ES2857673T3 - Refrigeration and / or freezing appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

Refrigerating and / or freezing apparatus with a body, and a cooled internal space surrounded by the body in which a horizontal separation plate is arranged, wherein the apparatus has a mist generator to generate a mist, means being provided for generate condensate, where the condensate is the condensation water from the evaporator and / or the condensed water from the evaporator and / or the mist generator, characterized in that the horizontal separation plate is configured to conduct the mist from the rear of the plate horizontal separation plate through the horizontal separation plate towards an opening arranged in its front zone, where the means for generating condensate are connected with the mist generator in such a way that the formed condensate is fed by means of collector means to the mist generator and it is used for the generation of fog.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Refrigeration and / or freezing appliance

The present invention relates to a refrigeration and / or freezing apparatus with at least one body and with at least one internal refrigerated space surrounded by the body. Refrigerating and / or freezing apparatus of the type mentioned at the beginning can be found, for example, in JP2006046768, or also in US2003033822.

The present invention is based on the objective of improving a refrigeration and / or freezing apparatus of the type mentioned at the beginning in the sense that it efficiently performs humidification of the refrigerated internal space or of the product located therein.

This objective is solved by a refrigeration and / or freezing device with the characteristics of claim 1. Accordingly, it is provided that the device has at least one fog generator. By using a mist generator, not only efficient humidification, but also an attractive visual overall impression can be achieved. In a special embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the apparatus to have at least one light source, which is arranged in such a way that the mist generated by the mist generator (humidifier) is illuminated at least partially by the light source at the minus one operating status of the apparatus. By illuminating the generated fog, a particularly positive visual impression is conveyed. Apart from this, the user can carry out a control in the sense of humidifying the cooled product in a particularly simple way.

However, the generation of mist is not limited to the internal cooled space. The invention also encompasses the case that the mist is present on the external side of the body of the apparatus, or circulates along it.

The mist generator can be arranged in the cooled internal space and / or outside the cooled zone.

It is also conceivable that the mist generator is arranged in such a way that the generated mist reaches a cold surface whose temperature is selected so that the mist or components thereof precipitate on the surface. By means of the drops the humidification can be made visible together with the mist.

The mist is preferably water vapor.

Humidification using the mist generator can also be used to moisten plants, such as herbs.

The mist generator can be permanently integrated or also removable.

It is conceivable to arrange the mist generator on or on the rear wall, side wall, a partition plate (vertical or horizontal), ceiling, door, compressor niche, plug-in unit or appliance base or also in several of the aforementioned positions .

The area moistened by the mist generated can be, for example, the entire refrigerated area of the appliance or one or more partial areas of it. It is also conceivable to provide for the generation of mist only in a separate individual area, such as, for example, in a drawer or a separate area within a drawer.

The mist generator can be arranged such that the mist generated by it falls in a direction from top to bottom.

It is conceivable, for example, that the mist falls a mist curtain in one or more areas of the apparatus. Thus, for example, it is conceivable that a plug-in unit is provided which is made with outlet openings for the mist and from this the mist emerges. According to the invention, outlet openings of this type are present elsewhere in the apparatus, namely in a horizontal partition plate. This can have on its lower side in the area facing the front side, one or more exit openings for the mist, so that a mist curtain is located in the area below the horizontal separation plate, for example, in or in front of drawers or the like.

The invention also encompasses the case that at least one fan is provided by means of which the mist moves. Thus it is possible to specify a certain direction of movement of the mist. Consequently, the mist can be "blown", for example, also from the top down, or also in any other direction.

The water vapor or mist can be molded through the outlet opening and / or the fan, such as, for example, through its direction of transport and / or speed of rotation, so that it forms, for example, eddies or other shapes, which are more visible or, so that steam or mist flows through separately determined areas.

It is preferred when the mist generator has at least one outlet opening from which the mist generated by the mist generator is directed, it being preferably provided that the outlet opening is oriented so that the fog occurs at least partially in the area illuminated by the light source. As already discussed above, a particularly attractive visual impression is achieved when the mist is illuminated by the light source and preferably is backlit.

The humidification produced by the mist can be carried out partially or also completely outside the internal cooled space. Thus, for example, it is conceivable that the mist generator in this case serves as a room humidifier. In this connection, it is conceivable that at least one outlet opening is provided, which is provided in the housing, so that the mist moves along the outer wall of the housing, for example outside along the door. , whereby a particularly attractive overall visual impression is achieved. By means of adequate lighting this effect is especially enhanced.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the apparatus has a fixed water intake and / or has a tank which is connected to the mist generator and, through which, the mist generator is supplied with liquid.

According to the invention it is envisaged that at least one means for generating condensate is provided with which the mist generator is connected in order to supply itself with liquid.

