WO2022022452A1 - Dishwasher tab dispensing system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a dishwasher tab dispensing system. A storage device (2; 2A; 2B) of the dishwasher tab dispensing system comprises a plurality of first limiting structures (21; 21A; 21B) and a plurality of second limiting structures (22; 22A; 22B) circumferentially forming an annular row along an inner bottom surface of the storage device (2; 2A; 2B). A rotary limiting structure (32; 32A; 32B) on a push member (31; 31A; 31B) of the dishwasher tab dispensing system is configured such that in the process that the push member (31; 31A; 31B) moves in the push direction to push dishwasher tab in a storage compartment (20; 20A; 20B), and the storage device (2; 2A; 2B) rotates in a first rotation direction, the rotary limiting structure (32; 32A; 32B) first interact with a corresponding first limiting structure (21; 21A; 21B) in the storage compartment (20; 20A; 20B) and then interact with a corresponding second limiting structure (22; 22A; 22B) in the storage compartment (20; 20A; 20B). In this way, the dishwasher tabs can be dispensed in an efficient, low-cost and smooth manner.

Description

Dishwashing block delivery system

For all purposes, this application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010737096.5, filed on July 28, 2020, and Chinese Patent Application No. 202010737105.0, filed on July 28, 2020, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The disclosure of this application is made a part of this application.

technical field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a dishwashing block delivery system.

Background technique

At present, the technology of placing dishwashing blocks multiple times is gradually emerging. Among them, the solution of using a rotary disk storage device is more reasonable, because when the rotary disk storage device is used, the stored dishwashing blocks are easy to divide materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a dishwashing block delivery system including: a main housing; and a storage device formed in a disc shape having a center of rotation. The dishwashing block delivery system further includes: a storage device, including: a plurality of storage compartments, which form an annular row along the circumferential direction of the storage device and are arranged on the outermost periphery of the storage device; and a plurality of first limiting structures along the storage device. The inner bottom surface of the storage device circumferentially forms an annular row; a plurality of second limiting structures form an annular row circumferentially along the inner bottom surface of the storage device; wherein, each storage compartment is respectively corresponding to the plurality of first limiting structures A first limit structure corresponds to a corresponding one of the plurality of second limit structures, and with respect to the first rotation direction, the corresponding first limit structure is disposed downstream and the corresponding one The second limiting structure is arranged upstream. The dishwashing block delivery system also includes a drive device, which has: a pusher, which is configured to perform reciprocating linear motion along the pusher direction and the retracting direction opposite to the pusher direction; a rotation limit structure is configured to follow the movement of the pusher; wherein , in the process that the pusher moves along the push direction to push the dishwashing block in a storage compartment and the storage device rotates along the first rotation direction, the rotation limit structure first interacts with the corresponding first limit structure of the storage compartment act, and then interact with the corresponding second limiting structure of the storage compartment.

Description of drawings

In order to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure more clearly, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than limit the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

2 is a general view of a dishwashing block delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

3 is an exploded view of a dishwashing block delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

4 is a view of a main housing of a dishwashing block delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

5A-5B are views of a storage device of a dishwashing block delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

6-9 are views of a drive mechanism and various components of a dishwashing block delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

10-23 are views of various stages of a dishwashing block delivery operation using a dishwashing block delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

24-25 are cross-sectional views of the vicinity of the bottom surface of the storage device of the dishwashing block delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 26-29 are views of a rotation limit structure and a modification of the limit structure according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

30A-30C are views of different forms of the first limiting structure;

31A-31E are views of different configurations of storage compartments.

32 is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

33 is an exploded view of a dishwashing block delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

34 is a view of a body assembly of a dishwashing block delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

35A is an exploded view of the main body assembly of a dishwashing block delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

35B is a view of the main housing of a dishwashing block delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

36A-36D are views of a storage device of a dishwashing block delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

37-39 are views of an improved storage device of a dishwashing block delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

40-43 are views of a drive mechanism and components of a dishwashing block delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 44-51 are views of various stages of dishwashing block delivery with a dishwashing block delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

52 is a view of a modification of the first stop portion in a dishwashing block delivery system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

detailed description

In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, embodiments of the present disclosure. Based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

In the prior art dishwashing block delivery scheme, due to the ubiquitous material distribution action (that is, selecting one of the stored dishwashing blocks for delivery) and the feeding action (putting the prepared dishwashing blocks into the dishwasher) Therefore, it is necessary to use two actuators to drive the mechanisms associated with the feeding action and the feeding action respectively, and the solution of the two actuators leads to the complex structure, high cost and occupation of the whole feeding device. Larger interior space. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a dishwashing block delivery system that is simple in structure, efficient and stable.

In general, the present disclosure provides a dishwashing block delivery system including: a main housing; and a storage device formed in a disc shape having a center of rotation. The storage device includes: a plurality of storage compartments, which form an annular row along the circumferential direction of the storage device and are arranged on the outermost periphery of the storage device; and a plurality of first limiting structures, which form an annular row circumferentially along the inner bottom surface of the storage device ; A plurality of second limiting structures form annular rows circumferentially along the inner bottom surface of the storage device. Each storage compartment corresponds to a corresponding one of the plurality of first position-limiting structures and a corresponding one of the plurality of second position-limiting structures, and with respect to the first rotation direction, The corresponding one of the first limiting structures is provided downstream and the corresponding one of the second limiting structures is provided upstream. The driving device has: a pushing member, which is set to perform reciprocating linear motion along a pushing direction and a retracting direction opposite to the pushing direction; a rotation limit structure is set to be able to follow the movement of the pushing member; wherein, when the pushing member moves along the pushing direction, the During the process of pushing the dishwashing block in a storage compartment and the storage device rotating in the first rotational direction, the rotation limit structure first interacts with the corresponding first limit structure of the storage compartment, and then interacts with the corresponding first limit structure of the storage compartment. The corresponding second limiting structures interact.

According to the present disclosure, the first and second limit structures can effectively interact with the rotation limit structure, for example, as described later, the rotation limit structure restricts the storage device by abutting against the first and second limit structures Rotate and determine its rotational position, or the rotation limiting structure itself causes the storage device to rotate and determine its rotational position by actively pushing the first and second limiting structures, so that the dishwashing block delivery system of the present disclosure can be highly efficient with a simple structure and put the dish blocks into the dishwasher smoothly. Therefore, from the description of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art can understand the meaning of "interaction", and can make any changes or modifications within the scope of the present disclosure.

The dishwasher block delivery system of the present disclosure is generally installed in a dishwasher (which includes a dishwasher body, a wash compartment), and more particularly, on a dishwasher door, and is shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 and , the dishwashing block delivery system includes a panel assembly and a main body assembly with a panel cover and a delivery opening. The panel assembly also has a filling port (not shown) for adding dishwashing blocks. In use, referring to the XYZ coordinate system of Figure 2, in use, the main plane of the dishwashing block delivery system is substantially parallel to the vertical Y axis. Specific embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a dishwashing block delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is further described. The dishwashing block delivery system includes, for example, a main housing 1, a storage device 2, a drive device 3, a first cover 4, a storage device limiter 5, a recovery device 6, an end cover seal 7, a push channel seal 8, and Fastener 9.

main housing

Referring to FIG. 4 , the main casing 1 is mainly provided with a storage area for accommodating storage devices and a delivery area for placing dishwashing blocks, and the two areas communicate with each other through a push channel 10 . The storage area is also provided with: a first rotating shaft 11 for installing the storage device 2, and the storage device 2 can rotate around the first rotating shaft 11 after installation; a second rotating shaft 12, used for installing the recovery device 6, after the installation of the recovery device 6 can be rotated around the second rotating shaft 12 to release or recover the elastic energy storage member installed on the recovery device 6; the third rotating shaft 13 is used to install the storage device limiter 5, and the storage device limiter 5 can be installed after installation. It rotates around the third rotation axis 13, and as shown in FIG. 3, the storage device limiter 5 is, for example, a limiter with a rotating arm, and the rotating arm can only be set on the first protrusion 131 and the first protrusion protruding from the main casing 1. Between the second protrusions 132, and rotate within the inferior angle range defined by the two; the mounting seat 14 is used to install the driving device 3, so that the driving device 3 is fixedly connected with the main housing 1, and restricts the storage device 2 along the Movement in the direction of the Z axis.

storage device

5A and 5B, the specific structure of the storage device 2 is further described. The storage device 2 is, for example, in the shape of a disk having a center of rotation, which is rotatable about the center of rotation in a first rotation direction (hereinafter referred to as a clockwise direction) and a second rotation direction (hereinafter referred to as a counterclockwise direction). Hereinafter, the rotation of the storage device 2 in the clockwise direction generally corresponds to the throwing process of the dishwashing block, and the rotation of the storage device 2 in the counterclockwise direction generally corresponds to the reset process of the storage device 2 after all the dishwashing blocks are put in. The storage device 2 can then be replenished with dishwashing blocks. The storage device 2 has, for example, a plurality of storage compartments 20, which are arranged in an annular row along the circumferential direction of the storage device 2 and are arranged on the outermost periphery of the storage device 2, for example, 15 evenly distributed in this embodiment (in different embodiments, The number can be varied) for storing dishwashing blocks, and each compartment can store one dishwashing block; a plurality of first limiting structures 21 and a plurality of second limiting structures 21 disposed on the inner bottom surface 26 of the storage device 2 Limiting structure 22 . The plurality of first limiting structures 21 and the plurality of second limiting structures 22 are, for example, bump structures protruding from the inner bottom surface 26 of the storage device 2 (along the Z-axis direction), and of course other forms, as long as they are compatible with the rear. The rotation limit structure described in the article can interact. It will be appreciated that the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2 is relative to the storage compartment 20 for storing the dishwashing blocks, which is parallel to the XY plane and generally faces the dishwashing blocks.

