MECHANISM FOR A DOOR OF AN ELECTRICAL HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mechanism for a door of an electrical household appliance.

[0002] Electrical household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, washer-dryers (i.e., combination units for washing and drying laundry), ovens, and the like have a working compartment that can be closed by a door. To keep the door closed, these appliances are equipped with a latch that, when the door is closed, engages with an approaching object and holds it in the closed position. Typically, in its closed position, the latch offers a certain resistance to opening the door (holding force), which results from the need to initially tension a closing spring assembly of the latch when the door is opened until the object is finally released from the latch.

[0003] The use of door openers is becoming increasingly common in household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. These openers allow for controlled opening of the closed door without the user having to pull on it manually. Such an opening function, which can be executed either programmatically or upon input of a corresponding opening command by the user, allows the door to be opened slightly after the appliance has finished its cycle. This enables, for example, the escape of moisture from the interior and / or accelerated cooling of the interior.

[0004] For easier assembly, the latch and opener of some household appliances can be designed as a single unit. This eliminates an additional step that would otherwise be required for separate assembly of, for example, the opener. Furthermore, the latch and opener can be housed in a single casing.

[0005] However, the latch and opener have functional differences that also affect respective housing sections of the common housing.

[0006] DE 10 2021 104747 A1 relates to a household appliance with a locking and opening function for a door of the household appliance.

[0007] CN 113 236 063 A shows an actuating device for a rotary drive.

[0008] DE 10 2022 116078 A1 refers to a mechanism for a door of an electrical household appliance.

[0009] Accordingly, one of the aims of the invention is to show a way in which, despite the structural combination of the closure and the opener, a functional integrity of the individual units can be maintained.

[0010] To solve this problem, a mechanism for a door of an electrical household appliance is provided according to the invention, comprising an opener for pushing open the door, wherein the opener comprises an opener housing and - received therein - a push button arranged for a particularly linear pushing movement as well as an electric motor drive for the push button; and a lock for keeping the door closed, wherein the lock comprises a lock housing and - received therein - at least one movably arranged locking element, wherein the at least one locking element is provided for an engagement with a counter body that approaches the locking element when the door is closed, in order to keep the door closed.

[0011] In such a mechanism, the opener housing and the latch housing each have a coupling section that, when working together, creates a mechanical coupling between them. The opener housing has at least one first connecting element designed to attach the mechanism to the electrical household appliance when the coupling sections of the opener and latch housings are mechanically coupled. This ensures that both the opener and the latch have the housing necessary for their respective functions. In other words, the housing for each opener and latch can be optimized for their specific function.

[0012] Furthermore, assembly remains simple and quick, as only one step is required to attach the opener housing to the appliance. For example, the locking housing can be pre-assembled to the opener housing via the interlocking coupling sections, while the assembled unit (the mechanism) can then be attached to the appliance.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, the opener housing and the locking housing can be made of different materials. While both materials can be plastic, different plastics or plastic compositions are possible for each of the two housings. Naturally, at least a section of one or both housings (opener housing and / or locking housing) can also be made of metal or include an inner or outer metal coating or a metal core.

[0014] For example, components of the opener are subjected to greater forces than components of the lock. In particular, because the push button overcomes the closed engagement of at least one locking element, higher forces are applied to the opener than by the movable locking element. The opener housing can therefore be made of a material designed to withstand these higher forces. The opener housing can also be optimized to accommodate the electric motor drive or to guide other components such as gear elements. On the other hand, components of the lock can move within the lock housing, guided by it. The resulting friction can be reduced by selecting an appropriate material for the lock housing. A single housing for both the opener and lock would not be able to fulfill their different functions.

[0015] According to certain embodiments, the opener housing comprises a reinforced material, particularly glass fiber reinforced. Due to the reinforcement in the opener housing material, the higher forces exerted by the opener components can be absorbed. This makes the opener more durable. Furthermore, tighter tolerances and less deformation can be achieved.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism housing can be made of a low-friction material. For example, the locking mechanism housing can be made of polyoxymethylene (POM). This facilitates the movement of the locking components within the housing, which in turn increases the lock's durability. Furthermore, a user of the appliance will notice smoother operation when manually opening and closing the door. It should be noted, however, that fiberglass-reinforced plastics have higher friction, making them less suitable for use as the locking mechanism housing.

