Patent Description:
In a dehydration stage of a washing machine, a laundry in a washing cavity is unevenly distributed, which may result in an eccentricity. When rotating at high rotation speed, the washing cavity will generate great vibration. In the related art, a balancing body is mounted on the washing cavity, and the balancing body has a balance trolley movably provided therein. By controlling a movement of the balance trolley in the balancing body, the eccentricity of the laundry in the washing cavity is balanced by a gravity and a centripetal force of the balance trolley itself, so that the vibration of the washing cavity tends to be decreased, thereby reducing noise and vibration of the washing machine.

A circuit of the balancing trolley is connected to a bearing of the washing cavity by a wire, and an electric connection between the circuit of the balancing trolley and a circuit of a control system is implemented by using a brush. However, the use of the brush to realize the electrical connection has problems of insufficient service life of the brush due to fatigue, discontinuous electricity transmission of the brush and a need for a higher sealing structure. <CIT> relates generally to a washing machine which reduces unbalancing. It discloses a washing machine including a drum accommodating laundry and configured to be rotatable, a balancing unit moving along the circumference of the drum and changing the center of gravity of the drum, and a wireless power transmission unit provided at the drum shaft wirelessly supplying power to the balancing unit. <CIT> relates generally to a laundry machine being equipped with a balancing unit to minimize interference.

The invention is defined by a household appliance according to independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are set out in the dependent claims.

The present invention provides a household appliance comprising a body, a cavity rotatably connected to the body, and a balance assembly. The balance assembly includes a balancing body having a chamber defined therein; a balancer movably located within the chamber; a first wireless charging assembly; and an energy storage device located outside the balancer and connected to the first wireless charging assembly. The energy storage device, the first wireless charging assembly, and the balancing body are mounted within a cavity of the household appliance. The first wireless charging assembly is configured to receive a charging energy wirelessly transmitted by the household appliance and charge the energy storage device with the charging energy. The chamber includes a first conductive structure provided on an inner wall thereof, and the first conductive structure is electrically connected to the energy storage device. The balancer includes a second conductive structure movably connected to the first conductive structure. The energy storage device is capable of supplying power to the balancer by the first conductive structure and the speed regulating structure.

In the balance assembly as described above, the first wireless charging assembly is capable of charging the energy storage device with the charging energy wirelessly transmitted by the household appliance, and the balancer in the balancing body is powered by the energy storage device through the first conductive structure and the speed regulating structure. In this way, the power supply to the energy storage device by a brush can be avoided, and a sealing performance of the balancing body and a reliability of the power supply can be improved.

In some embodiments, the balancer further includes a control board. The second conductive structure includes a first conductive element and a second conductive element. The first conductive structure includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail. The first conductive element is connected to the first guide rail, and the second conductive element is connected to the second guide rail. The first conductive element and the second conductive element are both electrically connected to the control board by wires, respectively.

In some embodiments, each of the first conductive element and the second conductive element includes a conductive wheel. The conductive wheel of the first conductive element is connected to the first guide rail, and the conductive wheel of the second conductive element is connected to the second guide rail.

In some embodiments, each of the first conductive element and the second conductive element includes two conductive wheels and a connection rod. The two conductive wheels are connected into one piece by the connection rod. The first guide rail is partially located within a space between the two conductive wheels of the first conductive element, and the second guide rail is partially located within a space between the two conductive wheels of the second conductive element.

In some embodiments, the conductive wheel of the first conductive element is elastically abutted against the first guide rail, and the conductive wheel of the second conductive element is elastically abutted against the second guide rail.

In some embodiments, the second conductive structure also includes a base, and a connection frame elastically movably connected to the base. The first conductive element and the second conductive element are mounted on the connection frame.

In some embodiments, the base has an elastic member disposed therein. The elastic member is connected to the connection frame and configured to provide the connection frame with a force for elastically abutting the conductive wheel of the first conductive element against the first guide rail and for elastically abutting the conductive wheel of the second conductive element against the second guide rail.

In some embodiments, the balancer also includes a driving assembly. The driving assembly includes a rotation member, and a driving member connected to the rotation member and the control board. The control board is configured to control the driving member to drive a rotation of the rotation member, and the balancer is driven by the rotation of the rotation member move within the chamber.

In some embodiments, the chamber has a connection member provided therein. The rotation member includes a gear engaged with the connection member.

In some embodiments, the driving assembly also includes a speed regulating structure, and the driving member and the rotation member are connected by the speed regulating structure.

In some embodiments, the balancer also includes a bearing structure. The driving assembly is disposed on the bearing structure. The bearing structure is in contact with the inner wall of the chamber and configured to bear a centrifugal force during a movement of the balancer in the chamber by moving along the inner wall of the chamber during the movement of the balancer.

In some embodiments, the balance assembly also includes an identification member and a displacement detection member. The displacement detection member is configured to detect the number of times of the identification member passing by the displacement detection member, and the number of times of the identification member passing by the displacement detection member is related to a position of the balancer. The balance assembly is configured to cause a relative movement between the identification member and the displacement detection member in response to the driving assembly driving the balancer to move within the chamber.

In some embodiments, the balance assembly also includes a correction member and a correction detection member. The correction detection member is configured to detect the correction member to eliminate a position error of the balancer. The balance assembly is configured to cause a relative movement between the correction member and the correction detection member during the movement of the balancer.

The present invention provides a household appliance including a body, a cavity rotatably connected to the body, a second wireless charging assembly, and the balance assembly according to any one of the embodiments as described above. The energy storage device, the first wireless charging assembly, and the balancing body are mounted within the cavity, and the second wireless charging assembly is mounted within the body.

In the household appliance as described above, the first wireless charging assembly is capable of charging the energy storage device with the charging energy wirelessly transmitted by the second wireless charging assembly, and the balancer in the balancing body is powered by the energy storage device through the first conductive structure and the second conductive structure. In this way, the power supply to the energy storage device by a brush can be avoided, and a sealing performance of the balancing body and a reliability of the power supply can be improved.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be provided at least in part in the following description, or will become apparent at least in part from the following description, or can be learned from practicing of the present disclosure.

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent and more understandable from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below in detail, examples of the embodiments are shown in accompanying drawings, and throughout the description, the same or similar reference signs represent the same or similar components or the components having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and merely used to explain the present disclosure, rather than being construed as limitation on the present disclosure.

In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or position relationship indicated by the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, and is merely for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the defined device or element must have a specific orientation or must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Thus, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms cannot be understood as limitations on the present disclosure. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined with the terms "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present disclosure, "plurality" means at least two, unless otherwise specifically defined.

In the present disclosure, unless expressly specified and defined otherwise, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may indicate that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or the first and second features, instead of being in direct contact with each other, are in contact with each other by another feature therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above" the second feature may indicate that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicate that a level of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "below" the second feature may indicate that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicate that a level of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, terms such as "installed", "mounted", "connected to", "connected with" and the like should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection or integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection or a mutual communication; it may be a direct connection or an indirect connection by an intermediate; it may be an internal communication of two components or an interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meaning of the above-mentioned terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

Various embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present disclosure are provided below. In order to simplify the description of the present disclosure, components and arrangements of specific examples are described herein. Of course, these specific examples are merely for the purpose of illustration, and they are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, the same reference signs and/or reference letters may appear in different examples of the present disclosure for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, instead of indicating a relationship between different discussed embodiments and/or arrangements. In addition, the present disclosure provides examples of various specific processes and materials. However, applications of other processes and/or the use of other materials are conceivable for those skilled in the art.

