Anti-toppling system and storage cabinet

Abstract

The application provides a kind of anti-toppling system and storage cabinet, belongs to the technical field of cabinet anti-toppling.The anti-toppling system includes: sensing device, for sensing the height, quantity and weight of the target drawer extracted from the cabinet;And anti-toppling mechanism, for controlling the corresponding degree of support to the cabinet according to the height, quantity and weight of the target drawer.The application also provides a storage cabinet comprising the above anti-toppling system.The anti-toppling system of the application can effectively and accurately protect the cabinet from toppling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cabinet anti-tipping technology, and in particular to an anti-tipping system and a storage cabinet. Background Technology

[0002] A sideboard is a common piece of furniture. Due to its placement, its depth is smaller than that of a freezer or refrigerator, resulting in a flatter shape. This makes it prone to tipping forward when the drawers are open or under heavy load, posing a significant danger, especially if children are in the home climbing or pressing on them.

[0003] In existing technologies, anti-tipping frames are installed around the cabinet to prevent it from tipping over. These frames are usually fixed in place, which takes up space when not in use and is not conducive to layout. Furthermore, the fixed installation cannot be adapted to the current state of the cabinet, and therefore cannot accurately protect the cabinet based on its condition. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of the first aspect of this invention is to provide an anti-tipping system that can effectively and accurately prevent cabinets from tipping over.

[0005] A further objective of this invention is to improve reliability.

[0006] A further objective of this invention is to save space.

[0007] Another objective of this invention is to prevent the cabinet from tipping over in a timely manner.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is to provide a locker that includes the above-described anti-tipping system.

[0009] Specifically, the present invention provides an anti-tipping system, comprising:

[0010] Sensors are used to detect the height, number, and weight of the target drawers that are being pulled out of the cabinet; and

[0011] The anti-tipping mechanism is used to control the degree of support of the cabinet according to the height, number and weight of the target drawers.

[0012] Optionally, the sensing device includes one or more of an infrared sensor, an accelerometer, and a sector switch located at each drawer.

[0013] Optionally, the anti-tipping mechanism includes:

[0014] Electromagnets and iron cores are respectively installed in the main body of the cabinet and the wall, for controlled attraction and separation.

[0015] Optionally, the electromagnet is located at the bottom of the main body.

[0016] Optionally, the anti-tipping mechanism also includes a fixed shell and a spring. The fixed shell is fixed to the wall, and the spring is located inside the fixed shell with its two ends connected to the fixed shell and the iron core, respectively.

[0017] Optionally, the number of anti-tipping mechanisms is multiple, and the attraction force of the electromagnets and iron cores and / or the number of electromagnets and iron cores attracted are determined in a controlled manner according to the height, number and weight of the target drawer.

[0018] Optionally, the anti-tipping mechanism includes:

[0019] Electric motor;

[0020] A gear and rack mechanism includes a mating gear and a rack, wherein the gear is connected to the output shaft of a motor so that the motor drives the gear to rotate;

[0021] The retractable legs can move towards the front of the cabinet relative to the cabinet body, and the retractable legs are fixedly connected to the rack and pinion.

[0022] The motor is used to control the rotation angle of its output according to the height, number and weight of the target drawer, so as to control the extension length of the retractable legs.

[0023] Optionally, an adjustment block is provided at the bottom of the front end of the telescopic leg for adjusting the height of the telescopic leg.

[0024] Optionally, the bottom of the retractable legs is also equipped with casters that can roll along the front and back of the cabinet.

[0025] In particular, the present invention also provides a storage cabinet, including a cabinet body and an anti-tipping system of any of the above.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by sensing the height, number, and weight of the target drawers that are pulled out of the cabinet, the change in the force on the cabinet can be determined. When necessary, the anti-tipping mechanism can be activated and controlled to provide appropriate support to the cabinet, thereby providing effective and accurate anti-tipping protection for the cabinet.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensing device includes one or more of an infrared sensor, an accelerometer, and a sector switch disposed at each drawer, so as to be sensed in a timely manner when the drawer is pulled out. The arrangement of multiple sensors also improves the reliability of the signal, so as to more accurately measure the state of the drawer.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by setting a spring between the iron core and the fixed shell, the iron core can be kept inside the fixed shell when not attracted by the electromagnet, thus preventing the formation of a bulge and ensuring both aesthetics and safety hazards. Furthermore, this type of anti-tipping mechanism occupies a small volume, making it widely applicable, and particularly suitable for small sideboards.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by setting multiple anti-tipping mechanisms, the current cabinet state can be matched by controlling the attraction force of the electromagnets, and the magnitude of the force exerted by the anti-tipping mechanism on the cabinet can be controlled by controlling the number of electromagnets and iron cores currently engaged, thereby more accurately stabilizing the cabinet and preventing it from tipping over.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the retractable support leg forms a pull-out connection with the cabinet along the depth direction of the cabinet. The motor, as the drive source, drives the gear to rotate, and the gear drives the rack and the retractable support leg to move together. By controlling the output angle of the motor, the extension length of the retractable support leg relative to the cabinet can be controlled, thereby forming different degrees of support and thus accurately preventing the cabinet from tipping over.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by providing an adjustable block that can adjust the height, the retractable legs can better match the ground height and better support the cabinet when they need to be extended.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the retractable leg is also provided with a roller that can roll along the front and rear direction of the cabinet. The roller can make the extension of the retractable leg smoother, so as to realize the rapid extension of the retractable leg and thus prevent the cabinet from tipping over in time.

