DE102024206815A1 - Household appliance door opening device and household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance door opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) for the automatic at least partial opening of at least one household appliance door (12a) of a household appliance (14a), comprising at least one housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c) and at least one electrical drive unit (18a; 18b; 18c).
In order to provide a generic device with improved characteristics with regard to user comfort and/or cost-efficiency and/or component tolerance, it is proposed that the household appliance door opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) has at least one decoupling unit (20a; 20b; 20c) arranged between the at least one housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c) and the at least one electric drive unit (18a; 18b; 18c), wherein the at least one decoupling unit (20a; 20b; 20c) is designed to counteract vibration transmission from the at least one electric drive unit (16a; 16b; 16c) to the at least one housing unit (18a; 18b; 18c).

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance door opening device and a household appliance.

From the state of the art, for example from the US 2020/0158420 A1 and the CN 218269755 U Household appliances designed as refrigerators are already known, which have a door opening device for the automatic, at least partial, opening of a refrigerator door. The door opening device of these refrigerators known from the prior art comprises a housing unit and an electric drive unit. The door opening devices of the prior art only have damping units, which, in the assembled state of the door opening device, are arranged between a refrigerator housing and the housing unit of the door opening device. These damping units are solely intended to dampen vibration transmission between a refrigerator housing and the housing unit of the door opening device during operation of the electric drive unit.

The object of the invention is, in particular but not limited to, providing a generic device with improved properties with regard to user comfort and/or cost-efficiency and/or component tolerance. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and claim 11, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a household appliance door opening device for the automatic at least partial opening of at least one household appliance door, comprising at least one housing unit and at least one electrical drive unit.

It is proposed that the household appliance door opening device has at least one decoupling unit which is arranged between the at least one housing unit and the at least one electrical drive unit, wherein the at least one decoupling unit is designed to counteract vibration transmission from the at least one electrical drive unit to the at least one housing unit.

Such a design makes it possible, in particular, to advantageously dampen, reduce, and/or decouple vibrations, especially those generated by the electric drive unit, directly at the vibration source. Furthermore, vibration transmission from the electric drive unit to at least the housing unit can be advantageously dampened, reduced, and/or decoupled. This results in advantageously low noise levels during operation of the household appliance door opening device. Moreover, from a psychoacoustic perspective, this can also alter and/or shift the vibration frequency transmitted from the electric drive unit to the housing unit, particularly to advantageously reduce resonance phenomena, thereby advantageously increasing user comfort. Furthermore, such damping and/or decoupling via the decoupling unit allows for the advantageous use of an electric drive unit with a favorablely high rotational speed. High-speed electric drive units, especially electric motors, are generally less expensive than low-speed electric drive units, which leads to advantageously lower costs and thus cost efficiency. This, in turn, leads to advantageously improved price-performance ratios and thus also to advantageously high customer satisfaction. Furthermore, manufacturing inaccuracies, such as an imbalance of the electric drive unit, have a beneficially weak effect on the noise development of the household appliance door opening device and, in particular, of the household appliance itself, which allows for a particularly advantageously high component tolerance.

Preferably, the at least one decoupling unit comprises at least one decoupling element designed to substantially reduce at least one amplitude of a vibration from the at least one electric drive unit arriving at the housing unit compared to the amplitude of the vibration at the electric drive unit. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable for the at least one decoupling element to be designed to change and/or shift a vibration frequency transmitted from the at least one electric drive unit to the at least one housing unit. The at least one decoupling unit preferably comprises a plurality of decoupling elements. Preferably, the at least one decoupling element is made of at least one material and/or shaped such that a vibration is substantially reduced by the at least one decoupling element. "Substantially reduced" means, in particular, a reduction of the vibration amplitude at the at least one housing unit preferably by at least 25%, advantageously by at least 45%, particularly advantageously by at least 65%, preferably by at least 75%, and particularly preferably by at least 90% relative to the vibration amplitude at the at least one electric drive unit. The term "unit" is understood to mean "unit". Preferably, the structure-borne sound power of the household appliance door opening device is reduced by means of the at least one decoupling unit in a mounted state of the household appliance by at least 25%, advantageously by at least 45%, particularly advantageously by at least 65%, preferably by at least 75%, and particularly preferably by at least 90% compared to a household appliance door opening device without the at least one decoupling unit. For example, the structure-borne sound power or an equivalent of the structure-borne sound power of an object can be determined using a blocked-force measurement method. In particular, a force acting on the at least one housing unit, which can be detected particularly using the blocked-force measurement method, is preferably reduced by at least 25%, advantageously by at least 45%, particularly advantageously by at least 65%, preferably by at least 75%, and particularly preferably by at least 90% relative to at least one force acting on the at least one electrical drive unit.

The term "appliance door opening device" refers in particular to a door opening device for the automatic, at least partial, opening of at least one door of a household appliance. Preferably, the appliance door opening device forms at least a part, in particular a subassembly, of a household appliance. It is also conceivable that the appliance door opening device is designed as a separate module. Preferably, the appliance door opening device can be retrofitted to a household appliance. For example, a household appliance featuring the appliance door opening device could be a dishwasher, a washing machine, a dryer, or a washer-dryer. Alternatively or additionally, a household appliance featuring the appliance door opening device could be, for example, a cooking appliance. A household appliance designed as a cooking appliance could be, for example, an oven, a microwave, a grill, and/or a steam cooker. Preferably, a household appliance featuring the appliance door opening device is a household refrigerator. A household appliance designed as a domestic refrigeration appliance is advantageously intended to cool goods, particularly foodstuffs such as beverages, meat, fish, milk and/or dairy products, in at least one operating state, especially to extend the shelf life of the cooled goods. The household appliance designed as a domestic refrigeration appliance can be, in particular, a chest freezer and, advantageously, a refrigerator and/or freezer.

