EP4732739A1

EP4732739A1 - Door fall-prevention device and dishwasher

Info

Publication number: EP4732739A1
Application number: EP25210731.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jiawei Han; Junjie Zhang; Zhentao ZHONG; Jianxun ZHAO
Original assignee: Midea Group Co Ltd; Foshan Shunde Midea Washing Appliances Manufacturing Co Ltd
Current assignee: Midea Group Co Ltd; Foshan Shunde Midea Washing Appliances Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority date: 2024-10-23
Filing date: 2025-10-23
Publication date: 2026-04-29

Abstract

A door fall-prevention device and a dishwasher are disclosed. The door fall-prevention device includes a buffer member (300) having a limiting portion. At least a part of the buffer member (300) is elastic. A trigger member (400) is connected to the body (100) and has a first position and a second position. The trigger member (400) is movable between the first position and the second position. A sensing member (500) is connected to the body (100) and includes a sensing portion (507). When the trigger member (400) is in the first position, the trigger member (400) is limited by the limiting portion of the buffer member (300), and the trigger member (400) is spaced apart from the sensing portion (507), and when the trigger member (400) is in the second position, the sensing portion (507) is triggered by the trigger member (400) to generate a trigger signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to field of electrical equipment technology, and in particular to relates to a door fall-prevention device and a dishwasher.