[0033] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an anti-tipping system installed in a cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an anti-tipping mechanism of an anti-tipping system according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the anti-tipping mechanism is installed in the cabinet.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anti-tipping mechanism of the anti-tipping system according to another embodiment of the present invention when it is installed in the cabinet;

[0040] Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of the anti-tipping mechanism of an anti-tipping system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0042] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0043] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically stated, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0044] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "coupling," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or it can include contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. That is, in the description of this embodiment, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," or "below" of the second feature can mean the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0046] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the description of this embodiment have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an anti-tipping system installed in cabinet 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The cabinet 200 in the diagram only schematically shows one top drawer 30. (See also:) Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment, the anti-tipping system includes a sensing device 10 and an anti-tipping mechanism 20. The sensing device 10 senses the height, number, and weight of the target drawers that are being pulled out of the cabinet 200. For example, the sensing device 10 can be a sensor installed at each drawer 30. The height of the target drawer can also be determined by analyzing the data from the sensing device 10. For example, the height of each drawer 30 can be stored in the controller, and the position of the sensing device 10 can be correlated with the height of each drawer 30, thus determining the height of the drawer 30 based on the position of the sensing device 10. The anti-tipping mechanism 20 controls the degree of support provided to the cabinet 200 based on the height, number, and weight of the target drawers. The anti-tipping mechanism 20 can be any mechanism that automatically opens to prevent the cabinet 200 from tipping over, such as a device for fixing the cabinet 200 to a wall, or a device that effectively supports the cabinet 200. By obtaining the height, number, and weight of the target drawers, the output of the anti-tipping mechanism 20 can be adjusted accordingly, such as the magnitude of the fixing force and the length of the support arm.

[0048] In this embodiment, by sensing the height, number, and weight of the target drawers pulled out of the cabinet 200, the change in force on the cabinet 200 can be determined. When necessary, the anti-tipping mechanism 20 can be activated and controlled to provide appropriate support to the cabinet 200, such as controlling the aforementioned fixing force and support arm, thereby providing effective and accurate anti-tipping protection for the cabinet 200.

[0049] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of point A. In one embodiment, the sensing device 10 includes an infrared sensor, an accelerometer, and a sector switch 11 disposed at each drawer 30 (see [reference]). Figure 2 One or more of the following sensors can be used to sense when drawer 30 is pulled out. The use of multiple sensors also improves the reliability of the signal, allowing for more accurate measurement of the state of drawer 30.

[0050] Specifically, the number, weight, and height of the target drawers can be determined by the controller in conjunction with each sensing device 10. For example, infrared sensors and weight sensors are installed at each drawer 30 of the cabinet 200, with each sensor corresponding to each drawer 30 and connected to the controller. For instance, the cabinet 200 has a first drawer 30, a second drawer 30, a third drawer 30, and a fourth drawer 30 from top to bottom. The first drawer 30 is equipped with a first infrared sensor and a first weight sensor, the second drawer 30 is equipped with a second infrared sensor and a second weight sensor, the third drawer 30 is equipped with a third infrared sensor and a third weight sensor, and the fourth drawer 30 is equipped with a fourth infrared sensor and a fourth weight sensor. When the first drawer 30 and the third drawer 30 are pulled out, the first infrared sensor, the third infrared sensor, the first weight sensor, and the third weight sensor transmit information to the controller. The controller determines the height and weight of the pulled-out drawer 30 based on the information, then calculates the torque generated on the cabinet 200 due to the pull-out of the drawer 30, and then obtains the target value. This target value is determined according to the type of anti-tipping mechanism 20, such as the fixing force and the size of the support arm.

