Sensor device for mounting on a pipe and method for fitting a sensor device on a pipe

Abstract

A sensor device for mounting on an outer periphery of a pipe comprises a cylindrical sensor head extending along a sensor longitudinal axis, a first clamping band for partially encircling the outer periphery of the pipe, and a second clamping band arranged along the longitudinal axis spaced apart from the first clamping band for partially encircling the outer periphery of the pipe. The first clamping band and the second clamping band are each integrally configured with the sensor head, extend arcuately from the sensor head, and have free ends spaced apart from the sensor head such that the pipe can be guided through between the free ends of the clamping bands and the sensor head and such that the pipe can be clamped between the sensor head and the clamping bands.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a household appliance, particularly a household refrigeration appliance, such as a refrigerator, freezer, or freezer cabinet or refrigeration and freezing combination; to a heat exchanger structure assembly for a household appliance; to a sensor device for mounting on a pipe; and to a method for assembling the sensor device on the pipe. Background Technology

[0002] In various household appliances, such as refrigeration appliances, dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, or the like, a refrigerant circuit can be provided in which the refrigerant circulates, evaporates in the evaporator while absorbing heat from a heat source, and condenses in the condenser while releasing heat to a heat sink. Here, for various reasons, it is desirable to detect the temperature on the evaporator tubes using a sensor device.

[0003] Especially in applications where refrigerant evaporates at low temperatures, such as in so-called frost-free refrigeration appliances, where air from the storage compartment is transported via the evaporator by a fan, condensation can occur, eventually leading to icing of the evaporator. Therefore, defrosting methods are typically performed at regular intervals, which may include, for example, heating the evaporator in the event of a refrigerant cycle interruption. The energy required for complete defrosting of the evaporator is influenced by many factors. For this reason, it is advantageous to monitor the heating element using a temperature sensor that measures the temperature on the evaporator. Here, the temperature sensor is typically mounted on the outer periphery of the evaporator tubes. The reliability of the measurement results can be improved by good thermal contact between the sensor device and the evaporator tubes. For other reasons, it is also desirable to mount the sensor on the outer periphery of the tubes.

[0004] DE 10 2021 212 929 A1 discloses a retainer by means of which a cylindrical sensor is fixed to the outer periphery of a tube. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide an improved solution for securing a sensor device to a tube, particularly a solution that facilitates simple and safe further assembly.

[0006] According to the invention, this task is solved by a sensor device having the features of claim 1, a heat exchanger structure assembly having the features of claim 8, a household appliance having the features of claim 11, and a method having the features of claim 14. Advantageous configurations and extensions are derived from the dependent claims in conjunction with the description, which reference the independent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a sensor device for mounting on the outer periphery of a pipe includes a cylindrical sensor head, a first clamp, and a second clamp. The sensor head extends along a longitudinal axis of the sensor. The first clamp partially encloses the outer periphery of the pipe. The second clamp is arranged spaced apart from the first clamp along the longitudinal axis and also partially encloses the outer periphery of the pipe. The first and second clamps are integrally formed with the sensor head, extend arcuately from the sensor head, and have free ends spaced apart from the sensor head, allowing the pipe to be guided through between the free ends of the clamps and the sensor head, and allowing the pipe to be clamped between the sensor head and the clamps.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger assembly includes a heat exchanger and a sensor device according to a first aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger having a tube for guiding a heat transfer medium, particularly a refrigerant, through which the sensor device is fixed to the tube such that the tube is accommodated between a snap clamp and a sensor head, and the snap clamp partially surrounds or encloses the tube.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the invention, a household appliance is provided having a heat exchanger structure assembly according to a second aspect of the invention.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method is provided for assembling a sensor device according to a first aspect of the invention onto a pipe. The method includes: positioning the sensor device on the pipe such that the free end of a snap-fit ​​clamp faces the pipe; and securing the sensor device to the pipe by passing a guide tube between the free end of the snap-fit ​​clamp and a sensor head, such that the pipe is snapped or locked between the snap-fit ​​clamp and the sensor head. The method according to the fourth aspect of the invention can, for example, be used to assemble a heat exchanger structure assembly according to a second aspect of the invention.