[0017] According to certain embodiments, at least one of the coupling sections can form a locking element. A locking element, in this context, refers to a mechanical connection between the opener housing and the lock housing that prevents or blocks the lock housing from being detached from the opener housing in at least one direction. By way of example only, the locking element can comprise an undercut, tab, detent, rail, and / or a clamping hook. Naturally, both housings can have coupling sections that form corresponding locking elements. For example, the lock housing can only be detached from the opener housing by releasing a locking mechanism formed by the locking element, optionally also with the aid of a suitable tool.

[0018] According to certain embodiments, the opener housing can have at least one second connecting element designed to attach the mechanism to the electrical household appliance when the coupling sections of the opener housing and the closure housing are mechanically coupled. This allows for at least a two-point attachment of the mechanism to the electrical household appliance, while the closure does not need to be attached separately. Instead, the closure is attached via the opener housing or held in place by the coupling sections.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the locking housing can have at least one third connecting element designed to attach the mechanism to the electrical appliance when the coupling sections of the opener housing and the locking housing are mechanically coupled. This also allows for at least a two-point attachment of the mechanism to the electrical appliance (the term "third connecting element" is not intended to limit the number of attachment points to three, but merely serves to distinguish the second connecting element on the opener housing). In this case, the mechanism can only be securely attached to the electrical appliance through the interaction between the opener housing and the locking housing.Due to the mechanical coupling between the opener housing and the locking housing, both housings form a single unit for the mechanism, which can be attached to the electrical household appliance via the two connecting means (first connecting means on the opener housing and third connecting means on the locking housing).

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the opener housing and the locking housing can each have a further coupling section, which together provide a further mechanical coupling between the opener housing and the locking housing. In particular, the (first) coupling section and the further (second) coupling section can be arranged on different sides of the locking housing, preferably on opposite sides. This allows the locking housing to be securely attached to the opener housing. On the one hand, this eliminates the need for separate attachment of the locking housing to the electrical household appliance. On the other hand, the locking housing thus coupled can also be attached to the electrical household appliance via a suitable third connecting element.

[0021] According to certain embodiments, the mechanism can further include a door sensor arranged in the opener housing. The closure can include a movable element configured to transmit movement of the door during closing to a section of the movable element that interacts with the door sensor. The door sensor can be, for example, a microswitch, light sensor, motion sensor, touch sensor, proximity sensor, or similar element capable of detecting a change in movement of the movable element. For instance, the movable element can move the microswitch between two switching positions. Similarly, the movable element can be a light sensor, motion sensor, touch sensor, proximity sensor, etc.The element can be positioned in a first position, covering it, touching it, approaching it, and in a second position, moving away from it. For example, the first position can be occupied by the moving element when the door is in its closed position (when the latch holds the door closed), and the second position when the door is open.

[0022] According to certain embodiments, the movable element can comprise a rocker arm and / or a slider. The section of the movable element that interacts with the door sensor can be located on one side or end of the rocker arm or slider. For example, the rocker arm can touch the door at one end as it approaches its closed position, continuing until the door is fully closed. The (small) movement of the door in this area also moves the rocker arm between two positions. An opposite end of the rocker arm, facing away from the door, can form the section of the movable element that interacts with the door sensor. Alternatively, the slider can be arranged at the end of the rocker arm facing away from the door, so that this end moves the slider between two positions (e.g., linearly).The section of the movable element that interacts with the door sensor is formed by a section of the slider.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the movable element can be equipped with a spring element. The spring element can be coupled to the movable element in such a way that it forces the movable element into a position corresponding to the open position of the door. Thus, when the door is closed, the movable element is moved against the spring force of the spring element, and when the door is opened, the movable element is moved in the opposite direction due to the spring force of the spring element. This reciprocal movement allows the door sensor to be put into two different states.

[0024] According to certain embodiments, the section of the moving element that interacts with the door sensor can be located in a region of the locking housing facing away from the door. This allows the door sensor to be positioned in a part of the mechanism that is spaced away from the door. This facilitates cable routing to the sensor and also simplifies the sensor's placement within the mechanism, since several other components for opening and closing the door must be located in the front part of the mechanism (the part facing the door). In other words, the moving element penetrates the locking housing (at least partially) to transmit any movement of the door to the side of the locking housing facing away from the door.

