DE102013216760B4 - Refrigeration unit with a camera module - Google Patents

Abstract

Refrigeration appliance (100) with a refrigerator door (101-1, 101-2) for closing an inner container (103) and a camera module (105) for image recording of refrigerated goods inside the refrigerator (100), characterized in that the refrigeration appliance (100) a mechanical switch (107) for electrically triggering the image pickup at a predetermined opening angle of the refrigerator door (101-1, 101-2) via an electrical triggering line.

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerator with a camera module.

The JP 2001-317 858 A discloses a refrigerator with a refrigerator door for closing an inner container and a camera module for image recording of refrigerated goods inside the refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator has a door opening and closing detection means. When a door opening or closing detection is performed by the door opening and closing detecting means, a CCD camera is simultaneously started with a "Panoramic Photography" with a microcomputer controlling the triggering. The "Panoramic Photography" is a sequence of images, from which a "Digital Image" is composed.

This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features of 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 refrigerator with a refrigerator door for closing an inner container and a camera module for image recording of refrigerated goods inside the refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator a mechanical switch for electrically triggering the image recording at a predetermined opening angle of the refrigerator door via an electrical tripping line. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a triggering of the camera module is achieved by a mechanical switch, which triggers the camera module exactly at a predetermined opening angle. A mechanical switch is more precise and reliable than an electronic switch, such as a magnetic switch, and has a simpler construction.

A refrigeration appliance is understood in particular to mean a domestic refrigeration appliance, that is to say a refrigeration appliance that is used for household management or in the gastronomy sector, and in particular for storing food and / or drinks at specific temperatures, such as, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer, a refrigerated freezer combination, a freezer or a wine fridge.

In an advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the mechanical switch is arranged in the refrigerator door. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that a triggering of the camera module can be triggered directly by the movement of the refrigerator door.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device of the mechanical switch is arranged on the underside of the refrigerator door. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the mechanical switch can be inconspicuously integrated into the refrigerator door.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the refrigeration device comprises a casserole cam for actuating the mechanical switch. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that the mechanical switch can be reliably operated.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the casserole is arranged on a door closure strip. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the casserole can be arranged unobtrusively below or above the refrigerator door.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the casserole is formed such that the mechanical switch meets at a right angle to an edge of the casserole. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a light and accurate operation of the mechanical switch is achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the casserole has a slope in the direction of the door closure strip. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that manufacturing tolerances of the position of the switch along a door edge are compensated.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigerator, the casserole is replaceable attached to the refrigerator. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the refrigeration device can be set to different opening angle.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the mechanical switch comprises a switching lever for actuating the mechanical switch when running onto the casserole. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a smooth operation of the switch is achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the refrigeration device is designed to detect a pivoting direction of the refrigerator door on the basis of the actuation of the mechanical switch. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that the pivoting direction can be detected depending on the switch signal.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the upper and the lower refrigerator door each comprise a mechanical switch for electrically triggering the camera module at a predetermined opening angle of the refrigerator door. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that both a first camera module in a lower refrigerator door and an upper camera module in an upper refrigerator door can be triggered.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the camera module is arranged in the refrigerator door. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that at the opening of the refrigerator door, a recording can be obtained from the inside of the inner container.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the predetermined opening angle is that angle at which the camera module is located in front of the center of the inner container. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a symmetrical recording is obtained. This simplifies the post-processing of the recording and it is obtained a look into the refrigerator, which would receive the user when opening.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the camera module is arranged in the inner container. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that at the opening of the refrigerator door, a recording of the inside of the refrigerator door can be obtained.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the predetermined opening angle is that angle at which the camera module is located in front of the center of the refrigerator door. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a symmetrical recording is obtained. This simplifies the post-processing of the recording and provides a view into the refrigerator door, which the user would receive when opening.

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 refrigerator;

2 an interior view of a refrigerator door with camera module;

3 a schematic view of the front of the refrigerator with a casserole;

4 an enlarged schematic front view of the refrigerator door when opening and closing, and

5 an enlarged schematic plan view of the refrigerator door when opening and closing.

