Support device for a domestic appliance and domestic appliance system

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and particularly provides a support device for a household appliance and a household appliance system, aiming to solve the problem that the washing machine in the prior art cannot balance the convenience of moving and the quick leveling, resulting in the difficulty of moving the washing machine. To this end, the support device comprises a caster lifting mechanism and a bottom foot assembly; the caster lifting mechanism comprises a roller assembly, the roller assembly is arranged to be able to be unfolded and retracted, and the caster lifting mechanism is arranged to support the household appliance when the roller assembly is unfolded; the bottom foot assembly comprises a first bottom foot seat, a second bottom foot seat, a first bottom foot and a second bottom foot, and the bottom foot assembly is arranged to support the household appliance by the first bottom foot and the second bottom foot when the roller assembly is retracted. The support device of the present application enables the household appliance to balance the convenience of moving and the quick leveling, greatly reduces the difficulty of moving the household appliance, and improves the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, specifically providing a support device and a household appliance system for household appliances. Background Technology

[0002] As an indispensable home appliance in modern families, washing machines have improved people's quality of life. With the diversification of usage scenarios, how to make washing machines more efficient and convenient to serve the needs of different families has become a new challenge.

[0003] Due to construction and other reasons, it is often difficult to ensure that the ground where washing machines are placed is perfectly level and flat. This can lead to washing machines being placed at an angle or with loose legs. Since washing machines vibrate significantly during washing, especially the spin cycle, a tilted or loosely positioned washing machine will shake violently, producing loud noise, and may even shift, damage parts, or tip over, reducing safety. To avoid tilting and / or loose legs, the washing machine needs to be leveled. Leveling requires manually rotating the feet, a tedious and laborious process that often requires tools like wrenches, and the leveling effect is not always satisfactory.

[0004] When a washing machine needs to be moved, it is very difficult to move because of its weight, especially for the elderly. In addition, after each move, the washing machine needs to be readjusted to ensure that it can be stably and horizontally fixed on the ground when it is working. The leveling process is tedious, laborious and the leveling effect is poor, which increases the difficulty of moving the washing machine. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that existing washing machines cannot simultaneously achieve convenient movement and quick leveling, resulting in the difficulty of moving the washing machine.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a support device for a household appliance, the support device comprising a caster lifting mechanism and a base assembly; the caster lifting mechanism includes a roller assembly configured to be unfolded and retracted, the caster lifting mechanism being configured to enable the roller assembly to support the household appliance when the roller assembly is unfolded; the base assembly includes: a first base seat having a first inclined groove; a second base seat having a second inclined groove; a first base foot having a first guide rod disposed within and movably connected to the first inclined groove; and a second base foot having a second guide rod disposed within and movably connected to the second inclined groove; the base assembly being configured to enable the first base foot and the second base foot to support the household appliance when the roller assembly is retracted.

[0007] When the above technical solution is adopted, when it is necessary to move the household appliance, the roller assembly is unfolded and supports the appliance for easy movement. After moving it into place, the roller assembly is retracted, and the appliance is quickly and automatically leveled by the foot assembly. During leveling, since the first guide rod is located in the first inclined groove and the second guide rod is located in the second inclined groove, frictional force is generated along the first and second inclined grooves when the first guide rod abuts against the groove wall of the first inclined groove and when the second guide rod abuts against the groove wall of the second inclined groove. The magnitude of the frictional force is determined by the magnitude of the component of gravity perpendicular to the inclined groove. When the foot assembly and the household appliance are not placed on the placement surface (such as the ground), the first and second feet move downward under the action of gravity. The first guide rod is at the lowest end of the first inclined groove, and the second guide rod is at the lowest end of the first inclined groove. The two guide rods are located at the lowest end of the second inclined groove. When the foot assembly and household appliance are placed onto the placement surface, the height of the foot assembly and household appliance gradually decreases, and the weight of the household appliance is gradually applied to the foot assembly. During this process, if the placement surface is horizontal and flat, the first and second feet simultaneously contact the placement surface, and the first and second guide rods simultaneously abut against the top walls of the first and second inclined grooves respectively, generating frictional force along the first and second inclined grooves. At this time, the weight of the household appliance applied to the foot assembly is relatively small, and the frictional force is correspondingly small. The first guide rod can move along the first inclined groove, and the second guide rod can also move along the second inclined groove. As the weight of the household appliance applied to the foot assembly gradually increases, the first and second feet will relative to the first… The first and second bases move upward a certain distance. When the friction gradually increases to exceed the component force of the weight of the household appliance and the base along the first and second inclined grooves, the positions of the first base relative to the first base and the second base relative to the second base are fixed, achieving automatic leveling and providing stable support. If the placement surface is not horizontal and / or uneven, taking the case where the placement surface at the first base is higher as an example, the first base first contacts the placement surface, the first guide rod abuts against the top wall of the first inclined groove and generates a small friction force, allowing the first base to move upward. As the weight of the household appliance applied to the base assembly gradually increases, the first base will move upward a certain distance relative to the first base. The relative position between the second base and the second base remains unchanged, but... The first base moves downward until the second base contacts its corresponding base. The second guide rod abuts against the top wall of the second inclined groove, generating a small frictional force. The first and second guide rods move upward together relative to the first and second bases, respectively, for a certain distance. When the frictional force gradually increases to a value greater than the component of the weight of the household appliance and the base along the first and second inclined grooves, the positions of the first base relative to the first base and the second base relative to the second base are fixed. Since the final positions of the first and second bases are automatically adjusted and determined by the frictional force generated by gravity, and the weight acting on the first and second bases is the same when the household appliance is horizontal, the automatic leveling of the first and second bases can be achieved and stable support can be provided.The foot assembly of this invention achieves automatic leveling without manual operation. The leveling process is automatic as the appliance and foot assembly are gradually placed onto the surface. The leveling process is simple, quick, and effective, providing stable support after leveling. Furthermore, even under long-term vibration, the stability of the support will not decrease due to loosening of the threaded connection between the first and second feet. In summary, the support device of this invention allows for both easy movement and quick leveling of household appliances, significantly reducing the difficulty of moving appliances and improving the user experience.

