EP3508676A1 - Hinge for a domestic appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hinge (10) for a household appliance, comprising a hinge housing (12), a pivoting arm (14) which is pivotally supported on the hinge housing (12), and a drive device (20) having an electric motor (22 ), by means of which the swivel arm (14) is pivotable relative to the hinge housing (12), wherein the drive device (20) comprises: a separately formed from the hinge housing (12), additionally provided and in the longitudinal direction (40) of the hinge housing ( 12) at least partially on the hinge housing (12) following drive housing (38); an at least partially received in the hinge housing (12) threaded spindle (42); and at least one screw element (44) screwed to the threaded spindle (42).

Description

The invention relates to a hinge for a household appliance according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Such a hinge for a household appliance, for example, is already the EP 2 759 669 A2 to be known as known. The hinge comprises a hinge housing and a pivot arm, which is at least indirectly, in particular directly, pivotally supported on the hinge housing. Thus, the hinge arm can be pivoted about at least one pivot axis relative to the hinge housing while the pivot arm is held on the hinge housing. Furthermore, the hinge comprises a drive device, which has an electric motor, by means of which the pivot arm can be pivoted relative to the hinge housing.

Furthermore, the DE 296 05 182 U1 an electromotive furniture drive in the form of a single or double drive.

Object of the present invention is to provide a hinge of the type mentioned in such a way that the hinge can be mounted very easily.

This object is achieved by a hinge having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

A hinge for a household appliance according to the invention comprises a hinge housing and a pivoting arm, which on the hinge housing is held pivotally. The hinge arm can thus be pivoted about at least or exactly one pivot axis relative to the hinge housing, that is to say rotationally moved, while the pivot arm is held on the hinge housing at least indirectly, in particular directly. Furthermore, the hinge comprises a drive device, which is also referred to as an actuator. The drive device comprises at least or exactly one electric motor, by means of which the pivot arm can be pivoted relative to the hinge housing. For this purpose, for example, the swivel arm is at least indirectly, in particular directly coupled or coupled to the electric motor.

In order to be able to assemble the hinge in a particularly simple and thus time-saving and cost-effective manner, in particular on the household appliance, it is provided according to the invention that the drive device is a separately formed from the hinge housing, in addition to the hinge housing and in the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, on the hinge housing following drive housing comprises, in which the electric motor is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, added. According to the invention, the drive device moreover comprises an at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, threaded spindle accommodated in the hinge housing, which can be driven by the electric motor and is therefore rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the hinge housing and preferably relative to the drive housing.

According to the invention, the drive device further comprises at least one screwed to the threaded spindle, in particular screwed onto the threaded spindle, screw element, which is designed for example as a nut. The screw is secured against rotation about the axis of rotation relative to the hinge housing and preferably relative to the drive housing, so that translational movement of the screw member relative to the hinge housing is effected by means of a relative rotation about the axis of rotation relative rotation between the threaded spindle and the screw, whereby the pivot arm is pivotable relative to the hinge housing by means of the screw. For example, the threaded spindle in a first direction of rotation rotated about the axis of rotation relative to the hinge housing, so for example, thereby the screw is translationally moved in a first direction relative to the hinge housing. As a result, for example, the swivel arm is pivoted in a first pivoting direction relative to the hinge housing. If, for example, the threaded spindle is rotated about the axis of rotation relative to the hinge housing by means of the electric motor in a direction opposite to the first direction of rotation, the screw element is thereby moved translationally in a second direction opposite the first direction relative to the hinge housing. As a result, for example, the swivel arm is pivoted in a direction opposite to the first pivoting direction second pivoting direction relative to the hinge housing.

The invention also includes, for example, a household appliance which comprises a device housing and a device door pivotably held on the device housing, which is pivotable, for example, between a closed position and at least one open position relative to the device housing. The household appliance further comprises at least one hinge according to the invention. In this case, for example, at least the hinge housing is fixed to the device housing, and the swivel arm is connected, for example, with the appliance door. Thus, if the pivot arm is pivoted relative to the hinge housing, thereby pivoting the door is effected relative to the device housing. For example, by pivoting the pivot arm in the first pivoting direction, the door can at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, moved away from the device housing and thereby moved, for example, from the closed position to the open position. By pivoting the pivot arm in the first pivoting direction, for example, the appliance door can be moved from the open position to the closed position. As a result, a particularly comfortable operation or handling of the household appliance can be displayed.

