WO2014194955A1 - Door opening-closing assembly and refrigeration appliance having the same - Google Patents

Door opening-closing assembly and refrigeration appliance having the same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014194955A1
WO2014194955A1 PCT/EP2013/061690 EP2013061690W WO2014194955A1 WO 2014194955 A1 WO2014194955 A1 WO 2014194955A1 EP 2013061690 W EP2013061690 W EP 2013061690W WO 2014194955 A1 WO2014194955 A1 WO 2014194955A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
magnet
door
closing assembly
door opening
movable support
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2013/061690
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Faik Emre Ozyuksel
Kadir Ridvan Celik
Mehmet Ercan KAYMAK
Semih Erol
Ulas TIGIN
Original Assignee
Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arcelik Anonim Sirketi filed Critical Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority to EP13730827.6A priority Critical patent/EP3004763B1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2013/061690 priority patent/WO2014194955A1/en
Publication of WO2014194955A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014194955A1/en

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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00General constructional features
    • F25D23/02Doors; Covers
    • F25D23/028Details
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B47/00Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
    • E05B47/0001Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
    • E05B47/0012Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with rotary electromotors
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B65/00Locks or fastenings for special use
    • E05B65/0042For refrigerators or cold rooms
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05CBOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
    • E05C19/00Other devices specially designed for securing wings, e.g. with suction cups
    • E05C19/16Devices holding the wing by magnetic or electromagnetic attraction
    • E05C19/161Devices holding the wing by magnetic or electromagnetic attraction magnetic gaskets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a door opening-closing assembly for use in a refrigeration appliance, and a refrigeration appliance having the same.
  • a large-size refrigerator has a proportionately larger door which is attracted towards the doorframe by the magnetic gasket with a relatively strong force.
  • DE 38 37 547 A1 discloses a magnet closure for pieces of furniture, in particular domestic refrigerators.
  • the magnet closure includes a permanent magnet which is fitted on an inner side of the door and an electromagnet which is fitted on a body of the piece of furniture such that the two magnets oppose each other.
  • the door is held closed or pushed open by way of energizing the electromagnet through an electrical switch connected to an electrical power source.
  • a door opening-closing mechanism relying on electrical power may be disadvantageous in view of increased energy consumption. Furthermore, a temporary power black-out must not interrupt a proper functioning of a door opening-closing mechanism.
  • An objective of the present invention is to provide a door opening-closing assembly for a refrigeration appliance, and a refrigeration appliance having the same which overcome the aforementioned problems and enable an effective airtight sealing of a refrigeration appliance and smooth opening/closing of the appliance door.
  • the door opening-closing assembly of the present invention is suitable for use in a refrigeration appliance having at least one door pivotally hinged to a doorframe.
  • the door opening-closing assembly of the present invention comprises a first magnet for mounting onto the door; and a second magnet for mounting onto the doorframe in a manner opposing the first magnet, preferably through a gap, when the door is in a closed state.
  • the door opening-closing assembly of the present invention further comprises a movable support mechanism configured to support one of the first magnet and the second magnet movably between a home position where the first magnet and the second magnet are aligned to mutually attract each other in a direction normal to a surface of the door with a strength sufficient to hold the door in a closed state and a displaced position where the first magnet and the second magnet are aligned to mutually repel each other in a direction normal to a surface of the door with a strength sufficient to expel the door from a closed state to an open state; and a handle mechanism configured to drive the movable support mechanism for opening and closing the door.
  • the door In a closed state of the door i.e., at the home position where the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other, the door is pressed onto the doorframe with an additional attractive force solely generated by the first magnet and the second magnet.
  • This additional attractive force contributes to the hermetic sealing achieved by the magnetic gasket of the refrigeration appliance. Thereby, the airtight sealing achieved the magnetic gasket is effectively improved and compensated.
  • the additional attractive force gradually disappears and a repulsive force is gradually established between the first magnet and the second magnet. This repulsive force smoothly pushes the door to an open state.
  • the door can be easily opened by altering a relative position of the first magnet and the second magnet.
  • one of the first magnet and second magnet is stationary and the other one is rectilinearly moved between the home position and the displaced position along a vertical direction.
  • one of the first magnet and the second magnet may be arranged to rotatable move with respect to the other one.
  • one of the first magnet and second magnet is moved under the action of the handle pivotally by the customer.
  • the handle rotates in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the door.
  • the handle may rotate within a plane parallel to the surface of the door.
  • one of the first magnet and the second magnet is alternatively moved by an actuator.
  • Any appropriate actuator may be used for this purpose. It is preferable to use an electric motor energized by an electrical power source through a switch.
  • the switch is preferably installed on a front side of the door such that it can be easily accessed by the customer.
  • first magnet and the second magnet are each permanent magnets.
  • first magnet and the second magnet are each formed by an array of regions with alternating magnetic poles.
  • the repulsive and the attractive forces are rendered to act more uniformly upon the interface between the door and the doorframe.
  • the magnitude of the attractive and the repulsive forces which respectively act at the home position and the displaced position may be appropriately adjusted by the number of regions of the first and the second magnets.
  • the array of regions of the first magnet and the second magnet each form a stepped surface with an alternating level.
