Locking piece, lifting mechanism and household appliance

Abstract

The utility model discloses a locking piece, a lifting mechanism and a household appliance, and relates to the technical field of household appliances, the locking piece comprises a lock body used for being connected with a first storage rack, the side, located in the left-right direction, of the lock body is an installation side, and the installation side of the lock body is provided with a first guide groove and a second guide groove; the first guide groove comprises a first arc-shaped section connected with the head end of the first guide groove, the first arc-shaped section is arranged in a backward and downward arc shape from the head end of the first guide groove to the tail end of the first guide groove, the tail end of the first guide groove downwards penetrates through the lock body to form a lower end notch, and a stopping face is formed at the position, close to the rear portion, of the edge of the lower end notch. And the second guide groove comprises a second arc-shaped section connected with the head end of the second guide groove, the second guide groove is located on the lower side of the first guide groove, and a limiting groove extending backwards is formed in the tail end of the second guide groove and used for limiting the second sliding part of the swing arm front and back.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202420943958.3, filed on April 30, 2024, entitled “Lifting Mechanism and Dishwasher”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a locking component, a lifting mechanism, and a household appliance. Background Technology

[0003] Household appliances, including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, and storage cabinets, typically have shelves. Some of these shelves are positioned low, requiring users to bend over to retrieve items. For example, with a dishwasher, if the lower basket isn't raised or lowered, users have to bend over to load or unload dishes, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0004] To address this, some manufacturers have installed lifting mechanisms to raise and lower low-position shelves to a certain height. However, after the lifting mechanism raises the shelf to its position, the shelf may fall due to the load. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main purpose of this utility model is to propose a locking component, a lifting mechanism, and a household appliance, aiming to solve the problem of how to fix the swing arm of the lifting mechanism to prevent the dish basket from falling due to the load.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a locking component for use on a lifting mechanism, which is installed on a first shelf to cooperate with a swing arm. When the swing arm swings the first shelf upward to the top locking position, it restricts the relative movement between the swing arm and the first shelf. The locking component includes a lock body for connecting to the first shelf. The side of the lock body in the left-right direction is the mounting side. The mounting side of the lock body is provided with a first guide groove and a second guide groove.

[0007] The first guide groove includes a first arc-shaped segment connecting its first end. The first arc-shaped segment is arranged in a rearward and downward arc shape from the first end of the first guide groove to the tail end. The tail end of the first guide groove extends downward through the lock body to form a lower end slot. A stop surface is formed at the edge of the lower end slot of the first guide groove and at a rearward position. The stop surface is used to abut against the first sliding part of the swing arm to perform upward upper limit positioning.

[0008] The second guide groove includes a second arc-shaped segment connecting its first end. The second arc-shaped segment is arranged in a backward and upward arc shape from the first end to the tail end of the second guide groove. The second guide groove 33 is located below the first guide groove 32, and the tail end of the second guide groove is provided with a backward-extending limiting groove for limiting the second sliding part of the swing arm in the front and back.

[0009] In one embodiment, the limiting groove is inclined upwards in the direction from front to back.

[0010] In one embodiment, the included angle between the limiting groove and the front-rear direction is α, where 15°≤α≤60°.

[0011] In one embodiment, at the connection between the limiting groove and the second guide groove, the inner sidewall of the limiting groove is provided with a retaining rib.

[0012] In one embodiment, the mounting side of the lock body is provided with a deformation groove around the limiting groove.

[0013] In one embodiment, a plurality of deformation grooves are provided, and the plurality of deformation grooves are arranged at intervals.

[0014] In one embodiment, the distance between the deformation groove and the limiting groove is L1, wherein 0.5mm ≤ L1 ≤ 1.5mm; and / or,

[0015] The width of the deformation groove is L2, where 1mm≤L2≤2mm.

[0016] In one embodiment, at the connection between the limiting groove and the second guide groove, the inner sidewall of the limiting groove is provided with a retaining rib, and the deformation groove is provided corresponding to the retaining rib.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first guide groove is disposed through the lower end face of the lock body, and the stop surface is formed on the lower end face of the lock body.

[0018] In one embodiment, a notch is provided at the first end of the lock body, and the first end of the first guide groove is located at the notch.

[0019] This utility model also proposes a lifting mechanism for lifting a first shelf of a household appliance, enabling the first shelf to switch between a bottom position to be lifted and a top position to be lifted to its maximum height. The lifting mechanism includes:

[0020] A fixed arm for mounting in the receiving cavity of the household appliance;

[0021] At least one swing arm, on which a first hinge mounting portion and a second hinge mounting portion are formed, the first hinge mounting portion being mounted to the fixed arm, and the second hinge mounting portion being used for direct or indirect mounting to the first shelf; and,

[0022] A locking element, including any of the locking elements described above, is disposed on the first shelf to restrict relative movement between the swing arm and the first shelf when the swing arm swings the first shelf upward to the top locking position.

[0023] In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism further includes a slide rail structure, the slide rail structure including multiple slide rails that are slidably connected to each other, the multiple slide rails including at least a first slide rail and a last slide rail, the first slide rail being directly or indirectly connected to the second hinged mounting part, and the last slide rail being connected to the first shelf;

[0024] The swing arm can swing the first shelf forward and upward from the bottom position to the top lifting limit position. When the first shelf is at the top lifting limit position, the multi-section slide rail extends forward and backward and can slide relative to each other so that the first shelf can slide to the top locking position.