[0011] The concept upon which this invention is based is to integrally implement a snap-fit ​​clamp with a cylindrical sensor head. For example, the snap-fit ​​clamp and the outer casing or housing of the sensor head can be manufactured as a single component in a plastic injection molding process, the sensor head surrounding a sensor used to measure physical parameters. The sensor head can, for example, be implemented as a cylindrical member defining the longitudinal axis of the sensor. The snap-fit ​​clamps each have an arc shape, such as a circular arc, and can therefore be substantially C-shaped. A first end of the respective snap-fit ​​clamp is connected to the sensor head. A second end of the respective snap-fit ​​clamp forms a free end, wherein a gap exists between the free end and the sensor head. The snap-fit ​​clamp is implemented in a manner capable of elastic deformation. For example, the material thickness of the snap-fit ​​clamp can be sized such that the gap between the free end of the respective snap-fit ​​clamp and the sensor head can be widened to a net width through elastic deformation to allow a guide tube to pass through the gap.

[0012] To mount the sensor device onto the pipe, a guide tube passes between the free end of the snap clamp and the sensor head, causing the pipe to snap or latch between the snap clamp and the sensor head. This allows for remarkably simple mounting of the sensor device onto the pipe. In particular, the sensor device itself can be directly secured to the pipe using the snap clamp, eliminating the need for additional retaining components.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the first and second snap clamps may be configured to define a common longitudinal axis that extends parallel to or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sensor. For example, each of the snap clamps may have an inner surface having a first facet segment that is substantially arc-shaped. The center point of curvature of the first facet segment may, for example, define the longitudinal axis of the clamp.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the free ends of the first and second snap-fit ​​clamps can be positioned on opposite sides of a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the sensor and the longitudinal axis of the clamps. The first snap-fit ​​clamp can extend, for example, from a first circumferential section of the sensor head, and the second snap-fit ​​clamp can extend from a second circumferential section of the sensor head, which is spaced apart from the first circumferential section in the circumferential direction. The free end of the first snap-fit ​​clamp faces the second circumferential section, and the free end of the second snap-fit ​​clamp faces the first circumferential section. Therefore, the snap-fit ​​clamps can wrap around the pipe from opposite sides. This achieves a more reliable fixation of the sensor device on the pipe.

[0015] Therefore, according to some embodiments of the method, the sensor device can be positioned on the pipe such that the longitudinal axis of the sensor is oriented transversely to the pipe and the pipe is arranged between the clamps about the longitudinal axis of the sensor. The sensor device is fixed to the pipe by rotating it, allowing the guide tube to pass between the free end of the clamp and the sensor head, so that the pipe is snapped or locked between the clamp and the sensor head. Thus, the opposite orientation of the clamps further facilitates the assembly of the sensor device on the pipe.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the snap clamps may be configured to have an inner surface for abutting against a tube, in which a receiving recess extending along the longitudinal axis of the sensor is formed. The receiving recess may, for example, be formed in the end region of the respective snap clamp facing the sensor head. The receiving recess may be formed, for example, by a U-shaped or V-shaped cut in the inner surface of the respective snap clamp. Therefore, when the tube deviates from a circular shape, material of the tube can be accommodated in this region. This improves the surface abutment of the snap clamp against the tube in the region adjacent to the receiving recess. This results in an improved locking of the sensor device against twisting or slippage along the outer periphery of the tube.

[0017] Typically, a pipe may have an outer diameter with a predetermined interference relative to the diameter of the contact circle, such that when the pipe is surrounded by a snap clamp, the snap clamp applies an elastic clamping force to the pipe.

