Household appliance

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and particularly relates to a household appliance. The body of the household appliance is provided with an opening; the door body is connected to the opening of the machine body in an openable manner; the two ends of the buffering piece are connected with the door body and the machine body correspondingly. The triggering piece is connected to the buffering piece and reciprocates along with opening and closing of the door body; the sensing piece is connected to the machine body; wherein when the trigger piece is close to the induction piece, the induction piece is triggered and generates a trigger signal; and when the triggering piece is far away from the sensing piece, the sensing piece is not triggered. The safety hidden danger that the door body falls due to the fact that the door body is opened on the premise that the buffering piece fails can be avoided, safety and user experience are improved, and good practicability is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electrical equipment technology, specifically relating to a household appliance. Background Technology

[0002] The doors of household appliances such as dishwashers use automatic opening technology. After the appliances open automatically, there is a risk that the door may fall, which could cause safety hazards and affect the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a household appliance designed to at least partially avoid the safety hazard of the appliance falling after its door is opened, thereby improving safety and user experience.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a household appliance, comprising: a body having an opening; a door closably connected to the opening of the body; a buffer member, at least partially elastic, with its two ends respectively connected to the door and the body; a trigger member connected to the buffer member, the trigger member reciprocating as the door opens and closes; and a sensor member connected to the body; wherein, when the trigger member approaches the sensor member, the sensor member is triggered and generates a trigger signal; and when the trigger member moves away from the sensor member, the sensor member is not triggered.

[0005] The household appliance provided in this application features a buffer component with at least a portion being elastic. The buffer component's two ends are connected to the door and the main body, respectively. When the door and main body move relative to each other, the elastic portion of the buffer component deforms synchronously and moves with the door to provide a buffering force, preventing the door from falling. A trigger component is connected to the buffer component and moves back and forth with the opening and closing of the door. A sensor component is connected to the main body. During the opening and closing of the door, when the trigger component approaches the sensor component, the sensor component is triggered and generates a trigger signal; when the trigger component moves away from the sensor component, the sensor component is not triggered. That is, during the opening and closing of the door, the trigger component can intermittently trigger the sensor component, causing the sensor component to intermittently generate a trigger signal, thus confirming that the buffer component is functioning correctly. If, during the opening and closing of the door, the trigger component consistently triggers the sensor component, causing the sensor component to consistently generate a trigger signal, or if the trigger component fails to trigger the sensor component, causing the sensor component to fail to generate a trigger signal, then the buffer component is confirmed to be faulty. This avoids the safety hazard of the door falling due to a faulty buffer component, thereby improving safety and user experience, and has excellent practicality.

[0006] In some embodiments, the buffer includes a pull cord, the trigger is connected to the pull cord, and the pull cord and the sensor are spaced apart.

[0007] In some embodiments, the trigger includes a trigger protrusion connected to the pull cord; wherein, when the trigger protrusion approaches the sensor, the trigger protrusion abuts against the sensor to generate a trigger signal.

[0008] In some implementations, when the door closes the machine body, the trigger protrusion abuts against the sensor, and when the door opens the machine body, the trigger protrusion moves away from the sensor.

[0009] In some implementations, the device further includes: two steering components connected to the body; one end of the pull rope connected to the door; the other end of the pull rope passing around the two steering components in sequence and connected to the tension spring; and the trigger protrusion reciprocating between the two steering components.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sensor is positioned above or below the trigger, and the projections of the trigger and the sensor at least partially overlap along the movement path of the trigger.

[0011] In some implementations, the device further includes a limiting member connected to the body and positioned on the movement path of the trigger member, wherein the trigger member abuts against the limiting member when the door is closed to the body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sensing element includes: a body connected to the main body; a switch connected to the body; and a sensing element connected to the body, wherein the triggering element actuates the sensing element to cause the sensing element to trigger the switch.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sensing element includes a deformable elastic element and a roller, one end of the elastic element being connected to the body, and the roller being rotatably disposed at the other end of the elastic element. When the triggering element abuts against the roller, the elastic element triggers the switching element.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sensing element includes: a body connected to the machine body; a switch connected to the body; and a sensing element connected to the body, wherein the triggering element acts on the sensing element to cause the sensing element to trigger the switch.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sensing element includes a deformable elastic element and a roller, one end of the elastic element being connected to the body, and the roller being rotatably disposed at the other end of the elastic element. When the triggering element abuts against the roller, the elastic element triggers the switching element.

