DE102013213206A1 - Domestic refrigerating appliance with a storage area formed in the interior and a moistening device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household refrigerating appliance (1) having an interior space (4) in which a partial volume is designed as a separated storage area (6) into which foodstuffs (39) can be introduced, and a moistening device (11) is formed with which Storage area (6) independent of the rest of the interior introduction of a liquid fluid can be carried out, wherein at least one light source (25) is formed, with which the storage area (6) is illuminable.

Description

The invention relates to a domestic refrigerator with an interior in which a partial volume is designed as a separate storage area, can be introduced into the food. The household refrigerating appliance comprises a moistening device with which a liquid fluid which is independent of the rest of the interior space can be carried out in the storage area.

Domestic refrigerators, such as a refrigerator, are known from the prior art, which has an interior for the introduction of food. This interior space is usually limited by an inner container and closed at the front by a door. In the interior cool air is introduced, which is generated by a refrigeration cycle. In the interior, a storage area is separately formed for this purpose, which is also designed to receive food, in which case an entry of a fine water mist is made possible, whereby the storage quality of these fresh food is positively influenced. In the case of fresh fruit and vegetables, humidification during storage ensures that product quality is maintained for a particularly long time. In addition, such moistening by means of a water mist accelerated cooling of these foods is realized.

Fruits and vegetables are products that have an active metabolism even after harvesting. Transpiration and respiration processes result in the loss of valuable ingredients as well as loss of fresh mass due to moisture loss.

By a suitable storage condition, these processes can be reduced or slowed down. The more the storage temperature at the freezing point of the respective product, the lower the loss of ingredients, since metabolic processes almost completely come to a standstill. By actively moistening during storage, freshly stored food can also be cooled by evaporative cooling, which also ensures the improved preservation of product quality.

Transpiration losses can be avoided mainly by maintaining the equilibrium moisture content of the stored material in the storage environment. For example, this is achieved by appropriate packaging or protected storage in tight storage boxes. This is already being implemented in special vegetable trays with humidity control in refrigerators.

In addition, there are systems that try to keep the moisture content high and thus minimize the transpiration losses of stored fruit and vegetables by evaporating moisture inside the vegetable peel, by re-wetting or actively misting water in the vegetable shell. Systems for active humidification are also known from the food retail trade. During product presentation of unpackaged goods, active humidification is performed to reduce moisture loss of the product. The limits of the systems in the function of product freshness in household refrigerators are always given by the underlying refrigeration system and the dependence of the load of the corresponding storage areas. So occurs in so-called no-frost systems on a very strong dehumidification, which may possibly adversely affect the storage of fruit and vegetables. On the other hand, there are systems in which the good functionality is given only at high loading and thus high moisture input.

Previous systems in domestic refrigeration appliances are only able to maintain the given product status within the stated limits. An improvement of the product quality in terms of an additional protective function or in the sense of returning already lost freshness is not possible.

Domestic refrigerators, in which such a separated storage area is formed in an interior, are from the DE 10 2009 029 139 A1 and the DE 10 2009 029 141 A1 known.

In the known embodiments, the possibility of viewing the stored material in the storage area is restricted for a user. In addition, the generation of increased humidity is limited.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a household refrigeration appliance, in which the storage of the stored material in the storage area is user-friendly and improved.

This object is achieved by a household refrigerator according to claim 1.

An inventive household refrigerator comprises an interior, in which a partial volume is designed as a separate storage area. In the storage area food can be introduced. The household refrigerating appliance moreover comprises a humidifying device with which a liquid fluid can be introduced in the storage area independently of the remaining partial volume, which is not the storage area, of the interior. This means that in the subvolume, which is formed by the storage area, a fluid introduction can be performed without that in the remaining volume of the interior, which is adjacent to the storage area, such a fluid is introduced. An essential idea according to the first aspect of the invention is to be seen in that the household refrigerating appliance has at least one light source, with which the storage area can be illuminated. Such a configuration illuminates this specified food intake area as required by the situation and as needed, so that the goods introduced therein can be more easily perceived and identified when the user is viewed. Even when a corresponding moistening has taken place and, if appropriate, there is still some fogging, a better perceptibility of the goods by a user is achieved by this illumination with at least one light source.

