Force transmission mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a force transmission mechanism (100) for actuating a movable component (200) of a household appliance (300), with several parallel force transmission branches for moving a linearly movable coupling part (110) for thrust or / and tension transmission coupling with this movable component (200), wherein the force transmission branches are manufactured sequentially depending on partial areas (TB1, TB2) of a limited movement range (B) of the coupling part (110) and at least one of the force transmission branches includes a slip clutch (120).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of power transmission and, in particular, to a power transmission mechanism for actuating a movable component of a household item according to claim 1, and to an actuator module and a household item for a household with such a power transmission mechanism according to claims 12 and 14, respectively. State of the art

[0002] Household appliances such as dishwashers typically have an automatic door opening at the end of the washing cycle. European patent application DE 0 687 439 A1 discloses a dishwasher whose door can be opened a crack after the washing and drying cycles have been completed, using a combination of an electric motor, gear, and locking latch. This is primarily intended to allow steam inside the dishwasher to escape, resulting in better drying results. However, there is now a desire for the door to close automatically afterward.

[0003] One reason for this is the desire to achieve further internal evaporation or post-evaporation for better drying. For example, the German patent application DE 10 2021 113 554 A1 discloses a dishwasher door mechanism with an electrically controlled door opener for mechanized door opening and subsequent door closing. Second, especially in Asian regions, it is desirable to close the door again to prevent mosquito larvae or mosquitoes from settling in. These particularly like the humid environment inside the dishwasher. A third reason is that an open door creates a nuisance in the room.

[0004] However, if a door is left partially open in the room, a child, for example, could trap their fingers if the door were to close again on its own. To prevent this, a slip clutch was introduced, as described in patent DE 10 2005 028 448 B4. This discloses a dishwasher in which a slip clutch is arranged between a motor and a closing plate. Slip clutches are used to close dishwashers gently, thus making it impossible for a finger to become trapped, as this would cause the slip clutch to slip. However, such a gentle closing process does not necessarily lead to a reliable locking of the dishwasher door. Object of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems and to provide an improved, in particular safe and reliable closing mechanism for a door of a household item, preferably a dishwasher. Solution to the task

[0006] This object is achieved by a power transmission mechanism for actuating a movable component of an item of household equipment according to claim 1, with a plurality of parallel arranged power transmission branches for moving a linearly movable coupling part for thrust and / or tension-transmitted coupling with this movable component, wherein the power transmission branches are produced sequentially depending on partial regions of a limited range of movement of the coupling part and at least one of the power transmission branches includes a slip clutch.

[0007] A key aspect of the present invention is that individual forces can be exerted on the coupling part sequentially, i.e., depending on the successive sub-areas. This allows, in particular, a defined higher or lower path speed of the coupling part across its range of motion. At the same time, its force can be reduced in certain areas where the movable component is particularly susceptible to movement blockages, and increased in a sub-area where the coupling part is about to close the movable component.

[0008] Essentially, a mechanism is provided that can be specifically adjusted to meet different challenges when operating the movable component of the household appliance across the range of motion of the coupling part. This provides, in particular, a particularly secure and reliable closing mechanism for a door of the household appliance, preferably a dishwasher. Preferred embodiments of the fastening device according to the invention

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the power transmission mechanism according to the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0010] In certain advantageous embodiments of the power transmission mechanism according to the invention, it is accordingly provided that a plurality of tooth pairs are arranged in the parallel power transmission branches, each causing a different path speed of the coupling part, which alternately mesh in a different sub-region of the movement range of the coupling part. If the coupling part leaves one of the sub-regions, the meshing engagement of the respective tooth pair is released, and another tooth pair enters into meshing engagement.The respective gear pairs define a different gear ratio (in the case of a gear / rack coupling, the distance of movement of the rack per speed of the gear) and represent a particularly safe and reliable type of power transmission, via which both the path speed and the movement force of the coupling part can be easily influenced.