Since the electric motor is accommodated at least partially in the drive housing and is preferably held at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the drive housing, the electric motor and the drive housing form, for example, a first module part or the drive housing and the electric motor Components of a first module part. The threaded spindle and the screw element are held at least indirectly on the hinge housing, wherein the screw can be at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, arranged in the hinge housing. Further, since the swing arm is held on the hinge housing, the hinge housing, the threaded spindle, the screw and the pivot arm form a second module part or the hinge housing, the threaded spindle, the screw and the pivot arm are components of a second module part. The module parts can for example be manufactured or pre-assembled independently and / or handled.

The respective module part forms an individually assembled or preassembled structural unit, which in particular can be handled independently of the respective other structural unit and in particular can be mounted on the device housing. Thus, it is possible, for example, first to move or handle the first module part independently of the second module part relative to the device housing and in particular to mount it to the device housing, in particular while the first module part is detached from the second module part. After the first module part has been mounted on the device housing, the second module part, for example, can be moved and handled independent of the first module part and in particular in the released state from the first module part and thus in particular moved relative to the device housing and, in particular, mounted on the device housing. As part of the assembly of the second module part of the device housing, for example, the module parts are assembled or assembled, whereby, for example, the electric motor is at least indirectly, in particular directly, coupled to the threaded spindle. In the assembled state of the module parts, the electric motor can drive the threaded spindle and thereby rotate about the axis of rotation relative to the hinge housing and in particular relative to the drive housing, thereby pivoting the pivot arm.

The hinge according to the invention can thus have a modular construction which enables a particularly simple assembly of the hinge as a whole. Since the module parts can be handled independently, and there the each module part considered in itself smaller outer dimensions than the hinge has a total in a state in which the module parts are assembled or assembled, the respective module part can be handled particularly easy in separate state of the other module part state and even in tight spaces easily and thus timely and inexpensively mounted.

A particularly simple assembly of the hinge can be realized, in particular, by connecting the drive housing to the hinge housing in the completely produced state of the hinge, that is to say when the module parts are assembled or assembled in the longitudinal direction of extension of the hinge housing. As a result, the space requirement of the hinge in a direction obliquely or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing direction can be kept particularly low. In other words, a height of the hinge can be kept particularly low, so that the hinge can be accommodated or mounted particularly well in tight spaces. The longitudinal extension direction of the hinge housing coincides in particular with a coincidence with the first and with the second direction of movement along which the screw can be moved by rotating the threaded spindle relative to the hinge housing.

The invention is based on the finding that the hinge in a state in which the module parts are assembled, for reasons of space may not be mounted. Another problem is that a common assembly order is to always mount the hinge on the door first at the end. Thus prevail in the assembly of the hinge already very tight space, so that also referred to as an actuator hinge can not be mounted or only very cumbersome. However, these problems and disadvantages can now be avoided by the modular design of the hinge according to the invention. The second module part preferably comprises force-carrying components such as the threaded spindle, the screw element and, for example, at least one or more thrust bearings and / or at least one or more radial bearings and / or at least one plunger. The threaded spindle is for example via the at least one thrust bearing in the axial Direction of the threaded spindle mounted on the hinge housing. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the threaded spindle is mounted on the hinge housing via the at least one radial bearing in the radial direction of the threaded spindle. By way of example, a transmission of forces from the screw element to the swivel arm takes place via said plunger so that, for example, the swivel arm is pivotable relative to the hinge housing via the plunger by means of the screw element, that the screw element and with this, for example, the plunger in the respective direction relative to the Hinge housing to be moved translationally.

The electric motor can be fastened or mounted, for example, via the drive housing on the device housing. In particular, for example, the electric motor can be mounted on the drive housing on or on a bottom trough of the device housing. The drive housing thus acts as a motor holder, which is simply referred to as a holder.

