DE102016112164A1 - Cooling device and opening device for a cooling device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an opening device (10) for a cooling device (1) having a door (4) which has at least one insulated area with a peripheral seal (5), wherein the opening device (10) has a housing (100) from which an ejection element (110) is driven electrically driven out. The opening device (10) is characterized in that it can be mounted on a front end surface (3) of an insulating body (2) of the cooling device (1) provided fastening means (11) for a door hinge (9) of the cooling device (1) and with its ejection element (110) presses against an outside of the seal (5) lying region of the door (4). The invention further relates to a cooling device with such an opening device (10).

Description

The invention relates to an opening device for a cooling device with a housing, from which an ejection element is electrically driven extendable, wherein the cooling device has a door assembly with at least one insulated area with a peripheral seal. The invention further relates to a cooling device with a thermally insulated body (insulating body) and this opposite pivotally mounted on door hinges heat-insulated door (insulating door), which rests in the closed position with a seal on a front side of the body. At a front end face of the insulating body fasteners are provided for selectively securing the door hinges on a left or right side of the insulating body,

Household conventional refrigerators such as refrigerators or freezers, usually have a hinged door, which is sealed with a peripheral seal against the body of the refrigerator. In order to achieve sufficient thermal insulation without leakage between the insulating body and the insulating door, the circumferential seal is typically formed as a magnetic seal which applies locking forces between the door and the body. In addition, the door hinges can be equipped with a self-closing function, which provides additional locking forces. Finally, after closing a refrigerator or freezer door, due to the warmer air that has entered, which then cools down inside, a negative pressure forms in the hermetically sealed interior, which contributes a further component to the clamping force.

For more convenient handling of such a cooling device, the opening devices mentioned above are known in which a discharge element is electrically driven extendable from a housing, with which the door of the refrigerator is pushed at least as far as that the door can be easily grasped behind and then manually opened completely ,

Such an opening device is for example from the document EP 2 292 995 B1 known. The opening device described therein is mounted on an upper side of the refrigerator and presses with its ejection element against an upper protruding edge of the door of the refrigerator. The opening device has a coil in which an armature is displaceably mounted. The armature is held by a spring element in a rest position and moves out when energized the coil. The disengaging armature acts on the door via a lever mechanism to open it at least a gap. An arrangement of the opening device on top of the refrigerator is often not desired for design reasons. In addition, with a free-standing cooling unit, the top can be used only limited as a footprint. Next, a cooling device with such a positioned opening device is only conditionally suitable for installation in a furniture carcass, since the upwardly beyond the insulating body of the refrigerator protruding opening device would have a partially closed gap between the refrigerator and a top plate or a shelf of the furniture body result ,

From the publication DE 10 2013 103 819 A1 a cooling device with an opening device is known, in which pockets are formed in the upper region of the insulated body of the cooling device, into which an opening device adapted in size can be inserted. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of such pockets are formed on the top and / or bottom of the refrigerator, which can be used for receiving an opening device, but also for receiving a door hinge. Through the integration of the opening device in said pockets, the opening device is not on the basic size of the insulating body of the refrigerator over, which is more visually appealing and facilitates installation of the refrigerator in a furniture body. In an embodiment in which pockets are arranged symmetrically on the left and the right side of the body, the arrangement of door hinge and opening device can be varied with left and right hinged door. The bags are designed uniformly for this purpose on both sides and hinge or opening device in each case so that either opening device or door hinge can be added.

However, designed to accommodate door hinge and opening device pockets are compared to standard used in refrigerators hinge solutions is a special solution that requires specially adapted door hinges, resulting in an increase in cost of the corresponding cooling device. In addition, can be retrofitted with the opening device described only cooling units that already have the designated pockets. Since the pockets are also incorporated in the insulating body of the refrigerator, the pockets can lead to reduced energy efficiency of the refrigerator for thermal reasons.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an opening device for a refrigerator and a refrigerator equipped therewith, in which standardized door hinges for the refrigerator can be used and the refrigerator can be used both freestanding and installed in a furniture body with the opening device. In addition, the opening device should be as possible be retrofitted without the cooling unit in a special way must be prepared for it.

This object is achieved by an opening device and a cooling device with the respective features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

An opening device according to the invention of the type mentioned above is characterized in that it can be mounted on a front end face of an insulating body of the cooling device to provided fastening means for a door hinge of the refrigerator. Further, the opening device is designed so that it acts with its ejection element on an out-of-seal region of the door assembly. The opening device thus utilizes the standard provided with the cooling device space for the door hinges and also makes use of the already prepared in this context fastening devices of the door hinges. This results in a simple retrofitting of an opening device according to the invention for a variety of refrigerators that are already available on the market. In addition, no otherwise usable space, for example, occupied on an upper side of the refrigerator. Finally, an intervention in the Isolierkorpus, which goes beyond the anyway existing fasteners of the door hinges, not required.

