DE102009027891A1 - Free-standing household refrigerator, has display or control area arranged at upper side flange of door and integrated in upper door end plate, where area serves for input or display of operating conditions and/or user applications - Google Patents

Abstract

The refrigerator (1) has upper and lower coolable internal spaces (2) closable by a door (3), where the upper internal space serves as a freezer area and a lower internal space serves as a cooling area. The door includes a door metal sheet forming a front side (5) and an upper door end plate (6). A display or control area (7) is arranged at an upper side flange (4) of the door and is integrated in the upper door end plate. The door is laterally attached and forms a drawer front. The display or control area serves for input or display of operating conditions and/or user applications.

Description

The The invention relates to a household refrigerator, in particular a freestanding Household refrigeration appliance, with at least a coolable Interior, which can be closed by a laterally hinged door and a display or operating area.

Display- or operating areas are usually outside on household refrigerators or installed in their interior. Often, household refrigerators have one Display or operating area on the front of the door. has a display or operating area also an electronic display on, which is lit or also flashes, this can be disturbing. Are in one Room, for example in a kitchen, several domestic appliances present, each having a display or operating area, so is the multitude of display or operating areas for the viewer irritating and confusing.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a comfortable and convenient operation to allow for a pleasing overall picture of a household refrigerator. Furthermore, a display or operating area should be easy in already existing systems can be integrated and with simple means or be attachable to the household refrigerator.

to solution this task strikes the invention is a household refrigerator according to claim 1 and a freezer and fridge combination according to claim 12 before.

The inventive household refrigerator has at least one coolable Interior on which is closed by a filled with heat insulation material door. The door has a front side, a door inside and four faces or side cheeks on. At the upper side cheek is at least a display or operating area arranged. With "Display or operating area" is on Meant area that has a display function, an operating function, optionally a lighting function or any combinations fulfilled by two or three of the above functions. For example On the display or operating area an operating status of the Domestic refrigeration appliance displayed and / or an operating parameter of the household refrigerator set by the user become.

Of the Display and operating area can preferably be converted into a preformed, mounted the upper side wall forming door closure element be. In departure from the pursued in particular with freestanding household refrigerators Philosophy that the display and controls are always for the consumer with the door closed, to determine possible temperature deviations as soon as possible to be able to need to be visible, is now hidden the display and operating area with the door closed. For reasons the thermal insulation capacity of the Refrigeration appliance door is the professional world in itself, the heat insulation the door not to belittle.

There the display or operating area arranged on the upper side cheek is the front of the door remains free. As a result, the manufacture of the door is simplified and that the front of the door is visually appealing. Thus, another and appealing overall picture of the household refrigerator can be achieved, because at the front no disturbing Display or operating areas are arranged.

Furthermore is the position of the control on an ergonomically sensible Body, especially if the door of the household refrigerator about to the chest or hips. The domestic refrigerator is therefore preferably a stand-alone appliance which z. B. one under a work surface positionable cooling or freezer, or a freestanding refrigerator, Freezer or a freestanding freezer and fridge combination.

One Another advantage is that the operation of the field of view disappears when it is not needed. This applies z. In particular for multi-door refrigerators, at where the control in the upper side cheek of the lower door is, at one-door Refrigeration appliances, at which the upper side of the door in the closed state under a projection of the top of the refrigerator disappears, or in built-in refrigerators, at which the upper side wall of the door in the closed state is hidden by a worktop.

According to one Variant is the door posted on the side of the household refrigerator. The display or operating area is therefore always the same Height, there a laterally hinged door when opening and Shut down is pivoted laterally about a vertical axis.

According to another variant, the door is a drawer front, for example in a drawer refrigerator or drawer freezer. In such drawer refrigerators a drawer or a pharmacy drawer is inserted into the coolable interior of the refrigerator, in which the refrigerated goods is stored. In this case, the door forms the front of the drawer, on whose upper side wall a display or operating area is arranged. Also in this variant, the display or operating area is thus also an ergonomically sensible height, since the drawer is usually arranged so that a user can see from above. Furthermore, the display or operating area may disappear when the door is closed under another installation element or a worktop and is then not visible.