It is preferably provided that an aerosol is introduced as the fluid. This is particularly advantageous for the wetting of the stored material with the fluid and, for example, a significant advantage over the introduction of a different water gas. The aerosol can then be absorbed by the stored product to improve keeping fresh.

It is preferably provided that a light emitted by the light source is irradiated in an upper region and / or a front region of the storage area in this. This is a particularly advantageous position, since thus the stored goods do not obscure the light source when viewed from the front of the storage area or from above, and thus a comprehensive illumination of the storage area is achieved.

It is preferably provided that the storage area has a drawer in which the food can be introduced and the irradiation of the light of the light source is arranged outside the drawer. This has a significant advantage with respect to the electrical contacting and energy supply of the light source, since it can be arranged quasi stationary on the device itself and thus no complex wiring, including a relative movement of the light source to a power supply unit and / or a control unit, which then fixed in the housing of the household refrigerator itself is required.

By a drawer external arrangement of the at least one light source, the positional arrangement can also be made variable and flexible, so that the best possible overall illumination of the storage area and thus also the drawer is reached.

Even if it is arranged in a front upper area of the storage area, such an outboard positioning is also advantageous in that it is not accidentally covered or encompassed by a user, which could be the case if the light source is then on the drawer, for example, in the range of a handle of the drawer would be arranged.

It is preferably provided that the light source is arranged in an opening into the storage area air duct. By this configuration, it is on the one hand protected, so that it is protected from mechanical forces, for example, in a bump or the like. Moreover, in this embodiment, it is positioned to particular advantage that the introduced via the air duct mist or the water droplets flow directly past it and are illuminated so that even when entering this mist or the water droplets already these are also specifically illuminated. As a result, the user is also enabled to display certain operating phases of the moistening device visually easily understandable.

It is preferably provided that the light source is a light-emitting diode. This is on the one hand very energy efficient operable, on the other hand very compact, so that it can be positioned in many places without it would restrict the space of the storage area undesirable. The accessibility to the storage area, in particular when the light source is arranged in the front and / or upper region of the storage area, is not hindered by this.

It is preferably provided that the moistening device is arranged with at least one subcomponent for generating mist or increasing the humidity in an upper front region of the bearing area. Again, the positional arrangement and the functionality for introducing the fog are favored in the storage area.

It can also be provided that the moistening device is arranged externally with at least one subcomponent for generating mist or for increasing the humidity in the storage area and is connected to the storage area by means of a channel.

Various embodiments of this subcomponent can be provided, which on the one hand generate a nebulization or atomization of the fluid to increase the ambient humidity in the storage area or on the other hand produce an evaporation of the fluid, in order then to increase the humidity.

Thus, in the context of embodiments are known in which the sub-component is a Ultraschallvernebler. It can also be provided that the subcomponent is a disc atomizer or a low-pressure atomizer. In these embodiments, a nebulization or atomization of the fluid, in particular of water, which optionally has additives for sanitizing the stored material, is carried out. In contrast, an electric heater may be provided, in which no nebulization or atomization of the fluid takes place, but an evaporation. This also increases the humidity in the storage area.

By means of these differently possible representational units with which the ambient humidity in the storage area can be increased by the humidifying device, a very individual assembly of the household refrigerating appliance is possible with regard to the installation space requirements and / or the energy requirement and / or the required ambient humidity in a larger or smaller storage area. The respectively specified conditions and requirements can thereby be taken into account in each case specified.

It is preferably provided that the light irradiation is activated depending on the operating state of the storage area. As a result, very individual lighting scenarios can be created that can be designed for each required information transmission and the best possible observation by a user.

Preferably, it is provided that the light irradiation is activated when a fog entry into the storage area, and thus the drawer is preferably closed, and / or a drawer of the storage area is pulled out for inspection in the interior of the drawer.

It can also be provided that the lighting device is designed with the at least one light source for irradiation of light of different light colors in the storage area. By this possibility of light color variation, the signaling of different operating conditions or performing different operating phases can be taken into account.

In addition, information about the nature of the stored food and / or its freshness state may also be communicated to the user by such a light color change. Thus, for example, with a first light color, for example green, an information can be conveyed, in which a very satisfactory state of freshness of the stored food is determined. In this context, moreover, a state of freshness can be mediated, for example by a yellow light color, in which the introduced stored goods have a reduced freshness state. For example, this may be a slightly wilted condition in a vegetable.

