DE102012222710A1 - Domestic appliance e.g. washing machine, has electrical component and V-shaped or U-shaped protected surface that are included in appliance, and water-resistant material conducting away water above electrical component and protected surface - Google Patents

Abstract

The appliance has an electrical component (101) and a V-shaped or U-shaped protected surface that are included in the appliance. A hydrophobic, water-resistant material (103) conducts away water (109) above the electrical component and the protected surface. The hydrophobic, water-repelling material is attached at the appliance by an adhesive strip (105). The hydrophobic, water-repelling material is arranged at a side wall (107). The hydrophobic, water-repelling material is arranged above an aperture for a power source cable of the appliance.

Description

The present invention relates to a domestic appliance with an electrical component.

Increasingly efficient electrical components often generate too little heat to prevent water condensation on these components. In tropical areas, for example, condensation of water on household appliances may occur. At points where condensing drops of water are formed, the drops of water from cable pockets, sidewalls, or covers may flow onto cables, electronic components, electrical circuits, corrosive surfaces, surfaces to be protected from moisture, or visible areas. Conventional water-repellent measures are implemented with drainage, water-separation edges, sealing strips or drainage. For example, cables exposed to moisture are either double insulated or protected with a suitable cover.

The publication DE 10 2008 041 480 A1 describes a refrigerator with an evaporator having a microstructured surface that prevents build-up or adhesion of ice to the surface.

It is the object underlying the invention to provide a domestic appliance, in which damage to electrical components of the domestic appliance by water, such as condensation water is prevented.

This object is achieved by an article having the features according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the figures, the description and the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a domestic appliance having an electrical component or a surface to be protected, which comprises a hydrophobic, water-repellent material for conducting away water above the electrical component or the surface to be protected. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a reduction of the structural complexity of affected components is achieved. Cable bag tools can be made simpler, as less precautions need to be taken to keep water out. In addition, a production of the household appliance is simplified because fewer sealing strips must be attached.

A household appliance is a device that is used for household management. This may be a large household appliance, such as a washing machine, a tumble dryer, a dishwasher, a cooking appliance, an extractor hood or a refrigerator, such as a refrigerator. a refrigerator, a freezer or a fridge-freezer. But this can also be a small household appliance, such as a water heater, a coffee machine, a food processor or a vacuum cleaner in an advantageous embodiment.

In an advantageous embodiment of the household appliance, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material is attached to the household appliance by means of an adhesive strip. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the hydrophobic material can be easily and quickly applied in the production of the household appliance.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the domestic appliance, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material is arranged on the domestic appliance by means of a coating. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the hydrophobic material can be applied by machine by means of a minimal spray system or a brush.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the domestic appliance, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material is arranged in the form of a line inclined in relation to a horizontal above the electrical component or the surface to be protected. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that an effective drainage can be realized by the water is led away laterally along the line from the electrical component.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the domestic appliance, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material is arranged in a downwardly open V-shape or U-shape above the electrical component or the surface to be protected. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is also achieved that an effective drainage can be realized by the water is passed around on both sides to the electrical component or the surface to be protected.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the domestic appliance, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material is arranged on a side wall or front wall of the domestic appliance. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that in the side or front wall arranged electrical components, such as switches or display devices, or can protect the surface to be protected effectively.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the household appliance, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material is arranged such that the water conducted away from the electrical component or the surface to be protected flows to a point of evaporation. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the water is properly discharged and removed from the domestic appliance.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the domestic appliance, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material is arranged so that the water conducted away from the electrical component or the surface to be protected flows into a collecting container. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved, that the water is drained ordered and can be removed from the sump.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the domestic appliance, the electrical component is an electronic component or an electronic circuit. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that particularly water-sensitive electrical components are protected.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the domestic appliance, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material is arranged above an opening for a power supply cable or the surface to be protected for the domestic appliance. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a danger emanating from the power supply cable in the wet is reduced.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the household appliance, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material has a nanostructured surface. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that improve the properties of the hydrophobic, water-repellent material.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the domestic appliance, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material has a contact angle of more than 90 °, preferably more than 150 °, with respect to water. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the water can be diverted away from the electrical component or the surface to be protected in a particularly efficient manner.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the domestic appliance, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material is a superhydrophobic material. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is also achieved that the water can be derived even more efficiently from the electrical component or the surface to be protected.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the household appliance, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material comprises silicon dioxide. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a particularly suitable substance is used to form the hydrophobic, water-repellent material.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the household appliance, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material comprises silane compounds or fluorocarbon compounds. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that particularly suitable substances are used to form the hydrophobic, water-repellent material.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below.

Show it:

1 a schematic view of a household appliance;

2 a view of a hydrophobic, water-repellent material above an electrical component or a surface to be protected; and

3 another view of a hydrophobic, water-repellent material above an electrical component or a surface to be protected.

1 shows a refrigerator representative of a household appliance 100 with an upper refrigerator door and a lower refrigerator door. The refrigerator is used for example for cooling food and includes a refrigerant circuit with an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and a throttle body. The evaporator is a heat exchanger in which, after expansion, the liquid refrigerant is vaporized by absorbing heat from the medium to be cooled, ie the air inside the refrigerator.

The compressor is a mechanically operated component that draws refrigerant vapor from the evaporator and expels it at a higher pressure to the condenser. The condenser is a heat exchanger in which, after compression, the evaporated refrigerant is liquefied by heat release to an outer cooling medium, ie the ambient air. The throttle body is a device for permanent reduction of pressure due to cross-sectional constriction.

The refrigerant is a fluid used for heat transfer in the cryogenic system which absorbs heat at low temperatures and low pressure of the fluid and releases heat at higher temperature and pressure of the fluid, usually including changes in state of the fluid.

