Lifting mechanism and household appliance
By using a lifting mechanism with a swing arm assembly, a slide rail structure, and a damping assembly in household appliances, the movement of the shelf is buffered by a damper, which solves the problem of the shelf colliding with the inner wall of the receiving cavity and improves the user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUHU MIDEA KITCHEN & BATH APPLIANCES MFG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
Low-position shelves in household appliances are prone to collision with the inner wall of the storage cavity during the lifting and lowering process, resulting in damage and a poor user experience.
The lifting mechanism employs a swing arm assembly, a slide rail structure, and a damping assembly. The movement of the shelf is buffered by the damper to prevent collision with the inner wall of the accommodating cavity. The damper is connected to the slide rail, and the triggering part is combined with the moving part to buffer the movement speed of the shelf.
This effectively prevents the shelf from colliding with the inner wall of the storage cavity, improves the user experience, and ensures that the shelf can be raised and lowered smoothly.
Smart Images

Figure CN224387427U_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410541707.7, 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 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, when pushing the shelves into the storage cavity of household appliances, the shelves may collide with the inner wall of the storage cavity, which can easily cause damage. Utility Model Content
[0005] The main purpose of this utility model is to propose a lifting mechanism and a household appliance, which aims to solve the problem that the shelf may collide with the inner wall of the accommodating cavity.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering a first shelf of a household appliance, enabling the first shelf to switch between a bottom position to be raised and a top position to be raised to its maximum height. The lifting mechanism includes:
[0007] The swing arm assembly includes at least a first swing arm, one end of which is hinged to the fixed arm of the household appliance, and the other end is capable of swinging back and forth and up and down.
[0008] The slide rail structure includes multiple slide rail sections that extend in the front-to-back direction and are slidably connected. 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 connected to the other end of the first swing arm, and the last slide rail section is connected to the first shelf.
[0009] A damping assembly includes a damper and a trigger. The damper is connected to the first slide rail and includes a movable part capable of damping in the front-rear direction. The trigger is connected to the tail slide rail and engages with the movable part when moving rearward with the tail slide rail and toward the first slide rail.
[0010] In one embodiment, the damper is provided corresponding to the middle section of the first slide rail.
[0011] In one embodiment, the damper is disposed on the underside of the first section of the slide rail.
[0012] In one embodiment, the damping assembly includes a mounting member connected to the first section of the slide rail;
[0013] The damper includes a damper body, which is fixedly mounted on the mounting component, and the movable part is slidably disposed on the mounting component.
[0014] In one embodiment, the mounting member is connected to the lower side of the first section slide rail and is partially spaced from the lower side of the first section slide rail to form a clearance gap;
[0015] The movable part passes through the clearance gap.
[0016] In one embodiment, a first limiting part is provided at the front end of the mounting component;
[0017] When the movable part moves forward to the first limiting part, the first limiting part restricts the movable part from moving forward further, so that the movable part separates from the trigger part.
[0018] In one embodiment, a groove is formed on the outer side of the mounting member near the front end, and the groove forms the first limiting portion;
[0019] The movable part slides with the outer side of the mounting component, and a mating groove is provided on the side of the movable part facing away from the mounting component. The mating groove mates with the trigger part, and the movable part is hinged to the drive end of the damper body.
[0020] In one embodiment, one end of the triggering part is connected to the tail section slide rail, and the other end is cantilevered and has a mating part that cooperates with the movable part.
[0021] In one embodiment, the mating portion includes a protrusion formed on the inner side of the other end of the trigger portion;
[0022] The movable part is provided with a mating groove that mates with the protrusion.
[0023] In one embodiment, a second limiting part is provided at the rear end of the mounting component;
[0024] When the movable part moves backward to the second limiting part, the second limiting part restricts the movable part from continuing to move backward.