  • Figure 1 - is a schematic exploded view of a refrigerator and a door opening-closing assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 - is a schematic enlarged view of the encircled detail I of Fig. 1.
  • Figure 3 - is a schematic exploded view of a movable support mechanism prior to fitting onto the door of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 - is a schematic side view of the refrigerator having the door opening-closing assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 - is a schematic enlarged view of the encircled detail II of Fig. 4.
  • Figure 6 - shows a cross section along the line A-A of Fig. 4.
  • Figure 7 - is a schematic enlarged view of the encircled detail III of Fig. 6.
  • Figure 8 - is a schematic top view of the refrigerator and the door opening-closing assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 - is a schematic enlarged view of a first magnet and a second magnet respectively aligned in a home position (left hand side) and in a displaced position (right hand side), in the cross section along the line B-B of Fig. 8.
  • Figure 10 - is a schematic front view of a refrigerator and a door opening-closing assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 11 - is a schematic side view of the refrigerator and the door opening-closing assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 12 - is a schematic top view of the refrigerator and the door opening-closing assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 13 - is a schematic enlarged partial perspective view of Fig. 12, showing the door opening-closing assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the present invention relates to a door opening-closing assembly (1) is suitable for use in a refrigeration appliance (2) having at least one door (3) pivotally hinged to a doorframe (4) (Fig. 1).
  • the door opening-closing assembly (1) comprises a first magnet (5) for mounting onto the door (3) and a second magnet (6) for mounting onto the doorframe (4) in a manner opposing the first magnet (5) through a gap when the door (3) is in a closed state.
  • the door opening-closing assembly (1) further comprises a movable support mechanism (7) configured to support one of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) movably between a home position where the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) are aligned to mutually attract each other in a direction normal to a surface of the door (3) with a strength sufficient to hold the door (3) in a closed state and a displaced position where the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) are aligned to mutually repel each other in a direction normal to a surface of the door (3) with a strength sufficient to expel the door (3) from a closed state to an open state and a drive mechanism (8) configured to activate the movable support mechanism (7) for opening and closing the door (3) (Fig. 1).
  • the movable support mechanism (7) includes a guiding element (9) and a sliding element (10) which are slidably engaged with each other.
  • the guiding element (9) is fixed on the door (3).
  • the sliding element (10) is configured to support the first magnet (5), and to slide along the guiding element (9), between the home position and the displaced position.
  • the sliding element (10) is provided with a frame, and the first magnet (5) is embedded into the sliding element (10).
  • the movable support mechanism (7) is configured to rectilinearly move the first magnet (5) between the home position and the displaced position along a vertical direction i.e., an up-down direction along the door frame (4) (Fig. 5).
  • the drive mechanism (8) includes a pivotal handle (11) configured to rectilinearly move the sliding element (10) between the home position and the displaced position (Fig. 6).
  • the pivotal handle (11) is configured to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the door (3).
  • the handle (11) is pivoted in an anti-clockwise direction in the plane defined by the cross-section along the line B-B shown in Fig. 8 to open the door (3) (Fig. 7, Fig. 8).
  • Fig. 9 each show a configuration of the first magnet (5) and a second magnet (6) which respectively correspond to a home position and a displaced position.
  • the handle (11) is pivoted upwards, the first magnet (5) is moved downwards by means of a lever as shown in Fig. 1 which operatively connects the handle (11) and the sliding element (10).
  • the drive mechanism (8) alternatively includes an actuator (12) configured to rectilinearly move the sliding element (10) back and forth between the home position and the displaced position, and a switch (13) adapted operate the actuator (12) (Figs. 10 to 12).
  • the actuator (12) is configured by an electric motor (14) operatively connected to the sliding element (10) via a pinion gear (15) and a gear rack (16).
  • a worm gear operatively coupled to the electric motor (14) can be utilized.
  • the switch (13) is adapted to turn the electric motor (14) on or off (Fig. 13).
  • the movable support mechanism (7) includes a resilient element (not shown) arranged to bias the sliding element (10) towards the home position.
  • each of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) is a permanent magnet.
  • each of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) is formed by an array of regions with alternating magnetic poles N and S.
  • the number of arrays shown in Fig. 9 is only exemplary.
  • the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) can be formed by any number magnetic pole pairs.
  • each of the array of regions of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) forms a stepped surface with an alternating level.
  • Figs. 4 and 11 each shows a refrigeration appliance (2) which comprises an alternative door opening-closing assembly (1) of the present invention.
  • the movable support mechanism (7) shown in Fig. 2 is preferably fitted to the door (3), and supports the first magnet (5).
  • the movable support mechanism (7) can be fitted to the doorframe (4).
  • the movable support mechanism (7) supports the second magnet (6).
  • the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) are mounted to the refrigeration appliance (2) such that in a closed state of the door (3), i.e., when the movable support mechanism (7) is at the home position, the array of regions with opposite magnetic poles of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) oppose each other, preferably through a gap.
  • the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) are mounted to the refrigeration appliance (2) such that in an open state of the door (3), i.e., when the movable support mechanism (7) is at the displaced position, the array of regions with like magnetic poles of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) oppose each other, preferably through a gap.
  • the refrigeration appliance (2) of the present invention further comprises a magnetic gasket (17) arranged along the entire perimeter between the door (3) and the door frame (4), for hermetically sealing the refrigeration appliance (2).

