Hydraulic footing, hydraulic footing assembly and household appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydraulic bottom foot, in particular to a hydraulic bottom foot, a hydraulic bottom foot assembly and a household appliance, and aims to solve the problem that the hydraulic bottom foot is prone to sealing failure. In order to achieve the purpose, the hydraulic footing comprises a fixed structure, a flexible containing body and a movable structure, a containing cavity is formed in the fixed structure, an opening communicated with the containing cavity is formed in the side wall of the fixed structure, the flexible containing body is arranged in the containing cavity, a liquid opening is formed in the side wall of the flexible containing body, and the liquid opening is connected with the opening; the movable structure is pressed on the top wall of the flexible containing body and is movably arranged on the fixed structure in the vertical direction. The sealing of the liquid port only needs to bear the internal pressure of a liquid medium, stress and friction loss generated by mechanical load do not need to be additionally borne, and therefore the sealing performance is guaranteed. And on the other hand, the liquid flowing path is more gently diffused, and the flow velocity distribution is more uniform, so that stable leveling of the hydraulic footing can be realized, and instability caused by instantaneous increase of the flow velocity is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to hydraulic feet, specifically providing a hydraulic foot, a hydraulic foot assembly, and a household appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Hydraulic feet, based on hydraulic principles, are gaining popularity due to their high efficiency in automatic adjustment. These hydraulic feet typically consist of a fixed outer shell, a flexible housing within it, and a movable structure. One end of the movable structure connects to the bottom of the appliance, while the other end is located on the top wall of the flexible housing, allowing it to move vertically under pressure, thus extending and retracting the flexible housing. A hydraulic port is located on the bottom wall of the flexible housing, through which the feet connect to each other, enabling automatic leveling.

[0003] During the operation of household appliances such as washing machines, the hydraulic feet need to frequently reciprocate vertically. Each leveling action causes the liquid port and its connection to be subjected to a cycle of tension, compression or bending stress, which can lead to material fatigue in the flexible container at the root of the liquid port and the surrounding area, resulting in seal failure.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new hydraulic foot, hydraulic foot assembly, and household appliance to address the problem of easy seal failure in hydraulic feet. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problem, namely, the problem of easy seal failure of hydraulic feet.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a hydraulic foot, comprising: a fixed structure having a receiving cavity therein, and an opening communicating with the receiving cavity on the side wall of the fixed structure; a flexible receiving body disposed in the receiving cavity, and a liquid port on the side wall of the flexible receiving body being connected to the opening; and a movable structure pressed against the top wall of the flexible receiving body and movably disposed vertically on the fixed structure.

[0007] In the above-mentioned optional technical solutions for hydraulic foot, the liquid port is a tapered flare that gradually increases in size from the inside to the outside, and the wide end of the flare is connected to the opening.

[0008] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned hydraulic foot, the hydraulic foot further includes a cover plate, which covers the opening and has a through hole that communicates with the liquid port.

[0009] In the above-mentioned optional technical solutions for hydraulic foot, the diameter of the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the liquid port; and / or the through hole is a straight hole arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0010] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned hydraulic foot, the cover plate and the opening are sealed by the edge of the liquid port.

[0011] In the above-mentioned optional technical solution of hydraulic foot, the cover plate includes a cover plate body and a first protrusion disposed on the inner side of the cover plate body, the first protrusion being disposed in the opening; the edge of the liquid port is sandwiched between the first protrusion and the opening, and / or the edge of the liquid port is provided with an outward flange, the outward flange being sandwiched between the inner side of the cover plate body and the side wall of the fixing structure.

[0012] In the above-mentioned optional technical solution of hydraulic foot, the movable structure includes a base plate and a connector disposed on the base plate. The base plate is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the connector is at least partially located outside the receiving cavity. The fixing structure has a stop portion located above the base plate for confining the base plate within the receiving cavity.

[0013] In the above-mentioned optional technical solution of hydraulic foot, the stop portion is configured as the top wall of the fixed structure, the top wall of the fixed structure is provided with a limiting hole, the connecting member is disposed in the limiting hole, and the width of the base plate is greater than the width of the limiting hole.

[0014] In the above-mentioned optional technical solution of hydraulic foot, the connecting member includes a second boss and a screw. The second boss is disposed on the top of the substrate and located in the limiting hole. The screw is disposed on the top of the second boss. The side wall of the second boss is provided with a cut surface.

