WO2017016797A1 - Humidifying device for a domestic refrigeration appliance, having an arrangement for detecting a cover on a tank; a domestic refrigeration appliance, and a method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a humidifying device (11) for introducing a fluid mist, produced from a liquid fluid, into a storage region (8) of an interior (4, 5) of a domestic refrigeration appliance (1), comprising a tank (15) which is filled with the liquid fluid to be nebulised and has a container (41) and a cover (42) able to be removed therefrom, as well as a tank carrier (32) into and from which said tank (15) can be inserted and removed, wherein the humidifying device (11) comprises an arrangement (47) which detects the cover (42) placed on the container (41) and is designed such that the tank (15) can only be brought into its final position on the tank carrier (32) when the cover (42) is arranged on the container (41). The invention also relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance (1) and a method.

Description

 Moistening device for a household refrigerating appliance with a device for detecting the lid on a tank,

 Domestic refrigeration appliance and method

The invention relates to a moistening device for introducing a generated from a liquid fluid mist in a storage area of an interior of a household refrigerator, which has a tank for filling with the liquid to be atomized with a container and a removable cover, and which has a tank carrier in which the tank can be used and removed non-destructively. The invention also relates to a household refrigerator and a method.

Domestic refrigerators, such as a refrigerator, are known from the prior art, which has an interior for the introduction of food. This interior space is usually limited by an inner container and closed at the front by a door. In the interior of cool air is generated, in which the present through a refrigeration circuit warm air is dissipated. In the interior, a storage area is separately formed for this purpose, which is also designed to receive food, in which case an entry of a fine water mist is made possible, whereby the storage quality of these fresh food is positively influenced. Thus, for specific fresh fruits and vegetables by humidification during storage product quality is maintained for a particularly long time. In addition, such moistening by means of a water mist accelerated cooling of these foods is realized.

Fruits and vegetables are products that have an active metabolism even after harvesting. Transpiration and respiration processes result in the loss of valuable ingredients as well as loss of fresh mass due to moisture loss.

By a suitable storage condition, these processes can be reduced or slowed down. The closer the storage temperature is to the freezing point of the particular product, the lower the loss of ingredients, since metabolic processes almost completely come to a standstill. Through an active humidification during storage can In addition, freshly stored foods are cooled by evaporative cooling, which also ensures the improved preservation of product quality.

Transpiration losses can be avoided mainly by maintaining the equilibrium moisture content of the stored material in the storage environment. For example, this is achieved by appropriate packaging or protected storage in tight storage boxes. This is already being implemented in special vegetable trays with humidity control in refrigerators.

In addition, there are systems that try to keep the moisture content high and thus minimize the transpiration losses of stored fruit and vegetables by evaporating moisture inside the vegetable peel, by re-wetting or actively misting water in the vegetable shell. Systems for active humidification are also known from the food retail trade. During product presentation of unpackaged goods, active humidification is performed to reduce moisture loss of the product. The limits of the systems in the function of product freshness in household refrigerators are always given by the underlying refrigeration system and the dependence of the load of the corresponding storage areas. So occurs in so-called no-frost systems on a very strong dehumidification, which can adversely affect the storage of fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, there are systems in which the good functionality is given only at high loading and thus high moisture input.

Previous systems in domestic refrigeration appliances are only able to maintain the given product status within the stated limits. An improvement of the product quality in terms of an additional protective function or in the sense of returning already lost freshness is not possible.

Domestic refrigerators, in which such a separated storage area is formed in an interior, are known from DE 10 2009 029 139 A1 and DE 10 2009 029 141 A1. It is an object of the present invention to provide a humidifying device, a household refrigerator and a method with which the operation is improved.

A moistening device according to the invention is designed to introduce a fluid mist generated from a liquid fluid into a storage area of an interior of a household refrigerating appliance. The moistening device is designed to generate the fluid mist from the liquid fluid. The moistening device comprises a tank for filling with the liquid fluid to be atomized. The tank has a container and further includes a removable from the container lid. This lid is thus part of the tank. Furthermore, the moistening device comprises a tank carrier in which the tank can be used and removed non-destructively. An essential idea of the invention is to be seen in that the moistening device has a device for detecting the lid placed on the container. The moistening device is thus formed with a cover detection device. This device is designed such that the tank can only be brought into its end position to the tank carrier when the lid is arranged in its end position on the container. Such an embodiment improves the operation of the moistening device. It can be prevented that the tank without the container reaches its final position on the tank carrier, so that an undesirable excessive Ausschwappen the liquid contained therein is prevented from the container. Since when reaching the end position of the container and thus also of the tank in the tank carrier a certain abrupt stopping the Einschiebebewegung the tank occurs in the tank carrier, it is virtually inevitable that liquid would siphon out of the container circumferentially liquid if the lid would not exist. This would then result in that the tank carrier and surrounding components of the moistening device as well as components in the storage area would be wetted with the liquid fluid. This leads to a user having to carry out a cleaning again and / or to suffer hygienic disadvantages. In addition, it is then possible that relatively much liquid fluid from the container without the lid swirls upwards or backwards and can also get directly into the interior of the tank carrier. This is particularly disadvantageous in that in the tank carrier electronic components of a Nebulizer unit of the moistening device preferably located so that they may be impaired in their functionality, if necessary.

