DE102017203778A1 - Domestic appliance with automatic door opening function and method of its operation - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance 1 having a housing 2, a door 3 connected to the housing 2, via which the interior of the household appliance 1 is accessible, a door lock 4 having a door opening function, comprising a receiving device 5 for a locking element 6 arranged on the door 3 an energy storage element 7 between a force introduction point 8 on the receiving device 5 and a receiving point 9 outside the receiving device 5, wherein the force application point 8 and thus the receiving device 5 can assume an open position 10 and a closed position 11, and wherein the door lock 4 such is configured such that the receiving point 9 is displaceable along a distance 12 from a rest position 13 to an end position 14, wherein the rest position 13 is taken when the force application point 8 occupies a closed position 11, and the receiving point. 9 along the path 12 a snap-14 he can reach, in which the receiving device 5 passes from the closed position 11 in the open position 10. The invention also relates to a method for operating this household appliance.

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance with an automatic door opening function and a method for its operation. More particularly, the invention relates to a household appliance having a housing, a door connected to the housing, through which the interior of the household appliance is accessible, a door lock (also referred to herein as "zipper") having a door opening function, comprising a receiving device for a door arranged on the door Locking element, an energy storage element between a force application point on the receiving device and a receiving point outside the receiving device, wherein the force application point and thus the receiving device can take an open position and a closed position, and a method for operating this household appliance.

Domestic appliances such as washing machines, washer-dryers, dryers and dishwashers have a treatment room for, for example, items of laundry or dishes, and other household appliances such as refrigerators and freezers have a storage room for food in particular. Such treatment rooms or storage rooms can be closed by means of a door, wherein the door can be closed by a suitable door lock.

In such household appliances, a door is locked in the locked state by mechanical positive locking. For this purpose, the doors are equipped with hooks or eyes, which are guided into the interior of the closure when closing. To open the door, some household appliances have a mechanical opening button.

The publication DE 10 2013 103 406 B3 describes a door lock for household electrical appliances, in particular for a washing machine or a tumble dryer, comprising a fastened to the device housing body with a movable spring action locking part, attachable to a door, when closing in the locking member engaging locking piston, and at least one by a solenoid and a reed sensor formed reed sensor for detecting the door closing position, wherein the switching magnet is fixedly connected to the locking part.

The publication DE 10 2010 039 688 A1 describes a water-conducting household appliance with a housing, a door connected to the housing, via which a treatment area is accessible inside the housing, a door lock, which serves to close the door, and a vent valve, which serves to control a ventilation of the treatment area. In one embodiment of the household appliance, the door lock has a bistable fixing mechanism which holds a slide of the door lock either in a released position in which the door is released, or in a locked position in which the door is closed.

The publication DE 10 2011 010 439 A1 describes a closure, in particular for a household appliance, such as a tumble dryer, a washing machine, or the like. With a movable holding element for cooperating with a movable between an open and a closed position closing element, such as a door, a lid, a flap or the like Domestic appliance, wherein the holding element holds the closing element in the closed position by means of a clamping force of an elastic element, the closing element is movable against the elastic force of the elastic element from the closed position to the open position, and wherein the voltage of the elastic element by means of an actuator increased. and / or degradable.

The publication DE 10 2013 223 431 B3 describes a household appliance with a household appliance door, which is fixable by means of a closing device by a frictional connection in a closed position, wherein the household appliance comprises an electromechanical door opening device for exerting an urging force on the inside of the household appliance to overcome the frictional force exerted by the closing device. Preferably, the electromechanical door opening device comprises a magnetic coil for exerting the pressing force on the inside of the household appliance door. In this case, the electromechanical door opening device may comprise a displaceable plunger for pressing the household appliance door.

The publication DE 94 07 855 U1 describes a door lock for electrical household appliances with a closing bolt, a closure part, which can assume a starting position and a blocking position, and a locking device formed by a one-piece latch, which can assume a securing position, a closed position and a release position, which three different spatial positions and / or orientations.

