DE102017207222A1 - Representation of information on internal parts of a refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

A cooling device (41) has at least one cooling chamber (4) which can be closed by means of at least one door (5) and at least one illumination device illuminating the cooling space (4) when the door (4) is open, wherein at least one illumination device is a projection device (14). A method is used to display information (B) on a cooling device (41), in which at least one projection device (14) projects the information (B) at least into a cooling space (4) of the cooling device (41), wherein in the cooling space ( 4) at least one movable inner part (42) and a movement of at least one movable inner part (42) is detected and the projection of the information (B) is adapted to the movement of the moving inner part (42). The invention is particularly applicable to household refrigerators such as refrigerators, freezers, freshness preserving appliances or combinations thereof.

Description

The invention relates to a cooling device which has at least one cooling space closable by means of at least one door and at least one projection device which is provided to project information into the cooling space when the door is open and at least one movable inner part located in the cooling space. The invention also relates to a method for displaying information on a cooling device, in which at least one projection device projects the information at least into a cooling space of the cooling device. The invention is particularly applicable to household refrigerators such as refrigerators, freezers, freshness preserving appliances or combinations thereof.

It is known that refrigerators may have lighting devices in the form of LED spotlights for interior lighting. In particular, an LED emitter disposed in a ceiling of a cold room can be used as a so-called "spotlight" to illuminate the refrigerator compartment or refrigerator interior in addition to other lamps. The light cone of the LED spotlight shines from the top center into the refrigerator interior and also slightly beyond. In addition to the supporting illumination of the refrigerator interior so also opened drawers of the refrigerator and a narrow area can be illuminated in front of a refrigerator.

Also, refrigerators are known which have on an outside of their door or on a refrigerator top panels panels. The panels may include screens, e.g. LCD or TFT screens. The panels may have separate buttons or touch-sensitive buttons. Touch-sensitive keys can be fields of a touch-sensitive screen. For example, a temperature of a refrigerator and a temperature of a freezer compartment can be set via the control panels. It is disadvantageous that such panels are expensive, have to be cabled consuming and occupy a non-negligible space.

A movable inner part is not rigidly arranged in a cold room or inner container of a refrigerator. The movable inner part thus usually has no fixed connection to the cooling device and is frequently removable, for example for cleaning purposes. As a result, moving internal parts are not easily verstrombar and no power consumers such as display elements or lighting units are installed.

DE 20 2007 008 843 U1 discloses refrigerator and / or freezer with means for displaying one or more information, in particular for displaying one or more operating parameters of the device, wherein the means comprise projection means and a projection surface and the projection means are arranged and designed such that by means of the projection means on the information the projection surface can be projected. The projection surface may be located on the inner container and / or on the housing of the device. The projection means can be located in the interior of the device. It is provided that information, for example device-related information, such as a temperature value, an alarm state, a user menu, etc., is projected onto a projection screen.

WO 2011/101252 A1 discloses a refrigerator having a body with a coolable interior space, a door panel provided for opening and closing the interior, a plurality of storage compartments separated, in particular, by shelves and disposed within the refrigerated space, and a projection apparatus for projecting an image onto a projection surface. The projection device is set up to project one image at a time onto projection surfaces of the individual storage compartments. The respective images have information about the respective storage compartment and / or information about refrigerated goods to be stored and / or stored in the respective storage compartment.

It is the object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, at least in part, and in particular to provide an inexpensive and easily mountable cooling device with an improved user-friendliness.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are in particular the dependent claims.

The object is achieved by a cooling device having at least one cooling chamber closable by means of at least one door, at least one projection device which is provided to project information at least into the cooling chamber when the door is open, and at least one movable inner part located in the cooling chamber Cooling device is adapted to detect a movement of at least one movable inner part and to adapt the projection of the information to the movement of the moving inner part.

This cooling device provides the advantage that a user can read information in the area of the refrigerator compartment with the door open, while also having the contents of the refrigerator compartment in view. This considerably increases a coherent perception of the refrigerated space or stored therein content and the displayed information, which in turn a User friendliness noticeably increases. The information projected onto a projection surface can be read or recognized by a user or user, in particular by a user standing in front of the refrigerator compartment. In addition, the projection device requires only a small space and also a low wiring. It is also very cheap compared to screens. In addition, the projection allows a particularly high degree of design flexibility.

By adapting the projection to the movement of internal parts, information can be projected into the cold room in a particularly clear and user-friendly manner. This, in turn, often allows user information to be retained even during the loading and / or removal of refrigerated goods such as food and other objects. In addition, there is the advantage that a type of illumination (information projection, homogeneous illumination, etc.) can also be set or changed as a function of a position of the at least one movable inner part.

The fact that the projection device is intended to project information at least into the cooling chamber when the door is open can in particular mean that the cooling device is configured to project information into the cooling space by means of the projection device when the door is open and / or arranges and sets up the projection device is.

A movable inner part may for example be an extendable or retractable inner part, in particular a frontally extendable or retractable inner part. The movable inner part is movable in particular relative to the projection device.

It is a development that detecting the movement of the inner part comprises detecting a position of the inner part and / or detecting a change in position of the inner part.

It is a further development that the cooling device has at least one sensor device for detecting or detecting the movement (i.e., a position and / or a change in position) of the at least one inner part.

The at least one sensor device may comprise a camera which can take pictures of the at least one inner part, and an evaluation device which can determine from the images the movement of the at least one inner part. For example, an object recognition with respect to the at least one inner part can be carried out by means of the evaluation device and, following this, the position and / or the position change of the at least one inner part recognized in the image can be determined.

It is a further development that at least one optically detectable marking on at least one of the movable inner parts can be projected by means of the projection device. Alternatively or additionally, at least one mark can be firmly present on at least one of the movable inner parts. Such a mark may be a specially shaped protrusion, a specially shaped print, and so on.

The at least one sensor device may alternatively or additionally comprise at least one incremental encoder. As an incremental encoder can be understood in particular a sensor for detecting a distance and possibly a direction of travel of a respective movable inner part. The incremental encoder may, for example, sliding contacts, means for photoelectric scanning, means for magnetic scanning, gear, etc.

