Patent Application
20210055044
The invention relates to a household appliance, with a body, a closing element arranged in a movable manner thereon, and with a sensor unit for measuring temperature and/or humidity.
A household appliance of this kind may be a refrigeration appliance, a cooking appliance or a dishwashing appliance, for example. Should the household appliance be a refrigeration appliance, it may be a refrigerator, a freezer or a combined refrigerator-freezer. It is known that when using household appliances of this kind, in particular in the case of household refrigeration appliances, in environments with high levels of air humidity and high temperatures, it may happen that water condenses on outer wall elements of the household appliance. The reason for this is a lower temperature of the outer wall elements compared to the ambient temperature. It is known to arrange heating elements on the outer wall elements in order to avoid the formation of condensation. In order to control heating elements of this kind, it is desirable to measure the air humidity and the temperature, in particular the ambient air humidity and the ambient temperature.
From U.S. Pat. No. 7,137,262 B2, a refrigeration appliance is known with an additional heating facility, which is controlled by means of an air humidity sensor fastened to a body of the refrigeration appliance and a temperature sensor.
The object of the present invention lies in improving a household appliance described in the introduction.
This object is achieved by a household appliance in accordance with claim 1. Accordingly, in a generic household appliance, it is provided that the sensor unit is arranged at least partially on the closing element.
In this context, “at least partially” is to be understood as meaning that at least one component of the sensor unit is arranged on the closing element. In particular, it is conceivable that the sensor unit has two or more components, of which one component is arranged on the closing element and one component is arranged on the body.
The sensor unit is preferably arranged (at least partially) on the closing element in such a way that it is coupled to the closing element in a stationary manner. When opening or when closing the closing element, the sensor unit therefore moves together with the closing element.
By arranging the sensor unit on the closing element, it is possible to achieve better results with regard to the measurement accuracy.
On the one hand, the sensor may be placed at a position which is more suitable for the measuring of the temperature or air humidity. In particular, the sensor unit may be positioned further in the direction of a spatial center point of a room, in which the household appliance is placed. The probability of the sensor unit being subjected to an air flow prevailing in the room can be increased as a result, meaning that more realistic measurement results can be achieved.
Above all, however, the arrangement of the sensor unit on the movable closing element has the effect that the sensor unit is subjected to a strong forced current on each opening or on each closing of the closing element. Thus, it has been shown that the air displaced by the moved closing element and ultimately flowing over the closing element (in particular the edge sections thereof) allows a more precise measurement. It is possible to avoid the risk of the sensor unit merely detecting measurement results which correspond to a single local and invariable location, which depending on the position is not or is essentially not subjected to any air flow. Furthermore, it can be achieved that, due to the forced current, a targeted air flow through a receiving space in the closing element, in which the sensor is situated, is brought about. This also reduces the risk of the measurement results being distorted or being detected too slowly as a result of a lack of air flow within the sensor unit or within the receiving space.
Indeed, the arrangement of the sensor unit on the closing element is more complex than a conventional arrangement on the body. This means that electrical supply lines and data lines have to be guided from the body into the closing element. The invention, however, is based on the knowledge that this additional outlay is outweighed by the more rapid and secure capturing of the air humidity or temperature, in particular changes thereof.
Embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.
The household appliance typically has a receiving space which is arranged entirely, at least essentially entirely, within the body. Should this be a refrigeration appliance, the receiving space is formed by a storage compartment for items to be refrigerated or to be frozen (items to be cooled); in the case of a cooking appliance, the receiving space corresponds to a cooking compartment; and in the case of a dishwasher, it is a dishwasher cavity. In a closed position, the closing element closes off the receiving space.
The closing element preferably has an outer wall and an inner wall spaced apart therefrom. In the case of a household appliance placed in the intended manner, the outer wall faces a user on the front side in a closed position of the closing element. In the closed position of the closing element, the inner wall faces the receiving space. The inner wall lies behind the outer wall in the depth direction. Typically, a cavity is formed between the outer wall of the inner wall, which for example may be filled with insulating material (for example polyurethane foam). The outer wall and the inner wall are typically interconnected via side supports, top supports and bottom supports which form narrow sides of the closing element.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that the sensor unit comprises at least one sensor. The sensor may in particular give an electric signal of a measurement value to an evaluation unit or a control unit. To this end, the sensor may be connected to the evaluation unit or to the control unit via an electrical line. The evaluation unit, the control unit and the electrical line are not part of the sensor unit. In particular, the sensor may be an air humidity sensor or a temperature sensor. It is conceivable in particular for the sensor unit to comprise both an air humidity sensor and a temperature sensor. In principle, it is also conceivable for the sensor unit to comprise more than two sensors.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that the sensor unit is exclusively arranged on the closing element. In this manner, a relatively compact sensor unit can be used; in particular it is possible to dispense with moving parts within the sensor unit.