Prefers the display or operating area is designed to be relatively flat overall and in such a way in the upper side cheek let in that it upwards flush with the upper side wall completes.

Preferably shows the door a door panel forming the front and at least one upper door trim strip on. This door closure strip closes the Door behind above, with the display or operating area in the upper door closing strip is integrated. The upper door closure strip thus forms the upper side cheek of the door. It is common to use doors of household refrigerators Door end strips complete up and down. To integrate the display or operating area in the door closing strips brings the advantage that no additional elements are provided for the door Need to become and the door thus easy and inexpensive can be produced. In addition, you can Such door closure strips to existing device types or their doors adapted become. Door end strips can for example, attached as a plug-in element and / or interchangeable in appliance doors become.

Of the Display or operating area is, for example, with control electronics connected, which is integrated in the upper end bar. The control electronics on the one hand can be part of the display or operating area, on the other hand, it is also possible that the control electronics over the door closure strip is connected to the display or operating area. The control electronics is thus arranged in the interior of the household refrigerator door and thus before disturbing influences protected, what again a reliable one Function ensures.

Further the display or operating area has at least one input surface. Such an input interface For example, has buttons and knobs on, but it can also have a Touchscreen inputs allow. The number and the form of the input options is determined by the Invention not limited.

Further the display or operating area has at least one display. The display can also be done in a variety of forms, for example as a 7-segment display, as a display, which allows a color display, or as a component a touchscreen. The household refrigerator, for example, a Display for have more information, or even more ads for each Information associated with these ads.

Preferably the display or operating area is used for entering and displaying operating conditions and / or user applications. As operating conditions here are information about the function of the household refrigerator called. Such information can For example, be whether the household refrigerator is in operation, what temperature inside or outside It rules whether its door is closed is, as well as all measurable sizes in the coolable Inner space. As user applications are settings that are optional made by the user be designated. these can for example, setting a desired temperature, the or turning off lights and setting time functions like a clock or an alarm clock. Thus, the Display or operating area optimal use of household refrigeration appliance.

According to one preferred embodiment the display or operating area on at least one light element. Such a light element may, for example, linear, circular or be designed angular. It can also be in the form of patterns or Writings and area-filling designed be. A display or operating area can also be several different types Have light elements. Such a light element can on the one hand serve as lighting of the display or operating area and thus part an input surface or an ad. On the other hand, the light element as a sibling Luminous element to be arranged on the display or operating area. The light element may have a certain color, for example red or green as signal color. It is also possible, that the light element changes its colors. However, that shines Light element in a particularly preferred embodiment blue and borders thus of the colors red and green as signal colors. Furthermore, it is possible that the light element its intensity changes, for example the light element can be opened fridge stronger light up as if the refrigerator door is closed is. It is also possible that the light element has a time function or to predetermined operating conditions on or off.

Preferably the light element extends at least substantially over the Width of the refrigerator door. in this connection is given a uniform lighting effect along the edge of the appliance door, which unifies the visual impression of the household refrigerator. The light of the display or operating area is thus perceived as less disturbing. The upper edge of the front of the refrigerator door is thus visually to the Contour of a kitchen front customized.

Especially Preferably, the light element is in the form of a luminous strip arranged the front side facing edge of the side cheek. The Attachment of the light element to the edge facing the front side The side wall has the advantage that the light element shine less intense must to effect the light effect on the front of the door. Therefore, it is enough here also an execution in the form of a light strip. This is where energy becomes lighting saved the light element.

Of the Light stripes can be over extend a smaller part of the width of the refrigerators, such. B. a Quarter to half. Preferably, the light strip extends over a larger part the refrigerator door, z. B. over the half up to three quarters or over four fifths up to substantially the entire width.

According to one embodiment is the household refrigerator a freezer and fridge combination. The freezer and fridge combination points an upper and a lower coolable Interior on. One of the interiors serves as a freezer and another interior serves as a cold room. Each interior is closed by its own door. At least one of the inside rooms is with a door closable on the upper side wall a display or operating area according to a the above statements is arranged. It is possible, that both doors ever have a display or operating area, or that only one the two doors, z. B. the lower, has a display or operating area. has each of the two doors a display or operating area, so is each interior a own display or Operating area assigned.

