ARRANGEMENT OF A DRIVE DEVICE ON A DOOR FOR AN APPLIANCE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A REFRIGERATOR AND / OR FREEZER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement of a drive device on a door for a device, in particular for a refrigerator and / or freezer, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] EP 2 148 035 A2 discloses an arrangement comprising a housing, in particular a refrigerator and / or freezer. The arrangement further comprises a door pivotally mounted on the housing about a pivot axis of a hinge and at least one drive device for pivoting the door relative to the housing. The drive device comprises a drive unit by means of which a torque can be exerted on the door about the hinge axis via at least one force transmission means.

[0003] Furthermore, US2009 / 160297 A1 discloses a powered drawer for a household appliance. CN 105 971 439 A discloses a door opening motor assembly as known. Additionally, WO 2016 / 000465 A1 discloses a refrigerator.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement of a drive device on a door for an appliance, in particular for a refrigerator and / or freezer, so that the door can be pivoted in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by an arrangement with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement of a drive device on a door for the appliance, which is pivotably mounted on the housing of an appliance, in particular an electrical or electronic appliance, and preferably a refrigerator and / or freezer. In this arrangement, the drive device is held on the door, and the door is pivotable relative to the appliance housing by means of the drive device. In other words, the drive device is designed to pivot the door relative to the housing.

[0007] The drive device comprises a hinge having at least one first hinge part attached to the door and at least one second hinge part that can be attached to or is attached to the housing and is pivotally coupled to the first hinge part, in particular at least indirectly. The drive device further comprises at least one drive motor, which is preferably designed as an electric motor and is thus electrically operable by means of electrical energy or electric current.

[0008] The drive device further comprises at least one transmission element that is at least indirectly articulated with the hinge, in particular with one of the hinge parts. This transmission element can be driven at least indirectly by the drive motor to pivot the hinge parts relative to each other, and is thereby movable in a straight line or linear direction relative to the door, thus pivoting the door relative to the housing. In other words, the drive motor can at least indirectly drive the transmission element and thereby move it in a straight line or linear direction relative to the door, making the door pivot relative to the housing. Put another way, the drive motor can effect a straight line or linear movement of the transmission element relative to the door, making the door pivot relative to the housing by means of the drive motor via the transmission element.Thus, the door can be pivoted relative to the housing by a motor, eliminating the need for manual pivoting. In particular, it is conceivable that the door can be pivoted relative to the housing via the drive motor and transmission element, thereby opening and closing it.

[0009] The drive unit further comprises a coupling device which is switchable, and in particular movable, between at least one coupled state and at least one disengaged state. In the coupled state, the transmission element is coupled to the drive motor, particularly via the coupling device, so that, for example, in the coupled state of the coupling device, the transmission element can be driven by the drive motor and thus moved linearly relative to the door. Thus, for example, the door can be pivoted relative to the housing via the transmission element and the coupling device by means of the drive motor. In the disengaged state of the coupling device, the transmission element is decoupled from the drive motor, so that, for example, a force transmission or a force or torque flow between the drive motor and the transmission element is interrupted.This means that in the decoupling state, the drive motor cannot drive the transmission element, so that in the decoupling state the door cannot be pivoted relative to the housing by means of the drive motor.

[0010] In other words, in the coupled state, for example, a force or torque transmission path between the door and the drive motor is closed, particularly via the transmission element and the coupling device, so that forces or torques can be transmitted between the door and the drive motor via this force or torque path. In the decoupling state, however, the force or torque transmission path is interrupted, so that no forces or torques can be transmitted between the door and the drive motor. Consequently, it is possible, for example, for a person to manually pivot the door relative to the housing in the decoupling state without the drive motor being driven by the door.

[0011] In the decoupled state, the influence of the drive motor on manually pivoting the door relative to the housing is thus prevented. This allows the door to be pivoted manually relative to the housing particularly easily and conveniently in this decoupled state, and thus opened and / or closed. This is advantageous, for example, in the event of a drive motor failure, as the door can then be easily and conveniently pivoted manually by a person relative to the housing if the drive motor fails, i.e., if the door can no longer be pivoted relative to the housing by the drive motor. For this purpose, the coupling device is simply switched from the coupled state to the decoupled state.

[0012] In order to couple and decouple the door or the transmission element with the drive motor in a particularly advantageous and needs-based manner, the invention provides that the coupling device has at least one coupling actuator in addition to the drive motor. The coupling actuator is, for example, an electrically operated actuator and thus, for example, designed as an additional electric motor. Furthermore, the invention provides that the coupling device has at least one coupling element which, by means of the coupling actuator and thus, for example, independently of the drive motor, can be moved relative to the door between at least one coupling position that effects the coupling state and at least one decoupling position that effects the decoupling state.This means that the coupling state corresponds to the coupling position of the coupling element, since, for example, in the coupling position, where the coupling state is set, the door or the transmission element is coupled to the drive motor via the coupling element. The decoupling position corresponds to the decoupling state, so that moving the coupling element into the decoupling position sets the decoupling state.

[0013] Since the clutch actuator is provided in addition to the drive motor, redundancy is created because, in the event of a drive motor failure, the clutch element can always be moved between the coupled position and the uncoupled position by means of the clutch actuator, thus being particularly efficient and convenient.

[0014] To achieve a particularly advantageous, and especially efficient and effective, pivoting of the door relative to the housing, the transmission element is designed as a threaded nut with an internal thread as its first thread. The drive mechanism comprises a threaded spindle corresponding to the threaded nut, which has an external thread corresponding to the internal thread as its second thread. This spindle can be driven by the drive motor and is thus rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to both the door and the threaded nut. The threaded nut can be, for example, arranged on or already mounted on the threaded spindle. In particular, the threaded nut can be screwed onto or is already screwed onto the threaded spindle.In the state of the threaded nut being arranged on the threaded spindle or in the state of the threaded nut being screwed onto the threaded spindle, the threads interact in a form-locking manner or the threads engage with each other.

[0015] If, for example, the threaded spindle is rotated around the aforementioned axis of rotation relative to the door by means of the drive motor, while the threaded nut is supported against a rotation resulting from the rotation of the threaded spindle, then the threaded spindle is also rotated around the axis of rotation relative to the threaded nut. This relative rotation between the threaded spindle and the threaded nut is converted, by means of the threads and through the positive engagement of the threads, into a rectilinear or linear movement of the threaded nut along the threaded spindle. Thus, because the threaded spindle is rotated around the axis of rotation relative to the threaded nut in the manner described, the threaded nut moves rectilinearly or linearly along the threaded spindle and relative to the threaded spindle.In other words, the threaded nut can be moved linearly along the threaded spindle by rotating the spindle around its axis of rotation relative to the nut, thanks to the positive locking action of the threads. This allows even very high forces or torques to be efficiently and effectively transmitted from the drive motor to the door via the threaded spindle and nut. This makes it particularly advantageous to move the door using the drive motor even when the door has large external dimensions and / or a high weight.

