the roller rotates, and rolling friction is generated between the roller and the inner sleeve through the ball bearings. This low friction allows for smooth roller rotation, reducing friction with the guide rail and enabling smooth sliding of the guide rail. This facilitates the rocker arm assembly to move the bowl holder back and forth.

[0041] A positioning sleeve is also provided between the inner sleeve and the roller. The center line of the positioning sleeve extends in the same direction as the axis of the wheel axle. The positioning sleeve is fixed relative to the roller. The positioning sleeve has a plurality of positioning holes along its circumference for the roller balls to be placed therein. The positioning sleeve evenly separates the roller balls, making the roller rotate smoothly, and also plays a role in positioning the roller balls, preventing the roller balls from deviating from the roller or the inner sleeve, thus affecting the normal rotation of the roller assembly.

[0042] The second guide structure can have various structural forms. In a simple form, the second guide structure includes a guide rod extending in the front-back direction and a guide sleeve through which the guide rod passes. The guide rod is connected to a baffle, and the guide sleeve is fixedly installed in the housing. Alternatively, the guide rod is fixedly installed in the housing, and the guide sleeve is connected to the baffle.

[0043] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a control method for the dishwasher, characterized in that the dishwasher includes a first sensor and a second sensor, the dishwasher also includes a controller and an alarm, the first sensor and the second sensor are both electrically connected to the input terminal of the controller, and the alarm and the drive mechanism are both electrically connected to the output terminal of the controller, the control method includes the following steps:

[0044] (1) When the baffle and bowl rack are moved outside the box, the first sensor detects whether the user is placing tableware. If so, the controller controls the drive mechanism to stop working and the first sensor continues to detect. If not, the next step is executed.

[0045] (2) The second sensor detects the degree of dirt on the baffle. If the degree of dirt is greater than the set value, it sends a signal to the controller, which controls the alarm to remind the user to manually clean up the food scraps. If the degree of dirt is less than the set value, the controller controls the drive mechanism to work, and the baffle and the dish rack move backward into the cabinet.

[0046] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are as follows: By setting a baffle, when the dish rack is pulled forward, the baffle is located between the dish rack and the door. In this way, the baffle can catch the oil and other food waste dripping from the dishes placed in the dish rack, preventing the food waste from dripping onto the door and clogging the vent on the door. In addition, when the dish rack is pushed back into the cabinet, the baffle is also pushed back into the cabinet, without affecting the closing of the door, and the oil on the baffle can be sprayed away by the spray arm in the cabinet. Furthermore, this invention is also designed with a sensor, which can determine whether to push the baffle and dish rack back into the cabinet based on the sensor feedback, making the dishwasher highly reliable. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial structural diagram;

[0049] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction;

[0050] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the pendulum rod in the diagram;

[0051] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the roller assembly in the image;

[0052] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the positioning sleeve in the middle;

[0053] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the pendulum rod in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0056] Example 1

[0057] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the dishwasher of this preferred embodiment includes a cabinet 1, a dish rack 2, a baffle 3, a linkage assembly 4, and a fixing plate 5, etc.

[0058] The front of the box 1 is open, and the front of the box 1 is provided with a rotatable door 11. The rotation axis of the door 11 extends in the left and right direction. The door 11 can open or close the front opening of the box 1. The inner wall of the door 11 is provided with an exhaust port that can communicate with the outside.

[0059] The dish rack 2 can move back and forth in and out of the cabinet 1. In this embodiment, the dish rack 2 is located at the upper part of the cabinet 1, and a dish basket can also be installed at the lower part of the cabinet 1. The dish rack 2 is generally a hollow structure formed by several frame strips to allow water to drain. When contaminated tableware is placed on the dish rack 2, oil stains and debris on the tableware may leak out from the dish rack 2. When the door is open, the dish rack 2 is located directly above the door 11. Oil stains and debris dripping from the dish rack 2 will drip onto the door 11. The door 11 is generally equipped with an exhaust vent. If oil stains drip into the exhaust vent, it may cause blockage and affect the exhaust performance of the dishwasher.

