A drawer electric opening system

Abstract

An electric drawer opening system includes a movable rail mounted on the drawer and a fixed rail mounted on the cabinet. The movable rail slides relative to the fixed rail to open and close the drawer. A fixed base is mounted on the fixed rail, and a drive device and a trigger switch controlling its operation are mounted on the fixed base. The drive device includes a motor and a gear set driven by the motor. The drive device also includes a cam hinged to the fixed base. The cam is coaxially connected to a driven gear that meshes with the gear set. The cam also extends outward to a swing arm. When the trigger switch is activated, the motor drives the swing arm to swing through the gear set, and the swing arm pushes the drawer to open automatically. A clutch device is provided within the gear set. The advantages of this invention are: compared with the traditional complex mechanical push-to-open structure, this structure achieves drawer opening through electric drive, improving user convenience and comfort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of smart home, specifically to an electric drawer opening system. Background Technology

[0002] In the increasingly trendy modern smart home design that emphasizes simplicity and user-friendliness, handle-free drawers are favored for their neat and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Current technologies commonly use a push-to-open mechanism for handle-free drawers. When the drawer is closed, the user applies inward pressure to the drawer panel, triggering an internal spring mechanism that automatically opens the drawer a short distance. However, existing push-to-open mechanisms often have complex internal structures. To achieve the press-lock, trigger-unlock, and spring-open functions, multiple precision mechanical parts need to be integrated inside the drawer, increasing manufacturing difficulty and cost, and resulting in a high failure rate. Furthermore, with frequent use, wear and tear on the components and changes in clearance can easily degrade the performance of the spring mechanism, leading to problems such as unresponsive pressing, weakened spring force, or jamming during drawer opening. This results in a short lifespan for the spring mechanism, high maintenance costs, and the drawer's inability to maintain stable and normal operation over a long period. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide an electric opening structure that is simple in structure and low in manufacturing cost. This provides users with a reliable and stable drawer electric opening system that has a long service life, precise control of the opening process, and overload protection.

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is achieved by the following method: an electric drawer opening system, including a movable rail installed on the drawer and a fixed rail installed on the cabinet body, wherein the movable rail slides relative to the fixed rail to realize the opening and closing of the drawer, a fixed seat is installed on the fixed rail, and a drive device and a trigger switch for controlling its operation are installed on the fixed seat; the drive device includes a motor and a gear set driven by the motor.

[0005] The drive device also includes a cam hinged in the fixed base. The cam is coaxially connected to a driven gear and meshes with a gear set. The cam also extends outward to a swing arm. When the trigger switch is triggered, the motor drives the swing arm to swing through the gear set, and the swing arm pushes the drawer to open outward automatically.

[0006] The gear set is equipped with a clutch device.

[0007] The gear set includes a worm gear connected to the drive shaft of the motor, and the motor drives the worm gear to rotate through the drive shaft;

[0008] The gear set also includes a first gear and a second gear, a third gear and a fourth gear, and a fifth gear and a sixth gear connected coaxially;

[0009] The first gear is located above the second gear and meshes with the worm gear; the fifth gear is located above the sixth gear and meshes with the driven gear; the third gear is located above the fourth gear and meshes with the sixth gear; the fourth gear meshes with the second gear.

[0010] The clutch device includes a plurality of clutch grooves disposed below the third gear, and correspondingly, a plurality of clutch bosses are disposed above the fourth gear. The clutch bosses are engaged in the clutch grooves to achieve power transmission.

[0011] A rotating shaft is connected between the third gear and the fourth gear. A spring is fitted on the outside of the rotating shaft. A spring post is installed on the top of the rotating shaft. One end of the spring is fitted under the spring post, and the other end presses against the third gear. The spring generates a thrust, which pushes the clutch groove on the third gear to move down and always locks with the clutch boss on the fourth gear.

[0012] The driven gear is a sector tooth, and limit switches are installed on both sides below the sector tooth.

[0013] A stop block is connected to the movable rail, and the stop block contacts the trigger switch to generate a control signal.

[0014] The cam is arc-shaped, and its outer contour contacts the impact block.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. Simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and improved market competitiveness.

[0016] 2. Compared with the traditional complex mechanical push-to-open structure, this structure uses electric drive to open the drawer, improving the user's convenience and comfort.