In particular, the moistening device comprises a nebulizer unit, which also has a nebulizing element. By means of this nebulizer unit, the liquid fluid is atomized and generates the fluid mist. The nebulizing element acts on the liquid fluid in such a way that a fluid column with the fluid mist, which forms the nebulization rate or on which the nebulization rate is dependent, is generated in the vertical direction above the nebulizer element on the fluid surface. In particular, this lid detection device is also designed such that a transfer of the tank to its end position on the tank carrier is only possible when the lid is arranged in its correct intended and intended position on the container. This also means that, if the lid is insufficiently placed or does not have its intended end position on the container, then even such blocking the shipment of the tank occurs in the end position on the tank carrier.

Preferably, it is provided that the means for detecting the lid placed on the container is designed such that the tank can be inserted into the tank carrier and the check of the presence of the lid on the container only takes place from an attained intermediate position of the tank on the tank carrier. This means that on the way of the tank in the tank carrier towards its final position this check of the presence of the lid and thus the lid detection is not already at the beginning of this movement of the tank into the final position on the tank carrier, but only when the tank already was spent on the tank carrier in a certain partial way towards the final position. This is advantageous in that the tank is preferably guided on its way to the tank carrier in the direction of the end position and thus even when reaching this intermediate position at which then this check of the presence of the lid takes place and to a certain extent even then stably guided and is stably supported. Also, an undesirable side tilting or Verschwappen of liquid fluid can be prevented. If this test would take place already at the beginning of this path, where then also the tank to some extent in the tank carrier has to be threaded, so to speak To achieve this guideway and then targeted and directed to be performed in the final position on the tank carrier, this could already lead to unwanted tilting or Verspreizungen and thus the handling of the tank are made more difficult for a user. In particular, it would then possibly be difficult for a user to recognize whether a lock due to a non-existent cover already occurs here or whether the user does not properly insert the tank and in particular the container into the guide device on the tank carrier. It would therefore be given some uncertainty for the user to recognize why the further or the fundamental introduction of the tank in the tank carrier is not possible. Preferably, the means for detecting the lid mounted on the container is formed so that the presence of the lid takes place in a last third of the displacement path of the tank between its incipient Aufsetzposition on the tank carrier and its then end position on the tank carrier. The above-mentioned advantages are thereby further improved.

It can be provided that this means for detecting the presence of the lid on the container is designed for optically detecting the lid. For this purpose, a specific sensor can be provided. For example, here also a small camera can be provided. In particular, this at least one optical detector is arranged on the tank carrier.

It can also be provided that the means for detecting the presence of the lid on the container for magnetic and / or inductive and / or capacitive detection of the lid is formed. Here, too, corresponding elements or sensors can then be present. For example, a Hall sensor may be provided, which is installed in the tank carrier. If one or more magnets are then arranged in the cover, the presence of the cover can be detected by appropriate interaction with the Hall sensor. This information can be processed by a control unit of the device and it can be done in these embodiments then controlled by the control unit an electronic unlocking or releasing the further displacement of the tank in the final position on the tank carrier. For this purpose, a corresponding blocking element can be actuated. It can also be provided that the device for detecting the presence of the lid on the container has an electrical circuit, and depending on the operation of a button via a contact loop in the lid, the presence or absence of the lid can then be registered on the container.

Basically, the lid is a separate part of the container and thus can be removed and placed nondestructively reversible. This also has advantages in terms of cleanability of the container and the lid and also allows improved accessibility to the interior of the container, in particular to the bottom. This has advantages if a nebulizer element of the nebulizer unit is arranged at the bottom, with which then the liquid fluid is acted upon in such a way that a water fountain or a fluid fountain with the fluid mist is then generated. This then takes place inside the container. Such a nebulizing element may for example be a piezoelectric element, so that it is quite advantageous if it is easily accessible on its upper side facing the interior of the container, since in the course of time limescale deposits may form, which can then be easily removed. In a further, very advantageous embodiment, the device for detecting a presence of a lid on the container for purely mechanical detection of the lid is formed. There are then no electrical components or controls required, which makes the device very robust and insensitive, especially with regard to this existing liquid fluid.

In addition, in such an embodiment, the structure of the device can be done very easily, so that here too the cost of maintenance can be reduced and reduces the presence of sensitive components of the device, in particular minimized is.

Preferably, it is provided that the container of the tank has a rear wall, in which in an upper region to a top edge of the rear wall edge open recess is formed, which in the width direction of the rear wall only partially formed over the entire width of the rear wall. This opening is preferably an air inlet opening, via which an air flow, which can flow through a fan, which is arranged in particular in the tank carrier, can flow. By this air flow then the fluid mist generated in the container is blown out of a mist outlet opening in the container and then passes from there into the storage area. By means of this individual geometric configuration of the recess, namely the shape which is open at the edge, an advantageous principle can be realized with respect to the mechanical detection of the tank. A mechanical locking element of the device, when it is designed to mechanically detect the presence of the cover, can then interact mechanically with the recess, and depending on the position of the recess to the blocking element, the presence of the cover is then easily recognized. For this purpose, this geometry of the recess also plays a role.

Namely, by being open at the top and then, when the lid is not present, also open at the edge upwards, a portion of the locking element can pass through this recess when moving the tank in the end position, whereas a further part of the locking element next to the recess abuts against the rear wall and blocks the further displacement in the end position.

