DE102022207375A1 - Household appliance with camera module - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance (1), in particular a household refrigerator (K), having a storage space (3) delimited by an inner wall (6-10), the loading opening (2) of which can be closed by means of at least one door (4), on the inner wall (6-10) at least one camera module (15, 16) with a camera sensor (23a) located in a module housing (17, 33) is arranged and the module housing (17, 33) has at least one snap element (28) by means of which it is arranged by snapping on the inner wall (10). A method is used to attach at least one camera module (15, 16) to an inner wall (6-10) of a household appliance (1) delimiting a storage space (3), in which the module housing is removed from the storage space (3) in an inclined position on the side facing away from the storage space Inner wall (6-10) or on a backing part (13, 14) arranged there and is then locked in the straight position by pivoting. The invention is particularly advantageously applicable to refrigerators, in particular refrigerators with double doors, especially in a French door arrangement.

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance, having a storage space delimited by an inner wall, the loading opening of which can be closed by means of at least one door, at least one camera module with a camera sensor arranged on a module housing being attached to the inner wall. The invention also relates to a method for attaching at least one camera module to an inner wall of a household appliance that delimits a storage space. The invention is particularly advantageously applicable to refrigerators, in particular refrigerators with double doors, especially in a French door arrangement.

US 9,851,139 B2 discloses a refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator compartment equipped with a loading opening in a front surface thereof, a top wall, a lower wall, side walls and a rear wall, the refrigerator compartment having a shelf area divided by a plurality of storage compartments, and is provided with a drawer section having at least one drawer, the top wall, the bottom wall, the side walls and the back wall being made of an insulating material; at least one door to open and close the storage compartment; and a camera system comprising: a camera module comprising an image sensor, a camera lens, electrical components configured to drive the image sensor, and a transparent window spaced a predetermined distance from the camera lens; and a camera housing configured to receive and secure the camera module at a predetermined position within the camera housing, the camera housing comprising: a mounting surface disposed to abut a top wall of the refrigerator compartment; a front surface disposed to oppose the loading opening, and side surfaces connecting the front surface to a rear surface of the camera body; and a top surface provided with an opening allowing the transparent window of the camera module to be exposed thereby. The camera module is placed with the mounting surface on the upper wall of the refrigerator compartment and held there using a backing part. The backing part is held in place by being coated with a thermally insulating, hardening insulating foam.

It is the object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a possibility for particularly easy assembly and disassembly of camera modules in a household appliance.

This task is solved according to the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments can be found in particular in the dependent claims.

The object is achieved by a household appliance, having a storage space delimited by an inner wall, the loading opening of which can be closed by means of at least one door, at least one camera module with an image or camera sensor arranged on a module housing being arranged on the inner wall and the module housing being at least has a snap element, by means of which it is arranged by locking on the inner wall.

This household appliance has the advantage that mounting the camera module on the inner wall is particularly easy, particularly without tools, and can also be easily replaced in the event of service.

It is a further development that the locking can be released non-destructively, in particular can also be released without tools, which enables a particularly simple replacement of the camera module. The locking is preferably a latching or snapping mechanism.

The household appliance can be a household refrigerator, a freezer or a combination thereof. In a household refrigerator, the storage room is a cold room that can be closed by one or more doors. The inside(s) of the door(s) in a household refrigerator are designed in particular for storing stored goods, in particular refrigerated goods, e.g. with bottle racks, an egg tray, butter compartments, etc. A household appliance, in particular a household refrigerator, with two doors in one is particularly advantageous French door double door arrangement, i.e. an arrangement in which two doors are hinged on opposite sides and close the same refrigerator compartment.

The storage room is preferably a cold room and is intended to accommodate refrigerated goods for cooling. The cold room can have one or more shelves. The storage room can have one or more drawers, in particular special climate drawers, for example a VitaFresh drawer.

The usable storage space is limited on the left, right, back, floor and ceiling by the inner wall. The front loading opening can be closed by at least one door. The The inner wall can be made of metal, plastic or a combination thereof, for example plastic-coated sheet metal.

The snap element can be, for example, a snap hook, a snap eye, etc.

The fact that an image or camera sensor is arranged on a module housing can in particular include that it is attached to the module housing, for example by snapping, inserting, clamping and/or gluing. The camera sensor can in particular be present in the module housing.

It is a further development that the inner wall has a - in particular suitable - recess on the surface intended for the arrangement of the camera module for the insertion of the module housing. This makes it easier to install the camera module and its electrical connection.

It is an embodiment that the module housing is locked on the inner wall. The inner wall itself therefore serves as a locking counter element for attaching the camera module. This has the advantage that no further component is required to arrange the camera module on the inner wall. In particular, the inner wall can then serve as a support for the module housing snapped or locked thereon.

It is an embodiment that the module housing is locked with a backing part, which is arranged on a side of the inner wall facing away from the storage space. This is advantageous because the shape of the inner wall can be kept simple. The backing part can be, for example, an injection-molded plastic part. The backing part can be glued to the inner wall, for example with double-sided adhesive tape. It is a further development that the backing part has a support edge, by means of which it rests on the inner wall. The support edge can in particular be designed and arranged flush with an edge of the associated recess.