In a preferred embodiment has the freezer room and the fridge a common display or operating area. Thus, the Freezer and fridge combination only one display or operating area, which is on one of the two Doors attached is. The display or operating area thus includes functions both for the refrigerator as also for the freezer room. The display or operating area can do it in one execution enable, between the functions of the freezer compartment and the functions of the cooling chamber to switch back and forth.

In another version has the display or operating area for the freezer compartment and the refrigerator each a separate input interface and / or your own ad.

In a particularly preferred embodiment is the display or operating area at the lower interior associated door arranged. So the display or operating area is easily accessible. Since the display or operating area in this embodiment is in the door gap between the two doors is the visual impression of the front of the freezer and fridge combination by the display or operating area is not affected. Does the display or operating area also a light element on, so forms a decorative light beam in the gap between the two doors, which discreetly indicates the display or operating area, without this irritating or disturbing too Act. This also ensures that the user of the display or operating area easily finds.

Preferably the display or operating area has one display each, in particular a temperature display for the refrigerator and the freezer room. Thus, the user has a quick overview of the Functions of both devices. For household refrigerators is the most important feature is usually cooling, so the most important Information the temperature of the interiors. However, the ads can also more information about the show corresponding interior.

In the following, various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to FIG 1 to 5 described.

1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a household refrigerator.

2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a freezer and refrigerator combination.

3 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a door closure strip.

4 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a display or operating area.

5 shows a schematic plan view of another embodiment of a display or operating area.

Same Parts are provided in the Fig.en with the same reference numerals.

1 shows in perspective an embodiment of the cooling device according to the invention with partially opened door 3 , The door 3 is hinged on the side so that they open and close the refrigerator 1 is pivoted about a vertical axis. The door has a front 5 and four side cheeks 4 on, in this view, only one side and the upper side cheek 4 to see are. The upper side cheek 4 is through a door closure strip 6 educated. In the door closing strip 6 is a display or operating area 7 integrated. The display or operating area 7 has an input surface 8th and an ad 9 on. The display is arranged here in the middle. The input interface 8th is located to the right and left of the ad 9 , The input interface 8th has buttons for input. Below the ad 9 there is a light element 10 which is made in the form of a light strip. The light strip 10 is at that to the front 5 the door 3 facing edge of the display or operating area 7 arranged. The light strip 10 extends substantially over the entire width of the display or operating area, wherein the display or operating area 7 almost the width of the door closure strip 6 having. This is how the light strip stretches 10 almost over the entire width of the refrigerator door 3 ,

2 shows in perspective an embodiment of the freezing and cooling combination according to the invention 1 with an upper and lower coolable interior 2 , each with its own door 3 is closable. The upper interior serves as a freezer area 12 and the lower interior as a cooling area 13 , The door 3 of the freezing area 12 is here as a closed door 3 indicated. The door 3 of the cooling area 13 is partially open. This door 3 has a display or operating area 7 on. The display or operating area 7 is in the door closure strip 6 integrated, which the upper side cheek 4 forms. The display or operating area 7 has two ads 9 on and is thus an example of a display or operating area 7 that is both the cooling area 13 as well as the freezer area 12 assigned. Between the two ads 9 there is an input interface 8th with buttons for input. The ads 9 each show the internal temperature of the freezing area 12 or the cooling area 13 at.

This allows the user to quickly get an overview of the interior temperatures of the interiors 2 of the refrigeration device 1 to obtain. In addition, the display or operating area 7 a light element 10 in the form of a light strip. The light strip 10 is at the front 5 the door 3 facing edge of the side cheek arranged. The light strip 10 extends essentially across the width of the display or operating area 7 and thus also essentially across the width of the refrigerator door 3 , When closing the door 3 of the cooling area 13 causes the light strip 10 a light effect that creates a strip between freezing area 12 and cooling area 13 forms, over the entire width of the refrigerator 1 runs. Here, the user the location of the display or operating area is displayed and improves the visual impression of the front of the refrigerator.