In such a refrigerator, it can come at high humidity in cold spots to the condensation of water droplets. These drops of water then flow unhindered downwards and thereby endanger sensitive electronic components such as semiconductor components. If these come into contact with water, a short circuit may occur which destroys the electrical components.

In addition, water droplets can hit moisture-sensitive surfaces, such as corrosive metal surfaces. In addition, moisture in the form of water droplets can be seen in places where this is undesirable. The corresponding surfaces can corrode or create unsightly drops of water.

For this reason, condensed water should be kept away from electronic and electrical components, from moisture-sensitive surfaces or from visible areas. It is advantageous to selectively discharge condensed water, without using a constructive solution, such as gutters or pipes.

This problem is solved by a domestic appliance having an electrical component in which the domestic appliance comprises a hydrophobic, water-repellent material for conducting water away from the electrical component or a surface to be protected. As a result, water draining or flowing down can be kept away from the electrical component or the surface to be protected without constructive measures, and the construction of the household appliance is simplified.

Materials with surfaces having a contact angle greater than 90 ° to water are said to be hydrophobic. Hydrophobic surfaces are usually made of hydrophobic substances or are covered by these, for example in a. Coating of surfaces with PTFE (Teflon).

Another example of a hydrophobic surface is the leaves of the lotus plant. These are microstructured and covered with hydrophobic substances. This creates a contact angle of over 160 °, so that drops of water on this surface are approximately round (lotus effect). Water drips off hydrophobic surfaces very well and overlying dirt particles are easily washed away.

The hydrophobic, water-repellent material is attached to the household appliance by means of an adhesive strip, so that the hydrophobic material can be easily and quickly applied in the production of the household appliance. By applying the hydrophobic, water-repellent material above an electrical danger point or a surface to be protected down flowing water droplets are safely dissipated.

Because the water-repellent material is very similar in consistency to water, the material can be applied by machine, minimal spray system or brush to achieve a coating of the material above an electrical hazard or the surface to be protected.

2 shows a view of a hydrophobic, water-repellent material 103 above an electrical component 101 or the surface to be protected. The hydrophobic, water-repellent material 103 is in the form of a horizontally inclined line on a side wall 107 of the household appliance 100 above the electrical component or the surface to be protected 101 arranged. For this purpose is an adhesive strip 105 with the hydrophobic, water-repellent material 103 on the side wall 107 glued. The hydrophobic, water-repellent material 103 has a contact angle of more than 90 °, preferably more than 150 °, to water. In addition, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material 103 a superhydrophobic material.

water 109 that is on the side wall 107 has formed, flows from above the side wall 107 comes down and hits the hydrophobic, water-repellent material 103 deflected in the direction of the arrow. As a result, the under the hydrophobic, water-repellent material 103 arranged electrical component 101 or the surface to be protected from moisture. The electrical component 101 is for example an electronic component or an electronic circuit.

3 shows another view of a hydrophobic, water-repellent material 103 above an electrical component 101 , In this embodiment, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material 103 in a downwardly open V-shape or roof shape on the side wall 107 arranged. The shape of the roof makes the water around the electrical component on both sides 101 or directed around the surface to be protected. Instead of a roof shape but also an inverted U-shape can be used, in which the electrical component 101 or the surface to be protected is disposed between the legs of the U-shape.

The arrangement of the hydrophobic, water-repellent material 103 Can on a side wall 107 , a front wall or any other place where a water diversion to protect an electrical component 101 or a surface to be protected is to be achieved.

In particular, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material 103 on the household appliance 100 be arranged such that of the electrical component 101 or the surface to be protected 109 flows to a point of evaporation. This evaporation point can be, for example, an evaporation tray above a compressor. Instead, however, that of the electrical component 101 diverted water 109 are directed into a collection container, so that the collected water 109 can be removed from the sump.

In addition, the hydrophobic, water-repellent material 103 above an opening for a power supply cable for the household appliance 100 be arranged so that a danger emanating from the power cable in the wet danger is reduced.

The hydrophobic, water-repellent material 103 may have a nano- or microstructured surface to enhance its hydrophobic properties. As a hydrophobic material 103 Any substances can be used with which water-repellent properties of the material can be realized, for example, silicon dioxide, silane compounds or fluorocarbon compounds.

All of the features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention may be provided in different combinations in the article according to the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features illustrated in the specification or shown in the figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

 household appliance

101

 electrical component

103

 water repellent material

105

 tape

107

 Side wall

109

 water

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008041480 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Domestic appliance ( 100 ) with an electrical component ( 101 ) or a surface to be protected, characterized in that the domestic appliance ( 100 ) a hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) for the discharge of water ( 109 ) above the electrical component ( 101 ) or the surface to be protected. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) by means of an adhesive strip ( 105 ) on the household appliance ( 100 ) is attached. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) by means of a coating on the domestic appliance ( 100 ) is attached. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) in the form of a line inclined relative to a horizontal above the electrical component ( 101 ) or the surface to be protected is arranged. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) in a downwardly open V-shape or U-shape above the electrical component ( 101 ) or the surface to be protected is arranged. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) on a side wall ( 107 ) of the household appliance ( 100 ) is arranged. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) is arranged that of the electrical component ( 101 ) or the surface to be protected ( 109 ) flows to a point of evaporation. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) is arranged that of the electrical component ( 101 ) conducted water ( 109 ) flows into a collection container. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical component ( 101 ) an electronic component or an electronic circuit. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) above an opening for a power supply cable for the household appliance ( 100 ) is arranged. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) has a nanostructured surface. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) has a contact angle of more than 90 °, preferably more than 150 °, to water. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) is a superhydrophobic material. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) Comprises silica. Domestic appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrophobic, water-repellent material ( 103 ) Silane compounds or fluorocarbon compounds.

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