[0060] The above are existing technologies, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0061] To address the issue of oil dripping from the dish rack 2 contaminating the door 11, this embodiment includes a baffle 3. The baffle 3 can move back and forth in and out of the cabinet 1. When the door 11 is open, the baffle 3 is positioned horizontally between the dish rack 2 and the door 11, ensuring that oil dripping from the dish rack 2 falls onto the baffle 3 instead of directly onto the door 11. Of course, when the door 11 is closed, the baffle 3 is also positioned horizontally, as will be explained below.

[0062] A drive mechanism could be set up for the baffle 3 and the bowl rack 2 respectively to drive them to move back and forth. However, this would involve more components. Therefore, in this embodiment, a linkage component 4 is set up. The linkage component 4 is connected to the bowl rack 2 and the baffle 3 so that the baffle 3 and the bowl rack 2 can move synchronously. The drive mechanism is connected to the linkage component 4 or the bowl rack 2 or the baffle 3.

[0063] The bowl rack 2 is equipped with linkage components 4 on both the left and right sides. The two sets of linkage components 4 have the same structure. This embodiment will take one of the linkage components 4 as an example for introduction. The linkage component 4 includes a swing rod 41, a connecting rod 42, and a linkage rod 43.

[0064] The lower end of the swing arm 41 is fixed vertically relative to the housing 1, and the lower end of the swing arm 41 can rotate around an axis extending in the left and right direction. The drive mechanism 44 is driven and connected to the lower end of the swing arm 41. The drive mechanism 44 can be a motor and is located outside the housing 1. The lower end of the swing arm 41 is connected to the drive mechanism 44 through a connector passing through the side wall of the housing 1.

[0065] The connecting rod 42 extends in the left and right direction. One end is fixedly connected to the bowl rack 2, and the other end is connected to the upper part of the swing rod 41. The other end of the connecting rod 42 and the lower end of the swing rod 41 can generate relative displacement along the length direction of the swing rod 41.

[0066] Linkage rod 43 extends in the left-right direction and is located below connecting rod 42. One end of linkage rod 43 is fixedly connected to baffle 3, and the other end is connected to swing rod 41. The other end of linkage rod 43 and the lower end of swing rod 41 can generate relative displacement along the length direction of swing rod 41.

[0067] like Figure 2 , 4 As shown, in order to enable the other end of the linkage rod 43 and the other end of the connecting rod 42 to generate relative displacement with the lower end of the swing rod 41 along the length direction of the swing rod 41: the swing rod 41 includes an upper rod body 411 and a lower rod body 412. The lower end of the lower rod body 412 is driven and connected to the drive mechanism 44. The upper rod body 411 and the lower rod body 412 are inserted into each other, and the upper rod body 411 can move axially relative to the lower rod body 412. The connecting rod 42 and the linkage rod 43 are both connected to the upper rod body 411. In this embodiment, the upper rod body 411 is provided with a mounting groove 418 for inserting the connecting rod 42 and a through hole 417 for inserting the linkage rod 43. The through hole 417 extends along the length direction of the upper rod body 411.

[0068] A limiting structure is provided between the upper rod 411 and the lower rod 412 to restrict the movement of the upper rod 411 and prevent it from dislodging from the lower rod 412. The lower rod 412 has a slot 413 with an open top. The lower part of the upper rod 411 is inserted into the slot 413. The limiting structure includes a limiting groove 414 closed at both ends and a limiting block 415 that can slide within the limiting groove 414. The limiting block 415 is located on the outer peripheral wall of the upper rod 411, and the limiting groove 414 is located on the wall of the slot 413. Alternatively, the limiting block 415 can be located on the wall of the slot 413, and the limiting groove 414 can be located on the outer peripheral wall of the upper rod 411. When the limiting block 415 abuts against the end of the limiting groove 414, the upper rod 411 cannot continue to move in the same direction, but can only move in the opposite direction.