[0016] It has proven particularly advantageous if the first coupling element, which is movable relative to at least one other coupling element of the coupling device by means of the actuator, interacts positively with the corresponding second coupling element in the coupled position, so that in the coupled state or position the transmission element is at least positively coupled to the drive motor, in particular via the coupling elements. This positive coupling of the transmission element to the drive motor enables a particularly efficient and effective transmission of force or torque, allowing the door to be pivoted relative to the housing with the drive motor in a particularly effective and efficient manner, and especially with high forces or torques provided by the drive motor.

[0017] To minimize the number of parts, weight, costs, and overall installation space required for the drive unit and the assembly, while simultaneously achieving particularly advantageous coupling and decoupling of the transmission element with the drive motor, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the threaded nut has at least two nut elements, each forming at least parts of the internal thread and movable relative to one another. At least one of the nut elements is designed as the first coupling element, and the threaded rod as the second coupling element. This means that at least one nut element can be moved relative to the threaded spindle by means of the coupling actuator, allowing the transmission element, and thus the door, to be coupled to and decoupled from the threaded spindle and thus from the drive motor as needed.

[0018] In the coupled position, the portion of the internal thread formed by one of the nut elements engages positively with the external thread, so that in the coupled position at least one of the nut elements, or the threaded nut, can be moved linearly by rotating the threaded spindle to cause the door to pivot. In the decoupling position, however, the portion of the internal thread formed by one of the nut elements does not engage with the threaded spindle or its external thread, thus interrupting, for example, the aforementioned force or torque transmission path.

[0019] In particular, it is provided, for example, that the hinge or door is pivotally coupled to at least one of the nut elements. If the nut element is in the disengaged position, the hinge, and thus the door, is decoupled from the threaded spindle and therefore from the drive motor. However, if the nut element is in the engaged position, the hinge, and thus the door, is positively coupled to the threaded spindle and therefore to the drive motor via the nut element.

[0020] Another embodiment is characterized by the inclusion of at least one angle sensor, which can detect the respective rotational positions of the threaded spindle. Based on these detected rotational positions, it is possible to determine the respective pivoting positions of the door, enabling the drive motor to pivot the door with particular precision and according to requirements.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, at least one linear sensor is provided, which can detect the respective linear positions of the threaded nut along the threaded spindle. Based on these linear positions, the respective pivot positions of the door can be detected, allowing the door to be pivoted with particular precision and, in particular, moved into specific pivot positions.

[0022] In particular, an electronic computing unit, also referred to as a control unit, is provided. The angle sensor or linear sensor, for example, each provides at least one signal, particularly an electrical one, which characterizes the respective detected rotational or linear positions. This signal is received, for example, by the electronic computing unit, which then controls the drive motor based on the received signal and thus on the rotational or linear positions. This allows the drive motor to be operated based on the signal and thus on the rotational or linear positions, enabling the door to be pivoted precisely via the drive motor and the electronic computing unit, depending on the signal.

[0023] To enable the door to pivot and, in particular, to be opened with particular advantage, a further embodiment of the invention provides an opening aid comprising at least one opening element. The opening element is pivotable relative to the door and relative to the housing in a support position with the housing, thereby pushing the door away from the housing and pivoting it from a closed position to an open position. This embodiment is based on the understanding that, in particular, the initial opening of the door requires a high force or torque, which, if the opening aid were not provided, would have to be supplied by the drive motor. This initial opening refers specifically to pivoting the door from the closed position to the open position.The particularly high torque or force required to initially open the door results primarily from the fact that, for example, when the door is initially open, warm air from the surrounding area of ​​the appliance (e.g., a refrigerator and / or freezer) can flow into at least one cavity of the appliance that can be at least partially, and in particular at least predominantly or completely, closed by the door. This cavity is, for example, a cooling and / or freezing compartment in which objects and / or food can be cooled and / or frozen. If the door is then closed, the initially warm air that has flowed into the cavity can cool down, resulting in a negative pressure within the cavity. This negative pressure is a first pressure that is lower than the second pressure prevailing in the surrounding area of ​​the appliance and the door.

[0024] The opening aid allows the initial opening of the door to be achieved using the opening aid itself. Further opening of the door from the open position can then be accomplished, for example, with a low torque or force. This allows for particularly low weight, power consumption, costs, and the installation space required for the drive motor.

[0025] In order to keep the number of parts, weight, installation space requirements and costs particularly low, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the opening element is connected to the drive motor in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the drive motor and the opening element are rotatable relative to the door, particularly within certain limits, and rotate relative to the door in a direction of rotation when the door is pivoted into the open position by means of the torque provided by the drive motor, so that the opening element comes into support contact with the housing, whereupon the torque provided by the drive motor can be supported on the housing via the opening element in order to pivot the door into the open position by means of the torque.In other words, to open a door that is initially in the closed position, and specifically to move it into the open position, the drive motor provides the aforementioned torque. This torque is supported, for example, on the one hand, particularly via the transmission element, at the door and, for example, via the door, at the housing. On the other hand, because the drive motor and the opening element are rotatable relative to the door, the torque is initially not supported. This leads to a rotation of the drive motor and the opening element, which is rigidly connected to the drive motor, relative to the door, particularly until the opening element comes into contact with the housing. If the drive motor then continues to provide the torque, it is supported by the opening element at the housing and transmitted to it.If the drive motor continues to provide torque, a further relative rotation of the drive motor and the opening element occurs in the direction of rotation relative to the door and relative to the housing, whereby the door is pushed away from the housing via the drive motor and the opening element and thus moved into the open position.

[0026] In order to be able to open the door further, particularly advantageously, starting from the open position, at least one stop is provided on the door in a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the drive motor and the opening element continue to rotate in the direction of rotation relative to the door when the torque is provided further or continuously after the door has been pivoted into the open position by means of the torque, so that the opening element - after it has been moved into support position with the housing and the door has thereby been pushed away from the housing - comes into support position with the stop, whereupon the torque provided by the drive motor can be supported or is supported on the stop, whereby the door can be opened further or is opened further by means of the torque starting from the open position.

[0027] In order to be able to open the door particularly advantageously at first, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the opening element is designed as a cam, that is, as an opening cam.

[0028] A second aspect concerns the arrangement of a drive device on a door that can be pivotally mounted on the housing of an appliance, in particular a refrigerator and / or freezer, in which the drive device, designed to pivot the door relative to the housing, is held on the door. The drive device comprises a hinge having at least one first hinge part attached to the door and at least one second hinge part that can be attached to the housing or is attached to it and pivotally connected to the first hinge part. The drive device further comprises at least one drive motor by means of which at least one torque for pivoting the door can be provided.The drive device further comprises a transmission element that is at least indirectly articulated with the hinge part, which can be driven to pivot the hinge parts relative to each other by means of the torque provided by the drive motor and is therefore movable in a straight line or linear direction relative to the door in order to pivot the door relative to the housing.

