Door lock for an electric household appliance

Abstract

Door lock for an electrical household appliance, comprising a housing in which a locking element is arranged movably between a closed position and a release position, wherein the locking element is able to hold a locking body for keeping the door of the household appliance closed in the closed position and allows the locking body to be released for opening the door in the release position, wherein the locking element is designed as a rotatably arranged rotary gripper, wherein a sliding element is operatively connected to the rotary gripper, wherein the sliding element enables a bidirectional force to be applied to the rotary gripper, whereby both a first torque in the direction of the release position and a second torque in the direction of the closed position can be applied to the rotary gripper.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a door lock for an electrical household appliance, comprising a housing in which a locking element is arranged movably between a closed position and a release position, wherein the locking element is able to hold a locking body in the closed position to keep a door of the household appliance closed and allows the locking body to be released to open the door in the release position.

[0002] Household appliances with such a door lock can include washing machines or tumble dryers. These appliances comprise a process chamber containing, for example, the items to be washed. This process chamber is closed by a door. Particularly in washing machines, the door should not only be closed during the wash cycle but also locked for safety reasons. This prevents the user from opening the door during specific operating phases of the washing machine. On the other hand, the door of such household appliances should be easy for the user to open and close with minimal effort. Several solutions already exist in the prior art that enable this functionality.

[0003] It is also desirable that such household appliances be equipped with an automatic door opening function, allowing the appliance door to open automatically, i.e., without user intervention. This could occur, for example, after a wash cycle has finished. It would also be desirable for the door to close automatically in addition to opening.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a door lock for an electrical household appliance which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages. Furthermore, it is an object of this invention to provide an electrical household appliance with such a door lock.

[0005] The problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1 and by the subject matter of claim 15. The dependent claims comprise preferred embodiments.

[0006] According to the invention, a door lock for an electrical household appliance is provided, comprising a housing in which a locking element is arranged movably between a closed position and a release position, wherein the locking element is able to hold a locking element in the closed position to keep the door of the household appliance closed and, in the release position, allows the locking element to be released to allow the door to be opened, wherein the locking element is designed as a rotatably arranged rotary gripper, wherein a sliding element is operatively connected to the rotary gripper, wherein the sliding element enables a bidirectional force to be applied to the rotary gripper, whereby both a first torque in the direction of the release position and a second torque in the direction of the closed position can be applied to the rotary gripper.

[0007] The door lock enables automatic opening and closing of the appliance door. This simple design allows for both automatic opening and closing. For example, in a washing machine, the door can open automatically after the wash cycle. This allows moisture to escape from the washing machine's interior, preventing the damp laundry from developing an unpleasant odor. Alternatively, the door could automatically close again if the laundry hasn't been removed after a predetermined period. Another possibility is to enable the automatic opening and closing of the door at intervals.Even an incomplete closing process by the user can be completed to a fully closed door by the automatic locking function.

[0008] Advantageously, the lock is designed in such a way that, in addition to automatic opening and closing, manual opening and closing by a user is also possible. Advantageously, manual opening can be blocked by the door lock. Such a blocking mechanism can, for example, be implemented during predetermined operating phases of the appliance.

[0009] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism is arranged on the door of the household appliance. The housing of the door lock is preferably arranged on the body of the household appliance. Of course, an arrangement in which the door lock is arranged on the door and the locking mechanism on the body of the household appliance would also be conceivable.

[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the rotary gripper comprises two jaw elements forming a gripping mouth. The rotary gripper preferably comprises an upper jaw element spaced apart from the lower jaw element. Preferably, the lower jaw element is designed and intended to engage an engagement section of the locking body. Preferably, the engagement section comprises a shackle bar. More preferably, the lower jaw element is designed and intended to engage behind the shackle bar of the locking body as soon as it is in or exceeds an engagement position.

[0011] According to a further preferred embodiment, the rotary gripper is rotatable along a first direction of rotation from the release position to the closing position and along an opposite second direction of rotation from the closing position to the release position.

[0012] Preferably, when the door is closed, the locking element engages in an insertion opening of the door lock. The locking element is preferably in an engagement position or beyond it as it moves further.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the door lock is a so-called push-pull type. Accordingly, the door lock can be closed by pushing it against the door. By subsequently pulling on the door, the door lock can be opened again.

[0014] In a preferred manual locking operation, the user pushes the door towards the cabinet. Preferably, the locking element, with the shackle leading, enters the insertion opening of the door lock. Preferably, the rotary gripper is now in the release position. The locking element abuts the upper jaw element of the rotary gripper. Further displacement of the locking element advantageously exerts a torque on the rotary gripper along the first direction of rotation, causing it to rotate about an axis of rotation in the direction of the closing position. During this rotation, the lower jaw element of the rotary gripper preferably moves behind the shackle, thus capturing the shackle in the gripping jaw. This prevents the locking element from escaping the insertion opening. Advantageously, the rotary gripper rotates until it reaches its closed position.Due to the preferred rotation until it reaches its closed position, the locking mechanism can undergo a translational movement, which results in a closing effect on the door.

[0015] For the preferred manual opening, the user must pull on the door. This preferential force application by pulling exerts pressure on the toggle latch against the lower jaw element, thereby initiating a torque along the second direction of rotation on the rotary gripper. The rotary gripper thus rotates from the closed position towards the release position. In the release position, the toggle latch can escape from the gripping jaw.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, the door lock comprises at least one preload element which exerts a preload in at least one of the rotation directions of the rotary gripper. Preferably, the preload element exerts a preload opposite to the second rotation direction. Thus, the preload element preferably exerts a preload against rotation of the rotary gripper from the closed position towards the release position. The preload element can, for example, be a torsion spring or another suitable elastic element.

[0017] The preload against the second direction of rotation enables the aforementioned closing effect of the door. Furthermore, the rotary grip remains in the closed position due to the preload if no opposing torque is applied. Thus, the preload enables or improves the door's ability to stay closed. To open the door, the user must apply sufficient force while pulling it open to overcome the preload of the tensioning element.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, at least one bistable preload element is provided. Advantageously, the at least one bistable preload element has an intermediate point at which the preload effect changes. Preferably, when the preload element is actuated, i.e., tensioned, at this intermediate point, the direction of the preload changes. The preload element thus has two stable states of rotational preload. Preferably, the at least one preload element comprises a torsion spring, a leg spring, or a similarly acting elastic element. The advantageous torsion spring can be supported with one of its legs on the rotary gripper and with another leg on a component of the door lock.

[0019] The rotary gripper is operatively connected to the pretensioning element. Therefore, when the rotary gripper rotates, the pretensioning element is actuated. To move the rotary gripper from the closed position to the release position or vice versa, an intermediate position of the rotary gripper must preferably be overcome, which preferably corresponds to the intermediate point of the at least one pretensioning element at which the direction of the rotational pretensioning effect of the pretensioning element changes.

[0020] The preferred intermediate position of the rotary gripper is therefore a position between the closed and released positions. After exceeding this preferred intermediate position, the preload acting on the rotary gripper changes. For example, if the rotary gripper is rotated along a first direction of rotation, starting from the released position, a preload opposes this rotation until the intermediate position is reached. After exceeding this intermediate position, a preload acts in the direction of the first direction of rotation, causing the rotary gripper to rotate towards the closed position due to the preload. Conversely, if the rotary gripper is rotated along a second direction of rotation, starting from the closed position, a preload opposes this direction of rotation until the intermediate position is reached.After exceeding the intermediate position, the preload acts in the direction of the second direction of rotation, so that the rotary gripper is rotated towards the release position due to the preload.