[0008] In the specific embodiment of the support device for household appliances described above, the caster lifting mechanism further includes a base, the roller assembly is disposed at the bottom of the base, and the first base and the second base are connected to the base.

[0009] When the above technical solution is adopted, the roller assembly, the first base and the second base are connected as one unit through the base, and are connected to the household appliance through the base, which can improve the overall stability of the support device and facilitate installation.

[0010] In the specific embodiment of the support device for household appliances described above, the caster lifting mechanism further includes a movable bracket, the roller assembly includes a roller and a connecting arm, one end of the connecting arm is rotatably connected to the roller, and the other end of the connecting arm is rotatably connected to the base through a first connecting shaft. The movable bracket is configured to move along the base to drive the connecting arm to rotate, and to abut against the roller assembly after the roller assembly is unfolded.

[0011] When the above technical solution is adopted, the moving bracket drives the connecting arm to rotate, which in turn drives the roller to descend, so as to realize the unfolding of the roller assembly. After the roller assembly is unfolded, the moving bracket abuts against the roller assembly to ensure that the roller assembly can support the household appliance and facilitate the movement of the household appliance.

[0012] In the specific embodiment of the support device for household appliances described above, the base includes a first top plate, two opposite sides of the first top plate extend downward to form first side plates, the first top plate and the first side plates on both sides surround to form a sliding groove, and the movable bracket is movably connected to the sliding groove.

[0013] When the above technical solution is adopted, the slide can provide a limit for the movement of the mobile support, and the base is set with the above structure to improve the strength of the base, further reduce the risk of base deformation, and improve the stability of the caster lifting mechanism.

[0014] In the specific embodiment of the support device for household appliances described above, the movable bracket includes a second top plate, the second top plate extends downward to form a second side plate, the second side plate is provided with a third inclined groove, the first side plate is provided with a cut, the connecting arm and the roller are rotatably connected through a second connecting shaft, the second connecting shaft is located in the third inclined groove and in the cut.

[0015] When the above technical solution is adopted, when it is necessary to move the household appliance, the moving bracket is moved so that the second connecting shaft abuts against the inclined surface of the third inclined groove. As the moving bracket moves, the third inclined groove pushes the second connecting shaft to move downward from the cut, thereby causing the connecting arm to rotate and unfold, and thus causing the roller to move downward. After the household appliance is moved into place, the moving bracket is moved in the opposite direction. Since the roller assembly supports the household appliance at this time, the second connecting shaft abuts against the inclined surface of the third inclined groove under the gravity of the household appliance. As the moving bracket moves, the second connecting shaft moves upward from the cut along the third inclined groove, thereby causing the connecting arm to rotate and retract, and thus causing the roller to move upward.

[0016] In the specific embodiment of the support device for household appliances described above, the caster lifting mechanism further includes a handle structure. The handle structure includes a handle portion and a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion disposed on the handle portion. The first connecting portion is rotatably connected to the base via a third connecting shaft. The second connecting portion is provided with a fourth connecting shaft. The movable bracket is provided with a guide hole. The fourth connecting shaft is rotatably and movably disposed within the guide hole. And / or a pressing structure is sleeved on the first connecting shaft. The pressing structure is used to provide a force for the movable bracket to adhere to the base.

[0017] With the above technical solution, the user holds the handle and rotates the handle structure. The handle structure rotates around the third connecting shaft, causing the fourth connecting shaft to rotate and move within the guide hole, thereby driving the moving bracket to reciprocate along the base. The pressing structure provides the moving bracket with a force to adhere to the base, ensuring that the moving bracket adheres to the base whether the roller assembly is extended or retracted, thus avoiding problems such as resonance noise.

[0018] In the specific embodiment of the support device for household appliances described above, the angle between the first inclined groove and the horizontal plane and the angle between the second inclined groove and the horizontal plane are the same; and / or the foot assembly further includes a connecting rod, through which the first foot and the second foot are connected.