[0029] Furthermore, the drive device includes an opening aid which has at least one opening element that can be pivoted relative to the door and the housing in support position with the housing in order to push the door away from the housing and thereby pivot it from a closed position to an open position.

[0030] To enable the door to be opened particularly advantageously, and especially effectively and efficiently, particularly initially, the second aspect provides that the opening element is rotationally fixed to the drive motor. The drive motor and the opening element are rotatable relative to the door and, when the door is pivoted into the open position by means of the torque provided by the drive motor, rotate relative to the door in a specific direction. This causes the opening element, particularly initially, to come into contact with the housing. The torque provided by the drive motor can then be applied to the housing via the opening element, thereby pivoting the door into the open position. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be considered advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect, and vice versa.

[0031] In order to move the door from the open position in a particularly advantageous and especially effective and efficient manner, in particular to open it, an advantageous embodiment of the second aspect provides that at least one stop is provided on the door, wherein the drive motor and the opening element continue to rotate in the direction of rotation relative to the door when the torque is further supplied after the door has been pivoted into the open position by means of the torque, so that the opening element comes into contact with the stop, whereupon the torque supplied by the drive motor can be supported or is supported on the stop, whereby the door can be opened further or is opened further by means of the torque from the open position.

[0032] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the opening element is designed as a cam, thereby enabling a particularly advantageous torque or force transmission from the opening element to the housing. This allows the door to be opened particularly advantageously initially, while simultaneously keeping the power consumption, weight, and installation space requirements of the drive motor particularly low.

[0033] A third aspect concerns the arrangement of a drive device on a door that can be pivotally mounted on the housing of an appliance, in particular a refrigerator and / or freezer, in which the drive device, designed to pivot the door relative to the housing, is held on the door and thus pivots along with the door relative to the housing. The drive device comprises a hinge, which has at least one first hinge part attached to the door and at least one second hinge part that can be attached to the housing or is attached to it and pivotally connected to the first hinge part.The drive device also includes at least one drive motor and a transmission element that is at least indirectly articulated with the hinge, which can be driven at least indirectly by means of the drive motor to pivot the hinge parts relative to each other and is therefore movable in a straight line relative to the door in order to pivot the door relative to the housing.

[0034] To enable particularly advantageous door pivoting, especially when the door has large external dimensions and / or a high weight, the third aspect provides for the transmission element to be designed as a threaded nut with an internal thread as its first thread. Furthermore, the drive mechanism comprises a threaded spindle corresponding to the threaded nut, which has an external thread corresponding to the internal thread as its second thread. This spindle can be driven by the drive motor and is thus rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to both the door and the threaded nut. This allows the threaded nut to move linearly along the threaded spindle, and especially relative to the threaded spindle, through the positive engagement of the threads.Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention and of the second aspect are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the third aspect and vice versa.

[0035] In order to be able to pivot the door with particular precision and thus with particular advantage by motor, at least one angle sensor is provided in an embodiment of the third aspect, by means of which the respective rotational positions of the threaded spindle can be detected.

[0036] Another embodiment is characterized by the fact that at least one linear sensor is provided, by means of which the respective linear positions of the threaded nut along the threaded spindle can be detected.

[0037] A fourth aspect concerns a device, in particular an electrical or electronic device, which is designed, for example, as a freezer and / or refrigerator. The device comprises at least one arrangement according to the invention, such that the door of the device is pivotably held on the housing. In other words, the device comprises the aforementioned housing and the respective arrangement.

[0038] A fifth aspect of the opening aid includes, for example, an opening aid actuator provided in addition to the drive motor, by means of which, for example, a plunger can be moved at least translationally along an opening direction, particularly relative to the door. The plunger has a first surface that runs obliquely to the opening direction. The opening element, for example, has a second surface that also runs obliquely to the opening direction. The first surface can be moved in conjunction with the second surface by means of the opening aid actuator. Furthermore, the opening element can be moved along a repulsion direction relative to the door and, in particular, relative to the housing, with the repulsion direction being, for example, oblique or perpendicular to the opening direction.If the opening assist actuator moves the plunger, and thus the first surface, in a direction coinciding with the opening direction, the first surface initially comes into contact with the second surface. If the opening assist actuator then moves the plunger, and thus the first surface, further in the first direction, the surfaces slide against each other, causing the opening element to move in a second direction coinciding with the repulsion direction and thus at an angle or perpendicular to the first direction. This brings the opening element into contact with the housing, whereupon the door is repelled from the housing by the opening element and thereby moved into the open position. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects are to be considered advantages and advantageous embodiments of the fifth aspect, and vice versa.

[0039] A sixth aspect of the opening aid includes an opening aid actuator and a plunger, in addition to the drive motor. Furthermore, the opening aid includes, for example, a cam track, also known as a control cam, into which the plunger engages. The plunger is, for example, articulated to the opening element. When the plunger is moved by the opening aid actuator, it is moved along the control cam, so that the plunger and the opening element describe a path corresponding to the control cam, or move along the path of movement. First, the opening element comes into contact with the housing, whereupon the door is pushed away from the housing by the opening element and, in particular, the plunger.If, for example, the plunger is located in a support arrangement with the housing, then the opening assist actuator, in particular via the plunger and the opening element, is supported on the one hand by the housing and on the other hand, for example, at least indirectly by the door, so that, for example, the door is supported by the opening assist actuator, the plunger, and the opening element against the housing or is repelled by it. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the sixth aspect, and vice versa.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, the opening aid comprises an opening aid actuator provided in addition to the drive motor, and in particular an electrically powered or electrically operable actuator, wherein the opening element is designed as a plunger that can be moved at least translationally along a repulsion direction by means of the opening aid actuator. By means of the opening aid actuator, for example, the opening element or the plunger can be moved in a first direction coinciding with the repulsion direction, whereby, for example, the door can be repelled from the housing via the plunger and the opening aid actuator and thus pivoted into the open position. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the seventh aspect, and vice versa.

[0041] The aspects are to be regarded as independent of one another, but they can readily be linked, combined, or used in any combination within the scope defined by the attached claims. In particular, the advantages and features of the second aspect can also be transferred to the fifth, sixth, and seventh aspects, and vice versa.

[0042] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, within the scope of the attached claims.