It is an embodiment that the module housing has at least one laterally projecting projection on the back and has a flexible snap hook with a snap nose projecting in the opposite direction at the opposite point. The advantage is thus achieved that the module housing can be removed from the storage space without tools by simply placing the at least one laterally projecting projection onto the backing part or directly onto the inner wall or attachment and then rotating the module housing around the at least one support point until the snap hook is behind it Backing part or the inner wall can be locked, snapped, fastened. The laterally projecting projection is preferably designed as an elongated rib which extends along an edge of the cutout or the backing part.

As described above, the at least one camera module or module housing thereof can be attached directly to the inner wall or indirectly via an intermediate piece to the inner wall, for example via a backing part. A further option for indirect fastening via an intermediate piece, which is particularly advantageous when multiple camera modules are provided, is to fasten the camera modules to the inner wall via a common attachment, which can be inserted or inserted into a suitable section of the inner wall, in particular on the storage room side. The attachment can be designed analogously to the inner wall described above, for example in that it has recesses for the passage of the camera modules and/or backing parts for fastening, in particular storage, of the camera modules. The backing parts can also be integrated in one piece into the attachment, for example as an injection molded part. The attachment is in particular bowl-shaped and is advantageously inserted with its open top into the cutout of the inner wall, in particular from the storage room. The use of the attachment has the advantage that the assembly of the camera modules and - if they are manufactured as separately manufactured components - the backing parts is particularly easy to implement.

It is an embodiment that the snap nose is laterally accessible or exposed for non-destructive unlocking. Preferably, the snap nose is accessible through at least one lateral recess in the module housing. This has the advantage that the camera module can be removed from the inner wall, or partition wall or attachment, by pressing in the snap hook laterally (and thus releasing the snap or latching mechanism in a non-destructive manner) and then turning the module housing in the opposite direction to attachment or towards the storage space. can be removed.

It is an embodiment that the module housing protrudes into the storage space, the snap hook represents an extension of the module housing on the side facing away from the storage space and the module housing can be compressed on the area protruding into the storage space in such a way that the snap hook is moved so far that it unlocked. The advantage is thus achieved that the snap connection can be released in particular in a non-destructive manner and the camera module can be removed from the inner wall without tools only by accessing the storage space.

It is an embodiment that at least one camera module is arranged on a ceiling of the inner wall. This is particularly advantageous because it allows a particularly good view of the inside(s) of the door(s) as well as open drawers from above.

It is a further development that several camera modules are arranged on the ceiling of the inner wall.

It is an embodiment that on the ceiling of the inner wall there is a first camera module protruding into the storage space, the camera sensor of which has an optical axis directed obliquely forward, and a second camera module, which is essentially flush with the ceiling, the camera sensor of which has an at least approximately downward direction directional optical axis, are arranged. This achieves the advantage that images can be recorded which show refrigerated goods placed on the inside(s) of the door(s) or refrigerated goods stored in open drawers in a particularly clear and complete manner. A further advantage is that due to the flush finish of the second camera module, the second camera module does not interfere with the image capture of the inside(s) of the door(s) by the first camera module and when refrigerated goods are removed.

It is an advantageous development for a household appliance with a French door double door arrangement that the first camera module is arranged in the front view at least approximately in the middle of the two doors or in the area of the abutting edge of the two doors, because this makes it particularly easy to see the inside of both doors of the camera sensor of the first camera module can be retained. This also results in cost savings since a separate camera module does not need to be provided for each of the two doors. This is particularly true if the field of view of the camera sensor is aligned so that it takes images in landscape format, possibly with a wide-angle function. This can apply analogously to the second camera module, especially if two drawers are arranged next to each other in the front view in the storage room.

It is an embodiment that the ceiling of the inner wall is at least partially an intermediate wall or is formed by an intermediate wall which is arranged on the storage room side at a distance from a ceiling of an inner container and the intermediate wall is a movable, in particular removable, intermediate wall. This makes it easier to handle the partition wall after installing the household appliance. The ceiling as a partition is movable in particular after loosening at least one detachable fixing device.

It is an embodiment that the intermediate wall is an intermediate wall that can be pivoted into the storage space. The intermediate wall can thus advantageously be handled particularly easily. In particular, access to areas facing away from the storage room of camera modules and possibly other components arranged on the partition wall is made easier in such a simple manner. This can be achieved here, for example, in that the ceiling is attached to its rear edge (in front view) so that it can pivot relative to the rear wall of the inner wall and is held at its front edge by at least one releasable fixing device, in particular on the ceiling of the inner container. If at least one fixing device is not released, the ceiling of the inner wall is then held in particular by the ceiling of the inner container and the rear wall. If the at least one fixing device is released, in a possible further development the front edge falls down and the ceiling of the inner wall, together with components attached to it, in particular at least one camera module, pivots around the rear edge into the storage space. This makes the backs of the ceiling and the components attached to it particularly easy to access, which makes it much easier to attach and replace the camera modules.

