A deep freezer comprising an illumination member

Abstract

A deep freezer (1) comprising a body (2); a compartment (B) which is provided in the body (2), wherein the foodstuffs to be frozen are placed and which has at least one base; an access opening (EA) which provides access to the compartment (B); and a door (3) which is hinged onto the body (2), which is suitable to be moved between a closed position wherein the door (3) fully covers the access opening (EA) and an open position wherein access to the compartment (B) is provided, and which has an inner surface (4) facing the compartment (B) when in the closed position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a deep freezer comprising an illumination member on the door.

[0002] Horizontal deep freezers, also known as chest-type, comprise a compartment on a body wherein foodstuffs to be frozen are placed, and a door hinged onto the body. In order to illuminate the inside of the compartment, an illumination member is generally placed on the inner surface of the door. However, since the illumination members are positioned on the door, when the door is opened, the illumination member cannot sufficiently illuminate the inside of the compartment and prevents the user from seeing the inside of the compartment. Some studies have been carried out in the prior art to overcome this problem; however, the desired level of success has not been achieved. For example, the illumination member is attached on a pin so as to be rotated downward by the effect of gravity when the door is opened; however, in the course of time, this causes many problems such as wear, squeaking noises, and oscillation of the light due to movement.

[0003] In the state of the art European Patent Application No. EP3086067A1, a deep freezer is disclosed, which adjusts the intensity of the illumination member depending on the opening degree of the door.

[0004] In the state of the art United States Patent Application No. US4754376A, a deep freezer is disclosed, having an illumination member which is attached onto the door and which, when the door is opened, rotates on its axis by the effect of gravity and illuminates the inside of the compartment.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a deep freezer which enables the illumination member to be rotated so as to face the base of the compartment when the door is opened.

[0006] The deep freezer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a body; a compartment which is disposed in the body, wherein the foodstuffs to be frozen are placed and which has at least one base; an access opening which provides access into the compartment; a door which is hinged onto the body, which is suitable to be moved between a closed position wherein the door fully covers the access opening and an open position wherein access to the compartment is provided and which has an inner surface facing the compartment when in the closed position; at least one illumination member which is disposed on the inner surface in a rotatable manner by means of at least one first motor; at least one position sensor which measures the position information of the door; and a control unit which drives the first motor to rotate the illumination member toward the base of the compartment according to the information received from the position sensor. Thus, when the door is opened, the illumination member is automatically directed toward the base of the compartment based on the information received from the position sensor such that the area desired to be accessed by the user is clearly illuminated while saving energy.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, a casing is provided on the inner surface, a pin is attached onto the casing so as to be rotated by the first motor, a holder is attached onto the pin, and a circuit board whereon a plurality of illumination members are arranged is attached onto the holder. By means of the housing and the rotatable pin system, the circuit board whereon the illumination members are arranged can be flexibly integrated into different layouts. This facilitates installation in accordance with the internal structure of the deep freezer and enables the provision of standardized, efficient lighting solutions for various products.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, a lid which covers the casing is provided. Thus, the lid which covers the casing protects the illumination members from external influences and increases the durability of the system and ensuring its longevity. Moreover, by means of the lid, an aesthetic appearance is achieved while preventing the accumulation of dust and dirt, reducing maintenance requirements.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the casing is placed into a housing provided on the inner surface. Thus, the illumination members are safely placed into the housing in the casing, ensuring proper placement. The design of the housing ensures that the illumination members remain stable and operate properly, preventing possible movement or damage. Moreover, this arrangement facilitates assembly and maintenance processes and extends the economic life.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, on the holder, at least two gripping members are provided, which apply pressure to at least two opposing edges of the circuit board when the circuit board is placed on the holder so as to grip the circuit board. Thus, when placed on the holder, the circuit board is securely gripped and fixed by the gripping members such that the circuit board is prevented from moving or being damaged.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, a light sensor which measures the ambient light level is provided on the body or the door, and the control unit is configured to adjust the brightness of the illumination member according to the data received from the light sensor. Thus, the ambient light level is continuously monitored and the brightness of the illumination member is automatically adjusted, saving energy and keeping the lighting at an ideal level under all conditions. While providing the most suitable lighting environment for the user, unnecessary energy consumption is prevented and the efficiency of the system is increased.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one distance sensor configured to detect the section to be accessed in the compartment is provided on the body or the door, a second motor is connected to the illumination member, and the control unit drives the second motor so as to rotate the illumination member toward the section to be accessed according to the data received from the distance sensor. Thus, only the section desired to be accessed by the user is illuminated, and unnecessary energy consumption is prevented. By means of the illumination member operating only when needed and as being properly directed, the energy efficiency of the deep freezer is increased and long-term energy savings are achieved.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of illumination members are provided on the circuit board, and the control unit regulates the operation of the illumination member so as to increase the light intensity of the illumination members facing the section to be accessed and decrease the light intensity of the other illumination members. Thus, intense light is provided only to the region to be accessed, making it easier for the user to see, while reducing unnecessary energy consumption. The demand-driven operation of the illumination members increases overall energy efficiency, providing a longer-lasting and sustainable lighting solution.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the illumination member is an LED. Thus, by means of the low energy consumption and long service life of the LED, energy efficiency is increased, and maintenance and replacement costs are reduced. Moreover, LED lighting provides higher light efficiency, offering the user a clearer view.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor is a gyro sensor. Thus, by means of the precise position detection capability of the gyro sensor, the sections to be accessed are determined accurately and quickly so as to provide the user with a higher level of precision and a reliable experience. The gyro sensor also provides stable and continuous position tracking and increases the overall performance of the system.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first motor is a step motor. Thus, by means of the ability of the step motor to provide precise motion control, the illumination member can be directed to the desired position with high accuracy, providing efficient lighting for the user. The robust structure and long economic life of the step motor also increase the reliability of the system and reduce maintenance requirements.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance sensor comprises at least one of an ultrasonic, infrared, laser, or inductive proximity sensor. Thus, detection accuracy is increased, and reliable distance measurement is ensured under various environmental conditions. The ability to select at least one of the ultrasonic, infrared, laser, or inductive sensors enables the system to be flexibly adapted according to the needs and areas of use.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the illumination member is disposed on the inner surface at a location close to an imaginary line which lies symmetrically on the horizontal or vertical axis of the surface and divides the surface into two equal parts. Thus, by disposing the illumination member at the center of the inner surface, light distribution is made homogeneous and the entire area is illuminated evenly. Thus, the user can see every region easily and lighting efficiency is maximized.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a method which enables the inside of the compartment of a deep freezer of the type described above to be illuminated, wherein the method comprises the steps of Opening the door, Measuring the opening angle of the door with the position sensor and transmitting the information to the control unit, and Driving the first motor by the control unit such that the illumination member always faces the base of the compartment according to the opening angle of the door.