[0025] In addition, this utility model also provides a household appliance, including:
[0026] The shell has a receiving cavity;
[0027] A fixed arm is installed on the side wall of the receiving cavity;
[0028] A lifting mechanism, wherein a first swing arm of the lifting mechanism is hinged to a fixed arm, the lifting mechanism includes a swing arm assembly, a slide rail structure, and a damping assembly. The swing arm assembly includes at least a first swing arm, one end of which is hinged to the fixed arm of the household appliance, and the other end is capable of swinging back and forth and up and down. The slide rail structure includes multiple slide rails extending in the front-rear direction and slidably connected, the multiple slide rails including at least a first slide rail and a last slide rail. The first slide rail is connected to the other end of the first swing arm, and the last slide rail is connected to the first shelf. The damping assembly includes a damper and a trigger. The damper is connected to the first slide rail and includes a movable part capable of damping movement in the front-rear direction. The trigger is connected to the last slide rail, and when moving backward along with the last slide rail and towards the first slide rail, the trigger engages with the movable part.
[0029] The first shelf is hinged to the first 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 is higher than 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 the technical solution of this utility model, by setting the first swing arm, the user can drive the first shelf to swing downward and backward to the bottom position to be lifted. By setting the slide rail structure, the user can drive the first shelf to move horizontally. When the first shelf moves towards the receiving cavity of the household appliance, it drives the trigger part to move towards the receiving cavity. When it moves to the moving part, it can engage with the moving part to drive the drive end of the damper to move. This allows the damper to buffer the movement of the trigger part and delay the movement of the first shelf, thereby reducing the movement speed of the first shelf and preventing the first shelf from colliding with the inner wall of the receiving cavity. This solves the problem that the shelf may collide with the inner wall of the receiving cavity. Attached Figure Description
[0034] 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.
[0035] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the lifting mechanism provided by this utility model at an angle;
[0036] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;
[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the lifting mechanism (with the moving part in the separated position);
[0038] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;
[0039] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the lifting mechanism (the movable part moves to the blocking part);
[0040] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point C;
[0041] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the lifting mechanism from another angle;
[0042] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the damping component at one angle;
[0043] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the damping component from another angle;
[0044] Figure 10 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an 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);
[0045] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A three-dimensional structural diagram including a lifting mechanism and a first shelf;
[0046] Figure 12 for Figure 10 The diagram includes a front view of the lifting mechanism and the first shelf.
[0047] Figure 13 for Figure 10 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a household appliance (the first shelf is at the bottom and ready to be lifted, and the swing arm of the lifting mechanism is at the lower limit position).
[0048] Figure 14 for Figure 13 The diagram includes a front view of the lifting mechanism and the first shelf.
[0049] Figure 15 for Figure 10 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).
[0050] Figure 16 for Figure 15 The diagram includes a front view of the lifting mechanism and the first shelf.
[0051] Figure 17 for Figure 10 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);
[0052] Figure 18 for Figure 13 The diagram includes a front view of the lifting mechanism and the first shelf.
[0053] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0054] 100. Lifting mechanism;
[0055] 1. Fixed arm;
[0056] 2. First swing arm; 21. First sliding part; 22. Second sliding part;
[0057] 3. Slide rail structure; 31. First slide rail; 32. Last slide rail; 33. Intermediate slide rail;
[0058] 4. Damping assembly; 41. Damper; 411. Moving part; 4111. Mating groove; 412. Damper body; 413. Blocking part; 42. Triggering part; 421. Protrusion; 43. Mounting part; 431. Clearance clearance; 432. First limiting part; 4321. Groove; 433. Second limiting part; 434. Clearance surface; 435. Positioning protrusion; 436. Connecting part;
[0059] 51. First guide rail; 52. Second guide rail;
[0060] 1000, Household appliance; 200, Housing; 201, Receiving cavity; 2012, Side wall; 300, First shelf; 400, Second shelf.
[0061] 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
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] To address this, some manufacturers have installed lifting mechanisms to raise and lower low-position shelves to a certain height. However, when pushing the shelves into the storage cavity of household appliances, the shelves may collide with the inner wall of the storage cavity, which can easily cause damage.
