EP2846676B1 - Domestic appliance - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a dishwasher.

By unlocking and opening the door of a conventional dishwasher, such as a dishwasher with a pull-lock, a certain amount of force on the part of the operator is connected, which is sometimes perceived as uncomfortable. Further, in the past, in view of complete drying, it has been found advantageous to partially open the door of a dishwasher during the drying process. Furthermore, there is often the desire for handleless device fronts.

Accordingly, in recent years, dishwashers having a device for automatically opening the door have been developed. Such a dishwasher is for example in the EP 2 394 561 A2 described.

The EP 2 336 469 A2 describes a self-locking door, which is adjustable by means of a cable between an open position and a closed position. The cable is tensioned by a spring.

The WO 02/11602 A2 describes a cleaning device for cleaning medical instruments and laboratory equipment. The cleaning device comprises a door and a lifting device for lifting the opened door from a lower position to an upper position.

The EP 0 481 503 A1 describes a door lock for a household appliance. A closing unit of a door of the household appliance is operatively connected by means of a Bowden cable with a push button.

The EP 0 518 147 A1 describes a closing device for a door of a washing machine or a tumble dryer. The locking device can be actuated by means of a Bowden cable.

The EP 0 349 494 A2 describes a closing device for a door of a washing machine. The locking device can be actuated by means of a Bowden cable.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved home appliance which is characterized by a simple mechanism for opening or unlocking the door.

Therefore, a household appliance, in particular a dishwasher, with a door, a drive, an actuating element and a flexible element is proposed. The flexible member is adapted to transmit a tensile force from the drive to the actuator for opening or unlocking the door, wherein the flexible member for transmitting the tensile force is positively engaged with a drive-side member, wherein for the positive engagement along the flexible Elements receiving and / or engagement elements are arranged, wherein the drive-side element corresponding engaging and / or receiving elements, wherein the flexible element is in the form of a rope ladder and wherein rungs of the rope guide openings define the same, which form the receiving elements. The actuating element is designed as a locking element of a door lock of the household appliance or door opening ram.

The fact that use is made of a flexible element, the tensile force can be easily transmitted mechanically from the drive to the actuator. In addition, such a flexible element can be produced inexpensively. "Flexible" means that the flexible element can transmit a tensile force and no or only a small compressive force. Furthermore, it can be encompassed by "flexible" that the flexible element does not significantly deform under the influence of the tensile force or other forces in the operation of the domestic appliance. For example, in a first state the flexible element may extend straight and in a second state at least in sections along a circle segment, for example with a radius between 20 cm and 3 mm, preferably between 5 cm and 5 mm and more preferably between 20 mm and 10 mm. The flexible element can also be designed to be elastic or pliable. Furthermore, the flexible element can be partially or completely made of plastic, in particular fiber-reinforced plastic. As plastic polyamide can be used. As Fibers can be used, for example, glass fibers or other fibers which deviate chemically from the base material.

The drive can be designed for example as an electric motor.

In the present case, a distinction is made between opening / closing and unlocking / locking as follows: opening / closing means a movement of the door to release (open) or close (close) access to a room behind the door. Unlocking / locking the door means an actuation of a locking element which releases an opening of the door (unlocking) or blocking such an opening (locking). The opening and unlocking can also take place simultaneously, just as the closing and locking can take place simultaneously. This is the case, for example, with a door lock in which the unlocking of the door with an opening thereof and / or the locking of the door associated with a closing thereof.

The flexible element is for the transmission of the tensile force with a drive-side element positively engaged.

This positive connection can be provided detachably, so that the flexible element can be decoupled from the drive.

During the transmission of the tensile force between the drive-side element and the actuating element, the flexible element may comprise a section having the pulling force and a further section adjoining this section, which is relieved, that is, transmits no forces. This relieved further portion becomes longer or shorter depending on the operating direction of the operating member. The relieved further section can extend into a rounded housing, so that it can be accommodated to save space.
For positive engagement, receiving and / or engagement elements are arranged along the flexible element, the drive-side element having corresponding engagement and / or receiving elements.

According to one embodiment, therefore, the flexible element can have receiving elements and the drive-side element has corresponding engagement elements. According to According to a further embodiment, the flexible element may comprise the engagement elements and the drive-side element corresponding receiving elements. Examples of engagement elements are openings, holes or pockets. Examples of receiving elements are projections, noses or teeth. According to one embodiment, the engagement or receiving elements are each arranged linearly one behind the other on the flexible element or drive-side element. Furthermore, it can be provided that only one (or more of) the engagement element (s) with one (or more) receiving element (s) is engaged (standing), while the other engagement and receiving elements are out of engagement with each other.

