Point placement device, cleaning machine and smart kitchen

Abstract

The application relates to a fixed-point placing device, a cleaning machine and a smart kitchen, which can cooperate with a robot to automatically place tableware, so as to liberate human labor. The fixed-point placing device comprises a movable frame body, a separation assembly comprising a plurality of separation frames and a pulling piece sequentially and limitingly connected with the plurality of separation frames, wherein the plurality of separation frames are sequentially and slidably arranged in the movable frame body along a first direction, and each separation frame is used for carrying a single tableware; a driving mechanism is arranged in the movable frame body and is drivingly connected with the separation frame in the separation assembly, and is used for applying a driving force to the separation frame along the first direction; and a fixed-point switch is arranged in the movable frame body and is used for limiting the separation frame to a fixed-point position on the movable frame body when the separation frame does not carry tableware, and is used for releasing the separation frame when the limited separation frame carries tableware.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of tableware cleaning technology, specifically to a fixed-point 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] However, when using the dish racks in these dishwashers, users 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 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. Summary of the Invention

[0004] 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 a fixed placement device, a washing machine, and a smart kitchen, which can work with robots to automatically place dishes in order to free up manual labor.

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, one embodiment provides a fixed-point placement device, comprising: a movable frame; a separation assembly including a plurality of separation frames and a pull member sequentially limiting and connecting the plurality of separation frames; wherein the plurality of separation frames are slidably disposed sequentially on the movable frame along a first direction, and each separation frame is used to carry a single piece of tableware; a drive mechanism disposed on the movable frame and driving the separation frames connected in the separation assembly to apply a driving force to the separation frames along the first direction; and a fixed-point switch disposed on the movable frame for restricting the separation frames to a fixed position on the movable frame when not carrying tableware, and releasing the restricted separation frames when carrying tableware.

[0006] With this configuration, the fixed-point switch can restrict the separation rack without tableware to a fixed position on the movable frame, while the drive mechanism can pull the separation rack with tableware away from the fixed position and pull the next separation rack to the fixed position through the traction member. Therefore, the fixed-point placement device of this application only requires the robot to place a single piece of tableware into the restricted separation rack each time, so that multiple separation racks carrying tableware can be automatically arranged at intervals along the first direction on the movable frame to complete the automatic fixed-point placement of multiple pieces of tableware, greatly reducing the difficulty of robot operation and facilitating the liberation of human labor.

[0007] Furthermore, even without using a robot, multiple separate racks without tableware will be stacked on one side of a fixed position. Therefore, users can place multiple stacked tableware into multiple separate racks at once. At this time, the multiple separate racks carrying tableware will not be restricted by the fixed-point switch. They can be arranged at intervals along the first direction under the drive of the drive mechanism and the pull of the pull member. Users do not need to bend over to place the tableware multiple times, which saves time and effort.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, the fixed-point switch includes a switch housing, a limiting rod, and a reset member; the switch housing is fixedly mounted on the movable frame; the limiting rod is telescopically disposed on the switch housing along a second direction different from the first direction to provide switch contacts; the reset member is disposed on the switch housing for applying a reset force to the limiting rod, such that the limiting rod is retractably inserted into the separation frame along the second direction.

[0009] With this configuration, the switch contacts in the fixed-point switch of this application can be activated by the tableware placed in the separation rack to release the separation rack containing the tableware.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the separating rack has a limiting hole for inserting the edge of tableware; the limiting rod extends retractably into the limiting hole along the second direction under the action of the resetting member.

[0011] With this configuration, when the separating rack is not carrying tableware, the limiting rod can extend into the limiting hole of the separating rack along the second direction under the resetting action of the resetting member, thereby restricting the separating rack to a fixed position on the movable frame; while when the separating rack carries tableware, the edge of the tableware will insert into the limiting hole to trigger the switch contact on the limiting rod, so that the limiting rod can exit the limiting hole under the action of the tableware, thereby releasing the separating rack.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the separating frame further has a notch communicating with the limiting hole; the notch extends from the limiting hole along the first direction and matches the limiting rod body, for allowing the limiting rod body extending out of the switch housing to slide into or out of the limiting hole.

[0013] With this design, the notch in this application can prevent the limiting rod from being blocked by the separating bracket due to prematurely extending out of the switch housing and thus failing to enter the limiting hole, ensuring that the limiting rod can be stably inserted into the limiting hole so that the edge of the placed tableware can be touched.

