EP3824156B1 - A door opening mechanism - Google Patents
A door opening mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3824156B1 EP3824156B1 EP19728920.0A EP19728920A EP3824156B1 EP 3824156 B1 EP3824156 B1 EP 3824156B1 EP 19728920 A EP19728920 A EP 19728920A EP 3824156 B1 EP3824156 B1 EP 3824156B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- driving unit
- door opening
- opening mechanism
- door
- rheostat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 title claims description 33
- 239000003638 chemical reducing agent Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012883 sequential measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
- E05F15/60—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators
- E05F15/603—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors
- E05F15/611—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings
- E05F15/63—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by swinging arms
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
- E05F15/40—Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
- E05F15/41—Detection by monitoring transmitted force or torque; Safety couplings with activation dependent upon torque or force, e.g. slip couplings
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/40—Motors; Magnets; Springs; Weights; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/404—Function thereof
- E05Y2201/422—Function thereof for opening
- E05Y2201/426—Function thereof for opening for the initial opening movement
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/40—Motors; Magnets; Springs; Weights; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/43—Motors
- E05Y2201/434—Electromotors; Details thereof
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/60—Suspension or transmission members; Accessories therefor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/60—Suspension or transmission members; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/622—Suspension or transmission members elements
- E05Y2201/624—Arms
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/60—Suspension or transmission members; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/622—Suspension or transmission members elements
- E05Y2201/638—Cams; Ramps
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2400/00—Electronic control; Electrical power; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
- E05Y2400/10—Electronic control
- E05Y2400/30—Electronic control of motors
- E05Y2400/3013—Electronic control of motors during manual wing operation
- E05Y2400/3015—Power assistance
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2400/00—Electronic control; Electrical power; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
- E05Y2400/10—Electronic control
- E05Y2400/32—Position control, detection or monitoring
- E05Y2400/33—Position control, detection or monitoring by using load sensors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2400/00—Electronic control; Electrical power; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
- E05Y2400/10—Electronic control
- E05Y2400/52—Safety arrangements associated with the wing motor
- E05Y2400/53—Wing impact prevention or reduction
- E05Y2400/54—Obstruction or resistance detection
- E05Y2400/55—Obstruction or resistance detection by using load sensors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2400/00—Electronic control; Electrical power; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
- E05Y2400/10—Electronic control
- E05Y2400/52—Safety arrangements associated with the wing motor
- E05Y2400/53—Wing impact prevention or reduction
- E05Y2400/54—Obstruction or resistance detection
- E05Y2400/56—Obstruction or resistance detection by using speed sensors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2800/00—Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
- E05Y2800/20—Combinations of elements
- E05Y2800/23—Combinations of elements of elements of different categories
- E05Y2800/232—Combinations of elements of elements of different categories of motors and transmissions
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2800/00—Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
- E05Y2800/40—Physical or chemical protection
- E05Y2800/404—Physical or chemical protection against component faults or failure
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/30—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for domestic appliances
- E05Y2900/31—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for domestic appliances for refrigerators
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a door opening mechanism enabling opening in particular refrigerator doors.
- automatic door opening mechanisms are expected to perform the door opening function independent of door weights which vary due to the products placed thereon.
- EP2020579 mentions an actuator enabling opening refrigerators or freezer doors.
- German patent document no. DE102013223431 mentions an electromagnetic door opening device for opening refrigerator doors.
- the aim of the present invention is to realize a door opening mechanism enabling opening in particular refrigerator doors.
- Another aim of the present invention is to realize a door opening mechanism which can be used with current refrigerators.
- a further aim of the present invention is to realize a door opening mechanism capable of terminating a door opening process by detecting difficulties likely to occur during opening of a door.
- the door opening mechanism (1) enabling opening in particular refrigerator doors, comprises in its most basic form,
- the door opening mechanism (1) enabling opening in particular refrigerator doors, comprises at least one body (2) and a driving unit (3) connected to said body (2).