[0043] The drawing shows in: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a device, in particular designed as a refrigerator and / or freezer, with at least one arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic top view of the arrangement according to a first embodiment; Fig. 3 a schematic top view of the arrangement according to a second embodiment; Fig. 4 partial schematic top view of the arrangement according to a third embodiment; Fig. 5 partial schematic top view of the arrangement according to the third embodiment; Fig. 6 partial schematic top view of the arrangement according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 7 partial schematic top view of the arrangement according to the fourth embodiment; Fig. 8 partial schematic top view of the arrangement according to a fifth embodiment not belonging to the invention; Fig.Fig. 9 shows a further schematic top view of the arrangement according to the fifth embodiment, which is not part of the invention; Fig. 10 shows a schematic top view of the arrangement according to a sixth embodiment, which is not part of the invention; Fig. 11 shows a further schematic top view of the arrangement according to the sixth embodiment, which is not part of the invention; Fig. 12 shows a schematic top view of the arrangement according to a seventh embodiment, which is not part of the invention; Fig. 13 shows a further schematic top view of the arrangement according to the seventh embodiment, which is not part of the invention; Fig. 14 shows a schematic front view of the arrangement according to an eighth embodiment, which is not part of the invention; Fig. 15 shows a further schematic front view of the arrangement according to the eighth embodiment, which is not part of the invention; Fig.Fig. 16 shows a partial schematic perspective view of the arrangement according to a ninth embodiment; Fig. 17 shows a partial schematic perspective view of the arrangement according to the ninth embodiment; Fig. 18 shows a partial schematic perspective view of the arrangement according to the ninth embodiment; and Fig. 19 shows a partial schematic perspective view of the arrangement according to the ninth embodiment.

[0044] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0045] Fig. 1Figure 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a device 10, which is designed in particular as an electrical or electronic device. Specifically, the device 10 is designed as a refrigerator and / or freezer, which is also referred to as a refrigerator and / or freezer cabinet. The device 10 comprises a housing 12, through which at least one cavity 14 is formed. The cavity 14 is also referred to as a recess, space, or receiving chamber and is located in the housing 12. Fig. 1 The illustrated embodiment is a cooling and / or freezing room in which objects and / or foodstuffs can be arranged and cooled and / or frozen.

[0046] The device 10 also includes a door 16, which is part of an arrangement designated as a whole by 18. As shown in Fig. 1As can be seen, the door 16 is articulated, particularly via hinges 20 and 22, and thus pivotable on the housing 12, so that the door 16 can pivot relative to the housing 12. For example, the door 16 can be positioned relative to the housing 12 between a closed position and a partially open position. Fig. 1The open position O shown is pivotable, wherein the open position O and the closed position are, for example, respective end positions or end positions, such that the door 16, in its pivotable state held against the housing 12, can be pivoted into the end positions, but not beyond them, relative to the housing 12. In particular, the door 16 can be pivoted into respective intermediate positions between the open position O and the closed position, wherein the respective intermediate position is, for example, a further or second open position. In the intermediate position, the door 16 is more closed compared to the open position O, but more open compared to the closed position. In the open position O or in the respective closed position, the door 16 exposes at least a partial area of ​​the cavity 14.In the closed position, the door 16 covers and closes the partial area or cavity 14 at least predominantly, in particular completely.

[0047] As will be explained in more detail below, for example, at least the hinge 22 is part of the arrangement 18. In the arrangement 18, as is particularly evident from Fig. 2As can be seen, a drive unit 24 is held on the door 16 such that the drive unit 24 can pivot with the door 16 relative to the housing 12. The drive unit 24 is designed to pivot the door 16 relative to the housing 12. In other words, the door 16 can be pivoted relative to the housing 12 by means of the drive unit 24, in particular by means of a motor, and preferably an electric motor. In particular, the door 16 can be moved or pivoted relative to the housing 12 from the closed position to the open position O and / or from the open position O to the closed position by means of the drive unit 24, whereby the door 16 passes through the respective intermediate positions on its way from the closed position to the open position O and from the open position O to the closed position.Thus, the door 16 can also be moved into the respective intermediate position relative to the housing 12 by means of the drive unit 24 and pivoted in the process.

[0048] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the arrangement 18, wherein in the first embodiment the hinge 22 is designed as a single-joint hinge. Fig. 2It is evident that the drive unit 24 comprises at least the hinge 22. The hinge 22 has at least a first hinge part 26 attached to the door 16 and a second hinge part 28, which can be attached to or is attached to the housing 12. The hinge parts 26 and 28 are pivotally connected to each other. Since, in the first embodiment, the hinge 22 is designed as a single-joint hinge, exactly one joint 30 of the hinge 22 is provided. In other words, the hinge 22 comprises exactly one joint 30 by means of which, or via which, the hinge parts 26 and 28 are pivotally connected to each other. The joint 30 forms a pivot axis about which the hinge parts 26 and 28 can pivot relative to each other. The hinge parts 26 and 28 are pivoted relative to each other about the pivot axis when the door 16 is opened or closed, that is, pivoted relative to the housing 12.

[0049] The drive unit 24 further comprises a drive motor 32, which is, for example, an electric motor. The drive motor 32 thus comprises, for example, a stator and a rotor, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the stator. The rotor can be driven by the stator and is therefore rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to the stator. Via the rotor, the drive motor 32 can provide at least a torque by means of which the door 16 can be pivoted relative to the housing 12. The stator and the rotor are, for example, housed in a housing 34 of the drive motor 32, wherein the rotor is rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to the housing 34. In particular, the rotor comprises a shaft 36, which is also referred to as the output shaft of the drive motor 32. Via the output shaft, the drive motor 32 can provide the aforementioned torque for pivoting the door 16.

[0050] The drive unit 24 further comprises at least one transmission element, designed as a threaded nut 38, which is coupled at least indirectly by pivot to the hinge 22, in particular to the hinge part 28 on the housing side. The transmission element (threaded nut 38) can be driven by the drive motor 32, in particular by the torque provided by the drive motor 32, to pivot the hinge parts 26 and 28 relative to each other and thus to pivot the door 16 relative to the housing 12, and is thereby movable in a straight line or linearly relative to the door 16 in order to pivot the door 16 relative to the housing 12. The threaded nut 38 has a first thread in the form of an internal thread 40. Furthermore, the drive device 24 comprises a threaded spindle 42 corresponding to the threaded nut 38, which has a second thread in the form of an external thread 44 corresponding to the internal thread 40.The threaded spindle 42 can be driven by means of the drive motor 32 and thereby rotated by the amount shown in . Fig. 2The axis of rotation designated 46 is rotatable relative to the door 16 and relative to the threaded nut 38, whereby, under positive locking interaction of the threads, the threaded nut 38 can be moved in a straight line along the threaded spindle 42 and relative to it.In other words, if the threaded spindle 42 is rotated about the axis of rotation 46 relative to the door 16 by means of the drive motor 32, while, for example, the threaded nut 38 is supported and thereby secured against a rotation relative to the door 16 resulting from the rotation of the threaded spindle 42, at least indirectly, and in particular directly, against the door 16, and while the threads interlock and thus interact in a form-fitting manner, the threads convert the relative rotation between the threaded spindle 42 and the threaded nut 38 into a translational relative movement between the threaded nut 38 and the threaded spindle 42, so that the threaded nut 38 moves in a straight line or linearly along the threaded spindle 42 and relative to it within the framework of the translational relative movement.Since the threaded nut 38 is pivotally coupled to the hinge part 28, the movement of the threaded nut 38 along the threaded spindle 42 causes a relative movement between the hinge parts 26 and 28 about the aforementioned pivot axis, thereby pivoting the door 16 relative to the housing 12. In the first embodiment, the pivotal coupling of the threaded nut 38 to the hinge part 28 is realized by at least one connecting lever 48, which is pivotally coupled to the hinge part 28 at one end, and to the threaded nut 38 at the other end.