[0017] 3. The clutch device provides overload protection to effectively prevent damage to components. Once the overload or abnormal situation is resolved, the spring force will automatically re-engage the clutch device, and the electric opening system will resume normal operation.

[0018] 4. Through multi-stage gear transmission via gear sets, the driving force is effectively transmitted and necessary speed reduction and torque increase are achieved.

[0019] 5. Using a motor as the drive source facilitates precise control of the opening process. The electric opening system can adapt to different application scenarios and has strong adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1This is a rendering of the final assembly of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the hidden drawer body in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the hidden fixing seat in this utility model.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the drive device in this utility model.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gear assembly in this utility model.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third and fourth gears in this utility model.

[0026] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the third and fourth gears in this utility model.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the clutch groove structure of the third gear in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A drawer electric opening system includes a movable rail 10 mounted on a drawer 1 and a fixed rail 12 mounted on a cabinet body 11. The movable rail 10 slides relative to the fixed rail 12 to open and close the drawer 1. A fixed seat 2 is mounted on the fixed rail 12, and a drive device and a trigger switch 3 controlling its operation are mounted on the fixed seat 2. The drive device includes a motor 41 and a gear set 5 driven by the motor 41.

[0029] The drive device also includes a cam 42 hinged in the fixed base 2. The cam 42 is coaxially connected to a driven gear 43 that meshes with the gear set 5. The cam 42 also extends outward to a swing arm 421. When the trigger switch 3 is triggered, the motor 41 drives the swing arm 421 to swing through the gear set 5. The swing arm 421 pushes the drawer 1 to open outward automatically.

[0030] The gear set 5 is equipped with a clutch device.

[0031] like Figure 2-4As shown: A drive unit and a trigger switch for controlling the drive unit are mounted on a fixed rail via a fixed base. When the user triggers the trigger switch, a control signal is sent to the drive unit, and the drive unit begins to operate. First, the motor of the drive unit starts, and the driving force generated by the motor drives the driven gear to rotate through the gear set, which in turn drives the cam coaxially connected to the driven gear to swing. It should be noted that the rotation of the driven gear synchronously drives the cam to swing around its hinge point. The swing arm extending outward from the cam interacts with the drawer, generating an outward pushing force on the drawer, pushing the drawer outward a certain distance, thereby achieving automatic drawer opening. Compared with the traditional complex mechanical push-to-open structure, the electric motor drive to open the drawer is more convenient to operate.

[0032] To better protect the drawers, a clutch device is installed in the gear set. As a protective mechanism, the clutch device can transmit driving force when the drive device is working normally, but can separate the power under overload or obstruction conditions, automatically cutting off the driving force, protecting the drive device structure from damage, and improving the reliability, stability and service life of the drawer electric opening system.

[0033] The gear set 5 includes a worm gear 51 connected to the drive shaft 411 of the motor 41, and the motor 41 drives the worm gear 51 to rotate through the drive shaft 411.

[0034] The gear set 5 further includes a first gear 52 and a second gear 53 coaxially connected, a third gear 54 and a fourth gear 55 coaxially connected, and a fifth gear 56 and a sixth gear 57 coaxially connected.

[0035] The first gear 52 is located above the second gear 53 and meshes with the worm gear 51; the fifth gear 56 is located above the sixth gear 57 and meshes with the driven gear 43; the third gear 54 is located above the fourth gear 55 and meshes with the sixth gear 57; the fourth gear 55 meshes with the second gear 53.

[0036] like Figure 4-5As shown: The worm gear of the gear set is connected to the drive shaft of the motor. The worm gear meshes with the first gear, and the drive shaft of the motor drives the worm gear to rotate, transmitting power to the first gear. The first gear is coaxially connected to the second gear, so the second gear rotates synchronously. The second gear meshes with the fourth gear, transmitting power to the fourth gear. The fourth gear is coaxially connected to the third gear, so the third gear rotates synchronously. The sixth gear meshes with the third gear, transmitting power to the sixth gear. The fifth gear is coaxially connected to the sixth gear, so the fifth gear rotates synchronously. The driven gear meshes with the fifth gear, transmitting power to the driven gear. The driven gear is coaxially connected to the cam, ultimately providing power output to the cam and enabling the cam to oscillate. Multi-stage gear reduction and power output transmission drive the driven gear and the cam to rotate, achieving effective power transmission and necessary speed reduction and torque increase.