It is provided in particular that the means for detecting the presence of the lid on the container in a mechanical detection, a mechanical locking bracket, the above-mentioned blocking element, which is arranged movably on a ceiling wall of the tank carrier and in an insertion slot of the tank carrier, in which the tank is retractable, protrudes. It is thus almost automatically carried out on the displacement of the tank in its final position in this insertion slot then a mechanical contact with the container with this locking bracket and depending on whether the lid is present or not, then achieved further blocking the sliding movement of the container through the locking bracket , or, if the lid is present, the locking bracket is automatically actuated, in particular moved, in particular raised, so that the tank can then slide past with the lid and enters the end position on the tank carrier.

The position of the pawl on the ceiling wall in this context is very advantageous because of the pure weight of the pawl of this then automatically protrudes into the insertion slot and then in a presence of the lid can be easily raised. There is thus no additional additional mechanical device required, which would cause raising and lowering of the locking bracket. The device is then extremely minimized in such a configuration and yet highly functional.

It is preferably provided that the locking bar has a stop wall, which is arranged in the width direction of the tank carrier and thus in the width direction of the locking bar within the width of the insertion slot and viewed in the width direction of the insertion slot is arranged such that when arranged in the insertion slot container the stop wall at least partially arranged outside the width of the recess. Such a positional offset in the width direction allows in a particularly advantageous manner, the blocking or releasing the movement of the container in the end position, since thus due to the geometry of the recess and the position of the locking bracket, in particular the stop wall, also automatically contacting each other or an abrupt striking the rear wall of the tank on the locking bracket is made when the lid is not placed on the container in its correct position or in principle not on it. In particular, considered in the vertical direction of the tank carrier and thus in the height direction of the locking bar, the stop wall arranged at the same height to the recess or at least partially overlapping arranged in this height direction. As a result, the mechanical contacting or blocking of the further movement of the tank in the direction of the end position in the tank carrier through the stop wall can also occur abruptly when the cover is not arranged on the container. The rear wall of the container then strikes against this stop wall in such a situation before reaching the end position of the container in the tank carrier and is thereby prevented from further moving into the end position.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the stop wall is viewed in the depth direction of the insertion shaft at a position at which abuts the rear wall of the container before reaching the end position of the tank in the tank carrier and thus also in the insertion slot of the tank carrier and the further spending is locked in the end position when the lid is not placed on the container. Preferably, it is provided that, seen in the width direction, the blocking bow has, in addition to the stop wall and thus in the width direction, a lifting plate without overlapping with the stop wall. The Anheberampe extends in the depth direction of the locking bracket and thus also in the depth direction of the tank carrier and thus in the depth direction of the insertion shaft further forward in the direction of an entrance of the insertion slot than the stop wall. This is a particularly advantageous embodiment, since it can then be realized mechanically simple by this local arrangement of the stop wall and the Anheberampe and their geometric design and extension, that when a lid is placed on the container, before contacting the rear wall with the stopper wall a component of the tank contacted this Anheberampe and is automatically moved away from its basic position by the geometry and the further movement of the tank in the direction of the end position in the tank carrier of the locking bar, in particular raised, thereby further contacting the contacting and thus the striking of the Rear wall of the container on the stop wall is no longer possible and then the locking bar is no longer hindering on the way of the tank in the final position on the tank carrier in the way.

Preferably, the Anheberampe is viewed in the width direction of the tank carrier viewed within the width of the insertion slot. In addition, the lift-up lamp is viewed in the width direction of the insertion shaft such that when the container is disposed in the insertion slot, the lift-up lamp is arranged completely within the width of the recess. A collision of the Anheberampe with a rear wall portion which extends laterally and thus adjacent to the recess in the rear wall, this is not possible. Unwanted jamming or Verspreizungen can be prevented. The functional principle of the simple mechanical detection of the presence of the lid is not impaired and can continue to be implemented highly functional component-minimized. Advantageously, the lifter ramp is viewed in the depth direction of the insertion shaft at a position at which the lid disposed on the container in the depth direction insertion of the tank into the insertion slot with a rear edge of the Anheberampe before the stop wall contacted and on further insertion of the tank in the direction of the end position in the tank carrier of the locking bar to lift the blocking effect can be raised upwards. This is then done automatically by only the straight-line displacement operation of the tank in the insertion slot and due to the movable mounting of the locking bracket on the tank carrier. The Anheberampe rises from a container facing the front end downwards, so that when contacting this rear edge of the lid with the Anheberampe a very smooth, jerk-free and continuous lifting the Anheberampe can be done and the insertion process of the tank is very smoothly possible. This, in turn, also has significant advantages in terms of undesirable sloshing of the liquid fluid in the tank and then unwanted spilling over the recess to the rear.

It is preferably provided that the stop wall and the Anheberampe are formed stationary to each other on the locking bracket. The functionality of locking and releasing, which is done by lifting the pawl, then permanently very precise without any restrictions. In addition, the locking bar is procured mechanically highly stable, since then also the Anheberampe and the stop wall are supported directly adjacent to each other.

Preferably, the locking bar is formed as a one-piece component, in particular made of plastic.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for bringing a tank of a moistening device into a tank carrier of the moistening device. The moistening device is designed for introducing a mist generated from a liquid fluid by means of a nebulizer unit of the moistening device into a storage area of an interior of a domestic refrigerating appliance. The tank is provided with a container and a lid removable therefrom. An essential idea of the invention is the fact that when the tank is brought into the tank carrier with a device of the moistening device it is automatically detected whether the cover is arranged on the container or not. The placement of the tank in its final position on the tank carrier is prevented by this device when the lid is not placed on the container. Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention will become apparent from the advantageous embodiments of the moistening device according to the invention. The said components of the moistening device, alone or in partial interaction, serve the respective required method steps for blocking or releasing the tank on its way in the direction of the end position on the tank carrier.

