DE102024201521A1 - Handle for a household appliance with a specific locking element opening device, locking element for a household appliance, and household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a handle (4) for a household appliance (1), comprising a handle part (5) for gripping when operating the handle (4) and at least one handle base (6, 7) on which the handle part (5) is arranged, and the handle base (6, 7) is provided for coupling to a closure element (3) of the household appliance (1), wherein the handle base (6, 7) has a first base part (8, 11) which is connected to the handle part (5), and a second base part (9, 12) which is rotatably connected to the first base part (8, 11) by a rotary joint (10, 13), and a closure element opening device (26) with which the closed closure element (3) can be pressed open when the handle part (5) is operated, wherein the closure element opening device (26) has a push fork (25) which is arranged in the second base part (9, 12) is displaceably mounted, and is displaceable from a basic position into a push-on position depending on the rotation of the handle part (5) with the first base part (8, 11) connected thereto relative to the second base part (9, 12), wherein a return spring (32) of the closure element opening device (26), which is provided for returning the push fork (25) from the push-on position into the basic position, is arranged so as to encompass a fork tine (23, 24) of the push fork (25).

Description

One aspect of the invention relates to a handle for a household appliance. The handle has a handle part, which is intended for gripping by the user when the handle is operated. Furthermore, the handle has at least one handle base on which the handle part is arranged. The handle base is intended for coupling to a closure element of the household appliance, for example, a door or a drawer. The handle base has a first base part, which is connected to the handle part. Furthermore, the handle base has a second base part, which is rotatably connected to the first base part by a pivot joint. Furthermore, the handle has a closure element opening device, in particular a door opening device or a drawer opening device. By means of this closure element opening device, the closure element can be automatically pushed open when the handle part is operated. The closure element opening device has a push fork, which is displaceably mounted in the second base part. Depending on the rotation of the handle part with the connected first base part relative to the second base part, the push fork can be moved from a home position to a push-on position. Another aspect of the invention relates to a closure element for a household appliance. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance.

Household appliances with handles are known in a wide variety of designs. Handles that protrude prominently are also known, for example, with a handle bar with handle blocks. The handle blocks are usually arranged on a closure element of the household appliance so that, by operating the handle, this closure element can be moved away from the body of the household appliance, thus freeing a receiving space, such as a cooking compartment, a refrigerator compartment, or a freezer compartment.

In this context, the EP 2 093 538 B1 A household appliance with a handle is known. This handle has a handle bar and two handle brackets. The handle brackets are constructed in several parts, and the parts are pivotally connected to each other. A strip-shaped extension element is built into the handle and can be automatically moved by pivoting the handle bar with the first part of the handle bracket, thereby pushing the door open. Separate from this extension element, a fixed bearing pin for a spring is provided. The spring is in contact with the extension element but not mounted on it.

In addition, the US 7 984 955 B2 A household appliance is shown that also has a handle for opening a drawer. Here, too, a pivoting bracket can be mechanically connected to a plate-shaped or strip-shaped extension element, so that the drawer can be automatically pushed open by extending this strip element when the handle is operated. Here, too, a spring is provided, which is arranged externally to the strip-shaped extension element and mounted on a support element external to this extension element.

In addition, the DE 10 2013 012 232 A1 A lever handle for a household appliance is known. This lever handle comprises a handle bar and connected handle brackets. These handle brackets are each constructed in several parts, and these two parts are rotatably connected to each other. A U-shaped slider is slidably mounted on the bearing part, which represents one of the two parts of a handle bracket. Separately, the handle has a return spring, which is mounted separately from the slider.

With conventional handles, the integrated and accompanying opening mechanism for the door or drawer is functionally limited. The mechanical arrangement between the geometrically very specific extension elements on the one hand and the respective very specific springs on the other can also lead to jamming and spreading, which can impair the handle's automated opening function. Furthermore, jamming can occur between the individual components, particularly with regard to the action of the spring. This also results in greater tolerances in the respective spring guides. This can also lead to a permanent impairment of the function of a spring.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a handle, a closure element for a household appliance and a household appliance in which the functionality of the handle for actuating a closure element of a household appliance is made possible in a simple and precise manner and yet a function integrated therein for pressing on the closure element is improved.

This object is achieved by a handle and a locking element as well as a household appliance according to the independent claims.