[0037] The clutch device includes a plurality of clutch grooves 61 disposed below the third gear 54, and correspondingly, a plurality of clutch protrusions 62 are disposed above the fourth gear 55. The clutch protrusions 62 are engaged in the clutch grooves 61 to achieve power transmission.

[0038] like Figure 7-8 As shown, the clutch mechanism includes a clutch groove located below the third gear and a clutch boss above the fourth gear. This design cleverly integrates the clutch mechanism within the gear set, resulting in a compact structure and concentrated function. When the drive unit is operating normally and the clutch mechanisms are engaged, the clutch boss is engaged in the clutch groove, connecting the third and fourth gears and transmitting driving force. When the opening system is obstructed, such as a stuck drawer or other abnormal obstacles, causing the transmitted torque to exceed the preset range, the force between the clutch boss and the clutch groove generates an axial thrust, cutting off the transmission force and protecting the drive unit.

[0039] A rotating shaft 7 is connected between the third gear 54 and the fourth gear 55. A spring is fitted on the outside of the rotating shaft 7. A spring post 8 is installed on the top of the rotating shaft 7. One end of the spring 81 is fitted under the spring post 8, and the other end presses against the third gear 54. The spring 81 generates a thrust, which pushes the clutch groove 61 on the third gear 54 to move down and always locks with the clutch boss 62 on the fourth gear 55.

[0040] like Figure 6-8 As shown: A shaft connects the third and fourth gears, and a spring is fitted around the shaft. The fixed end of the spring is fitted against a spring post at its top, while the free end of the spring presses against the third gear. The spring continuously generates a downward axial thrust, pushing the clutch groove and clutch boss to remain in a locked state, ensuring power transmission of the drive unit under normal conditions.

[0041] When the opening system is obstructed, such as a stuck drawer or other abnormal resistance, causing the transmitted torque to exceed the preset range, the interaction force between the clutch groove and the clutch boss generates an upward axial thrust. This thrust overcomes the spring's locking force, thus pushing the third gear along with its clutch groove upwards, compressing the spring. When the clutch groove and clutch boss completely disengage, the clutch mechanism disengages, interrupting the drive force transmission and effectively preventing damage to components such as the gear set and motor, greatly improving the system's durability and safety. Once the overload is relieved, the spring's thrust automatically resets the third gear, the clutch groove and clutch boss re-engage, and the drive mechanism resumes power transmission. This system cleverly utilizes the elastic properties of the spring in conjunction with the clutch mechanism, ensuring normal power transmission while providing reliable mechanical overload protection. It features a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and rapid response.

[0042] The driven gear 43 has sector teeth, and limit switches 9 are installed on both sides below the sector teeth.

[0043] like Figure 4-5 As shown: The driven gear is a sector gear with a limited angle, restricting its rotation to a specific range. When the driven gear meshes with the complete gear set, it converts the continuous output of the gear set into a finite-angle oscillating output, which is transmitted to the cam and rocker arm to control the drawer's opening stroke. Once the sector gear has completed its toothed portion and disengaged from the gear set, power transmission immediately stops, and the drawer's opening action stops at the preset position. Furthermore, limit switches are installed on both sides below the sector gear to further limit its stroke, ensuring it does not exceed the preset angle and improving safety. The combination of the sector gear and limit switches allows for precise control of the cam's rotation angle and the rocker arm's oscillation stroke, achieving accurate drawer opening. This design is compact, low-cost, and offers more stable and reliable operation.

[0044] A stop block 13 is connected to the movable rail 10. The stop block 13 contacts the trigger switch 3 to generate a control signal.

[0045] like Figure 2-3 As shown: In this case, a stop block is connected to the sliding rail. When the user presses the drawer panel, the stop block makes contact with the trigger switch or enters the trigger switch's sensing range. The trigger switch is activated, sending a signal to the drive unit. Upon receiving the signal, the drive unit starts the motor, initiating the electric opening operation of the drawer. The stop block directly triggers the switch. This triggering method is mature, simple, and inexpensive to manufacture, facilitating the integration and assembly of the stop block and drive unit by the user.

[0046] The cam 42 is arc-shaped, and the outer cylindrical surface of the arc contacts the impact block 13.

[0047] like Figure 3-5 As shown: The cam has an arc-shaped design, and the outer contour of the arc contacts the impact block. When the cam rotates, it drives the swing arm to swing outward. The arc-shaped outer contour slides and connects with the impact block, increasing the contact area with the impact block. This avoids local contact that leads to accelerated wear and extends its service life.