Referring to <FIG> and in connection with <FIG>, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a balance assembly <NUM> applied in a household appliance <NUM>. The balance assembly <NUM> includes: a balancing body <NUM> having a chamber <NUM> defined therein; a balancer <NUM> movably located within the chamber <NUM>; a first wireless charging assembly <NUM>; and an energy storage device <NUM> located outside the balancer <NUM> and connected to the first wireless charging assembly <NUM>. The first wireless charging assembly <NUM> is configured to receive a charging energy wirelessly transmitted by the household appliance <NUM> and charge the energy storage device <NUM> with the charging energy. The energy storage device <NUM>, the first wireless charging assembly <NUM>, and the balancing body <NUM> are mounted within a cavity <NUM> of the household appliance <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> has a first conductive structure <NUM> provided on an inner wall <NUM> thereof. The first conductive structure <NUM> is electrically connected to the energy storage device <NUM>. The balancer <NUM> includes a second conductive structure <NUM> movably connected to the first conductive structure <NUM>. The energy storage device <NUM> is capable of supplying power to the balancer <NUM> by the first conductive structure <NUM> and the speed regulating structure <NUM>.

In the above balance assembly <NUM>, the first wireless charging assembly <NUM> is capable of charging the energy storage device <NUM> with the charging energy wirelessly transmitted by the household appliance <NUM>. The balancer <NUM> in the balancing body <NUM> is powered by the energy storage device <NUM> through the first conductive structure <NUM> and the second conductive structure <NUM>. In this way, the power supply to the energy storage device <NUM> by a brush can be avoided, and a sealing performance of the balancing body <NUM> and a reliability of the power supply can be improved. And, the energy storage device <NUM> is located outside the balancer <NUM>, a weight of the balancer <NUM> itself can thus be reduced and the balancer <NUM> is more easily driven. Further, in a case where a plurality of balancers <NUM> is provided, the plurality of balancers <NUM> can share the energy storage device <NUM> and the balance assembly <NUM> can be supplied by a uniform power supply at a lower cost.

Specifically, the balance assembly <NUM> can be applied in the household appliance <NUM>. The balancing body <NUM> and energy storage device <NUM> of the balance assembly <NUM> may be mounted on the cavity <NUM> of the household appliance <NUM>. The household appliance <NUM> may be a clothing treatment appliance such as a washing machine (e.g., a drum washing machine), a clothing dryer, or other household appliances <NUM> having a rotatable cavity <NUM>. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the household appliance <NUM> includes a body <NUM>, the cavity <NUM>, and the balance assembly <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is movably connected to the body <NUM>, and has a rotation axis. The balancing body <NUM> is mounted within the cavity <NUM>. The household appliance <NUM> includes a second wireless charging assembly <NUM> mounted within the body <NUM>. The household appliance <NUM> also includes a main controller <NUM>. The balancer <NUM> also includes a controller <NUM>. The main controller <NUM> is in communication with the controller <NUM> to transmit a current status signal and a movement signal of the balancer <NUM>, etc. The main controller <NUM> may be in communication with the controller <NUM> in a wired manner or in a wireless manner. The cavity <NUM> of the household appliance <NUM> rotates at a high rotation speed during operation, which may result in an uneven load distribution and eccentricity in the cavity <NUM>. As a result, a greater vibration may be generated in the household appliance <NUM>. The balancing body <NUM> is fixed to the cavity <NUM> and rotates together with the cavity <NUM>. Therefore, an eccentric mass of the cavity <NUM> as it rotates can be offset by controlling a movement of the balancer <NUM> in the chamber <NUM> of the balancing body <NUM>, thereby reducing the vibration of the household appliance <NUM>.

The energy storage device <NUM> is located outside of the balancer <NUM>. It should be understood that the energy storage device <NUM> is not mounted on the balancer <NUM>. The energy storage device <NUM> may be fixed to some other physical locations outside the balancer <NUM>, such as onto the cavity <NUM>.

In an example of the present disclosure, the main controller <NUM> is in wireless communication with the controller <NUM>. Specifically, the main controller <NUM> may include a first wireless communication module and a wireless gateway. The controller <NUM> may include a second wireless communication module. The second wireless communication module, the first wireless communication module, and the wireless gateway are configured to form a wireless communication network. Each of the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module may be a WiFi module, a Bluetooth module, a NRF module, a ZigBee module, or a mobile communication module (e.g., a <NUM> module, a <NUM> module, etc.). In this way, the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module have a plurality of options and are highly replaceable. A selection of the wireless gateway is adapted to types of the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module.

It should be understood that the home appliance <NUM> includes the second wireless charging assembly <NUM>. In connection with <FIG>, the first wireless charging assembly <NUM> includes a receiving coil <NUM>, and the second wireless charging assembly <NUM> includes a transmitting coil <NUM>. The receiving coil <NUM> and the transmitting coil <NUM> is spaced apart from each other and arranged opposite to each other. The transmitting coil <NUM> is capable of transmitting the charging energy to the receiving coil <NUM>, and the receiving coil <NUM> is capable of charge the energy storage device <NUM> with the received charging energy. The energy storage device <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first conductive structure <NUM>, so that the balancer <NUM> can receive power from the energy storage device <NUM> via the first conductive structure <NUM>. The receiving coil <NUM> and the transmitting coil <NUM> are arranged coaxially along a rotation axis X. In this way, the cavity <NUM> rotates with less impact on an electrical energy transmission efficiency of the receiving coil <NUM> and the transmitting coil <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the balancing body <NUM> is in an annular shape. It will be understood that in other embodiments, the balancing body <NUM> may be in other shapes, such as a flat plate shape, which is not specifically limited herein. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the balancing body <NUM> includes a bearing ring <NUM>, an end cap <NUM>, an annular connection member <NUM>, and an annular base <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> is formed within the annular base <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> is connected to the annular base <NUM> and seals the chamber <NUM>. The bearing ring <NUM> is mounted on an inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. Two connection members <NUM> may be provided, and mounted on both sides of the bearing ring <NUM>, respectively. Due to the annular shape of the balancing body <NUM>, it is possible to allow a circumferential movement of the balancer <NUM> within the chamber <NUM> of the balancing body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the balancer <NUM> includes a bracket <NUM> on which the second conductive structure <NUM> is mounted. In addition, the connection between the first conductive structure <NUM> and the second conductive structure <NUM> may also serve to guide the movement of the balancer <NUM>. By the guidance of the first conductive structure <NUM> and the second conductive structure <NUM>, the balancer <NUM> can stably move in the chamber <NUM> at a high speed, thereby preventing the balancer <NUM> from being separated from the balancing body <NUM>.