Preferably, the appliance door opening device is arranged within the appliance's housing when the appliance is installed. For example, the appliance housing may be designed as an outer frame, a casing, or a chest. Preferably, the appliance housing comprises at least one side wall, at least one rear wall, at least one base, and at least one top. Preferably, the appliance door opening device is arranged within a wall of the appliance housing when the appliance is installed. A "wall of the appliance housing" can, in particular, be a section of the at least one side wall, the at least one base, and/or the at least one top of the housing. In particular, the appliance door opening device is arranged at a distance from a pivot axis of the appliance door. The appliance door opening device preferably comprises at least one plunger, which is driven, in particular extendable, by the at least one electrical drive unit. Preferably, the at least one plunger is designed to open the appliance door, in particular automatically, at least partially.

The at least one housing unit is preferably made at least substantially of a plastic. "Made substantially of a material" is understood to mean, in particular, that a mole fraction, mass, or volume of a material composition of the object consists of at least 75%, preferably at least 85%, and particularly preferably at least 95% of that material. Alternatively, the at least one housing unit could be made at least substantially of at least one metal, a composite material, a ceramic, or laminated glass. Preferably, the at least one housing unit is formed of at least two housing elements, namely a first housing element and a second housing element. The at least one housing unit is preferably formed of exactly two housing elements, in particular half-shells. Preferably, the first housing element, in particular the first half-shell, is designed as a base. The second housing element, in particular the second half-shell, is preferably designed as a lid. The at least two housing elements are preferably formed separately from one another. Alternatively, however, it would be conceivable for the at least two housing elements to be formed in one piece. Preferably, the at least two housing elements are designed to be pivotable and/or lockable to each other and/or to be connected by friction and/or form locking.

The term "force-fit and/or form-fit connection" is to be understood in particular as a detachable connection, whereby a holding force between two components is preferably transmitted by a geometric engagement of the components with each other and/or a frictional force between the components.

The term "one-piece" shall be understood to mean, in particular, at least materially bonded, for example by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process and/or another process that appears sensible to the person skilled in the art, and/or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by production from a single casting and/or by production in a single or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank.

The at least one housing unit preferably has at least one bearing point. This bearing point is preferably designed to support the at least one electric drive unit. The bearing point is preferably designed to support the at least one electric drive unit at least partially by positive locking. In an embodiment of the housing unit consisting of at least two housing elements, in particular the first and the second housing element, each housing element preferably has at least one bearing point, in particular to support the at least one electric drive unit. In an embodiment of the housing unit consisting of at least two housing elements, in particular the first and the second housing element, the bearing points are designed as projections, which are designed in particular to support the at least one electric drive unit at least partially by positive locking and/or friction locking. Preferably, the housing unit has at least one further bearing point, in particular to support further components, such as a gearbox, in particular gears, and/or the extendable plunger, in particular to allow movement.

The household appliance door opening device preferably comprises at least one control unit. A "control unit" is understood to mean, in particular, an electronic unit that is preferably at least partially integrated into a control and/or regulation unit of the household appliance. The at least one control unit is preferably designed to control and/or regulate the at least one electrical drive unit. Preferably, the control unit comprises a processing unit and, in particular, in addition to the processing unit, a storage unit with a control and/or regulation program stored therein, which is intended to be executed by the processing unit. Preferably, the at least one control unit includes an interface for connection to a main power supply source of the household appliance.

The at least one electric drive unit preferably comprises at least one electric motor. Preferably, the at least one electric drive unit comprises at least one gearbox. Preferably, the at least one gearbox is designed as a planetary gearbox. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the at least one gearbox to be designed as a spur gearbox, a helical gearbox, a worm gearbox, or another gearbox that would be considered suitable by a person skilled in the art. The at least one electric drive unit is preferably designed to drive at least one plunger, in particular the one mentioned above, in order to at least partially open the appliance door, preferably from a closed state, by means of the plunger. The at least one plunger is preferably extendable from the appliance door opening device, in particular the at least one housing unit, by means of the at least one electric drive unit. Preferably, the at least one plunger can be moved from a retracted state to an extended state by means of the at least one electric drive unit. Preferably, the at least one electric drive unit is connected to the at least one control unit via at least one supply line.

The at least one electric drive unit is preferably designed to be at least substantially cylindrical. "At least substantially cylindrical" means, in particular, that an outer surface and/or volume of a component deviates from the outer surface and/or volume of the smallest imaginary ideal cylinder that just completely encloses the component by, in particular, less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, and most preferably less than 5%. Preferably, the at least one electric drive unit has at least one flattened, in particular planar, outer surface. The at least one electric drive unit preferably has an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation preferably runs at least substantially parallel to a principal direction of extension of the at least one electric drive unit. "At least substantially parallel" here means, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the direction deviates from the reference direction by, in particular, less than The angle of rotation is 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. The at least one electric drive unit preferably has at least one drive shaft, which is in particular at least substantially parallel, and especially collinear, to the axis of rotation.

The term "principal extension direction" of an object is understood to mean, in particular, a direction that runs parallel to the longest edge of the smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object.