[0067] Based on this, this utility model proposes a lifting mechanism for household appliances, aiming to solve the problem of the shelf potentially colliding with the inner wall of the receiving cavity. Among other things, Figures 1 to 9 A schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism provided by this utility model; Figures 10 to 18 A schematic diagram of the structure of the household appliance provided by this utility model.
[0068] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 10 In one embodiment of this utility model, the lifting mechanism 100 is used to lift the first shelf 300 of the household appliance 1000, so that the first shelf 300 can switch between a bottom lifting position and a top lifting limit position. The lifting mechanism 100 includes a swing arm assembly, a slide rail structure 3, and a damping assembly 4. The swing arm assembly includes at least a first swing arm 2, one end of which is hinged to the receiving cavity 201 of the household appliance 1000, and the other end can swing back and forth and up and down. The slide rail structure 3 includes multiple slide rail sections that extend in the front-back direction and are slidably connected. The slide rail includes at least a first slide rail 31 and a last slide rail 32. The first slide rail 31 is connected to the other end of the first swing arm 2, and the last slide rail 32 is connected to the first shelf 300. The damping assembly 4 includes a damper 41 and a trigger part 42. The damper 41 is connected to the first slide rail 31 and includes a movable part 411 that can perform damping movement in the front-back direction. The trigger part 42 is connected to the last slide rail 32. When the last slide rail 32 moves backward and toward the first slide rail 31, the trigger part 42 is used to engage with the movable part 411.
[0069] In the technical solution of this utility model, by setting the first swing arm 2, the user can drive the first shelf 300 to swing downward and backward to the bottom position to be lifted. By setting the slide rail structure 3, the user can drive the first shelf 300 to move horizontally and move the first shelf 300 into the receiving cavity 201 of the household appliance 1000, driving the trigger part 42 to move into the receiving cavity 201. When it moves to the moving part 411, it can engage with the moving part 411 to drive the driving end of the damper 41 to move. The damper 41 can buffer the movement of the trigger part 42 and delay the movement of the first shelf 300 to reduce the movement speed of the first shelf 300 and prevent the first shelf 300 from colliding with the inner wall of the receiving cavity, thereby solving the problem that the shelf may collide with the inner wall of the receiving cavity.
[0070] It should be noted that in this utility model, the user is used as the reference for direction. Forward is the direction toward the user or toward the side of the household appliance 1000 where the door is located; backward is the direction opposite to the forward direction, specifically the direction away from the user; and up and down are the directions with gravity as the reference.
[0071] The trigger part 42 is fixedly connected to the tail section slide rail 32. The movable part 411 can perform damping movement in the front-back direction. Thus, when the first shelf 300 moves in the front-back direction, it will drive the tail section slide rail 32 to move relative to the first section slide rail 31 in the front-back direction, allowing the trigger part 42 to engage with the movable part 411 to form a damping movement, so that the damper 41 can delay the movement of the first shelf 300. The movable part 411 and the trigger part 42 can be made of various materials. Specifically, they can be made of metals such as steel and aluminum alloy, inorganic non-metallic materials such as ceramics, or polymer materials such as plastics, as long as the trigger part 42 can drive the movable part 411 to move. This invention does not limit the materials used. Furthermore, the movable part 411 and the trigger part 42 can have various shapes, such as rectangular or rhomboid. This invention does not limit the shapes used.
[0072] The damper 41 is a device used to provide resistance to motion and dissipate kinetic energy. It can be of various types, including spring dampers and hydraulic dampers, etc., and this invention does not limit its application. Furthermore, the damper 41 is a self-resetting damper, enabling it to automatically reset the first shelf 300 within the receiving cavity 201 of the household appliance 1000, preventing the first shelf 300 from misalignment. It is understood that the self-resetting damper 41 refers to a damper 41 that can automatically return to its initial state based on its own structure or additional mechanism, without external intervention. The self-resetting damper 41 can be of various types, including mechanical reset dampers 41, pneumatic reset dampers 41, and hydraulic reset dampers 41, etc., and this invention does not limit its application.