BACKGROUND

A door of a household appliance, such as a dishwasher, adopts a technical solution of opening the door automatically. After the door of the household appliance opens automatically, the door has the potential to fall, which may cause a safety hazard and affect the user experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a door fall-prevention device and a dishwasher, to reduce, at least to a certain extent, a safety hazard of falling of a door of a household appliance in case that the door is opened, and to improve the safety and the user experience.
In a first aspect of the present invention, a door fall-prevention device for a household appliance may be provided. The household appliance includes a body and a door connected to the body and being openable. The door fall-prevention device includes a buffer member, a trigger member, and a sensing member. The buffer member is connected between the body and the door and has a limiting portion. At least a part of the buffer member is elastic. The trigger member is connected to the body and has a first position and a second position. The trigger member is movable between the first position and the second position. The sensing member is connected to the body and includes a sensing portion. In a case where the trigger member is in the first position, the trigger member is limited by the limiting portion of the buffer member, and the trigger member is spaced apart from the sensing portion; and in a case where the trigger member is in the second position, the sensing portion is triggered by the trigger member to generate a trigger signal.
In the door fall-prevention device provided by some embodiments of the present invention, in a case where the trigger member of the detection assembly is in the first position, the trigger member may be limited by the buffer member which is in a normal operation state. In this case, the sensing portion of the detection assembly may be separated from the trigger member. In a case where the buffer member fails, the trigger member may move from the first position to the second position due to a lack of the limitation of the buffer member. In a case where the trigger member is in the second position, the sensing portion may be triggered by the trigger member to generate the trigger signal, to confirm whether the buffer member is still in the normal operation state. In this way, it is possible to reduce the potential safety hazard of the door falling caused by the door opening in the condition that the buffer member fails. Thus, the safety and the user experience may be improved, and the detection assembly may have a very good practicability.
In some embodiments, the trigger member may include a supporting portion. The supporting portion may be limited by the limiting portion of the buffer member in a case where the trigger member is in the first position.
In some embodiments, the trigger member may further include a trigger portion. The trigger portion and the supporting portion may be spaced apart from each other. At least a part of the trigger portion may protrude out of the supporting portion. In a case where the trigger member is in the second position, the trigger portion may contact the sensing portion.
In some embodiments, the sensing portion may be out of a moving path of the supporting portion.
In some embodiments, the supporting portion may include a supporting shaft and a supporting wheel. The supporting wheel may be rotatable via the supporting shaft. The supporting wheel may be connected to and scrollable along the limiting portion of the buffer member.
In some embodiments, the door fall-prevention device may further include a carrier. The carrier may have a guiding cavity. One end of the trigger member may be elastically coupled in the guiding cavity, and the other end of the trigger member may extend out of an opening of the guiding cavity.
In some embodiments, the door fall-prevention device may further include an elastic member. The one end of the trigger member may be elastically retractable in the guiding cavity via the elastic member. The trigger portion may be arranged on the other end of the trigger member. The trigger portion may be disposed opposite to the sensing portion along the moving direction of the trigger member.
In some embodiments, a limiting concave portion may be arranged on a periphery of the guiding cavity. A limiting convex portion may be arranged on a periphery of the trigger member, and the limiting convex portion may be movably connected to the limiting concave portion.
In some embodiments, the carrier may be inclined relative to the body along a first inclined direction. The trigger member may be configured to reciprocate in the first inclined direction. The sensing portion may be disposed in the moving direction of the trigger member.
In some embodiments, the buffer member may further include a tension spring and a pull rope connected to the tension spring. The door and the body may be connected to each other by the tension spring and the pull rope. In a case where the trigger member is in the first position, the trigger member may be limited by the pull rope.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the pull rope may be inclined along a second inclined direction relative to the body to form an inclined portion. In a case where the trigger member is in the first position, the trigger member may contact the inclined portion of the pull rope. The inclined portion of the pull rope may be configured as the limiting portion.
In some embodiments, the inclined portion of the pull rope may be connected to the door. The first inclined direction of the carrier and the second inclined direction of the limiting portion may be intersected with each other.
In some embodiments, the sensing member may include a sensing protrusion, the sensing protrusion may be configured as the sensing portion. In a case where the trigger member is in the second position, the trigger member may contact the sensing portion to generate the trigger signal.
In some embodiments, the door fall-prevention device may further include a fixing seat connected to the body. At least one of the trigger member and the sensing member may be arranged on the fixing seat.
In a second aspect of the present invention, a dishwasher may be provided, and the dishwasher includes the door fall-prevention device as aforementioned.
The dishwasher equipped with the door fall-prevention device as aforementioned may reduce the potential safety hazard of the door falling caused by the opening of the door in the condition that the buffer member fails. In this way, the safety and the user experience may be improved, and household appliance has good practicability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To illustrate the technical solutions more clearly in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will be briefly described in the description of the embodiments required to use the attached drawings. It is obvious that the following description of the attached drawings are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art, without creative work, can also obtain other attached drawings based on these drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a household appliance according to some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic structural view illustrating the configurations at a base shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a schematic assembly view of a trigger member and a sensing member shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a schematic structural view of FIG. 3 in an alternative view.
FIG. 5 is a schematic structural view of FIG. 3 with the trigger member and a metal part removed.
FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 is a schematic structural view of the trigger member of FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 is a schematic structural view of FIG. 3 in an alternative view.
FIG. 9 is a schematic structural view of a sensing member according to some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a schematic structural view of the sensing member of FIG. 9 in another view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to allow/enable those skilled in the art to have a clearer understanding of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely in the following in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. It is obvious that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, but not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work may fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
A dishwasher is a kitchen appliance that is used to automatically clean dishes or tableware and is gradually becoming popular in more and more ordinary households. In generally, a dishwasher has a drying function, which allows the dishes or tableware to dry quickly after washing, thereby inhibiting the growth of bacteria in humid environments.
After the washing procedure of the dishwasher is finished, a high temperature may be required for drying. In order to solve the problem of high energy consumption, in the related art, after the washing procedure is finished, a door of the dishwasher is automatically opened to a certain angle. The dishes inside the body may be dried via air exchange, so as to quickly discharge the hot and humid air inside the dishwasher, thereby achieving a better drying effect and reducing the energy consumption.
In the related art, the door of the dishwasher is connected to the body through/by a buffer member to ensure the safety of door opening. If the buffer member fails, the buffer member would be unable to provide a corresponding pulling force. In this case, if the door of the dishwasher is opened automatically, the door would fall down rapidly, which would have a potential risk of injuring users, children, or pets. The dishwasher can achieve the purpose of drying; however, great safety hazards are presented, and it will affect the user experience.
Based on the above technical problems, some embodiments of the present invention may provide a detection assembly, in order to reduce, at least to a certain extent, a safety hazard of falling of a door of a household appliance in case that the door is opened, and to improve the safety and the user experience. The detection assembly in some embodiments of the present invention may be applied or configured in a household appliance, such as a dishwasher, or any other household appliance with an openable door, such as a dishwasher, an oven, a sterilizer or disinfection cabinet, or the like, to reduce the safety hazards caused by the falling of the door. The following describes some embodiments of the present invention by taking the detection assembly applied to a dishwasher as an example.