[0025] According to certain embodiments, the movable element can comprise a section interacting with the locking element, which is configured to mechanically transmit any movement of the locking element during door closing to the section interacting with the door sensor. Since the locking element, when it engages with the counterbody, is moved by the counterbody during door closing, the section of the movable element interacting with the locking element can receive this movement and mechanically transmit it to the section of the movable element interacting with the door sensor. Thus, no sensors or electrical / electronic components are necessary in the lock.

[0026] According to certain embodiments, the movable element can include a section projecting from the locking housing, which is configured to mechanically transmit the door's movement as it closes to the section interacting with the door sensor. The section projecting from the locking housing can extend into an opening in the wash tub (main body of the appliance) that is closed by the door. As a result, the door, just before reaching its closed position, contacts the projecting section of the movable element and moves it along with the door until it reaches its final closed position. The remaining movable element then mechanically transmits this movement to the door sensor.

[0027] According to certain embodiments, the closure may not include any electrical and / or electronic components. In particular, no sensors or electrical or electromechanical actuators are necessary in the closure. The closure can be operated and function purely mechanically.

[0028] Furthermore, only the opener may include an electrical connection. The door sensor, which can be located within the opener, may, for example, be electrically operated. An electrical connection in the opener is particularly necessary due to the electric motor drive for the handle. The door position can still be detected via the moving element in the lock and the interacting door sensor. This allows the entire mechanism to be equipped with a single electrical connector / terminal located anywhere within the opener housing. Similarly, if necessary, a single circuit board for the mechanism can be located entirely within the opener housing. For example, the door sensor can be mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected.

[0029] According to certain embodiments, the lock can have a function for mechanically influencing at least one movement characteristic of the push button. This ensures that the lock contributes to, or is even a prerequisite for, the proper functioning of the opener.

[0030] At least one movement feature of the handle can, for example, involve blocking the handle from extending from an initial position to the extension position required for opening the door. According to certain embodiments, the locking mechanism serves to mechanically release such a movement block of the handle. In these embodiments, the restriction of the handle's movement is thus eliminated by the locking mechanism. This means that the locking mechanism is necessary to enable the opener to perform its intended function (opening the door). For example, the movement block of the handle is only released by the mechanical coupling of the respective coupling sections of the opener housing and the locking mechanism housing. As long as the locking mechanism is not attached to or coupled with the opener, the opener cannot function as intended in such embodiments.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism of the push button can only be released by properly installing the lock and opener on the appliance. As long as the lock or opener is not installed on the appliance, proper operation of the opener is not possible with such designs.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the closure has a release mechanism which, when the closure and the opener are coupled, forces a movable locking element from a locking position (where the locking element is positioned to block the push button) to a release position (where the locking element is positioned to release the push button). The release mechanism may be stationary relative to the closure of the housing; for example, the release mechanism may be formed directly by the closure housing. The locking element may be part of the opener; in this case, it may be necessary to mount the opener on the appliance to release the push button's movement. In these cases, coupling the closure with the opener is a prerequisite for the push button to be released for its intended movement when the mechanism is mounted.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, at least one movement characteristic of the push button can relate to its guidance in the direction of movement. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the locking mechanism serves to guide the movement of the push button. Certain embodiments provide that the push button is designed as an elongated push rod, wherein the locking mechanism is designed with a guide lug, formed in particular by the locking housing, which is intended to engage in a guide groove of the push rod extending longitudinally along the rod for the purpose of longitudinal guidance.

[0034] The invention further provides for an electrical household appliance comprising a main body and a door movably attached to the main body for closing an access opening to a working space formed within the main body. A mechanism of the type described above is attached to the main body.

[0035] Furthermore, the invention provides a method for assembling a household appliance of the type described, wherein in the method the closure is coupled with the opener and together they are mounted as a pre-assembled unit on the main body of the appliance.