The door assembly of the refrigerator may, for example, comprise an insulating door having a panel extending outwardly, in particular upwardly and downwardly over the insulation, the ejection member of the opening apparatus pressing against an inwardly facing surface of the panel. In a refrigerator having an insulating body inserted into a furniture body, a cabinet door constitutes such a door panel. The discharge member of the opening apparatus presses against the inside of the cabinet door in the case above or below the insulating door.

In order to be able to be arranged in the available installation space, the housing of the opening device advantageously has a depth of less than 60 millimeters (mm), preferably less than 47 mm or preferably between 38 and 47 mm. The opening device may be designed for direct mounting to the fastening devices. Advantageous is the use of a mounting adapter having mounting holes for mounting on the mounting devices on the refrigerator and fastening means for the housing. Preferably, a tool-less attachment of the opening device to the mounting adapter is possible, e.g. in that the mounting adapter has insertion tabs which engage in fastening slots of the housing.

In a preferred embodiment of the opening device, the ejection element has a maximum stroke of 40 mm to 80 mm. In this case, to achieve this stroke, the ejection element can be made telescopic, so that the maximum stroke when extending out of the housing is greater than the depth of the housing of the opening device. With such a stroke, the door assembly can be opened so far that the locking force of the (magnetic) seal and the negative pressure in the interior of the refrigerator are overcome. The door assembly can then be comfortably engaged behind to fully open it. At the same time, the door arrangement is preferably opened only so far through the opening device that it is still in the self-closing area of the door hinges when they are equipped with a self-closing mechanism. If the door assembly is not opened manually, it then closes automatically after the return of the ejection element.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the opening device, the ejection element is kreissegementförmig formed and pivotally mounted on or in the housing.

The opening device may, for example, comprise a gear segment on which is mounted a rotatable roller which bears against a chordal surface of the circular segment ejection element, wherein upon pivoting of the gear segment the roller runs on the inner chord surface and the ejection element is moved out of the housing ,

In an alternative embodiment, the opening device has a sprocket with a chain lying thereon, wherein one end of the chain is coupled to the kreissegementförmigen ejection element. Upon rotation of the sprocket, the ejection element is moved out of the housing or retracted into the housing.

A chain drive can advantageously also be used for an optionally telescopic, linearly extendable ejection element. In the case, the opening device may for example comprise two counter-rotating sprockets, each with a lying on this chain, the chains are coupled at one end to the linearly extendable ejection element and abut each other in the region of the ejection element. Upon rotation of the sprockets, the ejection element is moved out of the housing or retracted into the housing.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the opening device is an energy storage is present, which moves the ejection element from the housing. Preferably, the force accumulator is a spring, in particular a torsion spring, which acts on the ejection element. The energy storage supports a drive system, which has, for example, an electric drive motor, a worm, worm wheel and possibly other gears, during the ejection process. This makes it possible to generate sufficient ejection forces in the small space available. The spring force in particular supports the start of the drive motor to overcome the locking forces of the refrigerator. It has proved to be advantageous in typical Zuhaltekräfte of refrigerators and the space provided for the opening device, when the force component of the spring during the opening operation of the total force with which the ejection element is pressed out of the housing at the beginning of the disengagement, between 20% and 50 %, and preferably about 30% to 35%.

An inventive cooling device of the type mentioned above is characterized in that an opening device for the insulating door is mounted on at least one of the unused fasteners for the door hinges on a side opposite the door hinges of the Isolierkorpus in a space provided for the door hinges space. This results in the advantages described above in connection with the opening device.

In an advantageous embodiment of the refrigerator, the insulating body is inserted into a furniture body, wherein the door hinges pivotally mount the insulating door and the insulated door is coupled to a cabinet door of the furniture body. The cabinet door can be firmly connected to the insulating door. Alternatively, the carcass door can be mounted via hinges and coupled with a tow-door fitting with the insulating door.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigerator, the cabinet door is at least with an edge over the insulated door to the outside over. The opening device then acts with an ejection element in the region of the projection on an inner side of the cabinet door.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the cooling device, the ejection element has a maximum stroke when extending out of the housing, which pivots the insulating door by a door opening angle which is smaller than an angular range of a Selbstanzugsvorrichtung the door hinge. This door opening angle is preferably less than 35 °.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures. The figures show:

1a . 1b in each case an isometric view of a refrigerator with open door from different directions;

2a . 2 B Details from the 1a . 1b , the arrangement of an opening device or a door hinge in the refrigerator of the 1a . 1b show in more detail;

2c a detailed representation of the 1a . 1b showing a construction space for a door hinge or an opening device in more detail;

2d as 2c , with screwed mounting adapter for an opening device;

3a - 3c various sectional views of the area of the door hinge of the refrigerator 1a . 1b ;

4a an isometric view of a first embodiment of an opening device;

4b - 4e different sectional views of the opening device according to 4a ;

5a an isometric view of a second embodiment of an opening device;

5b - 5e different sectional views of the opening device according to 5a ;

6a an isometric view of a third embodiment of an opening device; and

6b - 6e different sectional views of the opening device according to 6a ,

In the 1a and 1b is in each case an isometric view of a cooling device 1 shown. The refrigerator 1 For example, it may be a refrigerator or freezer for household or commercial use.