[0015] In the above-mentioned optional technical solution of hydraulic foot, the connecting member includes a third boss and a mounting plate rib. The third boss is disposed on the top of the base plate and located in the limiting hole. The third boss is partially located outside the limiting hole. The mounting plate rib is disposed on the side wall of the third boss outside the limiting hole.

[0016] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned hydraulic foot, the outer peripheral wall of the substrate is in contact with the inner sidewall of the fixing structure.

[0017] In the above-mentioned optional technical solutions for hydraulic foot, one of the side walls of the fixed structure and the side walls of the movable structure are provided with guide ribs, and the other is provided with guide grooves. The guide ribs are movably disposed in the guide grooves in a vertical direction.

[0018] In the above-mentioned optional technical solutions for hydraulic foot, the fixing structure includes a sleeve and a shock-absorbing pad. The bottom of the sleeve is open, and the shock-absorbing pad is disposed at the bottom of the sleeve and covers the open, so that the sleeve and the shock-absorbing pad surround to form the receiving cavity.

[0019] In the above-mentioned optional technical solution of hydraulic foot, the top of the shock-absorbing pad has a fourth protrusion, and a fastener is provided between the fourth protrusion and the inner sidewall of the sheath.

[0020] In the optional technical solutions of the above-mentioned hydraulic foot, a protective plate is provided between the flexible housing and the shock-absorbing pad.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention provides a hydraulic foot assembly comprising at least two hydraulic feet as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the ports of each hydraulic foot are interconnected via connecting pipes.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides a household appliance comprising the aforementioned hydraulic foot assembly.

[0023] Those skilled in the art will understand that the hydraulic foot of the present invention includes a fixed structure, a flexible container, and a movable structure. The fixed structure has a receiving cavity, and the side wall of the fixed structure is provided with an opening communicating with the receiving cavity. The flexible container is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the side wall of the flexible container is provided with a liquid port, which is connected to the opening. The movable structure is pressed against the top wall of the flexible container and is movably disposed on the fixed structure in a vertical direction.

[0024] This invention places the liquid inlet on the side wall of the flexible container and connects it to an opening on the side wall. This allows the liquid inlet to withstand only the internal pressure of the liquid medium, without having to bear the stress and friction loss generated by the mechanical load, thus ensuring sealing performance and preventing seal failure. Furthermore, by placing the liquid inlet on the side wall of the flexible container, when the flexible container is subjected to vertical pressure, the liquid flow direction is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The liquid enters / exits along the side wall, resulting in a smoother and more diffused flow path and a more uniform flow velocity distribution. This enables stable leveling of the hydraulic feet and avoids instability caused by a sudden increase in flow velocity.

[0025] Solution 1: A hydraulic foot, characterized in that it comprises: a fixed structure having a receiving cavity inside, and an opening communicating with the receiving cavity on the side wall of the fixed structure; a flexible receiving body disposed in the receiving cavity, and a liquid port on the side wall of the flexible receiving body, the liquid port being connected to the opening; and a movable structure pressed against the top wall of the flexible receiving body and vertically movably disposed on the fixed structure.

[0026] Option 2, the hydraulic foot according to Option 1, is characterized in that the liquid port is a tapered flare that gradually increases in size from the inside to the outside, and the wide end of the flare is connected to the opening.

[0027] Option 3: The hydraulic foot according to Option 1 or 2, characterized in that the hydraulic foot further includes a cover plate, the cover plate is disposed on the opening, the cover plate is provided with a through hole, the through hole is communicating with the liquid port.

[0028] Option 4: The hydraulic foot according to Option 3, characterized in that the diameter of the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the liquid inlet; and / or the through hole is a straight hole arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0029] Option 5: The hydraulic foot according to Option 3, characterized in that the cover plate and the opening are sealed through the edge of the liquid port.

[0030] Option 6: The hydraulic foot according to Option 5, characterized in that the cover plate includes a cover plate body and a first protrusion disposed on the inner side of the cover plate body, the first protrusion being disposed in the opening; the edge of the liquid outlet is sandwiched between the first protrusion and the opening, and / or the edge of the liquid outlet is provided with an outward flange, the outward flange being sandwiched between the inner side of the cover plate body and the side wall of the fixing structure.