[0020] Thus, when the door is opened, the illumination member is automatically directed toward the base of the compartment such that the region needed by the user is illuminated from the most accurate angle. Consequently, this dynamic adjustment performed based on the opening angle of the door offers the user better visibility and increases energy efficiency.

[0021] By means of the present invention, the interior lighting of the deep freezer is efficiently managed, energy consumption is reduced, the user is enabled to properly illuminate the area needed, and unnecessary energy expenditure is prevented.

[0022] The deep freezer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where: Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the deep freezer related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 - is the view of the door of the deep freezer in two different positions related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 - is the exploded view of the casing, the holder, the illumination member and the circuit board related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 - is the sideways view of the illumination member and the second motor related to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows: 1.Deep freezer 2.Body 3.Door 4.Inner surface 5.Housing 6.Casing 7.Pin 8.Holder 9.Gripping member 10.Lid 11.First motor 12.Illumination member 13.Circuit board 14.Position sensor 15.Light sensor 16.Distance sensor 17.Control unit 18.Second motor 19.First gear 20.Second gear EA:Access opening B:Compartment

[0024] The deep freezer (1) comprises a body (2); a compartment (B) which is provided in the body (2), wherein the foodstuffs to be frozen are placed and which has at least one base; an access opening (EA) which provides access to the compartment (B); and a door (3) which is hinged onto the body (2), which is suitable to be moved between a closed position wherein the door (3) fully covers the access opening (EA) and an open position wherein access to the compartment (B) is provided, and which has an inner surface (4) facing the compartment (B) when in the closed position. The deep freezer (1) has a structure, also known as chest-type, wherein the door (3) opens upward. When the user wants to access the compartment (B), he / she opens the door (3) upward and reaches into the compartment (B) through the access opening (EA).

[0025] The deep freezer (1) of the present invention comprises at least one illumination member (12) which is disposed on the inner surface (4) so as to be rotated by means of at least one first motor (11); at least one position sensor (14) which measures the position information of the door (3); and a control unit (17) which drives the first motor (11) so as to rotate the illumination member (12) toward the base of the compartment (B) based on the information received from the position sensor (14). When the door (3) is opened, the inner surface (4) of the door and the illumination member (12) disposed on the inner surface (4) face a direction perpendicular to the plane of the inner surface (4), not into the compartment (B). However, the first motor (11) rotates the illumination member (12) around another axis parallel to the hinge axis about which the door (3) is rotated so as to rotate the illumination member (12) toward the base of the compartment (B). The position sensor (14) measures the position and angle of the door (3) relative to the body (2) and transmits the information to the control unit (17), and the control unit (17) drives the first motor (11) to rotate the illumination member (12) toward the base of the compartment (B). Thus, when the user opens the door (3), the illumination member (12) is rotated toward the base of the compartment (B) simultaneously according to the opening degree of the door (3) such that the inside of the compartment (B) is clearly illuminated.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises a casing (6) which is provided on the inner surface (4); a pin (7) which is attached on the casing (6) so as to be rotated by means of the first motor (11); a holder (8) which is attached on the pin (7); and a circuit board (13) which is attached on the holder (8) and whereon a plurality of illumination members (12) are arranged. Since the casing (6) houses the illumination member (12), the pin (7), the holder (8), the first motor (11) and the circuit board (13), the casing (6) can be removed as a single piece from the door (3) and applied to other deep freezers. In this embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor (14) is also arranged on the circuit board (13). The circuit board (13) is attached on the holder (8), and the holder (8) is attached to the pin (7) such that the holder (8), and hence the circuit board (13), is rotated by means of the first motor (11).