For the generation of mist, for example potable water or also specially designed water, for example colored water or water with a certain odor direction, is considered. For this, it is possible to use, for example, own cartridges that can be used on the user side, as is known from the field of modern coffee machines. This specially configured water can thus be enriched with aromas, vitamins, homeopathic agents, etc. Thus, it is possible for the user to insert one of these cartridges or the like into an introduction opening correspondingly provided for this, so that the mist generator enriches the mist produced correspondingly with these substances.

It is also conceivable to add substances to the water by means of which the storage life of the cooling or freezing product is prolonged. Consider, for example, silver, chlorine dioxide, free radical scavenger, etc.

The invention also encompasses the case where the mist generator or the area above the mist generator is filled manually.

In principle, provision can be made for the mist generator to be supplied with liquid automatically. For example, it is conceivable that a fill level regulation is provided which independently causes a filling of a tank or of the mist generator when the fill level falls below a certain level.

Preferably, the mist generator is connected to its own tank. This can be realized, for example, as a bottle, for example as a mineral water bottle. Preferably, the reservoir is configured so that it can be filled by the user and / or it can be inserted into the apparatus by the user himself.

The invention also includes the case that the mist generator does not have any tank expressly associated with it, but uses a tank that exists anyway in the apparatus, such as, for example, a tank that is present for the preparation of ice cubes. ice.

According to the invention at least one means for generating condensate is provided which is connected to the mist generator in such a way that the formed condensate is fed to the mist generator and used for the generation of mist. Thus, it is conceivable to supply the mist generator with condensed water. This condensed water can be generated, for example, by cooling the evaporator or the mist generator itself. Precipitated water can be collected and used for fog generation.

This is also the case correspondingly for condensation water which is produced during normal operation of the appliance, as well as for condensation water which is produced in the context of a defrosting process of the evaporator or of the refrigeration or freezing space.

In a further embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the supply to the mist generator to run through at least one filter. This can be a dirt filter and / or an ion exchanger. In the latter case, for example, the water can be softened.

From hygienic points of view, it is preferred to resort to distilled water for the generation of mist. It is also considered sterile water.

Cleaning additives can also be added to the water.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the mist generator, as well as its water supply and the mist duct, that is to say the duct from which the generated mist exits, which can be designed, for example, as a flexible tube, are equipped with antibacterial way to ensure hygienically correct mist generation. Antibacterial agents are considered, for example, silver, UV radiation and TiO2.

As an alternative or in addition to this, provision can be made that the mist generator, its water supply, as well as the mist duct, and in particular its hose, can be easily cleaned. This can be achieved, for example, because these components can be removed, are dishwasher safe and do not have undercuts as far as possible, so that dead spaces for the settlement of bacteria are avoided as far as possible.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, means for the protection of Legionella are provided, such as, for example, heating coils, means for generating UV radiation, etc. These can be present, for example, in the water intake duct, in the reservoir or at the outlet of the mist generator, or in several or all of these positions.

The shape of the outlet opening for the generated mist can be, for example, round, oval, angular, etc.

One or more outlet openings may be provided. This at least one outlet opening can extend, for example, over the entire width of the drawer, over the entire width of the internal refrigerated space, over the width of a horizontal partition plate, etc.

As already stated above, it is advantageous when the mist is directed from at least one exit opening and in particular in such a way that the area of the light source is highlighted.

The method of humidification itself can be any. It is preferred to generate the mist by means of ultrasound (piezoelectric element), possibly in combination with a fan. It is also possible to generate an air stream through a water surface by means of a fan and to produce mist in this case.

Other atomization techniques are also known from the invention, such as, for example, pressure nozzles as known from the field of perfume atomizers, rotary atomizers, as well as evaporation by heating and / or by negative pressure.

Operation of the mist generator can be done, for example, because an on / off switch is arranged directly on the mist generator. As an alternative to this, the fog generator can be switched on or off via the control element of the cooling or freezing appliance, or also via a remote control, for example via an intelligent device such as, for example, a smart phone. In this regard, it is conceivable that via the Internet or a wireless communication technology, such as, for example, Bluetooth, the user can give the command to turn the fogger on or off.

In a further embodiment of the invention, provision is made for at least one control or regulation unit to be provided which causes the generator to switch on or off or to change the mode of operation (such as, for example, the intensity or duration of operation). of fog. In this regard, the control or generation logic for the mist generator can be located next to or on the mist generator, so that there is no contact for the electronics of the apparatus that controls or regulates the entire apparatus.

As an alternative to this, the regulation or control logic for the fog generators is located on the electronics of the device, so that a separate component is not necessary.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that at least one control or regulation unit is provided which operates the mist generator depending on at least one parameter.

