DE102014202122A1 - Household refrigeration appliance with a storage area and a humidifying device and a fluid catch basin under a drawer of the storage area - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household refrigerating appliance (1) with an interior (4, 5) for holding food, in which a partial volume is formed as a separated storage area (8) into which food can be introduced, and with a moistening device (11) with which in the storage area (8) can be made independent of the rest of the interior introduction of a fluid, wherein the storage area (8) has a drawer (9) into which the food can be introduced, and with the drawer (9) fluidly coupled catch basin ( 14) which is designed to receive the liquid fluid collecting on a bottom (15) of the drawer (9).

Description

The invention relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance with an interior for holding food, in which a partial volume is designed as a separate storage area, can be introduced into the food, and with a moistening, with which in the storage area an independent of the rest of the interior introduction of a fluid can take place ,

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 fruits 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.

However, the introduction of water mist also deposits water at the bottom of the storage area. As a result, the food comes in contact with this water circumferentially and permanently, which in turn can have a negative effect on the shelf life and affect hygiene.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a household refrigerator in which the storage of food in this specific storage area is improved.

This object is achieved by a household refrigerator, which has the features of claim 1.

An inventive domestic refrigerator comprises an interior for receiving food, in which a partial volume is designed as a separate storage area. In this storage area food can be introduced, so that the storage area is designed as a food storage area. The household refrigerator also includes a moistening device, with which in the storage area an independent of the remaining interior introduction of a fluid can take place. As a result of this configuration, it is also possible to set a moisture dependent on the remaining interior space in the storage area, so that the shelf life and storability of specific foods, such as in particular vegetables or fruits, can be specified specified. This makes it possible to keep these foods fresh for a longer period of time.

An essential idea of the invention is to be seen in that the storage area has a drawer in which the food can be introduced. In addition, the storage area comprises a collecting basin which is fluidically coupled to the drawer and which is designed to receive the liquid fluid collecting at a bottom of the drawer. It is thus formed in particular an embodiment in which a separate catch basin is formed in addition to a drawer. By this it is then possible that unwanted liquids in the drawer, especially on the ground, there not permanently and not in an undesirably large amount there collects. A relatively long and extensive, area by area immersion of food in this occurring at the bottom of the drawer liquid is prevented. This further improves the shelf life of the food and improves hygiene.

The fluid collecting at the bottom of the drawer is, in particular, a fluid introduced by the moistening device, which does not precipitate on the food as mist and thus floats past the food to the ground. Likewise, this may also be liquid that drips from a food, or it may also be a liquid that is formed by condensation in the storage area.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the catch basin is arranged under the drawer. As a result, as far as possible absorption of the liquid fluid from the drawer can take place. In addition, this configuration allows the shortest possible path from the bottom of the drawer to the catch basin, so that no further circumferential elongated discharges are required. As a result, the design is very compact and reduced component executable and cable routes between the bottom of the drawer and the catch basin are minimized, so that no leakage problems occur here and no difficult to clean elements are installed in between.

In addition, the accessibility to the drawer is not affected by this positional arrangement of the catch basin. On the other hand, the accessibility and handling of the catch basin is particularly favored.

It is preferably provided that the collecting basin is movable relative to the drawer. As a result, it can be changed positionally independently of the drawer, so that the handling of the collecting basin can take place, for example, for removal or inspection with regard to the filling state with the liquid fluid even without moving the drawer and thus without opening the drawer. As a result, the climatic condition in the drawer is not adversely affected.

In particular, it is provided that the catch basin in the depth direction of the household refrigerating appliance is displaceable relative to the drawer. The collecting basin is therefore preferably designed and operable drawer-like. This version also achieves a very user-friendly design. Because the movement guide of the catch basin is thus virtually the same as the drawer, so that a user also intuitively operated or operated the catch basin properly. This is just to the advantage that then an unwanted spilling is prevented, since no unexpected movements must be performed to operate the catch basin.

It is preferably provided that the collecting basin has at least the width of the bottom of the drawer. This is particularly advantageous in that thereby a circumferential introduction of the liquid fluid from the bottom of the drawer into the catch basin can take place, in particular at different locations. This allows a particularly uniform and immediate drainage of the liquid fluid from the bottom of the drawer into the catch basin. In addition, by such a configuration then also in the vertical direction of the household refrigeration device very flat-construction catch basin allows and yet a relatively large volume of the catch basin available. As a result, the height of the household refrigerator is not changed undesirable.

