Household refrigeration appliance apparatus, no-frost apparatus, household refrigeration appliance, and method for operating a household refrigeration appliance

Abstract

A household refrigeration appliance apparatus for insertion into a refrigeration sector of a household refrigeration appliance provides the household refrigeration appliance apparatus with improved properties with respect to cabling. The household refrigeration appliance apparatus includes a control unit for controlling at least one functional unit, and an interface unit for connecting the control unit to a main control unit of the household refrigeration appliance. A no-frost apparatus, a household refrigeration appliance and a method for operating a household refrigeration appliance, are also provided.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German Patent Application DE 102024209 154.5, filed September 24, 2024; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance apparatus for insertion into a refrigeration sector of a household refrigeration appliance. The present invention further relates to a no-frost apparatus having the household refrigeration appliance apparatus, a household refrigeration appliance having the household refrigeration appliance apparatus, and a method for operating a household refrigeration appliance.

[0003] No-frost apparatuses for freezer compartments of household refrigeration appliances, which are configured to prevent the formation of ice and / or frost in the freezer compartment, are known from the prior art. For that purpose, a circulation of air in the household refrigeration appliance is generated by a fan and built-up frost is defrosted at regular intervals by a defrost heater. In order to control and / or supply voltage to the functional components of the no-frost apparatus, i.e. for example of the defrost heater and the fan, a plurality of electrical cables are required to pass through an insulating component of the freezer compartment to form the control electronics of the household refrigeration appliance. In that case the control electronics must also have a correspondingly large number of connectors. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a household refrigeration appliance apparatus, a no-frost apparatus, a household refrigeration appliance, and a method for operating a household refrigeration appliance, which overcome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known apparatuses and methods of this general type and which make available a household refrigeration appliance apparatus with improved properties with respect to cabling.

[0005] With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a household refrigeration appliance apparatus for insertion into a refrigeration sector of a household refrigeration appliance. The household refrigeration appliance apparatus has a control unit for controlling at least one functional unit and an interface unit for connecting the control unit to a main control unit of the household refrigeration appliance.

[0006] Such a household refrigeration appliance apparatus enables the number of interfaces to the main control unit to be reduced, whereby concomitantly advantageous properties with respect to electromagnetic compatibility can be achieved. In addition, thanks to the inventive household refrigeration appliance apparatus a modular structure of a household refrigeration appliance can be realized, since the main control unit can be adapted to different configuration requirements of a household refrigeration appliance by using one or more inventive household refrigeration appliance apparatuses. Thus in particular a space saving can be made in the device even in household refrigeration appliances with a relatively simple structure.

[0007] The household appliance apparatus can be part of the household refrigeration appliance, which can for example be configured as a refrigerator cabinet and / or freezer cabinet, as a chest refrigerator and / or chest freezer, as a wine storage cabinet, or the like. The household refrigeration appliance can have at least one compartment which is configured as a refrigeration compartment or freezer compartment. The household refrigeration appliance can also have multiple compartments, for example two, three, four, five, six or more than six compartments, which can be configured as freezer compartments and / or as refrigeration compartments.

[0008] The functional unit can be part of a no-frost apparatus, an ice-making apparatus, in particular an ice-cube-making apparatus, or the like. The household refrigeration appliance can have the no-frost apparatus and / or the ice-making apparatus. The household refrigeration appliance apparatus can be part of the no-frost apparatus or of the ice-making apparatus. The no-frost apparatus can be configured to prevent an undesired build-up of frost and / or ice in the household refrigeration appliance. Functional components of the no-frost apparatus can include a defrost heater unit, a fan unit, a sensor unit, an evaporator, an outflow, an evaporation tray and / or the like. The evaporator of the no-frost apparatus can correspond to an evaporator of the household refrigeration appliance, which is configured as part of a refrigeration system of the household refrigeration appliance for the provision of the refrigeration and / or freezing function of the household refrigeration appliance. The household refrigeration appliance could also have multiple evaporators. The functional unit can for example have one or more of the electrical functional components of the no-frost apparatus, i.e. for example the defrost heater unit, the fan unit and / or the sensor unit, or of the ice-making device.

[0009] The fan unit can be configured to generate a circulation of air in the household refrigeration appliance, which can be guided through the compartments of the household refrigeration appliance. A refrigeration sector of the household refrigeration appliance can be defined by the compartments of the household refrigeration appliance or by an air circulation sector defined by the fan unit, wherein the household appliance apparatus is configured to be introduced into and / or disposed in the refrigeration sector. The fan unit can have one or more air wheels and a drive unit, for example an electric motor. Moisture from the air circulated by the fan unit can condense at the evaporator during operation of the household refrigeration appliance, wherein frost and / or ice can form.

[0010] The defrost heater unit can be configured to defrost moisture condensed at the evaporator. The defrost heater unit can have one or more heating elements which are configured as resistive heating elements or the like. The evaporator can be defrosted in a defrost phase of the no-frost apparatus, which can for example be repeated at regular intervals in time and / or can be initiated as a function of information about a build-up of ice and / or frost at the evaporator. For example, the information about the build-up of ice and / or frost at the evaporator could be determined by the sensor unit.

[0011] The sensor unit can for example have one or more temperature sensors. In order to measure a temperature of the compartments the temperature sensors can be correspondingly disposed thereon or can be configured as a functional component temperature sensor to measure a temperature of at least one of the functional components and can be correspondingly disposed thereon, for example as an evaporator temperature sensor. The sensor unit can include one or more moisture sensors, air flow sensors or the like.

[0012] The control unit can include a processor and a storage element as well as an operating program stored on the storage element. The storage element can be configured as a digital storage medium, for example as a memory chip or the like. The control unit can be configured to control the functional unit in a state connected to the interface unit. The control unit can include corresponding control components for controlling the electrical functional components connected to the interface unit.

[0013] The main control unit and / or the functional unit can be connected to the interface unit by cable. In order to connect the interface unit to the functional unit, the interface unit can in accordance with the invention have at least one connector. The interface unit can preferably have multiple electrical connectors for the electrical functional components.

[0014] The inventive embodiment of the household refrigeration appliance apparatus can have a PCB, on which the interface unit and the control unit are disposed. The connectors of the interface unit can be configured as connectors on the PCB, for example as pads, vias, terminal strips, jacks or the like.

[0015] The interface unit can have at least one connector for the cable-based connection of the control unit to the main control unit. In accordance with a development of the invention, it can be provided that for connection to the main control unit the interface unit has only one communication interface and one energy supply interface. Thus the number of connection cables between the household refrigeration appliance apparatus and the main control unit can be kept low.

[0016] The interface unit can have at least one communication interface and / or one energy supply interface for connection to a further household refrigeration appliance apparatus. Thus more than one household refrigeration appliance apparatus can be disposed in the refrigeration sector, without additional connection cables to the main control unit being needed. The number of connection cables needed can thus in particular be kept low, especially when multiple household refrigeration appliance apparatuses are used in the household refrigeration appliance.

[0017] In accordance with a development of the invention the household refrigeration appliance apparatus can have a detection unit which is configured to determine and / or set, as a function of a connection state of the interface unit, at least one configuration parameter for communication with the main control unit. The detection unit can be connected to the interface unit by data technology, i.e. at least such that it can detect the connection state of the interface unit. At least part of the detection unit can be disposed on the PCB. Alternatively or additionally, at least part of the detection unit can also be disposed on the main control unit. The connection state can include information about occupied connectors of the interface unit. In other words, the connection state can include information about electrical functional components connected to the interface unit.

[0018] At least part of the detection unit can be part of the control unit. The configuration parameter can be a parameter relevant to the proper communication between the main control unit and the control unit. For example, the configuration parameter can be configured for identification of the household appliance apparatus by the main control unit. The main control unit can be located outside the refrigeration sector, wherein the main control unit can be separated from the refrigeration sector at least by an insulating component, for example a heat-insulating foam.

[0019] It can be provided that the detection unit is configured to determine at least one usage parameter as a function of a connection state of the interface unit, and as a function thereof to determine and / or set the configuration parameter. The usage parameter can for example be a location parameter and / or a refrigeration system parameter. The location parameter can be information about an arrangement position of the control unit or the household appliance apparatus in the household appliance, for example in which compartment of the household appliance and / or position within this compartment the control unit or the household appliance apparatus is disposed. The refrigeration system parameter can include information about the refrigeration system of the household refrigeration appliance, i.e. for example about operating parameters of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, the evaporator or the like of the household refrigeration appliance. From the usage parameter the detection unit can determine the configuration parameter for example on the basis of a table or the like stored in the detection unit.