One aspect of the invention relates to a handle for a household appliance. The handle has a gripping part which is intended to be gripped by the user when operating the handle. In addition, the handle has at least a handle base on which the handle part is arranged. The handle base is intended for coupling to a locking element of the household appliance, for example a door or a drawer. The handle base has a first base part which is connected to the handle part. In addition, the handle base has a second base part which is rotatably connected to the first base part by a pivot joint. In addition, the handle has a locking element opening device, in particular a door opening device or a drawer opening device. By means of this locking element opening device, the locking element can be automatically pushed open when the handle part is actuated. The locking element opening device has a pushing fork which is displaceably mounted in the second base part. Depending on the rotation of the handle part with the first base part connected thereto relative to the second base part, the pushing fork can be moved from a basic position into a pushing-open position in which the locking element can be pushed open or is pushed open.

The locking element opening device of the handle has at least one return spring. This is designed to return the push-fork from the push-on position to the home position. The push-fork has a fork tine. The return spring is arranged so as to encompass this fork tine.

This concept provides a handle in which the closure element opening device operates precisely. The coordination between the actuation of the handle part and the automatically associated movement of the push fork, as well as the subsequent return of the push fork to its home position, is thus improved. This achieves a very precise and spring-loaded movement of the push fork. The specific shape of an extension element of the closure element opening device, namely a push fork, very advantageously allows for the direct placement of a return spring. The push fork thus essentially serves as a bearing element for this return spring. Relative movements of the push fork to other components can then be more precise and with reduced play thanks to the return spring arranged on the push fork itself. Last but not least, this also enables a very direct transmission of force from the handle part to the push fork, and a movement of the push fork that is braked by the return spring and/or returned in the other direction is advantageously supported. The gripping of a specific component of the reach fork, namely the fork tine, creates a mechanical operating principle that also improves the wear resistance of the locking element opening device. In particular, this also prevents jamming, spreading, or undesirable plastic deformation of the return spring, since the moving reach fork, in particular the fork tine, itself essentially forms the support element for the return spring.

The thrust fork here is a fork-shaped component with a movable mounting. It therefore features cantilevered, rod-shaped tine elements connected to a base, such as a fork socket.

In one embodiment, the return spring is, at least in part, a coil spring. The coil spring has a longitudinal spring axis. This is arranged, in particular, coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the fork tine of the reach fork. Thus, this specific configuration of the return spring as a coil spring is arranged such that it is compressible and expandable in the axial direction of the fork tine. This further improves the aforementioned advantages. Furthermore, a more compact design is also supported.

In one embodiment, the reach fork is U-shaped. It preferably has two fork tines. The fork tines are preferably straight. They can also be referred to as fork pins. In addition, the reach fork has a fork base. The two fork tines are connected to this fork base, in particular directly connected to it. In one embodiment, the fork base is formed separately from the fork tines. The fork tines are then connected by ends directly and firmly to the fork base. This can be advantageous if there are material differences between the fork base and the fork tine. For example, the fork base can be made of plastic. The fork tines can be made of metal, for example.

In one embodiment, a fork tine can be inserted into a receptacle in the base. It is also possible for a fork tine to be connected to the fork base by a snap connection. For this purpose, the fork tine can be partially inserted into the fork base and a snap element on one of the two parts of the push fork can be snapped to a counter-snap element that is formed on the other part of the push fork. In particular, the axial bearing retention of the components relative to one another is further improved. In particular, if the return spring is arranged surrounding the fork tine, which is connected to the fork base by the snap connection The fact that the push rod is constructed from several individual parts makes it very easy to fit the return spring and, if necessary, other components.

Such a concept also allows the push fork to be reversibly disassembled and reassembled, at least in some areas. This can have advantages during maintenance and assembly work. It also makes replacing individual push fork parts easier.

In one embodiment, the fork base is arranged in the second base part. It is arranged such that it is located in the second base part, facing away from the handle part. In particular, the second base part has a receptacle, which is in particular a guide channel. The fork base is arranged in this receptacle, in particular with virtually no play, so that the relative movement of the fork base in the second base part is guided with high precision.

The fork base positioned in this way is intended for direct contact with a housing part of a housing of the household appliance in the pressing-on position. In this context, the fork base can therefore also be referred to as a pressing-on stamp. The housing part can, for example, be a front flange of the housing. A seal of the locking element can also rest against this flange when the locking element is closed. In particular, the fork tines of this push fork are arranged in this second base part, facing the first base part. Thus, with a particularly U-shaped push fork, the U-legs face the first base part with their free ends, and the U-base formed by the fork base faces away from this first base part. Precisely this orientation also advantageously enables the corresponding mechanical chain of action from the actuation of the handle part via the automatically accompanying sliding movement of the push fork and the subsequent contact of the push fork, in particular via the fork base, with the housing part of the housing over the largest possible area.