The information does not need to be projected onto a movable inner part. Thus, it is also possible to adapt an information not projected onto a movable inner part depending on whether a movable inner part is being moved.

The refrigerator may include at least one refrigerator, at least one freezer, or a combination thereof. The refrigerator is in particular a household refrigerator.

The refrigerator has a coolable refrigerator or interior having a closable through the door feed opening.

The fact that at least one illumination device is a projection device may include that the cooling device additionally has at least one further illumination device that is not a projection device. Such a further illumination device may be, for example, a lamp or a radiator for illuminating the cooling space.

The projection device can also be referred to as a projector or beamer.

A projection device may, in particular, be understood to mean a device which is capable of projecting information onto a projection surface provided for this purpose by light radiation. In other words, the projection device can project at least one information-bearing image onto the projection surface. The projection surface can also be referred to as a display surface or image surface. That at least one through Consequently, the projection device for illumination provided projection surface is located on a shelf located in the refrigerator, can therefore also be expressed so that at least one provided by the projection device for information imaging projection surface is located on a shelf located in the refrigerator.

The projection surface is designed in particular to be light-reflecting, for a good readability at different angles, in particular as a light-diffusely reflecting surface. The projection surface is in particular a white surface.

That a projection surface is intended to serve as a surface for the incident light radiation of the projection device, may include that the cooling device is adapted to use the projection surface for information presentation. The area which can basically be irradiated by the projection device can be larger than the projection area actually used to display the information. This targeted use of the projection surface for information presentation can be achieved by a corresponding control of the projection device.

The information may include at least one graphical element such as a graphic character (eg, a symbol, a letter, a number, etc.), at least one abstract geometric object (eg, a circle, a rectangle, etc.) and / or at least one objective object (eg, a Landscape, a scale, ice cubes, etc.).

It is a development that the projection device is a monochromatic light-emitting projection device, e.g. Red light. It is still a further development that the projection device is a multi-colored light-emitting projection device. The multicolor light may be colored or achromatic (e.g., white) light.

The projection device may project the information to the screen without moving (e.g., as a still picture) and / or moving (e.g., as a time varying information image such as moving and / or color changing image areas, etc.).

It is a further development that the projection device is coupled to a control device of the cooling device. The control device can transmit control data to the projection device, so that the projection device projects the desired information or generates the desired at least one image on the basis of this control data. This can also be expressed by the fact that the at least one projection device is programmable, e.g. by means of the control device.

When the door is closed, the projection device is advantageously switched off to save energy and extend its service life.

It is an embodiment that the cooling device is adapted to project information on at least one movable inner part. This results in a particularly simple assignment of the information to the movable inner part. A particular advantage of this is that the movable inner part for displaying the information uses no electricity consumers and therefore does not need to be converted into electricity. As a result, in turn, movable inner parts can be provided with changeable and / or brightly highlighted graphic elements with significantly less effort.

It is still an embodiment that the cooling device is adapted to track the projection of the information of the movement of the movable inner part. By adapting the projection so information can be reliably projected onto the inner part, in virtually any position of the inner part in the refrigerator. Advantageously, the information remains at the same place on the movable inner part.

It is also an embodiment that the at least one movable inner part comprises or is at least one intermediate floor, at least one partition plate, at least one tray, at least one stand and / or at least one drawer.

It is still an embodiment that the at least one movable inner part is a tangible or haptic control element. In this case, information can be projected directly onto the operating element. It is a development that the cooling device via optical or other recognition can detect an actuation, movement or position change of the operating element. For example, with the use of a particular detachable rotary knob, a position and orientation of the projected information can also be displayed untwisted, irrespective of a rotational position of the rotary knob, at the position optimally visible to the user, e.g. an alphanumeric display. Alternatively or additionally, information (e.g., a projected mark) may be carried along with rotation of the rotary knob.

It is a further embodiment that the cooling device is adapted to the projection of the information on a movement of the movable On the inside, at least in some areas, switching over to a room illumination by the projection device. This allows a particularly flexible and user-friendly lighting.

In yet another embodiment, the projection device is a pivotable projection device and the cooling device is set up to give away the projection device in response to a movement of at least one movable inner part. This has the advantage that, in comparison to a stationary projection device, illumination of larger viewing areas is achieved while maintaining high light intensity and optical resolution.

It is a further development that the projection device (e.g., a projection mode) including at least one light source (e.g., at least one laser) is pivotable. This gives the advantage of a particularly robust and easy to implement projection device, especially since such a rigid optics can be used.

It is still a development that only one lens of the projection device is pivotable.

In a further development, the projection device can only be pivoted from front to back and vice versa. In another development, the projection device may also be pivotable laterally (that is, in the case of a frontal view from left to right and vice versa).

It is a development that the projection device is pivotable only between two end positions. It is a development that the projection device is gradually pivotable between two end positions. It is still a development that the projection device is continuously pivotable between two end positions. The projection device can in particular be pivotable by motor.

It is still an embodiment that the at least one projection device is a laser projector. A laser projector has the advantage that the image produced by it is particularly sharp due to the narrow and low-divergent laser beams, even if the angles of incidence of at least one laser beam emitted by it are not constant or very oblique on a projection surface. This is particularly advantageous for projection into the cold room on there typically existing multi-shaped surfaces. As a result, the laser beam requires no elaborate optics for beam focusing and can be constructed very compact. In particular, the laser projector can also project the laser light without focus. The laser projector can emit one or more laser beams. The laser beams may have laser light of the same color or different color. Even a laser projector thus basically allows the production of colored images.

It is a further embodiment that at least one projection surface provided for illumination by the projection device is designed as a control panel or user interface. As a result, at least one optically represented user interface can be generated or provided. This user interface has a particularly high level of user-friendliness due to its position in the cold room or in the vicinity of the cold room. In addition, it is very durable and prone to interference, because no screens are needed. Also, this embodiment is particularly inexpensive and compact with few components implemented. In addition, this can achieve a particularly high level of functionality and design flexibility. Thus, it is also possible to provide movable inner parts with a control panel or a user interface, without the need for power generation or wiring of the movable inner part.

