Household appliance and procedure

Abstract

Household appliance (1) comprising a housing (2) with an outer casing (3) and an inner container (5) arranged in the outer casing (3) and defining an interior space (4), the access opening (13) of which can be closed by means of at least one door (6), a door opening aid module (30) with an actuator (31) for automatically lifting the door (6) from the housing (2), wherein the door opening aid module (30) can be activated by a door control (15) upon manual operation of the door (6) and / or remote operation of the door (6) via an external communication interface (16), wherein the door control (15) is configured to move the door (6) into a slightly open position (71) by the door opening aid module (30) upon activation of the door opening aid module (30) and to hold it in the slightly open position (71) for at least a certain period of time. The present invention further relates to a method with a door control.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a household appliance with an actuator for automatically lifting a door of the household appliance and a method. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Household appliances often consist of a body with an interior accessible through a door. Electronic door opening aids can be used to assist in opening the door. These usually consist of a door control with an actuator integrated into the household appliance. One such door opening aid for a household appliance is known, for example, from DE 10 2006 061 083 A1. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The household appliance according to the invention comprises an appliance body with an outer housing and an inner container arranged in the outer housing, delimiting an interior space, the access opening of which can be closed by means of at least one door, a door opening assistance module with an actuator for automatically lifting the door from the appliance body, wherein the door opening assistance module can be activated by a door control upon manual operation of the door and / or upon remote-controlled operation of the door via an external communication interface, wherein the door control is configured to place the door in a gap-open position by the door opening assistance module upon activation of the door opening assistance module and to hold it in the gap-open position for at least a period of time.

[0004] This has the advantage that the ease of use of the household appliance according to the invention with the door control is improved to such an extent that the user of the household appliance can activate or operate the door opening assistance module to drive the door manually, for example by pushing or pulling on the door by hand, or remotely, for example by voice input or activation command via a mobile device. Accordingly, the household appliance according to the invention offers several options for automatically lifting the door from the appliance body. Furthermore, it is possible for the user of the household appliance to activate the door control to lift the door after shopping with their hands full either by gently pressing on the door, for example with their back, or by giving a voice command to an external instance. The door is moved from a closed position to a slightly open position by the door opening assistance module.The gap-open position of the door is understood to mean a partially open position of the door with a narrow, elongated opening forming a gap between the appliance body and the door. In the gap-open position, the user can, for example, reach into the gap created by the gap-open position of the door between the appliance body and the door and lift the door completely off the appliance body by manually pulling, as is the case with handle-free door concepts or built-in household appliances with a furniture front panel. The angular position of the door in the gap-open position relative to the appliance body is between 5° and 25°, preferably 10° to 20°. In the gap-open position, at least the adhesive force of the door seal should have been overcome or the door seal on the inside of the door should have been detached from the appliance body so that the user can fully open the door manually with little effort.To move the door from a closed position to the gap-open position, the actuator, in particular a plunger of the actuator, is preferably moved or set from an initial position to an extended position. In the extended position, the plunger of the actuator is extended further than in the initial position. The door opening assistance module can open the door at least far enough to overcome the attractive forces of a magnetic door seal, thus making it easier for the user to lift the door. Furthermore, the door opening assistance module should hold the gap-open position for a period of time so that the user has sufficient reaction time to completely lift the door, in particular to reach into the gap formed in the gap-open position. The period of time can be sequence-controlled, for example until a specific event is detected by a sensor, or time-controlled, for example a fixed time value stored in a timer.

[0005] The household appliance can be a device for private households or for businesses, for example, in the catering or hotel sector. It can be a refrigeration appliance for storing food and / or beverages, such as a refrigerator, a freezer, or a fridge-freezer combination. It can also be a food preparation appliance, such as a cooking appliance or an oven, a cleaning appliance for dishes or clothes, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, or a drying appliance.

[0006] The interior can be provided with shelves on which the goods to be treated can be placed. The shelves can be designed as a glass plate or a grate. The shelves can be held by lateral support ribs formed with the inner container or by a support frame arranged on the rear wall of the inner container.

[0007] The inner container can be made of metal or plastic. The inner container can be injection-molded or thermoformed. The inner container can be made of polystyrene.

[0008] The outer casing can be made of several metal or plastic plates that are screwed or snapped together.

[0009] A cavity filled with a thermal insulation layer can be formed between the outer casing and the inner container. The thermal insulation layer can be formed from several thermal insulation panels or from an expanded foam, in particular rigid polyurethane foam.

[0010] The door can be located on a side surface of the appliance body, as in a freezer, or on top of the appliance, as in a chest freezer. The door can have a handle that protrudes from the door or is designed as a recessed handle. The door can also be handleless, for example in a household appliance that is part of a handle-free kitchen concept or a fitted kitchen with a furniture front panel. The door can be connected to the appliance body via telescopic rails, a single-axis or multi-axis hinge. The door and / or the appliance body can have seals so that the closed door makes sealing contact with the appliance body. The seals have elongated magnets, so-called magnetic seals, which adhere to a metal front frame of the appliance body by means of magnetic force when the door is closed.

[0011] The actuator can be an electric motor, for example an electric stepper motor. The actuator can drive the door in the opening and / or closing direction, but preferably only in the opening direction. The door control can activate or deactivate the actuator and transmit control commands, for example control commands to open or close the door. The actuator can comprise an extendable plunger for lifting the door. The door control can further comprise a processor and a memory. The door control can be arranged in the appliance body or in the door. The door control can be an integral part of the door opening assistance module or arranged outside the door opening assistance module on an appliance control in the household appliance.