In one embodiment, the second base part has a guide channel that is at least partially closed around its circumference. The at least one fork tine is guided in this guide channel. This very advantageously enables the fork tine to move very linearly within the second base part. Fluttering movements or unwanted tilting can thereby be particularly advantageously avoided. Especially with such a delicate pressing element as formed by such a push fork, not only is a highly precise linear guide movement enabled, but the torsional rigidity of the push fork during actuation and during movement relative to the second base part in this second base part is also increased. This prevents unwanted deformation of this push fork. This also ensures high functionality and low wear on the push fork. This aforementioned mounting of the fork tine can be achieved precisely through the guide channel, which, viewed along its length, is completely closed over at least a section in the circumferential direction of its longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the return spring, which surrounds the outside of this fork tine, is arranged in this guide channel. This results in a particularly compact and functionally advantageous concept, as this elongated spring, which in particular represents a coil spring at least in some areas, is also advantageously guided. Compression and expansion occur relatively linearly, without any undesirable evasive movements of this spring occurring.

In one embodiment, the return spring can be designed as a spiral spring only partially in terms of its length. It is possible for the return spring to have a partial section or a partial length that is designed as a spiral spring and adjoining it with a tubular sleeve. This can in particular be rigid in length and thus not compressible or expandable. In particular, such a return spring can also be designed as a single piece. In one embodiment, it is possible for such a return spring to also have a further, second spiral part at the opposite end of the sleeve-shaped part. Such a return spring is thus only spiral-shaped at the opposite ends, and a section in between is designed as a length-stable sleeve. This can also be a single-piece design. However, the return spring can also be designed entirely as a spiral spring.

In one embodiment, the second base part has a second guide channel in which the second fork tine is guided. This guide channel can also be completely closed over at least a partial length in the circumferential direction around the channel's longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the guide channel is formed on its inside with a stop against which the return spring is supported. This stationary stop thus also forms a defined position for the return spring, from which it can compress or expand.

In one embodiment, the first base part has a reinforcement part. This is intended for mechanically reinforcing the first base part. This also stiffens the first base part. When the handle part is rotated to actuate the closure element opening device, the reinforcement part is in mechanical contact with a free end of the at least one fork tine. This advantageously ensures that the force is transmitted very directly from the handle part to the fork tine. Undesired deformations of the base part can thus be avoided. The reinforcement part can in particular be a metal part. A base body of the first base part, on which the reinforcement part is arranged, can be made of plastic, for example. This allows, on the one hand, to provide a weight-reduced first base part, which can also be produced with a very complex shape, for example, by injection molding. On the other hand, this reinforcement part increases the mechanical stability of the entire first base part.

In one embodiment, the pivot bearing has a first, continuous bearing pin that forms the axis of rotation. The first base part and the second base part are mounted on this bearing pin. Such a pivot bearing increases mechanical stability. A single bearing pin also reduces the number of components. Furthermore, the assembly effort at this point can be reduced. Such a one-piece, single bearing pin also prevents unwanted position changes compared to designs in which multiple bearing pins are provided on this pivot bearing. This also ensures highly precise rotation, and no unwanted tilting movements or undesirable play occur over the course of the service life.

In one embodiment, the second base part forms a fitting. With this fitting, the handle is arranged directly on the closure element, in particular on a side edge of the closure element. In one embodiment, this second base part can be U-shaped, so that it can also be arranged so as to encompass the side edge of the closure element. In particular, the handle is attached directly to this closure element, in particular to the side edge, by means of this second base part. It is possible that at least one screw connection is provided here.

In one embodiment, the second base part has a reinforcement part. This is provided for mechanically strengthening the second base part. As with the above-mentioned embodiment, this second base part can also have a base part made of plastic. The reinforcement part can be made of metal.

Thus, both the first base part and the second base part can each have a base body on which the respective separate reinforcement part is arranged. The base bodies can be made of plastic.

In one embodiment, the fork tine has a radially projecting bead. This bead can be formed completely circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the fork tine. However, it can also be formed only partially circumferentially. It is also possible for such a bead to be formed only locally radially to the longitudinal axis of the fork tine and to be designed, for example, in a nose-like or hump-like manner. This bead forms, in particular, an axial stop for an additional component of the handle. This additional component is separate from the fork tine. In particular, it is also separate from the return spring.

