WO2012062496A2

WO2012062496A2 - Refigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2012062496A2
Application number: PCT/EP2011/065284
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sebastian Stigler; Kaan Alpaslan
Original assignee: Osram Opto Semiconductors Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-11-08
Filing date: 2011-09-05
Publication date: 2012-05-18
Also published as: WO2012062496A3; DE102010050717A1

Abstract

The invention specifies a refrigerator having a useable chamber (1), which is bounded by at least two side walls (11a, 11b), a top wall (11c), a base wall (11d) and a rear wall (11e), having at least one power supply (2a, 2b) on each of the side walls (11a, 11b), wherein the power supply (2a, 2b) extends from the top wall (11c) in the direction of the base wall (11d) in each case along an outer surface of the side wall (11a, 11b) which is directed towards the useable chamber (1), and having at least one shelf (3), which is fastened in a mechanically releasable manner on the side walls (11a, 11b) in the useable chamber (1), wherein the at least one shelf (3) comprises at least one light-emitting diode (31) for illuminating the useable chamber (1), and the at least one light-emitting diode (31) is connected to the power supplies (11a, 11b) in an electrically conductive and mechanically releasable manner.

Description

description

Refrigerator A fridge is specified.

The document DE 20 2008 011 368 Ul describes a refrigerator. An object to be solved is to specify a refrigerator in which the entire working space is efficient and as even as possible in a particularly simple manner

can be illuminated. The refrigerator is an electrically operated device that is integrated in a cabinet.

For example, the refrigerator can be designed as a built-in refrigerator or as a freestanding refrigerator. The term refrigerator are also below

Freezers and freezers to understand.

According to at least one embodiment of the refrigerator, the refrigerator comprises a utility space. In the useful space of the refrigerator goods are stored for cooling at a temperature which is usually lower than the outside temperature. The work space is bounded by at least two side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall and a rear wall. On the side facing away from the rear wall of the work space is, for example, a door through which the work space is accessible from the outside and can be completed to the outside. According to at least one disclosed embodiment of the refrigerator, the refrigerator has at least one power supply to each of the side walls, wherein the power supply extends in each case to an outer surface of the side wall facing the work space. The power supply preferably extends in a direction from the top wall to the bottom wall. For example, an extension of the part of the power supply that extends on the outer surface of the side wall, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the top wall and / or to the bottom wall. For example, exactly one such power supply is arranged on the outer surface of each side wall, which extends from the top wall in the direction of the bottom wall.

According to at least one embodiment of the refrigerator, the refrigerator has a shelf, which is fastened mechanically detachably on the side walls in the work space. The at least one shelf subdivides the useful space into several compartments or compartments so that goods to be cooled in the working space are vertically stacked one above the other, that is, for example, in the

Extension direction of the power supply to the

Side walls, are storable.

The at least one shelf is mechanically releasably attached to the side walls in the work space. "Mechanically detachable" means that the shelf when using a

mechanical force can be released from the side walls without destruction or damage when used properly

Damage to shelf or utility room done. The shelf is, for example, along mechanical

Holding devices, such as guide rails, in the

Usable space pushed or pulled out of the usable space. According to at least one embodiment of the refrigerator, the at least one shelf comprises at least one

LED that is set up to illuminate the utility room. In other words, a lighting of the

Workspace and thus stored in the refrigerator goods, by means of at least one light emitting diode, which is integrated in the shelf. Preferably, each shelf of the refrigerator comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating the

Usable space.

According to at least one embodiment of the refrigerator, the at least one light-emitting diode is electrically conductively and mechanically detachably connected to the power supply lines. This means that the at least one light-emitting diode of the at least one shelf is supplied with electrical power via the power supply lines arranged on the side walls of the useful space. The electrically conductive connection between the at least one light emitting diode and the power supply lines is also mechanically detachable. In particular, the connection can be made simultaneously with the mechanical release of the

Shelf be solved by the side walls.

According to at least one embodiment of the refrigerator, the refrigerator comprises a utility space which has at least two side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall and a rear wall and is bounded by these elements. Furthermore, the refrigerator comprises at least one power supply to each of the side walls, wherein the power supply extends in each case at an outer surface of the side wall facing the work space from the top wall in the direction of the bottom wall. Furthermore, the refrigerator comprises at least one shelf, which is mechanically detachably attached to the side wall in the work space, wherein the at least one shelf at least one Light-emitting diode for illuminating the useful space comprises and the at least one light-emitting diode with the power supply lines

electrically conductive and mechanically releasably connected.

