Household appliance, method and device for operating a household appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance (100). The household appliance (100) has an interior (105), a body (110) surrounding the interior (105), and a door (125) for closing the interior (105). Additionally, the household appliance (100) has a sensor (115) designed to detect an area surrounding the household appliance (100). The sensor (115) is arranged on a mounting section (120) of the body (110) and is covered by the door (125) when the door (125) is closed. The sensor (115) is spring-mounted so that it rests against the inside of the door (125) when the door (125) is closed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a household appliance and a method and a device for operating a household appliance, in particular a refrigerator, wine cabinet or wine refrigerator.

[0002] DE 10 2014 157 772 A1 discloses a household appliance with sensors that can be visibly mounted on the body or door, for example, on an outer surface of the door. A sensor can be arranged behind a switch panel of kitchen appliances, with the sensor's wiring running through the hinge or through the door's bearings.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an improved household appliance, an improved method and an improved device for operating a household appliance.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a household appliance as well as a method and a device for operating a household appliance having the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are set out in the following subclaims.

[0005] The advantages achievable with the invention consist in particular in that a household appliance is created which can have an advantageous arrangement of a sensor, whereby both a reliable detection of an area surrounding the household appliance can be made possible and an appearance of the household appliance can remain undisturbed by the presence of the sensor.

[0006] A household appliance comprises an interior, a body surrounding the interior, and a door for closing the interior. The household appliance also comprises a sensor configured to detect an area surrounding the household appliance. The sensor is arranged on a mounting portion of the body and is covered by the door when the door is closed. The sensor is spring-mounted to rest against an inner side of the door when the door is closed.

[0007] The household appliance can be designed as a wine cabinet, a wine cooler, or a refrigerator. The sensor can also be understood as a gesture sensor. The approach presented here can therefore also be understood as the device-side installation of a gesture sensor in wine cabinets and / or refrigerators. The approach presented here enables the sensor to be arranged without wiring on the door side, thus eliminating wiring in the area of ​​the hinges or bearings and thus also bending stress. The sensor can detect a user in the surrounding area and recognize a movement pattern of the user. The movement pattern can be the user approaching the household appliance and / or a gesture, for example, a hand movement.

[0008] The sensor can be designed or implemented as a camera, an infrared sensor, a proximity sensor, or a time-of-flight sensor. The sensor can be manufactured cost-effectively and installed in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, the sensor can reliably and accurately detect the surrounding area.

[0009] The household appliance can have a spring device. The spring device can be designed to spring-mount the sensor and preload it toward the door. The spring device can preload the sensor toward the door when the door is closed and / or form a spring-loaded bearing to compensate for tolerances. This ensures secure contact of the sensor against the inside of the door.

[0010] The spring device can comprise a compression spring for resiliently supporting the sensor. The compression spring can be cylindrical and designed to preload the sensor toward the door. The compression spring can be manufactured cost-effectively and enable advantageous mounting of the sensor. When the door is closed, the sensor can rest against the inside of the door, allowing the compression spring to be tensioned. When the door is open, the force of the compression spring can be released, since no counterforce can act on the compression spring. The energy stored in the compression spring can thus be released again.

[0011] The spring device can be arranged between the body and the sensor, allowing for simple and reliable mounting of the sensor.

[0012] The household appliance may include a holding device configured to accommodate the sensor. This allows the sensor to be advantageously mounted and protected from external influences. The holding device may be arranged between the sensor and the spring device.

[0013] The attachment portion can be formed as a recess. The recess can be a pocket, a blind hole, or a recess. The recess can be quickly and easily formed in the body. The recess can be shaped to at least partially accommodate the spring device and / or the holding device and / or the sensor. Thus, the spring device and / or the holding device and / or the sensor can be protected from external influences.

[0014] The mounting section can be shaped to guide the spring movement of the sensor. When the door changes between the open and closed states, the sensor can be guided reliably and precisely.

[0015] The door can be designed as a glass door, with the glass in the sensor area being transparent to a wavelength of electromagnetic radiation used by the sensor. This allows the sensor to reliably and accurately detect the area surrounding the household appliance.

[0016] The glass can be printed outside the sensor area. This embodiment can also enable advantageous sensor operation while avoiding optical interference caused by printing.

[0017] The household appliance can be designed as a wine cabinet, a wine refrigerator, or a refrigerator. Advantageously, the household appliance can be designed as a built-in appliance that can be reliably integrated into an existing kitchen. The household appliance can therefore be used in conjunction with a commercial or professional appliance, such as a catering appliance.

[0018] A method for operating an embodiment of a household appliance mentioned herein comprises an evaluation step and a generation step. In the evaluation step, an ambient signal read in by the sensor via an interface is evaluated in order to recognize a movement pattern of a user. In the generation step, a control signal is generated in response to the recognized movement pattern of the user in order to control the household appliance. The recognized movement pattern can be the user approaching the household appliance and / or a gesture of the user. The gesture can be, for example, a movement of the user's hand. In response to the recognized movement pattern, a lighting device can be controlled, for example, to illuminate the interior.