Specifically, referring to <FIG>, in a length direction A-A of the balancer <NUM>, two second conductive structures <NUM> may be provided, and the two second conductive structures <NUM> are mounted at both ends of the bracket <NUM>, respectively. The second conductive structures <NUM> may be mounted on the bracket <NUM> by connection plates <NUM>. In other embodiments, one or more second conductive structures <NUM> may be provided, which is not specifically limited herein. Further, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the movement of the balancer <NUM> is guided by the first conductive structure <NUM> and the second conductive structure <NUM> together. The second conductive structure <NUM> is mounted at both ends of the balancer <NUM>, and the first conductive structure <NUM> is mounted on the inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. The first conductive structure <NUM> and the second conductive structure <NUM> cooperate with each other to guide the movement of the balancer <NUM> together. It should be understood that, the balancer <NUM> may generate a shake when moving within the chamber <NUM>, and may cause the balancer <NUM> to deviate from its movement trajectory when moving at the high speed, thereby affecting the movement of the balancer <NUM>. The first conductive structure <NUM> and the second conductive structure <NUM>, on the one hand can conduct electricity, and on the one hand can guide the balancer <NUM> to move when attaching on the inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. Meanwhile, a stability of the balancer <NUM> can be increased.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket <NUM> may be made of a metal material such as a thick stainless-steel plate, for fixing the second conductive structure <NUM> and other components of the balancer <NUM>. In this way, it is possible to avoid the components of the balancer <NUM> from loosening during an operation of the balancer <NUM>, and the bracket <NUM> would not be deformed throughout the operation of the balancer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and in connection with <FIG>, in some embodiments, the balancer <NUM> includes a control board <NUM>. The second conductive structure <NUM> includes a first conductive element <NUM> and a second conductive element <NUM>, and a first conductive structure <NUM> includes a first guide rail <NUM> and a second guide rail <NUM>. The first conductive element <NUM> is connected to the first guide rail <NUM>, and the second conductive element <NUM> is connected to the second guide rail <NUM>. The first conductive element <NUM> and the second conductive element <NUM> are electrically connected to the control board <NUM>, respectively. In this way, the second conductive structure <NUM> can receive power from the energy storage device <NUM> by the first conductive structure <NUM> and transmit the power to the control board <NUM>, and the control power can supply the electrical energy to the load of the balancer <NUM>.

Specifically, the second conductive structure <NUM> includes a conductive shaft <NUM> (e.g., a copper shaft). The conductive shaft <NUM> is stationary. Two conductive shafts <NUM> may be provided, and the two conductive shafts <NUM> pass through the first conductive element <NUM> and the second conductive element <NUM>, respectively. The first conductive element <NUM> and the second conductive element <NUM> may each rotate around the conductive shaft <NUM>. A wire <NUM> may be electrically connected the conductive shaft <NUM> and the energy storage device <NUM>, and the electrical energy is transmitted from the conductive shaft <NUM> and the wire <NUM> to the energy storage device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the energy storage device <NUM> may include a rechargeable battery. A positive electrode of the rechargeable battery may be connected to the first guide rail <NUM> via the wire <NUM>, the conductive shaft <NUM>, and the first conductive element <NUM>. A negative electrode of the rechargeable battery may be connected to the second guide rail <NUM> via the wire <NUM>, the conductive shaft <NUM>, and the second conductive element <NUM>. An electrical energy of the battery is transmitted from the first guide rail <NUM> and the second guide rail <NUM> to the balancer via the first guide rail <NUM> and the second guide rail <NUM>. Since the first conductive element <NUM> is connected to the first guide rail <NUM> and the second conductive element <NUM> is connected to the second guide rail <NUM>, according to a principle that metals have electrical conductivity, the first conductive element <NUM> can receive power via the first guide rail <NUM>, and the second conductive element <NUM> can receive power via the second guide rail <NUM>. And then, the first conductive element <NUM> and the second conductive element <NUM> transmit the electrical energy to the conductive shaft <NUM> and the wire <NUM>, respectively, and then to the control board <NUM> of the balancer <NUM>, which in turn may provide the electrical energy to a load of the balancer <NUM>. In this way, the control board <NUM> of the balancer <NUM> can receive power from the battery via the first conductive structure <NUM> and the second conductive structure <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that, each of the first guide rail <NUM> and the second guide rail <NUM> may be an annular guide rail provided on the inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. The first guide rail <NUM> and the second guide rail <NUM> are electrically conductive, for example made of copper. The first conductive element <NUM> and the second conductive element <NUM> may also be made of copper.

In other embodiments, the first guide rail <NUM> and the second guide rail <NUM> as well as the first conductive element <NUM> and the second conductive element <NUM> may also be made of other conductive materials, which will not be limited herein. The balancer <NUM> may include a control compartment <NUM> in which the control board <NUM> is placed. The controller <NUM> of the balancer <NUM> is disposed on the control board <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, each of the first conductive element <NUM> and the second conductive element <NUM> includes a conductive wheel <NUM>. The conductive wheel <NUM> of the first conductive element <NUM> is movably connected to the first guide rail <NUM>, and the conductive wheel <NUM> of the second conductive element <NUM> is movably connected to the second guide rail <NUM>. Thus, it is advantageous to reduce a friction between the first conductive structure <NUM> and the second conductive structure <NUM> when the balancer <NUM> is moving.

Specifically, the conductive wheel <NUM> may be a roller and may be circular in shape, and the conductive wheel <NUM> may be rolled and moved on the guide rails. In this way, during the movement of the balancer <NUM>, less friction force would be generated between the first conductive structure <NUM> and the second conductive structure <NUM>, which reduces a resistance during the movement of the balancer <NUM>. Thus, it is beneficial to reduce the power of the balancer <NUM> and provide the energy storage device <NUM> with a longer power supply time.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, each of the first conductive element <NUM> and the second conductive element <NUM> includes two conductive wheels <NUM> and a connection rod <NUM>. The two conductive wheels <NUM> are connected to each other by the connection rod <NUM>. The first guide rail <NUM> is partially located within a space between the two conductive wheels <NUM> of the first conductive element <NUM>, and the second guide rail <NUM> is partially located within a space between the two conductive wheels <NUM> of the second conductive element <NUM>. In this way, the two conductive wheels <NUM> of each conductive element can clamp the rails to further ensure the stable movement of the balancer <NUM>.

Specifically, the guide rail includes two opposite side surfaces. The two conductive wheels <NUM> are connected to each other by the connection rod <NUM> to form an H-shaped conductive element. The conductive wheels <NUM> are slidably or rollably connected to the side surfaces of the guide rail. The H-shaped conductive element can clamp the guide rails to further ensure the stable movement of the balancer <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive wheels <NUM> may roll on the rails. The two conductive wheels <NUM> of the first conductive element <NUM> may clamp the first guide rail <NUM>. The two conductive wheels <NUM> of the second conductive element <NUM> may clamp the second guide rail <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first conductive structure <NUM> and the second conductive structure <NUM> may be connected to each other by embedding or engagement, and can also provide guiding and electricity conduction, which will not be limited herein.

In addition, the two conductive wheels <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the connection rod <NUM>, for example by a bearing. In other embodiments, the connection rod <NUM> may be fixedly connected to the conductive wheels <NUM>. A fixed connection may be implemented through metal welding, screw connection, or buckle connection, which will not be specifically limited herein. The conductive shaft <NUM> passes through the conductive wheels <NUM> and the connection rod <NUM>.

More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, two second conductive structures <NUM> are provided, and the two conductive structures <NUM> are mounted at both ends of the balancer <NUM>. Each of the second conductive structure <NUM> includes the first conductive element <NUM> and the second conductive element <NUM> arranged side by side. Thus, a reliability of the connection between the second conductive structure <NUM> and the first conductive structure <NUM> can be increased.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the conductive wheels <NUM> of the first conductive element <NUM> are elastically abutted against the first guide rail <NUM>, and the conductive wheels <NUM> of the second conductive element <NUM> are elastically abutted against the second guide rail <NUM>. In this way, it is possible to prevent the balancer <NUM> from shaking during its movement.

