Motor support for household appliances

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor support (10) for a domestic appliance, having a first side (11) and a second side (12), the first side and the second side of the motor support being connected to each other by at least one opening (13), the motor support being arranged to receive a motor (20) on the first side and to be connected to the domestic appliance (100) on the second side, the motor support (10) is connectable from a first side (11) to the household appliance via fastening means, where a second side (12) of the motor support is arranged to form a part of a wall of a fluid passage of the household appliance. The invention further relates to a motor arrangement (30) for a domestic appliance and to a domestic appliance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a motor mount for a household appliance, comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side of the motor mount are connected to each other via at least one opening. The invention also relates to a motor arrangement for a household appliance and a household appliance. Background Art

[0002] Electric motors are used in various household appliances to drive actuators or transport fluids. For example, electric motors are known to drive fan wheels or pump impellers to move liquids or process air. For example, in clothes dryers or washer-dryers, the fan wheel is located in the process air duct and driven by the electric motor to move process air, thereby removing moisture from the laundry load within the drum. In tumble dryers, an electric motor is typically used to rotate the drum and drive the fan impeller to move the process air within the process air duct. Consequently, in most conventional dryers, servicing the electric motor requires disassembly of the air duct and several housing components. This motor arrangement also makes assembly and, in particular, disassembly more difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem underlying the present invention is therefore to create a motor mount and a motor arrangement for a domestic appliance which can be easily assembled and disassembled.

[0004] This problem is solved by a motor mount according to claim 1, a motor arrangement according to claim 6 and a domestic appliance with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a motor bracket for a household appliance is provided. The motor bracket has a first side and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side of the motor bracket are connected to each other via at least one opening. To this end, the motor bracket can have a disc-shaped or annular structure, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the motor bracket can deviate from a circular or annular shape at least in certain regions. In particular, the motor bracket can also have a rectangular or polygonal shape.

[0006] Furthermore, the motor mount is designed to accommodate the motor on a first side and connect it to the household appliance on a second side. The motor mount serves as a fastening element for the motor on or in the household appliance. Depending on the configuration, the motor can be connected to the motor mount from the first side and / or from the second side. The motor mount itself can be screwed to the household appliance from the first side, for example, using a fastening device. However, other fastening devices can also be used to connect the motor mount to the household appliance. For example, other fastening devices such as straps, clip connections, and snap-fit ​​connections can be used for this purpose.

[0007] Preferably, the second side of the motor bracket is configured to form a portion of a wall of a fluid channel of the household appliance. Thus, the motor bracket can position the pump impeller or fan wheel within the fluid channel driven by the motor, while simultaneously arranging the motor as the drive motor outside the fluid channel. This feature makes assembly and disassembly of the motor particularly easy and also allows the motor to be stored in a dry environment outside the fluid channel.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a motor arrangement for a household appliance is provided. The motor arrangement includes a motor mount according to the present invention and a motor attached to the motor mount. The motor may include a first axial end side and a second axial end side. The motor may be attached to the motor mount at the first and / or second axial end side, for example, by any fastening means.

[0009] A drive shaft of the motor extends through the opening in the motor mount / bracket and is arranged to drive at least one fan wheel.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a household appliance is provided. The household appliance comprises a fluid channel having an inlet opening and a motor arrangement according to the present invention. To this end, a sealing device can be provided at the inlet opening and / or the motor mount. By attaching the motor mount to the motor, a fan wheel drivable by the motor can be positioned in the fluid channel. Simultaneously, the fluid channel can be sealed by the motor mount and the first side of the electric motor, thereby preventing any opening, distortion, or interruption of the inner surface of the process air channel. This optimizes the fluid dynamics within the process air channel.

[0011] By forming part of the fluid channel wall, additional fastening elements or supporting elements can be omitted.The fluid channel can also be particularly aerodynamically optimized.

[0012] The motor mount according to the present invention can be used in all types of household appliances in which a fluid (liquid or gas) must be transported or moved through a fluid channel. For example, the motor mount and motor arrangement can be used in washing machines, washer-dryers, tumble dryers, dishwashers, etc.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first side of the motor bracket is designed to accommodate the motor on the first side. In an alternative embodiment, the first side of the motor bracket is designed to accommodate one side of the motor such that the shaft of the motor does not directly face the opening.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first side of the motor mount is configured to receive and / or attach the motor at an end face of the motor. Alternatively, the first side of the motor mount is configured to receive and / or attach the motor laterally. Thus, the motor can partially contact the motor mount on one side, and the motor can be secured at different locations or by different parts.