Abstract

The present invention relates a door opening-closing assembly (1) for use in a refrigeration appliance (2) having at least one door (3) pivotably hinged to a doorframe (4). The door opening-closing assembly (1) comprises a first magnet (5) for mounting onto the door (3) and a second magnet (6) for mounting onto the doorframe (4) in a manner opposing the first magnet (5) when the door (3) is in a closed state.

Description

DOOR OPENING-CLOSING ASSEMBLYAND REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE HAVING THE SAME
The present invention relates to a door opening-closing assembly for use in a refrigeration appliance, and a refrigeration appliance having the same.
It is common practice in the field of refrigeration to hermetically seal a refrigeration appliance such as a refrigerator or a chest freezer by way of fastening a gasket to its door. The gasket is usually provided with a magnetic insert which is attracted by a metallic cover of the doorframe. Thereby, the magnetic gasket holds the door in a closed state and achieves an airtight seal.
A large-size refrigerator has a proportionately larger door which is attracted towards the doorframe by the magnetic gasket with a relatively strong force.
On the one hand, the relatively strong force between the magnetic gasket and the metallic cover of the doorframe is detrimental to the gasket resulting in plastic deformation. Utilizing a weaker magnetic insert in the gasket of a large-size refrigerator could have a sparing effect on the gasket. However, this would compromise the effectiveness of the sealing. Therefore, this is not desired.
On the other hand, due to the relatively strong force between the magnetic gasket and the metallic cover of the doorframe, a customer is required to forcefully pull the door of a large-size refrigerator to open it. Moreover, after closing the door, the ambient air taken into the refrigeration compartment cools down. Subsequently, the inner pressure drops and the door gets more firmly pressed onto the doorframe. Thus, when the customer attempts to immediately re-open the door, he or she must overcome a force arising from the pressure difference in addition to the attractive force between the magnetic gasket and the metallic cover of the doorframe. Thus, the task of opening the door becomes more force-intensive and uncomfortable. Utilizing a weaker magnetic insert in the gasket of a large-size refrigerator could render opening the door less force-intensive. However, as already mentioned above, this would compromise the effectiveness of the sealing. Therefore, this is not desired.
Several opening-closing mechanisms have been devised to aid the customers in opening refrigerator doors. Commonly known techniques make use of mechanical as well as magnetic means in order to ease opening-closing of refrigerator doors.
DE 38 37 547 A1 discloses a magnet closure for pieces of furniture, in particular domestic refrigerators. The magnet closure includes a permanent magnet which is fitted on an inner side of the door and an electromagnet which is fitted on a body of the piece of furniture such that the two magnets oppose each other. The door is held closed or pushed open by way of energizing the electromagnet through an electrical switch connected to an electrical power source.
A door opening-closing mechanism relying on electrical power may be disadvantageous in view of increased energy consumption. Furthermore, a temporary power black-out must not interrupt a proper functioning of a door opening-closing mechanism.
An objective of the present invention is to provide a door opening-closing assembly for a refrigeration appliance, and a refrigeration appliance having the same which overcome the aforementioned problems and enable an effective airtight sealing of a refrigeration appliance and smooth opening/closing of the appliance door.
This objective has been achieved by the door opening-closing assembly according to claim 1, and the refrigeration appliance according to claim 12. Further developments are given in the dependent claims.
The door opening-closing assembly of the present invention is suitable for use in a refrigeration appliance having at least one door pivotally hinged to a doorframe. The door opening-closing assembly of the present invention comprises a first magnet for mounting onto the door; and a second magnet for mounting onto the doorframe in a manner opposing the first magnet, preferably through a gap, when the door is in a closed state. The door opening-closing assembly of the present invention further comprises a movable support mechanism configured to support one of the first magnet and the second magnet movably between a home position where the first magnet and the second magnet are aligned to mutually attract each other in a direction normal to a surface of the door with a strength sufficient to hold the door in a closed state and a displaced position where the first magnet and the second magnet are aligned to mutually repel each other in a direction normal to a surface of the door with a strength sufficient to expel the door from a closed state to an open state; and a handle mechanism configured to drive the movable support mechanism for opening and closing the door.