[0011] It is advantageous if a first toothing of each of the plurality of tooth pairs is formed by a rack arrangement coupled to the coupling part for common linear movement, and the second toothing of each of the plurality of tooth pairs is designed as a gear toothing. The rack arrangement can be formed by a single rack, but alternatively, it can also be formed by several rack pieces that are arranged for common movement but do not necessarily have to be rigidly connected to one another.

[0012] The second toothing of each of the plurality of tooth pairs is preferably formed by a circumferential toothing of the gear wheel, in particular extending circumferentially, each with a different pitch circle diameter, and the rack arrangement associated with each of the circumferential toothings has a longitudinal toothing extending in particular over a respective rod longitudinal section. A circumferential extension of the circumferential toothing means an extension over the entire circumference of the gear wheel.

[0013] The gear peripheral teeth and the longitudinal teeth are preferably offset from each other transversely to the rod longitudinal direction, which represents a particularly simple design solution from the perspective of installation space optimization.

[0014] A preferred embodiment of the second gearing provides that each of the plurality of gear pairs comprises gears each with a different pitch circle diameter, which are arranged coaxially with one another, and of which at least one gear has a slip clutch. By selectively assigning a slip clutch to one of the gears, the risk of injury, for example from pinching a finger, can be reliably excluded in its individual power transmission branch. In particular, a power transmission branch can be selected with a gear pair that is effective in a partial area of ​​the coupling part in which the coupling part operates in a hazardous section of its range of motion, in which the movable component of the household item is particularly wide open.

[0015] In principle, the power transmission mechanism can comprise a gear ring with several (at least two) gears, each belonging to a different gear pair. Alternatively, the power transmission mechanism can also comprise separate gears that form the gear teeth of a respective gear pair.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one gear with the slip clutch is arranged adjacent to a drive gear of the power transmission mechanism, and the slip clutch is accommodated in this drive gear. Since the drive gear typically has a larger pitch circle diameter than the gears of the gear pairs, more space is available for integrating the slip clutch. At the same time, the gears of the power transmission mechanism are not subject to any size restrictions.

[0017] The ability of the power transmission mechanism to operate in different configurations can be independent of the position of the coupling part along its path of travel or dependent on the position of the coupling part. In certain advantageous embodiments of the power transmission mechanism according to the invention, it is provided that the subregions each have a different path length, and the power transmission mechanism is designed such that, at the same drive speed of a connectable electric motor, a higher path speed of the coupling part is achieved in a subregion with a longer path length than in another subregion with a shorter path length. The configuration of the power transmission mechanism depends on the position of the coupling part.If the coupling part is located in a first sub-range of its range of motion, the power transmission mechanism causes the coupling part to move at a first path speed at a given electric motor speed. If the coupling part is located in a different, second sub-range of its range of motion, the power transmission mechanism causes the coupling part to move at a different, second path speed at a given electric motor speed.

[0018] It is understood that the number of configurations of the power transmission mechanism is not limited to two. Rather, the power transmission mechanism can also be adjustable in three or more different configurations. Accordingly, three or more different sub-ranges of the movement range of the coupling part can be defined, which differ, for a given speed of the electric motor, by a different path speed of the coupling part. The slip clutch can be provided in at least one of these sub-ranges, particularly in a sub-range where the position of the movable component of the household item makes it advisable to consider potential blocking by objects.

[0019] Preferably, in a partial area with a greater length, a power transmission branch is produced which encloses the slip clutch, so that where the movable component of the household item is particularly wide open, there is no risk of movement being blocked by objects.

[0020] Conversely, it is preferred if the length of a sub-area located at an end of the coupling part's movement range facing the movable component is shorter than the lengths of other sub-areas. If a force transmission branch is created in this sub-area, the movable component of the household item can be located just before the closure and only remain open a gap in which movement can no longer be blocked by objects. In this short sub-area at an end of the coupling part's movement range facing the movable component, a particularly high force can then be applied to the coupling part over the short sub-area with the aid of a suitable pair of teeth in order to ensure a powerful and therefore reliable closure of the movable component on the household item.