[0020] In accordance with an embodiment variant of the invention the configuration parameter can be a communication address, namely a DBus address. The communication address can be assigned to the control unit to enable proper communication between the main control unit and the control unit. The DBus address can be stored on the control unit. The detection unit can be configured to determine and / or set the configuration parameter during a first commissioning of the household appliance apparatus as a function of the connection state of the interface unit. It can be provided that the detection unit is configured to check the configuration parameter at predetermined intervals in time or periodically when the household appliance apparatus is switched on.

[0021] In accordance with a development of the invention the connection state can have information about temperature sensors connected to the interface unit, preferably about the temperature sensors of the functional unit. On the basis of the connected temperature sensors the usage parameter can for example be determined especially reliably and / or simply. One or more temperature sensors can be connected to the interface unit. The number and / or type of temperature sensors may differ depending on the position in the household appliance and / or usage. It can be provided that the connection state has information about the occupancy of analog inputs of the interface unit. The analog inputs can be provided for connection to temperature sensors. The different analog inputs can be linked to the type and / or position of the temperature sensors. Thus the occupancy of the analog inputs can correspond to the intended position of the control unit or the household appliance apparatus in the household appliance.

[0022] In order to enable error-free determination and / or setting of the configuration parameter as a function of the connection state, in accordance with a development of the invention it can be provided that the interface unit has a coding unit for fail-safe contacting of connectors of the interface unit. The coding unit can be configured as a mechanical coding unit. For example, the connectors of the interface unit can be coded mechanically, such that they can only be contacted with a predetermined temperature sensor of the temperature sensors. Thus an incorrect connection of temperature sensors to the connectors of the interface unit and an incorrect determination and / or setting of the usage parameter and of the communication parameter based thereon can be prevented.

[0023] In order to prevent damage to an electronics unit, which includes at least the detection unit, by condensation in the defrost phase, the household appliance apparatus can have a heating unit for heating the electronics unit. Through the use of the heating unit the electronics unit can be heated such that in the defrost phase of the no-frost apparatus its temperature lies above the condensation point. Heating of the electronics unit by heat loss during operation to a temperature below the condensation point in the defrost phase cannot be understood as heating of the electronics unit by a heating unit. At least the control unit, the PCB and / or the interface unit can be part of the electronics unit. The electronics unit can also include at least some of the electrical functional components of the no-frost apparatus.

[0024] At least part of the heating unit can be formed by a component of the electronics unit. The component can for example be an electrical control component for at least one of the electrical functional components which is disposed on the PCB, for example a processor, a switching element, a resistor or the like. In accordance with a development of the invention it can be provided that the component is configured as a circuit breaker, for example as a circuit breaker for the defrost heater unit. The circuit breaker can preferably be configured as a triac.

[0025] The heating unit can have at least one active heating element. An “active heating element” can be understood as a heating element which is primarily or solely configured for heating. The active heating element can be configured as a resistive heating element or alternatively as an infrared heating element, as an induction heating element or the like. The active heating element can be disposed on the PCB or spaced apart from the PCB. A heat output of the heating unit can be set via the control unit and / or via the main control unit. The control unit can be configured to control the heat output as a function of a temperature parameter. The household refrigeration appliance apparatus can have at least one electronics unit temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the electronics unit, preferably of the PCB. The temperature detected by the electronics unit temperature sensor can correspond to the temperature parameter. The electronics unit temperature sensor can be disposed on the PCB. The heat output of the heating unit can for example be set by controlling the at least one heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the heat output could be set by a deliberately ineffective operation of the circuit breaker.

[0026] With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a no-frost apparatus having the household refrigeration appliance apparatus according to the invention and having the functional unit. Thus a no-frost apparatus can be made available which requires an especially small number of functional cables to the main control unit. In accordance with an embodiment variant of the invention, the functional unit of the no-frost apparatus can have the defrost heater unit, the fan unit and / or a sensor unit. In this connection, a redundant cable cannot be understood as a functional cable. The functional cable can have just one or multiple cores.

[0027] With the objects of the invention in view, there is furthermore provided a household refrigeration appliance having the household refrigeration appliance apparatus and having the main control unit which is connected to the control unit. Thanks to the inventive household refrigeration appliance a household refrigeration appliance can be made available which needs an especially small number of cables through its insulating material. Furthermore, an especially short cable routing is sufficient for such a household refrigeration appliance. In accordance with an embodiment variant of the invention the main control unit can be connected to the household refrigeration appliance apparatus via a maximum of five functional cables. It can be provided that the household refrigeration appliance has at least one household refrigeration appliance apparatus which is connected to the main control unit via the household refrigeration appliance apparatus in terms of energy supply and / or communication technology.

[0028] With the objects of the invention in view, there is concomitantly provided a method for operating a household refrigeration appliance, for example the household refrigeration appliance according to the invention, wherein the functional unit is controlled by the household refrigeration appliance apparatus. Thanks to such a method the main control unit of a household refrigeration appliance can be expanded and operated modularly as required with household refrigeration appliance apparatuses.

[0029] The devices and methods disclosed herein are not intended to be restricted to the application and form of embodiment described above. In particular, for the fulfillment of a function described herein they may have a number of individual elements, components and units, as well as method steps, that differs from a number mentioned herein. Furthermore, in the case of the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values lying within the specified limits should also be considered as disclosed and as able to be employed at will.

[0030] It is noted in particular that all features and properties described in relation to a device, as well as methodologies, can be transferred analogously to methods and can be employed within the meaning of the invention and are considered to be jointly disclosed. The same also applies in the opposite direction. This means that structural, i.e. apparatus-conforming, features also mentioned in relation to methods can also be taken into consideration, claimed and likewise counted for the disclosure in the context of the apparatus claims.

[0031] The present invention is described below by way of example on the basis of the appended figures. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and use them appropriately in combination in the context of the claims.

[0032] If there is more than one example of a particular object, where appropriate only one thereof is provided with a reference character in the figures and in the description. The description of this example can be transferred correspondingly to the other examples of the object. If objects are named in particular by using number words, such as first, second, third object, etc., these are used to name and / or assign objects. Therefore for example a first object and a third object may be included, but not a second object. However, a number and / or an order of objects could additionally also be derived on the basis of number words.

[0033] Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

[0034] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a household refrigeration appliance apparatus, a no-frost apparatus, a household refrigeration appliance, and a method for operating a household refrigeration appliance, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

[0035] The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, front-elevational view of a household appliance with two no-frost apparatuses;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a connection of a main control unit of the household appliance to one of the no-frost apparatuses of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic, plan view of a household appliance apparatus of one of the no-frost apparatuses of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic, plan view of the connection of household appliance apparatuses of the household appliance to temperature sensors;

[0040] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for configuring and / or operating a household appliance apparatus; and

[0041] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic, plan view of a connection of a household appliance apparatus of a household appliance in an alternative embodiment with temperature sensors. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is seen a diagrammatic view of a household appliance 28, which is configured as a household refrigeration appliance 84. The household appliance 28 is namely configured as a refrigerator and has a refrigeration compartment 34, a freezer compartment 36, and a fresh food compartment 38. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can also have a different number of refrigeration compartments 34, fresh food compartments 38, freezer compartments 36, and / or other types of compartments. For example, the household appliance 28 can also be configured without a freezer compartment 36, a fresh food compartment 38 or a refrigeration compartment 34. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can also be configured as a freezer cabinet or the like.

[0043] The household appliance 28 has two no-frost apparatuses 26, 32. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can have just one no-frost apparatus 26, 32 or more than two no-frost apparatuses 26, 32. A first no-frost apparatus 26 of the two no-frost apparatuses 26, 32 is disposed in the freezer compartment 36 and has a household appliance apparatus 10. The household appliance apparatus 10 is configured as a household refrigeration appliance apparatus 78 for insertion into a refrigeration sector. The household appliance apparatus 10 is disposed in the freezer compartment 36 (in FIG. 4 the household appliance apparatus 10 is shown spaced apart from the freezer compartment 36 for the sake of clarity).

[0044] With reference to FIG. 3, the household appliance apparatus 10 has an interface unit 12 which has multiple electrical connectors 14 for functional components 16 (see also FIG. 4). The functional components 16 are part of a functional unit 92 of the no-frost apparatus 26 and include electrical functional components 16 of the no-frost apparatus 26 such as for example a sensor unit 100 with a temperature sensor 22, a fan unit 206 and a defrost heater unit 208. Excluding the temperature sensor 22, the electrical functional components of the no-frost apparatus 26 are diagrammatically represented in FIG. 4 as a block 50. In addition, as a functional component the no-frost apparatus 26 also has an evaporator 76.

[0045] The no-frost apparatus 26 has only the one temperature sensor 22. Alternatively, the no-frost apparatus 26 can also, for example as a function of an intended use, have more than one temperature sensor 22, for example two, three or four temperature sensors 22.