[0019] With the above technical solution, the angles between the first inclined groove and the horizontal plane are the same for both the second inclined groove and the horizontal plane. This ensures that when the same gravity acts on the first and second guide rods, the component of gravity perpendicular to the first and second inclined grooves is the same. This makes the frictional force between the first guide rod and the first inclined groove the same as the frictional force between the second guide rod and the second inclined groove, facilitating automatic leveling of the base assembly. The connecting rod can transmit the unbalanced force between the first and second bases. During automatic leveling, the first and second bases are linked by the connecting rod, accelerating the height adjustment speed. After automatic leveling, the first and second bases are connected by the connecting rod, forming a closed force-bearing frame with the placement surface, improving the stability of the support provided by the first and second bases.

[0020] In the specific embodiments of the above-mentioned support device for household appliances, the first foot includes a first column and a first chassis, the first guide rod is connected to the first column, and a first rubber layer is provided on the bottom surface of the first chassis; and / or the second foot includes a second column and a second chassis, the second guide rod is connected to the second column, and a second rubber layer is provided on the bottom surface of the second chassis.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the first chassis increases the contact area between the first foot and the placement surface, further improving the stability of the support provided by the first foot, especially enhancing the stability when the household appliance vibrates or tilts. Since rubber has a high damping coefficient, a first rubber layer on the bottom surface of the first chassis increases the friction between the first foot and the placement surface, preventing lateral movement. Simultaneously, the first rubber layer absorbs vibration, effectively reducing vibration and noise. Similarly, the second chassis increases the contact area between the second foot and the placement surface, further improving the stability of the support provided by the second foot, especially enhancing the stability when the household appliance vibrates or tilts. Because rubber has a high damping coefficient, a second rubber layer on the bottom surface of the second chassis increases the friction between the second foot and the placement surface, preventing lateral movement. Simultaneously, the second rubber layer absorbs vibration, effectively reducing vibration and noise.

[0022] In the specific embodiments of the above-mentioned support device for household appliances, the first base includes a first housing, the first foot passes vertically through the first housing, and the first inclined groove is provided on the side wall of the first housing; the second base includes a second housing, the second foot passes vertically through the second housing, and the second inclined groove is provided on the side wall of the second housing; and / or the support device further includes a fixed base.

[0023] With the above technical solution, the first housing provides space for the first foot to move and facilitates connection with the household appliance to be supported; the second housing provides space for the second foot to move and facilitates connection with the household appliance to be supported. During automatic leveling, the fixed foot is first brought into contact with the placement surface, a portion of the weight of the household appliance is applied to the fixed foot, and then the first and second feet automatically level the appliance. This reduces the operator's workload, facilitates leveling, and provides stable support after leveling.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a household appliance system, the household appliance system comprising a household appliance and a support device, the support device being mounted on the bottom of the household appliance.

[0025] When the above technical solution is adopted, household appliances equipped with the above support device can be both easy to move and quick to level, which greatly reduces the difficulty of moving household appliances and improves the user experience.

[0026] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of the support device provided by this invention are as follows: When it is necessary to move a household appliance, the roller assembly is unfolded and supports the appliance for easy movement. After the appliance is in place, the roller assembly is retracted, and the base assembly quickly and automatically levels the appliance. The base assembly can achieve automatic leveling without manual operation. The leveling process is automatically achieved as the appliance and base assembly are gradually placed on the placement surface. The leveling process is simple, quick, and effective. After leveling, it provides stable support, enabling the appliance to be moved easily and leveled quickly, greatly reducing the difficulty of moving the appliance and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the support device of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the support device of the present invention installed at the bottom of a household appliance;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the base assembly of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a top view of the base assembly of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 BB cross-section;

[0033] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of a leveling state of the base assembly of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another leveling state of the foot assembly of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 CC section view.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the caster lifting mechanism of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a front view of the support device of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A bottom view;

[0039] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 AA sectional view.

[0040] Figure label:

[0041] 1-Cassette lifting mechanism, 2-Foot assembly, 3-Washing machine, 4-Fixed foot, 11-Base, 12-Roller assembly, 13-Moving bracket, 14-Handle structure, 21-First foot seat, 22-Second foot seat, 23-First foot, 24-Second foot, 25-Connecting rod, 111-First top plate, 112-First side plate, 113-Slide groove, 114-Slit, 121-Roller, 122-Connecting arm, 123-First connecting shaft, 124-Second connecting shaft, 125-Pressure structure, 131-Second top plate, 132-Second side plate, 133-Third inclined groove, 134-Strip hole, 135-Guide 141-Handle part, 142-First connecting part, 143-Second connecting part, 144-Third connecting shaft, 145-Fourth connecting shaft, 146-Plastic sleeve, 211-First inclined groove, 212-First housing, 221-Second inclined groove, 222-Second housing, 231-First guide rod, 232-First column, 233-First base, 234-First rubber layer, 235-First mounting groove, 236-Fifth connecting shaft, 241-Second guide rod, 242-Second column, 243-Second base, 244-Second rubber layer, 245-Second mounting groove, 246-Sixth connecting shaft, 251-Elongated hole. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0043] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the relevant devices or elements must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0044] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this invention, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Moreover, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can also refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] As pointed out in the background technology, existing washing machines cannot simultaneously achieve convenient movement and quick leveling, resulting in difficulties in moving the washing machine. The aim of this invention is to address this issue by setting up a support device. When it is necessary to move the appliance, the roller assembly unfolds and supports the appliance for easy movement. Once in position, the roller assembly retracts, and the base assembly quickly and automatically levels the appliance. The base assembly achieves automatic leveling without manual operation. The leveling process is automatically completed as the appliance and base assembly are gradually placed on the placement surface. The leveling process is simple, quick, and effective, providing stable support after leveling. This allows the appliance to achieve both convenient movement and quick leveling, greatly reducing the difficulty of moving the appliance and improving the user experience.