- the driving unit (3) may be any structure generating actuation by rotating a shaft, such as an electric engine.
- the rotational motion generated by the driving unit (3) is then transmitted to the reducer (4).
- the reducer (4) reduces the speed of the rotational motion, thereby increasing the torque thereof.
- the reducer (4) transmits said motion to the cogwheel (5).
- the cogwheel (5) is almost annular.
- a pin (51) is provided on the portion of the cogwheel (5) proximate to its outer portion. Said pin (51) preferably extends perpendicularly to the flat surface of the cogwheel (5).
- the pin (51) engages the slot (63) provided on the longer portion (61) of the catch (6).
- the pin (51) applies force to the slot (63) and therefore to the longer portion (61) and rotates the catch (6) about a rotational axis formed by the bracket (7).
- the shorter portion (62) is exposed out of body (2) boundaries.
- the shorter portion (62) is preferably positioned so as to remain within body (2) boundaries.
- the catch (6) rotates due to rotation of the cogwheel (5), the shorter portion (62) is exposed out of body (2) boundaries so as to apply a force to the door desired to be opened.
- the catch (6) completes its rotational motion, the catch (6) returns back to its initial position.
- the door opening mechanism (1) of the invention is placed such that the catch (6) can apply a force on the door in door opening direction.
- the door opening mechanism (1) of the invention can be placed to the internal volume of a refrigerator.
- the force that the catch (6) should apply on a refrigerator door when it is desired to be opened depends on a number of factors. For example, the air with room temperature introduced when the refrigerator door is opened and closed, encounters a cold environment in the refrigerator, and the temperature and therefore the volume of air drops. The decreased volume creates a negative pressure (vacuum) in the refrigerator. Furthermore, the loading state of the refrigerator door also affects the opening force.
- the catch (6) should generate a force sufficient to overcome all of these forces, the torque of the motion received from the driving unit (3) is increased by the reducer (4). Since forces such as those applied by gasket magnet or vacuum are eliminated once the refrigerator door is slightly opened, lower moments are sufficient in sustaining the actuation.
- the pin (51) is disposed on the portion of the slot (63) further from the bracket (7). Thus, the pin (51) applies a higher moment on the catch (6).
- the pin (51) advances to the portions of the slot (63) closer to the bracket (7), thereby reducing the moment applied by the pin (51).
- the catch (6) returns back to its initial position when the cogwheel (5) completes its rotation.
- the door opening mechanism (1) of the invention can be triggered by a button, a visual or audible command, a proximity sensor and the like.
- at least one control unit (not shown in the figures) is provided, receiving said triggers and enabling driving the driving unit (3) accordingly.
- a sensor capable of detecting a trigger enabling the door to be opened is preferably placed at a region where a user can interact therewith.
- the signal triggering opening of the door can be generated by a button, camera, proximity sensor, RFID reader, or an NFC sensor, placed on the exterior of the refrigerator door.
- the above-mentioned triggers are only exemplary and the triggers and the sensors which may be used are not limited to these. A plurality of triggers may also be used.
- a structure inhibiting the driving unit (3) from being strained in case a resistance is applied against the door while being attempted to be opened, or in case the door is jammed and cannot be opened for any reason whatsoever.
- Said structure preferably comprises at least one speed sensor (8) measuring the rotational speed of the driving unit (3), the reducer (4) or the cogwheel (5).
- the control unit receives data from said speed sensor (8).
- the control unit may halt power to be supplied to the driving unit (3) or may actuate the driving unit (3) in opposite direction, returning the door opening mechanism (1) to its initial position upon detecting that the component to which the speed sensor (8) is connected is not rotating even though power is supplied to the driving unit (3).
- the structure inhibiting the driving unit (3) from being strained in case a resistance is applied against the door while being attempted to be opened, or in case the door is jammed and cannot be opened for any reason whatsoever comprises a rheostat (10).
