Refrigerator having push-out type door opener

Abstract

A refrigeration appliance includes a cabinet defining a food storage chamber. A door is disposed on the cabinet and is movable between a closed position and an open position. A door opener includes a housing, a gear box, a sliding nut movable relative to the gear box, and a finger extending through the gear box. The finger is movable with the sliding nut. The door opener also includes a sensor. When the door is in the closed position and the door opener is in a zero position, the finger extends outside of the housing to contact an inner surface of the door. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the door opener from the zero position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to electrical appliances having a housing and a door. For example, such electrical appliances may include refrigeration appliances. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigeration appliances typically include a housing that defines one or more refrigerated compartments for receiving stored food. The appliance also includes one or more insulated, airtight doors for selectively closing the refrigerated food storage compartments. Typically, the doors can be moved between a closed and open position by pulling on them (e.g., by pulling a handle) to access the stored food.

[0003] In some situations, such as when a user's hands are full of groceries to be put into the refrigerator or covered in raw cooking ingredients, they may prefer not to have to grip the door or part of the door (such as the handle) when opening the door. In particular, users may prefer to push or shove the door to open it.

[0004] Therefore, refrigerators with improved mechanisms for opening the door would be useful. In particular, refrigeration appliances with mechanisms for opening the door by pushing it would be desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows, or will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention.

[0006] In a first embodiment, a refrigeration appliance is provided. The refrigeration appliance defines a vertical, lateral, and transverse direction. The vertical, lateral, and transverse directions are perpendicular to each other. The refrigeration appliance includes a housing defining a food storage compartment. The food storage compartment extends transversely between a front and a rear portion. The front portion of the food storage compartment defines an opening for receiving food. A door is disposed at the front of the food storage compartment and is movable between a closed position and an open position. Thus, the door selectively seals the food storage compartment in the closed position and provides access to the food storage compartment in the open position. A door opener is disposed within the housing. The door opener includes a housing, a gearbox, a sliding nut movable relative to the gearbox, and a finger extending through the gearbox toward the door. The finger is movable with the sliding nut. The door opener also includes a sensor. When the door is in the closed position and the door opener is in a zero position, the finger is configured to contact an inner surface of the door. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the door opener from its zero position.

[0007] In a second embodiment, a door opener for a refrigeration appliance is provided. The door opener defines vertical, lateral, and transverse directions. These directions are perpendicular to each other. The refrigeration appliance includes a housing defining a food storage compartment and a door mounted on the housing. The door is movable between a closed position and an open position to selectively seal the food storage compartment in the closed position and provide access to the food storage compartment in the open position. The door opener includes a housing, a gearbox, a sliding nut movable relative to the gearbox, and a finger extending through the gearbox. The finger is movable with the sliding nut. The door opener also includes a sensor. When the door is in the closed position and the door opener is in a zero position, the finger extends to the outside of the housing to contact an inner surface of the door. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the door opener from the zero position.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more readily understood with reference to the following description. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the specification sets forth a complete disclosure of the invention for those skilled in the art, which enables them to implement the invention, including the preferred embodiments thereof.

[0010] Figure 1 A front elevation view of a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided, wherein the door of the refrigeration appliance is shown in the closed position.

[0011] Figure 2 Provided Figure 1 A front elevation view of an exemplary refrigeration appliance, wherein the door is shown in the open position.

[0012] Figure 3 Provided Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary refrigeration appliance.

[0013] Figure 4 Provides the ability to be incorporated into, for example Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary door opener in a refrigeration appliance.

[0014] Figure 5 Provided Figure 4 A top-down cross-sectional view of an exemplary door opener.

[0015] Figure 6 Provided Figure 4 A cross-section of an exemplary door opener.

[0016] Figure 7 Provided Figure 4 An enlarged cross-section of a portion of an exemplary door opener.

[0017] Figure 8 Provided Figure 4 Another enlarged cross-section of a portion of an exemplary door opener.