By this embodiment of the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof, it is also provided in particular that an active operation of the moistening device and thus generating a fluid mist is not released as long as the tank has not arrived in its final end position in the tank carrier, in particular not correspondingly is recognized. It can be provided in the context preferably that the moistening device also has a device which detects the presence of the tank in its final position on the tank carrier. This device can also preferably be coupled to the electronics of the moistening device, in particular communicate with it, so that a control unit then has information available at any time as to whether the tank is in its end position. The detection of the tank in its final position can also be done in many ways and for example, optically and / or magnetically and / or inductively and / or capacitively.

It may also be provided in the context that the system-side independent examination of this operational readiness is then also displayed and communicated to a user. This can be done acoustically and / or optically. In particular, it is also possible for such an end position of the tank on the tank carrier to be recognized by a coupled state of a plug on the tank, which represents an electrical interface, and a mating plug, which represents an electrical counter-interface, on the tank carrier. This means that when the plug is coupled to the mating connector, this is automatically detected and thus then the operational readiness is present. For example, this can then be realized via additional contact loops, via which then in the coupled state, a circuit is closed. This then induces the control unit to signal that the tank is in its final position. In addition, it may also be provided that the presence of the tank in the final position on the tank carrier Evaluation of the current consumption is detected. Thus, for example, by a brief query, the current consumption of the nebulizer unit of the moistening device can be detected and this information is evaluated. For example, no power consumption means that the tank is not in its final position. If a current consumption is recognizable and thus positive, this then means that the tank is in its final position.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the moistening device has a fill level recognition unit with which the fill level of the liquid fluid in the container is detected. This level detection unit is preferably arranged outside the tank, in particular arranged in the tank carrier. It preferably has only a single electrode which, due to the defined, short distance, in particular the distance <1 cm, preferably <0.8 cm, to the liquid fluid in the container results in the possibility of a capacitive fill level detection. Preferably, this electrode is arranged in a vertical leg of the preferably C-shaped tank carrier. In particular, the electrode is behind a front wall of the vertical leg, which limits the insertion slot on the back, arranged. In particular, this electrode is arranged in a lower half of the height of the insertion slot in this tank carrier. In such an embodiment, in which a sensor, namely the level sensor, is also used to detect the same whether the tank is arranged in its end position in the tank carrier, a particularly component-reduced configuration is present. The multifunctionality of such a sensor is then particularly advantageous.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a household refrigerator, which has a humidifying device according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The household refrigeration appliance in particular comprises an interior for receiving food. It is preferably provided that in this interior, a partial volume is formed as a separate storage area, can be introduced into the food. With the moistening device, an introduction of a fluid mist independent from the rest of the interior can take place in the storage area. The moistening device is therefore such with this specific storage area coupled that defined and desired, both time-dependent and quantity-dependent, an individual adjustment of the moisture content can be carried out, which can be carried out independently of the remaining partial volume of the interior. The storage area is designed in particular as a freshness holding container, which has a drawer and a lid with which the drawer can be closed.

The terms "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction" are the intended use and intended arrangement of the device and a then given in front of the device and given in the direction of the device observer given positions and orientations.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the frame to leave the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed, which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, however, emerge and can be produced by separated combinations of features from the embodiments explained. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed, which thus do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim. Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a

 Embodiment of a household refrigerator according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of a partial section of the household refrigerator according to

Fig. 1; a perspective view of the detail in Figure 2 with partially withdrawn tank of the moistening device. a perspective view of an embodiment of the moistening device; a perspective view of an embodiment of the moistening device of Figure 4 with partially withdrawn tank. a perspective view of the tank without a lid; a perspective view of a lid of the tank; a perspective view of the tank from the rear with the patch in the final position lid; a partial view of a tank carrier of the moistening device with a device for detecting whether a lid of the tank is placed or not; an enlarged view of an element of the device of FIG. 9; an enlarged view of a partial section of Fig. 9; a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of a moistening device with a further embodiment of a device for lid detection of an embodiment with a device for detecting the end position of the tank in the tank carrier; and

13 shows an embodiment with a device for detecting the end position of the tank in the tank carrier as an alternative embodiment to FIG. 12. In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1, a household refrigeration appliance 1 is shown in a schematic perspective view, which may be a refrigerator or a freezer or a combined refrigerated-freezer.

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

Front side, the interiors 4 and 5 are closed by separate doors 6 and 7 respectively.

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

In the exemplary embodiment, a separate storage area is formed as a fresh food container 8 in the interior 4. The freshness-keeping container 8 is formed by a drawer 9, which can be displaced in the depth direction and thus in the z-direction, and a cover 10 which covers the drawer 9 from above.

The already mentioned refrigeration cycle is designed such that in the fresh food container 8 a temperature different from the remaining partial volume of the inner space 4 can be set. Preferably, in the context of the preserving container 8 may be a compartment in which in particular temperatures between 0 ° C and 4 ° C are set. The temperatures in the remaining interior 4 are preferably slightly higher or can be set higher by a user. In addition, a different ambient humidity to the remaining partial volume of the inner space 4 can be set in the fresh food container.