[0046] See Figures 1-12This invention provides a support device for household appliances, comprising a caster lifting mechanism 1 and a foot assembly 2. The caster lifting mechanism 1 includes a roller assembly 12, which is configured to be unfolded and retracted. The caster lifting mechanism 1 is configured to support the household appliance when the roller assembly 12 is unfolded. The foot assembly 2 includes a first foot base 21, a second foot base 22, a first foot 23, and a second foot 24. The first foot base 21 has a first inclined groove 211, the second foot base 22 has a second inclined groove 221, the first foot 23 has a first guide rod 231, which is disposed within and movably connected to the first inclined groove 211, and the second foot 24 has a second guide rod 241, which is disposed within and movably connected to the second inclined groove 221. The foot assembly 2 is configured to support the household appliance when the roller assembly 12 is retracted. Based on the above structural configuration, when it is necessary to move a household appliance, the roller assembly 12 is unfolded to support the appliance for easy movement. After moving it into position, the roller assembly 12 is retracted, and the appliance is quickly and automatically leveled by the foot assembly 2. During leveling, since the first guide rod 231 is located in the first inclined groove 211 and the second guide rod 241 is located in the second inclined groove 221, friction is generated along the first inclined groove 211 and the second inclined groove 221 when the first guide rod 231 abuts against the groove wall of the first inclined groove 211 and when the second guide rod 241 abuts against the groove wall of the second inclined groove 221. The friction force is determined by the component of gravity perpendicular to the third inclined groove 133. When the foot assembly 2 and the household appliance are not placed on the placement surface, the first foot 23 and the second foot 24 move downwards under the action of gravity. The first guide rod 231 is at the lowest end of the first inclined groove 211, and the second guide rod 241 is at the lowest end of the second inclined groove 221. When the foot assembly 2 and the household appliance are placed on the placement surface, the height of the foot assembly 2 and the household appliance will gradually decrease, and the weight of the household appliance will gradually be applied to the foot assembly 2. During this process, if the placement surface is horizontal and flat, such as Figure 6As shown, the first foot 23 and the second foot 24 simultaneously contact the placement surface, and the first guide rod 231 and the second guide rod 241 simultaneously abut against the top walls of the first inclined groove 211 and the second inclined groove 221 respectively, generating frictional force along the first inclined groove 211 and the second inclined groove 221. At this time, the weight of the household appliance applied to the foot assembly 2 is relatively small, and the frictional force is also relatively small. At this time, the first guide rod 231 can move along the first inclined groove 211, and the second guide rod 241 can also move along the second inclined groove 221. As the weight of the household appliance applied to the foot assembly 2... As the weight gradually increases, the first foot 23 and the second foot 24 will move upward a certain distance relative to the first foot base 21 and the second foot base 22. When the friction gradually increases to a level greater than the component of the weight of the household appliance and the foot base along the first inclined groove 211 and the second inclined groove 221, the positions of the first foot 23 relative to the first foot base 21 and the second foot 24 relative to the second foot base 22 become fixed, achieving automatic leveling and providing stable support. If the placement surface is not horizontal and / or uneven, taking the case where the placement surface at the first foot 23 is higher as an example, ... Figure 7 As shown, the first foot 23 first contacts the placement surface, the first guide rod 231 abuts against the top wall of the first inclined groove 211 and generates a small frictional force, allowing the first foot 23 to move upward. As the weight of the household appliance applied to the foot assembly 2 gradually increases, the first foot 23 will move upward a certain distance relative to the first foot seat 21. The relative position between the second foot 24 and the second foot seat 22 remains unchanged, but it moves downward relative to the placement surface at the first foot 23. When the second foot 24 contacts its corresponding placement surface, the second guide rod 241 abuts against the top wall of the second inclined groove 221 and generates a small frictional force. The first guide rod 231 and the second guide rod 241 move upward a certain distance relative to the first foot seat 21 and the second foot seat 22, respectively. When the frictional force gradually increases to a level greater than the weight of the household appliance and the foot seat along the first inclined groove 211 and the second foot seat 22, the first foot 23 moves upward a certain distance. When the force is applied to the two inclined grooves 221, the positions of the first foot 23 relative to the first foot seat 21 and the second foot 24 relative to the second foot seat 22 are fixed. Since the final positions of the first foot 23 and the second foot 24 are automatically adjusted and determined by the frictional force generated by gravity, and the gravity acting on the first foot 23 and the second foot 24 is the same when the household appliance is horizontal, automatic leveling of the first foot 23 and the second foot 24 can be achieved, providing stable support. The foot assembly 2 of this invention can achieve automatic leveling without manual operation. The leveling process is automatically achieved as the household appliance and foot assembly 2 are gradually placed onto the placement surface. The leveling process is simple, quick, and effective, providing stable support after leveling. Furthermore, under long-term vibration, the stability of the support will not decrease due to loosening of the threaded connection of the first foot 23 and the second foot 24. In summary, the support device of this invention allows household appliances to be moved easily and leveled quickly, greatly reducing the difficulty of moving household appliances and improving the user experience.