In a closed state of the door i.e., at the home position where the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other, the door is pressed onto the doorframe with an additional attractive force solely generated by the first magnet and the second magnet. This additional attractive force contributes to the hermetic sealing achieved by the magnetic gasket of the refrigeration appliance. Thereby, the airtight sealing achieved the magnetic gasket is effectively improved and compensated. During an opening of the door, when one of the first magnet and the second magnet is moved to the displaced position where the first and the second magnet repel each other, the additional attractive force gradually disappears and a repulsive force is gradually established between the first magnet and the second magnet. This repulsive force smoothly pushes the door to an open state. Thus, the door can be easily opened by altering a relative position of the first magnet and the second magnet.
In an embodiment, one of the first magnet and second magnet is stationary and the other one is rectilinearly moved between the home position and the displaced position along a vertical direction. Alternatively, one of the first magnet and the second magnet may be arranged to rotatable move with respect to the other one.
In another embodiment, one of the first magnet and second magnet is moved under the action of the handle pivotally by the customer. The handle rotates in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the door. Alternatively, the handle may rotate within a plane parallel to the surface of the door.
In another embodiment, one of the first magnet and the second magnet is alternatively moved by an actuator. Any appropriate actuator may be used for this purpose. It is preferable to use an electric motor energized by an electrical power source through a switch. The switch is preferably installed on a front side of the door such that it can be easily accessed by the customer.
In another embodiment, the first magnet and the second magnet are each permanent magnets.
In another embodiment, the first magnet and the second magnet are each formed by an array of regions with alternating magnetic poles. Thereby, the repulsive and the attractive forces are rendered to act more uniformly upon the interface between the door and the doorframe. The magnitude of the attractive and the repulsive forces which respectively act at the home position and the displaced position may be appropriately adjusted by the number of regions of the first and the second magnets.
In another embodiment, the array of regions of the first magnet and the second magnet each form a stepped surface with an alternating level. Thereby, the attractive and the repulsive forces which respectively act at the home position and the displaced position may be rendered to differ in magnitude from each other. Thus, the degree of smoothness in opening the door and the aforementioned contribution to the airtight sealing can be independently modified.
Additional advantages of the opening-closing assembly of the present invention will now become apparent with the detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 - is a schematic exploded view of a refrigerator and a door opening-closing assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 - is a schematic enlarged view of the encircled detail I of Fig. 1.
Figure 3 - is a schematic exploded view of a movable support mechanism prior to fitting onto the door of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 - is a schematic side view of the refrigerator having the door opening-closing assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 - is a schematic enlarged view of the encircled detail II of Fig. 4.
Figure 6 - shows a cross section along the line A-A of Fig. 4.
Figure 7 - is a schematic enlarged view of the encircled detail III of Fig. 6.
Figure 8 - is a schematic top view of the refrigerator and the door opening-closing assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 - is a schematic enlarged view of a first magnet and a second magnet respectively aligned in a home position (left hand side) and in a displaced position (right hand side), in the cross section along the line B-B of Fig. 8.
Figure 10 - is a schematic front view of a refrigerator and a door opening-closing assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 - is a schematic side view of the refrigerator and the door opening-closing assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 - is a schematic top view of the refrigerator and the door opening-closing assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 - is a schematic enlarged partial perspective view of Fig. 12, showing the door opening-closing assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.
  1. Door opening-closing assembly
  2. Refrigeration appliance
  3. Door
  4. Doorframe
  5. First magnet
  6. Second magnet
  7. Movable support mechanism
  8. Drive mechanism
  9. Guiding element
  10. Sliding element,
  11. Pivotal handle
  12. Actuator
  13. Switch
  14. Electric motor
  15. Pinion gear
  16. Gear rack
  17. Magnetic gasket
The present invention relates to a door opening-closing assembly (1) is suitable for use in a refrigeration appliance (2) having at least one door (3) pivotally hinged to a doorframe (4) (Fig. 1). The door opening-closing assembly (1) comprises a first magnet (5) for mounting onto the door (3) and a second magnet (6) for mounting onto the doorframe (4) in a manner opposing the first magnet (5) through a gap when the door (3) is in a closed state.