For the corresponding defined setting of the ambient humidity in the fresh food container 8, a moistening device 1 1 is provided. This is in the exemplary embodiment and thus not to be understood in the width direction and thus in the x direction of the household refrigerating appliance 1 considered overlapping next to the drawer 9 and beyond in the vertical direction and thus in the y direction at least partially, in particular over its entire height, positioned at the same height level as the drawer 9. The moistening device 1 1 as well as the drawer 9 with the door open 6 front accessible.

As can also be seen, above the lid 10, an arrangement of further containers, in particular in the form of drawers 12 and 13, is provided.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of a view of the household refrigerating appliance 1 in the area of the moistening device 11 and the fresh food container 8. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the moistening device 1 1 extends approximately the same height as the drawer. 9

The moistening device 1 1 is formed with a rectangular front and shaped cuboid in its entire three-dimensional configuration.

The moistening device 11 is designed to bring sufficient moisture into the freshness-keeping container 8. For this purpose, it can include an already existing blower or a fan. As can also be seen from the view in FIG. 2, a partition plate 14, on which the drawers 12 and 13 are displaceably arranged, is arranged above the cover 10 in the exemplary embodiment. In Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the partial view in Fig. 2 is shown. In contrast to the illustration in Fig. 3, a tank 15 of the nebulizer unit 1 1 is partially pulled out. The moistening device 1 1 comprises, in addition to the tank 15, a housing 16, which has a lower part 17 and an upper part 18 (FIG. 4) with an upper part roof 19 has. In the lower part 17, at least some components of a nebulizer unit 20 are arranged. By the forwardly open U-shape of the housing 16, a slot 21 for the tank 15 is formed.

The tank 15 can be pulled out of the housing 16 and thus the insertion compartment 21 in the horizontal depth direction and thus in the z-direction. In the embodiment shown here, the tank 15 can be completely separated from the housing 16. It can thus be filled external to the device, for example at a tap.

In addition, the tank 15 comprises a handle 23 on a front side 22. In this case, a wall section 24 can be gripped behind in a recessed grip 25.

The housing 16 is arranged mechanically coupled in the interior 4 and is fixed in particular stationary. It can also be arranged non-destructively detachable. The tank 15 is guided in particular via guides, not shown, in the insertion compartment 21 and also held.

In the tank 15, a mist outlet opening 26 is formed on a side facing the drawer 9, from which the mist or fluid mist generated by the fluid, in particular the water, which is contained in the tank 15 and is atomized by the nebulizer unit 20, into the fresh food container 8 exit. For introduction into the drawer 9, a fluidic coupling between the mist outlet opening 26 and an inlet opening, in particular on the drawer 9, is provided. This can be designed such that a permanent connection, for example realized by a line connection fluid connection is formed. Therefore, in a relative movement of the drawer 9 to the housing 16 and this fluid-conducting connection can be maintained.

However, it can also be provided that the moistening device 1 1 and a drawer 9 of the freshness-keeping container 8 movable relative thereto have a connection for introducing mist into the drawer 9 through a coupling coupled only in the inserted end position of the drawer 9. The humidifying device 1 1 also includes a fan 27, which is disposed outside of the tank 15 in the housing 16. By means of the fan 27, an air flow is generated which flows through an air inlet opening 28 in a rear wall 29 of the tank 15 into the tank 15 and there drives the nebulizer element 30 or atomizer element, for example a piezo element, fluid nebula column in the direction of the mist outlet opening 26 of where it then passes via an inlet, not shown, in the preserving container 8. A rear wall 31 delimiting the insertion compartment 21 of the housing 16, which forms a tank carrier 32, likewise has a flow opening 33, which corresponds locally to the opening 28, so that the air of the fan 27 can enter the tank 15.

The humidifying device 1 1 in this context also includes a control unit, which may be formed inter alia by the electronics of the nebulizer unit 20. In particular, the nebulizer unit 20 and the fan 27 are also operated by means of this control unit.

As can further be seen in FIG. 4, the tank 15 is shown there in its inserted end position in the tank carrier 32, so that the tank 15 is also completely inserted into the insertion shaft 21. In this position, in particular, an alignment of the flow opening 33 with the air inlet opening 28 is formed. As can also be seen, the fan 27 in the immediate vicinity and preferably in the vertical direction at the same height as these two openings 28 and 33 are arranged. As a result, the air flow generated by the fan 27 is directed into the tank 15 on an extremely short and preferably rectilinear path. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the housing 16 and thus the tank carrier 32 has a C-shape. The insertion slot 21 extends between the upper part roof 19 and the lower part 17. The C-shape of the tank carrier 32 also forms a vertical leg 34, which has the front wall 31, which delimits the insertion shaft 21 at the rear. The C-shape of the tank carrier 32 also includes a horizontal leg, which is formed in particular by the upper part roof 19. Through the lower part 17, a further, lower horizontal leg of the C-shape is formed. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the tank carrier 32 has a bottom 35 facing away from the insertion shaft 21. The tank bottom 35 is formed in the lower part 17. As can also be seen, in this bottom 35 a plurality of outlet openings 36 are formed, which have a slot-like or strip-shaped geometry in the embodiment and are arranged parallel and spaced from each other. They are formed in the depth direction and thus in the z-direction of the household refrigerating appliance 1 and thus also the moistening device 11 in a rear region of the tank carrier 32. In particular, they are arranged in the depth direction in such a position that they are practically positioned in the vertical leg 34. In the exemplary embodiment, these outlet openings 36 extend in the depth direction over a length that corresponds at most to the depth of the vertical leg 34. However, they can also be designed otherwise. In particular, as can also be seen in FIG. 4, the configuration and positioning of the outlet openings 36 are such that they are formed in the vertical direction virtually below the fan 27 and the openings 28 and 33.