[0016] In some implementations, the household appliance is a dishwasher. During the opening and closing of the door, the trigger can intermittently trigger the sensor to generate a trigger signal intermittently to confirm whether the buffer is malfunctioning.

[0017] In some implementations, the device further includes: a door opening component connected to the body to drive the door to open; the door opening component is connected to the sensor; wherein, when the door closes the body, the triggering component abuts against the sensor, the sensor feeds back a trigger signal to the door opening component, and the door opening component drives the door to open by a preset angle.

[0018] In some implementations, the system further includes a control component, which is connected to the sensor and the door opening component to form a series circuit. The control component is adapted to control the door opening component to open the door to a preset angle when the series circuit is conducting.

[0019] In some implementations, the buffer, the sensor, and the trigger constitute a door anti-fall device. Two door anti-fall devices are provided along the width direction of the door. The sensors of both door anti-fall devices are connected to the control unit to form the series circuit.

[0020] In some implementations, when the door closes the body, at least a portion of the buffer is in a relaxed state; during the process of the door opening member driving the door to open at a preset angle, the sensor is triggered and generates a trigger signal.

[0021] In some implementations, the travel distance of the door opening component is greater than the triggering travel distance of the trigger and the sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] picture Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of the structure of household appliances in some embodiments are shown;

[0024] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An explosion diagram;

[0025] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the door in different postures;

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the opening component of this application is shown;

[0027] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A;

[0028] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the connection of the buffer, sensor, trigger, and door opening components;

[0029] Figure 7 A connection diagram of the buffer, sensor, trigger, door opening mechanism, and control mechanism is shown.

[0030] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the sensing element in one embodiment is shown;

[0031] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a household appliance according to this application is shown.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] Door body -100, door lock -101;

[0034] Body-200, base-201, latch-202, lock hole-203, connector-204, first steering component-2051, second steering component-2052, guide component-206, guide groove-207, limiting component-208, through hole-209, first through hole-2091, second through hole-2092;

[0035] Buffer component-300, tension spring-301, pull rope-302;

[0036] Trigger -400;

[0037] Sensing element-500, body-501, switch-502, elastic element-503, sensing element-504;

[0038] Door opening component-600, drive component-601, push component-602;

[0039] Hinges-700;

[0040] Control component-800;

[0041] Display Unit - 900. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] Dishwashers are kitchen appliances that automatically clean dishes and are gradually becoming a common household appliance. They typically include a drying function to quickly dry dishes after washing, preventing bacterial growth in a damp environment.

[0044] After the dishwasher's washing cycle ends, a higher temperature is required for drying. To address the issue of high energy consumption, related technologies have implemented a system where the dishwasher door automatically opens to a certain angle after the washing cycle ends, utilizing air exchange to dry the dishes inside the machine. This allows for the rapid expulsion of hot and humid air from the dishwasher's interior, achieving a better drying effect and reducing energy consumption.

[0045] In related technologies, dishwasher doors are connected to the machine body via a buffer to ensure safe door opening. However, if the buffer fails, it cannot provide the necessary tension. If the dishwasher door opens automatically, it will fall rapidly, posing a hazard that could injure users, children, or pets. While dishwashers can achieve the purpose of drying, they pose significant safety risks and negatively impact the user experience.

[0046] Based on the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a household appliance designed to at least partially avoid the potential hazard of the appliance's door falling after it is opened, thereby improving safety and user experience. The household appliance described in this application can be a dishwasher, or other household appliances with openable doors, such as a disinfection cabinet or oven, to prevent safety hazards caused by the door falling. The following explanation uses a dishwasher as an example to illustrate the motor device.

[0047] Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of the structure of household appliances in some embodiments are shown. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An explosion diagram. Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A structural diagram showing the door in different postures. Combined with... Figures 1-3The household appliance provided in this application includes a door 100, a body 200, and a buffer 300. The body 200 has an opening, and the door 100 is closably connected to the opening of the body 200 to open or close the opening. The buffer 300 is connected between the door 100 and the body 200. At least a portion of the buffer 300 is elastic. The buffer 300 has a first end and a second end. The first end of the buffer 300 is connected to the body 200, and the second end of the buffer 300 is connected to the door 100. When the door 100 moves relative to the body 200, the elastic portion of the buffer 300 deforms synchronously and moves with the door 100 to provide a buffering force to the door 100 to prevent the door 100 from falling. If the buffer 300 fails, it cannot provide the corresponding pulling force. If the dishwasher door opens automatically at this time, the door 100 will fall rapidly, posing a safety hazard.