The refrigerator described here is based inter alia on the recognition that an integration of light sources, such as light emitting diodes, in the shelves of the refrigerator allows the most uniform illumination of the entire useful space. That's the way it is

possible to distribute the bulbs throughout the utility room. Unlike a central light source, the

For example, on the top wall or the rear wall of

Workspace can be arranged, the light emitted by the LEDs of the shelves light can not already by a few located in front of the light source goods in the refrigerator

be blocked because light sources can be arranged on each shelf and thus in each compartment or compartment of the refrigerator. Power supply to the side walls of the

Work space is a particularly simple way to provide a variety of light sources, in the work space at the same time with electricity.

According to at least one embodiment of the refrigerator, at least one of the power supply lines, in particular all of the power supply lines, is designed as a metal strip which is fastened to its associated side wall or is part of its associated side wall, wherein the power supply, in particular over the entire length of the power supply , is not electrically isolated to the utility room. With others

In words, a power supply via the power supply lines in the work space via a low voltage (also low-voltage system). The voltage applied to the power supply lines is thereby preferably at most 25 V, for example 20 V or

fewer .

The metal strips can be attached to the side walls or the side walls are in places by the

Metal strips formed. The metal strips can thus in the side walls and thus in d. -S housing the refrigerator to be integrated.

According to at least one embodiment of the refrigerator, at least one of the power supply lines, for example all of the power supply lines, runs in places on the top wall and / or the bottom wall and / or the rear wall. The

Power supply is then attached in places to these walls of the work space or forms part of these walls.

For example, a power supply for powering the

Power supplies integrated into one of these walls, the

Power supply then carries electrical power from this

Power supply to the consumer, so at least one

Led .

According to at least one embodiment of the refrigerator, the at least one shelf comprises at least two

Contact springs, each of which is electrically conductive and mechanically detachable connected to one of the power supply lines. The number of contact springs corresponds for example to the number of power supply lines. The contact springs are used for

Contact formation between the power supply lines and the

at least one light emitting diode and are electrically connected to the at least one light emitting diode. At the

Insertion of the shelf in the work space, the contact springs make an electrically conductive contact with the

Power supply ago, in which they are the power supply touch, so in direct contact with the

Power supply are located. This proves to be particularly advantageous if the power supply to the utility room are not isolated, so for example as metal strips

are formed, since a contact can then take place at any point along the power supply. In this way, the shelf or the shelves, which have at least one light-emitting diode, are distributed particularly variable in the work space.

The contact spring has a spring force which, in the case of a shelf inserted into the work space, is in the direction of

Power supply is directed so that during the entire time in which the shelf is in the work space, an electrical contact between the contact springs and

Power supply is ensured.

According to at least one disclosed embodiment of the refrigerator, the power supply lines are electrically connected to a power supply, which is arranged outside the work space, in particular in an insulation of the refrigerator. The power supply unit is for operating the at least one light-emitting diode,

preferably set up to operate all light-emitting diodes. In particular, the power supply can be separated from the useful space by the refrigerator insulation, at least to the working space, so that heat generated during operation of the power supply can not heat the work space.

According to at least one embodiment of the refrigerator, the at least one shelf comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes for illuminating the useful space, wherein the light-emitting diodes

at least in places along a direction which extends transversely to at least one of the side walls are arranged. In other words, the light emitting diodes along the front of a door of the refrigerator facing front and / or the door facing away from the back of the shelf

extend. For example, LEDs can be arranged over the entire width of the shelf at regular intervals.

According to at least one embodiment of the refrigerator, the light emitting diodes emit light during operation, the

Main emission direction away from the shelf, especially in the direction of another shelf is directed.

For example, an underlying shelf can be illuminated in this way by the light emitting diodes of a shelf. The main emission direction of

Light-emitting diodes, for example, at an angle of at least 40 ° and at most 50 °, for example, from 45 ° down from the shelf, which are associated with the LEDs, away.