In order to detect an ambient humidity or an ambient temperature, the sensor unit is preferably arranged such that it is at least partially exposed in an opened position of the closing element. “Arranged such that it is exposed” is to be understood in particular as meaning that the sensor unit is subjected to or facing a surrounding environment of the household appliance. There is therefore in particular direct contact with the ambient air. In this context, “at least partially” is to be understood as meaning that the sensor unit does not necessarily have to be arranged such that it is exposed as a complete unit. Rather, it may be sufficient if at least particular components or elements (e.g. air flow openings) are arranged such that they are exposed. In principle, however, it is also conceivable for the sensor unit to be arranged such that it is exposed as a complete unit. In order to obtain even more precise measurement results, in accordance with one embodiment it may be provided that the sensor unit is arranged such that it is at least partially exposed in a closed position of the closing element. In this manner, measurement results can be detected in an opened position of the closing element, during a movement procedure of the closing element and in a closed position of the closing element.
Preferably, it is provided that the sensor unit is arranged entirely outside the receiving space. It is therefore possible to prevent falsifications of the measurement results. In particular, it may therefore be provided that no component or no section of the sensor unit is arranged within the receiving space or delimits it.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that the sensor unit is arranged on an edge section of the closing element. It is therefore possible to make maximum use of the effects of the air flowing around the closing element during the movement thereof. The edge section may in particular be a horizontal or vertical edge section. Should this be a vertical edge section and the closing element formed by a pivotable door, then the edge section is preferably the edge section which lies opposite a door bearing. The air flow is the most pronounced at this edge section, which moves the most. An “edge section” is preferably to be understood as meaning that section of the closing element which, in the case of an extension of the closing element measured perpendicularly to said edge section, corresponds to at most 30%, at most 20% and preferably at most 10% of the extension of the closing element. Thus, for example, a horizontal edge section extends in the height direction over at most 30%, at most 20% and preferably at most 10% of the height extension of the closing element as a complete unit.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that the sensor unit is arranged on a narrow side of the closing element. The narrow sides in particular represent side walls, top wall and bottom wall which adjoin an outer wall of the closing element and run in the depth direction (i.e. in the direction of a thickness of the closing element). In the case of a rectangular closing element, there are four narrow sides, namely two mutually opposite side supports as well as mutually opposite top and bottom supports. In a closed closing element, a narrow side extends in the depth direction at most from a plane comprising the outer wall up to a plane comprising a contact area of the closing element against the body. A horizontal narrow side (for example, the upper narrow side or the lower narrow side) extends in the horizontal direction between the two vertical narrow sides, and vice versa.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that the sensor unit is arranged on a frame element of the closing element. Preferably, the frame element is arranged on a narrow side. It is conceivable in particular for the frame element to embody a narrow side in its entirety, or essentially in its entirety. It is conceivable for the frame element to delimit a cavity between the outer wall and the inner wall of the closing element. This cavity may be filled with insulating material, so that the frame element is preferably in contact with insulating material along its complete longitudinal extension on the side facing the cavity. The frame element is preferably an elongated component. An “elongated component” is in particular to be understood as meaning that a longitudinal extension corresponds to at least three times, at least four times, at least five times or at least eight times its two other extensions. The frame element in particular may be formed by a door cover strip. The frame element is preferably integrated, i.e. in one piece, and/or preferably consists of plastic (for example a plastic injection-molded part). In this manner, necessary connection geometries for the arrangement of the sensor unit may be provided in a simple and cost-effective manner.
By arranging the sensor unit on an edge section and/or on a narrow side and/or on a frame element (in particular door cover strip), on the one hand the advantages according to the invention improved once more equally due to the advantageous positioning in the direction of a spatial center point and due to the maximized surrounding flow with air. On the other hand, it is possible for the sensor unit to be arranged in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner, in particular by way of low structural outlay, as structural changes to the outer wall or the inner wall can be avoided. Moreover, an appealing outer appearance of the household appliance can continue to be retained in a cost-effective manner, as the sensor unit is imperceptible or can only be perceived with difficulty by a user at these assembly points. Furthermore, the sensor unit is vastly more effectively protected from damage than if it were arranged at a position which can be easily accessed by the user.