[0036] The invention is further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These depict: Figure 1 schematically shows a household dishwasher, Figure 2 schematically shows a closure for installation in the dishwasher. Figure 1 Figure 2b schematically shows an opener for installation in the dishwasher of the Figure 1 Figure 3 schematically shows a mechanism consisting of an opener coupled to a clasp, the opener being shown without a housing cover; Figure 4 schematically shows an exploded view of the mechanism. Figure 3Figure 5 schematically shows a further mechanism consisting of an opener coupled to a lock, wherein the further mechanism is attached to a profile rail of the household appliance; Figure 6 schematically shows an exploded view of the further mechanism. Figure 5 Figure 7 schematically shows the closure of the further mechanism. Figure 5 , and Figure 8 schematically shows the opener of the further mechanism. Figure 5 , where the opener is shown without the housing cover,

[0037] It will initially be on Figure 1 Reference is made to the dishwasher shown there, which is intended for use in a private household and is generally designated by 10. It is an example of a household appliance in which a mechanism according to the invention, comprising an opener and a closure, can be used. However, a limitation of the scope of application of mechanisms according to the invention to dishwashers is not possible due to the fact that in Figure 1The illustrated embodiment is in no way intended. The dishwasher 10 comprises a wash tub 12 (main body of the appliance) with a wash chamber 14 formed therein, which is accessible to a user through a front access opening 16. The latter can be closed by a door 18, which is pivotably mounted at the base of the wash tub 12 about a horizontal pivot axis (not shown in detail).

[0038] A door mechanism, generally designated 26, is installed in the roof of the flushing tank 12 (designated 20). This mechanism has a locking function to keep the door 18 closed and an opening function for mechanized, i.e., non-manual, opening of the door 18. The locking function is performed by one of the components (hereinafter referred to as component 22), and the opening function by the other component (hereinafter referred to as component 24). Component 22 can therefore also be referred to as the locking component or simply as the locking component, and component 24 as the opening component or simply as the opening component. When the door 18 is closed, the locking component 22 interacts with a counterbody 28 arranged on the door, which in the example shown is shaped like a bow. The locking component 22 engages and holds the counterbody 28 to keep the door 18 closed.

[0039] The door mechanism 26 is installed in the container roof (body roof) of the washing tank 12, designated 20. A profile rail (generally: reinforcing strip) 60 is located on the front side of the container roof 20, i.e., adjacent to the access opening 16. This profile rail extends essentially across the entire front width of the container roof 20 and serves as a stiffening structural element. In the example shown, the profile rail 60 is designed as an upwardly open U-shaped profile rail. This U-shaped design and installation position of the profile rail 60 are also assumed in the following figures. However, it is understood that other profile cross-sections of the profile rail 60 and other installation positions are readily conceivable.

[0040] Various designs of the locking unit 22 are conceivable for fulfilling the locking function. Figure 2aFigure 1 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment in which the closure 22 – housed in a closure casing 30 – has a rotatably arranged rotary gripper or rotary flap 32, which acts as a closing element according to the invention, and a closing spring 34, designed as a torsion spring in the example shown. The rotary gripper 32 has a gripping mouth 40 bounded by two jaws 36, 38, into which the counter body 28 with a central web 42 dips when the door 18 is closed (along the direction of an arrow 44). The central web 42 abuts a rear jaw (here jaw 38) and thereby sets the rotary gripper 32 into rotation. The rotation of the rotary gripper 32 causes the front jaw (here jaw 36) to engage behind the central web 42 of the counter body 28 and thereby hold the counter body 28 in the gripping mouth 40. Further details on a closure with such a rotary gripper can be found, for example,The content of DE 198 37 248 A1, DE 10 2016 008 044 B4, or DE 10 2020 124 399 B3 is hereby incorporated in its entirety by express reference into the present disclosure. An alternative embodiment features an elongated closing element instead of a rotary gripper, which engages with a front gripping lug in a recess formed on the door when the door is closed; see, for example, DE 10 2006 037 494 B4, the content of which is also hereby incorporated in its entirety by express reference into the present disclosure.

[0041] Regarding the closure 22 according to Fig. 2a The closing spring 24 acts after the rotary gripper 32 is released from its position in Figure 2aThe release position shown is rotated into the gripping position, in which it holds the counterbody 28, preventing the rotary gripper 32 from rotating back towards the release position. Therefore, to open the door 18, this holding resistance of the lock 22 must be overcome. When opening the door 18 manually, the user must pull hard enough on the door 18 to overcome the holding force of the closing spring 34. When opening the door 18 mechanically using the opener 24, the necessary force is applied by the opener. For this purpose, the opener 24 is shown as Figure 2bThe opening mechanism is designed with a push button 50, which is linearly movable (along a double arrow 46) within an opening housing 48. In the example shown, the push button 50 is designed as an elongated push rod and is mechanically connected to a drive 52, which is also housed within an opening housing 48. In certain embodiments, the drive 52 is an electric motor drive with an electric motor and, if necessary, a reduction gear. In such a configuration of the drive 52, the push button 50 can be designed with teeth that mesh with an output pinion of the reduction gear. Alternatively, it is conceivable to design the drive 52, for example, as an electromagnetic drive or a spring drive. The invention is not subject to any limitations in this respect.

