U.S. patent application number 16/977323 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-25 for household appliance with a sensor unit disposed on a closing element.
The applicant listed for this patent is BSH HAUSGERAETE GMBH. Invention is credited to OLAF BAYERKE, THOMAS BISCHOFBERGER, SIMON KRAEMER, ROLAND KUEMMEL.
Application Number | 20210055044 16/977323 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005247558 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210055044 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KRAEMER; SIMON ; et
al. |
February 25, 2021 |
HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE WITH A SENSOR UNIT DISPOSED ON A CLOSING
ELEMENT
Abstract
A household appliance includes a body or a carcass and a closing
element, such as a door or a drawer, which is movably disposed on
the body. A sensor unit is provided for measuring the temperature
and/or the humidity. The sensor unit is at least partly disposed on
the closing element.
Inventors: |
KRAEMER; SIMON; (AALEN,
DE) ; BISCHOFBERGER; THOMAS; (KISSLEGG, DE) ;
BAYERKE; OLAF; (HERBRECHTINGEN, DE) ; KUEMMEL;
ROLAND; (NELLINGEN, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BSH HAUSGERAETE GMBH |
MUENCHEN |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005247558 |
Appl. No.: |
16/977323 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
May 15, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2018/062438 |
371 Date: |
September 1, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 23/028 20130101;
F25D 29/005 20130101; F25D 17/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 29/00 20060101
F25D029/00; F25D 23/02 20060101 F25D023/02; F25D 17/04 20060101
F25D017/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 7, 2018 |
DE |
10 2018 203 416.8 |
Mar 29, 2018 |
DE |
10 2018 204 911.4 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A household appliance, comprising: a body; a closing element
movably disposed on said body; and a sensor unit for measuring at
least one of temperature or humidity, said sensor unit disposed at
least partially on said closing element.
17. The household appliance according to claim 16, wherein said
sensor unit is exclusively disposed on said closing element.
18. The household appliance according to claim 16, wherein said
closing element is movable between an open position and a closed
position, and said sensor unit is at least partially exposed in
said closed position of said closing element.
19. The household appliance according to claim 16, wherein said
closing element has an edge section, and said sensor unit is
disposed on said edge section of said closing element.
20. The household appliance according to claim 16, wherein said
closing element has a narrow side, and said sensor unit is disposed
on said narrow side of said closing element.
21. The household appliance according to claim 16, wherein said
closing element has a frame element, and said sensor unit is
disposed on said frame element of said closing element.
22. The household appliance according to claim 16, wherein said
closing element has a receiving pocket formed therein, said sensor
unit has sections, and at least some of said sections of said
sensor unit are disposed in said receiving pocket of said closing
element.
23. The household appliance according to claim 21, wherein said
frame element has a receiving pocket formed therein, said sensor
unit has sections, and at least some of said sections of said
sensor unit are disposed in said receiving pocket of said frame
element.
24. The household appliance according to claim 16, wherein said
closing element has a recess formed therein facing said body, said
closing element has a wall section delimiting said recess, and said
sensor unit is disposed in said wall section.
25. The household appliance according to claim 16, wherein said
closing element has a narrow side, said narrow side has a recess
formed therein facing said body, said narrow side has a wall
section delimiting said recess, and said sensor unit is disposed in
said wall section.
26. The household appliance according to claim 16, wherein said
sensor unit includes a sensor and a cover element, said closing
element has a receiving space for said sensor, said receiving space
has sections, and said cover element delimits at least some of said
sections of said receiving space.
27. The household appliance according to claim 26, which further
comprises a sensor carrier connected to said cover element, said
sensor being disposed on said sensor carrier.
28. The household appliance according to claim 26, which further
comprises two wall elements disposed at an incline relative to one
another, said receiving space being in communication with the
surrounding environment through at least two air flow openings
formed in said two wall elements.
29. The household appliance according to claim 26, wherein said
receiving space has a deepest position and an air flow opening
disposed at said deepest position of said receiving space.
30. The household appliance according to claim 29, wherein said
receiving space has a bottom, and said deepest position is disposed
in a region of said bottom of said receiving space.
31. The household appliance according to claim 26, which further
comprises air-conducting walls provided in said receiving
space.
32. The household appliance according to claim 26, which further
comprises dividing walls provided in said receiving space and
separating off a line feed space.
33. The household appliance according to claim 16, wherein said
closing element is a door or a front of a drawer.
34. The household appliance according to claim 16, wherein the
household appliance is a household refrigeration appliance.
Description
[0001] 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.
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] The object of the present invention lies in improving a
household appliance described in the introduction.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] By arranging the sensor unit on the closing element, it is
possible to achieve better results with regard to the measurement
accuracy.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] Embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the
dependent claims.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] The closing element may be formed by a door, a drawer front
or a flap.
[0034] In accordance with one embodiment, it is provided that the
household appliance is a refrigeration appliance, i.e. a household
refrigeration appliance.
[0035] 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.
[0036] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be
explained with reference to the figures, in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a household
appliance according to the invention,
[0038] FIG. 2 shows an extract from FIG. 1,
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a rear view of a closing element from FIG.
1,
[0040] FIG. 4 shows an exploded representation of a frame element
with a sensor unit,
[0041] FIG. 5 shows an extract of a representation of the frame
element from FIG. 4,
[0042] FIG. 6 shows a sensor unit and
[0043] FIG. 7 shows a schematic sectional representation according
to the sectional plane VII-VII from FIG. 2.
[0044] Identical elements or those with identical functions are
provided with the same reference characters in the following.