In particular, it is conceivable first to mount the first module part and thus the electric motor and the drive housing independently of the second module part dissolved state on the device housing, in particular on the floor pan. For this purpose, for example, initially the first module part is handled independently of the second module part and in particular dissolved in the second module part state and in particular moved relative to the second module part and relative to the device housing and mounted on the device housing. Subsequently, for example, the second module part is handled independently of the first module part and in the state detached from the first module part and thereby moved relative to the first module part and relative to the device housing, in particular while the first module part is already mounted on the device housing. The second module part is then mounted, for example, at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the device housing and in this case assembled or assembled with the first module part already mounted on the device housing, whereby, for example, the threaded spindle is coupled to the electric motor. The module parts can thus be handled independently of each other and mounted on the device housing. In particular, the module parts can be handled in a detached or separated state and mounted on the device housing, so that the hinge can be mounted easily overall and time and cost.

For example, after the first module part has been mounted on the device housing, the second module part and thus the hinge housing, the threaded spindle, the screw element and the hinge arm can be at least partially inserted from a front side of the device housing through a front panel into the device housing, and the threaded spindle can thereby at least indirectly connected to the electric motor or coupled. In particular, an at least indirect rotationally fixed coupling or connection of the threaded spindle with the electric motor, in particular with a rotor of the electric motor, takes place. The electric motor is designed, for example, as a rotary motor and comprises a stator and a rotor, which is drivable by the stator and thereby rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the stator. The electric motor can provide, for example via the rotor torques by means of which the threaded spindle can be rotated.

In assembled or assembled state of the module parts, for example, the threaded spindle is positively coupled to the rotor. In particular, in the hinge, for example, the threaded spindle via a tooth connection, in particular via a multi-tooth connection, connected to the electric motor, in particular with the rotor, in particular rotatably connected. The drive housing and thus the electric motor are fastened or fastened, for example via the holder on the device housing. In other words, for example, the first module part includes the holder, via which the electric motor can be fastened to the device housing. The holder is preferably funnel-shaped at least in a partial region, so that it leads, for example, the hinge housing and centered when the hinge housing is at least partially pushed or inserted into the drive housing. By means of this centering, for example, respective toothings of the rotor and of the threaded spindle, which are designed in particular as serrations, can be centered or aligned relative to one another. The teeth are, for example, splines, which, in particular along the direction of movement, can be inserted into one another in order thereby to positively connect the threaded spindle to the rotor. This connection is supported by the funnel-shaped holder.

Preferably, the hinge housing is directly or directly supported on the drive housing, so that, for example, the hinge housing touches the drive housing directly or directly. As a result, for example, a supporting torque of the electric motor can be passed from the electric motor to the drive housing and from the drive housing directly into the hinge housing, so that the electric motor can be supported against undesirable rotation relative to the drive housing particularly advantageous, especially when the threaded spindle by means of the electric motor is driven.

Due to the modular design of the hinge according to the invention, the usual assembly order can be maintained. Furthermore, protruding components of the hinge can be avoided. A further advantage is that the electric motor representing a potential noise source can be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing particularly far back in the device housing, so that excessive noise can be avoided. Furthermore, the electric motor can thereby be arranged at such a point, at which the electric motor can be particularly advantageous in terms of structure-borne sound insulation. In comparison to conventional hinges, the drive device sits further down, whereby, in particular, a temperature load acting on the drive device can be kept particularly low when the household appliance is designed as an oven or other cooking appliance. In addition, a particularly advantageous accessibility to the hinge can be ensured, in particular in a service or repair case.

The aforementioned household appliance is for example a cooking appliance such as in particular a stove, in particular an electric cooker or a gas stove. In particular, the household appliance may be an oven. However, the hinge can also be readily used for other household appliances.

Under the feature that the drive housing is formed separately from the hinge housing and additionally provided, it can be understood in particular that the hinge housing and the drive housing two separately are formed from each other and interconnected or connectable components. Further, under the feature that the drive housing follows in the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing at least partially on the hinge housing, to understand that the drive housing in the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing at least partially connects to the hinge housing, so that the drive housing at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, is arranged outside of the hinge housing, in particular with respect to the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the threaded spindle along the axis of rotation at least predominantly, in particular completely, received in the hinge housing. As a result, the second module part can be handled in a particularly simple manner and thus assembled in a timely and cost-effective manner.