The refrigerator 1 has a thermally insulated body, followed by insulating body 2 called, on, its interior and its front face 3 visible in the illustrated figures. The insulating body 2 is a thermally insulated door, subsequently insulated door 4 called, associated with a circumferential seal 5 , usually a magnetic seal has. With the insulated door closed 4 lies the seal 5 circumferential on the front face 3 of the insulating body 2 on and thus closes the interior of the Isolierkorpus 2 hermetically.

In the illustrated refrigerator 1 is the insulating body 2 in a furniture body 6 installed, which has a cabinet door 8th is assigned, which in the closed state at a front end face 7 of the furniture body 6 is applied.

In the illustrated embodiment form the carcass door 8th and the insulated door 4 a firmly connected entity. The carcass door 8th juts out on all sides to the outside via the insulated door 4 out. The insulated door 4 is about door hinges 9 with the insulating body 2 of the refrigerator 1 pivotally connected. The actual joint mechanics of the respective door hinge 9 is above or below the insulated door 4 arranged so that they are closed with the refrigerator 1 outside the insulated interior of the insulating body 2 lies. The carcass door 8th will have one in the 1a and 1b invisible door connector with the insulated door 4 connected to a unit and from the insulated door 4 carried. The door connector usually also serves to align the cabinet door 8th relative to the insulated door 4 in possibly all three spatial directions. Thus, a gap-free concern of both doors on the respective end face of the corresponding body can be achieved.

In the upper left corner of the Isolierkorpus 2 is an opening device 10 arranged, which is the electrically driven belching of the door assembly, ie the unit of carcass door 8th and insulated door 4 , serves.

The arrangement of the opening device 10 or the door hinge 9 at the top of the refrigerator 1 is in the neckline enlargements in the 2a respectively. 2 B shown in more detail again. The used door hinge 9 is a so-called seven-joint hinge, which has seven different points of articulation. Such joints have become established in refrigerators to a standard, as can be achieved with them a suitably guided opening movement of the door assembly. The exact arrangement and positioning of the door hinge 9 will be discussed below in connection with 3a - 3c explained in more detail.

The 3a shows first a horizontal section through the cooling unit of 1a respectively. 1b in the area of the insulating body 2 just above the door hinge 9 , 3b gives a vertical cut through the door hinge 9 again.

3b finally shows one with 3a Comparable section with the door open.

For the door hinge 9 is in the corner of the insulating body 2 a space of a width B, a depth T and a height H available. The width B extends in the horizontal direction along the front end face 3 , the height extends in a vertical direction along the face 3 and the depth T extends in a direction perpendicular to the end face 3 of the insulating body 2 ,

In particular, the depth T is in the commonly used door hinges 9 set by default and is about 42 mm. The depth T indicates the distance between the end face 3 of the insulating body 2 and the insulating body 2 facing surface of the cabinet door 8th at. On the two surfaces mentioned, the front face 3 or the inner surface of the cabinet door 8th is the door hinge 9 with contact surfaces and is fastened with fasteners, usually screws, to these elements. In general, the position of the fastener is set by default. Especially in Isolierkorpus 2 of the refrigerator 1 are prefabricated fastening devices, such as screw-in options arranged so that the door hinge 9 on the face 3 can be screwed in the corner. The fastening devices can be given for example by inserted or pressed threaded bushes.

In 3c is still a part 13 the already mentioned door connector recognizable by means of the insulating door 4 and the carcass door 8th coupled together. In the illustrated embodiment is - looking at the front of the refrigerator 1 - The door hinged on the right side, whereas the opening device 10 is mounted in the upper left area. The refrigerator 1 allows, as usual with refrigerators, a left or right side door stop. For this purpose, those related to the 3a - 3c mentioned attachment means for the door hinges or the 9 not only on the right side of the insulating body 2 provided, but a mirror image on the left side. The door hinges 9 can thus be bolted without any structural changes on the left side of the refrigerator in the left upper or lower left corner. For non-symmetrical door hinges 9 These are exchanged at the door stop change over cross, ie the right upper door hinge 9 is inserted in the lower left and the lower right door hinge 9 top left.

In the illustrated arrangement, the space required for the upper of the door hinges 9 would be available left door hinged door, of the opening device 10 ingested. According to the application, the opening device 10 not only positioned in this space, but also uses the prepared fastening devices for the door hinge 9 , If left door hinged on the door hinge would accordingly 9 use these fasteners on the left side, whereas the opening device 10 in the illustrated state of the upper door hinge 9 used mounting options in the right upper corner of the insulating body 9 would use.