[0048] Combination Figures 1-3 When the household appliance is a dishwasher, the front of the dishwasher body 200 is open to form the dishwasher inlet. The door 100 can close the dishwasher inlet to form a sealed space inside the dishwasher for running the dishwasher's washing program.

[0049] Combination Figures 1-3 In some embodiments, the side of the door 100 is connected to the body 200 via a hinge 700, and the top of the door 100 is connected to an opening member 600 mounted on the body 200. This opening member 600 automatically opens the door 100 to a certain angle after the appliance completes its corresponding program, utilizing air exchange to dry the dishes inside the body 200. This quickly removes the hot and humid air from inside the dishwasher, achieving a better drying effect and reducing energy consumption. Now, by way of the appendix... Figure 4 and appendix Figure 5 Further details of the specific scheme for automatically opening the door 100 via the door opening component 600 are described.

[0050] Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of the door opening component of this application is shown. (Combined with...) Figure 4 The door opening component 600 of this application includes a drive component 601 and a pusher component 602. The drive component 601 can be a drive mechanism with a linear motion output section, such as a motor or wax motor. The pusher component 602 is connected to the output section of the drive component 601 and abuts against the inner side of the door body 100. After the dishwasher's washing program ends, the drive component 601 actuates, driving the door body 100 to open and hover at a certain angle via the pusher component 602. This utilizes air exchange to dry the dishes inside the machine body 200, quickly expelling the hot and humid air inside the dishwasher to achieve a better drying effect and reduce energy consumption.

[0051] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 The enlarged diagram at point A, combined with Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The front side of the body 200 of this application is provided with a latch 202, which has a lock hole 203. The inner side of the door body 100 is provided with a rotatable door lock 101, which is connected to the lock hole 203 of the latch 202. During the process of the door opening member 600 driving the door body 100 to open, the door lock 101 on the door body 100 rotates in the lock hole 203 until the push member 602 of the door opening member 600 completes its stroke. Then, the door lock 101 on the door body 100 separates from the lock hole 203 of the latch 202, so that the door body 100 can be opened.

[0052] It should be noted that the travel distance of the door opening component 600 is greater than the contact travel distance between the trigger component 400 and the sensor component 500, in order to ensure the safety of the door 100 when it is opened. The specific reasons can be found in the following description.

[0053] Combination Figures 1-3 In some embodiments, the buffer 300 includes a tension spring 301 and a pull rope 302, which are connected to connect the door 100 and the machine body 200. During the opening and closing of the door 100, the tension spring 301 of the buffer 300 deforms accordingly to drive the pull rope 302 to reciprocate. In other embodiments, the pull rope 302 may also have a certain elasticity, and its elastic deformation capacity is less than that of the tension spring 301. During the opening and closing of the door 100, the pull rope 302 also deforms accordingly.

[0054] Combination Figures 1-3 In one embodiment, one end of the tension spring 301 is connected to the body 200, and one end of the pull rope 302 is connected to the other end of the tension spring 301. The other end of the pull rope 302 is connected to the door body 100, that is, the door body 100 and the body 200 are connected by a combination of a tension spring 301 and a pull rope 302. In another embodiment, multiple tension springs 301 can also be provided, and adjacent tension springs 301 are connected by pull ropes 302, so that the door body 100 and the body 200 are connected by a combination of multiple tension springs 301 and pull ropes 302. During the opening and closing of the door body 100, the multiple tension springs 301 of the buffer 300 deform accordingly to drive the pull rope 302 to reciprocate.

[0055] Combination Figures 1-3 In some embodiments, a base 201 is provided at the bottom of the body 200, and a connector 202 is provided on the base 201. The connector 202 can be a rod structure and is provided on the side of the base 201 near the door 100. One end of the tension spring 301 is connected to the connector 202, and the other end extends horizontally away from the connector 202.