[0025] In one embodiment, two swing arms are provided, and the lifting mechanism further includes a connector connected to the first section of the slide rail. The second hinged mounting portions of both swing arms are hinged to the connector, and the connector is mounted on the first shelf.

[0026] In addition, this utility model also proposes a household appliance, comprising:

[0027] The shell has a receiving cavity;

[0028] A lifting mechanism, including any one of the lifting mechanisms described above, wherein the fixed arm of the lifting mechanism is disposed on the side wall of the receiving cavity; and,

[0029] The first shelf is hinged to the swing arm of the lifting mechanism;

[0030] The lifting mechanism allows the first shelf to switch between the bottom position to be lifted and the top position to be lifted to its maximum height.

[0031] In one embodiment, a second shelf is provided in the receiving cavity, and corresponding to the top lifting limit position, the lower end of the first shelf protrudes upward from the lower end of the second shelf.

[0032] In one embodiment, the household appliance includes a dishwasher, wherein the first shelf is configured as a lower dish rack and the second shelf is configured as an upper dish rack.

[0033] In one embodiment, the distance between the rear end face of the locking member and the rear end face of the first shelf is L3, wherein -50mm≤L3≤50mm.

[0034] In the technical solution of this utility model, when the lifting mechanism raises the first shelf to its upper limit position, the first sliding part and the second sliding part slide into the first guide groove and the second guide groove respectively. Then, the first sliding part slides along the first guide groove to the stop surface to restrict the upward rotation of the first sliding part, and the second sliding part slides along the second guide groove to the limiting groove to restrict the relative movement of the swing arm and the locking member in the front-back direction, thereby limiting the first shelf to the top locking position. Thus, by setting the lock body, the first guide groove and the second guide groove are set on the mounting side so as to interact with the first sliding part and the second sliding part. Two sliding parts cooperate to guide the rotation of the swing arm. The second guide groove is located below the first guide groove, so that the first guide groove and the second guide groove are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction to match the rotation stroke of the first sliding part and the second sliding part. The stop surface is provided to stop the swing arm from swinging. At the same time, the limiting groove is provided so that when the user continues to pull the first shelf forward, the second sliding part can slide into the limiting groove to lock the swing arm. This makes the first shelf locked when pulled forward, which can not only prevent the first shelf from falling due to load, but also match the operation direction of the first shelf, making it convenient for the user to operate, thereby helping to improve the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the household appliance provided by this utility model;

[0037] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the locking element;

[0038] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of the structure at point A in the diagram;

[0039] Figure 4A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the locking member provided by this utility model;

[0040] Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the household appliance provided by this utility model (the first shelf is located at the bottom storage position, and the swing arm of the lifting mechanism is located at the lower limit position);

[0041] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram including a lifting mechanism and a first shelf;

[0042] Figure 7 for Figure 5 The diagram includes a front view of the lifting mechanism and the first shelf.

[0043] Figure 8 for Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a household appliance (the first shelf is at the bottom and about to be lifted, and the swing arm of the lifting mechanism is at the lower limit position).

[0044] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The diagram includes a front view of the lifting mechanism and the first shelf.

[0045] Figure 10 for Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a household appliance (the first shelf is at the top lifting limit position, and the swing arm of the lifting mechanism is at the upper swing limit position).

[0046] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The diagram includes a front view of the lifting mechanism and the first shelf.

[0047] Figure 12 for Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a household appliance (with the first shelf in the top locked position and the swing arm of the lifting mechanism in the upper limit position).

[0048] Figure 13 for Figure 12 The diagram includes a front view of the lifting mechanism and the first shelf.

[0049] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0050] 100. Lifting mechanism; 1. Fixed arm; 2. Swing arm; 21. First hinge mounting part; 22. Second hinge mounting part; 23. First sliding part; 24. Second sliding part; 3. Locking component; 31. Lock body; 311. Mounting side; 32. First guide groove; 33. Second guide groove; 34. Stop surface; 35. Limiting groove; 36. Bracket; 37. Deformation groove; 4. Connecting component; 5. Slide rail structure; 51. First slide rail; 52. Tail slide rail; 53. Intermediate slide rail;

[0051] 1000, Household appliance; 200, Housing; 201, Receiving cavity; 2012, Side wall; 300, First shelf; 400, Second shelf.

[0052] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0054] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0055] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are 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, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0056] Household appliances, including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, and storage cabinets, typically have shelves. Some of these shelves are positioned low, requiring users to bend over to retrieve items. For example, with a dishwasher, if the lower basket isn't raised or lowered, users have to bend over to load or unload dishes, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0057] To address this, some manufacturers have installed lifting mechanisms to raise and lower low-position shelves to a certain height. However, after the lifting mechanism raises the shelf to its position, the shelf may fall due to the load.

[0058] Based on this, this utility model proposes a locking component. Solving the problem of how to fix the swing arm of the lifting mechanism to prevent the basket from falling due to its load is also an urgent issue. Figures 1 to 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of the household appliance provided by this utility model.

[0059] Please see Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking member 3 is used on the lifting mechanism 100 and is disposed on the first shelf 300 to cooperate with the swing arm 2. When the swing arm 2 swings the first shelf 300 upward to the top lifting limit position and the first shelf 300 moves to the top locking position, the relative movement between the swing arm 2 and the first shelf 300 is restricted. The locking member 3 includes a lock body 31 for connecting with the first shelf 300. The side of the lock body 31 in the left-right direction is the mounting side 311. The mounting side 311 of the lock body 31 is provided with a first guide groove 32 and a second guide groove 33.