[0014] Furthermore, even if the limiting rod extending into the limiting hole can restrict the separation frame from sliding along the first direction to be restricted to a fixed position on the movable frame, the limiting rod will slide out from the notch when the restricted separation frame is pushed in the opposite direction to the first direction due to the notch on the second side of the limiting hole. This results in the separation frame being restricted in one direction to ensure that the separation frame can be pushed back into position in the opposite direction.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, the separating frame further has a guide ramp; the guide ramp extends obliquely along the first direction to the outer opening of the limiting hole.

[0016] With this configuration, when the separating frame slides back into position in a direction opposite to the first direction, the limiting rod extending into the switch housing will slide along the guide slope and be squeezed to gradually retract into the switch housing, thus preventing the limiting rod extending out of the switch housing from blocking the separating frame from sliding back into position in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0017] In one embodiment of this application, the movable frame includes a basket for slidably connecting a door box assembly and a pair of guide rods fixed within the basket; wherein the two guide rods are arranged parallel to each other, and each guide rod extends along the first direction; a plurality of separation frames are slidably fitted onto the two guide rods in sequence.

[0018] With this configuration, the two guide rods can guide the separating rack to slide along the first direction while also providing stable support for the separating rack, ensuring that the separating rack can stably support the tableware.

[0019] In one embodiment of this application, each of the separation racks includes a limiting beam and a pair of holding arms; the two holding arms extend from opposite ends of the limiting beam in the same direction, and each holding arm has a sliding hole that matches the guide rod and a slot for holding the edge of the cutlery.

[0020] With this configuration, the two guide rods can be slidably inserted into the sliding holes on the two holding arms of each separator, thus preventing structural interference between the guide rods and the tableware held by the slots of the holding arms.

[0021] In one embodiment of this application, the traction member is a flexible member that is sequentially and fixedly connected to a plurality of the separation frames.

[0022] This design allows the frames to be stretched taut during unfolding to separate them from each other, while also constraining the maximum spacing between adjacent frames. It also allows the frames to bend during stacking to prevent them from being blocked from being stacked together.

[0023] In one embodiment of this application, each of the separating frames has a limiting hole for inserting the edge of the tableware and a fixing hole located at opposite ends of the limiting hole on the limiting beam; the flexible member passes through the fixing hole located at the same end of the limiting hole on the limiting beam in sequence for fixed connection.

[0024] This setup not only allows for the stable pulling of multiple separation frames along the first direction, but also helps reduce the difficulty of fixing the connection.

[0025] In one embodiment of this application, the length of the traction member remains the same between any two adjacent separation frames.

[0026] This design ensures that the maximum distance between any two adjacent dividers remains consistent, guaranteeing that multiple pieces of tableware can be evenly distributed.

[0027] In one embodiment of this application, the drive mechanism includes an elastic element and a connector; the elastic element is mounted on the movable frame, and the two ends of the connector are respectively limited and connected to the elastic element and the separation frame located at the end of the separation assembly, for applying an elastic force to the separation frame along the first direction.

[0028] With this configuration, after the end-positioned separator is released by the fixed-point switch, it can slide away from the fixed-point position under the elastic force applied by the elastic member through the connecting member, so that the next separator can be pulled to slide to the fixed-point position by the pulling member.

[0029] In one embodiment of this application, the drive mechanism further includes a pulley mounted on the movable frame; one end of the connector is fixedly connected to the elastic member, and the other end of the connector extends to the separation assembly in a direction opposite to the first direction after passing around the pulley, so as to be fixedly connected to the separation frame located at the end of the separation assembly.

[0030] With this configuration, the fixed-point placement device of this application only needs to install the pulley on the movable frame away from the fixed-point switch along the first direction to maximize the sliding stroke of the separation frame; at the same time, the presence of the pulley also greatly increases the installation freedom of the elastic element, so as to adjust the installation position of the elastic element according to the actual situation.

[0031] According to another aspect of this application, one embodiment of this application further provides a cleaning machine, including: a door box assembly; and any of the above-described fixed placement devices, which are movably disposed within the door box assembly.

[0032] With this configuration, the washing machine of this application can be easily converted into a washing machine with fixed placement function simply by replacing the original dish rack with the movable frame of the fixed placement device, without the need to replace the washing machine with a new one, thus reducing costs.