[0021] The sub-areas of the movement range in which the power transmission mechanism causes a different path speed of the coupling part at a given speed of an electric motor can have preferred, different path lengths.

[0022] For example, for a given speed of an electric motor, the power transmission mechanism can cause a higher path speed of the coupling part in a sub-region with a longer path length than in a sub-region with a shorter path length. Of course, a reverse design is also conceivable, so that a sub-region with a shorter path length is accompanied by a higher path speed of the coupling part than a sub-region with a longer path length. Each of the sub-regions of the movement range of the coupling part can, for example, have a path length of at least approximately 10 mm or at least approximately 15 mm or at least approximately 20 mm and / or a path length of at most approximately 120 mm or at most approximately 100 mm or at most approximately 80 mm. These numerical data are of course exemplary and apply to certain embodiments of the invention; fundamental limitations are not intended with these numerical values.

[0023] The above object is also achieved by an actuator module according to the invention with the described power transmission mechanism according to claim 12. The actuator module has a module housing in which the power transmission mechanism is coupled to an electric motor and accommodated between the electric motor and a rod body forming the coupling part. The rod body can be movable in the rod's longitudinal direction between an advance position, in which the rod body is extended out of the module housing with the coupling part in front, and a retraction position, in which the rod body is retracted into the module housing, in particular at least approximately completely. The actuator module can be designed as a prefabricated, mechanically functional actuator module.

[0024] A preferred embodiment of the actuator module according to the invention is specified in a subclaim.

[0025] It is preferred if, at a given speed of the electric motor, the power transmission mechanism of the actuator module causes a lower path speed of the coupling part in a first partial area of ​​the movement range of the coupling part that is closer to the retraction position of the rod body, in particular encompassing the retraction position, and a higher path speed of the coupling part in a second partial area farther away from the retraction point. The slip clutch can be provided, in particular, in the power transmission branch of the first partial area to prevent movement blockages.

[0026] The above object is further achieved by an inventive article for household equipment with the described power transmission mechanism according to claim 14. This household article comprises a movable component and an electric motor for driving the movable component, and a coupling part that can be driven by the electric motor within a limited range of motion, in particular in a linearly movable manner, for coupling to the movable component in a manner that transmits thrust and / or tension. The power transmission mechanism is arranged between the electric motor and the movable component and, for a given speed of the electric motor, is capable of ensuring a different path speed of the coupling part in sub-areas of the range of motion. At a comparatively higher path speed of the coupling part in a sub-area, a slip clutch can be activated if the movable component is blocked.This ensures that blocking by objects does not pose a danger, especially when the movable component of the household item is moved quickly.

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the household item according to the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0028] The household item is preferably an electrical appliance with a usable space formed in a main appliance body, wherein the movable component is a door arranged movably relative to the main appliance body for closing the usable space. The force transmission mechanism is advantageously designed and controlled for at least one of the following three modes of operation: it operates as a door opener for pushing open a closed door, and / or it operates as a door closer for closing a door that is open ajar, and / or it does not operate against a blockage of a door that is open more than ajar.

[0029] The term "door" is to be understood broadly within the scope of the present disclosure. The term "door" is not intended to be subject to any specific limitation with regard to the direction of the door's mobility (pivoting, linear) or the spatial orientation and position of the door (e.g., upright on a front of the household item or as a pivoting flap or lid on a top side of the household item). Accordingly, the door can reach a gap-open position from a closed position by sliding it open a short distance in a straight line or pivoting it about a pivot axis.

[0030] According to certain embodiments of the household item according to the invention, the power transmission mechanism according to the invention is configured, at a given speed of the electric motor, to effect a lower path speed of the coupling part within a first partial movement range of the door comprising a door closed position than in a second partial movement range in which the door is opened more than in the first partial movement range. The power transmission mechanism is also configured to activate a slip clutch in the event of a movement blockage of the coupling part in the second partial movement range.