This also enables stable and precise mounting of an additional component on this fork tine. Axial positioning and, if necessary, precise relative mobility to the fork tine are thus maintained. In particular, it also allows the return spring to be in direct contact with the additional component, particularly by being arranged directly adjacent to it in the axial direction. The additional component then advantageously enables the return spring to be guided more effectively, allowing it to be compressed and expanded more precisely. This also prevents unwanted slipping over the bead.

In one embodiment, the closure element opening device comprises an additional component, in particular at least one annular sleeve. This annular sleeve is arranged so as to encompass the separate fork tines circumferentially. This additional component is arranged on the fork tines so as to be displaceable relative to the fork tines in the axial direction. The return spring rests on this additional component with one end, in particular the end facing the first base part. This additional component can thus also be referred to as a captive element and/or anti-slip element, in particular for the return spring.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a closure element for a household appliance. The closure element comprises a handle according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The closure element preferably also comprises a plate-shaped part on which the handle is arranged. The closure element can be, for example, a door or a drawer of the household appliance.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance with a handle according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof. In particular, the household appliance has a closure element according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The household appliance can have a housing. The closure element is arranged on this housing and mounted thereon so as to be movable relative to the housing. The housing has at least one receiving space. In a household appliance for preparing food, such as a cooking appliance, this receiving space can be, for example, a cooking chamber. In a household appliance for storing and preserving food, such as a refrigerator or a freezer or a refrigerator-freezer combination appliance, a receiving space can be a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment.

• 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltsgeräts mit einem Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusselements sowie einem Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Griffs;
• 2 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Griffs;
• 3 eine Teildarstellung des Haushaltsgeräts gemäß 1, bei welchem der montierte Zustand des Griffs an dem Verschlusselement gezeigt ist;
• 4 eine Teilexplosionsdarstellung des Griffs gemäß 2;
• 5 eine perspektivische Schnittdarstellung eines Teilbereichs des Griffs gemäß 2;
• 6 eine perspektivische und transparente Darstellung eines Griffteils und eines ersten Sockelteils des Griffs gemäß 5;
• 7 eine perspektivische Darstellung von Teilkomponenten des Griffs gemäß 2 und 5;
• 8 eine Schnittdarstellung durch Teilkomponenten des Griffs gemäß 2 und 5 in einer Grundstellung des Griffs beziehungsweise eines Griffteils;
• 9 eine Explosionsdarstellung von Teilkomponenten einer Verschlusselementöffnungsvorrichtung des Griffs;
• 10 eine Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Schubgabel der Verschlusselementöffnungsvorrichtung mit zusätzlichen Komponenten der Verschlusselementöffnungsvorrichtung;
• 11 eine Explosionsdarstellung der Komponenten in 10 und der zusätzlichen Darstellung eines zweiten Sockelteils eines Griffsockels des Griffs gemäß 2 und 5;
• 12 zwei Schnittdarstellungen von Teilkomponenten des Griffs einerseits in einer Grundstellung und andererseits in einer Aufdrückstellung;
• 13 die perspektivische Darstellung der Komponenten gemäß 11 im zusammengebauten Zustand; und
• 14 eine transparente Darstellung der Komponentenanordnung in 13 in einer dazu unterschiedlichen Perspektive.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show:

• 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention with an embodiment of a closure element according to the invention and an embodiment of a handle according to the invention;
• 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of a handle according to the invention;
• 3 a partial representation of the household appliance according to 1 , in which the mounted state of the handle on the closure element is shown;
• 4 a partial exploded view of the handle according to 2 ;
• 5 a perspective sectional view of a portion of the handle according to 2 ;
• 6 a perspective and transparent representation of a handle part and a first base part of the handle according to 5 ;
• 7 a perspective view of subcomponents of the handle according to 2 and 5 ;
• 8 a sectional view through partial components of the handle according to 2 and 5 in a basic position of the handle or a handle part;
• 9 an exploded view of subcomponents of a closure element opening device of the handle;
• 10 a representation of an embodiment of a push fork of the closure element opening device with additional components of the closure element opening device;
• 11 an exploded view of the components in 10 and the additional representation of a second base part of a handle base of the handle according to 2 and 5 ;
• 12 two sectional views of subcomponents of the handle, one in a basic position and the other in a pressing position;
• 13 the perspective representation of the components according to 11 in the assembled state; and
• 14 a transparent representation of the component arrangement in 13 from a different perspective.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

In 1 A schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance 1 is shown. The household appliance 1 is designed, for example, for storing and preserving food and can be a refrigerator, a freezer, or a refrigerator-freezer combination appliance. The household appliance 1 has a body or a housing 2. At least one receiving space for food is formed in the housing 2. The receiving space can be a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment.