In order to realize a particular ease of assembly, the electric motor and the drive housing close to this at an opposite end of the pivot arm of the hinge housing.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the drive housing and / or the electric motor along the axis of rotation to the pivot arm at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, covered by the hinge housing. This means that the drive housing and the electric motor in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation extending direction are not arranged completely offset from the hinge housing, but the drive housing and the electric motor close as it were in the extension of the hinge housing to this, in particular on a side opposite the pivot arm side of the hinge housing. As a result, the hinge can be mounted very easily.

In order to handle the module parts particularly easy to independently and assemble, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that a length range of the threaded spindle protrudes from the hinge housing and is accommodated in the drive housing. In particular, the Threaded spindle over the length range with the electric motor, in particular with the rotor coupled, in particular rotatably connected.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the threaded spindle via a plug connection, in particular reversibly releasably rotatably connected to the electric motor, in particular with the rotor is connected. In this way, the module parts can for example be assembled or assembled in a particularly simple manner that the module parts, in particular the threaded spindle and the rotor, are plugged or nested together, in particular by the threaded spindle moves along the axis of rotation relative to the rotor and for example in the drive housing is inserted.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the drive housing, in particular reversibly detachable, connected to the hinge housing. This allows the module parts are particularly easy to assemble or assembled and released from each other again, so that the hinge can be mounted in a simple manner on the device housing and disassembled from the device housing.

The hinge housing is also referred to as the first housing or is a first housing of the hinge. The drive housing is, for example, a second housing of the hinge or is also referred to as a second housing. It is preferably provided that a length range of the housing is accommodated in the respective other housing. As a result, for example, the module parts can be assembled in a particularly simple manner by inserting the longitudinal region of one housing, in particular along the axis of rotation, into the respective other housing. Here, for example, the funnel-shaped holder acts as a guide to guide the one housing when its length range is inserted into the other housing.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the drive device comprises a transmission which has one of 1 different translation and at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, is accommodated in the drive housing. The transmission is preferably at least indirectly, in particular directly, held on the drive housing. The transmission is preferably also part of the aforementioned first module part, so that the transmission can be mounted in a simple manner. The threaded spindle can be driven by the electric motor via the transmission. By using the gearbox, the electric motor can be made particularly weight and space-saving, so that the weight and space requirements of the hinge can be kept very low overall. As a result, the hinge can be mounted very easily and thus time and cost.

Finally, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the transmission is accommodated at least predominantly, in particular completely, in the drive housing along the axis of rotation. This allows a particularly compact design can be realized, so that the hinge can be mounted very easily.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention.

Fig. 1

eine schematische und perspektivische sowie teilweise geschnittene Explosionsansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Scharniers; und

Fig. 2

eine schematische und teilweise geschnittene Explosionsseitenansicht des Scharniers.

The drawing shows in:

Fig. 1

a schematic and perspective and partially sectioned exploded view of a hinge according to the invention; and

Fig. 2

a schematic and partially sectioned exploded side view of the hinge.

In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 and 2 each show in a schematic exploded view a hinge 10 for a household appliance. The hinge 10 comprises a hinge housing 12, which in Fig. 2 is shown transparently. In addition, the hinge 10 comprises a pivot arm 14, which is arranged, for example, at a first end 16 of the hinge housing 12 and thereby held at the end 16 of the hinge arm on the hinge housing. This means that the pivot arm 14 can be pivoted about a pivot axis defined by a pin 18 relative to the hinge housing 12, that is, can be moved rotationally, while the pivot arm 14, which is also referred to as a hinge arm, is held on the hinge housing 12. In this case, the pivot arm 14 is held at least on the bolt 18 pivotally mounted on the hinge housing 12. The hinge 10 further comprises a drive device 20, which is also designated as an actuator, and which has an electric motor 22 designed, for example, as a rotary motor. By means of the electric motor 22, the pivot arm 14 can be pivoted about the pivot axis relative to the hinge housing 12.

The pivot arm 14 is pivotable, for example, between at least one first position and at least one second position relative to the hinge housing 12. The defined by the pin 18 pivot axis is in Fig. 2 denoted by 24. The hinge 10 further includes a particularly good Fig. 2 recognizable carriage 26. The carriage 26 is mounted on the hinge housing 12 relative to the hinge housing 12 movable in translation and in particular at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, arranged or received in the hinge housing 12. In other words, the carriage 26 is mounted longitudinally displaceably on the hinge housing 12. In Fig. 2 12, an arrow 28 illustrates a first direction in which the carriage 26 is translationally movable relative to the hinge housing 12. Furthermore, an arrow 30 illustrates a second direction opposite the first direction, in which the carriage 26 is translationally movable relative to the hinge housing 12.