The flexible element is in the form of a rope ladder, with rungs of the rope ladder defining openings thereof which form the receiving elements.

Between the rungs so holes or pockets are formed, which form the receiving elements. Such a rope ladder can be produced, for example, simply by injection molding. Accordingly, the rope ladder is then formed of plastic.

According to a further embodiment, the drive-side element has teeth which form the engagement elements.

Such teeth are well suited to intervene between the rungs of the rope ladder. According to a further embodiment, the drive-side element is designed in the form of a toothed wheel.

The gear has the teeth forming the engagement elements. Such a gear can be easily made of metal or plastic, for example. By turning the gear always get new teeth with new openings engaged. The flexible element can be easily moved by means of the drive-side element.

The gear may be of such a diameter that it only needs to make part of a full turn to open or unlock or lock the door.

According to a further embodiment, a transmission lever is provided, which is connected at its one end to a flexible element, pivotably mounted at its other end and is further adapted to adjust by means of pivoting the actuating element for opening or unlocking the door.

For example, the transmission lever with a central portion of the same act directly or indirectly on the actuating element. For example, a transmission element can be arranged between the transmission lever and the actuating element. The transmission element may for example be pivotally mounted on the transmission lever. As a result, the transmission lever can act on the actuating element over the entire actuating path in a straight line.

The flexible element can in particular cohesively or positively, for example, with one end of the transmission lever. B. by means of hook. "Connected" also includes that the flexible element and the transmission lever can be integrally formed. "Integral" means that the flexible element and the transmission lever are formed from one and the same piece of material. For example, the flexible element and the transmission lever may be formed by, in particular, injection molding of a piece of plastic, in particular polyamide (e.g., nylon). The plastic, in particular the polyamide, may be provided with fiber reinforcement. In particular, the plastic may have a glass fiber content of between 1 and 10%, preferably between 6 and 8%.

According to a further embodiment, the flexible element and the transmission lever can each be made of different plastics, which, however, are produced in a single injection molding tool.

The other end of the transmission lever may be formed thickened the same for the pivotable mounting and held in a recess of a housing.

According to a further embodiment, the flexible element for transmitting the tensile force on a drive-side element is wound up.

This allows the flexible element to save space.

According to a further embodiment, the drive-side element is designed as a coil.

Such a coil is easy to produce. In the simplest case, the coil may be in the form of a shaft.

According to a further embodiment, the flexible element is designed in the form of a band.

The band may be formed for example as a plastic or metal band.

According to a further embodiment, the flexible element is windable at its one end on the drive-side element, fixed at its other end and further adapted to act with a portion thereof between the one and the other end on the actuating element to this opening or Unlock the door to adjust.

For this purpose, the flexible element can be guided between its one end and its other end around a transmission element which acts on the actuating element. Alternatively, the flexible element could also be guided directly around the actuating element. The flexible element has at least temporarily a U-shaped course. During the transmission of the tensile force from the drive-side element to the actuating element, the flexible element slides over the transmission element or the actuating element. The movement of the actuator for opening or unlocking the door or closing or unlocking the door is thus achieved by shortening or lengthening the extending between the one and the other end portion of the flexible element.

According to a further embodiment, the flexible element for opening or unlocking the door is adjustable in a first direction by means of the drive and can be reset for closing or locking the door by means of the drive in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

According to this embodiment, both the adjustment and the return of the actuating element in dependence on the drive, is thus controlled by this. A closing or locking dynamics as well as an opening or unlocking dynamics can thus be designed without intervention of an operator and controlled. Just jerky movements, for example when closing the door, as they are found in conventional dishwashers, can be designed so gentle and elegant. In particular, when closing the door thus a damped movement of the door can be achieved. As a result, it is possible to achieve the feeling of a particular value of the household appliance with the operator.

Alternatively, the flexible member may be decoupled from the drive for closing or locking the door.

In this embodiment, therefore, only the opening or unlocking of the door is controlled by the drive, while the closing or locking takes place independently of the drive. As a result, a control of the drive can be made simpler.

According to a further embodiment, a return spring is provided, which loads the actuating element for the return in the second direction, wherein the drive is adapted to relieve the actuating element in the second direction.

The return movement of the actuating element thus results from an interaction of the return spring and the drive. As a result, the mentioned, damped closing movement of the door can be done easily. The fact that a spring is used for restoring, results in a simple structure.

The actuating element is designed as a locking element of a door lock of the household appliance or door opening ram.

The locking element can be arranged on the body of the household appliance or on the door. Accordingly, the locking element can engage in a recess in the door or in the body in order to lock them together. The locking element may be formed, for example, as a striker.