[0046] The fan unit 206 of the no-frost apparatus 26 is configured to generate a circulation of air in the household appliance 28, which is guided through the freezer compartment 36. The fan unit 206 can have one or more air wheels and a drive unit, for example an electric motor. Moisture from the air circulated by the fan unit 206 can condense at the evaporator 76, whereby frost and / or ice can form.

[0047] An air circulation sector defined by the fan unit 206 defines a refrigeration sector 80. The evaporator 76 is disposed in the air circulation sector of the fan unit 206 in the freezer compartment 38. The evaporator 76 can alternatively also be disposed outside the freezer compartment 38 in the air circulation sector.

[0048] The defrost heater unit 208 is configured to defrost moisture condensed at the evaporator 76. The defrost heater unit 208 can have one or more heating elements, which are configured as resistive heating elements or the like. The defrosting of the evaporator 76 takes place in a defrost phase of the no-frost apparatus 26, which for example is repeated at regular intervals in time and / or is initiated as a function of information about a build-up of ice and / or frost at the evaporator 76. For example, the information about the build-up of ice and / or frost at the evaporator 76 could be determined by the sensor unit 100.

[0049] The household appliance apparatus 10 has a PCB 72. The household appliance apparatus 10 has a control unit 74. The interface unit 12 and the control unit 74 are disposed on the PCB 72. The control unit 74 is configured to control at least the functional unit 92. The control unit 74 is disposed on the PCB 72 and has a processor and a storage element as well as an operating program stored on the storage element. The storage element is configured as a digital storage medium, for example as a memory chip or the like. The control unit 74 is configured to control the electrical functional components 16 connected to the interface unit 12. The control unit 74 has corresponding control components for controlling the electrical functional components 16 connected to the interface unit 12.

[0050] The household appliance apparatus 10 has a detection unit 18 which is configured to determine and / or set, as a function of a connection state of the interface unit 12, at least one configuration parameter for communication with a main control unit 20 of the household appliance 28. The detection unit 18 is part of the control unit 74. Alternatively, the detection unit 18 can also be configured separately from the control unit 74.

[0051] The interface unit 12 is configured to connect the control unit 74 to the main control unit 20. The interface unit 12 has only a communication interface 94 and an energy supply interface 96 for connection to the main control unit 20. The main control unit 20 can be connected by cable to the control unit 74 via the communication interface 94 and the energy supply interface 96. The main control unit 20 is connected to the household appliance apparatus 10 via a maximum of five functional cables. A communication connection 108 via the communication interface 94 has three functional cables. An energy supply connection 202 via the energy supply interface 96 has two functional cables.

[0052] The main control unit 20 is disposed outside a refrigeration sector 80, 98 of the household appliance 28, i.e. outside the refrigeration compartment 34, the freezer compartment 36, and the fresh food compartment 38. The refrigeration sectors 80, 98 of the household appliance 28 are separated from the main control unit 20 by at least one insulating component 304, for example a heat-insulating foam.

[0053] Connections 204 between the interface unit 12 and the electrical functional components 16 at least sometimes have a different number of functional cables from one another. A connection 204 between the interface unit 12 and the temperature sensor 22 includes two functional cables. A connection 204 between the interface unit 12 and the fan unit 206 includes four functional cables. A connection 204 between the interface unit 12 and the defrost heater unit 208 includes two functional cables. When using a damper, for example for the exchange of air between the compartments of the household appliance 28, a connection of the interface unit 12 to the damper has six further functional cables. In this connection, a redundant cable cannot be understood as a functional cable. A functional cable can have just one or multiple cores.

[0054] The configuration parameter is a communication address, namely a DBus address. The connection state has information about temperature sensors 22 connected to the interface unit 12. The connection state has information about the occupancy of analog inputs 24, 52, 54, 56 of the interface unit 12. Alternatively or additionally, the connection state of the interface unit 12 can also include information about the occupancy of connectors 14 of the interface unit 12 different from the analog inputs 24, 52, 54, 56, for example by the other functional components 16 of the no-frost apparatus 26 or the like.

[0055] The detection unit 18 is configured to determine and / or set, as a function of the connection state of the interface unit 12, at least one usage parameter and as a function thereof to determine and / or set the configuration parameter. The usage parameter is a location parameter and / or a refrigeration system parameter.

[0056] The location parameter is information about an arrangement position of the control unit 74 or the household appliance apparatus 10 in the household appliance 28, for example in which compartment of the household appliance 28 and / or position within this compartment the control unit 74 or the household appliance apparatus 10 is disposed. The refrigeration system parameter includes information about the refrigeration system of the household appliance 28, i.e. for example about operating parameters of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, the evaporator 76 or the like of the household appliance 28. Alternatively, there can be different parameters for a household appliance 28 which is configured differently from a household refrigeration appliance 84. The detection unit 18 for example determines the configuration parameter from the usage parameter on the basis of a table stored in the detection unit 18 or the like.

[0057] The interface unit 12 has a coding unit 46 for fail-safe contacting of the connectors 14 of the interface unit 12, namely at least for the fail-safe contacting of the analog inputs 24, 52, 54, 56 with the temperature sensor 22. The coding unit 46 has a coding element 58 for each of the analog inputs 24, 52, 54, 56, i.e. four coding elements 58. The coding unit 46 is configured as a mechanical coding unit, wherein thanks to their different shapes the coding elements 58 have a coding of the analog inputs 24, 52, 54, 56 for the connection of the temperature sensors 22. The temperature sensor 22 has a plug (not shown) for the connection to the interface unit 12, wherein the plug has a shape corresponding to one of the coding elements 58, so that the temperature sensor 22 can only be connected to the analog input 24 configured for this purpose.

[0058] The temperature sensor 22 of the no-frost apparatus 26 is connected to the analog input 24. Because of the coding unit 66 the temperature sensor 22 cannot be connected to any of the further analog inputs 52, 54, 56. The temperature sensor 22 is assigned to the freezer compartment 36.

[0059] The household appliance apparatus 10 has a heating unit 86 to heat an electronics unit 82 of the household appliance apparatus 10. The heating unit 86 is different from the defrost heater unit 208. At least the control unit 74, the interface unit 12 and the PCB 72 are part of the electronics unit 82. The heating unit 86 is configured to heat the electronics unit 82, such that its temperature in the defrost phase of the no-frost apparatus 26 is above the condensation point. Heating of the electronics unit 82 by heat loss during operation to a temperature which is below the condensation point in the defrost phase cannot be understood as heating of the electronics unit 82 by a heating unit 86.

[0060] At least part of the heating unit 86 is formed by a component of the electronics unit 82. The component is configured as a circuit breaker 88. The circuit breaker 88 is configured as a triac. The circuit breaker 88 is disposed on the PCB 72.

[0061] The heating unit 86 has two active heating elements 90, which are configured as resistive heating elements. Alternatively, the heating unit 86 can also have only one active heating element 90, more than two active heating elements 90, and / or be formed only by active heating elements 90. Furthermore, the heating unit 86 can also have no active heating elements 90. Alternatively, the active heating elements 90 can be configured as infrared heating elements, as induction heating elements or the like. An “active heating element” should be understood as a heating element which is primarily or solely configured for heating.

[0062] The heating elements 90 are disposed in cold zones of the PCB 72. A location of the cold zones depends on the arrangement of the household appliance apparatus 10 in the household appliance 28 and / or on an arrangement of components of the electronics unit 82 on the PCB 72. The cold zones are spaced apart from the circuit breaker 88. The cold zones correspond to areas of the PCB 72 in which a temperature in an operating state is at least 30% lower than a temperature at a hottest point of the PCB 72.

[0063] A heat output of the heating unit 86 can be set via the control unit 74. The control unit 74 is configured to control the heat output as a function of a temperature parameter. The household appliance apparatus 10 has an electronics unit temperature sensor 106 for detecting a temperature of the electronics unit 82, in particular of the PCB 72. The temperature detected by the electronics unit temperature sensor 106 corresponds to the temperature parameter. The electronics unit temperature sensor 106 is disposed on the PCB 72. The heat output of the heating unit 86 can be regulated by controlling the active heating elements 90. Additionally or alternatively, the heat output could be set by a deliberately ineffective operation of the circuit breaker 88. The control unit 74 is configured to heat the electronics unit 82 in the defrost phase of the evaporator 76. Alternatively or additionally, the heating unit 86 could also be controllable by the main control unit 20.

[0064] The electronics unit 82 is disposed in the vicinity of the evaporator 76. The electronics unit 82 and the evaporator 76 are disposed in a common and cohesive space, wherein a region between the electronics unit 82 and the evaporator 76 can be free of insulating components. The vicinity of the evaporator 76 extends out from the evaporator 76 for example by a maximum of 50 cm, preferably by a maximum of 30 cm and preferably by a maximum of 20 cm.