[0031] A control unit of the household appliance can control the electric motor such that, regardless of the current configuration of the power transmission mechanism and regardless of the current position of the coupling part within its range of motion, the electric motor is operated with a constant supply voltage. While it is possible that the speed of the electric motor may not always remain constant depending on the current load, in such embodiments, the supply voltage of the electric motor is not adjusted to compensate for possible load and speed fluctuations of the electric motor.

[0032] Due to the versatile design possibilities of the different, parallel arranged power transmission branches of the power transmission mechanism according to the invention including a slip clutch, the household item can be, for example, a household cooling appliance (for example a refrigerator or freezer), a dishwasher or a laundry treatment machine (for example a washing machine or a tumble dryer).

[0033] The coupling of the coupling part with the component to be moved is, at least in certain embodiments, a detachable, i.e. non-permanent coupling, which can be designed, for example, as a mechanical stop coupling, as a form-lock coupling or as a magnetic coupling.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the electrical device includes a door lock at the front for keeping the door closed. The power transmission mechanism is capable of ensuring, at a given speed of the electric motor, a relatively low path speed of the coupling part during a phase in which, when the closed door is opened, the door lock's closing effect still counteracts the door being forced open, compared to a phase in which the door lock's closing effect has already been overcome.

[0035] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own without departing from the scope of the present invention. Short description of the enclosed figures

[0036] A power transmission mechanism according to the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Like reference numerals designate like or functionally identical components. They show: Figure 1A is a perspective view obliquely from above of a power transmission mechanism according to the invention for a household item; Figure 1B is a perspective view obliquely from above of the power transmission mechanism cut transversely to the longitudinal direction of Figure 1 ; Figure 1C a partial side view of the power transmission mechanism of Figure 1 ; Figure 2 a plan view of the coupling part of the power transmission mechanism of Figure 1 ; Figure 3A a perspective view obliquely from above of the power transmission mechanism of Figure 1 with the directions of movement for advancing the coupling part; Figure 3Bines perspective view from above of the power transmission mechanism of Figure 1with the directions of movement for retraction of the coupling part; Figure 4 a side view of the power transmission mechanism of Figure 1 , which is coupled to an electric motor via the drive gear; Figure 5A an actuator module with a housing in which a Figure 1 coupled electric motor is accommodated; Figure 5B is a plan view of a combination of the power transmission mechanism of Figure 1 and an electric motor; Figure 6 is a plan view of a household item with a power transmission mechanism of Figure 1 exposed thereon. Figure 1 for opening a movable component; Figure 7Athe household item of Figure 6 with a wide-open movable component; Figure 7B the household item of Figure 6 with a gap-opened movable component, and Figure 7C the household item of Figure 6 with a closed moving component.

[0037] The Figure 1Ashows a perspective view obliquely from above of a power transmission mechanism 100 according to the invention for an item of household equipment. This comprises two different, parallel power transmission branches with respective tooth pairs 130, 140. The tooth pairs 130, 140 are formed by respective first toothings 131, 141 with respective second toothings 133, 143 of rack arrangements 132, 142 extending in the longitudinal direction of a coupling part 110. The first toothings of a 131, 141 are formed by respective gears 134, 144 (described in more detail in Figure 1B) which have different pitch circle diameters. The rack assemblies 132, 142 are arranged parallel and offset along the coupling part 110 in order to ensure individual engagement of the associated gears 134, 144. The gears 134, 144 are arranged coaxially with a drive gear 150 on a common axis A. When the drive gear 150 is moved clockwise, for example by an electric motor coupled thereto, the coupling part 110 is advanced to the left by the engagement of the gears 134, 144 with the toothings 131, 141 of the respective rack assemblies 132, 142, and conversely, when the drive gear is moved counterclockwise, it is retracted to the right. The coupling part 110 has an opening 111 at its front end, into which opening a movable component of the item of household equipment engages.The power transmission branch, which is defined by the pair of teeth 140, has a slip clutch 120, which is shown in . Figure 1B is visible.

