Door cover opening and closing distance detecting mechanism and washing machine

Abstract

The application discloses a door cover switch distance detection mechanism and a washing machine, and relates to the technical field of washing machines. The washing machine comprises a washing machine body, a washing machine door cover and a door cover switch distance detection mechanism. The door cover switch distance detection mechanism comprises a magnetic unit, a magnetic induction unit and a micro control unit. The magnetic unit is arranged on the washing machine body or the washing machine door cover, and the magnetic induction unit is arranged on the washing machine door cover or the washing machine body in correspondence. The magnetic induction unit is a linear output magnetic induction chip. The micro control unit is electrically connected to the magnetic induction chip. The door cover switch distance detection mechanism and the washing machine can detect the opening and closing distance of the door cover, and the cost is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of washing machine technology, specifically to a door cover opening / closing distance detection mechanism and a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the conventional method for detecting the opening and closing of a washing machine door lid is as follows: a reed switch (i.e., a magnetic reed switch, which is an electrical switch operated by an applied magnetic field) or a similar magnetic induction switch device is installed on the washing machine's control board, and the reed switch or similar magnetic induction switch device is connected to the control board via a wiring harness. At the same time, a magnet is installed on the washing machine door lid. When the washing machine door lid is closed, the magnet on the washing machine door lid generates a magnetic force on the reed switch or similar magnetic induction switch device, thereby turning on the reed switch or similar magnetic induction switch device and outputting a switch signal to the control board, thereby detecting whether the washing machine door lid is in the closed state.

[0003] However, the conventional methods used to detect the opening and closing of the washing machine door cover are expensive, requiring wiring harnesses and thus increasing the overall cost. Moreover, they can only detect the open or closed state of the washing machine door cover and cannot detect the opening and closing distance of the door cover.

[0004] Therefore, how to improve the existing detection method for washing machine door opening and closing to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] One objective of this application is to provide a low-cost door opening and closing distance detection mechanism and a washing machine.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: Firstly, this application provides a door cover opening / closing distance detection mechanism, including a magnetic unit, a magnetic induction unit, and a microcontroller unit; the magnetic unit is disposed on the washing machine body or the washing machine door cover, and correspondingly, the magnetic induction unit is disposed on the washing machine door cover or the washing machine body; the magnetic induction unit is a linearly output magnetic induction chip, which is used to detect the magnetic field strength signal of the magnetic unit in real time; the microcontroller unit is electrically connected to the magnetic induction chip and is used to output the opening / closing distance value of the washing machine door cover according to the magnetic field strength signal.

[0007] Preferably, the door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism further includes a display unit, which is electrically connected to or wirelessly linked to the microcontroller unit and is used to display the opening and closing distance of the washing machine door cover.

[0008] Preferably, the door opening and closing distance detection mechanism further includes a prompting unit, which is electrically connected to or wirelessly linked to the microcontroller unit and is used to indicate the opening and closing distance of the washing machine door.

[0009] Preferably, the magnetic induction chip has a first pin, a second pin, and a third pin; the first pin is connected to the VSS power supply terminal; the second pin is connected to the microcontroller unit, and the second pin and the microcontroller unit are connected to the VSS power supply terminal through a first capacitor; the third pin is connected to the VDD power supply terminal, and the third pin and the VDD power supply terminal are connected to the VSS power supply terminal through a second capacitor.

[0010] Preferably, the magnetic unit is disposed on the washing machine door cover, and the magnetic induction chip and the microcontroller unit are integrated into the computer board of the washing machine body.

[0011] Preferably, the magnetic induction chip is positioned directly opposite the N or S pole of the magnetic unit, or the magnetic induction chip is arranged at the center of the outer magnetic field lines of the magnetic unit.

[0012] Preferably, the magnetic unit is disposed on the washing machine door cover, and the magnetic field direction of the magnetic unit is parallel to or perpendicular to the plane of the washing machine door cover.