[0073] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 10 The household appliance 1000 can be a dishwasher, oven, refrigerator, etc. The household appliance 1000 includes a housing 200, within which a receiving cavity 201 is formed. A first shelf 300 is connected to the receiving cavity 201 via a lifting mechanism 100. Utensils to be placed on the first shelf 300 can be tableware such as bowls, plates, dishes, chopsticks, knives, and forks, as well as baked goods or items to be refrigerated. Specifically, this invention uses the user as a directional reference. "Forward" refers to the direction facing the user, or the direction facing 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 a reference.
[0074] 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, which are positioned vertically relative to each other. In this embodiment, the first shelf 300 corresponds to the lower shelf, and the second shelf 400 corresponds to the upper shelf.
[0075] 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.
[0076] The first shelf 300 has several important positions during its movement, commonly including a bottom storage position (as shown in the attached image). Figure 10 (As shown), the bottom position to be lifted (as attached) Figure 13 (As shown), the top lifting limit position (as attached) Figure 15 (as shown) and the top locking position (as attached) Figure 17 (As shown)
[0077] Further, please refer to Figure 1 The slide rail structure 3 is configured as a multi-section slide rail. In this invention, the number of slide rails in the slide rail structure 3 is not limited. For example, it can be a two-section slide rail, where the first section is the first slide rail 31 and the second section is the last slide rail 32. It can also be a three-section slide rail, where the first section is the first slide rail 31, the second section is the middle slide rail 33, and the third section is the last slide rail 32. Furthermore, it can be a multi-section slide rail with more than three sections, such as four, five, six, or seven sections, etc. This invention does not limit the number of sections. Specifically, in this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 7 The slide rail structure 3 further includes an intermediate slide rail 33, which is located between the first slide rail 31 and the last slide rail 32. By providing the intermediate slide rail 33, the sliding stroke of the first shelf 300 is increased, allowing the first shelf 300 to slide completely out of the receiving cavity 201. This prevents interference between the first shelf 300 and other structures within the housing 200, such as the second shelf 400, when the lifting mechanism 100 raises the first shelf 300. Furthermore, the number of intermediate slide rails 33 can be one or more, and this invention does not limit this. However, the more intermediate slide rails 33 there are, the more complex the slide rail structure 3 becomes, and the higher the cost. Therefore, in this embodiment, only one intermediate slide rail 33 is provided, which satisfies the travel requirements of the first shelf 300 while reducing the cost of the slide rail structure 3.
[0078] In one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 7 The damper 41 is positioned in the middle section of the first slide rail 31. This allows the damper 41 to be as close as possible to the hinge point between the first swing arm 2 and the first slide rail 31, which helps to reduce the torque borne by the first slide rail 31. On the other hand, it prevents the damper 41 from extending out of the first slide rail 31, reducing the probability of the damper 41 colliding with the first slide rail 31, thereby helping to protect the damper 41.
[0079] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 The damper 41 is disposed on the lower side of the first section slide rail 31. In this way, the damper 41 can be hidden under the first section slide rail 31, which can reduce the probability of the damper 41 colliding and improve the appearance of the lifting mechanism 100.
[0080] In one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 The damping assembly 4 further includes a mounting member 43, which is connected to the first section slide rail 31. The damper 41 includes a damper body 412, which is fixedly mounted on the mounting member 43. The movable part 411 is slidably disposed on the mounting member 43. Thus, by setting the mounting member 43, it is convenient to install the damper body 412 on the first section slide rail 31 and to cooperate with the movable part 411 so that the movable part 411 can slide back and forth, so that the sliding part 411 can engage with the trigger part 42, so that the damper 41 can delay the movement of the first shelf 300.
