EP4360530A1

EP4360530A1 - Dispensing device for dishwasher and dishwasher having same

Info

Publication number: EP4360530A1
Application number: EP22745234.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Zhenliang LU; Richao LIU; Yantao CAI; Xiang Li; Jie GENG; Cuixiu YE
Original assignee: Foshan Shunde Midea Washing Appliances Manufacturing Co Ltd
Current assignee: Foshan Shunde Midea Washing Appliances Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-01
Filing date: 2022-01-25
Publication date: 2024-05-01
Also published as: WO2022161360A1

Abstract

A dispensing device (1) for a dishwasher (1000) and the dishwasher (1000) having same. The dispensing device (1) for the dishwasher (1000) comprises: a dispensing body (10), the dispensing body (10) having an accommodating cavity (101), a plurality of storage recesses (102) for storing washing bars being formed in the accommodating cavity (101), the end of the accommodating cavity for storing the washing bars having a filling inlet (103), and at least two of the plurality of storage recesses (102) being exposed from the filling inlet (103); and a cover body (20), the cover body (20) being movably provided on the dispensing body (10) to open or close the filling inlet (103).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priorities to Chinese patent application No. 202110138376.9 filed on February 1, 2021 and titled "DISPENSING DEVICE FOR DISHWASHER AND DISHWASHER HAVING SAME", Chinese patent application No. 202110137155.X filed on February 1, 2021 and titled "DISHWASHER", and Chinese patent application No. 202120287607.8 filed on February 1, 2021 and titled "DISHWASHER".

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of manufacturing technologies of washing devices, and more particularly, to a dispensing device for a dishwasher and the dishwasher having same.

