Automatic placing device, cleaning machine and smart kitchen

Abstract

The application relates to an automatic placing device, a cleaning machine and a smart kitchen, which can automatically place tableware under the assistance of gravity or external force, avoids long-time bending of a user for placing, and realizes the technical effects of time and labor saving. The automatic placing device comprises a guiding mechanism arranged on a movable frame body and provided with a first guide rail and a second guide rail extending away from top to bottom; and a portable mechanism comprising a base, a top frame and a separation component for carrying multiple tableware; the base is detachably connected to the first guide rail and used for stacking multiple tableware; the top frame is detachably connected to the second guide rail; and the separation component is arranged between the base and the top frame and can automatically expand with the increase of the distance between the base and the top frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of dishwasher technology, specifically to an automatic placement device, a cleaning machine, and a smart kitchen. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, cleaning machines such as dishwashers are increasingly entering households as a type of kitchen appliance. Current dishwashers typically use a dish rack to hold the dishes and use spray arms to spray water jets to clean them.

[0003] When using the dish racks in this type of dishwasher, users usually need to place the dishes one by one in the racks before washing. In particular, in order to improve the washing effect, users need to arrange the dishes such as plates or bowls in a specific direction. This not only requires users to know the placement direction in advance, but also makes it very difficult to place them one by one. It requires users to bend over for a long time to place them, which is both time-consuming and laborious.

[0004] To achieve automatic separation and placement of tableware, some existing dishwashers often require complex active drive mechanisms (such as lead screws and hinge assemblies) inside the dish rack or rely on manual operation of linkage components by the user. This results in a complex internal structure of the dish rack, numerous parts, high costs, and limited transmission stability. For example, while these dishwasher solutions simplify the placement process to some extent, their separation action relies on a lead screw drive mechanism or a manually pushed linkage block that works in conjunction with a hinge assembly within the dish rack body to separate the clamping blocks. The entire separation mechanism is integrated inside the dish rack, making the structure cumbersome. At the same time, users still need to remove, flip, and load tableware one by one from the placement module, resulting in multiple steps. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the current situation where existing dishwashers require users to bend over for a long time to place dishes, which is both time-consuming and laborious, this application provides an automatic placement device, a washing machine, and a smart kitchen, which can automatically place dishes with the assistance of gravity or external force, avoiding users having to bend over for a long time to place dishes, and achieving the technical effect of saving time and labor.

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, one embodiment provides an automatic placement device for a washing machine, comprising: a guiding mechanism for being mounted on a movable frame, the guiding mechanism having a first guide rail and a second guide rail extending gradually from top to bottom; and a transportable mechanism including a base, a top frame, and a separating component for carrying multiple pieces of tableware; the base is detachably connected to the first guide rail for stacking multiple pieces of tableware; the top frame is detachably connected to the second guide rail; the separating component is disposed between the base and the top frame and is capable of automatically unfolding as the distance between the base and the top frame increases.

[0007] With this configuration, the transportable mechanism of this application can not only be placed vertically on the dining table when collecting tableware, allowing users to stack multiple pieces of tableware one by one onto the base to correspond to the separating component without bending over, but also be transported as a whole when setting tableware. After being rotated as a whole, it can be placed horizontally onto the first and second guide rails of the guiding mechanism. Then, under the action of gravity or external force, the base and the top frame move away from each other along the first and second guide rails respectively, thereby causing the separating component to automatically unfold and disperse multiple pieces of tableware horizontally. Thus, without the need for any additional active drive components, it can automatically and actively place multiple pieces of tableware together using only its own weight or external force, avoiding users bending over for a long time to place them, saving both time and effort.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, when the transportable mechanism is placed on the guide mechanism, the base and the top frame can move away from each other along the first guide rail and the second guide rail respectively under the action of gravity and / or external force.

[0009] With this configuration, in actual use, if the movement is hindered due to factors such as guide rail friction or the weight distribution of the tableware, the user can apply a slight auxiliary downward pressure to the transportable mechanism to help it move smoothly down the guide rail. At this time, the auxiliary downward pressure can work in conjunction with gravity to drive the separation component to unfold automatically. In other words, this "gravity-based, human-assisted" driving method of this application does not require any active driving components such as motors or lead screws, which retains the simplicity of passive unfolding while ensuring the reliability of actual use.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the separation assembly includes a guide post, a top frame, multiple separation brackets, and a pulling member; the guide post is fixed to the base and extends along the stacking direction of the base; the top frame is slidably disposed on the guide post; the multiple separation brackets are sequentially slidably disposed on the guide post and stacked between the base and the top frame for correspondingly holding the tableware; the pulling member is sequentially connected to the base, the multiple separation brackets, and the top frame.