It is noted in this context that an opening device according to the invention 10 not only in the upper, but also in the lower part of the refrigerator 1 or can be arranged both in the upper and in the lower region. The opening device 10 So could also the fastening devices for the lower of the two door hinges 9 on according to the side on which the door hinge is not installed, use. The said fastening devices in the lower left corner of the refrigerator 1 are in the 1a and 1b represented and with the reference numeral 11 Mistake. The 2c shows the left lower corner of the refrigerator 1 in a cut-out enlargement. The fastening devices 11 are in this case threaded inserts in the front side 3 of the insulating body 2 , in which a fastening screw is screwed.

2d shows the same section as 2c , wherein at the fastening devices 11 a mounting adapter 140 is mounted, on which an opening device 10 can be attached. The mounting adapter shown here 140 is angled, with a leg on the end face 3 of the insulating body 2 and another leg on the inside of the furniture body 6 is applied. On the furniture body 6 is the mounting adapter 140 with an additional screw 12 screwed. The mounting adapter 140 thus not only serves for mounting the opening device 10 , but also fixes the Isolierkorpus 2 in the furniture body 6 , An angle otherwise used exclusively for this purpose can be omitted. The attachment of the opening device 10 on the mounting adapter 140 will be related below with the 4a to 4e described in more detail.

The illustrated refrigerator 1 has as described the outer furniture body 6 on, in the insulating body 2 is inserted and mounted. The named space in which the door hinges 9 and according to the application, the opening device 10 are arranged in a comparable form also available in so-called free-standing refrigerators, which have a freestanding Isolierkorpus, which is covered with a decorative surface. In such a refrigerator, the insulating door is usually also equipped with a decorative front, which in a similar manner as the car door 8th up and down beyond the area where the door is insulated.

Even with such a freestanding cooling device, a space of the same depth T is provided in the upper or lower corner region of the insulating body to accommodate door hinges for the covered insulating door. Accordingly, even with a freestanding cooling device, the space not used by the door hinges and provided on the opposite side of the cooling device, including the fastening devices for the opening device according to the application, is available.

In the illustrated refrigerator 1 form the insulated door 4 and the carcass door 8th a unit shared by the two door hinges shown 9 is pivotally mounted. In alternative embodiments of the refrigerator four hinges are present, of which two store the cabinet door and two the insulating door pivotally. In order to achieve a comfortable to use simultaneous opening movement of carcase door and insulating door in this case, so-called towing fittings are used, which couple the insulated door and the carcass door on the opposite side of the door hinges (towing connection). Also in this embodiment of a cooling device, the installation space of the standardized depth T shown is available for the storage of the cabinet door.

Finally, it should be noted that instead of the shown seven-joint hinge and a Einelenkscharnier can be used for storage of the insulating door. In refrigerators, such a Eingelenkscharnier is often formed by a pin inserted into the insulating door, which is mounted perpendicular to an angle which is screwed onto the end face of the insulating body. The carcass door is usually performed by recessed furniture hinges in such a tow connection, usually four-bar hinges.

In the 4a to 4e is a first embodiment of a suitable opening device 10 shown, for example, in the refrigerator 1 according to the 1a and 1b can be used.

4a shows the opening device 10 in an isometric view with a housing open to one side 100 , the insight into the inner structure of the opening device 10 allowed. The housing 100 , preferably a plastic housing, is cuboid-shaped with respect to its basic dimensions and has a width b, a height h and a depth t.

The details of width b, height h and depth t refer to the in 1 shown installation position, ie the width b is horizontal parallel to the front end face 3 of the insulating body 2 of the refrigerator 1 , the height h runs in the vertical direction and the depth 6 runs in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the front face 3 ,

The dimensions of the housing 100 are such that the opening device 10 in the space of the width B, the height H and the depth T, in the refrigerator 1 between the front end face 3 of the insulating body 2 and the inside of the carcass door 8th is available. In particular, the depth t of the opening device 10 smaller or (considering all fasteners) equal to the depth T of the space. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the housing is provided 100 not directly on the front face 3 of the refrigerator 1 but with the help of a mounting adapter 140 which is built like a right angle and a longitudinal leg 141 which extends in the direction of the width b, and a transverse leg 142 which extends in the direction of the depth t. The mounting adapter 140 is with mounting holes 143 provided, of which three different on the transverse leg 142 in the 4a are visible. Further mounting holes 143 are not visible here on the longitudinal leg 141 appropriate. The mounting adapter 140 can with the help of these mounting holes 143 with his long leg 141 on the front face 3 of the insulating body 2 to be assembled. In addition, a mounting over the mounting holes 143 in the transverse leg 142 possible, in the installed state on surfaces of the furniture body 6 is applied.

