Domestic-appliance door-opening device, and domestic appliance

Abstract

The invention is based on a domestic-appliance door-opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) for automatically at least partially opening at least one door (12a) of a domestic appliance (14a), comprising at least one housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c) and at least one electric drive unit (18a; 18b; 18c). In order to provide a device of the type in question which has improved properties in respect of user-friendliness and / or cost efficiency and / or component tolerance, it is proposed that the domestic-appliance door-opening device (10a; 10b; 10c) should have 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 electric 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 electric drive unit (16a; 16b; 16c) to the at least one housing unit (18a; 18b; 18c).

Description

[0001] Household appliance door opening device and household appliance

[0002] The invention relates to a household appliance door opening device and a household appliance.

[0003] From the prior art, for example from US 2020 / 0158420 A1 and 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 during the operation of the electric drive unit between a refrigerator housing and the housing unit of the door opening device.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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, this allows, particularly from a psychoacoustic perspective, the vibration frequency transmitted from the electric drive unit to the housing unit to be altered and / or shifted, in order to advantageously reduce resonance phenomena, thereby advantageously increasing user comfort.Furthermore, such damping and / or decoupling via the decoupling unit makes it advantageous to use an electric drive unit with a preferentially high rotational speed.

[0008] High-speed electric drive units, especially electric motors, are generally less expensive than low-speed electric drive units, resulting in significantly lower costs and thus cost efficiency. This, in turn, leads to improved price-performance ratios and consequently, higher customer satisfaction. Furthermore, manufacturing inaccuracies, such as imbalance in the electric drive unit, have a minimal impact on the noise level of the appliance door opening mechanism and, in particular, the appliance itself, allowing for a higher degree of component tolerance.

[0009] 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.The term "significantly reduced" shall be understood to mean, 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 electrical drive 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, in particular, 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.

[0010] 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, for example, be an oven and / or a microwave and / or a grill and / or a steam cooker. Preferably, a household appliance with a household appliance door opening device is a household refrigeration appliance. Advantageously, a household appliance designed as a household refrigeration appliance is intended to cool goods, in particular 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 household refrigeration appliance can, in particular, be a chest freezer and, advantageously, a refrigerator and / or freezer.

[0011] 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 household appliance door opening device preferably comprises at least one plunger, which is driven, in particular extendable, by the at least one electric drive unit. Preferably, the at least one plunger is designed to open the household appliance door, in particular automatically, at least partially.

[0012] 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 made of at least two housing elements, namely a first housing element and a second housing element. The at least one housing unit is preferably made 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 part. The second housing element, in particular the second half-shell, is preferably designed as a cover part. The at least two housing elements are preferably designed separately from each other. 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 pivotably and / or latchably connected to each other and / or to be force-fitted and / or positively fitted.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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 a housing unit configuration consisting of at least two housing elements, particularly the first and second housing elements, the bearing points are designed as projections, which are specifically intended to support at least one electric drive unit in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. Preferably, the housing unit has at least one further bearing point to support, in particular, further components, such as a gearbox, especially gears, and / or the extendable plunger, in a movably secure manner.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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 appropriate 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 open the appliance door, preferably from a closed state, at least partially, by means of the plunger.The at least one plunger is preferably extendable from the household 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.

[0018] 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 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, and 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.The term "at least substantially parallel" here refers in particular to an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and most advantageously less than 2°. The at least one electric drive unit preferably has at least one drive shaft, which is designed to be at least substantially parallel, and in particular collinear, to the axis of rotation.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 in particular 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 non-destructively, 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 non-destructively, and in particular is bonded to the at least one electric drive unit 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. 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 component 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.

[0023] 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 at least substantially reduce vibration transmission from the at least one electrical drive unit 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 one 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 another 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 at least substantially the entire surface of the recess. "Cover at least substantially the entire surface" is understood to mean, in particular, that the surface is covered to 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 coil 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.

[0026] 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 construction of the household appliance door opening device can be advantageously simplified, since elastomers, in particular, can be installed easily and quickly. It would also be conceivable for the decoupling unit to comprise a plurality of decoupling elements.The term "elastomer" refers to polymeric materials that have rubber-like properties, in particular high elasticity and / or high flexibility and / or high extensibility.

[0027] Preferably, the elastomer is 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. More preferably, the at least one decoupling element is designed as an insert, particularly as mentioned above, for the at least one housing unit, especially for the two half-shells of the housing unit, or as a sleeve, particularly for a slip-on covering, for the at least one electric drive unit.