[0081] In one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 4 The mounting member 43 is connected to the lower side of the first section slide rail 31 and is partially spaced from the lower side of the first section slide rail 31 to form a clearance gap 431. The movable part 411 passes through the clearance gap 431. In this way, by setting the clearance gap 431, on the one hand, the space occupied by the mounting member 43 can be reduced, thereby helping to reduce the height of the mounting member 43. On the other hand, the vertical movement of the movable part 411 can be restricted, so that the movable part 411 can move in a straight line in the front and back direction, thereby helping to improve the stability of the movement of the movable part 411.
[0082] Furthermore, a first limiting part 432 is provided at the front end of the mounting member 43. When the movable part 411 moves forward to the first limiting part 432, the first limiting part 432 restricts the movable part from moving forward further, so that the movable part 411 separates from the trigger part 42. When the trigger part 42 drives the movable part 411 to move forward to the first limiting part 432 in the horizontal direction, the first limiting part 432 can restrict the movable part 411 from moving forward further, so that the trigger part 42 separates from the movable part 411. In this way, by setting the first limiting part 432, the forward movement of the movable part 411 is limited, so that the movable part 411 can be engaged and disengaged from the trigger part 42, so as not to affect the sliding of the first shelf 300 out of the receiving cavity 201.
[0083] In one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figures 3 to 6 The mounting member 43 has a groove 4321 formed on its outer side near the front end, forming the first limiting part 432. The movable part 411 slides with the outer side of the mounting member 43. The movable part 411 has a mating groove 4111 on the side facing away from the mounting member 43, which mates with the trigger part 43. The movable part 411 is hinged to the driving end of the damper body 412. When the trigger part 42 moves the movable part 411 forward to the groove 4321, the movable part 411 can rotate from front to back into the groove 4321, so that the trigger part 42 separates from the movable part 411. When part 411 moves backward to the groove 4321, the trigger part 42 engages with the movable part 411, causing the movable part 411 to rotate out of the groove 432. This allows the trigger part 42 to engage with the movable part 411, enabling the damper 41 to dampen the movement of the trigger part 42. Thus, by setting the groove 4321, the movement of the movable part 411 is restricted from continuing forward. At the same time, the drive end of the movable part 411 and the damper 41 are hinged, allowing the trigger part 42 to rotate and separate from the movable part 411. This does not affect the sliding of the first shelf 300 out of the receiving cavity 201, and also buffers the impact of the first shelf 300 on the receiving cavity 201.
[0084] In one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 6The mounting member 43 is provided with a second limiting part 433 at the rear end. When the movable part 411 moves backward to the second limiting part 433, the second limiting part 433 restricts the movable part 411 from moving backward. In this way, by setting the second limiting part 433, the movable part 411 is restricted from moving backward, thereby restricting the first shelf 300 from moving backward, so as to prevent the first shelf 300 from colliding with the inner wall of the receiving cavity 201.
[0085] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 The bottom wall of the mating groove 4111 penetrates the movable part 411 to form a mating hole. The outer side of the mounting member 43, near the groove 4321, has a forward- and inwardly inclined clearance surface 434. The clearance surface 434 mates with the clearance gap 431 to form a positioning protrusion 435 on the outer side of the mounting member 43, used to position the movable part 411 in the groove 4321. Thus, by providing the clearance surface 434, it can, on the one hand, mate with the clearance gap 431, forming the positioning protrusion 435 between the clearance gap 431 and the clearance surface 434; on the other hand, it can avoid the movable part 411. This allows the mating hole to be fitted onto the positioning protrusion 435. Simultaneously, by providing the positioning protrusion 435, the movable part 411 can be positioned at an angle in the groove 4321. This facilitates disengagement from the movable part 411 when the trigger part 42 moves forward and engagement with the movable part 411 when the trigger part 42 moves backward. This allows the trigger part 42 to drive the movable part 411 to rotate, enabling the trigger part 42 to move the movable part 411 backward. It also prevents the movable part 411 from resetting to the second limiting part 433 on the mounting member 43, reducing the risk of failure of the damping assembly 4.