[0019] Even if the described approach is described using a household appliance, the household appliance and / or the method described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example a medical device, such as a cleaning or disinfection device, a small-scale sterilizer, a large-scale disinfector or a container washing system.

[0020] The approach presented here further provides a device designed to perform, control, or implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. This embodiment of the invention in the form of a device also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0021] The device can be designed to read in input signals and to determine and provide output signals using the input signals. An input signal can, for example, represent a sensor signal that can be read in via an input interface of the device. An output signal can represent a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the device. The device can be designed to determine the output signals using a processing rule implemented in hardware or software. For example, the device can comprise a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and can, for example, be implemented as a discrete component or be comprised of a discrete component.

[0022] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance; Fig. 2 a schematic partial representation of an embodiment of a household appliance; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance; Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a household appliance; and Fig. 5 a block diagram of an embodiment of a device for operating a household appliance.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance 100. The household appliance 100 is embodied merely as a wine cabinet or wine refrigerator, by way of example. Alternatively, the household appliance can be embodied as a refrigerator. Here, the household appliance 100 is shown in a front view.

[0024] The household appliance 100 has an interior 105 in which, for example, a plurality of drawers 130, shelves, or shelves for holding bottles, such as wine bottles, are arranged. The interior 105 is surrounded by a body 110 and can be closed by a door 125. Fig. 1, the door 125 is shown in an open state, so that the interior 105 and the body 110 are visible. When the door 125 is closed, the body 110 is concealed at its front by the door 125. More specifically, a frame 135 of the door 125 conceals the front of the body 110.

[0025] A sensor 115 is arranged on the body 110, wherein the sensor 115 is designed to detect an area surrounding the household appliance. More precisely, the sensor 115 is arranged on an attachment section 120 of the body 110. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, in an operational orientation of the household appliance 100, the attachment section 120 is arranged in the upper region of the front side of the body 110, above the interior 105. When the door 125 is closed, the front side of the body 110 and thus also the attachment section 120 are covered by the frame 135 of the door 125, according to one exemplary embodiment. At the level or in the area of ​​the sensor 115, the frame 135 according to this embodiment has a recess 145, which has, for example, a window made of glass, whereby the sensor 115 can see through the frame 135 when the door 125 is closed.In this state, the sensor 115 rests against an inner side of the door 125 or, according to this exemplary embodiment, against an inner side of the recess 145 of the door 125. The sensor 115 is spring-mounted, with the sensor 115 and the spring-mounted mounting being shown in the following. Fig. 2 are shown and described in more detail. According to another embodiment, the door 125 is frameless, designed as a glass door, and / or with a continuous glass front.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a schematic partial representation of an embodiment of a household appliance 100. The household appliance 100 is similar or corresponds to the household appliance from Fig. 1, where Fig. 2 shows a side sectional view through a partial section of the household appliance 100.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the door 125 is formed as a glass door. The glass 225 is transparent, or transmissive, so that the sensor 115 reliably detects the surrounding area of ​​the household appliance 100. The door 125 is shown in a closed state, so that the sensor 115 rests against the inside of the door 125. More specifically, the sensor 115 rests against the glass 225 of the door 125.

[0028] The attachment section 120 is arranged adjacent to the interior space 105, here above the interior space 105, on the body 110 and is designed, for example, to guide a spring movement of the sensor 115. According to one embodiment, the attachment section 120 has a rectangular sectional profile and is shaped as a recess. The recess is designed, for example, as a pocket, a blind hole, or a recess.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the household appliance 100 comprises a spring device 200 arranged within the mounting portion 120 or the recess. The spring device 200 comprises, for example, a compression spring 210 designed to resiliently mount the sensor 115. The spring device 200 is arranged between the body 110 and the sensor 115.

[0030] According to one exemplary embodiment, the sensor 115 is arranged in a holding device 220, which can also be referred to as a sensor holder, wherein the holding device 220 is arranged in the attachment section 120 or in the recess. More precisely, the holding device 220 is designed to hold or fix the sensor 115 and optionally also to at least partially accommodate it. The holding device 220 is arranged between the sensor 115 and the spring device 200 or the compression spring 210 in the attachment section 120 or the recess. The spring device 200 is therefore arranged between the body 110 and the holding device 220.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the sensor 115 is arranged between the holding device 220 and the door 125. The sensor 115 rests against the glass 225 of the door 125, and the sensor 115 is designed or constructed, merely by way of example, as a camera, infrared sensor, proximity sensor, or time-of-flight sensor. The sensor 115 reliably detects the surrounding area of ​​the household appliance 100 because the glass 225, which can also be referred to as the front glass, is permeable in the area of ​​the sensor 115 to a wavelength of electromagnetic radiation used by the sensor 115. According to one embodiment, the glass 225 is printed outside the area of ​​the sensor 115, wherein the area can be referred to as a print-free area.

[0032] Thus, it is possible for sensor 115 to detect a user's movement pattern in the surrounding area of ​​household appliance 100. The detected movement pattern is, for example, the user approaching household appliance 100 and / or a user gesture. In response to this, it is possible, for example, to activate a lighting device in household appliance 100 to provide the user with a better view of the interior 105 when door 125 is closed.