Preferably, it is provided that the sensor unit is arranged on an edge section and/or on a narrow side and/or on a frame element in a centrally positioned region in the width direction, which has at most 70% of the width extension, at most 50% of the width extension or at most 30% of the width extension. Due to this positioning, although it is furthermore possible to ensure an effective surrounding flow around the sensor unit, it is moreover possible to prevent influences, which result from a heating of a folding column, from distorting the measurement result.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that the sensor unit is arranged at least in sections in a receiving pocket of the closing element, in particular of the frame element and/or in particular of a receiving pocket embodied in the narrow side and/or the edge section. This allows, in a simple and cost-effective manner, not only a furthermore appealing outer appearance of the closing element, in which the sensor unit can be arranged such that it essentially cannot be seen or can hardly be seen by a user. Rather, this also protects the sensor unit from impurities and/or damage. Although it is conceivable for the sensor unit only to be arranged in the receiving pocket in sections (for example, it is conceivable in a multi-part sensor unit that one component is arranged at least partially outside the receiving pocket), preferably it is provided that the sensor unit is arranged entirely or at least essentially entirely in the receiving pocket. In particular, it may be provided that a component of the sensor unit turned toward the outside (for example a cover element) runs flush with wall elements of the closing element adjoining the receiving pocket. The receiving pocket may have a cut-out, through which an electrical line is guided into the receiving pocket. In particular, the cut-out may connect the receiving pocket and a cut-out arranged between the outer wall of the inner wall in the cavity of the closing element. The cut-out is preferably closed at the edges and has a collar directed into the receiving pocket at one edge of the opening. The collar may prevent the penetration of condensation into the cut-out and thus into the cavity. The receiving pocket may have connecting structures (for example a latching receptacle, an indentation, a contact collar and/or a positioning depression). These connecting structures are preferably embodied such that they are integrated with the receiving pocket, in particular with the frame element. Corresponding mating connecting structures (for example a latching hook or a positioning tab) may be embodied on the sensor unit. The connecting structures and the mating connecting structures preferably enable a form-locking and/or force-locking arrangement of the sensor unit on the closing element. Further functional units of the household appliance may be integrated in the receiving pocket. For example, a door-opening assistant or a door-closing aid may be partially or entirely integrated in the receiving pocket.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that the closing element, in particular the narrow side of the closing element, has a recess facing the body and that the sensor unit is arranged in a wall section delimiting the recess. The recess may be formed by a set-back area. It is therefore possible in particular to create a clearance between the wall section and the body, which facilitates air circulation. In particular, it may be provided that air flow openings are arranged in a rear side of the wall section facing the body (i.e. facing the clearance). Preferably, the wall section is arranged before the recess in the depth direction. Provided that the recess is arranged in a narrow side, the narrow side runs in a sectional plane arranged perpendicular to its longitudinal extension, in particular in a stepped manner. The recess may be open on one side in a width direction and closed by a further wall section on an opposite side. A bearing pin receptacle may also be arranged in the recess. The receiving pocket already described may be arranged in the wall section. The receiving pocket (where present) or the sensor unit preferably only extends over a subsection of the wall section in the width direction. In the height direction and in the width direction, however, it may be provided that the receiving pocket (where present) or the sensor unit extend over the complete extensions of the wall section in each case. It is also conceivable, however, for the receiving pocket (where present) or the sensor unit to not extend up to the outer wall in the depth direction. In this manner, damage to the sensor unit can be prevented even more effectively and the fastening of the sensor unit on the one hand and the outer wall on the other can be simplified.