[0013] Secondly, this application provides a washing machine, including a washing machine body and a washing machine door cover, and the washing machine also includes the aforementioned door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this application are as follows: Since the magnetic unit is disposed on the washing machine body or washing machine door, and correspondingly, the magnetic induction unit is disposed on the washing machine door or washing machine body, the opening angle of the washing machine door determines the distance between the magnetic unit and the magnetic induction unit. That is, the larger the opening angle of the washing machine door, the larger the distance between the magnetic unit and the magnetic induction unit, and the lower the magnetic field strength detected by the magnetic induction unit. Furthermore, since the magnetic induction unit is a linear output magnetic induction chip, the magnetic field strength signal of the magnetic unit can be detected in real time using the magnetic induction chip. The microcontroller unit can then convert and output the opening and closing distance value of the washing machine door based on the strength of the magnetic field strength signal. That is, the stronger the magnetic field strength signal, the smaller the opening and closing distance of the washing machine door, and vice versa. This feature allows for real-time detection of the opening and closing distance value of the washing machine door. Based on the output real-time opening and closing distance value, it is possible to determine whether the washing machine door is in a closed or open state, thereby replacing the traditional mechanical drum-stopping switch and / or reed switch (or similar magnetic induction switch device) on washing machines, reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of a washing machine provided in this application.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connection between a magnetic induction chip and a microcontroller unit provided in this application.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the layout between the magnetic unit and the magnetic induction chip provided in this application.

[0018] Figure 4 This application provides a diagram showing the relationship between the output voltage of a chip pin and the magnetic field strength signal.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Washing machine body; 11. Computer board; 2. Washing machine door cover; 3. Magnetic induction chip; 4. Magnetic unit; 5. Microcontroller unit. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present application will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be noted that directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation and positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used 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. They should not be construed as limiting the specific scope of protection of this application. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification and claims of this application, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0022] Example 1 Reference Figures 1 to 2This embodiment provides a door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism, including a magnetic unit 4, a magnetic induction unit, and a microcontroller unit 5. The magnetic unit 4 is disposed on the washing machine body 1, and the magnetic induction unit is disposed on the washing machine door cover 2; alternatively, if the magnetic unit 4 is disposed on the washing machine door cover 2, the magnetic induction unit is disposed on the washing machine body 1. The magnetic induction unit is a linearly output magnetic induction chip 3, which is used to detect the magnetic field strength signal of the magnetic unit 4 in real time. The microcontroller unit 5 is electrically connected to the magnetic induction chip 3 and is used to output the opening and closing distance value of the washing machine door cover 2 based on the magnetic field strength signal.

[0023] The opening angle of the washing machine door 2 determines the distance between the magnetic unit 4 and the magnetic induction unit. A larger opening angle results in a greater distance between them, leading to a lower detected magnetic field strength. Since the magnetic induction unit is a linear output magnetic induction chip 3, the microcontroller unit 5 can convert the magnetic field strength signal from the magnetic unit 4 into the opening / closing distance of the washing machine door 2 based on the signal strength, and output this value. A stronger magnetic field signal results in a smaller opening / closing distance, and vice versa. This characteristic allows for real-time detection of the opening / closing distance of the washing machine door 2. Based on the output real-time opening / closing distance value, it can be determined whether the washing machine door 2 is closed or open. This can replace traditional mechanical drum-stopping switches and / or reed switches (or similar magnetic induction switching devices) on washing machines, reducing costs.

[0024] It should be noted that the magnetic unit 4 itself is existing technology; for example, it could be a bar magnet. The magnetic induction chip 3 and the microcontroller unit 5, as well as the electrical connection between them, are also existing technologies; for example, the microcontroller unit 5 is an MCU chip; the magnetic induction chip 3 is a TMR2615A chip; and so on. Figure 4 As shown, in the absence of a magnetic field, the TMR2615A chip outputs a voltage of 50% VDD. In a magnetic field, the TMR2615A chip outputs a continuously varying voltage signal based on the direction and strength of the magnetic field. This voltage signal changes with the strength of the magnetic field and is transmitted to the MCU chip on the computer board 11. The MCU chip then uses its built-in software algorithm to convert this continuously varying voltage signal into information about the door's opening and closing distance. The software algorithm itself is existing technology. For example, a corresponding relationship can be established by experimentally collecting data on the door's opening and closing distance and the voltage signal output by the TMR2615A chip at the corresponding position when detecting the magnetic field. This part is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism further includes a display unit, which is electrically connected to or wirelessly linked to the microcontroller unit 5 and is used to display the opening and closing distance of the washing machine door cover 2.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism further includes a prompting unit, which is electrically connected to or wirelessly linked to the microcontroller unit 5 and is used to prompt the opening and closing distance of the washing machine door cover 2.