[0060] The first guide groove 32 includes a first arc-shaped segment connecting its first end. The first arc-shaped segment is arranged in a rearward and downward arc shape from the first end of the first guide groove 32 to the tail end. The tail end of the first guide groove 32 extends downward through the lock body 31 to form a lower end slot. A stop surface 34 is formed at the edge of the lower end slot of the first guide groove 32 and at a rearward position. The stop surface 34 is used to abut against the first sliding part 23 of the swing arm 2 to perform upward upper limit positioning.

[0061] The second guide groove 33 includes a second arc-shaped segment connecting its first end. The second arc-shaped segment is arranged in a backward and upward arc shape from the first end to the tail end of the second guide groove 33. The second guide groove 33 is located below the first guide groove 32, and the tail end of the second guide groove 33 is provided with a rearwardly extending limiting groove 35 for limiting the second sliding part 24 of the swing arm 2 in the front and back.

[0062] In the technical solution of this utility model, when the lifting mechanism 100 raises the first shelf 300 to its upper limit position, the first sliding part 23 and the second sliding part 24 slide into the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 respectively. Then, the first sliding part 23 slides along the first guide groove 32 to the stop surface 34 to restrict the upward rotation of the first sliding part 23, and the second sliding part 24 slides along the second guide groove 33 to the limiting groove 35 to restrict the relative movement of the swing arm 2 and the locking member 3 in the front-back direction, thereby limiting the first shelf 300 to the top lifting limit position. Thus, by setting the lock body 31, the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 are set on the mounting side 311 so as to interact with the first sliding part 23. 3. The second sliding part 24 cooperates with the second sliding part 24 to guide the rotation of the swing arm 2. The second guide groove 33 is located below the first guide groove 32, so that the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 are spaced apart in the front and back direction to match the rotation stroke of the first sliding part 23 and the second sliding part 24. The stop surface 34 is provided to stop the swing arm 2 from swinging. At the same time, the limiting groove 35 is provided so that when the user continues to pull the first shelf 300 forward, the second sliding part 24 can slide into the limiting groove 35 to lock the swing arm 2. This makes the first shelf 300 locked when pulled forward, which can not only prevent the first shelf 300 from falling due to load, but also be consistent with the operation direction of the first shelf 300, making it convenient for the user to operate and thus helping to improve the user experience.

[0063] It should be noted that, with the user as the reference for direction, "forward" refers to the direction towards the user, or towards the side of the household appliance 1000 where the door is located; "backward" refers to the direction opposite to "forward," specifically the direction away from the user; and "up and down" refers to the direction with gravity as the reference. Furthermore, since the first shelf 300 is supported by the swing arm 2 via the lock body 31, the locking element 3 needs to have a certain degree of hardness and strength. Its material can be various; specifically, the lock body 31 can be made of metal alloys such as steel and aluminum alloys, inorganic non-metallic materials such as ceramics, or polymer materials such as plastics. As long as it can support the first shelf 300 under load, this utility model does not limit its application. Furthermore, the lock body 31 can have various shapes, such as rectangular or pentagonal, and this utility model does not limit its application.

[0064] It should also be noted that some household appliances 1000 have only one shelf, such as the first shelf 300. Others may have multiple shelves; in embodiments where multiple shelves are provided in the household appliance 1000, two shelves may be provided, such as the first shelf 300 and the second shelf 400. When the two shelves are positioned vertically, they can be referred to as an upper shelf and a lower shelf. In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, the first shelf 300 corresponds to the upper shelf, and the second shelf 400 corresponds to the lower shelf.

[0065] For the first shelf 300, it is necessary to move the first shelf 300 out of the receiving cavity 201 of the household appliance 1000, then raise it to a suitable position, and finally lock it to a suitable position. Specifically, after the door of the household appliance 1000 is opened, the user needs to put or take out items to be placed in the first shelf 300. The user often pulls the first shelf 300 forward. During the movement of the first shelf 300, a complex movement process will occur, that is, it moves forward and upward at the same time. At this time, the lifting mechanism 100 will follow the movement and support the first shelf 300.

[0066] The first shelf 300 has several important positions during its movement, commonly including a bottom storage position (as shown in the attached image). Figure 6 (As shown), the bottom position to be lifted (as attached) Figure 8 (as shown), the top lifting limit position (as attached) Figure 10 (as shown) and the top locking position (as attached) Figure 12 (As shown).

[0067] When the first shelf 300 has four positions, namely the bottom storage position, the bottom lifting position, the top lifting limit position, and the top locking position, when the swing arm 2 is in the lower limit position, the corresponding first shelf 300 is in the bottom storage position and the bottom lifting position; when the swing arm 2 is in the upper limit position, the corresponding first shelf 300 is in the top lifting limit position and the top locking position.

[0068] The limiting groove 35 can extend in various ways in the vertical direction. For example, the limiting groove 35 can extend vertically in the vertical direction or extend obliquely in the vertical direction. In one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to... Figure 2The limiting groove 35 is inclined upwards in the direction away from the second guide groove 33. This inclined arrangement allows the second guide groove 33 to smoothly transition into the limiting groove 35, so that when the locking member 3 moves forward, the second sliding part 24 can smoothly slide into the limiting groove 35. Simultaneously, the limiting groove 35 extends upwards to cooperate with the stop surface 34, thereby restricting the vertical movement of the swing arm 2 and the locking member 3, thus achieving forward locking. Of course, in other embodiments, the limiting groove 35 may also extend downwards, etc., and this invention does not limit this to that.