[0086] Please refer to some embodiments of this utility model. Figures 3 to 6 One end of the trigger part 42 is connected to the tail section slide rail 32, and the other end is cantilevered and located at the mating part that cooperates with the movable part 411. Thus, the trigger part 42 is cantilevered so that it can extend to the movable part 411 to cooperate with it, thereby enabling the trigger part 42 to trigger the movable part 411. Furthermore, the trigger part 42 is located on the side of the tail section slide rail 32 facing the shelf 300. This allows the movable part 411 and the trigger part 42 to be positioned inwards, protecting the movable part 411 and preventing the trigger part 42 from colliding with the user during sliding.
[0087] Furthermore, the mating part includes a protrusion 421 formed on the inner side of the other end of the trigger part 42, and the movable part 411 is provided with a mating groove 4111 that mates with the protrusion 421. Thus, by providing the mating protrusion 421 and the mating groove 4111, the trigger part 42 can engage with the movable part 411, allowing the damper 41 to delay the movement of the first shelf 300 to prevent the first shelf 300 from colliding with the inner wall of the receiving cavity 201. Simultaneously, the trigger part 42 can separate from the movable part 411 to avoid restricting the movement of the trigger part 42, allowing the first shelf 300 to slide out of the receiving cavity 201 of the housing 200. Of course, in other embodiments, the trigger part 42 and the movable part 411 can also be connected by a magnetic connection structure; this invention does not limit this.
[0088] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 9 The drive end of the damper 41 is provided with a stop 413 that can abut against the movable part 411 to restrict the rotation of the movable part 411. In this way, by setting the stop 413 to restrict the rotation of the movable part 411, the movable part 411 is positioned in a preset position, so that the mating protrusion 421 can engage with the mating groove 4111, so as to prevent the movable part 411 from separating from the trigger part 42 due to excessive rotation of the movable part 411, thereby allowing the trigger part 42 to drive the movable part 411 to move backward.
[0089] In order to install the mounting component 43 onto the first section slide rail 31, in this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 7 The lifting mechanism 100 further includes a connecting member 436, which is fixedly connected to the first section slide rail 31. The mounting member 43 is located at the lower end of the connecting member 436, and the damper 41 is located on the mounting member 43. Thus, by providing the connecting member 436, it is convenient to connect the mounting member 43 and the first section slide rail 31 to the first swing arm 2, and the slide rail structure 3 can be located inside the connecting member 436, allowing the connecting member 436 to protect the slide rail structure 3. Furthermore, the connection method between the connecting member 436 and the mounting member 43 can be varied, including welding, screwing, or snap-fitting, as long as the mounting member 43 can be fixed to the connecting member 436. This invention does not limit this method.
[0090] Furthermore, this utility model also provides a household appliance 1000, which includes a housing 200, a fixed arm 1, a lifting mechanism 100, and a first shelf 300. The housing 200 forms a receiving cavity 201. The fixed arm 1 is mounted on the side wall 2012 of the receiving cavity 201. The first swing arm 2 of the lifting mechanism 100 is hinged to the fixed arm 1. The first shelf 300 is hinged to the swing arm 2 of the lifting mechanism 100. The lifting mechanism 100 allows the first shelf 300 to switch between a bottom lifting position and a top lifting limit position. It should be noted that the specific structure of the lifting mechanism 100 is the same as described in the above embodiments. Since this household appliance 1000 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.