[0027] It is understood that the display unit, the prompting unit themselves, and the specific connection method between them and the microcontroller 5 are all existing technologies. For example, the display unit is a display panel, and the prompting unit is a voice broadcasting module. These will not be described in detail here.

[0028] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, the magnetic induction chip 3 is provided with a first pin, a second pin, and a third pin; the first pin is connected to the VSS power supply terminal; the second pin is connected to the microcontroller unit 5, and the second pin and the microcontroller unit 5 are connected to the VSS power supply terminal through a first capacitor; the third pin is connected to the VDD power supply terminal, and the third pin and the VDD power supply terminal are connected to the VSS power supply terminal through a second capacitor.

[0029] In some embodiments of this application, the magnetic unit 4 is disposed on the washing machine door cover 2, and the magnetic induction chip 3 and the microcontroller unit 5 are integrated into the computer board 11 of the washing machine body 1. This layout facilitates assembly and control during the production process and can also reduce wiring costs.

[0030] Reference Figure 3 In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 As shown in parts b and c, the magnetic induction chip 3 is preferably arranged directly opposite the N pole or S pole of the magnetic unit 4. Figure 3 As shown in part a, the magnetic induction chip 3 can also preferably be arranged at the center of the outer magnetic field lines of the magnetic unit 4; it should be understood that, Figure 3 The direction of the magnetic field lines in part a is not limited to that shown in the attached figure. Alternatively, the magnetic unit 4 can be rotated 180°, i.e., the N and S poles of the magnetic unit 4 can be interchanged, resulting in opposite directions of the magnetic field lines passing through the magnetic induction chip 3. When the magnetic induction chip 3 is positioned at the center of the magnetic pole extension line of the magnetic unit 4 or at the outer center of the magnetic field lines, the magnetic field strength is more uniform, which helps to improve the linear output capability of the magnetic induction chip 3.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments of this application, the magnetic unit 4 is disposed on the washing machine door cover 2, and the magnetic field direction of the magnetic unit 4 is parallel to or perpendicular to the plane of the washing machine door cover 2.

[0032] Example 2 This embodiment provides a method for detecting the opening and closing distance of the washing machine door cover 2, which is applied to the door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism in Embodiment 1. The detection method includes the following steps: the magnetic field strength signal of the magnetic unit 4 is detected in real time by the magnetic induction chip 3, and the magnetic field strength signal is converted into the opening and closing distance value of the washing machine door cover 2 in real time by the microcontroller unit 5, and the opening and closing distance value corresponding to when the washing machine door cover 2 is closed is recorded as zero.

[0033] In this embodiment, the door cover opening and closing distance detection method further includes the following steps: when the opening and closing distance value is less than or equal to the door cover closing distance threshold, the microcontroller unit 5 outputs a door cover closing signal.

[0034] It should be understood that when the opening and closing distance is zero, the washing machine door 2 is closed. However, due to factors such as structural errors, assembly errors, vibration, and wear that may exist in the washing machine, the opening and closing distance of the washing machine door 2 may have a certain error when it is in the closed position. Therefore, the threshold for the closing distance of the door can be set according to the actual error of the washing machine. For example, setting the threshold for the closing distance of the door to 3mm means that when the washing machine door is opened or closed within 3mm, the washing machine door 2 is assumed to be in the closed state.

[0035] Example 3 The difference from Embodiment 2 is that the door cover opening and closing distance detection method includes the following steps: collecting the magnetic field strength signal detected by the magnetic induction chip 3 when the washing machine door cover 2 is closed and recording it as C; recording the magnetic field strength signal detected by the magnetic induction chip 3 in real time as D; and converting the absolute value of the difference between the absolute value D and the absolute value C into the opening and closing distance value.