According to at least one embodiment of the refrigerator, at least one of the shelves comprises one

radiation-permeable pane, wherein the at least one light-emitting diode emits at least a portion of its light into the radiation-transmissive pane during operation. In the

radiation-permeable pane is the load-bearing element of the shelf, on which the goods to be cooled are stored, for example. At least some of the light-emitting diodes or all light-emitting diodes can emit at least part of their light into the radiation-transmissive pane, so that the light passes through the radiation-transmissive pane in the manner of a light guide along the

radiation-permeable disk is distributed. The

Radiation-permeable disk can, for example, a Have surface structuring that allows the most uniform distribution of light over the entire disc. It is possible that the shelf

Having light-emitting diodes, which emit a large part of their light in the radiolucent pane and more

Light emitting diodes, the light with a

Radiate the main radiation direction, that of the shelf and thus of the radiation-permeable disc of

Shelf is directed away. In the event that the

Shelf has no light-emitting diodes, which radiate their light into the disk, for example, when the light of all light emitting diodes directed downward, away from the disk, it is possible that the disc is not made radiation-transparent. The disc can then, for example

be formed radiopaque and / or reflective.

According to at least one embodiment of the refrigerator, the refrigerator comprises at least two similar types

Shelves, all the same shelves are electrically connected to the same power supply lines. The shelves are then interchangeable, so that, for example, after removing and cleaning the

Shelves no fixed order must be maintained when re-introducing the shelves in the utility room.

A refrigerator described here is characterized, among other things, by the following advantages: The shelves can be easily removed from the work space and, for example, can be reintroduced into the work space after cleaning. The arrangement of the shelves and thus the illumination in the refrigerator can be made very variable. It is also possible that in the fridge Shelves with light-emitting diodes and shelves without LEDs are used. Due to the Stormzuführungen on the side walls of the usable space can be dispensed with the laying of cables in the refrigerator and the use of plugs for connecting the LEDs of the shelves. Furthermore, a trained as a metal strip

Power supply in the utility room perceived as visually pleasing.

According to at least one embodiment, at least one of the light-emitting diodes comprises a thin-film light-emitting diode chip. Of the

Thin-film LED chip has at its rear side

Carrier substrate, which of a growth substrate for the epitaxially grown layers of the

Thin-film LED chips is different. The

Growth substrate is preferably completely removed from the epitaxially grown layers, so that the

Thin-film light-emitting diode chip is free from a growth substrate. The thin-film light-emitting diode chip is characterized by at least one of the following characteristic features:

· At one to a support element, in particular the

Carrier substrate, major wall facing the

Radiation-generating semiconductor layer sequence, which is in particular radiation-generating epitaxially grown layers, a reflective layer is applied or formed, the at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated in the semiconductor layer sequence in this

reflected back;

• The thin-film LED chip has a carrier element

which is not the growth substrate on which the semiconductor layer sequence

was epitaxially grown, but a separate one Carrier element, the subsequent to the

Semiconductor layer sequence was attached;

• The semiconductor layer sequence has a thickness in the range of 20 μπι or less, in particular in the range of 10 μπι or less;

• the semiconductor layer sequence is free of one

Growth substrate. In the present context, "free of a growth substrate" means that an optionally for

Growing wax substrate used by the

Semiconductor layer sequence is removed or at least heavily thinned. In particular, it is so thinned that it alone or together with the epitaxially grown layers is not self-supporting. Of the

remaining remainder of the highly thinned growth substrate is in particular as such for the function of a

Growth substrate unsuitable; and

• the semiconductor layer sequence contains at least one

Semiconductor layer having at least one surface having a mixing structure, which leads to an almost ergodic distribution of the light in the semiconductor layer sequence, that is, it has an ergodisch stochastic scattering behavior as possible.

A thin-film LED chip is in good approximation

Lambert 's surface emitter and therefore, for example, is well suited for the application to especially

uniform and homogeneous lighting in the refrigerator.

In the following, the refrigerator described here will be explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments and the associated figures. The schematic representation of Figure 1 shows the electrical connection of light emitting diodes of a shelf in a refrigerator described here.

The schematic perspective view of Figure 2

shows an enlarged detail of a refrigerator described here to explain the

Contacting of the LEDs of the shelf.

The schematic perspective view of Figure 3

shows an embodiment of a refrigerator described here. The schematic sectional view of Figure 4 shows the

Arrangement of shelves in a refrigerator described here.

The same, similar or equivalent elements are provided in the figures with the same reference numerals. The figures and the proportions of the elements shown in the figures with each other are not to scale

consider. Rather, individual elements may be exaggerated in size for better representability and / or better understanding.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of the connection of light-emitting diodes 31 of an exemplary embodiment of a refrigerator described here. The LEDs 31 are

for example, arranged on a common connection carrier 33. In the connection carrier 33 may be

For example, a metal core board or a printed circuit board act. On or in the Connection carrier 33 are conductor tracks 35 structured, which connect the light-emitting diodes electrically conductive with each other. In the present case, the LEDs 31 are in two strands

arranged. In each strand five LEDs are connected in series with each other. The two strings are connected in parallel. Each strand with light-emitting diodes in the present case comprises an electrical resistor 32, which is connected in series with the light-emitting diodes of a string. The electrical resistance 32 serves, for example, to compensate for the forward voltage.