The publication WO 2011/132213 A1 describes a locking device for the door of household appliances, comprising an enclosing space, which a locking wheel for a door lock depending on the action of elastic means, a door eye, which can prevent the rotation of the said wheel, and a Time delay mechanism has to trigger a locking catch for the door eye. The rotary latch is provided with a recess which presents an inclined surface with respect to a plane of rotation to interact with the profiled extremity of the door lug, which is also oblique, to dissolve the force exerted by the rotary latch on the bolt into two components. The catch is connected via a hinge with the enclosing space and also subjected to the action of a torsion spring.

The publication DE102013225347A1 describes a household appliance with a door and a closure device with at least one permanent magnet for exerting a holding force to hold the door and a coil for generating a counter magnetic field for releasing the holding force.

Frequently, such doors have no handles, in particular no window handle or recessed grip, so they must be opened by pressing a button and the triggering of an opening mechanism. In one possible embodiment, this function is realized via a so-called zipper and a lifting magnet arranged above the zipper on the front wall of the household appliance, in particular a washing machine. In the closed state of the door, an integrally formed pin of the door displaces the plunger of the lifting magnet into the interior of the household appliance. To open the door, the lock must be unlocked. Subsequently, the solenoid is then subjected to an electric current so that it extends. By the extending ram on the solenoid impulse is exerted on the door frame, which should open the door.

The requirements for the installation space are comparatively high.

Against this background, it was an object of the present invention to provide a household appliance with an improved automatic door opening device, in which an opening of the household appliance should be possible by pressing a button. In addition, a method for operating this household appliance should be provided.

The solution of this object is achieved according to this invention by a household appliance and a method for operating a household appliance with the features of the corresponding independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention and of the household appliance according to the invention are listed in the respective dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the inventive method correspond to preferred embodiments of the household appliance according to the invention and vice versa, even if this is not explicitly stated herein.

The invention thus relates to a household appliance having a housing, a door connected to the housing, via which the interior of the household appliance is accessible, a door lock with a door opening function, comprising a receiving device for a locking element arranged on the door, an energy storage element between a force introduction point the receiving device and a receiving point outside the receiving device, wherein the force application point and thus the receiving device can assume an open position and a closed position, and wherein the door lock is configured such that the receiving point along a distance from a rest position into an end Position is displaceable, wherein the rest position is taken when the force application point occupies a closed position, and the pick-up point along the route can reach a snap-in position, wherein the receiving device of the G closed position in the open position.

The term "door" as used herein is to be understood broadly as a device that can close an opening. In this sense, the term "door" is thus also to be understood as meaning a cover, a flap or a window. Preferably, however, the term "door" stands for such devices in which the opening direction is substantially horizontal.

Preferably, in the household appliance according to the invention, the receiving device is a rotary latch. In this case, the rotary latch generally has a radial recess for receiving the locking element perpendicular to a rotation axis. When closing or opening the door, the rotary latch is generally rotated about this axis of rotation.

The pick-up point can be moved manually by a user of the household appliance or by means of a drive device. When a drive device is used, it is generally started by a user of the household appliance by actuating an opening switch present on the household appliance or in a mobile terminal.

According to the invention it is preferred that the receiving point is displaceable by means of a drive device along the path from the rest position to the end position. In this case, the drive device is preferably selected from the group comprising an electric motor, an electric lifting magnet, a PTC, a memory wire and a Includes piezoelectric element. Particularly preferably, the drive device is an electric motor.

When using an electric lifting magnet, the displacement of the pick-up point, for example, such that the pick-up point or a component containing it due to a force generated by an electrical current as a lifting magnet ausgestalteter magnetic rod, pulled into an electromagnet or from him is pushed out, is moved. The solenoid can be connected via a suitable slide with the receiving point or component.

If a drive device is present, this is preferably set up to move the pickup point along the route only to the snap-over position. In this case, "set up" as a rule means that reaching a snap-fit position can be detected with the assistance of a control device of the household appliance, so that subsequently the operation of the drive device can be adjusted. In principle, however, an operation of the drive device is possible until reaching the end position.