[0036] When the washing machine door lid 2 is closed, the initial value of the closed position is detected. For example, if the magnetic induction chip 3 is facing the N pole of the magnetic unit, the magnetic field strength signal detected by the magnetic induction chip 3 of the magnetic unit 4 is strongest when the washing machine door lid 2 is closed, which can be represented as C. Conversely, if the magnetic induction chip 3 is facing the S pole of the magnetic unit 4, the magnetic field strength signal detected by the magnetic induction chip 3 of the magnetic unit 4 is also strongest when the washing machine door lid 2 is closed, which can be represented as -C. In order to be compatible with the two states of magnetic unit assembly, NS or SN (i.e., no need to distinguish between N pole and S pole during assembly), the magnetic field strength signal detected by the magnetic induction chip 3 when the washing machine door lid 2 is closed is collected and recorded as C, and C is used as the zero point of distance. The magnetic field strength signal detected by the magnetic induction chip 3 in real time is recorded as D. Then, the absolute value of the difference between the absolute value D and the absolute value C is converted into the opening and closing distance value by the microcontroller unit 5, thereby eliminating the influence of the measurement direction. No need to distinguish between N pole and S pole during assembly, thus facilitating assembly.

[0037] It should be understood that the larger the absolute value of the difference between absolute value D and absolute value C, the greater the opening and closing distance of the washing machine door 2; conversely, the smaller the absolute value of the difference between absolute value D and absolute value C, the smaller the opening and closing distance of the washing machine door 2. Therefore, the relationship between the opening and closing distance of the washing machine door 2 can be represented by the magnitude of the absolute value of the difference between absolute value D and absolute value C obtained experimentally. For example, it can be represented by the formula Y=kX, where Y represents the "opening and closing distance of the washing machine door 2", X represents the "absolute value of the difference between absolute value D and absolute value C", and k represents the "conversion coefficient between the absolute value of the difference between absolute value D and absolute value C and the opening and closing distance of the washing machine door 2".

[0038] Example 4 Reference Figure 1 The second embodiment of this application provides a washing machine, including a washing machine body 1, a washing machine door cover 2, and a door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism as described in Embodiment 1 (or a distance detection method as described in Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3). Its working principle and beneficial effects are the same as described above, and will not be repeated in detail here.

[0039] The basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application have been described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed by this application. The scope of protection claimed by this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A door / cover opening / closing distance detection mechanism, characterized in that, It includes a magnetic unit, a magnetic induction unit, and a microcontroller unit; the magnetic unit is disposed on the washing machine body or the washing machine door cover, and correspondingly, the magnetic induction unit is disposed on the washing machine door cover or the washing machine body; The magnetic induction unit is a linear output magnetic induction chip, which is used to detect the magnetic field strength signal of the magnetic unit in real time. The microcontroller unit is electrically connected to the magnetic induction chip and is used to output the opening and closing distance value of the washing machine door lid according to the magnetic field strength signal.

2. The door / cover opening / closing distance detection mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism also includes a display unit, which is electrically connected to or wirelessly linked to the microcontroller unit and is used to display the opening and closing distance of the washing machine door cover.

3. The door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism also includes a prompting unit, which is electrically connected to or wirelessly linked to the microcontroller unit and is used to indicate the opening and closing distance of the washing machine door cover.

4. The door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic induction chip has a first pin, a second pin, and a third pin; the first pin is connected to the VSS power supply terminal; the second pin is connected to the microcontroller unit, and the second pin and the microcontroller unit are connected to the VSS power supply terminal through a first capacitor; the third pin is connected to the VDD power supply terminal, and the third pin and the VDD power supply terminal are connected to the VSS power supply terminal through a second capacitor.

5. The door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic unit is disposed on the washing machine door cover, and the magnetic induction chip and the microcontroller unit are integrated into the computer board of the washing machine body.

6. The door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic induction chip is positioned opposite the N pole of the magnetic unit.

7. The door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic induction chip is positioned directly opposite the S pole of the magnetic unit.

8. The door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic induction chip is arranged at the center of the outer magnetic field lines of the magnetic unit.

9. The door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The magnetic unit is disposed on the washing machine door cover, and the magnetic field direction of the magnetic unit is parallel to or perpendicular to the plane of the washing machine door cover.

10. A washing machine, comprising a washing machine body and a washing machine door, characterized in that, The washing machine also includes a door cover opening and closing distance detection mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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