[0028] 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. Designing the decoupling element as an injection-molded part advantageously increases flexibility, as 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.Furthermore, the assembly or construction 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 an injection molding process. In particular, the shape and / or composition can be advantageously freely selected through the injection molding process. For example, the injection-molded part can be designed as a spring element, in particular as mentioned above, or as an elastomer, in particular as mentioned above. Preferably, the at least one decoupling element can be manufactured in the injection molding process, in particular 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 the axis of rotation of the electric drive unit, whereby, in the present system, vibrations perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the electric drive unit are particularly pronounced.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 particularly improve and / or increase the stability and / or service life of the components used. "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 most 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, particularly in a circumferential direction of the axis of rotation of the at least one electric drive unit, on the at least one electric drive unit and / or on the at least one housing unit.

[0031] It is further proposed that the at least one decoupling unit enclose 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 enveloped" by another object means, in particular, that the object, especially an outer surface of the object, is enveloped and / or covered by the other object to at least 75%, preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 95%, and is in direct physical contact with the other object. Preferably, one end of a drive shaft, especially 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, it would also be conceivable that the at least one decoupling unit is designed in multiple parts, preferably in exactly two parts. Preferably, in a one-piece configuration, the at least one decoupling unit has at least one recess for a supply line of the at least one electrical drive unit. Preferably, the at least one recess is shaped such that it connects directly to the supply line.

[0032] 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 electrical 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 electrical drive unit, can be at least substantially dampened. The resulting vibrations can advantageously be damped uniformly or isotropically by means of the decoupling unit. In particular, completely filling the space defined by the housing unit advantageously ensures further improved support of the electrical drive unit within the housing unit.In this context, "filling a limited space to at least a large extent" means, in particular, that a component fills the limited space, especially the volume of the limited space, preferably to at least 75%, advantageously to at least 85%, and particularly preferably to at least 95%. Preferably, one end of the drive shaft of the at least one electric drive unit is free from the at least one decoupling unit. It is conceivable that the at least one decoupling unit and the at least one electric drive unit and / or the at least one housing unit have an interference fit.

[0033] 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 rotational speed of, in particular, at least 300 rpm, advantageously at least 400 rpm, preferably at least 500 rpm and particularly preferably at least 600 rpm at the drive shaft of the at least one electric drive unit.

[0034] 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 through 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 may, in order to fulfill a function described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, and units than specified herein.

[0035] 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.

[0036] They show:

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a household appliance according to the invention with a household appliance door opening device according to the invention.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a household appliance door opening device according to the invention.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a household appliance door opening device according to the invention.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the household appliance door opening device and

[0041] Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the household appliance device.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a household appliance 14a. The household appliance 14a has at least one door opening device 10a. The household appliance 14a has at least one body 26a. Furthermore, the household appliance 14a has at least one door 12a. In this case, the household appliance 14a is configured as a refrigerator. 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Figure 2 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.

[0046] The housing unit 16a is made at least substantially of a plastic. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the housing unit 16a to be 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, 44a, namely a first housing element 42a and a second housing element 44a. The two housing elements 42a, 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, 44a are formed separately from each other. Alternatively, however, it would be conceivable for the two housing elements 42a, 44a to be formed in one piece. The two housing elements 42a, 44a are designed to be connected to each other by frictional and / or positive locking.Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the two housing elements 42a, 44a are designed to pivot and / or lock together.

[0047] The housing unit 16a has at least one bearing point 46a. This bearing point 46a is designed to support the electric drive unit 18a. The bearing point 46a is designed to support the electric drive unit 18a, at least partially, by positive locking. In this case, the first and second housing elements 42a and 44a of the housing unit 16a each have at least one bearing point 48a and 50a, respectively, specifically a first bearing point 48a and a second bearing point 50a, in order to support the electric drive unit 18a (see Figure 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.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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 gearbox, a helical gearbox, a worm gearbox, or another gearbox that would be considered appropriate 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 by the control unit 56a.

[0050] The electric drive unit 18a is at least substantially cylindrical (see Figure 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 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 designed to drive the gear unit 54a and the plunger 40a.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the household appliance door opening device 10a. The sectional view is shown in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 24a of the electric drive unit 18a.

[0053] 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 placing the decoupling unit 20a over the electric drive unit 18a. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the decoupling unit 20a is arranged on the electric drive unit 18a in a non-reversible manner, in particular by being permanently bonded to the electric drive unit 18a, for example by an adhesive bonding process and / or by a welding process and / or by a casting process and / or by 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. Specifically, the first and second housing elements 42a, 44a, preferably in the bearing points 48a, 50a designed as projections, 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 an assembled state of the household appliance door opening device 10a.