The door opening-closing assembly (1) according to the present invention further comprises a movable support mechanism (7) configured to support one of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) movably between a home position where the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) are aligned to mutually attract each other in a direction normal to a surface of the door (3) with a strength sufficient to hold the door (3) in a closed state and a displaced position where the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) are aligned to mutually repel each other in a direction normal to a surface of the door (3) with a strength sufficient to expel the door (3) from a closed state to an open state and a drive mechanism (8) configured to activate the movable support mechanism (7) for opening and closing the door (3) (Fig. 1).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the movable support mechanism (7) includes a guiding element (9) and a sliding element (10) which are slidably engaged with each other. As shown in Fig 3, the guiding element (9) is fixed on the door (3). As shown in Fig. 4, the sliding element (10) is configured to support the first magnet (5), and to slide along the guiding element (9), between the home position and the displaced position. The sliding element (10) is provided with a frame, and the first magnet (5) is embedded into the sliding element (10).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the movable support mechanism (7) is configured to rectilinearly move the first magnet (5) between the home position and the displaced position along a vertical direction i.e., an up-down direction along the door frame (4) (Fig. 5).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the drive mechanism (8) includes a pivotal handle (11) configured to rectilinearly move the sliding element (10) between the home position and the displaced position (Fig. 6).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the pivotal handle (11) is configured to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the door (3). The handle (11) is pivoted in an anti-clockwise direction in the plane defined by the cross-section along the line B-B shown in Fig. 8 to open the door (3) (Fig. 7, Fig. 8).
The left hand side and the right hand side of Fig. 9 each show a configuration of the first magnet (5) and a second magnet (6) which respectively correspond to a home position and a displaced position. When the handle (11) is pivoted upwards, the first magnet (5) is moved downwards by means of a lever as shown in Fig. 1 which operatively connects the handle (11) and the sliding element (10).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the drive mechanism (8) alternatively includes an actuator (12) configured to rectilinearly move the sliding element (10) back and forth between the home position and the displaced position, and a switch (13) adapted operate the actuator (12) (Figs. 10 to 12).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the actuator (12) is configured by an electric motor (14) operatively connected to the sliding element (10) via a pinion gear (15) and a gear rack (16). Alternatively, a worm gear operatively coupled to the electric motor (14) can be utilized. The switch (13) is adapted to turn the electric motor (14) on or off (Fig. 13).
In another embodiment of the present invention. the movable support mechanism (7) includes a resilient element (not shown) arranged to bias the sliding element (10) towards the home position.
In another embodiment of the present invention, each of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) is a permanent magnet.
In another embodiment of the present invention, each of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) is formed by an array of regions with alternating magnetic poles N and S. The number of arrays shown in Fig. 9 is only exemplary. Thus, the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) can be formed by any number magnetic pole pairs.
In another embodiment of the present invention, each of the array of regions of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) forms a stepped surface with an alternating level.
Next, the refrigeration appliance (2) having the door opening-closing assembly (1) according to the present invention will now be explained with reference to the appended drawings.
Figs. 4 and 11 each shows a refrigeration appliance (2) which comprises an alternative door opening-closing assembly (1) of the present invention. In these refrigeration appliances (2), the movable support mechanism (7) shown in Fig. 2 is preferably fitted to the door (3), and supports the first magnet (5).
Alternatively, the movable support mechanism (7) can be fitted to the doorframe (4). In this alternative configuration (not shown) the movable support mechanism (7) supports the second magnet (6).
As shown in the left hand side of Fig. 9, the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) are mounted to the refrigeration appliance (2) such that in a closed state of the door (3), i.e., when the movable support mechanism (7) is at the home position, the array of regions with opposite magnetic poles of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) oppose each other, preferably through a gap.
As shown in the right hand side of Fig. 9, the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) are mounted to the refrigeration appliance (2) such that in an open state of the door (3), i.e., when the movable support mechanism (7) is at the displaced position, the array of regions with like magnetic poles of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) oppose each other, preferably through a gap.
The refrigeration appliance (2) of the present invention further comprises a magnetic gasket (17) arranged along the entire perimeter between the door (3) and the door frame (4), for hermetically sealing the refrigeration appliance (2).