Furthermore, an arrow 32 illustrates a first pivoting direction, in which the pivot arm 14 is pivotable about the pivot axis 24 relative to the hinge housing 12. Furthermore illustrated in Fig. 2 an arrow 34 a second pivot direction opposite to the first pivot direction, in which the pivot arm 14 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 24 relative to the pivot housing 12. The carriage 26 is at least indirectly, in particular directly, coupled to the pivot arm 14, so that the pivot arm 14 is pivoted in the first pivoting direction when the carriage 26 is moved in the first direction. If the carriage 26 is moved in the second direction, the pivot arm 14 is thereby pivoted in the second pivoting direction. The electric motor 22 comprises a stator which can not be seen in more detail in the figures, and a rotor which can be driven by the stator and is therefore rotatable about an axis of rotation 36 relative to the stator and in particular relative to the hinge housing 12. The rotor can be rotated about the axis of rotation 36 in a first direction of rotation and in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation.

Said domestic appliance comprises a device housing and a door, which is simply referred to as a door. The door is at least indirectly, in particular directly, pivotally supported on the device housing and can thus be pivoted between a closed position and at least one open position relative to the device housing. In this case, for example, the hinge housing 12 is at least indirectly, in particular directly hold or fixed to the device housing, while, for example, the pivot arm 14 is at least indirectly, in particular directly connected to the door. Thus, for example, if the pivot arm 14 is moved in the first pivoting direction, then the appliance door can be moved from the closed position to the open position. For example, if the pivot arm 14 is pivoted in the second pivoting direction, so for example, the door is moved from the open position to the closed position. Moving the door from the closed position to the open position is also referred to as opening the door, wherein moving the door from the open position to the closed position is also referred to as closing the door.

In order to be able to mount the hinge 10 in a particularly simple and thus time-consuming and cost-effective manner, in particular on the device housing, the method comprises Drive device 20 a separately formed from the hinge housing 12 and in addition to the hinge housing 12 provided drive housing 38, which acts for example as a holder. The holder is also referred to as a motor holder. How very good Fig. 1 and 2 can be seen, the drive housing 38 follows in the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing 12 at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, on the hinge housing 12, wherein the electric motor 22 at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, arranged or received in the drive housing 38. In Fig. 1 and 2 the longitudinal extension direction of the hinge housing 12 is illustrated by a double arrow 40, wherein, for example, the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing 12 coincides with the axis of rotation 36 and extends along the axis of rotation 36. The drive device 20 furthermore comprises an at least partially, in particular at least predominantly, threaded spindle 42 accommodated in the hinge housing 12, which can be driven by the electric motor 22, in particular by means of the rotor, and is therefore rotatable about a spindle rotation axis relative to the hinge housing 12. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the spindle rotation axis coincides with the rotation axis 36, so that the threaded spindle 42 is rotatable about the rotation axis 36 relative to the hinge housing 12. Thus, the threaded spindle 42 is arranged coaxially with the electric motor 22, in particular with its rotor. The threaded spindle 42 can thus be driven by the stator via the rotor. Thus, the rotor and, via it, the threaded spindle 42 can be rotated about the axis of rotation 36 in a first rotational direction and in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction relative to the hinge housing 12 and in particular relative to the drive housing 38.

The drive device 20 furthermore comprises an at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, screwed in the hinge housing 12 and screwed to the threaded spindle 42 screw element in the form of a spindle nut 44 which against rotation about the axis of rotation 36 relative to the hinge housing 12 and in particular relative is secured to the drive housing 38. Thus, by a taking place about the axis of rotation 36 relative rotation between the threaded spindle 42 and the spindle nut 44 a translational movement of the spindle nut 44 relative to the hinge housing 12 effected, whereby the pivot arm 14 by means of the spindle nut 44 relative to the hinge housing 12 is pivotable.