It is an embodiment that a camera circuit board with a camera sensor and a communication circuit board with a cable connector are arranged in the module housing, which are arranged one above the other in the module housing. Preferably, the main surfaces of the camera circuit board and communication circuit board extend parallel to one another. When installed, the communication circuit board is preferably arranged or stacked above the camera circuit board in the height direction of the camera module. Furthermore, the camera circuit board has optics on the side of the camera circuit board, which when installed faces towards an open front or base plate of the module housing. The cable connector is arranged on the side of the communication circuit board which, when installed, faces the open front or bottom plate of the module housing. The cable connector is preferably connected to a corresponding mating connector which is soldered onto the communication circuit board. The camera sensor is preferably soldered onto the camera circuit board. By dividing the components onto several circuit boards, the camera module can be made more compact and the arrangement of the camera modules in the storage room takes up less volume.

It is an embodiment that the communication circuit board is connected to the camera circuit board via a conductor foil for data and signal transmission as well as power supply. The ends of the conductor foil are each connected to corresponding connectors on the camera and communication circuit board; the connectors are preferably soldered onto the circuit boards. This ensures that the communication circuit board, which can also be connected to an external interface or central control unit of the household appliance via the cable connector, and the camera circuit board can communicate with one another using simple means and the camera circuit board is electrically supplied.

It is an embodiment that the module housing is designed in several parts, the communication circuit board is held on the module housing via a first fastening structure and the camera circuit board is held on an attachment of the module housing via a second fastening structure. For this purpose, the communication circuit board can be provided on an open top side of the module housing by means of the fastening structure and the camera circuit board can be attached to the attachment on an open front side via the further fastening structure. The open front essentially faces the open top. This means that the circuit boards are accessible from different sides of the module housing and are easier to assemble and disassemble. The fastening structures also have a plurality of holding arms with latching lugs provided at the free ends and lower abutments relative to the latching lugs, the camera circuit board and communication circuit board being clamped between the latching lugs of the holding arms and supporting surfaces of the abutments. The fastening structures can be formed integrally with the attachment or module housing.

It is an embodiment that the module housing is made in one piece, the camera circuit board is held via a fastening structure projecting from a base plate of the module housing and the communication circuit board is held on the module housing via a clamp for the cable connector. For this purpose, the fastening structure has a plurality of holding arms with latching lugs provided at the free ends and lower abutments relative to the latching lugs, the camera circuit board being clamped between the latching lugs of the holding arms and a support surface of the abutment in the installed state. The attachment structure may be formed integrally with the module housing. The clamp can have clamping arms with retaining lugs that enclose or define a plug receptacle. The retaining lugs grip the assembled cable connector in the plug receptacle and hold it in position. For this purpose, the retaining lugs protrude into the plug receptacle. This configuration has the advantage that the mounting of the circuit boards is simplified.

The object is also achieved by a method for attaching at least one camera module to an inner wall of a household appliance delimiting a storage space as described above, in which the module housing from the storage space is placed in an inclined position on the side of the inner wall facing away from the storage space or on a backing part arranged there and then is locked in the straight position by pivoting. The method can be designed analogously to the household appliance and vice versa, and has the same advantages.

• 1 zeigt in Ansicht von schräg vorne ein Haushaltsgerät mit einem Haushaltskühlgerät;
• 2 zeigt in Ansicht von schräg oben einen Ausschnitt aus dem Haushaltskühlgerät aus 1;
• 3 zeigt einen Ausschnitt aus der Ansicht aus 2 mit zusätzlichen Komponenten;
• 4 zeigt in Ansicht von schräg oben einen Ausschnitt aus einer Decke eines Kühlraums des Haushaltskühlgeräts aus 2 mit einem Hinterlegteil und einem ersten Kameramodul;
• 5 zeigt in Ansicht von schräg oben das erste Kameramodul in Explosionsdarstellung;
• 6 zeigt das erste Kameramodul in einer weiteren Explosionsdarstellung;
• 7 zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht das erste Kameramodul in einer zur Montage eingenommenen Schrägstellung;
• 8 zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht das erste Kameramodul in seinem montierten Zustand;
• 9 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg oben einen Ausschnitt aus der Decke des Kühlraums des Haushaltskühlgeräts aus 2 mit zwei Hinterlegteilen und montierten Kameramodulen;
• 10 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg oben einen Ausschnitt aus einer Decke des Kühlraums des Haushaltskühlgeräts aus 2 mit zwei Hinterlegteilen und einem teilweise ein- oder ausgebauten ersten Kameramodul;
• 11 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg unten einen Ausschnitt aus der Decke des Kühlraums des Haushaltskühlgeräts aus 2 mit zwei montierten Kameramodulen;
• 12 zeigt in einer zu 4 analogen Darstellung einen Ausschnitt aus der Decke mit einem zweiten Kameramodul und dessen Hinterlegteil;
• 13 zeigt in einer zu 5 analogen Darstellung das zweite Kameramodul in Explosionsdarstellung;
• 14 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg oben ein Kameragehäuse des zweiten Kameramoduls:
• 15 zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht das zweite Kameramodul in einer zur Montage eingenommenen Schrägstellung;
• 16 zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht das zweite Kameramodul in seinem montierten Zustand;
• 17 zeigt als Schnittdarstellung durch die Kameramodule eine Seitenansicht eines Ausschnitts des Haushaltskühlgeräts aus 1;
• 18 zeigt in Ansicht von schräg unten einen Ausschnitt aus einer Decke gemäß einem weiteren möglichen Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem Aufsatz für zwei Kameramodule; und
• 19 zeigt den Aufsatz aus 16 mit daran angeordneten Kameramodulen in einer Ansicht von schräg oben.