A "door opener ram" is a ram which is moved substantially perpendicular to the door to force it therethrough. The door opening ram can be arranged on the carcass or on the door. The door opening ram is extended to open the door and retracted to close it. The closing movement of the door can be generated by another spring, which biases the door in the direction of the body.

According to a further embodiment, the locking element is adjustable by means of the drive from a locking position in which it engages positively in the door against an acting in the first direction return spring in an unlocked position in which it releases the door for opening the same and against a reset is secured by the return spring positively. Preferably, a lever is further provided, which reverses the positive locking when closing the door, whereby the return spring actuates the locking element in the second direction in the locking position and pulls the door in the closed position.

In this type of door lock unlocking the door with a slight opening of the same and the locking of the door with a slight closing of the same goes hand in hand. This type of door lock can also be referred to as a "pull-lock".

According to a further embodiment, a sensor is provided which detects the return of the locking element, for example by monitoring the position of the locking element or by monitoring the position of the lever of the door lock. A coupled to the sensor controller then controls the drive according to an embodiment such that the drive slowly relieves the actuator in the first direction, while the return spring, the actuator charged in the second direction. Thus, in particular, a muted closing and locking of the door can be accomplished.

According to a further embodiment, a control device is provided, which is adapted to drive the drive for actuating the locking element from a first position thereof to a second position thereof when it determines that the door is not in its closed position in the first position of the locking element located.

Preferably, the locking element is retracted in the first position with respect to the body of the household appliance and thus corresponds to the locking position, but with the difference that the locking element does not engage positively in the door. In the second position, the locking element is extended and releases the door for opening the same and is also secured in a form-fitting manner against return by the return spring. The second position therefore corresponds to the unlocked position.

For example, in the above embodiment, the lever is inadvertently operated, but without closing the door, the locking element passes due to the action of the return spring in its first position, ie in its locking position, but the locking element does not engage in the door. In order to close the door nevertheless, the door would have to be pushed with high force, so that the locking element, in particular the striker, deviates upward and thereafter engages with said recess to lock the door to the carcass. This procedure is also referred to as "manual override" or "manual self-healing" of the door. With the control device described above, this case is detected. Accordingly, then the drive moves the locking element back to its second position, ie unlocked position, before the door is closed. The overpressure is thus avoided. This can be particularly advantageous in built-in high installation home appliances, especially dishwashers, since it can happen here that a manual self-healing is not possible because a furniture sheet of the door is blocked by an intermediate floor and therefore not deep enough in a peripheral door seal of the household appliance.

According to a further embodiment, a sensor is provided, which detects a movement of the actuating element due to a force applied to the door pressure force in its closed position. Furthermore, a control device is provided, which controls the drive for opening or unlocking the door as a function of the detected movement of the door.

An opening request of the operator can be signaled to the door and detected by the sensor in particular by short pressure, for example 20 Newton. According to one embodiment, the door is pressed by the pressure more strongly in the rotating door seal, which in turn leads to a movement of the actuating element, which is detected by the sensor. The sensor can be designed, for example, as a resistive, capacitive, inductive, optical or piezoelectric sensor. In particular, the sensor may comprise one or more coils which interact with a measuring object arranged on the actuating element. The measuring object, for example in the form of a metal object, can be fastened to a carrier element which can be actuated by means of the actuating element. The carrier element may be in contact with the actuating element for this purpose. Furthermore, the carrier element by means of a spring, in particular a leg spring, are pressed against the actuating element. The sensor may include two coils to detect the direction of movement of the actuator, from front to back or from back to front. This can be important to B. a pressure build-up in a washing container of the household appliance (eg., Heating rinse water and consequently expanding air within the washing) to distinguish from a door opening wish, which comes by pressure on the door from the outside (from front to back). For the door opening request, only one direction is decisive. Therefore, influences from other directions should be eliminated. There may be a cap between the sensor and the measurement object in order to keep tolerances as small as possible.

According to one embodiment, the door is formed without handles.

According to a further embodiment, the household appliance has a child safety function. For example, this child-safety function can be provided by means of the sensor, which detects a movement of the actuating element due to a pressure force applied to the door in the closed position, and the control device which controls the drive for generating the pressure force in dependence on the detected movement of the door. The control device then controls the drive only to open or unlock the door when the pressure force curve corresponds to a predetermined pattern. For example, this pattern may include a double press of the door within a period of 3 seconds, in particular 1 second.

Furthermore, a mechanical child safety device in the form of a child safety lever can be provided in the door lock. When activated, the actuator will not move. The drive then starts only briefly and is then turned off by a control device, which is set up to detect the high counteracting force acting on the actuating element by means of a sensor. In particular, the sensor can monitor the supply current of the drive for this purpose.