[0051] In Fig. 2 An arrow 50 illustrates a pivoting movement, also referred to as a door opening movement, within which the door 16 is moved from the closed position to the open position O by means of the drive motor 32 in the manner described. The closed position is shown in Fig. 2 Designated with S. From Fig. 2 It can be seen that the drive unit 24 also has a coupling unit 52, the construction and function of which will be explained in more detail below. The threaded spindle 42 can be driven by the shaft 36 and thus by the drive motor 32 via the coupling unit 52, so that the door 16 can be driven by the drive motor 32, in particular by the shaft 36, via the threaded nut 38, the threaded spindle 42 and the coupling unit 52, and thus pivoted relative to the housing 12.

[0052] Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the arrangement 18, wherein in Fig. 2For the sake of clarity, door 16 is not shown. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in particular in that the hinge 22 is not designed as a single-joint hinge, but as a multi-joint hinge. The hinge parts 26 and 28 are pivotally connected to each other via at least one or more intermediate hinge parts 54. The intermediate hinge parts 54 are themselves pivotally connected to both the hinge part 26 and the hinge part 28, so that the hinge part 26 is pivotally connected to the hinge part 28 via the intermediate hinge parts 54. The use of the single-joint hinge is suitable, for example, for freestanding appliances that are not built into furniture such as kitchen cabinets, but stand separately and independently. By using the single-joint hinge, the number of parts and thus the costs can be kept particularly low.The use of the multi-joint hinge is particularly advantageous for built-in appliances, which can be installed in furniture such as kitchen furniture, so that, for example, the door 16 can be flush with adjacent doors and / or drawers and still be opened without collision.

[0053] Figs. 4 and 5 show a third embodiment of arrangement 18. As shown Figs. 4 and 5 It can be seen that the coupling device 52 is between at least one in Fig. 5 shown and designated K, and at least one in Fig. 4The decoupling state shown, labeled E, is switchable. In the coupled state, the threaded nut 38 is coupled to the drive motor 32, so that, for example, a force or torque transmission path between the door 16 and the drive motor 32 is closed. This force or torque transmission path is also referred to as the transmission path, through which forces or torques can be transmitted between the door 16 and the drive motor 32. When the transmission path is closed, forces or torques can be transmitted between the door 16 and the drive motor 32 via this path. In the decoupling state E, the threaded nut 38 is decoupled from the drive motor 32, so that the transmission path is interrupted. Therefore, no forces or torques can be transmitted between the door 16 and the drive motor 32 in the decoupling state E.Thus, for example, in coupled state K, it is possible to pivot the door 16 relative to the housing 12 using the drive motor 32, allowing the door 16 to be opened and / or closed particularly easily and conveniently. In decoupling state E, for example, the door 16 can be moved manually relative to the housing 12 by a person without such manual movement being affected or hindered by the drive motor 32. This allows the person to open or close the door 16 easily and therefore conveniently.

[0054] In the third embodiment, the coupling device 52 comprises at least one coupling actuator 56 provided in addition to the drive motor 32, which is, for example, designed as an electric actuator or is electrically operable. Furthermore, the coupling device 52 comprises a first coupling element 58 and a corresponding second coupling element 60. In the third embodiment, for example, the coupling element 58 is rotationally fixed to the threaded spindle 42. Furthermore, for example, the coupling element 60 is rotationally fixed to the rotor or shaft 36 of the drive motor 32.By means of the coupling actuator 56, for example, at least one of the coupling elements 58 and 60 can be moved relative to the door 16 and, for example, relative to the other coupling element 58 and 60, whereby, for example, the at least one coupling element 58 or 60 can be moved between a decoupling state E and in . Fig. 4 shown decoupling position EK and a coupling state K causing and in Fig. 5 The coupling position KK shown is movable relative to the door 16 and, if applicable, relative to the respective other coupling element 60 or 58, in particular translationally and / or rotationally.

[0055] In the coupled state K, or coupled position KK, the coupling elements 58 and 60 interact positively, so that the threaded spindle 42 or the threaded nut 48 is coupled to the drive motor 32 via the coupling device 52 in coupled state K, at least positively. This allows the torque provided by the drive motor 32 to be transmitted efficiently and effectively from the drive motor 32 via the coupling device 52 to the threaded spindle 42 and then to the threaded nut 38. In the decoupling state E, or decoupling position EK, the coupling elements 58 and 60 are spaced apart, so that they do not interact, and in particular, do not interact positively. This decouples the threaded spindle 42 or the threaded nut 38 from the drive motor 32.

[0056] At the in Figs. 4 and 5In the third embodiment shown, the coupling elements 58 and 60 are components provided in addition to the threaded nut 38, distinct from the threaded nut 38. In particular, at least one coupling element 58 or 60 is movable, at least translationally, in the axial direction of the threaded spindle 42 or along the axis of rotation 46 relative to the threaded spindle 42 and / or relative to the shaft 36 or the rotor, respectively, by means of the coupling actuator 56. The coupling device 52 is also referred to as a coupling, which is open in the decoupling state E and closed in the coupling state K. To close the coupling, the coupling elements 58 and 60 are, for example, pressed together by means of the coupling actuator 56, causing the coupling elements 58 and 60 to engage in a positive-locking manner.

[0057] The threaded spindle 42 and the corresponding threaded nut 38 form, at least in a state where the threaded nut 38 is arranged on the threaded spindle 42 so that the threads mesh, a threaded spindle drive which is non-self-locking, i.e., free from self-locking. This makes it possible, in principle, for the threaded nut 38 to be moved linearly along the threaded spindle 42 via the connecting lever 48 and the hinge 22 from the door 16, for example, when a person manually pivots the door 16, resulting in a rotation of the threaded spindle 42 about the axis of rotation 46. However, the drive motor 32, for example, has self-locking, so that the previously described manually induced rotation of the threaded spindle 42 would be prevented by the drive motor 32, in particular by its self-locking mechanism.Thus, for example, a person could not manually pivot the door 16, or only with a very high degree of effort, if the drive motor 32 is coupled to the door 16. However, if the coupling is now opened, the door 16 is decoupled from the drive motor 32, so that the door 16 can be moved manually in the manner described, because with the coupling open, the drive motor 32 does not oppose the described rotation of the threaded spindle 42.

[0058] Figs. 6 and 7Figure 18 shows a fourth embodiment of the arrangement 18. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment, particularly with regard to the design of the coupling device 52. In the fourth embodiment, the coupling device 52 comprises the coupling actuator 56 and, for example, a second coupling actuator 62 provided in addition to the coupling actuator 56 and the drive motor 32. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the threaded nut 38 has at least two nut elements 68 and 70, each forming at least parts 64 and 66 of the internal thread 40, which are movable relative to each other and, in particular, relative to the threaded spindle 42, especially in the radial direction of the threaded spindle 42. For example, the nut element 68 is movable relative to the threaded spindle 42 and relative to the door 16, especially in the radial direction of the threaded spindle 42, by means of the coupling actuator 56.Furthermore, the mother element 70 can be moved relative to the door 16 and relative to the threaded spindle 42, particularly in the radial direction of the threaded spindle 42, by means of the coupling actuator 62. The preceding and following descriptions of the coupling actuator 56 can be readily applied to the coupling actuator 62 and vice versa.