Specifically, the plurality of first limiting structures 21 are arranged to circumferentially form an annular row along the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2 and are closest to the rotation center in the radial direction; The inner bottom surface circumferentially forms an annular row, and is arranged between the annular row formed by the plurality of first limiting structures 22 and the annular row formed by the plurality of storage compartments; wherein, each storage compartment 20 is respectively associated with a corresponding one The first limiting structure 21 corresponds to a second limiting structure 22, and with respect to the clockwise direction, the first limiting structure 21 is arranged downstream and the second limiting structure 22 is arranged upstream, namely The one first limiting structure 21 and the one second limiting structure 22 are offset along the circumferential direction of the storage device 2 .

Due to this arrangement, in the process that the pushing member 31 and the rotation limiting structure 32 thereon described later move along the pushing direction for pushing the dishwashing block and the storage device 2 rotates in the clockwise direction, the rotation limiting structure 32 first abuts with the corresponding first limiting structure 21 of the storage compartment 20 to limit the rotation of the storage device 2 in the clockwise direction, and then with the further rotation of the storage device 2 and the further movement of the pusher 31 in the push direction , the rotation limit structure 32 is in contact with the corresponding second limit structure 22 of the storage compartment 20 to limit the rotation of the storage device 2 in the clockwise direction again, so that the intermittent movement of the storage device 2 can be realized and the dishes can be washed at the same time. Correct push of blocks.

For example, the storage device 2 may further include a plurality of third limiting structures 23 , which circumferentially form an annular row along the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2 , and are disposed in the annular row formed by the plurality of second limiting structures 22 and a plurality of Storage compartments are formed between annular rows of 20. The plurality of third limiting structures 23 are, for example, in the form of bumps and are used to block further movement of the rotation limiting structures 32 in the pushing direction. It should be noted that the plurality of third limiting structures 23 are not necessary, and will be described in detail later.

The plurality of first to third limiting structures 21 - 23 may protrude from the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2 along the Z-axis direction, and for example, are integrally formed with the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2 .

In the exemplary embodiment, each storage compartment 20 corresponds to one first restraint structure 21 , one second restraint structure 22 and one third restraint structure 23 such that first, second and third restraint The number of structures 21, 22, 23 is the same as the number of storage compartments 20, which is also 15 (this number may also vary in different embodiments).

For example, the second limiting structure 22 may also be connected with the third limiting structure 23, for example, formed integrally.

For example, referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B , the storage device 2 may further include: a fourth limiting structure 24 (eg, formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 5A ) protruding from the outer bottom surface of the storage device 2 , which may have a first The contact surface 241 and the second contact surface 242; the shaft hole 25, which is matched with the first rotating shaft 11 of the main casing 1, so that the storage device 2 can rotate around the first rotating shaft 11; the annular groove 28 and the elastic energy storage member mounting part 27 , the two are used to install the elastic energy storage member (see FIG. 10 , the elastic energy storage member is, for example, a constant force spring connected to the elastic energy storage member installation part 27, such as a spring or an elastic rope, etc.), that is, the elastic energy storage member One end is fixedly connected to the elastic energy storage member mounting part 27 and the other end is connected to the recovery device 6 , and can be released from the recovery device 6 or retracted back to the recovery device 6 . During both release and retraction, the elastic accumulator moves in the annular groove 28 . In the state in which the elastic energy storage member is stretched, it always exerts a force in a clockwise direction on the storage device 2, so that the storage device 2 tends to rotate clockwise.

In this embodiment, the fourth limiting structure 24 is disposed on the outer bottom surface opposite to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2, and is integrally formed therewith, for example, to cooperate with the limiting member 5 of the storage device as described above. , so that when the storage device rotates clockwise and counterclockwise (that is, after the dishwashing blocks are all put in, the elastic energy storage element is stored again and the dishwashing block is charged), the storage device 2 is limited to only about 360 degrees of rotation relative to the main housing 11.

drive

6 , 7 and 8 , the driving device 3 mainly includes, for example, a gear set 30 , a pushing member 31 , a rotation limiting structure 32 , a housing 33 , a position sensor 34 , an elastic member 35 (eg, a spring) and the like. According to the principles of the present disclosure, the pushing member 31 and the rotation limiting structure 32 interact with the plurality of first limiting structures 21 and the plurality of second limiting structures 22 of the storage device 2 as described above, so as to realize the The intermittent rotary motion also enables the push of the dish block, as will be described in detail below.

The gear set 30 is driven by a drive motor, such as an electric motor, to be able to drive the pusher 31 through the engagement between the output gear 301 of the gear set 30 and a rack 311 on the pusher 31 as described below.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the pushing member 31 is configured to perform reciprocating linear motion along the pushing direction and the retracting direction opposite to the pushing direction, and includes: a rack 311 , a pushing arm having a first contact surface 3121 and a second contact surface 3122 312 , a first detection position 313 and a second detection position 314 , a cover mounting end 315 for mounting the first cover 4 . Wherein, the first contact surface 3121 can abut with the rotation limiting structure 32 described later, as described below, and the second contact surface 3122 can abut with the dishwashing block in the storage compartment 20, so as to wash the dishes The block is pushed to the release area of the main housing 1, and then slides down from the slide down channel.

The first detection position 313 and the second detection position 314 are used to cooperate with the position sensor 34 provided on the housing 33 of the driving device 3 . When the position sensor 34 detects the first detection position 313, it indicates that the pusher 31 is in the initial state, That is, the pusher 31 is in its fully retracted position, as shown in FIG. 10 . As the pusher 31 moves in the push direction (ie, toward the dishwashing block in the storage compartment 20), when the position sensor 34 detects the second detection position 314, it indicates that the pusher 31 moves to its fully extended position, such as As shown in FIG. 18 , at this time, the pusher 31 has completely pushed the dishwashing block from the storage compartment 20 to the delivery area of the main housing 1 . It should be understood that the position sensor 34 can also be arranged in any other suitable position, for example, it is arranged on the main casing, or arranged on the panel assembly, etc., as long as it can detect the first detection position and the second detection position. .

FIG. 9 shows the specific structure of the rotation limiting structure 32, which is configured to follow the movement of the pusher. The rotation limit structure 32 (and the rotation limit structures 32A and 32B described later) can be implemented as a rotation limit member composed of some components or parts, for example. For example, the rotation limiting structure 32 includes an elastic member mounting portion disposed at its first end 321 and an elastic snap 323 disposed to extend from the opposite second end 322 toward the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2 . For example, the elastic buckle and the rotation limiting structure 32 can be integrally formed. An elastic member 35 is connected to the elastic member mounting portion, and the elastic member 35 is in turn connected to the housing 33 of the driving device. The second end 322 can come into contact with the first contact surface 3121 of the push arm 312 of the push piece 31 and be restricted by it.

According to other embodiments, when the driving device and the main casing are fixedly connected, the main casing also acts as a casing of the driving device, so the elastic member 35 can also be connected with the main casing 1 . In addition, although in this embodiment, the rotation limiting structure 32 is provided as a separate structure from the pushing member 31 , according to other embodiments, the pushing member 31 may also be integrally formed with the rotation limiting structure 32 .

