A door opening and closing device for a washing machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a switch door device for washing machine, including the butt joint frame, drive mechanism, telescopic mechanism, connecting support and locking assembly. Drive mechanism (push rod motor) and telescopic mechanism (screw rod, sliding block) are connected through gear drive, and both axis misplaces arrangement, the output of telescopic mechanism is connected connecting support, and the butt joint frame corresponding position is equipped with the buckle plate cooperation with spring buckle on connecting support, and drive mechanism makes the sliding block and connecting support move back and forth through gear drive screw rod, realizes the opening and closing of butt joint frame, when closing, buckle plate extrudes spring along buckle slope, and buckle hooks the gap locking after reset. The device is through misplacing layout and shortens space occupation, and gear drive promotes efficiency, and locking assembly simplifies operation, and has automatic and emergency manual function, and is suitable for narrow space's washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of washing machine technology, specifically to a door opening and closing device for a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] In existing washing machine door opening and closing devices, such as Chinese Patent 202310321249.1, the telescopic mechanism often adopts a structure in which the motor and the telescopic section are arranged along the same straight line, that is, the motor output shaft is directly connected to the lead screw or push rod, resulting in a long overall length, which is difficult to adapt to small apartments and built-in installation scenarios, and has low space utilization.

[0003] In terms of transmission, traditional structures require the addition of a speed reducer to adjust the speed, which not only increases costs but also easily leads to a decrease in transmission efficiency due to the linkage of multiple components. Furthermore, the speed is not adjustable, making it impossible to adapt to the opening and closing needs of washing chambers of different weights.

[0004] To solve the above problems, this utility model improves convenience and reliability while shortening the size by using a staggered layout of the drive mechanism and the telescopic mechanism, gear transmission to adjust the speed, spring buckle for automatic locking, and emergency manual structure, thus meeting the needs of confined spaces and diverse uses. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a door opening and closing device for a washing machine, which is an improvement based on CN202310321249.1.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows: A door opening and closing device for a washing machine includes a receiving frame for supporting the washing chamber, characterized in that: it further includes a driving mechanism and a telescopic mechanism, the driving mechanism and the telescopic mechanism are connected by a mechanical transmission device, and the axis of the driving mechanism is offset from the telescopic direction of the telescopic mechanism; the output end of the telescopic mechanism is connected to a connecting bracket for pushing the receiving frame to open, and a locking component that cooperates with the telescopic mechanism is provided at a corresponding position on the receiving frame.

[0007] Furthermore, the drive mechanism includes a push rod motor, the telescopic mechanism includes a lead screw and a slider, the mechanical transmission device includes meshing gears A and B, the output shaft of the push rod motor is connected to gear A, one end of the lead screw is connected to gear B, the lead screw and the slider are threaded together, and the slider is linked with the connecting bracket.

[0008] Furthermore, gears A and B are configured as detachable gears of different diameters to allow for adjustment of the screw speed.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a push rod housing, in which the lead screw and slider are both located. The inner side of the push rod housing is provided with a groove, and the side of the slider is provided with a slide bar that matches the groove. The slide bar slides along the groove to limit the movement direction of the slider.

[0010] Furthermore, the locking assembly includes a buckle plate on the receiving frame and a spring clip on the connecting bracket. The spring clip has a ramp structure facing the buckle plate, and the buckle plate and the ramp structure cooperate to lock and unlock the receiving frame.

[0011] Furthermore, a spring is provided below the spring clip. When the buckle plate touches the ramp structure, the spring clip is pressed down and compresses the spring. After the buckle plate passes, the spring returns to its original position and drives the spring clip to move up, so that the spring clip hooks the gap between the buckle plate and the receiving frame.

[0012] Furthermore, the connecting bracket also includes a push-out panel, and when the receiving frame is in the closed and locked state, the buckle is located in the gap between the push-out panel and the spring clip.

[0013] Furthermore, a gear cover is provided on the push rod housing.

[0014] Furthermore, the washing machine casing and the gear cover are provided with manual rotating holes at corresponding positions, which allow the gear to be manually driven to rotate.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a circuit board, which is electrically connected to the drive mechanism and is used to control the forward and reverse rotation and start and stop of the drive mechanism.