[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises a lid (10) which covers the casing (6). The lid (10) is provided so as to protect the casing (6) and to ensure the safety of the internal components. The lid (10) protects the casing (6) from external factors, dust, or environmental factors. Moreover, the lid (10) covers the interior part of the casing (6) so as to maintain the functionality of the installed system, particularly without interfering with the proper operation of the illumination members (12).

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises the casing (6) which is disposed into a housing (5) provided on the inner surface (4). The housing (5) is specially designed to receive the casing (6), ensures that the casing (6) remains fixed in place, and safely protects the illumination members (12) or other components. The design of the housing (5) ensures that the casing (6) stays in the correct position.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises at least two gripping members (9) which are provided on the holder (6) and which apply pressure to at least two opposing edges of the circuit board (13) when the circuit board (13) is placed on the holder (6) so as to grip the circuit board (13). The gripping members (9) preferably extend from the edges of the holder (6) perpendicularly to the plane of the holder (6). The gripping members (9) securely attach the circuit board (13) to the holder (6) such that the circuit board (13) remains properly in place and operates safely. The gripping members (9) prevent the circuit board (13) from displacing and enable the same to remain fixed in the correct position.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises a light sensor (15) which is provided on the body (2) or the door (3) and which measures the ambient light level, and a control unit (17) which is configured to adjust the brightness of the illumination member (12) according to the data received from the light sensor (15). The light sensor (15) measures the ambient light level. The control unit (17) receives the said data and processes the same to adjust the brightness of the illumination member (12) based on the information received from the sensor (15). In other words, depending on the ambient light, the control unit (17) increases or decreases the brightness level of the illumination member (12) as needed. Thus, unnecessary excessive lighting use is prevented and the energy efficiency of the deep freezer (1) is improved.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises at least one distance sensor (16) which is provided on the body (2) or the door (3) and which is configured to detect the section to be accessed in the compartment (B), a second motor (18) which is connected to the illumination member (12), and the control unit (17) which drives the second motor (18) so as to rotate the illumination member (12) toward the section to be accessed according to the data received from the distance sensor (16). The distance sensor (16) detects the section desired to be accessed in the compartment (B). The control unit (17) receives the said data and drives the second motor (18). The first gear (19) connected to the second motor (18) rotates the second gear (20) connected to the illumination member (12) so as to enable the illumination member (12) to be rotated. Thus, the illumination member (12) is rotated toward the section desired to be accessed. Consequently, the illumination member (12) is adjusted to be in the correct position and provides the most efficient light to the user. Accordingly, the illumination member (12) is enabled to be directed as needed, increasing the energy efficiency of the deep freezer (1).

[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises a plurality of illumination members (12) which are provided on the circuit board (13), and the control unit (17) which regulates the operation of the illumination member (12) such that the light intensity of the illumination members (12) facing the section desired to be accessed is increased and the light intensity of the other illumination members (12) is decreased. The control unit (17) adjusts the light levels so as to increase the light intensity of the illumination members (12) facing the section desired to be accessed while decreasing the light intensity of the other illumination members (12). Thus, only the necessary region is illuminated, and energy savings are achieved by reducing the light level in other regions. The said system is optimized for efficient use of lighting.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the illumination member (12) is an LED. LEDs provide energy-efficient lighting and have a long economic life with low power consumption. Thus, the energy consumption level of the deep freezer (1) is reduced, and the energy efficiency thereof is improved.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor (14) is a gyro sensor. The gyro sensor (14) detects the opening angle and movement of the door (3) of the deep freezer (1). The gyro sensor (14) measures the rotational movement to determine the position of the door (3) and uses this data to properly position the illumination members (12). Thus, the illumination members (12) are always directed toward the region desired to be accessed by the user, the correct lighting is provided, and energy efficiency is increased.