1 shows a refrigerator with an upper refrigerator door 101-1 and a lower refrigerator door 101-2 representative of a general refrigeration device 100 , 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 vaporized refrigerant is released by heat release to an external cooling medium, i. H. the ambient air is liquefied. The throttle body is a device for the continuous reduction of the pressure by 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.

2 shows an interior view of a refrigerator door 101-1 with a camera module 105 , The camera module 105 is a digital imaging module that is capable of the interior of the inner container 103 or the refrigerator door 101-1 record and image capture, such as a Windows web cam. The camera module 105 For example, includes a standard lens that is interchangeable by means of screwing. The camera module 105 is triggered via an electrical trigger line, so that the recording is initiated at the triggering time.

The camera module 105 is below the upper door compartment 117 arranged. The mechanical positioning of the camera module 105 in the refrigerator door 101-1 is such that the receiving direction is not through in the refrigerator door 101-1 parked objects is adjusted. The shooting direction of the camera module 105 is opposite the door surface 119 the refrigerator door 101-1 inclined. The camera module 105 is in the refrigerator door 101 near the front edge of the door racks 107 and on an outer edge of a door pillar of the refrigerator door 101 arranged.

The camera module 105 For example, it is located at a height corresponding to the body size of an average user. It is advantageous, for example, if 80% of the height of the interior of the inner container 103 be covered. The illumination for exposure of the exposure may be due to ambient light when opening the refrigerator door 101-1 or by a suitable lighting device in the interior of the refrigerator 100 be made.

3 shows a schematic view of the front of the refrigerator 101 with a casserole 109 , The casserole 109 is between the upper and the lower refrigerator door 101-1 and 101-2 arranged. The refrigerator doors 101-1 and 101-2 are at a pivot 121 rotatable on the body of the refrigerator 100 stored. The pivot point is formed by a pivot and a bearing carrier.

The casserole 109 is on the crossbar or the door closure strip 111 formed between the cooling compartments, for example between a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. The casserole 109 protrudes below the upper refrigerator door 101-1 from the door closure strip 111 out.

An edge of the casserole 109 serves to actuate a mechanical switch 107 as soon as it hits the edge. The mechanical switch 107 is at the bottom in the upper refrigerator door 101-1 integrated. The mechanical switch 107 For example, a microswitch whose contacts are less than 3 mm apart from each other in the open state. As soon as the mechanical switch 107 when opening or closing the refrigerator door 101-1 through the casserole 109 is pressed, the trigger line of the camera module 105 set to a certain voltage level and an image capture of the camera module 105 triggered. The casserole 109 is on the crossbar or the door closure strip 111 of the refrigeration device 100 screwed. The refrigerator door 101-1 is on the right side at the pivot point 121 struck.

Depending on the sequence of the signal on the trigger line, ie a high voltage value followed by a small voltage value or vice versa, in addition, the pivoting direction of the refrigerator door 101-1 be recorded. In this case, the camera module 105 for example, only when opening or closing the refrigerator door 101-1 to be triggered.

The opening angle of the refrigerator door 101 where the camera module 105 is triggered by the location and position of the casserole 109 in interaction with the arrangement of the mechanical switch 107 specified. For example, the triggering can take place at an opening angle of the refrigerator door of 52 °. The casserole 109 and the mechanical switch 107 together form a triggering device for the camera module 105 ,

In the same way as the upper refrigerator door 101-1 can also be the lower refrigerator door 101-2 a mechanical switch, which is another camera module 105 in the lower compartment triggers. In general, however, the mechanical switch can also be arranged in other ways.

4 shows an enlarged schematic front view of the refrigerator door 101-1 when opening and closing. The mechanical switch 107 includes a shift lever 115 coming from the bottom of the refrigerator door 101-1 protrudes. With closed refrigerator door (top) 101-1 is the shift lever 115 on the casserole. Is the refrigerator door 101-1 but opened by an opening angle, the one through the casserole 109 defined value exceeds (below), the shift lever slides 115 from the casserole 109 down and is in an extended position next to the casserole 109 , This allows a circuit to open or close mechanically, which is used to trigger the camera module 105 serves.