It is preferably provided that the collecting basin has an overflow protection device. Especially with a relatively large catch basin, which has a low height, this is advantageous, so that when moving the catch basin is not undesirable liquid leaking and distributed in the interior of the household refrigerator or in the vicinity of the household refrigerator. As a result, hygiene requirements are also taken into account to a special degree.

It is preferably provided that the overflow protection device has a cover. In particular, the cover is removable. By such a design with a cover quasi a lid is created, which prevents the escape of the collected liquid in the catch basin in a shift, even if this aufschaukelt in the catch basin due to the particular sliding movement. The cover is in this context a very simple representational means to prevent the spilling over. Just by the advantageous embodiment of the removability of the cover but then also created the possibility to see at any time circumferentially in the interior of the catch basin when the lid is removed in particular. In addition, this removability and the cleaning of the catch basin is much easier, so that the user friendliness and high hygiene requirements are met here.

Preferably, it is also provided that the overflow protection device has at least one flow settling element arranged in the interior of the collecting basin. This may for example be at least one arranged on the ground or on the cover web, which thus also forms a kind of partition. Especially with relatively large volumes and interiors of the catch basin, this is particularly advantageous, since thus a circumferential rocking of a liquid movement is prevented and the removal and carrying the catch basin is easier for a user. Because this undesirable abrupt weight changes can be locally prevented in the catch basin by the aufzuschkelnde fluid, so that here is easier to carry the catch basin by a user.

It is preferably provided that the bottom of the drawer has at least one discharge opening, through which the collected fluid can be conducted into the collecting basin. This is particularly advantageous in that through such holes then the collected fluid can enter or drip directly into the preferably arranged below receiving bowl or the catch basin. Additional lines or the like are then no longer required. The derivation of the fluid from the drawer into the catch basin takes place automatically in this embodiment.

It is preferably provided that the bottom of the drawer is uneven. It can also be provided that a non-destructively removable insert is arranged in the drawer, which is positioned in the region of the bottom and on which then the food can be placed. Preferably, a corrugated design is formed here at the bottom and / or the insert. By this configuration is already prevented in principle that a food maximum over the entire surface rests on the bottom of the drawer. Due to the unevenness, in particular the wave structure, the food is especially then only on the mountains of this wave structure on the ground. In addition, such a design already enables a targeted collection of the fluid in the drawer in the valleys of this corrugated structure, so that even here extensive immersion of a food can be avoided in this collected on the ground fluid in the drawer. By then also preferably discharge openings are formed in valleys of this selected shape of the soil, a particularly advantageous implementation is possible. On the one hand, in this embodiment, then self-regulating and thus automatically the discharge of the fluid in the drawer reached in these valleys, on the other hand by this locally specified attachment of the discharge openings in these valleys then again in the subsequent independent derivation of the liquid located in the valleys in the Catch basin reached via the discharge openings. Troughs thus also channel-like structures are formed, which also allow a targeted forwarding of the liquid in the ground to discharge. This is achieved and advantageous in particular if the valleys are not oriented horizontally with their design at least in regions, but in this respect are inclined to a slight extent. The drainage of the liquid towards a discharge opening in a valley is then achieved automatically.

It can also be provided in addition to or instead of the fact that the bottom of the drawer is not arranged horizontally, but in particular is inclined and / or has a unevenness through which the fluid is selectively and independently to at least one target location in the drawer can be conducted. This refinement further favors the advantages already mentioned above.

It may also be provided in such a configuration that the bottom has no corrugated structure or no nub structure, but is designed, for example, funnel-like. Here, the floor may be formed with a single funnel structure or a plurality of funnel structures. At the target location or the target sites, at least one discharge opening is then preferably formed in each case, through which the collected fluid can then be conducted into the collecting basin, which is then likewise preferably arranged directly under the drawer.

It can also be provided that the drawer and / or the catch basin an absorbent element, in particular a sponge or have a nonwoven for absorbing the fluid. This absorbent element may be located locally at a specific position in the drawer. However, it can also be arranged over a large area on the ground and be distributed over the entire floor, for example. This is advantageous in that the collected fluid can then not completely unhindered run around in the drawer and, for example, in a jerky movement of the drawer, for example, during a quick withdrawal, can slosh around.

Especially in a configuration in which one or more outlet openings are formed in the bottom, such an absorbent element is also advantageous in that then, if only the drawer and not the underlying catchment basin are additionally and simultaneously withdrawn, leakage or dripping of the collected Fluids through the outlet openings and thus the area of the kitchen in front of the household refrigerator or the area before the installation of the household refrigerator is not undesirable wetted with liquid.