[0012] The external communication interface can be a unidirectional communication interface, for example, an acoustic sensor (microphone) or optical sensor (camera) or radio receiving antenna, or a bidirectional communication interface, for example, a radio antenna for transmitting and receiving signals or a wired network interface. The external communication interface is preferably designed as a bidirectional radio interface. The radio interface preferably communicates bidirectionally, preferably via the home network, with an external entity, which may be, for example, a voice assistant device or a mobile device.

[0013] Manual operation of the door to activate the door opening assistance module, in particular the actuator, can occur by the user pushing the door, preferably on handleless doors. Manual operation of the door to activate the door opening assistance module, in particular the actuator, can occur by pulling on the door, preferably on doors with handles.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, the door control communicates with an external entity via the external communication interface. An external entity can be a mobile device, personal computer, server, or voice assistant device, which can communicate with the door control of the household appliance via the external communication interface and can remotely activate or control the door opening assistance module of the household appliance accordingly. Preferably, the external entity has a user interface with a software application via which the user can remotely trigger an activation command for the door opening assistance module. The external entity can also be a user of the household appliance who issues an activation of the door opening assistance module as a voice command directly to the household appliance via the external communication interface, for example using an acoustic sensor (microphone).The external instance communicates with the household appliance preferably via a home network with a router.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, the door control comprises a proximity sensor for detecting a sensing element in the door or in the appliance body, in particular for detecting a closed position of the door, wherein the sensing element is also located within the detection range of the proximity sensor when the door is in the ajar-open position. This has the advantage that the proximity sensor detects both the closed position and the ajar-open position of the door, and door sensors commonly installed in household appliances can be used. The proximity sensor can be a door sensor of the household appliance. Furthermore, this eliminates the need for additional, costly door sensors. The household appliance preferably has a single or exactly one proximity sensor and a single or exactly one sensing element for the door or for each door of the household appliance.If multiple doors on the household appliance are equipped with a door opening assistance module, each of the doors can have a single or exactly one proximity sensor and a single or exactly one sensing element. The proximity sensor can be a magnetic sensor and the sensing element a magnet, which in the simplest embodiment detects a magnetic field of the sensing element or magnet. Furthermore, the proximity sensor can be a magnetoresistive sensor, which detects the magnetic field strength of the sensing element, in particular a magnet, and can evaluate or output the corresponding distance of the sensing element, in particular a magnet, of the door relative to the appliance body. In a possible evaluation unit of the household appliance or door control, threshold values, in particular threshold ranges, for the closed position, gap-open position, and open position of the door can be stored and the position of the door can be evaluated.Alternatively, the proximity sensor can also be an optical sensor that detects infrared light reflected from a light source and can evaluate the corresponding distances of the door relative to the device body. The proximity sensor can be located on a front panel of the device body, eliminating the need to route any wiring for the proximity sensor into the door. The sensing element that interacts with the proximity sensor, in particular a magnet, is preferably concealed on the rear side of the door.

[0016] In one possible embodiment, the door control is configured to automatically return the door opening assistance module, in particular the actuator, to the retracted position after a specified hold-open time or after the sensing element leaves the detection range of the proximity sensor. This has the advantage that the retraction of the actuator, in particular a plunger of the actuator, can be triggered solely by the cost-effective proximity sensor for detecting the door position, in particular the closed position of the door, so that the actuator does not block the closing of the door. Preferably, the retracted position is defined such that the actuator retracts at least far enough that the door in the closed position does not touch or come into contact with the actuator, thereby reliably preventing a collision of the actuator, in particular with a plunger of the actuator, with the falling back door.Preferably, the retracted position is defined such that the actuator is fully retracted. Furthermore, the door that has not been lifted can automatically fall back into the closed position after the actuator has been reset, for example by a mechanical door closer that pushes the door back into the closed position via corresponding guide curves or spring returns. The effect of the door closer is limited to a specific door angle position, preferably up to a door angle position of up to 30°, preferably 20°, relative to the device body. Furthermore, a hold-open time of the door in the gap-open position can be set. The hold-open time of the door in the gap-open position can be set, for example, to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 seconds, in particular 3 seconds. After this time or the time value has elapsed, the actuator is reset to the retracted position.The sequence control using the proximity sensor and time control using the specified hold-open time can be stored side by side in the door control system.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the door control is configured to move the door opening assistance module, in particular the actuator, into an initial position with a time delay after the sensing element returns to the detection range of the proximity sensor, in which initial position the door opening assistance module, in particular the actuator, is supported on the door now in the closed position. This has the advantage that the single proximity sensor detects both the complete lifting of the door and the closed position of the door as soon as the door re-enters the detection range of the proximity sensor, and the extension of the plunger until it comes into contact with the door can also be initiated via the door control. The initial position can also be used for manually operating the door, in particular by pressing or pulling on the door. In the initial position of the actuator, in particular the plunger of the actuator is in contact with the door.The actuator does not move into contact with the door immediately after the proximity sensor detects that the door is closed, but rather with a time delay, for example with a waiting time of 0.5s - 3s, especially 1s - 2s, so that any vibrations in the door settle and a magnetic door seal is applied evenly. The direct contact of the actuator's plunger with the door reduces the reaction time of the door opening assistance module, and movements of the door when manually operated by a user are also transmitted directly to the actuator via the plunger. To ensure that the plunger remains in contact with the door in its initial position, a magnet is located on the plunger head, which adheres to a ferromagnetic material or plate in the door when in its initial position.In the initial position, the actuator, in particular the plunger, rests on the door with a supporting force that is lower than the adhesive force of a door seal on the device body, in particular the magnetic force of the door seal. This allows a movement of the door relative to the device body when the door is manually operated to be transferred directly to the plunger of the actuator, thereby reducing the actuator's delay time and preventing a possible impact of the plunger on the door when the door is driven. In one possible embodiment, when the door is manually operated, the voltage fed into the windings of the electric motor of the door opening assistance module can be evaluated and the door opening assistance module can be activated, since the movement of the door is transferred directly to the plunger of the actuator when the plunger rests on the door.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, the door control is formed by a device controller for controlling processes of the household appliance, which is preferably arranged on a circuit board outside the door opening assistance module in the household appliance, wherein the door opening assistance module can be activated independently when activated via the external communication interface by the device controller. This has the advantage that a device controller of the household appliance, on which generally communication electronic components or components for the external communication interface are usually already installed, takes over the door control for lifting the door from the appliance body. In this case, the actuator control of the door opening assistance module is passive or inactive. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the ease of use without equipping the door opening assistance module with electronic components for the door control or external communication interface.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, a monitoring unit is provided for detecting manual operation of the door, in particular pulling or pressing on the door. The monitoring unit is designed to trigger the activation of the door opening assistance module, in particular the movement of the actuator from an initial position to an extended position. In particular, the monitoring unit directly activates the door opening assistance module or the door opening assistance module via the door control and evaluates the measurement results of the monitoring unit. Advantageously, the door opening assistance module can comprise the door control, so that it evaluates the data from the monitoring unit and triggers the door opening assistance module, in particular the actuator for lifting the door from the device body.This has the advantage that the door opening assistance module itself has a corresponding monitoring unit or is connected to it via communication technology, allowing the door opening assistance module to independently trigger the door drive. The activation signal of the door opening assistance module is therefore triggered by a unit that operates independently of the appliance control system, allowing the door opening assistance module to be optionally installed on the household appliance without having to adapt the appliance control system or optionally maintain this in the appliance control system.