[0065] A second no-frost apparatus 32 of the two no-frost apparatuses 26, 32 is disposed in the refrigeration compartment 34 and has a further household appliance apparatus 30. The further household appliance apparatus 30 is configured identically to the household appliance apparatus 10, i.e. as a further household refrigeration appliance apparatus 302, and has a further interface unit 66 for connection to functional components. The further household appliance apparatus 30 is disposed in the refrigeration compartment 34 (in FIG. 4 the further household appliance apparatus 30 is shown spaced apart from the refrigeration compartment 34 for the sake of clarity). The functional components are formed by electrical functional components 60 of the second no-frost apparatus 32, which include two temperature sensors 64, a fan unit and a defrost heater unit. Excluding the temperature sensors 64, the electrical functional components 60 of the second no-frost apparatus 32 are diagrammatically represented in FIG. 4 as a block 62. In addition, the second no-frost apparatus 32 has a further evaporator 102. The functional components of the no-frost apparatuses 26, 32 can be at least partially different from one another or identical, for example in number, with respect to their performance indicators and / or the like.

[0066] The interface unit 12 of the household appliance apparatus 10 has at least one further communication interface 306 and an energy supply interface 308 for connection to the further household appliance apparatus 30. The further household appliance apparatus 30 is connected to the main control unit 20 via the household appliance apparatus 10 in terms of energy supply and / or communication technology. The evaporator 76 of the no-frost apparatus 26 and the further evaporator 102 of the further no-frost apparatus 32 correspond to evaporators of the household appliance 28 which are configured as part of a refrigeration system of the household appliance 28 for the provision of the refrigeration and / or freezing function of the household appliance 28. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can have only one evaporator 76, 102 and can form the evaporator for multiple no-frost apparatuses 26, 32, i.e. for example for the no-frost apparatus 26 and the further no-frost apparatus 32.

[0067] The fresh food compartment 38 and the refrigeration compartment 34 are disposed in a cohesive further refrigeration sector 98. Thanks to a further air circulation sector which is defined by the fan unit of the further no-frost apparatus 32 and which leads through the fresh food compartment 38 and the refrigeration compartment 34, the further refrigeration sector 98 is defined.

[0068] One temperature sensor 64 of the two temperature sensors 64 is connected to an analog input 68 of the further interface unit 66, a further temperature sensor 64 of the two temperature sensors 64 is connected to a further analog input 70 of the further interface unit 70. The temperature sensor 64 is assigned to the refrigeration compartment 34 and the further temperature sensor 64 is assigned to the fresh food compartment 38.

[0069] FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic operational sequence of a method for configuring and / or operating the household appliance 28. In a method step, in particular in an assembly step 40, the functional components 16, 60 of the two no-frost units 26, 32 are connected to the household appliance apparatuses 10, 30 and the main control unit 20. In a further method step, in particular in a configuration step 42, a configuration parameter for communication between the household appliance apparatus 10 and the main control unit 20 is determined and set as a function of the connection state of the interface unit 12. This takes place in the configuration step 42 analogously also for the further household appliance apparatus 30. Through the use of a further detection unit (not shown here) of the further household appliance apparatus 30 at least one configuration parameter for communication between the further household appliance apparatus 30 and the main control unit 20 is namely determined and set as a function of a connection state of the further interface unit 66 of the further household appliance apparatus 30.

[0070] In an additional method step, in particular in an operation step 44, the household appliance 28 is operated, wherein the main control unit 20 can communicate with the household appliance apparatus 10 and with the further household appliance apparatus 30 thanks to the respectively determined and set configuration parameter. The functional unit 92 is controlled by the household appliance apparatus 10.

[0071] In a heating step 104 the electronics unit 82 is heated. The heating step 104 is heated in the defrost phase of the evaporator 76. This takes place analogously also for the further household appliance apparatus 30.

[0072] FIG. 6 diagrammatically shows a connection of a household appliance apparatus 110 of a household appliance 128 to temperature sensors 122 of a no-frost apparatus 126 of the household appliance 128. The temperature sensors 122 are part of electrical functional components 116 of the no-frost apparatus 126.

[0073] The household appliance 128 is configured as a household refrigeration appliance with a refrigeration compartment 134, with a fresh food compartment 138, and with a freezer compartment 136. A refrigeration sector defined by the refrigeration compartment 134 and the fresh food compartment 138 is connected to a refrigeration sector defined by the freezer compartment 136 via a damper 148 of the household appliance 128. The damper 148 is part of the functional components 116 of the no-frost apparatus 126. Further electrical functional components 116 such as for example a defrost heater unit and a fan unit are represented diagrammatically in FIG. 6 as a block 162. The household appliance 128 has only the one no-frost apparatus 126 with the household appliance apparatus 110, which is disposed in the freezer compartment 136 (in FIG. 6 the household appliance apparatus 110 is shown spaced apart from the freezer compartment 136 for the sake of clarity).

[0074] The no-frost apparatus 126 has three temperature sensors 122, which are connected to the household appliance apparatus 110, namely to analog inputs 124, 152, 154 of an interface unit 112 of the household appliance apparatus 110. A detection unit of the household appliance apparatus 110 determines, on the basis of an occupancy of the interface unit 112, i.e. on the basis of the plugged-in temperature sensors 122, in which compartment the household appliance apparatus 110 is disposed and correspondingly sets a configuration parameter for communication with a main control unit of the household appliance 128.

[0075] The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention:

[0076] 10, 110 Household appliance apparatus

[0077] 12, 112 Interface unit

[0078] 14, 114 Connector

[0079] 16, 116 Functional component

[0080] 18, 118 Detection unit

[0081] 20 Main control unit

[0082] 22, 122 Temperature sensor

[0083] 24, 124 Analog input

[0084] 26, 126 No-frost apparatus

[0085] 28, 128 Household appliance

[0086] 30 Household appliance apparatus

[0087] 32 No-frost apparatus

[0088] 34 Refrigeration compartment

[0089] 36 Freezer compartment

[0090] 38 Fresh food compartment

[0091] 40 Assembly step

[0092] 42 Configuration step

[0093] 44 Operation step

[0094] 46 Coding unit

[0095] 148 Damper

[0096] 50 Block

[0097] 52, 152 Analog input

[0098] 54, 154 Analog input

[0099] 56, 156 Analog input

[0100] 58 Coding element

[0101] 60 Functional component

[0102] 62, 162 Block

[0103] 64 Temperature sensor

[0104] 66 Interface unit

[0105] 68 Analog input

[0106] 70 Analog input

[0107] 72 PCB

[0108] 74 Control unit

[0109] 76 Evaporator

[0110] 78 Household refrigeration appliance apparatus

[0111] 80 Refrigeration sector

[0112] 82 Electronics unit

[0113] 84 Household refrigeration appliance

[0114] 86 Heating unit

[0115] 88 Circuit breaker

[0116] 90 Heating element

[0117] 92 Functional unit

[0118] 94 Communication interface

[0119] 96 Energy supply interface

[0120] 98 Refrigeration sector

[0121] 100 Sensor unit

[0122] 102 Evaporator

[0123] 104 Heating step

[0124] 106 Electronics unit temperature sensor

[0125] 108 Communication connection

[0126] 202 Energy supply connection

[0127] 204 Functional cable

[0128] 206 Fan unit

[0129] 208 Defrost heater unit

[0130] 302 Household refrigeration appliance apparatus

[0131] 304 Insulating component

[0132] 306 Communication interface

[0133] 308 Energy supply interface

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0042] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is seen a diagrammatic view of a household appliance 28, which is configured as a household refrigeration appliance 84. The household appliance 28 is namely configured as a refrigerator and has a refrigeration compartment 34, a freezer compartment 36, and a fresh food compartment 38. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can also have a different number of refrigeration compartments 34, fresh food compartments 38, freezer compartments 36, and / or other types of compartments. For example, the household appliance 28 can also be configured without a freezer compartment 36, a fresh food compartment 38 or a refrigeration compartment 34. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can also be configured as a freezer cabinet or the like.

[0043] The household appliance 28 has two no-frost apparatuses 26, 32. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can have just one no-frost appa...

[0001] This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German Patent Application DE 102024209 154.5, filed September 24, 2024; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance apparatus for insertion into a refrigeration sector of a household refrigeration appliance. The present invention further relates to a no-frost apparatus having the household refrigeration appliance apparatus, a household refrigeration appliance having the household refrigeration appliance apparatus, and a method for operating a household refrigeration appliance.

[0003] No-frost apparatuses for freezer compartments of household refrigeration appliances, which are configured to prevent the formation of ice and / or frost in the freezer compartment, are known from the prior art. For that purpose, a circulation of air in the household refrigeration appliance is generated by a fan and built-up frost is defrosted at regular intervals by a defrost heater. In order to control and / or supply voltage to the functional components of the no-frost apparatus, i.e. for example of the defrost heater and the fan, a plurality of electrical cables are required to pass through an insulating component of the freezer compartment to form the control electronics of the household refrigeration appliance. In that case the control electronics must also have a correspondingly large number of connectors. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a household refrigeration appliance apparatus, a no-frost apparatus, a household refrigeration appliance, and a method for operating a household refrigeration appliance, which overcome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known apparatuses and methods of this general type and which make available a household refrigeration appliance apparatus with improved properties with respect to cabling.