[0016] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: Significantly saves space: The drive mechanism and telescopic mechanism adopt a staggered layout, which avoids the problem of length superposition caused by the motor and telescopic section being arranged along the same straight line in the traditional linear telescopic structure. The overall size is shorter than the traditional structure, which is especially suitable for small apartments, embedded installations and other narrow installation scenarios, thus improving space utilization.

[0017] Highly efficient and controllable transmission: By replacing direct drive with gear transmission of different diameters, the screw speed can be adjusted by the gear ratio without the need for an additional reducer. This simplifies the structure, reduces costs, and can adapt to the opening and closing requirements of load-bearing frames of different weights, thus improving transmission efficiency.

[0018] Easy and reliable operation: The locking component uses a spring buckle and a buckle plate. When the door is closed, the buckle plate automatically presses the buckle along the slope, and the spring resets to achieve precise locking without manual alignment. When the door is opened, the connecting bracket only needs to be pushed a short distance to open the receiving frame, reducing the operating force.

[0019] Strong emergency response capability: The manual rotating hole on the gear cover, in conjunction with the internal hexagonal slot of gear A, allows the manual crank to drive the mechanism in case of motor failure or power outage, preventing the washing chamber from being unable to open due to power failure and solving the pain point of traditional electric devices that "locks up when power is cut off".

[0020] Excellent automation and compatibility: The circuit board is linked with the microcontroller and position sensor to achieve precise control of the motor's forward and reverse rotation and start and stop, and can be seamlessly connected to the main control system of the washing machine (such as automatic unlocking after washing); the guide structure of the slider and the slide groove reduces component wear, extends service life, and is compatible with a variety of washing machine models. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention with the bottom shell removed; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model without the push rod housing and gear cover; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the washing chamber structure of this utility model.

[0022] Marked in the image: 1-Washing chamber, 2-Receiving frame, 3-Drive mechanism, 4-Telescopic mechanism, 5-Mechanical transmission device, 6-Connecting bracket, 7-Locking component, 8-Screw rod, 9-Slider, 10-Gear A, 11-Gear B, 12-Push rod housing, 13-Slide bar, 14-Snap plate, 15-Spring buckle, 16-Push-out panel, 17-Gear cover, 18-Manual rotating hole, 19-Circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0025] Example 1 In this embodiment, as Figure 1 , 2 As shown, a door opening and closing device for a washing machine includes a receiving frame for supporting the washing chamber. The device is characterized by further including a driving mechanism and a telescopic mechanism. The driving mechanism and the telescopic mechanism are connected via a mechanical transmission device, and the axis of the driving mechanism is vertically offset from the telescopic direction of the telescopic mechanism. The output end of the telescopic mechanism is connected to a connecting bracket for pushing the receiving frame open, and a locking component cooperating with the telescopic mechanism is provided at a corresponding position on the receiving frame.

[0026] Specifically: The washing machine's door opening and closing mechanism includes a receiving frame with a washing compartment on the inside (e.g., the receiving frame is a rectangular frame, and the washing compartment is placed inside it); the drive mechanism uses a push rod motor, and the telescopic mechanism includes a lead screw assembly extending in the front-to-back direction. The two are connected by a gear set (mechanical transmission device), and the output shaft axis of the push rod motor is vertically offset from the telescopic direction of the lead screw (i.e., the motor is below and the lead screw is above, or vice versa). The front end (output end) of the telescopic mechanism is fixed with a connecting bracket (L-shaped plate structure) by bolts, and the front end of the connecting bracket can contact the rear end of the receiving frame; a buckle plate is provided at the corresponding position of the connecting bracket on the receiving frame, and a spring buckle that cooperates with the buckle plate is provided on the connecting bracket.

[0027] When opened, the push rod motor starts, driving the lead screw forward through the gear set. The connecting bracket moves forward with the lead screw and pushes the receiving frame forward to rotate, exposing the washing chamber. When closed, the push rod motor reverses, the lead screw drives the connecting bracket backward, and the receiving frame resets under manual assistance or its own weight. At this time, the spring buckle engages with the buckle plate to lock.

[0028] The staggered layout of the drive mechanism and telescopic mechanism avoids the superposition of lengths caused by their alignment along the same straight line, significantly reducing the overall space occupied and making it suitable for narrow installation environments. The mechanical transmission device (such as gears) ensures stable power transmission, and the connecting bracket and locking component work together to achieve reliable pushing and locking of the receiving frame, taking into account both convenience and stability.