[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first motor (11) is a step motor. The step motor (11) is a motor capable of rotating with high precision and is used here to rotate the illumination member (12) at a specific angle. The step motor (11) rotates by a specific angle at each step so as to enable the illumination member (12) to be precisely positioned at the desired angle.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance sensor (16) comprises at least one of an ultrasonic, infrared, laser, or inductive proximity sensor. The said sensors measure the distance and determine which region is desired to be accessed. As a result, the said information is processed by the control unit (17), which in turn drives the motor (11) to direct the illumination member (12) to the correct position.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the illumination member (12) is positioned at the center of the inner surface (4). Here, the center refers to a position close to an imaginary line located symmetrically along the horizontal or vertical axis of the inner surface (4), which divides the surface into two equal parts. Thus, the light is enabled to be distributed more efficiently and evenly in the compartment (B). When the illumination member (12) is in the correct position, the desired region is illuminated properly, increasing energy efficiency and ensuring that the light is directed toward the target region.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a method which enables the inside of the compartment (B) of a deep freezer (1) of the type described above to be illuminated, wherein the method comprises the steps of Opening the door (3), Measuring the opening angle of the door (3) with the position sensor (14) and transmitting the information to the control unit (17), and Driving the first motor (11) by the control unit (17) such that the illumination member (12) always faces the base of the compartment (B) according to the opening angle of the door (3). Thus, by measuring the opening degree of the door (3), the illumination member (12) is enabled to be automatically rotated so as to face the base of the compartment (B).

[0039] By means of the present invention, the interior lighting of the deep freezer (1) is efficiently managed, energy consumption is reduced, the user is enabled to properly illuminate the area needed, and unnecessary energy expenditure is prevented.

Claims

1. A deep freezer (1) comprising a body (2); a compartment (B) which is provided in the body (2), wherein the foodstuffs to be frozen are placed and which has at least one base; an access opening (EA) which provides access to the compartment (B); and a door (3) which is hinged onto the body (2), which is suitable to be moved between a closed position wherein the door (3) fully covers the access opening (EA) and an open position wherein access to the compartment (B) is provided, and which has an inner surface (4) facing the compartment (B) when in the closed position, characterized by at least one illumination member (12) which is disposed on the inner surface (4) so as to be rotated by means of at least one first motor (11); at least one position sensor (14) which measures the position information of the door (3); and a control unit (17) which drives the first motor (11) so as to rotate the illumination member (12) toward the base of the compartment (B) based on the information received from the position sensor (14).

2. A deep freezer (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a casing (6) which is provided on the inner surface (4); a pin (7) which is attached on the casing (6) so as to be rotated by means of the first motor (11); a holder (8) which is attached on the pin (7); and a circuit board (13) which is attached on the holder (8) and whereon a plurality of illumination members (12) are arranged.

3. A deep freezer (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a lid (10) which covers the casing (6).

4. A deep freezer (1) as in Claim 2 or Claim 3, characterized by the casing (6) which is disposed into a housing (5) provided on the inner surface (4).

5. A deep freezer (1) as in any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized by at least two gripping members (9) which are provided on the holder (6) and which apply pressure to at least two opposing edges of the circuit board (13) when the circuit board (13) is placed on the holder (6) so as to grip the circuit board (13).

6. A deep freezer (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a light sensor (15) which is provided on the body (2) or the door (3) and which measures the ambient light level, and a control unit (17) which is configured to adjust the brightness of the illumination member (12) according to the data received from the light sensor (15).

7. A deep freezer (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one distance sensor (16) which is provided on the body (2) or the door (3) and which is configured to detect the section to be accessed in the compartment (B), a second motor (18) which is connected to the illumination member (12), and the control unit (17) which drives the second motor (18) so as to rotate the illumination member (12) toward the section to be accessed according to the data received from the distance sensor (16).

8. A deep freezer (1) as in one of the Claims 2 to 7, characterized by a plurality of illumination members (12) which are provided on the circuit board (13), and the control unit (17) which regulates the operation of the illumination member (12) such that the light intensity of the illumination members (12) facing the section desired to be accessed is increased and the light intensity of the other illumination members (12) is decreased.

9. A deep freezer (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the illumination member (12) which is an LED.

10. A deep freezer (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the position sensor (14) which is a gyro sensor.

11. A deep freezer (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the first motor (11) which is a step motor.

12. A deep freezer (1) as in any one of Claims 7 to 11, characterized by the distance sensor (16) comprising at least one of an ultrasonic, infrared, laser, or inductive proximity sensor.

13. A deep freezer (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the illumination member (12) which is positioned at the center of the inner surface (4).

14. A method for illuminating the inside of the compartment (B) of a deep freezer (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by comprising the steps of: - Opening the door (3), - Measuring the opening angle of the door (3) with the position sensor (14) and transmitting the information to the control unit (17), and - Driving the first motor (11) by the control unit (17) such that the illumination member (12) always faces the base of the compartment (B) according to the opening angle of the door (3).

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