[0018] Figure 9 Provided Figure 4 A perspective view of a portion of an exemplary door opener.

[0019] Figure 10 Provided Figure 4 A perspective view of another part of an exemplary door opener. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Referring now to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description uses reference numerals to refer to features in the drawings. Similar or analogous reference numerals in the drawings and description are used to refer to similar or analogous parts of this disclosure. Each example is given in an interpretative manner and does not constitute a limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope or spirit. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment, thereby producing yet another embodiment.

[0021] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and these terms are not intended to indicate the location or importance of individual components. Terms such as “inner” and “outer” refer to the relative directions of the interior and exterior of the refrigeration appliance, and particularly the food storage compartment defined therein. For example, “inner” or “towards” refers to a direction toward the interior of the refrigeration appliance. Terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” or “bottom” are used in reference to the perspective of a user entering the refrigeration appliance. For example, a user stands in front of the refrigerator to open the door and reaches into the food storage compartment to access the items inside.

[0022] As used herein, approximate terms such as “generally” or “approximately” include values ​​within ten percent of the stated value. When used in the context of angles or directions, such terms include values ​​within ten degrees of the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of the vertical line in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0023] like Figures 1 to 3For example, an exemplary refrigeration appliance 100 has a housing 120 defining a food storage compartment 122. The housing 120 is insulated. A door 124 is configured to be in the closed position ( Figure 1 When in the open position, the food storage compartment 122 is selectively sealed and closed, and when in the open position ( Figure 2 The door 124 provides access to the food storage room 122 via one or more hinges 126. Figure 2 It can be rotatably mounted to the housing 120 so as to rotate between the open and closed positions.

[0024] Refrigeration appliance 100 is defined by vertical V, lateral L, and horizontal T. Figure 3 ), and each direction is perpendicular to the others. For example, in Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen, the housing 120 extends vertically along the V between the top 101 and the bottom 102, along the lateral L between the left side 104 and the right side 106, and along the transverse T at the front 108 ( Figure 3 ) and rear 110 ( Figure 3 Extending between ) . For example, in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen, food storage chamber 122 extends along a transverse direction T between a front portion 134 and a rear portion 132. The front portion 134 of food storage chamber 122 defines an opening 136 for receiving food. Food storage chamber 122 is a refrigerated chamber for receiving food for storage. As used herein, the chamber can be “cooled” because it can operate at temperatures below room temperature (e.g., less than about seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit (75℉)). Those skilled in the art will recognize that food storage chamber 122 can be cooled by a hermetically sealed refrigeration system, allowing food storage chamber 122 to operate at or near the temperatures described herein by supplying cold air from the hermetically sealed system. Those skilled in the art understand the structure and function of such a hermetically sealed system, and for the sake of brevity and clarity, it will not be described in further detail herein.

[0025] The refrigerator door 124 is rotatably mounted (e.g., hinged) to the edge of the cabinet 120 for selective access to the food storage compartment 122 within the cabinet 120. The refrigerator door 124 may be mounted to the cabinet 120 at or near the front 134 of the food storage compartment 122, such that the door 124 is in the closed position ( Figure 1 ) and opening position ( Figure 2 It can move between (e.g., rotate via hinge 126). Figure 1 In the closed position, door 1 seals the food storage compartment 122. Additionally, one or more gaskets and other sealing devices may be provided to facilitate a seal between door 124 and compartment 120; these gaskets and other sealing devices are not shown but will be understood by those skilled in the art. Figure 2With the door 124 in the open position, entry into the food storage room 122 is permitted.

[0026] For example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various storage components may be installed within the food storage compartment 122 to facilitate the storage of food therein. Specifically, the storage components include a box 116, a drawer 117, and a shelf 118 installed within the food storage compartment 122. The box 116, drawer 117, and shelf 118 are configured to receive food (e.g., beverages or / or solid foods) and may assist in the organization of such food.