[0021] If, advantageously, at least one bistable preload element is provided, the user only needs to exert a force sufficient to rotate the rotary gripper from the closed position to an intermediate position, or slightly beyond, when manually opening the door. Due to the alternating preload, the remaining rotation of the rotary gripper to the release position is achieved either solely by the preload effect or by the preload effect in combination with the force applied by the user.

[0022] If at least one bistable preload element is advantageously provided, an initial torque in the direction of the release position is introduced when the door opens automatically due to the force applied by the sliding element. This introduced torque must therefore advantageously be sufficient to allow rotation to the intermediate position, or slightly beyond it, or until the preload changes. The remaining rotational path of the rotary gripper to the release position is achieved solely through the preload effect of the changing preload.

[0023] According to a further preferred embodiment, when the door opens automatically, the sliding element applies a force such that a torque is transmitted to the rotary gripper, causing it to rotate from the closed position to the release position. If, advantageously, at least one bistable preload element is provided, the preload effect of the preload element assists the corresponding torque after the intermediate position is exceeded. With a differently acting preload element, the torque caused by the sliding element is either opposite to or in conjunction with the preload effect.

[0024] If, advantageously, at least one bistable preload element is provided, when manually closing the door, the user only needs to exert a force sufficient to rotate the rotary gripper from the release position to the intermediate position, or slightly beyond. Due to the alternating preload, the remaining rotation of the rotary gripper to the closed position is achieved either solely by the preload effect or by the preload effect in combination with the force applied by the user.

[0025] If at least one bistable preload element is advantageously provided, a first torque in the direction of the closed position is introduced when the door closes automatically due to the force applied by the sliding element. This introduced torque must therefore advantageously be sufficient to allow rotation to the intermediate position, or slightly beyond, or until the preload changes. The remaining rotational path of the rotary gripper to the closed position is achieved solely through the preload effect of the changing preload.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, when the door closes automatically, the sliding element applies a force such that a torque is transmitted to the rotary gripper, causing it to rotate from the release position to the closed position. If, advantageously, at least one bistable preloading element is provided, the preloading effect of the preloading element assists the corresponding torque after the intermediate position is exceeded. With a differently acting preloading element, the torque caused by the sliding element is either opposite to or in conjunction with the preloading effect.

[0027] Particularly with automatic door locking, it can be problematic if the locking element or the bolt is not positioned in such a way that, when the rotary gripper rotates from the release position, the lower jaw element can engage behind the bolt. In a further preferred embodiment, at least one magnetic element is arranged on the rotary gripper, which exerts a magnetic force on the locking element. Preferably, the magnetic force causes the locking element to shift towards the rotary gripper as soon as the locking element reaches a predetermined insertion depth in the insertion opening of the door lock. Preferably, the locking element is shifted to the engagement position within the insertion opening. When the locking element is in the engagement position, the lower jaw element can engage behind the bolt when the rotary gripper is rotated.The magnetic field of at least one magnetic element advantageously causes the locking element to be positioned or aligned within the insertion opening.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one magnetic element is a permanent magnet. It would also be conceivable for the at least one magnetic element to be an electromagnet. Furthermore, it would be conceivable for several magnetic elements to be provided. This plurality of magnetic elements can comprise permanent magnets, electromagnets, or a combination of permanent magnets and electromagnets. Advantageously, the locking element consists at least partially of a ferromagnetic material in order to be able to interact with the magnetic element.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one magnetic element is arranged on an upper jaw element. Preferably, the upper jaw element has a recess in which the at least one magnetic element is received.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the sliding element is arranged to be translationally displaceable within the housing. Preferably, the sliding element is displaceable bidirectionally along a displacement axis. Advantageously, the displacement axis is orthogonal to a rotation axis of the rotary gripper. Advantageously, a drive device is provided for driving the sliding element. Advantageously, the drive device comprises an electric motor. However, other suitable drive devices would also be conceivable.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the sliding element is rod-shaped. Preferably, the sliding element has a rack section.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the rack section of the sliding element engages with a gear. Advantageously, the gear is a spur gear. Preferably, the gear comprises teeth on its entire circumference. Preferably, the gear is part of a transmission assembly. Advantageously, the transmission assembly is operatively connected to the drive unit. Advantageously, the transmission assembly and / or the drive unit is designed such that the gear is driven in two opposite directions of rotation. Advantageously, the transmission assembly is a reduction gear. Advantageously, in a first direction of rotation of the gear, the meshing with the rack section displaces the sliding element in a first translational direction along the displacement axis.Advantageously, in a second direction of rotation of the gear, the meshing with the rack section displaces the sliding element in a second translational direction along the displacement axis. The first and second translational directions are opposite.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, the door lock comprises at least one sensor device designed and suitable for determining the position of the sliding element. Preferably, several such sensor devices are provided. The sensor devices can, for example, be designed as microswitches. These can be actuated, for example, by contact with the sliding element. The at least one sensor device is connected to a control unit of the household appliance via a signal connection. The position of the sliding element is thus determined by the at least one sensor device. This corresponding position is preferably taken into account in the further control of the drive unit.

[0034] According to a further preferred embodiment, the door lock comprises a reset device arranged between the housing and the sliding element. Preferably, after the sliding element has been moved along its axis of displacement by the drive unit, the reset device returns it to its initial position. The reset device thus advantageously provides an automatic return of the sliding element to its initial position as soon as the sliding element has been moved a sufficient distance along the first or second translational direction. The advantageous displacement of the sliding element is sufficient to effect a corresponding rotation of the rotary gripper. Therefore, a reset of the sliding element by the drive unit is advantageously no longer necessary.This has the advantage that the number of sensors required to determine the position of the sliding element can be reduced. This is because the sliding element automatically returns to its initial position after each movement along both translational directions.

[0035] Preferably, the return mechanism comprises at least one elastic element arranged between the housing and the sliding element. Preferably, the at least one elastic element is subjected to a force and thus a preload by the displacement of the sliding element. The release of this force in the at least one elastic element causes the sliding element to return to its initial position. Preferably, two elastic elements are present. Preferably, a first elastic element is subjected to a corresponding force when the sliding element is displaced along the first translational direction, and a second elastic element is subjected to a corresponding force when the sliding element is displaced along the second translational direction.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, a coupling element is operatively connected to the drive unit. Preferably, the coupling element is part of a gear assembly. Preferably, the coupling element is designed such that it can only establish a temporary operative connection with the sliding element. It is advantageous that the operative connection between the coupling element and the sliding element exists during a displacement of the sliding element from its initial position until it reaches a predetermined displacement position. The gear described above can advantageously be a coupling element. In contrast to the coupling element described above, a permanent operative connection exists between the gear and the sliding element, since the teeth of the gear are always engaged with the rack of the sliding element.The temporary connection between the coupling element and the sliding element allows the sliding element to be returned to its initial position by the return mechanism. With a permanent connection, this return must be performed by the drive unit.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, the coupling element comprises or is a segmented gear. Advantageously, the segmented gear comprises at least one tooth segment. Preferably, the at least one tooth segment can be engaged with the rack section of the sliding element. Preferably, the at least one tooth segment comprises a predetermined number of teeth. Preferably, the number of teeth depends on the required displacement of the sliding element. Preferably, the at least one tooth segment comprises between one and ten teeth. More preferably, the at least one tooth segment comprises between two and six teeth. More preferably, the at least one tooth segment comprises two teeth.