Furthermore, the household appliance 1 has a closure element 3. This closure element is intended for closing the aforementioned receiving space. The closure element 3 can be a door or a drawer. In the exemplary embodiment, it is a door. This door is pivotably mounted on the housing 2.

In addition, 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a handle 4 is shown. The handle 4 is provided for actuating the closure element 3. The handle 4 is arranged on this closure element 3. In the embodiment, the handle 4 has a handle part 5. This can be, for example, a handle bar. The handle part 5 is intended for direct gripping by a user when actuating the handle 4. In addition, the handle 4 has a first handle base 6 and a second handle base 7. The handle part 5 is connected to these two handle bases 6 and 7, which can also be referred to as handle blocks. By means of this handle In the exemplary embodiment, the handle 4 is attached directly to the closure element 3 via the caps 6 and 7.

In 2 An enlarged view of an embodiment of the handle 4 is shown. The handle base 6 has a first base part 8 and a separate second base part 9. The two base parts 8 and 9 are connected to one another by a pivot joint 10. This allows these two base parts 8 and 9 to move relative to one another. The handle base 7 also has a first base part 11 and a second base part 12. These two base parts 11 and 12 are also connected by a pivot joint 13. The axes of rotation, in particular coaxial, of these pivot joints 10 and 13 are oriented in the height direction (y-direction).

The handle 4 is attached to the closure element 3 by means of the second base parts 9 and 12. In particular, an attachment to a side edge 3a is provided here. For this purpose, in one embodiment, these base parts 9 and 12, as shown in 2 As can be seen, they are U-shaped. Thus, they encompass this side edge 3a. In particular, the handle 4 can be attached to the closure element 3 by means of screw connections. In particular, the second base parts 9 and 12 are screwed to the side edge 3a for this purpose.

In 3 An enlarged section of the household appliance 1 is shown, showing the attached state of the handle 4 to the closure element 3. A screw connection 14 is shown. The second base part 12, which encompasses the side edge 3a both at the front and at the rear, can also be seen.

In 4 the handle 4 is in a 2 shown from different perspectives. Furthermore, the two second base parts 9 and 12 are shown separately from the first base parts 8 and 11. The pivot joints 10 and 13 each have a one-piece bearing pin 15 and 16. Thus, the base parts 8 and 9 are connected to each other only by means of this single bearing pin 15 to create the relative rotational mobility of these components. The same applies to the base parts 11 and 12.

In 5 A perspective sectional view of a portion of the handle 4 is shown. This is a horizontal sectional view, i.e. a section through the width direction (x-direction) and the depth direction (z-direction) through the first handle base 6. Just as in 2 is also in 5 The basic position of the handle 4 is shown. This means that the handle part 5, with the first base parts 8 and 11 fixedly arranged thereon, is arranged in the non-pivoted state relative to the second base parts 9 and 12. As can also be seen, the first base part 8 has a groove-shaped receptacle 17 into which a head-like region 18 of the second base part 9 engages. The concave and convex outer surfaces are formed complementarily to one another, so that the pivoting movement of the base parts 8 and 9 relative to one another is also guided accordingly and is precise.

In 6 A transparent representation of a portion of the handle part 5 and the first base part 8 is shown. A base body 19 of the first base part 8 is made of plastic. In this exemplary embodiment, the first base part 8 additionally has a reinforcing part 20. This is, in particular, a metal part. This reinforcing part 20 extends essentially over the entire length of the first base part 8. It is, in particular, formed internally in the base body 19. For example, it can be overmolded with the plastic of the base body 18.

The reinforcement part 20 comprises a sub-element 21. This has two U-shaped and V-shaped legs 21a and 21b, respectively. These are arranged vertically spaced from one another and, when viewed in projection in the direction of the rotation axis, are positioned congruently with one another. These two legs 21a and 21b are connected by a connecting leg 21c. The shape of this sub-element 21 is adapted to the outer contour of the base body 19 in this upper and lower region. This particularly stiffens these wings of the base body 19. 6 an axle hole 22 is also shown through which the bearing pin 15 is passed.