[0042] The push button 50 is extended from a position by actuating the drive 52. Figure 2bThe opener 24 can be moved from its initial position (retracted position) to a forward position (indicated by dashed lines). When installed in the dishwasher 10, such a forward movement of the push button 50, with the door 18 closed, causes the door 18 to be forced open, with the opener 24 overcoming the closing force of the latch 22. The push button 50 can press directly against the door 18 with a front rod tip, as shown in Figure 2b as indicated.

[0043] In the design according to the Figures 3 and 4 , which show an exemplary mechanism 26 comprising a closure 22 as described in the Figure 2a is shown schematically. Figure 3 schematically shows the mechanism 26 in a state in which the clasp 22 is coupled to the opener 24, with the opener 24 shown without the housing cover 250, and Figure 4Figure 1 schematically shows an exploded view of the mechanism 26 and a profile rail 60 to which the mechanism 26 can be attached.

[0044] The opener housing 48 has a coupling section 442, and the locking housing 30 also has a coupling section 321, wherein the respective coupling sections 321 and 442 interact to provide a mechanical coupling between the opener housing and the locking housing. At least one of the two coupling sections 321 and 442 can form a locking element. For example, the coupling section 442 of the opener housing 48 in Figure 4 represented as a pair of tabs or clamping hooks into which the coupling section 321 of the locking housing 30 (in Figure 4 from above) can be inserted and locked into place. This secures the locking housing 30 in at least one direction (inwards). Figure 4 (upwards) locked.

[0045] The illustrated locking housing 30 further comprises an optional additional coupling section 322, which can, for example, be arranged on a side of the locking housing 30 opposite the (first) coupling section 321. Correspondingly, the opening housing 48 also has a coupling section 443 into which the coupling section 322 of the locking housing 30 can be inserted and, for example, snap into place. The coupling section 443 of the opening housing 48 is also shown in the form of a pair of tabs or clamping hooks.

[0046] The coupled housings 30 and 48 are mechanically connected. In other words, the locking housing 30 can only be separated from the opening housing 48 if the respective coupling sections 321, 442, 322, and 443 are released from each other. This can be done, for example, by releasing the locking mechanism. The two housings 30 and 48 thus form a single structural unit and can be attached to the household appliance 10 in their pre-assembled state.

[0047] For fastening, at least one first connecting element 243 is provided on the opener housing 48. This first connecting element is designed to fasten the mechanism 26 to the electrical household appliance 10 when the coupling sections 321, 442 (322, 443) of the opener housing 48 and the locking housing 30 are mechanically coupled. The at least one first connecting element 243 can, for example, be achieved by mounting feet (not explicitly shown) that can be inserted into openings in the rail material in a rail base of the profile rail 60. By way of example only, the first connecting element 243 can comprise a tab, a clamping hook, and / or a spring-loaded locking tongue that can engage and / or snap into the opening in the profile rail or a corresponding lamella or tab 62 in the profile rail 60. Further details on fastening the mechanism 26 to the profile rail 60 can be found, for example, in the following.The content of this document (in particular the details and related explanations contained in Figures 3a and 3b of this document) is hereby fully incorporated into the present disclosure by express reference.

[0048] The first connecting element 243 also attaches the locking housing 30 to the profile rail 60.

[0049] Furthermore, the opener housing 48 can have at least one second connecting element 422, which is designed to attach the mechanism 26 to the electrical household appliance 10 when the coupling sections 321, 442 (322, 443) of the opener housing 48 and the locking housing 30 are mechanically coupled. The second connecting element 243 can be configured in the same way as the first connecting element.

[0050] The second connecting element 243 also attaches the locking housing 30 to the profile rail 60. When the first connecting element 243 and the second connecting element 422 are attached to the profile rail 60, a two-point attachment of the mechanism 26 to the profile rail 60 is possible, ensuring a secure hold for the mechanism 26.

