locker
By designing a foot-operated door opening mechanism in the locker, and using a limiting surface and a reset torsion spring to buffer accidental collisions, the safety and cost issues of the foot-operated door opening mechanism of the locker are solved, and safe and convenient door opening operation is achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HISENSE(SHANDONG)REFRIGERATOR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing locker foot-operated opening mechanisms are prone to accidental activation, causing pain to users and posing a safety hazard. Furthermore, mechanical opening mechanisms are more expensive.
Design a storage cabinet with a foot-operated door opening mechanism. The foot pedal is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft and has a limiting surface to buffer accidental collisions. A reset torsion spring provides a reset force to avoid direct hard impacts, reducing pain and the risk of mechanism damage.
It improves the safety and convenience of foot-operated door opening, reduces the pain and probability of mechanical damage caused by accidental collisions, and has a compact structure and low cost.
Smart Images

Figure CN121803126B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of locker door opening technology, and more particularly to a locker. Background Technology
[0002] Refrigerators, beverage coolers, display cases, and other storage devices typically have hinged doors that allow the door to rotate relative to the cabinet, opening or closing the storage space. When users are holding items and their hands are occupied, it's difficult to manually open the door using traditional methods; therefore, foot-operated door opening systems have emerged.
[0003] In related technologies, the foot pedal of a foot-operated door typically protrudes from the outer surface of the door or cabinet for easy operation. However, there is a problem of accidental contact with the foot pedal, as its high rigidity results in intense pain and poor safety. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This application provides a locker to improve the security of foot-operated door opening.
[0005] This application provides a storage cabinet, which includes:
[0006] The cabinet is constructed to form a storage compartment with an access opening on the front side;
[0007] A door, one end of which is hinged to the cabinet body along its width, to open or close the storage compartment;
[0008] The cabinet has two opposite sides along the width direction, and the side of the two sides that is away from the hinged side of the door is the first side.
[0009] A foot-operated door opening mechanism is located at the end of the door body opposite to the hinge; the foot-operated door opening mechanism includes:
[0010] The base is connected to the cabinet body;
[0011] The door opening component is rotatably connected to the base, and a portion of the door opening component is located between the front side of the cabinet and the rear side of the door.
[0012] A foot pedal, located on one side of the cabinet along its width, the foot pedal comprising:
[0013] A connecting shaft, which is rotatably connected to the base;
[0014] A foot pedal, which is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft;
[0015] The foot pedal is configured to form a first limiting surface, and the door opening component is configured to form a second limiting surface; the foot pedal has a stepping position where the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface abut.
[0016] The foot pedal is configured such that when the foot pedal is subjected to a stepping force at the stepping position, it drives the door opening member to rotate forward relative to the base via the connecting shaft, so that the door opening member pushes open the door body;
[0017] The end of the second limiting surface furthest from the first side is higher relative to the horizontal plane than the end closest to the first side, so that the foot pedal is configured to drive the connecting shaft to rotate independently backward relative to the door opening member; and to rotate relative to the connecting shaft toward the first side.
[0018] The storage cabinet in this embodiment features a foot-operated opening mechanism on the side of the cabinet away from the hinge. This mechanism allows for hand-operated opening, freeing up the hands and increasing the variety of opening methods. Compared to manual opening, the foot-operated mechanism, which involves stepping down to open the door, aligns with the body's natural force exertion, making the opening experience more effortless.
[0019] In this embodiment of the storage cabinet, the connecting shaft of the foot pedal is rotatably connected to the base. Thus, when the foot pedal bears a stepping force, the connecting shaft drives the door opening component to rotate forward relative to the base, causing the door opening component to push open the door, achieving the function of opening the door with a foot pedal. The foot pedal is also configured to rotate backward relative to the base, independently of the door opening component.
[0020] Furthermore, the foot pedal is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft, and the end of the second limiting surface away from the first side is higher relative to the horizontal plane than the end closer to the first side, so that the foot pedal is configured to rotate about the connecting shaft toward the first side.
[0021] In this way, when the foot pedal is subjected to unexpected forces within a certain range, such as accidental collisions, the foot pedal can rotate independently in the direction away from the door, or simultaneously in the direction away from the door and towards the first side. This converts part of the unexpected force into rotational kinetic energy, reducing the possibility of a hard collision between the foot pedal and the user, reducing the impact force directly transmitted to the user's foot, and thus reducing the pain experienced by the user when colliding with the foot pedal, improving the safety of the foot-operated door opening mechanism. It also reduces the possibility of damage to the foot pedal due to accidental collisions, ensuring its lifespan. Simultaneously, it can prevent damage to items such as sweeping devices caused by collisions with the foot pedal, improving the user-friendliness of the foot-operated door opening mechanism and reducing the risk of obstruction and harm to other intelligent entities in the application environment.
[0022] The end of the second limiting surface furthest from the first side is higher, which helps to generate a component force of rotation around the connecting shaft when the impact force acts on the foot pedal. This increases the possibility that the foot pedal will rotate toward the first side and backward when subjected to the impact force, thereby increasing the possibility that the impact force will be converted into the backward rotational kinetic energy of the foot pedal. This reduces the reaction force to the object that applied the impact force, such as the foot, thereby reducing the user's pain and further improving the safety of the foot pedal door opening mechanism.
[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the second limiting surface has a first end and a second end opposite to each other along the width direction, and the first end of the second limiting surface is closer to the first side surface than the second end;
[0024] Along the width direction and away from the first side, the second end is inclined upward relative to the first end.
[0025] This design, with the end of the foot pedal facing away from the connecting shaft tilted upwards, helps convert the force of accidental impact into a rotational component towards the first side. This provides the driving force for the foot pedal to rotate relative to the connecting shaft towards the first side, thus helping to buffer the rotation of the foot pedal when subjected to accidental impact, reducing the interaction force of the collision, and further improving the safety of the foot pedal opening mechanism. Furthermore, the tilt of the second limiting surface in the width direction allows for a larger gap between the foot pedal and the placement surface of the storage cabinet, ensuring ample stepping space.
[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the second limiting surface has a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other along the depth direction of the cabinet, and the third end of the second limiting surface is located behind the fourth end;
[0027] Along the depth direction from back to front, the fourth end is inclined upward relative to the third end.
[0028] The second limiting surface in this embodiment is tilted upwards at its front end. This design provides ample space for the foot pedal to be stepped on, allowing it to rotate the door opening mechanism at a sufficient angle for effective opening. It also keeps the foot pedal within the foot-lifting height range, conforming to footing habits and ergonomics, thus improving ease of use. Furthermore, it prevents the foot-operated door opening mechanism from being subjected to unnecessary overload impacts, ensuring its durability. On the other hand, the tilted design of the second limiting surface gives the foot pedal a tendency to flip backwards, making it easier to cushion accidental impacts and further enhancing the safety of the foot-operated door opening mechanism.
[0029] In some embodiments of this application, the foot-operated door opening mechanism further includes: a hinge shaft;
[0030] The door opening component includes:
[0031] The rod portion is located between the front side of the cabinet and the rear side of the door;
[0032] A connecting seat is attached to the bottom end of the rod body; the connecting seat is rotatably connected to the base via the hinge shaft;
[0033] A first limiting part is connected to the end of the connecting seat; the first limiting part is located below the foot pedal; the front end of the first limiting part forms the second limiting surface;
[0034] The hinge shaft portion engages with the first limiting portion and is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft, so that the foot pedal can rotate relative to the base.
[0035] In this embodiment, the door opening component is provided with a rod body for opening the door, a connecting seat for rotatable connection with the hinge shaft, and a first limiting part forming a second limiting surface for abutting against the first limiting surface of the foot pedal. The first limiting part is located at one end of the connecting seat to prevent the connecting seat from affecting the rearward and lateral rotation of the foot pedal, ensuring sufficient buffer space for the foot pedal in case of accidental contact.
[0036] In some embodiments of this application, the hinge shaft includes:
[0037] The shaft portion, through which the connecting seat is rotatably connected to the base;
[0038] A first connecting part is fixedly connected to the end of the shaft body part; the first connecting part is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft so that the foot pedal can rotate relative to the base.
[0039] The first connecting portion is configured to form a third limiting surface, and the rear end of the first limiting portion is configured to form a fourth limiting surface;
[0040] The foot pedal rotates independently of the door opening component until the fourth limiting surface abuts against the third limiting surface, so that the axis of rotation of the foot pedal relative to the connecting shaft is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.
[0041] In this embodiment, by setting the fourth limiting surface to abut against the third limiting surface, the central axis of the connecting shaft is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, which gives the foot pedal a larger buffer space and also keeps the foot pedal in a vertical state, reducing the possibility of the foot pedal being hit; it also avoids the foot pedal from rotating too far backward, which would affect the convenience of stepping to open the door.
[0042] In some embodiments of this application, the foot pedal is configured to form a fifth limiting surface, and the first connecting portion is configured to form a sixth limiting surface;
[0043] When the foot pedal rotates relative to the connecting shaft toward the first side, and the fifth limiting surface abuts against the sixth limiting surface, the foot pedal surface of the foot pedal faces the first side and is spaced apart from the first side.
[0044] The fifth and sixth limiting surfaces abut against each other, limiting the position of the foot pedal rotating toward the first side around the connecting shaft. There is a gap between the foot pedal and the first side, which can prevent the foot pedal from contacting the first side and wearing it, thus affecting the outside of the locker.
[0045] In some embodiments of this application, the foot pedal is configured to form a seventh limiting surface, the first connecting part is configured to form an eighth limiting surface, and the eighth limiting surface intersects with the sixth limiting surface;
[0046] When the foot pedal rotates relative to the connecting shaft until the seventh limiting surface abuts against the eighth limiting surface, the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface are circumferentially opposite each other along the hinge shaft.
[0047] In this embodiment, the seventh and eighth limiting surfaces abut and limit the position of the pedal part when it rotates away from the first side around the connecting shaft. This ensures that the first and second limiting surfaces are circumferentially opposite each other along the hinge shaft, and that the pedal part rotates forward around the hinge shaft. This achieves abutment contact between the first and second limiting surfaces, ensuring the convenience of returning the pedal part to the pedaling position and also helping to ensure the stability of the contact between the first and second limiting surfaces.