As already mentioned in the presentations in 2 and 5 as well as to 4 As can be seen, the handle part 5 is separate from the first base parts 8 and 11. In particular, this rod-like and straight handle part 5 can be hollow at least in some areas, for example at opposite ends. Thus, the first base parts 8 and 11 can be sunk into this handle part 5 at least in some areas, as shown in 2 and 4 can be seen.

The handle part 5 can be made of plastic or metal.

In 7 In a further perspective view, a portion of a handle 4 is shown. This is the component arrangement as shown in 6 is shown. In addition, the bearing pin 15 is inserted into the axle hole 22. Furthermore, it can be seen that two fork tines 23 and 24, which are components of a push fork 25, are positioned at very specific local Places of the first base part 8 are mechanically contacted. Preferably, it is provided that the base body 19, as is also shown in 6 shown, has two receptacles, in particular holes 19a and 19b. Thus, the reinforcement part 20 is exposed at these holes 19a and 19b. Thus, in one embodiment, the front, freely projecting ends of these fork tines 23 and 24 directly contact this reinforcement part 20. However, it is also possible for these receptacles 19a, 19b to be blind holes rather than through holes. Thus, the reinforcement part 20 is not directly exposed at these receptacles 19a and 19b.

The aforementioned forks 23 and 24 are part of a closure element opening device 26. In particular, this closure element opening device 26 is a door opening device. The closure element opening device 26 is thus integrated into the handle 4. When the handle 4 is actuated, in particular when the handle part 5 is pivoted with the first base parts 8 and 11, the push fork 25 is automatically acted upon, so that it is displaced in a specific direction and the closure element 3, here in particular the door 4, is then automatically pushed open.

In 8 A vertical sectional view of subcomponents of the handle 4 is shown. This shows a sectional view through the second base part 9 and a portion of the first base part 8. The basic position of the handle 4 is shown here.

The already mentioned push fork 25, which is U-shaped here and has only these two separate fork tines 23 and 24 and no further fork tines, also comprises a fork base 27.

As can be seen, the push fork 25 is housed internally in the second base part 9. In the exemplary embodiment, the two fork tines 23 and 24 are separate parts from the fork base 27. The second fork tine 24 is inserted, in particular plugged, into the fork base 27. The first fork tine 23 is also inserted, in particular plugged, into the fork base 27 and additionally connected to it by a snap connection 28.

As can also be seen, the second base part 9 has a guide channel 29 for the fork base 27. This guide channel 29 is open to the rear in the depth direction (z-direction). This allows the fork base 27 to be removed from its 8 shown basic position, in which it is essentially completely retracted or sunk into this guide channel 29, can be extended backwards. This fork base 27 is also the extension part, which is then brought into direct contact with a housing part of the housing 2, in particular a front flange of the housing 2, in order to press open the locking element 3 when the handle 4 is actuated.

In addition, 8 It can also be seen that the first fork tine 23 is guided in a first guide channel 30 in the second base part 9. This first guide channel 30 is completely closed in the circumferential direction around its longitudinal axis, at least over a partial axial length. In particular, the guide channel 30 is therefore formed as a circumferentially closed tube, at least over a partial length.

In one exemplary embodiment, the second fork tine 24 is guided in a second guide channel 31. This second guide channel 31 is also integrated into the second base part 9. This guide channel 31 is also preferably completely closed in the circumferential direction around its longitudinal axis, in particular at least over a partial axial length.

The fork tine 23 has a longitudinal axis A. As further shown in 8 As can be seen, the closure element opening device 26 also has a return spring 32. The return spring 32 is shorter than the fork tine 23. The fork tine 23 extends longer on both sides than the return spring 32. The return spring 32 is arranged with its spring axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis A. In particular, the return spring 32 surrounds the first fork tine 23 all the way around. The return spring 32 can be designed as a spiral spring, at least over a partial axial length, which is wound around the fork tine 23. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the return spring 32, as shown in the exploded view in 9 shown, has a front section 32a, which is designed as a spiral spring. Furthermore, the return spring 32 has a rear section 32b, which here is also designed as a spiral spring. In the exemplary embodiment, the return spring 32 has a central section 32c. This is not compressible and expandable in the direction of the spring's longitudinal axis, as are the spiral springs according to sections 32a and 32b, but rather this central section 32c is longitudinally rigid in this regard. In particular, this central section 32c can be a tube.