[0056] Combination Figures 1-3 In some embodiments, the body 200 is also provided with a steering component, and the pull rope 302 passes around the steering component. During the opening and closing of the door 100, the reciprocating movement of the pull rope 302 generates friction with the steering component to balance the weight of the door 100, enabling it to accommodate heavier doors. Furthermore, the steering guidance of the steering component can keep the pull rope 302 taut, ensuring that the pull rope 302 can only move along a set trajectory, thus avoiding interference between the pull rope 302 and other parts of the household appliance during its movement.

[0057] Combination Figures 1-3 In one embodiment, the steering component can be a wheel structure rotatably connected to the body 200. The pull rope 302 and the steering component experience rolling friction, which reduces the friction between them while allowing the pull rope 302 to move smoothly on the steering component, reducing wear and tear and extending its service life. In another embodiment, the steering component can be fixedly mounted on the body 200, with the pull rope 302 and the steering component experiencing static friction to increase the friction between them.

[0058] In some embodiments, multiple steering components may be provided. Through the friction between the multiple steering components and the pull rope 302, the opening and closing of the door 100 with different weights can be adapted, and the pull rope 302 can be kept taut so that the pull rope 302 can only move on a set track, so as to avoid the pull rope 302 interfering with other parts of the dishwasher during the movement.

[0059] Combination Figures 1-3 In one embodiment, the present application provides two steering components, namely a first steering component 303 and a second steering component 304. Both the first steering component 303 and the second steering component 304 are connected to the base 201 of the body 200. The first steering component 303 and the connecting component 202 are located on opposite sides of the base 201 of the body 200 in the horizontal direction. The second steering component 304 is connected above the connecting component 202 and the first steering component 303. One end of the pull rope 302 is connected to the tension spring 301, and the other end of the pull rope 302 passes sequentially around the first steering component 303 and the second steering component 304, and is connected to the hinge 700. The pull rope 302 located between the hinge 700 and the second steering component 304 is arranged at an angle. In another embodiment, the other end of the pull rope 302 can also be connected to the side of the door body 100; this is not a limitation.

[0060] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 A connection diagram of the buffer, sensor, trigger, and door opening components. (Combined with...) Figure 6The household appliance also includes a trigger 400 and a sensor 500. The trigger 400 is connected to the buffer 300 and moves back and forth with the opening and closing of the door 100. The sensor 500 is connected to the body 200. When the trigger 400 approaches the sensor 500, the sensor 500 is triggered and generates a trigger signal. When the trigger 400 moves away from the sensor 500, the sensor 500 is not triggered. During the opening and closing of the door 100, if the trigger 400 intermittently triggers the sensor 500 to generate a trigger signal intermittently, it can be confirmed that the buffer 300 is functioning normally. If, during the opening and closing of the door 100, the trigger 400 continuously triggers the sensor 500 to generate a trigger signal, or if the trigger 400 fails to trigger the sensor 500 and the sensor 500 fails to generate a trigger signal, it can be confirmed that the buffer 300 is malfunctioning. This is to avoid the safety hazard of the door 100 falling due to the failure of the buffer 300 when the door 100 is opened, thereby improving safety and user experience, and has good practicality.

[0061] Combination Figure 6 The trigger 400 is connected to the pull cord 302 and moves synchronously with it. The trigger 400 can be a trigger protrusion connected to the pull cord 302, which can be a columnar structure connected to the periphery of a portion of the pull cord 302. When the trigger protrusion approaches the sensor 500, it abuts against the sensor 500, causing the trigger 400 to generate a trigger signal. When the trigger protrusion moves away from the sensor 500, the sensor 500 is not triggered. When applied to the household appliance of this application, when the door 100 closes the body 200, the trigger protrusion moves towards the sensor 500 until it abuts against the sensor 500, causing the sensor 500 to generate a trigger signal. When the door 100 opens the body 200, the trigger protrusion moves away from the sensor 500, and the sensor 500 is not triggered.

[0062] Combination Figure 3 In one embodiment, the trigger 400 reciprocates between the steering member and the door 100, for example, between the first steering member 2051 and the second steering member 2052. In another embodiment, the trigger 400 may also reciprocate between the first steering member 2051 and the connecting member 204, or between the second steering member 2052 and the hinge 700; this application does not limit this. Furthermore, during the reciprocating movement of the trigger 400, the pull cord 302 is always spaced apart from the trigger 400 to prevent the pull cord 302 from contacting the trigger 400 during the opening and closing of the door 100, thereby avoiding the trigger 400 generating a trigger signal due to the pull cord 302.