[0029] Furthermore, the drive mechanism includes a push rod motor, the telescopic mechanism includes a lead screw and a slider, the mechanical transmission device includes meshing gears A and B, the output shaft of the push rod motor is connected to gear A, one end of the lead screw is connected to gear B, the lead screw and the slider are threaded together, and the slider is linked with the connecting bracket.

[0030] The drive mechanism is a push rod motor (DC servo motor), whose output shaft is connected to gear A (driving wheel) via a flat key; the telescopic mechanism includes a horizontally arranged lead screw (with external threads on its surface) and a slider (with internal threads inside). The rear end of the lead screw is mounted in the push rod housing via a bearing, and gear B (driven wheel) is coaxially fixed to the rear end of the lead screw. Gear A and gear B mesh with each other; the slider is sleeved on the lead screw, and the two are connected by threads. The top of the slider is fixed with a connecting bracket (which moves synchronously with the slider) by welding.

[0031] When the push rod motor rotates forward, the output shaft drives gear A to rotate, which in turn drives gear B to rotate synchronously, thereby rotating the lead screw. Because the slider and lead screw are threaded together, and the slider's rotation is restricted by the push rod housing, the slider moves forward linearly along the lead screw. The connecting bracket moves forward with the slider and pushes the receiving frame to open. When the push rod motor rotates in reverse, the gear transmission direction reverses, the lead screw rotates in reverse, and the slider drives the connecting bracket to return to its original position.

[0032] Gear meshing transmission features a fixed transmission ratio and high efficiency, ensuring stable power transmission from the push rod motor to the lead screw. The threaded engagement between the lead screw and the slider converts rotational motion into linear motion, enabling precise displacement control of the connecting bracket. This, in turn, precisely controls the opening and closing stroke of the receiving frame, avoiding excessive pushing or insufficient thrust.

[0033] Furthermore, gears A and B are configured as detachable gears of different diameters to allow for adjustment of the screw speed.

[0034] Gear A and gear B are both cylindrical gears. Gear A is fixed to the output shaft of the push rod motor via a detachable key, and gear B is fixed to the rear end of the lead screw via the same detachable method. The diameter of gear A is 60mm and the diameter of gear B is 20mm. They have the same module and can be replaced with other diameter combinations as needed (such as gear A 50mm and gear B 30mm).

[0035] The detachable design allows for quick gear replacement via keyed connection and locking nut, facilitating maintenance or adjustment; the differential gears adjust the screw speed through the transmission ratio (diameter ratio) (speed is inversely proportional to diameter), allowing for adaptation to different opening and closing speed requirements without the need for an additional reducer (e.g., heavy support frames require low speed and high thrust, while light and thin support frames require high speed and convenience), simplifying the structure and reducing costs.

[0036] Furthermore, it also includes a push rod housing, in which the lead screw and slider are both located. The inner side of the push rod housing is provided with a groove, and the side of the slider is provided with a slide bar that matches the groove. The slide bar slides along the groove to limit the movement direction of the slider.

[0037] Specifically, the push rod housing is a rectangular hollow structure made of ABS plastic, with two grooves (U-shaped grooves) along its length on its inner sidewalls (left and right sides); the slider is a rectangular structure with slide bars (T-shaped protrusions with width matching the grooves) integrally formed on its left and right sides, the slide bars being embedded in the grooves (the protrusions and grooves are fitted with a clearance, allowing them to slide along the grooves); both the lead screw and the slider are located inside the push rod housing, and the front end of the housing has an opening (for the connecting bracket to extend out).

[0038] When the lead screw rotates, the slider tends to rotate with the lead screw under the action of the thread. However, because the sliders on both sides of the slider are restricted by the groove (the sliders cannot rotate in the groove and can only slide along the length direction), the slider is forced to move in a straight line along the lead screw without rotational offset.

[0039] The combination of the slide groove and the slide bar forms a guiding structure. By restricting the rotational freedom of the slider, it ensures that the slider moves only in a straight line along the screw axis, avoiding the slider from shaking or deviating due to the threaded transmission, improving the stability of the connecting bracket when pushing the receiving frame, and reducing component wear.