[0031] Option 7: The hydraulic foot according to Option 1, characterized in that the movable structure includes a base plate and a connector disposed on the base plate, the base plate is disposed in the receiving cavity, the connector is at least partially located outside the receiving cavity, and the fixed structure has a stop portion located above the base plate for confining the base plate within the receiving cavity.

[0032] Option 8: The hydraulic foot according to Option 7, characterized in that the stop portion is configured as the top wall of the fixed structure, the top wall of the fixed structure is provided with a limiting hole, the connecting member is disposed in the limiting hole, and the width of the base plate is greater than the width of the limiting hole.

[0033] Option 9: The hydraulic foot according to Option 8, characterized in that the connecting member includes a second boss and a screw, the second boss is disposed on the top of the substrate and located in the limiting hole, the screw is disposed on the top of the second boss, and the side wall of the second boss is provided with a cut surface.

[0034] Scheme 10: The hydraulic foot according to Scheme 8, characterized in that the connecting member includes a third boss and a mounting rib, the third boss is disposed on the top of the base plate and located in the limiting hole, the third boss is partially located outside the limiting hole, and the mounting rib is disposed on the side wall of the third boss outside the limiting hole.

[0035] Scheme 11: The hydraulic foot according to Scheme 7, characterized in that the outer peripheral wall of the substrate is in contact with the inner side wall of the fixing structure.

[0036] Scheme 12: The hydraulic foot according to Scheme 1, characterized in that one of the side walls of the fixed structure and the side walls of the movable structure is provided with guide ribs, and the other is provided with guide grooves, wherein the guide ribs are movably disposed in the guide grooves along the vertical direction.

[0037] Option 13: The hydraulic foot according to Option 1 or 7, characterized in that the fixing structure includes a sheath and a shock-absorbing pad, the bottom of the sheath is open, and the shock-absorbing pad is disposed at the bottom of the sheath and covers the open, so that the sheath and the shock-absorbing pad surround to form the receiving cavity.

[0038] Option 14: The hydraulic foot according to Option 13, characterized in that the top of the shock-absorbing pad has a fourth protrusion, and a fastener is provided between the fourth protrusion and the inner sidewall of the sheath.

[0039] Option 15: The hydraulic foot according to Option 13, characterized in that a protective plate is provided between the flexible housing and the shock-absorbing pad.

[0040] Scheme 16, a hydraulic foot assembly, characterized in that it includes at least two hydraulic feet as described in any one of Schemes 1 to 15, wherein the hydraulic ports of each hydraulic foot are interconnected via connecting pipes.

[0041] Solution 17: A household appliance, characterized in that the household appliance includes the hydraulic foot assembly described in Solution 16. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram (a) of the hydraulic foot assembly of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the hydraulic foot of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram (II) of the hydraulic foot assembly of the present invention. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Sectional view at point AA; Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the hydraulic foot assembly of the present invention.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1-Hydraulic foot; 11-Fixing structure; 111-Receiving cavity; 112-Opening; 113-Stop; 114-Limiting hole; 115-Sheath; 116-Shock damping pad; 1161-Fourth boss; 117-Fastener; 12-Flexible container; 121-Liquid port; 1211-Outward flange; 13-Moving structure; 131-Base plate; 132-Connector; 1321-Second boss; 13211-Cut surface; 1322-Screw; 14-Cover plate; 141-Through hole; 142-Cover plate body; 143-First boss; 15-Guard plate; 2-Connecting pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific applications.

[0045] To address the issue of easy seal failure in hydraulic footings, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the present invention provides a hydraulic foot assembly and a hydraulic foot 1. The hydraulic foot 1 includes a fixed structure 11, a flexible container 12 (i.e., a structure capable of deformation and capable of containing liquid), and a movable structure 13. The fixed structure 11 has a receiving cavity 111, and an opening 112 communicating with the receiving cavity 111 is provided on the side wall of the fixed structure 11. The flexible container 12 is disposed in the receiving cavity 111, and a liquid port 121 is provided on the side wall of the flexible container 12, which is connected to the opening 112. The movable structure 13 is pressed against the top wall of the flexible container 12 and is vertically movably disposed on the fixed structure 11. The flexible container 12 can be made of an elastomer material or fabric, and is hollow inside to hold liquids such as oil. The liquid port 121 can be understood as a solid structure with an internal channel. Furthermore, it is understood that the movable structure 13 is used to connect to the base plate of a household appliance.