[0027] As described, housing 120 defines a single refrigerated compartment for receiving and storing food. In this example, the single refrigerated compartment is food storage compartment 122. In some embodiments, the refrigerated compartment may be a freezer compartment and / or refrigeration appliance 100 may include one or more additional refrigerated compartments for receiving various foods and storing them at various temperatures as desired. For example, refrigeration appliance 100 may include one or more refrigerated compartments for deep freezing (e.g., at about 0°F or lower) or for cooling, for example, products or wine, at relatively warmer temperatures such as about 60°F or higher, and any suitable temperature between the examples described. In various embodiments, the refrigerated compartment may be selectively operated at any number of various temperatures and / or temperature ranges as desired or required for each application, and / or refrigeration appliance 100 may include one or more additional compartments that may be selectively operated at any suitable food storage temperature.

[0028] The exemplary refrigeration appliance 100 illustrated herein is generally referred to as a single-door or dedicated refrigerator, and sometimes as a column refrigerator. However, it is recognized that the benefits of the invention apply to other types and styles of refrigerators, such as bottom-mounted refrigerators, top-mounted refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, or refrigeration appliances. Therefore, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit any particular refrigeration compartment configuration in any way. Furthermore, the door opener described herein can be used with other types of appliances, such as microwave ovens, washing machine / dryer appliances, etc., and / or the disclosed features may be desired in any other environment.

[0029] As in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen, the refrigeration appliance 100 may include a door opener 200. The door opener 200 may be disposed within the housing 120. For example, the door opener 200 may be disposed within the housing 120, near the front portion 108 of the housing 120 and the opening 136 of the food storage compartment 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the door opener 200 is positioned along the vertical direction V near the top 101 of the housing 120 and approximately centered along the horizontal direction L. That is, as... Figure 2 As best seen, the exemplary door opener 200 is positioned at or around the lateral midpoint of the opening 136 of the housing 120 and / or food storage compartment 122. In other embodiments, the door opener 200 may be positioned at other locations within the housing 120, such as near the bottom 102 along the vertical V. In some embodiments, centering the door opener 200 along the lateral L can advantageously provide flexibility in mounting the door 124. For example, the illustrated refrigeration appliance 100 includes a door 124 mounted on the right side 106. In other embodiments, the door 124 (e.g., hinge 126) may be mounted to the housing 120 at or near the left side 104. In embodiments where the door opener 200 is centered along the lateral L, the door opener 200 will apply substantially the same opening force to the door 124 when the door 124 is mounted to the left side 104 or the right side 106; for example, the torque arm or lever action applied to the door when the door 124 rotates about the hinge 126 will be substantially the same.

[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, the door opener 200 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. The vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are perpendicular to each other. The door opener 200 may include a housing 202 extending along the transverse direction T from the rear portion 203 to the front portion 201. The door opener 200 is generally oriented and mounted in the refrigeration appliance 100 such that the corresponding directions are substantially aligned, for example, within 10° to each other. For example, the door opener 200 may be positioned (e.g., mounted) within a housing 120 such that the vertical direction V defined by the door opener 200 is substantially the same as the vertical direction V defined by the refrigeration appliance 100, the lateral direction L defined by the door opener 200 is substantially the same as the lateral direction L defined by the refrigeration appliance 100, and the transverse direction T defined by the door opener 200 is substantially the same as the transverse direction T defined by the refrigeration appliance 100. In addition, the front portion 201 of the outer casing 202 is generally close to or aligned with the front portion 108 of the housing 120 along the transverse direction T, while the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 202 is correspondingly closer to the rear portion 110 of the housing 120 than the front portion 108 of the housing 120.