Specifically, the conductive wheels <NUM> of the first conductive element <NUM> and the first guide rail <NUM> will be described as an example. In a case where the conductive wheels <NUM> of the first conductive element <NUM> are elastically abutted against the first guide rail <NUM>, when a great force is applied between the conductive wheels <NUM> of the first conductive element <NUM> and the first guide rail <NUM>, a force generated by the elastic abutment between the conductive wheels <NUM> of the first conductive element <NUM> and the first guide rail <NUM> drives the conductive wheel <NUM> of the first conductive element <NUM> to move away from the first guide rail <NUM>, so as to damp the force between the conductive wheels <NUM> of the first conductive element <NUM> and the first guide rail <NUM>. Such a force may also be generated between the conductive wheels <NUM> of the second conductive element <NUM> and the second rail <NUM>. In this way, the force between the second conductive structure <NUM> and the first conductive structure <NUM> can be reduced to prevent the balancer <NUM> from shaking during its movement.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the second conductive structure <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a connection frame <NUM>. The connection frame <NUM> is movably connected to the base <NUM>. The first conductive element <NUM> and the second conductive element <NUM> are mounted on the connection frame <NUM>. In this way, during the movement of the balancer <NUM>, by means of the movable connection of the connection frame <NUM> to the base <NUM>, the conductive wheels <NUM> of the first conductive element <NUM> can be elastically abutted against the base <NUM>, and the conductive wheels <NUM> of the conductive element <NUM> can be elastically abutted against the first guide rail <NUM>, so that the balancer <NUM> can move stably.

Specifically, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the base <NUM> has an elastic member <NUM> provided therein. The elastic member <NUM> is connected to the connection frame <NUM>, and configured to provide the connection frame <NUM> with a force for elastically abutting the conductive wheels <NUM> of the first conductive element <NUM> against the first guide rail <NUM> and for elastically abutting the conductive wheels <NUM> of the second conductive element <NUM> against the second guide rail <NUM>. In this way, the force provided by the elastic member <NUM> allows the conductive wheels <NUM> to be elastically abutted against the guide rail, which in turn ensures that the balancer <NUM> can move steadily at any rotation speed.

It should be understood that the connection frame <NUM> may be separated or integrated type. In the embodiment, the connection frame <NUM> includes a first connection frame 248a and a second connection frame 248b. The first conductive element <NUM> and the second conductive element <NUM> may be mounted to the first connection frame 248a and second connection frame 248b, respectively. The connection rod <NUM> of the first conductive element <NUM> is rotatably connected to the first connection frame 248a, and the connection rod <NUM> of the second conductive element <NUM> is rotatably connected to the second connection frame 248b. The first connection frame 248a and the second connection frame 248b have a mounting slot <NUM> for the wire <NUM> to pass through. The elastic member <NUM> includes a first elastic member 2462a and a second elastic member 2462b. The first elastic member 2462a is connected to the base <NUM> and the first connection frame 248a. The second elastic member 2462b is connected to the base <NUM> and the second connection frame 248b.

During the movement of the balancer <NUM>, the first connection frame 248a and the second connection frame 248b tightly connect the first conductive element <NUM> to the first guide rail <NUM> by the first elastic member 2462a and tightly connect the second conductive element <NUM> to the second guide rail <NUM> by the second elastic member 2462b. Thus, risks of a poor contact between the first conductive element <NUM> and the first guide rail <NUM> and a poor contact between the second conductive element <NUM> and the second guide rail <NUM> due to assembly errors and manufacturing errors can be avoided.

Further, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the base <NUM> has a blind hole defined therein. The blind hole is configured to receive an elastic member <NUM>. A connection post <NUM> is located below the connection frame <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> is connected to the connection post <NUM> at one end thereof and is abutted against a bottom wall of the blind hole at the other end thereof. The elastic member <NUM> may be connected to the connection frame <NUM> by the connection post <NUM>. The connection post <NUM> may include a first connection post 247a by which the first connection frame 248a is connected to the first elastic member 2462a connected and a second connection post 247b by which the second connection frame 248a is connected to the second elastic member 2462b. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the second conductive structures <NUM> may include two elastic members <NUM> such that the base <NUM> may be subjected to a greater force. In other embodiments, each of the second conductive structures <NUM> may include one, or three, or other numbers of elastic members <NUM>, which is not specifically limited herein. The elastic member <NUM> may be a spring such as a coil spring, a leaf spring, a torsion bar spring, a gas spring, a rubber spring or the like, which is not specifically limited herein.

In some embodiment, referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the balancer <NUM> includes a driving assembly <NUM>. The driving assembly <NUM> includes a driving member <NUM> and a rotation member <NUM>. The driving member <NUM> is connected to the rotation member <NUM> and the control board <NUM>. The control board <NUM> is configured to control the driving member <NUM> to drive the rotation member <NUM> to rotate so as to drive the balancer <NUM> to move in the chamber <NUM>. In this way, the driving member <NUM> can receive power from the battery by the control board <NUM>. The balancer <NUM> is driven by the driving assembly <NUM> to move, so that a position of the balancer <NUM> within the chamber <NUM> can be changed, thereby reducing the vibration of the household appliance <NUM>.

Specifically, the control board <NUM> of the balancer <NUM> is connected to the energy storage device <NUM> by the first conductive structure <NUM> and the second conductive structure <NUM>. The driving member <NUM> is connected to the control board <NUM>. Thus, the control board <NUM> is capable of controlling a voltage of the driving member <NUM> to change a state of the driving member <NUM>. The driving member <NUM> may include a motor to drive the rotation member <NUM> to rotate, which in turn drives the balancer <NUM> to move within the chamber <NUM>. In this way, a rapid reduction or an offset of the eccentric mass of the cavity <NUM> can be realized by the balancer <NUM>, thereby reducing the vibration of the household appliance <NUM>. The balancer <NUM> can be controlled to move or stop the movement in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction by controlling the motor to perform a forward or reverse rotation or stop the rotation.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> has an annular connection member <NUM> provided therein. The annular connection member <NUM> has a tooth portion provided on an inner side thereof. The rotation member <NUM> includes a gear <NUM> engaged with the tooth portion. In this way, the movement of the balancer <NUM> is driven by the engagement of the gear <NUM> with a gear ring, which prevents the balancer <NUM> from slipping during its movement and ensures the stability of the movement of the balancer <NUM>.

Specifically, the chamber <NUM> includes the inner wall <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> has a bearing ring <NUM>. The bearing ring <NUM> has a connection member <NUM> provided on an inner side thereof. A modulus of the tooth portion is <NUM> or <NUM>. The gear <NUM> of the rotation member <NUM> is engaged with the tooth portion to rotate. Thus, the balancer <NUM> can be driven to move relative to the tooth portion while the gear <NUM> is rotating. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the bearing ring <NUM> may be omitted, and the connection member <NUM> may be disposed directly on the inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, refer to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the driving assembly <NUM> includes a speed regulating structure <NUM> be connected to the driving member <NUM> and the rotation member <NUM>. Thus, a movement speed of the balancer <NUM> on the one hand and a movement direction of the balancer <NUM> on the other hand can be controlled by the speed regulating structure <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that the bracket <NUM> includes a first side surface <NUM> and a second side surface <NUM> opposite to each other. The first side surface <NUM> faces towards the rotation axis X of the cavity <NUM>. The speed regulating structure <NUM> is mounted on the second side surface <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. The speed regulating structure <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> and an adjustment assembly disposed within the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be made of a solid thick steel plate which is not easily deformed, and the whole housing <NUM> has a cuboid shape. In other embodiments, the housing <NUM> may also be of other shapes such as a cube, a prism, or a cylinder. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall <NUM> has two connection members <NUM> provided thereon, and the rotation member <NUM> includes two gears <NUM> located on both sides of the housing <NUM> and engaged with the two connection members <NUM>, respectively. The speed regulating structure <NUM> can adjust a speed at which the driving member <NUM> drives the rotation member <NUM> to rotate, thereby adjusting the movement speed of the balancer <NUM>.