BACKGROUND

The dishwasher in the related art is provided with a dispensing device. The dispensing device has a storage chamber for storing dishwasher tablets. When the dishwasher tablets need to be supplied to the storage chamber, a user can supply the dishwasher tablets into the storage chamber sequentially from a supply opening. When the dishwasher is in operation, the dishwasher tablets can be dispensed through controlling the movement of a movement mechanism. For the dispensing device having such a structure, the dishwasher tablets need to be supplied to the storage chamber one by one in sequence. Further, the user should be cautious during an operation, which makes the operation inconvenient.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure aims to solve at least one of the technical problems in the related art. To this end, the present disclosure provides a dispensing device for a dishwasher. The dispensing device for the dishwasher has advantages such as a convenient supply of detergent tablets and ease and comfort of use.
The present disclosure further provides the dishwasher having the dispensing device for the dishwasher.
To achieve the above objects, according to an embodiment in a first aspect of the present disclosure, a dispensing device for a dishwasher is provided. The dispensing device for the dishwasher includes: a dispensing body having an accommodation chamber, the accommodation chamber having a plurality of storage recesses each for storing a detergent tablet, the accommodation chamber having a supply inlet an end of the accommodation chamber, and at least two of the plurality of storage recesses being exposed from the supply inlet; and a cover body movably disposed at the dispensing body and configured to expose or cover the supply inlet.
The dispensing device for the dishwasher according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has advantages such as a convenient supply of detergent tablets and ease and comfort of use.
In addition, the dispensing device for the dishwasher according to the above embodiment of the present disclosure can further have the following additional technical features.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the dispensing body includes: a housing defining the accommodation chamber; and a storage member disposed in the accommodation chamber, the plurality of storage recesses being formed in the storage member.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the storage member is formed as a circular disk, the accommodation chamber being in a shape mated with a shape of the circular disk, the circular disk being rotatably engaged in the accommodation chamber, and the plurality of storage recesses being arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the circular disk.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of storage recesses are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circular disk. Each of the plurality of storage recesses extends in a radial direction of the circular disk. Each of the plurality of storage recesses is exposed from the supply inlet.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the accommodation chamber has a side wall with a dispensing opening. The storage member is rotatably disposed in the accommodation chamber while switching between a dispensing state and a closed state. When the storage member is in the dispensing state, at least one of the plurality of storage recesses is in communication with the dispensing opening. When the storage member is in the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber covers the plurality of storage recesses.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of storage recesses has a first opening and a second opening, the first opening facing the supply inlet and being exposed from the supply inlet, and the second opening facing the side wall of the accommodation chamber. When the storage member is in the dispensing state, the second opening is in communication with the dispensing opening. When the storage member is in the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber covers the second opening.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the dispensing device for the dishwasher further includes: a driver configured to drive the storage member to rotate, the driver being in a transmission connection with the storage member.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the dispensing device for the dishwasher further includes: a detector configured to detect whether the detergent tablet is mounted in place, each of the plurality of storage recesses having the detector provided therein; and a controller configured to control an operation state of the driver based on a detection result of the detector.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover body is rotatably disposed at the dispensing body.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, one of the cover body and the dispensing body is provided with a rotary shaft; and another of the cover body and the dispensing body has a rotary shaft hole, the rotary shaft being rotatably engaged in the rotary shaft hole.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover body is slidably disposed at the dispensing body.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, one of the cover body and the dispensing body has a sliding groove; and another of the cover body and the dispensing body is provided with a slider slidably engaged in the sliding groove.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing includes: a storage portion, the accommodation chamber being formed in the storage portion, and the accommodation chamber having a side wall with a dispensing opening; and a dispensing portion located below the storage portion, the dispensing portion having a dispensing channel extending in a vertical direction, and the dispensing channel having an upper end connected to the dispensing opening and a lower end formed as a dispensing outlet.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the dispensing outlet is formed at a side wall of the dispensing portion. At least part of the dispensing channel extends obliquely towards the dispensing outlet from top to bottom.
According to an embodiment in a second aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher is provided. The dishwasher includes: a machine body having a washing chamber; a door body rotatably disposed at the machine body and configured to expose or cover the washing chamber; and the dispensing device according to the embodiment in the first aspect of the present disclosure. The dispensing device is configured to dispense the detergent tablet into the washing chamber.
By adopting the dispensing device for the dishwasher according to the embodiment in the first aspect of the present disclosure, the dishwasher according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has advantages such as a convenient supply of detergent tablets and ease and comfort of use.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage member of the dispensing body is detachably engaged in the accommodation chamber through the supply inlet.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the storage member is engaged with and connected to the dispensing body.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the door body has a mounting groove, the dispensing device being detachably mounted in the mounting groove.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mounting groove is formed at an inner side surface of the door body.
Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be provided at least in part in the following description, or will become apparent at least in part from the following description, or can be learned from practicing of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent and more understandable from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a schematic structural view of a door body of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of a door body of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a schematic structural view of a dispensing device for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing device for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a schematic structural view of a dispensing device for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Reference numerals of the accompanying drawings: dishwasher 1000, dispensing device 1, dispensing body 10, accommodation chamber 101, storage recess 102, first opening 1021, second opening 1022, supply inlet 103, dispensing opening 104, housing 100, rotary shaft 110, storage portion 120, dispensing portion 130, dispensing channel 131, dispensing outlet 132, storage member 200, cover body 20, detector 30, machine body 2, door body 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to examples thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which same or similar elements, or elements having same or similar functions, are denoted by same or similar reference numerals. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are illustrative only, and are intended to explain, rather than limit, the present disclosure.
A dispensing device 1 for a dishwasher 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6, the dispensing device 1 for the dishwasher 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a dispensing body 10 and a cover body 20.
It should be understood here that, for example, the dispensing device 1 may be disposed at a door body 3 of the dishwasher 1000 and located at an inner side surface of the door body 3. The dispensing device 1 has an accommodation chamber 101. The accommodation chamber 101 can be configured to accommodate and store a detergent tablet. The dispensing device 1 can further have a supply inlet 103 and a dispensing outlet 132 that are in communication with the accommodation chamber 101. The detergent tablet can be supplied to the accommodation chamber 101 by a user through the supply inlet 103, to facilitate pre-storage of the detergent tablet in the accommodation chamber 101. In this way, when the dishwasher 1000 is in operation, the detergent tablet can be dispensed into the dishwasher 1000 as needed. That is, the dishwasher tablet in the accommodation chamber 101 can be dispensed into a washing chamber through the dispensing outlet 132. In this way, the detergent tablet is dissolved in water to form washing water. The washing water is used to wash to-be-washed dishes in the washing chamber, which can improve a washing efficiency and washing performance of the dishwasher 1000. The "detergent tablet" mentioned here can refer to a solid detergent in the form of a block, such as a dishwasher tablet that is specifically applied to the dishwasher 1000.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the accommodation chamber 101 can be formed at the dispensing body 10 of the dispensing device 1, and has a plurality of storage recesses 102. The storage recess 102 is configured to pre-store the detergent tablet. That is, the plurality of storage recesses 102 can be configured to pre-store the detergent tablets. One storage space for storing the detergent tablet can be defined by each storage recess 102 and a side wall of the accommodation chamber 101. It should be understood that, one detergent tablet having a volume matching a capacity of the storage recess 102 may be placed in each storage recess 102, or several detergent tablets may be placed in each storage recess 102. The several detergent tablets have a total volume matching the capacity of the storage recess 102. The capacity of each storage recess 102 can be determined based on a weight or a volume of detergent tablets that need to be dispensed for a single washing operation of the dishwasher 1000.