[0011] With this configuration, during automatic tableware placement, the transportable mechanism, which holds multiple stacked tableware, is rotated as a whole to be placed laterally on the guide mechanism. This allows multiple separating racks to hold multiple pieces of tableware one-to-one, and also allows the base and top frame of the transportable mechanism to rest on the first and second guide rails respectively. At this time, the transportable mechanism will move downward as a whole under its own weight or with the assistance of external forces, causing the base and top frame to slide away from each other along the first and second guide rails respectively. This allows the pulling member to pull the multiple separating racks to slide separately along the guide post, thereby spreading the multiple pieces of tableware laterally. This facilitates the automatic unfolding of the stacked tableware to the target position, prevents multiple pieces of tableware from blocking each other, and facilitates cleaning and / or disinfection.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the transportable mechanism has a vertical placement state and a horizontal placement state; when the transportable mechanism is in the vertical placement state, the guide post extends upward from the base, and the top frame and multiple separation frames are stacked sequentially above the base; when the transportable mechanism is in the horizontal placement state, the guide post extends horizontally from the base, and the top frame and multiple separation frames are arranged sequentially on the side of the base, so that the base and the top frame can respectively overlap the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

[0013] With this configuration, when the transportable mechanism is in a vertical position, the base is suitable for being placed on a dining table so that multiple pieces of tableware can be stacked on the base with their openings facing up or down. When the transportable mechanism is in a horizontal position, it can be placed on the guide mechanism so that the base and the top frame are respectively attached to the first guide rail and the second guide rail. Under its own weight, the entire unit can move downwards, so that multiple pieces of tableware can be horizontally dispersed along the guide column by multiple separating racks.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, the guiding mechanism includes a support frame and a guide rod; the support frame is fixedly connected to the movable frame; both ends of the guide rod are fixedly connected to the support frame, and the middle part of the guide rod arches away from the support frame to form an inverted V-shaped guide rail.

[0015] With this configuration, the guiding mechanism of this application can stably provide the first guide rail and the second guide rail, which extend gradually from top to bottom.

[0016] In one embodiment of this application, the guide mechanism has two guide rods, which are arranged parallel to each other on the support frame.

[0017] This design facilitates the simultaneous guidance of the base and top frame of the transportable mechanism from opposite sides, moving them away from the ground. This ensures that the transportable mechanism can stably unfold multiple separation racks while moving downwards as a whole, allowing multiple pieces of tableware to be smoothly dispersed.

[0018] In one embodiment of this application, the end of the support frame connected to the first guide rail is tilted upward to form a limiting groove at the end of the first guide rail.

[0019] This design prevents the base from detaching from the first guide rail and allows for precise positioning of the deployable mechanism on the guide mechanism.

[0020] In one embodiment of this application, the end of the support frame that is connected to the second guide rail extends straight.

[0021] This configuration creates a free platform at the end of the second guide rail, providing ample space for the deployment of the transportable mechanism.

[0022] In one embodiment of this application, the base includes a frame fixedly connected to the guide post and used to support the tableware, and a first roller rotatably disposed on the frame and used to roll over the first guide rail; the top frame includes a slider slidably connected to the guide post and a second roller rotatably disposed on the slider and used to roll over the second guide rail.

[0023] This setup helps reduce friction between the two and prevents derailment.

[0024] In one embodiment of this application, the number of guide posts in the transportable mechanism is two, the two guide posts are fixed to the frame in parallel with each other, and the sliding member and each of the separation frames are slidably fitted onto the two guide posts.

[0025] This configuration is designed to prevent the slider and each separator from rotating relative to the guide post while guiding them to slide along the stacking direction, thus ensuring the overall structural stability of the transportable mechanism and better holding each piece of tableware in place.

[0026] In one embodiment of this application, each of the guide posts is perpendicular to the frame.

[0027] In one embodiment of this application, each of the separating racks includes a connecting beam and a pair of holding arms that extend in the same direction from opposite ends of the connecting beam; each holding arm has an insertion hole that matches the guide post and a slot for holding the edge of the cutlery.

[0028] With this configuration, the two guide posts can be slidably inserted into the insertion holes on the two holding arms of each separator, thus avoiding structural interference between the guide posts and the tableware held by the slots of the holding arms.

[0029] In one embodiment of this application, the connecting beam is provided with a clearance groove for avoiding the edge of the tableware.

[0030] This design prevents structural interference between the connecting beam and the cutlery held in place by the slot of the holding arm.

[0031] In one embodiment of this application, the sliding member of the top frame has the same holding structure as the separator.

[0032] With this configuration, the transportable mechanism can hold an extra piece of tableware, which helps to make full use of the transportable mechanism's storage space and increase its tableware storage capacity.

[0033] In one embodiment of this application, the tensioning member is two flexible members, and each of the connecting beams is also provided with a pair of fixing holes located at opposite ends of the clearance groove; each of the flexible members passes through the fixing holes located at the same end of the connecting beam in sequence for fixed connection.