[0015] For example, the motor can be housed and secured on a first side of the motor mount. Thus, a user may not need to reach to the second side to remove the motor's securing device. Alternatively, the motor can be housed and secured on a second side of the motor mount. Alternatively, the motor can be housed on the first side of the motor mount, while securing can be performed on or through the second side. Thus, to remove the motor, a user needs to reach to the second side of the motor mount to remove the securing device. Alternatively, the motor can be housed on the second side of the motor mount, while securing can be performed on or through the first side of the motor mount.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one opening is designed to accommodate at least one drive shaft of the electric motor and / or a power transmission unit.

[0017] This measure allows the motor to be positioned outside the fluid channel. Depending on the design, the motor can be attached to the first side of the motor support so that the motor shaft can extend into the fluid channel through the opening. Alternatively, the motor can also be attached laterally to the first side of the motor support so that a power transmission, for example in the form of a gearbox, belt or chain, can be directed into the fluid channel, for example to drive a fan wheel or pump impeller. Thus, the motor can be arranged so that the motor's axis of rotation is not parallel to the fan wheel's axis of rotation. For example, the motor's axis of rotation can be arranged at an angle of 90° or less relative to the fan wheel's axis of rotation. Depending on the design, by providing this attachment possibility, the motor can also be used to deflect or move actuators, levers, etc., which can be located in the fluid channel. Any transmission unit or transmission device (such as a gearbox, belt, chain, etc.) can be arranged on the first side of the motor support and / or can extend at least partially into the fluid channel through the opening of the motor support.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the opening comprises an axially and / or radially acting first seal, wherein the first seal is positioned in a first receiving section of the motor mount or is integrally formed with the motor mount, and / or the first seal is formed or attached to the motor cover of the motor or is formed or attached directly to the motor. This measure allows the motor and / or its shaft to extend into the fluid channel in a fluid-tight manner. The first receiving section can be arranged within or adjacent to the opening so that the first seal protrudes from or extends into the opening of the motor mount. If the first seal is part of the motor or the motor cover, the first seal can protrude or extend into the opening.

[0019] The motor can be an electric motor. In addition, the motor can be designed so that the motor can rotate or linearly actuate the drive shaft.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the motor mount has at least one second seal, which allows the motor mount to be sealed off from the fluid channel.

[0021] Preferably, the second seal radially surrounds and is located on the second side and / or on the outer side between the first and second sides of the motor mount. Depending on the configuration, the second seal is positioned in the second receiving section or is integrally formed with the motor mount. The second receiving section and the first receiving section can each be formed, for example, as receiving grooves or receiving ribs for receiving the seal. Depending on the design, the receiving section can also be designed as a flat or planar surface to facilitate adhesion between the motor mount and the seal.

[0022] For example, the motor mount can be made of metal or plastic. The seal can be designed integrally with the motor mount and can be produced as part of a two-component injection molding process or can be subsequently connected to the motor mount with or without material bonding (e.g., by form fit or friction fit). Alternatively, the seal can be formed integrally with the motor mount and made of the same material as the motor mount. For example, the seal can be made of a plastic material and formed as a thin layer or foil that can be bent and thus seal the component or shaft.

[0023] The use of seals in the motor mount enables more efficient drying of textiles in tumble dryers. Furthermore, the motor mount can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively. By manufacturing the motor mount and the motor housing separately, manufacturing and assembly are further simplified. Furthermore, this sealed motor mount effectively protects the motor from moisture and liquids, extending its service life.

[0024] According to another embodiment, at least one cable retainer is arranged on the first side of the motor mount. Preferably, the cable retainer is in the form of a hook, clip, or clamp. The use of the cable retainer enables the connection cables of the motor to be positioned during assembly or disassembly of the motor. This means that the connection cables do not have to be held or stored separately.

[0025] Furthermore, in advantageous embodiments, the cable holder can be used to align or orient the motor holder relative to the access opening or fluid channel. To this end, one or more markings can be provided in the area of ​​the access opening, for example to align the cable holder relative to the markings during the orientation of the motor holder. This measure can further facilitate and accelerate the installation of the motor holder and the electric motor in the household appliance.