Then, when inserting the tank 15 in the insertion slot 21, a liquid fluid, in particular water swashed by the slosh from the air inlet opening 28 and swung into the flow opening 33, so this liquid fluid enters undesirably in the interior of the tank carrier 32nd By the design However, the outlet opening can escape this einschwappende liquid fluid immediately back from the tank carrier 32 and drain over the bottom 35. Preferably, the outlet openings 36 extend only in the bottom 35. In addition, they are also formed in an advantageous manner at a lowest point of the bottom 35, so that gravity also causes the liquid fluid always independently reaches the outlet openings 36.

Arranged in the tank carrier 32 are electronic components characterized only by a reference numeral 37, which are provided on the one hand for an operating unit 38 and / or on the other hand for operating the nebulizing element 30. The control unit already mentioned above can likewise be one of these electronic components 37. These electronic components 37 are arranged in particular in this lower part 17. As can also be seen in FIG. 4, the moistening device 1 1 also comprises a capacitive fill level detection unit 39. This fill level recognition unit is designed to detect the fill level of the fluid in the tank 15. The filling level detection unit 39 is arranged completely outside the tank. It has only a single electrode 40. This electrode 40 is disposed in the tank carrier 32. It is arranged in the vertical leg 34 behind the front wall 31.

In Fig. 5, the humidifying device 1 1 is shown in a perspective view, in which case the tank 15 in its end position, as shown in Fig. 4, has been removed and partially pulled out of the insertion slot 21.

As can be seen in Fig. 5, the tank 15 comprises a container 41, in which the liquid fluid is received. In addition, the tank 15 comprises a lid 42, which is formed separately from the container 41 and shown in Fig. 5 is placed in its end position on the container 41.

In Fig. 6, the container 41 is shown in a perspective view from above, wherein the lid 42 is removed. As can be seen in this illustration, the air inlet opening 28 is formed as an upwardly open recess on the already mentioned rear wall 29. This means that an upper edge 43 of the container 41 is interrupted at this point and this air inlet opening 28 from above almost not limited and thus not framed.

As can also be seen, this air inlet opening 28 extends only in regions over the width, which measures in the width direction and thus x-direction, the rear wall 29. The air inlet opening 28 is also preferably formed centrally with respect to the width of this rear wall 29. This air inlet opening 28 thus extends only in regions over the entire width of the rear wall 29th

In Fig. 7, the tank 15 is shown in a perspective view, in particular on the rear wall 29, in which case the lid 42 is in turn applied to the container 41 in its end position. As can be seen, covers the cover 42, the air inlet opening 28 from above. A rear edge or a rear edge 44 of this cover 42 is substantially at least substantially in the depth direction on the same position arranged flush with the rear wall 29. It may also be provided a slight offset, it is essential that the cover 42 covers the recess or the air inlet opening 28 from above at least partially over the width thereof.

In Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the lid 42 is shown. In this context, it has, by way of example, an air deflection element 45 for the incoming air flow, as well as a slosh guard and / or fluid baffle element 46.

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged illustration of the tank carrier 32, wherein here the cutout in the upper region of the insertion shaft 21 is shown, on which the air inlet opening 28 is formed.

As can be seen here, the moistening device 1 1 comprises a device 47 for detecting a lid 42 placed on the container 41 and thus a device 47, which is designed to detect the presence of the lid 42 on the container 41. This device 47 is designed such that the tank 15 can be brought into its end position to the tank carrier 32 only when the lid 42 is disposed in its intended end position on the container 41.

This device 47 may be functionally designed differently, as has already been explained above by way of examples. In the embodiment provided herein, which will be explained below, a device 47 is to be shown, which detects the presence of the cover 42 purely mechanically in general and in this respect blocks or releases the movement of the tank 15 in the end position in the tank carrier 32. For this purpose, the device 47 comprises a blocking element or a locking bracket 48. This is also formed in the embodiment as an integral part, in particular made of plastic. This locking bar 48 is mounted in the tank carrier 32 relatively movable thereto. It is arranged in the horizontal leg of the C-shape of the tank carrier 32. It is arranged in the top part 19 and extends into the insertion slot 21 into it. The locking bar 48 is arranged in the depth direction and thus in the z direction in a rear third of the extension of the insertion slot 21. It is provided in particular that the device 47 is designed such that the tank 15 can be inserted into the tank carrier 32 and the quasi-checking the presence of the lid 42 takes place on the container 41 until a reached intermediate position of the tank 15 to the tank carrier 32. The intermediate position is located between an attachment position of the tank 15 on the tank carrier at the front end 49 (Fig. 5) of the insertion slot 21 and an end position of the tank 15, as shown in Fig. 4. The tank 15 is in this context straight and horizontally displaceable in the insertion slot 21 and guided by the lower part 17 and the upper part 18 accordingly.