[0051] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point B. (See image below.) Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism 20 includes an electromagnet 211 and an iron core 212, respectively disposed at the main body 40 of the cabinet 200 and the wall, for controlled engagement and disengagement. Here, the main body 40 of the cabinet 200 is the part used to form a pull-out connection with the drawer 30. Of course, the electromagnet 211 can also be disposed at the wall, and the iron core 212 can be disposed at the main body 40 of the cabinet 200, depending on the convenience of the placement. However, since the electromagnet 211 needs to be connected to a power cord, if it is disposed at the wall, a power cord also needs to be installed, resulting in significant modifications to the wall. If the cabinet 200 is replaced, significant modifications to the wall are also required. If the electromagnet 211 is disposed inside the cabinet 200, and if the cabinet 200 itself has a power source, the power source inside the cabinet 200 can be used to power the electromagnet 211, minimizing modifications to the wall.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the electromagnet 211 is disposed at the bottom of the main body 40 (in conjunction with...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 Specifically, it can be set at the cabinet support plate 50 of the main body 40, and correspondingly, the iron core 212 is also set at the bottom of the wall.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an anti-tipping mechanism 20 of an anti-tipping system according to an embodiment of the present invention, when it is installed in a cabinet 200. Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism 20 further includes a fixed shell 213 and a spring 214. The fixed shell 213 is fixed to the wall, and the spring 214 is disposed inside the fixed shell 213, with its two ends connected to the fixed shell 213 and the iron core 212, respectively. The fixed shell 213 can be installed in an installation hole opened in the wall. The shape of the fixed shell 213 is not limited here; it can be a cylinder as shown in the figure, or a cuboid or other shapes.

[0054] Initially, the iron core 212 is located inside the fixed shell 213, thus preventing a protrusion from forming on the wall and causing safety hazards, such as easy kicking. When a situation arises where it is necessary to prevent tipping, the electromagnet 211 is energized and generates magnetism, attracting the iron core 212. The iron core 212 is pulled out against the force of the spring 214. When the situation requiring tipping prevention ends, such as when the drawer 30 is retracted, the electromagnet 211 is de-energized, losing its magnetic force, and the iron core 212 is pulled back to its original position by the spring 214.

[0055] This embodiment uses a spring 214 positioned between the iron core 212 and the fixed shell 213 to keep the iron core 212 within the fixed shell 213 when not attracted by the electromagnet 211, preventing it from protruding and ensuring both aesthetics and safety. Furthermore, this type of anti-tipping mechanism 20 occupies a small space, making it widely applicable, especially suitable for small sideboards.

[0056] In another embodiment, there are multiple anti-tipping mechanisms 20, and the attraction force of electromagnets 211 and iron cores 212 and / or the number of electromagnets 211 and iron cores 212 attracted are determined in a controlled manner according to the height, number and weight of the target drawer.

[0057] The aforementioned pairs of electromagnets 211 and iron cores 212 can be arranged in multiple sets. For example, electromagnets 211 can be arranged symmetrically on the sides and back of the cabinet 200, with multiple sets on both sides and the back as well. If the sides do not have the necessary conditions for installation (e.g., no wall or fixing components), multiple electromagnets 211 can be installed only on the back door of the cabinet 200. On one hand, the magnitude of the force exerted by the anti-tipping mechanism 20 on the cabinet 200 can be controlled by controlling the attraction force of the electromagnets 211. On the other hand, the magnitude of the force exerted by the anti-tipping mechanism 20 on the cabinet 200 can also be controlled by controlling the number of currently engaged electromagnets 211 and iron cores 212, so that the current force matches the current state of the cabinet 200. That is, the number of pairs of electromagnets 211 and iron cores 212 to be engaged is determined according to the number, height, and weight of the target drawers, so as to accurately and effectively control the cabinet 200 to remain stable and prevent it from tipping over.

[0058] This embodiment sets up multiple anti-tipping mechanisms 20. The current state of the cabinet 200 can be matched by controlling the attraction force of the electromagnet 211. The magnitude of the force exerted by the anti-tipping mechanism 20 on the cabinet 200 can also be controlled by controlling the number of electromagnets 211 and iron cores 212 currently engaged. This allows for more precise stabilization of the cabinet 200 and prevention of it from tipping over.

[0059] In one embodiment, when the sensing device 10 senses that one or more drawers 30 have been pulled out, the torque on the cabinet 200 can be calculated based on the weight of each drawer 30 and its height. Furthermore, the torque can be calculated based on the state where the drawer 30 is fully pulled out (at which time the tilting force of the cabinet 200 is the greatest). Then, the magnetic attraction force and the number of electromagnets 211 and iron cores 212 that are engaged are controlled based on the torque, thereby reliably preventing the cabinet 200 from tipping over.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anti-tipping mechanism 20 of the anti-tipping system according to another embodiment of the present invention when it is installed in the cabinet 200. Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of the anti-tipping mechanism 20 of an anti-tipping system according to another embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism 20 includes a motor 221, a gear and rack mechanism, and a retractable support leg 224. The gear and rack mechanism includes a mating gear 222 and a rack 223. The gear 222 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 221 so that the motor 221 drives the gear 222 to rotate. The retractable support leg 224 is movable relative to the cabinet 200 toward the front of the cabinet 200, and the retractable support leg 224 is fixedly connected to the rack 223. The motor 221 controls the rotation angle of its output according to the height, number, and weight of the target drawer to control the extension length of the retractable support leg 224.