[0059] To keep the number of parts particularly low, for example, the nut element 68 is designed as the coupling element 58, with the threaded spindle 42 being designed as the coupling element 60. Furthermore, the nut element 70 is a third coupling element, whereby, for example, the following and preceding descriptions for the first coupling element 58 can also be readily applied to the third coupling element 72 and vice versa. The nut elements 68 and 70, or the coupling elements 58 and 72, are connected by means of the coupling actuators 56 and 62 between their respective, in Fig. 6illustrated and the decoupling state EK effecting decoupling position E and a respective, in Fig. 7 The coupling position KK shown and resulting in coupling state K is movable relative to the threaded spindle 62 or relative to the coupling element 60 and, for example, relative to each other. The connecting lever 48 is, for example, pivotally connected to at least one of the nut elements 68 and 70, so that, for example, the hinge 22 or the hinge part 28 is pivotally connected to at least one of the nut elements 68 and 70.

[0060] In the respective coupled position KK, the nut elements 68 and 70 interact positively with the threaded spindle 42 via the respective parts 64 and 66 and the external thread 44 of the threaded spindle 42, since the parts 64 and 66, or internal thread 40, engage in the corresponding external thread 44. If the threaded spindle 42 is then rotated around the axis of rotation 46 relative to the threaded nut 38 in the manner described, the door 16 is pivoted relative to the housing 12. In the respective decoupling position EK, however, the parts 64 and 66 are disengaged from the internal thread 44, so the nut elements 68 and 70 do not interact with the threaded spindle 42.As a result, the threaded nut 38 can be moved manually along the threaded spindle 42 and relative to it via the door 16 in the manner described, without the threaded spindle 42 rotating about the axis of rotation 46 and thus without the drive motor 32 affecting or influencing the manual pivoting of the door 16. Although in the fourth embodiment, in the decoupling state E, the threaded spindle 42 is still coupled to the drive motor 32 or to the shaft 36, in particular non-rotatably connected, the threaded nut 38 is decoupled from the threaded spindle 42 and thus from the drive motor, so that the door 16 is decoupled from the drive motor 32. Thus, a person can open and close the door 16 easily and conveniently. Overall, this is achieved by... Figs. 6 and 7It can be seen that the two- or multi-part threaded nut 38 is open in the decoupling state E and closed in the coupling state K.

[0061] Figs. 8 and 9Figure 1 shows a fifth embodiment not belonging to the invention. The drive device 24 has an opening aid 74, which comprises at least one opening element 76. As will be explained in more detail below, the opening element 76 is movable relative to the door 16 and relative to the housing 12 in a support position with the housing 12. In the fifth embodiment, the opening element 76 is movable translationally relative to the door 16 and relative to the housing 12 in a support position with the housing 12. The opening element 76 is movable in a support position with the housing 12 in order to push the door 16 away from the housing 12 and thereby pivot it from the closed position S into one of the intermediate positions, i.e., into one of the further open positions. This allows the door 16 to be initially opened.Starting from the intermediate position into which the door 16 can be pivoted by means of the opening aid 74, the door can be opened further by means of the drive motor 32 with only a small torque.

[0062] In the fifth embodiment, which is not part of the invention, the opening aid 74 has an opening aid actuator 78 provided in addition to the drive motor 32, which is also provided, for example, in addition to the clutch actuator 56 and / or 62. The opening aid actuator 78 can be supported, for example, on the door 16, and, on the other hand, the opening aid actuator 78 is supported, or can be supported, on the opening element 76, in particular via a plunger 80 of the opening aid 74. In the fifth embodiment, the plunger 80 is movable, in particular translationally, by means of the opening aid actuator 78 along an opening direction 82, which runs, for example, parallel to the axis of rotation 46, and in particular relative to the housing 12 and / or relative to the door 16. The plunger 80 has a first surface 84 which extends obliquely to the opening direction 82.The opening element 76 is movable relative to the housing 12 and / or relative to the door 16, in particular translationally, along a repulsion direction 86, which runs obliquely or, in this case, perpendicular to the opening direction. The opening element 76 has a second surface 88 corresponding to the first surface 84, which runs obliquely to the repulsion direction 86 and obliquely to the opening direction 82. Furthermore, the surface 84 runs obliquely to the repulsion direction 86.

[0063] For example, if the plunger 80 is moved by means of the opening assist actuator 78 in a first direction 90 that coincides with the opening direction, the surfaces 84 and 88 initially come into a supporting position against each other, and subsequently the surfaces 84 and 88, also referred to as inclined planes, slide against each other. This moves the opening element 76 in a second direction 92 that coincides with the repulsion direction 86 and is therefore inclined or perpendicular to the first direction. By moving the opening element 76 in the second direction, the opening element 76, in particular with an end face 94 of the opening element 76, initially comes into a supporting position against the housing 12.If the opening element 76 is moved further in the second direction, for example by moving the plunger 80 further in the first direction, the opening aid actuator 78 is supported on the one hand at least indirectly, in particular directly, by the door 16 and on the other hand via the plunger 80 and the opening element 76 by the housing 12. This causes it to be repelled by the housing 12 and thus pivoted from the closed position into one of the intermediate positions, and thus initially opened. This is particularly well illustrated by... Fig. 9 It is evident in which surfaces 84 and 88 have already slid against each other as a single unit. The opening aid actuator 78, the plunger 80, and the opening element 76 are at least indirectly held on the door 16 and can pivot with the door 16. For example, after the initial opening of the door 16, the opening element 76 lifts off the housing 12, in particular off a corresponding push-off surface 96 of the housing 12. Overall, it is evident from Figs. 8 and 9It can be seen that surfaces 84 and 88 form a wedge system which is actuated by means of the opening aid actuator 78 in order to initially open the door 16.