[0051] Since the closure housing 30 can be manufactured independently of the opener housing 48, it can be made of a different material than the opener housing 48. Thus, to avoid or at least reduce friction between the rotary gripper 32 and the corresponding sections of the closure housing 30, a low-friction material, such as polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or materials filled or coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), can be used to manufacture the closure housing 30.

[0052] On the other hand, the opener housing 48 can be made of a reinforced material, for example, a glass fiber reinforced or mineral-filled plastic. Such a reinforced material is suitable for absorbing the high forces generated during the movement of the push button 50. A reinforced material is particularly advantageous for housing the motor 52 (drive of the push button 50), the gearbox 53, and the push button 50 itself.

[0053] In an advantageous embodiment, the closure 22 contains no electrical components whatsoever. This eliminates the need for an electrical connection to the closure 22, and only the opener 24 has an electrical connection 249. To nevertheless detect the closed state of the door 18, the opener 24 also includes a door sensor 248. For example, the door sensor 248 can be located in the opener housing 48. Figure 3For example, the door sensor 248 is shown arranged on a circuit board 247 for controlling the motor 52. The door sensor 248 is configured to detect the state of the door 18, in particular whether the door 18 is in a closed position in which the access opening 16 is tightly closed, or whether the door 18 is open, i.e., not in the closed position. It may be sufficient for the door sensor 248 to detect an opening of the door 18 by a few millimeters or less.

[0054] For this purpose, a movable element 427 is provided in the opener 24, which is configured to transmit a movement of the door 18 when the door 18 closes to a section 429 of the movable element 427 that interacts with the door sensor 248. The section 429 interacting with the door sensor 248 is shown as a projection and can, for example, interact with a door sensor 248 designed as a microswitch. The section 429 can, for example, switch the microswitch 248 back and forth between two positions.

[0055] To assist this movement of the movable element 427, a spring element 428 can be provided, which presses the movable element 427 into a position that it can assume when the door 18 is open. When the door 18 is closed, the movable element 427 is moved (pressed) against the spring force of the spring 428 and can thus move the door sensor 248 into a position corresponding to the closed position of the door 18. For this purpose, the movable element 427 has a section coupled to the closing element 32, which is configured to mechanically transmit a movement of the closing element 32 when the door 18 is closed to the section 429 interacting with the door sensor 248. The closing element 32 is, as shown in Figure 2aAs shown, when the door 18 closes, it moves in the direction of movement 44. This movement can be transferred to the movable element 427 by simply touching the movable element 427 with the closing element 32.

[0056] The mechanism 26 also includes a housing cover 250. This can be associated, in particular, with the opener 24. Naturally, the housing cover 250 can also include a section that covers at least part of the closure 22. The housing cover 250 can be detachably attached to the opener housing 48 by means of locking tabs 251 or similar clamps.

[0057] The profile rail 60 can have further openings 61, 66 through which the lever handle 50 can be moved or through which the counter body 28 can engage in the closing element 32.

[0058] The Figures 5 to 8 schematically show another exemplary mechanism 26, wherein Figure 5schematically shows the mechanism 26 mounted in a profile rail 60, Figure 6 schematically shows an exploded view of mechanism 26, Figure 7 schematically shows the closure 22, and Figure 8 schematically shows the opener 24 with the cover 250 removed. Elements and components of the mechanism 26, which are similar to those from the Figures 3 and 4 Elements and components that are identical or at least functionally equivalent are marked with identical reference symbols. A description of these elements and components is not repeated here to avoid redundant explanations.

[0059] The one in the Figures 5 to 8 The exemplary mechanism 26 shown has a rotary gripper 32 instead of the one shown in the Figures 2a , 3 and 4The locking element 225 features an elongated locking body, the front of which engages with a gripping lug into a recess formed on the door 18 (not explicitly shown) when the door 18 is closed. This elongated locking body 225 is guided within the locking housing 30. Therefore, a low-friction material for the locking housing 30 is particularly advantageous here, both to facilitate opening and closing the door 18 for the user and to ensure the durability of the locking mechanism 22. The locking body 225, in particular its gripping lug, can be guided through an opening in the base of the profile rail 60 (not shown or visible in the figures), allowing the gripping lug to engage in the recess of the door 18.