[0069] The working process of the linkage component 4 in this embodiment is as follows:

[0070] When the drive mechanism 44 is working, it drives the lower end of the lower rod 412 to rotate around the axis extending in the left and right direction, and the upper rod 411 moves axially relative to the lower rod 412. The dishwasher in this embodiment also includes a first guide structure that causes the dish rack 2 to move back and forth and a second guide structure that causes the baffle 3 to move back and forth. Because of the limitations of the first guide structure and the second guide structure, the swing rod 41 drives the dish rack 2 and the baffle 3 to move back and forth.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the first guide structure includes a guide rail 12 and a sliding member 21. The left and right sides of the bowl rack 2 are provided with guide rails 12 extending in the front-back direction. The guide rails 12 can move back and forth to enter and exit the box 1. The guide rails 12 have guide grooves 122 extending in the front-back direction, and both ends of the guide rails 12 are provided with limiting parts 121.

[0072] The bowl rack 2 is provided with a slider 21, which can slide and cooperate with the guide rail 12. When the slider 21 abuts against the limiting part 121, the bowl rack 2 and the guide rail 12 are relatively fixed in the front-back direction. The slider 21 is a wheel that can rotate around an axis extending in the left-right direction. In this way, the slider 21 and the guide rail 12 have rolling friction, and the friction force is small.

[0073] When the slider 21 is not in contact with the limiting part 121, the slider 21 slides along the guide rail 12. At this time, the guide rail 12 remains stationary, and only the bowl rack 2 moves. When the slider 21 is in contact with the limiting part 121, the slider 21 and the guide rail 12 are relatively fixed in the forward or backward direction. At this time, the guide rail 12 and the bowl rack 2 move synchronously, and the bowl rack 2 is relatively fixed relative to the guide rail 12 in the forward and backward direction. This cooperation between the guide rail 12 and the bowl rack 2 allows the bowl rack 2 to have a longer movement trajectory.

[0074] The dishwasher also includes a roller assembly 6, such as Figure 2 , 5 As shown in Figure 6, the roller assembly 6 includes axle 61, roller 62, inner sleeve 63 and positioning sleeve 64. Axle 61 is fixedly located in the housing 1 and extends in the left and right direction. Axle 61 can be connected to the side wall of housing 1 by screws 66. A reinforcing plate 67 is provided on the side wall of housing 1 at the part through which the screws 66 pass.

[0075] The roller 62 is embedded in the guide groove 122 and can generate relative displacement with the guide rail 12 in the front-back direction. The inner sleeve 63 is sleeved on the axle 61 and located between the axle 61 and the roller 62. Rotatable balls 65 are provided between the inner sleeve 63 and the roller 62. There are multiple balls 65 and they are spaced apart along the circumference of the inner sleeve 63, so that the roller 62 is sleeved on the axle 61 and can rotate around the axis of the axle 61.

[0076] The outer peripheral wall of the inner sleeve 63 is provided with a first arc-shaped groove 631 that is recessed toward the axis of the wheel shaft 61, and the inner peripheral wall of the roller 62 is provided with a second arc-shaped groove 621 that is arched away from the axis of the wheel shaft 61. The first arc-shaped groove 631 is for a portion of the ball 65 to be embedded in, and the second arc-shaped groove 621 is for a portion of the ball 65 to be embedded in.

[0077] Specifically, a positioning sleeve 64 is provided between the inner sleeve 63 and the roller 62. The centerline of the positioning sleeve 64 extends in the same direction as the axis of the wheel axle 61. The positioning sleeve 64 is fixed relative to the roller 62 and can be welded together with the roller 62. The positioning sleeve 64 has multiple positioning holes 661 along its circumference, each corresponding to a ball 65. Each positioning hole 661 penetrates the end wall of one end of the positioning sleeve 64 to form an inlet 662. The ball 65 enters the positioning hole 661 through the inlet 662. The inlet 662 of the positioning hole 661 gradually narrows into a cone shape along the direction in which the ball 65 enters the positioning hole 661. The cone shape serves as a guide, facilitating the placement of the ball 65 into the corresponding positioning hole 661. The positioning sleeve 64 evenly separates the balls 65, ensuring smooth rotation of the roller 62 and positioning the balls 65 to prevent them from deviating from the roller 62 or the inner sleeve 63, thus affecting the normal rotation of the roller assembly 62.