[0064] Figs. 10 and 11Figure 1 shows a sixth embodiment not belonging to the invention, which differs from the fifth embodiment, which is not belonging to the invention, particularly with regard to the opening aid 74. In the sixth embodiment, the plunger 80 is, for example, pivotally connected on one side to the opening aid actuator 78 and on the other side to the opening element 76. Furthermore, a guide cam 98, also referred to as a control cam, is provided, which is also called a cam track or guide track and is at least substantially arc-shaped. The opening element 76 and / or the plunger 80 engage in the cam track 98, so that the plunger 80 and the opening element 76 are guided by means of and along the cam track 98 when the plunger 80 and, via it, the opening element 76 are moved relative to the door 16 by means of the opening aid actuator 78.Since the plunger 80 is pivotally coupled to the opening assist actuator 78 on one side and to the opening element 76 on the other, the opening element 76 is pivotally connected to the opening assist actuator 78 via the plunger 80. Furthermore, the opening assist actuator 78 is pivotally coupled to the door 16 and thus pivotally supported on it. When the plunger 80, and via it the opening element 76, is moved along the cam track 98 by means of the opening assist actuator 78, the opening element 76, in particular via its end face 94, initially comes into contact with the housing 12, in particular with its surface 96. Subsequently, the door 16 is pushed away from the housing 12 via the opening assist actuator 78, the plunger 80, and the opening element 76, and thus initially opened.By using the cam track 98, a particularly advantageous force or torque transmission from the opening aid actuator 78 to the housing 12 and thus between the door 16 and the housing 12 can be realized, so that the door 16 can be opened particularly advantageously, especially quickly, even when there is a temperature difference in the cavity 14 compared to an environment 100 (. Fig. 1 ) of device 10 a high negative pressure prevails.

[0065] Figs. 12 and 13Figure 1 shows a seventh embodiment of the arrangement 18, which is not part of the invention. This seventh embodiment differs from the fifth and sixth embodiments, particularly in the design of the opening aid 74. In the seventh embodiment, the opening element 76 functions as the plunger 80 described for the fifth and sixth embodiments, such that the opening element 76 can be moved at least translationally along the thrust direction 86 by means of the opening aid actuator 78. Since the opening aid actuator 78 is supported, or can be supported, on the door 16, at least indirectly, and in particular directly, and can also be supported, or is supported, on the housing via the opening element 76, when the opening element 76 is moved along the thrust direction and in the second direction 92, the door 16 is pushed away from the housing 12 by the opening aid 74 and is thus initially opened.When the opening element 76 is moved in the direction 92, for example, the opening element 76 is extended from the opening aid actuator 78, in particular from its housing 102. Afterwards, the opening element 76 can, for example, be retracted back into the housing 102. In the seventh embodiment, for example, the opening aid actuator 78 and the opening element 76 form a lifting cylinder actuator, by means of which a simple but efficient and effective opening aid can be provided.

[0066] Figs. 14 and 15Figure 1 shows an eighth embodiment not belonging to the invention, which differs from the fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments, which do not belong to the invention, particularly with regard to the opening aid 74. In the eighth embodiment, the opening element 76 is designed as a cam 104, also referred to as an opening cam. The opening element 76, or the cam 104, is non-rotatably connected to the drive motor 32, in particular to the housing 34 of the drive motor 32, wherein the housing 34 and the opening element 76 are rotatable relative to the door 16, in particular within certain limits, about the axis of rotation 46, which in Fig. 14 illustrated by a double arrow 106.

[0067] Fig. 14Figure 1 shows, for example, an initial state in which the opening element 76 is spaced away from the housing 12 and is therefore not in contact with the housing 12. Furthermore, in this initial state, for example, the door 16 is closed, so that the door 16 is in the closed position S. Additionally, in this initial state, for example, the door 16 is coupled to the drive motor 32, so that the coupling is closed, meaning that the coupling device 52 is in the coupled state K.

[0068] If, for example, the drive motor 32 provides the aforementioned torque for pivoting the door 12 via the rotor or the shaft 36, this torque provided by the drive motor 32 via the shaft 36, which acts particularly around the axis of rotation 46, is supported on the one hand by the threaded spindle 42, the threaded nut 38, and the hinge 22 on the door 16 and, via these, for example, on the housing 12. On the other hand, however, the torque is not supported because the opening element 76 and the housing 34, and thus the stator, from which, for example, the torque is exerted on the rotor, are rotatable relative to the door 16, and the opening element 76 is not yet in a supporting position with the housing 12, in particular with the surface 96, in the initial state.As a result, the housing 34 and thus the stator and the opening element 76 initially rotate around the axis of rotation 46 relative to the door 16 and relative to the housing 12 into a . Fig. 14The first direction of rotation, illustrated by arrow 108, continues, in particular initially, until the opening element 76 comes into contact with the housing 12. Then, the torque provided by the drive motor 32 is supported on the housing 12 via the housing 34 and the opening element 76, and in particular transmitted to the housing 12. If the torque continues to be provided by the drive motor 32, the housing 34, and thus the stator, rotates further in the first direction of rotation relative to the housing 12 and relative to the door 16 around the axis of rotation 46 about the opening element 76, which is fixedly connected to the housing 34. This causes the door 16 to be pushed away from the housing 12 via the drive motor 32 and the opening element 76, and thus initially opened. This is, for example, Fig. 15 illustrated.

[0069] If the drive motor 32 continues to provide torque, the housing 34, and thus the stator and the opening element 76, continue to rotate in the first direction of rotation about the axis of rotation 46 relative to the door 16 and, for example, to the housing 12, in particular until, for example, the opening element 76 is in support position with a bearing provided on the door 16 and made of Fig. 19The torque is then applied to the recognizable stop 110. It is subsequently supported, via the housing 34 and the opening element 76, at the stop 110 and thus at least indirectly at the door 16. If the drive motor 32 continues to provide the torque, the torque, by preventing further rotation of the stator via the housing 34 and the opening element 76 by means of the stop 110, causes the threaded spindle 42 to rotate about the axis of rotation 46 relative to the door 16. As a result, the hinge parts 26 and 28 are pivoted relative to each other by means of the drive motor 32 in the manner described, thereby pivoting the door 16 relative to the housing 12, in particular opening it. The torque for opening the door 16 thus acts, for example, in the first direction of rotation illustrated by arrow 108.For example, to close the door 16, the drive motor 32 provides a torque which acts around the axis of rotation 46 in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation, which is, for example, in . Fig. 14 illustrated by arrow 112.

[0070] For example, if the opening element 76, designed as a cam 104, is in a support position with the stop 110, then at least one spring element (not visible in the figure) is tensioned, thus providing a spring force that acts at least indirectly on the opening element 76. The opening element 76 is held in a support position with the stop 110, for example, against the spring force, by means of the drive motor 32 or by means of the torque provided by the drive motor 32. If the supply of torque ceases, the spring element can, for example, relax, thereby rotating the opening element 76, and with it the housing 34 and the stator, in the second direction of rotation relative to the door 16.In particular, the opening element 76 is rotated or held by means of the spring force in support system with a second stop 114 opposite the stop 110, provided on the door 16.

[0071] To close the door 16 using the drive motor 32, the drive motor 32 provides the torque, also referred to as the second torque, which acts in the second direction of rotation. Using the second torque, the opening element 76, and thus the housing 34 or the stator, is rotated relative to the door 16, particularly when the opening element 76 is not yet in the support position with the second stop 114. When the opening element 76 is in the support position with the second stop 114, the second torque is, as previously described with regard to the torque for opening the door 16, applied to the door 16 via the opening element 76, causing the threaded spindle 42 to rotate about the axis of rotation 46 in the second direction of rotation. As a result, the door 16 is pivoted relative to the housing 12 and thereby closed.Since the opening element 76 is in support system with the stop 114, the opening element 76 assumes a starting position as in the one shown in . Fig. 14 the initial state shown, so that the opening element 76 does not impair or prevent the movement of the door 16 into the closed position S.