[0026] The cable holder can advantageously be designed as one piece with the motor support.Depending on the design, the cable holder can also be subsequently attached to the motor support by press fit and / or material fit.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the electric motor has a motor cover that can be arranged on the axial end face side where the motor shaft is guided out of the motor. Such a motor can preferably be attached to a motor mount on a first side of the motor mount. Depending on the configuration, the motor cover can be attached to the front and / or rear side of the motor. Ideally, the motor cover of the electric motor is designed to close at least one opening of the motor mount in a fluid-tight manner when the motor is attached to the first side of the motor mount. This measure enables a compact motor arrangement. Furthermore, the motor cover of the electric motor can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, reducing the number of components.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the motor bracket includes an integral section configured as a motor cover. Thus, the opening of the motor bracket allows the motor shaft to extend through it and into the fluid channel. The motor can be attached to or at a first side of the motor bracket, and the section of the motor bracket can cover the motor, at least partially forming a portion of the motor cover or motor housing. Thus, the motor bracket and the motor cover can be formed as a single-piece component. This solution can even further simplify the manufacturing and installation process.

[0029] Preferably, in the assembled state of the motor arrangement in or on the domestic appliance, the housing section and / or the motor mount can form part of the fluid channel.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the access opening has at least one sealing rib that extends around the motor mount, at least in certain areas. This sealing rib can advantageously facilitate precise positioning and fastening of the sealing cover of the motor arrangement. Depending on the application, the sealing rib can have both sealing and positioning functions relative to the sealing cover. This simplifies attaching the sealing cover. The sealing rib can be formed as a flexible wall or foil that flexes or bends depending on the mechanical loads on the sealing cover.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the sealing rib has a sealing portion, which can be arranged on the axial end face and / or radial end face of the sealing rib, and which is arranged on the sealing rib or formed integrally with the sealing rib. This allows the sealing cover to seal the motor arrangement in a fluid-tight manner from the external environment. The sealing cover can also protect the motor from external contact.

[0032] Based on another embodiment, the sealing rib can be configured to provide a positioning task and at least temporarily maintain and / or position the sealing cover.Therefore, during the manufacturing process of the household appliance, the sealing rib can keep the sealing cover until it is attached with screws, bolts, nuts, etc.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the household appliance includes a sealing cover for covering the motor arrangement to protect the motor arrangement from external contact. When the sealing cover is closed, at least one section of the sealing cover presses against the sealing rib and / or the seal of the sealing rib. This measure enables the motor arrangement to be sealed from the external environment. For example, the cover can form part of the housing of the household appliance.

[0034] The advantages and features explained above in conjunction with the apparatus also apply analogously to the method, and vice versa.The individual features or aspects of the present invention can be combined with each other and have the advantages explained herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show:

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view showing a motor arrangement for a home appliance according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the motor arrangement in FIG.

[0038] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a cross-section of a motor support according to the present invention according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 is a detailed view illustrating an operation mode of a sealing cover of a home appliance according to another embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Detailed view of the motor bracket, showing the cable mountings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are labeled with the same reference numerals. Values ​​and features such as values, shapes, components, component positions, and the manner in which components are connected to each other are illustrative only and are not restrictive. For clarity and to enhance legibility, different scales are sometimes used in the drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic exploded view is shown showing a motor arrangement 30 for a household appliance 100 according to one embodiment. The motor support 10 has a first side 11 and a second side 12, wherein the first side 11 and the second side 12 of the motor support 10 are connected to each other via an opening 13. In the embodiment shown, the motor support 10 has a disk or plate shape, comprising an annular cross section with a central opening 13, and Figure 5 This is particularly clearly shown in .

[0043] The motor bracket 10 is designed to receive / accommodate the motor 20 on a first side 11 and to be connected to the household appliance 100 on a second side 12. The motor bracket 10 serves as a fastening unit for the motor 20 on or in the household appliance 100.

[0044] In the example shown, the motor 20 is screwed to the motor support 10 from the second side 12 . To this end, the motor 20 can be brought into contact with the first side 11 of the motor support 10 and screwed to the motor support 10 via corresponding through holes 14 .

[0045] exist Figure 2 Through-hole 14 can be seen in the figure. The motor 20 has a motor cover 21, which can be defined as a front housing or part of the motor housing, through which a drive shaft 22 is guided out of the motor 20. The motor cover 21 of the motor 20 can extend axially or radially. Such a motor 20 can preferably be attached to the motor support 10 on a first side. In the embodiment shown, the motor cover 21 is designed to seal the opening 13 of the motor support 10 in a fluid-tight manner when the motor 20 is attached to the first side 11.