[0091] Corresponding to the household appliance 1000, the first shelf 300 may have two positions: a bottom lifting position and a top lifting limit position. Furthermore, considering an embodiment where the first shelf 300 can move forward and backward relative to the mounting member 43, the first shelf 300 may have three positions: a bottom storage position, a bottom lifting position, and a top lifting limit position. Finally, considering an embodiment where the first shelf 300 can be locked forward relative to the mounting member 43, the first shelf 300 may have four positions: a bottom storage position, a bottom lifting position, a top lifting limit position, and a top locking position.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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, the user should try to keep the second shelf 400 within the receiving cavity 201; when using the second shelf 400, the user should try to keep the first shelf 300 within the receiving cavity 201, or try not to raise the second shelf 400.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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:
[0098] 1. The first shelf 300 is located in the bottom storage position, such as... Figure 10-12 As shown:
[0099] 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 10 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.
[0100] 2. The first shelf 300 is in the bottom position to be lifted, such as... Figure 13-14 As shown:
[0101] 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 61 and the second guide rail 62, multiple sliding parts are provided accordingly. The multiple sliding parts include the first sliding part 21 and the second sliding part 22. At this time, the first sliding part 21 is located at the front end of the first guide rail 61. Then, the first shelf 300 continues to move forward and upward.
[0102] 3. The first shelf 300 is at its maximum lifting position at the top, such as... Figure 15-16 As shown:
[0103] 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 15 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.
[0104] 4. The first shelf 300 is in the top locked position, such as... Figure 17-18 As shown:
[0105] 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 17-18 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.
[0106] 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 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, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes: The swing arm assembly includes at least a first swing arm, one end of which is hinged to the fixed arm of the household appliance, and the other end is capable of swinging back and forth and up and down. The slide rail structure includes multiple slide rail sections that extend in the front-to-back direction and are slidably connected. The multiple slide rail sections include a first slide rail section and a last slide rail section. The first slide rail section is connected to the other end of the first swing arm, and the last slide rail section is connected to the first shelf. A damping assembly includes a damper and a trigger. The damper is connected to the first slide rail and includes a movable part capable of damping in the front-rear direction. The trigger is connected to the tail slide rail and engages with the movable part when moving rearward with the tail slide rail and toward the first slide rail.
2. The lifting mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The damper is provided in the middle section of the first slide rail.
3. The lifting mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The damper is located on the lower side of the first section of the slide rail.
4. The lifting mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The damping assembly includes a mounting component connected to the first section of the slide rail; The damper includes a damper body, which is fixedly mounted on the mounting component, and the movable part is slidably disposed on the mounting component.
5. The lifting mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting component is connected to the lower side of the first section of the slide rail, and there is a partial gap between it and the lower side of the first section of the slide rail, forming a clearance. The movable part passes through the clearance gap.
6. The lifting mechanism as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The mounting component has a first limiting part at its front end; When the movable part moves forward to the first limiting part, the first limiting part restricts the movable part from moving forward further, so that the movable part separates from the trigger part.
7. The lifting mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A groove is formed on the outer side of the mounting component near the front end, and the groove forms the first limiting part; The movable part slides with the outer side of the mounting component, and a mating groove is provided on the side of the movable part facing away from the mounting component. The mating groove mates with the trigger part, and the movable part is hinged to the drive end of the damper body.
8. The lifting mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the trigger part is connected to the tail section slide rail, and the other end is cantilevered and has a mating part that cooperates with the movable part.
9. The lifting mechanism as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The mating part includes a protrusion formed on the inner side of the other end of the triggering part; The movable part is provided with a mating groove that mates with the protrusion.
10. The lifting mechanism as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The mounting component is provided with a second limiting part at the rear end; When the movable part moves backward to the second limiting part, the second limiting part restricts the movable part from continuing to move backward.
11. A household appliance, characterized in that, include: The shell has a receiving cavity; A fixed arm is installed on the side wall of the receiving cavity; The lifting mechanism includes the lifting mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first swing arm of the lifting mechanism is hinged to the fixed arm; and, The first shelf is hinged to the first 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.
12. The household appliance as described in claim 11, characterized in that, A second shelf is also provided in the receiving cavity. Corresponding to the top lifting limit position, the lower end of the first shelf is higher than the lower end of the second shelf.
13. The household appliance as described in claim 12, 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.