[0038] The Figure 1B shows a perspective view obliquely from above of the power transmission mechanism 100 cut transversely to the longitudinal direction of Figure 1In particular, a slip clutch 120 is cut out, which is integrated into the drive gear 150, and allows the gear 144 to slip in the event of movement blockages that occur in the area of ​​the rack assembly 142. The slip clutch 120 is designed as a spring-loaded friction clutch. Since the partial area TB2, in which the rack assembly 142 extends, is larger than the partial area TB1, in which the rack assembly 132 extends, blockages in a particularly wide opening area of ​​a movable component of the household appliance can be avoided.At the same time, the path speed of the coupling part 110 is greater due to the gear ratio (advance / retraction length of the coupling part 110 per rotation of a gear 134, 144) of the gear pair 130 than the path speed of the coupling part 110 due to the gear ratio of the gear pair 130, whose gear 134 has a smaller rolling diameter than the gear 144. At the same time, the different gear ratios of the two power transmission branches via the gear pair 130 can reliably produce a greater force for attracting or pushing the movable component into or out of a closed position.

[0039] The Figure 1C shows a partial side view of the power transmission mechanism of Figure 1, in which the engagement of the toothing pair 130 becomes clear. The engagement of the gear 134 with the first toothing 131 of the rack arrangement 132 is clearly visible. The gear 144, which is arranged behind the gear 134 on a common axis A as viewed in the direction of view, is not in engagement with its associated toothing 141 in this position of the coupling part 110, which adjoins the toothing 131 parallel to the toothing 131 and offset to the left (not visible here). Behind the gear 144, the drive gear 150 can be seen, which can be driven by an electric motor. In this case, high forces can be applied to close a movable component that is open by a gap relative to a housing base body via the short region of the first toothing 131 of the rack arrangement 132 and the small gear ratio there between the gear 134 and the rack arrangement 132.In contrast, in one area of ​​the rack arrangement 142 and the comparatively higher gear ratio there between the gear 144 and the rack arrangement 142, high path speeds of the coupling part 110 for moving the movable component can be achieved, in which the slip clutch 120 (visible in . Figure 1B ) can be active to avoid movement blockages.

[0040] The Figure 2 shows a plan view of the coupling part 110 of the power transmission mechanism 100 of Figure 1, with a first partial area TB1 and a second partial area TB2 of a movement area B of the coupling part. In the partial area TB2, the toothing pair 140 can be seen with the toothing 143 of the gear 144, wherein the toothing 143 is in engagement with the toothing 141 of the rack arrangement 142. In the partial area TB1, the toothing pair 130 would be formed with the toothing 133 of the gear 134, wherein the toothing 133 would be in engagement with the toothing 131 of the rack arrangement 132. As already apparent from, among other things, the Figure 1AAs can be seen, the track length TB1 and its gear ratio are smaller due to the gear 134 being smaller than the gear 144, so that in this sub-area a higher opening and closing force can be applied to the coupling part 110 and thus to the movable component of the household item. The sub-area TB1 is dimensioned such that the movable component of a household item is only open a gap that no longer allows a finger to become trapped, for example. In the sub-area TB2, on the other hand, the gear ratio is larger, which applies a lower feed and retraction force to the coupling part 110, but increases its path speed. In this sub-area TB2, the slip clutch 120 is active, which prevents the movable component from becoming blocked in movement.This comparatively wide partial area TB2 for opening and closing the movable component reliably prevents movement blockages caused by objects. The movable component engages the opening 111 of the coupling part 110 for its movement.

[0041] The Figure 3A shows a perspective view obliquely from above of the power transmission mechanism 100 of Figure 1 with the directions of movement for advancing the coupling part 110. If the drive gear 150 is driven clockwise, the coupling part 110 is moved to the left with its opening 111 first via the engagement of the gear 144 and the rack arrangement 142.

[0042] The Figure 3B shows a perspective view from above of the power transmission mechanism of Figure 1 with the directions of movement for the retraction of the coupling part 110 with the reverse direction of rotation of the drive gear 150. In the illustrations of the Figures 3A and 3Bthe power transmission branch is active, which covers the part TB2 of the movement range B (shown in Figure 2 ) in which the slip clutch is active and a blockage of movement is excluded.