The energy storage element is generally used for storing the energy that is expended, for example, when closing the door of the household appliance by a user. The stored energy can then usually be used to assist a closing or opening process. As long as such a function can be fulfilled, the energy storage element is not limited. The energy storage element may be, for example, a spring or a Bowden cable. According to the invention, it is preferred that the energy storage element is a spring. Again, the spring is preferably a torsion spring, coil spring or leaf spring. The spring used according to the invention is generally designed as a torsion spring such that it is tensioned upon rotation of the rotary latch about an axis of the rotary latch.

In the household appliance according to the invention the tumbler element is generally an eyelet, which is also referred to as a door eye, or a hook.

In the household appliance according to the invention, the receiving point is generally arranged in the housing or in the door lock.

Moreover, the household appliance is generally arranged such that upon closing the door, a locking element arranged on the door engages in the receiving device and moves it from the open position to the closed position.

In a preferred embodiment, the household appliance is a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a washing machine or a washer-dryer with a tub and a drum for holding laundry, a dryer or a dishwasher.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a household appliance having a housing, a door connected to the housing, via which the interior of the household appliance is accessible, a door lock with a door opening function, comprising a receiving device for a locking element arranged on the door, an energy storage element between a force introduction point on the receiving device and a receiving point outside the receiving device, wherein the force application point and thus the receiving device can assume an open position and a closed position, and wherein the door closure is configured such that the receiving point along a distance from a rest position in an end position is displaceable, wherein the rest position is taken when the force application point occupies a closed position, and the receiving point along the route can reach a snap-back position, in which the receiving device is moved from the closed position to the open position, wherein in the method the door lock is opened by the receiving point is moved along the path from the rest position to the end position upon actuation of a door opening switch of the household appliance. In this case, the receiving device is preferably a rotary latch.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the pick-up point is moved by means of a drive device to the snap-over position. In fact, when the snap-over position is reached, the energy storage element in the energy storage element, e.g. a spring, stored energy, around the receiving device, e.g. a catch, to bring in an open position and thus to open the door.

Here, a door eye used, for example, directly or indirectly exert a force on the door. The force is generally chosen so that it is sufficient to open the door. In general, the door lug is configured to have an opening, i.e., a bar directly or indirectly connected to the door. an eyelet, in which, for example, a rotary latch can engage, so that thereby a rotational movement of the rotary latch causes a preferably linear movement of the door eye. This is also referred to as a "pushing" the door eye.

In order to reduce the noise when opening and closing the door, a rotary latch used in embodiments of the invention may in particular comprise a damping layer arranged on its surface.

The invention has numerous advantages. The invention allows in embodiments, the opening of the door of a household appliance by spring force. If it is not possible to open the door by external objects or by manual locking, then the elasticity then present prevents the risk of damage. In principle, the force effect of a drive used in embodiments can also deviate from an opening direction. When using, for example, a rotary latch, the force required for opening can be transmitted directly to a door lug via the rotary latch, so that no additional point of contact between the drive device and the door is required. Moreover, the door opening function described herein may be integrated directly into a zipper such that the door opening function provided by the invention is readily transferable to other device platforms. Finally, the door opening function has no effect on the previous function of a zipper, especially with regard to safety and strength when closing the door of the household appliance. A visual change of the device design is not required. There must be no special variants for the front wall of the household appliance, since the existing interface of the zipper can be used. Moreover, in embodiments of the invention, a mechanical emergency opening of the door can be easily realized by, for example, a slide is actuated.