[0033] 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, which cooperates with the cleaning machine for placing individual tableware onto a restricted separation rack in the fixed placement device of the cleaning machine.

[0034] With this configuration, the robot in the smart kitchen of this application only needs to place a single piece of tableware at a fixed point on the restricted separation rack in the fixed-point placement device of the washing machine to automatically complete the tableware arrangement; this not only greatly reduces the burden of manual operation and liberates manpower, but also matches the fixed-point placement capability of existing robots, effectively reducing the hardware configuration and algorithm control requirements of robots in terms of visual recognition and precise positioning, reducing the overall R&D and production costs, and improving the stability and versatility of equipment operation. Attached Figure Description

[0035] 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 showing the state of the fixed-point placement device in the washing machine according to the above embodiments of this application before placing tableware is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the state of the fixed-point placement device in the washing machine according to the above embodiments of this application after the tableware is placed is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the movable frame in the fixed-point placement device according to the above embodiments of this application is shown; Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the state of the separating component in the fixed placement device according to the above embodiments of this application when it is partially unfolded is shown; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the separation frame in the separation mechanism according to the above embodiments of this application is shown; Figure 7 A perspective cross-sectional view of the separator according to the above embodiments of this application is shown; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the drive mechanism in the fixed-point placement device according to the above embodiments of this application is shown; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed-point switch in the fixed-point placement device according to the above embodiments of this application is shown; Figure 10A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the fixed-point placement device according to the above embodiments of this application before placing tableware is shown; Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the fixed-point placement device shown; Figure 12 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the fixed-point placement device according to the above embodiments of this application is shown when placing a single piece of tableware; Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 An enlarged schematic diagram of part B in the fixed-point placement device shown; Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the fixed-point placement device according to the above embodiments of this application after multiple pieces of tableware have been placed; Figure 15 It shows Figure 14 An enlarged schematic diagram of part C in the fixed-point placement device shown.

[0036] Explanation of key component symbols: 1. Fixed placement device; 10. Movable frame; 11. Dish basket; 12. Guide rod; 20. Separation assembly; 21. Separation frame; 211. Limiting beam; 212. Holding arm; 2101. Sliding hole; 2102. Slot; 2103. Limiting hole; 2104. Fixing hole; 2105. Notch; 2106. Guide slope; 22. Pulling component; 30. Drive mechanism; 31. Elastic component; 32. Connecting component; 33. Pulley; 40. Fixed switch; 400. Switch contact; 41. Switch housing; 42. Limiting rod; 43. Reset component; 2. Door box assembly; W. Tableware.

[0037] 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

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Considering that most dishwashers require users to place dishes one by one in the dish rack before washing, this necessitates prolonged bending over, which is both time-consuming and laborious. While the rapid development of robotics technology promises to enable robots to place dishes in the rack, existing robots typically can only pick up single items and place them in a fixed position, making it difficult to automatically place multiple items in different locations within the rack. To address these issues, this application provides a fixed-point placement device, a washing machine, and a smart kitchen that can work in conjunction with a robot to automatically place multiple dishes, thereby freeing up manual labor.

[0044] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, one embodiment of this application provides a washing machine, which may include a fixed-point placement device 1 and a door assembly 2. The fixed-point placement device 1 is movably disposed within the door assembly 2 for fixed-point placement of multiple pieces of tableware W. 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; that is, in addition to the aforementioned components, the washing machine mentioned in this application may also include, but is not limited to, functional entities capable of performing functions such as washing or sterilization, which will not be elaborated upon further in this application. Furthermore, the tableware W mentioned in this application may, but is not limited to, be implemented as bowls, plates, and / or dinner plates, etc.

[0045] More specifically, such as Figures 2 to 15 As shown, the fixed-point placement device 1 may include a movable frame 10, a separation assembly 20, a drive mechanism 30, and a fixed-point switch 40. The movable frame 10 is slidably disposed within the door box assembly 2. The separation assembly 20 includes a plurality of separation racks 21 and a pull member 22 that sequentially limits and connects the plurality of separation racks 21; wherein the plurality of separation racks 21 are sequentially slidably disposed on the movable frame 10 along a first direction, and each separation rack 21 is used to carry a single piece of tableware W. The drive mechanism 30 is disposed on the movable frame 10 and drives the separation racks 21 connected to the separation assembly 20, for applying a driving force to the separation racks 21 along the first direction. The fixed-point switch 40 is disposed on the movable frame, for restricting the separation rack 21 to a fixed position on the movable frame 10 when it is not carrying tableware W, and releasing it when the restricted separation rack 21 carries tableware W. It is understood that the movable frame mentioned in this application may be implemented as a bowl rack, basket, or tray, etc.