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

• 1 shows a view from the front diagonally of a household appliance with a household refrigerator;
• 2 shows a section of the household refrigerator viewed diagonally from above 1 ;
• 3 shows a section of the view 2 with additional components;
• 4 shows a section from a ceiling of a refrigerator compartment of the household refrigerator in a view from above 2 with a backing part and a first camera module;
• 5 shows the first camera module in an exploded view in a view from above;
• 6 shows the first camera module in another exploded view;
• 7 shows a sectional view in side view of the first camera module in an inclined position taken for assembly;
• 8th shows a sectional view in side view of the first camera module in its assembled state;
• 9 shows a view from diagonally above of a section of the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment of the household refrigerator 2 with two backing parts and mounted camera modules;
• 10 shows a view from above diagonally of a section of a ceiling of the refrigerator compartment of the household refrigerator 2 with two backing parts and a partially installed or removed first camera module;
• 11 shows a view from diagonally below of a section of the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment of the household refrigerator 2 with two camera modules mounted;
• 12 shows in one 4 analogue representation of a section of the ceiling with a second camera module and its backing part;
• 13 shows in one 5 analogue representation of the second camera module in an exploded view;
• 14 shows a camera housing of the second camera module in a view from above:
• 15 shows a sectional view in side view of the second camera module in an inclined position for assembly;
• 16 shows a sectional view in side view of the second camera module in its assembled state;
• 17 shows a side view of a section of the household refrigerator as a sectional view through the camera modules 1 ;
• 18 shows a section from a ceiling according to a further possible exemplary embodiment with an attachment for two camera modules, viewed obliquely from below; and
• 19 shows the essay 16 with camera modules arranged on it in a view diagonally from above.

1 shows a view diagonally from the front of a household appliance 1, in particular a household refrigerator K, in a furniture conversion 49. The household refrigerator K also includes cooling drawers S with special cooling functions, for example an ice compartment, a freezer compartment, etc. The household refrigerator K is surrounded by an outer housing 40. 2 shows a view from diagonally above of a section of the household refrigerator K with hidden furniture structure 49 and ceiling of an inner wall, in particular inner container.

The household refrigerator K has a storage space 3, in particular a refrigerator space, which can be loaded with stored goods through a front loading opening 2. The loading opening 2 can be closed by means of at least one door 4, here: two door leaves or doors 4. For example, one or more shelves 5 can be located in the storage room 3. The two door leaves or doors 4 are here in a French door arrangement, in which they close the same cooling space 3 and are attached to opposite sides of the outer housing 40.

The storage space 3 is delimited by an inner wall 6, of which a left side wall 7, a right side wall 8, a rear wall 9 and a ceiling 10 are shown here (viewed through the loading opening 2). A bottom of the inner wall 6 is covered by two drawers 43 shown here in extended form, in particular comprising at least one VitaFresh drawer.

The inner wall 6 including the ceiling 10 can be formed by an inner container (also referred to as an “inner liner”). Alternatively, the ceiling 10 can be, at least in some areas, an intermediate wall which is arranged under a ceiling side or ceiling of the inner container and at a distance from it. The inner wall 6 or its components 6 to 10 can be made of metal, plastic or a combination thereof (e.g. a plastic-coated metal sheet).

In the ceiling 10 there are two particularly identical recesses 11 and 12, of which the recess 11 is arranged behind the recess 12 in the front view and is therefore further away from the loading opening 2. The recesses 11 and 12 both have a rectangular basic shape with rounded corners.

3 shows a section of the household refrigerator K in one 2 Analogous view, with a lower backing part 13 and a higher backing part 14 now being placed on the edge areas of the (back) side of the ceiling 10 facing away from the cold room, which surround the recesses 11 and 12. The higher backing part 14 is made higher relative to the lower backing part 13. The backing parts 13 and 14 are intended to form a first camera module 15 (see 4 and 5 ) or a second camera module 16 (see 11 and 12 ) to be arranged and fixed on the ceiling 10. The backing parts 13, 14 each rest on the back of the blanket 10 with a support edge 32. For example, they can be attached to the ceiling 10 with double-sided adhesive tape.

4 shows, in a view from obliquely above, a section of the ceiling 10 with the backing part 13 assigned to the recess 11 and the not yet assembled first camera module 15, which is shown located below the ceiling 10.