[0078] When the guide rail 12 moves, the roller 62 rotates, and the roller 62 and the inner sleeve 63 form rolling friction through the ball 65. The friction is small, which makes the rotation of the roller 62 smoother and reduces the friction between it and the guide rail 12. This allows the guide rail 12 to slide smoothly, which facilitates the linkage component to drive the bowl rack 2 to move back and forth.

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown, the second guide structure includes a guide rod 71 extending in the front-rear direction and a guide sleeve 72 through which the guide rod 71 passes. The guide rod 71 is connected to the baffle 3, and the guide sleeve 72 is fixedly installed in the housing 1. Alternatively, the guide rod 71 can be fixedly installed in the housing 1, and the guide sleeve 72 can be connected to the baffle 3.

[0080] In this embodiment, the baffle 3 not only serves to catch dripping oil stains from the dish rack 2, but also cooperates with the fixing plate 5 to enable the dishwasher to have a full-cavity wash or a half-cavity wash mode. Of course, the baffle 3 can also be used solely to catch oil stains.

[0081] The connecting rod 42 and the swing rod 41 are detachably connected. A fixing plate 5 is horizontally placed at the rear of the box body 1. When the door body 11 is closed, there is a gap between the fixing plate 5 and the door body 11.

[0082] The baffle 3 can move in the front-back direction within the housing 1 to either a first position or a second position. When the baffle 3 is in the first position, the connecting rod 42 is connected to the swing rod 41, and the baffle 3 is located at the notch and cooperates with the fixing plate 5 to divide the interior of the housing 1 into an independent upper space and a lower space. This is the half-cavity washing mode. When the baffle 3 is in the second position, the connecting rod 42 is disengaged from the swing rod 41, and the baffle 3 is offset from the notch, thereby connecting the upper space and the lower space. This is the full-cavity washing mode.

[0083] To allow the connecting rod 42 and the swing rod 41 to be detachably connected, the swing rod 41 is provided with a mounting groove 418. The other end of the connecting rod 42 is flexible and can swing relative to the bowl rack 2, thereby entering or leaving the mounting groove 418 of the swing rod 41. When the bowl rack 2 is in the rear limit position, the swing rod 41 continues to move backward. At this time, because the bowl rack 2 is fixed, the other end of the connecting rod 42 swings backward under the squeezing action of the swing rod 41, thereby disengaging from the mounting groove 418, causing the swing rod 41 to drive the baffle 3 to move backward. When the swing rod 41 drives the baffle 3 to move forward to the state where the swing rod 41 and the connecting rod 42 are in contact, the continued forward movement of the swing rod 41 will squeeze the other end of the connecting rod 42 to swing forward. Then, when the swing rod 41 moves to the position where the mounting groove 418 and the connecting rod 42 are directly opposite each other in the left and right direction, the other end of the connecting rod 42 is inserted into the mounting groove 418. At this time, the swing rod 41 can drive the bowl rack 2 to move again.

[0084] When the number of dishes to be washed is small, the baffle 3 moves to separate the upper and lower spaces. The upper space can be used to store the washed dishes, while the lower space can be sprayed and washed separately. This not only makes full use of the space of the cabinet 1, but also helps to save water and electricity. When the number of dishes to be washed is large, the baffle 3 moves to connect the upper and lower spaces, and washes the dishes in both spaces at the same time. At this time, the baffle 3 needs to move backward, but the dish rack 2 cannot move backward. Therefore, the connecting rod 42 is disengaged from the swing rod 41. When the linkage component 4 works, it only moves the baffle 3.

[0085] The cooperation between the baffle 3 and the fixed plate 5 can be referenced to the cooperation between the movable plate and the fixed plate in the patent in the background art.

[0086] The housing 1 is also equipped with a spray arm 8. When the baffle 3 is in the first position, the spray arm 8 is located between the dish rack 2 and the baffle 3. The spray arm 8 has multiple spray holes pointing towards the dish rack 2. The water sprayed by the spray arm 8 onto the dish rack 2 flows downwards onto the baffle 3, cleaning the baffle 3. Preferably, the baffle 3 has an upwardly arched arc structure, which facilitates the downward flow of dirt on the baffle 3, allowing it to be washed away.

