CN115371331A

CN115371331A - Household appliance with a specific automatic door opening device and method

Info

Publication number: CN115371331A
Application number: CN202210537962.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·哈格迈尔; D·莱沃尔德; M·席梅尔; T·沃茨
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2021-05-18
Filing date: 2022-05-17
Publication date: 2022-11-22
Also published as: DE102021205018A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance (1) having a housing (2) and having a door (4) which is arranged on the housing (3) such that a receiving space (3) of the household appliance (10) arranged in the housing (2) can be closed, and having a door opening device (9) by means of which the door (4) can be moved at least partially automatically on a movement path between a completely closed position and a completely open position, wherein the door (4) has a first opening sub-path and a second opening sub-path which is different and subsequent to it along its movement path during the opening process, wherein the door opening device (9) has a control unit (10) by means of which the movement of the door (7) on the second opening sub-path is carried out automatically. The invention also relates to a method.

Description

Household appliance with a specific automatic door opening device and method

Technical Field

One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance having a housing and having a door movably arranged on the housing. Furthermore, the household appliance has an accommodating space arranged in the housing. The accommodating space can be closed by the door. Furthermore, the household appliance has a door opener, by means of which the door can be moved at least partially automatically in a movement path between a fully closed position and a fully open position. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for opening a door of a household appliance.

Background

A household appliance with an automatic door opening device is known, for example, from CN 106940120A.

Disclosure of Invention

The aim of the invention is to improve the automatic opening of a door.

This object is achieved by a household appliance and a method according to the independent claims.

One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance having a housing and having a door movably arranged on the housing. Furthermore, the household appliance has at least one receiving space arranged in the housing. The accommodating space can be closed by the door. Furthermore, the household appliance has a door opener by means of which the door can be moved at least partially automatically in a movement path between a fully closed position and a fully open position.

During opening, the door has a first opening sub-path along its path of movement. During the opening process, the door has a second opening sub-path along its movement path, which is different from and subsequent to the first opening sub-path. This means that during the opening process first a first opening sub-path is carried out and then subsequently a second opening sub-path is present towards the door enabling a fully open position. The door opener has an actuating unit, by means of which the movement of the door (in particular only) on the second opening sub-path is carried out automatically. That is, with such a household appliance, the opening process is achieved: in the household appliance, the door is automatically moved in a very specific second opening sub-path by a specific operating unit. Therefore, the user does not have to manually move the door in person. By means of such a configuration: a very advantageous steering unit can be used. The actuating unit does not have to exert such a large force that it first substantially converts the door from a completely closed opening into an opening movement. Since, for example, a relatively large force is required precisely in domestic appliances to move the door out of this completely closed position, a correspondingly equipped actuating unit is necessary. The second opening sub-path is carried out automatically to a certain extent and the second opening sub-path (or the movement path) is not opened substantially during the opening process starting from the completely closed position of the door, so that these initial forces do not have to be applied by the actuating unit. It is then possible to realize that this particular second opening sub-path is carried out automatically, and, in this connection, the user does not have to grasp the door manually and does not have to pivot it accordingly. Furthermore, the actuating unit can also be designed more simply, since the second opening sub-path is smaller than the entire movement path between the fully closed position and the fully open position of the door. The second opening sub-path can therefore be formed smaller and, in this connection, the actuating unit is also of simpler design. Since only a small portion of the entire movement path must be automatically moved by the actuating unit. Thus, a structurally simple structural unit can also be realized here.

In one embodiment, the door can be pivoted about a pivot axis in order to execute a movement path during the opening process, wherein the second opening sub-path starts from a pivot position of 10 ° compared to the fully closed position.

That is, the second opening sub-path has an origin (Anfang) which, viewed in the direction of the opening movement, starts in a relatively small angular interval of the pivoting movement after the fully closed position of the door. Thus, it is also achieved: the door does not have to be opened relatively far from the closed position first, so that this second opening sub-path can be performed completely automatically. The door is automatically moved on a second opening sub-path relatively close to the fully closed position of the door. Thus, with the second opening sub-path, an angle interval of the entire opening path is automatically performed which substantially coincides with an angle interval that a user may perform in order to sufficiently see the accommodating space.