- the adjustment knob of the rheostat (10) moves together with the driving unit (3), the reducer (4) or the cogwheel (5) and at least one rotor (9) is provided, contacting the adjustment knob of the rheostat (10).
- Said rotor (9) preferably has a changeable shape like the shape of an egg.
- the rheostat (10) thus has varying resistance values in different stages of the rotational motion.
- the control unit detects the resistance value of the rheostat (10).
- the resistance value of the rheostat (10) is usually calculated by comparing the output voltage and the input voltage of a voltage divider circuit formed by using said rheostat (10).
- the control unit detects that the component to which the rheostat (10) is connected is not rotating even though power is supplied to the driving unit (3), it may halt power to be supplied to the driving unit (3) or may actuate the driving unit (3) in opposite direction, returning the door opening mechanism (1) to its initial position.
- the control unit calculates the differences between the sequential data received from the speed sensor (8) or from the rheostat (10) by comparing these data.
- the sequential data are expected to be a constant value other than zero, and in the embodiment utilizing the rheostat (10), the rheostat (10) resistance is expected to vary in sequential measurements.
- the shape of the rotor (9) is opted so as to vary the rheostat (10) resistance in absolute constant values in the case the driving unit (3) rotates in a constant speed.
- the shape of the rotor (9) is opted so as enable the rheostat (10) to have different resistance values for at least some different positions of the cogwheel (5).
- the control unit can thus perceive the phase of the rotational motion.
- the door opening mechanism (1) of the invention comprises at least one memory having data about angular positions of the cogwheel (5) corresponding to the resistance values of the rheostat (10).
- the control unit reads the angular position of the cogwheel (5) from the memory according to the resistance value of the rheostat (10), and calculates the variation rate of said position data between the sequential measurements.
- the door opening mechanism (1) of the invention can be conveniently used with current refrigerators by being placed to the internal chamber of a refrigerator so as to correspond to the door intended to be opened automatically.
Landscapes
- Refrigerator Housings (AREA)
- Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a door opening mechanism enabling opening in particular refrigerator doors.
- "Hands-free" refrigerators having automatic door opening mechanisms enabling users to access into a refrigerator without using hands, are known and used in the art. In automatic refrigerator door opening mechanisms, in order to open the door automatically, the force applied on a door should exceed the vacuum effect which also acts on the door. However, while being opened by this force, a door may injure a user and/or damage the items in its proximity by colliding. Therefore, automatic door opening mechanisms are needed which open doors smoothly and do not present a hazard.
- In addition, automatic door opening mechanisms are expected to perform the door opening function independent of door weights which vary due to the products placed thereon.
- Another problem observed in refrigerators with automatic door opening mechanisms and solved by the present invention is, in case a door impacts a user, the reaction (force) applied by the user on the door is likely to damage the door opening mechanism.
- State of the art European patent document no.
EP2020579 mentions an actuator enabling opening refrigerators or freezer doors. - State of the art German patent document no.
DE102013223431 mentions an electromagnetic door opening device for opening refrigerator doors. - State of the art document no.
WO 2008/134315 A2 mentions a door opening mechanism for furniture doors. - None of the state of the art documents include a solution such as the one in the present invention.
- The aim of the present invention is to realize a door opening mechanism enabling opening in particular refrigerator doors.
- Another aim of the present invention is to realize a door opening mechanism which can be used with current refrigerators.
- A further aim of the present invention is to realize a door opening mechanism capable of terminating a door opening process by detecting difficulties likely to occur during opening of a door.
- The door opening mechanism realized to achieve the aims of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
Figure 1 :is a view of the invention in initial position. -
Figure 2 :is a view of an embodiment of the invention with rheostat. -
Figure 3 :is a view of an embodiment of the invention with speed sensor. - The elements in the figures are numbered individually and the correspondence of these numbers are given hereinafter.