[0018] According to some implementation methods, the tube may be configured to have an outer diameter in the range of 4 mm to 15 mm.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the tube may have a recess in which the sensor head is disposed. The recess may, for example, be a recess extending along the longitudinal axis of the tube, formed by a concave bend in the outer periphery of the tube. The recess in the tube may be manufactured, for example, by pressing the tube in. The recess in this embodiment helps to increase the contact surface between the sensor head and the tube. Due to the pressing in, or generally due to the construction of the recess, especially relative to a circular shape, the tube may have a diameter widening adjacent to the recess. According to some embodiments, this diameter widening may be received in a receiving recess of a first and second snap clamp. Thus, as described above, an improved locking mechanism is achieved to prevent the sensor device from slipping along the outer periphery of the tube.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​clamp may have at least one reinforcing rib on its outer surface, the reinforcing rib extending along the snap-fit ​​clamp. Thus, the snap-fit ​​clamp can be designed to be elastic yet still fracture-resistant. The reinforcing rib may extend from a first end of the snap-fit ​​clamp along its outer surface towards a second end, particularly extending to the second end. The reinforcing rib is particularly advantageous when the snap-fit ​​clamp has a receiving recess on its inner surface, as this effectively compensates for the material weakening caused by the receiving recess.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the sensor device can be configured with a first mating member integrally formed with the sensor head and a second mating member integrally formed with the sensor head. The first mating member is arranged opposite to the free end of a first snap clamp, allowing a guide tube to pass between the free end of the first snap clamp and the first mating member. The second mating member is arranged opposite to the free end of a second snap clamp, allowing a guide tube to pass between the free end of the second snap clamp and the second mating member. Therefore, the mating members form an additional abutment structure that can abut against the outer periphery of the tube. Simultaneously, the mating members form a stop, for example, when the sensor device locks with the tube by rotational movement. With the mating members provided, in order to mount the sensor device onto the tube, the guide tube needs to pass through the gap between the corresponding mating member and the corresponding snap clamp. For example, the material thickness of the snap clamp can be set such that the gap between the free end of the corresponding snap clamp and the corresponding mating member can be widened to a net width through elastic deformation to allow the guide tube to pass through the gap.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the mating parts may be configured to have an inner surface for abutting against the tube, in which a receiving recess extending along the longitudinal axis of the sensor is formed. These receiving recesses may, for example, be formed in the end region of the respective mating part facing the sensor head. As described above, in this way, even when the tube partially deviates from a circular shape, better abutment of the clamp and the mating parts on the outer periphery can be achieved, resulting in better locking of the sensor device to prevent slippage along the circumferential direction of the tube.

[0023] In some implementations, the temperature sensor can be integrated into the sensor head. The temperature sensor can be, for example, an NTC sensor or a PTC sensor. Here, "NTC" is an abbreviation for "Negative Temperature Coefficient," and "PTC" is an abbreviation for "Positive Temperature Coefficient."

[0024] According to some implementation methods, a household appliance may be configured to have a refrigerant circuit, and the heat exchanger of the heat exchanger assembly may be integrated into the refrigerant circuit as an evaporator.

[0025] According to some implementations, a household appliance may be configured to have a storage compartment for containing objects, wherein the refrigerant circuit is configured to absorb heat from the storage compartment when the refrigerant evaporates and release that heat to the surrounding environment when the refrigerant condenses.

[0026] According to some implementations, the household appliance can be a household refrigeration appliance, such as a refrigerator, freezer or freezer cabinet or refrigeration and freezing combination, dryer, washing machine, dishwasher, heat pump, air conditioning unit or the like.

[0027] Features and advantages disclosed in one aspect of the invention are also disclosed in the corresponding other aspect, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 A simplified schematic cross-sectional view of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A perspective view of a heat exchanger structure assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A perspective view of a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 Shown in Figure 3 The sensor device shown is a top view along the viewing direction of the longitudinal axis of the sensor. Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state of being mounted on a tube is shown; and Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for assembling a sensor device onto a tube according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally identical parts. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 A household appliance 300 in the form of a refrigerator is shown as an example. The following exemplary reference is made to... Figure 1 The refrigerator shown illustrates the invention, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the invention can also be used in other household appliances, such as dishwashers, dryers, washing machines or the like, or in other household refrigeration appliances.