[0048] In some embodiments of this application, the door body has a second side surface along the width direction;
[0049] When the foot pedal drives the door opening component to rotate forward, the front end of the foot pedal does not protrude beyond the front end of the second side.
[0050] This design ensures that the front end of the foot pedal does not protrude beyond the front end of the second side as it rotates forward around the central axis of the hinge. It also makes the door-opening operation space more compact, improving ease of operation, and reduces the possibility of the foot pedal being bumped while in the stepping position.
[0051] In some embodiments of this application, the foot-operated door opening mechanism further includes:
[0052] A hinge shaft is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft to allow the foot pedal to rotate relative to the base; the door opening component is rotatably connected to the base via the hinge shaft.
[0053] A reset torsion spring is sleeved on the hinge shaft, and the two torsion arms of the reset torsion spring are respectively connected to the base and the door opening component;
[0054] When the door opening component pushes open the door, the reset torsion spring undergoes elastic deformation; when the foot pedal loses its pedaling force, the reset torsion spring restores its deformation, thereby driving the foot pedal to return to the pedaling position.
[0055] In this embodiment, a reset torsion spring provides a reset force to the door opening component and the foot pedal component, allowing them to return to the stepping position after the door is opened, without affecting the door's closing. Furthermore, the foot pedal component returns to its stepping position after each opening, ensuring consistency in the foot pedal's position and providing a clear starting point for opening the door. This facilitates muscle memory development for the user, eliminating the need to manually determine the stepping position and enabling blind operation without visual confirmation, thus improving the convenience of opening the door by foot.
[0056] In some embodiments of this application, when the door opening member pushes open the door, the foot pedal member is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the base of the storage cabinet.
[0057] This design limits the end of the foot pedal's path, thus restricting the door's opening angle. Furthermore, when the foot pedal is in the open position, there is a gap between it and the storage cabinet's surface, preventing the foot pedal from touching the bottom and causing friction and damage to the floor.
[0058] In some embodiments of this application, when the door opening member pushes open the door, a buffer member is provided at the front end of the foot pedal member, and the buffer member is used to contact the placement surface of the storage cabinet.
[0059] By having a buffer at the front of the foot pedal contact the storage cabinet's surface, the final position of the foot pedal when the door is opened can be limited, eliminating the need for a limit structure on the foot-operated opening mechanism. Furthermore, the contact between the foot pedal and the surface makes the opening position more stable, helping to prevent the storage cabinet from tipping forward and improving the safety of the foot-operated opening mechanism. The buffer also reduces wear and tear on the storage cabinet's surface. Attached Figure Description
[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the locker provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0061] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of region P in the middle;
[0062] Figure 3 An exploded view of the foot-operated door opening mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0063] Figure 4 A partial side view of the foot-operated door opening mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application in the open position;
[0064] Figure 5 A force analysis diagram of the foot pedal component subjected to accidental impact force provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0065] Figure 6 Another force analysis diagram of the foot pedal component subjected to accidental impact provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0066] Figure 7 This application is a front view of the foot-operated door opening mechanism in the stepping position provided in the embodiment;
[0067] Figure 8 This application provides a side view of the foot-operated door opening mechanism in the stepping position according to an embodiment;
[0068] Figure 9 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of the foot-operated door opening mechanism in an embodiment.
[0069] Figure 10 A partial schematic diagram of the foot-operated door opening mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application in the retracted position;
[0070] Figure 11 A side view of the foot-operated door opening mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application in the unfolded position;
[0071] Figure 12 for Figure 11 AA section view in the middle;
[0072] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the foot pedal door opening mechanism in the retracted position;
[0073] Figure 14 A partial schematic diagram of the foot-operated door opening mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application in the unfolded position;
[0074] Figure 15 A diagram showing the state of the foot-operated door opening mechanism provided in this embodiment of the application retracting under accidental contact force;
[0075] Figure 16 Another state diagram of the foot-operated door opening mechanism provided in this application embodiment retracting under the force of accidental contact;
[0076] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the foot-operated door opening mechanism in the retracted state, as provided in the embodiments of this application.
[0077] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0078] 100: Cabinet body; 110: Front side; 120: First side; 130: Base;
[0079] 200: Door body; 210: Rear side; 220: Door seal; 230: Second side;
[0080] 300: Foot-operated door opening mechanism;
[0081] 310: Door opening component; 311: Rod body; 3111: Roller; 312: Connecting seat; 3121: Connecting wall; 3122: Second mounting wall; 3123: Ninth limiting surface; 313: First limiting part; 3131: Second limiting surface; 3132: Fourth limiting surface;
[0082] 320: Foot pedal component; 321: Connecting shaft; 322: Foot pedal part; 3221: Second connecting part; 3222: Foot pedal part; 3223: Foot pedal surface; 3224: First limiting surface; 3225: Fifth limiting surface; 3226: Seventh limiting surface;
[0083] 330: Base; 331: Base plate; 3311: Tenth limiting surface; 332: Third mounting wall; 333: Locking part;
[0084] 340: Hinge shaft; 341: Shaft body; 342: First connecting part; 3421: Third limiting surface; 3422: Sixth limiting surface; 3423: Eighth limiting surface; 3424: Slot; 3425: Second limiting part;
[0085] 350: Return torsion spring; 351: Spring body; 352: First torsion arm; 353: Second torsion arm;
[0086] 360: Fixing element; 370: Snap ring. Detailed Implementation
[0087] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terms in this application are only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise stated, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meaning.
[0088] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar or related objects or entities, and do not necessarily imply a specific order or sequence, unless otherwise specified. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate.
[0089] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover but not exclude inclusion, for example, a product or device that includes a range of components is not necessarily limited to all of the components that are clearly listed, but may include other components that are not clearly listed or that are inherent to such product or device.
[0090] In conventional refrigerators, display cases, and beverage coolers, the doors typically rotate relative to the cabinet body to open and close. However, when hands are occupied while handling items, or when direct contact with the door needs to be avoided to reduce the spread of bacteria, or for elderly people or those with operational difficulties, foot-operated door opening can free up hands and improve ease of use.
[0091] Among them, electric foot-operated door opening requires the integration of sensors, intelligent triggering, delayed closing, and network control, which is costly and consumes a lot of electricity.
[0092] Mechanical foot-operated door openers require no electricity and are low-cost. In related technologies, the foot pedal of the foot-operated door opening mechanism is usually located on the front of the door for easy operation. However, with the foot pedal located on the front of the door, the opened door may collide with the user's legs when the door is opened, affecting safety.
[0093] Therefore, in some devices, the foot pedal opening mechanism is located on the side. Although this avoids the door body, there is still a problem of accidentally hitting the foot pedal. Because the foot pedal is quite rigid, hitting it causes intense pain and compromises safety.
[0094] In view of this, this application provides a storage cabinet with a foot-operated door opening mechanism to enable foot-operated door opening.
[0095] The foot pedal of the foot-operated door opening mechanism can rotate the opening mechanism forward, causing it to push open the door. The foot pedal can also rotate independently of the opening mechanism backward, and its footrest can rotate towards the side of the cabinet. This provides a front and side upward-folding buffer space for the footrest, mitigating accidental impacts, reducing user discomfort, and improving safety.
[0096] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0097] First, it should be noted that in this embodiment, the width direction of the cabinet and the door corresponds to... Figure 1 The X-axis direction corresponds to the height direction of the cabinet and door. Figure 1 In the Z-axis direction, the depth direction of the cabinet corresponds to Figure 1 The Y-axis direction is defined as follows. When the user is facing the locker, along the X-axis, the side of the locker facing the user is the front side, and the other side is the back side.
[0098] Combination Figure 1 This application provides a storage cabinet for storing items.
[0099] The locker may include a cabinet body 100, which is constructed to form a storage compartment with an access opening on the front side for storing items. The cabinet body 100 may be made of sheet metal, sheet plastic, or composite materials, and has sufficient structural strength and rigidity to support the weight of the stored items.
[0100] Of course, the internal space of cabinet 100 can be divided into multiple compartments or multiple storage areas according to storage needs to provide a diverse storage environment.
[0101] The locker may also include a door 200, which is hinged to the cabinet 100 to open or close the storage compartment.
[0102] like Figure 1 As shown, the door body 200 is along the width direction (corresponding to) Figure 1 One end of the door (in the X-axis direction) is hinged to the cabinet 100. For example, the door 200 is hinged to the cabinet 100. In this way, the door 200 can rotate relative to the cabinet 100 to open or close the storage compartment.
[0103] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The cabinet 100 has two opposite sides along the width direction. The side facing away from the hinged side of the door 200 is the first side 120, and the side closer to the hinged side of the door 200 is the third side.
[0104] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The door body 200 has two opposite sides along the width direction. The side facing away from the hinge side is the second side 230, and the side closer to the hinge side of the door body 200 is the fourth side.
[0105] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The locker in this application embodiment may also include a foot-operated door opening mechanism 300, which is located at the end of the locker 100 away from the hinged door 200. The foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 is configured to open the door 200 by bearing the user's stepping force.
[0106] With this configuration, the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 is located on the side of the door 200 away from the hinge. On the one hand, it allows for the door 200 to be opened with a smaller force; on the other hand, under the premise of the same opening angle, the opening interval at the end away from the hinge of the door 200 is larger, which is convenient for continuing to open the door 200.
[0107] It should be noted that when using the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 to open the door 200, opening the door 200 to a certain angle, such as 20°, does not mean that the door 200 is opened to its fully open angle. Taking refrigerators as an example, the fully open angle of some refrigerator doors can be 90° or 100°, etc.
[0108] In this embodiment, the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 is installed on the cabinet 100. Thus, the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 does not move with the door 200, and the door can be opened by foot or manually without affecting the opening and closing of the door 200.
[0109] For example, the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 is connected to the bottom surface of the cabinet 100, so that the installation structure of the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 can be hidden in the bottom surface of the cabinet 100, thus ensuring the appearance of the storage cabinet.