[0063] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 To enable the trigger 400 to move along a set trajectory, the household appliance also includes a guide 206, which is installed inside the body 200. The trigger 400 can move back and forth on the guide 206. In a specific implementation, the guide 206 can be installed on the base 201 of the body 200. The guide 206 can be a block structure arranged in a horizontal direction. The top or side of the guide 206 is provided with a guide groove 207. At least a part of the trigger 400 reciprocates in the guide groove 207 to guide the reciprocating movement of the trigger 400. In addition, when the buffer 300 fails, the trigger 400 will fall into the guide groove of the guide 206 due to its own weight, so as to avoid the adverse effects caused by the trigger 400 falling on other parts of the dishwasher due to its own weight.

[0064] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 6 The household appliance also includes a limiting member 208, which is fixedly connected to the base 201 of the body 200 and is set on the movement path of the trigger member 400 to limit the movement position of the trigger member 400. When the door 100 is closed to the body 200, the trigger member 400 abuts against the limiting member 208 and stops against the sensing member 500 to generate a trigger signal.

[0065] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 6 The limiting member 208 can be a block structure, which is fixedly erected on the base 201 of the body 200. A through hole 209 is provided on the limiting member 208, through which the pull rope 302 of the buffer member 300 can reciprocate. Along the moving path of the trigger member 400, at least a portion of the projection of the trigger member 400 falls on the limiting member 208, so that during the reciprocating movement of the pull rope 302 of the buffer member 300, the trigger member 400 is blocked by the limiting member 208 to limit the position of the trigger member 400, so that the trigger member 400 comes into contact with the sensing member 500 to generate a trigger signal.

[0066] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 6 In one embodiment, the side of the limiting member 208 is provided with a notch to serve as the aforementioned through hole 209, thereby reducing the size of the limiting member 208. In another embodiment, a through hole may also be provided in the middle of the limiting member 208 to serve as the aforementioned through hole 209.

[0067] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 3When the household appliance is a dishwasher, the side of the door 100 is connected to the body 200 via a hinge 700, and the top of the door 100 is connected to the door opening component 600 provided on the body 200. The door opening component 600 can automatically open the door 100 to a certain angle after the dishwasher has finished the washing program, and use air exchange to dry the dishes inside the body 200, so as to quickly expel the hot and humid air inside the dishwasher, thereby achieving a better drying effect and reducing energy consumption.

[0068] Combination Figure 6 In one embodiment, the door opening component 600 and the sensor 500 are connected. When the door 100 is closed within the body 200, the trigger 400 abuts against the sensor 500. The sensor 500 and the door opening component 600 are connected in series. Thus, when the household appliance is running, if the door 100 is closed within the body 200, and the trigger 400 abuts against the sensor 500, and the sensor 500 can be triggered by the trigger 400, it is determined that the buffer 300 is working normally. The sensor 500 then sends a trigger signal to the door opening component 600, which controls the door 100 to open pre-open. If the trigger 400 and the sensor 500 are separated, and the sensor 500 cannot be triggered by the trigger 400, then the buffer 300 is judged to be abnormally malfunctioning. The sensor 500 cannot feed back a trigger signal to the door opening component 600. After the household appliance finishes operating, the door opening component 600 stops operating to cancel the automatic opening of the door 100, so as to avoid the safety hazard of the door 100 falling due to the failure of the buffer 300, thereby improving safety and user experience.

[0069] Figure 7 A connection diagram of the buffer, sensor, trigger, door opening mechanism, and control mechanism is shown. (Combined with...) Figure 7 In another embodiment, the household appliance further includes a control component 800, which is connected to the sensor 500 and the door opening component 600 respectively. That is, the sensor 500, the door opening component 600 and the control component 800 form a series circuit. When the trigger 400 triggers the sensor 500, the series circuit is turned on. When the series circuit is turned on, the control component 800 is suitable for controlling the door opening component 600 to open the door 100 to a preset angle.