A functional light, for example a UV light or a red light or blue light, can also be generated by the illumination device, by means of which specific spectral components biochemical processes are supported.

In addition, it can then be provided that a further deteriorated freshness state is displayed, for example, by a red light color, which, for example, is a more wilted state in the case of a vegetable. The same can of course be done for fruit, fish, meat, cheese, etc.

In this context, an advantageous embodiment of the household refrigerating appliance is to be seen in that at least two different operating modes for generating the ambient humidity are possible. In the context, a storage mode or a refresh mode or a sanitation mode are mentioned as influence modes.

In a storage mode is preferably provided that this can be started user-defined or semi-automatic or fully automatic after closing the storage area and thus in particular when inserting the drawer into the final position. In the storage mode, it is preferably provided that a atomization rate of between 50 g / h and 300 g / h and a droplet size between 2 μm and 50 μm of the fluid, in particular of water, optionally with additives, is introduced into the storage area.

Particularly advantageously, it is provided that the storage mode lasts between 5 s and 120 s and is carried out at least once, in particular between once and five times, per 24 hours. This is a particularly noteworthy embodiment, since exactly by such a period of storage mode and a possibly existing repetition rate within a time interval, the freshness keeping is particularly favored.

It is preferably provided that the fluid introduction into the storage area is adjusted to a value greater than or equal to 85% RH (relative humidity) in the case of a storage product designed as fruit. Preferably, the ambient humidity is set in this regard between 85% RH and 95% RH.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the fluid introduction into the Storage area is set at a value greater than or equal to 90% rH, in particular between 90% RH and 95% RH in a storage product designed as a vegetable. These specific relative humidities allow a particularly individual freshness of the fruit and vegetables.

The fluid introduction is preferably set as a function of at least one parameter characterizing a stored product. It is preferably provided that the fluid introduction is adjusted depending on the temperature of the introduced stored goods. Additionally or instead, it can be provided that the fluid introduction is adjusted depending on the weight of the stored stored goods. Also in addition to or instead of it can be provided that the fluid introduction is adjusted depending on the surface area of the stored material. These specific parameters mentioned are not meant to be exhaustive and it can also be done by other or additional additional parameters, the dependence of the setting of the fluid introduction. However, these mentioned three parameters characterize a stored product in such a way that they can be regarded as central parameters. For example, if a stored product has a very large surface area, as can be the case with a salad, it may be necessary for the fluid introduction to be adjusted differently than, for example, for a carrot. Also, for example, these mentioned vegetables may have different sizes and shapes, in which case consistency also plays a role. Thus, a carrot is usually much harder than a leafy salad. Here, too, it should be pointed out that the comparative vegetables mentioned are not meant to be exhaustive, but are to be understood only with regard to their different descriptive parameters. Also for other vegetables or fruits, such specifying different parameters result, on the basis of which then the fluid introduction can be adjusted very individually. The preservation process can therefore be very optimized both in terms of time and / or in terms of volume of air moisture.

Preferably, the storage mode is activated only when the storage area is closed. By this configuration, the energy-efficient operation of the household appliance is taken into account. In addition, then preferably no such humidity generation, for example by introducing a mist, given when the storage area is open. A user can thus observe and remove the storage area and stored goods unhindered. Also, unwanted moistening of a hand or other limb of the user is then prevented.

It is preferably provided that the storage mode is started within a time interval, in particular between 5 s and 120 s, after the storage area has been closed.

The storage mode can be carried out as a function of specific parameters of the storage area, for example the current ambient humidity and / or the parameters and the parameters of the stored stored goods, such as the weight and / or the temperature and / or the type and / or the freshness state ,

These parameters can be determined and detected by suitable sensors, such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, weight sensors, etc.

In order to keep the stored goods fresh in the storage area, it is preferably possible to carry out a refreshing mode in which the fluid introduction in the storage area is set as a function of a mass of the stored goods in comparison to its fresh mass, thereby increasing the mass of the stored goods. In this aspect of the invention, therefore, a process is carried out in a particularly noteworthy manner, namely the refresh mode, by means of which it is possible to change the mass of the stored material. Such a mass change is not to be understood in the context that applied fluid remains on the surface of the stored material and are considered in the context of quasi as additional separated weight elements, but that penetration into the stored material takes place by the stored material receives this fluid and through Cell biological processes quasi self-refreshed and thereby increased their own basic mass. As a result, an active cell-biological process of the stored product itself is thus started as it were, which the stored product then also carries out itself, in order to be refreshed by the application of the corresponding fluid which determines the ambient moisture. This is preferably carried out to the effect that the stored material again reaches its original, occurring during the introduction into the storage area output fresh and thus fresh mass.