[0087] The dishwasher includes sensors mounted on the baffle 3. These sensors include a first sensor for detecting whether a user is placing tableware on the dish rack 2 and / or a second sensor for detecting the degree of dirt on the baffle 3. In this embodiment, the dishwasher includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a controller, and an alarm. Both the first and second sensors are electrically connected to the input terminal of the controller, and the alarm and the drive mechanism 44 are electrically connected to the output terminal of the controller. The aforementioned electrical connections can employ existing technology and will not be elaborated further here. The alarm can employ existing technology, such as flashing lights or voice prompts.

[0088] The dishwasher control method of this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0089] (1) When the baffle 3 and the bowl rack 2 are moved outside the box 1, the first sensor detects whether the user is placing tableware. If so, the controller controls the drive mechanism 44 to stop working and the first sensor continues to detect. If not, the next step is executed.

[0090] (2) The second sensor detects the degree of dirt on the baffle 3. If the degree of dirt is greater than the set value, it sends a signal to the controller, which controls the alarm to remind the user to manually clean up the kitchen waste. If the degree of dirt is less than the set value, the controller controls the drive mechanism 44 to work, and the baffle 3 and the dish rack 2 move backward into the box 1.

[0091] The drive mechanism 44 can be controlled by a controller or manually.

[0092] The first sensor in this embodiment can be an existing infrared sensor. If it detects a user's arm, it means that tableware is being placed on the dish rack 2. The second sensor can be an existing photoelectric sensor or a camera to detect the area of ​​dirt on the baffle 3, or an existing weight sensor. If the weight of the baffle 3 exceeds a set value, it means that there is too much dirt on it. After the user cleans it, the baffle 3 moves back into the box 1.

[0093] Example 2

[0094] like Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that the structure of the pendulum 41 in this embodiment is different from that in Embodiment 1. Other aspects can be referred to Embodiment 1.

[0095] In this embodiment, the swing rod 41 is a single rod with a strip groove 416 extending along its length. The other end of the connecting rod 42 and the other end of the linkage rod 43 are both inserted into the strip groove 416 and can slide along the strip groove 416. A portion of the strip groove 416 is a mounting groove 418.

[0096] In both of the above embodiments, the swing arm 41 is located near the side wall of the housing 1.

[0097] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are 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. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different directions, these terms indicating direction are only for illustration and should not be regarded as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. A dishwasher comprising a cabinet (1) having an open front side; a rack (2) movable in and out of the cabinet (1) in a front-rear direction; a door body (11) rotatably provided at the open front side of the cabinet (1) about an axis extending in a left-right direction, thereby opening or closing the cabinet (1); characterized in that further comprising a baffle (3) movable in and out of the cabinet (1) in the front-rear direction, the baffle (3) being disposed transversely between the rack (2) and the door body (11) in a state in which the door body (11) is opened; a sensor provided on the baffle (3) and including a first sensor for detecting whether a user is placing dishes on the rack (2) and / or a second sensor for detecting a degree of contamination on the baffle (3).

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dishwasher further comprises a driving mechanism for driving the rack (2) and the baffle (3) to move in the front-rear direction.

3. The warewash machine of claim 2, further comprising: The dishwasher further comprises a linkage assembly (4) for enabling the baffle (3) and the rack (2) to move in synchronization, the linkage assembly (4) being connected to the rack (2) and the baffle (3), and the driving mechanism being connected to the linkage assembly (4) or the rack (2) or the baffle (3) for driving.

4. The warewash machine of claim 3, further characterized by: The dishwasher further comprises a first guide structure for enabling the rack (2) to move in the front-rear direction and a second guide structure for enabling the baffle (3) to move in the front-rear direction, and the linkage assembly (4) comprises a swing lever (41) having a lower end fixed to the cabinet (1) in a vertical direction and rotatable about an axis extending in a left-right direction, the lower end of the swing lever (41) being connected to the driving mechanism (44) for driving; a connecting lever (42) extending in the left-right direction and having one end fixed to the rack (2) and the other end connected to an upper portion of the swing lever (41), the other end of the connecting lever (42) being relatively displaceable in a length direction of the swing lever (41) from the lower end of the swing lever (41); a linkage lever (43) extending in the left-right direction and located below the connecting lever (42), the linkage lever (43) having one end fixed to the baffle (3) and the other end connected to the swing lever (41), the other end of the linkage lever (43) being relatively displaceable in the length direction of the swing lever (41) from the lower end of the swing lever (41).