[0034] This design not only allows multiple separation frames to be pulled apart when deployed, but also limits the maximum distance between two adjacent separation frames, and reduces the difficulty of fixing the connection.

[0035] In one embodiment of this application, the base further includes a pair of support legs fixed to the frame and spaced apart from the first roller; each of the support legs extends from the frame toward a side away from the guide post.

[0036] With this configuration, when the portable mechanism is placed vertically on the dining table, the first roller and support leg of the base contact the tabletop, allowing the frame of the base to remain horizontal, facilitating the stable stacking of multiple pieces of tableware on the frame.

[0037] In one embodiment of this application, the pulling member is a flexible member, which is sequentially and fixedly connected to the base, the plurality of separation frames, and the top frame; the length of the flexible member remains the same between any two adjacent separation frames.

[0038] In one embodiment of this application, the transportable mechanism further includes a first handle fixedly connected to the base and a second handle fixedly connected to the guide post.

[0039] This design allows for the entire unit to be moved by holding both the first and second handles.

[0040] According to another aspect of this application, one embodiment of this application further provides a cleaning machine, including: a door box assembly; a movable frame slidably disposed within the door box assembly; and an automatic placement device as described above, disposed on the movable frame.

[0041] With this configuration, compared to dishwashers that are passively deployed by external driving force, the washing machine of this application only needs to set the guide mechanism of the automatic placement device on the original dish rack. It can use the weight of the transportable mechanism itself as the internal driving force to make multiple separation racks carry multiple dishes to be horizontally dispersed without the need for any additional external driving mechanism. This simplifies the overall structure and makes it easy to modify existing washing machines into washing machines with automatic placement function without replacing them with new washing machines, thus reducing costs.

[0042] According to another aspect of this application, one embodiment of this application further provides a smart kitchen, including: the aforementioned cleaning machine; and a robot, cooperating with the cleaning machine, for removing a transportable mechanism of an automatic placement device from the door assembly of the cleaning machine for vertical placement, and transporting the transportable mechanism to the door assembly for horizontal placement on the guide mechanism of the automatic placement device.

[0043] With this configuration, the robot in the smart kitchen of this application only needs to simply connect the transportable mechanism to the movable frame to automatically arrange and place the tableware; this not only greatly reduces the burden of manual operation, but also effectively reduces the hardware configuration and algorithm control requirements of the robot in terms of visual recognition and precise positioning, reduces the overall R&D and production costs, and improves the stability and versatility of the equipment operation. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning machine according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic placement device in the cleaning machine according to the above embodiments of this application is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the guide mechanism in the automatic placement device according to the above embodiments of this application is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the state of the transportable mechanism in the automatic placement device according to the above embodiments of this application when placed horizontally is shown; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the transportable mechanism in the automatic placement device according to the above embodiments of this application is shown in the state when it is placed vertically; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the separation frame in the transportable mechanism according to the above embodiments of this application is shown; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the state of the transportable mechanism according to the above embodiments of this application when collecting tableware is shown; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the transportable mechanism according to the above embodiments of this application before automatically placing tableware is shown; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the state of the transportable mechanism according to the above embodiments of this application after automatically placing tableware is shown.

[0045] Explanation of key component symbols: 1. Automatic placement device; 10. Guiding mechanism; 101. First guide rail; 102. Second guide rail; 11. Support frame; 12. Guide rod; 20. Transportable mechanism; 21. Base; 211. Frame; 212. First roller; 213. Support leg; 22. Guide column; 23. Top frame; 231. Sliding component; 232. Second roller; 24. Separating frame; 241. Connecting beam; 242. Holding arm; 2401. Insertion hole; 2402. Slot; 2403. Clearance slot; 2404. Fixing hole; 25. Pulling component; 26. First handle; 27. Second handle; 2. Door box assembly; 3. Movable frame; W. Tableware.

[0046] The above description of the main component symbols, together with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0048] In the description of this application, 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", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0049] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0050] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0052] Considering that most dishwashers require users to place dishes one by one in the rack before washing, this necessitates prolonged bending over, which is both time-consuming and laborious. While some dishwashers can automatically place dishes using mechanical array racks, these actions rely on active drive mechanisms and hinge separation mechanisms mounted on the racks, resulting in complex and costly structures. Furthermore, users still need to individually remove, flip, and load multiple dishes, adding to the complexity of the process. To address these issues, this application provides an automatic placement device, a washing machine, and a smart kitchen that can automatically place dishes without external driving force, avoiding prolonged bending over and achieving time- and labor-saving benefits.