Further, referring to <FIG>, the speed regulating structure <NUM> includes a first-stage transmission structure <NUM> and a second-stage transmission structure <NUM>. The first-stage transmission structure <NUM> is connected to an output shaft <NUM> of the driving member <NUM>, and the second-stage transmission structure <NUM> is connected the first-stage transmission structure <NUM> and the rotation member <NUM>. In this way, a speed reduction ratio of the balancer <NUM> can be achieved by the two-stage transmission structure.

Specifically, the first-stage transmission structure <NUM> includes a worm <NUM> and a worm wheel <NUM>. The second-stage transmission structure <NUM> includes a first gear <NUM> and a second gear <NUM>. The worm <NUM> is connected to the output shaft <NUM> of the driving member <NUM> and the worm wheel <NUM>, and the worm wheel <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first gear <NUM>. The first gear <NUM> is engaged with the second gear <NUM>. Each of the first gear <NUM> and the second gear <NUM> has a modulus of <NUM> and a gear ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>. The second gear <NUM> is connected to the rotation member <NUM>. In this way, the two-stage transmission can be realized. The worm wheel <NUM> and worm <NUM> also serve as a limiting function. In addition, the balancer <NUM> can be stably maintained in the balancing body <NUM> when the driving member <NUM> is not operated. In one example, the speed reduction ratio of the balancer <NUM> may have a speed reduction ratio more than <NUM> by the two-stage transmission.

It will be appreciated that the first gear <NUM> is fixedly connected to the worm wheel <NUM>, and the second gear <NUM> is engaged with the first gear <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the second gear <NUM> are connected to a rotation shaft <NUM> at opposite sides thereof, and the rotation shaft <NUM> is connected to the rotation member <NUM> to realize a synchronous rotation. During an operation of the driving member <NUM>, firstly, the driving member <NUM> drives the worm <NUM> to rotate by the output shaft <NUM>, and then the worm <NUM> drives the worm wheel <NUM> engaged with the worm <NUM> to rotate, so as to realize a first-stage transmission. The worm wheel <NUM> further drives the first gear <NUM>, and then the first gear <NUM> drives the second gear <NUM>, so as to realize a second-stage transmission. The second gear <NUM> drives the rotation member <NUM> to rotate synchronously by the rotation shaft <NUM>, thus driving the balancer <NUM> to move within the chamber <NUM>. The rotation shaft <NUM> may be a cylindrical shaft or a non-cylindrical shaft. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation shaft <NUM> is a D-shaped shaft.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the balancer <NUM> includes a bearing structure <NUM>. The driving assembly <NUM> is disposed on the bearing structure <NUM>. The bearing structure <NUM> is in contact with the inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> and is configured to move along the inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> during the movement of the balancer <NUM> to bear a centrifugal force generated when the balancer <NUM> moves within the chamber <NUM>. In this way, the bearing structure <NUM> can bear the centrifugal force of the balancer <NUM> in a circumferential movement of the cavity <NUM>, thereby ensuring that the balancer <NUM> moves properly.

It should be understood that the bearing structure <NUM> is entirely made of a metal material, which is solid and not easily deformed, and can carry the whole driving assembly <NUM> stably to ensure a normal operation of the driving assembly <NUM>. During the movement of the balancer <NUM>, the bearing structure <NUM> moves along the inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>, and bears the centrifugal force of the balancer <NUM> in the circumferential movement of the cavity <NUM> through the contact with the inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. In the embodiment, the bearing structure <NUM> is able to ensure that the balancer <NUM> can move normally even when a rotating speed of the cavity <NUM> is greater than or equal to <NUM> rpm.

Further, referring to <FIG>, the bearing structure <NUM> includes a bearing plate <NUM> and a rolling member <NUM>. The rolling member <NUM> is rotatably connected to the bearing plate <NUM> and in contact with the inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>, and the driving assembly <NUM> is mounted on the bearing plate <NUM>.

It is understood that the bearing plate <NUM> may be made of a thick stainless-steel plate, and the bearing plate <NUM> has two rolling members <NUM> provided at both ends thereof, respectively. The rolling member <NUM> include a bearing <NUM> and a spindle <NUM> passed through the bearing <NUM>. The spindle <NUM> is fixedly connected to the bearing plate <NUM> by means of metal welding, adhesive bonding, screw connection, or snap connection, which is not limited herein. During driving the rotation member <NUM> by the driving member <NUM> to drive the balancer <NUM> to move, the bearing <NUM> moves in a circumferential motion with respect to the spindle <NUM>, so that the bearing structure <NUM> slides within the chamber <NUM>.

Further, the bearing plate <NUM> also has a plurality of mounting holes <NUM> defined thereon. The plurality of mounting holes <NUM> is configured to mount the bearing structure <NUM> to the balancer <NUM>. For example, fasteners may pass through the plurality of mounting holes <NUM> to be connected to the housing so as to mount the bearing structure <NUM> to the housing. The mounting holes <NUM> may have a circular, rectangular, oval shape or the like.

In other embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the bearing structure <NUM> may be an arc-shaped block with a predetermined curvature, such as a bearing structure <NUM> made of a smooth material such as POM, etc. The arc-shaped block may slide within the chamber <NUM> as the driving member <NUM> drives the rotation member <NUM> to drive the balancer <NUM> to move.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the balance assembly <NUM> includes an identification member <NUM> and a displacement detection member <NUM>. The balance assembly <NUM> is configured to cause a relative movement between the identification member <NUM> and the displacement detection member <NUM> in response to the driving assembly <NUM> driving the balancer <NUM> to move within the chamber <NUM>. The displacement detection member <NUM> is configured to detect the number of times of the identification member <NUM> passing by the displacement detection member <NUM>. The number of times of the identification member <NUM> passing by the displacement detection member <NUM> is related to the position of the balancer <NUM>. In this way, the displacement detection member <NUM> can detect the number of times of the identification member <NUM> passing by the displacement detection member <NUM>, and thus can obtain a movement distance of the balancer <NUM>, so that the position of the balancer <NUM> can be determined.

It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the balancer <NUM> moves within the chamber <NUM>, the identification member <NUM> moves relative to the displacement detection member <NUM> and passes by the displacement detection member <NUM>, and the number of times of the identification member <NUM> passing by the displacement detection member <NUM> is correlated with the position of the balancer <NUM>. Therefore, the movement distance of the balancer <NUM> can be determined by detecting the number of times of the identification member <NUM> passing by the displacement detection member <NUM>, and the position of the balancer <NUM> can be then determined in combination with an initial position <NUM> of the balancer <NUM>. The initial position <NUM> may refer to a position of the balancer <NUM> before it begins to move within the chamber <NUM>, or to a certain position that can be determined during the movement of the balancer <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the identification member <NUM> may be disposed on the rotation member <NUM> or the inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. In this way, the identification member <NUM> can be determined in several manners, thereby improving a flexibility of the identification member <NUM> during its installation.