5 shows the camera module 15 in an exploded view in a view from above. The camera module 15 is intended to protrude largely into the refrigerator compartment 3 and to enable recordings of refrigerated goods placed on the inside of the door(s) 4.

The camera module 15 can, for example, have the following components: a cup-shaped one Module housing 17 with two open sides 18 and 19, namely an open front side 18 pointing in the direction of the loading opening 2 and an open top side 19 to be placed on the recess 11.

An attachment 20 can be clipped, plugged, snapped and/or glued onto the open front side 18, into which a light guide element 21 can be inserted on the housing side. The light guide element 21 can, for example, be an injection molded part made of transparent plastic and, for example, form at least one optical lens, which is inserted into an opening in the attachment 20. Alternatively, the attachment 20 and the light guide element 21 are manufactured in one piece using a 2-component plastic injection molding process.

An anti-fog film 22 can be provided on the front of the attachment 20 on the refrigerator side.

A camera circuit board 23 can be inserted into the module housing 17, which has an image or camera sensor 23a (e.g. a CCD sensor), electronics (e.g. for triggering the camera sensor and for data transmission), possibly an optics 23b connected upstream of the camera sensor ( e.g. a lens), possibly a flash light and possibly other functional units. The camera circuit board 23 can be fixed in the module housing 17, for example by snapping, locking, inserting and/or gluing.

The camera circuit board 23 is connected via a flexible circuit board or conductor foil (FPC; "Flexible Printed Circuit") 24 for data and signal transmission as well as power supply to a circuit board ("communications circuit board") 25, which carries electronic components to the camera circuit board. Circuit board 23 to be connected to a central processor of the household refrigerator K in terms of data, signals and power supply technology, for example via an appropriate cable such as a USB cable, an FPD Link III-compatible twisted pair cable or coaxial cable, etc. The communication circuit board points to the cable connection 25 a cable connector 26.

On a rear edge 27 of the module housing 17, which surrounds the open top 19, there is a snap hook 28 with a snap nose 29 that projects laterally outwards (in plan view). On the opposite edge section there are two projections 30 which project laterally in the opposite direction with respect to the snap hook 28. While the edge 27 can be inserted into the recess 11 to fit and therefore rests on the edge of the recess 11, the snap nose 29 and the projections 30 are inserted Module housing 17 laterally over the recess 11 and engage behind it.

In addition, a fastening structure 31 protrudes from the module housing 17 through the open top 19, to which the communication circuit board 25 can be fastened, in particular snapped or latched.

• Zunächst wird der Aufsatz 20 auf das Modulgehäuse 17 gesteckt, so dass der Aufsatz 20 die offene Vorderseite abdeckt. Dabei rasten Schnapplaschen des Aufsatzes 20 in Haken des Modulgehäuses 17 ein. In den Aufsatz 20 kann das Lichtleiterelement 21 bereits mit eingespritzt sein, z.B. mittels eines 2-Komponenten-Spritzgussverfahrens. Die Kamera-Leiterplatte 23 ist bereits über die Leiterfolie 24 mit der Verbindungsleiterplatte 25 verbunden. Die Kamera-Leiterplatte 23 wird als erstes in eine dafür vorgesehene weiteren Befestigungsstruktur 31 am Aufsatz 20 montiert. Im Anschluss wird die Kommunikationsleiterplatte 25 an der Befestigungsstruktur 31 des Modulgehäuses 17 eingeklipst.

The camera module 15 can be assembled in particular without tools, for example as follows:

• First, the attachment 20 is placed on the module housing 17 so that the attachment 20 covers the open front. Snap tabs on the attachment 20 snap into hooks on the module housing 17. The light guide element 21 can already be injected into the attachment 20, for example by means of a 2-component injection molding process. The camera circuit board 23 is already connected to the connection circuit board 25 via the conductor foil 24. The camera circuit board 23 is first mounted in a further fastening structure 31 provided for this purpose on the attachment 20. The communication circuit board 25 is then clipped onto the fastening structure 31 of the module housing 17.

6 shows the camera module 15 in a further exploded view. The camera module 15 has a module housing 17 with a fastening structure 31, which stands up through its open top 19. The fastening structure 31 is integrally formed with the module housing 17. The communication circuit board 25, not shown here, can be anchored to the fastening structure 31 of the module housing 17. The fastening structure 31 has several holding arms 311 protruding from the open top 19, at the free ends of which laterally inwardly directed locking lugs 312 are provided. There are also several abutments 313 with a support surface arranged at the free end, on which the communication circuit board 25, not shown here, rests in the assembled state. The support surface of the abutment 313 is lower than the locking lugs 312. The abutment 313 is designed as an elongated rib that runs parallel and offset to the holding arms 311. A total of four abutments 313 are provided in the design, which are provided in the lateral corner areas of the module housing 17. For assembly, the communication board 23 is pressed into the fastening structure 31 of the module housing 17, whereby the locking lugs 312 are displaced laterally.

When the communication circuit board 25 rests on the abutments 313, the locking lugs 312 snap back and grip around the communication circuit board 2, so that the locking lugs 312 Press the communication circuit board 25 onto the support surfaces of the abutments 313 and hold it firmly in position.