It is a development that the projection device is provided to visually design one or more surface areas of the control panel as actuators. An approach to a surface area and / or a contact of the surface area is detectable in the sense of an actuation of this actuating element by the cooling device. The cooling device can for this purpose have at least one sensor for detecting an actuation. The cooling device may trigger at least one associated action upon detection of actuation of at least one actuator, e.g. increment or decrement a device parameter such as a temperature.

An actuating element may be designed, for example, as a push button, linear slider, circular slider, etc., or act as such an actuating element. The projected control panel may in particular have a keyboard. Projection keyboards are known, e.g. a projection keyboard Laserkey CL800BT from Celluon. It is a further development that the control panel is set up to recognize gestures executed on the control panel or near the control panel.

Such a control panel may also be referred to as a visually illustrated control panel. An operating methodology and / or user guidance of the visually displayed control panel is basically not limited and may also include operating methods of conventional control panels, for example with regard to the use of menu controls, application programs ("apps"), display of advertising, etc.

It is yet a further development that the projection device is provided to project at least one display, in particular at least one display field or display area, onto a projection surface. For example, the user can set useful information for setting the cooling device, eg a refrigerator temperature. A display area can be represented in particular in the form of an alphanumeric display.

It is also a development that the projection device is provided to project at least one combined control and display panel on a projection surface, in particular on a projection surface of a movable inner part.

It is yet another embodiment that the cooling device has at least one non-contact position and / or motion sensor for detecting an actuation of an operating element of the control panel projected by means of the projection device. This gives the advantage that the control panel does not require any wiring ("virtual control panel"). This in turn allows a particularly inexpensive construction, and a particularly inexpensive installation, especially for moving internal parts. The non-contact position and / or motion sensor may be an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. In particular, the non-contact sensor can detect a finger, a hand or another body part of the user. In particular, the non-contact sensor can detect a position of the body part, a direction of movement of the body part and / or a distance of the body part from a projection surface.

It is an alternative or additional development which can be used, in particular, for non-movable internal parts or surfaces, that at least one projection surface is assigned a (physical) touch-sensitive surface ("touch field"). The touch-sensitive surface may e.g. a capacitive, inductive or resistive surface. The touchpad may e.g. be implemented by means of a touch-sensitive film or "touch foil" whose surface corresponds to a projection surface. An optical configuration of the touch-sensitive panel (e.g., a user-visible keyboard) is provided by the projection device.

The projection device can be located in the cold room. Alternatively, the projection device may be located in a region of the refrigerator covered by the door when the door is closed.

It is furthermore an embodiment that at least one projection device is arranged in the region of a ceiling of the cooling space (or a ceiling area covered by the door) ("projection from above"). This allows a particularly simple light projection (irradiation of projection surfaces) over a large width of the cooling space and over a large height of the cooling space. At least one projection device can be arranged centrally in the refrigerator when viewed from the front.

It is an alternative or additional embodiment that at least one projection device is arranged in the region of a side wall of the cooling space (or a side area covered by the door) ("projection from one side"). This provides the advantage that light is particularly easy to project onto an opposite side wall. This opposite side wall and / or a door inner side can thus also provide at least one projection surface or serve as at least one projection surface.

It is also an embodiment that at least two projection surfaces provided for illumination by the projection device are spatially separated from one another. This makes possible a location-dependent projection of information that is particularly easy for a user to recognize.

It is a development that two adjacent projection surfaces are separated by a depression. This reinforces for a user the impression of a spatial separation. The recess may for example be a storage compartment. The recess may also be a lateral gap to a side wall, for example between an intermediate floor and a side wall, a storage space, etc.

It is also an embodiment that at least two provided for illumination by the projection device projection surfaces are arranged on different vertical planes. This allows a particularly clear presentation of information.

It is a development that disposed on different vertical planes or provided projection surfaces respective shelves or shelves of the refrigerator are assigned or assigned. This further facilitates an information presentation. In particular, individually assigned information for a user can thus be clearly displayed at a particular level.

It is also an embodiment that in each case at least one projection surface of the cooling space can be provided on: at least one intermediate floor, a partition plate, at least one drawer, a floor and / or a door inner side. Intermediate floors and partition plates can Also referred to as shelves. A projecting surface provided on a shelf can be provided on a plate of the intermediate bottom and / or on a front strip attached to the front of the plate. This embodiment is particularly suitable in the presence of a projection device arranged on the ceiling side.

In particular, if at least one projection surface is located on a plate of a false bottom and / or a separating plate and the intermediate bottom and / or the separating plate has a glass plate, the glass plate may have an opaque surface at least in the region of the projection surface. This can e.g. by an appropriate coating or treatment (e.g., roughening) of the glass plate.

It is still an embodiment that the shelf has a translucent plate, in particular glass plate, on which an opaque reflection region is arranged. At least one projection surface is located on a surface of the reflection region or the reflection region provides a surface for at least one projection surface. The cooling device is thus configured to project information onto the opaque reflection region of the storage shelf. While information can not be projected directly onto the translucent plate due to the light transmission, this is advantageously possible at the reflection region.

The translucent plate may be a glass plate or a translucent plastic plate.

The reflection area is located for easy light irradiation or illumination, in particular at a front area or portion of the storage shelf. The reflection region can extend in particular over the entire width of the translucent plate.

It is an advantageous for a particularly easy readability development that the reflection region and thus also the at least one of them provided reflection surface is flat or flat.

It is a further embodiment that the opaque reflection region is a reflection body attached to the glass plate. A reflection body may, in particular, be understood as a three-dimensionally extended body ("volume body"). The use of a reflection body has the advantage that the reflection surface is particularly versatile and can be aligned in space. Thus, by means of a reflection body, oblique and / or uneven projection surfaces can be provided in a simple manner.