[0110] Combination Figure 2 The bottom of the cabinet can be provided with feet 130 so that the bottom of the cabinet 100 is suspended relative to the placement surface, which facilitates heat dissipation. The part of the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 located on the bottom of the cabinet 100 does not protrude from the bottom end of the feet 130, so as to avoid the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 from affecting the normal placement of the storage cabinet.
[0111] In some embodiments, the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 can be installed on the bottom plate of the cabinet 100, reducing the need for modifications to the bottom of the cabinet 100 due to the installation of the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300, which helps to reduce costs.
[0112] The storage cabinet in this application embodiment can be a simple storage cabinet, such as a clothes cabinet; or, the storage cabinet can also be a device that can regulate the storage environment, such as a refrigerator, a preservation cabinet, a vertical freezer, a display cabinet, etc.; or, the storage cabinet can also be a clothing treatment device that can remove odors from clothes. This application embodiment does not limit the storage cabinet to functions other than storage.
[0113] However, it should be noted that the storage cabinet in this embodiment has a single-sided door. This means that the storage compartment can be closed and opened along the width of the cabinet 100 using a single door 200. Figure 1 As shown. This does not mean that the locker has a door 200.
[0114] For example, the cabinet 100 defines a plurality of storage compartments arranged side by side along the height direction, each storage compartment having a corresponding door. For example, some refrigerators include a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment arranged side by side along the height direction, the refrigerator compartment having one door and the freezer compartment having one door.
[0115] When multiple doors are provided along the height of the cabinet 100, the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 of this embodiment is configured to open the bottommost door. Of course, the cabinet can also be configured with a longer transmission mechanism to open the upper doors by foot.
[0116] like Figure 1 As shown, some refrigerators have a large storage compartment and a heavy metal door. When a foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 is used, it frees up the hands, allowing for easy handling of items. Furthermore, compared to hand-operated opening, the downward force applied by the foot incorporates some of the body's weight, conforming to the natural movement of a standing person without shifting the body's center of gravity, making opening the door more convenient.
[0117] Reference Figure 2 The foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 may also include a base 330, which is connected to the cabinet 100. Installing the base 330 onto the cabinet 100 completes the installation of the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300, simplifying the installation process and improving assembly efficiency.
[0118] For example, the base 330 is fixedly connected to the base plate of the cabinet 100 by screws, and the connection method is reliable and stable. The base 330 can be fixedly connected to the base plate of the cabinet 100 by multiple screws. For example, the base 330 is fixedly connected to the base plate of the cabinet 100 by three screws arranged in a triangle, which helps to improve the reliability of the installation of the base 330.
[0119] Of course, the base 330 can also be fixedly connected to the cabinet 100 in other ways. For example, the base 330 can be fixedly connected to the cabinet 100 by snap-fit and screw connection. Alternatively, the base 330 can be fixedly connected to the cabinet 100 by welding or gluing.
[0120] Moreover, the fixing structure between the base 330 and the cabinet 100 is hidden on the bottom surface of the cabinet 100, so that the base 330 reuses the space between the bottom surface of the cabinet 100 and the foot 130, without the need to reserve additional installation space, which helps to improve the overall structural compactness of the storage cabinet.
[0121] In some embodiments, the base 330 can fix the first side 120 of the cabinet 100 along the width direction, with ample installation space.
[0122] Combination Figure 2 The foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 of this application embodiment may include a door opening member 310, a portion of which is located between the front side 110 of the cabinet 100 and the rear side 210 of the door 200. The door opening member 310 is configured to abut against the rear side 210 of the door 200 to push the door 200 forward.
[0123] The door opening component 310 has a gap between it and the front side 110 of the cabinet 100 to prevent contact and friction between the door opening component 310 and the front side 110, which would affect the appearance of the cabinet 100.
[0124] When the door is not open, there is a gap between the door opening component 310 and the rear side 210 of the door body 200 to prevent contact and friction between the door opening component 310 and the rear side 210, which would affect the appearance of the door body 200.
[0125] Furthermore, the door opener 310 has gaps between itself and the front side 110 of the cabinet 100 and the rear side 210 of the door 200, which ensures that there is sufficient space between the rear side 210 and the front side 110 of the door 200 for the installation of the door opener 310, thereby reducing the possibility of the door opener 310 colliding with the door 200 or the cabinet 100 during installation.
[0126] like Figure 2 As shown, a door seal 220 is typically provided on the rear side 210 of the door 200 facing the cabinet 100. The door seal 220 contacts the front side 110 of the cabinet 100 to improve the sealing performance of the door 200 when closing the storage compartment. An opening element 310 is located outside the door seal 220. Along the width direction of the door 200, there is a gap between the opening element 310 and the door seal 220 to prevent the opening element 310 from contacting and rubbing against the door seal 220.
[0127] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The door opening component 310 is rotatably connected to the base 330, so that the door opening component 310 can rotate relative to the base 330 to open the door body 200.
[0128] like Figure 2 As shown, the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 may also include a foot pedal 320, which is used to bear the stepping force and drive the door opening component 310 to move, thereby opening the door 200.
[0129] The foot pedal 320 can be located on the side of the cabinet 100 along its width and away from the hinge, such as... Figure 2As shown, the foot pedal 320 is located on one side of the first side panel 120. This arrangement allows the user to apply pressure to one side of the cabinet 100 along its width, providing ample operating space. Furthermore, it avoids the forward opening path of the door 200, thus preventing collisions between the door 200 and the user's legs when opening the door, thereby improving the safety of the foot-operated opening mechanism. Moreover, the foot pedal 320's location on the side of the cabinet 100 reduces its protrusion from the front surface of the door 200; in fact, through structural design, the front end of the foot pedal 320 does not protrude from the front surface of the door 200, further reducing the possibility of accidental collisions and thus enhancing the safety and self-protection features of the foot-operated opening mechanism 300.
[0130] The foot pedal 320 is rotatably connected to the base 330, allowing the foot pedal 320 to rotate relative to the base 330. With this configuration, both the foot pedal 320 and the door opening mechanism 310 are connected to the cabinet 100 via the base 330. The foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 forms a modular structure; after fixing the base 330 to the cabinet 100, the entire mechanism can be installed, simplifying the assembly process of the storage cabinet and improving assembly efficiency.
[0131] The foot pedal 320 is configured to rotate the door opening component 310 forward when subjected to a stepping force, so that the door opening component 310 pushes open the door body 200. See details. Figure 2 The stepping force is downward, meaning it is directed towards the surface of the storage cabinet. However, this does not mean the stepping force is perpendicular to the horizontal plane; it is sufficient that the stepping force can drive the foot pedal 320 to rotate the door opening component 310 forward.
[0132] The foot pedal 320 is configured to drive the door opening component 310 to rotate forward when subjected to a stepping force. This not only allows the rotation direction of the door opening component 310 to be in line with the opening direction of the door body 200, which helps to simplify the transmission components between the stepping force and the opening force, but also makes the stepping direction of the foot pedal 320 conform to the daily operating habits of the human body, making the operation more convenient.
[0133] In some embodiments, when the foot pedal 320 is subjected to a downward stepping force, the foot pedal 320 rotates forward about the first axis; and drives the door opening member 310 to rotate forward about the second axis, so that the stepping force is transmitted to the door opening member 310 through the foot pedal 320 and converted into a door opening force, which pushes open the door body 200.
[0134] The first axis and the second axis can be on the same straight line, which can simplify the force transmission structure between the foot pedal 320 and the door opening component 310.
[0135] In some examples, the first axis and the second axis can coincide, that is, the foot pedal 320 and the door opening component 310 are connected to the base 330 via the same rotation axis. This simplifies the structure of the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300, minimizes structural components, not only reduces costs but also helps improve the structural compactness of the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300.
[0136] In other examples, the first and second axes are coaxial, but the foot pedal 320 and the door opening component 310 are connected to the base 330 via different rotating axes, which are arranged coaxially. This arrangement allows the foot pedal 320 to have a thicker rotating axis to improve structural strength, while the door opening component 310 can have a relatively smaller diameter rotating axis, thus differentiating the rotating axis designs of the foot pedal 320 and the door opening component 310.
[0137] In some other embodiments, the first axis and the second axis may not be on the same straight line; they may be arranged in parallel. The foot pedal 320 and the door opening component 310 are connected to the base 330 via different rotating axes, which are arranged in parallel. This arrangement allows the foot pedal 320 to drive the door opening component 310 to rotate, and also allows for flexible arrangement of the rotating axes of the foot pedal 320 and the door opening component 310 according to the installation space, resulting in a more flexible structural design.
[0138] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 may further include a hinge shaft 340, the base 330 is rotatably connected to the foot pedal 320 via the hinge shaft 340, and the base 330 is rotatably connected to the door opening component 310 via the hinge shaft 340.
[0139] The hinge shaft 340 can be made of metal materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel or alloy steel, and has sufficient structural strength and rigidity.
[0140] Thus, the foot pedal 320 and the door opening component 310 are rotatably connected to the base 330 via the same hinge shaft 340. The stepping force of the foot pedal 320 is transmitted to the door opening component 310 through the hinge shaft 340. The force transmission path is simple, which helps to simplify the structure of the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300. Moreover, this allows the rotation angle of the foot pedal 320 to be the same as the rotation angle of the door opening component 310, which helps to open the door body 200 by a larger angle, facilitating subsequent manual opening.
[0141] The hinge shaft 340 can extend along the width of the cabinet 100, so that the foot pedal 320 and the door opening member 310 rotate forward about the central axis of the hinge shaft 340, thereby opening the door 200.
[0142] It should be noted that due to installation errors, processing errors, etc., in the actual product, the axial direction of the hinge shaft 340 may have a certain angle relative to the width direction of the cabinet 100. This does not prevent the foot pedal 320 from bearing the stepping force to drive the door opening component 310 to open the door 200.
[0143] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The foot pedal 320 in this embodiment may include a connecting shaft 321, which is rotatably connected to the base 330. The connecting shaft 321 is rotatably connected to the base 330 via a hinge shaft 340.
[0144] The foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 may also include a fixing member 360, which connects the hinge shaft 340 and the connecting shaft 321.