[0020] In one possible embodiment, the monitoring unit is designed to monitor an internal pressure profile in the interior when the door is in the closed position, in particular when the door is pushed or pulled, or to monitor a forward or reverse stroke of the actuator when the door is operated, in particular when the door is pushed or pulled. To detect the internal pressure, a pressure sensor, in particular an absolute pressure sensor or differential pressure sensor, is located in the interior, and the door control system continuously evaluates the internal pressure profile in the interior. Pulling or pushing on the door changes the volume and, accordingly, the pressure in the interior, with the door control system comparing the detected pressure profile with a predetermined internal pressure profile when pushing or pulling on the door and, if there is a match, activating the door opening assistance module.By monitoring the specific forward or return stroke of the actuator, for example by measuring an induced voltage or a current flow in the actuator's motor windings using a voltmeter or ammeter, the door control monitors the movement of the actuator, which is attached to the door via a magnet, for example, and moves with the door when the user pushes or pulls on it. The door control compares the detected forward or return stroke of the actuator or the voltage / current curve in the motor windings with a predetermined forward or return stroke comparison value or induced voltage comparison value for pushing and pulling on the door. If the comparison value or range matches, the door control activates the door opening assistance module.This has the advantage that the door opening assistance module can be activated and controlled automatically when the door is manually operated via pressure curve measurement or movement of the actuator, independently of the device control, which makes the design of the device control less complex and means that the household appliance can be optionally equipped with / without a door opening module without having to adapt the device control.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, the door control is configured to place the door in the slightly open position using the door opening assistance module when the monitoring unit detects a specific internal pressure profile or a specific forward or reverse stroke of the actuator. This has the advantage of preventing false activation of the door opening assistance module. Advantageously, if the detected internal pressure is within predefined limits that define a pressure profile corridor, it can be assumed that the door is being opened, and the door opening assistance module is activated. However, if the detected internal pressure profile deviates from the predefined pressure profile corridor, it can be assumed that the door of the household appliance was accidentally opened, for example, and the door opening assistance is not activated.The internal pressure profile is determined by the pressure output values ​​of the absolute pressure sensor or differential pressure sensor, for example, within a predetermined time interval of 1 ms, 500 ms, or 1 s. The decision regarding the activation of the door opening assistance module is therefore not made on the basis of a single pressure value, but rather on the basis of a pressure profile, i.e., on the basis of a pressure profile shape. The door control includes the activation of the door opening assistance module, the deactivation of the door opening assistance, the non-activation of the door opening assistance, and the amplification of the effect of the door opening assistance module. According to one embodiment, the control is designed to activate the door opening assistance module if the detected pressure profile is within a predetermined pressure profile corridor.The pressure profile corridor can be determined, for example, by a lower pressure profile limit and an upper pressure profile limit, which are predetermined. If the pressure profile lies within these limits and thus within the predetermined pressure profile corridor, it can be assumed that there is a request to open the door and the door opening assistance module can be activated. The pressure profile corridor can be different for different door opening variants. In the case of an opening process triggered by pressure on the door, increasing pressure can be assumed when a user pushes the door. After the user releases the door, however, the pressure drops. In this case, the pressure profile can, for example, increase linearly up to a pressure ceiling value, which represents a maximum pressure value. After reaching the maximum pressure value, i.e.For example, immediately after the door is released, the pressure drops linearly. If such a pressure curve is detected, the door opening assistance module is activated by the door control system. If, however, the door is opened by pulling on the door, the pressure detected by the differential pressure sensor decreases linearly during the pulling phase, resulting in a negative pressure increase. If such a negative pressure curve is detected within the pressure curve corridor, it can also be assumed in the case of the pull-opening variant that there is a door opening request, so that the door opening assistance module can be activated by the door control system.