[0046] Thus, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figures 10 to 15As shown, when none of the separation racks 21 on the separation assembly 20 are carrying tableware W, the separation rack 21 at the end of the separation assembly 20 is restricted to a fixed position on the movable frame 10 by the fixed-point switch 40, so that the user or robot can pick up a single piece of tableware W and place it into the restricted separation rack 21 (i.e., the separation rack 21 at the end). At this time, the fixed-point switch 40 will release the separation rack 21 carrying tableware W, so that the separation rack 21 carrying tableware W will slide away from the fixed position along the first direction under the driving action of the driving mechanism 30 (i.e., slide from the first side to the second side), and the next separation rack 21 will be pulled to the fixed position by the pulling member 22 to be restricted by the fixed-point switch 40. This cycle is repeated so that multiple separation racks 21 carrying tableware W are arranged at intervals along the first direction on the movable frame 10, which facilitates the automatic placement of multiple pieces of tableware W to the target position (such as a washable and / or disinfectable position), prevents multiple pieces of tableware W from blocking each other, and facilitates washing and / or disinfection. It is understood that the first direction mentioned in this application can be a direction from the first side to the second side; at the same time, the separation frame 21 located at the end of the separation assembly 20 mentioned in this application refers to the separation frame 21 closest to the second side in the separation assembly 20.

[0047] It is worth noting that, since the fixed-point switch 40 can restrict the separation rack 21 without tableware W to a fixed position on the movable frame 10, and the drive mechanism 30 can pull the separation rack 21 with tableware W away from the fixed position, and pull the next separation rack 21 to the fixed position through the traction member 22; therefore, the fixed-point placement device 1 of this application only requires the robot to place a single piece of tableware W into the restricted separation rack 21 each time, so that multiple separation racks 21 carrying tableware W can be automatically arranged at intervals along the first direction on the movable frame 10 to complete the automatic fixed-point placement of multiple pieces of tableware W, which is convenient for freeing up manual labor.

[0048] Furthermore, even without using a robot, since the multiple separate racks 21 without tableware W are stacked on one side of the fixed position, the user can place multiple stacked tableware W into the multiple separate racks 21 at one time. At this time, the multiple separate racks 21 carrying tableware W are not restricted by the fixed-point switch 40, and can be arranged at intervals along the first direction under the drive of the drive mechanism 30 and the pull of the pull member 22, without the user having to bend over multiple times to place them, avoiding the user having to bend over for a long time, which saves both time and effort. It is understood that the multiple tableware W mentioned in this application can be stacked together with their openings facing the same direction; at this time, the center lines of the multiple tableware W are basically coincident.

[0049] It should be noted that the washing machine of this application can be easily modified into a washing machine with fixed placement function simply by replacing the original dish rack with the movable frame 10 of the fixed placement device 1, without the need to replace the washing machine with a new one, thus reducing costs.

[0050] For ease of understanding, this application uses the normal placement of the washing machine as a reference, defining the side closer to the ground as the lower side and the side farther 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; in this case, the movable frame 10 can be slidably disposed on the door box assembly 2 in the front-back direction, so as to be pulled out or pushed into the door box assembly 2 in the front-back direction. For example, the first direction mentioned in this application can refer to the direction from front to back, which is the same as the pushing direction of the movable frame 10; in this case, the first side mentioned in this application corresponds to the front side, and the second side corresponds to the rear side; the end mentioned in this application refers to the rear end, that is, the separation rack 21 located at the end refers to the rearmost separation rack 21 in the separation assembly 20; the fixed position mentioned in this application is located at the front of the movable frame 10, so as to take out and put away tableware W. It is understood that the first direction mentioned in this application can also correspond to the left-right direction and other directions of the movable frame 10, which will not be elaborated further in this application.

[0051] For example, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the movable frame 10 includes a bowl basket 11 slidably connected to the door box assembly 2 and a pair of guide rods 12 fixed inside the bowl basket 11; wherein the two guide rods 12 are arranged parallel to each other, and each guide rod 12 extends along the first direction; at the same time, a plurality of separation racks 21 are slidably fitted onto the two guide rods 12 in sequence, so that while guiding the separation rack 21 to slide along the first direction, the two guide rods 12 can also stably support the separation rack 21, so as to ensure that the separation rack 21 can stably carry the tableware W.