3 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a door closure strip 6 , In the door closing strip 6 is a display or operating area 7 integrated. This display or operating area has two displays 9 on and an input surface 8th , The ads 9 can display any kind of operating conditions. These may be, for example, a 7-segment display or a display. A display is preferred 9 a freezer area 12 and the other ad 9 a cooling area 13 assigned. In addition, the display or operating area has a light strip 10 which has substantially the width of the display or operating area and is arranged on an edge region. Thus, depending on the installation direction of the light strip to the interior 2 of the refrigeration device 1 or to the front 5 the door 3 of the refrigeration device 1 be arranged.

4 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a display or operating area 7 , The display or operating area 7 has an input surface 8th and an ad 9 on. The display is arranged in the middle and the input, which is made here via buttons, is located to the right and left side of the display 9 , Both the input interface 8th as well as the ad 9 can be used here as a lighting element 10 serve. This is made possible by backlit either the display or the input interface. To create a light effect on a border area of the display or operating area 7 to allow the input surface must be 8th or the ad 9 only correspondingly closer to an edge region of the display or operating area 7 to be ordered.

5 shows a perspective top view of another embodiment of a display or operating area 7 , The display or operating area 7 has a touch screen 11 on, the almost the entire surface of the display or operating area 7 occupies. The touch screen 11 can have any number of input surfaces 8th , Show 9 and lighting elements 10 have, as far as this via an electronic control system (not shown) is set, which also in the upper door closing strip 6 is integrated and thus inside the refrigerator door 3 located.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Household refrigerator

2

inner space

3

door

4

side cheek

5

front

6

Door end strip

7

Display- or operating area

8th

input surface

9

display

10

light element

11

touchscreen

12

freezing range

13

cooling area

Claims (15)

Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ), in particular freestanding domestic refrigeration appliance, with at least one coolable interior ( 2 ), which through a door ( 3 ) is closable, the door ( 3 ) a front page ( 5 ), a door inner side and four side cheeks ( 4 ), characterized in that on the upper side cheek ( 4 ) the door has at least one display or operating area ( 7 ) is arranged. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the door is hinged laterally. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the door forms a drawer front. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door ( 3 ) the front ( 5 ) forming door panel and at least one upper door closure strip ( 6 ), which the door ( 3 ), whereby the display or operating area ( 7 ) in the upper door closing strip ( 6 ) is integrated. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display or operating area ( 7 ) is connected to a control electronics, which in the upper door ( 6 ) is integrated. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display or operating area ( 7 ) at least one input surface ( 8th ) having. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display or operating area ( 7 ) at least one advertisement ( 9 ) having. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display or operating area ( 7 ) is used for input or display of operating states and / or user applications. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper side cheek ( 4 ), in particular the display or operating area ( 7 ), at least one light element ( 10 ) having. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the light element ( 10 ) at least substantially over the width of the door ( 3 ). Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the light element ( 10 ) in the form of a light strip on the front side ( 5 ) facing edge of the side cheek ( 4 ) is arranged. Freezer and fridge combination ( 1 ), with an upper and a lower coolable interior ( 2 ), whereby one of the interiors ( 2 ) as a freezer compartment ( 12 ) and another interior ( 2 ) as a cold room ( 13 ) and each interior ( 2 ) through its own door ( 3 ) is closable, characterized in that at least one of the interiors ( 2 ) with a door ( 3 ) is closed, on the upper side cheek ( 4 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, a display or operating area ( 7 ) is arranged. Freezer and fridge combination ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the freezer compartment ( 12 ) and the refrigerator ( 13 ) a common display or operating area ( 7 ) exhibit. Freezer and fridge combination ( 1 ) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the display or operating area ( 7 ) at the lower interior ( 2 ) associated door ( 3 ) is arranged. Freezer and fridge combination ( 1 ) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the display or operating area ( 7 ) one ad each ( 9 ), in particular a temperature indicator for the cold room ( 12 ) and the freezer compartment ( 13 ) having.

Images