It is a development that the reflection body can be handled independently. The reflection body can in particular be manufactured separately and fastened to the translucent plate. The attachment may include sticking, welding, clamping, and so on.

It is yet another embodiment that the reflection body is a profile clamp, which frictionally and possibly positively encloses a front edge of the translucent plate. Such a profile clamp has the advantage that it can be attached to the plate in a particularly simple and reliable manner.

It is also an embodiment that the reflection body has an obliquely inclined to a horizontal projection surface. Such a projection surface allows a particularly simple readability of information projected thereon. In addition, a risk of distortion of the information presented is reduced.

It is also an embodiment that in the refrigerator a plurality of vertically stacked shelves are located, the projection surfaces have a rising with vertical position (greater height) greater inclination angle to the horizontal. This provides the advantage that a readability of information is more independent of the vertical position of the shelves than at the same angle of inclination, because the light paths reflected at the projection surfaces can be directed into a same (standard) observer eye of a user.

It is also an embodiment that at least one reflection body has a further light-reflecting surface ("light-reflecting surface") and that the cooling device is adapted to illuminate the light-reflecting surface homogeneously. This achieves the advantage that the light reflection surface can be used to reflect light ("illumination light") that serves for illumination (and not for information presentation). The light reflection surface can thus be used as a "virtual" light source. The light reflection surface can in particular be designed and arranged to reflect light reflected thereon ("illumination light") into the cooling space.

It is a development that the projection device can be operated in an illumination mode in which light emitted by the projection device into at least one spatial region is illuminating light. Under illumination light can be understood in particular light which is not used for projection of information, but for illuminating the room area, for example, similar to a spotlight or a refrigerator lamp. The room area to be illuminated has a noticeable solid angle. For example, the solid angle may be dimensioned such that an open area of a drawer (eg, a freshness-keeping drawer) that has been pulled out (and thus moved or moved) can be illuminated over virtually its entire width and depth. The area to be illuminated can also extend to the cold room. In the illumination mode, in a variant of the at least one projection device, additional information is additionally projected into another spatial region. In an alternative or additional illumination mode, no information is projected by the at least one projection device.

It is also an embodiment that the at least one projection device in a user interface mode or "UI mode" is switchable, for example, starting from an illumination mode or from an off state of the at least one projection device. Switching on or off can be triggered by the user. In the UI mode, the at least one projection device can project information onto at least one projection surface and optionally use at least one projection surface as a control panel.

It is a development that the UI mode can be switched off. The switch-off can comprise switching off the at least one projection device or switching the at least one projection device into an illumination mode. The shutdown can be triggered by the user.

It is a development that the refrigerator by switch, gesture, voice control, sensor switch in the Ul mode is switchable and / or the UI mode can be switched on and off.

It is a further development that the projection device is also set up or controlled in the illumination mode to project information onto at least one projection surface, which projection surface is located outside the area of the room to be illuminated.

It is also an embodiment that the light reflection surface is inclined at an angle to a horizontal backwards. This improves light reflection of illumination light deep into the cold room.

It is also an embodiment that the opaque reflection region is a layer applied to the glass plate. This is particularly space-saving. The layer may be an applied coating. The coating may e.g. have been applied by printing, PVD, CVD, gluing a film, etc. The layer may alternatively have been produced by a surface treatment of the plate, in particular glass plate. Such a layer may e.g. by a chemical treatment or irradiation of a surface of the plate.

It is also an embodiment that at least one shelf is an intermediate floor. It is still an embodiment that at least one shelf is a partition plate that covers at least one drawer.

It is a development that at least one projection device is located in front of (i.e., more frontally compared to) at least one intermediate floor. This facilitates an unshaded illumination of located under an intermediate floor projection surfaces. It is still a further development that at least one projection device is located behind at least one intermediate floor. A projection surface located under this intermediate floor can then be illuminated through a transparent area of the false floor.

It is an additional or alternative development that the projection surfaces arranged on different vertical planes are located on a side wall, in particular at the level of a respective compartment level or a respective storage space. This development is particularly suitable in the presence of a projection device arranged in an opposite side wall of the cooling space.

It is also an embodiment that at least two provided for illumination by the projection device projection surfaces are arranged in different horizontal areas. This further improved the clarity of the projected information. For example, two or more laterally or horizontally separated projection surfaces can be provided on a vertical plane.

It is a development that the refrigerator is a multiple refrigerator with several separate cold rooms. Each of the cooling chambers can be closed in particular by means of a respective door. The cold rooms can be assigned to independent refrigerators or cooling units.

It is also an embodiment that the cooling device is a multiple cooling device with adjacently arranged cooling chambers and the one the projection device (which can project information into this cooling room) assigned to the cooling rooms is arranged and arranged to project information onto a closed door of an adjacent cooling room, in particular onto a door edge.

It is a further development that information can be projected on at least one movable part of the cooling device located outside the cooling space by means of the projection device, a movement of this at least one movable part can be detected and the projection of the information can be adapted to the movement of the moving part. For example, the information can be moved with a pivoted door or be adapted to the pivoting. The corresponding projection surface can also be designed as a control panel.

The multiple cooling device can be, for example, a double device with two superposed cooling chambers (floor device). Thus, the upper refrigerator may be a refrigerator of a refrigerator, while the lower refrigerator is a refrigerator of a freezer, food storage compartment, etc. The projection device associated with the upper cooling compartment can then project with the door of the upper cooling compartment open onto a top edge of the closed door of the lower cooling compartment. An indication of an operating parameter of the lower refrigerator compartment (e.g., a refrigerator compartment temperature) may then be displayed on the top-swiveling edge. Alternatively, a projection surface designed as a control panel can be provided on the top edge. This can be used in particular for operating the lower cooling device. This principle can be applied analogously to side by side arranged cooling chambers.

The object is also achieved by a method for displaying information on or at a cooling device, in which at least one projection device projects the information at least into a cooling space of the cooling device, wherein at least one movable inner part is located in the cooling space and wherein in the method a movement at least one movable inner part is detected and the projection of the information is adapted to the movement of the moving inner part. The method can be designed analogously to the cooling device and has the same advantages.