Further, referring to <FIG>, in the illustrated embodiment, the identification member <NUM> is disposed on the rotation member <NUM>. Specifically, the rotation member <NUM> includes the gear <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> includes the inner wall <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> has the connection member <NUM> provided thereon. The gear <NUM> is engaged with the tooth portion of the connection member <NUM>. The identification member <NUM> is a tooth <NUM> of the gear <NUM> or a tooth of the tooth portion of the connection member <NUM>. Thus, the tooth <NUM> of the gear <NUM> may be used as the identification member <NUM>, and thus no additional identification member <NUM> is required. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the identification member <NUM> may also be a tooth of the tooth portion of the connection member <NUM>.

A groove <NUM> is formed between the teeth of the gear <NUM> or the teeth portion of the connection member <NUM>, and the tooth <NUM> and the groove <NUM> are evenly arrange in an alternating manner. The gear <NUM> is engaged with and rotated relative to the tooth portion of the connection member <NUM>. In response to the gear <NUM> rotating, the balancer <NUM> can be driven to move relative to the connection member <NUM>. In this case, the tooth <NUM> of the gear <NUM> or the tooth of the tooth portion of the connection member <NUM> may be used as the identification member <NUM>, and correspondingly, the displacement detection member <NUM> can be mounted on the balancer <NUM>. The displacement detection member <NUM> includes a detection surface facing towards the identification member <NUM>. In a case where the tooth of the gear <NUM> is used as the identification member <NUM>, the identification member <NUM> is disposed on the rotation member <NUM>. In a case where the tooth of the tooth potion of the connection member <NUM> disposed on the inner wall <NUM> is used as the identification member <NUM>, the identification member <NUM> is disposed on the inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. In other embodiments, the identification member <NUM> may be disposed at another position within the chamber <NUM> other than the inner wall <NUM>.

Specifically, when the identification member <NUM> is the tooth <NUM> of the gear <NUM>, the displacement detection member <NUM> may be mounted at a position on the balancer <NUM> directly facing towards the tooth of the gear <NUM>. When the gear <NUM> is rotated, the displacement detection member <NUM> is relatively stationary. When the identification member <NUM> is the tooth <NUM> of the tooth portion of the connection member <NUM>, the displacement detection member <NUM> may be mounted at a position on the balancer <NUM> directly facing towards the tooth of the tooth portion of the connection member <NUM>. When the gear <NUM> is rotated, the balancer <NUM> moves to drive the displacement detection member <NUM> to move relative to the connection member <NUM>. During the rotation of the gear <NUM>, the tooth <NUM> of the gear <NUM> will continuously passes by the displacement detection member <NUM>. Thus, the number of times of the tooth <NUM> of the gear <NUM> passing by the displacement detection member <NUM>, i.e., the number of teeth of the gear <NUM> passing by the displacement detection member <NUM>, can be detected.

In some embodiments, the displacement detection member <NUM> includes at least one of a light sensor, a Hall sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor. In this way, the displacement detection member <NUM> is selectable and the cost is relatively low.

Specifically, when the displacement detection member <NUM> includes one kind of sensor, one of the light sensor, the Hall sensor, and the ultrasonic sensor may be selected. When the displacement detection member <NUM> includes multiple kinds of sensors, two or more of the light sensor, the Hall sensor, and the ultrasonic sensor may be selected. An average value of data detected by two or more sensors can be considered as an output data of the displacement detection member <NUM>, or the data may be considered as the output data of the displacement detection member <NUM> after calculated with different weights or proportions.

It should be understood that with the development of technology, the manufacturing process of the light sensor, the Hall sensor, the ultrasonic sensor, etc. has become quite mature, which allows the sensor of the above-mentioned type can have smaller size and lower manufacturing cost, and can be mass-produced and adapted to be applied in the balance assembly <NUM>. By selecting the sensor of the above-mentioned type for the displacement detection member <NUM>, the detection of the identification member <NUM> can be realized, and the manufacturing cost of the balance assembly <NUM> can also be reduced.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the identification member <NUM> is the tooth <NUM> of the gear <NUM>, and the displacement detection member <NUM> is the light sensor that is capable of transmitting and receiving a light signal. Since a distance between the tooth <NUM> of the gear <NUM> and the light sensor is different from a distance between the groove <NUM> and the light sensor, an intensity of a light signal reflected by the tooth <NUM> and received by the light sensor is different from an intensity of a light signal reflected by the groove <NUM> and received by the light sensor. After processing, a regular pulse signal can be obtained, and the number of pulses is the number of teeth the gear <NUM> rotates, thereby obtaining the movement distance of the balancer <NUM>. Then, combined with the initial position <NUM> of the balancer <NUM>, the position of the balancer <NUM> can be obtained. The light sensor may be an infrared sensor. The ultrasonic sensor is similar to the light sensor in principle, which will be omitted and not be repeated herein.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the identification member <NUM> is the tooth <NUM> of the gear <NUM>, and the displacement detection member <NUM> is the Hall sensor. Since the tooth <NUM> and the groove <NUM> would affect a direction of magnetic lines of force of the Hall sensor, a density of the magnetic lines of force passing through the Hall sensor is changed. When the gear <NUM> rotates, the Hall sensor outputs regular pulse signals. Based on the pulse signals, the number of teeth rotated by the gear <NUM> can be calculated, thereby obtaining the movement distance of the balancer <NUM>. Then, combined with the initial position <NUM> of the balancer <NUM>, the position of the balancer <NUM> can be obtained.

In other embodiments, the identification member <NUM> may be black-and-white stripes, and the displacement detection member <NUM> may be the light sensor. The black-and-white stripes may be provided on the gear <NUM>, or on a member rotating coaxially with the gear <NUM>, or on the inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> to form a circular ring and be arranged concentrically with the connection member <NUM>. The light sensor may be mounted at a position on the balancer <NUM> directly facing towards the black-and-white stripes. Since the black stripe absorbs light and the white stripe reflects the light, the black-and-white stripes will continuously pass by the light sensor during the movement of the balancer <NUM>. Thus, the number of times of the white stripe passing by the light sensor, i.e., the number of white stripes passing by the light sensor, can be detected. Regular pulse signals can be obtained based on the light signals received by the light sensor. The number of pulses is the number of white stripes by which the balancer <NUM> rotates. Since a width between the white stripe and the black stripe is determined, the movement distance of the balancer <NUM> can thus be obtained. Then, combined with the initial position <NUM> of the balancer <NUM>, the position of the balancer <NUM> can be obtained.