[0052] Optionally, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, each separation frame 21 in the separation assembly 20 includes a limiting beam 211 and a pair of holding arms 212; the two holding arms 212 extend from opposite ends of the limiting beam 211 in the same direction, and each holding arm 212 has a sliding hole 2101 that matches the guide rod 12 and a slot 2102 for holding the edge of the tableware, so that the two guide rods 12 can be slidably inserted into the sliding hole 2101 on the two holding arms 212 of each separation frame 21, avoiding structural interference between the guide rod 12 and the tableware held by the slot 2102 of the holding arm 212.

[0053] Optionally, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, each separating frame 21 can have a limiting hole 2103 on its limiting beam 211 for inserting the edge of the tableware. This can prevent the limiting beam 211 from interfering with the tableware held by the slot 2102 of the holding arm 212, and can also be used in conjunction with the fixed-point switch 40 for positioning and restriction.

[0054] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the pulling member 22 in the separation assembly 20 can be, but is not limited to, a flexible member such as a rope or chain. This flexible member is sequentially fixedly connected to multiple separation frames 21 to limit the maximum distance between two adjacent separation frames 21 while pulling the multiple separation frames 21 to separate them. It is understood that in other examples of this application, the pulling member 22 can also be implemented as multiple rigid members such as a pull rod or a connecting rod, with each rigid member having its two ends hinged to two adjacent separation frames 21, still achieving the same function as the flexible member; or, the pulling member 22 can also be implemented as a telescopic sleeve or an inflatable airbag, etc., which will not be elaborated further in this application.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the separation assembly 20 has two flexible components. Each separation frame 21 has a pair of fixing holes 2104 located at opposite ends of the limiting hole 2103 on its limiting beam 211. Each flexible component passes through the fixing hole 2104 located at the same end of the limiting hole 2103 on the limiting beam 211 in sequence for fixed connection. This not only stably pulls multiple separation frames 21 to slide along the first direction, but also helps to reduce the difficulty of fixed connection.

[0056] Preferably, such as Figure 5 As shown, the length of the pull member 22 is the same between any two adjacent separation racks 21, so that the unfolding distance between any two adjacent separation racks 21 can be kept consistent, ensuring that multiple tableware W can be evenly distributed.

[0057] According to the above embodiments of this application, as Figure 8 , Figures 10 to 15As shown, the drive mechanism 30 may include an elastic element 31 and a connecting element 32. The elastic element 31 is mounted on the movable frame 10, and the two ends of the connecting element 32 are respectively limited and connected to the elastic element 31 and the separation frame 21 located at the end of the separation assembly 20, for applying an elastic force to the separation frame 21 along the first direction. In this way, after the separation frame 21 located at the end is released by the fixed-point switch 40, it can slide away from the fixed position on the elastic element 31 under the action of the elastic force applied by the connecting element 32, so that the next separation frame 21 can be pulled to the fixed position by the pulling member 22. It is understood that the limiting connection mentioned in this application may include, but is not limited to, hooking, binding, wrapping, welding or buckling connection methods, as long as the required limiting connection effect can be achieved, this application will not elaborate further.

[0058] Optionally, such as Figures 10 to 15 As shown, the elastic element 31 is implemented as a pre-tensioned spring to stably apply an elastic force to the separating frame 21 along the first direction. For example, the elastic element 31 is a pre-tensioned tension spring or a pre-tensioned compression spring. It is understood that in other embodiments of this application, the elastic element 31 may also be implemented as a sheet or rubber band, or other element capable of applying the required elastic force, which will not be described in detail here.

[0059] It is worth noting that the connector 32 mentioned in this application can be implemented as a flexible component such as a rope or chain, or as multiple rigid components such as a pull rod or link. Preferably, the connector 32 is implemented as a rope, just like the pulling component 22.

[0060] Furthermore, in order to extend the sliding stroke of the separating frame 21 located at the end of the separating assembly 20, the number of separating frames 21 can be increased or the spacing between two adjacent separating frames 21 can be increased, such as... Figure 8 , Figures 10 to 15 As shown, the drive mechanism 30 of this application may further include a pulley 33 installed on the movable frame 10; one end of the connector 32 is fixedly connected to the elastic member 31, and the other end of the connector 32 extends to the separation assembly 20 in a direction opposite to the first direction after passing around the pulley 33, so as to be fixedly connected to the separation frame 21 located at the end of the separation assembly 20.