Further, an end of the accommodation chamber 101 may have the supply inlet 103 through which the user can supply the detergent tablet to the storage recess 102. At least two of the plurality of storage recesses 102 can be exposed from the supply inlet 103. In this way, during a supply of the detergent tablet, the detergent tablet can be supplied by the user to the at least two storage recesses 102 consecutively at one time, which simplifies the user's operation process, increases the user's efficiency in supplying the detergent tablet, and improves operation comfort for the user. In addition, a storage condition of the detergent tablet in a storage member 200 can be observed by the user conveniently.
For example, the supply inlet 103 is formed at an end of the accommodation chamber 101 facing the washing chamber. At least part of each of the plurality of storage recesses 102 can be exposed from the supply inlet 103.
In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the cover body 20 is movably disposed at the dispensing body 10 and configured to expose or cover the supply inlet 103. That is, the supply inlet 103 can be exposed or covered through a movement of the cover body 20. In this way, when the detergent tablets need to be supplied to the accommodation chamber 101, the cover body 20 can be opened to expose the supply inlet 103, to facilitate the user's operation of supplying the detergent tablets. After the detergent tablets is supplied to the accommodation chamber 101, the cover body 20 can be closed to form a closed space in the dispensing device 1, which facilitates storing the detergent tablets in the dispensing device 1 in a good condition, facilitates storage and protection of the detergent tablets, and enables the dispensing device 1 to automatically dispense the detergent tablets.
With the dispensing device 1 for the dishwasher 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of storage recesses 102 are formed. The at least two of the plurality of storage recesses 102 can be exposed from the supply inlet 103. In this way, when the user supplies the detergent tablets into the accommodation chamber 101, the detergent tablets can be supplied by the user to the at least two storage recesses 102 consecutively at one time, which is convenient for improving an efficiency of the operation of the user, and improves both comfort and convenience for the operation of the user. The supply inlet 103 is designed to have a large size. Compared with a manner in the related art of supplying the detergent tablet one by one in sequence from the supply inlet, the large size relieves the user from having to be cautious all the time during the operation of supplying the detergent tablets, which facilitates saving the user's time and energy, and makes the user's operation convenient and comfortable. Therefore, an efficiency of the operation of supplying the detergent tablets into the dispensing device 1 can be improved.
In addition, the detergent tablets are stored in the plurality of storage recesses 102 formed in the accommodation chamber 101, in such a manner that a plurality of storage spaces corresponding to the plurality of storage recesses 102 can be formed. In this way, dispensing and use of the detergent tablet in each storage space can be facilitated to facilitate control of an amount of the detergent tablets dispensed in each dispensing operation, improving accuracy and reliability of dispensing of the dispensing device 1.
In addition, with the dispensing device 1, a predetermined amount of detergent tablet can be pre-stored in the dispensing device 1. Moreover, the detergent tablets can be automatically dispensed into the washing chamber of the dishwasher 1000 when needed. In this way, an operation of dispensing the detergent tablet by the user can be eliminated, which avoids a need for the user to perform an operation of supplying a solid detergent every time the dishes need to be washed, facilitating an improvement of intelligence of the dishwasher 1000, Therefore, convenience of the user in using the dishwasher 1000 and an automation level of the dishwasher 1000 can be improved.
Therefore, the dispensing device 1 for the dishwasher 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has the advantages such as a convenient supply of detergent tablets and ease and comfort of use.
The dispensing device 1 for the dishwasher 1000 according to specific embodiments of the present disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In some specific embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the dispensing device 1 for the dishwasher 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure includes the dispensing body 10 and the cover body 20.
In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the dispensing body 10 may include a housing 100 and the storage member 200. The accommodation chamber 101 may be defined in the housing 100. The storage member 200 may be disposed in the accommodation chamber 101. Further, the storage member 200 may have the plurality of storage recesses 102 arranged at intervals at the storage member 200. In this way, in the accommodation chamber 101, a formation of the plurality of storage spaces for pre-storing detergent tablets can be facilitated. Therefore, during dispensing of the detergent tablets, dispensing and use of the detergent tablet in each storage space can be facilitated to facilitate accurate control of the amount of the detergent tablets dispensed in each dispensing operation.
In some specific examples, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the dispensing body 10 may include the housing 100 and the storage member 200. The housing 100 is disposed at an inner side of the door body 3. The housing 100 defines the accommodation chamber 101 that has an opening facing the washing chamber. The opening is the supply inlet 103. The storage member 200 is movably disposed in the accommodation chamber 101 and configured to pre-store the detergent tablet. Specifically, the storage member 200 may have the plurality of storage recesses 102 arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the storage member 200. The storage space for storing the detergent tablet is defined by each storage recess 102 and an inner wall surface of the housing 100. In this way, in the accommodation chamber 101, the formation of the plurality of storage spaces for pre-storing the detergent tablets can be facilitated. Therefore, during the dispensing of the detergent tablets, the dispensing and the use of the detergent tablet in each storage space can be facilitated to facilitate the accurate control of the amount of the detergent tablets dispensed in each dispensing operation.
Specifically, at least part of a recess opening of each storage recess 102 is located at a same side surface of the storage member 200. In this way, when the user supplies the detergent tablet into the storage member 200, the detergent tablets can be supplied by the user to the plurality of storage recesses 102 consecutively at one time, which is convenient for improving the efficiency of the operation of the user, and improves both the comfort and the convenience for the operation of the user.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the storage member 200 may be formed as a circular disk. The accommodation chamber 101 is in a shape mated with a shape of the circular disk. For example, the accommodation chamber 101 is formed as a cylindrical chamber. An end of the cylindrical chamber has an opening that is formed as the supply inlet 103. The circular disk is rotatably engaged in the accommodation chamber 101. The circular disk has a rotation axis perpendicular to an inner wall surface of the door body 3. The plurality of storage recesses 102 are formed at an outer edge of the circular disk and arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the circular disk. One storage space for storing the detergent tablet can be defined by each storage recess 102 and the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101. In this way, a relative position of the storage recess 102 to the supply inlet 103 can be changed through rotating the circular disk, which facilitates the supply of the detergent tablets to the plurality of storage recesses 102, allowing the plurality of storage recesses 102 to be supplied with the detergent tablet, and facilitating an improvement of a storage efficiency of the dispensing device 1. Therefore, it is convenient to dispense the detergent tablets in the plurality of storage recesses 102 into the washing chamber of the dishwasher 1000 as desired.
In some specific examples, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the accommodation chamber 101 is formed as the cylindrical chamber. An axis of the cylindrical chamber is perpendicular to the inner wall surface of the door body 3. The cylindrical chamber has an opening at an end of the cylindrical chamber facing the washing chamber. The opening is formed as the supply inlet 103. The circular disk is rotatably engaged in the accommodation chamber 101. The rotation axis of the circular disk is perpendicular to the inner wall surface of the door body 3. The plurality of storage recesses 102 are formed at the outer edge of the circular disk and is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circular disk. One storage space for storing the detergent tablet can be defined by each storage recess 102 and the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101. In some examples, the plurality of storage recesses 102 may have equal capacities. In other examples, at least two of the plurality of storage recesses 102 have unequal capacities. In this way, the relative position of the storage recess 102 to the supply inlet 103 can be changed through rotating the circular disk, which facilitates the supply of the detergent tablets to the plurality of storage recesses 102, allowing the plurality of storage recesses 102 to be supplied with the detergent tablets, and facilitating the improvement of the storage efficiency of the dispensing device 1. Therefore, it is convenient to dispense the detergent tablets in the plurality of storage recesses 102 into the washing chamber of the dishwasher 1000 as desired.