After mounting the mounting adapter 140 becomes the case 100 the opening device 10 on the mounting adapter 140 attached, where it preferably locked without tools. In the example shown are the mounting adapter 140 tuck 144 formed in mounting slots 102 at the bottom of the case 100 engage and the housing 100 on the mounting adapter 140 establish. Next to the tuck tabs 144 can add more to the case 100 engaging or latching elements on the mounting adapter 140 be educated. The mounting holes 143 are on the mounting adapter 140 arranged and designed so that they fasteners, especially prefabricated mounting holes or thread in the insulating body 2 use that for mounting the door hinges 9 on the insulating body 2 are provided.

If, as in the example shown, a mounting of the opening device 10 using the mounting adapter 140 takes place, is the depth t of the housing 100 so that they fit together with the material thickness of the longitudinal leg 141 at most the depth T of the available space corresponds.

In the in the 4a overhead surface of the housing 100 , which points in the installed position to the door assembly, is an opening 101 for an ejection element 110 brought in. The ejection element 110 is in the 4a shown in a maximum extended condition in which it is maximally over the top of the housing 100 protrudes. In the embodiment of 4a is the ejection element 110 in its cross-section circular segment, wherein the ejection element 110 in the area of its tip over a pivot bearing 111 swiveling in the housing 100 is stored.

The ejection element 110 has side surfaces 112 on, a tendon surface 113 and a curved surface 114 , Through the pivot bearing 110 can the side surfaces 112 and the arch surface 114 in the case 100 immerse yourself until the tendon surface 113 essentially flush with the top of the housing 100 runs and the opening 101 fills. The then retracted retracted state of the opening device 10 will be related to the 4d and 4e shown in more detail below.

In 4b is initially the extended state according to 4a again reproduced in a sectional view. The sectional plane extends in the direction of the width b and the depth t of the housing 100 , 4c shows a sectional view in the direction of the height h along the in 4b drawn section line IVc-IVc.

The two 4b and 4c show a drive system 130 the opening device 10 detail. To open the door assembly of the refrigerator 1 becomes force to overcome the locking forces of the door assembly, in particular the insulating door 4 needed. This force is achieved in the illustrated embodiment by a combination of spring force and electromotive force. For this purpose is a spring 120 in the area of the pivot bearing 111 arranged the ejection element 110 Federkraftbeaufschlagt presses in the extended position. The spring force supports in particular the start of the drive motor 131 to overcome the locking forces of the refrigerator 1 , It has typical Zuhaltekräfte of refrigerators and the opening device 10 provided space is found to be advantageous when the force component of the spring 120 during the opening process to the total force with which the ejection element 110 at the beginning of the disengagement process from the housing 100 is between 20% and 50% and preferably about 30% to 35%.

In the example shown is the spring 120 a torsion spring around a pin of the bearing 111 is wound and with a hanger on the tendon surface 113 of the ejection element 110 acts. Next is a drive motor 131 provided, on the one hand a share of force for the opening movement of the ejection element 110 contributed, and on the other the ejection element 110 retracts and thus the spring 120 for a next opening process spans.

On an axis of the drive motor 131 is a snail 132 arranged with a worm wheel 133 interacts. This is rotatably connected to a gear, which has other gears 134 on a sprocket 135 acts. A toothing of the gears 134 is for the sake of clarity in the 4c not shown. The snail 132 , the worm wheel 133 and the gears 134 Together, they form a gearbox that rotates the drive motor 131 appropriately stocky on the sprocket 135 transfers. The gearbox is characterized by the combination of worm 132 and worm wheel 133 self-locking, so that even with cocked spring 120 the ejection element 110 not out of the case 100 extends when the drive motor 131 is not energized. Next is in the case 100 a cable feedthrough 103 formed by a power supply cable for the drive motor 130 is guided.

To transmit the rotational movement of the sprocket 135 on the pivoting movement of the ejection element 110 is a chain 136 provided on one side with their last chain link on the sprocket 135 is fixed and on its other side with its chain link in a chain attachment point 116 at the ejection element 110 is attached. In the case 100 is a chain guide 137 designed as a sliding guide on which the chain 136 with her the sprocket 135 opposite side slides. Through this chain guide 137 can from the chain 136 not only tensile forces are transmitted, but also compressive forces.

As 4c shows is the sprocket 135 on a journal 104 stored, which is integral with the housing 100 is trained. In the same way, the gears can 134 and the worm wheel 133 be stored.

The 4d and 4e show the opening device 10 in the retracted state of the ejection element 110 , 4d corresponds to the section according to 4b and 4e the section according to FIG c.