In one embodiment, the end of the second opening sub-path facing away from the first opening sub-path is located before the fully opened position of the door along the movement path of the opening process. This means that the second opening sub-path does not fully reach the fully open position of the door. This is also advantageous because in most cases it is not necessary to set the door completely open when the user sees the accommodation space for taking out or putting in the stored goods. The actuating unit can thus also be configured accordingly to the situation. The automatic actuation on the second opening sub-path can then again be carried out as desired, and the actuating unit can be provided in this connection more simply and more compactly. Since automatic opening of the door to the fully open position by the actuating unit is not required here.

In one embodiment, the end of the second open sub-path is at a maximum of 45 ° of the pivot position compared to the fully closed position of the door. This achieves automatic opening of the door on such a second opening sub-path: this second opening sub-path corresponds to a conventional opening width in a very large number of situations where the user needs to access the receiving space. Thus, it is this second open sub-path that is typically performed frequently that is automatically performed. This makes it possible to use an adapted and, if appropriate, more compact, functionally more reliable actuating unit.

In one embodiment, the actuating unit has at least one energy storage element. The energy storage element is designed in such a way that: the energy storage element effects automatic movement of the door by releasing energy on the second opening sub-path. This results in a very simple design of the actuating unit. Since the automatic movement of the door is achieved only by this release of energy from the energy storage element.

In one embodiment, the energy storage element is configured to store and release mechanical energy.

In one embodiment, the energy storage element has at least one spring. The spring has a tensioned state at the beginning of the second opening path. The spring is designed in such a way that it relieves the pressure/relaxes (entrpan) on the second opening sub-path of the door, so that the automatic movement of the door is caused by the energy release achieved thereby. Thus, when the second opening sub-path is executed, the pretensioned spring relaxes. The movement of the door is initiated by way of the spring releasing stored mechanical energy. A spring element of this type is a very simple but durable component which, with lasting action, achieves a corresponding release of energy.

In one embodiment, the energy storage element can be automatically charged with energy during the closing of the door. Thereby, a very advantageous design is also achieved. This particular energy storage element is therefore automatically recharged during the closing of the door. In this case, it is provided in particular that the spring designed as an energy storage element is converted into a tensioned state when the door is closed. The energy storage element is therefore also automatically charged with energy by a movement of the door along the second opening path, which is performed in the reverse direction towards the fully closed position of the door. Thus, when the door is closed (or in the closed state), the energy storage element is always in a charged state ready for use. In each subsequent opening movement, the energy release can therefore take place automatically on this second opening sub-path and thus an automatic movement of the door is achieved.

In one embodiment, provision can be made for the energy storage element to be switched into the charging energy state additionally or alternatively to this when the door is opened on the first opening sub-path. This is also an advantageous embodiment. Because of this, the energy storage element can be arranged substantially in the closed state of the door in a relaxed state. It is then no longer necessary for the energy storage element to be available for use in the filled state for a very long time. This may be the case when the door of the household appliance is normally closed and is only opened in certain situations. This can increase the service life of the energy storage element if necessary. Very specifically, what can be achieved in the case of a spring element (or spring) as energy storage element is: in the fully closed state of the door, the spring is also present in a relaxed state. It is then not necessary that the spring has to permanently maintain this unnecessary tensioned state during the closed state of the door. In this embodiment, it can therefore be provided that the tensioning of the spring takes place at the beginning of the opening process (i.e. when the door is moved substantially out of the fully closed position). At the end of the first opening sub-path, preferably starting with the fully closed position of the door, a spring is then arranged in tension, which spring is in turn able to release the stored energy when subsequently running through the second opening sub-path.

In one embodiment, the door opening device has a further operating unit which is different from the operating unit. The movement of the door from the fully closed position takes place automatically on the first opening sub-path, in particular only pushed by the further actuating unit. In an advantageous embodiment, it is therefore possible for the automatic movement to take place on two different opening sub-paths of the entire opening path, which is however performed by respectively different operating units of the door opener. Depending on the respective section of the entire opening path, corresponding actuating units can then be used, in particular only the respective actuating unit. In this way, each actuating unit can be coordinated in an improved manner, i.e. on which of the opening sub-paths the respective actuating unit is activated and automatic opening is carried out. Each actuating unit can thus be designed and coordinated individually in terms of design, function and compactness.