In the present embodiment, the elastic buckle 323 extends obliquely from the second end 322 of the rotation limiting structure 32 in a counterclockwise direction toward the inner bottom of the storage device 2 . The elastic buckle 323 further includes a first contact surface 3231 and a second contact surface 3232, the first contact surface 3231 is arranged upstream and, for example, perpendicular to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2 with respect to the clockwise direction, the second contact surface 3232 It is arranged downstream and inclined with respect to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2 .

During the process that the storage device 2 rotates in the clockwise direction and the pushing member 31 reciprocates (ie, during the throwing cycle described later), the first contact surface 3231 of the rotation limiting structure 32 can intermittently contact the storage device 2 with the first contact surface 3231 . The plurality of first and second limiting structures 21 and 22 interact with each other, that is, abut against each other, so as to limit the clockwise rotation of the storage device 2 to an intermittent rotation and to determine its rotational position.

During the counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2 , the counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2 causes the second contact surface 3232 of the elastic buckle 323 of the rotation limiting structure 32 to contact the plurality of first limiting structures 21 of the storage device 2 . When the contact occurs, the elastic buckle 323 will be pressed by the first limiting structure 21 to elastically deform, and further slide over from the top of the first limiting structure 21 , so that the storage device 2 can be continuously rotated counterclockwise to reset. The plurality of first limiting structures 21 may have any suitable shape, as long as they can cooperate with the rotation limiting structures 32 to achieve the above-mentioned functions.

According to the exemplary embodiment, during the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2, in order to facilitate the above-mentioned interaction between the elastic buckle 323 and the first limiting structure 21, the first limiting structure 21 is set as a wedge-shaped block , which includes an abutment surface 211 and a pressing surface 212 , see FIG. 12 . With respect to the clockwise direction, the abutment surface 211 is arranged downstream, and the pressing surface 212 is arranged upstream. For example, the contact surface 211 can be set to be perpendicular to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2 or at a certain angle, and correspondingly the first contact surface 3231 (not shown in FIG. 12 ) of the elastic buckle 323 At a certain angle, the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 is parallel to the abutment surface 211, so that during the above-mentioned clockwise rotation process, the abutment surface 211 and the first contact surface 3231 reliably abut to prevent Clockwise rotation of storage device 2. 12 shows the situation that the abutting surface 211 is perpendicular to the inner bottom surface, and when the abutting surface 211 and the inner bottom surface are inclined at an acute angle, the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 is also at a corresponding angle, which is more conducive to ensuring the first A contact surface 3231 is in contact with the contact surface 211; when the contact surface 211 and the inner bottom surface are inclined at an obtuse angle, the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 is also at a corresponding angle. The material elasticity and friction coefficient of a contact surface 3231 can also achieve effective contact between the two.

During the counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2, the pressing surface 212 contacts the inclined second contact surface 3232 (not shown in FIG. 12 ) of the elastic buckle 323, so that the elastic buckle 323 is elastically deformed, The first limiting structure 21 is slid over the pressing surface 212 , so as not to hinder the counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2 .

In the initial state as shown in FIG. 10 , the rotation limiting structure 32 is pressed by the first contact surface 3121 of the pushing arm 312 of the pushing member 31 , so that the elastic member 35 connected to it is also compressed, so that the elastic member 35 restricts the rotation limiting structure. 32 exerts a force along the pushing direction, so as to ensure that the rotation limiting structure 32 follows the extension movement of the pushing member 31 under the action of the elastic member 35 when the pushing member 31 moves and extends along the pushing direction.

Next, the delivery cycle of a dishwashing block, such as the dishwashing block in storage compartment No. 1 20, will be described by the dishwashing block delivery system according to the present disclosure. The delivery cycle is roughly divided into: initial state, advance stage 1, advance stage 2, ejection stage, return stage 1, return stage 2, and return to the initial state.

initial state

Figures 10-12 show the dishwashing block delivery system in the initial state of the delivery cycle. At this time, the driving device 3 is in a standby state, the pushing member 31 is still in its fully retracted position; the first cover body 4 is in its fully retracted position, and the end cap sealing member 7 and the pushing channel sealing member 8 seal the pushing channel 10 .

The rotation limiting structure 32 is pressed by the first contact surface 3121 of the push arm 312 on the push piece 31 and is also in the fully retracted position, as shown in FIG. 11 . Meanwhile, the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 of the rotation limiting structure 32 abuts against the first limiting structure 21 of the storage device 2 . As shown in FIG. 12 , the storage device 2 cannot rotate clockwise. And the elastic member 35 is compressed by the rotation limiting structure 32 and is in its maximum compression state. At this time, the storage device 2 is simultaneously restrained by the clockwise force from the elastic energy accumulating member and the rotation limiting structure 32 and remains stationary. Moreover, the position sensor 34 senses the first detection position 313 of the pusher 31, thereby determining that the state at this time is the initial state.

forward stage 1

Figures 13-15 show the forward phase 1 of the delivery cycle. The drive device 3 drives the push member 31 and its push arm 312 to move in the push direction through its drive gear, and the rotation limit structure 32 follows the push arm 312 to move in the push direction under the push of the elastic member 35 until the elastic buckle 323 The contact with the first limiting structure 21 of the storage device 2 is released, and the rotation restriction on the storage device 2 is released, as shown in FIG. 14 .

Then, the storage device 2 turns clockwise through an angle α (not shown in the figure) under the action of the elastic energy storage element, and the angle α is a first limiting structure 21 and a first limiting structure 21 corresponding to the current storage compartment 20 . The angle between the two limiting structures 22 , and as the pushing member 31 continues to move in the pushing direction, the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 of the rotational limiting structure 32 contacts the second limiting structure 22 of the storage device 2 , the clockwise rotation of the storage device 2 is restricted by the second limiting structure 22 , so that the storage device 2 stops rotating again, as shown in FIG. 15 .

forward stage 2

Figures 16-17 show Advance Phase 2 of the delivery cycle in cross-sectional views at various levels. The driving device 3 continues to drive the pushing member 31 to move in the pushing direction, and the rotation limiting structure 32 moves along the pushing direction with the pushing member 31 under the pushing of the elastic member 35 until the elastic buckle 323 of the rotation limiting structure 32 and the third limit When the structures 23 (if present) come into contact or until the elastic member 35 reaches its maximum length after releasing the pressure, the rotation limiting structure 32 will not be able to follow the pushing member 31 to continue moving in the pushing direction to reach its fully extended position. In this stage, the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 of the rotation limiting structure 32 always keeps in contact with the second limiting structure 22 of the storage device 2, and the storage device 2 does not rotate.

As mentioned above, the third limiting structure 23 of the storage device 2 is not necessarily provided. In the case where the third limiting structure 23 is not provided, it is only necessary to set the elastic member 35 to an appropriate length, and the elastic When the pressure on the member 35 is completely released, the rotation limiting structure 32 stays in place without following the further movement of the pushing member 31 .

throwing stage

Figures 18-19 show the dispensing phase of the dispensing cycle in cross-sectional views at various levels. The driving device 3 continues to drive the pushing member 31 to move in the pushing direction until the pushing member 31 reaches its fully extended position and stops moving. At this time, the second contact surface 3122 of the pushing arm 312 pushes the dishwashing block out of the pushing channel, and the pushed dishwashing block falls from the sliding channel and falls out of the feeding system through the feeding port. At this time, the position sensor 34 detects the second detection position 314 of the pusher 31, thereby determining that the pusher 31 is in its fully extended position and the dishwashing block has been dropped. Thereafter, the pusher 31 will move in a retracting direction opposite to the pushing direction.

In the throwing stage, the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 of the rotation limiting structure 32 always keeps in contact with the second limiting structure 22 of the storage device 2, and the storage device 2 does not rotate.

Back to Stage 1

Figures 20-21 show retraction phase 1 of the delivery cycle in cross-sectional views at various levels. After the dishwashing block is thrown out, the driving device 3 drives the pushing member 31 to move in the retracting direction, so that the first contact surface 3121 of the pushing arm 312 contacts the rotation limiting structure 32 again, and pushes the rotation limiting structure 32 away from the third The limiting structure 23 and/or the elastic member 35 of the rotation limiting structure 32 begins to squeeze.

Back to Stage 2

Figures 22-23 show retraction phase 2 of the delivery cycle in cross-sectional views at various levels. The driving device 3 continues to drive the pushing member 31 to move in the retracting direction. The rotation limiting structure 32 is pressed by the pushing arm 312 of the pushing member 31 and moves along the retracting direction with the pushing member 31 until it is out of contact with the second limiting structure 22 of the storage device 2 .