• 1 zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht ein Kühlgerät gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2 zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht ein Kühlgerät gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 3 zeigt das Kühlgerät gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel in Frontansicht;
• 4 zeigt das Kühlgerät gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel in Schrägansicht in teilweise transparenter Darstellung mit einer ersten Lichtprojektion;
• 5 zeigt in Schrägansicht einen Ausschnitt aus dem Kühlgerät gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 6 zeigt in Schrägansicht in teilweise transparenter Darstellung das Kühlgerät gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer zweiten Lichtprojektion;
• 7A zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht ein Kühlgerät gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel mit eingefahrener Schublade;
• 7B zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht das Kühlgerät gemäß dem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel mit ausgezogener Schublade;
• 8A zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht das Kühlgerät gemäß dem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel mit eingefahrenen Zwischenböden;
• 8B zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht das Kühlgerät gemäß dem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem ausgezogenen Zwischenboden;
• 9A zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht das Kühlgerät gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem drehbaren Drehknebel; und
• 9B zeigt den Drehknebel aus 9A in einer Ansicht von schräg oben.

The above-described characteristics, features and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following schematic description of an embodiment which will be described in detail in conjunction with the drawings.

• 1 shows a sectional side view of a cooling device according to a first embodiment;
• 2 shows a sectional side view of a cooling device according to a second embodiment;
• 3 shows the refrigerator according to the second embodiment in front view;
• 4 shows the cooling device according to the second embodiment in an oblique view in partial transparent representation with a first light projection;
• 5 shows an oblique view of a section of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment;
• 6 shows an oblique view in partially transparent representation of the cooling device according to the second embodiment with a second light projection;
• 7A shows a sectional side view of a cooling device according to a third embodiment with retracted drawer;
• 7B shows a sectional side view of the cooling device according to the third embodiment with the drawer pulled out;
• 8A shows a sectional side view of the cooling device according to the third embodiment with retracted shelves;
• 8B shows a sectional side view of the cooling device according to the third embodiment with a solid intermediate floor;
• 9A shows a sectional side view of the cooling device according to a fourth embodiment with a rotatable rotary knob; and
• 9B shows the rotary knob 9A in a view from diagonally above.

1 shows a sectional view in side view of a cooling unit 1 that serves as a double refrigerator with an upper refrigerator 2 and a lower freezer 3 etc. is designed. A refrigerator 4 of the refrigerator 2 is by means of a front mounted, laterally pivotable door 5 lockable, which is shown here open to the front. A cold room (not shown) of the freezer compartment 3 is by means of a laterally pivotable door 6 lockable, which is shown here closed.

In the fridge 4 are located - from top to bottom - on different vertical levels: an upper intermediate floor 7 , a middle intermediate floor 8th , a lower intermediate floor 9 , a partition plate 10 , an upper drawer 11 and a lower drawer 12 , On the shelves 7 to 9 , on the partition plate 10 and in the drawers 11 and 12 Items can be stored. The shelves 7 to 9 are equally deep. The partition plate 10 protrudes forward over the shelves 7 to 9 before and covers the drawers 11 . 12 , For example, more or less false floors can be used 7 to 9 and drawers 11 . 12 to be available. It can be one of the internal parts 10 to 12 movable, namely extendable to the front, be. Also can - as indicated by the double arrows - several internal parts 10 to 12 be mobile.

The refrigerator 2 points in the area of a ceiling 13 of the refrigerator 4 a projection device in the form of a laser projector 14 on. The laser projector 14 emits - single-color or multi-colored - laser light L down from. A light-emitting aperture of the laser projector 14 located in front of the intermediate floors 7 to 9 , With the door closed 5 the light-emitting aperture is not covered, but the laser projector 12 switched off. Alternatively, with the door closed 5 the light emission opening from the door 5 be covered.

With the door open 5 can the laser projector 14 laser light L on a front section 15 the partition plate 10 project to map information to this section 15 , The section 15 thus provides at least one projection surface 16 ready and is reflective - in particular diffuse reflective - designed, for example, as a matte white or light surface. The projection screen 16 can span the full width of the section 15 or only part of the section 15 extend.

With the laser projector 14 is a non-contact position and / or motion sensor 18 in one unit (laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 ) integrated. Alternatively, the position and / or motion sensor 18 one from the laser projector 14 be separate component. The refrigerator 1 is set up by means of the position and / or motion sensor 18 to detect a position and / or movement of at least one object located in his field of vision, in particular also a position and / or movement of the internal parts 10 to 12 , The position and / or motion sensor 18 may include, for example, a camera.

The projection screen 16 This can be used as a control panel B be trained or serve. In this case, by means of the non-contact position and / or motion sensor 18 an actuation of one by means of the laser projector 14 projected actuator (eg, a virtual key, a virtual slider, etc.) of the control panel B be detected.

The combined laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 can then also be referred to as a "panel projector". The control panel B can have at least one alphanumeric display area. Using the control panel B For example, a temperature of the refrigerator 4 of the refrigerator 2 , one of which possibly different temperature in the drawers 11 . 12 and a temperature of the refrigerator compartment of the freezer compartment 3 be read. Also, the temperature of the refrigerator can be 4 , the temperature of the refrigerator compartment of the freezer 3 and optionally the temperature in at least one of the drawers 11 . 12 be set. Optionally, humidities or other device parameters, etc. can also be displayed and set if necessary.

The laser projector 14 and the sensor 18 are with a control device 17 of the refrigerator 1 connected, which also regulates the temperatures and possibly other device parameters. The control device 17 can be set up, eg programmed, the laser projector 14 and the sensor 18 head for.

The refrigerator 1 can by means of the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 also a position and / or movement of the internal parts 10 to 12 capture and project a projection of information on these internal parts 10 to 12 to adapt to their movement.

The laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 can be optional on a movement of at least one movable inner part 10 to 12 are pivoted, in particular in a direction of movement of the movable inner part 10 to 12 be pivoted. This corresponds here to a pivoting from back to front or vice versa, as indicated by the curved double arrow. An irradiation area of the laser projector 14 and a detection window of the sensor 18 so can with the at least one inner part 10 to 12 be carried along. This in turn allows a particularly precise, sharp and bright illumination (projection and / or illumination) of the moving inner part 10 to 12 or a projection surface 16 from that.

Are the position and / or motion sensor 18 and the laser projector 14 separate components, in particular the position and / or motion sensor 18 stationary (not swiveling) and the laser projector 14 be swiveling. Alternatively, only one optic of the laser projector 14 pivotable.

2 shows a sectional view in side view of a cooling unit 21 according to a second embodiment.

The refrigerator 21 is different from the refrigerator 1 in that the projection device 14 several projection surfaces arranged on different vertical planes 16 . 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 can illuminate or generate. This can be achieved by a constructive adaptation of the projection device 14 and / or by a different control of the laser projector 14 be achieved. With different control, the control device 17 be programmed accordingly. In one variant corresponds to the cooling unit 21 the cooling unit 1 and can be in two in 1 and 2 operated modes are operated.

While the already described, even as a control panel B configurable projection surface 16 on a front section 15 the partition plate 10 is generated or provided or provided, the projection surface 24 on a front section 23 of the upper false floor 7 be generated, the projection screen 26 on a front section 25 of the middle shelf 8th be generated, the projection screen 28 on a front section 27 of the lower shelf 9 be generated and the projection screen 30 on an upper edge 29 (corresponding to a top) of the closed door 6 of the freezer compartment 3 be generated.

The projection surfaces arranged on different vertical planes 16 . 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 have the advantage that information can be displayed particularly close to the areas of space that are affected by the information. So can information about the freezer 3 on the upper edge 29 his door 6 are displayed. Information about the refrigerator 4 , the drawers 11 . 12 and one through the partition plate 10 provided storage space 31 can on the partition plate 10 and information about one through the shelves 7 to 9 provided storage space 32, 33 and 34 can on the sections 23 . 25 respectively. 27 being represented. The projection screens 16 . 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 can be used as panels B be educated, but do not need it. For example, the projection screen 16 as a control panel B for setting a temperature, etc. of the refrigerator 4 be set up and the projection screen 30 as a control panel B for setting a temperature of the freezer compartment 3 be furnished. The projection screens 24 . 26 and 28 can, on the other hand, be considered pure display areas A be educated.

In another variant, information may also be on a floor in front of the refrigerator 21 be projected.

The shelves 7 to 9 are now also extendable or removable and thus movable. Analogous to the cooling unit 1 can now also for the shelves 7 to 9 by means of the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 In addition, their position and / or motion detected and a projection of information on the projection surfaces 24 . 26 . 28 to the movement of the shelves 7 to 9 be adjusted.

3 shows the cooling unit 21 in frontal view without door 5 with a view into the open fridge 4 , The projection screens 16 . 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 are shown here as over a width of continuous surfaces. In a variant, at least two projection surfaces can also be arranged in different horizontal regions (not shown), eg in a left region and in a right region of the segments 15 . 23 . 25 . 27 and or 29 , The different horizontal areas can therefore also lie in a common vertical plane.

Additionally or alternatively to the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 can the cooling unit 21 one on a side wall 35 arranged laser projector 36 or a laser projector / sensor module. The laser projector 36 in particular, information on projection surfaces (o. Fig.) On the opposite side wall 37 project. Generally, the laser projector 14 and the laser projector 36 (or equivalent laser projector / sensor modules) information on the projection surfaces 16 . 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 as well as on the projection surfaces of the opposite side wall 37 project. However, for example, only projection surfaces on a side wall 37 be provided. The on a sidewall 37 provided projection surfaces can be located in particular at the level of respective storage spaces 31 to 34 and, for example, display information regarding these storage spaces 31 to 34.

The laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 is not pivotable laterally, not from left to right or vice versa.

4 shows the cooling unit 21 in an oblique view in a partially transparent representation with an indicated first light projection LP1 , The first light projection LP1 is used here only to represent information. This can also be referred to as a first UI mode. The first UI mode is used, for example, when the drawer 11 is inserted or the drawers 11 and 12 in the fridge 4 are inserted.

5 shows in a view obliquely from above a section of the refrigerator 21 in the area of the separating plate 10 ,

On the projection screen 16 of the section 15 the partition plate 10 is projected a control panel B1, which is a thermometer-shaped display area A1 for a temperature of the refrigerator 4 , also designed as a thermometer display area A2 for the freshness-keeping drawer 11 , a display area A3 for displaying typical on the partition plate 10 or in the storage space 31 stored food, an actuating element in the form of a virtual rotary dial BE1 for selecting setting and display options (eg for setting temperatures, setting basic settings, recalling recipes, retrieving tips, retrieving instructions for use, etc.), a virtual slide actuator BE2 or linear sliders for adjusting a temperature of the cold room 4 and an actuator in the form of a virtual slider BE3 for setting a temperature of the freshness-keeping drawer 11 having. The control panel B1 also shows background objects C in the form of food.

The actuators BE1 to BE3 Can on an approach or touch by a hand H be monitored, for example by means of serving as position and / or motion sensor laser projector 14 , Will an "actuation" of the actuators BE1 to BE3 detected, at least one action can be triggered, for example, a change in a setpoint temperature can be performed.

On the projection screen 28 of the section 27 of the lower shelf 9 a display area A4 is projected, the typical on the lower shelf 9 indicates stored food. In this case, the lower shelf 9 a transparent glass plate 38 on, at the front edge of a front bar 39 is attached. The projection surface 28 may be on the front panel 39 located, which is designed to reflect light, for example, as a diffuse reflective front panel 39 has a white surface. The front panel 39 can be made of white plastic. This can be analogous to the other intermediate floors 7 and or 8th be valid.