[0145] For example, the hinge shaft 340 is provided with a slot 3424, one end of the connecting shaft 321 is inserted into the slot 3424, and one end of the connecting shaft 321 is provided with a connecting hole; the fixing member 360 is threadedly connected to the hinge shaft 340, and the fixing member 360 extends into the connecting hole of the connecting shaft 321, thereby realizing the fixed connection between the connecting shaft 321 and the hinge shaft 340.
[0146] This design allows for a detachable connection between the connecting shaft 321 and the hinge shaft 340, facilitating the removal of the foot pedal 320 for use in packaging the locker. The foot pedal 320 is then reinstalled during locker delivery to the user. This helps reduce packaging volume and simplifies packaging and transportation.
[0147] Of course, the connection method between the connecting shaft 321 and the hinge shaft 340 is not limited to this. For example, the connecting shaft 321 and the hinge shaft 340 can be snapped together or welded together.
[0148] like Figure 3 As shown, the foot pedal 320 may further include a foot pedal portion 322, which is connected to the connecting shaft 321. The foot pedal portion 322 has a foot surface 3223 that bears the pedaling force. The foot pedal portion 322 is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 321.
[0149] The foot pedal portion 322 may include a second connecting portion 3221 and a foot pedal portion 3222. The foot pedal portion 3222 is configured to form a foot pedal surface 3223. The second connecting portion 3221 is sleeved on the outside of the connecting shaft 321, realizing a rotatable connection between the foot pedal portion 322 and the connecting shaft 321. The end of the connecting shaft 321 opposite to the hinge shaft 340 is provided with a limit to prevent the second connecting portion 3221 from disengaging along the axial direction of the connecting shaft 321.
[0150] The foot pedal portion 3222 and the second connecting portion 3221 can be integrally molded as a single piece, which helps to ensure structural strength. The second connecting portion 3221 is configured to form a sleeve to be fitted onto the outside of the connecting shaft 321, so that the foot pedal portion 322 can rotate relative to the connecting shaft 321.
[0151] The foot pedal portion 3222 can be a solid structure with good structural strength; or, as... Figure 3 As shown, the foot pedal part 3222 can be a hollow structure. For example, multiple hollow holes are formed in the foot pedal part 3222. While ensuring a large stepping area, the foot pedal part 322 is lightweight and also helps to save materials.
[0152] The end of the foot pedal portion 3222 opposite to the second connecting portion 3221 forms a curved end face, such as an arc surface, with a radius greater than or equal to 2 mm. This helps reduce the possibility of the user's foot or leg being scratched by the curved surface.
[0153] For example, the thickness of the foot pedal portion 3222 is greater than or equal to 5 mm to ensure that the foot pedal portion 3222 has sufficient structural strength to withstand the stepping force.
[0154] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 The length L0 of the foot pedal part 3222 can be 35mm~80mm. This can avoid the foot pedal part 3222 being too short, which would affect the convenience of pedaling, and also avoid the foot pedal part 3222 being too long, which would increase the probability of bumps and knocks.
[0155] In this case, the end of the foot pedal portion 3222 that is away from the second connecting portion 3221 is curved. The length L0 of the foot pedal portion 3222 can be understood as the maximum distance along the axial direction perpendicular to the connecting shaft 321, from the end of the foot pedal portion 3222 that is close to the second connecting portion 3221 to the end of the foot pedal portion 3222 that is away from the second connecting portion 3221.
[0156] Thus, referring to Figure 4 When the foot pedal 322 is configured to be subjected to a stepping force, the connecting shaft 321 drives the door opening member 310 forward relative to the base 330 (corresponding to...). Figure 2 The door opens in the middle (b direction) so that the door opening component 310 pushes open the door body 200. The foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 enables foot-operated door opening, freeing up the hands and increasing the variety of opening methods. Compared to manual opening, foot-operated door opening is achieved by stepping down, conforming to the natural force exertion of the human body, making the door opening experience more effortless.
[0157] like Figure 2 As shown, the foot pedal 322 is also configured to drive the connecting shaft 321, independently of the door opening member 310 (corresponding to...). Figure 2 The foot pedal 322 is also configured to rotate relative to the connecting shaft 321 toward the first side 120, corresponding to the direction of rotation (a); the foot pedal 322 is also configured to rotate relative to the connecting shaft 321 toward the first side 120, corresponding to the direction of rotation (a). Figure 2 In the S-direction.
[0158] Thus, when the foot pedal 322 is subjected to unexpected forces within a certain range, such as unexpected collision forces, the foot pedal 320 can rotate independently in the direction away from the door, or simultaneously in the direction away from the door and towards the first side 120, converting part of the unexpected force into the rotational kinetic energy of the foot pedal 320, reducing the possibility of hard collision between the foot pedal 320 and the user, reducing the impact force directly transmitted to the user's foot, thereby reducing the pain felt by the user when colliding with the foot pedal 320, and improving the safety of the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300.
[0159] Therefore, the foot pedal 320 can rotate rearward independently of the door opening member 310. The foot pedal portion 322 of the foot pedal 320 rotates relative to the connecting shaft 321 toward the first side 120, providing a buffer space for the foot pedal 320. When the foot pedal 320 is outside the foot pedal surface 3223, for example, when the bottom surface of the foot pedal portion 322 is impacted, the foot pedal 320 can rotate toward its buffer space, reducing rigid or hard contact collisions, lowering the possibility of damage to the foot pedal 320 due to accidental collisions, and ensuring the service life of the foot pedal 320. At the same time, it can also avoid damage to items such as sweeping equipment caused by collisions with the foot pedal 320, improving the user-friendliness of the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300 application, and reducing the risk of obstruction and damage to other intelligent entities in the application environment.
[0160] When the foot pedal 320 is accidentally touched, the foot pedal 320 rotates backward, and the foot pedal part 322 rotates towards the first side 120, causing the foot pedal 320 to assume a folded posture. This helps reduce the possibility of the foot pedal 320 being accidentally touched, thereby improving the safety of the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300.
[0161] Combination Figure 2 In this embodiment, the foot pedal 320 has a stepping position. In this position, the foot pedal 320 is inclined upward relative to the horizontal plane, and the connecting shaft 321 is also inclined upward relative to the horizontal plane. This arrangement provides ample space for the foot pedal 320 to be stepped on downward, improving the operability of the foot-operated door opening mechanism and enhancing the user experience. Furthermore, the foot pedal 320 has sufficient downward rotation space, ensuring that the door 200 has sufficient opening intervals and angles, providing convenience for subsequent door opening.
[0162] When the foot pedal 320 is in the stepping position, the foot pedal 320 is located on the side of the first side 120 away from the cabinet 100, which not only ensures sufficient space for stepping operation, but also avoids the opening path of the door 200; it also provides space for the foot pedal 322 to flip backward and towards the first side 120, avoiding interference with the door 200 or the cabinet 100 when the foot pedal 320 rotates towards the buffer space.
[0163] Reference Figure 2 The foot pedal 322 is configured to form a first limiting surface 3224, and the door opening component 310 is configured to form a second limiting surface 3131; when the first limiting surface 3224 and the second limiting surface 3131 come into contact, the foot pedal 320 is in the stepping position.
[0164] Among them, the second connecting part 3221 of the foot pedal 322 has a protruding structure at one end near the hinge shaft 340, and the protruding mechanism forms the first limiting surface 3224.
[0165] Reference Figure 4 The foot pedal 322 is configured such that when it is subjected to a stepping force at the stepping position, it drives the door opening member 310 to rotate forward relative to the base 330 through the connecting shaft 321, so that the door opening member 310 pushes open the door body 200.
[0166] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The foot pedal 322 is also configured to drive the connecting shaft 321 to rotate independently of the door opening member 310 to the rear; and to rotate relative to the connecting shaft 321 toward the first side 120.
[0167] In some cases, such as Figure 5 As shown, the force point A on the bottom surface of the foot pedal 322 bears an impact force F1, which is horizontal and rearward. F1 can be decomposed into a first component force F11 and a second component force F12. The first component force F11 is along the tangent direction of the force point A relative to the central axis of the hinge shaft 340, and the second component force F12 is along the force point A toward the central axis of the hinge shaft 340. Under the action of the first component force F11, the foot pedal 320 rotates rearward independently of the door opening member 310. In this way, part of the impact force F1 borne by the foot pedal 322 is converted into the rearward rotational kinetic energy of the foot pedal 322, thereby reducing the reaction force on the object that applied the impact force, such as the foot, thus reducing the user's pain and improving the safety of the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300.
[0168] In some cases, such as Figure 6As shown, the force point B on the bottom surface of the foot pedal 322 bears an impact force F2, which is perpendicular to the horizontal plane and upwards. F2 can be decomposed into a first component force F21 and a second component force F22. The first component force F21 is upwards and toward the first side 120, and the first component force F21 is tangential to the force point B relative to the central axis of the connecting shaft 321. The first component force F21 provides a force for the foot pedal 322 to rotate toward the first side 120 relative to the connecting shaft 321.
[0169] Under the action of the first component force F21, the foot pedal 322 abuts against the door opening component 310 at point C. The door opening component 310 exerts a force F3 on the foot pedal 322, and the force exerted by the foot pedal 322 on the door opening component 310 is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force F3. F3 is perpendicular to the second limiting surface 3131. F3 can be decomposed into a first component force F31 and a second component force F32. The first component force F31 is tangential to the contact point C relative to the central axis of the hinge shaft 340. Under the action of the first component force F31, the foot pedal 320 rotates backward around the hinge shaft 340. The backward rotation of the foot pedal 320 causes the first limiting surface 3224 to move away from the second limiting surface 3131, providing space for the foot pedal 322 to rotate relative to the connecting shaft 321 toward the first side surface 120.
[0170] From the user's perspective, when the foot pedal 322 experiences an impact force F2 at point B, the foot pedal 320 rotates backward and towards the first side 120. Thus, a portion of the impact force F2 experienced by the foot pedal 322 is converted into rotational kinetic energy of the foot pedal 322 towards the first side 120, thereby reducing the reaction force on the object applying the impact force, such as the foot, and thus alleviating the user's pain and improving the safety of the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300.
[0171] In the stepping position, the second limiting surface 3131 can be a horizontal surface. Affected by the surface shape of the foot pedal part 3222 and the angle of the impact force, the impact force may generate a first component force F21, which provides a force for the foot pedal part 322 to rotate relative to the connecting shaft 321 toward the first side 120.