[0005] With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a household refrigeration appliance apparatus for insertion into a refrigeration sector of a household refrigeration appliance. The household refrigeration appliance apparatus has a control unit for controlling at least one functional unit and an interface unit for connecting the control unit to a main control unit of the household refrigeration appliance.

[0006] Such a household refrigeration appliance apparatus enables the number of interfaces to the main control unit to be reduced, whereby concomitantly advantageous properties with respect to electromagnetic compatibility can be achieved. In addition, thanks to the inventive household refrigeration appliance apparatus a modular structure of a household refrigeration appliance can be realized, since the main control unit can be adapted to different configuration requirements of a household refrigeration appliance by using one or more inventive household refrigeration appliance apparatuses. Thus in particular a space saving can be made in the device even in household refrigeration appliances with a relatively simple structure.

[0007] The household appliance apparatus can be part of the household refrigeration appliance, which can for example be configured as a refrigerator cabinet and / or freezer cabinet, as a chest refrigerator and / or chest freezer, as a wine storage cabinet, or the like. The household refrigeration appliance can have at least one compartment which is configured as a refrigeration compartment or freezer compartment. The household refrigeration appliance can also have multiple compartments, for example two, three, four, five, six or more than six compartments, which can be configured as freezer compartments and / or as refrigeration compartments.

[0008] The functional unit can be part of a no-frost apparatus, an ice-making apparatus, in particular an ice-cube-making apparatus, or the like. The household refrigeration appliance can have the no-frost apparatus and / or the ice-making apparatus. The household refrigeration appliance apparatus can be part of the no-frost apparatus or of the ice-making apparatus. The no-frost apparatus can be configured to prevent an undesired build-up of frost and / or ice in the household refrigeration appliance. Functional components of the no-frost apparatus can include a defrost heater unit, a fan unit, a sensor unit, an evaporator, an outflow, an evaporation tray and / or the like. The evaporator of the no-frost apparatus can correspond to an evaporator of the household refrigeration appliance, which is configured as part of a refrigeration system of the household refrigeration appliance for the provision of the refrigeration and / or freezing function of the household refrigeration appliance. The household refrigeration appliance could also have multiple evaporators. The functional unit can for example have one or more of the electrical functional components of the no-frost apparatus, i.e. for example the defrost heater unit, the fan unit and / or the sensor unit, or of the ice-making device.

[0009] The fan unit can be configured to generate a circulation of air in the household refrigeration appliance, which can be guided through the compartments of the household refrigeration appliance. A refrigeration sector of the household refrigeration appliance can be defined by the compartments of the household refrigeration appliance or by an air circulation sector defined by the fan unit, wherein the household appliance apparatus is configured to be introduced into and / or disposed in the refrigeration sector. The fan unit can have one or more air wheels and a drive unit, for example an electric motor. Moisture from the air circulated by the fan unit can condense at the evaporator during operation of the household refrigeration appliance, wherein frost and / or ice can form.

[0010] The defrost heater unit can be configured to defrost moisture condensed at the evaporator. The defrost heater unit can have one or more heating elements which are configured as resistive heating elements or the like. The evaporator can be defrosted in a defrost phase of the no-frost apparatus, which can for example be repeated at regular intervals in time and / or can be initiated as a function of information about a build-up of ice and / or frost at the evaporator. For example, the information about the build-up of ice and / or frost at the evaporator could be determined by the sensor unit.

[0011] The sensor unit can for example have one or more temperature sensors. In order to measure a temperature of the compartments the temperature sensors can be correspondingly disposed thereon or can be configured as a functional component temperature sensor to measure a temperature of at least one of the functional components and can be correspondingly disposed thereon, for example as an evaporator temperature sensor. The sensor unit can include one or more moisture sensors, air flow sensors or the like.

[0012] The control unit can include a processor and a storage element as well as an operating program stored on the storage element. The storage element can be configured as a digital storage medium, for example as a memory chip or the like. The control unit can be configured to control the functional unit in a state connected to the interface unit. The control unit can include corresponding control components for controlling the electrical functional components connected to the interface unit.

[0013] The main control unit and / or the functional unit can be connected to the interface unit by cable. In order to connect the interface unit to the functional unit, the interface unit can in accordance with the invention have at least one connector. The interface unit can preferably have multiple electrical connectors for the electrical functional components.

[0014] The inventive embodiment of the household refrigeration appliance apparatus can have a PCB, on which the interface unit and the control unit are disposed. The connectors of the interface unit can be configured as connectors on the PCB, for example as pads, vias, terminal strips, jacks or the like.

[0015] The interface unit can have at least one connector for the cable-based connection of the control unit to the main control unit. In accordance with a development of the invention, it can be provided that for connection to the main control unit the interface unit has only one communication interface and one energy supply interface. Thus the number of connection cables between the household refrigeration appliance apparatus and the main control unit can be kept low.

[0016] The interface unit can have at least one communication interface and / or one energy supply interface for connection to a further household refrigeration appliance apparatus. Thus more than one household refrigeration appliance apparatus can be disposed in the refrigeration sector, without additional connection cables to the main control unit being needed. The number of connection cables needed can thus in particular be kept low, especially when multiple household refrigeration appliance apparatuses are used in the household refrigeration appliance.

[0017] In accordance with a development of the invention the household refrigeration appliance apparatus can have a detection unit which is configured to determine and / or set, as a function of a connection state of the interface unit, at least one configuration parameter for communication with the main control unit. The detection unit can be connected to the interface unit by data technology, i.e. at least such that it can detect the connection state of the interface unit. At least part of the detection unit can be disposed on the PCB. Alternatively or additionally, at least part of the detection unit can also be disposed on the main control unit. The connection state can include information about occupied connectors of the interface unit. In other words, the connection state can include information about electrical functional components connected to the interface unit.

[0018] At least part of the detection unit can be part of the control unit. The configuration parameter can be a parameter relevant to the proper communication between the main control unit and the control unit. For example, the configuration parameter can be configured for identification of the household appliance apparatus by the main control unit. The main control unit can be located outside the refrigeration sector, wherein the main control unit can be separated from the refrigeration sector at least by an insulating component, for example a heat-insulating foam.

[0019] It can be provided that the detection unit is configured to determine at least one usage parameter as a function of a connection state of the interface unit, and as a function thereof to determine and / or set the configuration parameter. The usage parameter can for example be a location parameter and / or a refrigeration system parameter. The location parameter can be information about an arrangement position of the control unit or the household appliance apparatus in the household appliance, for example in which compartment of the household appliance and / or position within this compartment the control unit or the household appliance apparatus is disposed. The refrigeration system parameter can include information about the refrigeration system of the household refrigeration appliance, i.e. for example about operating parameters of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, the evaporator or the like of the household refrigeration appliance. From the usage parameter the detection unit can determine the configuration parameter for example on the basis of a table or the like stored in the detection unit.

[0020] In accordance with an embodiment variant of the invention the configuration parameter can be a communication address, namely a DBus address. The communication address can be assigned to the control unit to enable proper communication between the main control unit and the control unit. The DBus address can be stored on the control unit. The detection unit can be configured to determine and / or set the configuration parameter during a first commissioning of the household appliance apparatus as a function of the connection state of the interface unit. It can be provided that the detection unit is configured to check the configuration parameter at predetermined intervals in time or periodically when the household appliance apparatus is switched on.

[0021] In accordance with a development of the invention the connection state can have information about temperature sensors connected to the interface unit, preferably about the temperature sensors of the functional unit. On the basis of the connected temperature sensors the usage parameter can for example be determined especially reliably and / or simply. One or more temperature sensors can be connected to the interface unit. The number and / or type of temperature sensors may differ depending on the position in the household appliance and / or usage. It can be provided that the connection state has information about the occupancy of analog inputs of the interface unit. The analog inputs can be provided for connection to temperature sensors. The different analog inputs can be linked to the type and / or position of the temperature sensors. Thus the occupancy of the analog inputs can correspond to the intended position of the control unit or the household appliance apparatus in the household appliance.

[0022] In order to enable error-free determination and / or setting of the configuration parameter as a function of the connection state, in accordance with a development of the invention it can be provided that the interface unit has a coding unit for fail-safe contacting of connectors of the interface unit. The coding unit can be configured as a mechanical coding unit. For example, the connectors of the interface unit can be coded mechanically, such that they can only be contacted with a predetermined temperature sensor of the temperature sensors. Thus an incorrect connection of temperature sensors to the connectors of the interface unit and an incorrect determination and / or setting of the usage parameter and of the communication parameter based thereon can be prevented.