[0043] During the first few millimeters of travel of the coupling part 110, the small gear 134 engages with the section TB1 of the rack arrangement 132. The small gear 134 has a fixed connection with the drive gear 150 of the power transmission mechanism 100. In this section TB1, the slip clutch 120 is not active. This allows a higher force to be applied when opening and closing the movable component, which serves to close the movable component 110 tightly enough to ensure a tight seal.

[0044] After the first section TB1 of the rack arrangement 132, there is a transition where the small gear 134 no longer engages and the large gear 144 engages with the slip clutch 120. Up to this point, the power transmission mechanism 100 cannot be operated via the slip clutch 120. This is followed by a transition from high force to lower force, whereby from a certain point onward, the moving component can be assisted by springs of the household item. This allows for a lower force to be required. Due to the structural design of the power transmission mechanism 100, this force always occurs in the transition area between the sections TB1 and TB2, which are equipped with and without the slip clutch 120, respectively.

[0045] In the second sub-area TB2 of the rack arrangement 142, the gear 144 with the slip clutch 120 is then active. In this sub-area TB2, a lower force is applied to the coupling part 110. When the coupling part 110 is extended, the slip clutch 120 can be actuated by pushing or pulling, which provides mechanical overload protection or anti-pinch protection. If the movable component 200, for example a door, is closed, the slip clutch 120 is triggered if something is jammed or a person pinches their finger or hand. The door can then be pushed back to the transition to sub-area TB1 thanks to the function of the slip clutch 120. The door can also be pulled open in sub-area TB2 of the slip clutch 120 until a mechanical stop is reached.

[0046] The Figure 4 shows a side view of the power transmission mechanism 100 of Figure 1, which is coupled to an electric motor 400 via the drive gear 150. The electric motor 400 is coupled to the drive gear 150 of the power transmission mechanism 100 via a reduction gear 401, which has a worm gear on the output shaft of the electric motor 400 and several sequentially meshing gears. The spring-driven slip clutch 120 is integrated into the drive gear, which acts on the gear 134 and ensures its slipping in the event of a movement blockage. In this case, the spring-based friction force on a cylindrical shaft of the gear 134 is exceeded by the drive force of the drive gear 150, so that the drive gear 150 continues to rotate, but the gear 144 is blocked, and the coupling part 110, including the movable component connected to it, is not moved any further.The gear 134, on the other hand, is fixedly connected to the drive gear 150, with all gears 134, 144 and 150 being arranged along a common axis A.

[0047] The Figure 5A shows an actuator module 500 with a housing 501 in which a force transmission mechanism 100 of Figure 1 The actuator module 500 is designed as a prefabricated, mechanically functional actuator module 500 that can be installed in any household item requiring a blockage-free opening and closing mechanism. The actuator module 500 is flat overall, allowing it to be installed in any desired household item.

[0048] The Figure 5B shows a plan view of a combination of power transmission mechanism 100 of Figure 1and the electric motor 400, in which the coaxial arrangement of drive gear 150 (with slip clutch 120, not visible here) and gears 134, 144 is visible. While drive gear 150 and gear 134 with a small gear ratio are firmly connected to each other, gear 144 with a larger gear ratio is coupled to drive gear 150 via slip clutch 120.

[0049] This creates two power transmission branches, one containing gear 134 and the other, gear 144. These branches can be designed as desired with regard to gear ratio and thus power transmission, track speed, and freedom from blockage. These power transmission branches can also be implemented in a relatively flat design, as can be seen in Figures 5A and 5B.

[0050] The Figure 6 shows a plan view of a household object 300 with an exposed power transmission mechanism 100 of Figure 1for opening a movable component 200 on a device main body 310. In this example, the household item 300 is a dishwasher, and the movable component 200 is a closure flap that is actuated via the power transmission mechanism 100, which is coupled to the electric motor 400. Its reduction gear 401 is meshed with the drive gear 150 of the power transmission mechanism 100, which in turn actuates the coupling part 110, in whose opening 111 the closure flap 200 engages for its opening and closing. The power transmission mechanism 100 shown can be installed in the form of an actuator module 500 and designed as a prefabricated, mechanically functional actuator module 500.

