U.S. patent application number 15/772597 was filed with the patent office on 2019-04-25 for door for a domestic refrigeration appliance with a door-end strip forming a cover for a display device, and domestic refrigeration appliance having such a door.
The applicant listed for this patent is BSH HAUSGERAETE GMBH. Invention is credited to ANDREAS KESSLER, PHILIPP KLEINLEIN, RALPH STAUD, THOMAS TISCHER.
Application Number | 20190120547 15/772597 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57184440 |
Filed Date | 2019-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190120547 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
STAUD; RALPH ; et
al. |
April 25, 2019 |
Door For A Domestic Refrigeration Appliance With A Door-End Strip
Forming A Cover For A Display Device, And Domestic Refrigeration
Appliance Having Such A Door
Abstract
A door for a domestic refrigeration appliance includes an outer
door wall, an inner door wall and a door end strip which extends
between the outer door wall and the inner door wall. A display
apparatus is disposed in the door in such a way that information is
displayed in the region of the door end strip. The display
apparatus has a cover which covers electronic components of the
display apparatus in the direction of the outside of the door, and
the cover is formed by the door end strip itself. A domestic
refrigeration appliance having a door is also provided.
Inventors: |
STAUD; RALPH; (MUENCHEN,
DE) ; TISCHER; THOMAS; (HAAR, DE) ; KLEINLEIN;
PHILIPP; (MUENCHEN, DE) ; KESSLER; ANDREAS;
(MUENCHEN, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BSH HAUSGERAETE GMBH |
MUENCHEN |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
57184440 |
Appl. No.: |
15/772597 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
October 19, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2016/075073 |
371 Date: |
May 1, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 23/028 20130101;
F25D 2400/36 20130101; F25D 29/005 20130101; F25D 11/00 20130101;
F25D 23/085 20130101; F25D 23/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 29/00 20060101
F25D029/00; F25D 11/00 20060101 F25D011/00; F25D 23/02 20060101
F25D023/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 11, 2015 |
DE |
102015222224.1 |
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A door for a domestic refrigeration appliance, the door
comprising: an outer door wall, an inner door wall, and an outside
of the door; a door end strip extending between said outer door
wall and said inner door wall; and a display apparatus disposed in
the door and displaying information in a region of said door end
strip; said display apparatus having electronic components and a
cover covering said electronic components in a direction of said
outside of the door, said cover being formed by said door end strip
itself.
16. The door according to claim 15, wherein said cover is a
U-shaped profile.
17. The door according to claim 16, wherein said U-shaped profile
forms a chamber, and said electronic components are disposed in
said chamber.
18. The door according to claim 16, wherein said U-shaped profile
cover has a base extending perpendicular to said outer door wall
and said inner door wall, and information is displayed optically
through said base.
19. The door according to claim 16, wherein said U-shaped profile
cover has a side wall extending in a direction of said outer door
wall and said inner door wall, and information is displayed
optically through said side wall.
20. The door according to claim 16, which further comprises: a
connecting part having a U-shaped cross-section and being disposed
between said outer door wall and said inner door wall; said
connecting part interconnecting said outer door wall and said inner
door wall; and said connecting part being disposed at least
partially in a chamber formed by said U-shaped profile of said
cover.
21. The door according to claim 16, wherein said U-shaped profile
cover has a side wall with a slot into which said inner door wall
extends.
22. The door according to claim 15, wherein said outer door wall
and said inner door wall have a width, and said cover extends over
90% to 100% of said width.
23. The door according to claim 15, wherein said outer door wall
and said inner door wall define a depth therebetween, and said
cover extends over 90% to 100% of said depth.
24. The door according to claim 15, wherein said cover is
constructed as a single piece.
25. The door according to claim 15, wherein said cover has a region
for outputting optical displays, and said cover is permeable to
light in a spectral range being visible to humans at least in said
region for outputting optical displays.
26. The door according to claim 15, wherein said cover is made of a
colored material, and said cover at least hinders or prevents
viewing said electronic components from outside the door when said
display apparatus is in a state not optically displaying
information.
27. The door according to claim 15, wherein said cover is made of
glass or plastic.
28. A domestic refrigeration appliance, comprising: a housing
having a chamber formed therein for holding food; and a door
according to claim 15 being pivotably disposed on said housing.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a door for a domestic refrigeration
appliance, which has a door outer wall and a door inner wall and a
door end strip extending between the door outer wall and the door
inner wall. The door also comprises an electronic display
apparatus, which is arranged in the door. The display apparatus is
positioned in such a manner that information is displayed in the
region of the door end strip. The invention also relates to a
domestic refrigeration appliance with such a door.