[0023] In order to prevent damage to an electronics unit, which includes at least the detection unit, by condensation in the defrost phase, the household appliance apparatus can have a heating unit for heating the electronics unit. Through the use of the heating unit the electronics unit can be heated such that in the defrost phase of the no-frost apparatus its temperature lies above the condensation point. Heating of the electronics unit by heat loss during operation to a temperature below the condensation point in the defrost phase cannot be understood as heating of the electronics unit by a heating unit. At least the control unit, the PCB and / or the interface unit can be part of the electronics unit. The electronics unit can also include at least some of the electrical functional components of the no-frost apparatus.

[0024] At least part of the heating unit can be formed by a component of the electronics unit. The component can for example be an electrical control component for at least one of the electrical functional components which is disposed on the PCB, for example a processor, a switching element, a resistor or the like. In accordance with a development of the invention it can be provided that the component is configured as a circuit breaker, for example as a circuit breaker for the defrost heater unit. The circuit breaker can preferably be configured as a triac.

[0025] The heating unit can have at least one active heating element. An “active heating element” can be understood as a heating element which is primarily or solely configured for heating. The active heating element can be configured as a resistive heating element or alternatively as an infrared heating element, as an induction heating element or the like. The active heating element can be disposed on the PCB or spaced apart from the PCB. A heat output of the heating unit can be set via the control unit and / or via the main control unit. The control unit can be configured to control the heat output as a function of a temperature parameter. The household refrigeration appliance apparatus can have at least one electronics unit temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the electronics unit, preferably of the PCB. The temperature detected by the electronics unit temperature sensor can correspond to the temperature parameter. The electronics unit temperature sensor can be disposed on the PCB. The heat output of the heating unit can for example be set by controlling the at least one heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the heat output could be set by a deliberately ineffective operation of the circuit breaker.

[0026] With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a no-frost apparatus having the household refrigeration appliance apparatus according to the invention and having the functional unit. Thus a no-frost apparatus can be made available which requires an especially small number of functional cables to the main control unit. In accordance with an embodiment variant of the invention, the functional unit of the no-frost apparatus can have the defrost heater unit, the fan unit and / or a sensor unit. In this connection, a redundant cable cannot be understood as a functional cable. The functional cable can have just one or multiple cores.

[0027] With the objects of the invention in view, there is furthermore provided a household refrigeration appliance having the household refrigeration appliance apparatus and having the main control unit which is connected to the control unit. Thanks to the inventive household refrigeration appliance a household refrigeration appliance can be made available which needs an especially small number of cables through its insulating material. Furthermore, an especially short cable routing is sufficient for such a household refrigeration appliance. In accordance with an embodiment variant of the invention the main control unit can be connected to the household refrigeration appliance apparatus via a maximum of five functional cables. It can be provided that the household refrigeration appliance has at least one household refrigeration appliance apparatus which is connected to the main control unit via the household refrigeration appliance apparatus in terms of energy supply and / or communication technology.

[0028] With the objects of the invention in view, there is concomitantly provided a method for operating a household refrigeration appliance, for example the household refrigeration appliance according to the invention, wherein the functional unit is controlled by the household refrigeration appliance apparatus. Thanks to such a method the main control unit of a household refrigeration appliance can be expanded and operated modularly as required with household refrigeration appliance apparatuses.

[0029] The devices and methods disclosed herein are not intended to be restricted to the application and form of embodiment described above. In particular, for the fulfillment of a function described herein they may have a number of individual elements, components and units, as well as method steps, that differs from a number mentioned herein. Furthermore, in the case of the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values lying within the specified limits should also be considered as disclosed and as able to be employed at will.

[0030] It is noted in particular that all features and properties described in relation to a device, as well as methodologies, can be transferred analogously to methods and can be employed within the meaning of the invention and are considered to be jointly disclosed. The same also applies in the opposite direction. This means that structural, i.e. apparatus-conforming, features also mentioned in relation to methods can also be taken into consideration, claimed and likewise counted for the disclosure in the context of the apparatus claims.

[0031] The present invention is described below by way of example on the basis of the appended figures. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and use them appropriately in combination in the context of the claims.

[0032] If there is more than one example of a particular object, where appropriate only one thereof is provided with a reference character in the figures and in the description. The description of this example can be transferred correspondingly to the other examples of the object. If objects are named in particular by using number words, such as first, second, third object, etc., these are used to name and / or assign objects. Therefore for example a first object and a third object may be included, but not a second object. However, a number and / or an order of objects could additionally also be derived on the basis of number words.

[0033] Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

[0034] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a household refrigeration appliance apparatus, a no-frost apparatus, a household refrigeration appliance, and a method for operating a household refrigeration appliance, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

[0035] The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, front-elevational view of a household appliance with two no-frost apparatuses;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a connection of a main control unit of the household appliance to one of the no-frost apparatuses of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic, plan view of a household appliance apparatus of one of the no-frost apparatuses of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic, plan view of the connection of household appliance apparatuses of the household appliance to temperature sensors;

[0040] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for configuring and / or operating a household appliance apparatus; and

[0041] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic, plan view of a connection of a household appliance apparatus of a household appliance in an alternative embodiment with temperature sensors. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is seen a diagrammatic view of a household appliance 28, which is configured as a household refrigeration appliance 84. The household appliance 28 is namely configured as a refrigerator and has a refrigeration compartment 34, a freezer compartment 36, and a fresh food compartment 38. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can also have a different number of refrigeration compartments 34, fresh food compartments 38, freezer compartments 36, and / or other types of compartments. For example, the household appliance 28 can also be configured without a freezer compartment 36, a fresh food compartment 38 or a refrigeration compartment 34. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can also be configured as a freezer cabinet or the like.

[0043] The household appliance 28 has two no-frost apparatuses 26, 32. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can have just one no-frost apparatus 26, 32 or more than two no-frost apparatuses 26, 32. A first no-frost apparatus 26 of the two no-frost apparatuses 26, 32 is disposed in the freezer compartment 36 and has a household appliance apparatus 10. The household appliance apparatus 10 is configured as a household refrigeration appliance apparatus 78 for insertion into a refrigeration sector. The household appliance apparatus 10 is disposed in the freezer compartment 36 (in FIG. 4 the household appliance apparatus 10 is shown spaced apart from the freezer compartment 36 for the sake of clarity).

[0044] With reference to FIG. 3, the household appliance apparatus 10 has an interface unit 12 which has multiple electrical connectors 14 for functional components 16 (see also FIG. 4). The functional components 16 are part of a functional unit 92 of the no-frost apparatus 26 and include electrical functional components 16 of the no-frost apparatus 26 such as for example a sensor unit 100 with a temperature sensor 22, a fan unit 206 and a defrost heater unit 208. Excluding the temperature sensor 22, the electrical functional components of the no-frost apparatus 26 are diagrammatically represented in FIG. 4 as a block 50. In addition, as a functional component the no-frost apparatus 26 also has an evaporator 76.

[0045] The no-frost apparatus 26 has only the one temperature sensor 22. Alternatively, the no-frost apparatus 26 can also, for example as a function of an intended use, have more than one temperature sensor 22, for example two, three or four temperature sensors 22.

[0046] The fan unit 206 of the no-frost apparatus 26 is configured to generate a circulation of air in the household appliance 28, which is guided through the freezer compartment 36. The fan unit 206 can have one or more air wheels and a drive unit, for example an electric motor. Moisture from the air circulated by the fan unit 206 can condense at the evaporator 76, whereby frost and / or ice can form.

[0047] An air circulation sector defined by the fan unit 206 defines a refrigeration sector 80. The evaporator 76 is disposed in the air circulation sector of the fan unit 206 in the freezer compartment 38. The evaporator 76 can alternatively also be disposed outside the freezer compartment 38 in the air circulation sector.

[0048] The defrost heater unit 208 is configured to defrost moisture condensed at the evaporator 76. The defrost heater unit 208 can have one or more heating elements, which are configured as resistive heating elements or the like. The defrosting of the evaporator 76 takes place in a defrost phase of the no-frost apparatus 26, which for example is repeated at regular intervals in time and / or is initiated as a function of information about a build-up of ice and / or frost at the evaporator 76. For example, the information about the build-up of ice and / or frost at the evaporator 76 could be determined by the sensor unit 100.

[0049] The household appliance apparatus 10 has a PCB 72. The household appliance apparatus 10 has a control unit 74. The interface unit 12 and the control unit 74 are disposed on the PCB 72. The control unit 74 is configured to control at least the functional unit 92. The control unit 74 is disposed on the PCB 72 and has a processor and a storage element as well as an operating program stored on the storage element. The storage element is configured as a digital storage medium, for example as a memory chip or the like. The control unit 74 is configured to control the electrical functional components 16 connected to the interface unit 12. The control unit 74 has corresponding control components for controlling the electrical functional components 16 connected to the interface unit 12.