The connection carrier 33 with the light-emitting diodes 31 is part of a shelf 3 and, for example, fixed mechanically fixedly with a radiation-permeable pane 37 of the shelf 3 (see also FIG. 2).

The LEDs 31 are electrically connected via contact springs 5a, 5b with associated power supply lines 2a, 2b. The power supply lines 2a, 2b are formed, for example, as metal strips. The metal strips may for example consist of aluminum.

The power supply lines 2a, 2b are connected to a power supply 4

connected, which is a low voltage to operate the

Light emitting diodes 31 provides. For example, the power supply 4 provides a voltage of 19 V for operating the

Light emitting diodes available.

The schematic sectional view of Figure 2 shows an enlarged detail of an embodiment of a refrigerator described here. In this embodiment, the connection carrier 33 is mechanically fixed to a disk, for example a radiation-transmissive disk 37, connected as the supporting element for the on the

Shelf 3 to be deposited goods. FIG. 2 schematically shows a contact spring 5b, which mediates an electrically conductive contact between the power supply 2b and the light emitting diodes 31. This can be between

Contact spring 5b and the LEDs 31, for example, a contact wire 36 or a conductor 35 convey the electrical contact. The LEDs 31 are present along a

Side surface 39 of the radiation-transmissive disk 37 is arranged. For example, the LEDs 31 extend over the entire width of the radiation-transmissive

Disk 37 in a direction transverse to the side walls IIa, IIb of the refrigerator (see also Figure 3).

The contact spring 5a is designed as a metal spring, which comprises a flexible, semicircularly curved metal strip, which produces an electrically conductive contact with the power supply 2b when inserted in the useful space shelf. The spring force of the spring contact 5b acts in the direction of the power supply 2b. It proves to be advantageous that the power supply 2b at least

in places, in particular completely to the work space is not electrically isolated, so that an electrically conductive contact along the entire power supply 2b can be formed. It does not have a predetermined range of

Power supply 2b are touched by the contact spring 5b, which is an insertion of the shelf into the usable space and thus a simultaneous contacting of the light emitting diodes 31st

facilitated . An aperture 34, for example, with a metal or

Plastic is formed, covers the LEDs 31 to the outside, so that the LEDs are not visible from the outside.

In the schematic perspective view of Figure 3, an embodiment of a refrigerator described here is shown. The refrigerator comprises the work space 1, which through the two side walls IIa, IIb, the top wall 11c, the

Floor wall lld and the back wall is limited. In the

Representation of Figure 3 is not the view of one

shown door of the refrigerator in the utility room. 1

into directed. Along the side walls IIa, IIb, the power supply lines 2a, 2b are arranged, which in the present case are not electrically isolated to the work space out. Further, the power supply lines 2a, 2b extend in places on the top wall 11c towards the power supply unit 4. The power supply unit 4 is present at the side of the top wall 11c facing away from the work space 1, for example behind a thermal insulation of the refrigerator

arranged.

The insert 3 with the LEDs 31 is mechanically detachable by the mechanical holding devices 6,

For example, guide rails, held in the utility room 1. A contact with the power supply lines 2a, 2b takes place

for example, via the contact springs 5a, 5b described in more detail in FIG.

On the basis of the schematic representation of Figure 4 a possible orientation of the light-emitting diodes 31 in the useful space 1 is described in more detail. FIG. 4 shows in a schematic

Sectional views two similar shelves 3, 3 ', which are arranged one above the other in the working space 1 of the refrigerator are. Each shelf comprises, for example, a radiation-permeable pane 32, on each one

Connection carrier 33 is mechanically connected. The light-emitting diodes 31 are arranged on an example of the door and / or the rear wall all side facing surface 39 of the disc 37. In the present case, the main radiation direction of the

Light emitting diodes 31 emitted light in the direction of the shelf 3 directed away. For example, the

Light emitting diodes arranged at an angle on the connection carrier 33 and / or the LEDs 31 have corresponding optical elements that directs the light generated by the light emitting diodes 31 38 away from the shelves. As can be seen from the schematic representation of FIG. 4, light emitting diodes 31 arranged in this way can, for example, illuminate goods which are arranged on an underlying shelf 3 '.