In a first aspect of the present invention, a door fall-prevention device for a household appliance may be provided. The household appliance may include a body and a door connected to the body and being openable. The door fall-prevention device may include a buffer member, a trigger member, and a sensing member. The buffer member may be connected between the body and the door and has a limiting portion. At least a part of the buffer member may be elastic. The trigger member may be connected to the body and has a first position and a second position. The trigger member may be movable between the first position and the second position. The sensing member may be connected to the body and include a sensing portion. In a case where the trigger member is in the first position, the trigger member may be limited by the limiting portion of the buffer member, and the trigger member may be spaced apart from the sensing portion; and in a case where the trigger member is in the second position, the sensing portion may be triggered by the trigger member to generate a trigger signal.
In some embodiments, the trigger member may include a supporting portion. The supporting portion may be limited by the limiting portion of the buffer member in a case where the trigger member is in the first position.
In some embodiments, the trigger member may further include a trigger portion. The trigger portion and the supporting portion may be spaced apart from each other. At least a part of the trigger portion may protrude out of the supporting portion. In a case where the trigger member is in the second position, the trigger portion contacts the sensing portion.
In some embodiments, the sensing portion may be out of a moving path of the supporting portion.
In some embodiments, the supporting portion may include a supporting shaft and a supporting wheel. The supporting wheel may be rotatable via the supporting shaft. The supporting wheel may be connected to and scrollable along the limiting portion of the buffer member.
In some embodiments, the door fall-prevention device may further include a carrier. The carrier may have a guiding cavity. One end of the trigger member may be elastically coupled in the guiding cavity. The other end of the trigger member may extend out of an opening of the guiding cavity.
In some embodiments, the door fall-prevention device may further include an elastic member. The one end of the trigger member may be elastically retractable in the guiding cavity via the elastic member. The trigger portion may be arranged on the other end of the trigger member. The trigger portion may be disposed opposite to the sensing portion along the moving direction of the trigger member.
In some embodiments, a limiting concave portion may be arranged on a periphery of the guiding cavity. A limiting convex portion may be arranged on a periphery of the trigger member. The limiting convex portion may be movably connected to the limiting concave portion.
In some embodiments, the carrier may be inclined relative to the body along a first inclined direction. The trigger member may be configured to reciprocate in the first inclined direction. The sensing portion may be disposed in the moving direction of the trigger member.
In some embodiments, the buffer member may further include a tension spring and a pull rope connected to the tension spring. The door and the body may be connected to each other by the tension spring and the pull rope. In a case where the trigger member is in the first position, the trigger member may be limited by the pull rope.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the pull rope may be inclined along a second inclined direction relative to the body to form an inclined portion. In a case where the trigger member is in the first position, the trigger member may contact the inclined portion of the pull rope. The inclined portion of the pull rope may be configured as the limiting portion.
In some embodiments, the inclined portion of the pull rope may be connected to the door. The first inclined direction of the carrier and the second inclined direction of the limiting portion may be intersected with each other.
In some embodiments, the sensing member may include a sensing protrusion. The sensing protrusion may be configured as the sensing portion. In a case where the trigger member is in the second position. The trigger member contacts the sensing portion to generate the trigger signal.
In some embodiments, the door fall-prevention device may further include a fixing seat connected to the body. At least one of the trigger member and the sensing member may be arranged on the fixing seat.
In a second aspect of the present invention, a household appliance may be provided, and the household appliance may include the door fall-prevention device as aforementioned.
In a third aspect of the present invention, a detection assembly for a household appliance may be provided. The detection assembly may include a carrier, a trigger member, and a sensing member. The carrier has a guiding cavity.
One end of the trigger member may be connected in the guiding cavity, and the other end of the trigger member may extend out of an opening of the guiding cavity.
The trigger member may have a first position and a second position. The trigger member may be movable between the first position and the second position.
The sensing member may include a sensing portion. In a case where the trigger member is in the first position, the trigger member may be spaced apart from the sensing portion. In a case where the trigger member is in the second position, the sensing portion may be triggered by the trigger member to generate a trigger signal.
In some embodiments, the detection assembly may further include an elastic member. The one end of the trigger member may be elastically retractable in the guiding cavity via the elastic member. The trigger portion may be arranged on the other end of the trigger member. The trigger portion may be disposed opposite to the sensing portion along the moving direction of the trigger member.
In some embodiments, in a case where the trigger member is in the first position, the trigger member may be spaced apart from the sensing portion. In a case where the trigger member is in the second position, the trigger portion may contact the sensing portion to generate a trigger signal.
In some embodiments, the carrier may be inclined relative to a body of the household appliance along a first inclined direction. The trigger member may be configured to reciprocate in the first inclined direction. The sensing portion may be disposed in the moving direction of the trigger member.
In some embodiments, a supporting portion may be arranged on the other end of the trigger member. The supporting portion and the trigger portion may be spaced apart from each other. At least a part of the trigger portion may protrude out of the supporting portion. The sensing portion may be out of a moving path of the supporting portion.
In some embodiments, the supporting portion may include a supporting shaft and a supporting wheel. The supporting wheel may be rotatable with respect to the trigger member via the supporting shaft. The supporting wheel may be configured as the supporting portion.
In some embodiments, a mounting portion may be arranged on the inner wall of the guide cavity. The mounting portion may be opposite to the opening of the guide cavity. The mounting portion may include a mounting convex portion or a mounting concave portion. One end of the elastic member may be connected to the mounting portion. The other end of the elastic member may be sleeved on the trigger member.
In some embodiments, a limiting concave portion may be arranged on an inner periphery of the guiding cavity. A limiting convex portion may be arranged on a periphery of the trigger member. The limiting convex portion may be movably connected to the limiting concave portion.
In some embodiments, one or more anti-twist members may be disposed on the periphery of the trigger member. One or more anti-twist concave portions or recesses may be defined on the periphery of the guiding cavity. The one or more anti-twist members and the one or more anti-twist concave portions may be arranged in one-to-one correspondence. Each anti-twist member may be movably connected within the corresponding anti-twist concave portion.
In some embodiments, a limiting member may be further arranged on the trigger member. At least a part of a projection of the limiting member may fall on the outer side of the opening of the guiding cavity along the moving direction of the trigger member.
In some embodiments, the detection assembly may further include a fixing seat. At least one of the carrier and the sensing member may be connected to the fixing seat.
In some embodiments, the fixing seat may include a first plate and a second plate, the carrier may be arranged on the first plate, and the sensing member may be arranged on the second plate. The first plate may be arranged in a vertical direction. The second plate may be arranged in the horizontal direction.
In some embodiments, the sensing member may be a microswitch. A sensing protrusion may be disposed on the microswitch, and the sensing protrusion may be configured as the sensing portion.
In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a dishwasher may be provided, and the dishwasher may include a base and a liner disposed above the base. The dishwasher may further include the detection assembly as previously mentioned, and the detection assembly may be disposed on the base.
For the dishwasher in some embodiments of the present invention, it may be possible to confirm whether the buffer member may be still in the normal operation state via the detection assembly. In this way, it may be possible to reduce the potential safety hazard of the door falling caused by the door opening in the condition that the buffer member fails. Thus, the safety and the user experience may be improved, and the detection assembly may have a very good practicability.
FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a household appliance according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic structural view illustrating the configurations at a base shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the detection assembly 10 provided in some embodiments of the present invention may be applicable to a household appliance. The household appliance may include a door 100, a body 200, and a buffer member 300. The body 200 may define or have a feeding inlet. The door 100 may be connected to the feeding inlet of the body 200 and be openable. The buffer member 300 may be connected between the door 100 and the body 200. At least a part of the buffer member 300 may be elastic. That is, the buffer member 300 may have an elastic portion. The buffer member 300 has a first end and a second end. The first end of the buffer member 300 may be connected to the body 200, and the second end of the buffer member 300 may be connected to the door 100. When the door 100 moves with respect to the body 200, the elastic portion of the buffer member 300 may synchronously deform and move along with the door 100, in order to provide a buffering tension to the door 100 to prevent the door 100 from falling. If the buffer member 300 fails, the buffer member 300 would be unable to provide the corresponding pulling force; in this case, when the door of the dishwasher is opened automatically, the door would fall down sharply to cause a potential safety hazard.