[0022] In one possible embodiment, the door control is designed to compare a gradient of the detected pressure curve with at least one gradient threshold in order to detect whether the detected pressure curve lies within a predetermined pressure curve corridor, and to activate the door opening assistance only if the detected pressure curve lies within the predetermined pressure curve corridor. The gradient threshold can be determined, for example, by a lower pressure curve limit and / or by an upper pressure curve limit. In the case of a pressure opening variant, the gradient of the gradient threshold is positive in the first pressure curve phase and then decreases with a negative gradient. In the case of the pull opening variant, the gradient threshold has a negative gradient from the start. This advantageously takes into account different opening scenarios with associated, different pressure curves.

[0023] In one possible embodiment, the door control is designed to detect a gradient reversal of the detected pressure curve and to activate the door opening assistance module when the gradient reversal occurs. As explained above, the gradient reversal is to be expected in a pressure variant and occurs immediately after the door is released. The gradient reversal is determined by a maximum pressure value, which can also be detected. This allows the door to be opened in a particularly simple and reliable manner during a pressure opening.

[0024] In one possible embodiment, the door control is designed to detect a positive gradient of the detected pressure curve up to the gradient reversal as well as a negative gradient of the detected pressure curve after the gradient reversal, and to activate the door opening assistance module only if the positive gradient of the pressure curve and the negative gradient of the pressure curve lie within a predetermined pressure curve corridor. In this way, not individual pressure values ​​but rather the course of the pressure increase and the pressure decrease are evaluated to activate the door opening assistance module. Thus, the entire pressure initiation process, which is initiated, for example, according to the push variant, by pressing the door, is monitored and evaluated. This advantageously prevents false triggering of the door opening assistance module.

[0025] In one possible embodiment, the door control is designed to activate the door opening assistance module when the gradient of the detected pressure curve increases, or to amplify its effect. In this case, the pull variant is particularly advantageously considered, in which the pressure difference and thus the gradient of the detected pressure curve are negative. The door opening assistance module in the pull variant can be activated when an absolute value of the detected, negative pressure difference is exceeded.

[0026] In one possible embodiment, the door control is configured to activate the door opening assistance module if the pressure curve with negative pressure values ​​falls below the pressure curve corridor. This advantageously detects the door opening request in the pull-open variant, where pressure differential values ​​are negative from the start due to the pressure exerted on the door, so that the pressure curve has a negative gradient from the beginning.

[0027] The actuator is usually designed as a rotating or rotatable electrical machine and is also extensively known in the prior art, so that, as with the household appliance, no separate written proof is required in this regard. A rotating electrical machine is a device which, in motor mode, converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, in particular rotational energy, and / or in generator mode, converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The movement is usually a rotary movement carried out by a rotor of the rotating electrical machine which is arranged so as to be rotatable relative to a stator of the rotating electrical machine. In contrast to the rotor, the stator is usually arranged in a rotationally fixed manner, i.e. a rotary movement is a rotary movement of the rotor relative to the stator.The rotor is mounted so that it can rotate relative to the stator, with an air gap usually being formed between the rotor and the stator.

[0028] During normal operation, the stator and rotor are linked by a magnetic flux, which provides the force or torque during motor operation, which drives the rotor to rotate relative to the stator. In generator operation, the mechanical energy supplied to the rotor in the form of rotation combined with a torque is converted into electrical energy. For this purpose, at least the stator has an electrical winding through which an electric current flows, also called a stator winding. The rotor can also have an electrical winding as a rotor winding and / or one or more permanent magnets.

[0029] For proper operation, the stator winding is supplied with electrical voltage. Depending on the design of the electrical machine, particularly its stator winding, a single-phase or multi-phase stator winding can be provided for the application of alternating voltage, which is accordingly supplied with a single-phase or multi-phase electrical alternating voltage. A multi-phase alternating voltage generally has phase alternating voltages corresponding to the number of phases. These voltages generally have approximately the same frequency and approximately the same amplitude, but are shifted in phase from one another. A very common multi-phase alternating voltage, for example, is a three-phase alternating voltage in which the phase voltages are each shifted in phase by 120°. This type of alternating voltage is also used, for example, in the public power grid.

[0030] The sensor signal is preferably an electrical signal, which can be, for example, an analog or a digital, in particular binary, signal. The invention makes it possible to reliably detect the operation of a household appliance door, thus establishing user activation, even when interfering influences such as door torsion, door elasticity, and / or the like make detection difficult. At the same time, user activation can be reliably detected and established at virtually any location on the door.

[0031] It is further proposed that, during a forward stroke of the plunger, the sensor signal associated with the movement be compared with a forward stroke comparison value. In this case, the forward stroke comparison value serves as a comparison value. This makes it possible to provide a specific comparison value for the forward stroke, so that, in the event of a forward stroke, the detection of the user's operation of the household appliance door can be improved. The forward stroke refers in particular to an axial mechanical movement of the plunger, during which the plunger head of the plunger is moved away from the body, i.e., is extended out of the body.

[0032] Furthermore, it is proposed that, during a return stroke of the plunger, the sensor signal associated with the movement be compared with a return stroke comparison value. In this case, the return stroke comparison value also serves as a comparison value. This can also further improve the reliability of detecting that the user has operated the household appliance door. The return stroke is opposite to the forward stroke in direction. The return stroke comparison value can have the same value as the forward stroke comparison value.

[0033] According to an advantageous development, it is proposed that the forward stroke comparison value and the return stroke comparison value be different comparison values. This makes it possible to take into account different properties of the door when operated by the user, in particular, disruptive properties such as torsion of the door can be better taken into account. This can further improve the reliability of detecting the user's operation.