[0046] The hydraulic foot assembly of the present invention includes at least two hydraulic feet 1, and the liquid inlets 121 of each hydraulic foot 1 are interconnected through connecting pipes 2 to achieve automatic leveling. The hydraulic foot assembly may also include a liquid injection component, which has a fluid channel inside and a liquid injection port 121 communicating with the fluid channel. The fluid channel is connected to the connecting pipe 2 to facilitate liquid injection; alternatively, the liquid injection component can be omitted. The working principle of the hydraulic foot assembly is as follows: when a household appliance is placed on an uneven surface, the feet generate internal hydraulic pressure differences due to uneven force. The liquid inside the foot with greater pressure flows through the connecting pipe 2 to the foot with less pressure under pressure. This flow process causes the flexible container 12 of the former to contract and decrease in height, while the flexible container 12 of the latter expands and increases in height, thereby achieving overall leveling adjustment of the equipment.

[0047] When the liquid outlet 121 is located on the top wall of the flexible container 12, a sealing structure is required on the movable structure 13 that allows both liquid inflow and outflow and vertical movement of the movable structure 13. When the liquid outlet 121 is located on the bottom wall of the flexible container 12, a similarly complex sealing structure is required. Furthermore, the positions of the liquid outlet 121 on the top and bottom walls are located on the core path of force transmission, making them prone to wear and leakage during long-term operation. In contrast, this invention places the liquid outlet 121 on the side wall of the flexible container 12 and connects it to the opening 112 on the side wall. This allows the seal of the liquid outlet 121 to withstand only the internal pressure of the liquid medium, without having to bear the additional stress and friction loss generated by mechanical loads. Moreover, this position facilitates simple sealing, thereby ensuring sealing performance and preventing seal failure.

[0048] On the other hand, if the liquid outlet 121 is opened on the side wall of the flexible container 12, when the flexible container 12 is subjected to vertical pressure, the liquid flow direction is perpendicular to the gravity direction, and the liquid enters / exits along the side wall. The flow path is smoother and diffused, and the flow velocity distribution is more uniform. This enables the stable leveling of the hydraulic foot 1 and avoids instability caused by a sudden increase in flow velocity.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the liquid outlet 121 is a tapered flare that gradually increases in size from the inside out, with the wide end of the flare connected to the opening 112. This arrangement allows the flexible container 12 to naturally bend and stretch according to the tapered surface of the flare when its sidewalls deform, avoiding severe folding or wrinkling at the connection root, thereby evenly distributing stress and improving the fatigue resistance of the liquid outlet 121 structure.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the hydraulic foot 1 further includes a cover plate 14, which covers the opening 112. The cover plate 14 has a through hole 141 that communicates with the liquid port 121. Each hydraulic foot 1 is connected to a through hole 141 via a connecting pipe 2, thereby achieving communication with the liquid port 121. Regarding the connection method between the cover plate 14 and the side wall of the fixed structure 11, it can be a detachable connection, for example, connected by at least one mounting component selected from bolts, screws, rivets, and snap-fit ​​structures. There can be multiple mounting components, which can be spaced apart circumferentially on the cover plate 14. Alternatively, the cover plate 14 and the fixed structure 11 are integrally formed.

[0051] As one possible implementation, the diameter of the through hole 141 is smaller than the diameter of the liquid outlet 121, thereby achieving a throttling effect. Furthermore, the through hole 141 is a straight hole arranged horizontally. When the flexible container 12 is pressurized, the liquid flows out from the liquid outlet 121 on its side wall, resulting in a naturally gentle flow path and a more uniform flow velocity distribution. This eliminates the need for a complex bend-type channel in the through hole 141; the simple horizontal straight hole can synergize with the gentle water flow from the liquid outlet 121, generating stable and uniform resistance to the fluid and effectively suppressing instantaneous high-speed flow. This ensures that the hydraulic foot 1 can achieve a smooth and continuous leveling process, avoiding oscillations caused by sudden changes in flow rate.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the cover plate 14 and the opening 112 are sealed by the edge of the liquid outlet 121, thereby simplifying the structure while ensuring a good seal. Specifically, the cover plate 14 includes a cover plate body 142 and a first boss 143 disposed on the inner side of the cover plate body 142. The first boss 143 is located in the opening 112, and the edge of the liquid outlet 121 is sandwiched between the first boss 143 and the opening 112. For example, the conical wall surface of the liquid outlet 121 is pressed into the contact interface between the first boss 143 and the opening 112 to form a reliable seal. In addition, the edge of the liquid outlet 121 may be provided with an outward flange 1211, which is sandwiched between the inner side of the cover plate body 142 and the side wall of the fixing structure 11. In one embodiment, the sidewall of the fixing structure 11 has a first groove, with an opening 112 located at the bottom of the first groove. The conical wall of the liquid outlet 121 is located in the opening 112, while the outer flange 1211 is accommodated within the first groove and is pressed and fixed by the inner side of the cover plate body 142. In another embodiment, the sidewall of the fixing structure 11 does not have a first groove, and the inner side of the cover plate body 142 directly presses the outer flange 1211 of the liquid outlet 121 against the sidewall surface of the fixing structure 11 to achieve a seal.