• 1 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltsgerätes, in welcher die Anbringung eines erfindungsgemäß eingesetzten Türverschlusses sichtbar ist.
• 2 zeigt in einer schematischen Seitenansicht verschiedene Zustände beim Schließen eines Aufreißverschlusses, der als Aufnahmevorrichtung eine Drehfalle enthält. 2a zeigt die Anfangssituation, bei welcher die Tür geöffnet ist und sich die Drehfalle daher in einer Offen-Position befindet. 2b zeigt die Situation, in welcher ein Krafteinleitungspunkt sich in einer Umschnapp-Position befindet. 2c zeigt den Aufreißverschluss bzw. die Drehfalle in einer Geschlossen-Position, was einer geschlossenen Tür entspricht.
• 3 zeigt in einer schematischen Seitenansicht verschiedene Zustände beim Öffnen eines Aufreißverschlusses, der als Aufnahmevorrichtung eine Drehfalle enthält. 3a zeigt die Anfangssituation, bei welcher sich der Aufreißverschluss bzw. die Drehfalle in der Geschlossen-Position befindet. Daher ist 3a identisch mit 2c. 3b zeigt die Situation, in welcher der Aufnahmepunkt verschoben wird. 3c zeigt das Drehen der Drehfalle aufgrund der durch die Verschiebung des Aufnahmepunktes freigesetzten Energie, die im Energiespeicherelement, z.B. einer Feder, gespeichert ist.
• 4 zeigt für verschiedene Situationen schematisch die Dehnung einer Feder als Illustration für den energetischen Zustand eines Energiespeicherelementes.
• 5 zeigt für verschiedene Situationen, insbesondere verschiedene Abstände zwischen Aufnahmepunkt und Krafteinleitungspunkt die Größe der Federkraft.
• 6 zeigt für verschiedene Situationen die Kraft K_S, die von einer Feder als Energiespeicherelement auf eine Drehfalle als beispielhafte Aufnahmevorrichtung ausgeübt wird.

Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments. Here, reference is made to the 1 to 6 ,

• 1 shows a perspective view of a household appliance according to the invention, in which the attachment of a door closure used in the invention is visible.
• 2 shows in a schematic side view of various states when closing a zipper, which contains a catch as a receiving device. 2a shows the initial situation in which the door is open and the catch is therefore in an open position. 2 B shows the situation in which a force introduction point is in a snap-fit position. 2c shows the zipper or the catch in a closed position, which corresponds to a closed door.
• 3 shows in a schematic side view of various states when opening a zipper, which contains a catch as a receiving device. 3a shows the initial situation in which the zipper or the rotary latch is in the closed position. thats why 3a identical with 2c , 3b shows the situation in which the pickup point is shifted. 3c shows the rotation of the rotary latch due to the released by the displacement of the pick-up point energy stored in the energy storage element, such as a spring.
• 4 shows for various situations schematically the elongation of a spring as an illustration of the energetic state of an energy storage element.
• 5 shows for different situations, in particular different distances between pick-up point and force application point, the size of the spring force.
• 6 shows for different situations, the force K _S , which is exerted by a spring as an energy storage element on a rotary latch as an exemplary receiving device.

1 shows a perspective view of a household appliance according to the invention 1 , in which the attachment of a door closure used according to the invention 4 at the door 3 is visible. 2 means the housing of the household appliance 1 , 18 means a door opening switch.

2 shows a schematic side view of various states when closing a zipper 4 acting as a cradle a rotary latch 5 contains.

The 2a shows the initial situation in which a door of the household appliance, not shown here is open and the catch 5 therefore located in an open position. 19 here means a door eye or door hook, which is connected on one side with the door, not shown here. On the opposite side is the door eye 19 with the catch 5 connected. 20 means a form element of the door eye 19 , which engages with the catch 5 stands. 15 means a rotation axis of the rotary latch 5 , 21 means a radial recess on the rotary latch 5 , here as a form element of the rotary latch 5 serves, in which the molding element of the door eye 19 attacks. The catch 5 is based on a force introduction point located at it 8th over a spring 7 as an energy storage element, such as a leaf spring or a torsion spring, with a receiving point 9 outside the catch 5 connected. At a given position of the pick-up point 9 who is here in the resting position 13 is thus dependent on the spring 7 stored energy from the position of the Force application point 8th who is here in the open position 10 is off.