[0053] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, one embodiment of this application provides a washing machine, which may include a door assembly 2, a movable frame 3 slidably disposed within the door assembly 2, and an automatic placement device 1 disposed within the movable frame 3 for automatically placing multiple pieces of tableware W within the movable frame 3. It is understood that the washing machine mentioned in this application may, but is not limited to, be implemented as a household appliance such as a dishwasher or a sterilizer; furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned components, the washing machine mentioned in this application may also include, but is not limited to, a functional body capable of performing functions such as washing or sterilization, which will not be elaborated upon further in this application. Furthermore, the movable frame mentioned in this application may, but is not limited to, be implemented as a dish rack, basket, or tray; the tableware W mentioned in this application may, but is not limited to, be implemented as bowls, plates, and / or dinner plates.

[0054] More specifically, such as Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the automatic placement device 1 may include a guiding mechanism 10 and a transportable mechanism 20. The guiding mechanism 10 is used to be mounted on the movable frame 3, and the guiding mechanism 10 has a first guide rail 101 and a second guide rail 102 that extend gradually from top to bottom to form an inverted V-shaped guide rail. The transportable mechanism 20 includes a base 21, a top frame 23, and a separation component for carrying multiple pieces of tableware W; the base 21 is detachably connected to the first guide rail 101 for stacking multiple pieces of tableware W; the top frame 23 is detachably connected to the second guide rail 102; the separation component is disposed between the base 21 and the top frame 23, and can automatically unfold as the distance between the base 21 and the top frame 23 increases.

[0055] It is worth noting that the transportable mechanism 20 of this application can not only be placed vertically on the dining table when collecting tableware, allowing users to stack multiple pieces of tableware W one by one onto the base 21 to correspond to the separating component without bending over, but also can be transported as a whole when setting tableware. After being rotated as a whole, it can be placed horizontally onto the first guide rail 101 and the second guide rail 102 of the guide mechanism 10. Then, under the action of gravity or external force, the base 21 and the top frame 23 move away from each other along the first guide rail 101 and the second guide rail 102 respectively, thereby causing the separating component to automatically unfold and disperse the multiple pieces of tableware W horizontally. Thus, without the need for any additional active drive components, multiple pieces of tableware W can be automatically placed together using only its own weight or external force, avoiding the need for users to bend over for a long time, saving both time and effort. It is understood that the external force assistance mentioned in this application refers to the additional force applied by human power or by a robotic arm, etc., on top of its own weight, to assist its own weight in achieving the required movement.

[0056] In addition, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, when the transportable mechanism 20 is placed on the guide mechanism 10, the base 21 and the top frame 23 can move away from each other along the first guide rail 101 and the second guide rail 102 respectively under the action of gravity and / or external force. Thus, in actual use, if the movement is not smooth due to factors such as guide rail friction or the weight distribution of the tableware, the user can apply a slight auxiliary downward pressure to the transportable mechanism 20 to help it move smoothly down the guide rail; at this time, the auxiliary downward pressure can work together with gravity to drive the separation component to unfold automatically; in other words, this "gravity-based, human-assisted" driving method of this application does not require any active driving components such as motors or lead screws, which retains the simplicity of passive unfolding and ensures the reliability of actual use.

[0057] For example, such as Figures 2 to 9 As shown, the separation assembly may include a guide post 22, multiple separation racks 24, and a pulling member 25. The guide post 22 is fixed to the base 21 and extends along the stacking direction of the base 21. The top rack 23 is slidably disposed on the guide post 22. The multiple separation racks 24 are sequentially and slidably disposed on the guide post 22 and stacked between the base 21 and the top rack 23, for correspondingly holding the tableware W. The pulling member 25 sequentially connects the base 21, the multiple separation racks 24, and the top rack 23. It is understood that the stacking direction mentioned in this application can be a direction perpendicular to the base 21 or a direction inclined to the base 21, as long as multiple tableware W can be stacked on the base 21 along the stacking direction; in addition, based on the normal placement of the washing machine, this application defines the side closer to the ground as the lower side and the side away from the ground as the upper side; the side facing the user is defined as the front side and the side away from the user is defined as the rear side.

[0058] Thus, as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, when collecting tableware, simply remove the movable mechanism 20 from the guide mechanism 10 and place it vertically on the dining table to stack multiple pieces of tableware W onto the base 21. Simultaneously, the top rack 23 and multiple separate racks 24, under their own weight, will slide along the guide post 22 to stack on the base 21, ensuring that each separate rack 24 corresponds to one piece of tableware W. It can be understood that when collecting tableware, multiple pieces of tableware W can be stacked together on the base 21 with their openings facing upwards or downwards; at this time, the center lines of the multiple pieces of tableware W are essentially aligned.