Preferably, the refresh mode is provided with a nebulization phase in which time for the active introduction of fluid lasts between 1 minute and 60 minutes, preferably between 2 minutes and 45 minutes. In this nebulization phase, which thus represents a partial phase of the refresh mode in time, the ambient moisture is actively changed by introducing fluid into the storage area.

Preferably, the refresh mode is performed with a fogging phase at which the introduction of fluid is clocked. This means that the active introduction of fluid does not take place continuously in a single phase, but instead active fluid is introduced alternately in an active partial phase and the introduction is deactivated in a subsequent deactive partial phase, an interval interval, whereby this sequence of partial phases repeats itself can repeat. The sum of the active partial phases is then preferably between 1 minute and 60 minutes.

It can be provided that this timing is performed so that the durations of the two phases are always the same. However, it can also be provided that all active partial phases have the same time duration and the deactive partial phases have other identical time periods. It can also be provided that the durations of at least two active partial phases are different from one another and / or the periods of at least second deactive partial phases are different from one another.

It can preferably be provided that the durations of the deactive sub-phases in total between 1 minutes and 50 minutes, in particular between 4 minutes and 45 minutes.

The duration of an active sub-phase in a multi-active-phase cycle may preferably be between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, in particular between 1 minute and 2 minutes. It can be provided that the time duration of a deactivating partial phase in the case of a clocking with several deactivating partial phases is preferably between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, in particular between 1 minute and 2 minutes.

Preferably, the refresh mode is specified with a regeneration phase carried out after the nebulization phase, wherein the regeneration phase lasts between 5 minutes and several hours, in particular 24 hours. In the regeneration phase, the fluid introduced in the atomization phase is absorbed into the stored product. Such a specification of the refresh mode in a nebulisation phase and a regeneration phase substantially promotes the recovery or recycling of the stored material with regard to the achievement of the original fresh mass. The freshness of the stored material is thereby influenced and achieved in a particularly advantageous manner, which keeps the quality of consumption of the stored material particularly high even after a relatively long storage time.

It is preferably provided that a storage mode and / or a sanitation mode are carried out after the refresh mode. With regard to the storage mode, embodiments have already been mentioned above for the first aspect of the invention, which also fully apply here as well.

Preferably, a sanitation mode can be carried out for keeping the stored goods in the storage area fresh, in which a fluid-inhibiting additive is added to the fluid introduced for application to the stored goods. As a result, unwanted impurities or a rapid deterioration of the stored goods favoring processes can be prevented or at least slowed down significantly.

Preferably, the sanitation mode will last between 1 minute and 2 hours, and to the fluid is added at least one of the admixtures of saline, ozonated water, electrolyzed water, hydrogen peroxide, active chlorine, active oxygen, aldehyde, alcohol, or organic acid. As organic acids, there may be mentioned, for example, citric acid or ascorbic acid or acetic acid or a preservative such as sorbic acid or benzoic acid.

In addition, by means of an above-mentioned such variation of the light color, a very specific observation scenario of different foods can also take place. Thus, a first light color may be provided when a first type of stored product, for example a fruit or a vegetable or a fish or a meat is introduced into the storage area. A second light color can be provided if a different type of stored material is introduced. If there is a mixed layering with several different types of stored goods in the storage area, a change in the light colors can take place or a specific third light color can be provided. A user is then visually and thus easily perceptible and comprehensible, even with extensive placement of a storage area, which storage goods are available in the storage area. This can also be very advantageous to the extent that a very large storage area is equipped very extensive and underlying storage goods are covered by stacked storage goods. The user then knows in such a configuration at any time, which stored goods are available in the storage area.

As already mentioned above, for the defined specific introduction of fluid in a storage area, the moistening device can be designed with different technologies with regard to the respectively provided units. The absolute humidity in a closed area, such as a storage area, for example, has a volume of 60 liters and is set there with a temperature of 0 ° C, is about 4.9 g / m ³ . As a result, here are also technologies for Registration of moisture in the storage area possible, which require a relatively high energy consumption, but on the other hand, because of the small amount of water do not require a significantly high absolute energy consumption. The advantageous embodiments in this regard have already been mentioned above and relate to the ultrasonic nebulizer, the disc atomizer, the low-pressure atomizer and the electric heater.