[0040] Furthermore, the locking assembly includes a buckle plate on the receiving frame and a spring clip on the connecting bracket. The spring clip has a ramp structure facing the buckle plate, and the buckle plate and the ramp structure cooperate to lock and unlock the receiving frame.

[0041] Specifically: a buckle plate is installed in the middle of the right side wall of the receiving frame, with a gap between it and the receiving frame; the front end of the connecting bracket is fixed with a spring buckle by bolts, and the front end of the spring buckle is provided with a ramp structure. Furthermore, a spring is provided below the spring clip. When the buckle plate touches the ramp structure, the spring clip is pressed down and compresses the spring. After the buckle plate passes, the spring returns to its original position and drives the spring clip to move up, so that the spring clip hooks the gap between the buckle plate and the receiving frame.

[0042] Specifically: The bottom of the spring clip is equipped with a spring, and the other end of the spring is fixed to the inner wall of the connecting bracket by a hook (when the spring is in its natural state, the clip is in a high position); there is a gap between the clip plate and the receiving frame (for the spring clip to be inserted).

[0043] When the receiving frame is closed, the buckle moves backward along the ramp of the spring buckle, squeezing the ramp to make the buckle move downward and compress the spring; when the buckle has completely passed the ramp, the gap between the buckle and the receiving frame moves to directly above the buckle, the spring releases its elastic potential energy, pushing the buckle upward to reset (the spring extends to its natural length), the spring buckle is inserted into the gap, and the buckle and the receiving frame are locked.

[0044] The elastic deformation of the spring enables the buckle to automatically reset (without manual operation), ensuring that the spring buckle is promptly inserted into the gap after the buckle plate passes through, and the locking is reliable.

[0045] Furthermore, the connecting bracket also includes a push-out panel, and when the receiving frame is in the closed and locked state, the buckle is located in the gap between the push-out panel and the spring clip.

[0046] Specifically: The front end of the connecting bracket is welded with an ejector panel, which is located behind the spring clip, with a gap between them (for the clip plate to be inserted); the front end of the ejector panel is provided with a bevel (with the same inclination as the bevel structure of the spring clip).

[0047] When opening, the connecting bracket moves forward, and the inclined surface of the push-out panel contacts the snap-on plate first. Since the receiving frame moves in an arc along the bottom, the snap-on plate can bypass the spring clip. The inclined surface pushes the snap-on plate forward (using the inclined surface as a guide to reduce contact resistance), disengaging it from the gap. The receiving frame opens smoothly under the combined action of the push-out panel and the snap-on plate. When closing, the receiving frame returns to its original position, and the snap-on plate is inserted into the gap between the push-out panel and the spring clip.

[0048] The sloping surface of the push-out panel works in conjunction with the ramp of the buckle to reduce contact friction during opening, making the receiving frame open more smoothly.

[0049] Furthermore, when the push rod motor rotates forward, it drives the lead screw to rotate through gear transmission, causing the slider to move forward and the connecting bracket to push the receiving frame to open; when the push rod motor rotates in reverse, it drives the slider to move backward and the connecting bracket to reset.

[0050] The push rod motor is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the motor has an encoder inside (to provide feedback on speed and position); the front end of the lead screw has a limit block (to prevent the slider from moving too far forward), and the rear end has a limit ring (to prevent the slider from moving too far backward).

[0051] Furthermore, a gear cover is provided on the push rod housing, and the gear cover has a manual rotating hole that allows the gear to be manually driven to rotate.

[0052] The rear end of the push rod housing is provided with a gear cover (plastic cover plate, which is fixed to the housing by a buckle). The gear cover has a manual turning hole corresponding to the axis position of gear A, and a manual crank can be inserted into the turning hole; the axis of gear A has an internal hexagonal groove (matching the hexagonal head of the manual crank).

[0053] When the push rod motor malfunctions (such as power failure or motor damage), insert the manual crank into the manual rotation hole of the gear cover, so that the hexagonal head of the crank is embedded in the internal hexagonal slot of gear A; manually rotate the crank to drive gear A to rotate, which in turn drives the lead screw to rotate through gear B, thereby causing the slider to move the connecting bracket back and forth, realizing the manual opening or closing of the receiving frame.