Furthermore, it can be found in 6 on the attachment 20 there is a further fastening structure 31 ', which holds the camera circuit board 23. For this purpose, the further fastening structure 31' has holding arms 311', at the free ends of which locking lugs 312' are also provided. In addition to the holding arms 31 1 ', there are also abutments 313 ', which have a support surface at the free end that is lower than the locking hooks 312 '. A total of four abutments 313 'are provided, each of which is arranged in the corner areas of the attachment 20. In this case, the further fastening structure 31' is formed integrally with the attachment 20. During assembly, the camera board 23 is pressed into the further fastening structure 31', thereby displacing the holding arms 311' or locking hooks 312' and pressing them onto the support surfaces of the abutments 313'. When mounted, the camera circuit board 23 is gripped laterally by the locking hooks 312' and held in position by the abutments 313'. Furthermore, closed eyelets 50 are provided on the edge region of the attachment 50, which engage with locking elements 51 inside the module housing 17 when the attachment 20 is fastened to the module housing 17. When the camera module is assembled, the attachment 20 is locked via the eyelets and locking elements 51. The locking projections 51 are shown in recesses 52 inside the module housing 17.

7 shows, as a sectional view in a side view, the first camera module 15 in an inclined position taken for mounting on the ceiling 10 with respect to the normal vector of the recess 11. The module housing 17 with its projections 30 projecting laterally on the rear edge 27 is placed on the support edge 32 of the backing part 13 or . has been set up.

8th shows the first camera module 15 in its mounted state as a sectional view in side view. For this purpose, the module housing 17 is based on the in 6 shown inclination has been pivoted around the support points of the projections 30 with the support edge 32, i.e. clockwise in the view shown, as shown in FIG 6 indicated by the curved arrow. The snap nose 29 is locked behind the support edge 32. The housing 17 is given a fixed position via the lugs attached to the fastening structure 31; the backing part 13 serves as a stop.

9 shows a view from obliquely above of a section of the ceiling 10 with the two backing parts 13 and 14 and camera modules 15 and 16 recorded therein by assembly. The arrangement of the first camera module 15 corresponds to that in 7 arrangement shown. The snap lugs 29 of both camera modules 15, 16 are exposed.

As soon as the camera modules 15, 16 have been installed as shown, suitable cables (not shown) can be inserted into the exposed cable connectors 26, here: coaxial cable connectors, in order to connect the camera modules 15, 16 to a central control device of the household refrigerator K connect. The cable connectors 26 are designed here, for example, as HFM (“High-Speed FAKRA-Mini”) connectors, in particular sockets. The cable connectors 26 of the camera modules 15, 16 can have a different coding in order to prevent the cables to be plugged in from being mixed up. The cables to be plugged in can also be of different lengths and/or different colors to prevent incorrect plugging.

If, as indicated here by way of example for the first camera module 15, a force F is exerted on the snap nose 29 in the direction of the recess 11, the snap hook 28 bends until it comes out of the backing part 13. The first camera module 15 can then be positioned in the opposite direction to insertion direction out of the recess 11, as in 10 and further in 6 shown and then removed. No screw connections or similar need to be loosened for this. The snap connection can therefore be released non-destructively.

The second camera module 16 can be removed analogously by pressing in and thus unlocking the snap nose 29 and then pivoting it.

It is even possible to release the first camera module 15 from the side of the cooling chamber 3 by pressing together the two sides of the module housing 17, from which the snap nose 29 and the projections 30 extend, which in 7 a compression of the shown left and right sides of the module housing 17 corresponds.

11 shows, in a view obliquely from below and in front (e.g. when looking into the loading opening 2), a section of the ceiling 10 of the refrigerator compartment 3 of the household refrigerator K with the mounted first camera module 15 and the mounted second camera module 16. The camera sensor 23a or the optics 23b (eg a camera lens) of the first camera module 15 is directed in the direction of the loading opening 2, while the camera sensor 23a or the optics 23b of the second camera module 16 is directed downwards in the direction of an open drawer of the refrigerator 3, for example one VitaFresh drawer. In contrast to the first camera module 15, the second camera module 16 does not protrude into the refrigerator compartment 3 in the assembled state, but is inserted into the recess 12 at least approximately flush with the ceiling 10

12 shows in one 4 Analogue representation in a view from obliquely above a section of the ceiling 10 with the second camera module 16 and its backing part 14 placed on the back of the ceiling 10, but without the first camera module 15 and without its backing part 13.

13 shows in one 5 Analogue representation of the second camera module 16 in an exploded view. The second camera module 16 is intended to take pictures from above of an open drawer of the refrigerator compartment 3, for example from a VitaFresh drawer.

The module housing 33 has a base plate 34 covering the recess 12 and having a hole 35 for embedding the light guide element 21. Alternatively, the module housing 33 and the light guide element 21 are manufactured in one piece using a 2-component plastic injection molding process.