- 1. Door opening mechanism
- 2. Body
- 3. Driving unit
- 4. Reducer
- 5. Cogwheel
51.Pin - 6. Catch
- 61.Longer portion
- 62.Shorter portion
- 63.Slot
- 7. Bracket
- 8. Speed sensor
- 9. Rotor
- 10. Rheostat
- The door opening mechanism (1) enabling opening in particular refrigerator doors, comprises in its most basic form,
- at least one body (2),
- at least one driving unit (3) providing actuation to open a door by rotating a shaft,
- at least one reducer (4) enabling reducing the speed of the rotational motion generated by the driving unit (3) thereby increasing the torque thereof,
- at least one cog wheel (5) rotated by the reducer (4), having at least one pin (51) preferably at the portion where its diameter is larger,
- at least one L-shaped catch (6) having at least one longer portion (61) and at least one shorter portion (62) together forming said L-shape, and at least one slot (63) provided in the longer portion (61), in which the pin (51) slidably moves during rotation of the cogwheel (5), and
- at least one bracket (7) provided preferably at the region where the longer portion (61) and the shorter portion (62) of the catch (6) join, forming a rotational axis for the catch (6).
- In its most basic form, the door opening mechanism (1) enabling opening in particular refrigerator doors, comprises at least one body (2) and a driving unit (3) connected to said body (2). The driving unit (3) may be any structure generating actuation by rotating a shaft, such as an electric engine. The rotational motion generated by the driving unit (3) is then transmitted to the reducer (4). The reducer (4) reduces the speed of the rotational motion, thereby increasing the torque thereof. In turn, the reducer (4) transmits said motion to the cogwheel (5). Preferably, the cogwheel (5) is almost annular. A pin (51) is provided on the portion of the cogwheel (5) proximate to its outer portion. Said pin (51) preferably extends perpendicularly to the flat surface of the cogwheel (5). The pin (51) engages the slot (63) provided on the longer portion (61) of the catch (6). Thus, when the cogwheel (5) rotates, the pin (51) applies force to the slot (63) and therefore to the longer portion (61) and rotates the catch (6) about a rotational axis formed by the bracket (7). While the catch (6) rotates about the rotational axis formed by the bracket (7), the shorter portion (62) is exposed out of body (2) boundaries. In default position of the catch (6), the shorter portion (62) is preferably positioned so as to remain within body (2) boundaries. As the catch (6) rotates due to rotation of the cogwheel (5), the shorter portion (62) is exposed out of body (2) boundaries so as to apply a force to the door desired to be opened. As the cogwheel (5) completes its rotational motion, the catch (6) returns back to its initial position.
- The door opening mechanism (1) of the invention is placed such that the catch (6) can apply a force on the door in door opening direction. For example, the door opening mechanism (1) of the invention can be placed to the internal volume of a refrigerator. The force that the catch (6) should apply on a refrigerator door when it is desired to be opened, depends on a number of factors. For example, the air with room temperature introduced when the refrigerator door is opened and closed, encounters a cold environment in the refrigerator, and the temperature and therefore the volume of air drops. The decreased volume creates a negative pressure (vacuum) in the refrigerator. Furthermore, the loading state of the refrigerator door also affects the opening force. Since the catch (6) should generate a force sufficient to overcome all of these forces, the torque of the motion received from the driving unit (3) is increased by the reducer (4). Since forces such as those applied by gasket magnet or vacuum are eliminated once the refrigerator door is slightly opened, lower moments are sufficient in sustaining the actuation. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, as the cogwheel (5) initially begins moving, the pin (51) is disposed on the portion of the slot (63) further from the bracket (7). Thus, the pin (51) applies a higher moment on the catch (6). As the cogwheel (5) continues moving, the pin (51) advances to the portions of the slot (63) closer to the bracket (7), thereby reducing the moment applied by the pin (51). The catch (6) returns back to its initial position when the cogwheel (5) completes its rotation.