[0038] In one embodiment, the segmented gear comprises only one tooth segment. In a further preferred embodiment, the segmented gear comprises two diametrically opposed tooth segments. Advantageously, during a displacement along the first translational direction, a first tooth segment engages with the rack section of the sliding element. Preferably, during a displacement along the second translational direction, a second tooth segment engages with the rack section of the sliding element.

[0039] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the return mechanism comprises two elastic elements. Preferably, the two elastic elements are arranged one behind the other along the displacement axis. Preferably, each elastic element is supported against a respective end support element of the housing. In a first state of the return mechanism, both elastic elements are preferably supported against an intermediate support element of the housing. Preferably, the intermediate support element is arranged along the displacement axis between the two end support elements. More preferably, the intermediate support element is arranged centrally between the two end support elements along the displacement axis. Preferably, the two elastic elements also bear against at least one contact section of the sliding element.It is advantageous that at least one section of the system can be moved past the intermediate support element when the sliding element is moved along the displacement axis.

[0040] In the aforementioned first state of the reset device, the sliding element is in its starting position. The elastic elements are therefore in contact with both the intermediate support element of the housing and at least one section of the mounting surface.

[0041] When the sliding element is moved by the drive unit, at least one contact section of the sliding element carries with it an end of an elastic element. This end is thus moved away from the stationary intermediate support element. This preferably results in a preload of the elastic element, for example by compression. During the movement, the contact section of the sliding element is advantageously moved past the intermediate support element. Thus, during the movement, an elastic element preferably rests against an end support element of the housing and against at least one contact section of the sliding element. Preferably, the other elastic element rests against the intermediate support element and the end support element of the housing.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment, the two elastic elements rest against two rib-like contact sections of the sliding element. In the first state of the return device, the intermediate support element of the housing is located between the rib-like contact sections of the sliding element.

[0043] Advantageously, the two elastic elements are designed as compression spring elements, for example, helical spring elements, polymer elements, or similar. Designing the two elastic elements as tension spring elements would also be conceivable.

[0044] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the return device comprises two elastic elements in the form of torsion spring elements. Preferably, when the sliding element is displaced in one of the two translational directions of the displacement axis (V), one of the torsion spring elements is preloaded by a mechanical interaction with the sliding element. Furthermore, the other features of the elastic elements arranged one behind the other as described above can be adopted mutatis mutandis for this embodiment.

[0045] In a further advantageous embodiment, a lever-like actuating element of the rotary gripper and a receiving element of the sliding element interact such that a translational displacement of the sliding element transmits a torque to the rotary gripper. Preferably, a first end section of the actuating element is arranged on the rotary gripper. Preferably, a second end section of the actuating element is arranged to be displaceable within the receiving element. The displacement is essentially translational. Displacements along a vertical axis are neglected in the following. Advantageously, the receiving element has two opposing stop surfaces. The stop surfaces are preferably spaced apart from each other and thus define a receiving space, which preferably extends along the displacement axis.The distance between the stop surfaces is preferably dimensioned such that the lever-like actuating element can move freely in the receiving space without touching the stop surfaces when manually opening or closing the device by the user.

[0046] In automatic opening, the sliding element is preferably displaced forward along the displacement axis, i.e., towards the rotary slide. Advantageously, the second end section of the actuating element contacts the rear stop surface and is displaced along the displacement axis by this contact. This causes the actuating element to rotate, which in turn rotates the rotary gripper in the second direction. In automatic closing, the sliding element is displaced rearward along the displacement axis, i.e., away from the rotary slide. The second end section of the actuating element contacts the opposite front stop surface and is displaced accordingly by this contact. This displacement causes the actuating element to rotate, which in turn rotates the rotary gripper in the second direction.There is therefore a drive coupling or a stop coupling between the actuating element and the sliding element.

[0047] In a further advantageous embodiment, the rotary gripper is made of plastic. Advantageously, the actuating element consists at least partially, and preferably entirely, of metal. Advantageously, the rotary gripper is manufactured using an injection molding process, with the actuating element being overmolded with metal. By making the actuating element from metal, a longer service life is ensured, since metal generally exhibits less wear than, for example, plastic.

[0048] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the door lock comprises a locking device that can prevent the rotary grip from rotating out of the closed position. The locking device advantageously comprises at least one bolt element by means of which rotation of the rotary grip from the closed position can be blocked. Preferably, the locking device comprises an actuator unit by means of which a blocking state of the locking device can be initiated. It is conceivable that the actuator unit can initiate the blocking state by displacing the at least one bolt element, preferably in such a way that it blocks rotation of the rotary grip from the closed position.It would also be conceivable that the actuator unit could initiate the blocking state in such a way that the actuator unit blocks the movement of at least one locking element in such a way that it remains in a blocking position in which rotation of the rotary gripper from the closed position is blocked.

[0049] The problem is further solved by a household appliance comprising at least one door lock according to one of the previously described embodiments. The household appliance can be equipped with all the features already described above in relation to the door lock, either individually or in combination, and vice versa.

[0050] Ideally, the household appliance is a washing machine or a tumble dryer.

[0051] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the household appliance includes a control device that controls the door lock. In particular, the first drive unit and the second drive unit are controlled.

[0052] Advantageously, the appliance may have certain operating phases during which manual opening of the door should not be possible. In a washing machine, for example, this is the washing cycle. Accordingly, during such an operating phase, the second drive unit is advantageously controlled in such a way that the locking element blocks the rotary gripper in the closed position. After this operating phase has ended, the locking element can be moved back so that the rotary gripper can be rotated out of the closed position.

[0053] This can preferably be done manually. For this purpose, the first drive unit is advantageously controlled in such a way that the sliding element is positioned so that the actuating element can move in the receiving space.

[0054] If automatic opening or closing is desired, the first drive unit is controlled in such a way that the sliding element is displaced, causing the second end section of the actuating element to stop against the corresponding stop surface, thereby initiating a corresponding torque on the rotary gripper.

[0055] Further advantages, objectives, and features of the present invention are explained with reference to the accompanying figures. Similar components may have the same reference numerals in the different embodiments.

[0056] The figures show: Fig. 1 a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 3 a locking element according to one embodiment; Fig. 4 a locking element and a sliding element according to one embodiment; Fig. 5 a section of a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 6 a section of a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 7 a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 8 a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 9 a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 10 a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 11 a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 12 a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 13 a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 14 a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 15 a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 16 a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 17 a door lock according to one embodiment; Fig.Fig. 18 A household appliance with a door lock according to one embodiment. Fig. 19 A door lock according to one embodiment; Fig. 20 A coupling element according to one embodiment; Fig. 21 A reset device according to one embodiment; Fig. 22 A reset device according to one embodiment; Fig. 23 A reset device according to one embodiment; Fig. 24 A reset device according to one embodiment; Fig. 25 A reset device according to one embodiment; Fig. 26 A reset device according to one embodiment; Fig. 27 A coupling element according to one embodiment; Fig. 28 A coupling element according to one embodiment; Fig. 29 A coupling element according to one embodiment; Fig. 30 A reset device according to one embodiment; Fig. 31 A reset device according to one embodiment; Fig. 32 A reset device according to one embodiment; . In the figures, identical components are to be understood as having the corresponding reference symbols. For clarity, some components in certain figures may not have a reference symbol but have been designated elsewhere.