[0034] It is further proposed that the supporting force be provided by the actuator without any energy supply. This has the advantage that the supporting force can be reliably provided even during a long period of time between a closing operation of the door, in which the door is pivoted into the closed state, and a subsequent opening operation of the door, in which the door is pivoted into the open state, without requiring energy, in particular electrical energy. The actuator can be designed accordingly in this regard and, for example, have one or more corresponding spring-loaded elements or the like, which can provide the supporting force even without an external energy supply.

[0035] Furthermore, it is proposed that the actuator comprise an electric machine with a rotor arranged to rotate relative to the stator and a gear mechanism mechanically connected to the rotor and the plunger, wherein the supporting force is provided by the gear mechanism. This has the advantage that the supporting force can be provided without the need for energy supply by the gear mechanism alone. For this purpose, the gear mechanism can comprise one or more corresponding force storage elements capable of providing the supporting force outside the operating functionality of the electric machine. This can further improve the reliability of the function of detecting actuation by the user.

[0036] It is further proposed that the actuator be moved to a position in the open state of the door in which the pre-stroke is greater than the pre-stroke when the door is closed. This pre-stroke is therefore greater than the pre-stroke that can be detected by the sensor unit in the closed state of the door, preferably independently of user actuation. This creates the possibility for additional functionalities, such as detecting the open state of the door. Corresponding sensor signals can be assigned and provided to a higher-level control device of the household appliance.

[0037] Furthermore, it is proposed that the actuator be moved axially when the door is closed, and the movement of the plunger is detected as a closing movement. This movement is also a return stroke. In particular, if the forward stroke in the open state is greater than the forward stroke in the closed state of the door, it can be detected that the user is closing the door. This allows a closing signal to be provided as a sensor signal, which can be made available to the higher-level control device of the household appliance. This allows additional functionalities to be reliably implemented.

[0038] It is further proposed that, after the user has closed the door, the plunger is moved by means of the actuator until the plunger head rests against the inside of the door. Preferably, the supporting force is then applied in this state. This allows an initial position to be achieved, which can serve as the starting point for the method according to the invention. This is also advantageous, among other things, if, after the door has been opened, the plunger performs a return stroke into a fully retracted position by means of the actuator, so that the actuator, in particular the plunger head, is moved, for example, into a recessed position in which it does not protrude beyond the body.

[0039] With regard to the device, it is further proposed that the actuator comprises an electric machine with a rotor arranged rotatably relative to a stator and a gear mechanism mechanically connected to the rotor and the plunger.

[0040] The door is preferably arranged on the body in a first region of an edge of the access opening so that it can pivot about an at least vertical or horizontal axis. The invention allows the user to detect the operation of the door of the household appliance even if this operation occurs near the pivot axis. This allows a significantly larger sensor area to be achieved overall, so that the disadvantages mentioned above with regard to the prior art can be largely avoided.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the door control is only activated if the detected pressure curve is within a predetermined pressure curve corridor.

[0042] In one possible embodiment, it is provided that in the gap-open position of the door, the door opening assistance module can be triggered by the door control system to return the actuator to the retracted position upon detection of a pre-stroke of the actuator predetermined for the complete lifting of the door via the monitoring unit and / or the actuator can be returned to the retracted position after a specific hold-open time by the door control system.

[0043] In one possible embodiment, the door control is formed by an actuator control for controlling processes of the door-opening assistance module, which is arranged in particular on a circuit board within the electric door-opening assistance module, wherein the door-opening assistance module can be independently activated by the actuator control when the door is manually operated. This has the advantage that the door-opening assistance module can be activated and controlled by the actuator control independently of the household appliance, in particular the appliance control of the household appliance. Accordingly, it is possible to optionally equip the household appliance with or without a door-opening assistance module without having to integrate the door control into the appliance control. This reduces the complexity and cost of the household appliance according to the invention.

[0044] In one possible embodiment, the device controller and the actuator controller are communicatively connected via an internal communication interface, with the internal communication interface being a bus interface. The bus interface is preferably wired, but can also be wireless. This has the advantage that the device controller and the actuator controller can communicate with each other, so that, for example, the actuator controller can be passively switched by the device controller if the device controller takes over the control of the door opening assistance module.

[0045] In one possible embodiment, the actuator control is switched to passive when the electric door opening assistance module is activated by the device control. This has the advantage that both the actuator control and the device control can independently activate and control the door opening assistance module, while the other control remains passive with respect to the door opening assistance module and cannot trigger malfunctions.

[0046] In one possible embodiment, the door control is configured to activate the compartment light of the interior when activated via the external communication interface or monitoring unit, independently of the proximity sensor. This has the advantage that the door gap formed in the ajar position is illuminated and the user can easily see the intervention to fully lift the door, even in dark surroundings. Typically, the proximity sensor still detects the closed position of the door when the door is ajar, so that the compartment light remains inactive in the ajar position. Because the door control activates the compartment light when it detects activation via the external communication interface or monitoring unit, the door gap can be illuminated in the ajar position. The compartment light can then be deactivated again when the proximity sensor detects the door or the sensing element.