[0053] Since the first boss 143 is located in the opening 112, radial sealing can be achieved by the way the edge of the liquid port 121 is sandwiched between the first boss 143 and the opening 112. Meanwhile, axial sealing can be achieved by the outer flange 1211 being sandwiched between the inner side of the cover plate body 142 and the side wall of the fixing structure 11. The multi-directional constraint improves the reliability of the seal.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the cover plate 14 also has a connector on the outer wall of the cover plate body 142, with the through hole 141 passing through the first boss 143, the cover plate body 142, and the connector in a horizontal direction from the inside to the outside. The connector is used to connect with the connecting pipe 2, such as by interference fit between the connector and the connecting pipe 2, or by fitting a spring or clamp on the connecting pipe 2 to fasten the connecting pipe 2 to the connector.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the movable structure 13 includes a substrate 131 and a connector 132 disposed on the substrate 131. The substrate 131 is disposed in the receiving cavity 111, and the connector 132 is at least partially located outside the receiving cavity 111 to facilitate connection with the base plate of a household appliance. The fixing structure 11 has a stop portion 113 located above the substrate 131 to confine the substrate 131 within the receiving cavity 111, thereby preventing the movable structure 13 from detaching from the fixing structure 11. Preferably, the substrate 131 is a straight plate to prevent interference with the liquid outlet 121.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the stop portion 113 is configured as the top wall of the fixed structure 11. A limiting hole 114 is provided on the top wall of the fixed structure 11, and the connecting member 132 is disposed in the limiting hole 114. The width of the substrate 131 is greater than the width of the limiting hole 114 to prevent the substrate 131 from dislodging from the limiting hole 114. When both the limiting hole 114 and the substrate 131 are circular, the diameter of the limiting hole 114 should be smaller than the diameter of the substrate 131. As long as the longest dimension of the substrate 131 is greater than the longest dimension of the limiting hole 114, it is sufficient to prevent the substrate 131 from dislodging from the limiting hole 114. To ensure that the movable structure 13 is vertically movably disposed on the fixed structure 11, the connecting member 132 may have a gap with the limiting hole 114, or the connecting member 132 may have a sliding contact connection with the limiting hole 114.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the connector 132 includes a second boss 1321 and a screw 1322. The second boss 1321 is located on the top of the base plate 131 and in the limiting hole 114 (e.g., clearance fit or sliding contact with the limiting hole 114). The screw 1322 is located on the top of the second boss 1321. The side wall of the second boss 1321 is provided with a cut surface 13211 so that the handle can rotate and adjust the movable structure 13 through the cut surface 13211, so that the screw 1322 can be screwed into the threaded hole on the bottom plate of the household appliance, thereby realizing the installation of the hydraulic foot 1 on the bottom of the household appliance.

[0058] As another possible implementation, the connector 132 includes a third boss and a mounting rib (not shown in the figure). The third boss is located on the top of the base plate 131 and in the limiting hole 114 (e.g., with clearance fit or sliding contact with the limiting hole 114). The third boss portion is located outside the limiting hole 114, and the mounting rib is located on the side wall of the third boss outside the limiting hole 114. There can be one or more mounting ribs. When there are multiple mounting ribs, they can be spaced apart circumferentially along the third boss. Each mounting rib can have mounting holes to allow bolts or screws to be used to fix the mounting rib to the bottom of the household appliance. However, this is not a limitation; the mounting rib may also not have mounting holes pre-set, and can be directly installed on the bottom of the household appliance using self-tapping screws or rivets during installation.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the outer peripheral wall of the substrate 131 is in contact with the inner sidewall of the fixing structure 11 to prevent the substrate 131 from shaking during vertical movement. Preferably, the fixing structure 11 and the substrate 131 are coaxially arranged. The receiving cavity 111 can be a cylinder, and correspondingly, the substrate 131 is a circular plate, the diameter of which can be equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the cylinder (e.g., within 3 mm).