[0172] In this embodiment, the end of the second limiting surface 3131 that is away from the first side 120 is higher relative to the horizontal plane than the end that is close to the first side 120. The end of the second limiting surface 3131 that is away from the first side 120 is higher. This helps to generate a component force of rotation around the connecting shaft 321 when the impact force acts on the foot pedal 322. This increases the possibility that the foot pedal 322 will rotate toward the first side 120 and backward when subjected to the impact force. This increases the possibility that the impact force will be converted into the backward rotational kinetic energy of the foot pedal 322. This reduces the reaction force to the object that applied the impact force, such as the foot, thereby reducing the user's pain and improving the safety of the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300.
[0173] With the above configuration, in the storage cabinet of this embodiment, the connecting shaft 321 of the foot pedal 320 is rotatably connected to the base 330. Thus, when the foot pedal 322 of the foot pedal 320 bears a stepping force, the connecting shaft 321 drives the door opening member 310 to rotate forward relative to the base 330, causing the door opening member 310 to push open the door 200, thereby realizing the function of opening the door with a foot pedal. The foot pedal 320 is also configured to rotate backward relative to the base 330, independently of the door opening member 310.
[0174] Furthermore, the foot pedal portion 322 of the foot pedal 320 is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 321, and the end of the second limiting surface 3131 away from the first side surface 120 is higher relative to the horizontal plane than the end close to the first side surface 120, so that the foot pedal portion 322 can rotate around the connecting shaft 321 toward the first side surface 120.
[0175] Thus, when the foot pedal 322 is subjected to an unexpected force within a certain range, such as an accidental collision, the foot pedal 320 can independently rotate in the direction away from the door, or simultaneously rotate in the direction away from the door and towards the first side 120. This converts part of the unexpected force into the rotational kinetic energy of the foot pedal 320, reducing the possibility of a hard collision between the foot pedal 320 and the user, reducing the impact force directly transmitted to the user's foot, thereby reducing the pain felt by the user when colliding with the foot pedal 320 and improving the safety of the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300. It also reduces the possibility of damage to the foot pedal 320 due to accidental collisions, ensuring its service life. Simultaneously, it can prevent damage to items such as sweeping devices caused by collisions with the foot pedal 320, improving the user-friendliness of the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 and reducing the risk of obstruction and harm to other intelligent entities in the application environment.
[0176] The end of the second limiting surface 3131 that is away from the first side 120 is higher, which helps to generate a component force of rotation around the connecting shaft 321 when the impact force acts on the foot pedal 322. This increases the possibility that the foot pedal 322 will rotate toward the first side 120 and backward when subjected to the impact force, thereby increasing the possibility that the impact force will be converted into the backward rotational kinetic energy of the foot pedal 322. This reduces the reaction force to the object that applied the impact force, such as the foot, thereby reducing the user's pain and further improving the safety of the foot pedal opening mechanism 300.
[0177] It should be noted that after the foot pedal 322 is accidentally hit, the foot pedal 320 can rotate forward to the stepping position under force; and the foot pedal 322 rotates away from the first side 120 relative to the connecting shaft 321 to the stepping position.
[0178] Reference Figure 7In some embodiments of this application, the second limiting surface 3131 has a first end and a second end opposite to each other in the width direction, and the first end of the second limiting surface 3131 is closer to the first side surface 120 than the second end.
[0179] Along the width direction and away from the first side 120, the second end is inclined upward relative to the first end.
[0180] Both the second limiting surface 3131 and the first limiting surface 3224 are inclined surfaces, such as Figure 7 As shown, along the width direction, the second limiting surface 3131 and the first limiting surface 3224 are inclined upward at one end away from the rod part 311 of the door member 310.
[0181] This design causes the end of the foot pedal 322 facing away from the connecting shaft 321 to tilt upwards, which helps to convert the force of accidental impact into a rotational component towards the first side 120. This provides the driving force for the foot pedal 322 to rotate relative to the connecting shaft 321 towards the first side 120, thereby helping to buffer the rotation of the foot pedal 322 when subjected to accidental impact, reducing the interaction force of the collision, and further improving the safety of the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300. Moreover, the inclination of the second limiting surface 3131 in the width direction also allows for a larger gap between the foot pedal 322 and the placement surface of the storage cabinet, ensuring sufficient stepping space.
[0182] Continue to refer to Figure 7 The angle α between the second limiting surface 3131 and the horizontal plane can be 5° to 25°, for example, 8°, 10°, 12°, 15°, 18°, 20°, etc. This avoids the second limiting surface 3131 being too small in tilt angle relative to the horizontal plane, which would make it difficult for the foot pedal 322 to rotate relative to the connecting shaft 321 and affect the anti-kick effect; it also avoids the second limiting surface 3131 being too large in tilt angle relative to the horizontal plane, which would affect the convenience of stepping and make it difficult to step on to open the door.
[0183] By setting a reasonable length L0 and included angle α for the foot pedal part 3222, the foot pedal part 3222 can be flipped when subjected to accidental impact force, while also ensuring the convenience of stepping.
[0184] For example, when the length L0 of the foot pedal portion 3222 is 35mm, the included angle α can be 25°. For example, when the length L0 of the foot pedal portion 3222 is 80mm, the included angle α can be 5°; for example, when the length L0 of the foot pedal portion 3222 is 50mm, the included angle α can be 10°.
[0185] Reference Figure 8In some embodiments of this application, the second limiting surface 3131 has a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other along the depth direction of the cabinet 100, and the third end of the second limiting surface 3131 is located behind the fourth end.
[0186] Along the depth direction from back to front, the fourth end is inclined upwards compared to the third end. Along the depth direction, the second limiting surface 3131 and the first limiting surface 3224 are inclined surfaces, and the front end is inclined upwards.
[0187] like Figure 8 As shown, the angle β between the second limiting surface 3131 and the horizontal plane can be 12° to 20°. This can prevent the second limiting surface 3131 from having too small an inclination angle relative to the horizontal plane, resulting in insufficient pedaling space; it can also prevent the second limiting surface 3131 from having too large an inclination angle relative to the horizontal plane, resulting in excessive pedaling stroke and affecting the convenience of pedaling.
[0188] In some possible implementations, the angle α between the second limiting surface 3131 and the horizontal plane can be 5°, the angle β between the second limiting surface 3131 and the horizontal plane can be 12°, and the ground clearance of the foot pedal 322 can be 28.4mm, providing ample space for stepping.
[0189] The second limiting surface 3131 in this embodiment is tilted upwards at its front end. On the one hand, this provides ample space for the foot pedal 320 to be stepped on, allowing it to rotate the door opening component 310 to a sufficient angle for effective door opening. On the other hand, it keeps the foot pedal 320 within the height range of the foot, conforming to footing habits and ergonomics, thus improving ease of use. Furthermore, it prevents the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300 from being subjected to unnecessary overload impacts, ensuring its durability. Moreover, the tilted design of the second limiting surface 3131 gives the foot pedal 320 a tendency to flip backwards, making it easier to flip backwards and cushion the impact of accidental contact, further improving the safety of the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300.
[0190] Continue to refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments of this application, the door opening component 310 includes a rod portion 311, which is located between the front side 110 of the cabinet 100 and the rear side 210 of the door 200.
[0191] When the foot pedal 320 drives the door opening component 310 to rotate forward, the top of the rod 311 abuts against the rear side 210 of the door 200 to open the door 200.
[0192] In some embodiments, a roller 3111 is rotatably mounted on the top of the door opening member 310. (See reference...) Figure 4When the door opening component 310 pushes open the door body 200, the roller 3111 is configured to make rolling contact with the rear side 210 of the door body 200.
[0193] When the foot pedal 320 is not subjected to stepping force, the door opening component 310 does not push open the door body 200. There can be a gap between the roller 3111 and the rear side 210 of the door body 200. On the one hand, during installation, the door opening component 310 can be quickly inserted between the rear side 210 of the door body 200 and the front side 110 of the cabinet 100 to improve installation efficiency. On the other hand, it can prevent the door body 200 from contacting the roller 3111 when the door is manually closed, thus avoiding wear on the door body 200 and helping to maintain the appearance of the door body 200.
[0194] With this configuration, during the process of opening the door body 200, the roller 3111 rolls and contacts the rear side 210 of the door body 200, which helps to reduce friction and reduce the friction of the door opening component 310 on the door body 200, thereby helping to reduce the friction noise of the door opening component 310 during the process of opening the door body 200.
[0195] In some possible implementations, the top of the door opening component 310 may be provided with a contact buffer. The contact buffer may be made of an elastic material, such as rubber, silicone, or polyurethane. The contact buffer contacts the rear side 210 of the door body 200, which can both open the door body 200 and reduce the impact force and noise generated during the opening process, and also protect the surface of the rear side 210 of the door body 200.
[0196] For example, the top end of the rod portion 311 is configured to form two spaced-apart first mounting walls, each of which is provided with a shaft hole. The axle of the roller 3111 is fixed in the shaft hole of the two first mounting walls, the roller 3111 is rotatably mounted on the axle, and the roller 3111 is located between the two first mounting walls.
[0197] The wheel surface of the roller 3111 protrudes from the front surface of the rod 311, so that the wheel surface of the roller 3111 can contact the rear side 210 of the door 200 to open the door 200.
[0198] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The door opening component 310 may also include a connecting seat 312, which is connected to the bottom end of the rod body 311; the connecting seat 312 is rotatably connected to the base 330 via a hinge shaft 340.
[0199] Among them, reference Figure 3 and Figure 9The connecting seat 312 may include a connecting wall 3121, which is curved, and its top end is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the rod portion 311. The extending direction of the connecting wall 3121 may be perpendicular to the extending direction of the rod portion 311. Furthermore, to improve the structural strength of the door opening member 310, reinforcing ribs may be provided between the connecting wall 3121 and the rod portion 311.
[0200] Continue to refer to Figure 9 The connecting seat 312 may further include two second mounting walls 3122, which are spaced apart along the length of the connecting wall 3121. The two second mounting walls 3122 are fixedly connected to the rear side of the connecting wall 3121. Each of the two second mounting walls 3122 is provided with a first hinge hole for the hinge shaft 340 to pass through.