The 2 B shows the situation in which a force application point 8th in a snap-in position 14 located. The door eye connected to a window, not shown 19 was previously in the direction of the arrow 19 been moved. Due to the non-positive connection of the door eye 19 with the catch 5 The latter was in the direction of the arrow around its axis of rotation 15 turned so that the force application point 8th away from the open position 10 towards the snap-in position 14 was moved. After reaching the snap-in position 14 can the spring 7 release the energy stored in it. The further rotation of the catch 5 to a closed position not shown here is supported. 9 means the pick-up point, which is still in the rest position 13 located.

The 2c shows the zipper or the catch in a closed position, which corresponds to a closed window or a closed door of the household appliance. The door eye 19 is now maximum in the direction of catch 5 postponed. Accordingly, there is the force application point 8th now in the closed position 11 , The feather 7 that with the pickup point 9 connected, has given the energy stored up to the snap position. The pickup point 9 is still in the rest position here 13 ,

The 3 shows a schematic side view of various states when opening a zipper 4 acting as a cradle a rotary latch 5 contains.

The 3a shows the initial situation in which the zipper 4 or the catch 5 is in the closed position. thats why 3a identical with 2c , The 3a thus shows the zipper 4 or the catch 5 in a closed position, which corresponds to a closed door of the household appliance, not shown here. The door eye 19 is maximum in the direction of catch 5 shifted so that the force application point 8th in the closed position 11 located. The feather 7 that with the pickup point 9 connected, has given the energy stored up to the snap position. The pickup point 9 is still in the rest position 13 ,

The 3b shows the situation in which the pickup point 9 from the rest position 13 in the opening position 21 is moved. The feather 7 is being stretched. The position of the catch 5 and thus the door eye 19 is shown here unchanged. However, in the 3b the situation is shown only schematically. Frequently, a rotation of the rotary latch takes place earlier, in particular after reaching a snap-fit position, not shown here. The reference numerals not mentioned here have the same meaning as for 3a ,

The 3c shows the turning of the catch 5 due to the displacement of the pick-up point 9 from the rest position 13 in the opening position 21 energy released in the energy storage element, here the spring 7 , was saved. The rotary latch 5 rotates here such that the force application point 8th from the closed position 11 in the open position 10 is turned. The reference numerals not mentioned here have the same meaning as for Fig. 3a or 3b ,

4 shows for various situations schematically the elongation of a spring as an illustration of the energetic state of an energy storage element. In the 4 13 stands for the rest position of the pick-up point and 21 for the opening position, ie the end position, of the pick-up point. In addition, 10 stands for the open position, 11 for the closed position and 14 for the snap-in position of the force application point. Of the 4 can be seen that the spring between the positions 13 and 14 is most compressed and between 10 and 13 or 11 and 13 it is compressed about equally strong but weaker than in the snap-fit position. On the other hand, the spring is between the positions 11 and 21 stretched the most.

5 shows the size of the spring force for different situations, in particular for different distances between pick-up point and force application point. The spring force is greatest between the positions 11 and 21 , smaller between the positions 13 and 14 (Snap position), even smaller between positions 10 and 13 respectively. 11 and 13 when the pickup point is in the rest position and the force application point is in the open position or closed position.

6 shows for different situations, the force K _S , which is exerted by a spring as an energy storage element on a rotary latch as an exemplary receiving device. Shown is the change in the force K _S based on two characteristics for the different positions 13 and 21 of the pickup point. When the pickup point is shifted from 13 to 21, the force is no longer negative, ie corresponding to a hold, but positive, ie corresponding to an opening. The position 10 lies for the characteristic to the position 21 of the pick-up point at a lower force than for the characteristic curve to the position 13 of the receiving point, as by the return movement of the pick-up point in the position 13 the spring is tense again stronger.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Household appliance, e.g. Washing machine

2

casing

3

door

4

door lock

5

Receiving device, e.g. catch

6

Locking element, e.g. Türöse

7

Energy storage element, e.g. feather

8th

Force application point

9

pick up point

10

Open position (of the force application point or the receiving device)

11

Closed position (of the force application point or the receiving device)