- In an embodiment of the invention, the door opening mechanism (1) of the invention can be triggered by a button, a visual or audible command, a proximity sensor and the like. In this embodiment, at least one control unit (not shown in the figures) is provided, receiving said triggers and enabling driving the driving unit (3) accordingly. A sensor capable of detecting a trigger enabling the door to be opened, is preferably placed at a region where a user can interact therewith. In case the door opening mechanism is used in a refrigerator, the signal triggering opening of the door can be generated by a button, camera, proximity sensor, RFID reader, or an NFC sensor, placed on the exterior of the refrigerator door. The above-mentioned triggers are only exemplary and the triggers and the sensors which may be used are not limited to these. A plurality of triggers may also be used.
- In an embodiment of the invention, a structure is provided inhibiting the driving unit (3) from being strained in case a resistance is applied against the door while being attempted to be opened, or in case the door is jammed and cannot be opened for any reason whatsoever. Said structure preferably comprises at least one speed sensor (8) measuring the rotational speed of the driving unit (3), the reducer (4) or the cogwheel (5). The control unit receives data from said speed sensor (8). The control unit may halt power to be supplied to the driving unit (3) or may actuate the driving unit (3) in opposite direction, returning the door opening mechanism (1) to its initial position upon detecting that the component to which the speed sensor (8) is connected is not rotating even though power is supplied to the driving unit (3).
- In another embodiment of the invention, the structure inhibiting the driving unit (3) from being strained in case a resistance is applied against the door while being attempted to be opened, or in case the door is jammed and cannot be opened for any reason whatsoever, comprises a rheostat (10). In this embodiment, the adjustment knob of the rheostat (10) moves together with the driving unit (3), the reducer (4) or the cogwheel (5) and at least one rotor (9) is provided, contacting the adjustment knob of the rheostat (10). Said rotor (9) preferably has a changeable shape like the shape of an egg. The rheostat (10) thus has varying resistance values in different stages of the rotational motion. The control unit detects the resistance value of the rheostat (10). The resistance value of the rheostat (10) is usually calculated by comparing the output voltage and the input voltage of a voltage divider circuit formed by using said rheostat (10). When the control unit detects that the component to which the rheostat (10) is connected is not rotating even though power is supplied to the driving unit (3), it may halt power to be supplied to the driving unit (3) or may actuate the driving unit (3) in opposite direction, returning the door opening mechanism (1) to its initial position.
- The control unit calculates the differences between the sequential data received from the speed sensor (8) or from the rheostat (10) by comparing these data. In the embodiment utilizing the speed sensor (8), the sequential data are expected to be a constant value other than zero, and in the embodiment utilizing the rheostat (10), the rheostat (10) resistance is expected to vary in sequential measurements.
- In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the shape of the rotor (9) is opted so as to vary the rheostat (10) resistance in absolute constant values in the case the driving unit (3) rotates in a constant speed.
- In another embodiment of the invention, the shape of the rotor (9) is opted so as enable the rheostat (10) to have different resistance values for at least some different positions of the cogwheel (5). The control unit can thus perceive the phase of the rotational motion.
- In an embodiment of the invention, the door opening mechanism (1) of the invention comprises at least one memory having data about angular positions of the cogwheel (5) corresponding to the resistance values of the rheostat (10). In this embodiment, the control unit reads the angular position of the cogwheel (5) from the memory according to the resistance value of the rheostat (10), and calculates the variation rate of said position data between the sequential measurements.
- The door opening mechanism (1) of the invention can be conveniently used with current refrigerators by being placed to the internal chamber of a refrigerator so as to correspond to the door intended to be opened automatically.
Claims (7)
- A door opening mechanism (1) enabling opening in particular refrigerator doors, comprising- at least one body (2),- at least one driving unit (3) providing actuation to open a door by rotating a shaft,- at least one reducer (4) enabling reducing the speed of the rotational motion generated by the driving unit (3) thereby increasing the torque thereof, and- at least one cogwheel (5) rotated by the reducer (4),- the cog wheel (5) having at least one pin (51) preferably at the portion where its diameter is larger, characterized by- at least one L-shaped catch (6) having at least one longer portion (61) and at least one shorter portion (62) together forming said L-shape, and at least one slot (63) provided in the longer portion (61), in which the pin (51) slidably moves during rotation of the cogwheel (5), and by- at least one bracket (7) provided preferably at the region where the longer portion (61) and the shorter portion (62) of the catch (6) join, forming a rotational axis for the catch (6).