Thereafter, due to the continuous clockwise force exerted by the elastic energy accumulator on the storage device 2, the storage device 2 will rotate clockwise through an angle β (not shown in the figure), which is the second angle corresponding to the current storage compartment 20. The angle between the surface of the limiting structure 22 in contact with the first contact surface 3231 and the surface of the first limiting structure 21n of the next storage compartment 20 in contact with the first contact surface 3231 corresponds to the angle. Subsequently, with the movement of the pushing member 31 in the retracting direction, the first limiting structure 21n corresponding to the next storage compartment will contact the first contact surface 3231 of the elastic buckle 323 of the rotation limiting structure 32, so that the storage device 2 Stop spinning again.

Up to this state of the dispensing cycle, for the current storage compartment 20 (wherein the dishwashing blocks have been dispensed), the storage device 2 has cumulatively rotated through the angle α+β. Further, since the number and distribution of the plurality of first and second limiting structures 21 and 22 of the storage device 2 can be set to be the same and evenly arranged for each storage compartment, the above-mentioned rotation angle α+β is equal to each storage compartment. Storage compartments can be equal. Further, the α angle and the β angle may be equal, for example.

return to initial state

After the retraction stage 2, the driving device 3 continues to drive the pushing member 31 to move in the retracting direction, so that both the pushing member 31 and the rotation limiting structure 32 return to their respective fully retracted positions, so that the pushing member returns to the position shown in FIGS. 10-12 . Initial state, ready for delivery of dishwashing blocks in the next storage compartment 20 . At this time, since the first limiting structure 21n of the next storage compartment has come into abutting contact with the rotation limiting structure 32, the storage device 2 will not rotate.

So far, the delivery cycle for one dishwashing block is completed. Then, according to this dosing cycle, dosing for the remaining dishwashing blocks (eg, the dishwashing blocks in storage compartments 20 2-15) can be effected. After the dishwashing blocks are all put in, the user performs a dishwashing block filling operation and a resetting operation of the storage device 2 as described below.

Dosing and reset operations

24-25 are cross-sectional views showing the vicinity of the bottom surface of the storage device 2. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 24 , after all the dishwashing blocks are put in, since the storage device 2 has completed a 360° clockwise rotation, the fourth limiting structure 24 on the outer bottom surface of the storage device 2 abuts against the main casing through its first contact surface 241 . The storage device limiting member 5 on the upper part is pressed against the second protrusion 132 , so that the storage device 2 cannot be rotated further clockwise, and the elastic energy storage member is also basically wound onto the recovery device 6 .

Subsequently, the user can add dishwashing blocks from the feeding port, and after the storage compartment 20 opened by the feeding port is fully filled, the user can manually turn the storage device 2 in a counterclockwise direction.

During the counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2 , the second contact surface 3232 of the elastic buckle 323 of the rotation limiting structure 32 is in contact with each first limiting structure 21 of the storage device 2 (formed on the first limiting structure 21 ). When it is a wedge-shaped block, it is in contact with its pressing surface), and due to the structure of the elastic buckle 323, it will be pressed by each first limiting structure 21 and elastically deformed, and slide over each first limiting structure 21, Therefore, the first limiting structures 21 will not prevent the counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2 .

As shown in FIG. 25 , when the storage device 2 has completed a counterclockwise rotation of approximately 360°, the fourth limiting structure 24 of the storage device 2 contacts the storage device limiting member 5 through the second contact surface 242 thereof, so that the storage device The limiting member 5 is in contact with the first protrusion 131 on the main casing, and the storage device 2 cannot continue to rotate counterclockwise.

At the same time as the counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2, the elastic energy accumulator is pulled out from the recovery device 6 again until the protruding amount reaches the maximum, so that a clockwise force is applied to the storage device 2 again, so as to be considered as a Clockwise movement provides power.

Due to the cooperation of the first protrusion 131 , the second protrusion 132 and the fourth limiting structure 24 , the storage device 2 can and can only make a complete rotation, so that the alignment state of each storage compartment 20 and the push channel is The same, otherwise, if the other angle is turned, the storage compartment 20 and the push channel are no longer accurately aligned at the time of the last delivery. In addition, the rotation range of the storage device 2 is also limited, that is, the expansion and contraction range of the elastic energy storage member is determined, so as to avoid the infinite extension of the elastic energy storage member.

Compared with the solution in the prior art that uses dual motors or electromagnets to realize the rotation of the storage device, the present disclosure adopts a single motor to drive the pusher, and uses the elastic energy storage element to provide the rotation force for the storage device, which is more economical in manufacture and simpler in structure. reliable.

Next, still another embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, some components or structures have substantially the same configurations and functions as those in the previous embodiments, and thus the same reference numerals are used, and the description is not repeated. Differences from the previous embodiments will be emphatically described later. Specifically, in this embodiment, structures or components that correspond to but have different configurations or are closely related to those in the previous embodiments are distinguished by a suffix "A".

In this embodiment, the elastic buckle of the rotation limiting structure on the pusher is mainly improved, and the first to third limiting structures on the storage device are correspondingly improved.

As shown in FIG. 26 , the elastic buckle of the rotation limiting structure 32A is changed to a rigid guide post 323A (for example, it extends in the Z direction). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 27 , the plurality of first and second stopper structures 21A and 22A are configured as slope guide structures. As described later and shown in the figures, it should be understood that a ramp guide refers to a guide having an inclination relative to the radial direction of the storage device 2A. As shown in FIG. 28 , the rotation limiting structure 32A is still driven by the elastic member 35A.

One first limiting structure 21A and one second limiting structure 22A corresponding to one storage compartment 20A will be described below.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29 , the first limiting structure 21A is, for example, formed as an oblique parallelogram bump (of course, other shapes or forms can be adopted) protruding from the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2A (along the Z direction), which has An abutment surface 21A1 substantially parallel to the radial direction of the disk-shaped storage device 2A, a guide surface 21A2 close to the rotation center, and an outer side surface 21A3 away from the rotation center, the guide surface 21A2 and the outer side surface 21A3 relative to the diameter of the storage device 2A Lean in the direction.

When the storage device 2A rotates in the clockwise direction and the pusher 31A moves in the push direction, the guide posts 323A of the rotation limiting structure 32A can respectively abut with the abutting surface 21A1 and the outer side surface 21A3 and slide over the first limiting position along them. Structure 21A to achieve intermittent stopping and guiding of the clockwise rotational movement of the storage device 2A, respectively.

When the storage device 2A rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the guide post 323A of the rotation limiting structure 32A can abut against the guide surface 21A2 and slide over the first limiting structure 21A along the same to allow the continuous counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2A.

According to other modified embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 30A-30C , the first limiting structure 21A may take different bump forms, such as a triangle shape ( FIG. 30A and FIG. 30B ) and a substantially trapezoidal shape ( FIG. 30C ), etc. In one form, the first limiting structure at least includes an abutment surface 21A1 and a guide surface 21A2. As shown in FIG. 30B , as long as the contact surface 21A1 and the guide surface 21A2 are included, the above-mentioned function of the first limiting structure 21A can be realized.

The second limiting structure 22A has a straight portion 22A1 substantially parallel to the radial direction and an inclined portion 22A2 inclined with respect to the radial direction. The straight portion 22A1 is further away from the rotation center than the inclined portion 22A2. The inclined portion 22A2 is inclined with respect to the radial direction, and is opposite to the inclined direction of the first limiting structure 21A.

When the storage device 2A rotates in the clockwise direction and the pusher 31A moves in the retracting direction, the guide posts 323A of the rotation limiting structure 32A can respectively abut against the straight portion 22A1 and the inclined portion 22A2 and slide along them, so as to realize the storage Intermittent stopping and guiding of the clockwise rotational movement of the device 2A.

In the radial direction, a gap exists between the adjacent first limiting structures 21A and the second limiting structures 22A for the guide posts 323A to pass through.

The third limiting structure 23A is provided in the form of an integral annular ring (eg, in the form of an annular wall) formed around the storage device 2A protruding in the axial direction (Z direction). For example, the second limiting structure 22A is connected to or integrally formed with the third limiting structure 23A. As mentioned above, this third limiting structure 23A is also not necessary.

Delivery cycle

This embodiment also follows the delivery cycle as described above for the previous embodiment.

In the initial state, the guide post 323A abuts against the abutment surface 21A1 of the first limiting structure 21A, preventing the clockwise rotation of the storage device 2A.

Then, in the advancing stage 1, the guide post 323A of the rotation limiting structure 32A moves along the pushing direction along with the pushing member 31A, and comes into contact with the outer side surface 21A3. Since the outer side surface 21A3 is inclined, the storage device 2A is allowed to rotate clockwise.