Claims (14)

  1. A door opening-closing assembly (1) for use in a refrigeration appliance (2) having at least one door (3) pivotally hinged to a doorframe (4), comprising:
    a first magnet (5) for mounting onto the door (3) and a second magnet (6) for mounting onto the doorframe (4) in a manner opposing the first magnet (5) when the door (3) is in a closed state, characterized in that a movable support mechanism (7) configured to support one of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) movably between a home position where the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) are aligned to mutually attract each other in a direction normal to a surface of the door (3) with a strength sufficient to hold the door (3) in a closed state and a displaced position where the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) are aligned to mutually repel each other in a direction normal to a surface of the door (3) with a strength sufficient to expel the door (3) from a closed state to an open state and a drive mechanism (8) configured to activate the movable support mechanism (7) for opening and closing the door (3).
  2. The door opening-closing assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable support mechanism (7) is configured to rectilinearly move one of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) between the home position and the displaced position along a vertical direction.
  3. The door opening-closing assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movable support mechanism (7) includes a guiding element (9) and a sliding element (10), wherein the sliding element (10) is configured to support one of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6), and to slide along the guiding element (9), between the home position and the displaced position.
  4. The door opening-closing assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the drive mechanism (8) includes a pivotal handle (11) configured to move the sliding element (10) between the home position and the displaced position.
  5. The door opening-closing assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the pivotable handle (11) is configured to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the door (3).
  6. The door opening-closing assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the drive mechanism (8) includes an actuator (12) configured to move the sliding element (10) between the home position and the displaced position, and a switch (13) adapted operate the actuator (12).
  7. The door opening-closing assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the actuator (12) is configured by an electric motor (14) operatively connected to the sliding element (10) via a pinion gear (15) and a gear rack (16) or a worm gear; and in that the switch (13) is adapted to turn the electric motor (14) on or off.
  8. The door opening-closing assembly (1) according to any one of claims, characterized in that the movable support mechanism (7) includes a resilient element arranged to bias the sliding element (10) towards the home position.
  9. The door opening-closing assembly (1) according to any one of claims, characterized in that the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) are each permanent magnets.
  10. The door opening-closing assembly (1) according to any one of claims, characterized in that the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) are each formed by an array of regions with alternating magnetic poles.
  11. The door opening-closing assembly (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the array of regions of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) each forms a stepped surface with an alternating level.
  12. A refrigeration appliance (2) according to any one of claims, characterized in that the door opening-closing assembly (1), wherein the movable support mechanism (7) is fitted to the door (3) and supports the first magnet (5).
  13. A refrigeration appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the door opening-closing assembly (1), wherein the movable support mechanism (7) is fitted to the doorframe (4) and supports the second magnet (6).
  14. A refrigeration appliance (2) according to claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the door opening-closing assembly (1), wherein the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) are mounted as:
    - the array of regions with opposite magnetic poles of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) oppose each other through a gap when the movable support mechanism (7) is at the home position and
    - the array of regions with like magnetic poles of the first magnet (5) and the second magnet (6) oppose each other through a gap when the movable support mechanism (7) is at the displaced position.
PCT/EP2013/061690 2013-06-06 2013-06-06 Door opening-closing assembly and refrigeration appliance having the same WO2014194955A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP13730827.6A EP3004763B1 (en) 2013-06-06 2013-06-06 Door opening-closing assembly and refrigeration appliance having the same
PCT/EP2013/061690 WO2014194955A1 (en) 2013-06-06 2013-06-06 Door opening-closing assembly and refrigeration appliance having the same