This is true in particular for the intensity and / or for the working time of the mist generator. Also other parameters of the mist generator, such as, for example, the amount generated, the liquid from which the mist is generated and possible additives can be made to depend on one or more parameters.

It is conceivable, for example, that the mist generator operates permanently as soon as the refrigeration and / or freezing apparatus is switched on.

It is also conceivable that the mist generator is switched on or off for predetermined time intervals. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, that the mist generator is on for basically one minute and off for three minutes. Naturally these values are just examples.

As an additional parameter, the opening of the door or the opening of another closing element, such as a drawer or lid, is considered. In this respect it is conceivable that the fog generator only turns on when the door, etc. the appliance opens.

An additional parameter is the operation of the compressor, such as its working time and rotational speed.

Thus it is, for example, conceivable that a fog generation is performed only then when the compressor is operating so that the user can immediately distinguish that a cooling operation occurs when a corresponding fog generation occurs.

It is also conceivable to operate the mist generator depending on the amount of condensation water that is produced. If sufficient condensation water is present, it is conceivable to operate it generally or at a higher intensity than in cases where there is only a small amount of condensation water.

It is also conceivable that one or more sensors are present inside or outside the cooled internal space, which measure parameters, as a function of which the mist generator is operated. Such parameters can be, for example, temperature, air humidity, contact, light, as well as the amount and type of load (vegetables, meat, etc.).

For example, it is conceivable that the fog generator is operated within the framework of a regulation circuit and that it has the objective of always maintaining a certain humidity of the air in the cooled internal space or also in the atmosphere around the appliance. refrigeration or freezing. It is also conceivable that the fog generator is put into operation, for example, when it is verified that the apparatus is touched, from which it follows that a door opening is carried out shortly.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the mentioned light source, which illuminates the generated fog, is only in operation when the fog generator is in operation.

It is therefore conceivable that one or more sensors are provided which are arranged inside or outside the apparatus and that the mist generator is operated on the basis of the measured values.

It can be a motion sensor or a distance sensor that records the movement or distance of the user of the device. Thus, the mist generator can be put into operation, for example, at a certain time or period (for example 1 s) before the user touches the apparatus.

The use of a food sensor is also conceivable. This can register, for example, the color, the smell of the product and / or gases that come out of it and adapt the humidification, that is, the operation of the mist generator to the food.

A magnetic sensor is also conceivable, such as, for example, a reed switch in the door or lid, etc. Thus, shortly before opening the door, it is possible to activate humidification or start the mist generator.

The light source may be the internal refrigerated space lighting means that are present anyway, ie the normal lighting of the appliance.

It is also conceivable that a light source expressly associated with the fog generator is provided, for example an effect light source that can emit light in different colors, at different intensities, at different times, etc. The effect light source is, for example, a laser.

The light source can form a common component group with the fog generator. Of course, independent assemblies are also conceivable and not covered by the invention.

The mist generator can be located in the area of the light source. Thus, for example, a present light source can be used and the fog generator can be plugged in on its own. In this case, a retrofit solution is conceivable out of the box, since separate lighting is not necessary in this case.

It is also conceivable that sound effects accompany the operation of the light source, or that sound effects, also exist without the operation of the light source depending on one or more of the aforementioned parameters.

Fog or water vapor can act as a "display screen" so that, for example, a laser or other projector that is arranged, for example, on the door, lid or body of the appliance, can project towards the fog curtain. falling, for example, from top to bottom, any information, such as words, letters, numbers, images, etc. Information is considered, for example, the temperature in the internal refrigerated space, information regarding the stored product, etc.

The light source and / or the projector could be components of the apparatus. However, they can also be realized as external appliances, i.e. not as components of the appliance, so that the present invention also comprises a system with at least one cooling appliance according to the invention and an external light source or with an external projector. This can be mounted, for example, on a kitchen wall, etc.

Other details and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail by means of an embodiment described below.

In the exemplary embodiment, it is a refrigeration appliance having a refrigeration compartment as well as a cold storage box. There is a drawer in the cold storage box. Above the drawer there is a horizontal partition plate that separates the refrigeration space arranged above from the cold storage box arranged below. In the cooled internal space there is a water tank, as well as a mist generator, which is connected to the water tank and which atomizes the water using ultrasound so that a mist is formed.

This mist is led over the rear of the horizontal separation plate through the horizontal separation plate towards its front area. In this area there are one or more outlet openings distributed over the width of the horizontal separation plate from which the mist emerges and then "falls" downwards. In this case, in front and if necessary, in the box below the horizontal partition plate, a mist curtain or a mist wall is formed. This fog is illuminated by means of illumination that are present without more in the apparatus and serve for the illumination of the internal refrigerated space or by means of a specially associated lighting unit (such as, for example, LEDs) that can be found for example in the plate of horizontal separation and preferably in its frontal area.