[0031] like Figure 1 As schematically shown, the refrigeration appliance 300 has a body 302 that defines a storage compartment or storage room 310 for accommodating refrigerated items, such as food, beverages, medicines, or the like. Optionally, a machine space 312 separate from the storage compartment 310 may also be defined at least partially by the body 302.

[0032] like Figure 1 As further shown, the refrigeration appliance 300 has a refrigerant circuit 320. The refrigerant circuit 320 may include an evaporator 321, a compressor 322, a condenser 323, and a throttling mechanism (not shown), which may be, for example, in the form of a capillary tube. Optionally, the refrigerant circuit 320 additionally includes a fan 330. Figure 1 ).

[0033] Evaporator 321 is thermally coupled to storage compartment 310 so as to absorb heat from the storage compartment during refrigerant evaporation. For example, as in Figure 1 As illustrated, and only schematically, an evaporator 321 may be arranged in an evaporator chamber 315, which is fluidly connected to a storage compartment 310, and a fan 330 may be arranged and configured to circulate air between the evaporator chamber 315 and the storage compartment 310. Thus, the fan 330 draws in warm air from the storage compartment 310, directs the air through or via the evaporator 321, where the air releases heat to the refrigerant located in the evaporator 321, and then exhausts the air back into the storage compartment 310.

[0034] Evaporator 321 has an outlet that connects to the suction port of compressor 322. Compressor 322 compresses gaseous refrigerant from evaporator 321 and supplies it to the inlet of condenser 323 via a pressure port. In condenser 323, the refrigerant condenses while releasing heat to the surrounding environment. The outlet of condenser 323 connects to the inlet of evaporator 321, wherein a throttling mechanism is arranged between condenser 321 and evaporator 323 and expands the refrigerant. Figure 1 As schematically shown, compressor 322 can be arranged, for example, in machine space 312. Condenser 324 is... Figure 1 The same is also shown schematically, and it can be arranged, for example, on the outer wall of the main body 302 or in the machine space 312.

[0035] The refrigerant circuit 320 is typically configured to absorb heat from the storage compartment 310 when the refrigerant is evaporating and to release that heat to the surrounding environment when the refrigerant is condensing.

[0036] Evaporator 321 is implemented through heat exchanger 205. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates, by way of example, a heat exchanger assembly 200 having a heat exchanger 205 and a sensor device 100, the heat exchanger being, for example, an evaporator 321. Figure 1 It is used in the household appliances 300 shown in the figure.

[0037] The heat exchanger 205 has a pipe 210 for guiding the refrigerant through. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchanger 205 may have multiple fins 220 arranged in thermal contact with the tube 210. For example, the tube 210 may extend meanderingly through a through opening 221 constructed in the fins 220, such as... Figure 2 As exemplarily shown in the figure. The tube 210 may, for example, have an outer diameter d210 in the range of 4 mm to 15 mm.

[0038] The sensor device 100 is mounted on the outer periphery of the pipe 210 and can be configured to detect physical parameters representing the state of the medium flowing in the pipe 210. For example, the sensor device 100 may include a temperature sensor (not shown).

[0039] Sensor device 100 in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The details are shown, and it includes a sensor head 1, a first clamping clamp 2, and a second clamping clamp 3. Additionally, the sensor device 100 may have an optional first mating member 4 and an optional second mating member 5.

[0040] like Figure 3As shown, the sensor head 1 can have a cylindrical shape. Typically, the sensor head 1 is cylindrical and defines the longitudinal axis L1 of the sensor. The sensor head 1 can, for example, have a casing 10 surrounding the sensor (not shown), which defines the cylindrical design of the sensor. Therefore, a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, can be integrated into the sensor head 1. Signal lines 6, electrically connected to the sensor, can be guided through the axial end of the sensor head 1, such as... Figure 3 As shown schematically in the diagram.

[0041] The first and second clips 2 and 3 are integrally formed with the sensor head 1. For example, the outer sleeve 10 and the clips 2 and 3 can be manufactured as a single component during plastic injection molding. Figure 3 As shown, the clips 2 and 3 are arranged spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis L1 of the sensor. For example, the clips 2 and 3 may be arranged in the opposite end region of the sensor head 1 relative to the longitudinal axis L1.