As in 8 As can be seen, this return spring 32 is also arranged in this first guide channel 30. For the defined positioning of the return spring 32, the first guide channel 30 has a stop 33. Thus, the stop 33 forms a radial constriction, at which in the embodiment For example, the return spring 32, here in particular with the rear section 32b, is supported.

Furthermore, one exemplary embodiment provides for the first fork tine 23 to have a bead 34 projecting radially from its casing wall. This bead 34 is only locally formed here and is formed by two elevations, in particular lugs. However, the bead 34 can also be formed to extend completely around the longitudinal axis A in the circumferential direction.

Preferably, the closure element opening device 26 has an additional component 35. This additional component 35 can, in one embodiment, be at least one annular sleeve. In the embodiment, two annular sleeves 35a and 35b are provided. They encompass the fork tine 23 circumferentially. As described in this regard in 8 As can be seen, the return spring 32 rests with its front end, in particular the spiral-shaped section 32a here, against the annular sleeve 35b. This annular sleeve 35b, in turn, rests against the further annular sleeve 35a. This further annular sleeve 35a is supported in the axial direction on the bead 34. The annular sleeve 35b can be made of plastic. This annular sleeve 35b preferably has an outer diameter such that it can be displaced in the first guide channel 30 essentially without radial play. The plastic design provides better contact with the second base part 9, especially if this is also made of plastic. This results in better sliding properties and less wear. The further annular sleeve 35a can be made of metal. Its outer diameter can be smaller than the annular sleeve 35b. The further annular sleeve 35a then has no contact with the inner wall of the first guide channel 30.

It is also possible that the further ring sleeve 35a is a component of the bead 34 and is thus formed integrally therewith and is arranged in a fixed position on the fork tine 23.

In the exemplary embodiment, only one such return spring 32 is provided, in particular in coupling with the first fork tine 23. However, it is also possible that the corresponding construction with the return spring 32 and in particular also the additional component 35 is provided in addition to or instead of the second fork tine 24.

As furthermore in 9 As can also be seen, the first fork tine 23 has a radial constriction 36. This constriction 36 is an embodiment of a snap element. A counter-snap element 37 ( 8 ), which is integrated into the fork base 27.

In 10 A perspective view of the assembled state of the push fork 25 is shown. Here, it is U-shaped. In this context, the two straight and parallel fork tines 23 and 24 form the cantilevered U-shaped legs, and the fork base 27 forms the connecting U-shaped base leg.

In 11 is an exploded view of the subcomponents of the second base part 9, as shown in the sectional view in 8 are shown.

In 12 is shown in a sectional view as shown in 8 a part of the view in 8 Only the area with the fork tine 23 is shown here. In the lower image in 12 The corresponding representation is as shown in the picture above in 12 shown, however, there the push-on position of the closure element opening device 26 is shown. As can be seen here, the fork base 27 is pushed out of the guide channel 29 to the rear. This is done in such a way that by pivoting the handle part 5 with the first base parts 8 and 12 about the axis of rotation, which is fixed and is formed by the bearing pin 22, the partial area with the openings 19a, 19b pivots in the direction of the second base part 9. In this respect, the first base part 8 thus dips into a receptacle 38 ( 11 and 13 ) of the second base part 9, and by directly acting on the front free ends of the fork tines 23 and 24, the push fork 25 as a whole is displaced linearly relative thereto in the second base part 9, in particular backwards in the depth direction. Due to the dimensionally stable coupling of the fork tines 23 and 24 with the fork base 27, the entire push fork 25 is thereby displaced. As a result of this movement from the basic position to the push-on position, the return spring 32 is compressed and thus pre-tensioned or even more pre-tensioned compared to the basic position. If the handle part 5 is then moved back into the basic position after this actuation of the handle 4, the push fork 25 is also automatically pushed back into the basic position, in particular here also linearly, by the pre-tensioned return spring 32.

In 13 The assembled state of the second base part 9 with the internal push fork 25 is shown in a perspective view.

In 14 An exemplary embodiment of the second base part 9 is shown in a transparent perspective view. It can also be seen here that this second base part 9 can also have a reinforcing element 39 in one exemplary embodiment. This reinforcing element 39 can be made of metal. A base body 40 of this second base part 9 can be made of plastic.

The explanations for handle base 6 apply accordingly to handle base 7.