[0060] The closure 22 has at least one coupling section 221 which, together with a corresponding coupling section 241 of the opener housing 48, forms a mechanical coupling. In the illustrated example, the coupling section 241 of the opener housing 48 is designed as a tab or latch that can engage in the coupling section 221 of the closure housing 30, which is formed as an opening or perforation. The coupling section 221 can also be arranged deeper within the closure housing 30, so that the coupling section 241 of the opener housing 48 does not protrude through the opening in the closure housing 30, but can be accessed through the opening, for example, to release it. The mechanical coupling thus takes place within the closure housing 30.

[0061] The opener housing 48 can optionally have a further coupling section 242, which can achieve a mechanical coupling with a corresponding coupling section (not explicitly shown) in the locking housing 30. This can be done in the same or a similar way as between the coupling sections 221 and 241.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the opener housing 48 can also have a coupling section 244, which is implemented in the form of a rail. A corresponding coupling section on the locking housing 30 (not visible in the figures) allows the locking housing 30 to be moved linearly into the correct position for mechanical coupling between the locking housing 30 and the opener housing 48. Furthermore, the rail 244 allows for additional locking in at least one direction.

[0063] The locking housing 30 can be attached to the opening housing 48 via one or more coupling sections 221, 241 (242), so that both housings together form a pre-assembled unit. Attachment to the profile rail 60 is effected via at least one first connecting element 243 on the opening housing 48 (see in particular...). Figure 6 and 8 This allows the mechanism 26 to be securely attached to the electrical household appliance 10.

[0064] Furthermore, the locking housing 30 can have at least one third connecting element 222, which is designed to attach the mechanism 26 to the electrical household appliance 10 when the coupling sections 221, 241 of the locking housing 30 and the opener housing 48 are mechanically coupled. If the first connecting element 243 and the third connecting element 222 are attached to the profile rail 60, a two-point attachment of the mechanism 26 to the profile rail 60 can be achieved, which ensures a secure hold of the mechanism 26.

[0065] In the Figures 5 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the closure 22 also does not include any electrical components. Therefore, an electrical connection for the closure 22 is unnecessary, and only the opener 24 has an electrical connection 249.

[0066] Optionally, a door sensor 248 can be arranged in the opener housing 48. In the Figure 6and 8 The door sensor 248 is shown mounted on a circuit board 247 for controlling the motor 52. The door sensor 248 is configured to detect the state of the door 18, in particular whether the door 18 is in a closed position in which the access opening 16 is tightly closed, or whether the door 18 is open, i.e., not in the closed position. It may be sufficient for the door sensor 248 to detect an opening of the door 18 by a few millimeters or less.

[0067] For this detection by the door sensor 248, a movable element 229 is provided in the lock 22 in this embodiment. This movable element is configured to transmit any movement of the door 18 when the door 18 closes to a section 229a of the movable element 229 that interacts with the door sensor 248. The section 229a interacting with the door sensor 248 is depicted as an attachment or projection and can, for example, interact with a door sensor 248 configured as a microswitch (e.g., a magnetic microswitch), light sensor, motion sensor, touch sensor, proximity sensor, or similar element. The section 229a can, for example, be moved back and forth (perform a linear movement) that changes the state of the microswitch 248. This can include a magnet that forms the section 229a or is arranged therein and whose position is detected by the door sensor 248.Of course, any other element or material can be arranged on section 229a that allows its position to be detected by the door sensor 248.

[0068] To transmit the closing movement of the door 18 to the movable element 229, the movable element has a rocker arm 228. The rocker arm 228 can be rotatably connected to the movable element 229 by a joint 227. The rocker arm 228 is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis (not shown) located below the joint 227. A lower end of the rocker arm 228 can protrude through an opening or passage provided in the base of the profile rails 60. There, the lower end of the rocker arm 228 is located in the opening 16, where it can be contacted by the upper surface of the door 18. During the closing process of the door 18, the lower end of the rocker arm 228 is moved towards the wash chamber 14. The resulting rotational movement of the rocker arm 228 is transmitted to the movable element 229 via the joint 227.For example, the movable element 229 (linearly) moves towards the door 18 when the door 18 is closed.

[0069] When the door 18 is opened, the movable element 229 can be returned to its initial position. For this purpose, the movable element 229 can be moved back, i.e., away from the door 18, by a spring (not shown separately). In other words, as soon as the free end of the rocker arm 228 is freed from the door 18, the spring can move the movable element 229, and thus also the rocker arm 228, back to its initial position (corresponding to the open position of the door 18). Of course, the rocker arm 228 can also be moved back to its initial position by a spring (for example, a torsion spring) (in addition to or as an alternative to a spring moving the movable element 229).