[0201] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The base 330 includes a base plate 331, which is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the cabinet 100. The base 330 may also include two third mounting walls 332, which are spaced apart axially along the hinge shaft 340. Each of the two third mounting walls 332 has a second hinge hole for the hinge shaft 340 to pass through. (See reference...) Figure 9 The two third mounting walls 332 are located outside the two second mounting walls 3122.
[0202] In some embodiments, the base 330 is a one-piece molded component, which facilitates molding and helps ensure structural strength and stability.
[0203] like Figure 9 As shown, the hinge shaft 340 passes through two first hinge holes and two second hinge holes, enabling the door opening component 310 and the foot pedal component 320 to rotate relative to the base 330.
[0204] In this configuration, along the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft 340, one end of the hinge shaft 340, away from the foot pedal 320, extends to the outside of the second hinge hole and is fixedly connected to the retaining ring 370, thereby forming an axial limit at one end of the hinge shaft 340. Of course, the retaining ring 370 is not a limitation; other structures can also be used to achieve axial limit at the end of the hinge shaft 340.
[0205] like Figure 3 As shown, the door opening component 310 may further include a first limiting portion 313, which is connected to the end of the connecting seat 312. The first limiting portion 313 is connected to the end of the connecting wall 3121. (See reference...) Figure 9 Along the axial direction of the first hinge hole, two second mounting walls 3122 are located on one side of the rod body 311, and the first limiting part 313 is located on the other side of the rod body 311.
[0206] The first limiting part 313 is constructed to form an arc-shaped surface, which is used to cooperate with the rotation of the hinge shaft 340 to avoid interference. The portion of the hinge shaft 340 cooperates with the first limiting part 313 and is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft 321 so that the foot pedal 320 can rotate relative to the base 330.
[0207] The first limiting part 313 is located below the foot pedal 320, and the front end of the first limiting part 313 forms the second limiting surface 3131.
[0208] In some embodiments, the rod body 311, the first mounting wall, the second mounting wall 3122, the connecting wall 3121, and the first limiting part 313 are integrally formed as a single piece, which helps to improve the structural strength and stability of the door opening part 310.
[0209] Therefore, in this embodiment, the door opening component 310 is provided with a rod portion 311 for opening the door body 200, a connecting seat 312 for rotatably connecting with the hinge shaft 340, and a first limiting portion 313 forming a second limiting surface 3131 for abutting against the first limiting surface 3224 of the foot pedal portion 322. The first limiting portion 313 is located at one end of the connecting seat 312 to prevent the connecting seat 312 from affecting the rearward and lateral rotation of the foot pedal portion 322, ensuring sufficient buffer space for the foot pedal component 320 in case of accidental contact.
[0210] Continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 9 In this embodiment of the application, the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 may further include a reset torsion spring 350, which is sleeved on the hinge shaft 340, and the two torsion arms of the reset torsion spring 350 are respectively connected to the base 330 and the door opening member 310.
[0211] When the door opening component 310 pushes open the door body 200, the return torsion spring 350 undergoes elastic deformation; when the foot pedal 322 loses its pedaling force, the return torsion spring 350 restores its deformation, thereby driving the foot pedal 320 to return to the pedaling position.
[0212] The reset torsion spring 350 may include a spring body 351, which is cylindrical. The spring body 351 is sleeved on the hinge shaft 340 and is located between two second mounting walls 3122.
[0213] The reset torsion spring 350 may also include two torsion arms, one of which abuts against the connecting wall 3121 and the other abuts against the base plate portion 331 of the base 330.
[0214] For example, two spring bodies 351 are provided, and two adjacent torsion arms of the two spring bodies 351 are connected to form a first torsion arm 352, which is generally U-shaped. Figure 9The bottom surface of the base plate 331 is provided with a protruding locking part 333, which is located between two third mounting walls 332. The first torsion arm 352 is engaged with the locking part 333 and elastically abuts against the bottom surface of the base plate 331. The two torsion arms on the outer sides of the two spring bodies 351 form a second torsion arm 353, which abuts against the connecting wall 3121.
[0215] At the step position, the second torsion arm 353 and the first torsion arm 352 elastically abut against the base plate 331 and the connecting wall 3121. When the door opening component 310 is subjected to stepping force, the return torsion spring 350 undergoes elastic deformation. When the door opening component 310 loses the stepping force, the return torsion spring 350 restores its deformation, causing the door opening component 310 to return to the state without stepping force, thus preventing the door opening component 310 from affecting the closing of the door body 200.
[0216] In this embodiment, a reset torsion spring 350 provides a reset force to the door opening component 310 and the foot pedal component 320, allowing them to return to the stepping position after the door is opened, without affecting the closing of the door 200. Furthermore, the foot pedal component 320 returns to the stepping position after each opening, helping to ensure consistency in the stepping position and providing a clear starting point for opening the door. This facilitates muscle memory development for the user, eliminating the need to determine the stepping position and enabling blind operation without visual confirmation, thus improving the convenience of opening the door by foot.
[0217] Continue to refer to Figure 9 In some embodiments, the hinge shaft 340 includes a shaft body 341, and a connecting seat 312 is rotatably connected to the base 330 via the shaft body 341. The shaft body 341 passes through two first hinge holes and two second hinge holes, allowing the door opening member 310 to rotate relative to the base 330.
[0218] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The hinge shaft 340 may further include a first connecting portion 342, which is fixedly connected to the end of the shaft body portion 341. The first connecting portion 342 and the shaft body portion 341 can be integrally formed, which facilitates processing and helps to ensure structural strength.
[0219] The diameter of the first connecting portion 342 is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 341, and the end face of the first connecting portion 342 facing the shaft portion 341 abuts against the outer side of the third mounting wall 332. Thus, under the constraint of the snap ring 370 and the first connecting portion 342, both ends of the shaft portion 341 in the axial direction are limited, preventing it from coming out of the first hinge hole and the second hinge hole.
[0220] In this embodiment, the reset torsion spring 350 is sleeved on the outside of the shaft portion 341 of the hinge shaft 340. The hinge shaft 340 can be fixedly connected to the second hinge hole and rotatably connected to the first hinge hole, thereby causing the door opening member 310 and the foot pedal member 320 to rotate around the central axis of the hinge shaft 340.
[0221] The first connecting part 342 is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft 321 so that the foot pedal 320 can rotate relative to the base 330.
[0222] Combination Figure 10 The first connecting part 342 is configured to form a third limiting surface 3421, and the rear end of the first limiting part 313 is configured to form a fourth limiting surface 3132.
[0223] The foot pedal 320 rotates independently of the door opening member 310 until the fourth limiting surface 3132 abuts against the third limiting surface 3421, so that the axis of rotation of the foot pedal 322 relative to the connecting shaft 321 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.
[0224] By setting a limit between the first connecting part 342 of the hinge shaft 340 and the first limiting part 313 of the door opening member 310, the position of the foot pedal 320 rotating independently of the door opening member 310 is restricted, so as to avoid the foot pedal 320 rotating too far backward and affecting the next foot pedal opening.
[0225] When the fourth limiting surface 3132 abuts against the third limiting surface 3421, the foot pedal 320 is in the unfolded position. The space in which the foot pedal 320 flips backward independently of the door opening component 310 is located between the stepping position and the unfolded position.
[0226] In this embodiment, when the fourth limiting surface 3132 abuts against the third limiting surface 3421, the central axis of the connecting shaft 321 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, which gives the foot pedal 320 a larger buffer space and allows the foot pedal 320 to be in a vertical state, reducing the possibility of the foot pedal 320 being hit; it also prevents the foot pedal 320 from rotating too far backward, which would affect the convenience of stepping to open the door.
[0227] It should be noted that the contact between the third limiting surface 3421 and the fourth limiting surface 3132 is to limit the rearward rotation limit of the foot pedal 320, and does not mean that the foot pedal 320 will necessarily flip backward to the unfolded position when it is accidentally touched.
[0228] In this embodiment, the limiting structure for the rearward rotation position of the foot pedal 320 is disposed between the hinge shaft 340 and the door opening member 310. The structure is simple and easy to implement. Of course, the limiting structure for the rearward rotation position of the foot pedal 320 can also be disposed in other positions, such as between the foot pedal 320 and the base 330.
[0229] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The foot pedal portion 322 is configured to form a seventh limiting surface 3226, and the first connecting portion 342 is configured to form an eighth limiting surface 3423. Among them, the end of the second connecting portion 3221 of the foot pedal portion 322 facing the hinge shaft 340 is configured to form the seventh limiting surface 3226.
[0230] When the foot pedal 322 rotates relative to the connecting shaft 321 to the point where the seventh limiting surface 3226 abuts against the eighth limiting surface 3423, the first limiting surface 3224 and the second limiting surface 3131 are opposite each other along the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft 340.
[0231] In this embodiment, the seventh limiting surface 3226 and the eighth limiting surface 3423 abut and limit the position of the foot pedal 322 when it rotates away from the first side surface 120 around the connecting shaft 321. This ensures that the first limiting surface 3224 and the second limiting surface 3131 are circumferentially opposite each other along the hinge shaft 340, and ensures that the foot pedal 320 rotates forward around the hinge shaft 340. This achieves the abutment contact between the first limiting surface 3224 and the second limiting surface 3131, ensuring the convenience of the foot pedal 320 returning to the pedaling position and also helping to ensure the stability of the contact between the first limiting surface 3224 and the second limiting surface 3131.
[0232] Reference Figure 13 In some embodiments of this application, the foot pedal portion 322 is configured to form a fifth limiting surface 3225, and the first connecting portion 342 is configured to form a sixth limiting surface 3422. The second connecting portion 3221 of the foot pedal portion 322 is configured to form the fifth limiting surface 3225. The sixth limiting surface 3422 intersects with the eighth limiting surface 3423.
[0233] When the foot pedal 322 rotates relative to the connecting shaft 321 toward the first side 120, and the fifth limiting surface 3225 abuts against the sixth limiting surface 3422, the foot pedal surface 3223 of the foot pedal 322 faces the first side 120 and is spaced apart from the first side 120.