[0047] The placement surface can be the ground or other surfaces, such as cabinets or waterproof platforms, as long as it is a surface capable of holding heavy objects.

[0048] It should be noted that the household appliance of this invention can be a washing machine 3, a washer-dryer combo, or a dryer, or a refrigerator, etc. For ease of explanation, the household appliance described below will be the washing machine 3 as an example. In the text, "upper" and "lower" refer to the upper and lower parts of the washing machine 3 with a vertical plane as the reference when in use; "front" refers to the direction of the washing machine 3 near the door with a horizontal plane as the reference when in use; "rear" refers to the direction of the washing machine 3 near the back opposite the door with a horizontal plane as the reference when in use; "left" refers to the left side of the washing machine 3 when the user stands directly in front of the washing machine 3 and faces it; and "right" refers to the right side of the washing machine 3 when the user stands directly in front of the washing machine 3 and faces it.

[0049] The number of roller assemblies 12 can be adjusted according to the number of caster lifting mechanisms 1, as long as the roller assemblies 12 can stably support the washing machine 3 when unfolded and facilitate the movement of the washing machine 3.

[0050] It should also be noted that the bottom of the washing machine 3 can be equipped with one support device or multiple support devices, as long as they can facilitate the movement of the washing machine 3 and enable it to level itself quickly and automatically.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the caster lifting mechanism 1 further includes a base 11, a roller assembly 12 disposed at the bottom of the base 11, and a first base 21 and a second base 22 connected to the base 11. Based on the above structural configuration, the roller assembly 12, the first base 21, and the second base 22 are connected as a whole through the base 11 and connected to the household appliance through the base 11, which can improve the overall stability of the support device and facilitate installation.

[0052] It is possible that the first base 21 and the second base 22 are mounted on the top of the base 11, which facilitates the installation and movement of the first base 21 and the second base 22.

[0053] Furthermore, the caster lifting mechanism 1 also includes a movable support 13, and the roller assembly 12 includes a roller 121 and a connecting arm 122. One end of the connecting arm 122 is rotatably connected to the roller 121, and the other end of the connecting arm 122 is rotatably connected to the base 11 via a first connecting shaft 123. The movable support 13 is configured to move along the base 11 to drive the connecting arm 122 to rotate, and abuts against the roller assembly 12 after the roller assembly 12 is unfolded. Based on the above structural configuration, the movable support 13 moves to drive the connecting arm 122 to rotate, thereby driving the roller 121 to descend, so as to realize the unfolding of the roller assembly 12. After the roller assembly 12 is unfolded, the movable support 13 abuts against the roller assembly 12 to ensure that the roller assembly 12 can support the household appliance and facilitate the movement of the household appliance.

[0054] Furthermore, the base 11 includes a first top plate 111, with two opposite sides of the first top plate 111 extending downward to form first side plates 112. The first top plate 111 and the first side plates 112 on both sides form a sliding groove 113, and the movable bracket 13 is movably connected to the sliding groove 113. Based on the above structural configuration, the sliding groove 113 can provide a limit for the movement of the movable bracket 13. At the same time, the base 11 is configured in the above structure, which can improve the strength of the base 11, further reduce the risk of deformation of the base 11, and improve the stability of the caster lifting mechanism 1.

[0055] Furthermore, the movable support 13 includes a second top plate 131, which extends downward to form a second side plate 132. The second side plate 132 is provided with a third inclined groove 133, and the first side plate 112 is provided with a cutout 114. The connecting arm 122 and the roller 121 are rotatably connected through a second connecting shaft 124, which is located in the third inclined groove 133 and in the cutout 114. Based on the above structural configuration, when the washing machine 3 needs to be moved, the moving bracket 13 is moved so that the second connecting shaft 124 abuts against the inclined surface of the third inclined groove 133. As the moving bracket 13 moves, the third inclined groove 133 pushes the second connecting shaft 124 downward from the cut 114, thereby causing the connecting arm 122 to rotate and unfold, thus causing the roller 121 to move downward. After the washing machine 3 is in place, the moving bracket 13 is moved in the opposite direction. Since the roller assembly 12 supports the washing machine 3 at this time, the second connecting shaft 124 abuts against the inclined surface of the third inclined groove 133 under the gravity of the washing machine 3. As the moving bracket 13 moves, the second connecting shaft 124 moves upward along the third inclined groove 133 from the cut 114, thereby causing the connecting arm 122 to rotate and retract, thus causing the roller 121 to move upward. The second side plate 132 allows the moving bracket 13 to fit fully against the first side plate 112, avoiding resonance noise caused by a large distance, and also improving the strength of the moving bracket 13.

[0056] It should be noted that the second side plate 132 can be formed on any side of the second top plate 131, or on both sides of the second top plate 131; when the second side plate 132 is formed on both sides of the second top plate 131, the third inclined groove 133 can be provided on one side of the second side plate 132, or on both sides of the second side plate 132. Correspondingly, the cutout 114 and the third inclined groove 133 are arranged accordingly.