[0047] In one possible embodiment, a door closer is provided, by which the door can be moved back into the closed position after the door opening assistance module has been reset, in particular after the actuator has been retracted. This has the advantage that the door that has not been lifted automatically falls back into the closed position by the door closer after the actuator has been reset. The door closer can be designed purely mechanically, for example as a self-closing hinge device. The door closer can have a guide curve or spring acting in the closing direction, which pushes the door back into the closed position from a certain angular position of the door. The effect of the door closer is further limited to a certain door angular position, preferably up to a full 30°, preferably 20°, relative to the device body. The door is pushed open to the gap-open position. This creates an opening gap of, for example, a few centimeters.The door leaf is preferably held in this position by the door opening assistance module until the person grasps the door leaf. For example, after a set period of time, e.g. 3 seconds, the door opening assistance module retracts its plunger again. The door leaf therefore closes automatically again if the person has not fully opened the door. The type of closing can be influenced by the speed profile of the plunger return of the door opening assistance module. The opening gap of the door is matched to the respective mechanical door closer. This means that the first opening angle triggered by the door opening assistance module is smaller than the second opening angle up to which the self-closing effect of the mechanical door closer is still effective. In the case of pull-outs, i.e. self-closing drawers, the extended distance (second distance) is not greater than the distance (first distance) that the pull-out orthe self-closing drawer can move back automatically.

[0048] According to a further aspect, the object of the invention is achieved by a method for controlling a door actuator for driving a door of a household appliance, which has an appliance body with an outer housing and an inner container arranged in the outer housing, delimiting an interior space, the access opening of which can be closed by means of at least one door, comprising the steps: - Detecting a closed position of the door by a proximity sensor, - Detection of manual or remote-controlled door operation by a door control system, - automatic lifting of the door from the device body by a door opening assistance module with an actuator after detecting manual or remote-controlled operation of the door, whereby the door opening assistance module is activated by a door control, - Setting the door to a gap-open position in which a sensing element in the door or in the device body continues to be detected by the proximity sensor.

[0049] In one possible embodiment, the door opening assistance module, in particular the actuator, is automatically reset after a specified hold-open time or after the sensing element leaves a detection range of the proximity sensor.

[0050] In one possible embodiment, it is provided that a return of the sensing element into the detection range of the proximity sensor is detected by the proximity sensor, wherein the door opening assistance module, in particular the actuator, is then set with a time delay into an initial position in which the door opening assistance module, in particular the actuator, is supported on the door which is again in the closed position.

[0051] The advantages and effects stated for the household appliance according to the invention also apply equally to the method according to the invention, and vice versa. In particular, device features can therefore also be formulated as method features, and vice versa.

[0052] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed by the invention that are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which emerge and can be produced by separate combinations of features from the explained embodiments. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed that therefore do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features are to be regarded as disclosed, in particular by the embodiments set out above, which go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set out in the reliances of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0054] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the household appliance according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the household appliance according to Fig. 1 with a door in the closed position after Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the household appliance according to Fig. 1 with a door in the gap-open position; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the household appliance according to Fig. 1 with a door in the open position.

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a household appliance 1 according to one embodiment. The household appliance 1 consists of an appliance body 2 with a door 6. The appliance body 2 has an outer housing 3 and an inner container 5 arranged in the outer housing 3, defining an interior space 4, the access opening 13 of which can be closed by means of at least one door 6. Shelves 7 and a drawer 8 for storing stored goods are provided in the interior space 4. The interior space 4 can be designed as a refrigerator or freezer compartment. Several door racks 9 are arranged on the inside of the door 6. Furthermore, a circumferential door seal 6a is provided on the inside of the door 6. When the door 6 is closed, this seal rests against the front frame of the appliance body 2 to prevent warm air from the environment from entering the interior space 4. The door seal 6a has a magnetic strip that adheres to the usually metallic front frame of the appliance body when the door 6 is closed.The door 6 is hinged to the device body 2 via a door hinge 6b.

[0056] A mechanical door closer 41 can be provided in the area of ​​the door hinge 6b, by which the door 6 automatically falls back into the closed position after the door opening assistance module 30, in particular the plunger of the actuator 31, has been reset. For this purpose, the mechanical door closer 41 has, in particular, guide curves or spring resets that push the door 6 back into the closed position. The effect of the door closer 41 is preferably limited to a specific door angle position, preferably up to a door angle position of up to 30°, preferably 20°, relative to the device body 2.

[0057] The door opening assistance module 30 has an actuator 31 for pushing open the door 6. The door opening assistance module 30 itself has an actuator control 15b for controlling processes of the door opening assistance module 30, which is preferably arranged on a circuit board within the electrical door opening assistance module 30. The household appliance 1 itself has a device control 15a for controlling processes of the household appliance 1, which is preferably arranged on a circuit board outside the door opening assistance module 30 in the household appliance 1. The door control 15 can be formed by the device control 15a during remote-controlled operation of the door 6 via the external communication interface 17 or by the actuator control 15b during manual operation of the door 6, in particular by the user pushing or pulling on the door.For remotely controlled operation of the door 6, the household appliance 1 communicates via the external communication interface 17 with an external entity 60, which can be formed, for example, by a mobile phone or voice assistant, over a network. An activation command can thus be transmitted from the external entity 60 to the appliance controller 15a via the external communication interface 17, so that the appliance controller 15a activates and controls the door opening assistance module 30 to lift the door 6 from the appliance body 2. In this case, the actuator controller 15b is switched to passive mode, and the door opening assistance module 30 is controlled independently by the appliance controller 15a.

[0058] The household appliance 1 further comprises a cooling circuit controller 10 for controlling a compressor in a refrigeration circuit 11. By circulating the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit 11 by means of the compressor, thermal energy is extracted from the interior 4 via an evaporator by evaporating the refrigerant, and the thermal energy is released back to the environment via a condenser by condensing the refrigerant, which is well known in the prior art. The cooling circuit controller 10, appliance controller 15a, and actuator controller 15b are communicatively connected to one another via an internal communication interface 18, in particular a bus line. The components of the household appliance 1 can exchange data and control commands with their own control electronics via the internal communication interface 18.