The spindle nut 44 has, for example, a first thread in the form of an external thread. The spindle nut 44 has, for example, a second thread in the form of an internal thread corresponding to the external thread. The spindle nut 44 is screwed via the thread with the threaded spindle 42 and screwed in particular onto the threaded spindle 42. If, for example, the threaded spindle 42 is rotated in the first rotational direction about the axis of rotation 36 relative to the hinge housing 12, the spindle nut 44 is thereby moved translationally relative to the hinge housing 12 in the first direction illustrated by the arrow 28. If the threaded spindle 42 is rotated, for example, in the second direction of rotation, so for example, the spindle nut 44 is translationally moved in the second direction illustrated by the arrow 30 relative to the hinge housing 12.

The spindle nut 44 is, for example, at least indirectly, in particular directly, connected to the carriage 26. Thus, when the spindle nut 44 is moved in the first direction, the carriage 26 is thereby moved in the first direction. As a result, when the spindle nut 44 is moved in the second direction, it will move the carriage 26 in the second direction, for example. In particular, for example, the spindle nut 44 is coupled or connected via a coupling element 46 with the carriage 26, wherein the coupling element, for example, as a metal sheet, in particular as an actuating plate, and formed as the spindle nut 44 and the carriage 26 along one with the first direction and the second direction coincident movement direction relative to the hinge housing 12 and relative to the drive housing 38 is translationally movable.

In addition, the hinge 10 includes, for example, a spring 48, which is at least indirectly, in particular directly, coupled to the carriage 26 and on the other hand, at least indirectly, in particular directly, with the hinge housing 12 or connected. For example, the first position of the pivot arm 14 in Fig. 1 and 2 shown. If the pivot arm 14 is pivoted in the first pivoting direction, whereby the pivot arm 14, for example, from the first position is moved to the second position, so the spring 48 is tensioned thereby. By pivoting the pivot arm 14 in the first pivoting direction, for example, the door is opened. By tensioning the spring 48, this provides a spring force which acts on the carriage 26 via the carriage 14 and on this on the door. From this spring force results, for example, a first torque, which acts around the pivot axis 24 in the second pivoting direction. The first torque is also referred to as closing moment, since it is used to close the door or because the door is movable by means of the closing torque in the closed position. Relative to the image plane in Fig. 2 the closing moment acts counterclockwise.

At least in the open position, the weight force of the door causes a second torque which acts around the pivot axis 24 in the first pivot direction opposite to the second pivot direction and is also referred to as the opening moment, since the door can be moved into the open position by means of the opening moment. The opening moment is opposite to the closing moment.

If the door is moved from the open position in the direction of the closed position, so that the pivot arm 14 is moved from the second position in the direction of the first position, the closing moment is different from one of the closed position and the open position and a pivoting range, in which the swivel arm 14 and the door are pivotally belonging first intermediate position greater than the opening moment, so that the door from the first intermediate position by means of the closing torque or by means of the spring force moves completely into the closed position, in particular pulled. If the door is moved from the closed position in the direction of the open position, so that the pivot arm 14 is moved from the first position in the direction of the second position, the opening moment is different from one of the closed position and the open position or the first position and the second position and belonging to the pivoting second intermediate position greater than the closing moment, so that the door is moved from the second intermediate position by means of the opening moment or by means of the weight force and thus by gravity completely in the open position. For example, the intermediate positions differ from each other.

The drive device further comprises a gear 50 which has a different ratio from 1 and at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, is received in the drive housing 38. In this case, the threaded spindle 42 via the gear 50 of the electric motor 22, in particular of the rotor, driven. The electric motor 22 and the gear 50 are each held at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the drive housing. Furthermore, the threaded spindle 42, the spindle nut 44, the carriage 26, the 'pivot arm 14, the spring 48 and the coupling element 46 are each held at least indirectly on the hinge housing 12. Thus, for example, the drive housing 38, the electric motor 22 and the gear 50 form a first module part 52. The hinge housing 12, the pivot arm 14, the carriage 26, the threaded spindle 42, the spindle nut 44, the coupling element 46 and the spring 48 form, for example, a second Module part 54, wherein the module parts 52 and 54 are considered, in themselves contiguous or assembled units. The respective module part 52 or 54 can be handled and moved independently of the respective other module part 54 or 52, so that the respective module part 52 or 54 can be moved relative to the respective other module part 54 or 52. In particular, the module parts 52 and 54 can be moved relative to each other and independently in a detached state, that is, in a state in which the module parts 52 and 54 separated from each other or detached from each other, that is not assembled or assembled.