[0046] The motor cover 21 has a corresponding section 23 corresponding to the selected fastening means (not shown), for example in the form of an internal thread 23, into which a threaded connection can engage. In an alternative embodiment, the corresponding section 23 can be designed as a through hole, and the through hole 14 in the motor bracket 10 can be designed as a corresponding section.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the motor holder 10 itself can be connected to the household appliance 100 at a first side 11 of the motor holder 10. Technically, this can be achieved particularly easily at the edge of the motor holder 10 by means of a screw connection or by means of any other fastening means 15. Such fastening means 15 can extend through the second side 12 of the motor holder 10 to the first side 11 of the motor holder 10 in order to secure the motor 20 to the first side 11 of the motor holder 10. Alternatively, the fastening means can extend into the first side 11 of the motor holder 10 through the portion of the motor 20 arranged on the first side 11, thereby attaching the motor 20.

[0048] The second side 12 of the motor holder 10 is arranged to form a portion of a wall 111 of a fluid channel 110 of the household appliance 100. Thus, the motor holder 10 can position a fan wheel 24 driven by the motor 20 within the fluid channel 110, while simultaneously arranging the motor 20 as a drive motor outside the fluid channel 110. For example, the fan wheel 24 is designed as a radial fan wheel.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the household appliance 100 is designed as a tumble dryer and has a fluid channel 110 in the form of a process air channel with an inlet opening 112 and a motor arrangement 30. The motor support 10 is also Figure 2 , and is attached in or to the inlet opening 112 of the fluid channel 110 .

[0050] The motor arrangement 30 with the attached motor 20 is designed to close the inlet opening 112 in a fluid-tight manner. For this purpose, exemplary sealing devices 31 , 32 are provided on the motor support 10 .

[0051] By attaching the motor bracket 10 to the motor 20, the fan wheel 24, which can be driven by the motor 20, is positioned in the fluid channel 110. At the same time, in the embodiment shown, the fluid channel 110 is also closed. The head of the fastening device 15 can remain in the fluid channel, or can be hidden in a recess, or can be integrally inserted into the motor bracket.

[0052] The motor cover 21 of the motor 20 and the motor support 10 thus form part of the wall 111 of the fluid channel 110 and close the inlet opening 112 .

[0053] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 For illustration purposes, Figure 2 The motor arrangement 30 is shown from different perspectives. The motor arrangement 30 has a motor support 10 and a motor 20 which is attached to the motor support 10. A drive shaft 22 of the motor 20 extends through an opening 13 of the motor support 10 and is designed to drive a fan wheel 24.

[0054] A first seal 31 is provided at the opening 13 for a fluid-tight connection between the motor support 10 and the motor cover 21 of the motor 20 , which protrudes or extends into the opening 13 of the motor support 10 or closes the opening 13 . Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a motor mount 10 according to the invention is shown according to one embodiment, showing a first seal 31 and a second seal 32 .

[0055] As an example, the first seal 31 and the second seal 32 are formed integrally with the motor support 10. This measure allows the motor 20 to be separated from the fluid channel 110 in a fluid-tight manner.

[0056] The second seal 32 serves to seal the motor support 10 relative to the fluid channel 110 and acts axially. In this process, the second seal 32 can be pressed axially against the wall 111 of the fluid channel 110 in the region of the inlet opening 112 .

[0057] Figure 4 A detailed view is shown for illustrating the mode of operation of a sealing cover 120 of a household appliance 100 according to another embodiment. In the embodiment shown, the access opening 112 has at least one sealing rib 113, which extends around the motor mount 10 at least in some areas. Such a sealing rib 113 can advantageously be used for precisely positioning and securing the motor arrangement 30 or the sealing cover 120 of the household appliance 100.

[0058] As an example, the sealing rib 113 can be formed to be flexible so as to provide a sealing feature. Due to the flexible form of the sealing rib 113, the sealing rib 113 can serve as a seal for the sealing cover 120. Alternatively, the sealing rib 113 can have a sealing portion or section 114 to further improve the sealing function.

[0059] In the example shown, the sealing rib 113 comprises a sealing section 114 at its axial end, which can be formed integrally with the sealing rib 113. The sealing cover 120 can thus seal the motor arrangement 30 at the rear or relative to the external environment of the household appliance 100.

[0060] Figure 5 Shown Figure 1 Detailed view of the motor bracket 10 in FIG, to show the cable holder 33. The cable holder 33 is integral with the motor bracket 10.