[0057] Possibly, the second side plate 132 is provided with a strip hole 134, through which the first connecting shaft 123 passes and connects to the first side plate 112. Based on the above structural configuration, when the movable bracket 13 moves, the first connecting shaft 123 moves within the strip hole 134, and the movement of the first connecting shaft 123 is limited by the strip hole 134, thereby limiting the movement of the movable bracket 13.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will understand that, although the above description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, indicates that the second connecting shaft 124 abuts against the third inclined groove 133 to drive the connecting arm 122 to rotate, this is not a limitation. An inclined block may also be provided at the bottom of the second top plate 131, with the connecting arm 122 abutting against the inclined surface of the inclined block. When the movable support 13 moves, it drives the inclined block to move, thereby driving the connecting arm 122 to rotate. Other structures may also be used, as long as the movement of the movable support 13 can drive the connecting arm 122 to rotate. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed.

[0059] Optionally, a pressing structure 125 is fitted onto the first connecting shaft 123. The pressing structure 125 provides a force for the movable support 13 to adhere to the base 11. Based on the above structural configuration, the pressing structure 125 provides a force for the movable support 13 to adhere to the base 11, ensuring that the movable support 13 adheres to the base 11 regardless of whether the roller assembly 12 is extended or retracted, thus avoiding problems such as resonance noise.

[0060] Specifically, the pressing structure 125 can be a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the first connecting shaft 123. Both ends of the torsion spring abut against the bottom of the second top plate 131. Since the first connecting shaft 123 is rotatably connected to the base 11, the torsion spring, sleeved on the first connecting shaft 123 and with its two ends abutting against the bottom of the second top plate 131, can press the movable bracket 13 onto the base 11, avoiding problems such as resonance noise. The pressing structure 125 can also be other structures, such as an elastic hollow cylinder, sleeved on the first connecting shaft 123, with its wall abutting against the top of the second top plate 131.

[0061] Optionally, the caster lifting mechanism 1 further includes a handle structure 14. The handle structure 14 includes a handle portion 141 and a first connecting portion 142 and a second connecting portion 143 disposed on the handle portion 141. The first connecting portion 142 is rotatably connected to the base 11 via a third connecting shaft 144. A fourth connecting shaft 145 is disposed on the second connecting portion 143. A guide hole 135 is provided on the movable bracket 13. The fourth connecting shaft 145 is rotatably and movably disposed within the guide hole 135. Based on the above structural configuration, when the user grips the handle portion 141 and rotates the handle structure 14, the handle structure 14 rotates around the third connecting shaft 144, causing the fourth connecting shaft 145 to rotate and move within the guide hole 135, thereby causing the movable bracket 13 to reciprocate along the base 11.

[0062] Possibly, a limiting block is provided at the end of the fourth connecting shaft 145 to prevent the fourth connecting shaft 145 from dislodging from the guide hole 135. The handle portion 141, the first connecting portion 142, and the second connecting portion 143 can be integrally formed and made of metal. A plastic sleeve 146 is fitted onto the end of the handle portion 141, and a wave structure is formed on the plastic sleeve 146 so that the user can grip the handle portion 141.

[0063] It should be noted that the handle structure 14 can be omitted, and the user can move the movable bracket 13 by using tools or directly by hand. The base 11 can also only include the first top plate 111, with guide blocks provided on the movable bracket 13 and guide grooves provided on the base 11. The movement of the movable bracket 13 is limited by the sliding connection between the guide blocks and the guide grooves, and the movable bracket 13 is ensured to fit snugly against the base 11.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the angle between the first inclined groove 211 and the horizontal plane is the same as the angle between the second inclined groove 221 and the horizontal plane. Based on the above structural configuration, the fact that the angle between the first inclined groove 211 and the horizontal plane is the same as the angle between the second inclined groove 221 and the horizontal plane ensures that when the same gravity acts on the first guide rod 231 and the second guide rod 241, the component of gravity perpendicular to the first inclined groove 211 and the second inclined groove 221 is the same. This makes the frictional force between the first guide rod 231 and the first inclined groove 211 the same as the frictional force between the second guide rod 241 and the second inclined groove 221, facilitating the automatic leveling of the foot assembly 2.

[0065] Optionally, the first inclined groove 211 is parallel to the second inclined groove 221. Based on the above structural configuration, during the automatic leveling process of the base assembly 2, it can be ensured that the relative distance between the first base 23 and the second base 24 remains unchanged, avoiding an excessively large distance between the first base 23 and the second base 24 that would increase the footprint of the heavy object, or an excessively small distance that would affect the supporting stability of the heavy object. In addition, the first inclined groove 211 can also be arranged in a V-shape or an inverted V-shape with the second inclined groove 221, as long as the angle between the first inclined groove 211 and the horizontal plane and the angle between the second inclined groove 221 and the horizontal plane are the same.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the foot assembly 2 further includes a connecting rod 25, through which the first foot 23 and the second foot 24 are connected. Based on the above structural configuration, the connecting rod 25 can transmit the unbalanced force between the first foot 23 and the second foot 24. During the automatic leveling process, the first foot 23 and the second foot 24 are linked together through the connecting rod 25, which can accelerate the height adjustment speed of the first foot 23 and the second foot 24. After the automatic leveling is completed, the first foot 23 and the second foot 24 are connected through the connecting rod 25 and form a closed force-bearing frame with the placement surface, which can improve the stability of the support provided by the first foot 23 and the second foot 24.