Preferably, the at least one electric drive unit is arranged within the at least one housing unit. Preferably, the at least one electric drive unit is mounted within the at least one housing unit by means of at least one bearing point of the housing unit, in particular one of those mentioned above, especially by means of a positive and/or frictional fit. Advantageously, a wrench size of the drive shaft of the at least one electric drive unit serves as an anti-rotation device and/or counter bearing relative to the at least one housing unit, in particular relative to the at least one bearing point of the at least one housing unit. In an embodiment of the at least one electric drive unit with at least one flattened outer surface, the at least one flattened outer surface advantageously serves as an anti-rotation device and/or counter bearing of the at least one electric drive unit against the at least one housing unit.

The term "intended" should be understood to mean specifically programmed, designed, and/or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and/or executes this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state.

It is further proposed that the at least one decoupling unit be arranged on the at least one electric drive unit, particularly directly. Such a design advantageously increases the protection of the electric drive unit by, in particular, reducing vibrations caused by the decoupling unit. This can advantageously protect the electric drive unit from excessive stress and wear, which in turn advantageously improves the reliability and longevity of the household appliance door opening device. Furthermore, the flexibility in the assembly of the at least one decoupling unit can be advantageously increased, which in turn leads to advantageously high manufacturing efficiency and/or advantageously to minimal assembly problems. Preferably, the at least one decoupling unit is arranged on the at least one electric drive unit upstream of an assembled state of the household appliance door opening device. The at least one decoupling unit is preferably designed to reduce vibrations at least substantially directly at the at least one electric drive unit. The at least one decoupling unit preferably encloses and/or surrounds the at least one electric drive unit, at least partially. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the at least one decoupling unit to be arranged preferably at a single point on the at least one electric drive unit. Preferably, the at least one decoupling unit is arranged on the at least one electric drive unit in a reversible manner, particularly one that can be detached without damage, for example by encasing and/or fitting the at least one decoupling unit around and/or over the at least one electric drive unit. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one decoupling unit is arranged on the at least one electric drive unit in a non-reversible manner, particularly one that cannot be detached without damage, and is particularly bonded to the at least one electric drive unit, for example by an adhesive bonding process, a welding process, a casting process, and/or an injection molding process. Preferably, the at least one decoupling unit is adapted to the shape and design of the at least one electric drive unit. Preferably, the at least one electric drive unit together with the at least one decoupling unit is designed as a pre-assembled finished part, which is inserted into the at least one housing unit. The at least one housing unit is designed to accommodate and, in particular, support the at least one electric drive unit together with the at least one decoupling unit.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one decoupling unit be arranged on the at least one housing unit, particularly directly. Such a design advantageously increases the flexibility in the assembly of the at least one decoupling unit, which in turn leads to particularly high manufacturing efficiency and/or advantageously to minimal assembly problems. Preferably, the at least one decoupling unit is arranged on the at least one housing unit before the household appliance door opening device is assembled. The at least one decoupling unit is preferably designed to prevent vibration transmission from the at least one electric drive. The decoupling unit is to be reduced, at least substantially, to the at least one housing unit. Preferably, the at least one decoupling unit is designed as an insert for the at least one housing unit. In an embodiment of the at least one housing unit consisting of two half-shells, the at least one decoupling unit is arranged in the respective recess of the two half-shells, particularly as an insert. In an embodiment of the at least one housing unit consisting of two half-shells, the decoupling unit is preferably designed in two parts. Additionally, it would be conceivable for the at least one decoupling unit to cover the area of the recess at least substantially completely. "Cover at least substantially completely" is to be understood in particular as meaning that an area is covered, in particular, at least 75%, preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 95%. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the at least one decoupling unit to be arranged, preferably at a single point, on the at least one housing unit. Preferably, the at least one decoupling unit is reversibly, and in particular non-destructively, attached to the at least one housing unit, for example, by being placed on it, clamped, and/or snapped into place, and in particular by a force-fit and/or form-fit connection. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the at least one decoupling unit is not reversibly, and in particular not non-destructively, attached to the at least one housing unit, for example, by an adhesive bonding process, a welding process, and/or an injection molding process. Preferably, the at least one decoupling unit is adapted to the shape and design of the at least one housing unit. It would be conceivable that the at least one decoupling unit is manufactured/molded together with the housing unit, for example, by an injection molding process.

It would also be conceivable that the at least one decoupling unit, in particular the at least one decoupling element, is arranged both on the at least one electrical drive unit and on the at least one housing unit, in particular directly.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one decoupling unit comprises at least one decoupling element, in particular a vibration damping element, wherein the at least one decoupling element is designed as a spring element. Designing the decoupling element as a spring element advantageously increases flexibility, since spring elements can be manufactured cost-effectively and tailored to the specific vibration characteristics of the electric drive unit and the housing unit. This, in turn, advantageously reduces vibration transmission from the electric drive unit. Furthermore, the assembly or construction of the household appliance door opening device can be advantageously simplified, since spring elements, in particular, can be installed easily and quickly. Preferably, the at least one decoupling unit comprises a plurality of decoupling elements. The spring element is preferably designed as a metal spring or a plastic spring, for example, a spiral spring, a leaf spring, or a helical spring. Alternatively or additionally, however, it would be conceivable for the spring element to be designed as a rubber spring, an air spring, a hydraulic spring, or a diaphragm spring.