[0059] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, during automatic tableware placement, the transportable mechanism 20, which holds multiple stacked tableware W, is rotated to be placed laterally on the guide mechanism 10. This allows multiple separating racks 24 to hold multiple tableware W in a one-to-one correspondence, and also allows the base 21 and top rack 23 of the transportable mechanism 20 to rest on the first guide rail 101 and the second guide rail 102, respectively. At this time, the transportable mechanism 20 will move downward as a whole under its own weight, causing the base 21 and top rack 23 to slide away from each other along the first guide rail 101 and the second guide rail 102, respectively. This allows the pulling member 25 to pull the multiple separating racks 24 to slide separately along the guide post 22, thereby spreading the multiple tableware W laterally. This facilitates the automatic unfolding of the stacked tableware to the target position (such as a washable and / or sterilizable position), preventing the multiple tableware W from blocking each other and facilitating washing and / or sterilization. It is understandable that when setting tableware, the movable mechanism 20 of this application can utilize its own weight, the weight of the tableware placed on the movable mechanism 20, or even human assistance, so that the movable mechanism 20 can be smoothly lowered relative to the guide mechanism 10. This application will not elaborate further on this.

[0060] When retrieving tableware, multiple pieces of tableware W can be removed from the separation rack 24 of the transportable mechanism 20 in several steps; alternatively, the transportable mechanism 20 can be removed from the guide mechanism 10 and placed vertically on the dining table, so that multiple pieces of tableware W are stacked on the base 21 under their own weight, so that they can be retrieved all at once.

[0061] It is worth noting that, compared to dishwashers that are passively deployed by external driving force, the washing machine of this application only needs to set the guide mechanism 10 of the automatic placement device 1 on the original movable frame 3. It can use the weight of the transportable mechanism 20 as the internal driving force to make multiple separation racks 24 carry multiple tableware W to be horizontally dispersed without the need to set any additional external driving mechanism. This simplifies the overall structure and makes it easy to modify existing washing machines into washing machines with automatic placement function without replacing them with new washing machines, thus reducing costs.

[0062] Furthermore, the vertical placement mentioned in this application refers to the guide post 22 being placed vertically, so that the top rack 23 and multiple separation racks 24 are stacked vertically above the base 21, at which time multiple pieces of tableware W can be stacked on the base 21 with their openings facing upwards or downwards; the horizontal placement mentioned in this application refers to the guide post 22 being placed horizontally, so that the top rack 23 and multiple separation racks 24 are arranged horizontally on the side of the base 21, at which time multiple pieces of tableware W can be arranged at intervals on the side of the base 21 horizontally under the holding action of the multiple separation racks 24.

[0063] In other words, the transportable mechanism 20 of this application has both a vertical placement state and a horizontal placement state; such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, when the transportable mechanism 20 is in a vertical position, the base 21 is suitable for placement on a dining table so that multiple pieces of tableware W can be stacked on the base 21 with their openings facing upwards or downwards. At this time, the guide post 22 extends upwards from the base 21, and the top bracket 23 and multiple separating brackets 24 are sequentially stacked above the base 21, allowing the multiple separating brackets 24 to be aligned one-to-one with the multiple pieces of tableware W. And as... Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, when the transportable mechanism 20 is in a horizontally placed state, the guide post 22 will extend horizontally from the base 21, and the top frame 23 and multiple separation frames 24 are arranged sequentially on the side of the base 21, so that the multiple separation frames 24 can hold multiple pieces of tableware W one by one; at this time, simply place the transportable mechanism 20 on the guide mechanism 10, so that the base 21 and the top frame 23 respectively overlap the first guide rail 101 and the second guide rail 102, and it can move downward as a whole under its own weight, so that the multiple separation frames 24 can carry the multiple pieces of tableware W and disperse them horizontally along the guide post 22.

[0064] Optionally, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the guiding mechanism 10 includes a support frame 11 and a guide rod 12. The support frame 11 is used to fix the movable frame 3. The two ends of the guide rod 12 are fixedly connected to the support frame 11, and the middle part of the guide rod 12 arches away from the support frame 11 to form an inverted V-shaped guide rail, which facilitates the stable provision of the first guide rail 101 and the second guide rail 102 extending gradually from top to bottom.

[0065] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the guide mechanism 10 has two guide rods 12, which are arranged parallel to each other on the support frame 11 to form a accommodating space for accommodating the transportable mechanism 20. This facilitates the synchronous guidance of the base 21 and top frame 23 of the transportable mechanism 20 from opposite sides of the transportable mechanism 20 to move away from each other and ensures that the transportable mechanism 20 stably unfolds multiple separation racks 24 while moving downward as a whole, so as to achieve the smooth dispersal of multiple tableware W.

[0066] Optionally, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the end of the support frame 11 connected to the first guide rail 101 is raised to form a limiting groove at the end of the first guide rail 101, which is used to limit the sliding position of the base 21 along the first guide rail 101. This can prevent the base 21 from detaching from the first guide rail 101 and can accurately position the unfolded position of the transportable mechanism 20 on the guide mechanism 10.