The locking bar 48 has a stop wall 50. This extends only partially in the x-direction measured width of the locking bar 48. In addition, the locking bar 48 also includes an integrated Anheberampe 51st As can be seen, the Anheberampe 51 extends with a lifting plane 52 is substantially planar. The Anheberampe 51 rises from a the insertion roof or the entrance 49 of the insertion slot 21 facing the front end 53 to the rear and thus the front wall 29 facing, which means with respect to the arrangement that the Anheberampe 51 wedge-like protrudes into the insertion compartment 21. As can already be seen in FIG. 9, the lifting ramp 51 extends further in the scoring direction and thus in the z-direction further forward and thus further in the direction of the entrance 49 than the stop wall 50. The front end 53 is thus wider, in particular significantly further, positioned in front as the stop wall 50th

Further, as shown in Fig. 9, the stopper wall 50 and the lift-up lamp 51 are juxtaposed immediately viewed in the width direction. They adjoin one another directly. As can be seen, the stop wall 50 is arranged in the width direction of the tank carrier 32 within the width of the insertion slot 21. Viewed in the width direction of the tank carrier 32 and thus also of the insertion shaft 21, this stop wall 50 is arranged such that when arranged in the insertion slot 21 container 41, the stop wall 50 is at least partially outside the width dimensioned in the width direction of the recess or the air inlet opening 28 is arranged. In the vertical direction and thus in the y-direction, this stop wall 50 is at least partially overlapping with the height-dimensioned extension of this air inlet opening 28. As can also be seen, the stop wall 50 is viewed in the depth direction in a position at which the rear wall 29 of the container 41 strikes before reaching the end position of the tank 15 in the tank carrier 32 and the further movement of the tank 15 in the end position is locked when the lid 42 is not disposed on the container 41.

In addition, the Anheberampe 51 is viewed in the width direction of the tank carrier 32 and thus also of the insertion slot 21 within the width of the insertion slot 21. Furthermore, viewed in the width direction of the insertion slot 21, this lifter lamp 51 is arranged such that when the container 41 is arranged in the container 41, the lifter lamp 51 is disposed entirely within the breadth of width of the recess or the air inlet opening 28. By this configuration it is achieved that when the tank 15 is inserted only with the container 41 in the insertion slot 21, the Anheberampe 51 then passes through the then upwardly open edge air inlet opening 28 in the movement in the depth direction and no related contact occurs. A lifting of the locking bracket 48 in a vertical upward direction is not given. It is then contacted in this sliding movement of the container 41 in the depth direction, the rear wall 29 with the stop wall 50, as they can not slip past each other in the width direction due to the positional arrangement. As a result, a lock is generated so that the container 41 can not be pushed further and the end position in the insertion slot 21 can not reach.

If, on the other hand, the cover 42 is arranged on the container 41, as shown in FIG. 7, a horizontal edge is formed by covering the air inlet opening 28 by the cover 42. This horizontal edge then touches the Anheberampe 51 due to the local positions in the height direction and in the width direction to each other before the rear wall 29 can abut against the stop wall 50. Due to the geometric configuration and the relative position to each other between the Anheberampe 51 and the stop wall 50 then contacted the rear edge 44, the Anheberampe 51, and due to their geometric configuration is continuously the Locking bar 48 lifted upward when the tank 15 is then inserted further in the direction of the end position in the insertion slot 21. The lifting takes place in such a way that the rear wall 29 can no longer strike on the stop wall 50 by the further displacement, so that the lifting of the locking effect is automatically conditioned and then the tank 15 with the container 41 and the lid 42 unhindered to the final position in the Tank carrier 32 can be pushed and thus the end position is reached without restriction.

By this means 47 is therefore automatically, in the present explanation purely mechanically, the presence of the lid 42 is detected and then again automatically mechanically causes the corresponding blocking effect or release for bringing the tank 15 in the final position. The Anheberampe 51 is moved only by gravity down.

This Anheberampe 51 may also be biased sprung by a spring, so that it also safely reaches its original position (without tank). Incidentally, the spring can be sprayed directly onto the lifting lamp 51.

In Fig. 10, the tank carrier 32 is shown, and the central position of the locking clip 48 viewed in the width direction can be seen.

In Fig. 1 1, the locking bracket 48 is shown in an enlarged view. As can be seen in this extension, the Anheberampe 51 projects much farther forward than the preferably vertically oriented stop wall 50. The locking bar 48 basically comprises a base member 54 which is plate-like and on which the stop wall 50 and the Anheberampe 51 are integrally formed , On this base member 54 pivot arms 55 and 56 are arranged on opposite sides, which come into mechanical coupling with the tank carrier 32 and through which then the locking bar 48 can be raised upwards, to which a pivot axis 57 is given.

In addition, it is preferably provided that the moistening device 1 1 has a device 58 which detects when the tank 15 is arranged in its end position in the insertion slot 21 and thus also in the tank carrier 32. This device 58 may be formed separately from the device 57 or coupled thereto. It may additionally or instead also be provided that this device 58 is connected to the level detection unit 39, in particular in this regard, the same sensor is used. For this purpose, for example, a corresponding embodiment is shown in Fig. 13, in which the level detection unit 39 is the unit 58 and with this both the liquid level in the container 41 can be determined and on the other hand, the end position of the tank 15 is detected in the tank carrier 32 ,

In Fig. 12 in a simplified as well as in Fig. 13 simplified sectional view of the humidifying device 1 1 is shown, in which case a separate device 58 is formed. In this, the detection of the end position of the tank 15 in the tank carrier 32 is achieved in that a tank-side plug 59 is electrically coupled to a tank carrier side connector 60 and in this regard, a corresponding signal is then transmitted to the electronic components 37.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 household refrigerator