[0051] The Figure 7A shows the household item 300 of Figure 6with a wide-open closure flap 200, in whose movement path toward the main device body 310 a blockage could occur. The coupling part 110 of the power transmission mechanism 100 is extended by the partial areas TB1 and TB2 of the movement area B, and the closure flap 200 is hooked into the opening 111 of the coupling part 110 via a spring-operated snap lock. A movement blockage beyond the partial area TB2 is excluded for this household item, since the power transmission branch with the enclosed slip clutch 120 and higher path speed of the coupling part 110 is active with simultaneously lower power transmission to the coupling part 110.

[0052] The Figure 7B shows the household item 300 of Figure 6with a gap-open closure flap 200, in which, for example, a finger can no longer be trapped. The force transmission branch without slip clutch 120 is now active via this partial area TB1, which can apply a relatively high closing and opening force to the closure flap 200 at a lower web speed.

[0053] The Figure 7C shows the household item 100 of Figure 6with a closed closure flap 200, in which the coupling part 110 traverses its range of motion B and the closure flap 200 is locked to the device main body 310. Even if a movement blockage had occurred in the partial area TB2, the slip clutch 120 would have ensured that it could have been removed without damaging the power transmission mechanism 100, the reduction gear 401, or the electric motor 400. The length of the partial area TB1 is selected such that no finger or other object can become trapped in the gap shortly before the movable component is completely closed.

[0054] Overall, the power transmission mechanism 100 according to the invention creates a household item, in particular a dishwasher, which enables reliable and safe door opening and closing. Reference symbol list

[0055] 100Power transmission mechanism 110Coupling part 111Opening of 110 120Slip clutch 130Pair of gears 131First gear of 130 132Rack assembly of 130 133Second gear of 130 134(small) gear 140Pair of gears 141First gear of 140 142Rack assembly of 140 143Second gear of 140 144(large) gear 150Drive gear of 100 200Movable component (shutter flap) of 300 201Snap lock 300Item of household equipment 310Appliance main body of 300 400Electric motor 401Reduction gear 500Actuator module 501Module housing of 600 ACommon axis of 134, 144, 150 BMovement range of 110 TB1(first) partial range of motion TB2(second) partial range of motion

Claims

1. Power transmission mechanism (100) for actuating a movable component (200) of a household item (300), with a plurality of parallel power transmission branches for moving a linearly movable coupling part (110) for thrust and / or tension-transmitting coupling with this movable component (200), wherein the power transmission branches are produced sequentially depending on partial regions (TB1, TB2) of a limited range of motion (B) of the coupling part (110) and at least one of the power transmission branches includes a slip clutch (120).

2. Power transmission mechanism (100) according to claim 1, with a plurality of tooth pairs (130, 140) arranged in the parallel power transmission branches, each causing a different path speed of the coupling part (110), which are alternately in meshing engagement in a different partial region (TB1, TB2) of the movement region (B) of the coupling part (110).

3. Power transmission mechanism (100) according to claim 2, wherein a first toothing (131, 141) of each of the plurality of tooth pairs (130, 140) is formed by a rack arrangement (132, 142) coupled to the coupling part (110) for common linear movement and the second toothing (133, 143) of each of the plurality of tooth pairs (130, 140) is designed as a gear toothing.

4. Power transmission mechanism (100) according to claim 4, wherein the second toothing (133, 143) of each of the plurality of toothing pairs (130, 140) is formed by a gear wheel peripheral toothing, in particular extending all the way around, each with a different pitch circle diameter, and the rack arrangement (132, 142) has, in association with each of the gear wheel peripheral toothings, a longitudinal toothing, in particular extending over a respective rod longitudinal section.

5. Power transmission mechanism (100) according to claim 4, wherein the gear peripheral teeth and the longitudinal teeth are each offset from one another transversely to the rod longitudinal direction.