[0234] like Figure 10 As shown, when the fifth limiting surface 3225 and the sixth limiting surface 3422 abut, the foot pedal surface 3223 of the foot pedal part 322 faces the first side surface 120 and is spaced apart from the first side surface 120.
[0235] With this configuration, the fifth limiting surface 3225 and the sixth limiting surface 3422 abut against each other, limiting the position of the foot pedal 322 rotating toward the first side 120 around the connecting shaft 321. The foot pedal surface 3223 has a gap with the first side 120, which can prevent the foot pedal 322 from contacting the first side 120 and wearing down the first side 120, thus affecting the outside of the locker.
[0236] Of course, in some implementations, when the fifth limiting surface 3225 and the sixth limiting surface 3422 abut, the footrest surface 3223 of the foot pedal 322 can be provided with a buffer layer, which contacts the first side surface 120. The buffer layer can be flexible or adhesive, etc., to reduce the impact force on the first side surface 120.
[0237] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The first connecting portion 342 is constructed to form a planar portion, and the slot 3424 for fixing the connecting shaft 321 is provided in the planar portion. (See reference...) Figure 12 and Figure 13 The planar portion has a protruding second limiting portion 3425. The second limiting portion 3425 is configured to form a sixth limiting surface 3422 and an eighth limiting surface 3423.
[0238] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 Two second limiting portions 3425 may be provided, and the two second limiting portions 3425 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the connecting shaft 321. Each second limiting portion 3425 is provided with a sixth limiting surface 3422 and an eighth limiting surface 3423. Correspondingly, two fifth limiting surfaces 3225 and a seventh limiting surface 3226 are formed on the foot pedal portion 322.
[0239] Thus, two limiting contact positions are formed between the foot pedal 320 and the hinge shaft 340 in the circumferential direction of the connecting shaft 321, which helps to improve the reliability of the limiting.
[0240] Therefore, in this embodiment, the forward rotation position of the independent door opening member 310 of the foot pedal 320 is restricted by the cooperation of the first limiting surface 3224 and the second limiting surface 3131. When the first limiting surface 3224 and the second limiting surface 3131 are in cooperation, the foot pedal 320 is driven by the stepping force to rotate the door opening member 310 forward together. Furthermore, when the first limiting surface 3224 and the second limiting surface 3131 are in cooperation, the foot pedal 320 is in the stepping position, as specifically referred to... Figure 7 and Figure 8 .
[0241] The rearward rotation of the foot pedal 320 and the independent door opening component 310 is restricted by the cooperation of the third limiting surface 3421 and the fourth limiting surface 3132. When the third limiting surface 3421 and the fourth limiting surface 3132 are engaged, the foot pedal 320 is in the unfolded position, as detailed in the following reference. Figure 14 Thus, the foot pedal 320 can rotate around the hinge axis 340 independently of the door opening component 310 in the unfolded position and the step position.
[0242] The fifth limiting surface 3225 and the sixth limiting surface 3422 cooperate to restrict the rotation of the foot pedal 322 relative to the connecting shaft 321 toward the first side surface 120. When the fifth limiting surface 3225 and the sixth limiting surface 3422 are engaged, the foot pedal surface 3223 of the foot pedal 322 faces the first side surface 120. At this time, the foot pedal 320 is in the retracted position, as shown in the following figure. Figure 10 .
[0243] The engagement of the seventh limiting surface 3226 and the eighth limiting surface 3423 restricts the rotational position of the foot pedal 322 relative to the connecting shaft 321 away from the first side surface 120. When the seventh limiting surface 3226 and the eighth limiting surface 3423 are engaged, the first limiting surface 3224 and the second limiting surface 3131 are circumferentially opposite each other along the hinge shaft 340, ensuring that the foot pedal 320 rotates around the hinge shaft 340, thus achieving the engagement of the first limiting surface 3224 and the second limiting surface 3131. With the seventh limiting surface 3226 and the eighth limiting surface 3423 engaged, and the third limiting surface 3421 and the fourth limiting surface 3132 engaged, the foot pedal 320 is in the extended position, as detailed in [reference needed]. Figure 14 .
[0244] It should be noted that when the foot pedal 322 is subjected to an accidental impact force and rotates around the connecting shaft 321 and the hinge shaft 340, it exists in multiple positional states between the pedal position and the extended position, and between the extended position and the retracted position. For example, combined with Figure 15 The foot pedal 322 rotates around the central axis of the connecting shaft 321 until the fifth limiting surface 3225 engages with the sixth limiting surface 3422, while the third limiting surface 3421 does not contact or engage with the fourth limiting surface 3132. For example, in combination... Figure 16 The foot pedal 320 rotates around the central axis of the hinge shaft 340 until the third limiting surface 3421 contacts and engages with the fourth limiting surface 3132, while the fifth limiting surface 3225 and the sixth limiting surface 3422 do not contact and engage.
[0245] Reference Figure 17 When the foot pedal 320 is in the retracted position, the fifth limiting surface 3225 and the sixth limiting surface 3422 cooperate. A limiting structure is formed between the door opening component 310 and the base 330, so that the rod portion 311 of the door opening component 310 is perpendicular to the bottom plate portion 331 of the base 330.
[0246] The second mounting wall 3122 of the door opening component 310 has a ninth limiting surface 3123 on its rear side, and the front end of the base plate portion 331 forms a tenth limiting surface 3311. When the foot pedal component 320 is in the retracted position, the ninth limiting surface 3123 abuts against the tenth limiting surface 3311, so that the extension direction of the rod portion 311 is perpendicular to the base plate portion 331.
[0247] To improve the reliability of the reset torsion spring 350 installed between the connecting wall 3121 and the base 330 of the door opening member 310, the reset torsion spring 350 is elastically installed between the door opening member 310 and the base 330. This can be understood as follows: when the door opening member 310 is not subjected to a stepping force, i.e., when the foot pedal 320 is in the retracted position, the extended position, or the stepping position, the first torsion arm 352 elastically abuts against the base plate 331, and the second torsion arm 353 elastically abuts against the connecting wall 3121.
[0248] In the natural state of the return torsion spring 350, the included angle between the second torsion arm 353 and the first torsion arm 352 along the circumference of the spring body 351 is greater than 90°. Figure 3 and Figure 17 In the retracted position, the ninth limiting surface 3123 abuts against the tenth limiting surface 3311, so that the extension direction of the door opening component 310 is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the cabinet 100.
[0249] This design allows for easy installation of the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 in the retracted position, and also enables the reset torsion spring 350 to be elastically installed between the base 330 and the door opening component 310. This eliminates the need for additional fixing or limiting measures on the reset torsion spring 350, thus ensuring the stability of its installation.
[0250] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 4 When the foot pedal 320 drives the door opening component 310 to rotate forward, the front end of the foot pedal 320 does not protrude from the front end of the second side 230.
[0251] This design ensures that the front end of the foot pedal 320 does not protrude beyond the front end of the second side 230 during forward rotation around the central axis of the hinge shaft 340. It also makes the space for opening the door compact, improving ease of operation, and reduces the possibility of the foot pedal 320 being bumped while in the stepping position.
[0252] Continue to refer to Figure 4 When the door opening component 310 opens the door body 200, the foot pedal 320 is spaced from the bottom surface of the base 130 of the storage cabinet.
[0253] Normally, the base 130 can rotate relative to the cabinet 100 to adjust the height of the base 130, thereby adjusting the height of the bottom surface of the cabinet 100 from the placement surface. When the door opening component 310 opens the door 200, there is a gap between the foot pedal 320 and the bottom surface of the base 130 at its minimum height.
[0254] This design limits the end of the foot pedal path of the foot pedal 320, thereby restricting the opening angle of the door 200. Furthermore, when the foot pedal 320 is in the open position, there is a gap between the foot pedal 320 and the storage cabinet surface, thus preventing the foot pedal 320 from touching the bottom surface and causing friction and damage to the floor.
[0255] When the foot pedal 320 is in the open position, the door opener 310 pushes open the door. At this time, at least one of the door opener 310 and the foot pedal 320 abuts against the base 330, so that the foot pedal 320 is spaced from the bottom surface of the base 130 of the storage cabinet. Exemplarily, the first limiting portion 313 of the door opener 310 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the third mounting wall 332 of the base 330 to limit the terminal position of the foot pedal 320 when it is stepped on to open the door.
[0256] In some other embodiments, when the door opening member 310 pushes open the door body 200, a buffer member is provided at the front end of the foot pedal member 320, and the buffer member is used to contact the placement surface of the storage cabinet.
[0257] By having the buffer at the front end of the foot pedal 320 contact the storage cabinet's surface, the final position of the foot pedal 320 when it is stepped on to open the door can be restricted, eliminating the need for a limiting structure on the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300. Furthermore, the contact between the foot pedal 320 and the surface makes the opening position more stable, helping to prevent the storage cabinet from tipping forward and improving the safety of the foot-operated door opening mechanism. The buffer also reduces wear and tear on the storage cabinet's surface.
[0258] The cushioning component can be a flexible or elastic layer, such as silicone, rubber, or foam.
[0259] Continue to refer to Figure 4 The straight-line distance between the central axis of roller 3111 and the central axis of hinge shaft 340 is defined as the rod length L1 of door opening component 310, and the straight-line distance between the end of foot pedal 320 away from hinge shaft 340 and the central axis of hinge shaft 340 is defined as the rod length L2 of foot pedal 320. The ratio of the rod length L2 of foot pedal 320 to the rod length L1 of door opening component 310 can be 1 to 1.2, that is, the rod length L2 of foot pedal 320 can be between 1 times L1 and 1.2 times L1. This ensures both the convenience of stepping to open the door and the opening angle; it also prevents the front end of foot pedal 320 from protruding from the front surface of door body 200 during opening, thus ensuring the aesthetics of the storage cabinet.
[0260] When the ratio of the length L2 of the foot pedal 320 to the length L1 of the door opening component 310 is less than 1, the length L2 of the foot pedal 320 is less than the length L1 of the door opening component 310. Under the premise of ensuring the same door opening distance L, it is more difficult to open the door.