[0042] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As exemplarily shown, the snap clamps 2 and 3 can each be implemented as C-shaped components. Typically, the snap clamps 2 and 3 extend arcuately between first ends 21 and 31 and second ends 22 and 23, respectively. The first ends 21 and 31 of the corresponding snap clamps 2 and 3 are connected to the sensor head 1, while the second ends 22 and 23 form the free ends of the corresponding snap clamps 2 and 3, which are positioned spaced apart from the sensor heads 2 and 3. The arcuate design of the snap clamps 2 and 3 allows partial coverage of the outer periphery of the connector 210, such as... Figure 5 As shown schematically. Clips 2 and 3 are typically implemented in a way that allows for elastic deformation.

[0043] Each clamp 2, 3 has an inner surface 2a, 3a for abutting against the outer periphery of the tube 210 and an outer surface 2b, 3b oriented in opposite directions. The inner surfaces 2a, 3a may be at least partially concave. The outer surfaces 2b, 3b may be at least partially convex.

[0044] Optionally, the inner surfaces 2a and 3a of the clips 2 and 3 may define a common longitudinal axis A23, which extends parallel to or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 of the sensor, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As illustrated in the diagram. (As illustrated in the diagram) Figure 4As exemplarily shown with respect to the second snap clamp 3, the inner surface 3a of the second snap clamp 3 may have a first face section 3c extending from the free end 32 of the snap clamp 3. The first face section 3c has a constant radius of curvature r3. In the same manner, the second snap clamp 2 may have a first face section 2c on its inner surface 2a, which has a constant radius of curvature. The longitudinal axis A23 of the clamp may, for example, extend through the center of curvature of the first face sections 2c and 3c of the inner surfaces 2a and 3a of the snap clamp 3.

[0045] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, receiving recesses 20 and 30 can be respectively constructed in the inner surfaces 2a and 3a of the snap clamps 2 and 3. The receiving recesses 20 and 30 can be constructed, for example, as V-shaped or U-shaped recesses extending along the longitudinal axis L1 of the sensor or along the longitudinal axis A23 of the clamp. Typically, the recesses 20 and 30 can have a smaller radius of curvature than the area of ​​the corresponding inner surfaces 2a and 3a extending laterally therefrom. For example, the receiving recesses 20 and 30 can be located between the corresponding first surface segments 2c and 3c and the corresponding second surface segments 2d and 3d, the second surface segments being, for example, flat or substantially flat, such as... Figure 4 As illustrated by example, the receiving recesses 20, 30 can typically be constructed in the end regions of the corresponding snap clamps 2, 3 facing the sensor head 1.

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As further exemplarily shown, the snap clamps 2 and 3 may each have at least one reinforcing rib 23 and 33 on their outer surfaces 2b and 3b, respectively, which extend along the snap clamps 2 and 3. Figure 3 As exemplarily shown, each snap clamp 2, 3 is provided with three reinforcing ribs 23, 33, which extend continuously from the first end 21, 31 of the corresponding snap clamp 2, 3 to the second end 22, 32.

[0047] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As further shown, the first end 21 of the first clamp 2 can be arranged spaced apart from the first end 31 of the second clamp 3 in a circumferential direction C1 extending around the longitudinal axis L1 of the sensor, and the free ends 22 and 32 of the clamps 2 and 3 can point in opposite directions. Figure 4 As schematically shown, the free end 22 of the first buckle 2 and the free end 32 of the second buckle 3 can be located on opposite sides of plane E, which contains the longitudinal axis L1 of the sensor and the longitudinal axis A23 of the buckle.

[0048] As in Figure 3As can be seen, the first mating part 4 is positioned about the longitudinal axis L1 of the sensor in the region of the first snap clamp 2, particularly at the corresponding location on the sensor head 1. The first mating part 4 is integrally constructed with the sensor head 1, and especially with the housing 10 of the sensor head. For example, the first mating part 4 can be integrally manufactured with the housing 10 in a plastic injection molding process. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As exemplarily shown, the first mating member 4 can extend between a first end connected to the sensor head 1 and a second end forming a free end. The free end of the first mating member 4 and the free end 22 of the first snap clamp 2 are arranged opposite to and spaced apart, such that a gap is formed between the free end of the first mating member 4 and the free end 22 of the first snap clamp 2.