[0057] The Figures 1 to 17Figure 1 shows a door lock 1 for an electrical household appliance 100, comprising a housing 2 in which a locking element 5 is arranged movably between a closed position 3 and a release position 4, wherein the locking element 5 is able to hold a locking body 6 in the closed position 3 to keep a door 101 of the household appliance 100 closed and in the release position 4 allows the locking body 6 to be released to open the door 101, wherein the locking element 5 is designed as a rotatably arranged rotary gripper 5, 7, wherein a sliding element 8 is operatively connected to the rotary gripper 7, wherein the sliding element 8 enables a bidirectional force to be applied to the rotary gripper 7, whereby both a first torque in the direction of the release position 4 and a second torque in the direction of the closed position can be applied to the rotary gripper.

[0058] The household appliance 100 could, for example, be a washing machine. Figure 18 An exemplary washing machine 100 is shown, in which the door closure 1 according to the invention can be used. The exemplary washing machine 100 is a front-loading type and comprises a body 102 in which a washing drum 103 is rotatably mounted. A process chamber 106 of the washing drum 103 is accessible for loading and unloading laundry through an access opening 105 formed in a front wall 104 of the body 102. The access opening 105 can be sealed liquid-tight by means of a door 101 pivotally attached to the body 102.

[0059] The household appliance 100 also includes a control unit 107, which can control electrical components of the door lock 1 or other electrical components of the household appliance 100.

[0060] The door lock 1, or the housing 2 of the door lock, extends along a vertical axis Z, a longitudinal axis X and a horizontal axis Y.

[0061] The door latch 1 serves to keep the closed door 101 closed. In this example, the door latch 1 is located in the housing 102. The locking element 6 is located on the door 101. Of course, a reverse arrangement would also be conceivable. The door latch 1 is a push-pull type; that is, the door latch 1 can be closed by pushing the door 101 against the housing 102. The door latch 1 can then be manually opened again by pulling the door 101.

[0062] The door lock 1 can be opened and closed manually by a user. Furthermore, the door lock 1 has an automatic opening function and an automatic closing function. Opening the door is not possible during predetermined operating phases of the appliance. For this purpose, a locking device 20 is provided, which prevents such opening.

[0063] The rotary gripper 5, 7 is used, among other things, in Figure 3The rotary gripper 5, 7 is rotatably mounted in the housing 2 about a rotational axis D. The rotary gripper 5, 7 comprises two jaw elements 9, 10, which form a gripping mouth 11. In the release position 4, the gripping mouth is oriented such that it is essentially directed towards the insertion opening 22. Furthermore, the upper jaw element 9 projects along a longitudinal extension of the rotary gripper beyond the lower jaw element 10. The upper jaw element 9 thus includes a projecting area 9b. The lower jaw element 10 is designed and intended to engage a gripping section 6a of the closing body 6 as soon as the latter is in or exceeds a gripping position. Figure 8 For example, the locking element 6 is in the engagement position.

[0064] The locking element 6 comprises the engagement section 6a. This includes a lever bar 6b. In principle, the locking element 6 can have any shape. However, it must be designed to be able to engage in the engagement opening 22. Furthermore, the engagement section 6a must be designed so that the rotary gripper 5, 7 can grip it, or so that the lower jaw element 10 can engage behind a section of the engagement section 6a.

[0065] The upper jaw element 9 is spaced apart from the lower jaw element 10. The distance between the jaw elements 9 and 10, and the size of the gripping jaw 11, is dimensioned such that the stirrup bar 6b ​​can be received in the gripping jaw 11. The gripping jaw 11 has a substantially curved profile that extends upwards along the vertical dimension of the rotary gripper 5, 7. This design improves the reception and retention of the stirrup bar 6b.

[0066] Furthermore, at least one bistable preload element 12 is provided. The preload element 12 thus has two stable states of rotational preload. The preload element 12 has an intermediate point at which the preload effect changes. In this case, the preload element 12 is designed as a torsion spring 12. However, this is not to be understood as limiting the generality. The torsion spring 12 is supported by a first spring leg 12a on the rotary gripper 5, 7. The rotary gripper 5, 7 has a receptacle 23 for this purpose. The torsion spring 12 is supported by a second spring leg 12b on the housing 2. Due to the bistable preload, the rotary gripper is held in the release position or the closed position as long as no force or torque acts on the rotary gripper.

[0067] To move the rotary gripper 5, 7 from the closed position 3 to the release position 4 or vice versa, an intermediate position of the rotary gripper 5, 7 must be overcome, which corresponds to the intermediate point of at least one pretensioning element 12 at which the direction of the rotational pretensioning effect of the pretensioning element changes. The intermediate position of the rotary gripper 5, 7 is thus a position between the closed position 3 and the release position 4 of the rotary gripper 5, 7.

[0068] In manual closure, the locking element 6 is inserted into the insertion opening 22. The rotary gripper 5, 7 is in the release position 4. This is shown, for example, in Figure 7. The locking element 6, or the shackle 6b, contacts an inner surface 9c of the projecting area 9b of the upper jaw element 9. This is shown, for example, in Figure 8The clamping element 6 applies a torque to the rotary gripper 5, 7 along a first direction of rotation. The rotary gripper 5, 7 thus rotates from the release position 4 towards the closed position 3. During this rotation, the lower jaw element 10 engages behind the bar 6b, thereby capturing it in the gripping jaw 11. This rotation is opposite to the preload of the preloading element 12. When the rotation of the rotary gripper 5, 7 reaches or exceeds the intermediate position, the direction of the preload of the preloading element 12 reverses. The rotary gripper 5, 7 is then rotated along the first direction of rotation to the closed position 3, either by the preload or solely by the preload of the preloading element 12.

[0069] When the door is opened manually, a pull is exerted on the door 101. This creates pressure on the bar 6b ​​against the lower jaw element 10. The rotary gripper thus experiences a torque along a second direction of rotation and is turned from the closed position 3 towards the release position 4. During the rotation from the closed position 3 to the intermediate position of the rotary gripper 5, 7, the preload of the preloading element 12 counteracts the torque. When the intermediate position is reached or exceeded, the preload of the preloading element 12 changes. With the help of the preload of the preloading element 12, or solely by the preload, the rotary gripper 5, 7 is turned to the release position 4. In the release position 4, the locking element 6 can then leave the gripping jaw 11.Due to the preload and / or the effect of a relaxing door seal, the locking element can receive an impulse that causes the locking element 6 to shift away from the rotary gripper. This opens the 101 by a small gap.

[0070] The described operating principle for manual opening and closing is essentially the same as for automatic closing and opening. In both cases, corresponding torques are applied to the rotary gripper 5, 7, causing it to rotate. The difference lies in the method of force or torque application. For automatic closing and opening, the torque is applied by a sliding element 8, not by a user pulling or pushing the door. The sliding element 8 enables bidirectional force application to the rotary gripper, thus applying the first and second torques to the rotary gripper 5, 7.

[0071] The sliding element 8 is arranged in the housing 2 so that it can be moved translationally. Figure 4The sliding element 8 is clearly visible. The sliding element 8 can be displaced bidirectionally along a displacement axis V. The displacement axis V is orthogonal to a rotation axis D of the rotary gripper 5, 7. In this case, the displacement axis V is parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the housing 2, and the rotation axis D of the rotary gripper 5, 7 is parallel to the lateral axis Y of the housing 2.

[0072] The sliding element 8 is rod-shaped and extends longitudinally along the displacement axis V. The sliding element 8 is arranged next to a lateral wall 2a of the housing 2. A rack section 14 is arranged at a rear end section 8a of the sliding element 8.