[0069] Furthermore, if the inclination angle of the limiting groove 35 is small, it is difficult to limit the second sliding part 24; if the inclination angle of the limiting groove 35 is large, it is difficult for the second sliding part 24 to slide into the limiting groove 35. Therefore, in this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 2 The included angle α between the limiting groove 35 and the front-back direction is 15°≤α≤60°. This facilitates the second sliding part 24 sliding into the limiting groove 35 and also limits the second sliding part 24 to prevent relative movement between the swing arm 2 and the locking member 3 in the front-back direction. It is understood that the included angle α between the limiting groove 35 and the front-back direction can be an integer value of 60°, or any integer value between 15° and 60°, such as 30°, 40°, 50°, etc. It can also be an angle value between any two of the above integers, such as 51°, 52°, 53°, 54°, 55°, 56°, 57°, 58°, 59°, etc., between 50° and 60°. It can also be some decimal values. All of the above values ​​are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0070] In one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3At the connection between the limiting groove 35 and the second guide groove 33, a retaining rib 36 is provided on the inner wall of the limiting groove 35. This retaining rib 36 forms a damping structure to hold the second sliding part 24 into place, thus reminding the user that the first shelf 300 has been moved into position, thereby improving the user experience. Furthermore, the retaining rib 36 can be one or more, and this invention does not limit this. Specifically, two retaining ribs 36 are provided, respectively located on opposite sides of the limiting groove 35. By providing two retaining ribs 36, on the one hand, the passage width of the limiting groove 35 can be further reduced, increasing the interference of the second sliding part 24 and improving the damping feedback force; on the other hand, the sliding trajectory of the second sliding part 24 is kept in the middle of the limiting groove 35, allowing the second sliding part 24 to smoothly slide into the limiting groove 35.

[0071] It is understood that there are various ways to form the locking rib 36 and the lock body 31. For example, the locking rib 36 and the lock body 31 can be integrally formed or assembled. This utility model does not limit this.

[0072] Since the lock body 31 needs to support the first shelf 300, it needs to have a certain degree of hardness and strength to prevent the lock body 31 from deforming and the second sliding part 24 from passing through the retaining rib 36. Therefore, in this embodiment, the mounting side 311 of the lock body 31 is provided with a deformation groove 34 around the limiting groove 35. In this way, by providing the deformation groove 34, the strength of the limiting groove 35 is weakened, so that the limiting groove 35 can deform in its width direction, thereby allowing the second sliding part 24 to slide through the retaining rib 36.

[0073] In one embodiment of this utility model, the deformation groove 34 is arc-shaped. This arc shape surrounds the limiting groove 35 within the deformation groove 34, reducing the strength of the limiting groove 35 and facilitating the sliding of the second sliding part 24. In another embodiment, multiple deformation grooves 34 are provided, spaced apart. This arrangement surrounds the limiting groove 35, reducing the strength around it and allowing the second sliding part 24 to smoothly slide past the retaining rib 36. Furthermore, the spaced-apart arrangement avoids areas where the distance between the limiting groove 35 and the first guide groove 32 is small, thus preventing weakening of the first guide groove 32 and reducing the possibility of the first sliding part 23 sliding out of the first guide groove 32.

[0074] Since the distance between the deformation groove 34 and the limiting groove 35 is related to the degree of deformation of the limiting groove 35, the farther the deformation groove 34 is from the limiting groove 35, the less likely the limiting groove 35 is to deform. However, if the distance between the deformation groove 34 and the limiting groove 35 is too small, the difficulty in setting it up increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The distance between the deformation groove 34 and the limiting groove 35 is L1, wherein 0.5mm ≤ L1 ≤ 1.5mm. This distance weakens the strength of the limiting groove 35, facilitating its deformation, and also makes it easier to install the deformation groove 34, thus simplifying manufacturing. Furthermore, the distance between the deformation groove 34 and the limiting groove 35 can be any value between 0.5mm and 1.5mm, such as 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, etc., all of which are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0075] In one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The width of the deformation groove 34 is L2, where 1mm ≤ L2 ≤ 2mm. A wider deformation groove 34 facilitates deformation of the limiting groove 35. However, an excessively wide deformation groove 34 may weaken the strength of the first guide groove 32, thus affecting its guiding function. Therefore, 1mm ≤ L2 ≤ 2mm ensures both easy deformation of the limiting groove 35 and avoids affecting the first guide groove 32. Furthermore, the width of the deformation groove 34 can be any value between 1mm and 2mm, such as 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, etc., all of which are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0076] It should be noted that the two related technical features mentioned above, "0.5mm≤L1≤1.5mm" and "1mm≤L2≤2mm", can be set individually or simultaneously. Obviously, setting them simultaneously will yield better results.

[0077] In one embodiment of this utility model, at the connection between the limiting groove 35 and the second guide groove 33, a retaining rib 36 is provided on the inner side wall of the limiting groove 35, and a deformation groove 34 is provided corresponding to the retaining rib 36. Since the deformation of the limiting groove 35 at the retaining rib 36 is the greatest, the deformation groove 34 is provided corresponding to the retaining rib 36 to weaken the strength at the retaining rib 36, so that the limiting groove 35 at the retaining rib 36 can deform outward, thereby allowing the second sliding part 24 to smoothly slide past the retaining rib 36.

[0078] In one embodiment of this utility model, the tail end of the first guide groove 32 is provided to penetrate downward through the lower end face of the lock body 31, and the stop surface 34 is formed on the lower end face of the lock body 31. In this way, by having the first guide groove 32 penetrate through the lower end face of the lock body 31, the lower end face of the lock body 31 can be directly used for limiting, so as to avoid setting an additional limiting structure, thereby helping to reduce costs.