It is further proposed that the at least one decoupling unit comprises at least one decoupling element, in particular a vibration damping element, wherein the at least one decoupling element is designed as an elastomer. Designing the decoupling element as an elastomer advantageously increases flexibility, since elastomers can be manufactured cost-effectively and tailored to the specific vibration characteristics of the electric drive unit and the housing unit. Furthermore, the assembly or assembly of the household appliance door opening device can be advantageously simplified, since elastomers, in particular, can be installed easily and quickly. It would be conceivable for the decoupling unit to comprise a plurality of decoupling elements. An "elastomer" is understood to be a polymeric material that possesses rubber-like properties, in particular high elasticity and/or high flexibility and/or high elongation. Preferably, the elastomer is designed as a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a silicone rubber, or a polyurethane. The at least one decoupling element is preferably designed as a point buffer. Preferably, the at least one decoupling element is designed as an insert, in particular the one mentioned above, for the at least one housing unit, in particular for the two half-shells of the housing unit, or as a jacket, in particular for a slip-on covering, for the at least one electrical drive unit.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one decoupling unit comprises at least one decoupling element, in particular a vibration damping element, wherein the at least one decoupling element is designed as an injection-molded part. By designing the decoupling element as an injection-molded part, Advantageously, flexibility is increased because injection-molded parts can be manufactured cost-effectively and precisely. This allows for a particularly advantageous response to the specific vibration characteristics of the electric drive unit and the housing unit through a precisely tailored composition and/or shape of the decoupling element. Furthermore, a shared manufacturing process for the decoupling element and the housing unit results in a more efficient manufacturing process for the components. Additionally, the assembly or installation of the household appliance door opening device can be advantageously simplified, as injection-molded parts, in particular, can be installed easily and quickly due to their advantageously high dimensional accuracy. It is conceivable that the decoupling unit comprises a plurality of decoupling elements. Preferably, the at least one decoupling element can be manufactured in a single injection-molded process. In particular, the shape and/or composition can be advantageously freely selected through the injection-molded process. For example, the injection-molded part can be designed as a spring element, particularly as mentioned above, or as an elastomer, particularly as mentioned above. Preferably, the at least one decoupling element can be manufactured in the injection-molded process, particularly as a pre-assembled finished part, together with the at least one housing unit. Preferably, the at least one decoupling element in the pre-assembled finished part forms a soft component, for example, at least one elastomer, in particular the one mentioned above, or at least one spring element, in particular the one mentioned above, and the at least one housing unit forms a hard component, for example, a hard plastic. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the at least one decoupling element is formed separately from the at least one housing unit, in particular by means of separate manufacturing processes.

It is conceivable that at least one decoupling unit comprises a combination of differently designed decoupling elements. Alternatively, however, it is conceivable that at least one decoupling unit comprises only one type of decoupling element.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one decoupling unit be designed to at least substantially dampen at least one vibration of the at least one electric drive unit, at least substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the at least one electric drive unit. "Substantially dampen" is understood to mean, in particular, substantially "substantially reduce." Such a design of the household appliance door opening device advantageously allows for the targeted damping of vibrations of the electric drive unit perpendicular to its axis of rotation, with vibrations perpendicular to the axis of rotation being strongest in the present system. A uniform or isotropic arrangement of the decoupling unit, in particular the decoupling element, along the circumferential direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the electric drive unit advantageously contributes to ensuring uniform damping of vibrations in all directions, which can advantageously improve and/or increase the stability and/or service life of the components used. The term "at least substantially perpendicular" here refers in particular to an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of preferably less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. Preferably, the decoupling unit, in particular the at least one decoupling element, is arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Advantageously, the decoupling unit, in particular the at least one decoupling element, is arranged at least substantially uniformly or isotropically, in particular in a circumferential direction of the axis of rotation of the at least one electrical drive unit, on the at least one electrical drive unit and/or on the at least one housing unit.

It is further proposed that the at least one decoupling unit encloses the at least one electric drive unit at least substantially completely. Such a design of the household appliance door opening device advantageously further reduces vibrations of the electric drive unit. In addition, advantageously uniform and/or isotropic damping of vibrations can be achieved. Furthermore, the risk of an explosion due to, for example, a refrigerant leak within a refrigerator, should sparking occur in the electric drive unit, particularly in the case of brushed electric drive units, can be advantageously kept low, which particularly enhances the safety of the household appliance door opening device. In this context, the phrase "at least substantially completely enclosed" by another object means, in particular, that the object, especially an outer surface of the object, is enclosed and/or covered by the other object to at least 75%, preferably at least 90%, and particularly preferably at least 95%, and especially in direct contact. in physical contact with the other object. Preferably, one end of a drive shaft, in particular one of the aforementioned, of the at least one electric drive unit is free from the at least one decoupling unit. Preferably, in the case of an at least substantially cylindrical design of the at least one electric drive unit, the at least one decoupling unit completely covers a lateral surface of the at least one electric drive unit. Preferably, the at least one decoupling unit is formed from a single piece. Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable for the at least one decoupling unit to be formed, in particular, in multiple parts, preferably exactly in two parts. Preferably, in a one-piece design, the at least one decoupling unit has at least one recess for a supply line of the at least one electric drive unit. Preferably, the at least one recess is shaped such that it connects directly to the supply line.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one decoupling unit fills at least a large part, and in particular completely, of the space between the at least one electric drive unit and the at least one housing unit, a space defined by the at least one housing unit. Such a design of the household appliance door opening device advantageously further reduces vibrations. Furthermore, any airborne noise that may arise, particularly during vibration or vibration transmission of the electric drive unit, can be at least substantially dampened. The resulting vibrations can advantageously be damped uniformly or isotropically by means of the decoupling unit. Particularly complete filling of the space defined by the housing unit advantageously ensures further improved support of the electric drive unit within the housing unit. In this context, "filling at least a large part of a defined space" is understood to mean, in particular, that a component fills the defined space, in particular the volume of the defined space, preferably at least 75%, advantageously at least 85%, and particularly preferably at least 95%. Preferably, one end of the drive shaft of the at least one electric drive unit is free of the at least one decoupling unit. It is conceivable that at least one decoupling unit and at least one electric drive unit and/or at least one housing unit have an interference fit.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one electric drive unit, in particular an electric motor of the at least one electric drive unit, be operable at a speed of at least 4000 rpm. Such a design advantageously increases cost efficiency, since slow-rotating electric drive units, in particular electric motors, are more expensive compared to high-speed electric drive units, in particular electric motors. Furthermore, the appliance door can be opened advantageously quickly, which leads to particularly high efficiency. Preferably, the electric motor of the at least one electric drive unit is operable at a speed of at least 4000 rpm, in particular at least 6000 rpm, advantageously at least 8000 rpm, more preferably at least 9000 rpm, and most preferably at least 10000 rpm. Preferably, the gearbox of the at least one electric drive unit is designed to generate a speed of, in particular, at least 300 rpm, advantageously at least 400 rpm, more preferably at least 500 rpm, and most preferably at least 600 rpm at the drive shaft of the at least one electric drive unit.