[0061] In this embodiment, the retractable support leg 224 is connected to the cabinet 200 in a pull-out manner along the depth direction of the cabinet 200. The motor 221 drives the gear 222 to rotate, and the gear 222 drives the rack 223 and the retractable support leg 224 to move together. By controlling the output rotation angle of the motor 221, the extension length of the retractable support leg 224 relative to the cabinet 200 can be controlled, thereby forming different degrees of support and thus accurately preventing the cabinet 200 from tipping over.

[0062] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5As shown, an adjusting block 225 is provided at the bottom of the front end of the retractable support leg 224 for adjusting the height of the retractable support leg 224. For example, the adjusting block 225 and the retractable support leg 224 are connected by a thread. By turning the adjusting block 225, the vertical distance between the adjusting block 225 and the retractable support leg 224 can be controlled, so that the retractable support leg 224 can better support the cabinet 200. This adjustment can be made during the installation of the cabinet 200.

[0063] This embodiment uses an adjustable block 225 to adjust the height, so that the retractable legs 224 can better match the ground height and better support the cabinet 200 when they need to be extended.

[0064] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the bottom of the retractable support leg 224 is also provided with a roller 226 that can roll along the front and back direction of the cabinet 200.

[0065] In this embodiment, the rollers 226 allow the retractable legs 224 to extend more smoothly, enabling the retractable legs 224 to extend quickly and thus preventing the cabinet 200 from tipping over.

[0066] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, the retractable leg 224 is movably disposed within the C-shaped bracket 227, which is fixed to the bottom of the cabinet support plate 50. The C-shaped bracket 227 has an open side and a closed side arranged opposite to each other in its width direction. The closed side may be provided with multiple rollers 228 to facilitate the movement of the retractable leg relative to the C-shaped bracket 227. A rack 223 is fixedly disposed on one side of the retractable leg 224 and located on the open side of the C-shaped bracket 227 so that the gear 222 meshes with the rack 223.

[0067] The present invention also provides a storage cabinet, including a cabinet body 200 and an anti-tipping system as described in any of the above embodiments or combinations thereof.

[0068] In this embodiment, the storage cabinet can detect changes in the force on the cabinet 200 by sensing the height, number, and weight of the target drawers that are pulled out of the cabinet 200. When necessary, the anti-tipping mechanism 20 can be activated and controlled to provide appropriate support to the cabinet 200, such as controlling the aforementioned fixing force and support arm, thereby providing effective and accurate anti-tipping protection for the cabinet 200.

[0069] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. An anti-tipping system, characterized in that, include: A sensing device is used to detect the height, number, and weight of the target drawers that are being pulled out of the cabinet. and An anti-tipping mechanism is used to control the degree of support for the cabinet body according to the height, number, and weight of the target drawer; The anti-tipping mechanism includes: Electric motor; A gear and rack mechanism includes a mating gear and a rack, wherein the gear is connected to the output shaft of the motor so that the motor drives the gear to rotate; The retractable support legs can move relative to the cabinet body towards the front of the cabinet body, and the retractable support legs are fixedly connected to the rack; Electromagnets and iron cores are respectively installed in the main body of the cabinet and the wall, for controlled attraction and separation; The number of anti-tipping mechanisms is multiple, and the attraction force of the electromagnet and the iron core and / or the number of electromagnets and iron cores attracted are determined in a controlled manner according to the height, number and weight of the target drawer; The motor is used to control the rotation angle of its output according to the height, quantity and weight of the target drawer, so as to control the extension length of the retractable legs.

2. The anti-tipping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing device includes one or more of an infrared sensor, an accelerometer, and a sector switch located at each of the target drawers.

3. The anti-tipping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electromagnet is located at the bottom of the main body of the cabinet.

4. The anti-tipping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-tipping mechanism also includes a fixed shell and a spring. The fixed shell is fixed to the wall, and the spring is disposed inside the fixed shell with its two ends connected to the fixed shell and the iron core, respectively.

5. The anti-tipping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the front end of the retractable leg is provided with an adjustment block for adjusting the height of the retractable leg.

6. The anti-tipping system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom of the retractable support leg is also equipped with rollers that can roll along the front and back direction of the cabinet.

7. A storage cabinet, characterized in that, Includes the cabinet and the anti-tipping system according to any one of claims 1-6.

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