[0002] A corresponding domestic refrigeration appliance is known
for example from DE 10 2011 082 790 A1. Provision is made there for
a separate door end strip to be configured which closes or covers
the end of the door at a narrow edge. Said door edge strip is
necessarily stepped. A housing of an electronic control unit is
arranged in a lowered region above the door end strip and latched
to said door end strip. Said housing is configured separately from
the door end strip and is closed per se. As far as size is
concerned, said housing is arranged so that it almost exactly fills
the lowered region of the door end strip.
[0003] However such a configuration means that unwanted gaps are
formed facing outward between the complex shape of the door end
strip and said housing. The geometry of the door end strip means
that such gaps may even be enlarged as a result of manufacturing
tolerances and assembly tolerances. Dust and even fluids may
therefore collect in said gaps. Assembly is also complicated with
the latching of the housing of the electronic control unit to a
number of points on the complex shape of the door end strip.
[0004] It is the object of the present invention to create both a
door for a domestic refrigeration appliance and also a
corresponding domestic refrigeration appliance, in which such gaps
can be avoided.
[0005] This object is achieved by a door and domestic refrigeration
appliance according to the independent claims.
[0006] An inventive door for a domestic refrigeration appliance
comprises a door outer wall and a door inner wall that is separate
and arranged at a distance therefrom. The separate door outer wall
and the door inner wall are connected by a door end strip, which
extends between the door outer wall and the door inner wall. The
door also comprises an electronic display apparatus, which is
arranged in the door. The display apparatus is positioned in such a
manner that information is displayed optically in the region of the
door end strip. This means that the optical signals from the
display apparatus are output to the outside of the door in the
region of the door end strip. One important concept of the
invention is that said display apparatus has a cover, which covers
electronic components of the display apparatus in the direction of
the outside of the door. This cover is also formed by the door end
strip itself. The function of covering the display apparatus is
therefore also integrated in a single component, specifically the
door end strip, and such multifunctionality is thus achieved in a
single component. Such a configuration avoids unwanted gaps between
a door end strip and a separate display apparatus. The number of
components is also reduced, thereby cutting down assembly outlay.
The cover is therefore integrated as it were in the door end
strip.
[0007] The door end strip therefore forms the outermost component
on a narrow edge region of the door, thereby determining the
appearance of the door.
[0008] In one advantageous embodiment the cover is configured as a
U-profile. This is advantageous as it results not only in a panel
that is flat per se, closing off the door as it were only over one
plane and covering the electronic components, but one that has a
corresponding function over at least three sides. The ingress of
dust or dirt from the sides is also prevented. Also the
mechanically stable fastening of a component with such specific
geometry is also improved. This is advantageous specifically when
said door end strip also has to be arranged in a precise position
in relation to the electronic components and to remain in a stable
position there for a long period due to the additional function of
covering the display apparatus, in order to be able to transmit the
optical signals through the door end strip and the cover with
positional precision.
[0009] The electronic components are preferably arranged in a
chamber formed by the U-shape. Such positioning of said electronic
components, as it were lowered into the U-shape, means they are
given greater protection. Also the distance between the electronic
components, in particular also light sources of the display
apparatus, and a U-base of the U-shape and/or a U-side wall of the
U-shape is as small as possible, thereby allowing light loss and
blurred optical displays to be at least significantly reduced.
[0010] Provision is preferably made for the U-shaped cover to have
a U-base running perpendicular to the door outer wall and
perpendicular to the door inner wall, information being displayed
through said U-base. Optical signals are therefore also transmitted
by electronic components, in particular light sources of the
display apparatus, and passed through said U-base, so that they can
be seen appropriately by an observer outside the door end
strip.
[0011] Provision is made in particular for the U-shaped cover to
have one U-side wall running in the direction of the door outer
wall and one running in the direction of the door inner wall,
information being displayed through these. It is therefore not only
possible to send optical signals as it were in an upward direction
by way of the U-base but also or instead to send optical signals
through such a U-side wall. It is thus possible to select the most
suitable presentation surface or presentation side for the optical
information depending on the situation and/or there is greater
diversity in respect of the scope of information to be
displayed.
[0012] Provision is preferably made for the opening of the U-shape
to be arranged facing the door outer wall and the door inner wall.
The space between the door outer wall and the door inner wall is
then closed in a capped manner by this U-shape.