The retracted state is taken by the sprocket 135 by appropriately polarized energization of the drive motor 131 is rotated counterclockwise, causing the chain 136 on the sprocket 135 wraps and the ejection element 110 in the case 100 pivots. In the fully retracted state, which in the 4d and 4e is shown, lies the lower edge of the arc surface 114 on the lower inside of the case 100 at. In this condition the tendon surface runs 113 essentially flush with the top of the housing 100 ,

It may be provided an end stop switch, the ejector 110 is actuated and the drive motor 131 stops in the position shown. It is also possible that one the drive motor 131 driving circuit the current consumption of the drive motor 131 monitors and detects a mechanical limit stop due to the increased current consumption and then the drive motor 131 stops. Due to the self-locking of the snail 132 or the worm wheel 133 the opening device remains 10 with de-energized drive motor 130 in the in the 4d and 4e shown state. To complete retraction of the ejection element 110 to allow are in the side surfaces 112 recesses 115 introduced, which is a striking of the ejection element 110 on the axle of the sprocket 135 or on the gears 134 prevent.

For extending the ejection element 110 and thus to open the door assembly of the refrigerator 1 becomes the drive motor 131 energized in reverse polarization. The sprocket 135 turns on the condition of the 4d and 4e in a clockwise direction and wraps the chain 136 from the sprocket 135 from. This presses, supported by the chain guide 137 at the chain attachment point 116 on the ejection element 110 ,

This opening movement is supported by the spring force of the spring 120 , The combination of spring force and electromotive driving force allows particularly advantageous, even with a small size of the opening device 10 , which is adapted to the available space, a sufficient force in the ejection process to the door assembly of the refrigerator 1 postpone. With the ejector fully extended 110 This suggests an end stop in the area of the camp 111 or at the bottom of the arch surface 114 is provided, so that the ejection process in turn by observing the current consumption of the drive motor 131 can be stopped. Alternatively, the use of an end stop switch is also possible here.

An opening process can be initiated by the control device, for example by touching a touch-sensitive switch, which with a handle on the door assembly of the refrigerator 1 connected is. It is also conceivable to make an electrical contact on the door arrangement or the door hinge 9 to provide a manual opening attempt, in which the door is already slightly moved, detected and then initiates the ejection process. After the belching of the door assembly, a waiting time of a few seconds may be provided until the ejection element 110 is recovered. This waiting time makes it easy to continue the opening operation manually after the majority of the locking forces has been overcome. Until the door arrangement then after Using the refrigerator 1 is closed again, is the ejection element 110 preferably retracted again, so that the door assembly closes again easily and safely. If the door assembly is not manually opened after the bumping operation, a self-closing mechanism on the door hinges is preferred 9 provided after the return of the ejection element 110 engages and the door assembly of the refrigerator 1 then close again. This prevents accidental ejection, for example, a user after triggering the ejection process, the refrigerator 1 but did not want to open, the door assembly of the refrigerator 1 remains open.

In the 5a to 5e is the same as in the 4a to 4e A second embodiment of an opening device 10 also shown in the refrigerator 1 according to 1a and 1b can be used. Identical reference signs in these as well as all subsequent figures denote the same or equivalent elements as in the embodiment of FIG 4a to 4b ,

In the basic structure corresponds to the opening device 10 of the second embodiment of the first embodiment. On the description to the 4a to 4e is therefore explicitly referenced.

In contrast to the first embodiment is in the in the 4a to 4e illustrated the case 100 the opening device 10 without a mounting adapter 140 shown. It can be a comparable mounting adapter 140 , as described in the first embodiment can be used. Alternatively, in the housing 100 directly fastening means for fixing the housing 100 at the suitably prepared mounting options for the door hinges 9 a refrigerator 1 be educated.

Another difference in this embodiment is that the drive purely electrically by the drive motor 131 he follows. A feather 120 as additionally used in the first embodiment to apply force for the ejection operation is not provided in the illustrated example. It is understood, however, that such a spring 120 can also be present in this embodiment.

Finally, a third difference lies in a different type of power transmission from the drive motor 131 on the ejection element 110 , In the present case is also a transmission from the drive motor 131 about a snail 132 , a worm wheel 133 and gears 134 provided that form a transmission. Instead of the sprocket 135 However, it is another gear 134 arranged in a gear segment 138 engages in the upper area of the housing 100 (adjacent to the opening 101 for the ejection element 110 ) is stored.

The gear segment 138 has a radius that is approximately the entire depth t of the housing 100 occupies. The gear segment 138 is about a quarter circle segment. In the area of its outer circumference is on one side a fork 139 trained in a role 117 is rotatably mounted. This role 117 is the inside of the ejection element 110 at its tendon surface 113 at. When pivoting the gear segment 138 pushes the role 117 the ejection element 110 to the outside, the role 117 inside in the ejection element 110 rolls. By doing that the role 117 not at the outer end, ie in the area of the arch surface 114 at the ejection element 110 is present, but in a central region between the arc surface 114 and the camp 111 gives the bow surface 114 so far out of the case 100 from that the arched area 114 and parts of the side surfaces 112 the circular segment-shaped ejection element 110 over the surface of the case 100 emerges. Thus, a discharge stroke can be achieved which is greater than the depth t of the housing 100 ,

To prevent between the top of the case 100 and the circular segment-shaped ejection element 110 A gap is created when retracting into the housing 100 could constitute a risk of jamming, is inside the ejection element 110 a likewise circular segment-shaped apron 118 arranged the ejection element 110 extends telescopically downwards and thus prevents the formation of a gap. Through the apron 118 is the ejection element 110 formed telescopic as it were. In this way, despite the predetermined and the depth t of the opening device 10 limiting depth T of the available space a sufficient stroke of the ejector can be achieved.