[0059] In the embodiment of the household appliance 1 in Fig. 1, a proximity sensor 12 is also provided as a door sensor. The proximity sensor 12 detects the position of the door 6 relative to the device body 2, in particular the closed position of the door 6. For this purpose, a sensing element 12a, for example a magnet, is arranged in the door 6. If the sensing element 12a is located within the detection range 12b of the proximity sensor 12, the door 6 is considered closed. The proximity sensor 12 activates a lighting 20 of the interior 4 when the sensing element 12a leaves the detection range 12b of the proximity sensor 12.

[0060] Furthermore, a monitoring unit 35 is provided for detecting manual actuation of the door 6, in particular pressing or pulling on the door 6. The monitoring unit 35 triggers the movement of the actuator 31 from an initial position 33 to an extended position 34 upon activation of the door opening assistance module 30. Activating the door opening assistance module 30 moves the door from the closed position 70 to the slightly open position 71. The monitoring unit 35 can, for example, be a pressure sensor that monitors an internal pressure profile in the interior 5 when the door 6 is in the closed position 70, or a voltmeter or ammeter that monitors a forward or reverse stroke of the actuator 31 upon actuation of the door 6. When a specific internal pressure curve or a specific forward or reverse stroke of the actuator 31 is detected by the monitoring unit 35, the door opening assistance module 30 sets the door 6 into the gap-open position 71 by means of the actuator 31.

[0061] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the household appliance 1 according to Fig. 1 with a door 6 in the closed position 70 according to Fig. 1. In the closed position 70 of the door 6, the sensing element 12a is located in the detection range 12b of the proximity sensor 12, and the door 6 has an angle of 0° or a zero angular position α0 relative to the device body 2. Furthermore, the circumferential door seal 6a of the door 6 adheres to the front frame of the housing body 2. In the closed position 70 of the door 6, the door opening assistance module 30 is in the initial position 33, and the actuator 31, in particular the plunger of the actuator 31, is supported on the inside of the door 6 with a specific supporting force. To ensure that the actuator 31 remains in contact with the door 6 in the initial position and moves with the door 6, a magnet is preferably located in the plunger head, which adheres to a ferromagnetic material or plate of the door 6 in the initial position 33. The supporting force is lower than the adhesive force of the door seal 6a on the device body 2, in particular the magnetic force of the door seal 6a.As a result, a movement of the door relative to the device body 2 upon manual operation of the door 6 can be transmitted directly to the plunger of the actuator 31, thereby reducing the delay time of the actuator 31 and preventing a possible impact of the plunger against the door 6. A monitoring device 35, for example a voltage / current meter or pressure sensor, continuously monitors in the closed position 70 of the door 6 whether the user is manually operating or pushing or pulling on the door 6.

[0062] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the household appliance according to Fig. 1 with a door 6 in a gap-open position 71. In the gap-open position 71 of the door 6, the sensing element 12a is still located in the detection range 12b of the proximity sensor 12 and the door 6 has an angle of approximately 5-20° or a first angular position α1 relative to the device body 2. Furthermore, the circumferential door seal 6a of the door 6 no longer adheres to the front frame of the housing body 2. The door opening assistance module 30 was activated by the door control 15 due to detection of a manual or remote-controlled actuation of the door 6 and brought into the extended position 34 or the door 6 into the gap-open position 71, so that at least the attractive force of the magnetic door seal 6a to the front frame of the device body 2 is interrupted. In the extended position 34, the actuator 31 of the door opening assistance module 30 continues to rest on or is located in contact with the inside of the door 6.The door control 15 monitors, via the monitoring device 35, for example, by measuring the current at the windings of the electric motor, whether a further advance stroke of the actuator 31, intended for the complete lifting of the door 6, has occurred and then returns the door opening assistance module to a retracted position 32. In this case, the actuator control 15b forms the door control 15. Furthermore, the door control 15 can also evaluate the complete lifting of the door 6 in the gap-open position 71 via the proximity sensor 12. As soon as the sensing element 12a leaves the detection range 12b of the proximity sensor 12, the actuator 31 of the door opening assistance module 30 is moved to the retracted position 32. In this case, the device control 15a forms the door control 15.

[0063] If the user does not lift the door 6, the actuator 31 is automatically moved into the retracted position 31 by the door control 15 after a specified period of time, for example, 3 seconds, and the door 6 is returned to the closed position 70 by the door closer 40. The effect of the door closer 40 is limited to a specific door angle position, preferably up to a door angle position of up to 30°, preferably 20°, relative to the device body. The effect of the door closer 40 is preferably greater than the first angular position α1 in the gap-open position 71 of the door 6 relative to the device body 2.

[0064] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the household appliance 1 according to Fig. 1 with a door 6 in the open position 72. In the open position 72, the door 6 has a second angular position α2 relative to the device body 2, which is greater than the first angular position α1. In the open position 72 of the door 6, the sensing element 12a is located outside the detection range 12b of the proximity sensor 12, whereby the actuator 31 of the door opening assistance module 30 is moved from the extended position 34 back into a retracted position 32. In the retracted position 32, the actuator 31 can be fully retracted. As soon as the sensing element 12a returns to the detection range 12b of the proximity sensor 12, the actuator 31 is moved into the initial position 33 in contact with the inside of the door 6 according to the embodiment according to Fig.2. In this case, the approach to the initial position 33 and the support of the actuator 31 on the inside of the door 6 preferably takes place with a time delay, so that vibrations of the door 6 can initially calm down during the closing process.