In this way, it is possible, for example, first to move the module part 52 in a state detached from the module part 54 relative to the module part 54 and relative to the device housing and thus independently of the module part 54 and to mount it to the device housing, in particular while the module part 54 is separated or detached from the module part 52. The drive housing 38 acts as a holder, in particular as a motor holder, since the electric motor 22 and the gear 50 can be fastened or fastened to the device housing via the drive housing 38.

After the module part 52 has been fastened to the device housing via the drive housing 38, the module part 54 can be detached from the module part 52 or separate state relative to the device housing and relative to the already attached to the device housing module part 52 are moved and in particular attached to the device housing, while the module part 52 is already attached to the device housing. As part of the attachment of the module part 54 to the device housing, the module parts 52 and 54 are connected to each other, that is assembled or assembled. Here, for example, the threaded spindle 42, in particular form-fitting, connected to the gear 50 and thus to the electric motor 22, in particular rotationally fixed, so that then the threaded spindle 42 is driven via the gear 50 of the electric motor 22 and thus about the axis of rotation 36 relative to the hinge housing 12 can be rotated.

Out Fig. 1 and 2 It can be seen particularly clearly that the threaded spindle 42 is accommodated at least predominantly in the hinge housing 12 along the axis of rotation 36. Furthermore, the module part 52 connects in the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing 12 to this that the drive housing 38 and / or the electric motor 22 and optionally the gear 50 along the axis of rotation 36 and thus in the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing 12 to the pivot arm 14 at least partially through the Hinge housing 12 is covered. In this case, the electric motor 22 and the gear 50 along axis of rotation 36 at least predominantly, in particular completely, received in the drive housing 38.

In addition, a longitudinal region L1 of the threaded spindle 42 projects out of the hinge housing 12 in the direction of longitudinal extension of the hinge housing 12 or along the axis of rotation 36 and is received in the drive housing 38. Over the length range L1, the threaded spindle 42, in particular form-fitting manner, with the gear 50 and thus with the electric motor 36, in particular with the rotor connected. For this purpose, for example, the threaded spindle 42 at least in the longitudinal region L1, a first toothing, which is formed for example as a spline. The gear 50 and the electric motor 22, in particular the rotor, for example, has a second toothing corresponding to the first toothing, which is also designed, for example, as a plug toothing. The threaded spindle 42 can in this case with the electric motor 22, in particular with the rotor rotatably be connected, that the teeth along the axis of rotation 36 are inserted into each other. As a result, the threaded spindle 42 is reversibly releasably connected to the electric motor 22, so that the module parts 52 and 54 can be connected to each other in a simple manner and as needed and detached from each other.

In addition, it is preferably provided that the drive housing 38 is reversibly releasably connected at least indirectly, in particular directly, with the hinge housing 12. In this way, for example, the torques can be transmitted from the electric motor 22 to the drive housing 38 in a particularly advantageous manner and introduced directly into the hinge housing 12.

Furthermore, the hinge housing 12 has a length region L2, which is accommodated in the drive housing 38. Especially good Fig. 2 It can be seen that the module parts 52 and 54 connected to each other, that is assembled or assembled so that the length range L2 of the hinge housing 12 along the axis of rotation 36 is inserted into the drive housing 38, thereby inserting the splines into each other. In this case, the drive housing 38 is funnel-shaped at least in a longitudinal region L3 in which the longitudinal region L2 is received or through which the longitudinal region L2 is inserted, so that wall regions 56 of the drive housing 38 taper along the axis of rotation 36 toward the electric motor 22 or towards each other run. The wall regions 56 limit an insertion opening 58, via which the length region L2 is plugged into the drive housing 38 or can be inserted. The wall regions 56 act as insertion funnel or insertion aid, by means of which or which the hinge housing 12, when it is inserted into the drive housing 38 via the insertion opening 58, is aligned or centered relative to the drive housing 38. As a result, the teeth find each other particularly easy and can be inserted along the axis of rotation 36 into one another. As a result, the module parts 52 and 54 can be connected to one another in a particularly simple manner and thus time-consuming and cost-effectively.