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2013/061690 WO2014194955A1 (en) 2013-06-06 2013-06-06 Door opening-closing assembly and refrigeration appliance having the same

Publications (1)

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WO2014194955A1 true WO2014194955A1 (en) 2014-12-11

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109989643A (en) * 2017-12-29 2019-07-09 宁波方太厨具有限公司 A kind of electricity steam box door lock
CN111238141A (en) * 2020-01-20 2020-06-05 海信(山东)冰箱有限公司 Refrigerator and control method
US10684063B2 (en) 2015-12-28 2020-06-16 Whirlpool Corporation Easy open drawer/door with rotating handle

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH01150786A (en) * 1987-12-08 1989-06-13 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd Box body with door opener
US4999615A (en) * 1989-04-03 1991-03-12 Toupin Joseph F Device for detecting the exceeding of a temperature threshold
US6464312B1 (en) * 2001-05-01 2002-10-15 Maytag Corporation Refrigerator door breaker assembly
JP2008007983A (en) * 2006-06-28 2008-01-17 Takigen Mfg Co Ltd Door closing device
KR20090133023A (en) * 2008-06-23 2009-12-31 엘지전자 주식회사 Refrigerator

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH01150786A (en) * 1987-12-08 1989-06-13 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd Box body with door opener
US4999615A (en) * 1989-04-03 1991-03-12 Toupin Joseph F Device for detecting the exceeding of a temperature threshold
US6464312B1 (en) * 2001-05-01 2002-10-15 Maytag Corporation Refrigerator door breaker assembly
JP2008007983A (en) * 2006-06-28 2008-01-17 Takigen Mfg Co Ltd Door closing device
KR20090133023A (en) * 2008-06-23 2009-12-31 엘지전자 주식회사 Refrigerator

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10684063B2 (en) 2015-12-28 2020-06-16 Whirlpool Corporation Easy open drawer/door with rotating handle
US11384976B2 (en) 2015-12-28 2022-07-12 Whirlpool Corporation Easy open drawer/door with a rotating handle
CN109989643A (en) * 2017-12-29 2019-07-09 宁波方太厨具有限公司 A kind of electricity steam box door lock
CN109989643B (en) * 2017-12-29 2023-11-17 宁波方太厨具有限公司 Door lock of electric steamer
CN111238141A (en) * 2020-01-20 2020-06-05 海信(山东)冰箱有限公司 Refrigerator and control method

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Publication number Publication date
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EP3004763A1 (en) 2016-04-13

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