[0061] In this way, the fixed-point placement device 1 of this application only needs to install the pulley 33 on the movable frame 10 away from the fixed-point switch 40 (such as at the rear end of the movable frame 10) along the first direction to maximize the sliding stroke of the separating frame 21. At the same time, the presence of the pulley 33 also greatly increases the installation freedom of the elastic member 31, so as to adjust the installation orientation of the elastic member 31 according to the actual situation. For example, the elastic member 31 can be arranged below the movable frame 10 along the first direction to ensure the extension of the stroke while avoiding structural interference with the separating component 20.

[0062] According to the above embodiments of this application, as Figures 9 to 15 As shown, the fixed-point switch 40 may have switch contacts 400 arranged in conjunction with the separating rack 21, which are activated by the tableware W placed in the separating rack 21 to release the separating rack 21 carrying the tableware W.

[0063] Optionally, such as Figures 9 to 15 As shown, the fixed-point switch 40 may include a switch housing 41, a limiting rod 42, and a reset member 43. The switch housing 41 is fixedly mounted to the movable frame 10. The limiting rod 42 is telescopically disposed on the switch housing 41 along a second direction different from the first direction to provide the switch contact 400. The reset member 43 is disposed on the switch housing 41 to apply a reset force to the limiting rod 42, so that the limiting rod 42 is retractably inserted into the separating frame 21 along the second direction, so as to releasably restrict the separating frame 21 to a fixed position on the movable frame 10. It is understood that the switch contact 400 mentioned in this application may, but is not limited to, be implemented as one end of the limiting rod 42 extending out of the switch housing 41.

[0064] Preferably, such as Figures 10 to 15 As shown, the limiting rod 42 extends into the limiting hole 2103 of the separating frame 21 along the second direction under the action of the reset member 43. Thus, when the separating frame 21 is not carrying tableware W, the limiting rod 42 can extend into the limiting hole 2103 of the separating frame 21 along the second direction under the reset action of the reset member 43, thereby restricting the separating frame 21 to a fixed position on the movable frame 10; while when the separating frame 21 carries tableware W, the edge of the tableware W will insert into the limiting hole 2103 to trigger the switch contact 400 on the limiting rod 42, allowing the limiting rod 42 to exit the limiting hole 2103 under the action of the tableware W, thereby releasing the separating frame 21.

[0065] It is worth noting that the second direction mentioned in this application can be perpendicular to the first direction or relatively inclined to the first direction. As long as it is not parallel to the first direction, the limiting hole 2103 can be retracted to release the separation frame 21. Preferably, the second direction mentioned in this application refers to the upward direction.

[0066] Specifically, such as Figures 10 to 15 As shown, the switch housing 41 is located below the separation assembly 20, and the limiting rod 42 extends upward from the switch housing 41 under the action of the reset member 43 to enter the limiting hole 2103 of the separation rack 21, thereby restricting the separation rack 21 to a fixed position on the movable frame 10. Thus, when the tableware W is placed into the restricted separation rack 21, the edge of the tableware W will extend downward into the limiting hole 2103, pressing down on the switch contact 400 on the limiting rod 42 under its own weight. This causes the limiting rod 42 to retract downward from the switch housing 41 under the pressure of the tableware W, exiting the limiting hole 2103 of the separation rack 21, thereby releasing the separation rack 21.

[0067] More specifically, such as Figures 10 to 15 As shown, the reset element 43 mentioned in this application can be, but is not limited to, a reset spring disposed between the switch housing 41 and the limiting rod 42, to apply an elastic force for reset to the limiting rod 42 along the second direction. For example, the reset element 43 is a tension spring, compression spring, or torsion spring. It is understood that in other embodiments of this application, the reset element 43 can also be implemented as a non-elastic element such as a magnetic attraction element or a magnetic repulsion element, which can still provide the required reset force through magnetic attraction or magnetic repulsion. This application will not elaborate on this further.

[0068] It should be noted that in other examples of this application, the second direction mentioned in this application may also refer to the left and right direction; in this case, the switch housing 41 is located on the left or right side of the separation assembly 20, and the limiting rod 42 extends to the right or left of the switch housing 41 under the action of the reset member 43, so as to correspondingly extend into the slot 2102 of the separation rack 21, and can still be pressed by the edge of the placed tableware W to exit the corresponding slot 2102, so as to play the required releasable limiting role, which will not be described in detail in this application.