[0049] The first mating part 4 has an inner surface 4a, which is configured to abut against the outer periphery of the tube 210. For example... Figure 3 As schematically shown, the first mating member 4 may have a receiving recess 40 extending along the longitudinal axis L1 of the sensor on its inner surface 4a, similar to the first snap clamp 2.

[0050] As in Figure 3 As can be seen from this, the second mating part 5 is positioned about the longitudinal axis L1 of the sensor in the region of the second snap clamp 3, particularly at the corresponding location on the sensor head 1. The second mating part 5 is integrally constructed with the sensor head 1, and particularly with the housing 10 of the sensor head. For example, the second mating part 5 can be integrally manufactured with the housing 10 using a plastic injection molding method. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As exemplarily shown, the second mating member 5 can extend between the first end connected to the sensor head 1 and the second end forming a free end. The free end of the second mating member 5 is arranged opposite and spaced apart from the free end 32 of the second snap clamp 3, such that a gap is formed between the free end of the second mating member 5 and the free end 32 of the second snap clamp 3.

[0051] The second mating part 5 has an inner surface 5a, which is configured to abut against the outer periphery of the tube 210. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As schematically shown, the second mating member 5 may have a receiving recess 50 extending along the longitudinal axis L1 of the sensor on its inner surface 5a, similar to the second snap clamp 3.

[0052] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the sensor device 100 in its mounted state on the tube 210 is shown. (See from...) Figure 2 and Figure 5As can be seen, clamps 2 and 3 partially cover the outer periphery of pipe 210, and clamp the pipe between the inner surfaces 2a and 3a of the corresponding clamps 2 and 3 and the sensor head 1. Optional fittings 4 and 5, provided when necessary, also rest against the outer periphery of pipe 210 with their inner surfaces 4a and 5a.

[0053] like Figure 5 As further exemplified, the tube 210 may be configured to have a recess 212 in which the sensor head 1 is disposed. The recess 212 can be constructed, for example, by pressing the tube 210 into the radial direction over a predetermined length. In the case of a tube 210 having a circular outer periphery in its initial state before deformation, this can result in a diameter widening portion 214 being constructed adjacent to the recess 212. Figure 5 As schematically shown, the diameter widening portion 214 can be accommodated in optional receiving recesses 20, 30 of the corresponding snap clamps 2, 3 and, if necessary, in optional receiving recesses 40, 50 of the mating parts 4, 5. In this way, a more reliable surface-to-surface contact with the outer periphery of the tube 210 can be ensured in the remaining areas of the corresponding snap clamps 2, 3. This advantageously prevents the sensor device 100 from moving or slipping along the periphery of the tube 210.

[0054] Figure 6 The flowchart of a method M for assembling a sensor device 100 is schematically shown. In the first step M1, the sensor device 100 is positioned on the tube 210 such that the free ends 22, 32 of the snap clamps 2 and 3 face the tube 210. For example, the tube 210 can be positioned at a corresponding gap between the snap clamps 2 and 3 and the free ends 22, 32 of the mating parts 4 and 5. When the snap clamps 2 and 3 are positioned as follows... Figure 3 and Figure 4 When configured as exemplarily shown, such that the free ends of the snap clamps point in opposite directions, the sensor device 100 can be positioned on the tube 210 in step M1 such that the longitudinal axis L1 of the sensor is oriented transversely to the tube 210 and the tube 210 is arranged between the snap clamps 2 and 3 about the longitudinal axis L1 of the sensor.