[0050] The household appliance apparatus 10 has a detection unit 18 which is configured to determine and / or set, as a function of a connection state of the interface unit 12, at least one configuration parameter for communication with a main control unit 20 of the household appliance 28. The detection unit 18 is part of the control unit 74. Alternatively, the detection unit 18 can also be configured separately from the control unit 74.

[0051] The interface unit 12 is configured to connect the control unit 74 to the main control unit 20. The interface unit 12 has only a communication interface 94 and an energy supply interface 96 for connection to the main control unit 20. The main control unit 20 can be connected by cable to the control unit 74 via the communication interface 94 and the energy supply interface 96. The main control unit 20 is connected to the household appliance apparatus 10 via a maximum of five functional cables. A communication connection 108 via the communication interface 94 has three functional cables. An energy supply connection 202 via the energy supply interface 96 has two functional cables.

[0052] The main control unit 20 is disposed outside a refrigeration sector 80, 98 of the household appliance 28, i.e. outside the refrigeration compartment 34, the freezer compartment 36, and the fresh food compartment 38. The refrigeration sectors 80, 98 of the household appliance 28 are separated from the main control unit 20 by at least one insulating component 304, for example a heat-insulating foam.

[0053] Connections 204 between the interface unit 12 and the electrical functional components 16 at least sometimes have a different number of functional cables from one another. A connection 204 between the interface unit 12 and the temperature sensor 22 includes two functional cables. A connection 204 between the interface unit 12 and the fan unit 206 includes four functional cables. A connection 204 between the interface unit 12 and the defrost heater unit 208 includes two functional cables. When using a damper, for example for the exchange of air between the compartments of the household appliance 28, a connection of the interface unit 12 to the damper has six further functional cables. In this connection, a redundant cable cannot be understood as a functional cable. A functional cable can have just one or multiple cores.

[0054] The configuration parameter is a communication address, namely a DBus address. The connection state has information about temperature sensors 22 connected to the interface unit 12. The connection state has information about the occupancy of analog inputs 24, 52, 54, 56 of the interface unit 12. Alternatively or additionally, the connection state of the interface unit 12 can also include information about the occupancy of connectors 14 of the interface unit 12 different from the analog inputs 24, 52, 54, 56, for example by the other functional components 16 of the no-frost apparatus 26 or the like.

[0055] The detection unit 18 is configured to determine and / or set, as a function of the connection state of the interface unit 12, at least one usage parameter and as a function thereof to determine and / or set the configuration parameter. The usage parameter is a location parameter and / or a refrigeration system parameter.

[0056] The location parameter is information about an arrangement position of the control unit 74 or the household appliance apparatus 10 in the household appliance 28, for example in which compartment of the household appliance 28 and / or position within this compartment the control unit 74 or the household appliance apparatus 10 is disposed. The refrigeration system parameter includes information about the refrigeration system of the household appliance 28, i.e. for example about operating parameters of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, the evaporator 76 or the like of the household appliance 28. Alternatively, there can be different parameters for a household appliance 28 which is configured differently from a household refrigeration appliance 84. The detection unit 18 for example determines the configuration parameter from the usage parameter on the basis of a table stored in the detection unit 18 or the like.

[0057] The interface unit 12 has a coding unit 46 for fail-safe contacting of the connectors 14 of the interface unit 12, namely at least for the fail-safe contacting of the analog inputs 24, 52, 54, 56 with the temperature sensor 22. The coding unit 46 has a coding element 58 for each of the analog inputs 24, 52, 54, 56, i.e. four coding elements 58. The coding unit 46 is configured as a mechanical coding unit, wherein thanks to their different shapes the coding elements 58 have a coding of the analog inputs 24, 52, 54, 56 for the connection of the temperature sensors 22. The temperature sensor 22 has a plug (not shown) for the connection to the interface unit 12, wherein the plug has a shape corresponding to one of the coding elements 58, so that the temperature sensor 22 can only be connected to the analog input 24 configured for this purpose.

[0058] The temperature sensor 22 of the no-frost apparatus 26 is connected to the analog input 24. Because of the coding unit 66 the temperature sensor 22 cannot be connected to any of the further analog inputs 52, 54, 56. The temperature sensor 22 is assigned to the freezer compartment 36.

[0059] The household appliance apparatus 10 has a heating unit 86 to heat an electronics unit 82 of the household appliance apparatus 10. The heating unit 86 is different from the defrost heater unit 208. At least the control unit 74, the interface unit 12 and the PCB 72 are part of the electronics unit 82. The heating unit 86 is configured to heat the electronics unit 82, such that its temperature in the defrost phase of the no-frost apparatus 26 is above the condensation point. Heating of the electronics unit 82 by heat loss during operation to a temperature which is below the condensation point in the defrost phase cannot be understood as heating of the electronics unit 82 by a heating unit 86.

[0060] At least part of the heating unit 86 is formed by a component of the electronics unit 82. The component is configured as a circuit breaker 88. The circuit breaker 88 is configured as a triac. The circuit breaker 88 is disposed on the PCB 72.

[0061] The heating unit 86 has two active heating elements 90, which are configured as resistive heating elements. Alternatively, the heating unit 86 can also have only one active heating element 90, more than two active heating elements 90, and / or be formed only by active heating elements 90. Furthermore, the heating unit 86 can also have no active heating elements 90. Alternatively, the active heating elements 90 can be configured as infrared heating elements, as induction heating elements or the like. An “active heating element” should be understood as a heating element which is primarily or solely configured for heating.

[0062] The heating elements 90 are disposed in cold zones of the PCB 72. A location of the cold zones depends on the arrangement of the household appliance apparatus 10 in the household appliance 28 and / or on an arrangement of components of the electronics unit 82 on the PCB 72. The cold zones are spaced apart from the circuit breaker 88. The cold zones correspond to areas of the PCB 72 in which a temperature in an operating state is at least 30% lower than a temperature at a hottest point of the PCB 72.

[0063] A heat output of the heating unit 86 can be set via the control unit 74. The control unit 74 is configured to control the heat output as a function of a temperature parameter. The household appliance apparatus 10 has an electronics unit temperature sensor 106 for detecting a temperature of the electronics unit 82, in particular of the PCB 72. The temperature detected by the electronics unit temperature sensor 106 corresponds to the temperature parameter. The electronics unit temperature sensor 106 is disposed on the PCB 72. The heat output of the heating unit 86 can be regulated by controlling the active heating elements 90. Additionally or alternatively, the heat output could be set by a deliberately ineffective operation of the circuit breaker 88. The control unit 74 is configured to heat the electronics unit 82 in the defrost phase of the evaporator 76. Alternatively or additionally, the heating unit 86 could also be controllable by the main control unit 20.

[0064] The electronics unit 82 is disposed in the vicinity of the evaporator 76. The electronics unit 82 and the evaporator 76 are disposed in a common and cohesive space, wherein a region between the electronics unit 82 and the evaporator 76 can be free of insulating components. The vicinity of the evaporator 76 extends out from the evaporator 76 for example by a maximum of 50 cm, preferably by a maximum of 30 cm and preferably by a maximum of 20 cm.

[0065] A second no-frost apparatus 32 of the two no-frost apparatuses 26, 32 is disposed in the refrigeration compartment 34 and has a further household appliance apparatus 30. The further household appliance apparatus 30 is configured identically to the household appliance apparatus 10, i.e. as a further household refrigeration appliance apparatus 302, and has a further interface unit 66 for connection to functional components. The further household appliance apparatus 30 is disposed in the refrigeration compartment 34 (in FIG. 4 the further household appliance apparatus 30 is shown spaced apart from the refrigeration compartment 34 for the sake of clarity). The functional components are formed by electrical functional components 60 of the second no-frost apparatus 32, which include two temperature sensors 64, a fan unit and a defrost heater unit. Excluding the temperature sensors 64, the electrical functional components 60 of the second no-frost apparatus 32 are diagrammatically represented in FIG. 4 as a block 62. In addition, the second no-frost apparatus 32 has a further evaporator 102. The functional components of the no-frost apparatuses 26, 32 can be at least partially different from one another or identical, for example in number, with respect to their performance indicators and / or the like.

[0066] The interface unit 12 of the household appliance apparatus 10 has at least one further communication interface 306 and an energy supply interface 308 for connection to the further household appliance apparatus 30. The further household appliance apparatus 30 is connected to the main control unit 20 via the household appliance apparatus 10 in terms of energy supply and / or communication technology. The evaporator 76 of the no-frost apparatus 26 and the further evaporator 102 of the further no-frost apparatus 32 correspond to evaporators of the household appliance 28 which are configured as part of a refrigeration system of the household appliance 28 for the provision of the refrigeration and / or freezing function of the household appliance 28. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can have only one evaporator 76, 102 and can form the evaporator for multiple no-frost apparatuses 26, 32, i.e. for example for the no-frost apparatus 26 and the further no-frost apparatus 32.