12

Distance along which the pickup point is displaceable

13

Rest position of the pickup point

14

Snap-over position

15

Rotary axis of the rotary latch

16

radial recess on the rotary latch; Form element of the catch, in which engages the form of the door element

17

driving device

18

Door opening switch

19

Door eye or door hook

20

Form element of the door eye, which is in engagement with the rotary latch

21

End position, i. Opening position of the pickup point

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102013103406 B3 [0004]
• DE 102010039688 A1 [0005]
• DE 102011010439 A1 [0006]
• DE 102013223431 B3 [0007]
• DE 9407855 U1 [0008]
• WO 2011/132213 A1 [0009]
• DE 102013225347 A1 [0010]

Claims (15)

Domestic appliance (1) having a housing (2), a door (3) connected to the housing (2), via which the interior of the domestic appliance (1) is accessible, a door lock (4) with a door opening function, comprising a receiving device (5 ) for an on the door (3) arranged Zuhalteelement (6), an energy storage element (7) between a force introduction point (8) on the receiving device (5) and a receiving point (9) outside the receiving device (5), wherein the force introduction point (8 ) and thus that the receiving device (5) can assume an open position (10) and a closed position (11), characterized in that the door closure (4) is designed such that the receiving point (9) along a path (12 ) is displaceable from a rest position (13) to an end position (21), wherein the rest position (13) is assumed when the force introduction point (8) occupies a closed position (11), and the receiving point (13) 9) along the distance (12) can reach a snap-in position (14) at which the receiving device (5) passes from the closed position (11) into the open position (10). Household appliance (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the receiving device (5) is a rotary latch. Household appliance (1) after Claim 2 , characterized in that the rotary latch (5) perpendicular to a rotational axis (15) has a radial recess (16) for receiving the locking element (6). Household appliance (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the receiving point (9) by means of a drive device (17) along the path (12) from the rest position (13) in the end position (14) is displaceable. Household appliance (1) after Claim 4 , characterized in that the drive device (17) is selected from the group comprising an electric motor, an electric lifting magnet, a PTC, a memory wire and a piezoelectric element. Household appliance (1) after Claim 5 , characterized in that the drive device (17) is an electric motor. Household appliance (1) according to one of Claims 4 to 6 , characterized in that the drive device (17) is arranged to move the pickup point (9) along the path (12) only to the snap-over position (14). Household appliance (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the energy storage element (7) is a spring. Household appliance (1) after Claim 8 , characterized in that the spring (7) is a torsion spring, coil spring or leaf spring. Household appliance (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that the locking element (6) is an eyelet or a hook. Household appliance (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10 , characterized in that the receiving point (9) in the housing (2) or in the door lock (4) is arranged. Household appliance (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that it is arranged such that when closing the door (3) on the door (3) arranged Zuhalteelement (6) engages in the receiving device (5) and this from the open position (10) in the Closed position (11) moves. Method for operating a domestic appliance (1) having a housing (2), a door (3) connected to the housing (2), via which the interior of the household appliance (1) is accessible, a door lock (4) with a door-opening function a receiving device (5) for a on the door (3) arranged Zuhalteelement (6), an energy storage element (7) between a force application point (8) on the receiving device (5) and a receiving point (9) outside the receiving device (6), wherein the force introduction point (8) and thus the receiving device (5) can assume an open position (10) and a closed position (11), and wherein the door lock (4) is designed such that the receiving point (9) along a path (12) from a rest position (13) into an end position (21) is displaceable, wherein the rest position (13) is assumed when the force application point (8) occupies a closed position (11), and Pick-up point (9 ) can reach along the path (12) a snap-in position (14), wherein the receiving device (5) from the closed position (11) in the open position (10) passes, characterized in that the door lock (4 ) is opened by, upon actuation of a door opening switch (17) of the household appliance (1) of the receiving point (9) along the path (12) from the rest position (13) is moved to the end position (14). Method according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the receiving point (9) by means of a drive device (17) is pushed to the Umschnapp position (14). Method according to Claim 13 or 14 , characterized in that the receiving device (5) is a rotary latch.

Images