According to a further embodiment, a control device is provided, which is set up to control the drive for opening the door for drying support, which increases the energy efficiency.

The household appliance can be set up such that the actuating element opens the door by a maximum of 50 to 150 mm, preferably 90 to 110 mm. This allows a comfortable gripping the door. The dimensions refer to a distance between the upper edge of the door and an upper edge of the opening in the body of the household appliance, which closes or releases the door.

Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the embodiments of the invention described below. Furthermore, the invention will be explained in more detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures.

• Fig. 1: in einer schematischen Seitenansicht eine Geschirrspülmaschine gemäß einer Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 2: eine vergrößerte Ansicht II aus Fig. 1 in teilweise ausgebrochener Darstellung;
• Fig. 3: in perspektivischer Ansicht verschiedene Komponenten eines Moduls aus Fig. 2;
• Fig. 4: in einer perspektivischen Ansicht einen Schnitt in einem Bereich IV aus Fig. 2;
• Fig. 5: in einer Draufsicht einen Bereich V aus Fig. 2;
• Fig. 6: einen Schnitt VI-VI aus Fig. 5;
• Fig. 7: die Ansicht aus Fig. 2, jedoch insbesondere ohne ein Türschloss;
• Fig. 8: einen Schnitt VIII-VIII aus Fig. 2; und
• Fig. 9: in perspektivischer Ansicht ein Türöffnungsmodul gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform.

It shows:

• Fig. 1 in a schematic side view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment;
• Fig. 2 : an enlarged view II Fig. 1 in partly broken-out representation;
• Fig. 3 : in perspective view different components of a module Fig. 2 ;
• Fig. 4 in a perspective view of a section in an area IV Fig. 2 ;
• Fig. 5 : In a plan view of an area V from Fig. 2 ;
• Fig. 6 : a cut VI-VI off Fig. 5 ;
• Fig. 7 : the view off Fig. 2 but especially without a door lock;
• Fig. 8 : a section VIII-VIII Fig. 2 ; and
• Fig. 9 in a perspective view of a door opening module according to another embodiment.

In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements have been given the same reference numerals, unless stated otherwise.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a household appliance in the form of a dishwasher 1. This has a washing container 2 for receiving items to be washed. A door 3 is pivotably connected to a body 4 forming the washing container 2 by means of a joint 5. In this case, the closed position and in dashed line the open position of the door 3 is illustrated in a solid line. The door 3 is designed handle-less and may have a decorative plate. The dishwasher 1 further comprises a module 6 and a door lock 7, which are each arranged below an upper cover 11 of the body 4.

The door lock 7 comprises an actuating element in the form of a locking element 12 (see FIG. 8 ), which is formed according to the embodiment in the form of a striker. Now returning to FIG. 1 , there is shown a recess 13, in which the locking element 12 engages in the closed position of the door 3 and pulls them in the direction of the washing compartment 2 against a seal, not shown. The seal is arranged circumferentially around the opening of the washing compartment 2. This will be a gas and liquid-tight completion of the washing compartment 2 in the closed position of the door 3 achieved.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view II FIG. 1 in partly broken-out illustration.

As in FIG. 2 1, the dishwasher 1 has a frame 14, which is arranged on the washing container 2 on the opening side. The door lock 7 is fixed to the frame 14. The module 6 is in turn releasably secured to the door lock 7, as later in more detail with reference to the Figures 5 and 6 is explained. In the closed position, the door 3 extends perpendicular to the plane of the paper under the frame 14th

Hereinafter, the structure of the module 6 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 explained, the latter shows the door module in a perspective view.

The module 6 comprises a housing 15 (see FIG. 2 ), which is composed of two parts 16, 17. Inside the housing 15, a drive in the form of an electric motor 21 is provided. In the housing 15, a three-stage reduction gear 22 is further provided, via which the electric motor 21 drives a drive-side element in the form of a gear 23. The electric motor 21 can be designed, for example, as a cost-effective DC motor with a supply voltage of, for example, between 10 and 15 V. The gear 23 has a plurality of teeth 24 on its circumference.