It can be provided that the drawer is motion-coupled with the catch basin. For this purpose, a preferably mechanical coupling device is provided. By such a configuration is achieved that when pulling out of the drawer and the catch basin is automatically pulled out, especially if this is located under the drawer. This prevents any fluid collected from the bottom of the drawer from dripping down and not being collected by the sump.

It can be provided that this coupling device can be actuated by a user, so that a decoupling of the drawer is achieved with the catch basin and the drawer can be pulled and pushed separately and independently of the catch basin or pulled out the catch basin regardless of the drawer and can be pushed into it. This is advantageous to be able to handle the two separate components individually and in particular to be able to empty the liquid from the collecting basin in the context.

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. Thus, embodiments of the invention are to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed, which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, however, emerge and can be produced by separated combinations of features from the embodiments explained.

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

1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a household refrigerator according to the invention;

2 a perspective sectional view of the household refrigerator in the drawer and the catch basin;

3 a perspective view of the view in 2 with partially withdrawn catch basin;

4 a perspective view of the drawer of the specific storage area; and

5 a perspective view of an embodiment of the catch basin.

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

In 1 is a schematic perspective view of a household refrigerator 1 shown, which may be a refrigerator or a freezer or a combination refrigerator-freezer.

The household refrigerator 1 includes a housing 2 which is an inner container 3 surrounds. The inner container 3 limited with its walls an interior 4 , which is designed to receive food. In addition, the same inner container limited 3 or another inner container another interior 5 , in which food can also be introduced.

Front are the interiors 4 and 5 through separate doors 6 and 7 closable.

The household refrigerator 1 In addition, it includes a refrigeration cycle, by means of which the corresponding temperature in the interiors 4 and 5 can be generated. For this purpose, the refrigeration cycle comprises in particular an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor and corresponding connecting lines in which a refrigerant circulates.

In the embodiment is in the interior 4 a separate storage area 8th educated. The storage area 8th is moved by a in the depth direction and thus in the z-direction movable drawer 9 and one the drawer 9 cover from above 10 educated.

The already mentioned refrigeration cycle is designed such that in the storage area 8th one to the remaining partial volume of the interior 4 different ambient humidity is adjustable. Preferably, in the context of the storage area 8th a compartment in which in particular temperatures between 0 ° C and 4 ° C are set. The temperatures in the rest of the interior 4 are preferably slightly higher or can be set higher by a user.

For the corresponding defined setting of the ambient humidity in the storage area 8th is a moistening device 11 intended. This is in the width direction and thus in the x direction of the household refrigerator 1 considered overlapping next to the drawer 9 arranged and beyond in the vertical direction and thus in the y-direction at least partially, in particular over its entire height, at the same height level as the drawer 9 positioned. The moistening device 11 is just like the drawer 9 with the door open 6 accessible from the front.

The lid 10 extends in the width direction in particular only on the drawer 9 , and not about the moistening device 11 time. As can also be seen, is above the lid 10 an arrangement of other containers, in particular in the form of drawers 12 and 13 , intended.

As from the illustration in 1 is to be seen is in the vertical direction and thus in the y-direction considered directly under the drawer 9 of the storage area 8th a catch basin 14 arranged. In the exemplary embodiment, the catch basin extends 14 over the entire width of the floor 15 ( 3 ) of the drawer 9 ,

The catch basin 14 is to take up the at the bottom 15 the drawer 9 formed collecting liquid fluid. This fluid is from the moistening device 11 introduced water mist and / or in the drawer 9 forming condensate.

The catch basin 14 is displaceable in the depth direction and thus in the z direction. It can be provided that the drawer 9 and the catch basin 14 are motion coupled. This means that a coupling device is formed, so that when pulling out the drawer 9 automatically and at the same time the catch basin 14 with pulled out. It may be provided in the context that this particular mechanical coupling between the drawer 9 and the catch basin 14 can be decoupled by a user, so that then the drawer 9 regardless of the catch basin 14 as well as the catch basin 14 regardless of the drawer 9 can be pulled out and inserted.

In 2 is a partial sectional view of the household refrigerator in a perspective sectional view 1 this being shown in the area of the storage area 8th is provided. In this embodiment, the floor 15 shown with an uneven configuration. In particular, here is a wave structure 16 shown. The particularly flat design of the catch basin 14 is shown.