As shown in FIG.1 and FIG. 2, in a case where the household appliance is a dishwasher, the front end of the body 200 of the dishwasher is opened to form the feeding inlet of the dishwasher. The door 100 may be configured to close or cover the feeding inlet of the dishwasher so as to form an enclosed space inside the dishwasher, to operate the washing procedure of the dishwasher for tableware.
As shown in FIG.1 and FIG. 2, in some embodiments, a side portion of the door 100 may be connected to the body 200 through a hinge 600. A top portion of the door 100 may be connected to a door-opening member 700 disposed on the body 200. The door-opening member 700 may be capable of automatically opening the door 100 by a certain angle after the household appliance finishes the corresponding program. Then the dishes in the body 200 may be dried by utilizing the air exchange, so as to quickly discharge the hot and humid air inside the dishwasher to achieve a better drying effect and reduce energy consumption.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the buffer member 300 may include a tension spring 301 and a pull rope 302. The tension spring 301 may be connected to the pull rope 302, so that the door 100 may be connected to the body 200 via the tension spring 301 and the pull rope 302. In the process of opening or closing the door 100, the tension spring 301 of the buffer member 300 may be configured to deform accordingly to drive the pull rope 302 to reciprocate or move back and forth. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the pull rope 302 may also have a certain degree of elasticity. An elastic deformation capacity of the pull rope 302 may be less than an elastic deformation capacity of the tension spring 301. In the process of opening or closing of the door 100, the pull rope 302 may also deform correspondingly.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in some embodiments, one end of the tension spring 301 may be connected to the body 200, one end of the pull rope 302 may be connected to the other end of the tension spring 301, and the other end of the pull rope 302 may be connected to the door 100, i.e., the door 100 and the body 200 may be connected through a combination of the tension spring 301 and the pull rope 302. In other embodiments, the number of the tension spring 301 may also be set as more than one, i.e., a plurality of tension springs 301 may be provided. Any adjacent tension springs 301 may be connected to each other through the pull rope 302, so that the door 100 and the body 200 may be connected through a combination of the plurality of tension springs 301 and the pull rope 302. During the opening or closing of the door 100, the plurality of tension springs 301 of the buffer member 300 may be configured to deform accordingly to drive the pull rope 302 to reciprocate or move back and forth.
As shown in 1 and FIG. 2, in some embodiments, a base 201 may be arranged at the bottom of the body 200. The body 200 comprises a liner disposed above the base 201, and the detection assembly 10 may be disposed on the base 201. A connection member 202 may be disposed on the base 201. The connection member 202 may have a rod structure and may be arranged on a side of the base 201 near the door 100. The tension spring 301 may be a spring, one end of the tension spring 301 may be connected to the connection member 202, and the other end of the tension spring 301 may be configured to extend in a horizontal direction and away from the connection member 202. In some embodiments, the horizontal direction may be a direction substantially perpendicular to the gravity direction and substantially parallel to an arrangement direction of the door 100 and the body 200.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in some embodiments, a steering member may be further disposed on the body 200. The pull rope 302 may pass around the steering member. In the process of opening or closing the door 100, a friction may be generated between the pull rope 302 and the steering member due to the reciprocating movement of the pull rope 302, so as to balance the self-weight of the door 100 and adapt to the opening the door 100 with a greater weight. Furthermore, through directional guidance of the steering member, the pull rope 302 may be kept in tension, so that the pull rope 302 can move only along a preset trajectory. In this way, it is possible to reduce the interference of the pull rope 302 with the other components of the household appliance in the moving process of the pull rope 302.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the steering member may have a wheel-like structure, and may be rotatably connected to the body 200. A rolling friction may be generated between the pull rope 302 and the steering member. In this case, the pull rope 302 may be allowed or enabled to move smoothly on the steering member though the friction between the pull rope 302 and the steering member is reduced; besides, the wear degree of the pull rope 302 may be reduced, and the service life of the pull rope 302 may be increased. In some embodiments, the steering member may also be fixedly disposed on the body 200, so that a static friction may be generated between the pull rope 302 and the steering member, to increase the friction between the pull rope 302 and the steering member.
In some embodiments, the number of the steering members may be more than one, i.e., a plurality of steering members may be provided. By utilizing the frictions between the plurality of steering members and the pull rope 302, it is possible to adapt to the opening or closing of the door 100 with different self-weights and keep the pull rope 302 in tension, so that the pull rope 302 can move only along a preset trajectory. In this way, it is possible to reduce interference of the pull rope 302 with the other components of the household appliance in the process of movement of the pull rope 302.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in some embodiments of the present invention, the number of the steering members may be two, namely a first steering member 303 and a second steering member 304. The first steering member 303 and the second steering member 304 may be both connected to the base 201 of the body 200. The first steering member 303 and the connection member 202 may be located on two opposite sides of the base 201 in the horizontal direction. The second steering member 304 may be arranged above an area between the connection member 202 and the first steering member 303. One end of the pull rope 302 may be connected to the tension spring 301, and the other end of the pull rope 302 may sequentially pass around the first steering member 303 and the second steering member 304 and be further connected to the hinge 600. A portion of the pull rope 302 located between the hinge 600 and the second steering member 304 may be disposed to incline with respect to the horizontal direction or the base 201 of the body 200. In some embodiments, the other end of the pull rope 302 may also be connected to the side portion of the door 100, without limitation herein.
FIG. 3 is a schematic assembly view of the detection assembly shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic structural view of FIG. 3 in an alternative view. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG.4, in some embodiments of the present invention, the detection assembly 10 may be connected to the body 200. The detection assembly 10 may include a trigger member 400 and a sensing member 500. The trigger member 400 may have a first position and a second position. The trigger member 400 may move reciprocally or back and forth between the first position and the second position; i.e., the trigger member 400 is movable between first position and the second position. The sensing member 500 may include a sensing portion 507. In a case where the trigger member 400 is in the first position, the sensing portion 507 may be separated or spaced apart from the trigger member 400. In a case where the trigger member 400 is in the second position, the sensing portion 507 may be triggered by the trigger member 400 to generate a trigger signal.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the detection assembly 10 is applied to a household appliance. In a case where the trigger member 400 of the detection assembly 10 is in the first position, the trigger member 400 may be limited by the buffer member 300 which is in a normal operation state. In this case, the sensing portion 507 of the detection assembly 10 may be separated from the trigger member 400. In a case where the buffer member 300 fails, the trigger member 400 may move from the first position to the second position due to a lack of the limitation of the buffer member 300. In a case where the trigger member 400 is in the second position, the sensing portion 507 may be triggered by the trigger member 400 to generate the trigger signal, to confirm whether the buffer member 300 is still in the normal operation state. In this way, it is possible to reduce the potential safety hazard of the door falling caused by the door opening in the condition that the buffer member 300 fails. Thus, the safety and the user experience may be improved, and the detection assembly may have a very good practicability. The details of the detection assembly 10 may be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the pull rope 302 of the buffer member 300 may be inclined with respect to the body 200 or the horizontal direction along a second inclined direction relative to the body 100 to form an inclined portion. In a case where the trigger member 400 is in the first position, the trigger member 400 may contact or abut against the inclined portion of the pull rope 302. The inclined portion of the pull rope 302 may be configured as a limiting portion of the buffer member 300, to limit the trigger member 400 in the first position. Furthermore, the inclined portion of the pull rope 302 may be connected to the door 100, so that the trigger member 400 may be able to respond timely in the condition that the buffer member 300 fails. In some embodiments, in a case where the trigger member 400 is in the first position, the trigger member 400 may also contact or abut against the horizontal portion of the pull rope 302, which is not limited by the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic structural view of FIG. 3 with the trigger member and a metal part removed. As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the detection assembly 10 may further include a fixing seat 401. The fixing seat 401 may be substantially L-shaped. The fixing seat 401 may include a first plate 4011 and a second plate 4012 integrated with the first plate 4011. The first plate 4011 may be arranged in a vertical direction (i.e., the gravity direction when the house appliance is in use). A mounting hole 4013 may be defined in the first plate 4011, and the first plate 4011 may be assembled on the base 201 by means of screws and other components. The second plate 4012 may be arranged in the horizontal direction. One end of the second plate 4012 may be connected to the top of the first plate 4011, and the other end of the second plate 4012 may extend in a direction away from the door 100. In some embodiments, the fixing seat 401 may also be of other shapes, such as T-shape, V-shape, etc., and the present invention does not restrict this.