[0070] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7Two buffers 300 can be provided, and the two buffers 300 are respectively provided on both sides of the width direction of the door 100. Correspondingly, two sensors 500 and two triggers 400 are also provided. The buffers 300, the corresponding triggers 400 and sensors 500 constitute a door anti-fall device. The two door anti-fall devices are provided along the width direction of the door 100. The sensors 500 of the two door anti-fall devices are connected to the controller 800 to form a series circuit. The series circuit is only connected when both triggers 400 of the door anti-fall devices trigger the sensors 500. When the series circuit is connected, the control unit 600 is suitable for controlling the door opening unit 600 to open the door 100 to a preset angle. If only one trigger 400 of the door anti-fall device triggers the sensor 500, or if neither trigger 400 of the two door anti-fall devices triggers the sensor 500, the series circuit is not connected. The control unit 600 controls the door opening unit 600 to stop opening the door 100 to ensure safety.

[0071] Specifically, in this application, the trigger 400 reciprocates between the limiting member 208 and the second end of the buffer 300. If the buffer 300 does not fail, when the door 100 is closed, the trigger 400 abuts against the side of the limiting member 208 facing the door 100 and also abuts against the sensor 500, thereby triggering the sensor 500 to generate a trigger signal. When the door 100 is opened, the movement of the door 100 causes the pull rope 302 and the trigger 400 to move synchronously away from the limiting member 208, and the trigger 400 and the sensor 500 separate; when the door 100 is closed, under the action of the restoring deformation of the tension spring 301, the pull rope 302 and the trigger 400 move synchronously towards the limiting member 208 until the buffer 300 abuts against the limiting member 208 and abuts against the sensor 500, thereby generating a trigger signal. If the buffer 300 fails, the trigger 400 will not be able to perform the above actions during the opening and closing of the door 100. That is, the failure of the buffer 300 can be determined based on whether the trigger signal is generated. The specific determination method can be referred to the description below.

[0072] In one embodiment, when the door 100 closes the body 200, at least a portion of the buffer 300 is in a relaxed state. At this time, due to the preload of the tension spring 301 of the buffer 300, the trigger 400 abuts against the limit member 208 and triggers the sensor 500, which generates a trigger signal. During the opening process of the door 100 driven by the door opening member 600, the door 100 pulls the pull rope 302 of the buffer 300 until the pull rope 302 of the buffer 300 is in a taut state. At this time, the door opening member 600 drives the door 100 to open to a preset angle. During this process, due to the preload of the spring 301 of the buffer 300, the trigger 400 is always stopped against the limit 208 and always triggers the sensor 500. The sensor 500 always generates a trigger signal to the door opening device 600 or the controller 800. If, during this process, the sensor 500 cannot always generate a trigger signal to the door opening device 600 or the controller 800, it can be determined that the trigger 400 is separated from the sensor 500 and the buffer 300 is in an abnormal failure state. Then, the door opening device 600 is controlled to stop opening the door 100 to ensure safety.

[0073] In another implementation, when the door 100 closes the machine body 200, the buffer 300 is in a tensioned state, and the moving stroke of the door opening component 600 is greater than the triggering stroke of the trigger component 400 and the sensing component 500 to ensure safety. The specific principle can be found in the following description.

[0074] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figures 6-7 In one embodiment, the sensor 500 is disposed above the trigger 400, and the projections of the trigger 400 and the sensor 500 at least partially overlap along the moving path of the trigger 400, so that the trigger 400 can abut against the sensor 500 as the pull rope 302 reciprocates. In other embodiments, the sensor 500 may also be disposed below the trigger 400.

[0075] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the sensor structure is shown. (Combined with...) Figure 8 In one embodiment, the sensing element 500 includes a body 501, a switch portion 502, and a sensing portion 504. The body 501 is connected to the machine body 200, the switch portion 502 is connected to the body 501, and the sensing portion 504 is elastically connected to the body 501. The sensing portion 504 abuts against the trigger element 400. When the trigger element 400 abuts against the sensing portion 504 of the sensing element 500, the sensing portion 504 moves towards the body 501, and contacts the switch portion 502 on the body 501 to generate a trigger signal. When the trigger element 400 is not in contact with the sensing portion 504, the sensing portion 504 returns to its initial position under the elastic reset action.