In one embodiment, the further actuating unit has a linearly movable push rod. During opening, the door is pushed away from the fully closed position by means of the push rod. Such a push rod is a mechanically very simple but durable component. In this connection, the component can be loaded with great force without losing its functionality or undergoing rapid wear. Thus, it is precisely for the first opening sub-path starting from the fully closed position that an advantageous configuration of the further operating unit is also achieved.

The push rod can be driven hydraulically or pneumatically or by an electric motor in order to move the push rod into different positions.

In one embodiment, the household appliance has an activation device. The activation device is designed to recognize (or detect) an opening movement of a user that is carried out without contact with the household appliance. Furthermore, the activation device is designed to effect the opening of the door from its fully closed position as a function of the detected opening movement. This is a further very advantageous configuration. Since this basic opening of the door can thus also take place without any contact by the user. This is advantageous in particular when the user holds the object in both hands and/or both hands are contaminated, for example. It is advantageous for the household appliance concerned to be designed for cooking food or for cleaning dishes or for storing and preserving food. Since such appliances are placed, for example, in a kitchen or other similar storage space, the above-mentioned situation may arise for the user. It is therefore advantageous if the user can initiate the basic opening process of the door without contact.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the activation device has at least one detection sensor, by means of which a gesture carried out without touching the household appliance can be detected as an opening movement of the user.

In one embodiment, the detection sensor may be disposed on a lower terminal strip (abschlussleist) of the household appliance. In one embodiment, the detection area of the detection sensor may be oriented downward and forward. In this connection, for example, the movement of the foot of the user in the detection region can be detected as a contactless gesture, and the opening movement of the user can be recognized in this connection. The end strips can be arranged on the door or on a housing of the household appliance separate therefrom, in particular respectively underneath.

In one embodiment, the household appliance can have at least one light source, by means of which the detection region of the detection sensor can be illuminated, so that the detection region is visually recognizable to the user. Thereby, the user can better recognize that: where he has to carry out his gesture carried out contactlessly so that it can be detected.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for opening a door of a household appliance, which is movably arranged on a housing of the household appliance. In one embodiment, the household appliance may be constructed according to the above-mentioned aspect or advantageous embodiments of this aspect. In the closed state of the door, the receiving space of the household appliance arranged in the housing is closed by the door. The door is moved at least partially automatically by means of a door opening device of the household appliance in the path of movement of the door between the fully closed position and the fully open position. In this type of opening process, the door moves along its movement path on a first opening sub-path and on a second opening sub-path, which is different from and follows the first opening sub-path. The automatic movement of the door on the second opening sub-path is performed by means of the actuating unit of the door opener. In particular, this automatic movement is performed by the handling unit only on the second opening sub-path. The second opening sub-path is not started in the fully closed state of the door, but is configured such that the start end of the second opening sub-path is shifted from the fully closed state in the opening path. This means that the first opening sub-path is formed on the opening path before the second opening sub-path. The first opening sub-path extends in particular starting from the fully closed position of the door. The first opening sub-path, viewed along the opening path, ends in particular at the beginning of the second opening sub-path.

In one embodiment, the automatic movement of the door along the second opening sub-path is automatically opened by releasing energy from an energy release element of the operating unit. In particular, on this second opening sub-path, the spring is transformed from a tensioned state to a more relaxed state. The energy thus released effects an automatic movement of the door in the second opening sub-path. In one embodiment, it can be provided that the spring is converted into a tensioned state when the door is closed. This may be done, for example, on a second open sub-path that is performed in reverse. It is also possible that this tensioning of the spring takes place at least partially on the second opening sub-path and/or at least partially on the first opening sub-path when the door is closed. However, it is also possible that this tensioning of the spring is not carried out during the closing of the door. More precisely, in one embodiment, this tensioning of the spring is also performed on the first opening sub-path when the door is opened.

The positions and orientations that occur during the intended use and the intended arrangement of the device are indicated by the expressions "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction", etc.

Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and those mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown individually in the figures can be used not only in the combinations indicated in each case but also in different combinations without leaving the framework of the invention. Accordingly, such embodiments of the invention can also be considered to be included and disclosed: the embodiments are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but are known from the individual feature combinations from the explained embodiments and can be produced. Such embodiments and combinations of features may also be considered disclosed: the embodiments and feature combinations thus do not have all the features of the independent claims as originally drafted. Furthermore, such embodiments and combinations of features (especially as a result of the embodiments set forth above) may be considered disclosed: the embodiments and feature combinations exceed or deviate from the feature combinations set forth in the claims.