Furthermore, a household appliance is proposed, comprising at least one household appliance door opening device according to the invention, at least one body, and at least one household appliance door. Preferably, the at least one household appliance door is arranged on the at least one body of the household appliance, in particular pivotably via a pivot axis. Preferably, in a mounted state of the household appliance, the at least one household appliance door opening device is arranged within a wall of the at least one body of the household appliance. In particular, the at least one household appliance door opening device is arranged at a distance from the pivot axis of the at least one household appliance door. For example, the at least one household appliance door can be designed as a door, flap, or window. The household appliance is characterized in particular by the advantageous properties that can be achieved by the features of the household appliance door opening device described above.

The household appliance door opening device and the household appliance according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the household appliance door opening device and the household appliance according to the invention can, to fulfill a function described herein, use a number of [number] specified herein. individual elements, components and units may have a different number.

Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate three exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltsgeräts mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltsgerätetüröffnungsvorrichtung,
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltsgerätetüröffnungsvorrichtung,
• 3 eine Schnittansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltsgerätetüröffnungsvorrichtung,
• 4 eine Schnittansicht eines alternativen Ausführungsbeispiels der Haushaltsgerätetüröffnungsvorrichtung und
• 5 eine Schnittansicht eines weiteren alternativen Ausführungsbeispiels der Haushaltsgerätevorrichtung.

They show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a household appliance according to the invention with a household appliance door opening device according to the invention,
• 2 a schematic representation of a household appliance door opening device according to the invention,
• 3 a sectional view of a household appliance door opening device according to the invention,
• 4 a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the household appliance door opening device and
• 5 a sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the household appliance device.

1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a household appliance 14a. The household appliance 14a has at least one household appliance door opening device 10a. The household appliance 14a has at least one housing 26a. Furthermore, the household appliance 14a has at least one household appliance door 12a. In this case, the household appliance 14a is designed as a refrigerator. Alternatively, however, other configurations of the household appliance 14a would also be conceivable, such as a dishwasher, a washing machine, an oven, or other household appliances that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art.

In the present case, the household appliance 14a, designed as a refrigerator, has exactly one body 26a. The body 26a of the household appliance 14a comprises a first side wall 28a, a second side wall 30a, a rear wall 32a, a base 34a, and a top 36a. The body 26a is lockable by exactly one appliance door 12a, in particular a refrigerator door. The appliance door 12a is designed to seal the body 26a of the household appliance 14a, for example, by means of a gasket (not shown). The body 26a of the household appliance 14a and the appliance door 12a define an interior space 38a of the household appliance 14a. Alternatively or additionally, the household appliance 14a can have multiple bodies and/or multiple appliance doors.

The household appliance 14a has exactly one household appliance door opening device 10a. In the assembled state of the household appliance 14a, the household appliance door opening device 10a is located within a wall of the housing 26a of the household appliance 14a. Specifically, the household appliance door opening device 10a is located in a region of the base 34a of the housing 26a of the household appliance 14a. The household appliance door opening device 10a is spaced apart from a pivot axis of the household appliance door 12a. The household appliance door opening device 10a comprises at least one, in this case exactly one, plunger 40a, which is driven, in particular extendable, by at least one electrical drive unit 18a. The plunger 40a of the household appliance door opening device 10a is designed to open the household appliance door 12a, in particular automatically, at least partially.

2 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the household appliance door opening device 10a. The household appliance door opening device 10a is designed for the automatic, at least partial, opening of the household appliance door 12a of the household appliance 14a. The household appliance door opening device 10a comprises at least one, in this case exactly one, housing unit 16a. The household appliance door opening device 10a comprises at least one, in this case exactly one, electric drive unit 18a. Furthermore, the household appliance door opening device 10a comprises at least one, in this case exactly one, decoupling unit 20a. The decoupling unit 20a is arranged between the at least one housing unit 16a and the at least one electric drive unit 18a. The at least one decoupling unit 20a is designed to counteract the transmission of vibrations from the at least one electric drive unit 18a to the at least one housing unit 16a.