[0076] Combination Figure 8 A protruding structure is provided on the side of the pull cord facing the buffer 300 of the main body 501. This protruding structure can be configured as the switch part 502 of the sensing element 500. The sensing part 504 is connected to the main body 501 through the elastic element 503. In one embodiment, the elastic element 503 is a plate-shaped structure with a rotatable roller. This roller is configured as the sensing part 504. During the opening and closing of the door 100, the trigger 400 on the reciprocating pull cord 302 rolls and contacts the roller, causing the trigger 400 and the sensing part 504 to roll and rub against each other, thereby improving the service life of the sensing part 504 and the trigger 400. In a specific implementation, a bracket is provided at the end of the elastic element 503 away from the main body 501. The roller is rotatably connected to the bracket, and the circumference of the roller protrudes from the bracket to contact the trigger 400. In another embodiment, the elastic element 503 can also be a spring, with both ends of the spring connected to the main body 501 and the bracket, respectively.

[0077] In other embodiments, the sensor 500 may also be a microswitch, a Hall element, or an optocoupler sensor. When the sensor 500 is a microswitch, the sensing protrusion of the microswitch is configured as the sensing part of the sensor. When the trigger 400 approaches the sensor 500, the trigger 400 abuts against the sensing protrusion of the sensor 500 to trigger the sensor 500 to generate a trigger signal. When the sensor 500 is a Hall element, at least a portion of the trigger 400 is magnetic. When the trigger 400 approaches the sensor 500, the magnetic portion of the trigger 400 triggers the sensor 500 to generate a trigger signal. When the sensor 500 is an optocoupler sensor, as the trigger 400 approaches the sensor 500, the trigger 400 blocks at least a portion of the sensor 500, and the sensor is triggered and generates a trigger signal.

[0078] Based on the aforementioned household appliances, this application also provides a method for controlling household appliances. Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a control method for a household appliance according to this application is shown. (Combined with...) Figure 9 The control method includes:

[0079] S1: When the door 100 is closed, confirm that the trigger 400 and the sensor 500 are in contact;

[0080] S2: Controls the operation of household appliances;

[0081] S3: When the household appliance stops running, the position of the trigger 400 is determined by the sensor 500, and the action of the door opening component 600 is controlled.

[0082] The control method for household appliances provided in this application uses the sensor 500 to confirm the position of the trigger 400 and control the action of the door opening component 600 to avoid the safety hazard of the door 100 falling when the buffer 300 fails, thereby improving safety and user experience and having great practicality.

[0083] Specifically, S1 of this application includes: when the door 100 is closed, the trigger 400 stops against the sensing part 504 of the sensor 500 to generate a trigger signal to confirm that the trigger 400 and the sensor 500 are in contact, so as to ensure that the buffer 300 is not abnormal.

[0084] S2 of this application specifically includes: after ensuring that the buffer 300 is not abnormal, controlling the home appliance to run the program selected by the user, the home appliance works, and during the operation of the home appliance, the door opening component 600 is not activated to ensure the normal operation of the home appliance.

[0085] S3 of this application specifically includes: when the household appliance stops running, the sensor 500 confirms whether the trigger 400 remains in its original position. If it is determined that the sensor 500 and the trigger 400 are in contact, a trigger signal is generated to confirm that the trigger 400 and the sensor 500 are in contact, ensuring that the buffer 300 is not abnormal. According to the set program, the door opening component 600 is controlled to perform the door opening action. If there is no trigger signal, it is determined that the sensor 500 and the trigger 400 are separated, the buffer 300 is in an abnormal failure state, and the door opening component 600 is controlled to remain locked, preventing the door 100 from opening automatically to avoid the safety hazard caused by the door 100 falling. At the same time, the corresponding fault code can be displayed on the display unit 900 of the household appliance to remind the user and facilitate after-sales personnel maintenance.