Drawings

Next, embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail based on schematic drawings. The figures show:

fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention, in which the door is arranged in a fully closed position;

fig. 2 shows a view according to fig. 1, in which the door is opened along a first opening sub-path;

fig. 3 shows a view according to fig. 1 and 2, in which the door opens along a second opening sub-path; and

fig. 4 shows a flow chart in which a movement process of a door of a household appliance is represented.

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

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a household appliance 1. The household appliance 1 may be, for example, a household refrigeration appliance. The domestic refrigeration appliance is designed for storing and preserving food. The domestic refrigeration appliance may be, for example, a refrigerator or freezer appliance or a combination refrigerator and freezer appliance. The household appliance 1 has a housing 2. At least one receiving space 3 is formed in the housing 2. The receiving space 3 may be configured as required for storing food. For example, for a domestic refrigeration device, the receiving space 3 can be designed as a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment. Furthermore, the household appliance 1 has a door 4. The door 4 is shown in a fully closed state in fig. 1. Thereby, the accommodating space 3 is closed on the front side. In this embodiment, the door 4 is pivotally supported about a vertical axis a.

In this connection, the door 4 is pivotably supported on the housing 2.

In this embodiment, the household appliance 1 is a built-in appliance. This means that the household appliance 1 is designed as intended for insertion into the recess 5. Niches 5 can be furniture niches such as furniture walls 6. For example, the furniture wall 6 may be a kitchen portion. In this example, the household appliance 1 is arranged in a niche 5.

Furthermore, in an embodiment the household appliance 1 has a lower terminal strip 7. The lower end strip 7 is the lower end piece (abscluss) of the door 4 or may be the lower front end piece of the housing 2.

The household appliance 1 has a control unit 8. Furthermore, the household appliance 1 has a door opener 9. The door opener 9 is designed to move the door 4 automatically during the opening process. In one embodiment, the door opener 9 has a handling unit 10. The actuating unit 10 is provided for: the door 4 is automatically moved on the second opening sub-path. In particular, the operating unit 10 is provided for: the door 4 is automatically moved only on the second opening sub-path. It can be provided that the household appliance 1 (in particular the door opener 9) has a further actuating unit 11. The further operating unit 11 can be provided for: the door 4 is automatically moved on the first opening sub-path of the movement path of the entire opening process. In particular, the further actuating unit 11 is provided for: the automatic opening of the door is performed only on the first opening sub path. Thus, in one embodiment, the door opener 9 has two different operating units 10 and 11, which are provided for: the automatic movement of the door 4 is effected only in specific, respectively different opening sub-paths.

In one exemplary embodiment, the first actuating unit 10 has at least one energy storage element 12. The energy storage element 12 is provided for: the automatic movement of the door 4 on the second opening sub-path is achieved by the release of energy on the second opening sub-path of the door 4. The energy storage element 12 may be, for example, a spring. The spring relaxes when moving on the second opening sub-path of the door 4, thereby releasing energy therefrom.

In one embodiment, the other actuating unit 11 has in particular a push rod 13. The push rod 13 can move linearly. As a result, the door 4 can be opened in principle, in particular starting from a completely closed state (as shown in fig. 1). Thus, to some extent, the door 4 can be pushed away from the fully closed state by the push rod 13 and automatically move along the first open path.

In one embodiment, the opening path of the door 4 comprises a first opening sub-path extending from the fully closed position of the door 4 until the beginning of a second opening sub-path. The second opening sub-path is in particular directly connected to the first opening sub-path along the opening path. The end of the second open sub-path is in particular not in line with the fully open position of the door 4. In particular, the end of the second opening sub-path is before the fully open position of the door 4.

In one embodiment, the first opening sub-path preferably extends over an angular interval of 10 ° starting from the closed position of the door 4 (i.e. between 0 ° and 10 °). In one embodiment, the second opening partial path extends over an angular interval of between 10 ° and 60 ° (in particular between 10 ° and 50 °), as considered from the closed position. It is also possible for the first opening sub-path to extend, for example, up to 15 ° and then to start directly next to the second opening sub-path.