Further, in the module 6, a flexible, pliable element in the form of a rope conductor 25 is provided. The rope ladder 25 includes rungs 26 with openings 27 formed therebetween (see FIG. 3 ). The teeth 24 form engagement elements, which can be brought into engagement with the receiving element-forming openings 27. In each case, at least one tooth 24 is always in engagement with an opening 27 or the respectively associated rung 26. The rope conductor 25 is formed of a flexible plastic. The rope conductor 25 has a free end 31 and is attached at its other end 32 to a transmission lever 33. The rope conductor 25 is attached at its end 32 at one end 34 of the transmission lever 33. In particular, the rope conductor 25 and the transmission lever 33 can be manufactured as a part of the same plastic, for example by injection molding. The plastic, for example, nylon in particular having a glass fiber content of between 1 and 10%, preferably between 6 and 8%. The plastic can be PA 66 GF 7. In order to increase the rigidity of the transmission lever 33, this stiffening ribs 35, which are arranged in particular triangular shape, have. At its other end 36 of the transmission lever 33 is provided with a rounded portion 37, with which it engages in a recess 41 in the housing 15, in particular in the part 17. This results in a pivotability of the transmission lever 33 in the recess 41 about an axis 42. The axis 42 is perpendicular to a plane E (see also FIG. 8 ) in which the locking element 12 is movable.

Spaced from the axis 42, for example, approximately in the middle between the two ends 32, 36 is on the transmission lever 33, a transmission element in the form of a bridge 44 about an axis 45 (see also FIGS. 4 and 8th ) mounted pivotally. The axis 45 extends parallel to the axis 42. As in FIG. 3 to recognize the bridge 44 has a bar shape. The front side, the bridge 44 on a pressure surface 46. Rear and center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bridge 44, the linkage to the transmission lever 33 is provided, as in FIG. 2 shown. The pressure surface 46 is adapted to abut against an end 48 (see FIG FIG. 8 ) of the locking element 12 to push this from its locking position, as shown in solid line in FIG. 8 shown in its unlocked position, as in dashed line in FIG. 8 shown to move.

The module 6 also has an electronic circuit board 47. On the electronic board 47, a controller 51, for example arranged in the form of a microprocessor. Furthermore, the electronic board 47 has a sensor 52, which is integrated in a carrier plate 53 of the electronic board 47. In particular, as shown, the sensor 52 may be arranged so as to penetrate the carrier plate 53 perpendicularly to the main extension plane thereof. For example, the sensor 52 includes two coils 54 configured to generate a magnetic field. The two coils 54 are covered by a cap 55 fixed to the carrier plate 53 in the direction of a measuring object in the form of an aluminum plate 56. The aluminum plate 56 is held by two pins 57 on a support member 61. The support plate 53 of the electronic board 47 extends with a portion 62 thereof, which includes the sensor 52, between the transmission lever 33 and the Alplättchen 56. The support plate 53 is disposed above the transmission lever 33.

The support member 61 has one to the end 48 (see FIG. 8 ) of the locking element 12 facing contact surface 63 at its one end. At its other end 64, the support member 61 is spring loaded. For this purpose, for example, a leg spring 65 may be provided which engages with its one leg 66 at the end 64 and is supported on the housing 15 at the other end.

FIG. 4 shows in perspective and in a sectional view of an area IV FIG. 2 ,

The part 16 of the housing 15 has a crescent-shaped pocket 67, which is open on one side 71 towards the rope conductor 25 and is otherwise limited by a bottom 72 and an arcuate side wall 73. The floor 72 may have a slot 74 through which a shaft 23 carrying the gear 23 (not shown) passes, so that the gear 23 is arranged inside the pocket 67. The pocket 67 may be closed by a cover, not shown, opposite the bottom 72. The arcuate side wall 73 acts as a deflection for the rope ladder 25 FIG. 4 not shown locking member 12 from its locking position in its unlocked position by means of the electric motor 21, the gear 22, the gear 23, the rope conductor 25, the transmission lever 33 and the bridge 44 spent so transmits a section 75 of the rope conductor 25 between the end 34 of the transmission lever 33 and the teeth 24 respectively engaged with the rope conductor 25 exert a tensile force from the gear 23 to the transmission lever 33. At the same time, the section 75 is increasingly shortened, resulting in a portion 76 (in FIG FIG. 4 shown in dashed lines). The section 76 of the rope ladder 25 is deflected by means of the arcuate side wall 73, that is bent. The pocket 76 is adapted to receive the entire portion 76 in the unlocked position of the locking member 12. The arc, which then describes the section 76, for example, may have a radius of between 1 and 4 cm. Incidentally, the section 75 also bends relative to the end 34, while the locking element 12 is moved from its locking position to its unlocked position. Characterized the required articulation in the region of the connection of the end 34 of the transmission lever 33 and the end 32 of the rope conductor 25 is provided.

Furthermore, based on FIG. 4 to realize that the door lock 7, see FIG. 2 from which module 6 is separable. As a result, the module 6 can be easily attached to the door lock 7 are mounted and if necessary, for example, malfunction of the same, simply replaced. For this purpose, the housing 16, for example, snap hook 77.