[0013] Provision is preferably made for a connecting part that is
U-shaped in cross-section and arranged between the door outer wall
and the door inner wall and connects said door outer wall and the
door inner wall to be arranged at least partially in a chamber
formed by the U-shape of the cover. This separate connecting part
can thus be an inner door end part. This can be provided, if a
space between the door outer wall and the door inner wall is filled
with a thermally insulating material, in particular an insulating
foam, and this is not to come into direct contact with the display
apparatus. This connecting part can then form the closure for said
space and said thermally insulating material can extend to said
connecting part as a maximum. Said connecting part then represents
as it were a separating wall between the thermally insulating
material and the display apparatus, in particular the electronic
components of the display apparatus.
[0014] Said connecting part is preferably connected directly to the
door outer wall and the door inner wall.
[0015] Said connecting part can then also serve as a support or
bearing part for the components of the display apparatus.
[0016] Provision is preferably made for a U-side wall of the
U-shape to have a slot into which the door inner wall extends. This
establishes a mechanically secure and stable connection between the
cover, which is specifically shaped for this purpose, and the door
inner wall.
[0017] In one advantageous embodiment provision can be made for the
cover, which is configured as a U-profile, to overlap and extend
around the door outer wall and the door inner wall on the outside
in the heightwise direction of the door. The U-side walls of said
U-profile are therefore arranged so that they engage around the
outside of the respective ends of the door inner wall and the door
outer wall facing the cover.
[0018] Provision can be made for the cover to be connected directly
to the door outer wall and/or the door inner wall. A bond can be
provided here for example.
[0019] In one advantageous embodiment provision is made for the
cover to extend over at least 90 percent of the width, in
particular over the entire width, of the door outer wall and the
door inner wall. This improves the advantages cited in the
introduction of freedom from gaps and thus an arrangement that is
protected against dust ingress or liquid ingress as well as that of
component reduction.
[0020] Provision can be made for the cover to extend over at least
90 percent of the depth, in particular over the entire depth,
between the door outer wall and the door inner wall. The advantages
cited above apply correspondingly here.
[0021] In particular the cover is thus configured as a single-piece
part, which extends over the entire width and depth of this
configuration with the door outer wall and the door inner wall.
[0022] In one advantageous embodiment provision is made for the
cover to be permeable to light in the spectral range that is
visible to humans at least in the region of the optical displays to
be output.
[0023] In one advantageous embodiment provision is made for the
cover to be made of a material that is colored and at least
hinders, in particular prevents, a view of the electronic
components from the outside in a state that is not optically
displaying information. This means that the cover is colored in
such a manner that when optical signals are generated, they can be
transmitted through the cover in this region and can be seen easily
by an observer. When no optical signals are generated in this
manner, said cover is not readily transparent and the view of the
electronic components is at least significantly restricted.
Coloring is in particular such that when no optical signals are
generated, there is an opaque configuration from the outside toward
the electronic components.
[0024] Provision is made in particular for the cover to be made of
glass. In additional to a high level of technical functionality in
respect of the mechanically stable configuration, the corresponding
fastening option and the rigidity of such a configuration, it is
also possible to transmit optical signals through glass. Such a
configuration is also positive in respect of visual appearance and
the high quality level it conveys.
[0025] Provision can also be made for the cover to be made of
plastic.
[0026] The invention also relates to a domestic refrigeration
appliance with a housing, in which a chamber for holding food is
configured. The domestic refrigeration appliance also comprises a
door according to the invention or an advantageous configuration
thereof, which is arranged on the housing in a pivotable
manner.
[0027] The terms "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "horizontal",
"vertical", "depthwise direction", "widthwise direction",
"heightwise direction" indicate the positions and orientations
defined when the door or appliance is used and arranged in the
correct manner and for an observer standing in front of the door or
appliance and looking in the direction of the door or
appliance.
[0028] Further features of the invention will emerge from the
claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The
features and feature combinations cited above in the description
and the features and feature combinations cited below in the
description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be
used not only in the respectively cited combination but also in
other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of
the invention. Thus embodiments of the invention, which are not
specifically shown and explained in the figures but emerge and can
be generated from the embodiments described by means of separate
feature combinations, should also be considered to be included and
disclosed. Embodiments and feature combinations, which therefore do
not comprise all the features of an originally formulated
independent claim, should also be considered to be disclosed.
[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more
detail below based on schematic drawings, in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of
an inventive domestic refrigeration appliance;
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a perspective sectional view of a sub region of
an exemplary embodiment of an inventive door; and
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a perspective sectional view of a sub region of
a further exemplary embodiment of an inventive door
[0033] Identical elements or those of identical function are shown
with identical reference characters in the figures.
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a domestic refrigeration
appliance 1, which is configured to hold food and can be for
example a refrigerator or a freezer or a combined
refrigerator/freezer appliance.