More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the plurality of storage recesses 102 may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circular disk. Each storage recess 102 may extend in a radial direction of the circular disk and can be exposed from the supply inlet 103. Part of the recess opening of each storage recess 102 is located at a same end of the circular disk. In this way, when the user supplies the detergent tablet into the storage member 200, the detergent tablet can be supplied by the user to the plurality of storage recesses 102 consecutively at one time, which is convenient for improving the efficiency of the operation of the user, and improves both the convenience and the comfort for the operation of the user.
In some specific examples, the plurality of storage recesses 102 may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circular disk. Each storage recess 102 may extend in the radial direction of the circular disk and has an equal cross-sectional area at any part of the circular disk in the radial direction of the circular disk. The recess opening of each storage recess 102 can be fully exposed from the supply inlet 103. In this way, when the user supplies the detergent tablet into the storage member 200, the detergent tablet can be supplied by the user to the plurality of storage recesses 102 consecutively at one time, which is convenient for improving the efficiency of the operation of the user, and improves both the convenience and the comfort for the operation of the user.
In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 may have a dispensing opening 104 that allows for passage of the detergent tablet. The storage member 200 may be rotatably disposed in the accommodation chamber 101 while switching between a dispensing state and a closed state. When the storage member 200 is rotated to a position corresponding to the dispensing state, at least one storage recess 102 can be in communication with the dispensing opening 104, in such a manner that the detergent tablet in the storage recess 102 is dispensed through the dispensing opening 104. When the storage member 200 is rotated to a position corresponding to the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 covers at least part of the recess opening of the storage recess 102 to prevent the detergent tablet from leaking out through the dispensing opening 104, which not only facilitates reliable storage of the detergent tablet provided by the dispensing device 1 and prevents the detergent tablet from leaking out of the storage recess 102, but also achieves controlling, through changing a position of the storage member 200, whether or not to dispense the detergent tablet.
In some specific examples, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a lower side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 may have the dispensing opening 104 that allows for the passage of the detergent tablet. The storage member 200 may be rotatably disposed in the accommodation chamber 101 while switching between the dispensing state and the closed state. When the storage member 200 is rotated to the position corresponding to the dispensing state, at least one storage recess 102 can be in communication with the dispensing opening 104, in such a manner that the detergent tablet in the storage recess 102 can fall out of the storage recess 102 through the dispensing opening 104 under an action of gravity. When the storage member 200 is rotated to the position corresponding to the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 covers at least part of the recess opening of the storage recess 102 to prevent the detergent tablet from leaking out through the dispensing opening 104. It should be understood that the storage member 200 can have several dispensing states during rotation. At each dispensing state, the storage member 200 can ensure that at least one storage recess 102 is in communication with the dispensing opening 104. The storage member 200 may have several closed states during rotation. At each closed state, the storage member 200 can ensure that the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 can cover at least part of the recess opening of the storage recess 102 to prevent the detergent tablet from leaking out through the dispensing opening 104. Such a manner not only facilitates the reliable storage of the detergent tablet provided by the dispensing device 1 and prevents the detergent tablet from leaking out of the storage recess 102, but also achieves controlling, through changing the position of the storage member 200, whether or not to dispense the detergent tablet.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, each storage recess 102 may have a first opening 1021 and a second opening 1022. The first opening 1021 may face the supply inlet 103 and be exposed from the supply inlet 103. The second opening 1022 may face the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101. When the storage member 200 is in the dispensing state, the second opening 1022 of at least one storage recess 102 may be in communication with the dispensing opening 104. When the storage member 200 is in the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 can cover the second opening 1022. Such a manner not only facilitates the user to smoothly supply the detergent tablet into the storage recess 102, but also facilitates smooth dispensing of the detergent tablet in the storage recess 102 into the washing chamber of the dishwasher 1000.
In some specific examples, each storage recess 102 may have the first opening 1021 and the second opening 1022. The first opening 1021 may face the supply inlet 103. The first opening 1021 of each storage recess 102 can be fully exposed from the supply inlet 103. The second opening 1022 may face the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101. When the storage member 200 is in the dispensing state, the second opening 1022 of at least one storage recess 102 can be in communication with the dispensing opening 104. When the storage member 200 is in the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 can cover at least part of the second opening 1022 of each storage recess 102. Such a manner not only facilitates the user to smoothly supply the detergent tablet into the storage recess 102, but also facilitates smooth dispensing of the detergent tablet in the storage recess 102 into the washing chamber of the dishwasher 1000.
According to some specific examples of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the dispensing body 10 may include the housing 100 disposed at the door body 3 and the storage member 200 engaged in the housing 100. Specifically, the housing 100 may define the accommodation chamber 101 having an opening at a side of the accommodation chamber 101. The opening is the supply inlet 103. The storage member 200 may be formed as the circular disk. The accommodation chamber 101 may be the cylindrical chamber and in the shape mated with the shape of the circular disk. The circular disk is rotatably engaged in the accommodation chamber 101. The plurality of storage recesses 102 are located at the outer edge of the circular disk and may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circular disk. Each storage recess 102 may extend in the radial direction of the circular disk. The storage space for storing the detergent tablet can be defined by each storage recess 102 and the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101. Specifically, each storage recess 102 may have the first opening 1021 and the second opening 1022. The first opening 1021 of each storage recess 102 may face the supply inlet 103 and be exposed from the supply inlet 103. The second opening 1022 of each storage recess 102 may face the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101. The side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 may have the dispensing opening 104. The circular disk is rotatably disposed in the accommodation chamber 101 while switching between the dispensing state and the closed state. When the circular disk is rotated to the position corresponding to the dispensing state, the second opening 1022 of one storage recess 102 can be in communication with the dispensing opening 104. In this case, the detergent tablet in the storage recess 102 can enter the washing chamber through the dispensing opening 104. When the circular disk is rotated to the position corresponding to the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 can cover at least part of the second opening 1022 of each storage recess 102. In this case, the detergent tablet stored in each storage recess 102 is confined between the storage recess 102 and the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101.
Specifically, when the storage member 200 is in the dispensing state, the second opening 1022 may be in communication with the dispensing opening 104. When the storage member 200 is in the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 can completely cover the second opening 1022. Such a manner not only facilitates the user to supply the detergent tablet into the storage recess 102, but also facilitates controlling the detergent tablet in the storage recess 102 to be smoothly dispensed into the washing chamber of the dishwasher 1000.
In an embodiment, the dispensing device 1 further includes a driver. The driver can be configured to drive the storage member 200 to rotate and can be in a transmission connection with the storage member 200. It should be understood that the driver may be directly connected to the storage member 200, or may be indirectly connected to the storage member 200 through a transmission member. In this way, a rotation position of the storage member 200 can be accurately and reliably controlled using the driver, to facilitate controlling a switch of the storage member 200 between the dispensing state and the closed state. Therefore, whether or not the detergent tablet is dispensed by the dispensing device 1 can be accurately controlled.
For example, the driver may be disposed in the door body 3 or at a machine body 2. The driver may be a motor. The motor has an output shaft in a transmission connection with the storage member 200, to drive the storage member 200 to rotate in the housing 100. The storage member 200 may be the circular disk. A center axis of the circular disk is the rotation axis of the circular disk.
Further, the dispensing device 1 can further include a detector 30 and a controller. The detector 30 is configured to detect whether the detergent tablet in the storage recess 102 is mounted in place. Each storage recess 102 may have at least one detector 30 provided therein. The controller can be configured to control the driver based on a detection result of the detector 30, to facilitate controlling an operation state of the driver. In this way, the detector 30 can be utilized to accurately detect whether or not the detergent tablet is supplied into each storage recess 102 and whether or not the detergent tablet in each storage recess 102 is set in place. Therefore, the driver can be accurately controlled to rotate the storage member 200 to an appropriate position, which facilitates a rotation of the selected storage recess 102 having the detergent tablet stored therein to a position opposite to the dispensing opening 104. In this way, the detergent tablet in the selected storage recess 102 can fall out of the selected storage recess 102 through the dispensing opening 104. Therefore, the dispensing operation for the detergent tablet can be performed smoothly to avoid a situation of performing the dispensing operation on the storage recess 102 containing no detergent tablet. Further, the detector 30 can also be utilized to detect an amount of detergent tablets supplied into the storage recess 102, which facilitates control of a storage amount of detergent tablets in each storage recess 102.