In the advancing stage 2, the guide post 323A is separated from the outer side surface 21A3, abuts against the straight portion 22A1 of the second limiting structure 22A, and continues to move in the pushing direction until blocked by the third limiting structure 23A and/or the pressure on the elastic member 35A Fully released to reach maximum length. The pushing member 31A continues to move in the pushing direction, and when it reaches the fully extended position, the dishwashing block is thrown out. Subsequently, the pusher 31A is moved in the retracting direction.

In the retraction stage 1, the guide post 323A is pushed away from the third limiting structure 23A in the retracting direction and/or starts to squeeze the elastic member 35A of the rotational limiting structure 32A, and moves along the straight portion 22A1 of the second limiting structure 22A again .

In the retracting stage 2, the guide post 323A continues to move in the retracting direction, and leaves the straight portion 22A1 of the second limiting structure 22A through the gap between the first limiting structure 21A and the second limiting structure 22A, and is connected to the second limiting structure 22A1. The angled portion of the bit structure 22A contacts and the memory device 2A is allowed to continue to rotate clockwise. The guide post 323A continues to move to the fully retracted position and comes into contact with the straight portion of the next second limit structure corresponding to the next storage compartment 20A, so that the storage device 2A stops rotating again, thus completing a dispensing cycle.

Dosing and reset operations

Similar to the previous embodiment, when the user pushes the storage device 2A in the counterclockwise direction after all the dishwashing blocks are placed, although the pusher 31A is in its fully retracted position, the guide post 323A of the rotation limiting structure 32A moves along the There is still a certain degree of freedom of movement in the extending/retracting direction (that is, the elastic member 35A still has a certain degree of freedom of expansion and contraction), so that during the counterclockwise movement of the storage device 2A, the guide post 323A is inclined along the first limiting structure 21A When the guide surface 21A2 slides, the rotation limiting structure 32A can slide along the retracting direction and compress the elastic member 35A, and the guide post 323A can pass over the first limiting structure 21A in contact with it after continuing to slide in the retracting direction for a certain distance. A guide surface of a first limiting structure contacts. Therefore, the guide post 323A can slide over each of the first limiting structures 21A, so that the counterclockwise rotation of the storage device 2A is not prevented.

The advantages of the above embodiment are:

1) The elastic buckle on the rotation limit structure is changed to a rigid guide column, which reduces the technological difficulty of the rotation limit structure. The elastic buckle of the rotation limit structure will undergo repeated deformation and is prone to fatigue fracture. After improvement, it will not face solving this problem.

2) The first and second limit structures on the storage device are changed to a slope structure, which makes the rotation of the storage device 2 more stable and smooth, which can reduce the rigid impact when the storage device rotates, which can not only reduce noise but also improve product life. .

other improvements

An end cover sealing member 7 is installed on the main housing 1, which is in contact with the first cover body 4 to achieve end face sealing; on the first cover body 4 is installed a push channel seal 8, which is in contact with the inner wall of the push channel , to achieve axial sealing, and at the same time, the push channel seal 8 has the function of cleaning the push channel when reciprocating along the X-axis direction.

This double seal makes the seal more reliable, wherein the cleaning action of the axial push channel seal 8 further protects the sealing surface of the end face seal. Solid detergents have much higher sealing requirements than liquid detergents, so reliable sealing is critical to solid detergent delivery systems.

In another exemplary embodiment, the structure of the storage compartment 20 is also modified. Taking the fifth storage compartment 20 of the storage device as an example (as shown in FIGS. 31A and B), the storage compartment 20 includes a first vertical wall 2051 and a second vertical wall 2052 facing parallel to the first vertical wall 2051, which helps The purpose is to guide the dishwashing block when the dishwashing block is put in, so that the dishwashing block does not touch the edge of the left opening of the push channel, so as to avoid the jamming phenomenon of the dishwashing block. This modification to the structure of storage compartment 20 may also be used for storage compartment 20A and/or storage compartment 20B described later.

The above functions are achieved without limiting the effective capacity of the storage compartment. Common dishwashing blocks are mostly cuboid or cuboid with spherical convex symmetrical structure. If the second vertical wall is not parallel to its opposite first vertical wall or parallel but the length is too large, the effective capacity of the storage compartment will be reduced, as shown in Figure 31C and Figure 3 31D is shown.

In addition, the arrangement of the second vertical wall 2052 also improves the structural strength and rigidity of the first vertical wall 2051 (the structure shown in FIG. 31E has both lack of guiding effect and poor structural strength).

32 to 35A-35B, the composition of a dishwashing block delivery system according to yet another embodiment is further described. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, some components or structures have substantially the same configurations and functions as those in the previous embodiment, and thus the same reference numerals are used, and the description is not repeated. Differences from the previous embodiments will be emphatically described later. Specifically, in this embodiment, structures or components corresponding to but differently constructed or closely related to those in the previous embodiments are distinguished by a suffix "B".

The dishwashing block delivery system according to this embodiment includes, for example, a main casing 1, a storage device 2B, a driving device 3B, a first cover 4, a dishwashing block sensor 5B, a first sealing member S1, a second sealing member S2, and fasteners, etc. The panel assembly covers the main housing 1, and has a feeding port for adding dishwashing blocks, a second cover for opening and closing the feeding port, and a dispensing port for throwing out the dishwashing blocks.

main housing

In the delivery area, a first seal S1 is provided around the push channel, which first seal S1 can cooperate with the first cover 4 connected to the push arm described later, so as to seal the push channel. For example, the first seal S1 may be installed in a groove around the outer wall of the push channel.

In the storage area, a rotating shaft is provided for inserting the shaft hole as shown in FIG. 37 to install the storage device 2B, and the storage device 2B can rotate around the rotating shaft after installation.

In addition, a dishwashing block sensor 5B can be arranged near the push channel 10, as shown in Fig. 34-Fig. 35B, for example, it is installed on the sensor mounting clip of the main housing (Fig. 35B), which can detect the proximity of the push channel 10 The presence of dishwashing blocks in the storage compartment. For example, the sensor is for example a microswitch having an operating handle which can be brought into a triggered state upon contact with the dishwasher block in the storage compartment and into a non-triggered state after disengagement from the dishwasher block. Therefore, according to the trigger state and the non-trigger state of the micro-switch, it is judged whether there are dishwashing blocks put in during the putting process, and then the counting of the dishwashing blocks can be realized. It should be understood that the dishwashing block sensor 5B may also be implemented by other forms of sensors, such as photoelectric counters or the like, as long as it can detect the presence of the dishwashing block in the storage compartment.

According to an exemplary improved embodiment, a cleaning port may also be provided on the lower side wall of the main casing 1 for cleaning wastes in the storage area, such as dishwashing block residues. It should be understood that "below" here refers to the direction of the Y axis in the drawings, or refers to the vertical direction when the dishwashing block delivery system works normally. When the delivery system is in normal operation, the cleaning port is sealed by the detachable second seal S2. After using for a certain period of time, the second seal S2 can be removed to open the cleaning port, and the dishwashing block residue in the storage area can be cleaned from the opening after opening. The mouth falls out of the delivery system.

storage device

36A-36D, the specific structure of the storage device 2B according to the present embodiment is further described. The storage device 2B is, for example, in the shape of a disk having a rotation center, which can be rotated in a rotation direction (hereinafter referred to as a clockwise direction) around the rotation center. It should be understood that the storage device may also be rotated in a counterclockwise direction according to different environments and situations of specific applications.

The storage device 2B includes:

A plurality of storage compartments 20B are formed by, for example, partitions 20B1, and the plurality of storage compartments form an annular row along the circumferential direction of the storage device 2B, and are arranged on the outermost periphery of the storage device 2B. In this embodiment, for example, 16 are evenly distributed. (In different embodiments, this number may vary) for storing dishwashing blocks, and each storage compartment can hold one dishwashing block.

The plurality of first stop structures are configured as a plurality of first guide grooves 21B forming annular rows in the circumferential direction of the storage device 2B, each of which is recessed in the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B, and each of which has a close rotation. a first end of the center (eg, on the left side of the enlarged view of FIG. 36A ) and a second end away from the center of rotation (eg, on the right side of the enlarged view of FIG. 36A );

The plurality of second limiting structures are configured as a plurality of second guide grooves 22B forming an annular row in the circumferential direction of the storage device 2B, each of which is recessed in the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B, and each of which has a close rotation. A first end of the center (eg, on the left side of the enlarged view of FIG. 36A ) and a second end away from the center of rotation (eg, on the right side of the enlarged view of FIG. 36A ).