The control panel B1 may be context sensitive, that is, its appearance, display areas, and actuators may change depending on a selected context. The context may be, for example, by means of the virtual rotary dial BE1 by selecting the setting and display options. Thus, with a "temperature" option selected as shown, the temperature-related display areas A1 and A2 and the actuators BE2 and BE3 projected and possibly approached by hand H (or a finger of it) are monitored. Will on the rotary selector BE1 Choosing another option, the actuators can BE2 and BE3 or both the actuators BE2 and BE3 as well as the display areas A1 and A2 are hidden. For example, with a choice of (menu) option, recipes on the rotary selector BE1 the whole projection surface 16 right next to the rotary selector BE1 used to represent recipes.

Using the control panel B1 can also in the display areas A3 and A4 displayed information, for example, under the option or the menu item Settings ("Settings") of the rotary selector BE1 , This is how the display area shows A3 for displaying typical on the partition plate 10 Foodstuffs labeled S1 for fish and meat and stylized symbols to the right S2 at. The display area A4 shows a lettering S3 for cold cuts as well as stylized symbols to the right S4 at. Under the option Settings of the rotary selector BE1 This information or content may be changed, eg freely determined and / or selected from a group of preselected contents.

On the projection screen 30 of the upper edge 29 the door 6 is a control panel B2 projects an alphanumeric display area A5 in the form of a temperature display for the temperature of the freezer compartment 3 and two as virtual buttons BE4 and BE5 has formed actuating elements. Using the virtual buttons BE4 and BE5 can the temperature of the freezer 3 be set or changed. In addition, the control panel B2 further virtual buttons BE6 for setting different cooling modes of the freezer compartment 3 on, eg "Vacation", "Super" and "Eco".

6 shows in an oblique view in partially transparent representation of the cooling unit 21 with a second light projection LP2 of the light L , The second light projection LP2 is different from the first light projection LP1 in that they use a (projection) share for the projection of information PR of the light L and a (illumination) share used for illumination AL of the light L has, which radiate in different spatial areas.

The illumination proportion AL serves to open in an open area of the drawer pulled out 11 to shine, to illuminate the drawer there. The illumination proportion AL produces spatially homogeneous light, in particular with regard to its brightness and color L , especially white light. On the top edge 29 the door 6 of the freezer compartment 3 then no information is projected, and also a position and / or motion detection of the hand H can not be done there anymore.

The change between the light projection LP1 and the light projection LP2 can by means of the control device 17 be effected when pulling out the drawer 11 or 12 is detected, either by detecting a change in time of a position of the drawer 11 in the opening direction or by detecting a position of the drawer 11 in an open position. With retraction of the drawer 11 or 12 can go back to the light projection LP1 be switched back.

Also in the light projection LP2 is the projection device 14 in a (second) UI mode. In a variant, the projection device 14 be switched into a pure illumination mode in which they only light L radiates to the illumination. Again, so by means of the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 Information projected at least in the refrigerator (namely, initially with inserted drawer 11 on the projection screens 16 . 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ), then by means of the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 a pull-out of the drawer 11 recorded and thereby causes the projection of the information to the movement of the drawer 11 customized. The adaptation consists in the limitation of the projection of information on the projection surfaces 24, 26 and 28 and the switch to the particular homogeneous illumination in the open drawer 11 ,

The laser projector 14 or the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 do not need to be pivoted from back to front, but can be pivoted.

7A shows a sectional view in side view of a refrigerator in the form of a refrigerator 41 with open door (not shown) with retracted drawer 42 , Intermediate floors are not shown, but may be present.

The drawer 42 has top side on a front section or edge 43 a projection screen 44 on which the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 Information can project (as through the light L indicated) and which as a control surface B can serve. If the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 can be pivoted, it may be located eg in a rear end position.

7B shows a sectional view in side view of the refrigerator 41 with drawer pulled out 42 , The movement of the drawer 42 in the open or extended position is through the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 detectable, eg by recognizing the drawer 42 in the open or extended position. This adjusts or retraces the projection so that the information remains on the screen 44 is projected.

If the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 can be pivoted, it may then be in a further forward pivot position, eg in a front end position. This allows a particularly precise, sharp and bright projection.

8A shows a sectional view in side view of the refrigerator 41 with open door (not shown) with retracted drawer 42 , Now it's like the fridge 2 of the refrigerator 21 two shelves 7 . 8th with their projection surfaces 24 . 26 located. The shelves 7 . 8th are extendable or extendable. Analogous to the fridge 21 can the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 Information on projection screens 24 . 26 project (as through the light L indicated). The projection screens 24 . 26 can be used as pure display areas or as a control surface B serve. If the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 can be pivoted, it can be in a rear end position.

The laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 can be analogous to information 7A also on the drawer 42 project, which is not shown.

8B shows a sectional view in side view of the refrigerator 41 with a drawn out intermediate floor 8th ,

The movement of the false floor 8th in the extended position is through the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 detectable, eg by detecting the false floor 8th in the extended position. At the same time, the projection onto the projection surface 26 adjusted or retraced so that the information is still projected onto it.

If the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 can be pivoted, it may then be in a further forward pivot position, eg in a front end position. This results in a particularly precise, sharp and bright projection onto the screen 26 allows.

The laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 can in the extended position of the false floor 8th further information through a transparent part of the false floor 8th on the projection screen 44 the drawer 42 project. Alternatively, a projection on the projection screen 44 be turned off until the false bottom 8th no longer in the light path of the light L the projection on the projection surface 44 located.

9A shows a sectional view in side view of a refrigerator in the form of a refrigerator 51 with a rotatable knob 52 , The refrigerator 51 otherwise similar to the fridge 41 be educated.

The rotary knob 52 is, for example, magnetically attachable in the refrigerator and also detachable again. On top of the rotary knob 52 can by means of the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 Information will be projected. The top of the rotary knob 52 thus serves as a projection screen 53 ,

Also, by means of the laser projector / sensor module 14 . 18 a rotational position and / or a direction of rotation of the rotary knob 52 be recorded. Based on the detected rotational position and / or direction of the refrigerator 51 trigger at least one action, for example, adjust an operating parameter such as a set temperature. The projection screen 53 Can also be used as a control panel B be educated.