[0031] The housing 202 of the door opener 200 can be fixedly mounted to the housing 120, for example, via mechanical fasteners. The housing 202 can be fixedly mounted to the housing 120 because the housing 202 cannot move relative to the housing 120 during normal and intended operation of the refrigeration appliance 100 (including its door opener 200). The door opener 200 also includes a gearbox 204 disposed within and fixed in place relative to the housing 202. The door opener 200 may include a finger 206 comprising a front portion or rod portion 210 and a threaded rear portion or power screw portion 208. In some embodiments, the finger 206 may include a tip 212 engaging the inner surface 125 of the door body 124. The finger 206 (e.g., its rod portion 210) may extend through the gearbox 204 and the housing 202 toward the door body 124 of the refrigeration appliance 100, for example as in… Figure 3 As can be seen in the image. In an alternative embodiment, the entire finger 206 may be threaded, or the front portion 210 may be threaded while the rear portion 208 is not. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the door opener 200 is in the zero position. Figure 3 The example illustrates the zero position of the door opener 200 relative to the refrigeration appliance 100. Additionally, the door opener 200 can move forward from the zero position, for example, along the lateral direction T, to an extended position where the fingers 206 extend sufficiently from the housing 202 to force the door 124 away from the housing 120 (e.g., away from...). Figure 3 (The example closing position) and towards Figure 2 The example shows the open position. As those skilled in the art will understand, hinge 126 can be configured to move the door 124 fully to the open position when given sufficient momentum. Figure 2 The door opener 200 can apply sufficient momentum to the door body 124 when the finger 206 moves to the extended position, as shown in the open position. Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 As seen in the diagram and described in more detail below, the door opener 200 may include a motor 226 operatively connected to the finger 206. For example, the motor 226 may be configured to move the finger 206 between a zero position and an extended position.

[0032] The door opener 200 may also include a housing 214 and a sliding nut 216. The housing 214, sliding nut 216, and finger 206 may be biased forward (e.g., along the lateral T toward the front portion 201 of the housing 202) within the housing 202 at a zero position by a biasing element 224. The biasing element 224 may extend between the housing 202 and the housing 214, for example, along the lateral T from the housing 202 to the housing 214. In some embodiments, the biasing element 224 may be a coil spring as illustrated in the figure. For example, as illustrated in the figure, a coil spring may be mounted to the housing 214 and may be positioned at one end of the coil spring around an inner connector 228 of the housing 214. Figure 7 Extending circumferentially, and abutting against the inner flange 230 of the housing 202 at the opposite end of the helical spring. Figure 7 As described above, the door body 124 can be in the open position when the door opener 200 is in the extended position, and the door body 124 can be in the closed position when the door opener 200 is in the zero position. When the door body 124 is in the closed position and the door opener 200 is in the zero position, as described above and Figure 3As exemplified, the finger 206 will contact the inner surface 125 of the door body 124. The door opener 200 may include a sensor 302 configured to detect movement of the door opener 200 (such as its finger 206) from its zero position. A push on the door body 124 can cause relative movement of the finger 206 relative to the housing 202. The sliding nut 216 and the housing 214 may also move from the zero position together with the finger 206 in response to a push on the door body 124, for example, rearward along the lateral T and against the biasing force of the biasing element 224. For example, when the door 124 is in the closed position and the door opener 200 is in the zero position, the force applied by pushing the door 124 can be transmitted from the door 124 to the finger 206 via the inner surface 125 of the door 124, from the finger 206 to the sliding nut 216 due to the threaded engagement between the finger 206 and the sliding nut 216, and from the sliding nut 216 to the housing 214 via the bearing 240 pressing against it. This causes the finger 206, the sliding nut 216, and the housing 214 to move rearward along the lateral direction T, for example, inward toward the interior of the housing 120 and / or the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 202. The sensor 302 can sense or detect this movement, and the sensor can be operatively communicated with the motor 226. Thus, sensor 302 can be configured to transmit a signal to motor 226 when sensor 302 detects movement of housing 214 from the zero position of door opener 200 along the lateral T toward the rear portion 110 of housing 120 and / or the rear portion 203 of outer shell 202. Motor 226 can also be configured to receive the signal from sensor 302, start in response to the signal from sensor 302, and, when motor 226 is started, move finger 206 along the lateral T toward the front portion 108 of housing 120 and / or the front portion 201 of outer shell 202. In some embodiments, door opener 200 may include a magnet 304 embedded in housing 214. In such embodiments, sensor 302 may be a Hall effect sensor 302 and may be configured to detect whether housing 214 is in the zero position based on the relative position of magnet 304 with respect to sensor 302, including detecting movement of housing 214 away from the zero position in response to a push on door 124 as described above. In other embodiments, the relative positions of the sensor 302 and the magnet 304 can be interchanged. For example, the sensor 302 can be embedded in the housing 214, and the magnet 304 can be fixed to the housing 202.