For example, the detector 30 may be at least one of a pressure sensor or a light sensor. For example, the controller may be an independent controller, e.g., an independent control chip, set in the dispensing device 1, or may be a main control board of the dishwasher 1000.
In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the cover body 20 has an edge connected to the dispensing body 10, and the cover body 20 is rotatably disposed at the dispensing body 10. Specifically, the cover body 20 has an end rotatably connected to the dispensing body 10 and a rotation axis that may be parallel to a plane where the supply inlet 103 is located. The cover body 20 can be flipped between a closed position for covering the supply inlet 103 and an open position for avoiding the supply inlet 103. In this way, switching of the cover body 20 between the closed position and the open position can be facilitated, which in turn allows exposure or covering of the supply inlet 103 to be controlled through a rotation of the cover body 20.
In an embodiment, one of the cover body 20 and the dispensing body 10 may be provided with a rotary shaft 110, and another of the cover body 20 and the dispensing body 10 may have a rotary shaft hole. The rotary shaft 110 is rotatably engaged in the rotary shaft hole. In this way, the cover body 20 can be rotatably connected to the dispensing body 10 to realize smooth flipping of the cover body 20, which facilitates control of operation positions of the cover body 20.
Further, the dispensing body 10 may be provided with two rotary shafts 110 arranged opposite to each other. The cover body 20 has two rotary shaft holes in a one-to-one correspondence with the two rotary shafts 110. Each rotary shaft 110 can be inserted into and rotationally engaged with the rotary shaft hole corresponding to the rotary shaft 110. In this way, both strength and stability of a connection between the cover body 20 and the dispensing body 10 can be reinforced, which ensures that the cover body 20 can rotate smoothly.
In other examples, the cover body 20 is slidably disposed at the dispensing body 10. Specifically, a sliding direction of the cover body 20 may be parallel to the plane where the supply inlet 103 is located. The cover body 20 can slide between the closed position for covering the supply inlet 103 and the open position for avoiding the supply inlet 103. In this way, switching of the cover body 20 between the closed position and the open position can be facilitated, which in turn allows exposure or covering of the supply inlet 103 to be controlled through sliding of the cover body 20.
In an embodiment, one of the cover body 20 and the dispensing body 10 may have a sliding groove, and another of the cover body 20 and the dispensing body 10 may be provided with a slider. The slider is slidably engaged in the sliding groove. In this way, the cover body 20 can be slidably connected to the dispensing body 10, which ensures that the cover body 20 can slide smoothly.
Further, the dispensing body 10 may have two sliding grooves arranged opposite to each other. The cover body 20 may be provided with two sliders in a one-to-one correspondence with the two sliding grooves. Each slider can be engaged in and slidingly mated with the sliding groove corresponding to the slider. In this way, both the strength and the stability of the connection between the cover body 20 and the dispensing body 10 can be reinforced, which ensures that the cover body 20 can slide smoothly.
In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the housing 100 may include a storage portion 120 and a dispensing portion 130. That is, the dispensing body 10 may include the storage portion 120 and the dispensing portion 130. The accommodation chamber 101 may be formed in the storage portion 120. The lower side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 may have the dispensing opening 104. The dispensing portion 130 may be located below the storage portion 120. The dispensing portion 130 may have a dispensing channel 131 extending up and down in a vertical direction and configured to allow for passage of the detergent tablet. The dispensing channel 131 has an upper end connected to the dispensing opening 104 and a lower end formed as the dispensing outlet 132 (an up-down direction is illustrated in FIG. 3). The lower end of the dispensing channel 131 is a free end. In this way, the detergent tablet pre-stored in the storage recess 102 (i.e., the detergent tablet pre-stored in the storage member 200) can smoothly fall out of the dispensing outlet 132 through the dispensing opening 104 and the dispensing channel 131, and accurately fall into the washing chamber. Also, a structure of the dispensing channel 131 can be designed, to control a dispensing angle and a dispensing position of the detergent tablet through the dispensing channel 131.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the dispensing outlet 132 may be formed at a side wall of the dispensing portion 130. The dispensing outlet 132 may be formed at a side wall of the dispensing portion 130 facing the washing chamber. That is, the dispensing outlet 132 may be formed at a lower side wall of the dispensing portion 130. At least part of the dispensing channel 131 extends obliquely towards the dispensing outlet 132 from top to bottom. For example, the dispensing channel 131 extends, from the dispensing opening 104, obliquely towards the dispensing outlet 132 from top to bottom. In this way, the detergent tablet can be smoothly dispensed to a middle position of the washing chamber through the dispensing channel 131.
More specifically, the dispensing channel 131 has an arc-shaped side wall from top to bottom, i.e., from the dispensing opening 104 to the dispensing outlet 132. In this way, the detergent tablet can slide through the dispensing channel 131 through an arc-shaped lower bottom wall of the dispensing channel 131, which facilitates the detergent tablet to smoothly pass through the dispensing channel 131 without getting stuck somewhere in the dispensing channel 131.
In some specific examples, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the lower side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 may have the dispensing opening 104. The dispensing outlet 132 may be formed at the lower side wall of the dispensing portion 130. The dispensing portion 130 may be located below the storage portion 120. The dispensing portion 130 may have the dispensing channel 131 extending substantially in the vertical direction and allowing for the passage of the detergent tablet. The dispensing channel 131 has the upper end connected to the dispensing opening 104 and the lower end formed as the dispensing outlet 132. The lower end of the dispensing channel 131 is the free end. Part of the dispensing channel 131 is a vertical channel, while another part of the dispensing channel 131 is an inclined channel that extends obliquely towards the dispensing outlet 132 from top to bottom. The dispensing channel 131 has the arc-shaped side wall from top to bottom. In this way, the detergent tablet pre-stored in the storage recess 102 can smoothly fall out of the dispensing outlet 132 through the dispensing opening 104 and the dispensing channel 131, and accurately fall into the washing chamber. At the same time, the dispensing channel 131 can be designed, to control the dispensing angle and the dispensing position of the detergent tablet through the dispensing channel 131. In this way, the detergent tablet can be smoothly dispensed to the middle position of the washing chamber through the dispensing channel 131, which facilitates the detergent tablet to smoothly pass through the dispensing channel 131 without getting stuck somewhere in the dispensing channel 131.
In some embodiments, during a supply of the dishwasher tablet, the user can open the cover body 20 to place the detergent tablet into the storage recess 102 for storage. During a washing process of the dishwasher 1000, an operation of dispensing the detergent tablet can be performed as needed. In this case, the storage member 200 can be driven to rotate. The detergent tablet in the selected storage recess 102 can be dispensed through the dispensing outlet 132, and finally enter an inner container of the dishwasher 1000 for use.
Specifically, when a need of supplying the dishwasher tablet arises, the user can first open the cover body 20, remove the storage member 200 from the accommodation chamber 101, and then place the storage member 200 at a suitable position. Then, the user can place the detergent tablet into the storage recess 102. The storage member 200 can be reassembled into the accommodation chamber 101 after the storage member 200 is filled with the detergent tablets. During the washing process of the dishwasher 1000, the operation of dispensing the detergent tablet can be performed as needed. Specifically, the storage member 200 can be driven to rotate to a suitable position. In this case, the detergent tablet in the storage recess 102 can be dispensed through the dispensing outlet 132, and finally enter the washing chamber defined by the inner container of the dishwasher 1000 for use.
In an embodiment, in some examples, the dispensing device 1 may be part of the door body 3. That is, the housing 100 of the dispensing device 1 and the door body 3 are integrally formed. In other examples, the door body 3 may have a mounting groove. The dispensing device 1 is detachably engaged in the mounting groove. In this way, mounting and setting of the dispensing device 1 can be facilitated, which facilitates maintenance and replacement of the dispensing device 1. Further, the mounting groove may be formed at the inner side surface of the door body 3. In this way, dispensing of the detergent tablet into the washing chamber by the dispensing device 1 can be facilitated.
According to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the dispensing device 1 may include the dispensing body 10 and the cover body 20. The dispensing body 10 may have the accommodation chamber 101. The accommodation chamber 101 may have the plurality of storage recesses 102. Each of the plurality of storage recesses 102 may be configured for storing the detergent tablet. The end of the accommodation chamber 101 may have the supply inlet 103. The at least two of the plurality of storage storage recesses 102 may be exposed from the supply inlet 103. The cover body 20 is movably disposed at the dispensing body 10 and is configured to expose or cover the supply inlet 103.