Each light-emitting diode 31 comprises at least one light-emitting diode chip 310, which is preferably a light-emitting diode chip 310

Thin-film light-emitting diode chip acts.

This patent application claims the priority of German Patent Application 102010050717.2, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The invention is not limited by the description based on the embodiments of these. Rather, the invention encompasses every new feature as well as every combination of features, which in particular includes any combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or combination itself is not explicitly described in the claims

Claims or embodiments is given.

Claims

claims

1. Refrigerator with

- A work space (1) which is bounded by at least two side walls (IIa, IIb), a top wall (11c), a bottom wall (lld) and a rear wall (lle),

- At least one power supply (2a, 2b) at each of

Side walls (IIa, IIb), wherein the power supply (2a, 2b) in each case at one of the work space (1) facing outer surface of the side wall (IIa, IIb) of the top wall (11c) in the direction of the bottom wall (ld) extends

- At least one shelf (3) which is mechanically releasably attached to the side walls (IIa, IIb) in the work space (1), wherein

- The at least one shelf (3) at least one

Light-emitting diode (31) for illuminating the Nutzraums (1), and

- The at least one light emitting diode (31) with the

Power supply lines (IIa, IIb) is electrically conductively and mechanically detachably connected.

2. Refrigerator according to the previous claim,

in which

- The at least one shelf (3) at least two

Contact springs (5a, 5b) comprises, which are each electrically conductively and mechanically detachably connected to one of the power supply lines (2a, 2b), wherein the contact springs (5a, 5b) are electrically conductively connected to the at least one light-emitting diode (31),

- The at least one shelf (3) comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (31) for illuminating the Nutzraums (1), wherein the light emitting diodes (31) along a direction transverse to at least one of the side walls (IIa, IIb) runs,

are arranged

- At least one of the LEDs (31) a

Thin film light emitting diode chip (310), and

- At least one, in particular all, the power supplies

(2a, 2b) is designed as an electrically conductive strip which is attached to the side wall (IIa, IIb) associated therewith or is part of the side wall (IIa, IIb) associated therewith, wherein the power supply (2a, 2b) to the work space (1 ) is not electrically isolated.

3. Refrigerator according to one of the preceding claims,

in which at least one of the power supply lines (2a, 2b) is designed as a metal strip which is fastened to the side wall (IIa, IIb) assigned to it or is part of its associated side wall (IIa, IIb), wherein the

Power supply (2a, 2b) to the work space (1) out is not electrically isolated.

4. Refrigerator according to the previous claim,

in which at least one of the power supply lines (2a, 2b)

in places on the top wall (11c) and / or the bottom wall (ld) and / or the rear wall (llle) is attached or

Part of the top wall (11 c) and / or the bottom wall (ld) and / or the rear wall (llle) is.

5. Refrigerator according to one of the preceding claims,

in which the at least one shelf (3) comprises at least two contact springs (5a, 5b) which are each electrically conductively and mechanically detachably connected to one of the power supply lines (2a, 2b), wherein the contact springs (5a, 5b) are electrically conductive with the at least one light emitting diode (31) are connected.

6. Refrigerator according to one of the preceding claims,

in which the power supply lines (2a, 2b) are electrically conductively connected to a power supply unit (4) which is outside the power supply

Workspace (1), in particular in or behind an insulation (7) of the refrigerator, is arranged, wherein the power supply (4) for operating the at least one light emitting diode (31)

is set up.

7. Refrigerator according to one of the preceding claims,

in which the at least one shelf (3) more

Light-emitting diodes (31) for illuminating the Nutzraums (1), wherein the light-emitting diodes (31) along a direction which is transverse to at least one of the side walls (IIa, IIb) are arranged.

8. Refrigerator according to one of the preceding claims,

in which the at least one light-emitting diode (31) emits light (38) during operation, whose main emission direction is away from the shelf (3), in particular in the direction of a further one

Shelf (3), is directed.

9. Refrigerator according to one of the preceding claims,

in which at least one of the shelves (3) a

in particular radiation-permeable disc (37), wherein the at least one light-emitting diode (31) in operation

at least part of its light (38) radiates into the disc (37).

10. Refrigerator according to one of the preceding claims with at least two similar shelves (3, 3 '), all the same shelves (3, 3') with the same

Power supply (2a, 2b) are electrically connected.

11. Refrigerator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the light-emitting diodes (31) comprises a thin-film light-emitting diode chip (310).