[0065] All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the subject matter according to the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effect. Reference symbol 1 household appliance 2 Device body 3 outer casings 4 inner containers 5 Interior 6 Door 6a Door seal 6b Door hinge 7 shelves 8 drawers 9 door racks 10 Refrigeration circuit control 11 Refrigeration circuit 12 Proximity sensor 12a Sensing element 12b Detection range 13 Access opening 15 Door control 15a Device control 15b Actuator control 17 external communication interface 18 internal communication interface 20 Lighting 30 Door opening assistance module 31 Actuator 32 Retracted position 33 Initial position 34 Extended position 35 Monitoring unit 40 mechanical door closers 60 external instance 70 Closed position 71 Gap-open position 72 Open position α0 zero angle position α1 first angular position α2 second angular position QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] 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

[0000] DE 10 2006 061 083 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Household appliance (1), comprising: - a device body (2) with an outer housing (3) and an inner container (5) arranged in the outer housing (3) and defining an interior space (4), the access opening (13) of which can be closed by means of at least one door (6), - a door opening assistance module (30) with an actuator (31) for automatically lifting the door (6) from the device body (2), wherein the door opening assistance module (30) can be activated by a door control (15) upon manual operation of the door (6) and / or remote-controlled operation of the door (6) via an external communication interface (16), characterized by , that - the door control (15) is designed to place the door (6) into a gap-open position (71) by means of the door opening assistance module (30) upon activation of the door opening assistance module (30) and to hold it in the gap-open position (71) for at least a period of time. [2] Household appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat a proximity sensor (12) is provided for detecting a sensing element (12a) in the door (6) or in the device body (2), in particular for detecting a closed position (70) of the door (6), wherein the sensing element (12a) is also located in the detection range (12b) of the proximity sensor (12) in the gap-open position (71) of the door (6). [3] Household appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the door control (15) is designed to automatically return the door opening assistance module (30), in particular the actuator (31), to the retracted position (32) after a specified hold-open time or after the sensing element (12a) leaves the detection range (12b) of the proximity sensor (12). [4] Household appliance (1) according to claim 3, characterized byin that the door control (15) is designed to place the door opening assistance module (30), in particular the actuator (31), after the sensing element (12a) returns into the detection range (12b) of the proximity sensor (12) with a time delay into an initial position (33), in which the door opening assistance module (30), in particular the actuator (31), is supported on the door (6) which is again in the closed position (70). [5] Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the door control (15) is formed by a device control (15a) for controlling processes of the household appliance (1), which is preferably arranged on a circuit board outside the door opening assistance module (30) in the household appliance (1), wherein the door opening assistance module (30) can be activated independently by the device control (15a) in the case of remote-controlled activation via the external communication interface (16). [6] Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a monitoring unit (35) is provided for detecting a manual actuation of the door (6), in particular a pulling or pushing on the door (6), wherein the monitoring unit (35) is provided to trigger the activation of the door opening assistance module (30), in particular the setting of the actuator (31) from an initial position (33) into an extended position (34). [7] Household appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized by that the monitoring unit (35) is designed to monitor an internal pressure profile in the interior (5) when the door (6) is in the closed position (70), or the monitoring unit (35) is designed to monitor a forward or return stroke of the actuator (31) when the door (6) is actuated. [8] Household appliance (1) according to claim 7, characterized bythat the door control (15) is designed to place the door (6) in the gap-open position (71) by means of the door opening assistance module (30) upon detection of a specific internal pressure profile or a specific forward or reverse stroke of the actuator (31) by the monitoring unit (35) [9] Household appliance (1) according to claim 8, characterized by in that the door control (15) is designed to return the door opening assistance module (30) to a retracted position (32) in the gap-open position of the door (6) upon detection of a further forward stroke of the actuator (31) intended for the complete lifting of the door (6), or to return the actuator (31) to a retracted position (32) after a specified hold-open time. [10] Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 5 and 9, characterized bythat the door control (15) is formed by an actuator control (15b) for controlling processes of the door opening assistance module (30), which is arranged in particular on a printed circuit board within the electrical door opening assistance module (30), wherein the door opening assistance module (30) can be activated independently by the actuator control (15b) upon manual actuation of the door (6). [11] Household appliance (1) according to claim 6 and 10 characterized by that the device control (15a) and the actuator control (15b) are connected for communication purposes via an internal communication interface (18), wherein in particular the internal communication interface (18) is a bus interface. [12] Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the door control (15) is designed to switch on the compartment light (20) of the interior (4) independently of the proximity sensor (12) upon remote-controlled activation via the external communication interface (60) or monitoring unit (35). [13] Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a door closer (40) is provided, by means of which the door (6) can be automatically returned to the closed position after resetting the door opening aid module (30), in particular after setting the actuator (31) from the extended position (34) to the retracted position (32). [14] Method for a household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, which has an appliance body (2) with an outer housing (3) and an inner container (5) arranged in the outer housing (3) and defining an interior space (4), the access opening (13) of which can be closed by means of at least one door (6), comprising the steps: - detecting a closed position (70) of the door (6) by a proximity sensor (12), - detecting a manual or remote-controlled operation of the door (6) by a door control (15), - automatic lifting of the door (6) from the device body (2) by a door opening assistance module (30) with an actuator (31) after detecting the manual or remote-controlled operation of the door (6), wherein the door opening assistance module (30) is activated by a door control (15), and - placing the door (6) in a gap-open position (71), in which a sensing element (12a) in the door (6) or in the device body (2) continues to be detected by the proximity sensor (12). [15] Method according to claim 14, characterized bythat the door opening assistance module (30), in particular the actuator (31), is automatically reset after a specified hold-open time or after leaving a detection range (12b) of the proximity sensor (12) by the sensing element (12a).

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