Straight ultrasonic units are possible in different versions. At this point, an ultrasonic nebulizer or a membrane nebulizer (ultrasonic nozzle array) or a rotating generator in which nebulization is generated by means of mechanical atomization and ultrasound excitation may be mentioned.

The different units referred to in this regard allow different approaches to aerosol production and can also be arranged at different positions in the household refrigerator. In this context, it can also be provided that a tank, which is the primary fluid, which is to be vaporized or atomized or atomized and contains, for example, water, significantly different from the so-called transducer (transducer) is positioned. The tank is fluidically connected to this transducer.

The relatively small amounts of water to be atomized also make it possible to use different transport media for the water to be atomized or vaporized. Thus, in this context, a hose with a relatively small line cross-section can be provided in order to design a transport by means of a pump or even by gravity. In addition, however, a capillary is possible in which a gravity-independent transport of the fluid is possible. This variability allows space requirements to be taken into account in the best possible and flexible way, and a high functionality of the fluid introduction can be achieved.

The light source may be arranged so that the emitted light is radiated directly into the storage area. However, it can also be provided that at least one light source is arranged externally in the storage area and the light is guided into the storage area via at least one light guide and is irradiated there. Due to the configuration with a lighting device with at least one light source, a planar illumination of the storage area can be achieved.

In addition to the possibilities already mentioned above, which can be conveyed to a user with such illumination of information, a process progress of a running operating mode, for example a storage mode or a refresh mode or a sanitation mode, can also be displayed. This also indicates to the user that it is easy to understand how long such an influence mode is already running and / or how long such a mode will still run. This too can be indicated by different light colors and / or by a time-specific change of the light color.

With respect to the air duct system, it is advantageous if, for example, in no-frost devices, an air duct is provided which is designed such that it takes on the one hand, the cooling of the storage area, on the other hand with a so-called multi-air duct - an air duct, which in ventilation connection with a present in the household refrigerator evaporator, in particular a finned evaporator, is - is connected. The transducer is then preferably arranged such that the air flow from the multi-air duct flows over the water surface stimulated by the transducer and transports the mist in the air duct leading to the storage area to the outlet openings of this air duct. These air outlet openings may preferably be located in the front region of the storage area.

The air flow can preferably be conveyed via a fan or a fan, for which purpose an already existing fan for the air duct can be used via the air duct system in the interior. This fan can then also serve to remove any resulting drops of water or fog in the opening into the storage area air duct over time with the relatively dry air flow, so that here also a specific drying process can take place.

To improve the air quality in the storage area, a filter system can be installed in the airflow to the unit for nebulization or vaporization of the fluid. For example, here an air filter or even an activated carbon filter may be present. Moreover, it is also possible that an ozone generator is present, by means of which ozone the air flow is added to the storage area, so that here, too, a certain sanitizing effect is achieved in the storage area. Among other things, ozone has an odor-reducing effect and can thus positively influence hygiene in the storage area.

In addition, as already mentioned, the fluid, in particular the water, additives can be added as needed and transported with the fog in the storage area.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigerator with an interior in which a partial volume is designed as a separate storage area. In the storage area food can be introduced. The household refrigerating appliance furthermore comprises a moistening device with which a fluid introduction independent of the remaining interior space can be carried out in the storage area. The moistening device comprises a subcomponent for generating mist or increasing the humidity, this subcomponent being a disc atomiser or a low-pressure atomizer or an electric heater. In the disc atomizer and the low-pressure atomizer, a nebulization of the fluid is carried out. In the electric heater, however, evaporation of the fluid is performed.