The housing unit 16a is made at least substantially of a plastic. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the housing unit 16a is made at least substantially of a metal, a composite material, a ceramic, or laminated glass. The housing unit 16a is formed from two housing elements 42a and 44a, namely a first housing element 42a and a second housing element 44a. The two housing elements 42a and 44a are designed as half-shells. The first housing element 42a is designed as a base part. The second housing element 44a is designed as a cover part. The at least two housing elements 42a and 44a are formed separately from each other. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the two housing elements 42a, 44a are formed as a single piece. The two housing elements 42a, 44a are designed to be connected to each other by friction and/or form-fitting. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the two housing elements 42a, 44a are designed to be pivotable and/or lockable to each other.

The housing unit 16a has at least one bearing point 46a. The at least one bearing point 46a is at least intended to support the electric drive unit 18a. The at least one bearing point 46a is at least intended to support the electric drive unit 18a at least partially by positive locking. In the present case, the first and second housing elements 42a, 44a of the housing unit 16a each have at least one bearing point 48a, 50a, namely a first bearing point 48a and a second bearing point 50a, in particular to support the electric drive unit 18a (see Figure 1). 3 The first housing element 42a has the first bearing point 48a and the second housing element 44a has the second bearing point 50a. The bearing points 48a and 50a are each designed as projections (see figure). 3 The protrusions are designed to mount the electric drive unit 18a at least partially in a form-fit and/or force-fit manner.

The housing unit 16a has a plurality of further bearing points 52a, of which only one further bearing point 52a is designated. The further bearing points 52a are intended to support further components, such as a gear unit 54a formed by gears and the extendable plunger 40a, in particular in a movable manner.

The household appliance door opening device 10a preferably has at least one, and in this case exactly one, control unit 56a. The control unit 56a is designed to control and/or regulate the electric drive unit 18a. The control unit 56a has at least one interface for connection to a main power supply source of the household appliance 14a (not shown).

The electric drive unit 18a comprises at least one electric motor (not shown). The electric drive unit 18a comprises at least one gearbox (not shown). The at least one gearbox is designed as a planetary gearbox. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the at least one gearbox is designed as a spur gear gearbox, a helical gear gearbox, a worm gear gearbox, or as another gearbox that would be considered sensible by a person skilled in the art. The electric drive unit 18a is designed to drive the plunger 40a in order to at least partially open the household appliance door 12a, preferably from a closed state, by means of the plunger 40a. The plunger 40a can be extended from the household appliance door opening device 10a, in particular the housing unit 16a, by means of the electric drive unit 18a. The plunger 40a can be moved from a retracted state to an extended state by means of the electric drive unit 18a. The electric drive unit 18a is connected to the control unit 56a via at least one supply line 58a and can be controlled in particular by the control unit 56a.

The electric drive unit 18a is at least essentially cylindrical in shape (cf. 3 Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable that the electric drive unit 18a has at least one flattened, in particular planar, outer surface (not shown). The electric drive unit 18a has an axis of rotation 24a. The axis of rotation 24a runs at least substantially parallel to a principal direction of extension of the electric drive unit 18a. The electric drive unit 18a has at least one, in this case exactly one, drive shaft 60a, which is designed in particular at least substantially parallel, in particular collinear, to the axis of rotation 24a. A coupling element 62 is arranged at one end of the drive shaft 60a of the electric drive unit 18a. The coupling element 62a is designed as a helical gear. The coupling element 62a is intended to drive the gear unit 54a and the plunger 40a.

The at least one electric drive unit 18a, in particular the electric motor of the at least one electric drive unit 18a, can be operated at a speed of at least 4000 rpm. The gearbox of the electric drive unit 18a is designed to generate a speed of at least 400 rpm at the drive shaft 60a.

In 3 Figure 10a shows a sectional view of the household appliance door opening device. The sectional view is shown in a plane that runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation 24a of the electric drive unit 18a.

The at least one decoupling unit 20a is arranged on the at least one electric drive unit 18a, in particular directly. The decoupling unit 20a is designed to reduce vibrations at least substantially directly at the electric drive unit 18a. The decoupling unit 20a is arranged on the electric drive unit 18a in a reversible manner, in particular by being removable without damage, especially by slipping the decoupling unit over the drive unit. The decoupling unit 20a is connected to the electric drive unit 18a. Alternatively, the decoupling unit 20a could be arranged on the electric drive unit 18a in a non-reversible manner, particularly one that cannot be detached without damage, and in particular could be bonded to the electric drive unit 18a by means of a material bond, for example by an adhesive bonding process, a welding process, a casting process, and/or an injection molding process. The housing unit 16a accommodates the electric drive unit 18a together with the decoupling unit 20a. In particular, the housing unit 16a supports the electric drive unit 18a together with the decoupling unit 20a. In particular, the first and second housing elements 42a, 44a, preferably in the bearing points 48a, 50a designed as bulges, support and accommodate the electric drive unit 18a together with the decoupling unit 20a.

The at least one decoupling unit 20a is arranged on the at least one housing unit 16a, in particular directly. The decoupling unit 20a is arranged on the housing unit 16a according to a combined state of the household appliance door opening device 10a.

The at least one decoupling unit 20a comprises at least one decoupling element 22a, in particular a vibration damping element, wherein the at least one decoupling element 22a is designed as an elastomer. In the present case, the decoupling unit 20a comprises precisely this one decoupling element 22a. The decoupling element 22a is designed as a sheath for the electric drive unit 18a, in particular for an outer surface, especially a sheath surface, of the electric drive unit 18a. The decoupling element 22a, designed as an elastomer, is in the present case made of polyurethane. Alternatively, however, it would be conceivable for the elastomer to be made of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or silicone rubber.

It is conceivable that the decoupling element 22a, which is designed as an elastomer, is designed as an injection-molded part, in particular from an injection molding process.