[0079] To facilitate the sliding of the first sliding part 23, in this embodiment, the first end of the first guide groove 32 extends through the front end of the lock body 31. This allows the first sliding part 23 to slide directly into the first guide groove 32 from the front end of the lock body 31 when the first shelf 300 moves forward, thus facilitating its entry. Furthermore, the first end of the first guide groove 32 is flared, providing a larger opening to guide the first sliding part 23 into the first guide groove 32. It is understood that the design of the first end of the first guide groove 32 can vary; in other embodiments, the first end of the first guide groove 32 extends through the upper end of the lock body 31. This invention does not limit this design.

[0080] Since the first sliding part 23 has not yet slid into the first guide groove 32 when the second sliding part 24 slides into the second guide groove 33, the first sliding part 23 will interfere with the lock body 31. Therefore, in this embodiment, a notch is provided at the first end of the lock body 31, and the first end of the first guide groove 32 is located at the notch. In this way, by providing the notch, the first end of the first guide groove 32 is moved backward to avoid the first sliding part 23, so as to prevent the lock body 31 from interfering with the first sliding part 23.

[0081] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first end of the second guide groove 33 is provided through the lower end face of the lock body 31, so that the second sliding part 24 slides into the second guide groove 33 and moves upward and backward, thereby restricting the movement of the swing arm 2 and the locking member 3 in the front-back direction.

[0082] In one embodiment of this utility model, the groove depth of the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 is L5, wherein 5mm≤L5≤10mm. If the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 are too deep, it will affect the strength of the lock body 31. If the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 are too shallow, the first sliding part 23 and the second sliding part 24 may slide out of the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33. Therefore, 5mm≤L5≤10mm can guide the first sliding part 23 and the second sliding part 24 to slide without affecting the strength of the lock body 31. Furthermore, the groove depths of the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 can be an integer value of 10 mm, or any integer value between 5 mm and 10 mm, such as 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, etc. Of course, they can also be values ​​between any two of the above integers. For example, values ​​between 5 mm and 6 mm can be 5.1 mm, 5.2 mm, 5.3 mm, 5.4 mm, 5.5 mm, 5.6 mm, 5.7 mm, 5.8 mm, 5.9 mm, etc. All of the above values ​​are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0083] In one embodiment, the width of the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 is L6, where 5mm≤L6≤10mm. Since the mounting side 311 of the lock body 31 is limited, if the width of the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 is too wide, it will be inconvenient to arrange them on the lock body 31. If the width of the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 is too narrow, it will be not conducive to the first sliding part 23 and the second sliding part 24 sliding into the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 respectively. Therefore, 5mm≤L6≤10mm is convenient for setting the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33, and also facilitates the first sliding part 23 and the second sliding part 24 sliding into the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 respectively. Furthermore, the width of the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 can be an integer value of 10 mm, or any integer value between 5 mm and 10 mm, such as 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, etc. Of course, it can also be a value between any two of the above integers. For example, a value between 5 mm and 6 mm can be 5.1 mm, 5.2 mm, 5.3 mm, 5.4 mm, 5.5 mm, 5.6 mm, 5.7 mm, 5.8 mm, 5.9 mm, etc. All of the above values ​​are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0084] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model also proposes a lifting mechanism 100 for lifting a first shelf 300 of a household appliance 1000, enabling the first shelf 300 to switch between a bottom lifting position and a top lifting limit position. The lifting mechanism 100 includes a fixed arm 1, at least one swing arm 2, and a locking member 3. The fixed arm 1 is installed in the receiving cavity 201 of the household appliance 1000. A first hinge mounting portion 21 and a second hinge mounting portion 22 are formed on the same swing arm 2. The first hinge mounting portion 21 is installed on the fixed arm 1, and the second hinge mounting portion 22 is directly or indirectly installed on the first shelf 300. The locking member 3 includes the aforementioned locking member 3, which is disposed on the first shelf 300 to limit the movement of the first shelf 300 when the swing arm 2 swings it upward to the top locking position. The relative movement between the swing arm 2 and the first shelf 300 is controlled. Thus, by providing the stop surface 34 and the limiting groove 35 at the tail ends of the first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33, when the first shelf 300 is raised to its top lifting limit position, simply pulling the first shelf 300 forward allows it to continue moving forward, thus restricting the movement of the first sliding part 23 and the second sliding part 24. In use, the user first pulls the first shelf 300 forward to move it forward and raise it upward, then continues to pull it forward to lock it. During the raising and locking process of the first shelf 300, the user only needs to pull the first shelf 300 forward to complete both raising and locking, making the operation highly convenient.

[0085] It should be noted that the specific structure of the locking member 3 is as described in the above embodiments. Since the lifting mechanism 100 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0086] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 11The lifting mechanism 100 further includes a slide rail structure 5, which includes multiple slide rail sections that are slidably connected to each other. The multiple slide rail sections include at least a first slide rail 51 and a last slide rail 52. The first slide rail 51 is directly or indirectly connected to the second hinged mounting part, and the last slide rail 52 is connected to the first shelf 300. The swing arm 2 can swing the first shelf 300 forward and upward from the bottom position to the top lifting limit position. When the first shelf 300 is at the top lifting limit position, the multiple slide rail sections extend forward and backward and can slide relative to each other, so that the first shelf 300 can slide to the top locking position, allowing the first shelf 300 to switch between the bottom storage position and the bottom position to be lifted. The positional relationship of the first shelf 300 can be adjusted by the extension and retraction of the multiple slide rail sections. In this way, the first shelf 300 can be moved to the bottom storage position and stored in the receiving cavity 201.