[0055] In step M2, the sensor device 100 is fixed to the tube 210 by guiding the tube 210 through the gap between the free ends 22, 32 of the snap clamps 2 and 3 and the sensor head 1, or, if necessary, the gap between the free ends of the mating parts 4 and 5, so that the tube is snapped or locked between the snap clamps 2 and 3 and the sensor head 1. When the snap clamps 2 and 3 are in place... Figure 3 and Figure 4When configured as exemplarily shown, such that the free ends of the snap clamp point in opposite directions, it is possible to fix the sensor device 100 on the tube 210 in step M2 by rotating the sensor device 100, so that the guide tube 210 passes through the aforementioned gap. For example, it can be rotated about a rotation axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1 of the sensor.

[0056] In step M2, the guide tube 210 typically passes through the gap between the free ends 22, 32 of the corresponding clamps 2, 3 and the free ends of the sensor head 1 or, if necessary, the corresponding mating parts 4, 5. The net width of this gap is less than the outer diameter of the tube 210. Therefore, the clamps 2, 3 are preferably sized such that they can expand the net width of the gap to the outer diameter of the tube 210 through elastic deformation. The distance between the sensor head 1 and the inner surfaces 2a, 3a of the corresponding clamps 2, 3, which can be measured, for example, in plane E, can be less than the minimum outer diameter of the tube 210. Thus, when the sensor device 100 is mounted on the tube 210, the corresponding clamps 2, 3 can apply a clamping force to the tube 210 due to elastic deformation.

[0057] Although the invention has been exemplarily described above with reference to embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto, but can be modified in various ways. In particular, combinations of the above embodiments are also conceivable.

[0058] List of reference numerals 1. Sensor head 2 First buckle 2a Inner surface of the first buckle clamp 2b Outer surface of the first buckle 2c The first section of the inner surface of the first buckle clamp 2d The second section of the inner surface of the first buckle clamp 3 Second buckle 3a Inner surface of the second clip 3b Outer surface of the second buckle 3c The first section of the inner surface of the second buckle clamp The second section of the inner surface of the 3D second buckle clamp 4 First mating part 4a Inner surface of the first mating part 5 Second mating parts 5a Inner surface of the second mating part 6. Signal lines 10. Housing of the sensor head 20 Receiving recess of the first buckle clamp 21 The first end of the first buckle clamp 22 The second end / free end of the first buckle clamp 23 Reinforcing ribs of the first buckle clamp 24 The first section of the second heat exchanger tube 30. Recessed portion of the second buckle clamp 31 The first end of the second buckle 32 The second end / free end of the second buckle clamp 33. Reinforcing ribs of the second buckle clamp 40 Receiving recess of the first mating part 50 Receiving recess of the second mating part 100 sensor devices 200 Heat Exchanger Structure Group 205 Heat Exchanger 210 tube 220 fins 221 Through opening 300 Refrigeration appliances 302 Main Body 310 Storage room or storage compartment 312 Machine Space 315 Evaporator Chamber 320 refrigerant circuit 321 Evaporator 322 compressor 323 Condenser 330 ventilation fan.

Claims

1. A sensor device (100) for mounting on the outer periphery of a pipe (210), the sensor device having: A cylindrical sensor head (1) extends along the longitudinal axis (L1) of the sensor; The first clamp (2) is used to partially enclose the outer periphery of the pipe (210); and The second snap clamp (3) is arranged at a distance from the first snap clamp (2) along the longitudinal axis (L1), and the second snap clamp is used to partially wrap around the outer periphery of the pipe (210); Its features are, The first and second snap clamps (2, 3) are integrally constructed with the sensor head (1), extending arcuately from the sensor head (1) and having free ends (22, 32) spaced apart from the sensor head (1), so that the tube (210) can be guided to pass between the free ends (22, 32) of the snap clamps (2, 3) and the sensor head (1), and the tube can be clamped between the sensor head (1) and the snap clamps (2, 3).

2. The sensor device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first snap clamp (2) and the second snap clamp (3) define a common clamp longitudinal axis (A23) that extends parallel to or substantially parallel to the sensor longitudinal axis (L1), and wherein the free ends (22) of the first snap clamp (2) and the free ends (32) of the second snap clamp (3) are located on opposite sides of a plane (E) that contains the sensor longitudinal axis (L1) and the clamp longitudinal axis (A23).