[0060] In one possible implementation, one of the sidewalls of the fixed structure 11 and the sidewall of the movable structure 13 is provided with guide ribs (not shown in the figure), and the other is provided with guide grooves (not shown in the figure). The guide ribs are movably disposed in the guide grooves in a vertical direction, so that the movable structure 13 can only move vertically up and down, and cannot rotate circumferentially. For example, in one possible implementation, the inner sidewall of the fixed structure 11 is provided with a guide groove arranged vertically, and the sidewall of the base plate 131 is provided with guide ribs, which are disposed in the guide grooves. In another possible implementation, the inner sidewall of the fixed structure 11 is provided with guide ribs arranged vertically, and the sidewall of the base plate 131 is provided with guide grooves, which are disposed in the guide grooves.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the fixing structure 11 includes a sheath 115 and a shock-absorbing pad 116. The sheath 115 has an open bottom, and the shock-absorbing pad 116 is disposed at the bottom of the sheath 115 and covers the open bottom, so that the sheath 115 and the shock-absorbing pad 116 form a receiving cavity 111. Specifically, the sheath 115 includes a cylindrical body and a top wall that seals the top of the cylindrical body. The bottom of the cylindrical body is open, and the shock-absorbing pad 116 is disposed at the bottom of the cylindrical body and covers the bottom open bottom. In this implementation, the aforementioned limiting hole 114 is disposed on the top wall of the sheath 115. The shock-absorbing pad 116 is used to directly contact surfaces such as the ground. Its bottom may have a texture for anti-slip purposes. The shock-absorbing pad 116 may be made of rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the top of the shock-absorbing pad 116 has a fourth protrusion 1161, and a fastener 117 is provided between the fourth protrusion 1161 and the inner sidewall of the sheath 115. In one specific embodiment, a second groove is provided on the inner sidewall of the sheath 115, preferably an annular groove, and the fastener 117 is accommodated in the second groove and pressed and fixed by the sidewall of the fourth protrusion 1161. In another embodiment, the inner sidewall of the sheath 115 does not have a second groove, and the sidewall of the fourth protrusion 1161 directly presses the fastener 117 against the inner sidewall of the sheath 115 to achieve a seal. The fastener 117 can be a snap ring or a sealing ring, etc., and its specific form can be adjusted as long as a tight seal can be achieved.

[0063] As one possible implementation, a protective plate 15 is provided between the flexible container 12 and the shock-absorbing pad 116. This arrangement can prevent wear between the bottom of the flexible container 12 and the top of the shock-absorbing pad 116 caused by long-term pressure and fretting. It can also effectively prevent the bottom of the flexible container 12 from being punctured or worn due to foreign objects on the ground or uneven surfaces of the shock-absorbing pad 116. The protective plate 15 can be made of metal or engineering plastic, etc.

[0064] The hydraulic foot 1 of the present invention has a simple structure, good sealing effect, and is easy to assemble and disassemble. When assembling the hydraulic foot 1, firstly, the movable structure 13 is inserted into the receiving cavity 111 through the bottom opening of the sleeve, and the connecting piece 132 is passed through the limiting hole 114 on the top wall of the sleeve. Then, the flexible receiving body 12 is placed below the movable structure 13, and the outer flange 1211 at its fluid port 121 is embedded in the first groove on the side wall of the fixed structure 11. Next, the outer flange 1211 is pressed and fixed using the cover plate 14, and the cover plate 14 is tightened with bolts. Afterwards, the protective plate 15 is placed at the bottom of the flexible receiving body 12. Finally, a fastener 117 is fitted onto the fourth protrusion 1161 on the top of the shock-absorbing pad 116, and the fastener 117 is snapped into the corresponding second groove, thus completing the overall assembly.

[0065] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a household appliance including the aforementioned automatic leveling assembly. The household appliance can be a washing machine, washer-dryer combo, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, freezer, or air conditioner, etc. The hydraulic foot assemblies can be one set or more than two sets, specifically arranged on both sides of the length direction and / or on both sides of the width direction of the household appliance.