[0087] It should be noted that the connector 4 is connected to the first section slide rail 51 by means of adhesive bonding or welding. That is, the connector 4 can be glued to the first section slide rail 51; of course, it can also be welded. For example, if both the connector 4 and the first section slide rail 51 are made of metal, such as iron or steel, the connector 4 can be welded to the first section slide rail 51.

[0088] In some embodiments, the connector 4 and the first slide rail 51 are integrally formed, that is, the connector 4 and the first slide rail 51 are a single component, which reduces the number of parts and saves assembly time and cost.

[0089] The tail section slide rail 52 is connected to the first shelf 300. The first shelf 300 can usually be formed by alternating small round ribs in the horizontal or vertical direction. For connecting the slide rail, a connecting block can be used to assist the connection. The connecting block is provided with some slots and other mechanisms to hold the small round ribs on the first shelf 300. The connecting block is also provided with a screw connection structure, through which the tail section slide rail 52 is directly connected, thus making the connection more secure.

[0090] Furthermore, this utility model does not limit the number of slide rails in the slide rail structure 5. For example, it can be a 2-section slide rail, or a 3-section slide rail, or a multi-section slide rail with more than 3 sections, such as 4, 5, 6, 7 sections, etc. This utility model does not limit this. Specifically, in this embodiment, the slide rail structure 5 also includes an intermediate slide rail 53, which is located between the first slide rail 51 and the last slide rail 52. In this way, by setting the intermediate slide rail 53, the sliding stroke of the first shelf 300 is increased, so that the first shelf 300 can slide completely out of the receiving cavity 201, so as to prevent the first shelf 300 from interfering with other structures in the housing 200, such as the second shelf 400, when the lifting mechanism 100 lifts the first shelf 300. Furthermore, the number of intermediate slide rails 53 can be one or more, and this utility model does not limit this. However, the more intermediate slide rails 53 there are, the more complex the slide rail structure 5 becomes and the higher the cost. Therefore, in this embodiment, only one intermediate slide rail 53 is provided, which can both meet the travel requirements of the first shelf 300 and reduce the cost of the slide rail structure 5.

[0091] In one embodiment of this utility model, the number of swing arms 2 is not limited; there can be only one or two. In the embodiment where two swing arms 2 are provided, the lifting mechanism 100 partially forms a four-bar linkage, specifically a parallelogram four-bar linkage. Please refer to [link to embodiment of this utility model]. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 11 Two swing arms 2 are provided. The lifting mechanism 100 also includes a connector 4 connected to the first section slide rail 51. Both second hinge mounting parts 22 are hinged to the connector 4. By providing the connector 4, a hinge mating part can be provided on the connector 4 so as to connect the swing arm 2 to the first shelf 300, which can simplify the structure of the first shelf 300 and facilitate the installation of the first shelf 300.

[0092] It should be noted that the state of the connecting member 4 remains unchanged throughout the entire operation of the lifting mechanism 100. Thus, the state of the first shelf 300 remains unchanged throughout the entire operation, thereby ensuring good stability for the storage of items.

[0093] Furthermore, the portion of the connector 4 used to connect the first shelf 300 can always be set to a horizontal state, so that the first shelf 300 remains horizontal during operation. It should be noted that the horizontal state can be absolutely horizontal or at a certain angle to the horizontal direction, such as within a range of 10°.

[0094] Furthermore, this utility model also proposes a household appliance 1000, including a housing 200, a lifting mechanism 100, and a first shelf 300. The housing 200 forms a receiving cavity 201. The lifting mechanism 100 includes the aforementioned lifting mechanism 100. The fixed arm 1 of the lifting mechanism 100 is disposed on the side wall 2012 of the receiving cavity 201. The first shelf 300 is hinged to the swing arm 2 of the lifting mechanism 100. The lifting mechanism 100 enables the first shelf 300 to switch between a bottom lifting position and a top lifting limit position.

[0095] Within the household appliance 1000, the first shelf 300 may have two positions: a bottom lifting position and a top lifting limit position. In an embodiment where the first shelf 300 can move forward and backward relative to the connecting member, it may have three positions: a bottom storage position, a bottom lifting position, and a top lifting limit position. In an embodiment where the first shelf 300 can be locked forward relative to the connecting member, it may have four positions: a bottom storage position, a bottom lifting position, a top lifting limit position, and a top locking position.

[0096] In some household appliances 1000, some have only one shelf, some have two, and some have more. In the technical solution of this utility model, a second shelf 400 is also provided in the receiving cavity 201. Corresponding to the top lifting limit position, the lower end of the first shelf 300 protrudes upward from the lower end of the second shelf 400. That is, at the lifting limit position of the first shelf 300, the lifting height of the first shelf 300 is higher than that of the second shelf 400. At this time, the lifting height is larger, which reduces the frequency of users bending over and improves the user experience.

[0097] It should be noted that in the embodiment where there are two shelves in the household appliance 1000, the first shelf 300 is the lower shelf and the second shelf 400 is the upper shelf. When the first shelf 300 is in the top storage position and the second shelf 400 is in the receiving cavity 201, the first shelf 300 is below the second shelf 400 and the two are arranged opposite to each other.

[0098] In view of the above embodiments, users need to use the first shelf 300 and the second shelf 400 alternately. That is, when using the first shelf 300 to lift, the second shelf 400 should be kept in the receiving cavity 201 as much as possible; when using the second shelf 400, the first shelf 300 should be kept in the receiving cavity 201 as much as possible, or the second shelf 400 should not be lifted as much as possible.