In one embodiment, the household appliance 1 has an activation device 14. The activation device 14 is designed to detect a gesture of the user without contact. The activation device 14 may have at least one detection sensor 15. In one embodiment, the detection sensor 15 may be arranged on the lower terminal strip 7. In one embodiment, the detection sensor 15 has a detection area 16. The detection area 16 is directed downwards and forwards with respect to the front of the household appliance 1. If a gesture is performed in the detection area 16, the gesture may be detected. Such a non-contact gesture may be, for example, a movement with the user's foot. Also movements, for example with the user's hand, are possible. In one embodiment, the household appliance 1 may have at least one light source 17. The light source 17 may be arranged and arranged accordingly for: the detection area 16 is illuminated in color. This allows the user to visually and easily perceive the detection area 16. It is therefore easy to perform gestures in the detection region 16 and thus to achieve a reliable and accurate detection.

Starting from the fully closed position of the door 4 according to fig. 1, the door 4 can be opened. For this purpose, a first opening sub-path is first passed, starting from the fully closed position of the door 4. In this case, the door 4 is exemplarily shown in fig. 2 to reach the end of the first open sub-path. The first opening sub-path extends in a circumferential direction about the axis of rotation a over an angular interval of, for example, 10 ° from the fully closed position of the door 4. In particular, the angle interval may extend between 8 ° and 12 °. However, other angle intervals (e.g. other angles within 15 °) are also possible.

In one embodiment, the door 4 is automatically moved on the first opening sub-path. This can be done by means of a further operating unit 11. Thus, it is possible, for example, to arrange for the opening of the door 4 to take place fully automatically. This means that at least access to the door 4 on the first opening sub-path and the second opening sub-path is not required. For example, the opening process may be initiated by a contactless gesture. In this case, for example, when a gesture is detected in each case, a further actuating unit 11 is activated, for example by the control unit 8, in order to move the door 4 out of the closed position and to move it through the first opening sub-path. Starting from the reached end of the first opening sub-path in fig. 2, the door 4 is automatically moved on the following second opening sub-path. This is done by the steering unit 10. In particular, the automatic movement of the door 4 by means of the actuating unit 10 is carried out exclusively on this second opening sub-path. For this purpose, the energy release element 12 releases energy and thus effects an automatic movement of the door 4. For example, the energy release element 12 may be a spring that is tensioned and relaxed/decompressed on the second opening sub-path. The spring energy released here causes an automatic movement along the second opening sub-path.

Such a state is schematically shown in fig. 3: in this state, the door 4 reaches the end of the second opening sub-path.

It is possible that, when required, further opening of the door 4 from this end of the reached second opening sub-path is performed manually by the user. However, it is possible that the further opening of the path is also performed at least partially automatically.

In one embodiment, the door 4 is closed again starting from an at least partially open state, in particular having been completely operated through the second opening sub-path. In one embodiment, it can be provided that during this closing process the energy release element 12 is automatically charged again with energy. For example, in one embodiment, the spring 12 may be tensioned from at least a partially relaxed state. When the beginning of the second opening sub-path and thus the end of the first opening sub-path is reached, a state of tension can be reached, for example, on this closed path. It is then no longer provided that the spring is tensioned further on the first opening sub-path towards the fully closed door 4. In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the energy charging of the energy release element 12 takes place only on the first opening sub-path during the closing of the door 4. During this closing process, the energy release element 12 is then not charged with energy on the second opening sub-path.

In addition or alternatively thereto, in a further embodiment it can be provided that the energy release element 12 unloads energy or at least has no charged energy state in the closed state of the door 4, which energy release element 12 has at the end of the first opening sub-path when the opening process is carried out. It can then be provided that during the opening process the energy charging of the energy release element 12 takes place on the first opening sub-path.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a flow chart for the opening process of the door 4. Thus, in one embodiment, according to step S1, it may be first provided that: a contactless gesture is performed in the detection area 16. The gesture is then detected and analyzed and the user's opening action (or opening request) is recognized. To this end, according to step S2, in one embodiment, a further manipulation unit 11 is operated by the control unit 8. Then, the door 4 is automatically moved starting from the fully closed position, more precisely on the first opening sub-path. If the end of the first opening sub-path is reached, the door 4 is automatically moved on the subsequent second opening sub-path according to step S3. This is done as follows: the energy release element 12, which is different from the ram of the other actuating unit 11, releases energy and thus performs this automatic movement.