Embodiments of the household refrigerator according to the first aspect of the invention are to be considered as advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the frame to leave the invention. There are therefore also embodiments of the invention as encompassed and disclosed, which are not explicitly illustrated and shown in the figures, however, emerge and can be generated by separate feature combinations of the described embodiments.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a household refrigerator according to the invention;

2 a schematic representation of sub-components of an embodiment of a humidifying device of the household refrigerating appliance according to 1 ;

3 a sectional view of a Ultraschallverneblers in partial representation, as it is a subcomponent of the moistening of the household refrigerator according to 1 can be;

4 a schematic sectional view of an ultrasonic atomizer, as it as a sub-component of the moistening device of the household refrigerating appliance according to 1 can be provided;

5 a schematic representation of a disc atomizer, as it as part of the moistening device of the household refrigerating appliance according to 1 can be provided;

6 a schematic representation of an electric heater, as shown as part of the moistening device of the household refrigerating appliance according to 1 can be provided;

7 a schematic side view of the household refrigerator in the area of the storage area;

8th a schematic representation of a front view of another embodiment of the household refrigerator; and

9 a schematic front view of another embodiment of a household refrigerator according to the invention.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In 1 is a schematic representation of a household refrigerator 1 shown, which may be, for example, a refrigerator. The household refrigerator 1 includes a housing 2 that has an inner container 3 surrounds. The inner container 3 limited with its walls an interior 4 in which food can be stored for storage and preservation. In the interior 4 cold air is introduced through a cooling circuit provided schematically with the reference numeral 5 is produced. The refrigeration cycle 5 For example, a compressor, which is arranged in a machine room, have. In addition, even an evaporator may be provided in the interior 4 or at least thermodynamically coupled thereto. The refrigeration cycle 5 may also have a condenser, preferably outside the inner container 3 , Especially in a rear area of the housing 2 is arranged.

In the exemplary embodiment, the household refrigerator includes 1 a storage area 6 while in the interior 4 is arranged, however, by a partition wall 7 is separated. The partition 7 thus divides the interior 4 in a partial volume 8th and the storage area 6 , The storage area 6 also includes a drawer 9 , in which also food can be introduced.

The household refrigerator 1 is with its refrigeration cycle 5 designed so that in the subspace 8th and in the storage area 6 different Ambient humidities are adjustable. The household refrigerator 1 For example, it can also be a no-frost device.

Preferably, in the context of the storage area 6 a compartment in which in particular temperatures between 0 ° C and 4 ° C are set. The temperatures in the remaining partial volume 8th are preferably slightly higher and can also be set by the user.

The interior 4 and thus also the storage area 6 are front through a door 10 closable.

The household refrigerator 1 In addition, the moistening device, which is also provided only symbolically with a reference numeral, also comprises 11 , The moistening device 11 is designed to provide adequate moisture in the storage area 6 bring to. For this purpose, it can include an already existing blower or a fan. Furthermore, an air duct system is provided. In particular, the moistening device comprises 11 a container or tank in which water is introduced as fluid in particular. The moistening device 11 moreover preferably comprises at least one further container in which an additive is introduced. This may then be mixed with the water from the tank to carry out a sanitation mode and then atomized or vaporized into the storage area 6 be initiated.

The moistening device 11 moreover comprises a unit by means of which this fluid can be atomised or vaporized. In this context, it may be provided that this unit is an electric heater or a low-pressure atomizer or a rotating disk and thus a disk atomizer. It is preferably provided that this unit is an ultrasonic nebuliser or membrane nebulizer. The fog generated with it is by means of a channel in the storage area 6 directed, in which case small inlet openings are arranged at specific positions, then which then the fog in the volume of the storage area 6 is directed.

The moistening device 11 moreover comprises a control and / or evaluation unit, by means of which the control of the ambient humidity in the storage area 6 is controlled. In this context, it is also possible to provide a sensor or a plurality of sensors which provide information about parameters of the storage area 6 and / or the stored stored goods and deliver it to the control unit, in which case the control takes place depending on this information. In this context, at least one temperature sensor and / or at least one humidity sensor and / or at least one weight sensor and / or a sensor for detecting the type and / or freshness of the stored stored material can be provided.

In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the household refrigerator 1 with its moistening device 11 configured to perform a storage mode and a refresh mode and a sanitation mode.

In 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a moistening device 11 shown with subcomponents. The moistening device 11 includes a tank 12 in which water is contained as fluid. In the embodiment is in the tank 12 a filter 13 arranged. This is in the area of an outlet 14 of the tank 12 arranged. The filter 13 may also be a capillary and / or be interchangeable. At the outlet 14 opens a connection line 15 , in particular a hose over which the water in the tank 12 is passed to a unit in which the water is atomized or evaporated. In the exemplary embodiment, the unit is as Ultraschallvernebler 16 formed, for example, in a housing 17 can be arranged. The ultrasonic nebulizer 16 includes a transducer 16a that into a container 18 supplied water misted. In the container 18 can be a level sensor 19 be arranged. The fog comes up 48 from the swamp or container 18 out. He will have a fan 20 in the case 17 or may be arranged outside, inter alia, according to the arrow P1 to the storage area 6 directed. It can be provided that in the container 18 Additives are included and thus the fog 48 has corresponding additives.