[0033] The sensor 115 is preloaded toward the door 125 by the spring device 200. When the door 125 is closed, the sensor 115 rests against the inside of the door 125 or against the glass 225. This tensions the compression spring 210. When the door 125 is open, the force of the compression spring 210 is released because no counterforce acts on the compression spring 210. The energy stored in the compression spring 210 is thus released again. A stop for limiting the movement of the sensor 115 toward the door 125 can optionally be arranged in the mounting section 120.

[0034] In other words, Fig. 2, a sensor 115, which can also be referred to as a gesture sensor, is mounted on the body 110 at a mounting section 120, which can also be referred to as a pocket, on the door side. The glass 225 of the door 115 covers the sensor 115 when the door 115 is closed. The sensor 115 is spring-guided so that it always rests against the inside of the glass 225. The glass 225 is permeable to the sensor radiation and / or sensor waves in the effective range of the sensor 115, so that infrared rays, light, and / or electromagnetic waves are transmitted through the glass 225. The approach presented here enables the sensor 115 to be mounted in the household appliance 100 without the need for cabling in the area of ​​the hinges or bearings. Since the sensor 115 is positioned at a minimal distance of a few tenths of a millimeter on the back of the glass door front, the sensor 115 is spring-mounted to compensate for tolerances.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance 100. The household appliance 100 is similar or corresponds to the household appliance from Fig. 1 except that in the representation of Fig. 3, the door is omitted, showing the household appliance 100 in an open state. In an operational orientation of the household appliance 100, the sensor 115 is arranged above the interior space 105 on the body 110 to detect an area surrounding the household appliance 100.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 400 for operating a household appliance. The household appliance is similar to or corresponds to the household appliance from one of the figures described above.

[0037] The method 400 comprises an evaluation step 405 and a generation step 410. In evaluation step 405, an ambient signal read from the sensor via an interface is evaluated to detect a user's movement pattern. In generation step 410, a control signal is generated in response to the detected user's movement pattern to control the household appliance. The detected movement pattern is, for example, the user approaching the household appliance and / or a user gesture. The gesture is, for example, a movement of the user's hand.

[0038] Fig. Figure 5 shows a block diagram of a device 500 for operating a household appliance. The device 500 is designed to implement the method of Fig. 4 or a similar process. The household appliance is similar to or corresponds to the household appliance shown in one of the figures described above.

[0039] For this purpose, device 500 has an evaluation unit 505 and a generation unit 510. Evaluation unit 505 is configured to evaluate an environmental signal 515 in order to detect a user's movement pattern. Environmental signal 515 is read in by sensor 115 via an interface.

[0040] The generating unit 510 is configured to generate a control signal 520 in response to the detected movement pattern of the user. The generating unit 510 is configured to output the control signal 520 to a device 525 to control the household appliance. The device 525 is configured, for example, as a lighting device to illuminate the interior of the household appliance, for example, when the user has been detected by the sensor 115 in the surrounding area of ​​the household appliance. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2014 157 772 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Household appliance (100), wherein the household appliance (100) has an interior (105), a body (110) surrounding the interior (105) and a door (125) for closing the interior (105), wherein the household appliance (100) has the following feature: a sensor (115) which is designed to detect an environmental area of ​​the household appliance (100), wherein the sensor (115) is arranged on an attachment section (120) of the body (110) and is covered by the door (125) when the door (125) is closed, wherein the sensor (115) is resiliently mounted to bear against an inner side of the door (125) when the door (125) is closed. [2] Household appliance (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (115) is designed as a camera, an infrared sensor, a proximity sensor or as a time-of-flight sensor. [3] Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, with a spring device (200) which is designed to resiliently mount the sensor (115) and to pretension it in the direction of the door (125). [4] Household appliance (100) according to claim 3, wherein the spring device (200) comprises a compression spring (210) for resiliently supporting the sensor (115). [5] Household appliance (100) according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the spring device (200) is arranged between the body (110) and the sensor (115). [6] Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a holding device (220) which is designed to receive the sensor (115). [7] Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment portion (120) is formed as a recess. [8] Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting portion (120) is shaped to guide a spring movement of the sensor (115). [9] Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the door (125) is formed as a glass door, wherein the glass (225) in the region of the sensor (115) is permeable to a wavelength of electromagnetic radiation used by the sensor (115). [10] Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a printing of the glass (225) is arranged outside the area of ​​the sensor (115). [11] Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the household appliance (100) is shaped as a wine cabinet, a wine refrigerator or a refrigerator. [12] Method (400) for operating a household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, wherein the method (400) comprises the following steps: Evaluating (405) an environmental signal (515) read in via an interface from the sensor (115) in order to detect a movement pattern of a user; and Generating (410) a control signal (520) to control the household appliance (100) in response to the detected movement pattern of the user. [13] Device (500) which is designed to carry out and / or control the steps (405, 410) of the method (400) according to claim 12 in corresponding units (505, 510).

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