[0067] Optionally, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the end of the support frame 11 that connects to the second guide rail 102 extends straight out to form a free platform at the end of the second guide rail 102, thus providing sufficient unfolding space for the transportable mechanism 20. It is understood that in other examples of this application, the base 21 can also be attached to the second guide rail 102, and the top frame 23 can correspondingly be attached to the first guide rail 101, still achieving the desired automatic placement effect.

[0068] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 1 As shown, the guide rod 12 can extend along the front-back direction on the movable frame 3. The straight end of the support frame 11 is located at the front of the movable frame 3, adjacent to the door, and the raised end of the support frame 11 is located at the rear of the movable frame 3, away from the door. This allows the multiple separate racks 24 in the transportable mechanism 20 to unfold along the front-back direction, and reserves space at the front of the movable frame 3 for taking out and placing tableware W, preventing the base 21 from obstructing the removal of tableware W. It is understood that in other examples of this application, the guide rod 12 can also extend along the left-right direction on the movable frame 3, which will not be described in detail here.

[0069] According to the above embodiments of this application, as Figures 2 to 9As shown, the base 21 of the transportable mechanism 20 may include a frame 211 fixedly connected to the guide post 22 for supporting the tableware W, and a first roller 212 rotatably disposed on the frame 211 for rolling contact with the first guide rail 101; similarly, the top frame 23 of the transportable mechanism 20 may include a slider 231 slidably connected to the guide post 22 and a second roller 232 rotatably disposed on the slider 231 for rolling contact with the second guide rail 102. It is understood that the rolling contact mentioned in this application refers to the roller rolling on the guide rail, allowing it to ride on the guide rail, which helps reduce friction between the two and prevents derailment. Of course, in other examples of this application, the first roller 212 and the second roller 232 can be fixed to the frame 211 and the slider 231 respectively, or they can be replaced by sliders or sliding columns, so that the base 21 and the top frame 23 can slide and overlap the first guide rail 101 and the second guide rail 102 respectively, and can still move away from each other along the first guide rail 101 and the second guide rail 102 under their own gravity. This application will not elaborate further on this.

[0070] Optionally, such as Figure 2 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the base 21 has two first rollers 212, which are rotatably disposed on opposite sides of the frame 211 and are used to roll and overlap with the two first guide rails 101 respectively. Similarly, the top frame 23 has two second rollers 232, which are rotatably disposed on opposite sides of the slider 231 and are used to roll and overlap with the two second guide rails 102 respectively. Thus, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, when the transportable mechanism 20 is placed laterally on the guide mechanism 10, the two first rollers 212 roll downward along the two first guide rails 101 under the action of gravity, so as to drive the frame 211 to move away from the top frame 23 along the first guide rail 101. At the same time, the two second rollers 232 roll downward along the two second guide rails 102 under the action of gravity, so as to drive the slider 231 to move away from the base 21 along the second guide rail 102, so that the slider 231 and the frame 211 move away from each other, so that the multiple separation racks 24 are pulled apart by the pull member 25 and slide separately along the guide post 22, thereby spreading out the multiple tableware W laterally.

[0071] Accordingly, such as Figures 2 to 9As shown, the number of guide posts 22 in the transportable mechanism 20 can be two. The two guide posts 22 are fixed parallel to each other to the frame 211 of the base 21. The slider 231 and each separator 24 are slidably fitted onto the two guide posts 22. This is to prevent the slider 231 and each separator 24 from rotating relative to the guide posts 22 while guiding the slider 231 and each separator 24 to slide along the stacking direction using the guide posts 22. This ensures the overall structural stability of the transportable mechanism 20 and better holds each piece of tableware W.

[0072] Preferably, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, each guide post 22 is perpendicular to the frame 211 of the base 21 to ensure that multiple cutlery W stacked on the frame 211 in the vertical direction can maintain the same distance from the multiple separators 24 stacked along the guide post 22, so that they can be better held by the multiple separators 24 when the whole is rotated 90°.

[0073] Optionally, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, each separator 24 includes a connecting beam 241 and a pair of holding arms 242 extending in the same direction from opposite ends of the connecting beam 241; each holding arm 242 has an insertion hole 2401 that matches the guide post 22 and a slot 2402 for holding the edge of the cutlery, such that the two guide posts 22 are slidably inserted into the insertion holes 2401 on the two holding arms 242 of each separator 24, thereby avoiding structural interference between the guide post 22 and the cutlery W held by the slot 2402 of the holding arm 242.

[0074] Optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, the connecting beam 241 of the separation frame 24 is provided with an avoidance groove 2403 to avoid the edge of the tableware W and prevent the connecting beam 241 from structurally interfering with the tableware W held by the groove 2402 of the holding arm 242.