[0061] The cable holder 33 is exemplarily arranged on the first side 11 of the motor support 10. The cable holder 33 is designed in the form of a hook. The use of the cable holder 33 makes it possible to position or hook the electrical connection cable (not shown) of the motor 20 during the assembly or disassembly process of the motor 20.

[0062] Reference Signs List

[0063] 100 household appliances

[0064] 110 fluid channels

[0065] 111 wall

[0066] 112 Entering the opening

[0067] 113 Sealing rib

[0068] 114 Sealing section

[0069] 120 Cover

[0070] 10 Motor bracket

[0071] 11 First side

[0072] 12 Second side

[0073] 13 Opening

[0074] 14 through holes

[0075] 15 Fastening device

[0076] 20 motors

[0077] 21 Motor cover

[0078] 22 drive shaft

[0079] 23 corresponding sections

[0080] 24 Fan wheel

[0081] 30 Motor Layout

[0082] 31 First seal

[0083] 32 Second seal

[0084] 33 Cable retainer

Claims

1. A motor support (10) for a household appliance (100), comprising a first side (11) and a second side (12), the first side (11) and the second side (12) of the motor support (10) being connected to each other via at least one opening (13), the motor support (10) being configured to accommodate a motor (20) on the first side (11) and to connect it to the household appliance (100) on the second side (12), wherein: The motor bracket (10) is connectable to a household appliance (100) from a first side (11) via fastening means, wherein a second side (12) of the motor bracket (10) is configured to form a portion of a wall (111) of a fluid channel (110) of the household appliance (100).

2. The motor bracket according to claim 1, wherein: The first side (11) of the motor bracket (10) is configured to receive and / or attach the motor (20) on an end face of the motor (20); or wherein the first side (11) of the motor bracket (10) is configured to receive and / or attach the motor (20) laterally, wherein the at least one opening (13) is arranged to receive at least one drive shaft (22) and / or a transmission unit of the motor (20).

3. The motor bracket according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The opening (13) comprises an axially and / or radially acting first seal (31), wherein the first seal (31) is located in a first receiving section of the motor support (10) or is formed integrally with the motor support (10), and / or the first seal (31) is formed on or attached to a motor cover (31) of the motor (20), and / or the first seal (31) is formed on or directly attached to the motor (20).

4. The motor bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The motor support (10) comprises at least one second seal (32), wherein the second seal (32) radially surrounds and is located on the second side (12) and / or on the outside between the first side (11) and the second side (12), wherein the second seal (32) is located in a second receiving section of the motor support (10) or is formed integrally with the motor support (10).

5. The motor bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: At least one cable holder (33) is arranged on the motor support (10), wherein the cable holder (33) is in the form of a hook, a clip or a clamp.

6. A motor arrangement (30) for a household appliance (100), comprising a motor mount (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising a motor (20) attached to the motor mount (10), wherein: A drive shaft (22) of the motor (20) extends through the opening (13) of the motor bracket (10) and is adapted to drive at least one fan wheel (24).

7. The motor arrangement according to claim 6, wherein The motor (20) has a motor cover (21) through which the drive shaft (22) is guided out of the motor (20), wherein the motor cover (21) is arranged to close at least one opening (13) of the motor bracket (10) in a fluid-tight manner when the motor (20) is fastened to the first side (11).

8. The motor arrangement according to claim 6, wherein The motor support (10) comprises an integral section configured as a motor cover (21).

9. A household appliance (100) comprising a fluid channel (110) having an inlet opening (112), comprising a motor arrangement (30) according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein: The motor holder (10) is fixed in or at the inlet opening (112) and is arranged together with the fixed motor (20) to close the inlet opening (112) in a fluid-tight manner, wherein a fan wheel (24) that can be driven by the motor (20) is positioned in the fluid channel (110) by fixing the motor holder (10) to the motor (20).

10. The household appliance according to claim 9, wherein The inlet opening (112) has at least one sealing rib (113), which extends around the motor support (10) at least in certain areas, wherein the sealing rib (113) is configured to press against a cover (120).

11. The household appliance according to claim 10, wherein: The sealing rib (113) is configured to at least temporarily position and / or maintain the cover (120) in an installed position.

12. The household appliance according to claim 10, wherein: The electrical appliance (100) has a cover (120) for covering the motor arrangement (30) on the outside, wherein, in the closed state of the cover (120), at least one section of the cover (120) presses against the sealing rib (113) and / or the sealing section (114) of the sealing rib (113).

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