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the trigger member 400 and the sensing member 500 may be arranged or assembled on the fixing seat 401. In some embodiments, the trigger member 400 and the sensing member 500 may be both integrated on the fixing seat 401. The trigger member 400 and the sensing member 500 may be arranged on the body 200 via the fixing seat 401. In some embodiments, it is also possible to arrange one of the trigger member 400 and the sensing member 500 on the fixed seat 401, and arrange the other of the trigger member 400 and the sensing member 500 on the body 200, without limitation of the present invention herein.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the detection assembly 10 may further include a carrier 403. The carrier 403 may be attached or connected to a bottom of the first plate 4011 and extend toward the second plate 4012, i.e., the carrier 403 may be inclined to the first plate 4011 and extend towards the sensing member 500 disposed on the second plate 4012. In other words, the carrier 403 may be arranged on the fixed seat 401 in a first inclined direction, so that the carrier 403 may be inclined relative to the body 200 along a first inclined direction. The trigger member 400 may move back and forth or reciprocate in the first inclined direction. The sensing portion 507 of the sensing member 500 may be disposed in the moving direction of the trigger member 400, so that the trigger member 400 may trigger the sensing portion 507 to generate a trigger signal in a case where the trigger member 400 is in the second position.
As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the first inclined direction of the carrier 403 and the second inclined direction of the pull rope 302 may be intersected with each other. For example, the first inclined direction of the carrier 403 and the second inclined direction of the pull rope 302 may be substantially perpendicular to each other, so as to enable the pull rope 302 to provide an effective pressing force on the trigger member 400 disposed on the carrier 403, and to enable the trigger member 400 to respond timely in case that the buffer member 300 fails. In some embodiments, the angle between the first inclined direction of the carrier 403 and the second inclined direction of the pull rope 302 may also be an acute angle or an obtuse angle, which is not limited by the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the carrier 403 may have a guiding cavity 404. The guiding cavity 404 may define an opening on a portion facing the sensing member 500. One end of the trigger member 400 may be connected inside the guiding cavity 404, and the other end of the trigger member 400 may extend out of the opening and be movable back and forth between the first position and the second position.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the detection assembly 10 may further include an elastic member 406. One end of the trigger member 400 may be connected in the guiding cavity 404 to enable the trigger member 400 to be elastically connected in the guiding cavity 404 of the carrier 403. In the condition that the buffer member 300 is in the normal operation state, the pull rope 302 of the buffer member 300 may press against the trigger member 400 to compress the elastic member 406, and the trigger member 400 may be separated from the sensing portion 507 of the sensing member 500. In the condition that the buffer member 300 is abnormal or fails, the buffer member 300 is unable to apply a force to the trigger member 400, and the elastic member 406 may recover or restore its deformation to drive the trigger member 400 to move towards the sensing portion 507 of the sensing member 500, so that the sensing portion 507 of the sensing member 500 may contact or abut against a trigger portion 402 of the trigger member 400. In this way, the sensing member 500 may be caused to generate a trigger signal, to confirm whether or not the buffer member 300 is in the normal operation state.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the elastic member 406 may be a spring. One end of the elastic member 406 may be attached to the inner wall of the guide cavity 404 which is opposite to the opening of the guide cavity 404. The other end of the elastic member 406 may be attached to one end of the trigger member 400. In some embodiments, a mounting portion 405 may be arranged on the inner wall of the guide cavity 404 which is opposite to the opening of the guide cavity 404. The mounting portion 405 may include a mounting convex portion or a mounting concave portion. One end of the elastic member 406 may be connected to the mounting portion 405, and the other end of the elastic member 406 may be sleeved on the trigger member 400, so that the elastic member 406 may be assembled in the guiding cavity 404 and further connected to the trigger member 400.
FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic structural view of the trigger member 400 of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, in some embodiments, a limiting concave portion or limiting recess 407 may be arranged on an inner periphery of the guiding cavity 404. The limiting concave portion 407 may have a slot-like structure or a hole-like structure. A limiting convex portion or limiting protrusion 408 may be arranged on a periphery of the trigger member 400. The limiting convex portion 408 may have a block-like structure. The limiting convex portion 408 may be movably connected to the limiting concave portion 407. When the trigger member 400 moves within the guiding cavity 404, the limiting convex portion 408 of the trigger member 400 may move within the corresponding limiting concave portion 407, to limit the movement of the trigger member 400. In this way, it is possible to reduce the risk that the trigger member 400 escapes from or moves out of the guiding cavity 404 in the condition that the buffer member 300 fails. Furthermore, the movement of the limiting convex portion 408 within the corresponding limiting concave portion 407 may also provide a guidance to the movement of the trigger member 400 and reduce the occurrence of twisting of the trigger member 400 in the guiding cavity 404. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the trigger portion 402 of the trigger member 400 moves in a preset direction in the condition that the buffer member 300 fails, so that the trigger portion 402 may effectively contact with the sensing portion 507 of the sensing member 500. Thus, it is possible to reduce the potential safety hazard of the door 100 falling caused by the failure of contact of the trigger portion 402 with the sensing portion 507 in the condition that the buffer member 300 fails, so as to improve the safety and the user experience.
As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, in some embodiments of the present invention, the limiting convex portion 408 may be disposed on the periphery at an end of the trigger member 400 away from the sensing member 500. In some embodiments, a plurality of limiting convex portions 408 and a plurality of limiting concave portions 407 may be provided. The plurality of limiting convex portions 408 and the plurality of limiting concave portions 407 may be disposed in one-to-one correspondence. Each of the limiting convex portions 408 may be movably connected within the corresponding limiting concave portion 407. In some embodiments, the limiting convex portion 408 may also be disposed in the middle of the periphery of the trigger member 400, without limitation herein.
As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the limiting convex portion 408 may be disposed on the periphery of the trigger member 400. In order to facilitate the assembly of the trigger member 400 within the guiding cavity 404, the trigger member 400 may define a first notch or slot 409 at the end of the trigger member 400 away from the sensing member 500. The first notch 409 may extend toward the middle of the trigger member 400. In some embodiments, a plurality of first notches 409 may be defined, and the plurality of first notches 409 may be spaced apart from each other. In this way, the end of the trigger member 400 away from the sensing member 500 may be resilient or elastic, so that the end of the trigger member 400 may be compressed to pass through the opening of the guiding cavity 404 and pushed into the guiding cavity 404. The trigger member 400 may be assembled in place when the limiting convex portion 408 of the trigger member 400 is pushed into and engaged or embedded into the corresponding limiting concave portion 407.
As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG.7, in some embodiments, one or more anti-twist members 410 may be disposed on the periphery of the trigger member 400. One or more anti-twist concave portions or recesses 411 may be defined on the periphery of the guiding cavity 404. The one or more anti-twist members 410 and the one or more anti-twist concave portions 411 may be arranged in one-to-one correspondence. Each anti-twist member 410 may be movably connected within the corresponding anti-twist concave portion 411. When the trigger member 400 moves in the guiding cavity 404, the anti-twisting member 410 of the trigger member 400 moves within the corresponding anti-twisting concave portion 411 to guide the movement of the trigger member 400, so as to reduce the occurrence of the trigger member 400 twisting within the guiding cavity 404. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the trigger portion 402 of the trigger member 400 may move in accordance with a preset direction in the condition that the buffer member 300 fails, so that the trigger portion 402 of the trigger member 400 may effectively contact the sensing portion 507 of the sensing member 500. Thus, it is possible to reduce the potential safety hazard of the door 100 falling caused by the failure of contact of the trigger portion 402 with the sensing portion 507 in the condition that the buffer member 300 fails, so as to improve the safety and the user experience.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the anti-twist member 410 may have a plate-like structure. The anti-twist member 410 may be disposed to extend along the axial direction of the trigger member 400. The anti-twist concave portion 411 may extend from the opening of the guiding cavity 404 to the interior of the guiding cavity 404, so as to facilitate the assembly of the trigger member 400 which has the anti-twist member 410 in the guiding cavity 404. In some embodiments, a plurality of anti-twist members 410 and a plurality of anti-twist concave portions 411 may be provided, to improve the anti-twist effect.