[0045] FIG. 1 shows a household appliance according to the
invention in the form of a household refrigeration appliance 1,
having a body 2 and five closing elements 3,4,5,6,7. Two closing
elements 3,4 are formed by doors 8,9. The doors 8,9 are mounted on
the body 2 by hinges 10, 11 in an articulated manner and can be
rotated about an axis oriented in parallel with the height
direction Z.
[0046] As can be seen in FIG. 2 in particular, the door 8 has an
outer wall 12, which lies essentially in a plane spanned by the
width direction X and height direction Z. An inner wall 13 is
arranged behind the outer wall 12 in depth direction Y.
Furthermore, the door 8 has narrow sides 14,15 connecting the outer
wall 12 and the inner wall 13. A narrow side 14, which runs
essentially vertically, i.e. in height direction Z, is formed by a
side support 16. A narrow side 15, which runs essentially
horizontally, i.e. in width direction X, is formed by a top wall or
top support 17. The door 8 has two further narrow sides (not shown,
formed by a further side support and a bottom wall or bottom
support).
[0047] Arranged on the closing element 3 or the door 8 is a sensor
unit 18 for measuring the temperature and/or humidity.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] In FIG. 4, an exploded representation of the elongated frame
element 28 and the sensor unit 18 is shown. The top support 17 is
essentially completely formed by said frame element 28. The frame
element 28 is a plastic injection-molded part. The frame element 28
has a receiving pocket 29. The sensor unit 18 comprises a cover
element 30 as well as a sensor 31, which is fastened to a sensor
carrier 32.
[0052] The cover element 30 and the sensor carrier 32 are each
plastic injection-molded parts.
[0053] The sensor 31 is fastened to a circuit board 33. The sensor
31 is an air humidity sensor.
[0054] 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 FIG. 3 in particular, the notch
37 forms a further air flow opening 38 in conjunction with the
receiving pocket 29.
[0055] 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.
[0056] The detailed representation of the receiving pocket 29 in
FIG. 5 shows a line passage opening 40, which represents a
connection of the receiving pocket 29 to the cavity of the door 8.
By way of the line passage opening 40, electrical supply lines and
data lines (not shown) are guided from the cavity into the
receiving pocket 29. These lines supply the sensor with energy and
transfer the measurement results to an evaluation unit, which is
arranged in the body 2. The line passage opening 40 is delimited by
a circumferential collar 41. The collar protrudes into the
receiving pocket 29 in height direction Z. The collar 41 prevents
condensation formed in the receiving pocket 29 or entering splashed
water from reaching the cavity through the line passage opening 40.
It is therefore possible to dispense with a particular seal, in
particular one which is embodied separately.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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 FIG. 6), serve to separate a
line feed space 50 from a receiving space 51 for the sensor 31.
[0059] 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.
[0060] FIG. 6 shows the sensor unit 18 in the assembled state. The
sensor unit 18 comprises mating connecting structures, which are
exclusively embodied on the cover element 30. The mating connecting
structures comprise four positioning tabs 55. Once the sensor unit
18 is arranged in the receiving pocket 29, the positioning tabs
55a, 55b engage into the positioning depressions 42a, 42b. On the
one hand, this means that the position of the cover element 30 is
predefined during the assembly, and this is therefore simplified.
On the other hand, the positioning tabs 55b in particular may also
serve to divert forces acting on the cover element 30
perpendicularly from above into the receiving pocket 29. The mating
connecting structures furthermore comprise two latching hooks 56,
the latching lugs thereof latching against the indentations 45 of
the latching receptacles 44, once the cover element 30 is arranged
in the receiving pocket 29. An edge section 57 of the cover element
30 braces against the contact collar 46, once the cover element 30
is arranged in the receiving pocket 49.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] FIG. 7 shows a sectional representation of the door 8 along
the sectional plane VII-VII from FIG. 2, but without the outer wall
12 and without the inner wall 13. The air flow through the sensor
unit 18 is schematically represented by means of an arrow. Here,
the air-conducting walls 62,63 ensure that the air flowing through
is guided past the sensor 31.
LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0066] 1 Household refrigeration appliance [0067] 2 Body [0068]
3,4,5,6,7 Closing element [0069] 8,9 Door [0070] 10,11 Hinge [0071]
12 Outer wall [0072] 13 Inner wall [0073] 14,15 Narrow side [0074]
16 Side support [0075] 17 Top support [0076] 18 Sensor unit [0077]
19 Recess [0078] 20 Wall section [0079] 21 Further wall section
[0080] 22 Seal [0081] 23 Web [0082] 24 Folding column [0083] 25
Add-on part [0084] 26 Top side [0085] 27 Rear side [0086] 28 Frame
element [0087] 29 Receiving pocket [0088] 30 Cover element [0089]
31 Sensor [0090] 32 Sensor carrier [0091] 33 Circuit board [0092]
34 Air exchange opening [0093] 35,36 Wall element [0094] 37 Notch
[0095] 38 Air exchange opening [0096] 39 Bearing pin receptacle
[0097] 40 Line passage opening [0098] 41 Collar [0099] 42a,42b
Positioning depression [0100] 43 Delimiting wall [0101] 44 Latching
receptacle [0102] 45 Indentation [0103] 46 Contact collar [0104] 47
Delimiting wall [0105] 48,49 Dividing wall [0106] 50 Line feed
space [0107] 51 Receiving space [0108] 52,53 Air-conducting wall
[0109] 54 Base [0110] 55 Positioning tab [0111] 56 Latching hook
[0112] 57 Edge section [0113] 58 Latching hook [0114] 59 Latching
opening [0115] 60 Air exchange opening [0116] 61 Dividing wall
[0117] 62,63 Air-conducting wall [0118] 64 Drip slope [0119] 65
Line
* * * * *