[0035] The domestic refrigeration appliance 1 comprises a housing
2, in which at least one chamber 3 for holding food is configured.
A door 4 is arranged in a pivotable manner on the housing 2. The
door 4 can be used to close the chamber 3.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows a perspective sectional view of a first
exemplary embodiment of the door 4. It comprises a door inner wall
5 and a door outer wall 6 arranged at a distance therefrom. When
the door 4 is in the closed state, the door inner wall 5 faces the
chamber 3.
[0037] Configured between the door inner wall 5 and the door outer
wall 6 is a space 7, which is filled with a thermally insulating
material 8, for example an insulating foam.
[0038] In the exemplary embodiment a handle 9 is arranged on the
door outer wall 6.
[0039] In the view in FIG. 2 the door 4 is closed off with a door
end strip 10 in a top region. The door end strip 10 is therefore
the outermost component on this narrow top edge of the door 4.
[0040] At the same time the door end strip 10 is also a cover 11
for an electronic display apparatus 12, which generates optical
information to be displayed in the direction of the door end strip
and transmits it to the outside through the door end strip. The
electronic display apparatus 12 therefore does not have any further
cover of its own in addition to and separate from the door end
strip 10. The electronic display apparatus 12 is configured in the
door 4 and comprises electronic components 13, which are arranged
for example on a circuit substrate 14. The electronic components 13
here also comprise a number of light sources, which transmit
optical signals in the direction of the door end strip 10 and
therefore also the cover 11. The cover 11 is thus integrated in the
door end strip 10, said door end strip 10 being configured as a
single-piece component, in particular made of glass. As shown, the
door end strip 10 extends over the entire width (extension in
z-direction) between the door inner wall 5 and the door outer wall
6.
[0041] Said door end strip 10 also extends over the entire width
(x-direction) of the door 4 and thus also over the width of the
door inner wall 5 and the door outer wall 6.
[0042] In the embodiment shown the single-piece door end strip 10
is configured as a U-profile, which has a U-base 15 and U-side
walls 16 and 17. The U-shape is oriented such that the opening of
the U-shape is oriented in the direction of the space 7 and thus
oriented toward the door inner wall 5 and the door outer wall
6.
[0043] As also shown, the U-shape forms a chamber 18, in which the
electronic components 13 are arranged and held.
[0044] As also shown, the optical signals can be radiated in the
direction of the U-base 15 and/or in the direction of the outer or
front U-side wall facing away from the chamber 3. This allows
optical information to be radiated through the U-base 15 and/or the
U-side wall 17 and to be supplied or seen outside the door.
[0045] The U-side wall 16 facing the chamber 3 has a slot 19, into
which the door inner wall 5 extends, to be held therein.
[0046] As also shown, the U-side walls 16 and 17 are arranged to
overlap with top ends of the door inner wall 5 and the door outer
wall 6 in the vertical direction and thus in the y-direction,
covering or engaging over the outside of these.
[0047] The cover 11 and therefore also the door end strip 10 are
permeable to light in the spectral range that is visible to humans
in the region of the optical displays to be output. The cover 11
and therefore also the door end strip 10 are also made of a
material that is colored and at least hinders, in particular
prevents, a view of the electronic components 13 from the outside
when the display apparatus 12 is in a state that is not optically
displaying information.
[0048] In the exemplary embodiment shown here the insulating foam 8
extends to the display apparatus 12.
[0049] FIG. 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment, in which, in
contrast to the view in FIG. 2, an additional separate connecting
part 20 is present, which closes off the space 7 in the direction
of the display apparatus 12. The connecting part 20 is connected to
the door inner wall 5 and the door outer wall 6 and therefore also
closes off said space 7. In this embodiment provision is also made
for the door inner wall 5 not to extend into a slot 19, which is
not configured in the U-side wall 16 here. As also shown, the door
end strip 10, and therefore also the cover 11, holds the connecting
part 20 or the door end strip 10 engages around the outside of said
connecting part 20.
LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0050] 1 Domestic refrigeration appliance [0051] 2 Housing [0052] 3
Chamber [0053] 4 Door [0054] 5 Door inner wall [0055] 6 Door outer
wall [0056] 7 Space [0057] 8 Thermally insulating material [0058] 9
Handle [0059] 10 Door end strip [0060] 11 Cover [0061] 12
Electronic display apparatus [0062] 13 Electronic component [0063]
14 Circuit substrate [0064] 15 U-base [0065] 16, 17 U-side walls
[0066] 18 Chamber [0067] 19 Slot [0068] 20 Connecting part
* * * * *