[0067] Optionally, the first foot 23 is hinged to the connecting rod 25, and the second foot 24 is rotatably connected to the connecting rod 25 and configured to move along the length of the connecting rod 25. Based on the above structural configuration, the first foot 23 and the second foot 24 can be prevented from tilting as the connecting rod 25 tilts, further improving the stability of the support provided by the first foot 23 and the second foot 24.

[0068] Possibly, a first mounting groove 235 is provided on the first base 23, and a second mounting groove 245 is provided on the second base 24, which extends radially through the second base 24. One end of the connecting rod 25 passes through the first mounting groove 235 and is hinged to the first mounting groove 235 via a fifth connecting shaft 236. The other end of the connecting rod 25 passes through the second mounting groove 245 and is hinged to the second mounting groove 245 via a sixth connecting shaft 246. The connecting rod 25 is also provided with an elongated hole 251, and the sixth connecting shaft 246 is rotatably and movablely disposed in the elongated hole 251.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the first foot 23 includes a first column 232 and a first base 233, with a first guide rod 231 connected to the first column 232. Based on the above structural configuration, the first base 233 increases the contact area between the first foot 23 and the placement surface, further improving the stability of the support provided by the first foot 23, especially improving the stability when the heavy object vibrates or tilts.

[0070] Optionally, a first rubber layer 234 is provided on the bottom surface of the first chassis 233. Based on the above structural configuration, since rubber has a high damping coefficient, providing a first rubber layer 234 on the bottom surface of the first chassis 233 can increase the friction between the first foot 23 and the placement surface, preventing movement. At the same time, the first rubber layer 234 can also absorb vibration, effectively reducing vibration and noise.

[0071] It should be noted that the first rubber layer 234 can be fitted over the first chassis 233, covering the bottom, sides and part of the top surface of the first chassis 233. The first rubber layer 234 can also be fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the first chassis 233 by means of adhesive bonding or other methods.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the second foot 24 includes a second column 242 and a second base 243. A second guide rod 241 is connected to the second column 242, and a second rubber layer 244 is provided on the bottom surface of the second base 243. Based on the above structural configuration, the second base 243 increases the contact area between the second foot 24 and the placement surface, further improving the stability of the support provided by the second foot 24, especially improving the stability when the heavy object vibrates or tilts.

[0073] Optionally, a second rubber layer 244 is provided on the bottom surface of the second chassis 243. Based on the above structural configuration, since rubber has a high damping coefficient, providing a second rubber layer 244 on the bottom surface of the second chassis 243 can increase the friction between the second foot 24 and the placement surface, preventing movement. At the same time, the second rubber layer 244 can also absorb vibration, effectively reducing vibration and noise.

[0074] It should be noted that the second rubber layer 244 can be fitted over the second chassis 243, covering the bottom, sides and part of the top surface of the second chassis 243. The second rubber layer 244 can also be fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the second chassis 243 by means of adhesive bonding or other methods.

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the first base 21 includes a first housing 212, a first foot 23 vertically passing through the first housing 212, and a first inclined groove 211 provided on the side wall of the first housing 212; the second base 22 includes a second housing 222, a second foot 24 vertically passing through the second housing 222, and a second inclined groove 221 provided on the side wall of the second housing 222. Based on the above structural configuration, the first housing 212 can provide space for the first foot 23 to move and facilitate connection with the heavy object to be supported, and the second housing 222 can provide space for the second foot 24 to move and facilitate connection with the heavy object to be supported.

[0076] Optionally, the first inclined groove 211 can be a cut 114 directly formed on the side wall of the first housing 212, or a channel formed by bending the first housing 212 outwards, or a first groove structure separately set from the first housing 212, forming a channel after connecting with the first housing 212; the first inclined groove 211 can be arranged on one side wall of the first housing 212, or on two opposite side walls of the first housing 212, to provide more stable guidance for the movement of the first guide rod 231. The second inclined groove 221 can be a cut 114 directly formed on the side wall of the second housing 222, or a channel formed by bending the second housing 222 outwards, or a second groove structure separately set from the second housing 222, forming a channel after connecting with the second housing 222; the second inclined groove 221 can be arranged on one side wall of the second housing 222, or on two opposite side walls of the second housing 222, to provide more stable guidance for the movement of the second guide rod 241.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the base assembly 2 further includes a fixed base 4, which is connected to the base 11. Based on the above structural configuration, during automatic leveling, the fixed base 4 is first brought into contact with the placement surface, a portion of the weight of the object is applied to the fixed base 4, and then the first base 23 and the second base 24 automatically level the object. This reduces the burden on the operator, facilitates leveling, and provides stable support after leveling.