List of reference symbols

1

household appliance

2

Housing

3

locking element

3a

Page margin

4

Handle

5

Handle part

6

Handle base

7

Handle base

8

Base part

9

Base part

10

swivel joint

11

Base part

12

Base part

13

swivel joint

14

screw connection

15

bearing bolt

16

bearing bolt

17

Recording

18

Base body

19

Base body

19a

Hole

19b

Hole

20

Reinforcing element

21

Subelement

21a

leg

21b

leg

21c

connecting leg

22

bearing bolt

23

Forks

24

Forks

25

push fork

26

Closure element opening device

27

Fork base

28

Snap connection

29

Guide channel

30

Guide channel

31

Guide channel

32

Return spring

32a

Section

32b

Section

32b

spiral spring

32c

Middle part

33

stop

34

bead

35

Additional component

35a

Ring sleeve

35b

Ring sleeve

36

constriction

37

Counter snap element

38

Recording

39

Reinforcing element

40

Base body

QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This 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 2 093 538 B1 [0003]
• US 7 984 955 B2 [0004]
• DE 10 2013 012 232 A1 [0005]

Claims (15)

Handle (4) for a household appliance (1), comprising a handle part (5) for gripping when operating the handle (4) and at least one handle base (6, 7) on which the handle part (5) is arranged, and the handle base (6, 7) is provided for coupling to a closure element (3) of the household appliance (1), wherein the handle base (6, 7) has a first base part (8, 11) which is connected to the handle part (5), and a second base part (9, 12) which is rotatably connected to the first base part (8, 11) by a rotary joint (10, 13), and a closure element opening device (26) with which the closed closure element (3) can be pressed open when the handle part (5) is operated, wherein the closure element opening device (26) has a push fork (25) which is displaceable in the second base part (9, 12). is mounted, and is displaceable from a basic position into a push-on position depending on the rotation of the handle part (5) with the first base part (8, 11) connected thereto relative to the second base part (9, 12), wherein a return spring (32) of the closure element opening device (26), which is provided for returning the push fork (25) from the push-on position into the basic position, is arranged encompassing a fork tine (23, 24) of the push fork (25). Handle (4) to Claim 1 , wherein the return spring (32) is at least partially a spiral spring (32a, 32b) which is arranged with its spring longitudinal axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis (A) of the fork tine (23, 24). Handle (4) to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the, in particular U-shaped, push fork (25) has at least two pin-like, in particular straight, fork tines (23, 24), and the push fork (25) has a fork base (27) which is designed in particular separately from the fork tines (23, 24), and the fork tines (23, 24) are connected by ends directly and fixedly to the fork base (27). Handle (4) to Claim 3 , wherein the fork base (27) is arranged in the second base part (9, 12) facing away from the handle part (5) and is provided in the pressing-on position for directly contacting a housing part of a housing (2) of the household appliance (1), and the fork tines (23, 24) are arranged in the second base part (9, 12) with their free ends facing the first base part (8, 11). Handle (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second base part (9, 12) has a guide channel (30, 31) which is completely closed on the circumference at least over a partial axial length and in which the fork tine (23, 24) is guided. Handle (4) to Claim 5 , wherein the guide channel (30, 31) has on its inner side a stop (33) on which the return spring (32) is supported. Handle (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first base part (8, 11) has a reinforcing part (20) for mechanical reinforcement, which is in contact with a free end of the at least one fork tine (23, 24) when the handle part (5) is rotated to actuate the closure element opening device (26). Handle (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot bearing (10, 13) has a single and continuous bearing pin (15, 16) which forms the axis of rotation, wherein the first base part (8, 11) and the second base part (9, 12) are mounted on this bearing pin (15, 16). Handle (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second base part (8, 11) forms a fitting part with which the handle (4) can be fastened directly to the closure element (3), in particular encompassing a side edge (3a) of the closure element (3). Handle (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second base part (9, 12) has a reinforcing part (39) for mechanical reinforcement. Handle (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first base part (8, 11) has a base body (19) made of plastic and/or the second base part (9, 12) has a base body (40) made of plastic. Handle (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fork tine (23, 24) has a radially projecting bead (34) which forms an axial stop for an additional component (35) of the handle (4). Handle (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element opening device (26) has an additional component (35), in particular at least one annular sleeve (35a, 35b), which engages around the separate fork tine (23, 24) and which is arranged to be axially displaceable on the fork tine (23, 24), wherein the return spring (32) is supported with one end, in particular an end facing the first base part (8, 11), on the additional component (35). Closure element (3) for a household appliance (1), with a handle (4) according to one of the preceding claims. Household appliance (1) with a housing (2) and a closure element (3) arranged on the housing (2) and movable relative to the housing according to Claim 14 .