The dispensing body 10 may include the housing 100 and the storage member 200. The accommodation chamber 101 may be defined by the housing. The storage member 200 may be disposed in the accommodation chamber 101 and have the storage recess 102 as described above. The dispensing body 10 may include the housing 100 and the storage member 200. The housing 100 may define the accommodation chamber 101 having an opening at a side of the accommodation chamber 101. The opening is the supply inlet 103. The housing 100 may include the storage portion 120 and the dispensing portion 130. The storage portion 120 may define the accommodation chamber 101 having an opening at a side of the the accommodation chamber 101. The opening is the supply inlet 103. The storage member 200 is movably mounted in the accommodation chamber 101. The storage member 200 may have the plurality of storage recesses 102. One storage space for storing the detergent tablet can be defined by each storage recess 102 and the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101.
The storage member 200 may be formed as the circular disk. The accommodation chamber 101 may be in the shape mated with the shape of the circular disk. The circular disk is engaged with and mounted in the accommodation chamber 101 and rotatable in the accommodation chamber 101. The plurality of storage recesses 102 are formed at the outer edge of the circular disk and may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circular disk. One storage space for pre-storing the detergent tablet can be defined by each storage recess 102 and the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101. Each storage recess 102 may extend in the radial direction of the circular disk and can be exposed from the supply inlet 103.
The side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 may have the dispensing opening 104. The storage member 200 is engaged in the accommodation chamber 101 and is rotatable while switching between the dispensing state and the closed state. When the storage member 200 is rotated to a predetermined position corresponding to the dispensing state, at least one storage recess 102 can be in communication with the dispensing opening 104. When the storage member 200 is rotated to a predetermined position corresponding to the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 can cover the storage recess 102.
Each storage recess 102 may have the first opening 1021 and the second opening 1022. The first opening 1021 may face the supply inlet 103. The first opening 1021 of each storage recess 102 may be exposed from the supply inlet 103. The second opening 1022 may face the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101. That is, the first opening 1021 faces an end face of the circular disk. When the storage member 200 is in the dispensing state, the second opening 1022 is in communication with the dispensing opening 104 and faces a side circumferential surface of the circular disk. When the storage member 200 is rotated to the position corresponding to the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 can cover the second opening 1022.
The dispensing device 1 may further include the driver. The driver can be configured to drive the storage member 200 to rotate and in the transmission connection with the storage member 200. The dispensing device 1 may further include the detector 30 and the controller. The detector 30 can be configured to inspect the storage recess 102 and detect whether the detergent tablet in the storage recess 102 is mounted in place. The detector 30 may be disposed in each storage recess 102. The controller can be configured to control, based on detection feedback information of the detector 30, the driver to operate.
The cover body 20 is rotatably engaged in the dispensing body 10. Specifically, an end of the cover body 20 is rotatably connected to the dispensing body 10 and the rotation axis of the cover body 20 may be parallel to the plane where the supply inlet 103 is located. The cover body 20 can be flipped between the closed position for covering the supply inlet 103 and the open position for avoiding the supply inlet 103. One of the cover body 20 and the dispensing body 10 may be provided with the rotary shaft 110. Another of the cover body 20 and the dispensing body 10 may have the rotary shaft hole. The rotary shaft 110 is rotatably engaged in the rotary shaft hole. The dispensing body 10 may be provided with two rotary shafts 110 arranged opposite to each other. The cover body 20 has the two rotary shaft holes in a one-to-one correspondence with the two rotary shafts 110. Each rotary shaft 110 can be inserted into and rotationally engaged with the rotary shaft hole corresponding to the rotary shaft 110.
The housing 100 may include the storage portion 120 and the dispensing portion 130. The accommodation chamber 101 may be formed in the storage portion 120. The side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 may have the dispensing opening 104. The dispensing portion 130 may be located below the storage portion 120. The dispensing portion 130 may have the dispensing channel 131 extending in the vertical direction. The dispensing channel 131 has the upper end that may be connected to the dispensing opening 104 and the lower end that may be formed as the dispensing outlet 132. The dispensing outlet 132 may be formed at the lower side wall of the dispensing portion 130. The at least part of the dispensing channel 131 may extend obliquely towards the dispensing outlet 132 from top to bottom. Specifically, the dispensing channel 131 may have the arc-shaped side wall from top to bottom, i.e., from the dispensing opening 104 to the dispensing outlet 132.
The dishwasher 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is described below. As illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6, the dishwasher 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the machine body 2, the door body 3, and the dispensing device 1. The machine body 2 may have the washing chamber with an opening at a side of the washing chamber. Specifically, the machine body 2 may have an inner container. The inner container may define the washing chamber with the opening at the side of the washing chamber. The opening at the side of the washing chamber is used for picking up and placing dishes. The washing chamber is used for washing the dishes. The door body 3 is disposed at and movable relative to the machine body 2 and configured to expose or cover the washing chamber. In an embodiment, the door body 3 is rotatably disposed at the machine body 2 and configured to expose or cover the washing chamber. That is, the washing chamber of the dishwasher 1000 can be exposed or covered through the door body 3. The dispensing device 1 may be disposed at an inner side of the door body 3 and located at a middle part of the inner side surface of the door body 3. The dispensing device 1 refers to the dispensing device 1 for the dishwasher 1000 according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure. The dispensing device 1 is used for storing the detergent tablet and can be configured to dispense the detergent tablet into the washing chamber. Also, the dispensing device 1 may be disposed at the machine body 2. That is, the dispensing device 1 may be disposed at the machine body 2 or the door body 3 as desired.
By adopting the dispensing device 1 for the dishwasher 1000 according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure, the dishwasher 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has advantages such as a convenient supply of detergent tablets and ease and comfort of use.
In some embodiments, the storage member 200 is detachably engaged with and mounted in the accommodation chamber 101.
With the dishwasher 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the storage member 200 is detachably mounted in the accommodation chamber 101. In this way, when the need of supplying the dishwasher tablet arises, the user can first remove the storage member 200 from the accommodation chamber 101 and place the storage member 200 at a suitable and easy-to-operate position. Then, the user can supply the detergent tablet into the storage member 200 easily. The storage member 200 can be reassembled into the accommodation chamber 101 by the user after the storage member 200 is filled with the detergent tablets. In this way, after removing the storage member 200 from the accommodation chamber 101, the user can flexibly choose an appropriate place for supplying the detergent tablet, which facilitates a flexible and convenient supply of the detergent tablet, improving an efficiency, comfort, and convenience of the operation of the user. Therefore, it is convenient to save the user's time and energy. The operation of the user is made more convenient, which improves functionality and applicability of the dispensing device 1. Further, it is also convenient for the user to wash and replace the storage member 200.
For example, the user can take out the storage member 200 and place the storage member 200 at a high workbench for a filling operation, which facilitates the user to supply the detergent tablet into the storage member 200, reduces the number of times the user bends down for operations, and avoids an uncomfortable feeling brought about by the user squatting or bending down for a long time.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the storage member 200 is detachably mounted and engaged in the accommodation chamber 101 through the supply inlet 103. In this way, mounting and detachment of the storage member 200 can be facilitated, which facilitates the supply of the detergent tablet into the storage member 200. That is, the storage member 200 can be mounted or detached through the supply inlet 103.
When the storage member 200 needs to be disassembled, the cover body 20 can be opened to expose the supply inlet 103, which facilitates the user to perform a disassembly operation on the storage member 200. After the storage member 200 is mounted, the cover body 20 can be closed to form a closed space in the dispensing device 1, which facilitates storing the detergent tablet in the dispensing device 1 in a good condition, facilitates storage and protection of the detergent tablet, and enables the dispensing device 1 to automatically dispense the detergent tablet. The cover body 20 is movably disposed at the dispensing body 10 to expose or cover the supply inlet 103. In this way, when the detergent tablet needs to be supplied, the cover body 20 can be opened to expose the supply inlet 103, which facilitates the user to pick up or put down the storage member 200.
After removing the storage member 200 from the accommodation chamber 101, the user can supply the detergent tablet at one time consecutively at a position suitable for operation when supplying the detergent tablet into the storage member 200, which is convenient for improving the efficiency of the operation of the user, and improves both the comfort and the convenience for the operation of the user. Compared with the manner in the related art of supplying the detergent tablets one by one in sequence from the supply inlet, such a manner relieves the user from having to be cautious all the time during the operation of supplying the detergent tablets, which facilitates saving the user's time and energy, and makes the operation of the user convenient and comfortable. Therefore, the efficiency of the operation of supplying the detergent tablet into the dispensing device 1 can be improved.