Further, the plurality of first guide grooves 21B and the plurality of second guide grooves 22B are adjacent and alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, or in other words, the alternate arrangement makes each of the first guide grooves 21B and the two second guide grooves 22B in the circumferential direction. adjacent to and disposed between them, and each second guide groove 22B is also circumferentially adjacent to and disposed between the two first guide grooves 21B. The first end of each first guide groove 21B is adjacent to and communicated with the first end of the adjacent second guide groove 22B at the first border F1, and the second end of each first guide groove 21B is at the The second boundary F2 is adjacent to and communicated with the second end of another adjacent second guide groove 22B. There is an included angle between the adjacent first guide grooves 21B and the second guide grooves 22B to form a "herringbone" shape structure, or a zigzag structure. Each of the first guide groove 21B and the second guide groove 22B is generally inclined in different directions with respect to the radial direction of the storage device 2B (ie, the pushing direction/retracting direction of the pushing member 31B). Each storage compartment 20B has a first guide slot 21B and a second guide slot 22B corresponding thereto, or each storage compartment 20B is correspondingly composed of a first guide slot 21B and a second guide slot 22B guide groove pair.

In addition, in order to facilitate the above-mentioned throwing movement, the depth relationship between the first and second guide grooves is designed in another improved embodiment. At the first border F1, the depth of the first guide groove 21B is greater than that of the second guide groove 22B, and at the second border F2, the depth of the second guide groove 22B is greater than that of the first guide groove 21B. Through this arrangement, the rotation limiting structure 32B can be ensured to smoothly enter the corresponding first guide groove or the second guide groove at different stages of pushing and retracting described later, so as to avoid accidental entry into the wrong guide groove.

In addition, according to an exemplary form, near the second boundary F2, a portion of each of the first guide groove 21B and the second guide groove 22B is located in the corresponding storage compartment 20B, as shown in FIG. 36A, so that the rear The pushing member 31B and the rotation limiting structure 32B thereon can enter the storage compartment 20B along the guide groove, so as to smoothly push out the dishwashing block therein.

Due to this arrangement, when the later-described pusher 31B and the rotation limit structure 32B thereon move in the pushing direction for pushing the dishwashing block, the rotation limit structure 32B moves from the one corresponding to one storage compartment 20B from one to the other. The first end of the first guide groove 21B starts to move in the first guide groove 21B (as shown in FIG. 36B ). The storage device 2B rotates clockwise and contacts the dishwashing block (as shown in FIG. 36C ). At this time, the storage device 2B has turned a certain angle (for example, 5 degrees); as the pusher 31 and the rotation limit structure 32B further Push the dishwashing block in the pushing direction, and the storage device 2B also rotates further. When the storage device 2B rotates by a certain angle (for example, 6.25 degrees), the rotation limiting structure 32B reaches the second end of the first guide groove 21B (see FIG. 36D ). shown), and finally put the dishwashing block from the push channel to the delivery area. Subsequently, the rotation limiting structure 32B leaves the second end portion of the first guide groove 21B at the second boundary F2 and enters the second end portion of the second guide groove 22B communicating therewith.

After that, the pusher 31B moves in the second guide groove 22B in a retracting direction opposite to the push direction, and at the same time pushes on the second guide groove 22B, so that the storage device 2B is further rotated in the clockwise direction, for example, after turning 11.25 The post-rotation limiting structure 32B enters the first end of the first guide slot corresponding to the next storage compartment at the next first junction to be ready for the next drop.

With this structure, only the power from the driving device 3B can be used to realize the rotational driving of the storage device 2B through the linear motion of the rotation limiting structure 32B, thus compared with the dual-motor drive storage device and the pusher in the prior art. solution, the structure of the present disclosure is simpler and the cost is lower.

37-39 illustrate some improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure.

An improvement is that the first end (at the first boundary F1) of each first guide groove (21B) is provided with a first stop portion 21B1 extending from the first end toward the center of rotation substantially parallel to the radial direction , as shown in Figure 37. It should be understood that the first stop portion 21B1 is an extension of the first guide groove 21B, which is in communication with the first guide groove 21B, and therefore is also concave relative to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B, and the rotation limiting structure 32B can Moves in the first stopper portion 21B1. Compared with the solution in which the first stopper portion 21B1 is not provided, when the rotation limiting structure 32B described later is located in the first stopper portion 21B1, the storage device 2B can be more reliably prevented from shaking in the rotational direction.

Another improvement is that the second end (at the second boundary F2) of each second guide groove 22B is provided with a second end extending from the second end toward the corresponding storage compartment 20B and substantially parallel to the radial direction. Two stopper portions 22B1, as shown in FIG. 37 . It should be understood that the second stopper portion 22B1 is an extension of the second guide groove 22B, which is in communication with the second guide groove 22B, so it is also concave relative to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B, and the rotation limiting structure 32B can Moves in the second stopper portion 22B1.

Due to this improvement, the respective second ends of the first guide groove 21B and the second guide groove 22B are no longer located in the corresponding storage compartment 20B, and the second stopper portion 22B1 is located in the corresponding storage compartment 20B middle.

Although the embodiment of FIGS. 37-39 includes both of the above-mentioned modifications (first stop portion 21B1 and second stop portion 22B1 ), it should be understood that the first stop may be applied solely to the embodiment of FIGS. 36A-36D . The movable part 21B1 or the second stop part 22B1 is applied separately.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 37 to 39 , when the pushing member 31B and the rotation limiting structure 32B on it to be described later move along the pushing direction for pushing the dishwashing block, the rotation limiting structure 32B is stored The first stop portion 21B1 at a first guide groove 21B of the compartment 20B moves out and into the first guide groove 21B and pushes on the first guide groove 21B to rotate the storage device 2B in a clockwise direction; With the further movement of the pushing member 31B in the pushing direction, the rotation limiting structure 32B will leave the second end of the first guide groove 21B at the second boundary F2 and enter the second end of the second guide groove 22B connected to it. The stopper portion 22B1 temporarily stops the rotation of the storage device 2B in the clockwise direction; the pusher 31B continues to move in the pusher direction in the second stopper portion 22B1 to push the dishwashing block and drop it from the pusher channel to the delivery area .

After casting, the pusher 31B moves in the retraction direction opposite to the push direction in the second stopper portion 22B1, from which the second stopper portion 22B1 will enter the second guide groove 22B and push on it, causing the storage device 2B to move along the second guide groove 22B again. Rotate clockwise until the rotation limiting structure 32B enters the first end of the first guide groove 21Bn corresponding to the next storage compartment 20B at the next first boundary F1n, and then enters the first stop portion 21B1n to The rotation of the storage device 2B is stopped again (as shown in FIG. 51 ). It should be understood that although the next first junction is labeled F1n, this is for descriptive convenience only, and that each first junction is substantially the same.

Through this arrangement, during the one-time throwing process of the dishwashing block, the intermittent motion of the storage device 2B is realized, so that the dishwashing block is put in in stages, and a more stable and smooth throwing is realized.

Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 36A-36D , in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 37-39 , at the first boundary F1, the depth of the first guide groove 21B is greater than the depth of the second guide groove 22B, and at the first boundary F1 At the second boundary F2, the depth of the second guide groove 22B is greater than the depth of the first guide groove 21B.

drive

40-43, the driving device 3B is provided at the rotation center, and for example mainly includes: a gear set 30, a pushing member 31B, a rotation limiting structure 32B, a casing 33, a casing cover 331, a position sensor 34, an elastic A member 35B (eg, a spring), a drive motor 36, and the like.

The gear set 30 is driven by the drive motor 36 to be able to drive the pusher 31B through the engagement between the output gear 301 of the gearset 30 and the rack 311 on the pusher 31B.

Similar to the previous embodiment, the pusher 31B is configured for reciprocating linear motion in the push direction and the retraction direction opposite to the push direction, and includes a push arm 312B extending perpendicular to and toward the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B. The push arm 312B includes an inner cavity 3121B for accommodating the rotation limiting structure 32B and the elastic member 35B described below.

The pusher 31B also includes a first detection position 313 and a second detection position 314 for detecting the fully retracted position (as shown in FIG. 36B or FIG. 44 ) and the fully extended position (as shown in FIG. 36B or FIG. Figure 36D or Figure 50).

According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotation limiting structure 32B is provided so as to be able to follow the movement of the pusher 31B in the first guide groove 21B (and the first stop part 21B1 ) and the second guide groove 22B (and the second stop part 21B ) 22B1) to achieve the push of the dishwashing block while driving the rotational movement of the storage device 2B.