- A door opening mechanism (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one control unit adapted to receive triggers generated by a button, a visual or audible command or a proximity sensor, and to enable driving the driving unit (3) accordingly.
- A door opening mechanism (1) according to claim 2, comprising at least one speed sensor (8) measuring the rotational speed of the driving unit (3), reducer (4) or the cogwheel (5), and a control unit adapted to receive data from the speed sensor (8), and to halt power supply to the driving unit (3) or to actuate the driving unit (3) in opposite direction to return the door opening mechanism (1) to its initial position upon detecting that the component to which the speed sensor (8) is connected is not rotating even though power is supplied to the driving unit (3), and to thereby inhibit the driving unit (3) from being strained in case a resistance is applied against the door while being attempted to be opened, or in case the door is jammed and cannot be opened for any reason whatsoever.
- A door opening mechanism (1) according to claim 2, comprising at least one rheostat (10) whose adjustment knob moves together with the driving unit (3), the reducer (4) or the cogwheel (5), and at least one rotor (9) contacting the adjustment knob of said rheostat (10) and thereby enabling the resistance value of the rheostat (10) to vary when rotating.
- A door opening mechanism (1) according to claim 4, comprising a rotor (9) having a changeable shape like the shape of an egg.
- A door opening mechanism (1) according to claim 4, comprising a control unit adapted to detect the resistance value of the rheostat (10), and to halt power supply to the driving unit (3) or to actuate the driving unit (3) in opposite direction to return the door opening mechanism (1) to its initial position upon detecting that the component to which the rheostat (10) is connected is not rotating even though power is supplied to the driving unit (3), and to thereby inhibit the driving unit (3) from being strained in case a resistance is applied against the door while being attempted to be opened, or in case the door is jammed and cannot be opened for any reason whatsoever.
- A door opening mechanism (1) according to claim 4, comprising at least one memory having data about angular positions of the cogwheel (5) corresponding to the resistance values of the rheostat (10).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
TR201810344 | 2018-07-19 | ||
PCT/EP2019/064002 WO2020015908A1 (en) | 2018-07-19 | 2019-05-29 | A door opening mechanism |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3824156A1 EP3824156A1 (en) | 2021-05-26 |
EP3824156B1 true EP3824156B1 (en) | 2022-07-06 |
Family
ID=66776315
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19728920.0A Active EP3824156B1 (en) | 2018-07-19 | 2019-05-29 | A door opening mechanism |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3824156B1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL3824156T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020015908A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102021131149A1 (en) * | 2021-11-26 | 2023-06-01 | Brose Schließsysteme GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft | Installation of a motor vehicle door |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE202007006687U1 (en) * | 2007-05-07 | 2008-09-18 | Hettich-Oni Gmbh & Co. Kg | Ejection device for movable furniture parts |
DE102007036746A1 (en) | 2007-08-03 | 2009-02-05 | Dorma Gmbh + Co. Kg | Door operating device for actuating the door of a refrigerator / freezer |
AT12708U1 (en) * | 2008-06-19 | 2012-10-15 | Blum Gmbh Julius | FURNITURE DRIVE |
DE102013223431B3 (en) | 2013-11-18 | 2014-11-13 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | household appliance |
-
2019
- 2019-05-29 EP EP19728920.0A patent/EP3824156B1/en active Active
- 2019-05-29 WO PCT/EP2019/064002 patent/WO2020015908A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-05-29 PL PL19728920.0T patent/PL3824156T3/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
PL3824156T3 (en) | 2022-11-14 |
WO2020015908A1 (en) | 2020-01-23 |
EP3824156A1 (en) | 2021-05-26 |
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