[0070] Furthermore, the section 229a of the movable element 229, which interacts with the door sensor 248, can also be provided in the opener 24 or in the opener housing 48. For the (linear) movement of the section 229a when the door 18 is closed and opened, it can mechanically interact with a corresponding element in the lock 22 or in the lock housing 30. For example, the Figure 6 and 7 The movable element 229 shown is (separately) divided into two parts, one part being located in the clasp 22 or the clasp housing 30, and the other part being located in the opener 24 or the opener housing 48. Alternatively, the part of the movable element 229 located or held in the opener 24 or the opener housing 48 can extend to the rocker arm 228 and interact mechanically with it. By way of example only, the rocker arm 228 can either rest against the movable element 229 (i.e., merely touch it) or be coupled to it via a joint.

[0071] Regardless of the design according to the Figures 3 and 4 or 5 to 8 One possible sequence of events during the assembly of the dishwasher 10 is that the closure 22 is first inserted into the opener 24, in particular into the opener housing 48, and mechanically coupled to the opener 24 via the coupling sections (241, 242, 244, 321, 322, 442, 443), and optionally locked in place. In a later phase of the assembly process, the components thus coupled, i.e., the assembled mechanism 26, are then installed in the roof 24 of the wash tub 12.

Claims

1. Mechanism for a door (18) of an electrical household appliance, comprising: - an opener (24) for pushing open the door, wherein the opener (24) comprises an opener housing (48) and - accommodated therein - a pusher (50) arranged for a particularly linear pushing movement, as well as a particularly electric motor drive (52) for the pusher (50), - a lock (22) for keeping the door (18) closed, wherein the lock (22) comprises a lock housing (30) and - housed therein - at least one movably arranged locking element, wherein the at least one locking element is designed to engage with a counterbody (28) that approaches the locking element when the door is closed, thereby keeping the door (18) closed, wherein the opener housing (48) and the lock housing (30) each have a coupling section (442, 321) which cooperatively effect a mechanical coupling of the opener housing (48) and the lock housing (30), and wherein the opener housing (48) has at least one first connecting means (243) which is designed to attach the mechanism to the electrical household appliance when the coupling sections of the opener housing (48) and the lock housing (30) are mechanically coupled.

2. Mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the opener housing (48) and the lock housing (30) are made of different materials.

3. Mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the opener housing (48) comprises a reinforced material, in particular glass fiber reinforced material, and / or wherein the lock housing (30) comprises a low-friction material, in particular polyoxymethylene.

4. Mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the coupling sections forms a locking means and preferably comprises an undercut, latch, notch, rail, and / or clamping hook.

5. Mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opener housing (48) has at least a second connecting means (422) which is designed to attach the mechanism to the electrical household appliance when the coupling sections of the opener housing (48) and the lock housing (30) are mechanically coupled, and / or wherein the lock housing (30) has at least one third connecting means (222) which is designed to fasten the mechanism to the electrical household appliance when the coupling sections of the opener housing (48) and the lock housing (30) are mechanically coupled, and / or wherein the opener housing (48) and the lock housing (30) each have a further coupling section, which cooperatively effect a further mechanical coupling of the opener housing (48) and the lock housing (30).

6. A mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a door sensor (248) disposed in the opener housing (48), wherein the lock (22) or the opener (24) comprises a movable element (229) that is adapted to transmit movement of the door (18) when the door (18) is closed to an interacting section (229a) of the movable element that cooperates with the door sensor.

7. Mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the movable element comprises a rocker arm and / or a slider, wherein, preferably, the portion of the section interacting with the door sensor is arranged in a region of the lock housing (30) facing away from the door.

8. Mechanism according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the movable element comprises a section coupled to the locking element, which is designed to mechanically transmit a movement of the locking element to the section interacting with the door sensor when the door (18) is closed, or wherein the movable element comprises a protruding portion from the lock housing (30) that is adapted to transmit mechanically movement of the door (18) to the section interacting with the door sensor when the door (18) is closed.

9. Mechanism according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lock (22) does not comprise any electrical and / or electronic components, and wherein only the opener (24) comprises an electrical connection.

10. Mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lock has a function for mechanically influencing at least one movement characteristic of the pusher (50), in particular a function for mechanically releasing a movement block of the pusher (50).