Preferably, the rotation limiting structure 32B is, for example, formed as a cylinder, which is disposed in the inner cavity 3121B of the push arm 312B together with the elastic member 35B, so that the elastic member 35B exerts the inner cavity toward the storage device 2B on the rotation limiting structure 32B. The force of the bottom surface, so that the rotation limit structure 32B is always located in the first guide groove 21B (and the first stop part 21B1) and the second guide groove 22B (and the second stop part 22B1 during the delivery of the dishwashing block) )middle.

Next, a delivery cycle for a dishwashing block delivery system according to the present disclosure to drop a dishwashing block, such as the dishwashing block in storage compartment No. 1 20B, will be described with respect to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 37-39 . The delivery cycle is roughly divided into an initial state, a forward phase, a delivery phase, and a return to the initial state.

initial state

Figures 44-45 show the dishwashing block delivery system in the initial state of the delivery cycle in cross-section, with the dishwashing block hidden in Figure 44. At this time, the driving device 3 is in a standby state, and the pushing member 31B is in its fully retracted position; the first cover 4 is also in its fully retracted position, and cooperates with the first sealing member S1 to seal the pushing channel; the rotation limiting structure 32B is in its fully retracted position. In the first stopper portion 21B1, the storage device 2B thus remains stationary. Moreover, the position sensor 34 senses the first detection position 313 of the pusher 31, thereby determining that the state at this time is the initial state.

advance stage

Figures 46-48 show the advancing stages of the delivery cycle in cross-sectional views at various levels.

As shown in FIG. 46 , the driving device 3B drives the pushing member 31B and its pushing arm 312B to start to move in the pushing direction through its driving gear, and the rotation limiting structure 32B follows the pushing arm 312B to also move in the pushing direction, so as to start from the first stop The movable portion 21B1 enters the first guide groove 21B.

As shown in FIG. 47 , as the rotation limiting structure 32B moves further in the pushing direction in the first guide groove 21B, and exerts a pushing force on the first guide groove 21B, the storage device 2B is pushed to rotate clockwise.

As shown in FIG. 48 , as the pushing member 31B further moves in the pushing direction, the rotation limiting structure 32B leaves the first guide groove 21B at the second boundary F2 and enters the second stop portion 22B1 of the second guide groove 22B, The rotation of the storage device 2B is temporarily stopped.

throwing stage

Figures 49-50 show the dispensing phase of the dispensing cycle in cross-sectional views at various levels.

The driving device 3B continues to drive the pushing member 31B to move in the pushing direction, and the rotation limiting structure 32B continues to move in the pushing direction in the second stop portion 22B1 until the pushing member 31B reaches the fully extended position, and the dishwashing block is pushed out from the pushing channel And rely on gravity to fall to the sliding channel. At this time, the position sensor 34 detects the second detection position 314 on the pusher 31B, thereby determining that the pusher 31B has been in its fully extended position and the dishwashing block has been dropped.

In this stage, since the rotation limiting structure 32B is always located in the second stop portion 22B1, the storage device 2B does not rotate. Thereafter, the pusher 31 will move in a retracting direction opposite to the pushing direction.

return to initial state

As the pusher 31 moves in the retracting direction, the rotation limiting structure 32B also moves in the retracting direction in the second stopper portion 22B1, and after entering into the second guiding groove 22B, exerts a pushing force on the second guiding groove 22B to Push the storage device 2B again to rotate in the clockwise direction.

Referring back to FIGS. 48 and 39, since at the second boundary F2, the depth of the corresponding first guide groove 21B corresponding to the storage compartment 20B (eg, storage compartment No. 1) is smaller than the depth of the corresponding second guide groove 22B , during the movement of the push arm 31B from the second stopper portion 22B1 to the second guide slot 22B after the ejection stage, the rotation limiting structure 32B will not be separated from the second guide slot 22B or the second stopper portion 22B1, so that the Push the storage device 2B to turn clockwise.

The rotation limiting structure 32B then passes through the next first boundary F1n, and enters the first guide groove 21Bn and the first stop portion 21B1n corresponding to the next adjacent storage compartment (eg, storage compartment No. 2). The storage device 2B can stop rotating again in preparation for the next delivery of the dishwashing block, see FIG. 51 .

Since the depth of the first guide slot 21Bn corresponding to the next storage compartment (eg, storage compartment No. 2) at the first boundary F1n is greater than the depth of the second guide slot corresponding to the current storage compartment (eg, storage compartment No. 1) The depth of 22B is larger, which can ensure that the rotation limiting structure 32B falls into the next first guide groove 21Bn after being separated from the current second guide groove 22B.

So far, the storage device 2B has rotated clockwise by an angle corresponding to one storage compartment (for example, the storage compartment No. 1) (for example, if there are n storage compartments, the storage device has rotated 360/n after one release cycle). Spend).

Dosing and reset operations

After all the dishwashing blocks have been delivered, the user can add dishwashing blocks to the storage device 2B.

For example, the user can simply remove the panel assembly to reveal the full storage compartment 20B for quick addition of dishwashing blocks; or the storage device 2B can be manually rotated and the storage compartment of the storage device 2B can be accessed through the refill port on the panel assembly Add dishwashing blocks to 20B.

In the latter case, in order to facilitate the rotation of the storage device 2B, a slope 21B1i may be provided on each of the first stopper portions 21B1, as shown in FIG. 52 . Specifically, one or both sides of the first stopper portion 21B1 in the radial direction are arranged to be inclined with respect to the inner bottom surface of the storage device 2B, so that when the storage device 2B is manually rotated, the rotation limiting structure 32B can resist elasticity The action of the member 35 moves on the inclined side and slides out of the first stop part 21B1 to enter the next first stop part, so that the storage device 2B can be smoothly moved clockwise and/or counterclockwise rotate.

In the embodiment of Fig. 52 only one such inclined side is provided, in which case only the storage device 2B is allowed to rotate in a clockwise direction.

other improvements

While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, other changes may be made to the present disclosure.

For example, it is not necessary to provide an elastic member for the rotation limit structure, but the push member can be set as a flexible rod with certain flexibility and integrally formed with the rotation limit structure, that is, it has a certain degree of elasticity in the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the storage device Deformation ability, so as to ensure that the rotation limit structure can reliably move in the first and second guide grooves without disengagement during the throwing cycle, and when the storage device is manually rotated, the rotation limit structure can be due to the elastic deformation of the pusher. The ramp of one stop portion moves to the next first stop portion.

According to a further improvement, rolling elements (such as rollers, spheres) can also be provided at the end of the rotation limiting structure, which can roll along the inner walls and/or bottom walls of the first and second guide grooves to facilitate rotation The movement of the limiting structure in the two guide grooves. Alternatively, the parts of the rotation limiting structure in contact with the first and second guide grooves are set to be mutually lubricated by coating or material selection, so as to reduce friction and facilitate relative sliding between them.

In addition, although the depth difference between the first and second guide grooves as described above is provided at the first junction and the second junction, the depth difference can also be omitted, as long as the rotation limiting structure can reliably be It is enough to move in the first and second guide grooves without shaking. For example, a biasing mechanism may be provided for the storage device and its rotation direction, so as to apply a biasing force to the storage device in a clockwise direction, for example, so that the storage device always has a tendency to rotate clockwise, so as to avoid the storage device in the clockwise direction during the delivery process. Shake between the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, thereby ensuring that the rotation limiting structure of the pusher can correctly enter the second guide groove from the first guide groove or enter the first guide groove from the second guide groove. Or a ratchet and ratchet structure can be added to the storage device, so that during the throwing process, the storage device only rotates in a clockwise direction, and when it needs to move in a counterclockwise direction (for example, when a dishwashing block is to be added), the ratchet structure is released. function, enabling the storage device to be oriented in a counter-clockwise and/or clockwise direction.

The dishwashing block delivery system of this embodiment can only use the power from the driving device to realize the rotational driving of the storage device through the interaction between the rotation limiting structure and the guide groove, thereby providing a simpler structure and lower cost. Technical solutions.

According to the present disclosure, the pushing member of the driving device and the rotation limiting structure thereon interact with the first and second limiting structures (first and second guide grooves) to realize the delivery of the dishwashing block, that is, in different The movement phase of the restricts the rotational position of the storage device driven by other power sources or actively drives the storage device to rotate, realizing the operation of delivering the dishwashing block from the corresponding storage compartment.