Preferably, it is provided that the sensor unit comprises a cover element. On the one hand, the cover element may protect the sensor unit from impurities or damage. On the other hand, the cover element may itself facilitate the guiding of air to the sensor (in particular by way of appropriately positioned and shaped air flow openings and air-conducting walls). Moreover, the cover element may also be configured to cover or carry further functional units of the household appliance.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that the closing element has a receiving space for a sensor of the sensor unit and that the receiving space is delimited by a cover element of the sensor unit, at least in sections. Moreover, the receiving space may also be delimited by the receiving pocket in particular. Preferably, it is provided that the receiving space is exclusively delimited by the cover element and the receiving pocket. The cover element, which is part of the sensor unit, is preferably manufactured in one piece and/or from plastic (for example plastic injection-molded part). The cover element is preferably connected to the closing element with a positive fit and/or a force-locking. For this purpose, corresponding connecting structures (corresponding to the connecting structures of the receiving pocket described previously) are embodied on the closing element and corresponding mating connecting structures (corresponding to the mating connecting structures of the sensor unit described previously) are embodied on the cover element. Preferably, it is provided that the cover element can be assembled on the closing element without tools. Preferably, although disassembly is possible in a non-destructive manner, it is not possible without tools. In this way, it can be ensured that despite a simple assembly, a user cannot disassemble the sensor unit without authorization or by mistake.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that the sensor is arranged on a sensor carrier, which is connected to the cover element. Preferably, it is provided that the sensor carrier and the cover element are two components which are embodied separately from one another, but are embodied in one piece in each case. The sensor carrier may be made of plastic (for example plastic injection-molded part). By arranging the sensor on the sensor carrier, it is possible to achieve a better positioning of the sensor, as well as a better encapsulation of the sensor against unwanted environmental influences, than if the sensor were to be arranged directly on the closing element for example. The sensor and the sensor carrier, where appropriate also additionally the cover element, may form a preassembled unit. In this context, a preassembled unit is to be understood as meaning that, even before the fastening to the closing element, these components may be assembled with one another in their final relative position. The sensor carrier may be connected to the cover element by way of a positive and/or non-positive connection (for example latching connection). Here too, it is conceivable that, although the sensor carrier can be assembled with cover element without tools, a possible disassembly in a non-destructive manner is only possible with the assistance of tools. Preferably, it is provided that the sensor carrier and the cover element essentially close off a sensor receiving space in its entirety, up to an air exchange opening. The sensor receiving space serves to receive the actual sensor, including its control electronics (e.g. a semiconductor board with sensor fastened thereon). The air exchange opening serves to guide the necessary air flow past the sensor. The sensor carrier and the cover element essentially closing off the sensor receiving space in its entirety, up to the air exchange opening, means that the negative impacts of environmental influences, in particular on the control electronics of the sensor, are able to be reduced.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that the receiving space is connected to the surrounding environment by way of at least two air flow openings on two surfaces which are arranged at an incline in relation to one another. In this manner, the air flow through the sensor unit, in particular through the receiving space, can be improved once again. Preferably, the surfaces are oriented at right angles to one another. The air flow openings may be formed by the closing element and/or by the sensor unit. In particular, it is conceivable for a defined gap or slot to be formed as the air flow opening at a joint between the sensor unit (e.g. the cover element) and the closing element.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that an air flow opening is arranged at a deepest position of the receiving space, in particular in the region of a bottom of the receiving space. The air flow opening therefore lies at the same height as the bottom in the height direction. In this way, it can be prevented that any condensation forming in the sensor unit collects therein. Rather, in addition to the guiding of air, the corresponding air flow opening enables a safe runoff of the condensation.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that air-conducting walls are provided in the receiving space. In particular, the air-conducting walls may be provided in a vicinity of an air flow opening. In this context, a vicinity is to be understood as meaning that a shortest distance amounts to less than 1 cm, less than 0.5 cm or less than 0.25 cm. The air-conducting walls ensure a targeted guiding of air within the sensor unit. The air-conducting walls may be arranged on the closing element, for example in the receiving depression, and/or on the cover element and/or on the sensor carrier, or embodied in one piece with the respective component. In particular, the air-conducting walls may be formed by ribs, preferably free-standing ribs. Preferably, it is provided that the air-conducting walls are embodied separately from outer walls or other delimiting walls of the receiving depression, the cover element and the sensor carrier.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that dividing walls for separating off a line feed space are provided in the receiving space. Although the line feed space is part of the receiving space, a preferably almost watertight separation is helpful in order to prevent the penetration of condensation or splashed water into the line feed space. Preferably, it is therefore provided that the separation entirely or at least essentially entirely prevents the penetration of condensation collecting in the rest of the receiving space into the line feed space. In particular, the separation may take place by way of dividing walls. The dividing walls may be embodied on the closing element, in particular in the receiving pocket, and/or on the sensor unit, in particular on the cover element. Preferably, the dividing walls extend in the height direction, i.e. vertically. The dividing walls may also enable a bracing of the cover element against the closing element. In this way, the cover element may be braced with regard to forces acting thereon, in particular vertically.
The closing element may be formed by a door, a drawer front or a flap.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that the household appliance is a refrigeration appliance, i.e. a household refrigeration appliance.