[0054] The at least one decoupling unit 20a has at least one

[0055] 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 casing for the electric drive unit 18a, in particular for an outer surface, especially a casing 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The decoupling unit 20a, at least one of which is intended to provide at least one

[0060] Vibration of at least one electric drive unit 18a at least in

[0061] The decoupling unit 20a, in particular the decoupling element 22a, is arranged 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 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, on the electric drive unit 18a, in particular on the outer surface of the electric drive unit 18a.

[0062] Of the objects that appear multiple times in the figures, only one is marked with a reference symbol.

[0063] Figures 4 and 5 show two further embodiments of the invention. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby reference can be made to the description of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 with regard to identical components, features, and functions. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 is replaced by the letter b in the reference numerals of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 and by the letter c in the reference numerals of the embodiment shown in Figure 5. With regard to identically designated components, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference can also generally be made to the drawings and / or the description of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0064] Figure 4 shows a household appliance door opening device 10b 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 electric 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 electric 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 electric drive unit 18b to the at least one housing unit 16b. Figure 4 shows a sectional view of a household appliance door opening device 10b.The sectional view is shown in a plane which is perpendicular to a rotation axis 24b of the electric drive unit 18b.

[0065] 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.

[0066] In the present case, the first housing element 42b has a first bearing point 48b. The second housing element 44b has a second bearing point 50b.

[0067] Bearing points 48b and 50b are designed to support the electric drive unit 18b. Bearing points 48b and 50b are designed as protrusions. Bearing points 48b and 50b are designed to support the electric drive unit 18a at least partially by positive and / or frictional engagement.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The at least one decoupling unit 20b has at least one

[0071] 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 has 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 process. The at least one decoupling element 22b is, in the injection molding process, in particular as a pre-assembled finished part, together with the

[0072] Housing unit 16b, in particular together with the first housing element 42b and the second housing element 42b, can be manufactured. In the present case, the 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 20b is not reversibly, in particular not non-destructively, connected to the housing unit 16b, in particular by the common multi-component injection molding process.

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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.

[0075] For further features of the household appliance door opening device 10b, reference is made to the descriptions of Figures 1 to 3.

[0076] Figure 5 shows a household appliance door opening device 10c for the automatic, at least 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 transmission of vibrations from the at least one electric drive unit 18c to the at least one housing unit 16c.

[0077] Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the household appliance door opening device 10c. The sectional view is shown in a plane that is perpendicular to an axis of rotation 24c of the electric drive unit 18c.

[0078] 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, of which only four decoupling elements 22c are shown in Figure 5, and only one decoupling element 22c is designated.

[0079] The four decoupling elements 22c of the decoupling unit 20c are identical in this case, therefore only decoupling element 22c will be described below. Decoupling element 22c is designed as a helical spring made primarily of a metal. Alternatively, decoupling element 22c could be made primarily of a plastic and / or, for example, be designed as a spiral spring or leaf spring. However, it would also be conceivable for decoupling element 22c to be designed as a rubber spring, an air spring, a hydraulic spring, or a diaphragm spring (not shown).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] For further features of the household appliance door opening device 10c, please refer to the descriptions of Figures 1 to 4.

[0084] Reference sign

[0085] 10 Household appliance door opening device

[0086] 12 household appliance door

[0087] 14 household appliances

[0088] 16 Housing unit

[0089] 18 Electric drive unit

[0090] 20 decoupling units

[0091] 22 Decoupling element

[0092] 24 Rotation axis

[0093] 26 Corpus

[0094] 28 First side wall

[0095] 30 Second side wall

[0096] 32 Back panel

[0097] 34 Floor

[0098] 36 ceiling

[0099] 38 Interior

[0100] 40 pestles

[0101] 42 First housing element

[0102] 44 Second housing element

[0103] 46 storage location

[0104] 48 First storage site

[0105] 50 Second storage site

[0106] 52 Additional storage location

[0107] 54 Gear unit

[0108] 56 Control unit

[0109] 58 Supply line

[0110] 60 Drive shaft

[0111] 62 coupling element

[0112] 64 Exclusion

Claims

Claims 1. 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) 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 designed to counteract the transmission of vibrations from the at least one electrical drive unit (18a; 18b; 18c) to the at least one housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c).

2. 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 electrical drive unit (18a; 18b; 18c), in particular directly.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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).

8. 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).

9. 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).

10. 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) is operable at a speed of at least 4000 rpm.

11. Household appliance (14a) with at least one household appliance door opening device (10a) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one body (26a) and at least one household appliance door (12a).

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