[0086] Furthermore, when the door 100 is closed to the body 200, since the trigger 400 abuts against the limit member 208, if the pull rope 302 between the trigger 400 and the second end of the buffer member is in an abnormally malfunctioning state, the trigger 400 will still be in contact with the sensing part 504 of the sensor 500 due to the restriction of the limit member 208 on the trigger 400. If the door opening member 600 is controlled to operate in this state, there is a risk of the door 100 falling. Based on this, after determining that the sensor 500 and the trigger 400 are in contact and controlling the door opening member 600 to perform the door opening action, the control method further includes: before the door opening member 600 finishes performing the door opening action, determining whether the sensor 500 and the trigger 400 have separated; if so, controlling the door opening member 600 to continue performing the door opening action to open the door 100; if not, controlling the door opening member 600 to stop performing the door opening action. In this application, during the opening action performed by the door opener 600, the door 100 will open slightly, causing the trigger 400 to move away from the limiter 208. The trigger 400 will then separate from the triggering part of the sensor 500, indicating that the buffer 300 is functioning normally. The door opener 600 will then continue to perform the opening action to open the door 100. If, during the opening action performed by the door opener 600, the trigger 400 remains in contact with the limiter 208 and generates a trigger signal, it indicates that the pull cord 302 between the trigger 400 and the second end of the buffer is malfunctioning. Therefore, the door opener 600 must be stopped to avoid safety hazards. In practice, the travel distance of the door opener 600 can be greater than the contact travel distance between the trigger 400 and the sensing part 504 of the sensor 500.

[0087] It should be noted that the control method of this application is performed during the operation of the household appliance. The failure abnormalities of the buffer 300 mentioned above include, but are not limited to, insufficient elastic deformation of the buffer 300, or partial detachment or breakage of the buffer 300, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0088] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0089] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0090] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0091] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0092] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A household appliance, characterized in that, include: The body has openings; The door is closable and connectable to the opening in the body; A buffer element, at least partially elastic, has two ends connected to the door and the machine body, respectively; A trigger element is connected to the buffer element, and the trigger element moves back and forth as the door opens and closes. The sensing element is connected to the body; wherein, When the trigger is close to the sensor, the sensor is triggered and generates a trigger signal; when the trigger is far away from the sensor, the sensor is not triggered.

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer includes a pull cord, the trigger is connected to the pull cord, and the pull cord and the sensor are spaced apart.

3. The household appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The trigger includes a trigger protrusion connected to the pull cord; wherein, when the trigger protrusion approaches the sensor, the trigger protrusion abuts against the sensor to generate a trigger signal.

4. The household appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: Two steering components are connected to the machine body. One end of the pull rope is connected to the door body, and the other end of the pull rope passes around the two steering components in sequence and is connected to the tension spring. The trigger protrusion moves back and forth between the two steering components.

5. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the door closes the machine body, the trigger stops against the sensor; when the door opens the machine body, the trigger moves away from the sensor.

6. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor is positioned above or below the trigger, and the projections of the trigger and the sensor at least partially overlap along the moving path of the trigger.

7. The household appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: A limiting member is connected to the machine body and is positioned on the moving path of the trigger member. When the door is closed to the machine body, the trigger member abuts against the limiting member.

8. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The sensing element includes: The main body is connected to the machine body; The switch is connected to the main body; A sensing element is connected to the main body, and the trigger element acts on the sensing element to trigger the switching element.

9. The household appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sensing unit includes a deformable elastic element and a roller. One end of the elastic element is connected to the body, and the roller is rotatably disposed at the other end of the elastic element. When the triggering element abuts against the roller, the elastic element triggers the switching unit.

10. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1-7 and 9, characterized in that, The household appliance is a dishwasher. During the opening and closing of the door, the trigger can intermittently trigger the sensor, so that the sensor intermittently generates a trigger signal to confirm whether the buffer is abnormal.

11. The household appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: A door opening component is connected to the machine body to drive the door to open; the door opening component is connected to the sensor. When the door closes the machine body, the triggering element stops the sensing element, the sensing element feeds back a trigger signal to the opening element, and the opening element drives the door to open at a preset angle.

12. The household appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: The control component is connected to the sensor and the door opening component to form a series circuit. When the series circuit is open, the control component is suitable for controlling the door opening component to open the door to a preset angle.

13. The household appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The buffer, the trigger, and the sensor constitute a door anti-fall device. Two door anti-fall devices are provided along the width of the door. The sensors of both door anti-fall devices are connected to the control unit to form the series circuit.

14. The household appliance according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, When the door closes the machine body, at least a portion of the buffer is in a relaxed state; During the process of the door opening component driving the door to open to a preset angle, the sensor is triggered and generates a trigger signal.

15. The household appliance according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The moving stroke of the door opening component is greater than the triggering stroke of the triggering component and the sensing component.

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