[0078] Regarding the arrangement of the first base foot 23, the second base foot 24, and the fixed base foot 4, the first base foot 23 and the second base foot 24 can be arranged on the rear side of the washing machine 3, and the fixed base foot 4 can be arranged on the front side of the washing machine 3; the first base foot 23 and the second base foot 24 can also be arranged on the front side of the washing machine 3, and the fixed base foot 4 can be arranged on the rear side of the washing machine 3; the first base foot 23 and the second base foot 24 can also be arranged on the left or right side of the washing machine 3, and the fixed base foot 4 can be arranged on the opposite side of the first base foot 23 and the second base foot 24 of the washing machine 3; the first base foot 23 and the second base foot 24 can also be arranged at the diagonal position of the washing machine 3, and the fixed base foot 4 can be arranged at the other diagonal positions of the washing machine 3; those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed, and all the above adjustments do not deviate from the principle of the present invention and are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will understand that the base assembly 2 may also exclude the fixed base 4, and only use the first base 23 and the second base 24 to level and support the washing machine 3.

[0080] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a household appliance system, which includes a household appliance and a support device according to any of the above embodiments, the support device being installed at the bottom of the household appliance.

[0081] It should be noted that the above embodiments are merely used to illustrate the principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can adjust the above embodiments so that the present invention can be applied to more specific application scenarios.

[0082] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A support device for household appliances, characterized in that, The support device includes a caster lifting mechanism (1) and a base assembly (2); The caster lifting mechanism (1) includes a roller assembly (12) configured to be able to unfold and retract, and the caster lifting mechanism (1) is configured to enable the roller assembly (12) to support the household appliance when the roller assembly (12) is unfolded; The foot assembly (2) includes: First base (21), the first base (21) is provided with a first inclined groove (211); The second base (22) is provided with a second inclined groove (221); The first base (23) is provided with a first guide rod (231), which is located in the first inclined groove (211) and is movably connected to the first inclined groove (211). The second base (24) is provided with a second guide rod (241), which is located in the second inclined groove (221) and is movably connected to the second inclined groove (221); The foot assembly (2) is configured to allow the first foot (23) and the second foot (24) to support the household appliance when the roller assembly (12) is retracted.

2. The support device for household appliances according to claim 1, characterized in that, The caster lifting mechanism (1) also includes a base (11), the roller assembly (12) is located at the bottom of the base (11), and the first base seat (21) and the second base seat (22) are connected to the base (11).

3. The support device for household appliances according to claim 2, characterized in that, The caster lifting mechanism (1) further includes a movable bracket (13). The roller assembly (12) includes a roller (121) and a connecting arm (122). One end of the connecting arm (122) is rotatably connected to the roller (121), and the other end of the connecting arm (122) is rotatably connected to the base (11) through a first connecting shaft (123). The movable bracket (13) is configured to move along the base (11) to drive the connecting arm (122) to rotate, and to abut against the roller assembly (12) after the roller assembly (12) is unfolded.

4. The support device for household appliances according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base (11) includes a first top plate (111), and two pairs of sides of the first top plate (111) extend downward to form first side plates (112). The first top plate (111) and the first side plates (112) on both sides form a sliding groove (113). The movable bracket (13) is movably connected to the sliding groove (113).

5. The support device for household appliances according to claim 4, characterized in that, The movable support (13) includes a second top plate (131), which extends downward to form a second side plate (132). The second side plate (132) is provided with a third inclined groove (133), and the first side plate (112) is provided with a cut (114). The connecting arm (122) and the roller (121) are rotatably connected by a second connecting shaft (124). The second connecting shaft (124) is located in the third inclined groove (133) and in the cut (114).

6. The support device for household appliances according to claim 3, characterized in that, The caster lifting mechanism (1) further includes a handle structure (14), which includes a handle portion (141) and a first connecting portion (142) and a second connecting portion (143) disposed on the handle portion (141). The first connecting portion (142) is rotatably connected to the base (11) via a third connecting shaft (144). The second connecting portion (143) is provided with a fourth connecting shaft (145). The movable bracket (13) is provided with a guide hole (135), and the fourth connecting shaft (145) is rotatably and movably disposed within the guide hole (135); and / or A pressing structure (125) is sleeved on the first connecting shaft (123), the pressing structure (125) is used to provide the moving bracket (13) with a force to fit against the base (11).

7. The support device for household appliances according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the first inclined groove (211) and the horizontal plane is the same as the angle between the second inclined groove (221) and the horizontal plane; and / or The foot assembly (2) also includes a connecting rod (25), through which the first foot (23) and the second foot (24) are connected.

8. The support device for household appliances according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first foot (23) includes a first column (232) and a first chassis (233), the first guide rod (231) is connected to the first column (232), and a first rubber layer (234) is provided on the bottom surface of the first chassis (233); and / or The second foot (24) includes a second column (242) and a second chassis (243), the second guide rod (241) is connected to the second column (242), and a second rubber layer (244) is provided on the bottom surface of the second chassis (243).

9. The support device for household appliances according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first base (21) includes a first housing (212), the first base (23) passes vertically through the first housing (212), and the first inclined groove (211) is provided on the side wall of the first housing (212); The second base (22) includes a second housing (222), the second base (24) extends vertically through the second housing (222), and the second inclined groove (221) is provided on the side wall of the second housing (222); and / or The support device also includes a fixed base (4).

10. A household appliance system, characterized in that, The household appliance system includes a household appliance and a support device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the support device being mounted on the bottom of the household appliance.

Images