6. Power transmission mechanism (100) according to claim 5, wherein the second toothing (133, 143) of each of the plurality of toothing pairs (130, 140) comprises gears (134, 144) each having a different pitch circle diameter, which are arranged coaxially to one another, of which at least one gear (134) has a slip clutch (120).

7. The power transmission mechanism (100) of claim 6, wherein the at least one gear (144) with the slip clutch (120) is arranged adjacent to a drive gear (150) of the power transmission mechanism (100) and the slip clutch (120) is received in this drive gear (150).

8. Power transmission mechanism (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the partial areas (TB1, TB2) each have a different track length and the power transmission mechanism (100) is designed, at the same drive speed of an electric motor connectable thereto, such that in a partial area (TB2) with a greater track length, a higher path speed of the coupling part (110) is effected than in another partial area (TB1) with a shorter track length.

9. Power transmission mechanism (100) according to claim 8, wherein in a partial region (TB2) with a greater length, a power transmission branch is produced which includes the slip clutch (120).

10. Power transmission mechanism (100) according to claim 9, wherein the length of a partial region (TB1) located at an end of the movement range (B) of the coupling part (110) facing the movable component (200) is shorter compared to the lengths of other partial regions (TB2).

11. The power transmission mechanism (100) according to claim 10, wherein each of the partial regions (TB1, TB2) has a path length of at least about 10 mm or at least about 15 mm or at least about 20 mm and / or a path length of at most 120 mm or at most about 100 mm or at most about 80 mm.

12. Actuator module (500) with a power transmission mechanism (100) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a module housing (501) in which the power transmission mechanism (100) is coupled to an electric motor (400) and is received between the electric motor (400) and a rod body forming the coupling part (110), wherein the rod body is movable in the rod longitudinal direction between an advance position in which the rod body is moved out of the module housing with the coupling part (110) in front, and a retraction position in which the rod body is retracted into the module housing (501), in particular at least approximately completely.

13. Actuator module (500) according to claim 12, wherein the force transmission mechanism, at a given speed of the electric motor (400), causes a lower path speed of the coupling part (110) in a first partial area (TB1) of the movement range (B) of the coupling part (110) closer to the retraction position of the rod body, in particular comprising the retraction position, and a higher path speed of the coupling part (110) in a second partial area (TB2) further away from the retraction position.

14. A household item (300) comprising a power transmission mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, which comprises a movable component (20) and an electric motor (400) for driving the movable component (200), and a coupling part (110) which can be driven by means of the electric motor (400) within a limited range of motion (B), in particular in a linearly movable manner, for coupling to the movable component (200) in a way that transmits thrust and / or tension, wherein the power transmission mechanism (100) is arranged between the electric motor (400) and the movable component (200) and, at a given speed of the electric motor (400), is able to ensure a different path speed of the coupling part (110) in sub-areas (TB1, TB2) of the range of motion (B), and, at a comparatively higher path speed of the coupling part (110) in a sub-area (TB2), Slip clutch (120) can be activated,when the movable component (200) is blocked., 15. Equipment item (300) according to claim 14, which is an electrical appliance with a usable space formed in a device main body (310) and the movable component (200) is a door arranged to be movable relative to the device main body (310) for closing the usable space, wherein the force transmission mechanism (100) is designed and controlled for at least one of the three following modes of operation: - it operates as a door opener for pushing open the closed door, - it operates as a door closer for closing the door which is open ajar, and - it does not operate against a blockage of the door which is open more than ajar.

16. Equipment item (300) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the power transmission mechanism (100) is configured to effect, for a given speed of the electric motor (400), a lower path speed of the coupling part (110) within a first partial movement range (TB1) of the door comprising a door closed position than in a second partial movement range (TB2) in which the door is opened more than in the first partial movement range (TB1), and to activate a slip clutch (120) in the event of a movement blockage of the coupling part (110) in the second partial movement range (TB2).

17. The item of equipment (300) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the item of equipment is one of the following: a household refrigerator, a dishwasher, a laundry treatment machine.

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