The indications “above”, “below”, “front”, “rear”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “depth direction”, “width direction”, “height direction” etc. indicate the positions and orientations existing in the case of normal use and normal arrangement of the household appliance and in the case of an observer standing in front of the household appliance and looking in the direction of the household appliance.
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the figures, in which:
Identical elements or those with identical functions are provided with the same reference characters in the following.
As can be seen in
Arranged on the closing element 3 or the door 8 is a sensor unit 18 for measuring the temperature and/or humidity.
The sensor unit 18 is arranged on the narrow side 15. The narrow side 15 has a recess 19 facing the body 2. This means that the recess 19 is open in the depth direction Y toward the body 2. The recess 19 is delimited against the depth direction Y by a wall section 20. In width direction X, the recess is open to one side and delimited to the opposite side by a further wall section 21.
The sensor unit 18 is exclusively arranged in the wall section 20. In particular, the sensor unit 18 is essentially embodied flush with a top side 26 and a rear side 27 of the wall section 20.
Furthermore, the door 8 has a seal 22 arranged on the inner wall 13 for sealing with respect to the body 2. Furthermore, a circumferential web 23 is embodied on the inner wall, on which web 23 a folding column 24 is arranged. Moreover, a separate add-on part 25 (door tray) is arranged on the inner wall 13.
In
The cover element 30 and the sensor carrier 32 are each plastic injection-molded parts.
The sensor 31 is fastened to a circuit board 33. The sensor 31 is an air humidity sensor.
The cover element 30 comprises air flow openings 34, which are arranged on a top wall as wall element 35 and penetrate said wall. The cover element 30 further has a notch 37 on a rear wall as wall element 36. As can be seen in
The frame element 28 furthermore has a bearing pin receptacle 39. The bearing pin receptacle 39 is arranged in the recess 19. The frame element 28 is formed by a door cover strip.
The detailed representation of the receiving pocket 29 in
The receiving pocket 29 has connecting structures for the form-locking connection to the cover element 30. The connecting structures comprise positioning depressions 42a, 42b. The positioning depressions 42a are formed by blind holes. The positioning depressions 42b are formed by pockets, which are open at the edges and are integrated into lateral delimiting walls 43 of the receiving pocket 29. All positioning depressions 42a, 42b are open at the top in height direction Z, so that the cover element 30 can be used and anchored from above or obliquely from above. The connecting structures furthermore comprise two latching receptacles 44, in which two indentations 45 are embodied in each case. The connecting structures finally also comprise a contact collar 46, which is embodied on the lateral delimiting walls 43 and a rear delimiting wall 47. The connecting structures are embodied such that they are integrated with the receiving pocket 29.
Moreover, the receiving pocket 29 has dividing walls 48,49. The dividing walls 48,49, in conjunction with a dividing wall 61 embodied on the sensor carrier 33 (see
Embodied in the receiving pocket 29 are air-conducting walls 52,53, which ensure that air flowing through the air flow openings 34, 38 is guided directly past the sensor 31. An air-conducting wall 52 is formed by a free-standing rib. Two further air-conducting walls 53 are formed by delimiting walls of a base 54.
The sensor carrier 32 has latching hooks 58, which engage into latching openings 59 of the cover element 30, in order to latch both components to one another. In this context, the sensor 31 is protected from environmental influences to the greatest possible extent in a sensor receiving space. The sensor receiving space is solely connected to the receiving space 51 by an air exchange opening 60. By way of the air exchange opening 60, air flowing through the receiving space 51 can flow along the sensor 31.
The cover element 30 has a dividing wall 61, in order to separate the line feed space 50 from the receiving space 51. The dividing wall 61 is formed by another free-standing rib.
The cover element 30 has air-conducting walls 62,63, which ensure that air flowing through the air flow openings 34, 38 is guided directly past the sensor 31. The air-conducting wall 63, which at the same time forms a delimiting of the air exchange opening 60, has two drip slopes 64 on their edge section facing the air exchange opening 60. The drip slopes 64 prevent condensation, which forms on the air-conducting wall 63, from being able to run into the air exchange opening 60.
Electrical supply lines and data lines 65 (shown as extracts for illustration purposes) are guided into the sensor receiving space by means of a plug.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2018 203 416.8 | Mar 2018 | DE | national |
| 10 2018 204 911.4 | Mar 2018 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2018/062438 | 5/15/2018 | WO | 00 |