[0054] The manual rotating hole and the internal hexagonal groove of gear A form an emergency transmission path, which can still operate the receiving frame in the event of motor failure, avoiding the washing chamber being unable to open due to motor problems (such as clothes being trapped inside), thus improving the reliability and emergency response capability of the device. Similarly, a manual rotating hole is provided on the outer shell of the washing machine, which can be used to drive gear A to rotate directly from the outside without opening the outer shell of the washing machine.

[0055] Furthermore, it also includes a circuit board, which is electrically connected to the drive mechanism and is used to control the forward and reverse rotation and start and stop of the drive mechanism.

[0056] The circuit board serves as the control core, using a microcontroller to automate the motor's forward and reverse rotation, as well as its start and stop (eliminating the need for manual motor operation). It also incorporates a position sensor to achieve precise stroke control (avoiding excessive movement). Furthermore, it integrates with the washing machine's control panel, allowing the door opening and closing actions to be seamlessly integrated into the overall washing machine operation (such as automatically unlocking and opening the door after washing), thus enhancing the user experience.

[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the utility model should be included within the protection scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A door opening and closing device for a washing machine comprising a receiving frame (2) for receiving a washing tub (1), characterized in that: It also includes a drive mechanism (3) and a telescopic mechanism (4). The drive mechanism (3) and the telescopic mechanism (4) are connected by a mechanical transmission device (5), and the axis of the drive mechanism (3) is offset from the telescopic direction of the telescopic mechanism (4). The output end of the telescopic mechanism (4) is connected to a connecting bracket (6) for pushing the receiving frame (2) to open. The receiving frame (2) is provided with a locking component (7) that cooperates with the telescopic mechanism (4) at the corresponding position.

2. A door opening and closing device for a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The drive mechanism (3) includes a push rod motor, the telescopic mechanism (4) includes a lead screw (8) and a slider (9), the mechanical transmission device (5) includes a meshing gear A (10) and a gear B (11), the output shaft of the push rod motor is connected to the gear A (10), one end of the lead screw (8) is connected to the gear B (11), the lead screw (8) and the slider (9) are threaded together, and the slider (9) is linked with the connecting bracket (6).

3. A door opening and closing device for a washing machine according to claim 2, wherein: The gears A (10) and B (11) are configured as detachable gears with different diameters to adjust the speed of the lead screw (8).

4. The door opening and closing device for a washing machine according to claim 2, wherein: It also includes a push rod housing (12), in which the lead screw (8) and slider (9) are both located inside the push rod housing (12). The inner side of the push rod housing (12) is provided with a sliding groove, and the side of the slider (9) is provided with a sliding strip (13) that is adapted to the sliding groove. The sliding strip (13) slides along the sliding groove to limit the movement direction of the slider (9).

5. The door opening and closing device for a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The locking assembly (7) includes a buckle plate (14) on the receiving frame (2) and a spring buckle (15) on the connecting bracket (6). The spring buckle (15) has a ramp structure facing the buckle plate (14). The buckle plate (14) and the ramp structure cooperate to lock and unlock the receiving frame (2).

6. A door opening and closing device for a washing machine according to claim 5, wherein: A spring is provided below the spring buckle (15). When the buckle plate (14) touches the ramp structure, the spring buckle (15) is pressed down and the spring is compressed. After the buckle plate (14) passes through, the spring resets and drives the spring buckle (15) to move up, so that the spring buckle (15) hooks the gap between the buckle plate (14) and the receiving frame (2).

7. A door opening and closing device for a washing machine according to claim 5, wherein: The connecting bracket (6) also includes a push-out panel (16). When the receiving frame (2) is in the closed and locked state, the buckle (14) is located in the gap between the push-out panel (16) and the spring buckle (15).

8. The door opening and closing device for a washing machine according to claim 4, wherein: A gear cover (17) is provided on the push rod housing (12).

9. A door opening and closing device for a washing machine according to claim 8, wherein: Includes a washing machine housing, and the washing machine housing and gear cover (17) are provided with manual rotating holes (18) for manually driving the gear to rotate at corresponding positions.

10. The door opening and closing device for a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a circuit board (19), which is electrically connected to the drive mechanism (3) and is used to control the forward and reverse rotation and start and stop of the drive mechanism (3).

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