As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, in some embodiments, a limiting member 412 may be further arranged on the trigger member 400. The limiting member 412 may be attached to the trigger member 400 and extend in an extension direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the trigger member 400. At least a part of a projection of the limiting member 412 may fall on the outer side of the opening of the guiding cavity 404 along the moving direction of the trigger member 400. When pressed by the buffer member 300, the trigger member 400 may move inside the guiding cavity 404. Since at least a part of the projection of the limiting member 412 falls on the outer side of the opening of the guiding cavity 404, the limiting member 412 may contact or abut against the guiding cavity 404 at the opening of the guiding cavity 404, in order to limit the movement displacement of the trigger member 400. In some embodiments of the present invention, through the cooperation of the limiting concave portion 407 and the limiting projection 408, together with the limiting member 412, the trigger member 400 may be enabled to move back and forth only in the preset route or trajectory, which reduces the risk of the trigger member 400 being disengaged from the guiding cavity 404 or being deflected with respect to the guiding cavity 404.
As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the limiting member 412 may have a plateshaped structure. The limiting member 412 may be connected to the middle of the trigger member 400. A plurality of reinforcing members 413 may be connected between the limiting member 412 and the trigger member 400. In addition, the anti-twist member 410 may also be connected to the limiting member 412, to reinforce or enhance the connection between the limiting member 412 and the trigger member 400. The other end of the elastic member 406 may also contact or abut against the limiting member 412 to limit the position of the elastic member 406.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, a supporting wheel 414 may be connected to the other end of the trigger member 400 away from the elastic member 406. In a case where the trigger member 400 is in the first position, the supporting wheel 414 of the trigger member 400 may contact or abut against the buffer member 300, so that the supporting wheel 414 may serve as a supporting portion 421 of the trigger member 400. The pull rope 302 of the buffer member 300 may pass around the supporting wheel 414, On the one hand, the pull rope 302 may press and limit the trigger member 400; on the other hand, during the opening or closing of the door 100, a friction may be generated between the pull rope 302 and the supporting wheel 414 due to the reciprocating movement of the pull rope 302, so as to balance the self-weight of the door 100 and adapt to the opening of the door 100 with a greater weight. The pull rope 302 may be kept in tension due to the support of the supporting wheel 414 which is elastic and in a compressed state, so that the pull rope 302 may move only along a preset trajectory. In this way, it is possible to reduce the interference of the pull rope 302 with the other components of the dishwasher in the moving process of the pull rope 302. In addition, the supporting wheel 414 may be rotatably connected to the trigger member 400, so that a rolling friction may be generated between the pull rope 302 of the buffer member 300 and the supporting wheel 414. In this case, the pull rope 302 may also smoothly move on the supporting wheel 414 though the friction between the pull rope 302 and the supporting wheel 414 is reduced. Besides, the degree of wear of the pull rope 302 may be reduced, and the service life of the pull rope 302 may be increased. In some embodiments, the supporting wheel 414 may also be fixedly disposed on the trigger member 400, so that a static friction may be generated between the pull rope 302 and the supporting wheel 414, to increase the friction between the pull rope 302 and the steering member.
As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, the supporting wheel 414 may be connected to the other end of the trigger member 400 through a supporting shaft 415, so that the supporting wheel 414 may be rotatably assembled on the trigger member 400. In some embodiments, the limiting convex portion 416 may be arranged on a periphery of the supporting shaft 415, and the supporting wheel 414 may be connected between the trigger member 400 and the limiting convex portion 416, so as to limit the displacement of the supporting wheel 414 through the trigger member 400 and the limiting convex portion 416. In this way, the supporting wheel 414 may rotate only on the supporting shaft 415 between the trigger member 400 and the limiting convex portion 416.
As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the limiting convex portion 416 may be disposed at an end of the supporting shaft 415 away from the trigger member 400. The limiting convex portion 416 may include a plurality of bump structures spaced apart from each other around a peripheral direction of the supporting shaft 415. In some embodiments, the limiting convex portion 416 may also be disposed in the middle of the supporting shaft 415, and the limiting convex portion 416 may also have an annular structure, which is not limited herein.
As shown in FIG. 7, since the limiting convex portion 416 is arranged on the periphery of the supporting shaft 415, in order to facilitate the assembly of the supporting wheel 414 on the supporting shaft 415, in some embodiments, one end of the supporting shaft 415 away from the trigger member 400 may define a second notch or slot 417. The second notch 417 may extend to the middle of the supporting shaft 415. In some embodiments, a plurality of second grooves 417 may be arranged at intervals, so that the end of the supporting shaft 415 away from the trigger member 400 may be elastic for the supporting wheel 414 to pass therethrough, thereby facilitating the assembly of the supporting wheel 414 on the supporting shaft 415.
As shown in FIG. 3 and fig. 4, in some embodiments, the other end of the trigger member 400 may be configured as the trigger portion 402 of the trigger member 400 and may be protruded out of or with respect to the supporting wheel 414. In other words, along the moving direction of the trigger member 400, the trigger portion 402 may be disposed closer to the sensing member 500 than the supporting wheel 414. During the movement of the trigger member 400 from the first position to the second position, the trigger portion 402 at the other end of the trigger member 400 may contact the sensing portion 507 of the sensing member 500 prior to the supporting wheel 414. In a case where the trigger member 400 is in the first position, the trigger portion 402 of the trigger member 400 may be separated from the sensing portion 507. In a case where the trigger member 400 is in the second position, the trigger portion 402 may be stopped at and contact or abut against the sensing portion 507, so that a trigger signal may be generated. In addition, the supporting portion 421 and the trigger portion 402 at the other end of the trigger member 400 may be arranged at intervals. The supporting portion 421 and the sensing portion 507 may be sequentially arranged in a staggered manner along the moving direction of the trigger member 400; i.e., the sensing portion 507 may be out of a moving path of the supporting portion 421. During the movement of the trigger member 400 from the first position to the second position, it is possible to reduce the risk of the supporting portion 421 of the trigger member 400 colliding with the sensing portion 507 of the sensing member 500.
In some embodiments, the supporting portion 421 of the trigger member 400 may also be used as the trigger portion 402, that is, the supporting portion 421 and the trigger portion 402 of the trigger member 400 may be the same component. In a case where the trigger member 400 is in the first position, the trigger portion 402 of the trigger member 400 may contact or abut against the pull rope 302 of the buffer member 300. The trigger portion 402 and the sensing portion 507 may be disposed at two opposite sides of the limiting portion of the pull rope 302 of the buffer member 300, respectively. The trigger portion 402 of the trigger portion 400 may be separated from the sensing portion 507. In a case where the trigger portion 400 is in the second position, the trigger portion 402 may be stopped at and contact or abut against the sensing portion 507, so that a triggering signal may be generated.
As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, at least a part of the trigger member 400 may be magnetic. For example, at least a part of the trigger portion 402 of the trigger member 400 may be magnetic. In a case where the trigger member 400 is in the first position, the sensing portion 507 of the sensing member 500 and the trigger portion 402 may be disposed at two opposite sides of the buffer member 300, respectively. The sensing portion 507 of the sensing member 500 may include more than two metal parts 501. At least one of the metal parts 501 may be movable. In the condition that the buffer element 300 fails, the trigger portion 402 moves from the first position to the second position, and the trigger portion 402 of the trigger element 400 approaches the sensing portion 507 of the sensing element 500 to drive the at least one metal part 501 to move, so that more than two metal parts 501 may contact each other, and a triggering signal may be generated to determine whether the buffer element 300 operates normally. In this way, it is possible to reduce the potential safety hazard of the door 100 falling caused by the opening of the door 100 in the condition that the buffer member 300 fails. Thus, the safety and the user experience may be improved, and the detection assembly may have a very good practicability.
FIG. 8 is a schematic structural view of FIG. 3 in an alternative view. As shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the head of the trigger member 400 may define a groove. A magnet 418 may be disposed in the groove, so that the head of the trigger member 400 has magnetism. In this case, only the head of the trigger member 400 has magnetism, and the phenomenon that the assembly and use of other components are affected in a case where the trigger member 400 wholly has magnetism may be reduced.