[0066] It should be noted that the above embodiments are merely used to illustrate the principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can adjust the above structure so that the present invention can be applied to more specific application scenarios.

[0067] For example, as an alternative implementation, the specific form of the stop 113 is not fixed; its specific form can be adjusted as long as it can confine the substrate 131 within the receiving cavity 111. For example, the stop can be an annular flange provided on the inner sidewall of the sleeve 115, located above the substrate 131. During assembly, the substrate 131 is inserted from the bottom of the sleeve 115 and pushed upward until it contacts the annular flange, thereby being confined. Alternatively, the stop can be composed of screws or pins provided on the sidewall of the sleeve 115, preventing the substrate 131 from moving excessively upward by the end of the screw / pin that is screwed in or inserted.

[0068] For example, as an alternative implementation, the specific form of the movable structure 13 is not fixed; its specific structure can be adjusted, as long as it is vertically movable on the fixed structure 11. For example, the movable structure 13 is a cylindrical body with a closed top and an open bottom, which is movably fitted onto the fixed structure 11. During installation, the top of the cylindrical body is directly fixed to the base plate of the household appliance. These possible adjustments do not deviate from the principles of the present invention and are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0069] For example, the combination of guide ribs and guide grooves and at least one of the following, such as guard plate 15, can be omitted.

[0070] For example, as an alternative implementation, the fixing structure 11 is a one-piece molded part, and its bottom is preferably a plane, which is used to contact a reference surface such as the ground.

[0071] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hydraulic foot, characterized in that, include: A fixing structure (11) has a receiving cavity (111) inside, and an opening (112) communicating with the receiving cavity (111) is provided on the side wall of the fixing structure (11). A flexible container (12) is disposed in the receiving cavity (111), and a liquid port (121) is provided on the side wall of the flexible container (12), and the liquid port (121) is connected to the opening (112); The movable structure (13) is pressed against the top wall of the flexible container (12) and is movably disposed on the fixed structure (11) in the vertical direction.

2. The hydraulic foot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid inlet (121) is a tapered flare that gradually increases in size from the inside to the outside, and the wide end of the flare is connected to the opening (112).

3. The hydraulic foot according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The hydraulic foot also includes a cover plate (14), which covers the opening (112). The cover plate (14) has a through hole (141) that communicates with the liquid port (121).

4. The hydraulic foot according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the through hole (141) is smaller than the diameter of the liquid outlet (121); and / or The through hole (141) is a straight hole arranged in the horizontal direction.

5. The hydraulic foot according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover plate (14) and the opening (112) are sealed by the edge of the liquid outlet (121).

6. The hydraulic foot according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cover plate (14) includes a cover plate body (142) and a first boss (143) disposed on the inner side of the cover plate body (142), the first boss (143) being disposed in the opening (112); the edge of the liquid outlet (121) is sandwiched between the first boss (143) and the opening (112), and / or the edge of the liquid outlet (121) is provided with an outward flange (1211), the outward flange (1211) being sandwiched between the inner side of the cover plate body (142) and the side wall of the fixing structure (11).

7. The hydraulic foot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable structure (13) includes a substrate (131) and a connector (132) disposed on the substrate (131). The substrate (131) is disposed in the receiving cavity (111). The connector (132) is at least partially located outside the receiving cavity (111). The fixing structure (11) has a stop (113) located above the substrate (131) for confining the substrate (131) within the receiving cavity (111).

8. The hydraulic foot according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stop (113) is formed as the top wall of the fixing structure (11), and the top wall of the fixing structure (11) is provided with a limiting hole (114). The connector (132) is disposed in the limiting hole (114), and the width of the substrate (131) is greater than the width of the limiting hole (114).

9. The hydraulic foot according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector (132) includes a second boss (1321) and a screw (1322). The second boss (1321) is located on the top of the substrate (131) and in the limiting hole (114). The screw (1322) is located on the top of the second boss (1321). The side wall of the second boss (1321) is provided with a cut surface (13211).

10. The hydraulic foot according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector (132) includes a third boss and a mounting rib. The third boss is located on the top of the substrate (131) and in the limiting hole (114). The third boss is partially located outside the limiting hole (114). The mounting rib is located on the side wall of the third boss outside the limiting hole (114).

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