3. The sensor device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The snap clamps (2, 3) each have an inner surface (2a, 3a) for abutting against the tube (210), in which a receiving recess (20, 30) extending along the longitudinal axis (L1) of the sensor is formed, wherein the receiving recess (20, 30) is preferably formed in the end region of the respective snap clamp (2, 3) facing the sensor head (1).

4. The sensor device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The buckle (2, 3) has at least one reinforcing rib (23, 33) on its outer surface (2b, 3b), and the reinforcing rib extends along the corresponding buckle (2, 3).

5. The sensor device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device additionally comprises: A first mating member (4) integrally constructed with the sensor head (1) is arranged opposite to the free end (22) of the first snap clamp (2), allowing the tube (210) to pass between the free end (22) of the first snap clamp (2) and the first mating member (4); and The second fitting (5) is integrally constructed with the sensor head (1), and the second fitting is arranged opposite to the free end (32) of the second snap clamp (3), so that the tube (210) can be guided to pass between the free end (32) of the second snap clamp (3) and the second fitting (5).

6. The sensor device (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The mating parts (4, 5) each have an inner surface (4a, 5a) for abutting against the tube (210), and a receiving recess (40, 50) extending along the longitudinal axis (L1) of the sensor is formed in the inner surface. The receiving recess is preferably formed in the end region of the respective mating parts (4, 5) facing the sensor head (1).

7. The sensor device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The temperature sensor (10) is integrated into the sensor head (1).

8. A heat exchanger structure assembly (200), said heat exchanger structure assembly having: A heat exchanger (205) having a tube (210) through which a heat transfer medium, particularly a refrigerant, is guided; and According to any one of the preceding claims, the sensor device (100) is fixed to the tube (210) such that the tube (210) is accommodated between the snap clamps (2, 3) and the sensor head (210), and the snap clamps (2, 3) partially surround the tube (210).

9. The heat exchanger structure assembly (200) according to claim 8, wherein, The tube (210) has a recess (212) in which the sensor head (1) is arranged.

10. The heat exchanger structure assembly (200) according to claim 9 when referring to claim 3, wherein, Adjacent to the recess (212), the tube (210) has a diameter widening portion (214) which is accommodated in the receiving recesses (20, 30) of the first snap clamp and the second snap clamp (2, 3).

11. A household appliance (300) having a heat exchanger structure assembly (200) according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. The household appliance (300) according to claim 11, wherein, The household appliance (300) has a refrigerant circuit (320), and the heat exchanger (205) of the heat exchanger structure assembly (200) is integrated into the refrigerant circuit as an evaporator (321).

13. The household appliance (300) according to claim 12, wherein the household appliance additionally comprises: Storage room (310) for holding objects, wherein, The refrigerant circuit (320) is configured to absorb heat from the storage chamber (310) when the refrigerant evaporates and to release the heat to the surrounding environment when the refrigerant condenses.

14. A method (M) for assembling a sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 onto a tube (210), the method comprising: Position the sensor device (100) (M1) on the pipe (210) such that the free ends (22, 32) of the clamps (2, 3) face the pipe (210); and The sensor device (100) is fixed (M2) on the tube (210) by guiding the tube (210) through the free end (22, 32) of the snap clamp (2, 3) and the sensor head (1) so that the tube is snapped or fastened between the snap clamp (2, 3) and the sensor head (1).

15. The method (M) according to claim 14 when referring to claim 2, wherein, Position (M1) the sensor device (100) on the tube (210) such that the longitudinal axis (L1) of the sensor is oriented transversely to the tube (210) and the tube (210) is arranged between the clamps (2, 3) about the longitudinal axis (L1) of the sensor, and wherein the sensor device (100) is fixed (M2) on the tube (210) by rotating the sensor device (100) such that the tube (210) is guided to pass between the free ends (22, 32) of the clamps (2, 3) and the sensor head (1), such that the tube is snapped or fastened between the clamps (2, 3) and the sensor head.

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