As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the sensing member 500 may include two metal parts 501. The two metal parts 501 may be arranged at intervals along the moving direction of the trigger portion 402, and at least a part of at least one metal part 501 may be elastic. In the condition that the buffer member 300 fails, since at least a part of the trigger member 400 moving closer to or approaching the sensing member 500 has magnetism, the metal part 501 having elasticity may be driven to move by the magnetism, so that the two metal parts 501 may be in contact with each other to generate a trigger signal to determine whether the buffer member 300 operates normally. In this way, it is possible to reduce the potential safety hazard of the door 100 falling caused by the opening of the door 100 in the condition that the buffer member 300 fails. Thus, the safety and the user experience may be improved. In case that the failure of the buffer element 300 is resolved, the trigger element 400 may return back to the initial position, and the elastic metal part 501 may also return to the initial position.
As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments of the present invention, the two metal parts 501 may include a first metal part 5011 disposed close to the trigger member 400 and a second metal part 5012 disposed away from the trigger member 400. The first metal part 5011 and the second metal part 5012 may be both elastic. One end of each of the first metal part 5011 and the second metal part 5012 may be fixedly connected to the side of the body 200 through a mounting block 502. In the condition that the buffer element 300 fails, since at least a part of the trigger element 400 moving closer to the sensing element 500 has magnetism, the two metal parts 501 may be driven by magnetism to deform and move toward the trigger element 400, so that the two metal parts 501 may be in contact with each other to generate a trigger signal, in order to determine whether the buffer element 300 operates normally. In some embodiments, the first metal part 5011 may be made of a rigid material without elasticity, and will not deform or move under the action of the magnetic trigger member 400. The second metal part 5012 has elasticity and may deform and move toward the first metal part 5011 under the action of the magnetic trigger element 400, so that the two metal parts 501 may be in contact with each other to generate a trigger signal to determine whether the buffer element 300 operates normally.
As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 8, in some embodiments of the present invention, the sensing member 500 may further include a sensing seat 503. The sensing seat 503 may be integrally formed on the fixing seat 401. A mounting cavity 504 may be configured in the sensing seat 503. The two metal parts 501 may be both arranged at one side of the mounting cavity 504 close to the trigger member 400 through corresponding mounting blocks 502. In this way, the sensing member 500 and the trigger member 400 may be integrated together, to facilitate the transportation and the assembly thereof. Besides, an opening may be defined at one side of the mounting cavity 504 to facilitate the assembly of the metal parts 501 inside the mounting cavity 504. In some embodiments, the two metal parts 501 may also be fixed on the side of the body 200 through the corresponding mounting blocks 502, that is, the sensing member 500 and the trigger portion 400 may be separately arranged, which is not limited herein.
FIG. 9 is a schematic structural view of a sensing member according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the sensing member 500 may be a microswitch. A sensing protrusion 506 may be disposed on one side of the sensing member 500 facing the trigger member 400. The sensing protrusion 506 may be configured as the sensing portion 507. In the condition that the buffering piece 300 fails, the trigger element 400 may move toward the sensing protrusion 506 of the sensing element 500, and the trigger element 400 may be stopped at and contact or abut against the sensing protrusion 506 of the sensing element 500, so as to generate a trigger signal to determine whether the buffer element 300 operates normally.
FIG. 10 is a schematic structural view of the sensing element of FIG. 9 in another view. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, as described above, the sensing element 500 in some embodiments of the present invention may be connected to the fixing seat 401. The sensing element 500 may be connected to the fixing seat 401 through a buckle 419. In some implementations, the buckle 419 may be disposed on the second plate 4012 of the fixing base 401, and the buckle 419 may be engaged with or buckled with the side of the sensing member 500, so as to connect the sensing member 500 to the fixing base 401.
As shown in FIG. 10, more than two positioning convex portions or protrusions 420 may be disposed on the second plate 4012 of the fixing seat 401. More than two positioning concave portions 505 may be arranged on the sensing member 500. Each positioning concave portion 505 may have a hole-shaped structure or a groove-shaped structure. The positioning convex portion 420 may be inserted into the corresponding positioning concave portion 505. Therefore, the sensing element 500 may be positioned on the second plate 4012 of the fixing base 401, and then the sensing element 500 may be assembled on the fixing base 401 through the buckle 419 on the second plate 4012 of the fixing base 401.
As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the sensing element 500 in some embodiments of the present invention may be a microswitch. The sensing protrusion 506 may be arranged on one side of the sensing element 500 facing the trigger element 400. The sensing protrusion 506 may be configured as the sensing portion 507. In this case, the trigger element 400 may move toward the sensing protrusion 506 of the sensing element 500 in the condition that the buffer element 300 fails. The trigger portion 400 may contact the sensing protrusion 506 of the sensing member 500 to generate a triggering signal to confirm whether the buffer member 300 operates normally.
It should be noted that the failure of the buffer element 300 may include the case where the elastic deformation of the buffer element 300 is insufficient, or the buffer element 300 falls off, breaks, etc. In addition, if it is confirmed that the buffer member 300 of the door fall-prevention device or door anti-falling device is abnormal, the corresponding abnormal codes may be displayed on the display of the household appliance to remind the user to pay attention and facilitate the maintenance performed by the after-sales personnel.
The detection assembly 10 and the buffer member 300 in some embodiments of the present invention may form a door fall-prevention device or door anti-falling device, so as to confirm whether the buffer member fails through the detection assembly 10, thereby reducing the potential safety hazard of the door falling caused by the opening of the door in the condition that the buffer member 300 fails. Thus, the safety and the user experience may be improved, and the detection assembly may have a very good practicability.
The door fall-prevention device may be applied to a dishwasher, and may also be arranged on other household appliance, such as a disinfection cabinet, an integrated cooker, and any other household appliance with a door opening downwardly. The number of the door fall-prevention devices may be two, and the two door fall-prevention devices may be both combined or equipped with a locking device or/and an alarm device. In a case where any one of the door fall-prevention devices is abnormal, the household appliance may control the locking device not to open the door automatically, and remind the user to pay attention through the alarm device. The user may contact the after-sales personnel to repair the household appliance, so as to reduce the potential safety hazard caused by the abnormal opening of the door 100.
Based on the door fall-prevention device as aforementioned, some embodiments of the present invention may also provide a household appliance. The household appliance may include the body 200, the door 100, and the door fall-prevention device as aforementioned. The body 200 may define a feeding inlet, and the door 100 may be connected to of the body 200 and be openable, to open and close the feeding inlet. The door fall-prevention device may be connected between the body 200 and the door 100.
The household appliance equipped with the door fall-prevention device as aforementioned may reduce the potential safety hazard of the door falling caused by the opening of the door 100 in the condition that the buffer member 300 fails. In this way, the safety and the user experience may be improved, and household appliance has good practicability.
The number of the door fall-prevention devices in some embodiments of the present invention may be two. The two door fall-prevention devices may be arranged at two opposite sides of the width direction of the door 100, respectively, so as to further improve the safety of the door opening.
As described above, the household appliance in some embodiments of the present invention may be a dishwasher, and may also be any other household appliance having the openable door 100, such as a disinfection cabinet, an integrated cooker, etc., which is not limited herein.
In the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include that the first feature and the second feature are in direct contact, or that the first feature and the second feature are not in direct contact but connected through another feature therebetween. Furthermore, the first feature being "above", "upper", and "on top of" the second feature may include being directly above or obliquely above, or merely indicate that the first feature is at a level higher than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "lower", and "under" the second feature may include being directly below or obliquely below, or merely indicate that the first feature is at a level lower than the second feature.
In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness," "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" indicate orientations or positional relationships based on those shown in the drawings, and are intended solely for ease of description and simplification, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation. Therefore, such terms shall not be construed as limitations on the present invention.
In the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" "fixed", etc., shall be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" may include fixed connection, detachable connection, or integrally formed connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it may involve fluid communication between components or interaction between components. Those skills in the art may understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific context.
Furthermore, in the present invention, the descriptions involving "first", "second", and the like are merely for descriptive purposes and shall not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Accordingly, features defined as "first", "second", etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more such features. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" shall mean two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