[0073] According to one embodiment, this rack section 14 meshes with a gear 15. This embodiment is described in the Figures 2 , 9 , 12 and 15The gear 15 is part of a gear assembly 16, which is operatively connected to a first drive unit 17. The gear assembly 16 can, for example, be a reduction gear. The drive unit 17 can, for example, be an electric motor. The gear assembly 16 and the drive unit 17 are covered by a cover section of the housing 2.

[0074] A rotation of the gear 15 along a first direction of rotation results in a translational displacement of the slide element 8 along the displacement axis V forwards, i.e. in the direction towards the rotary gripper 5, 7. A rotation of the gear 15 along an opposite second direction of rotation results in a translational displacement of the slide element 8 along the displacement axis V backwards, i.e. in the direction away from the rotary gripper 5, 7.

[0075] To transmit the translational displacement of the sliding element 8 into corresponding torques or rotations of the rotary gripper 5, 7, a lever-like actuating element 18 of the rotary gripper and a receiving element 19 of the sliding element 8 interact. A first end section 18a of the actuating element 18 is arranged on the rotary gripper 5, 7. A second end section 18b of the actuating element 18 is displaceably arranged in the receiving element 19. The actuating element 18 is arranged on the rotary gripper 5, 7 at an angle extending obliquely downwards and backwards with respect to the path of the upper jaw element 9. An imaginary straight line, which runs parallel to a central axis of the actuating element 18, forms an angle α with a central axis of the upper jaw element 9. The angle α is preferably greater than 90°. More preferably, this angle α lies in a range between 95° and 120°.

[0076] The receiving element 19 is designed as an essentially rectangular recess in the sliding element 8. The receiving element 19 has two opposing stop surfaces 19a, 19b located along the displacement axis V and the longitudinal axis X, respectively. The stop surfaces 19a, 19b extend along the width axis Y and the height axis Z. Furthermore, the receiving element 19 comprises inner side surfaces 19c, 19d, which extend along the longitudinal axis X and the height axis Z and connect the stop surfaces 19a, 19b. The stop surfaces 19a, 19b are spaced apart from each other. Likewise, the side surfaces 19c, 19d are spaced apart from each other. The stop surfaces 19a, 19b and the side surfaces 19c, 19d thus define a receiving space 19e that is open at the top, together with a lower base surface.The inner side surfaces 19c, 19d serve to guide the second end section 18b of the actuating element 18 within the receiving element 19 during translational displacement. The displacement of the second end section 18b of the actuating element 18 within the receiving element 19, or rather within the receiving space 19e, is essentially translational. Displacements along the vertical axis Z are neglected in the following.

[0077] The distance between the stop surfaces 19a, 19b is preferably dimensioned such that the lever-like actuating element 18 can move freely within the receiving space 19e when opened or closed manually by the user. This assumes, of course, that the sliding element 8 is in the corresponding position intended for manual operation along the longitudinal axis X or the displacement axis V. Figures 9, 10 , 11 and 12The sliding element 8 is in this position intended for manual operation. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The rotary gripper 5, 7 is in the release position 4, without the second end section 18b of the actuating element 18 abutting the rear stop surfaces 19a. During a rotation, along the first direction of rotation, from the release position 4 to the closed position 3, the second end section 18b of the actuating element 18 does not abut the front stop surface 19b. This is in the Figures 11 and 12 depicted.

[0078] During automatic opening, the sliding element 8 is displaced forward along the displacement axis V, i.e., towards the rotary slide 5, 7. In doing so, the second end section 18b of the actuating element 18 contacts the rear stop surface 19a and is displaced along the displacement axis V by this contact. This causes the actuating element 18 to rotate, which in turn causes the rotary gripper 5, 7 to rotate in the second direction. Figures 13 and 14 Figure 1 shows a state in which the second end section 18b of the actuating element 18 contacts the rear stop surface 19a and has already been displaced a short distance. The rotary gripper 5, 7 is, as shown in Figure 1, Figure 14 As can be seen, it has already been rotated slightly from the release position 4, whereby the lower jaw element 10 already engages the stirrup leg 6b slightly behind it.

[0079] During rotation from the closed position 3 to the intermediate position of the rotary gripper 5, 7, the preload of the preloading element 12 counteracts the torque. When the intermediate position is reached or exceeded, the preload of the preloading element 12 changes. The rotary gripper 5, 7 is rotated to the release position 4 by means of the preload of the preloading element 12 or solely by the preload.

[0080] In an automatic closure, the sliding element 8 is displaced rearward along the displacement axis V, i.e., away from the rotary slide 5, 7. The second end section 18b of the actuating element 18 contacts the opposite front stop surface 19b and is displaced accordingly by this contact. This displacement causes the actuating element 18 to rotate, which in turn causes the rotary gripper 5, 7 to rotate in the second direction. The rotary gripper 5, 7 thus rotates from the release position 4 towards the closing position 3. During this rotation, the lower jaw element 10 engages behind the shackle bar 6b, thereby capturing it in the gripping jaw 11. Figures 15, 16 and 17 Figure 1 shows a state in which the second end section 18b of the actuating element 18 contacts the front stop surface 19b and has already been displaced a short distance. The rotary gripper 5, 7 is, as shown in Figure 1, Figure 14As can be seen, it has already been turned from the closed position 3, which means the stirrup track will soon be released.

[0081] This rotation is contrary to the preload of the preloading element 12. When the rotation of the rotary gripper 5, 7 reaches or exceeds the intermediate position, the direction of the preload of the preloading element 12 changes. By means of the preload or solely by the preload of the preloading element 12, the rotary gripper 5, 7 is rotated along the first direction of rotation until the closed position 3.

[0082] In the case of automatic closing of the door 101, it can be problematic that the closing body 6 or the lever arm 6b is not positioned in such a way that, when the rotary gripper 5, 7 is turned out of the release position 4, the lower jaw element 10 can engage behind the lever arm 6b.

[0083] For this purpose, at least one magnetic element 13 is arranged on the rotary gripper 5, 7, which exerts a magnetic force on the locking element 6. The magnetic force causes the locking element 6 to shift towards the rotary gripper 5, 7 as soon as the locking element 6 reaches a predetermined insertion depth in the insertion opening 22 of the door lock 1. The locking element 6 is shifted until it reaches the engagement position within the insertion opening 22. This is in Figure 8 As shown. When the locking element 6 is in the engagement position, the lower jaw element 10 can engage behind the shackle 6b when the rotary gripper 5, 7 is rotated. The at least one magnetic element 13 can, for example, be a permanent magnet. The locking element consists at least partially of a ferromagnetic material in order to interact with the magnetic element 13.

[0084] The at least one magnetic element 13 is arranged on the upper jaw element 9. The upper jaw element 9 has a receptacle 9a in which the at least one magnetic element 13 is received. In this case, a cuboid-shaped magnetic element 13 is provided, which is arranged in the receptacle 9a. The receptacle 9a at least partially surrounds the magnetic element 13. The receptacle 9a, or rather the magnetic element 13, is predominantly located in the projecting area 9b of the upper jaw element 9.

[0085] Furthermore, at least one switching element 26 can be provided, which can be actuated by the translational displacement of the sliding element 8. At least one position of the sliding element 8 can be detected by the at least one switching element 26. Detection can be effected by contact between the sliding element 8 and the at least one switching element 26. Preferably, at least the position of the sliding element 8 intended for manual operation can be detected.