[0072] Figs. 16 to 19Figure 1 shows a ninth embodiment, which is, for example, a combination of the eighth and second embodiments. In the ninth embodiment, the hinge 22 is designed as the aforementioned multi-joint hinge, and the opening aid 74 is designed as in the eighth embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, an angle sensor 116 is provided, by means of which the respective rotational positions of the threaded spindle 42 about the axis of rotation 46 are detected or can be detected. Alternatively or additionally, a linear sensor 118 is provided, by means of which the respective linear positions of the threaded nut 38 along the threaded spindle 42 are detected or can be detected.

[0073] Furthermore, there is a Figs. 16 and 17A transparent housing 120, for example made of sheet metal, is provided, in which, for example, the drive unit 24 is arranged. In particular, the drive unit 24 is connected to or mounted on the door 16 via the housing 120, the housing 120 being, for example, at least substantially U-shaped. Figs. 16 and 17Furthermore, the clutch actuator 56 is visible, which is designed, for example, as a solenoid and is slidably mounted in at least one or two opposing plastic shells, one of which, labelled 121, is visible in the figure. The clutch actuator 56 is designed, for example, to translationally displace the drive motor 32 and the opening aid 74 relative to the housing 120 and thus relative to the door 16, to which the housing 120 is, for example, fixed, in order to move, for example, the clutch element 60, which is fixed to the rotor both rotationally and axially, in the axial direction of the threaded spindle 42 relative to it and relative to the clutch element 58, which is also fixed to the threaded spindle 42 in a rotationally and axially connected to it, between the coupling position KK and the decoupling position EK.Thus, the clutch actuator 56 is designed as a lifting magnet actuator.

[0074] The drive motor 32 is preferably designed as a geared motor, which, for example, comprises the aforementioned electric motor and thus the stator and the rotor. The stator and the rotor are housed in the casing 34 of the drive motor 32. Furthermore, the geared motor comprises, for example, a gearbox, which is housed, in particular, in the casing 34, and through which, for example, the shaft 36 and thus the threaded spindle 42 can be driven by the rotor or by the electric motor.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally to the plastic shells, or alternatively or additionally to the mounting of the clutch actuator 56 on the housing 120 that is movable along the axis of rotation 46, the drive motor 32 can be mounted on the housing 120 via a slide 122, also referred to as an axial slide, which is movable along the axis of rotation 46 and thus axially relative to the housing 120. This allows, for example, the drive motor 32 to be moved along the axis of rotation 46 relative to the housing 120, particularly by means of the clutch actuator 56. This enables the clutch element 60, and with it the entire drive motor 32, to be moved between the disengaged position EK and the engaged position KK by means of the clutch actuator 56.

[0076] The coupling element 60 is a so-called drive part of the coupling, since the coupling element 60 can be driven by the drive motor 32, and since the coupling element 58 can be driven by the drive motor 32 via the coupling element 60. Thus, for example, the coupling element 58 is an output part of the coupling. Furthermore, a coupling driver 124 is provided. At least one spindle bearing 126 is also provided, by means of which, for example, the threaded spindle 42 is supported in its axial and / or radial direction on the housing 120 and thus on the door 16. In particular, the spindle bearing 126 can be designed as an axial spindle bearing. Alternatively or additionally, a spindle bearing 128 is provided, by means of which the threaded spindle 42 is supported in its axial and / or radial direction on the housing 120 and thus on the door 16.In particular, the spindle bearing 128 can be designed as a radial spindle bearing. Figs. 17 and 16 For example, the open position O of door 16 is shown, while for example Fig. 18 The closing position S of door 16 is illustrated. From Fig. 19 The opening element 76 is particularly clearly visible, which, for example, penetrates a through-opening 130 of the housing 120, in particular a leg 132 of the housing 120.

Claims

1. An arrangement (18) of a drive device (24) on a door (16) capable of being pivotably arranged on a housing (12) of an appliance (10), in particular of a cooling and / or refrigerating appliance, wherein the arrangement (18) comprises the door (16) and the drive device (24), and wherein the drive device (24) formed for pivoting the door (16) in relation to the housing (12) is retained on the door (16) and includes: - a hinge (22), which comprises at least one first hinge part (26) attached to the door (16) and at least one second hinge part (28) attachable to the housing (12) and coupled to the first hinge part (26) in articulated manner; - at least one drive motor (32); - at least one transmission element (38) at least indirectly coupled to the hinge (22) in articulated manner, which is at least indirectly drivable by means of the drive motor (32) for pivoting the hinge parts (26, 28) in relation to each other and thereby is rectilinearly movable in relation to the door (16), to thereby pivot the door (16) in relation to the housing (12); and - a coupling device (52), which is switchable between at least one coupling state (K), in which the transmission element (38) is coupled to the drive motor (32), at least one uncoupling state (E), in which the transmission element (38) is uncoupled from the drive motor (32); characterized in that the coupling device (52) comprises at least one coupling actuator (56) provided in addition to the drive motor (32) and at least one coupling element (58), which is movable between at least one coupling position (KK) effecting the coupling state (K) and at least one uncoupling position (EK) effecting the uncoupling state (E) in relation to the door (16) by means of the coupling actuator (56), wherein the transmission element (38) is formed as a threaded nut (38), which comprises an internal thread (40) as the first thread, wherein the drive device (24) includes a threaded spindle (42) corresponding to the threaded nut (38), which comprises an external thread (44) corresponding to the internal thread (40) as the second thread and is drivable by means of the drive motor (32) and thereby rotatable around a rotational axis (46) in relation to the door (16) and in relation to the threaded nut (38), whereby the threaded nut (38) is rectilinearly movable along the threaded spindle (42) with form-fit cooperation of the threads.

2. The arrangement (18) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first coupling element (58) movable in relation to at least one second coupling element (60) of the coupling device (52) by means of the coupling actuator (56) cooperates with the corresponding second coupling element (60) in form-fit manner in the coupling position (KK) such that the transmission element (38) is coupled to the drive motor (32) at least in form-fit manner in the coupling state (K).

3. The arrangement (18) according to claim 2, characterized in that the threaded nut (38) comprises at least two nut elements (68, 70) forming at least respective parts (64, 66) of the internal thread (40) and movable in relation to each other, wherein at least one of the nut elements (68, 70) is formed as the first coupling element (58) and the threaded rod (42) is formed as the second coupling element (60).

4. The arrangement (18) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one angle sensor (116) is provided, by means of which respective rotational positions of the threaded spindle (42) can be captured, and / or that at least one linear sensor (118) is provided, by means of which respective linear positions of the threaded nut (38) along the threaded spindle (42) can be captured.