Claims

A door fall-prevention device for a household appliance, the household appliance comprising a body (100) and a door (200) connected to the body (100) and being openable, characterized in that, the door fall-prevention device comprises:
a buffer member (300), connected between the body (100) and the door (200) and having a limiting portion, wherein at least a part of the buffer member (300) is elastic;

a trigger member (400), connected to the body (100) and having a first position and a second position, wherein the trigger member (400) is movable between the first position and the second position; and

a sensing member (500), connected to the body (100) and comprising a sensing portion (507), wherein:
in a case where the trigger member (400) is in the first position, the trigger member (400) is limited by the limiting portion of the buffer member (300), and the trigger member (400) is spaced apart from the sensing portion (507); and

in a case where the trigger member (400) is in the second position, the sensing portion (507) is triggered by the trigger member (400) to generate a trigger signal.
The door fall-prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the trigger member (400) comprises a supporting portion (421), and the supporting portion (421) is limited by the limiting portion of the buffer member (300) in a case where the trigger member (400) is in the first position.
The door fall-prevention device according to claim 2, wherein:
the trigger member (400) further comprises a trigger portion (402), the trigger portion (402) and the supporting portion (421) are spaced apart from each other, and at least a part of the trigger portion (402) protrudes out of the supporting portion (421); and

in a case where the trigger member (400) is in the second position, the trigger portion (402) contacts the sensing portion (507).
The door fall-prevention device according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein the sensing portion (507) is out of a moving path of the supporting portion (421).
The door fall-prevention device according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the supporting portion (421) comprises a supporting shaft (415) and a supporting wheel (414), the supporting wheel (414) is rotatable via the supporting shaft (415), and the supporting wheel (414) is connected to and scrollable along the limiting portion of the buffer member (300).
The door fall-prevention device according to any one of claims 3-4, further comprising:
a carrier (403), having a guiding cavity (404),

wherein one end of the trigger member (400) is elastically coupled in the guiding cavity (404), and the other end of the trigger member (400) extends out of an opening of the guiding cavity (404).
The door (200) fall-prevention device according to claim 6, further comprising an elastic member (406), wherein:
the one end of the trigger member (400) is elastically retractable in the guiding cavity (404) via the elastic member (406), and the trigger portion (402) is arranged on the other end of the trigger member (400); and

the trigger portion (402) is disposed opposite to the sensing portion (507) along the moving direction of the trigger member (400).
The door fall-prevention device according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein a limiting concave portion (407) is arranged on an inner periphery of the guiding cavity (404), a limiting convex portion (408) is arranged on a periphery of the trigger member (400), and the limiting convex portion (408) is movably connected to the limiting concave portion (407).
The door fall-prevention device according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein the carrier (403) is inclined relative to the body (100) along a first inclined direction, the trigger member (400) is configured to reciprocate in the first inclined direction, and the sensing portion (507) is disposed in the moving direction of the trigger member (400).
The door fall-prevention device according to any one of claims 6-9, wherein the buffer member (300) further comprises:
a tension spring (301); and

a pull rope (302), connected to the tension spring (301), wherein:
the door (200) and the body (100) are connected to each other by the tension spring (301) and the pull rope (302); and

in a case where the trigger member (400) is in the first position, the trigger member (400) is limited by the pull rope (302).
The door fall-prevention device according to claim 10, wherein:
at least a portion of the pull rope (302) is inclined along a second inclined direction relative to the body (100) to form an inclined portion; and

in a case where the trigger member (400) is in the first position, the trigger member (400) contacts the inclined portion of the pull rope (302), and the inclined portion of the pull rope (302) is configured as the limiting portion.
The door fall-prevention device according to claim 11, wherein:
the inclined portion of the pull rope (302) is connected to the door (200); and

the first inclined direction of the carrier (403) and the second inclined direction of the limiting portion are intersected with each other.
The door fall-prevention device according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein:
the sensing member (500) comprises a sensing protrusion (506), the sensing protrusion (506) is configured as the sensing portion (507); and

in a case where the trigger member (400) is in the second position, the trigger member (400) contacts the sensing portion (507) to generate the trigger signal.
The door fall-prevention device according to any one of claims 1-13 further comprising:
a fixing seat (401), connected to the body (100), wherein at least one of the trigger member (400) and the sensing member (500) is arranged on the fixing seat (401).
A dishwasher, comprising the door fall-prevention device according to any one of claims 1-14.