In addition, in the housing 17 or even outside an ozone generator 21 be arranged. It is also possible that in the case 17 or outside a filter 22 , For example, an activated carbon filter is arranged. About a generated supply air 23 gets the air in front of the fan 20 filtered and over the ozone generator 21 Ozone added.

In addition, a lighting device 24 with at least one light source 25 educated. The light source 25 is here in the case 17 arranged in a place where the fog 48 exit and into the storage area 6 entry. Because the optional housing 17 for example, in the storage area 6 can be arranged, is the light source 25 also in the storage area 6 positioned.

In 3 is a sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of the ultrasonic nebulizer 16 shown. A membrane 26 of the converter 16a is presented, layed out. The filled water 27 flows into one on the membrane 26 ending channel 28 ,

In addition, in 4 an alternative embodiment of a unit shown, by means of which the fluid or the water 27 in the tank 12 can be atomized. 4 shows an ultrasonic nozzle with a piezo 29 in a tube 30 sitting. The fluid from the tank 12 will have an opening 31 fed and into the tube 30 brought in. By vibration along the arrow P2 in a needle 32 an atomization is achieved, which is then called fog 33 out of the needle 32 exit.

In 5 is another embodiment of a unit for atomizing the fluid from the tank 12 shown here, wherein a disc atomizer is shown here. About a pump is via a line 34 the fluid from the tank 12 to a disc 35 passed, which rotates, whereby the fluid or the water is also atomized and laterally as a mist 36 exit.

In 6 is shown in a simplified representation of a unit by means of which the fluid from the tank 12 is not atomized or atomized, but is evaporated. Here is an electric heater 37 shown. In a container 38 contains water, which becomes a heating unit 39 passes and is evaporated there, the water vapor 40 then exit accordingly and into the storage area 6 arrives.

The unit can also be designed as a membrane nebulizer.

In 7 becomes the household refrigerator 1 shown with subcomponents that the storage area 6 represent. The storage area 6 includes the drawer 9 , in the example in 7 as stored goods 49 a salad is introduced. The drawer 9 is from above through the lid 7 covered and it is beyond the drawer 9 an air duct 50 educated. This air duct 50 is in the embodiment fluidly with a multi-air duct 41 coupled fluidically, whereby an air duct system is formed. The multi-air duct 41 is with the refrigeration cycle 5 of the household refrigerator 1 coupled and for the introduction of cold air into the interior 4 designed. The drawer 9 can be pulled out horizontally along the arrow P3, so that the accessibility from above is possible.

In the embodiment shown according to 7 is the lighting device 24 designed so that at least one light source 25 in a front and top of the storage area 6 is arranged, but external to the drawer 9 is positioned. It is preferably provided that the light source 25 in the air duct 50 is arranged and preferably in a front region, or a front opening 42 this air duct 50 is arranged. The illumination of the storage area 6 and therefore also the drawer 9 from the front and top is achieved. In addition, other light sources may also be present and arranged at specific other locations. The at least one light source 25 is preferably a light emitting diode.

In the exemplary embodiment, moreover, it is also provided that an ultrasonic nebulizer 16 in the front upper area of the storage area 6 is arranged, preferably in the air duct 50 or is disposed thereon or positioned adjacent thereto.

In 8th is a schematic front view of the household refrigerator 1 shown according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the tank 12 with the nebulizer unit or evaporator unit, in particular an ultrasonic nebuliser 16 in the storage area 6 arranged externally and, for example, in the interior 4 and to the storage area 6 remaining partial volume arranged. The atomized fluid is in an air channel 43 to the storage area 6 directed. The fan 20 is here in an upper area of the household refrigerator 1 arranged, for example, adjacent to an evaporator 44 positioned. It can be provided that in an interface between the fan 20 and the channel 43 a valve 45 is arranged.