Is the camera module 105 for example, on the inside of the refrigerator door 101-1 arranged the pivot point 121 is opposite, moves the camera module 105 when opening the refrigerator door 101-1 on a circular path in front of the center of the inner container 105 , In this case, the opening angle can be specified such that the camera module 105 just when it is in the middle of the inner container. In general, an interaction between the position of the camera module 105 in the refrigerator door 101-1 and the predetermined opening angle such that the camera module 105 is positioned centrally with respect to the carcass width when triggered. As a result, a central release is achieved in front of the field of view of the refrigerator and receive an undistorted recording.

Is the camera module 105 however, on the side of the inner container 103 arranged the pivot point 121 opposite, moves the refrigerator door 101-1 when opening through the field of view of the camera module 105 , In this case, the opening angle can be specified such that the camera module 105 is triggered exactly when the refrigerator door 101-1 perpendicular to the direction of the camera module 105 stands. As a result, a central release is also achieved in front of the field of view of the refrigerator and receive an undistorted recording.

Overall, a symmetrical image is obtained in both cases, which allows a simplified post-processing, as well as a look into the refrigeration device 100 or on the refrigerator door that would provide itself to a user when opening the refrigerator door.

5 shows an enlarged schematic plan view of the refrigerator door 101-1 in the closed state (above) and in the open state (below). The casserole 109 is so wide and at the edge 113 shaped so that the shift lever 115 always at the same opening angle of the refrigerator door 101-1 triggers. As a result, manufacturing tolerances of the position of the switch 107 along the lower edge of the refrigerator door 101-1 balanced at different distances of the mechanical switch 107 from the fulcrum 121 can arise. The edge 113 the casserole 107 indicates a curved course or a slope in the direction of the door closure strip 111 to the fulcrum 121 towards. The edge 113 runs in this case at an angle to the body edge.

The mechanical switch 107 with the shift lever 115 is arranged such that the actuating direction of the shift lever 115 when hitting perpendicular to the edge 113 the casserole 109 stands. The mechanical switch 107 Switch thus meets in the direction of actuation on the edge 113 the casserole 109 on, so that a particularly accurate triggering is achieved.

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

The refrigerator

101-1

Refrigerator door

101-2

Refrigerator door

103

inner container

105

camera module

107

mechanical switch

109

stop cam

111

Door end strip

113

edge

115

gear lever

117

door racks

119

door surface

121

pivot point

Claims (15)

Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) with a refrigerator door ( 101-1 . 101-2 ) for closing an inner container ( 103 ) and a camera module ( 105 ) for a picture of refrigerated goods inside the refrigerator ( 100 ) characterized in that the refrigeration device ( 100 ) a mechanical switch ( 107 ) for electrically triggering the image recording at a predetermined opening angle of the refrigerator door ( 101-1 . 101-2 ) via an electrical triggering line. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical switch ( 107 ) in the refrigerator door ( 101-1 ) is arranged. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical switch ( 107 ) at the bottom of the refrigerator door ( 101-1 ) is arranged. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) a casserole ( 109 ) for actuating the mechanical switch ( 107 ). Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the casserole cam ( 109 ) on a door closure strip ( 111 ) is arranged. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the casserole ( 109 ) is formed, that the mechanical switch ( 107 ) at a right angle to an edge ( 113 ) of the casserole ( 109 ) meets. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the casserole cam ( 109 ) a slope in the direction of the door closure strip ( 111 ) having. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the casserole cam ( 109 ) is mounted interchangeably on the refrigeration device. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the mechanical switch ( 107 ) a shift lever ( 115 ) for actuating the mechanical switch ( 107 ) when running on the casserole ( 109 ). Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) is formed, a pivoting direction of the refrigerator door ( 101-1 ) based on the operation of the mechanical switch ( 107 ) capture. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper and the lower refrigerator door ( 101-1 . 101-2 ) each have a mechanical switch ( 107 ) for electrically triggering the camera module ( 105 ) at a predetermined opening angle of the refrigerator door ( 101-1 . 101-2 ). Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the camera module ( 105 ) in the refrigerator door ( 101-1 ) is arranged. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that the predetermined opening angle is the angle at which the camera module in front of the center of the inner container ( 103 ) is located. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the camera module ( 105 ) is arranged in the inner container. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 14, characterized in that the predetermined opening angle is the angle at which the camera module ( 105 ) in front of the center of the refrigerator door ( 101-1 ) is located.

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