The transmission 50 in this case has a different ratio of 1, so that the weight and space requirement of the electric motor 22 and thus the Drive device 20 can be kept very low overall. In this case, the transmission 50 along the axis of rotation 36 at least predominantly, in particular completely, received in the drive housing 38.

In particular, for example, the coupling element 46 is coupled to the spindle nut 44 on the one hand and with the carriage 26 on the other hand, that the coupling element 46 via the spindle nut 44 and the threaded spindle 42 by means of the electric motor 22 along the direction of movement translationally movable relative to the hinge housing 12 in at least one neutral position is in which the pivot arm 14 and via this the carriage 26 are movable independently of the drive means 20 relative to the hinge housing 12 and relative to the drive means 20. In other words, if the coupling element 46 is in the neutral position, then the pivot arm 14 can be pivoted relative to the hinge housing 12 and thereby the carriage 26 can be translationally moved via the pivot arm 14 relative to the hinge housing 12, while movements of the drive device 20 are omitted That is, while rotations of the threaded spindle 42 and the rotor around the axis of rotation 36 remain undone and while translational movements of the spindle nut 44 and the coupling element 46 relative to the hinge housing 12 along the direction of movement omitted. This means that the drive device 20, in particular the coupling element 46, is not moved via the carriage 26 and the pivot arm 14 when the coupling element 46 is in the neutral position and thereby the carriage 26 and the pivot arm 14 are moved relative to the hinge housing 12 , This also means that the drive means 20 does not affect movements of the carriage 26 and the pivot arm 14 when the Kopopelelement 46 is in the neutral position. In this way, for example, in particular in the event of a power failure, the appliance door - while the coupling element 46 is in the neutral position - manually opened and / or closed by a person without the closing or opening the appliance door, the drive means 20 opposes. As a result, a particularly comfortable operation can be realized.

Claims (10)

A hinge (10) for a household appliance, comprising a hinge housing (12), a pivoting arm (14) which is pivotally supported on the hinge housing (12) and a drive means (20) having an electric motor (22) to which the swivel arm (14) is pivotable relative to the hinge housing (12),
characterized in that
the drive device (20) comprises: - A separately from the hinge housing (12) formed, additionally provided and in the longitudinal direction (40) of the hinge housing (12) at least partially on the hinge housing (12) following drive housing (38), in which the electric motor (22) is accommodated; - An at least partially in the hinge housing (12) received threaded spindle (42) which by means of the electric motor (22) driven and thereby about an axis of rotation (36) relative to the hinge housing (12) is rotatable; and - At least one with the threaded spindle (42) screwed screw (44) which is secured against rotation about the axis of rotation (36) relative to the hinge housing (12), so by a about the axis of rotation (36) taking place relative rotation between the threaded spindle (36) 42) and the screw (44) a translational movement of the screw (44) relative to the hinge housing (12) is effected, whereby the pivot arm (14) by means of the screw (44) relative to the hinge housing (12) is pivotable. Hinge (10) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the threaded spindle (42) is received at least predominantly in the hinge housing (12) along the axis of rotation (36). Hinge (10) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the drive housing (38) and / or the electric motor (22) along the axis of rotation (36) to the pivot arm (14) is at least partially covered by the hinge housing (12). Hinge (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the electric motor (22) is accommodated at least predominantly, in particular completely, in the drive housing (38) along the axis of rotation (36). Hinge (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
a length region (L1) of the threaded spindle (42) protrudes from the hinge housing (12) and is received in the drive housing (38). Hinge (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the threaded spindle (42) via a plug connection, in particular reversibly releasably rotatably connected to the electric motor (22). Hinge (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the drive housing (38), in particular reversibly detachable, is connected to the hinge housing (12). Hinge (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the hinge housing (12) has a first housing and the drive housing (38) a second housing of the hinge (10), wherein a length portion (L2) of one of the housings is received in the other housing. Hinge (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the drive device (20) comprises a transmission (50) having a different ratio from 1 and at least partially received in the drive housing (38), via which the threaded spindle (42) can be driven by the electric motor (22). Hinge (10) according to claim 9,
characterized in that
the transmission (50) along the axis of rotation (36) at least predominantly, in particular completely, is received in the drive housing (38).

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