[0086] The door lock 1 comprises a locking device 20, which prevents the rotary gripper 5, 7 from rotating out of the closed position 3. The locking device 20 comprises at least one bolt element 21, which is movably arranged in the housing 2 and by means of which rotation of the rotary gripper 5, 7 from the closed position 3 can be blocked. The locking device 20 comprises a spring element 24, which exerts a preload on the bolt element 21. The spring element 24 is arranged between the housing 2 and the bolt element 21. As soon as the rotary gripper 5, 7 reaches the closed position 3, the bolt element 21 is moved into a blocking position by the preload of the spring element 24. By rotating the rotary gripper 5, 7, the bolt element 21 is moved against the preload of the spring element and forced out of its blocking position.For this purpose, the rotary gripper 5, 7 and / or the locking element 21 may preferably have appropriately designed contact surfaces.

[0087] The locking device 20 comprises an actuator unit 25 by means of which a locking state of the locking device 20 can be initiated. The actuator unit 25 can, for example, comprise an electric motor. According to a first embodiment, the locking device 20 further comprises a locking element. The locking element is designed as a plunger and is displaceably arranged in the housing 2. The actuator unit 25 can drive the displacement of the locking element such that it moves between a starting position and a contact position.

[0088] When the locking device 20 is in the locked position, the locking element is moved into the contact position by the actuator unit 25. In this contact position, the locking element contacts the bolt element 21 in such a way that movement of the bolt element 21 is blocked. The bolt element 21 therefore cannot be moved back from its locked position. The rotary gripper cannot thus be rotated out of the closed position 3. When the locking element is in its initial position, the bolt element 21 is not contacted by the locking element. The bolt element 21 can therefore be moved out of the locked position against the force of the spring element 24 by the engagement of the rotary gripper 5, 7 during manual opening by force from the user or during automatic opening by force from the drive unit 17.

[0089] In a further embodiment, the locking element 21 is moved directly into the blocking position by the actuator unit 25. If the rotary gripper 5, 7 is in the closed position 3, at least one locking element 21 can thus be moved in such a way that it blocks rotation of the rotary gripper 5, 7 from the closed position 3. This occurs during predetermined operating phases of the household appliance 100, in which opening the door 101 is not permitted.

[0090] In this case, the locking element 21 is positioned behind the rotary gripper 5, 7 in such a way that it contacts the rotary gripper 5, 7, thereby preventing the rotary gripper 5, 7 from rotating from the closed position 3 towards the release position 4. Other contact options that would prevent such rotation towards the release position 4 are also conceivable. For example, the locking element 21 could be positioned within the gripper jaw 11 and contact the upper jaw element 9 in such a way that it can no longer rotate from the closed position 4.

[0091] In the Figures 19 to 32 Another embodiment is described. Only the differences from the previous embodiments are described below. The other features described above may also apply to this embodiment, mutatis mutandis.

[0092] According to the embodiments as described in the Figures 19 to 32The door lock 1 includes a return mechanism 27, which is arranged between the housing 2 and the sliding element 8. After the sliding element 8 is moved along the displacement axis V by the drive unit 17, the return mechanism 27 can move the sliding element 8 back to a starting position 28. For this purpose, the return mechanism 27 includes at least one elastic element 29, 30, 31, which is arranged between the housing 2 and the sliding element 8. A return movement by the drive unit 17 is therefore no longer necessary. This reduces or eliminates the need for sensor elements to detect the position of the sliding element 8, thus simplifying the control of the door lock 1.

[0093] Furthermore, a coupling element 32 is provided, which is operatively connected to the drive unit 17. The coupling element 32 is part of a gear assembly 16. The coupling element 32 is designed such that it can only establish a temporary operative connection with the sliding element 8. The operative connection between the coupling element 32 and the sliding element 8 exists when the sliding element 8 is displaced from its initial position 28 until it reaches a predetermined displacement position 47, 49. Thus, there is no permanent operative connection between the coupling element 32 and the sliding element 8, which allows the sliding element 8 to be returned to its initial position 28 by the return device 27. In the case of a permanent operative connection, such a return must be performed by the drive unit 17.

[0094] In Figure 20A corresponding coupling element 32 is shown in detail. The coupling element 32 comprises a segmented gear 33, which is mounted on a carrier gear 40. The carrier gear is engaged or operatively connected with at least one other gear of the transmission arrangement 16 or directly with the drive unit 17. The segmented gear 33 comprises at least one tooth segment 34, 34a, 34b. In this case, two diametrically opposed tooth segments 34, 34a, 34b are present. Depending on the direction of rotation of the segmented gear 33, the two tooth segments 34, 34a, 34b can be brought into engagement with the rack section 14 of the slide element 8. During a displacement along the first translational direction, a first tooth segment 34, 34a engages with the rack section 14 of the slide element 8.During a displacement along the second translational direction, a second tooth segment 34, 34b engages with the rack section 14 of the slide element 8.

[0095] The number of teeth in the toothed segments 34, 34a, 34b depends on the required displacement of the sliding element 8, i.e., up to the predetermined displacement position 47, 49. Preferably, the toothed segments 34, 34a, 34b comprise between one and ten teeth. In this case, the toothed segments 34, 34a, 34b comprise two teeth.

[0096] In the Figures 21 to 26 A return device 27 according to one embodiment is shown. The return device 27 comprises two elastic elements 29, 30, 31, which are arranged one behind the other along the displacement axis Z. In the Figures 21 to 26The elastic elements 29, 30, 31 are shown as compression springs and helical springs, respectively. However, this is not intended to limit the generality of the design. The elastic elements 29, 30, 31 could also be designed differently, for example as elastic polymer elements.

[0097] Two end support elements 35a, 35b and one intermediate support element 36 are arranged on the housing 2. The intermediate support element 36 is arranged along the displacement axis V between the end support elements 25a, 35b. In a first state of the return device 27, the two elastic elements 29, 30, 31 are supported against the intermediate support element 36 of the housing 2. In this first state of the return device, the slide element 8 is in the initial position 28. In this position, the two elastic elements 29, 30, 31 each bear against support surfaces 36a, 36b of the intermediate support element 36 opposite each other along the displacement axis V. Furthermore, one elastic element 29, 30, 31 is in contact with each end support element 35a, 35b. The two elastic elements 29, 30, 31 continue to be in contact with at least one section 37 of the sliding element 8.The at least one system section 37 can be displaced past the intermediate support element 36 when the sliding element 8 is displaced along the displacement axis V. The elastic elements 29, 30, 31 therefore bear against both the intermediate support element of the housing 2 and the at least one system section 37.

[0098] A first end 30a of the first elastic element 29, 30 abuts the first end support element 35a. A first end 31a of the second elastic element 29, 31 abuts the second end support element 35b. A second end 30b of the first elastic element 29, 30 abuts both a first support surface 36a of the intermediate support element 36 and at least one contact section 37 of the sliding element 8. A second end 31b of the second elastic element 29, 31 abuts both a second support surface 36b of the intermediate support element 36 and at least one contact section 37 of the sliding element 8. This is shown in the Figures 21 to 24 evident. In Figure 24 For the sake of clarity, the sliding element 8 is not shown.