The detachable connection between the module 6 and the door lock 7 will be described below with reference to Figures 5 . 6 and 7 explained in more detail. FIG. 5 shows a detailed view V from FIG. 2 . FIG. 6 shows a section VI-VI FIG. 5 , and FIG. 7 shows the module 6 in a plan view without the door lock. 7

The housing 16 has a recess 78 (see FIGS. 4 and 5 ), in which, for example, the two snap hooks 77 and, for example, three support lugs 81 protrude. A housing 82 of the lock 7 has a contour 83 corresponding to the recess 78. At the contour 83 notches 84 are formed. For installation, the door lock 7 from one side - according to the embodiment in FIG. 6 seen from below - in the recess 78 (see also FIG. 7 ) inserted. The snap hooks 77 bend (see arrows in FIG. 6 ). As soon as the housing 82 comes into abutment with the support lugs 81, the snap hooks 77 snap behind the notches 84. This not only results in a positive connection perpendicular to the plane E. Rather, a positive connection also results along the adjustment axis 85 of the locking element 12 by means of the notches 84 and two of the support lugs 81 and transversely to the adjustment axis 85 due to the contour corresponding to the recess 78 83th

The following is based on FIG. 8 which make a section VIII-VIII FIG. 2 shows, the structure of the door lock 7 explained in more detail.

The locking element 12 has a hook 86, which in the locking position of the locking element 12 in the recess 13 (see FIG. 1 ) attacks. The hook 86 forms one end of the locking element 12. The other end of the locking element 12 is by two legs 87 (due to the section is in FIG. 8 to see only one of the legs 87; in FIG. 6 By contrast, both legs 87 are shown) formed. The legs 87 take a return spring 91 (see FIGS. 6 and 8th ) between which abuts at its one end 90 against a portion 92 which is fixedly connected to the housing 82 of the door lock 7, and which with its other End 93 against the legs 87 acts. The outermost ends of the legs 87 together form the end 48.

Now acts the bridge 44, when it is acted upon by the electric motor 21 by means of the rope ladder 25 and the transmission lever 33 with its pressure surface 46 against the end 48 of the locking element 12, the locking element 12 from its locking position to its unlocked position (in FIG. 8 indicated in dashed line) in the adjustment direction V along its adjustment axis 85 adjusted. The hook 86 is then moved on the one hand in the adjustment direction V and on the other hand in a direction K perpendicular to the plane E. The movement in the direction K is accomplished by the door lock 7 having a step 88. In the unlocked position (dashed in FIG. 8 ) of the locking element 12, the hook 86 locks positively behind the step 88.

The recess 13 (see FIG. 1 ) is released in the unlocked position of the locking element 12, so that the door 3 can be manually opened by the operator. Alternatively, the door 3 can also be automatically opened by a further device of the dishwasher 1. Although such a device is not shown in detail in the figures, it can be easily realized on the basis of the same principle of operation (as shown above). In this case, the bridge 44 would not act on the door lock 7, but on a door-opening plunger 94, which is exemplified in FIG FIG. 2 is shown. The door open tappet 94 would push the unlocked door 3 from its closed position to the open position. Furthermore, a differently functioning device for opening the door 3 could be used. In particular, a spring comes into consideration, which biases the door 3 from its closed position to its open position, so that the door 3 automatically opens after unlocking the locking element 12 due to the action of the spring.

Closes now an operator person, the door 3 manually again, which in particular after a few seconds, for example, when placing a forgotten cup in the dish rack, the case may be so actuates an unspecified door section a lever 95 of the door lock 7, which in FIG. 8 is shown. The actuation of the lever 95 causes the hook 86 to be highlighted behind the step 88 and set on the step 88. Thus, the hitherto existing form fit between the Hook 86 and the step 88 repealed, the unlocked position of the locking element 12 thus canceled. Furthermore, the hook 86 thus comes into engagement with the recess 13. The return spring 91 pushes the hook 86 hereafter, ie in the return direction R, wherein the locking element 12 enters its locking position. However, this return of the locking element 12 is braked by the electric motor 21 by the slower the force applied by the pressure surface 46 of the bridge 44 on the end 48 of the locking element 12 in the adjustment direction V force. The control device 51 controls the electric motor 21 for this purpose accordingly. This creates a damped closing and locking movement of the door 3. The hook 86 pulls the door 3 against the seal, not shown, at the end of the closing and locking movement. For the return of the Verrieglungselements 12 in the return direction R, the electric motor 21 changes its direction of rotation, for which the control device 51 can reverse this accordingly.

Alternatively, the controller 51 may drive the electric motor 21 so that this immediately after he has actuated the locking member 12 from the locking position to the unlocked position, changes its direction of rotation and the bridge 44 back in their in the FIGS. 4 and 8th spends the initial position shown. In this case, the module 6 only has the task of unlocking the door lock 7. The return of the locking element 12 is then undamped.