In principle similar to the camera module 16, a snap hook 28 with a snap nose 29 protruding laterally outwards projects upward from a rear edge 27 of the module housing 33. On the opposite edge section there is a projection 30 which projects laterally in the opposite direction with respect to the snap hook 28. While the edge 27 can be inserted into the recess 11 to fit, the snap nose 29 and the projections 30 protrude laterally over the recess 12 when the module housing 17 is inserted attack them. In addition, a fastening structure ( 14 ) to the rear, to which the communication circuit board 25 can be attached, in particular latched, snapped or locked.

The camera module 16 can also be assembled without tools. It is assumed that the camera circuit board 17 is already connected to the communication circuit board 26 via the conductor foil 25. First, the camera circuit board 17 is snapped into the housing 33 and then the communication circuit board 26 is also locked onto the housing 33.

14 shows the module housing 33 of the second camera module 16 in a view obliquely from above. In principle similar to the first camera module 15, the module housing 33 of the second camera module 16 has a fastening structure 31 projecting backwards from a base plate 34 with holding arms 311, which point laterally at the free ends has internally projecting locking lugs 312, and deeper abutments 313 for locking the camera circuit board 17 (see 13 ) on. Unlike the first camera module 15, the module housing 33 of the second camera module 16 has a clamp 261 with two fork-shaped clamp arms 262 for attaching the cable connector 26 (see 13 ) on. The clamping arms 262 include a plug receptacle 264 in which the cable connector 26 is held in the assembled state. At the free ends of the clamping arms 262 there are holding lugs 263 which project laterally in the direction of the plug receptacle 264 and which hold the cable connector 26 in the plug receptacle 264 in the assembled state. In the embodiment, the communication board 25 is locked in the module housing 33 and held in position solely by the clamp 261, which encompasses the cable connector 26 of the communication board 25 with the clamping arms 262.

15 shows a sectional view in side view of the second camera module 16 in an inclined position similar to that in 6 shown inclination of the first camera module 15. The projection 30 is placed on the support edge 32 of the backing part 14, which thus serves as a support. By subsequently rotating the second camera module 16, indicated by the curved arrow, the snap hook 28 dips into the recess 12 and locks on the section of the support edge 32 of the backing part 14 opposite the projection 30. Here too, the backing part 14 can act as a stop for the second Camera module 16 is used.

16 shows a sectional view in side view of the second camera module 16 in its mounted state, in which the snap hook 28 is locked or snapped onto the backing part 14. Analogous to the first camera module 15, by applying a force F to the snap nose 29 so that it is pressed in the direction of the recess 12, the snap hook 28 can be brought into engagement with the backing part 14, whereby the second camera module 16 can be pivoted for installation can be removed again in the opposite direction.

17 shows a sectional view with a vertical cutting plane through the camera modules 15 and 16, a side view of a section of the household refrigerator K. While the left side wall 7, the right side wall 8, the rear wall 9 and the bottom (not shown) of the inner wall 6 sides of a common inner container represent, the ceiling is an intermediate wall which is spaced apart from a ceiling 37 of the inner container 7-9 on the cold room side, 37 is arranged. This can also be described in such a way that the ceiling 10 of the inner wall 6 is arranged suspended from the ceiling 37 of the inner container 7-9, 37. There is therefore a gap 38 between the two covers 10 and 37, in which, for example, the backing parts 13 and 14 are located. The gap 38 is in particular filled with air, while a gap 39 between the inner container 7-9, 37 and an outer housing 40 of the household refrigerator K is at least partially filled with heat-insulating material (not shown), for example insulating foam.

The ceiling 10 as an intermediate wall is movable, in particular pivotable into the cooling space 3, in particular after releasing at least one detachable fixing device 43. This can be achieved here, for example, in that the ceiling 10 is attached to its (in front view) front edge 42 so that it can pivot against the ceiling 37 of the inner container 7-9, 37 (e.g. by several tabs of the ceiling 10 inserted into recesses in the ceiling 37 ) and is held at its rear edge 41 by at least one releasable fixing device (e.g. at least one screw, not shown). If at least one fixing device is not released, the ceiling 10 is thus held firmly by the ceiling 37 and the rear wall 9. If the at least one fixing device is released, the rear edge 41 falls down and the ceiling 10, together with the camera modules 15, 16 and the backing parts 13, 14, pivots around the front edge 42 into the cooling chamber 3. The blanket 10 can be pulled out of the blanket 37 at the same time or subsequently. This makes the back of the blanket 10 easily accessible. In particular, the camera modules 15, 16 are particularly easy to access, which makes attaching and replacing the camera modules 15, 16 considerably easier.

18 shows, viewed obliquely from below, a section of another possible variant of the ceiling 10 with a common shell-shaped attachment 44 attached to it on the cold room side for the two camera modules 15 and 16.

19 shows the attachment 44 with camera modules 15, 16 arranged on it in a view obliquely from above onto its open top. The attachment 44 now has the recesses 11 and 12, to which the backing parts 13 and 14 are attached, and through which the camera modules 15 and 16 protrude.