The at least one decoupling unit 20a encloses the at least one electric drive unit 18a at least substantially completely. The end of the drive shaft 60a of the electric drive unit 18a is free of the decoupling unit 20a. The decoupling unit 20a is formed in one piece. The decoupling unit 20a has at least one recess 64a for the supply line 58a of the electric drive unit 18a to the control unit 56a. The at least one recess 64a connects directly to the supply line 58a.

The at least one decoupling unit 20a fills a space defined by the at least one housing unit 16a between the at least one electric drive unit 18a and the at least one housing unit 16a, at least to a large extent, in particular completely.

The at least one decoupling unit 20a is designed to dampen at least one vibration of the at least one electric drive unit 18a, at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation 24a of the at least one electric drive unit 18a. The decoupling unit 20a, in particular the decoupling element 22a, is arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation 24a. The decoupling unit 20a, in particular the decoupling element 22a, is arranged at least substantially uniformly and/or isotropically, in particular in a circumferential direction of the axis of rotation 24a of the electric drive unit 18a, in particular on the outer surface of the electric drive unit 18a.

Of the objects that appear multiple times in the figures, only one is marked with a reference symbol.

In the 4 and 5 Two further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to identical components, features and functions, reference is made to the description of the embodiment of the 1 , 2 until 3 Reference can be made to. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment is used in the 1 , 2 until 3 by the letter b in the reference numerals of the embodiment of the 4 and by the letter c in the reference numerals of the embodiment of the 5 replaced. With regard to identically designated components, especially those with the same reference numerals, reference can generally also be made to the drawings and/or the description of the embodiment of the 1 , 2 until 3 be referred.

4 Figure 10b shows a household appliance door opening device for the automatic, at least partial, opening of a household appliance door. The household appliance door opening device 10b comprises at least one housing unit 16b. The household appliance door opening device 10b comprises at least one electrical Drive unit 18b. The household appliance door opening device 10b has at least one decoupling unit 20b. The decoupling unit 20b is arranged between the at least one housing unit 16b and the at least one electrical drive unit 18b. The at least one decoupling unit 20b is designed to counteract at least one transmission of vibrations from the at least one electrical drive unit 18b to the at least one housing unit 16b.

In 4 Figure 10b shows a sectional view of a household appliance door opening device. The sectional view is shown in a plane that is perpendicular to an axis of rotation 24b of the electric drive unit 18b.

The housing unit 16b is formed from two housing elements 42b, 44b, namely a first housing element 42b and a second housing element 44b. The two housing elements 42b, 44b are designed as half-shells. The first housing element 42b is designed as a base part. The second housing element 44b is designed as a cover part. The two housing elements 42b, 44b are designed to be separate from each other. The two housing elements 42b, 44b are designed to be connected to each other by frictional and/or positive locking.

The first housing element 42b has a first bearing point 48b. The second housing element 44b has a second bearing point 50b. The bearing points 48b and 50b are designed to support the electric drive unit 18b. The bearing points 48b and 50b are designed as projections. The bearing points 48b and 50b are designed to support the electric drive unit 18a at least partially by positive locking and/or friction locking.

The decoupling unit 20b is arranged on the at least one housing unit 16b, in particular directly. The decoupling unit 20b is arranged on the housing unit 16b in the assembled state of the household appliance door opening device 10b. The decoupling unit 20b is designed to at least substantially reduce the transmission of vibrations from the electric drive unit 18b to the housing unit 16b. The decoupling unit 20b is arranged, in particular directly, at the bearing points 48b, 50b of the housing unit 16b.

The decoupling unit 20b is arranged on the at least one electric drive unit 18b, in particular directly. The decoupling unit 20b is arranged on the electric drive unit 18b according to a composite state of the household appliance door opening device 10b.

The at least one decoupling unit 20b comprises at least one decoupling element 22b, in particular a vibration damping element, wherein the at least one decoupling element 22b is designed as an injection-molded part. In the present case, the decoupling unit 20b comprises exactly two decoupling elements 22b, of which only one decoupling element 22b is designated. The at least one decoupling element 22b can be manufactured in an injection molding process, in particular a multi-component injection molding process. The at least one decoupling element 22b can be manufactured in the injection molding process, in particular as a pre-assembled finished part, together with the housing unit 16b, in particular together with the first housing element 42b and the second housing element 42b. In the present case, at least one decoupling element 22b in the pre-assembled finished part forms a soft component, an elastomer produced in the injection molding process, and the housing unit 16b forms a hard component, in particular a hard plastic produced in the injection molding process. In the present case, the decoupling unit 22b is not reversibly, and in particular not non-destructively, connected to the housing unit 16b, especially by the common multi-component injection molding process.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the at least one decoupling element 22b is designed separately from the at least one housing unit 16b, in particular by means of separate manufacturing processes. Additionally, it would be conceivable that the decoupling unit 20b is designed as an insert that can be arranged in the housing unit 16b, in particular reversibly (not shown).

The at least one decoupling unit 20b fills at least a large part, and in particular completely, of the space between the at least one electric drive unit 18b and the at least one housing unit 16b, a space defined by the at least one housing unit 16b. In the present case, the two decoupling elements 22b of the decoupling unit 20b fill at least a large part, and in particular completely, of the defined space between the electric drive unit 18b and the housing unit 16b. In particular, the two decoupling elements 22b of the decoupling unit 20b seal the defined space.

For further features of the household appliance door opening device 10b, please refer to the explanations regarding the 1 , 2 until 3 referred.