It should be noted that the identification member <NUM> as described above may also have other configurations. For example, the rotation member <NUM> may be a wheel having a plurality of spokes, and the identification member <NUM> may be the spokes of the wheel. The displacement detection member <NUM> can detect the number of times of the spokes passing by the displacement detection member <NUM>. The specific detection principle is similar to the detection principle as described above.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the chamber <NUM> has an initial position <NUM>. The balancer <NUM> includes the controller <NUM> electrically connected to the displacement detection member <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is configured to determine the position of the balancer <NUM> based on the number of times of the identification member <NUM> passing by the displacement detection member <NUM> and the initial position <NUM>. Thus, it is convenient to determine the position of the balancer <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that, in a case where the balancer <NUM> does not move, the initial position <NUM> of the balancer <NUM> refers to a default position within the chamber <NUM> when the balancer <NUM> is stationary. The controller <NUM> records the initial position <NUM> and determines the position of the balancer <NUM> in combination with the distance by which the balancer <NUM> has moved when the balancer <NUM> begins to move from the default position. Specifically, the displacement detection member <NUM> outputs regular pulse signals based on the number of times of the identification member <NUM> passing by the displacement detection member <NUM>. The controller <NUM> receives the pulse signals output from the displacement detection member <NUM>, and the pulse signals are processed to obtain the movement distance of the balancer <NUM>, and then finally calculate a specific position of the balancer <NUM> in combination with the initial position <NUM> of the balancer <NUM>. The balancer <NUM> may include the control board <NUM> (not illustrated) on which the controller <NUM> may be disposed. The specific position of the balancer <NUM> may be transmitted to the main controller <NUM> of the household appliance <NUM> in a wired or wireless manner.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of initial positions <NUM> may be provided in the chamber <NUM>. When the chamber <NUM> has a plurality of balancers <NUM> provided therein, one balancer <NUM> remains at each initial position <NUM>. In an embodiment, two initial positions <NUM> are provided within the chamber <NUM> and two balancers <NUM> are provided. When the two balancers <NUM> do not move, one balancer <NUM> remains stationary at each initial position <NUM>. Preferably, the two initial positions <NUM> are arranged symmetrically. Thus, the balancing body <NUM> can be kept in balance without the movement of the balancer <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> has an initial position 121a and an initial position 121b provided therein. One balancer <NUM> remains at each of the initial position 121a and the initial position 121b. In other embodiments, two, or three, or other numbers of initial positions <NUM> may be provided, and the specific positions may be set as desired, which is not specifically limited herein.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the balance assembly <NUM> includes a correction member <NUM> and a correction detection member <NUM>. The balance assembly <NUM> is configured to cause a relative movement between the correction member <NUM> and the correction detection member <NUM> during the movement of the balancer <NUM>. The correction detection member <NUM> is configured to detect the correction member <NUM> to eliminate a position error of the balancer <NUM>. In this way, an accuracy of the calculation of the movement distance of the balancer <NUM> can be improved.

It should be understood that since the balancer <NUM> moves for a long time, an accumulated error may occur when the displacement detection member <NUM> detects information on the number of times of the identification member <NUM> passing by the displacement detection member <NUM>. Therefore, when calculating the movement distance of the balancer <NUM> by the errored information on the number of times, it would result in an error in the determined position of the balancer <NUM>. Therefore, the error in the position of the balancer <NUM> can be eliminated by arranging the correction member <NUM> and the correction detection member <NUM>.

Specifically, when the correction detection member <NUM> passes by each correction member <NUM>, information on the correction member <NUM> detected by the correction detection member <NUM> is transmitted to the controller <NUM>. Further, the controller <NUM> sets a position at which the balancer <NUM> is located as a value of <NUM>, that is, an origin position, to recalculate the movement distance of the balancer <NUM>, so that the position of the balancer <NUM> cannot be accurately determined due to an accumulated distance error caused by the long-term movement of the balancer <NUM>. In the present embodiment, after the correction detection member <NUM> passes by each correction member <NUM>, the information on the number of times of the displacement detection member <NUM> passing by the identification member <NUM> will be fed back to the controller <NUM> again by a pulse signal starting from <NUM>. The controller <NUM> will start calculating the movement distance of the balancer <NUM> again and derive the accurate position information on the balancer <NUM> in the balancing body <NUM>. In a case where two or more correction members <NUM> are provided, a distance between two adjacent correction members <NUM> is constant. When the balancer <NUM> sequentially passes by the two adjacent correction members <NUM>, the distance by which the balancer <NUM> moves between the two correction members <NUM> can be obtained. Thus, the error generated by the displacement detection member <NUM> between the two adjacent correction members <NUM> can be eliminated.

In connection with <FIG>, a plurality of correction members <NUM> is provided. The plurality of correction members <NUM> is arranged at intervals on the inner wall <NUM>, such as a second inner wall <NUM>, of the chamber <NUM>. Each of the correction member <NUM> includes a different number of correction portions. The correction detection member <NUM> may be one of a light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a Hall sensor. The correction detection member <NUM> will trigger different pulse signals when passing by different number of correction portions. The number of pulses of the pulse signals is the same as the number of correction portions. In this way, it is possible to determine the correction member <NUM> by which the balancer <NUM> is passing based on the pulse signal output from the correction detection member <NUM>, thereby determining the specific position of the balancer <NUM> within the chamber <NUM>. In this way, the position of the balancer <NUM> within the chamber <NUM> can be determined. In one example, the inner wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> is provided with one correction member <NUM> at intervals, and one, two, three, and four correction portions may be provided.

When the correction detection member <NUM> includes the light sensor, the correction member <NUM> may be disposed on the second inner wall <NUM>, and the correction portion may be black-and-white stripes. The light sensor may emit a light signal to the second inner wall <NUM> and receive the light signal reflected by the second inner wall <NUM>. When the balancer <NUM> passes by the correction member <NUM>, the light sensor passes by the black-and-white stripes, which causes an intensity of the received light signal to be changed, thereby outputting pulse signals corresponding to the correction portions in number. Based on the pulse signals, the number of the correction portions by which the balancer <NUM> passes can be determined, thereby determining a current position of the balancer <NUM> based on the position of the correction member <NUM>. In other embodiments, the correction portion may also be a groove <NUM>. Alternatively, the correction portion may be a protrusion. Pulse signals corresponding to the correction portions in number can also be obtained depending on the different intensity of the light signals received by the light sensor, so that the current position of the balancer <NUM> can be finally determined. The principle of the ultrasonic sensor is similar to that of light sensor, which will be omitted herein.

In a case where the correction detection member <NUM> includes the Hall sensor, the correction portion may be a protruding structure made of a metal material. It should understood that when the balancer <NUM> passes by the correction member <NUM>, the correction member <NUM> will affect a direction of magnetic lines of force of the Hall sensor to change a density of the magnetic lines of force passing through the Hall sensor, so that the Hall sensor outputs pulse signals corresponding to the correction portion sin number. The number of the correction portions by which the balancer <NUM> passes can be determined based on the number of pulse signals, thereby determining the current position of the balancer <NUM> based on the position of the correction member <NUM>.

It should be noted that the number and position of the correction members <NUM> as well as the number of correction portions of the correction member <NUM> can be adjusted as desired, which is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a household appliance <NUM> including: a body <NUM>, a cavity <NUM> rotatably connected to the body <NUM>; a second wireless charging assembly <NUM>; and the balance assembly <NUM> according to any one of the embodiments as described above. The energy storage device <NUM>, the first wireless charging assembly <NUM>, and the balancing body <NUM> are mounted within the cavity <NUM>, and the second wireless charging assembly <NUM> is mounted within the body <NUM>.

In the above household appliance <NUM>, the first wireless charging assembly <NUM> is capable of charging the energy storage device <NUM> with the charging energy wirelessly transmitted by the second wireless charging assembly <NUM>. The energy storage device <NUM> of the balancer <NUM> in the balancing body <NUM> is capable of receiving the charging energy by the first conductive structure <NUM> and the second conductive structure <NUM>. In this way, the power supply to the energy storage device <NUM> by a brush can be avoided, and a sealing performance of the balancing body <NUM> and a reliability of the power supply can be improved.

It should be understood that the household appliance <NUM> may be a clothing treatment appliance such as a washing machine, a clothes dryer, or other household appliances <NUM> having a rotatable cavity <NUM>.