[0033] The biasing force of the coil spring must be overcome to move housing 214 sufficiently relative to outer casing 202, causing sensor 302 to trip and start motor 226. Thus, the coil spring can advantageously prevent or minimize unintentional activation of the door opener 200. For example, when a user (or pet, etc.) gently touches the door 124, the door opener 200 will not be triggered due to the resistance of the biasing element 224 (e.g., the coil spring) to the relative inward movement of housing 214. As another example, the biasing element (e.g., the coil spring) can protect the door opener 200 from a violent impact from the door 124. In some embodiments, for example, as... Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 10 For example, the coil spring can be configured for compression. For instance, the coil spring will be compressed when housing 214 moves relative to housing 202 and toward the rear 203 of housing 202. In other embodiments, the coil spring can be configured for tension. For instance, the coil spring can extend laterally T from housing 202 to housing 214 at the front 201 of housing 202, such that the coil spring will be stretched and tensioned when housing 214 moves relative to housing 202 and toward the rear 203 of housing 202.

[0034] In operation, when the user pushes the door 124 while it is in the closed position and the door opener 200 is in the zero position, the thrust is transmitted to the housing 214, causing it to move relative to the outer shell 202 along a transverse T toward the rear portion 110 of the housing 120 and / or toward the rear portion 203 of the outer shell 202. The sensor 302 detects this relative movement and transmits a signal to the motor 226, which then starts and moves the finger 206 from the zero position to the extended position. When the door 124 is in the closed position and the finger 206 moves from the zero position to the extended position, this movement of the finger 206 overcomes the inertia of the door 124 and pushes the door 124 into the open position. In some embodiments, hinge 126 may be configured such that once door 124 begins to swing toward the open position (e.g., in response to the finger 206 of door opener 200 pushing outward / forward against inner surface 125 along the lateral T), the momentum of door 124 will bring door 124 to the fully open position. In other embodiments, door opener 200 (e.g., its finger 206) may only travel forward along the lateral T far enough to gently push door 124 to a partially open position (e.g., before reaching a critical point where the momentum of door 124 will bring door 124 to the fully open position). When door opener 200 moves door 124 to the partially open position, door opener 200 may be configured to hold door 124 in the partially open position for a predetermined time (e.g., a few seconds), allowing a user to insert elbows, hands, feet, etc., and fully open door 124. "A few seconds" can include between approximately one second and approximately ten seconds, such as between approximately two seconds and approximately eight seconds, such as between approximately three seconds and approximately seven seconds, such as approximately five seconds. In another embodiment, the travel distance from the zero position to the extended position can be variable (e.g., based on user-selectable parameters), thereby allowing the door opener 200 to selectively move the door body 124 to either a partially open or fully open position based on the travel distance of the finger 206 between the zero and extended positions selected by the user. Thus, in various embodiments, upon activation of the door opener 200 (e.g., after its motor 226), the door opener 200 will be in the extended position and the door body 124 will be in an open position, such as the fully open position, or an intermediate position between the closed and fully open positions (such as the partially open position).