In 3 is in a further perspective view of the storage area 8th shown, with here the catch basin 14 is shown partially pulled out. The catch basin 14 This is done via a preferably two-sided leadership 17 which may be a rail guide and / or a roller guide, slidably mounted. This guide 17 may integrally also the above-mentioned coupling device for coupling with the drawer 9 exhibit.

Front has the catch basin 14 a handle 22 so that it is fully accessible and tangible to a simple operation by a user.

In 4 is a perspective view of the drawer 9 shown. It can be seen that the wave structure 16 Valleys 16a and mountains 16b wherein the valleys and the mountains are formed parallel to each other in the width direction and thus extending in the x-direction.

It can also be provided a different structure, for example, a knobbed structure. At the in 2 to 4 shown embodiment of the structure 16 the valleys run 16a and the mountains 16b rectilinear and thus represent a kind of corrugated or multiple gutter structure.

In the embodiment are in the valleys 16a in each case several discharge openings 18 formed by which in the valleys 16a collected liquid fluid directly down into the directly below arranged catch basin 14 drain or drain.

It can also be provided that in the drawer 9 , preferably at least at a rear portion of the floor 15 , an absorbent element 19 , For example, a sponge or a fleece is arranged. This element 19 can be in addition to or instead of, but also in the area of structure 16 form at least part of the area. The floor 15 can also be formed at least partially inclined, so that the inflow of the ground 15 collected liquid fluid to a discharge port 18 or more discharge openings 18 purposefully oriented.

It can also be a valley in this context 16a or several valleys 16a be designed to be inclined accordingly.

In 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the catch basin 14 shown. This is designed as a flat, in the exemplary embodiment quadrangular container, which preferably also has a removable cover. This forms in particular an element of an over-protection device 21 , In the catch basin 14 , For example, at the bottom and / or said cover, at least one flow calming element 20 be educated. In the embodiment shown, a plurality of such flow calming elements 20 formed as parallel, spaced and in the width direction (x-direction) extending elements.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Household refrigerator

2

 casing

3

 inner container

4

 inner space

5

 inner space

6

 door

7

 door

8th

 storage area

9

 drawer

10

 cover

11

 humidifying

12

 drawer

13

 drawer

14

 catch basin

15

 ground

16

 wave structure

16a

 Valleys

16b

 mountains

17

 guide

18

 exhaust openings

19

 element

20

 Flow stabilization element

21

 Überschwapp protection device

22

 Handle

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 . 5 ) for receiving food, in which a partial volume as a separate storage area ( 8th ) is formed, can be introduced into the food, and with a moistening device ( 11 ), with which in the storage area ( 8th ) one of the remaining interior ( 4 . 5 ) independent introduction of a fluid, characterized in that the storage area ( 8th ) a drawer ( 9 ), in which the food can be introduced, and one with the drawer ( 9 ) fluidically coupled catch basin ( 14 ), which for receiving the on a floor ( 15 ) of the drawer ( 9 ) is formed collecting liquid fluid. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the catch basin ( 14 ) directly under the drawer ( 9 ) is arranged. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the catch basin ( 14 ) relative to the drawer ( 9 ), in particular in the depth direction of the household refrigerating appliance ( 1 ) is displaceable. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the catch basin ( 14 ) at least the width of the soil ( 15 ) of the drawer ( 9 ) having. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the catch basin ( 14 ) an overflow protection device ( 21 ) having. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the overflow protection device ( 21 ) has a, in particular removable, cover. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the overflow protection device ( 21 ) at least one inside the catch basin ( 14 ) arranged flow calming element ( 20 ) having. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom ( 15 ) of the drawer ( 9 ) at least one discharge opening ( 18 ), through which the collected fluid into the catch basin ( 14 ) is conductive. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom ( 15 ) of the drawer ( 9 ) or one in the area of the ground ( 15 ), in particular removable insert, is uneven, in particular corrugated. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that discharge openings ( 18 ) in valleys ( 16a ) of the corrugated structure ( 16 ) of the soil ( 15 ) are formed. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom ( 15 ) of the drawer ( 9 ) is not arranged horizontally, in particular is inclined and / or has a unevenness, by which the fluid targeted and independently to at least one target location in the drawer ( 9 ) is conductive. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drawer ( 9 ) and / or the catch basin ( 14 ) an absorbent element ( 19 ), in particular a sponge or a fleece, for absorbing the fluid. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drawer ( 9 ) and the catch basin ( 14 ) are coupled by a coupling device, in particular the coupling device can be coupled and decoupled by a user.

Images