In the storage area 6 several different sensors can be arranged. For example, here can be a humidity sensor 46 and / or a temperature sensor 47 be arranged. In addition, in addition to or instead of at least one weight sensor and / or a sensor for detecting the freshness of the introduced stored material can be provided. It can be provided specific sensors or even cameras, which can determine the state of freshness depending on the captured images. For example, this can be done on the basis of stored reference images.

In 9 is another embodiment of a household refrigerator 1 shown in a schematic front view. In contrast to the representation according to 8th here is no air duct 43 intended. In particular, here is an embodiment as shown in 2 is shown, arranged and the fan or the fan 20 becomes the fog 19 in the storage area 6 promoted.

In an alternative embodiment may also be on the fan 20 be waived if the arrangement is arranged above the storage floor. Gravity leaves it as an aerosol Fluid slowly fall down. A fan 20 could then cause the distribution of aerosols.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Household refrigerator

2

 casing

3

 inner container

4

 inner space

5

 Refrigeration circuit

6

 storage area

7

 cover

8th

 partial volume

9

 drawer

10

 door

11

 humidifying

12

 tank

13

 filter

14

 outlet

15

 connecting line

16

 ultrasonic

16a

 converter

17

 casing

18

 container

19

 level sensor

20

 Fan

21

 ozone generator

22

 filter

23

 supply air flow

24

 lighting device

25

 light source

26

 membrane

27

 water

28

 channel

29

 piezo

30

 tube

31

 opening

32

 needle

33

 fog

34

 management

35

 disc

36

 fog

37

 electric heating

38

 container

39

 heating unit

40

 Steam

41

 Multi-air duct

42

 opening

43

 air duct

44

 Evaporator

45

 Valve

46

 humidity sensor

47

 temperature sensor

48

 fog

49

 stored goods

50

 air duct

P1

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P2

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P3

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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 102009029139 A1 [0008]
• DE 102009029141 A1 [0008]

Claims (13)

Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) with an interior ( 4 ), in which a partial volume as a separate storage area ( 6 ) is formed in the food ( 49 ), and a moistening device ( 11 ) is formed, with which in the storage area ( 6 ) can be performed independent of the rest of the interior introduction of a liquid fluid, characterized in that at least one light source ( 25 ) is formed, with which the storage area ( 6 ) is illuminable. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the light source ( 25 ) emitted light in an upper area and / or front area of the storage area ( 6 ) is radiated into this. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the storage area ( 6 ) a drawer ( 9 ), in which the food ( 49 ) and the light source ( 25 ) is arranged outside the drawer. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source ( 25 ) in one in the storage area ( 6 ) opening air duct ( 43 . 50 ) is arranged. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source ( 25 ) is a light emitting diode. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moistening device ( 11 ) with at least one subcomponent ( 16 ) for fog generation or for fluid evaporation in an upper front area of the storage area ( 6 ) is arranged. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the moistening device ( 11 ) with at least one subcomponent ( 16 ) is arranged externally for mist production or for fluid evaporation storage area and with a channel ( 43 ) with the storage area ( 6 ) connected is. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the subcomponent is an ultrasonic nebulizer ( 16 ) or a disc atomizer ( 34 to 36 ) or a low pressure atomizer ( 29 to 32 ) or an electric heater ( 37 to 39 ). Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light irradiation depends on the operating state of the storage area ( 6 ) is activated. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the light irradiation is activated when a mist entry into the storage area ( 6 ) and / or a drawer ( 9 ) of the storage area ( 6 ) for inspection of the interior of the drawer ( 9 ) is pulled out. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that light of different light color in the storage area ( 6 ) is einstrahlbar. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that at least two different operating modes for influencing the freshness of the stored material via the fluid introduction into the storage area ( 6 ) and the application of the fluid to the stored goods are formed and in a first operating mode, a first light color is einstrahlbar and in a second operating mode, a different color to the first light color light is einstrahlbar. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an air duct system ( 41 to 43 . 50 ) is formed, which with a refrigeration cycle ( 5 ) of the household refrigerating appliance ( 1 ), and a first air channel ( 41 ), the cooled air in the interior ( 4 ) outside the storage area ( 6 ), and another air channel ( 50 ) which communicates with the first air channel ( 41 ) and into the storage area ( 6 ), whereby air from the first air channel ( 41 ) via the second air channel ( 50 ) in the storage area ( 6 ) is conductive.

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