Specifically, the first wireless charging assembly <NUM> is mounted within the cavity <NUM> of the household appliance <NUM>, and the second wireless charging assembly <NUM> is mounted within the body <NUM> of the household appliance <NUM>. The second wireless charging assembly <NUM> is capable of transmitting charging energy to the first wireless charging assembly <NUM>, and the first wireless charging assembly <NUM> is capable of charging the energy storage device with the received charging energy.

In the illustrated embodiment, the household appliance <NUM> is a washing machine, and the cavity <NUM> is rotatably located within the body <NUM> for washing laundry. The laundry is placed within the cavity <NUM>. When the washing machine is operating (e.g., during a dehydration stage), the cavity <NUM> rotates at a high rotation speed, and the laundry inside the cavity <NUM> may be unevenly distributed, which may result in an eccentricity. When the cavity <NUM> rotates at the high rotation speed, the washing machine will generate a great vibration. The balancing body <NUM> is attached and fixed to the cavity <NUM> to rotate together with the cavity <NUM>. Therefore, an eccentric mass of the cavity <NUM> as it rotates can be offset or reduced by the movement of the balancer <NUM> within the balancing body <NUM>, which in turn can reduce the vibration of the washing machine.

In a case where the household appliance <NUM> is the washing machine, the cavity <NUM> is a washing cavity <NUM> (an inner tub), the body <NUM> may include a housing and a water-receiving cavity <NUM> (an outer tub). Each of the water-receiving cavity <NUM> and the washing cavity <NUM> is cylindrical. The washing cavity <NUM> is rotatably disposed in the water-receiving cavity <NUM>, and the water-receiving cavity <NUM> and the washing cavity <NUM> may be disposed in the housing. The energy storage device <NUM> may be disposed in the water-receiving cavity <NUM> or may be disposed in the body <NUM>. The washing cavity <NUM> may have a rotation shaft <NUM> arranged horizontally, inclined or vertically. That is, the rotation shaft <NUM> of the washing cavity <NUM> is parallel, inclined, or perpendicular to a horizontal plane. It should be understood that one or more balancing bodies <NUM> may be arranged at any position of the washing cavity <NUM>, and the balancing body <NUM> is rotated with the rotation of the washing cavity <NUM>. The balancing body <NUM> has a central axis parallel to or coincident with a rotation axis X of the washing cavity <NUM>. That is, the balancing body <NUM> may be arranged coaxially with the washing cavity <NUM> or eccentrically with respect to the washing cavity <NUM>. The balancing body <NUM> may also be arranged in a spiral shape on the cavity <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the household appliance <NUM> is the washing machine. The cavity <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> along the rotation axis X. Two balancing bodies <NUM> may be provided and are connected to the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, respectively. Each balancing body <NUM> has at least one balancer <NUM>, such as one or two or more than two, provided therein. Preferably, two balancers <NUM> are arranged in the balancing body <NUM>. In this way, the eccentric mass of the cavity <NUM> is balanced by controlling the movement of the balancer <NUM> during the operation of the washing machine.

Specifically, the second end <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> is fixedly connected to a fixing frame <NUM>, which may be connected to a rotation shaft (not illustrated). A power unit of the household appliance <NUM> may be connected to the rotation shaft to drive the cavity <NUM> to rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> is threaded with another balancing body <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> is a front end, and the second end <NUM> is a rear end. The front end may refer to an end facing towards a user. In other embodiments, the balancing body <NUM> is disposed at the first end <NUM> or the second end <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, or the balancing body <NUM> is disposed between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, two balancers <NUM> are arranged within the balancing body <NUM>. It should to be noted that in the present disclosure, the two balancers <NUM> within the balancing body <NUM> has initial positions <NUM> symmetrically arranged in such a manner that the cavity <NUM> can be balanced in an unloaded state.

It will be understood that, referring to <FIG>, the receiving coil <NUM> is mounted on the fixing frame <NUM> of the washing cavity <NUM>. The transmitting coil <NUM> is mounted at an end of the water-receiving cavity <NUM>.

Specifically, a central axis of each of the receiving coil <NUM> and the transmitting coil <NUM> is co-linear with the rotation axis X of the cavity <NUM>. The receiving coil <NUM> is opposite to and spaced apart from the transmitting coil <NUM>. Each of the receiving coil <NUM> and the transmitting coil <NUM> may be an electromagnetic coil. The transmitting coil <NUM> is capable of transmitting electromagnetic wave energy, and the receiving coil <NUM> is capable of receiving electromagnetic wave energy. A current generated by the receiving coil <NUM> through the electromagnetic induction will be inputted through wires inside the fixing frame <NUM> to a component of the cavity to be powered, such as the energy storage device <NUM>.

Also, in connection with <FIG>, in order to further reduce the transmission of vibration from an interior to an exterior of the household appliance <NUM>, the water-receiving cavity <NUM> may be connected to a mounting plate <NUM> by a vibration damping structure <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> may be fixed to a bottom plate of the housing of the household appliance <NUM>. The vibration damping structure <NUM> may use a spring, a hydraulic member, and other structural members to reduce the transmission of vibration.

Claim 1:
A household appliance (<NUM>), comprising a body (<NUM>), a cavity (<NUM>) rotatably connected to the body (<NUM>), and a balance assembly (<NUM>), the balance assembly (<NUM>) comprising: a balancing body (<NUM>) having a chamber (<NUM>) defined therein; a balancer (<NUM>) movably located in the chamber (<NUM>); a first wireless charging assembly (<NUM>); and an energy storage device (<NUM>) located outside the balancer (<NUM>) and connected to the first wireless charging assembly (<NUM>), wherein the energy storage device (<NUM>), the first wireless charging assembly (<NUM>), and the balancing body (<NUM>) are mounted within the cavity (<NUM>), wherein the first wireless charging assembly (<NUM>) is configured to receive a charging energy wirelessly transmitted by the household appliance (<NUM>) and charge the energy storage device (<NUM>) with the charging energy, wherein the chamber (<NUM>) comprises a first conductive structure (<NUM>) provided on an inner wall thereof and a wire (<NUM>), the first conductive structure (<NUM>) comprising a first guide rail (<NUM>) and a second guide rail (<NUM>), wherein the first guide rail (<NUM>) and the second guide rail (<NUM>) are electrically connected to the energy storage device (<NUM>) via the wire (<NUM>), wherein the balancer (<NUM>) comprises a second conductive structure (<NUM>) movably connected to the first conductive structure (<NUM>), and wherein the energy storage device (<NUM>) is capable of supplying power to the balancer (<NUM>) by the first conductive structure (<NUM>) and the second conductive structure (<NUM>);
wherein the household appliance (<NUM>) further comprises a second wireless charging assembly (<NUM>);
wherein the second wireless charging assembly (<NUM>) is mounted within the body (<NUM>); and
wherein the first wireless charging assembly (<NUM>) comprises a receiving coil (<NUM>), and the second wireless assembly (<NUM>) comprises a transmitting coil (<NUM>), the receiving coil (<NUM>) and the transmitting coil (<NUM>) are spaced apart from each other and are arranged opposite to each other, the transmitting coil (<NUM>) is capable of transmitting the charging energy to the receiving coil (<NUM>), and the receiving coil (<NUM>) is capable of charging the energy storage device (<NUM>) with the received charging energy, wherein the receiving coil (<NUM>) and the transmitting coil (<NUM>) are arranged coaxially along a rotation axis X of the cavity (<NUM>).