In one embodiment, it may be provided that: when the door 4 is closed, the energy release element 12 is again charged with energy, according to step S4. According to step S5, the door is finally again arranged in the closed position.

List of reference numerals

1. Household appliance

2. Shell body

3. Containing space

4. Door with a door panel

5. Niche

6. Furniture wall

7. Terminal strip

8. Control unit

9. Door opening device

10. A first operating unit

11. A second operating unit

12. Energy storage element

13. Push rod

14. Activation device

15. Detection sensor

16. Detection area

17. Light source

Axis A

S1 step

S2 step

S3 step

S4 step

Claims

1. A household appliance (1) having:

a housing (2); and

a door (4) which is movably arranged on the housing (2) such that an accommodating space (3) of the household appliance (1) arranged in the housing (2) can be closed; and

a door opener (9) by means of which the door (4) can be moved at least partially automatically in a movement path between a fully closed position and a fully open position,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the door (4) has a first opening sub-path and a second opening sub-path along its movement path during opening, the second opening sub-path being different from and succeeding the first opening sub-path,

wherein the door opener (9) has an actuating unit (10) by means of which the movement of the door (7) on the second opening sub-path is carried out automatically.

2. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the door (4) can pivot about a pivot axis (A) in order to execute a movement path during the opening process,

wherein the second open sub-path begins at a pivot position between 8 ° and 15 ° compared to the fully closed position.

3. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the end of the second opening sub-path remote from the first opening sub-path is located before the fully open position of the door (4) along the movement path.

4. Household appliance (1) according to claim 3,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

this end of the second opening sub-path is located in a pivot position of maximum 60 °, in particular maximum 50 °, compared to the fully closed position.

5. Household appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the actuating unit (10) has an energy storage element (12) which effects an automatic movement of the door (4) by releasing energy on the second opening sub-path.

6. Household appliance (1) according to claim 5,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the energy storage element (12) has at least one spring which, at the beginning of the second opening path, has a tensioned state which is relaxed in the second opening sub-path, so that an automatic movement of the door (4) is achieved by the energy release resulting therefrom.

7. Household appliance (1) according to claim 5 or 6,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the energy storage element (12) enables the energy storage element (12) to be automatically charged with energy during the closing of the door (4), in particular by performing a movement in the reverse direction along the second opening path.

8. Household appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the door opener (9) has a further actuating unit (11), which is different from the actuating unit (10), by means of which the movement of the door (4) from the fully closed position on the first opening sub-path is carried out automatically.

9. Household appliance (1) according to claim 8,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the further actuating unit (11) has a linearly movable push rod (13) by means of which the door (4) can be pushed out of the fully closed position during the opening process.

10. The household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the household appliance (1) has an activation device (14) by means of which an opening movement of a user can be detected without contact with the household appliance (1) and an opening of the door (4) from a fully closed position of the door (4) can be achieved as a result.

11. Household appliance (1) according to claim 10,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the activation device (14) has a detection sensor (15) by means of which a gesture that is carried out in a contactless manner with respect to the household appliance (1) can be detected as an opening movement of the user.

12. Household appliance (1) according to claim 11,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the detection sensor (15) is arranged on a lower terminal strip (7) of the household appliance (1) and a detection region (16) of the detection sensor (1) is oriented downwards, so that a movement of a user's foot within the detection region (16) can be detected as an opening movement.

13. Household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 12,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the household appliance (1) has a light source (17) by means of which the detection region (16) can be illuminated, so that the detection region (16) is visually recognizable to a user.

14. Household appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the household appliance is a built-in appliance for built-in installation into a built-in niche (5), in particular in a furniture wall (6).

15. Method for opening a door (4) of a household appliance (1), which is movably arranged on a housing (2) of the household appliance (1),

wherein an accommodating space (3) of the household appliance (1) arranged in the housing (2) is closed by the door (4),

wherein the door (4) is moved automatically at least partially in the opening process by means of a door opening device (9) of the household appliance (1) on a movement path between a fully closed position and a fully open position,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the door (4) moves during the opening process along its movement path on a first opening sub-path and on a second opening sub-path, which is different from the first opening sub-path and follows the first opening sub-path,

wherein the automatic movement of the door (4) on the second opening sub-path is performed by means of an operating unit (10) of the door opening device (9).