In the 5 is a household appliance door opening device 10c for automatic at least The figure shows the partial opening of a household appliance door. The household appliance door opening device 10c comprises at least one housing unit 16c. The household appliance door opening device 10c comprises at least one electric drive unit 18c. The household appliance door opening device 10c has at least one decoupling unit 20c, which is arranged between the at least one housing unit 16c and the at least one electric drive unit 18c, wherein the at least one decoupling unit 20c is designed to counteract at least one vibration transmission from the at least one electric drive unit 18c to the at least one housing unit 16c.

In 5 Figure 10c shows a sectional view of the household appliance door opening device. The sectional view is shown in a plane that is perpendicular to a rotation axis 24c of the electric drive unit 18c.

The at least one decoupling unit 20c comprises at least one decoupling element 22c, in particular a vibration damping element, wherein the at least one decoupling element 22c is designed as a spring element. In the present case, the decoupling unit 20c comprises a plurality of decoupling elements 22c designed as spring elements, wherein only four decoupling elements 22c are in 5 The four decoupling elements 22c of the decoupling unit 20c are shown, with only one decoupling element 22c being designated. The four decoupling elements 22c of the decoupling unit 20c are identical in this case, which is why only decoupling element 22c is described below. The decoupling element 22c is designed as a helical spring made primarily of a metal. Alternatively, the decoupling element 22c could be made primarily of a plastic and/or, for example, be designed as a spiral spring or leaf spring. Alternatively, the decoupling element 22c could also be designed as a rubber spring, an air spring, a hydraulic spring, or a diaphragm spring (not shown).

The decoupling unit 20c is arranged on the at least one housing unit 16c, in particular directly. The decoupling unit 20c is arranged on the housing unit 16c in the assembled state of the household appliance door opening device 10c. The decoupling unit 20c is designed to at least substantially reduce the transmission of vibrations from the electric drive unit 18c to the housing unit 16c. In this case, the decoupling unit 20c is not reversibly connected to the housing unit 16c, in particular not detachable without damage. The decoupling unit 20c is arranged in a bearing point designed as a bulge in each of two housing elements of the housing unit 16c.

The decoupling unit 20c is arranged on the at least one electric drive unit 18c, in particular directly. The decoupling unit 20c is arranged on the electric drive unit 18c according to a composite state of the household appliance door opening device 10c.

Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the decoupling unit 20c could be manufactured together with the housing unit 16c in an injection molding process, particularly a multi-component one. The decoupling unit 20c could be manufactured together with the housing unit 16c in the injection molding process, especially as a pre-assembled finished part.

For further features of the household appliance door opening device 10c, please refer to the explanations regarding the 1 , 2 , 3 until 4 referred.

Reference sign

10

Household appliance door opening device

12

Household appliance door

14

household appliance

16

Housing unit

18

Electric drive unit

20

Decoupling unit

22

decoupling element

24

axis of rotation

26

Body

28

First side wall

30

Second side wall

32

back panel

34

Floor

36

Ceiling

38

interior

40

Pestle

42

First housing element

44

Second housing element

46

Storage site

48

First storage site

50

Second storage site

52

Additional storage site

54

Gear unit

56

control unit

58

Supply line

60

drive shaft

62

Coupling element

64

Exclusion

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2020/0158420 A1 [0002]
• CN 218269755 U [0002]

Claims (11)

Household appliance door opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) for the automatic at least partial opening of a household appliance door (12a) of a household appliance (14a), comprising at least one housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c) and at least one electrical drive unit (18a; 18b; 18c), characterized by at least one decoupling unit (20a; 20b; 20c) which is arranged between the at least one housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c) and the at least one electrical drive unit (18a; 18b; 18c), wherein the at least one decoupling unit (20a; 20b; 20c) is provided to counteract a transmission of vibrations from the at least one electrical drive unit (18a; 18b; 18c) to the at least one housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c). Household appliance door opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one decoupling unit (20a; 20b; 20c) is arranged on the at least one electric drive unit (18a; 18b; 18c), in particular directly. Household appliance door opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one decoupling unit (20a; 20b; 20c) is arranged on the at least one housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c), in particular directly. Household appliance door opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one decoupling unit (20a; 20b; 20c) has at least one decoupling element (22c), in particular a vibration damping element, wherein the at least one decoupling element (22c) is designed as a spring element. Household appliance door opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one decoupling unit (20a; 20b; 20c) has at least one decoupling element (22a), in particular a vibration damping element, wherein the at least one decoupling element (22a) is designed as an elastomer. Household appliance door opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one decoupling unit (20a; 20b; 20c) has at least one decoupling element (22a; 22b; 22c), in particular a vibration damping element, wherein the at least one decoupling element (22a; 22b; 22c) is designed as an injection molded part. Household appliance door opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one decoupling unit (20a; 20b; 20c) is provided to at least substantially dampen at least one vibration of the at least one electric drive unit (18a; 18b; 18c) at least substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation (24a; 24b; 24c) of the at least one electric drive unit (18a; 18b; 18c). Household appliance door opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one decoupling unit (20a; 20b; 10c) at least substantially completely encloses the at least one electrical drive unit (18a; 18b; 10c). Household appliance door opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one decoupling unit (20a; 20b; 20c) fills at least a large part, in particular completely, of the space between the at least one electrical drive unit (18a; 18b; 18c) and the at least one housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c) defined by the at least one housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c). Household appliance door opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one electric drive unit (18a; 18b; 18c) can be operated at a speed of at least 4000 rpm. Household appliance (14a) with at least one household appliance door opening device (10a) according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one body (26a) and with at least one household appliance door (12a).