[0099] The sliding element 8 comprises a recess 41 in which the elastic elements 29, 30, 31, the end support elements 35a, 35b, and the intermediate support element 36 are arranged. The recess 41 is bounded along the width axis Y by two opposing parallel side walls 42. In this case, the sliding element 8 comprises two contact sections 37, 37a, 37b. These two contact sections 37, 37a, 37b are rib-like and are each arranged on one of the two side walls 42. A space 43 remains between the two system sections 37, 37a, 37b. This space 43 is designed such that the intermediate support element 36 of the housing 2 can be arranged within it without touching the system sections 37, 37a, 37b. The intermediate support element 36 is cuboid in this case.When the sliding element 8 is in the starting position 28, the intermediate support element 36 is thus arranged between a first rib-like contact section 37, 37a and a second rib-like contact section 37, 37b. This is shown in . Figure 23 Clearly visible. The sliding element 8 is thus displaceable relative to the intermediate support element 36 and the end support elements 35a, 35b.

[0100] The elastic elements 29, 30, 31, designed as helical springs, are contacted by the intermediate support element 36 in a central upper and a central lower region. These regions correspond approximately to the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions. Furthermore, the elastic elements 29, 30, 31 are contacted in a first lateral region by the first rib-like contact section 37, 37a. This first lateral region corresponds approximately to the 9 o'clock position. The elastic elements 29, 30, 31 are also contacted in a second lateral region by the second rib-like contact section 37, 37b. This second lateral region corresponds approximately to the 3 o'clock position. The rib-like contact sections 37, 37a, 37b each comprise contact surfaces opposite each other along the direction of displacement V, so that each elastic element 29, 30, 31 can bear against one of these contact surfaces.

[0101] When the sliding element 8 is displaced, the rib-like contact sections 37, 37a, 37b each engage a second end 30b, 31b of an elastic element 29, 30, 31, thereby compressing this elastic element 29, 30, 31. The remaining elastic element 29, 30, 31 continues to rest against the intermediate support element 36 and an end support element 35a 35b.

[0102] In Figure 25The sliding element 8 is displaced along the first translational direction. This displaces the rib-like support sections 37, 37a, 37b relative to the stationary intermediate support element 36. The stationary intermediate support element 36 thus extends out of the space 43. In doing so, the rib-like support sections 37, 37a, 37b carry the second end 31b of the second elastic element 29, 31 with them, causing this second end 31b to be displaced towards the first end 31a and compressing the second elastic element 29, 31. The second end 30b of the first elastic element 29, 30 remains in contact with the intermediate support element 36.

[0103] In Figure 26The sliding element 8 is displaced along the second translational direction. This causes the rib-like contact sections 37, 37a, 37b to be displaced relative to the stationary intermediate support element 36. The stationary intermediate support element 36 thus extends out of the space 43. In doing so, the rib-like contact sections 37, 37a, 37b carry the second end 30b of the first elastic element 29, 30 with them, causing this second end 30b to be displaced towards the first end 30a and compressing the first elastic element 29, 30. The second end 31b of the second elastic element 29, 31 remains in contact with the intermediate support element 36.

[0104] In the Figures 27 to 29 The interaction between the coupling element 32 and the reset device 27 is shown. Figure 27The sliding element 8 is in its initial position 28. In the initial position 28 of the sliding element 8, the rack section 14 of the sliding element 8 is arranged centrally in front of the coupling element 32 or the segment gear 33. The rack section 14 of the sliding element 8 is arranged in front of the segment gear 33 such that when the segment gear 33 rotates along one of the two directions of rotation (arrows 44), one of the tooth segments 34, 34a, 34b of the segment gear 33 engages in the rack section 14 of the sliding element 8. Figure 27 The segment gear 33 has already been turned so far that the first tooth segment 34, 34a engages in the rack section 14.

[0105] By engaging one of the tooth segments 34, 34a, 34b with the rack section 14, the slide element 8 is displaced along one of the translational directions (arrows 45) along the displacement axis V. Since the segmented gear 33 has only a comparatively small number of teeth in the respective tooth segments 34, 34a, 34b, and the intermediate sections 46 of the segmented gear 33 between the tooth segments 34, 34a, 34b have a sufficient distance from the rack section 14, the respective tooth segment 34, 34a, 34b loses engagement with the rack section 14 upon reaching the predetermined displacement position 47.

[0106] In Figure 28A first predetermined displacement position 47 of the sliding element 8 is reached. Further rotation of the segmented gear 33 disengages the engagement between the toothed segment 34, 34a and the rack section 14. Consequently, no force from the drive unit 17 is transmitted to the sliding element 8. Relaxation of the first elastic element 29, 30 moves the sliding element 8 back to its initial position against the first translational direction (arrow 48).

[0107] In Figure 29A second predetermined displacement position 49 of the sliding element 8 is reached. Further rotation of the segmented gear 33 disengages the engagement between the toothed segment 34, 34b and the rack section 14. Consequently, no force from the drive unit 17 is transmitted to the sliding element 8. Relaxation of the second elastic element 29, 31 moves the sliding element 8 back to its initial position against the second translational direction (arrow 50).

[0108] In the Figures 30 to 32 Another embodiment of the reset device 27 is described below. Only the differences from the previous embodiment of the reset device 27 are described below. The other features described above may also apply mutatis mutandis to this embodiment.

[0109] In the Figures 30 to 32In the illustrated embodiment, the return device 27 comprises two elastic elements 29 in the form of torsion spring elements 38, 39. When the slide element 8 is displaced along one of the two translational directions of the displacement axis V, each of the torsion spring elements 38, 39 is preloaded by a mechanical interaction with the slide element 8.

[0110] The torsion spring elements 38, 39 are arranged one behind the other along the displacement axis V. The segment gear 33 is positioned between the two torsion spring elements 38, 39. The torsion spring elements 38, 39 further comprise a first leg 38a, 39a, which is attached to the housing 2. A second leg 38b, 39b rests against a stop element 51 of the housing 2 in the initial position 28. This is in Figure 30 evident.

[0111] By engaging one of the tooth segments 34, 34a, 34b in the rack section 14, the slide element 8 is displaced along one of the translational directions along the displacement axis V, analogous to Figures 27 to 29 . By shifting its position, the sliding element contacts a second leg 38b, 39b of one of the two torsion spring elements 38, 39 and engages it. This tensions the respective torsion spring element 38, 39. The other torsion spring element 38, 39 remains in its position. The second leg 38b, 39b of the other torsion spring element 38, 39 remains attached to the respective stop element 51.

[0112] In Figure 31A second predetermined displacement position 49 of the sliding element 8 is reached. The second leg 39b of the second torsion spring element 39 has been moved away from the corresponding stop element 51, thus tensioning the torsion spring element 39 accordingly. Further rotation of the segment gear 33 disengages the engagement between the toothed segment 34, 34a and the rack section 14. Consequently, no force from the drive unit 17 is transmitted to the sliding element 8. As the second torsion spring element 39 relaxes and makes contact with the second leg 39b, the sliding element 8 is moved back to its initial position against the second translational direction (arrow 50).

[0113] In Figure 32A first predetermined displacement position 47 of the sliding element 8 is reached. The second leg 38b of the first torsion spring element 38 has been moved away from the corresponding stop element 51, thus tensioning the torsion spring element 39 accordingly. Further rotation of the segment gear 33 disengages the engagement between the toothed segment 34, 34a and the rack section 14. Consequently, no force from the drive device 17 is transmitted to the sliding element 8. As the second torsion spring element 39 relaxes and makes contact with the second leg 38b, the sliding element 8 is moved back to its initial position against the first translational direction (arrow 48).