5. The warewash machine of claim 4, further comprising: The swing lever (41) is one lever having a strip-shaped groove (416) extending in a length direction thereof, and the other end of the connecting lever (42) and the other end of the linkage lever (43) are inserted into the strip-shaped groove (416) and slidable along the strip-shaped groove (416).

6. The warewash machine of claim 4 wherein: The swing lever (41) includes an upper lever body (411) and a lower lever body (412), the lower end of the lower lever body (412) being connected to the driving mechanism (44) for driving, the upper lever body (411) and the lower lever body (412) being inserted and fitted to each other and axially displaceable relative to each other, and the connecting lever (42) and the linkage lever (43) being connected to the upper lever body (411).

7. The dishwasher according to claim 4 or 5 or 6, characterized in that: The connecting lever (42) is detachably connected to the swing lever (41), and a fixing plate (5) is transversely provided at a rear portion of the cabinet (1), and in a state in which the door body (11) is closed, there is a gap between the fixing plate (5) and the door body (11). The baffle (3) can be moved in the box (1) to a first position or a second position in the front-back direction, in the state that the baffle (3) is located at the first position, the connecting rod (42) is connected with the swing rod (41), the baffle (3) is located at the notch and cooperates with the fixed plate (5) to divide the inside of the box (1) into an upper space and a lower space which are independent of each other, in the state that the baffle (3) is located at the second position, the connecting rod (42) is disconnected with the swing rod (41), and the baffle (3) is staggered with the notch so as to make the upper space and the lower space communicate.

8. The warewash machine of claim 7, further comprising: The swing rod (41) is provided with a mounting groove (418), and the other end of the connecting rod (42) is flexible and can swing relative to the bowl rack (2) so as to enter or be disconnected from the mounting groove (418) of the swing rod (41).

9. The warewash machine of claim 7, further comprising: The box (1) is further provided with a spraying arm (8), in the state that the baffle (3) is located at the first position, the spraying arm (8) is located between the bowl rack (2) and the baffle (3), and the spraying arm (8) is provided with a plurality of spray holes facing the bowl rack (2).

10. The warewash machine of claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein: The first guide structure comprises a guide rail (12) and a sliding piece (21); Both sides of the bowl rack (2) are provided with guide rails (12) extending in the front-back direction, the guide rails (12) can move forward and backward to enter and exit the box (1), and both ends of the guide rail (12) are provided with limiting portions (121); The bowl rack (2) is provided with a sliding piece (21), the sliding piece (21) can slide with the guide rail (12), and in the state that the sliding piece (21) abuts against the limiting portion (121), the bowl rack (2) is relatively fixed with the guide rail (12) in the front-back direction.

11. The warewash machine of claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein: The second guide structure comprises a guide rod (71) extending in the front-back direction and a guide sleeve (72) in which the guide rod (71) is arranged, the guide rod (71) is connected with the baffle (3), and the guide sleeve (72) is fixedly arranged in the box (1); or the guide rod (71) is fixedly arranged in the box (1), and the guide sleeve (72) is connected with the baffle (3).

12. A control method of a dishwasher as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that, The dishwasher comprises a first sensor and a second sensor, a controller and an alarm, the first sensor and the second sensor are electrically connected with the input end of the controller, the alarm and the driving mechanism (44) are electrically connected with the output end of the controller, and the control method comprises the following steps: (1) in the state that the baffle (3) and the bowl rack (2) move out of the box (1), the first sensor detects whether the user is placing tableware, if yes, the controller controls the driving mechanism (44) to be inoperative, and the first sensor continues to detect, if not, the next step is executed; (2) the second sensor detects the dirt degree on the baffle (3), if the dirt degree is greater than a set value, a signal is transmitted to the controller, the controller controls the alarm to remind the user to manually clean the kitchen residues, if the dirt degree is less than the set value, the controller controls the driving mechanism (44) to work, and the baffle (3) and the bowl rack (2) move backward into the box (1). ​ ​

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