[0075] It is worth noting that, in the above embodiments of this application, such as Figures 2 to 9 As shown, the sliding member 231 of the top frame 23 can have the same holding structure as the separating frame 24 for holding the tableware W, so that the transportable mechanism 20 can hold an additional piece of tableware W, which is beneficial to making full use of the accommodating space of the transportable mechanism 20 and increasing the tableware holding capacity of the transportable mechanism 20. In addition, in other embodiments of this application, the frame 211 of the base 21 can also have a slot structure for holding the tableware W, so that the transportable mechanism 20 can also hold an additional piece of tableware W.

[0076] In addition, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the pulling member 25 in the transportable mechanism 20 can be, but is not limited to, a flexible member such as a rope or chain. This flexible member is sequentially and fixedly connected to the base 21, the plurality of separating frames 24, and the top frame 23, so that when deployed, it pulls the plurality of separating frames 24 apart while limiting the maximum distance between two adjacent separating frames 24. It is understood that in other examples of this application, the pulling member 25 can also be implemented as multiple rigid members such as a pull rod or connecting rod, with each rigid member's two ends hinged to any two adjacent components of the base 21, the plurality of separating frames 24, and the top frame 23, still achieving the same function as the flexible member. This application will not elaborate further on this aspect.

[0077] Optionally, such as Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, the number of flexible components in the transportable mechanism 20 is two; each separation frame 24 is also provided with a pair of fixing holes 2404 located at opposite ends of the clearance groove 2403 on the connecting beam 241. Each flexible component passes through the fixing hole 2404 located at the same end of the connecting beam 241 in sequence for fixed connection, which helps to reduce the difficulty of fixed connection.

[0078] Preferably, such as Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, the length of the flexible component remains the same between any two adjacent separation racks 24, so that the unfolding distance between any two adjacent separation racks 24 can remain consistent, ensuring that multiple tableware W can be evenly dispersed laterally.

[0079] According to the above embodiments of this application, as Figures 4 to 9 As shown, the base 21 of the transportable mechanism 20 may further include a pair of support legs 213 fixed to the frame 211 and spaced apart from the first roller 212, each support leg 213 extending from the frame 211 toward the side opposite to the guide post 22. Thus, when the transportable mechanism 20 is placed vertically on a dining table, the first roller 212 and support legs 213 of the base 21 contact the tabletop, allowing the frame 211 of the base 21 to remain horizontal, facilitating the stable stacking of multiple pieces of tableware W on the frame 211.

[0080] In addition, such as Figures 2 to 9 As shown, the transportable mechanism 20 may also include a first handle 26 fixedly connected to the base 21 and a second handle 27 fixedly connected to the guide post 22, so as to grasp the first handle 26 and the second handle 27 for overall transport.

[0081] Optionally, such as Figures 2 to 9As shown, the first handle 26 extends obliquely from the end of the frame 211 away from the first roller 212 toward the direction away from the guide post 22, which is convenient for the user to hold and avoids interfering with the stacked tableware W.

[0082] Optionally, such as Figures 2 to 9 As shown, the two ends of the second handle 27 are fixedly connected to the ends of the two guide posts 22, so that the top frame 23 and multiple separation frames 24 are slidably stacked between the second handle 27 and the base 21, which is convenient for the user to hold and can further prevent the top frame 23 and multiple separation frames 24 from slipping off the guide posts 22.

[0083] It is worth mentioning that one embodiment of this application can further provide a smart kitchen, which may include the aforementioned cleaning machine and a robot that works in conjunction with the cleaning machine. The robot is used to remove the movable mechanism 20 of the automatic placement device 1 from the door box assembly 2 of the cleaning machine and place it vertically on the dining table, and to move the movable mechanism 20 to the door box assembly 2 and place it horizontally on the guide mechanism 10 of the automatic placement device 1. In this way, in the smart kitchen of this application, the robot only needs to simply connect the movable mechanism 20 to the movable frame to automatically complete the arrangement and placement of tableware; this not only greatly reduces the burden of manual operation, but also effectively reduces the hardware configuration and algorithm control requirements of the robot in terms of visual recognition and precise positioning, reduces the overall machine development and production costs, and improves the stability and versatility of equipment operation.

[0084] In addition, the robot mentioned in this application can also stack multiple pieces of tableware on the base 21 of the vertically placed transportable mechanism 20, so as to completely free up human labor.

[0085] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0086] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are quite specific and detailed. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic placement device for use with a movable frame (3), characterized in that, include: A guide mechanism (10) is provided for being mounted on the movable frame (3), and the guide mechanism (10) has a first guide rail (101) and a second guide rail (102) extending gradually from top to bottom. and The transportable mechanism (20) includes a base (21), a top frame (23), and a separation component for carrying multiple pieces of tableware (W); the base (21) is detachably attached to the first guide rail (101) for stacking multiple pieces of tableware (W); the top frame (23) is detachably attached to the second guide rail (102); the separation component is disposed between the base (21) and the top frame (23) and can automatically unfold as the distance between the base (21) and the top frame (23) increases.