[0069] According to the above embodiments of this application, as Figure 7 , Figures 10 to 15As shown, each separation frame 21 may further have a notch 2105 communicating with the limiting hole 2103; the notch 2105 extends from the limiting hole 2103 along the first direction and matches the limiting rod 42 of the fixed-point switch 40, so as to allow the limiting rod 42 extending out of the switch housing 41 to slide into or out of the limiting hole 2103, and to prevent the limiting rod 42 from being blocked by the separation frame 21 due to prematurely extending out of the switch housing 41 and thus being unable to enter the limiting hole 2103.

[0070] Optionally, such as Figure 7 , Figures 10 to 15 As shown, the notch 2105 is formed on the limiting beam 211 of the separating rack 21 and is located on the second side of the limiting hole 2103, so as to prevent the second side of the limiting beam 211 from blocking the limiting rod 42 extending out of the switch housing 41, and to ensure that the limiting rod 42 can be stably inserted into the limiting hole 2103 so that the edge of the placed tableware can be touched.

[0071] It is worth noting that after multiple pieces of tableware W have been washed and removed, the user or robot can push the end-positioned separator 21 in the opposite direction to the first direction to return all separators 21 to their original positions (i.e., the end-positioned separators 21 are restricted to a fixed position by the switch housing 41). Of course, in other embodiments, the end-positioned separators 21 can also be pushed by a linear drive mechanism to return all separators 21 to their original positions, which will not be elaborated upon in this application.

[0072] It is understandable that even if the limiting rod 42 extending into the limiting hole 2103 can restrict the separation frame 21 from sliding along the first direction and be restricted to a fixed position on the movable frame 10, the limiting rod 42 will slide out from the notch 2105 when the restricted separation frame 21 is pushed in the opposite direction to the first direction, so that the separation frame 21 is restricted in one direction, in order to ensure that the separation frame 21 can be pushed back to its original position in the opposite direction.

[0073] To ensure the continuity of the return-to-position actions of multiple separation frames 21, such as Figure 7 , Figures 10 to 15As shown, each separator 21 of this application may further have a guide ramp 2106; the guide ramp 2106 extends obliquely along the first direction to the outer opening of the limiting hole 2103. Thus, when the separator 21 slides back into position in the direction opposite to the first direction, the limiting rod 42 extending into the switch housing 41 will slide along the guide ramp 2106, and be compressed and gradually retracted into the switch housing 41, preventing the limiting rod 42 extending out of the switch housing 41 from blocking the separator 21 from sliding back into position in the direction opposite to the first direction. It is understood that the outer opening mentioned in this application refers to the opening on the limiting hole 2103 for the limiting rod 42 to extend into or retract, such as... Figure 9 The lower opening is shown; correspondingly, the opening on the limiting hole 2103 for inserting the edge of the cutlery corresponds to the inner opening of the limiting hole 2103, such as... Figure 9 The upper opening is shown.

[0074] Optionally, such as Figure 7 , Figures 10 to 15 As shown, the guide ramp 2106 is located on the first side of the limiting hole 2103, and the guide ramp 2106 extends obliquely from the first side of the limiting beam 211 to the outer opening of the limiting hole 2103, so as to prevent the first side of the limiting beam 211 from blocking the limiting rod 42 extending out of the switch housing 41, and ensure that the separation frame 21 can smoothly slide back into position in the direction opposite to the first direction.

[0075] It is worth mentioning that another embodiment of this application can further provide a smart kitchen, which may include the aforementioned washing machine and a robot that works in conjunction with the washing machine. The robot is used to place individual tableware W onto the restricted separation rack 21 in the fixed-point placement device 1. In this way, in the smart kitchen of this application, the robot only needs to place individual tableware onto the restricted separation rack 21 in the fixed-point placement device 1 of the washing machine to automatically complete the arrangement and placement of tableware. This not only greatly reduces the burden of manual operation and liberates manpower, but also matches the fixed-point placement capability of existing robots, effectively reducing the hardware configuration and algorithm control requirements of robots in terms of visual recognition and precise positioning, reducing the overall R&D and production costs, and improving the stability and versatility of equipment operation.