In an embodiment, the storage member 200 may be engaged with and connected to the dispensing body 10. For example, one of the storage member 200 and the dispensing body 10 has an engagement groove, and another of the storage member 200 and the dispensing body 10 is provided with an engagement protrusion. After the storage member 200 is mounted in place, the storage member 200 can be firmly engaged with the dispensing body 10 through the engagement groove and the engagement protrusion. In this way, not only smooth disassembly and assembly of the storage member 200 are facilitated and efficiencies of the disassembly and the assembly are improved, but also reinforcements of both the strength and the reliability of the connection between the storage member 200 and the dispensing body 10 are facilitated.
According to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the dishwasher 1000 may include the machine body 2, the door body 3, and the dispensing device 1. The machine body 2 has the washing chamber for washing dishes. The washing chamber has the opening for accessing the dishes. The door body 3 is movably disposed at the machine body 2 and configured to expose or cover the washing chamber. The dispensing device 1 is configured to dispense the detergent tablet into the washing chamber, and can be disposed at the machine body 2 or the door body 3 as desired. For example, the dispensing device 1 is disposed at the inner side of the door body 3. The dispensing device 1 may include the dispensing body 10 and the storage member 200. The dispensing body 10 has the accommodation chamber 101. The storage member 200 is used for pre-storing the detergent tablet and detachably engaged and mounted in the accommodation chamber 101. The end of the accommodation chamber 101 has the supply inlet 103. The storage member 200 can be mounted or detached through the supply inlet 103.
The housing 100 may include the storage portion 120 and the dispensing portion 130. The accommodation chamber 101 is formed at the storage portion 120. The lower side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 may have the dispensing opening 104. The dispensing portion 130 is located below the storage portion 120. The dispensing portion 130 has the dispensing channel 131 extending up and down substantially in the vertical direction. The dispensing channel 131 has the upper end connected to the dispensing opening 104 and the lower end constructed as the free end. The free end may be formed as the dispensing outlet 132. The dispensing outlet 132 is formed at the side wall of the dispensing portion 130 facing the washing chamber. The dispensing channel 131 extends, from the dispensing opening 104, obliquely towards the dispensing outlet 132 from top to bottom. The dispensing channel 131 has an arc-shaped bottom wall from top to bottom, i.e., from the dispensing opening 104 to the dispensing outlet 132.
The dispensing device 1 may further include the cover body 20. The cover body 20 is flippably disposed at the dispensing body 10 and configured to expose or cover the supply inlet 103. The cover body 20 has an end edge rotatably connected to the dispensing body 10 and the rotation axis that may be parallel to the plane where the supply inlet 103 is located. The cover body 20 can be flipped between the closed position for covering the supply inlet 103 and the open position for avoiding the supply inlet 103. One of the cover body 20 and the dispensing body 10 may be provided with the rotary shaft 110. Another of the cover body 20 and the dispensing body 10 may have the rotary shaft hole. The rotary shaft 110 is rotatably engaged in the rotary shaft hole. The dispensing body 10 is provided with the two rotary shafts 110 arranged opposite to each other. The cover body 20 has the two rotary shaft holes in a one-to-one correspondence with the two rotary shafts 110. Each rotary shaft 110 can be inserted into and rotationally engaged with the rotary shaft hole corresponding to the rotary shaft 110.
The storage member 200 may be engaged with the dispensing body 10 and have the plurality of storage recesses 102 for pre-storing the detergent tablet. The storage space for storing the detergent tablet can be defined by each storage recess 102 and the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101. One detergent tablet having the volume matching the capacity of the storage recess 102 may be placed in each storage recess 102. The capacity of each storage recess 102 can be determined based on the weight or the volume of detergent tablets that need to be dispensed for the single washing operation of the dishwasher 1000.
At least part of the recess opening of each storage recess 102 is located at the same side surface of the storage member 200, e.g., at a side end face of the storage member 200 in an axial direction of the storage member 200. The storage member 200 may be formed as the circular disk. The accommodation chamber 101 is in the shape mated with the shape of the circular disk. The plurality of storage recesses 102 may be arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the circular disk. For example, the accommodation chamber 101 is formed as the cylindrical chamber. The opening of the cylindrical chamber at the end of the cylindrical chamber is formed as the supply inlet 103. The circular disk is rotatably engaged in the accommodation chamber 101. The plurality of storage recesses 102 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circular disk. One storage space for storing the detergent tablet can be defined by each storage recess 102 and the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101. Each storage recess 102 may extend in the radial direction of the circular disk. Respective recess openings of the plurality of storage recesses 102 are located at a same end of the circular disk in the axial direction of the circular disk.
The lower side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 has the dispensing opening 104. The storage member 200 is rotatably disposed in the accommodation chamber 101 while switching between the dispensing state and the closed state. When the storage member 200 is rotated to the position corresponding to the dispensing state, the recess opening of one storage recess 102 is in communication with the dispensing opening 104. When the storage member 200 is rotated to the position corresponding to the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 covers the recess opening of each storage recess 102.
Each storage recess 102 may have the first opening 1021 and the second opening 1022. The first opening 1021 faces the supply inlet 103. The second opening 1022 faces the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101. When the storage member 200 is in the dispensing state, the second opening 1022 of one storage recess 102 is in communication with the dispensing opening 104. When the storage member 200 is in the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber 101 covers at least part of the second opening 1022 of each storage recess 102.
The dishwasher 1000 may further include the driver configured to drive the storage member 200 to rotate. The driver is disposed at the machine body 2 and may be in the transmission connection with the storage member 200. The driver may be the motor. The motor has the output shaft in the transmission connection with the storage member 200, to drive the storage member 200 to rotate. The storage member 200 may be formed as the circular disk. The center axis of the circular disk is the rotation axis of the circular disk.
The dishwasher 1000 may also include the detector 30 and the controller. The storage member 200 has the plurality of storage recesses 102 each for storing the detergent tablet. The detector 30 is configured to detect whether the detergent tablet in the storage recesses 102 is mounted in place. At least one detector 30 is disposed in each storage recess 102. The controller can be configured to control, based on the detection result of the detector 30, the operation state of the driver. The detector 30 may be the pressure sensor or the light sensor. The controller may be the independent controller set in the dispensing device 1, or may be the main control board of the dishwasher 1000.
The door body 3 is rotatably disposed at the machine body 2 and configured to expose or cover the washing chamber. The mounting groove is formed at the door body 3. The dispensing device 1 is detachably mounted in the mounting groove. The mounting groove is formed at the inner side surface of the door body 3.
Other components and other operations of the dishwasher 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and thus the description thereof in detail will be omitted here.
In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or the position indicated by terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "over", "below", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "anti-clockwise", "axial", "radial", and "circumferential" should be construed to refer to the orientation or the position as shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the pointed device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present disclosure. In addition, features associated with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of these features. In the description of the present disclosure, "a plurality of' means two or more, unless otherwise defined. In the description of the present disclosure, the first feature "on" or "under" the second feature may mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through another feature between the first and second features.
In the description of the present disclosure, the first feature "above" the second feature means that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the level of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature.
In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, terms such as "install", "connect", and "connect to" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection or connection as one piece; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate; internal communication of two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meaning of the above-mentioned terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.
In the description of this specification, description with reference to the terms "an embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiments", "examples" "specific examples", or "some examples" etc., mean that specific features, structure, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.
Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is conceivable for those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes, modifications, replacements, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure shall be defined by the claims as appended and their equivalents.