[0048] In summary, when the drawer is closed, the user can press the drawer panel to engage the stop block on the moving rail with the trigger switch on the fixed rail. The trigger switch generates a signal and sends it to the drive unit, activating the motor. The motor then uses a multi-stage gear set for speed reduction and torque amplification before transmitting the torque to the driven gear. The cam is coaxially connected to the driven gear and rotates with it. The cam extends outward to the swing arm, contacting the stop block, the moving rail, or the drawer body, generating an outward thrust on the drawer, thus electrically opening it. Compared to traditional press-and-rebound mechanisms, this design only requires pressing the trigger switch to electrically drive the drawer opening process, achieving electric drawer opening. This is convenient for users, especially for drawers installed at high or low positions, significantly improving user convenience and comfort, and better meeting the need for easy opening of handle-free drawers.

[0049] Secondly, the clutch mechanism provides protection for components such as the drive unit. Under normal operating conditions, the clutch mechanism remains engaged under the preload of the spring, ensuring reliable power transmission. When the system is obstructed or the transmitted torque is excessive, an axial thrust is generated between the clutch groove and the clutch boss, thereby disengaging the clutch mechanism and interrupting power transmission. This effectively prevents damage to components due to overload, simultaneously providing both power transmission protection and necessary safeguards, thus improving the overall reliability and service life of the system. Once the overload or abnormal situation is resolved, the spring thrust automatically re-engages the clutch mechanism, and the electrically operated system resumes normal operation. Therefore, this design can be widely adopted.

[0050] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model.

Claims

1. A drawer electric opening system, comprising a movable rail (10) mounted on a drawer (1) and a fixed rail (12) mounted on a cabinet body (11), wherein the movable rail (10) slides relative to the fixed rail (12) to realize the opening and closing of the drawer (1), characterized in that: A fixed seat (2) is installed on the fixed rail (12), and a drive device and a trigger switch (3) for controlling its operation are installed on the fixed seat (2); the drive device includes a motor (41) and a gear set (5) driven by it. The drive device also includes a cam (42) hinged in the fixed base (2), the cam (42) is coaxially connected to a driven gear (43) meshing with a gear set (5), the cam (42) also extends outward to a swing arm (421), the trigger switch (3) is triggered, the motor (41) drives the swing arm (421) to swing through the gear set (5), and the swing arm (421) pushes the drawer (1) to open outward automatically; The gear set (5) is equipped with a clutch device.

2. The drawer electric opening system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gear set (5) includes a worm (51) connected to the drive shaft (411) of the motor (41), and the motor (41) drives the worm (51) to rotate through the drive shaft (411); The gear set (5) further includes a first gear (52) and a second gear (53) coaxially connected, a third gear (54) and a fourth gear (55) coaxially connected, and a fifth gear (56) and a sixth gear (57) coaxially connected. The first gear (52) is located above the second gear (53) and meshes with the worm (51); the fifth gear (56) is located above the sixth gear (57) and meshes with the driven gear (43); the third gear (54) is located above the fourth gear (55) and meshes with the sixth gear (57); the fourth gear (55) meshes with the second gear (53).

3. The drawer electric opening system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clutch device includes a plurality of clutch grooves (61) disposed below the third gear (54), and correspondingly, a plurality of clutch bosses (62) are disposed above the fourth gear (55). The clutch bosses (62) are engaged in the clutch grooves (61) to achieve power transmission.

4. The drawer electric opening system according to claim 3, characterized in that: A rotating shaft (7) is connected between the third gear (54) and the fourth gear (55). A spring is fitted on the outside of the rotating shaft (7). A spring post (8) is installed on the top of the rotating shaft (7). One end of the spring (81) is fitted under the spring post (8), and the other end presses against the third gear (54). The spring (81) generates a thrust, which pushes the clutch groove (61) on the third gear (54) to move down and is always locked with the clutch boss (62) on the fourth gear (55).

5. The drawer electric opening system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driven gear (43) is a sector tooth, and limit switches (9) are installed on both sides below the sector tooth.

6. The drawer electric opening system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A stop block (13) is connected to the movable rail (10), and the stop block (13) contacts the trigger switch (3) to generate a control signal.

7. A drawer electric opening system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cam (42) is arc-shaped.

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