[0035] From this, the door opener 200 can also be configured to retract automatically. For example, after a predetermined time period (such as “a few seconds” as described above), the motor 226 can be activated in the opposite direction to return the finger 206 to the zero position. In some embodiments, the motor 226 can also retract the finger 206 beyond the zero position before returning to the zero position. The motor 226 can, for example, be configured to retract the finger 206 for a predetermined time and / or travel a predetermined distance backward / inward along the lateral T, for example, until the rear limit switch 222 is switched (as described in more detail below), which causes the finger 206 to retract beyond the zero position. In such an embodiment, when the door 124 moves from the open position to the fully closed position, the motor 226 can then be activated again to move the finger 206 forward along the lateral T from the retracted position beyond the zero position until the finger 206 (e.g., its tip 212) contacts the inner surface 125 of the door 124. This contact will cause displacement of the housing 214, and the sensor 302 can be configured to detect this displacement when the tip 212 of the finger 206 contacts the inner surface 125 of the door body 124. Thus, the sensor 302 can detect that the door opener 200 has returned to the zero position based on, for example, when the finger 206 contacts the inner surface 125 of the door body 124 and in response to this contact. Then, in response to the detected return to the zero position from the sensor 302, for example by a signal from the sensor 302 indicating that the door opener 200 has returned to the zero position, the motor 226 can be deactivated.

[0036] In some implementations, for example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 Ideally, the front limit switch 220 can be positioned near the front 201 of the housing 202 and operatively connected to the motor 226. In such an embodiment, the front limit switch 220 can be configured to deactivate the motor 226 when the current limit switch 220 is switched. For example, as... Figures 4 to 6 For example, when the translation bracket 218 at the rear end of the finger 206 contacts the front limit switch 220, the front limit switch 220 can be switched. Thus, the extended position can be a fully extended position (different from the intermediate or partially extended position), because the maximum forward distance that the finger 206 can travel along the lateral direction T is defined by the point at which the translation bracket 218 contacts the front limit switch 220.

[0037] In some implementations, the distance traveled by the finger 206 when the door opener 200 is activated can be controlled by a timer and a front limit switch 220, or by a timer instead of a front limit switch. For example, the distance traveled by the finger 206 when the door opener 200 is activated can be variable and can be set, for example, to be less than the fully extended position based on user input selection, wherein the motor 226 shuts off when the timer expires, and the timer can expire before the finger 206 reaches the fully extended position.

[0038] In various embodiments, the door opener 200 may include multiple gears within the gearbox 204. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the door opener 200 includes three gears. In other embodiments, the door opener 200 may include only two gears or more than three gears. Moreover, in some embodiments, the gear ratio (e.g., the relative size of the gears) may differ from the illustrated gear ratio. For example, as... Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As can be seen, in some embodiments, the motor 226 may be directly connected to the first gear 232, and the first gear 232 may contact and mesh with the second gear 234. The second gear 234 may in turn contact and mesh with the drive gear 236 opposite to the first gear 232. Gears 232, 234, and 236 may have external teeth, as illustrated in the example, which mesh with the external teeth of adjacent gears. As described above, in addition to other possible variations within the scope of the invention, other embodiments may include the first gear 232 in direct contact with the drive gear 236, or another intermediate gear other than the second gear 234 disposed between the first gear 232 and the drive gear 236.

[0039] The sliding nut 216 can move relative to the drive gear 236 (e.g., via the drive gear 236) along a transverse T, for example, linearly or translationally. Simultaneously, the sliding nut 216 can be rotatably fixed or engaged with the drive gear 236 (e.g., around the transverse T). For example, the sliding nut 216 may include one or more linear flanges 244, such as the four linear flanges 244 shown in the example figure, thus making the sliding nut 216 generally cross-shaped. The linear flanges 244 may extend generally along the transverse T on the outer surface of the sliding nut 216. The sliding nut 216 (including its linear flanges 244) may extend through a correspondingly shaped aperture 246 in the drive gear 236. The sliding nut 216 can fit through the aperture 246 in the drive gear 236 with sufficient clearance to allow the sliding nut 216 to translate relative to the drive gear 236 along the transverse T. When the drive gear 236 rotates about the transverse T, for example when the motor 226 is started to rotate the gears 232, 234 and 236, the side of the orifice 246 in the drive gear 236 is supported on the linear flange 244 of the sliding nut 216, so that the sliding nut 216 rotates together with the drive gear 236.