[0076] In addition, the robot mentioned in this application can also perform operations such as opening and closing doors, pushing and pulling the movable frame 10, and pushing the separation frame 21 back in the opposite direction, so as to further free up manpower.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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. A fixed-point placement device, characterized in that, include: Movable frame (10); The separation assembly (20) includes a plurality of separation racks (21) and a pull member (22) that sequentially limits and connects the plurality of separation racks (21); wherein the plurality of separation racks (21) are slidably disposed in the movable frame (10) along a first direction, and each separation rack (21) is used to carry a single piece of tableware (W); A drive mechanism (30) is disposed on the movable frame (10) and drives the separation frame (21) connected to the separation assembly (20) to apply a driving force to the separation frame (21) along the first direction; as well as A fixed-point switch (40) is provided on the movable frame (10) to restrict the separation rack (21) to a fixed position on the movable frame (10) when it is not carrying tableware (W), and to release it when the restricted separation rack (21) carries tableware (W).

2. The fixed-point placement device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed-point switch (40) includes a switch housing (41), a limiting rod (42), and a reset member (43); the switch housing (41) is fixedly mounted on the movable frame (10); the limiting rod (42) is telescopically disposed on the switch housing (41) along a second direction different from the first direction to provide a switch contact (400); the reset member (43) is disposed on the switch housing (41) for applying a reset force to the limiting rod (42) so that the limiting rod (42) can be retractably inserted into the separator (21) along the second direction.

3. The fixed-point placement device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The separating rack (21) has a limiting hole (2103) for inserting the edge of the cutlery (W); the limiting rod (42) extends retractably into the limiting hole (2103) along the second direction under the action of the resetting member (43).

4. The fixed-point placement device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The separation frame (21) also has a notch (2105) communicating with the limiting hole (2103); the notch (2105) extends from the limiting hole (2103) along the first direction and matches the limiting rod (42) for sliding the limiting rod (42) extending out of the switch housing (41) into or out of the limiting hole (2103). The separation frame (21) further has a guide ramp (2106); the guide ramp (2106) extends obliquely along the first direction to the outer opening of the limiting hole (2103).

5. The fixed-point placement device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The movable frame (10) includes a basket (11) for sliding connection of the door box assembly (2) and a pair of guide rods (12) fixed inside the basket (11); wherein the two guide rods (12) are arranged parallel to each other and each guide rod (12) extends along the first direction; and a plurality of the separation frames (21) are slidably fitted onto the two guide rods (12) in sequence.

6. The fixed-point placement device according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the separation racks (21) includes a limiting beam (211) and a pair of holding arms (212); the two holding arms (212) extend in the same direction from opposite ends of the limiting beam (211), and each holding arm (212) has a sliding hole (2101) that matches the guide rod (12) and a slot (2102) for holding the edge of the cutlery (W).

7. The fixed-point placement device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The tensioning member (22) is a flexible member that is sequentially fixedly connected to multiple separation frames (21); Each of the separating frames (21) has a limiting beam (211) with a limiting hole (2103) for inserting the edge of the cutlery (W) and a fixing hole (2104) located at opposite ends of the limiting hole (2103); the flexible member passes through the fixing hole (2104) located at the same end of the limiting hole (2103) on the limiting beam (211) in sequence for fixed connection.

8. The fixed-point placement device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The length of the tension member (22) remains the same between any two adjacent separation frames (21).

9. The fixed-point placement device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (30) includes an elastic element (31) and a connector (32); the elastic element (31) is mounted on the movable frame (10), and the two ends of the connector (32) are respectively limited to the elastic element (31) and the separation frame (21) located at the end of the separation assembly (20), for applying an elastic force to the separation frame (21) along the first direction.

10. The fixed-point placement device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (30) also includes a pulley (33) mounted on the movable frame (10); one end of the connector (32) is fixedly connected to the elastic member (31), and the other end of the connector (32) extends to the separation assembly (20) in a direction opposite to the first direction after passing around the pulley (33), so as to be fixedly connected to the separation frame (21) located at the end of the separation assembly (20).

11. A cleaning machine, characterized in that, include: Door box assembly (2); and The fixed placement device (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 is movably disposed within the door box assembly (2).

12. A smart kitchen, characterized in that, include: The cleaning machine as described in claim 11; and A robot, in conjunction with the washing machine, is used to place individual tableware (W) onto a restricted separation rack (21) in the fixed placement device (1) of the washing machine.

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