In addition to these front openings, additional openings are arranged in the horizontal partition plate which are preferably oriented so that the mist is moistened in order to humidify the internal space of the drawer.

The operation of the mist generator can depend on one or more parameters.

Thus it is, for example, conceivable that the actual value of the air humidity is measured, for example, in the cited drawer, compared with a theoretical value and, in the event that the air humidity is too low, through a signal is issued from a control or regulation unit to the fog generator to start fog generation. The mist generator can therefore be a component of a regulating circuit to keep the humidity of the air constant.

It is also conceivable that the fog generator depends on other parameters such as, for example, the door opening.

It is conceivable, for example, that whenever the door of the apparatus is opened the mist generator is switched on to convey the overall positive visual impression mentioned above.

Preferably, the liquid from which the mist is generated is essentially water and especially preferably potable water. The user fills it in the aforementioned tank of the mist generator. As an alternative to this, it can be provided that, through a fixed water connection, it is ensured that there is always a sufficient fill level in the tank.

As discussed above, there is the possibility of adding additives to the water, such as flavors, vitamins, etc. So that the mist formed contains these additives. For this, it is conceivable that the mist generator has an opening into which the user can insert a corresponding cartridge, or the like, containing the aforementioned substances.

By means of the present invention it is possible to provide a humidifier, that is to say a mist generator, the mist generation being designed in a particularly attractive manner. By means of fogging, an extension of the storage life of foods requiring high air humidity can be achieved. This is achieved through the use of active humidification through the humidifier, that is, mist generator. According to the invention, the generation of fog can be visually well perceived and this effect can be further enhanced, if necessary by light effects, etc.

Claims (13)

1. Refrigerating and / or freezing apparatus with a body, and a cooled internal space surrounded by the body in which a horizontal separation plate is arranged, where The apparatus has a mist generator to generate a mist, means being provided for generating condensate, wherein the condensate is the condensation water from the evaporator and / or the condensed water from the evaporator and / or the mist generator, characterized in that the plate The horizontal separation plate is configured to conduct the mist from the rear of the horizontal separation plate through the horizontal separation plate towards an opening arranged in its front area, wherein the means for generating condensate is connected to the mist generator in such a way that the formed condensate is fed by collecting means to the mist generator and is used for generating mist. Refrigerating and / or freezing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the appliance has at least one light source which is arranged in such a way that the mist generated by the mist generator, in at least one operating state of the apparatus, is at least partially illuminated by the light source. Refrigeration and / or freezing appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mist generator is arranged in such a way that the mist generated by it is present in the cooled internal space and / or on the external side of the body. and / or on a cold surface, the temperature of which is below the dew point of the medium that forms the mist. Refrigerating and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mist generator is arranged in such a way that the mist generated by it falls in a direction from top to bottom or that at least one fan is provided which is arranged in such a way that the mist generated by the mist generator is moved by the fan. Refrigeration and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mist generator has at least one outlet opening from which the mist generated by the mist generator is directed, wherein it is preferably provided that the outlet opening is oriented in such a way that the mist appears in the area illuminated by the light source. Refrigeration and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means are present which are configured in such a way that the mist has a certain shape, wherein preferably it is provided that these means are formed through the outlet opening and / or through a fan. Refrigeration and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the appliance has a fixed water intake or a tank which is connected to the mist generator and through which the mist generator is supplied of liquid and / or because at least one means for generating condensate is provided, with which the mist generator is connected. Refrigerating and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control or regulation unit is provided which operates the mist generator as a function of at least one parameter. 9. Refrigeration and / or freezing appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one parameter is one or more of the following parameters: duration and / or frequency of opening of the actuation of the closing element of the appliance, in particular of the door, lid or drawer, time, parameters of the compressor of the cooling agent circuit, amount of condensation water, temperature, air humidity, contact by a user, light, amount or type of load of the internal refrigerated space, color, odor of the product of refrigeration or freezing or gases emitted by this, movement of a user or distance of a user of the appliance. Refrigeration and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control or regulation unit is provided which is configured in such a way that the light source is only operating when the fog generator is in operation. running. Refrigeration and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source is the means of illumination of the cooled internal space or a light source expressly associated with the fog generator and / or that the source of light is an effect light source. Refrigerating and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mist generator and the light source form a common assembly or that the mist generator can be placed, in particular can be fitted, on a source existing light of the device. Refrigerating and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, or system comprising at least one cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the appliance or the system has at least one light source and / or a projector, and because the generated fog is illuminated by the light source or serves as a display screen for the information generated from the projector side.