[0067] The fresh food compartment 38 and the refrigeration compartment 34 are disposed in a cohesive further refrigeration sector 98. Thanks to a further air circulation sector which is defined by the fan unit of the further no-frost apparatus 32 and which leads through the fresh food compartment 38 and the refrigeration compartment 34, the further refrigeration sector 98 is defined.

[0068] One temperature sensor 64 of the two temperature sensors 64 is connected to an analog input 68 of the further interface unit 66, a further temperature sensor 64 of the two temperature sensors 64 is connected to a further analog input 70 of the further interface unit 70. The temperature sensor 64 is assigned to the refrigeration compartment 34 and the further temperature sensor 64 is assigned to the fresh food compartment 38.

[0069] FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic operational sequence of a method for configuring and / or operating the household appliance 28. In a method step, in particular in an assembly step 40, the functional components 16, 60 of the two no-frost units 26, 32 are connected to the household appliance apparatuses 10, 30 and the main control unit 20. In a further method step, in particular in a configuration step 42, a configuration parameter for communication between the household appliance apparatus 10 and the main control unit 20 is determined and set as a function of the connection state of the interface unit 12. This takes place in the configuration step 42 analogously also for the further household appliance apparatus 30. Through the use of a further detection unit (not shown here) of the further household appliance apparatus 30 at least one configuration parameter for communication between the further household appliance apparatus 30 and the main control unit 20 is namely determined and set as a function of a connection state of the further interface unit 66 of the further household appliance apparatus 30.

[0070] In an additional method step, in particular in an operation step 44, the household appliance 28 is operated, wherein the main control unit 20 can communicate with the household appliance apparatus 10 and with the further household appliance apparatus 30 thanks to the respectively determined and set configuration parameter. The functional unit 92 is controlled by the household appliance apparatus 10.

[0071] In a heating step 104 the electronics unit 82 is heated. The heating step 104 is heated in the defrost phase of the evaporator 76. This takes place analogously also for the further household appliance apparatus 30.

[0072] FIG. 6 diagrammatically shows a connection of a household appliance apparatus 110 of a household appliance 128 to temperature sensors 122 of a no-frost apparatus 126 of the household appliance 128. The temperature sensors 122 are part of electrical functional components 116 of the no-frost apparatus 126.

[0073] The household appliance 128 is configured as a household refrigeration appliance with a refrigeration compartment 134, with a fresh food compartment 138, and with a freezer compartment 136. A refrigeration sector defined by the refrigeration compartment 134 and the fresh food compartment 138 is connected to a refrigeration sector defined by the freezer compartment 136 via a damper 148 of the household appliance 128. The damper 148 is part of the functional components 116 of the no-frost apparatus 126. Further electrical functional components 116 such as for example a defrost heater unit and a fan unit are represented diagrammatically in FIG. 6 as a block 162. The household appliance 128 has only the one no-frost apparatus 126 with the household appliance apparatus 110, which is disposed in the freezer compartment 136 (in FIG. 6 the household appliance apparatus 110 is shown spaced apart from the freezer compartment 136 for the sake of clarity).

[0074] The no-frost apparatus 126 has three temperature sensors 122, which are connected to the household appliance apparatus 110, namely to analog inputs 124, 152, 154 of an interface unit 112 of the household appliance apparatus 110. A detection unit of the household appliance apparatus 110 determines, on the basis of an occupancy of the interface unit 112, i.e. on the basis of the plugged-in temperature sensors 122, in which compartment the household appliance apparatus 110 is disposed and correspondingly sets a configuration parameter for communication with a main control unit of the household appliance 128.

[0075] The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention:

[0076] 10, 110 Household appliance apparatus

[0077] 12, 112 Interface unit

[0078] 14, 114 Connector

[0079] 16, 116 Functional component

[0080] 18, 118 Detection unit

[0081] 20 Main control unit

[0082] 22, 122 Temperature sensor

[0083] 24, 124 Analog input

[0084] 26, 126 No-frost apparatus

[0085] 28, 128 Household appliance

[0086] 30 Household appliance apparatus

[0087] 32 No-frost apparatus

[0088] 34 Refrigeration compartment

[0089] 36 Freezer compartment

[0090] 38 Fresh food compartment

[0091] 40 Assembly step

[0092] 42 Configuration step

[0093] 44 Operation step

[0094] 46 Coding unit

[0095] 148 Damper

[0096] 50 Block

[0097] 52, 152 Analog input

[0098] 54, 154 Analog input

[0099] 56, 156 Analog input

[0100] 58 Coding element

[0101] 60 Functional component

[0102] 62, 162 Block

[0103] 64 Temperature sensor

[0104] 66 Interface unit

[0105] 68 Analog input

[0106] 70 Analog input

[0107] 72 PCB

[0108] 74 Control unit

[0109] 76 Evaporator

[0110] 78 Household refrigeration appliance apparatus

[0111] 80 Refrigeration sector

[0112] 82 Electronics unit

[0113] 84 Household refrigeration appliance

[0114] 86 Heating unit

[0115] 88 Circuit breaker

[0116] 90 Heating element

[0117] 92 Functional unit

[0118] 94 Communication interface

[0119] 96 Energy supply interface

[0120] 98 Refrigeration sector

[0121] 100 Sensor unit

[0122] 102 Evaporator

[0123] 104 Heating step

[0124] 106 Electronics unit temperature sensor

[0125] 108 Communication connection

[0126] 202 Energy supply connection

[0127] 204 Functional cable

[0128] 206 Fan unit

[0129] 208 Defrost heater unit

[0130] 302 Household refrigeration appliance apparatus

[0131] 304 Insulating component

[0132] 306 Communication interface

[0133] 308 Energy supply interface

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0042] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is seen a diagrammatic view of a household appliance 28, which is configured as a household refrigeration appliance 84. The household appliance 28 is namely configured as a refrigerator and has a refrigeration compartment 34, a freezer compartment 36, and a fresh food compartment 38. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can also have a different number of refrigeration compartments 34, fresh food compartments 38, freezer compartments 36, and / or other types of compartments. For example, the household appliance 28 can also be configured without a freezer compartment 36, a fresh food compartment 38 or a refrigeration compartment 34. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can also be configured as a freezer cabinet or the like.

[0043] The household appliance 28 has two no-frost apparatuses 26, 32. Alternatively, the household appliance 28 can have just one no-frost appa...

Claims

1. A household refrigeration appliance apparatus for insertion into a refrigeration sector of a household refrigeration appliance, the household refrigeration appliance apparatus comprising: a control unit for controlling at least one functional unit; and an interface unit for connecting said control unit to a main control unit of the household refrigeration appliance.

2. The household refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said interface unit has at least one connector for the at least one functional unit.

3. The household refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 1, which further comprises a PCB on which said interface unit and said control unit are disposed.

4. The household refrigeration appliance apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said interface unit has only a communication interface and an energy supply interface for connection to the main control unit.

5. The household refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said interface unit has at least one of at least one communication interface or one energy supply interface for connection to a further household refrigeration appliance apparatus.

6. The household refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 1, which further comprises a detection unit configured to at least one of determine or set at least one configuration parameter for communication with the main control unit, as a function of a connection state of said interface unit.

7. The household refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 1, which further comprises an electronics unit including at least said interface unit and said control unit, and a heating unit for heating said electronics unit.

8. A no-frost apparatus, comprising the household refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 1, and the at least one functional unit.

9. The no-frost apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the at least one functional unit has at least one of a defrost heater unit, a fan unit or a sensor unit.

10. A household refrigeration appliance, comprising: the household refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 1; and the main control unit connected to said control unit.

11. The household refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, wherein the main control unit is connected to the household refrigeration appliance apparatus by a maximum of five functional cables.

12. The household refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, which further comprises at least one further household refrigeration appliance apparatus, said at least one further household refrigeration appliance apparatus being connected to the main control unit by the household refrigeration appliance apparatus in terms of at least one of energy supply or communication technology.

13. The household refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, wherein the main control unit is disposed outside the refrigeration sector.

14. A method for operating the household refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, having the main control unit, the household refrigeration appliance apparatus connected to the main control unit, and the at least one functional unit connected to the household refrigeration appliance apparatus, the method comprising: using the household refrigeration appliance apparatus to control the at least one functional unit.

15. A method for operating a household refrigeration appliance having a main control unit, a household refrigeration appliance apparatus connected to the main control unit, and at least one functional unit connected to the household refrigeration appliance apparatus, the method comprising: using the household refrigeration appliance apparatus to control the at least one functional unit.

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