To make sure that when the roller is engaged 117 the ejection element 110 follows, for example, in the area of the pivot bearing 111 a spring may be provided which is the ejection element 110 with little force in the housing 100 pushes. However, it is also conceivable that, instead of only in one direction (outward) positive role 117 for power transmission on both sides (inwards and outwards) positive connection between the Zahnradsegement 138 and the ejection element 110 implemented. In the case, a spring in the region of the pivot bearing can then also analogously to the first embodiment 111 be provided, which supports the disengagement. A spring can be independent of the type of power transmission between the Zahnradsegement 138 and the ejection element 110 at the gear segment 138 be provided to assist the disengagement.

In the 6a to 6e is in turn the same way as in the two previous embodiments, a third embodiment of an opening device 10 described, for example, in the refrigerator 1 of the 1a and 1b can be used.

As in the first embodiment, in turn, a housing 100 provided that via a mounting adapter 140 on the insulating body 2 or on the furniture body 6 can be attached.

In contrast to the two embodiments shown above, in this embodiment, no pivotable ejection element 110 provided, but a linearly movable ejection element 110 , Similar to the embodiment of 5a to 5e is this linear ejection element 110 telescopic and includes an inner hollow pin 119 and an outer tubular portion 119' in which the inner pin 119 slidably guided. The outer section 119' is again in the housing 100 guided so that the ejection element 110 in the retracted state substantially flush with the top of the housing 100 runs and extends in the extended state on this. Due to the telescoping, the ejection element 110 thereby by more than the depth t of the housing 100 be extended.

Again, drive system 130 with a drive motor and a downstream transmission present to the ejection element 110 out of the case 100 extend. For clarity, the individual components of the drive system 130 not shown in detail in this embodiment. The drive system 130 acts on two sprockets in the present case 135 , which are driven in opposite directions. On both sprockets 135 there is one chain each 136 that have slide rails 137 be guided. The slide rails 137 run in a middle area between the sprockets 135 towards each other until the two chains 136 meet centrally and together in parallel to each other in the ejection element 110 to run. There are the ends of the chains 136 with the inner pin 119 connected.

Accordingly, the ejection element moves 110 out of the case 100 off, if both chains 136 from the sprockets 135 roll. The self-adjusting extended state is in the 6a to 6c shown. There are the chains 136 on the sprockets 135 rolled up, causing the ejection element 110 is retracted and in the 6d and 6e shown state is taken.

In the event that two opening devices 10 on a cooling unit 1 are provided for the door assembly, it may be advantageous, the opening devices 10 to drive so that they extend at slightly different times. This will ensure that the seal 4 eg in the upper area of the refrigerator 1 lifts slightly before it is lifted off at the bottom. Opposite a top and bottom simultaneous opening so lower opening forces are needed.

A control device for the opening device (s) 10 can in the refrigerator 1 in the opening device (s) 10 itself or be provided on a power cord. In an embodiment where the control device is on the power cord or in the cooling unit 1 is arranged, a larger part of the opening device 10 available space for the actual drive can be used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

cooling unit

2

Isolierkorpus

3

front face (of the insulating body)

4

Insulating

5

(Magnetic) seal

6

furniture body

7

front face (of the furniture body)

8th

cabinet door

9

door hinge

10

opening device

11

fastening device

12

screw

13

door connector

100

casing

101

Opening for ejection element

102

mounting slot

103

Grommet

104

pivot

110

ejection element

111

pivot bearing

112

side surface

113

chord surface

114

arc face

115

recess

116

chain attachment

117

role

118

apron

119

inner cone

119'

outer section

120

feather

130

drive system

131

drive motor

132

slug

133

worm

134

gear

135

Sprocket

136

Chain

137

chain guide

138

gear segment

139

clevis

140

mounting adapter

141

longitudinal leg

142

transverse leg

143

mounting hole

144

tuck

H

Height (of the construction space)

B

Width (of the installation space)

T

Depth (of installation space)

H

Height (opening device)

b

Width (the opening device)

t

Depth (the opening device)

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2292995 B1 [0004]
• DE 102013103819 A1 [0005]

Claims (21)