[0040] When the sliding nut 216 rotates together with the drive gear 236, the sliding nut 216 can also rotate relative to the housing 214. Therefore, in some embodiments, the door opener 200 may also include features to accommodate this relative rotation. For example, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 For example, the door opener 200 may include a bearing, such as a roller bearing 240, between the sliding nut 216 and the housing 214. In other embodiments, the door opener 200 may also or alternatively include a lubricant between the sliding nut 216 and the housing 214, or the opposing surfaces of the sliding nut 216 and the housing 214 may be composed of or coated with a low-friction material or lubricant. Similarly, as in, for example, Figure 7 As can be seen, the door opener 200 may also include a ball bearing 238 between the drive gear 236 and the gearbox 204, wherein the ball bearing 238 may serve as a spacer for arranging the drive gear 236 within the gearbox 204 and for facilitating the rotation of the drive gear 236 within and relative to the gearbox 204.

[0041] The sliding nut 216 may be threaded, for example, it may include internal threads and can engage with the external threads on the power screw portion 208 of the finger 206. The sliding nut 216 can directly engage with the threaded portion 208 of the finger 206, or it can indirectly engage with the threaded portion 208 of the finger 206. The internal threads may be integrally formed in the sliding nut 216, for example... Figure 7 For example, it can be used for direct threaded engagement, or it can be set in a second piece (such as threaded sleeve 242), as... Figure 8 Example: Indirect threaded engagement of the power screw portion 208 for the sliding nut 216 and the finger 206. In embodiments where the threaded sleeve 242 is provided, the threaded sleeve 242 may be formed of a different material than the sliding nut 216. For example, the sliding nut 216 may include or be made of a polymeric material (e.g., plastic) and / or be constructed therefrom, and the threaded sleeve 242 may include or be made of a more robust material (such as a metallic material) and / or be constructed therefrom.

[0042] Thus, upon startup, motor 226 is operable to rotate drive gear 236 in a first direction, which in turn rotates sliding nut 216, which is threadedly engaged with the power screw portion 208 of finger 206, thereby moving finger 206 from the zero position to the extended position. Motor 226 can also operate in the opposite direction, for example, to rotate drive gear 236 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, causing drive gear 236 and sliding nut 216 to retract finger 206, for example, to move finger 206 from the extended position to the zero position. As can be understood from the above, finger 206 (e.g., its power screw portion 208) can thus rotate about a transverse direction T, and can also translate along that transverse direction T, moving between the zero and extended positions when motor 226 is started.

[0043] In some embodiments, the door opener 200 may also include a rear limit switch 222. Similar to the front limit switch 220 described above, when switched, for example when contacted by the translation bracket 218, the rear limit switch 222 may deactivate the motor 226 or reverse it.

[0044] This written description discloses the invention using examples (including preferred embodiments) and enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any of the included methods). The patentable scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments provided in this specification and may include other examples that may be conceived by those skilled in the art. Such other examples are expected to fall within the scope of the invention if they include structural elements that are not distinct from the literal language of the invention, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially distinct from the literal language of the specific embodiments.

Claims

1. A refrigeration appliance, characterized in that, The refrigeration appliance is defined vertically, laterally, and laterally, wherein the vertical, lateral, and lateral directions are perpendicular to each other, and the refrigeration appliance includes: A housing defining a food storage compartment extending along the transverse direction between a front and a rear portion, the front portion of the food storage compartment defining an opening for receiving food; A door is provided at the front of the food storage compartment and is movable between a closed position and an open position to selectively seal the food storage compartment in the closed position and provide access to the food storage compartment in the open position; A door opener disposed within the housing, the door opener comprising: a housing; a gearbox; a sliding nut movable relative to the gearbox; a finger extending through the gearbox toward the door body, the finger being movable together with the sliding nut; and a sensor configured to contact an inner surface of the door body when the door body is in the closed position and the door opener is in a zero position, wherein the sensor is configured to detect movement of the door opener from the zero position of the door opener; The door opener also includes a motor operably connected to the sensor and the finger, the motor being configured to rotate a drive gear within the gearbox when the motor is activated; the finger includes a front portion extending through the gearbox and the housing, and a threaded rear portion. The sliding nut includes one or more linear flanges extending generally along the lateral direction on the outer surface of the sliding nut, the sliding nut extending through a correspondingly shaped orifice in the drive gear to allow the sliding nut to translate relative to the drive gear along the lateral direction, and the side of the orifice in the drive gear is supported on the linear flange of the sliding nut to allow the sliding nut to rotate together with the drive gear; When the drive gear rotates, it engages the sliding nut, which includes an internal thread that engages with the rear thread of the finger. Thus, the rotation of the sliding nut by the drive gear causes the finger to move laterally toward the front of the housing.

2. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a housing and a magnet mounted in the housing, wherein the sensor is a Hall effect sensor and the Hall effect sensor is responsive to the magnet.

3. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor is configured to transmit a signal to the motor when the sensor detects movement of the door opener from the zero position. The motor is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, start in response to the signal from the sensor, and when the motor starts, move the finger along the lateral direction toward the front of the housing.

4. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that, The door opener also includes a housing, wherein the housing translates laterally as the door opener moves inward away from the zero position.

5. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that, The door opener also includes a front limit switch operably connected to the motor, wherein the front limit switch is configured to deactivate the motor when the front limit switch is switched.

6. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a housing and a biasing element extending between the housing and the outer shell, the biasing element being configured to bias the housing and the finger toward the front of the housing.

7. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, The biasing element is a helical spring.

8. A door opener for refrigeration appliances, characterized in that, The door opener defines vertical, lateral, and transverse directions, the vertical, lateral, and transverse directions being perpendicular to each other. The refrigeration appliance includes a housing defining a food storage compartment and a door mounted on the housing. The door is movable between a closed position and an open position to selectively seal the food storage compartment in the closed position and provide access to the food storage compartment in the open position. The door opener includes: shell; Gearbox; A sliding nut that is movable relative to the gearbox; A finger extending through the gearbox, the finger being movable together with the sliding nut; and sensor; The finger extends to the outside of the housing to contact the inner surface of the door when the door is in the closed position and the door opener is in the zero position, wherein the sensor is configured to detect movement of the door opener starting from the zero position; It also includes a motor operably connected to the sensor and the finger, the motor being configured to rotate a drive gear within the gearbox when the motor is activated; the finger includes a front portion extending through the gearbox and the housing, and a threaded rear portion; The sliding nut includes one or more linear flanges extending generally along the lateral direction on the outer surface of the sliding nut, the sliding nut extending through a correspondingly shaped orifice in the drive gear to allow the sliding nut to translate relative to the drive gear along the lateral direction, and the side of the orifice in the drive gear is supported on the linear flange of the sliding nut to allow the sliding nut to rotate together with the drive gear; When the drive gear rotates, it engages the sliding nut, which includes an internal thread that engages with the rear thread of the finger. Thus, the rotation of the sliding nut by the drive gear causes the finger to move laterally toward the front of the housing.

9. The door opener according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a housing and a magnet mounted in the housing, wherein the sensor is a Hall effect sensor and the Hall effect sensor is responsive to the magnet.

10. The door opener according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sensor is configured to transmit a signal to the motor when the sensor detects movement of the door opener from the zero position of the door opener. The motor is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, start in response to the signal from the sensor, and when the motor starts, move the tip of the finger away from the housing along the lateral direction.

11. The door opener according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a housing, wherein the housing translates laterally as the door opener moves inward away from the zero position.

12. The door opener according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a front limit switch operably connected to the motor, wherein the front limit switch is configured to deactivate the motor when the front limit switch is switched.

13. The door opener according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a housing and a biasing element extending between the housing and the outer shell, the biasing element being configured to bias the housing and the finger toward the front of the housing.

14. The door opener according to claim 13, characterized in that, The biasing element is a helical spring.

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