Claims

A dispensing device for a dishwasher, characterized by:
a dispensing body having an accommodation chamber, the accommodation chamber having a plurality of storage recesses each for storing a detergent tablet, the accommodation chamber having a supply inlet at an end of the accommodation chamber, and at least two of the plurality of storage recesses being exposed from the supply inlet; and

a cover body movably disposed at the dispensing body and configured to expose or cover the supply inlet.
The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing body comprises:
a housing defining the accommodation chamber; and

a storage member disposed in the accommodation chamber, the plurality of storage recesses being formed in the storage member.
The dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein the storage member is formed as a circular disk, the accommodation chamber being in a shape mated with a shape of the circular disk, the circular disk being rotatably engaged in the accommodation chamber, and the plurality of storage recesses being arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the circular disk.
The dispensing device according to claim 3, wherein:
the plurality of storage recesses are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circular disk;

each of the plurality of storage recesses extends in a radial direction of the circular disk; and

each of the plurality of storage recesses is exposed from the supply inlet.
The dispensing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the accommodation chamber has a side wall with a dispensing opening, and wherein the storage member is rotatably disposed in the accommodation chamber while switching between a dispensing state and a closed state, wherein:
when the storage member is in the dispensing state, at least one of the plurality of storage recesses is in communication with the dispensing opening; and

when the storage member is in the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber covers the plurality of storage recesses.
The dispensing device according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of storage recesses has a first opening and a second opening, the first opening facing the supply inlet and being exposed from the supply inlet, and the second opening facing the side wall of the accommodation chamber, wherein:
when the storage member is in the dispensing state, the second opening is in communication with the dispensing opening; and

when the storage member is in the closed state, the side wall of the accommodation chamber covers the second opening.
The dispensing device according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising:
a driver configured to drive the storage member to rotate, the driver being in a transmission connection with the storage member.
The dispensing device according to claim 7, further comprising:
a detector configured to detect whether the detergent tablet is mounted in place, each of the plurality of storage recesses having the detector provided therein; and

a controller configured to control an operation state of the driver based on a detection result of the detector.
The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover body is rotatably disposed at the dispensing body.
The dispensing device according to claim 9, wherein:
one of the cover body and the dispensing body is provided with a rotary shaft; and

another of the cover body and the dispensing body has a rotary shaft hole, the rotary shaft being rotatably engaged in the rotary shaft hole.
The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover body is slidably disposed at the dispensing body.
The dispensing device according to claim 11, wherein:
one of the cover body and the dispensing body has a sliding groove; and

another of the cover body and the dispensing body is provided with a slider slidably engaged in the sliding groove.
The dispensing device according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the housing comprises:
a storage portion, the accommodation chamber being formed in the storage portion, and the accommodation chamber having a side wall with a dispensing opening; and

a dispensing portion located below the storage portion, the dispensing portion having a dispensing channel extending in a vertical direction, and the dispensing channel having an upper end connected to the dispensing opening and a lower end formed as a dispensing outlet.
The dispensing device according to claim 13, wherein:
the dispensing outlet is formed at a side wall of the dispensing portion; and

at least part of the dispensing channel extends obliquely towards the dispensing outlet from top to bottom.
A dishwasher, comprising:
a machine body having a washing chamber;

a door body rotatably disposed at the machine body and configured to expose or cover the washing chamber; and

the dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the dispensing device being configured to dispense the detergent tablet into the washing chamber.
The dishwasher according to claim 15, wherein a storage member of the dispensing body is detachably engaged in the accommodation chamber through the supply inlet.
The dishwasher according to claim 16, wherein the storage member is engaged with and connected to the dispensing body.
The dishwasher according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the door body has a mounting groove, the dispensing device being detachably mounted in the mounting groove.
The dishwasher according to claim 18, wherein the mounting groove is formed at an inner side surface of the door body.