[0261] When the ratio of the length L2 of the foot pedal 320 to the length L1 of the door opening component 310 is greater than 1.2, the length of the foot pedal 320 is too large, which may cause the door body 200 to not reach the preset opening angle, while the foot pedal 320 has already touched the bottom surface, affecting the actual opening angle.
[0262] With the above-described configuration, the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 of this embodiment has a retracted position, an extended position, a stepped position, and an open position. Furthermore, the limiting surfaces provide stable positioning for each position of the foot pedal 320, ensuring stable functionality.
[0263] like Figure 10 As shown, when the foot pedal 320 is in the retracted position, the foot surface 3223 of the foot pedal 320 faces the first side 120.
[0264] like Figure 14 As shown, the foot pedal 322 rotates around the connecting shaft 321 away from the first side 120 to the unfolded position. In the unfolded position, the projected area of the foot pedal surface 3223 facing the first side 120 is smaller than the projected area of the foot pedal surface 3223 facing the first side 120 in the folded position.
[0265] like Figure 2 As shown, from the unfolded position, the foot pedal 320 rotates around the hinge axis 340 to the stepping position. In the stepping position, the foot pedal 320 bears the stepping force, driving the door opening component 310 to rotate forward to the open position, as shown. Figure 4 As shown.
[0266] The foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 of this application embodiment achieves foot-operated door opening through a foot pedal 320 and a door opening component 310, freeing up the hands and increasing the variety of door opening methods in addition to manual opening. Furthermore, the foot-operated door opening mechanism of this application embodiment has at least the following advantages:
[0267] The foot pedal 320 has a folded position, which reduces the additional increase in the overall size of the locker caused by the foot pedal opening mechanism 300, making the locker's overall structure compact, facilitating the packaging and transportation of the locker, and helping to reduce packaging and transportation costs.
[0268] The unfolded position of the foot pedal 320 is the transition position between the stepping position and the retracted position. The foot pedal 322 rotates to the unfolded position around the central axis of the connecting shaft 321, so that the foot surface 3223 of the foot pedal 320 rotates from the position facing the first side 120 to the rear side facing the cabinet 100, providing a basis for the forward rotation of the foot surface.
[0269] It should be noted that users can apply a stepping force from the unfolded position to open the door by foot. However, this application creatively changes this setting, setting the foot pedal 320 to rotate around the hinge axis 340 from the unfolded position to the stepping position, forming a stepping state. In the stepping position, the foot pedal 320 bears the stepping force and drives the door opening component 310 to rotate together, so that the door opening component 310 pushes open the door body 200.
[0270] This means that, based on the unfolded position, the foot pedal 320 in this embodiment is constructed with an innovative stepping position. On the one hand, this improves the convenience of stepping operation and reduces the difficulty of stepping operation; at the same time, it ensures that the path of rotation of the foot pedal 320 when stepped on is within an appropriate range, avoiding excessive stepping height that could easily overload and damage the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300. On the other hand, when in the stepping position, the foot pedal 320 can rotate independently towards the unfolded position relative to the door opening member 310, providing a buffer space for the foot pedal 320 to absorb impact energy from accidental collisions or accidental touches, and also avoiding rigid collisions, reducing the pain felt by the user when colliding with the foot pedal 320, and improving the safety of the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300.
[0271] Furthermore, the foot pedal 322 is configured to rotate about the connecting shaft 321, allowing it to rotate toward the first side 120 when subjected to accidental impact. (See reference...) Figure 15 and Figure 16 By rotating the foot pedal 322 around the connecting shaft 321, the foot pedal 320 rotates around the hinge shaft 340, allowing the foot pedal 320 to move between the pedal position and the unfolded position, and between the unfolded position and the retracted position. This provides the foot pedal 320 with a retracted space that can be used to cushion the force of accidental impact and also to retract.
[0272] It should be noted that, in the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 of this embodiment, the foot pedal 320 is in the stepping position during the operation or use of the locker. When the foot pedal 320 is subjected to stepping force, it can drive the door opening component 310 to open the door 200; when subjected to unexpected force, the foot pedal 320 can rotate from the stepping position to the unfolded position or the retracted position; the locker can be in the retracted position during transportation.
[0273] Of course, users can position the foot pedal 320 in any location according to their actual needs. For example, when the user does not need the foot pedal to open the door, the foot pedal 320 can be adjusted to the folded position to reduce the space occupied by the storage cabinet.
[0274] The foot pedal 320 rotates from the unfolded position to the stepping position and from the stepping position to the open position, both in the same direction around the same central axis. This consistency in direction means that the foot pedal 320 can open the door by stepping on it, even if it is in the unfolded position or any position between the unfolded position and the stepping position, without any other additional operation. This gives the foot pedal door opening mechanism 300 good fault tolerance, strong robustness, and reliability.
[0275] The door opening component 310 and the foot pedal component 320 in this embodiment are both independent of each other, with the foot pedal component 320 able to move independently of the door opening component 310 between the stepping position and the unfolded position, and between the unfolded position and the retracted position; and also interconnected, with the foot pedal component 320 abutting against the door opening component 310 when in the stepping position, thus realizing the connection between the foot pedal component 320 and the door opening component 310, so that the stepping force borne by the foot pedal component 320 can be transmitted to the door body 200 through the door opening component 310 to realize the opening of the door.
[0276] It should also be noted that, such as Figure 3 As shown, the foot-operated door opening mechanism 300 of this application embodiment has a number of parts that can be less than a single digit, yet it can achieve the above-mentioned multiple functions and effects. It has a simple structure, is easy to implement, and has low cost.
[0277] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.
[0278] For ease of explanation, the above description has been provided in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Various modifications and variations can be obtained based on the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments are for the purpose of better explaining the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the embodiments and various different variations of the embodiments suitable for specific application considerations.
Claims
1. A storage cabinet, characterized in that, include: The cabinet is constructed to form a storage compartment with an access opening on the front side; A door, one end of which is hinged to the cabinet body along its width, to open or close the storage compartment; The cabinet has two opposite sides along the width direction, and the side of the two sides that is away from the hinged side of the door is the first side. A foot-operated door opening mechanism is located at the end of the door body opposite to the hinge; the foot-operated door opening mechanism includes: The base is connected to the cabinet body; The door opening component is rotatably connected to the base, and a portion of the door opening component is located between the front side of the cabinet and the rear side of the door. A foot pedal, located on one side of the cabinet along its width, the foot pedal comprising: A connecting shaft, which is rotatably connected to the base; A foot pedal, which is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft; The foot pedal is configured to form a first limiting surface, and the door opening component is configured to form a second limiting surface; the foot pedal has a stepping position where the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface abut. The foot pedal is configured such that when the foot pedal is subjected to a stepping force at the stepping position, it drives the door opening member to rotate forward relative to the base via the connecting shaft, so that the door opening member pushes open the door body; The end of the second limiting surface furthest from the first side is higher relative to the horizontal plane than the end closest to the first side, so that the foot pedal is configured to drive the connecting shaft to rotate independently backward relative to the door opening member; and to rotate relative to the connecting shaft toward the first side.
2. The storage cabinet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second limiting surface has a first end and a second end opposite to each other along the width direction, and the first end of the second limiting surface is closer to the first side surface than the second end; Along the width direction and away from the first side, the second end is inclined upward relative to the first end.
3. The storage cabinet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second limiting surface has a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other along the depth direction of the cabinet, and the third end of the second limiting surface is located behind the fourth end; Along the depth direction from back to front, the fourth end is inclined upward relative to the third end.
4. The locker according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The foot-operated door opening mechanism also includes: a hinge shaft; The door opening component includes: The rod portion is located between the front side of the cabinet and the rear side of the door; A connecting seat is attached to the bottom end of the rod body; the connecting seat is rotatably connected to the base via the hinge shaft; A first limiting part is connected to the end of the connecting seat; the first limiting part is located below the foot pedal; the front end of the first limiting part forms the second limiting surface; The hinge shaft portion engages with the first limiting portion and is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft, so that the foot pedal can rotate relative to the base.
5. The storage cabinet according to claim 4, characterized in that, The hinge shaft includes: The shaft portion, through which the connecting seat is rotatably connected to the base; A first connecting part is fixedly connected to the end of the shaft body part; the first connecting part is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft so that the foot pedal can rotate relative to the base. The first connecting portion is configured to form a third limiting surface, and the rear end of the first limiting portion is configured to form a fourth limiting surface; The foot pedal rotates independently of the door opening component until the fourth limiting surface abuts against the third limiting surface, so that the axis of rotation of the foot pedal relative to the connecting shaft is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.
6. The storage cabinet according to claim 5, characterized in that, The foot pedal is configured to form a fifth limiting surface, and the first connecting part is configured to form a sixth limiting surface; When the foot pedal rotates relative to the connecting shaft toward the first side, and the fifth limiting surface abuts against the sixth limiting surface, the foot pedal surface of the foot pedal faces the first side and is spaced apart from the first side.
7. The storage cabinet according to claim 6, characterized in that, The foot pedal is configured to form a seventh limiting surface, and the first connecting part is configured to form an eighth limiting surface, the eighth limiting surface intersecting with the sixth limiting surface; When the foot pedal rotates relative to the connecting shaft until the seventh limiting surface abuts against the eighth limiting surface, the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface are circumferentially opposite each other along the hinge shaft.
8. The locker according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The door has a second side surface along the width direction; When the foot pedal drives the door opening component to rotate forward, the front end of the foot pedal does not protrude beyond the front end of the second side.
9. The locker according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The foot-operated door opening mechanism also includes: A hinge shaft is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft to allow the foot pedal to rotate relative to the base; the door opening component is rotatably connected to the base via the hinge shaft. A reset torsion spring is sleeved on the hinge shaft, and the two torsion arms of the reset torsion spring are respectively connected to the base and the door opening component; When the door opening component pushes open the door, the reset torsion spring undergoes elastic deformation; when the foot pedal loses its pedaling force, the reset torsion spring restores its deformation, thereby driving the foot pedal to return to the pedaling position.
10. The locker according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, When the door opening mechanism pushes open the door, the foot pedal is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the base of the storage cabinet; or, When the door opening component pushes open the door, a buffer is provided at the front end of the foot pedal component, and the buffer is used to contact the placement surface of the storage cabinet.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
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