[0099] Of course, in some embodiments, for the upper ends of the first shelf 300 and the second shelf 400, corresponding to the top lifting limit position and the top lifting lock position of the first shelf 300, the upper end of the first shelf 300 protrudes upwards beyond the upper end of the second shelf 400. That is, provided that the depths of the first shelf 300 and the second shelf 400 are the same, the first shelf 300 can be in a higher position.

[0100] In the product corresponding to the household appliance 1000 being a dishwasher, the first shelf 300 corresponds to the lower rack of the dishwasher, and the second shelf 400 corresponds to the upper rack of the dishwasher. When using the lower rack of the dishwasher, the lifting mechanism 100 raises the lower rack of the dishwasher to a position higher than the upper rack. This state provides the same operating height as when the user uses the upper rack of the dishwasher, or a slightly higher height, resulting in a better user experience.

[0101] In one embodiment of this utility model, the distance between the rear end face of the locking member 3 and the rear end face of the first shelf 300 is L3, where -50mm≤L3≤50mm. If the rear end face of the locking member 3 protrudes rearward from the rear end face of the first shelf 300, it is beneficial to avoid interference during the rotation process, but it is easy to contact and interfere with the inner wall surface of the receiving cavity 201. Conversely, if the rear end face of the first shelf 300 protrudes rearward from the rear end face of the locking member 3, it is beneficial to avoid contact and interference with the inner wall surface of the receiving cavity 201, but it is easy to interfere with the second shelf 400 during the lifting and lowering process of the first shelf 300. Therefore, -50mm≤L3≤50mm is convenient for the lifting mechanism 100 to lift the first shelf 300, and it can also contact and interfere with the inner wall surface of the receiving cavity 201.

[0102] It should be noted that L3 is used to represent the relative positional relationship between the locking member 3 and the first shelf 300. A positive L3 indicates that the rear end face of the locking member 3 protrudes rearward beyond the rear end face of the first shelf 300; conversely, a negative L3 indicates that the rear end face of the first shelf 300 protrudes rearward beyond the rear end face of the locking member 3. Furthermore, the distance between the rear end face of the locking member 3 and the rear end face of the first shelf 300 can be an integer value of 10mm, or any integer value between -50mm and 50mm, such as -40mm, -20mm, 0mm, 20mm, 40mm, etc. Of course, it can also be a value between any two of the above integers, such as values ​​between 5mm and 6mm, such as 5.1mm, 5.2mm, 5.3mm, 5.4mm, 5.5mm, 5.6mm, 5.7mm, 5.8mm, 5.9mm, etc. All of the above values ​​are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0103] The following describes the user's experience using the household appliance 1000, with reference to the first storage rack 300, based on the relevant structure of the household appliance 1000:

[0104] 1. The first shelf 300 is located in the bottom storage position, such as... Figure 5-7 As shown:

[0105] This state indicates that the user is not using the appliance, has just started using it, or has finished using it. In these states, the first shelf 300 is located within the receiving cavity 201 of the household appliance 1000. Figure 5-7 As can be seen, the first shelf 300 is retracted into the receiving cavity 201. At this time, the swing arm 2 is at the lower limit position, and the sliding part is separated from the guide rail.

[0106] 2. The first shelf 300 is in the bottom position to be lifted, such as... Figure 8-9 As shown:

[0107] This state refers to the user pulling out the first shelf 300 from the receiving cavity 201, or the user lowering the first shelf 300 after using it. In these states, the first shelf 300 is at the opening of the receiving cavity 201, and the swing arm 2 is still at the lower limit position. At this time, the sliding part is in contact with the front end of the guide rail. When multiple guide rails are provided, such as the first guide rail and the second guide rail, multiple sliding parts are provided accordingly. The multiple sliding parts include the first sliding part 23 and the second sliding part 24. At this time, the second sliding part 24 is located at the front end of the second guide rail. Then, the first shelf 300 continues to move forward and upward.

[0108] 3. The first shelf 300 is at its maximum lifting position at the top, such as... Figure 10-11 As shown:

[0109] This state is when the user raises the first shelf 300, or when the user has finished using the first shelf 300 and has released it from the lock. In these states, the first shelf 300 is at its maximum raised height. Figure 10-11 It can be seen that at this time, the sliding part of the swing arm 2 slides to the rear end of the guide rail, and the swing arm 2 is at the upper swing limit position.

[0110] 4. The first shelf 300 is in the top locked position, such as... Figure 12-13 As shown:

[0111] This state represents a locked state after the user raises the first shelf 300. In this state, the user can retrieve or place items that need to be placed. During these states, the first shelf 300 is at its maximum raised height. Figure 12-13 As can be seen, the first shelf 300 has moved forward a certain distance from its position at the top locking position relative to its position at the top lifting limit position. The sliding part of the swing arm 2 slides from the rear end of the guide rail to the limiting structure. The sliding part of the swing arm 2 is limited by the limiting structure. The swing arm 2 is still at the upper swing limit position.

[0112] The following will describe a complete user experience flow, based on the above embodiments:

[0113] When a user needs to use the household appliance 1000, they first open the door of the household appliance 1000. The user then pulls the first shelf 300 forward from the bottom storage position out of the receiving cavity 201 to the bottom lifting position. With the swinging action of the swing arm 2 of the lifting mechanism 100, the user continues to pull the first shelf 300 forward and upward, so that the first shelf 300 moves from the bottom lifting position to the top lifting limit position. The user continues to pull the first shelf 300 forward, and the first shelf 300 moves from the top lifting limit position to the top locking position. In the locked state, the user can take and put items in the first shelf 300 with less bending over.

