Method for operating a door-opening mechanism of a household appliance

• US 9,267,319 B2
• Filed: 12/30/2013
• Issued: 02/23/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Miele & CIE KG (The Miele Group)
• Original Assignee: Miele & CIE KG (The Miele Group)
• Inventors: Backherms, Volker, Beier, Dominic, Tiekoetter, Stefan
• Primary Examiner(s): Lieu, Julie
• Application Number:
  US14/142,986
• Publication Number:
  US 20140109488A1
• Time in Patent Office: 785 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4259 Arrangements of locking or security/safety devices for doors, e.g. door latches, switch to stop operation when door is open
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4265 Arrangements of door covering/decoration panels or plinths, e.g. for integrated dishwashers
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2401/32 Vibration or sound detection
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2501/22 Loading doors, e.g. door latches, inflatable door seals
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/00 Power-operated mechanisms for wings motor-operated accessories in locks for completing closing or initiating opening of a wing E05B17/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/70 with automatic actuation
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/73 responsive to movement or presence of persons or objects
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/77 using wireless control
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/79 using time control
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/3015 Power assistance
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/852 Sensors
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/86 by hand
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/73 Multiple functions
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/304 for dishwashers
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 23/028 Details

Abstract

A method for operating a door-opening mechanism of a household appliance includes: providing a first signal using a door-opening sensor; providing a second signal using the door-opening sensor; and providing a third signal using the door-opening sensor. A total signal is calculated based on the first, second and third signals so as to determine a spatial direction from which a signal source originates.

Claims

1. A method for operating a door-opening mechanism of a door of a household appliance, the method comprising:

providing a first signal using a door-opening sensor;

providing a second signal using the door-opening sensor;

providing a third signal using the door-opening sensor;

calculating a total signal based on the first, second and third signals so as to determine a spatial direction from which a signal source originates; and

moving, based on the calculating, the door from a closed position an at least partially open position,

wherein the door-opening sensor comprises a three-axis sensor, the first, second and third signals representing three independent spatial directions.

2. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the first, second and third signals are filtered so as to provide a limited frequency band.

3. The method recited in claim 1, wherein a spectral analysis of the first, second and third signals is calculated or evaluated.

4. The method recited in claim 1, wherein acceleration integrals of the first, second and third signals are calculated or evaluated.

5. A method for operating a door-opening mechanism of a household appliance, the method comprising:

providing a first signal using a door-opening sensor;

providing a second signal using the door-opening sensor;

providing a third signal using the door-opening sensor; and

calculating a total signal based on the first, second and third signals so as to determine a spatial direction from which a signal source originates,

wherein the first, second and third signals are filtered so as to provide a limited frequency band.

6. A method for operating a door-opening mechanism of a household appliance, the method comprising:

providing a first signal using a door-opening sensor;

providing a second signal using the door-opening sensor;

providing a third signal using the door-opening sensor; and

calculating a total signal based on the first, second and third signals so as to determine a spatial direction from which a signal source originates,

wherein a spectral analysis of the first, second and third signals is calculated or evaluated.

7. A method for operating a door-opening mechanism of a household appliance, the method comprising:

providing a first signal using a door-opening sensor;

providing a second signal using the door-opening sensor;

providing a third signal using the door-opening sensor; and

calculating a total signal based on the first, second and third signals so as to determine a spatial direction from which a signal source originates,

wherein acceleration integrals of the first, second and third signals are calculated or evaluated.