[0114] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel, individually or in combination, compared to the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features which may be advantageous on their own. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without incorporating other features from that figure. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. Reference symbol list

[0115] 1 Door lock 2 Housing 2 a Side wall of the housing 3 Closed position 4 Release position 5 Locking element 6 Locking body 6 a Engagement section 6 b Bolt riser 7 Rotary gripper 8 Slide element 8 a Rear end section of the slide element 9 Upper jaw element 9 a Receptacle 9 b Projecting area 10 Lower jaw element 11 Gripping jaw 12 Preload element, torsion spring 12 a First spring leg 12 b Second spring leg 13 Magnet element 14 Rack section of the slide element 15 Gear 16 Gear assembly 17 Drive unit 18 Actuating element 18 a First end section 18 b Second end section 19 Receptacle element 19 a Rear stop surface 19 b Front stop surface 19 c Side surfaces 19 d Side surfaces 19 e Receptacle space 20 Locking device 21 Latch element 22 Insertion opening 23 Receptacle 24 Spring element 25 Actuator unit 26 Switching element 27 Reset device 28 Starting position 29 Elastic element 30 First elastic element 30a First end of the first elastic element 30b Second end of the firstelastic element 31 second elastic element 31a first end of the second elastic element 31b second end of the second elastic element 32 coupling element 33 segment gear 34 tooth segment of the segment gear 34a first tooth segment of the segment gear 34b second tooth segment of the segment gear 35a first end support element 35b second end support element 36 intermediate support element 36a first support surface of the intermediate support element 36b second support surface of the intermediate support element 37 contact section of the slide element 38 first torsion spring element 38a first leg of the first torsion spring element 38a second leg of the first torsion spring element 39 second torsion spring element 39a first leg of the second torsion spring element 39a second leg of the second torsion spring element 40 Carrier gear 41 Recess of the slide element 42 Side walls 43 Space between the contact sections 44 Arrows 45 Arrows 46 Intermediate areas of the segment gear 47 FirstPredetermined displacement position 48 Arrow 49 Second predetermined displacement position 50 Arrow 100 Appliance 101 Door 102 Body 103 Washing drum 104 Front panel 105 Access opening 106 Process chamber 107 Control unit D Rotary axis V Displacement axis XL Longitudinal axis Y Width axis Z Height axis

Claims

1. Door lock (1) for an electrical household appliance (100), comprising a housing (2) in which a locking element (5) is arranged movably between a closed position (3) and a release position (4), wherein the locking element (5) is able to retain a locking body (6) for keeping a door (101) of the household appliance (100) closed in the closed position (3) and allows the locking body (6) to be released for opening the door (101) in the release position (4). characterized by the fact that the locking element (5) is designed as a rotatably arranged rotary gripper (5, 7), wherein a sliding element (8) is operatively connected to the rotary gripper (7), wherein the sliding element (8) enables a bidirectional force to be applied to the rotary gripper (7), whereby both a first torque in the direction of the release position (4) and a second torque in the direction of the closing position (3) can be applied to the rotary gripper (5, 7).

2. Door lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the rotary gripper (5, 7) comprises two jaw elements (9, 10) which form a gripping jaw (11), wherein a lower jaw element (10) is provided and intended to engage in an engagement section (6a) of the closing body (6) as soon as it is in or exceeds an engagement position.

3. Door lock (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that at least one bistable preloading element (12) is provided, wherein the at least one preloading element (12) has an intermediate point in which the preloading effect changes, wherein the preloading element (12) is a torsional spring.

4. Door lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatat least one magnetic element (13) is arranged on the rotary gripper (5, 7), which exerts a magnetic force on the closing body (6), wherein the magnetic force causes a displacement of the closing body (6) towards the rotary gripper (5, 7) as soon as the closing body (6) reaches a predetermined immersion depth in an insertion opening (22) of the door lock (1).

5. Door lock (1) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the at least one magnetic element (13) is arranged on an upper jaw element (9), wherein the upper jaw element (9) has a receptacle (9a) in which the at least one magnetic element (13) is received.

6. Door lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe sliding element (8) is arranged in the housing (2) in a translationally displaceable manner, wherein the sliding element (8) is displaceable bidirectionally along a displacement axis (V), wherein the displacement axis (V) is orthogonal to a rotation axis (D) of the rotary gripper (5, 7), wherein a drive device (17) is provided for driving the sliding element, wherein the drive device (17) is an electric motor.

7. Door lock (1) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the sliding element (8) has a rack section (14) which meshes with a gear (15), wherein the gear (15) is part of a gear arrangement (16) which is operatively connected to the drive device (17).

8. Door lock (1) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatthe door lock (1) comprises a return device (27) which is arranged between the housing (2) and the sliding element (8), wherein, after a displacement of the sliding element (8) along the displacement axis (V) by the drive device (17), the sliding element (8) can be returned to a starting position (28) by the return device (27), wherein the return device (27) comprises at least one elastic element (29, 30, 31) which is arranged between the housing (2) and the sliding element (8).

9. Door lock (1) according to one of claims 6 or 8, characterized by the fact thata coupling element (32) is operatively connected to the drive device (17), wherein the coupling element (32) is part of a gear arrangement (16), wherein the coupling element (32) is designed such that it can only enter into a temporary operative connection with the sliding element (8), wherein the operative connection between the coupling element (32) and the sliding element (8) exists when the sliding element (8) is displaced from the initial position (28) until a predetermined displacement position (47, 49) of the sliding element (8) is reached.

10. Door lock (1) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the coupling element (32) comprises a segment gear (33), wherein the segment gear (33) comprises at least one tooth segment (34, 34a, 34b), wherein the at least one tooth segment (34, 34a, 34b) can be engaged with a rack section (14) of the slide element (8).

11. Door lock (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact thatThe return device (27) comprises two elastic elements (29, 30, 31) arranged one behind the other along the displacement axis (V), each of the elastic elements (29, 30, 31) being supported against a respective end support element (35a, 35b) of the housing (2), both elastic elements (29, 30, 31) being supported against an intermediate support element (36) of the housing (2) in a first state of the return device (27), the two elastic elements (29, 30, 31) further bearing against at least one contact section (37) of the slide element (8), the at least one contact section (37) being able to be displaced past the intermediate support element (36) when the slide element (8) is displaced along the displacement axis (V), the two elastic elements being designed as compression spring elements or polymer elements.

12. Door lock (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact thatthe return device (27) comprises two elastic elements (29) in the form of torsion spring elements (38, 39), wherein, when the slide element (8) is displaced along one of the two translational directions of the displacement axis (V), one of the torsion spring elements (38, 39) is preloaded by a mechanical interaction with the slide element (8).

13. Door lock (1) according to one of claims 6 to 12 characterized by the fact thata lever-like actuating element (18) of the rotary gripper (5, 7) and a receiving element (19) of the sliding element (8) interact in such a way that a translational displacement of the sliding element (8) introduces a torque onto the rotary gripper (5, 7), wherein a first end section (18a) of the actuating element (18) is arranged on the rotary gripper (5, 7), wherein a second end section (18b) of the actuating element (18) is displaceably arranged in the receiving element (19), wherein the receiving element (19) has two opposing stop surfaces (19a, 19b).

14. Door lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe door lock (1) comprises a locking device (20) which can prevent the rotary gripper (5, 7) from rotating out of the closed position (3), the locking device (20) comprises at least one locking element (21) by means of which rotation of the rotary gripper (5, 7) from the closed position (3) can be blocked, wherein the locking device (20) comprises an actuator unit (25) by means of which a blocking state of the locking device (20) can be initiated.

15. Household appliance (1) comprising at least one door lock (19) according to any of the preceding claims.

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