9B shows the knob 52 out 9A in a view obliquely from above with projected information A7, BE7 , The control panel B may include a display area A7, for example, to represent a set temperature. The control panel B can also be actuators BE7 in the form of, for example, keys, for example for incrementing or decrementing a value of an operating parameter displayed in the display area A7, such as the target temperature shown. The actuators BE7 may further comprise keys for advancing the displayed in the display area A7 operating parameter, eg for switching between a target temperature of the refrigerator 4 , a target temperature of the drawer 42 and others through the rotary knob 52 adjustable operating parameters.

To determine the rotational position of the rotary knob 52 this one has a mark 54 in the form of eg a notch or a printed line or similar. on. If the sensor 18 a camera is, can by means of the camera the mark 54 be recognized and assigned their position and / or orientation of a rotational position.

Will be a rotation of the rotary knob 52 found, the projection can remain stationary by the display area A7 and the actuators BE7 do not turn. The adaptation of the projection is thus to leave them fixed in space, although the projection surface 53 moved under it, namely here turns. This leads to a relative movement of projection and projection surface 53 , It is a training that (other) on the projection screen 53 projected graphical elements (not shown) are optically rotated.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown.

Thus, projection surfaces can also be present on a door inside.

Also, a fresh-keeping device can be used instead of a freezer.

Generally, "on", "an", etc. may be taken to mean a singular or a plurality, in particular in the sense of "at least one" or "one or more" etc., unless this is explicitly excluded, e.g. by the expression "exactly one", etc.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

cooling unit

2

fridge

3

freezer

4

Refrigerator of the refrigerator

5

Door of the refrigerator

6

Door of the freezer compartment

7

Upper intermediate floor

8th

Middle intermediate floor

9

Lower intermediate floor

10

separating plate

11

Upper drawer

12

Lower drawer

13

Ceiling of the refrigerator

14

laser projector

15

Front section of the separating plate

16

projection

17

Control device of the refrigerator

18

Non-contact position and / or motion sensor

21

cooling unit

23

Front section of the upper intermediate floor

24

projection

25

Front section of the middle shelf

26

projection

27

Front section of the lower shelf

28

projection

29

Top edge of the door of the freezer compartment

30

projection

31-34

bins

35

Sidewall of the refrigerator

36

laser projector

37

Opposite side wall of the refrigerator

38

glass plate

39

front bar

41

fridge

42

drawer

43

Upper and front edge

44

projection

51

fridge

52

rotary knob

53

projection

54

mark

A

display area

A1-A7

display areas

AL

Illumination proportion of the light

B

Control panel

B1-B3

panels

BE1

rotary knobs

BE2

pusher

BE3

pusher

BE4-BE6

Keys

BE7

Keys

C

Background object

H

hand

L

laser light

LP1

First light projection

LP2

Second light projection

PR

Projection of light

S1-S4

logos

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 202007008843 U1 [0005]
• WO 2011/101252 A1 [0006]

Claims (12)

Cooling unit (1; 21; 41; 51), comprising - at least one cooling space (4) which can be closed by means of at least one door (5), - at least one projection device (14, 36) which is provided with information open when the door (4) is open (A, A1-A7, B, B1-B3, BE1-BE7, C) to project at least into the cooling space (4), and - at least one movable inner part (7-12; 42; 52, 52) located in the cooling space (4) ), characterized in that - the cooling device (1; 21; 41; 51) is adapted to detect a movement of at least one movable inner part (7-12; 42; 52) and - the projection of the information to the movement of the moving one Inner part (7-12, 42, 52) adapt. Cooling unit (1; 21; 41; 51) after Claim 1 characterized in that the cooling device (1; 21; 41; 51) is arranged to project information onto at least one movable inner part (7-12; 42; 52). Cooling unit (1; 21; 41) after Claim 2 characterized in that the cooling device (1; 21; 41; 51) is adapted to track the projection of the information of the movement of the movable inner part (7-12; 42). Cooling appliance (1; 21; 41; 51) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling device (1; 21; 41; 51) is adapted to control the projection of the information onto a movement of the movable inner part (7-12; 42, 52), at least in regions, into a room illumination (AL) by the projection device (14, 36). Cooling device (1; 21; 41; 51) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection device (14, 36) is a pivotable projection device (14, 36) and the cooling device (1; 21; 41; 51) is arranged for this purpose is to pivot the projection device (14, 36) towards a movement of at least one movable inner part (7-12; 42). Cooling appliance (1; 21; 41; 51) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one projection device (14, 36) has a laser projector. Cooling device (1; 21; 41; 51) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one projection surface (16, 44, 53) provided for illumination by the projection device (14, 36) is designed as a control panel (B). Cooling device (1; 21; 41; 51) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one projection device (14) is arranged in the region of a ceiling (13) of the cooling space (4). Cooling unit (1; 21; 41; 51) after Claim 8 , characterized in that the at least one movable inner part (7-12; 42; 52) comprises at least one intermediate bottom (7-9), at least one separating plate (10) and / or at least one drawer (11, 12; Method for displaying information (A, A1-A7, B, B1-B3, BE1-BE7, C) on a cooling device (1; 21; 41; 51), in which at least one projection device (14, 36) at least the information in a cooling space (4) of the cooling device (1; 21; 41; 51) is projected, wherein in the cooling space (4) at least one movable inner part (7-12; 42; 52) is located and in the - A movement of at least one movable inner part (7-12; 42; 52) is detected and - The projection of the information to the movement of the moving inner part (7-12, 42, 52) is adjusted. Method according to Claim 10 in which information is projected onto at least one movable inner part (7-12; 42; 52) and the projection of the information (A, B) of the movement of the movable inner part (7-12; 42) is tracked. Method according to one of Claims 10 to 12 in which the projection device (14, 36) is pivoted towards a movement of at least one movable inner part (7-12; 42).

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