2. The automatic placement device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the transportable mechanism (20) is placed on the guide mechanism (10), the base (21) and the top frame (23) can move away from each other along the first guide rail (101) and the second guide rail (102) respectively under the action of gravity or external force.

3. The automatic placement device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation assembly includes a guide post (22), multiple separation racks (24), and a pull member (25); the guide post (22) is fixed to the base (21) and extends along the stacking direction of the base (21); the top rack (23) is slidably disposed on the guide post (22); multiple separation racks (24) are slidably disposed sequentially on the guide post (22) and stacked between the base (21) and the top rack (23) for correspondingly holding the cutlery (W); the pull member (25) is sequentially connected to the base (21), multiple separation racks (24), and the top rack (23).

4. The automatic placement device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transportable mechanism (20) has a vertical placement state and a horizontal placement state; when the transportable mechanism (20) is in the vertical placement state, the guide post (22) extends upward from the base (21), and the top frame (23) and multiple separation frames (24) are stacked on top of the base (21) in sequence; when the transportable mechanism (20) is in the horizontal placement state, the guide post (22) extends horizontally from the base (21), and the top frame (23) and multiple separation frames (24) are arranged on the side of the base (21) in sequence, so that the base (21) and the top frame (23) can respectively overlap on the first guide rail (101) and the second guide rail (102).

5. The automatic placement device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism (10) includes a support frame (11) and a guide rod (12); the support frame (11) is fixedly connected to the movable frame (3); the two ends of the guide rod (12) are fixedly connected to the support frame (11), and the middle part of the guide rod (12) arches away from the support frame (11) to form an inverted V-shaped guide rail.

6. The automatic placement device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide mechanism (10) has two guide rods (12), which are arranged parallel to each other on the support frame (11).

7. The automatic placement device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The end of the support frame (11) connected to the first guide rail (101) is tilted upward to form a limiting groove at the end of the first guide rail (101); And / or, the end of the support frame (11) that is connected to the second guide rail (102) extends straight.

8. The automatic placement device according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that, The base (21) includes a frame (211) fixedly connected to the guide post (22) and used to support the tableware (W) and a first roller (212) rotatably disposed on the frame (211) and used to roll and overlap with the first guide rail (101). The top frame (23) includes a sliding member (231) slidably connected to the guide post (22) and a second roller (232) rotatably disposed on the sliding member (231) and used for rolling contact with the second guide rail (102).

9. The automatic placement device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The number of guide posts (22) in the transportable mechanism (20) is two. The two guide posts (22) are fixed to the frame (211) in parallel with each other, and the sliding member (231) and each of the separation frames (24) can be slidably fitted onto the two guide posts (22). Each of the guide posts (22) is perpendicular to the frame (211).

10. The automatic placement device according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the separation racks (24) includes a connecting beam (241) and a pair of holding arms (242) extending in the same direction from opposite ends of the connecting beam (241); each holding arm (242) has a socket (2401) that matches the guide post (22) and a slot (2402) for holding the edge of the cutlery (W). The connecting beam (241) is provided with a clearance groove (2403) for avoiding the edge of the tableware (W).

11. The automatic placement device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sliding member (231) of the top frame (23) has the same holding structure as the separating frame (24).

12. The automatic placement device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The tensioning member (25) consists of two flexible members. Each of the connecting beams (241) is also provided with a pair of fixing holes (2404) located at opposite ends of the clearance groove (2403). Each of the flexible members passes through the fixing holes (2404) located at the same end of the connecting beam (241) in sequence to make a fixed connection.

13. The automatic placement device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The base (21) further includes a pair of support legs (213) fixed to the frame (211) and spaced apart from the first roller (212); each of the support legs (213) extends from the frame (211) toward the side opposite to the guide post (22).

14. The automatic placement device according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that, The traction member (25) is a flexible member, which is sequentially fixedly connected to the base (21), the multiple separation frames (24), and the top frame (23). The flexible element maintains the same length between any two adjacent separation frames (24).

15. The automatic placement device according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that, The transportable mechanism (20) also includes a first handle (26) fixedly connected to the base (21) and a second handle (27) fixedly connected to the guide post (22).

16. A cleaning machine, characterized in that, include: Door box assembly (2); The movable frame (3) is slidably disposed within the door box assembly (2); as well as The automatic placement device (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 15 is disposed on the movable frame (3).

17. A smart kitchen, characterized in that, include: The cleaning machine as described in claim 16; and The robot, in conjunction with the cleaning machine, is used to remove the transportable mechanism (20) of the automatic placement device (1) in the cleaning machine from the door box assembly (2) of the cleaning machine for vertical placement, and to transport the transportable mechanism (20) to the door box assembly (2) for horizontal placement on the guide mechanism (10) of the automatic placement device (1).

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