Since the gear 23 has to make only about half a turn both for unlocking and for locking the door 3, short unlocking and locking times can be achieved. In addition, the door 3 can be closed again immediately after opening, for example, if only one cup is placed in the dish rack during operation of the dishwasher 1.

The control device 51 can furthermore be signal-coupled with a sensor 96 which detects whether the door is in its closed or open position. Then actuates an operator accidentally or intentionally the lever 95 of the door lock 7 without the door 3 is closed, it does not control the electric motor 21. Consequently, the bridge 44 does not move and the locking member 12 does not move from its unlocked position to its locking position. Alternatively, the control device 51 may be provided so as to reset the locking element 12 allows by controlling the electric motor 21 accordingly. Immediately after the return of the locking element 12, the electric motor 21 actuates this again from its locking into its unlocked position. Overpressing the door 3, as described in the introduction, is therefore not required.

In order to open the door 3 in its closed position, the operator presses against the door 3 in the direction of the body 4, whereby this presses slightly into the seal, not shown. In this case, the recess 13 or a limiting this, not shown door section acts against the hook 86 and thereby presses the locking member 12 against the adjustment V with the end 48 against the contact surface 63 of the support member 61. As a result, the Alplättchen 56 moves relative to the of the Coils 54 generated magnetic field. The corresponding change in the magnetic field over time is evaluated by the control device 51. If a predetermined threshold is exceeded, for example, if the force applied to the door 3 by the operator person force exceeds 20 Newton, this is interpreted as a door opening request and the electric motor 21 is turned on, whereupon this actuates the locking element 12 from the locking to the unlocked position. Thereafter, the door 3 can be opened manually or otherwise, as described above.

In addition, the controller 51 may be provided to provide a child safety device. For example, the control device 51 can only drive the electric motor 21 to unlock the door 3 when it is signaled by the sensor 51 that a force of 20 Newton has been applied to the door 3 twice in a period of 1 second. However, a different signal may be required to overcome the parental control.

Alternatively, a mechanical child safety device can also be provided.

Still further, the controller 51 may be provided with a controller 97 (see FIG FIG. 1 ) of the dishwasher 1 signal technology coupled. The control device 97 controls a washing program of the dishwasher 1. If the door 3 are opened at the end of the program for drying support, the control device 97 outputs a corresponding signal to the control device 51, which then drives the electric motor 21 to unlock the locking element 12.

FIG. 9 shows in a perspective view of a module 6 according to another embodiment.

The module 6 according to FIG. 9 is different from the one in the Figures 1-8 shown module 6, characterized in that instead of the rope conductor 25, a flexible element in the form of a band 101 is provided. The band 101 may be formed of, for example, steel or plastic. Furthermore, instead of the transmission lever 33, a transmission element in the form of a deflecting part 102 is provided. The band 101 can be wound on a spool 104 at its one end 103. In the simplest case, the coil 104 could be formed by a shaft. The spool 104 is driven by the electric motor 21 via the three-stage gear 22. At its other end 105, the tape 101 is, for example, on the housing 15, see FIG. 2 , fixed. The deflector 102 may itself against its side 106 opposite the side 107, over which the belt 101 slides, against the end 48 (see FIG. 8 ) of the locking element 12 act. In this case, the sensor 51 and the support member 61 as in the embodiment according to the Figures 1-8 intended. Alternatively, as in FIG. 9 shown support the support member 61 via springs 111 on the side 106 of the deflecting 102 and with its contact surface 63 against the end 48 of the locking element 12 (see FIG. 8 ) Act. Then press an operator, as related to the Figures 1-8 described, with a force of, for example, 20 Newton against the door 3 in the direction of the body 4, the support member 61 moves by compression of the springs 111 against the adjustment direction V. In this case, the aluminum plate 56 of the support member 61 moves relative to the stationary provided sensor 52, which is for example fixed to the housing 15. The corresponding signal is then used by the control device 51 to drive the electric motor 21. If the signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value, then the electric motor 21 controls the transmission 22 accordingly, so that the belt 101 is wound onto the spool 104, thereby shortening the distance between the spool 104 and the end 105, whereby the deflection part 102 moved by the action of a portion 112 of the belt 101 in the adjustment direction V (see FIG. 8 ). As a result, the locking element 12 is moved from its locking position to its unlocked position. The remarks to the Figures 1-8 apply accordingly for the embodiment according to FIG. 9 ,

Although the invention has been described herein with reference to embodiments, it is variously modifiable.