Opening device ( 10 ) for a cooling device ( 1 ) with a door assembly comprising at least one isolated area with a circumferential seal ( 5 ), wherein the opening device ( 10 ) a housing ( 100 ), from which an ejection element ( 110 ) is electrically driven, characterized in that the opening device ( 10 ) is formed so that it on a front end face ( 3 ) an insulating body ( 2 ) of the refrigerator ( 1 ) to provided fastening devices ( 11 ) for a door hinge ( 9 ) of the refrigerator ( 1 ) and with its ejection element ( 110 ) on one outside the seal ( 5 ) lying area of the door assembly acts. Opening device ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the housing ( 100 ) has a depth (t) of less than 60 mm, preferably less than 47 and particularly preferably between 38 and 47 mm. Opening device ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a mounting adapter ( 140 ), the fastening bores ( 143 ) for mounting on the fastening devices on the refrigerator ( 1 ) and fastening means for the housing ( 100 ) having. Opening device ( 10 ) according to claim 3, wherein the mounting adapter ( 140 ) Insertion tabs ( 144 ), which for tool-free attachment of the housing ( 100 ) in mounting slots ( 102 ) of the housing. Opening device ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing ( 100 ) is provided with fastening means for direct mounting on the fastening devices on the cooling unit ( 1 ) serve. Opening device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ejection element ( 110 ) has a maximum stroke of 40 mm to 80 mm. Opening device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ejection element ( 110 ) is telescopic and a maximum stroke when extending out of the housing ( 100 ) which is greater than the depth (t) of the housing ( 100 ) of the opening device ( 10 ). Opening device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the ejection element ( 110 ) is circular-segment-shaped and pivotable on or in the housing ( 100 ) is stored. Opening device ( 10 ) according to claim 8, comprising a gear segment ( 137 ), on which a rotatable roller is mounted, the inside of a chordal surface ( 113 ) of the circular segment-shaped ejection element ( 110 ) is applied, wherein upon pivoting of the gear segment ( 138 ) the roll on the inner tendon surface ( 113 ) expires and the ejection element ( 10 ) out of the housing ( 100 ) is moved. Opening device ( 10 ) according to claim 8, comprising a sprocket ( 135 ) with a lying on this chain ( 136 ) whose end with the kreissegementförmigen ejection element ( 110 ), wherein upon rotation of the sprocket ( 135 ) the ejection element ( 110 ) out of the housing ( 100 ) is moved or in the housing ( 100 ) is retracted. Opening device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 8 to 10, in which there is an energy accumulator which holds the ejection element ( 110 ) out of the housing ( 100 ) emotional. Opening device ( 10 ) according to claim 11, wherein the energy accumulator is a spring ( 120 ), in particular a torsion spring acting on the ejection element ( 110 ) acts. Opening device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the ejection element ( 110 ) is linearly extendable. Opening device ( 10 ) according to claim 11 or 13, comprising two counter-rotating sprockets ( 134 ), each with a lying on this chain ( 135 ), where the chains ( 135 ) each having one end with the linearly extendable ejection element ( 110 ) and in the region of the ejection element ( 110 ) abut each other, and wherein upon rotation of the sprockets ( 134 ) the ejection element ( 110 ) out of the housing ( 100 ) is moved or in the housing ( 100 ) is retracted. Opening device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a drive system ( 130 ) with an electric drive motor ( 131 ), a snail ( 132 ) and a worm wheel ( 133 ). Cooling unit ( 1 ) with an insulating body ( 2 ) and an insulated door ( 4 ) opposite the insulating body ( 2 ) by door hinges ( 9 ) is pivotally mounted, wherein at a front end face ( 3 ) of the insulating body ( 2 ) Fastening devices for selectively fixing the door hinges ( 9 ) on a left or right side of the insulating body ( 2 ) are provided, characterized in that an opening device ( 10 ) for the insulated door ( 4 ) on at least one of the unused fasteners for the door hinges ( 9 ) at one of the door hinges ( 9 ) opposite side of the insulating body ( 2 ) in one for the door hinges ( 9 ) space is mounted. Cooling unit ( 1 ) according to claim 16, wherein the insulating body ( 2 ) in a furniture body ( 6 ) with a cabinet door ( 8th ), wherein the door hinges ( 9 ) the insulated door ( 4 pivotable and with the cabinet door ( 8th ) with the insulated door ( 4 ) is coupled. Cooling unit ( 1 ) according to claim 17, wherein the insulating door ( 4 ) fixed to the cabinet door ( 8th ) connected is. Cooling unit ( 1 ) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the cabinet door ( 8th ) at least one edge over the insulating door ( 4 ), wherein the opening device ( 10 ) with an ejection element ( 110 ) in the region of the supernatant on an inner side of the cabinet door ( 8th ) acts. Cooling unit ( 1 ) according to one of claims 16 to 19, in which the ejection element ( 110 ) a maximum stroke when extending out of the housing ( 100 ), the insulating door ( 4 ) is pivoted by a door opening angle which is smaller than an angular range of a Selbstanzugsvorrichtung the door hinge ( 9 ). Cooling unit ( 1 ) according to claim 20, wherein the door opening angle is less than 35 °.

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