2 housings

 3 inner container

 4 interior

 5 interior

 6 door

 7 door

 8 storage area

 9 drawer

 10 lids

 1 1 moistening device

12 drawer

 13 drawer

 14 separating plate

 15 tank

 16 housing

 17 lower part

 18 top part

 19 top roof

 20 nebulizer unit

21 slot

 22 front side

 23 handle

 24 wall section

 25 recessed grip

 26 fog exit opening

27 fans

 28 air intake opening

29 rear wall

 30 nebulizer element

31 front wall 32 tank carriers

33 flow opening

 34 vertical legs

 35 floor

 36 outlet opening

 37 electronic component

38 operating unit

 39 level detection unit

40 electrode

 41 containers

 42 lids

 43 upper edge

 44 rear edge

 45 air deflection

 46 fluid baffle element

47 facility

 48 locking bar

 49 front end

 50 stop wall

 51 lifter lamp

 52 lifting level

 53 front end

 54 base element

 55 swivel arm

 56 swivel arm

 57 pivot axis

 58 device

 59 plug

 60 plugs

Claims

claims A humidifying device (1 1) for introducing a fluid mist generated from a liquid fluid into a storage area (8) of an inner space (4, 5) of a Domestic refrigerating appliance (1), which has a tank (15) for filling with the liquid fluid to be atomized with a container (41) and a lid (42) removable therefrom, and which has a tank carrier (32) into which the tank (15 ) can be inserted and removed, characterized in that the moistening device (1 1) comprises means (47) for detecting the on the container (41) patch lid (42) which is designed such that the tank (15) only then in its end position on the tank carrier (32) can be brought, when the lid (42) on the container (41) is arranged. 2. moistening device (1 1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (47) is designed such that the tank (15) in the tank carrier (32) can be inserted and the test of the presence of the lid (42) on the container (41) takes place only from an attained intermediate position of the tank (15) on the tank carrier (32). 3. moistening device (1 1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means (47) for optically detecting the lid () is formed. 4. moistening device (1 1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (47) for magnetic and / or inductive and / or capacitive detection of the lid (42) is formed. 5. moistening device (1 1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (47) for mechanically detecting the lid (42) is formed. 6. moistening device (1 1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (41) has a rear wall (29), in which in a the upper area is a recess (28) which is open on the edge side towards an upper edge (43) of the rear wall (29) and forms only in regions over the entire width of the rear wall (29) in the width direction of the rear wall (29). 7. moistening device (1 1) according to claim 5 and 6, characterized in that the device (47) comprises a mechanical locking bracket (48) which is movably arranged on a ceiling wall (19) of the tank carrier (32) and in a Insertion shaft (21) of the tank carrier (32), in which the tank (15) is inserted, protrudes. 8. moistening device (1 1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking bar (48) has a stop wall (50) which is arranged in the width direction of the tank carrier (32) within the width of the insertion slot (21) and in the width direction of the insertion slot (21) is arranged such that when in the Insertion slot (21) arranged container (41) the stop wall (50) at least partially outside the width of the recess (28) is arranged. 9. moistening device (1 1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the stop wall (50) viewed in the depth direction of the insertion slot (21) is arranged at a position at which the rear wall (29) of the container (41) before reaching the End position of the tank (15) in the tank carrier (32) abuts and the further movement is locked in the end position, when the lid (42) is not arranged on the container (41). 10. moistening device (1 1) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the locking bracket (48) viewed in the width direction next to the Stop wall (50) has a Anheberampe (51) extending in the depth direction further forward towards an input (49) of the insertion slot (21), as the stop wall (50). 1 1. Moistening device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the lifting ramp (51) is arranged in the width direction of the tank carrier (32) within the width of the insertion shaft (21) and is arranged in the width direction of the insertion shaft (21) such that at the insertion slot (21) arranged container (41) the Anheberampe (51) is arranged completely within the width of the recess (28). 12. moistening device (1 1) according to claim 10 or 1 1, characterized in that the Anheberampe (51) viewed in the depth direction of the insertion slot (21) is arranged at a position at which on the container (41) arranged lid (42 ) in the insertion direction of the tank (15) into the insertion shaft (21) with a rear edge (44) contacted the Anheberampe (51) before reaching the stop wall (50) and upon further insertion of the tank (15) in the direction of End position of the locking bar (48) is liftable to lift the blocking effect upwards. 13. moistening device (1 1) according to one of claims 1 1 to 12, characterized in that the stop wall (50) and the Anheberampe (51) are fixed to each other on the locking bracket (48) are formed. 14. Domestic refrigerating appliance (1) with a moistening device (1 1) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular the household refrigerating appliance (1) has an interior (4, 5) for receiving food, in which a partial volume is formed as a separate storage area (8) , in the food can be introduced, wherein the moistening device (1 1) in the storage area (8) from the rest of the interior space (4, 5) independent introduction of a fluid mist can take place. 15. A method for bringing a tank (15) of a moistening device (1 1), into a tank carrier (32) of the moistening device (1 1), which for introducing a liquid from a fluid (36) by means of the moistening device (1 1) generated fluid mist (44) in a storage area (8) of an inner space (4, 5) of a Household refrigerating appliance (1) is formed, wherein the tank (15) with a container (41) and a removable cover (42) is formed, characterized characterized in that when the tank (15) is brought into the tank carrier (32) with a device (47) of the moistening device (11), it is automatically recognized whether the Cover (42) on the container (41) is arranged, and the introduction of the tank (15) is prevented in its end position on the tank carrier (32) by the means (47), when the lid (42) not on the container (42). 41) is arranged.