The above descriptions are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure, which is determined by the appended claims. Although the present disclosure has given some embodiments to describe the principles of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art can make modifications and changes to the related structures and components according to the principles of the present disclosure, which still fall within the scope of the present disclosure, and differ from Various features of the embodiments may be combined with each other without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (20)

1. A dishwashing block delivery system, comprising:

   main shell;

   a storage device formed in the shape of a disk having a center of rotation;

   storage devices, including:

   a plurality of storage compartments, which form an annular row along the circumference of the storage device and are arranged on the outermost periphery of the storage device;

   a plurality of first limiting structures, circumferentially forming annular rows along the inner bottom surface of the storage device;

   a plurality of second limiting structures, circumferentially forming annular rows along the inner bottom surface of the storage device;

   Wherein, each storage compartment corresponds to a corresponding one of the plurality of first limit structures and a corresponding one of the second limit structures of the plurality of second limit structures, and rotates relative to the first direction, the corresponding one of the first limiting structures is arranged downstream and the corresponding one of the second limiting structures is arranged upstream;

   drive unit with:

   The push piece is set to be capable of reciprocating linear motion along the push direction and the retraction direction opposite to the push direction;

   The rotation limit structure is set to follow the movement of the pusher;

   Wherein, in the process that the pusher moves along the push direction to push the dishwashing block in a storage compartment and the storage device rotates along the first rotation direction, the rotation limit structure first interacts with the corresponding first limit structure of the storage compartment interact and then interact with the corresponding second restraint structure of the storage compartment.
2. The dishwashing block delivery system of claim 1, wherein

   The plurality of first limiting structures are configured as a plurality of first guide grooves, each of which is recessed in an inner bottom surface of the storage device, and each of the plurality of first guide grooves having a first end near the center of rotation and a second end away from the center of rotation;

   The plurality of second limiting structures are configured as a plurality of second guide grooves, each of which is recessed in an inner bottom surface of the storage device, and each of the plurality of second guide grooves having a first end near the center of rotation and a second end away from the center of rotation;

   The plurality of first guide grooves and the plurality of second guide grooves are adjacent and alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, so that the first end of each first guide groove is at the first junction with the first end of the adjacent one of the second guide grooves The second end of each first guide groove is adjacent and communicated with the second end of the adjacent other second guide groove at the second junction, and the adjacent first guide grooves are adjacent and communicated with each other. and the second guide groove to form a "herringbone" shape structure, and,

   The rotation limiting structure is arranged to be able to follow the movement of the pusher to move in the first guide groove and the second guide groove.
3. 3. The dishwashing block delivery system of claim 2, wherein the depth of the first guide groove is greater than the depth of the second guide groove at the first junction, and the depth of the second guide groove is greater than the depth of the second guide groove at the second junction The depth of a guide groove.
4. The dishwashing block delivery system of any one of claims 2-3, wherein the first end of each first guide groove is provided with a first end extending parallel to the radial direction from the first end towards the center of rotation A first stop part, and the rotation limiting structure can move in the first stop part.
5. 5. The dishwashing block delivery system of claim 4, wherein one or both sides of each first stop portion in the radial direction are arranged to be inclined with respect to the inner bottom surface of the storage device.
6. 5. A dishwashing block delivery system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second end of each second channel is provided from the second end towards the corresponding storage compartment and parallel to A second stop portion extending in the radial direction, and the rotation limiting structure can move in the second stop portion.
7. The dishwashing block delivery system of any one of claims 2-6, wherein,

   The pushing member includes a pushing arm, which is perpendicular to the inner bottom surface of the storage device and extends toward it, and the pushing arm includes an inner cavity for accommodating the rotation limiting structure and an elastic member;

   The elastic member exerts a force toward the inner bottom surface of the storage device on the rotation limiting structure.
8. The dishwashing block delivery system of claim 1, further comprising:

   an elastic energy accumulator connecting the storage device to the main housing to apply a force along the first rotational direction to the storage device;

   the plurality of first limiting structures are arranged to be close to the rotation center in the radial direction;

   The plurality of second limiting structures are disposed between the annular rows formed by the plurality of first limiting structures and the annular rows formed by the plurality of storage compartments;

   Wherein, in the process that the pusher moves along the push direction to push the dishwashing block in a storage compartment and the storage device rotates along the first rotation direction, the rotation limit structure is first connected with the corresponding first limit structure of the storage compartment. Abutting to limit the rotation of the storage device in the first rotational direction, and then abutting with the corresponding second limiting structure of the storage compartment to again limit the rotation of the storage device in the first rotational direction.
9. The dishwashing block delivery system of claim 8, wherein

   The plurality of first limiting structures are arranged as wedge-shaped blocks protruding from the inner bottom surface of the storage device, which include an abutting surface and a pressing surface, and relative to the first rotation direction, the abutting surface is arranged downstream, and the pressing surface is set upstream;

   The rotation limit structure includes:

   The elastic buckle is arranged to extend from one end of the rotation limiting structure toward the inner bottom surface of the storage device;

   The elastic buckle further includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface, the first contact surface is disposed downstream with respect to the first rotation direction, and the second contact surface is disposed upstream and inclined relative to the inner bottom surface of the storage device;

   Wherein, when the storage device rotates in the first rotation direction, the first contact surface can abut with the abutment surface of the wedge-shaped block; when the storage device rotates in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the second contact surface The surface can be elastically deformed in contact with the pressing surface to slide over the wedge-shaped block.
10. The dishwashing block delivery system of claim 8, wherein:

    The rotation limit structure includes a guide column at one end thereof;

    Each of the plurality of first limiting structures is formed as a protrusion protruding from the inner bottom surface of the storage device, and has an abutting surface and a guiding surface;

    When the storage device rotates in the first rotation direction and the push member moves in the push direction, the guide columns of the rotation limit structure can respectively abut against the abutting surfaces and slide over the first limit structure along the same; and

    When the storage device rotates along the second rotation direction, the guide column of the rotation limit structure can abut with the guide surface and slide over the first limit structure along the same;

    The plurality of second limiting structures have a straight portion parallel to the radial direction and an inclined portion inclined with respect to the radial direction, the straight portion being farther away from the rotation center than the inclined portion;

    When the storage device rotates in the first rotation direction and the pusher moves in the retracting direction, the guide posts of the rotation limiting structure can respectively abut against the straight portion and the inclined portion and slide along the same.
11. The dishwashing block delivery system according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the rotation limiting structure comprises: an elastic member mounting portion provided at the other end thereof, and the rotation limiting structure is installed by being mounted on the elastic member The elastic member on the upper part is connected to the housing of the drive device or the main housing.
12. The dishwashing block delivery system according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the storage device further comprises: a plurality of third limiting structures, circumferentially forming an annular row along the inner bottom surface of the storage device, and disposed on the between the annular rows formed by the plurality of second limiting structures and the annular rows formed by the plurality of storage compartments;

    Wherein, the plurality of third limit structures can limit the movement of the rotation limit structures along the pushing direction.
13. The dishwashing block delivery system according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the dishwashing block delivery system further comprises a storage device limiting member, which is rotatably mounted on a position provided on the main housing. on the rotating shaft and between the first protrusion and the second protrusion protruding from the main casing;

    The storage device further includes a fourth limiting structure protruding from the outer bottom surface of the storage device,

    Wherein, when the storage device rotates along the first rotation direction and rotates along the second rotation direction, the fourth limiting structure can cooperate with the limiting member of the storage device to limit the rotation of the storage device.
14. The dishwashing block delivery system of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the storage compartment includes a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall facing parallel to the first vertical wall.
15. The dishwashing block delivery system of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the driving device further comprises:

    a first detection position and a second detection position provided on the pusher, and

    A position sensor capable of detecting the first detection position and the second detection position.
16. The dishwashing block delivery system according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the pushing member is provided as a flexible rod and is integrally formed with the rotation limiting structure.
17. The dishwashing block delivery system of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the main housing comprises a storage area for accommodating the storage device and a delivery area for delivering the dishwashing blocks, and the storage area and the delivery area Connect via push channel.
18. 18. The dishwashing block delivery system of claim 17, wherein the dishwashing block delivery system further comprises a dishwashing block sensor disposed near the push channel, which is capable of detecting dishwashing blocks in the storage compartment near the push channel The presence.
19. The dishwashing block delivery system according to claim 18, wherein the dishwashing block sensor is a micro switch, which has an operating handle, and when the operating handle is in contact with the dishwashing block, the micro switch enters a trigger state, and when the operating handle is in contact with the dishwashing block Enters a non-triggered state when not in contact with the dishwashing block.
20. 18. A dishwashing block delivery system as claimed in claim 17, wherein, in the delivery area, a first seal is provided around the push channel, the first seal being able to cooperate with a first cover connected to the push member to allow Push channel seal.

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