[0114] When the user finishes retrieving or placing the item, the user pushes the first shelf 300 backward to unlock it and move it from the top unlocked position to the top raised limit position. The user then lowers the first shelf 300, moving it from the top raised limit position to the bottom raised position. The user continues to push the first shelf 300 backward to move it from the bottom raised position to the bottom storage position. When the first shelf 300 is in the bottom storage position, the user can close the door to complete the use of the household appliance 1000.

[0115] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A locking element used in the lifting mechanism of a household appliance, and disposed on a first shelf, for cooperating with the swing arm of the lifting mechanism to restrict relative movement between the swing arm and the first shelf when the swing arm swings the first shelf upward to its top lifting limit position and the first shelf moves to the top locking position, characterized in that, The locking component includes a lock body for connecting to the first shelf, with the side of the lock body in the left-right direction being the mounting side, and the mounting side of the lock body being provided with a first guide groove and a second guide groove. The first guide groove includes a first arc-shaped segment connecting its first end. The first arc-shaped segment is arranged in a rearward and downward arc shape from the first end of the first guide groove to the tail end. The tail end of the first guide groove extends downward through the lock body to form a lower end slot. A stop surface is formed at the edge of the lower end slot of the first guide groove and at a rearward position. The stop surface is used to abut against the first sliding part of the swing arm to perform upward upper limit positioning. The second guide groove includes a second arc-shaped segment connecting its first end. The second arc-shaped segment is arranged in a backward and upward arc shape from the first end to the tail end of the second guide groove. The second guide groove is located below the first guide groove, and the tail end of the second guide groove is provided with a backward-extending limiting groove for limiting the second sliding part of the swing arm in the front and back.

2. The locking member as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting groove is inclined upwards from front to back.

3. The locking member as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The included angle between the limiting groove and the front-back direction is α, where 15°≤α≤60°.

4. The locking member as described in claim 1, characterized in that, At the connection between the limiting groove and the second guide groove, the inner wall of the limiting groove is provided with a retaining rib.

5. The locking member as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting side of the lock body is provided with a deformation groove around the limiting groove.

6. The locking member as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Multiple deformation grooves are provided, and the multiple deformation grooves are arranged at intervals.

7. The locking member as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The distance between the deformation groove and the limiting groove is L1, wherein 0.5mm ≤ L1 ≤ 1.5mm; and / or, The width of the deformation groove is L2, where 1mm≤L2≤2mm.

8. The locking member as described in claim 5, characterized in that, At the connection between the limiting groove and the second guide groove, the inner sidewall of the limiting groove is provided with a retaining rib, and the deformation groove is provided corresponding to the retaining rib.

9. The locking member as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The tail end of the first guide groove extends downward through the lower end face of the lock body, and the stop surface is formed on the lower end face of the lock body.

10. The locking member as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The front end of the lock body is provided with a notch, and the first end of the first guide groove is located at the notch.

11. A lifting mechanism for lifting a first shelf of a household appliance, such that the first shelf can be lifted and lowered between a bottom position to be lifted and a top position to be lifted to its maximum height, characterized in that... The lifting mechanism includes: A fixed arm for mounting in the receiving cavity of the household appliance; At least one swing arm, on which a first hinge mounting portion and a second hinge mounting portion are formed, the first hinge mounting portion being mounted to the fixed arm, and the second hinge mounting portion being used for direct or indirect mounting to the first shelf; and, A locking element, including the locking element as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, is disposed on the first shelf to restrict relative movement between the swing arm and the first shelf when the swing arm swings the first shelf upward to the top lifting limit position and the first shelf moves to the top locking position.

12. The lifting mechanism as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism also includes a slide rail structure, which includes multiple slide rail sections that are telescopically connected to each other. The multiple slide rail sections include at least a first slide rail section and a last slide rail section. The first slide rail section is directly or indirectly connected to the second hinged mounting part, and the last slide rail section is connected to the first shelf. The swing arm can swing the first shelf forward and upward from the bottom position to the top lifting limit position. When the first shelf is at the top lifting limit position, the multi-section slide rail extends forward and backward and can slide relative to each other so that the first shelf can slide to the top locking position.

13. The lifting mechanism as described in claim 12, characterized in that, Two swing arms are provided, and the lifting mechanism also includes a connector connected to the first section of the slide rail. The second hinge mounting parts of the two swing arms are both hinged to the connector, and the connector is installed on the first shelf.

14. A household appliance, characterized in that, include: The shell has a receiving cavity; A lifting mechanism, including the lifting mechanism as described in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the fixed arm of the lifting mechanism is disposed on the side wall of the receiving cavity; and, The first shelf is hinged to the swing arm of the lifting mechanism; The lifting mechanism allows the first shelf to switch between the bottom position to be lifted and the top position to be lifted to its maximum height.

15. The household appliance as described in claim 14, characterized in that, A second shelf is also provided inside the receiving cavity. Corresponding to the top lifting limit position, the lower end of the first shelf protrudes upward from the lower end of the second shelf.

16. The household appliance as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The household appliance includes a dishwasher, wherein the first shelf is configured as a lower dish rack and the second shelf is configured as an upper dish rack.

17. The household appliance as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The distance between the rear end face of the locking member and the rear end face of the first shelf is L3, where -50mm≤L3≤50mm.

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