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

In general, “a”, “an” etc. can be understood to mean a singular or a plural, in particular in the sense of “at least one” or “one or more” etc., as long as this is not explicitly excluded, e.g. by the expression “exactly on” etc.

A numerical statement can also include exactly the number specified as well as a usual tolerance range, as long as this is not explicitly excluded.

Reference symbol list

1

household appliance

2

loading opening

3

storage room

4

door

5

Tray tray

6

inner wall

7

Left side wall

8th

Right side wall

9

Back wall

10

Ceiling

11

recess

12

recess

13

backing part

14

backing part

15

First camera module

16

Second camera module

17

Module housing

18

Open front

19

Open top

20

Essay

21

Light guide element

22

Anti-fog film

23

Camera circuit board

23a

Camera sensor

23b

Optik24 conductor foil

25

Communication circuit board

26

Cable connectors

261

Clamp

262

Clamp arms

263

holding nose

264

Plug receptacle

27

Back edge

28

Snap hook

29

Snapnose

30

head Start

31

Fastening structure

31'

Fastening structure

311

Holding arms

312

detent nose

312'

detent nose

313

Abutment313' Abutment

32

Support edge

33

Module housing

34

base plate

35

Hole

37

Cover of the inner container

38

space

39

space

40

Outer casing

41

Rear edge of the ceiling of the inner wall

42

Front edge of the ceiling of the inner wall

43

drawer

44

Essay

49

Furniture remodeling

K

Household refrigerator

S

Refrigerator drawer

50

eyelet

51

locking projection

52

deepening

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was 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

• US 9851139 B2 [0002]

Claims (15)

Household appliance (1), in particular household refrigerator (K), having a storage space (3) delimited by an inner wall (6-10), the loading opening (2) of which can be closed by means of at least one door (4), wherein on the inner wall (6-10 ) at least one camera module (15, 16) with a camera sensor (23a) located on a module housing (17, 33) is arranged and the module housing (17, 33) has at least one snap element (28), by means of which it is locked on the Inner wall (10) is arranged. household appliance (1). Claim 1 , whereby the module housing (17, 33) is locked on the inner wall (6-10). household appliance (1). Claim 1 , wherein the module housing (17, 33) is locked with a backing part (13, 14), which is arranged on a side of the inner wall (6-10) facing away from the storage space. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module housing (17, 33) has at least one laterally projecting projection (30) on the back and at the opposite point has at least one flexible snap hook (28) with a snap nose (29) projecting in the opposite direction. household appliance (1). Claim 4 , whereby the snap nose (29) is accessible from the side for non-destructive unlocking. Household appliance (1) according to one of the Claims 4 until 5 , wherein the module housing (17) protrudes into the storage space, the snap hook (28) represents an extension of the module housing (17) on the side facing away from the storage space (3) and the module housing (17) on the area protruding into the storage space (3). can be compressed in such a way that the snap hook (28) can be moved so far that it unlocks. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one camera module (15, 16) is arranged on a ceiling (10) of the inner wall (6-10). household appliance (1). Claim 7 , wherein on the ceiling (10) of the inner wall (6-10) there is a first camera module (15) protruding into the storage space (3), the camera sensor (23a) of which has an optical axis directed obliquely forward, and a second, at least approximately flush Camera module (20) closing with the ceiling (10), the camera sensor (23a) of which has an optical axis directed at least approximately downwards, are arranged. Household appliance (1) according to one of the Claims 7 until 8th , wherein the ceiling (10) of the inner wall (6-10) is at least partially an intermediate wall which is arranged on the storage room side at a distance from a ceiling (37) of an inner container (7-9, 37) and the intermediate wall is a movable intermediate wall. household appliance (1). Claim 9 , wherein the intermediate wall is an intermediate wall that can be pivoted into the storage space (3). Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a camera circuit board (23) with the camera sensor (23a) and a communication circuit board (25) with a cable connector (26) are arranged in the module housing (17, 33), which are arranged one above the other the module housing (17, 33) are arranged. household appliance (1). Claim 11 , wherein the communication circuit board (25) is connected to the camera circuit board (23) via a conductor foil (24) for data and signal transmission as well as power supply. Household appliance (1) according to one of the Claims 11 or 12 , wherein the module housing (17) is designed in several parts, the communication circuit board (25) is held on the module housing (17) via a first fastening structure (31) and the camera circuit board (23) is attached to an attachment via a second fastening structure (31`). (20) of the module housing (17) is held. Household appliance (1) according to one of the Claims 11 or 12 , wherein the module housing (33) is made in one piece, the camera circuit board (23) is held via a fastening structure (31) projecting from a base plate (34) of the module housing (33) and the communication circuit board (25) via a clamp (261) for the Cable connector (26) is held on the module housing (33). Method for attaching at least one camera module (15, 16) to an inner wall (6-10) of a household appliance (1) delimiting a storage space (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the module housing (17, 33) is removed from the storage space (3 ) is placed in an inclined position on the side of the inner wall (6-10) facing away from the storage space or on a backing part (13, 14) arranged there and is then locked in the straight position by pivoting.

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