Used reference signs:

1

dishwasher

2

rinse tank

3

door

4

corpus

5

joint

6

module

7

Locks

11

cover

12

locking element

13

recess

14

frame

15

casing

16

part

17

part

21

electric motor

22

transmission

23

gear

24

tooth

25

Knitters

26

rung

27

opening

31

The End

32

The End

33

transmission lever

34

The End

35

rib

36

The End

37

rounded section

41

recess

42

axis

44

bridge

45

axis

46

print area

47

electronic board

48

The End

51

control device

52

sensor

53

support plate

54

Kitchen sink

55

cap

56

aluminum flakes

57

spigot

61

support element

62

section

63

contact area

64

The End

65

Leg spring

66

leg

67

bag

71

page

72

ground

73

Side wall

74

slot

75

section

76

section

77

snap hooks

78

recess

81

support nose

82

casing

83

contour

84

rest

85

adjustment axis

86

hook

87

leg

88

step

90

The End

91

Return spring

92

section

93

The End

94

Door opening plunger

95

lever

96

sensor

97

control device

101

tape

102

deflecting

103

The End

104

Kitchen sink

105

The End

106

page

107

page

111

feather

112

section

e

level

K

direction

R

Return direction

V

adjustment

Claims (11)

1. Household appliance (1), in particular dishwasher, with a door (3), a drive (21), an actuation element (12) and a flexible element (25, 101), which is configured to transfer a tractive force from the drive (21) to the actuation element (12) for opening or unlocking the door (3), wherein, for the transferring of the tractive force, the flexible element (25) is engaged with a drive side element (23) in a form-fit manner, wherein, for engaging in a form-fit manner, receiving and/or engaging elements are arranged along the flexible element (25), wherein the drive side element (23) has corresponding engaging and/or receiving elements (24), wherein the flexible element (25) is embodied in the form of a rope ladder and wherein rungs (26) of the rope ladder (25) delimit openings (27) of the same, which form the engaging and/or receiving elements (24), and wherein the actuation element (12) is embodied as a locking element of a door lock (7) of the household appliance (1) or door opening plunger (94).
2. Household appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that the drive side element (23) has teeth (24) which embody the engaging elements.
3. Household appliance according to claim 2, characterised in that the drive side element is embodied in the form of a toothed gear.
4. Household appliance according to one of claims 1-3, characterised in that a transfer lever (33) is provided, which is connected at its one end (34) to the flexible element (25), is mounted rotatably at its other end (36) and is further configured by means of swivelling to adjust the actuation element (12) for the opening or unlocking of the door (13).
5. Household appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that the flexible element (101) is windable for transferring the tractive force to a drive side element (104), wherein the drive side element (104) is preferably embodied as a coil and/or the flexible element (101) is embodied in the form of a strap.
6. Household appliance according to claim 5, characterised in that the flexible element (101) is windable on the drive side element (104) at its one end (103), on its other end (105) is fixed and is further configured to act on the actuation element (12) with a portion (112) of the same between the one and the other end (103, 105), in order to adjust for said actuation element for opening or unlocking of the door (3).
7. Household appliance according to one of claims 1-6, characterised in that the flexible element (25, 101) is adjustable for the opening or unlocking of the door (3) by means of the drive (21) in a first direction (V) and is resettable for the closing or locking of the door (3) by means of the drive (21) in a second direction (R) opposite to the first direction (V).
8. Household appliance according to claim 7, characterised in that a resetting spring (91) is provided, which loads the actuation element (12) for resetting in the second direction (R), wherein the drive (21) is configured to release the actuation element (12) for resetting.
9. Household appliance according to one of claims 1-8, characterised in that the locking element (12) is adjustable by means of the drive (21) from a locked position, in which the locking element engages in a form-fit manner into the door (3), against a resetting spring (91) acting in the first direction (V), into an unlocked position, in which said locking element releases the door (3) for opening the same and is secured in a form-fit manner against a resetting by way of the resetting spring (91), wherein a lever (95) is preferably provided, which, when the door (3) is closed, releases the form-fit, which then enables the resetting spring (91) to actuate the locking element (12) in the second direction (R) into the locked position and pulls the door (3) into the closed direction.
10. Household appliance according to one of claims 1-9, characterised in that a control device (51) is provided, which is configured to control the drive (21) for actuating the locking element (12) from a first position of the same to a second position of the same when the control device detects that the door (3) is not in its closed position when the locking element (12) is in the first position.
11. Household appliance according to one of claims 1-10, characterised in that a sensor (52) is provided, which detects a movement of the actuation element (12) as a result of a compressive force applied to the door (3) in its closed position, and a control device (51) is provided, which controls the drive (21) for opening or unlocking of the door (3) as a function of the detected movement of the door (3).

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