Sensor device for attaching to a pipe and method for mounting the sensor device on a pipe

Abstract

A sensor device for attaching to an outer circumference of a pipe comprises a column-shaped sensor head extending along a sensor longitudinal axis, a first snap-on clip for partially engaging around the outer circumference of the pipe, and a second snap-on clip arranged at a distance from the first snap-on clip along the longitudinal axis for partially engaging around the outer circumference of the pipe. The first and the second snap-on clips are each formed integrally with the sensor head, extend in an arcuate manner from the sensor head and have a free end which is situated at a distance from the sensor head, and therefore the pipe can be guided through between the free ends of the snap-on clips and the sensor head and can be clamped between the sensor head and the snap-on clips.

Description

[0001] Sensor device for mounting on a pipe and method for mounting the sensor device on a pipe

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance such as a refrigerator, a freezer or a freezer chest or a fridge-freezer combination, a heat exchanger assembly for a household appliance, a sensor device for attachment to a pipe and a method for mounting the sensor device on a pipe.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] In various household appliances, such as household refrigerators, tumble dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, or the like, a refrigerant circuit may be provided in which a refrigerant circulates. This refrigerant evaporates in an evaporator, absorbing heat from a heat source, and condenses in a condenser, releasing heat to a heat sink. For various reasons, it may be desirable to detect the temperature of a tube in the evaporator using a sensor device.

[0006] Particularly in applications where the refrigerant evaporates at low temperatures, e.g. in so-called no-frost refrigeration units, in which air from a storage chamber is transported over the evaporator by means of a fan, condensation can form and ultimately lead to the evaporator icing up. A defrosting process is therefore usually carried out at regular intervals, which may, for example, involve heating the evaporator while the refrigerant circulation is interrupted. The energy required to completely defrost the evaporator is influenced by many factors. For this reason, it is advantageous to monitor the heating using a temperature sensor that measures the temperature at the evaporator. The temperature sensor is usually attached to the outer circumference of a tube on the evaporator.The reliability of the measurement results can be improved by ensuring good thermal contact between the sensor device and the evaporator tube. Mounting a sensor on the outer circumference of the tube may also be desirable for other reasons.

[0007] DE 10 2021 212 929 A1 discloses a holder with which a column-shaped sensor is fixed to the outer circumference of a pipe.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is one of the objects of the present invention to provide improved solutions for fixing a sensor device to a pipe, in particular solutions that facilitate simple and safe further assembly.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a sensor device having the features of claim 1, a heat exchanger assembly having the features of claim 8, a household appliance having the features of claim 11 and by a method having the features of claim 14. Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the subclaims referring back to the independent claims in conjunction with the description.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, a sensor device for attachment to an outer circumference of a pipe comprises a columnar sensor head extending along a sensor longitudinal axis, a first snap-on bracket for partially encompassing the outer circumference of the pipe, and a second snap-on bracket arranged along the longitudinal axis at a distance from the first snap-on bracket for partially encompassing the outer circumference of the pipe. The first and second snap-on brackets are each formed integrally with the sensor head, extend arcuately from the sensor head, and have a free end spaced apart from the sensor head, such that the pipe can be passed between the free ends of the snap-on brackets and the sensor head and can be clamped between the sensor head and the snap-on brackets.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger assembly comprises a heat exchanger with a tube for conducting a heat transfer medium, in particular a coolant, and a sensor device according to the first aspect of the invention, which is fixed to the tube in such a way that the tube is received between the snap clips and the sensor head and the snap clips partially enclose or encompass the tube.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the invention, a household appliance is provided with a heat exchanger assembly according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method is provided for mounting a sensor device according to the first aspect of the invention on a pipe. The method comprises positioning the sensor device on the pipe such that the free ends of the snap clips face the pipe and fixing the sensor device to the pipe by guiding the pipe between the free ends of the snap clips and the sensor head so that it engages or snaps into place between the snap clips and the sensor head. The method according to the fourth aspect of the invention can be used, for example, for mounting a heat exchanger assembly according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0015] One idea underlying the invention is to design the snap brackets as one piece with the column-shaped sensor head. For example, the snap brackets and an outer casing or a housing of the sensor head, which encloses a sensor for measuring a physical quantity, can be manufactured as a single part using a plastic injection molding process. The sensor head can, for example, be realized as a cylindrical component which defines the sensor's longitudinal axis. The snap brackets each have the shape of an arc, e.g. an arc of a circle, and can therefore be essentially C-shaped. A first end of each snap bracket is connected to the sensor head. A second end of each snap bracket forms the free end, with a gap existing between the free end and the sensor head. The snap brackets are designed to be elastically deformable.For example, the material thickness of the snap-on brackets can be dimensioned in such a way that the gap between the free end of the respective snap-on bracket and the sensor head can be elastically deformed to a clear width in order to guide the pipe through the gap.

[0016] To mount the sensor device on a pipe, the pipe is passed between the free ends of the snap-on brackets and the sensor head, so that it engages or snaps into place between the snap-on brackets and the sensor head. This allows for particularly simple installation of the sensor device on the pipe. In particular, the sensor device itself can be fixed directly to the pipe using the snap-on brackets, without the need for an additional holder.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the first snap-on bracket and the second snap-on bracket can define a common bracket longitudinal axis that extends parallel or substantially parallel to the sensor longitudinal axis. For example, each of the snap-on brackets can have an inner surface that has a first, substantially circularly curved surface section. The centers of curvature of the first surface sections can, for example, define the bracket longitudinal axis.

[0018] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the free end of the first snap bracket and the free end of the second snap bracket are located on opposite sides of a plane containing the sensor longitudinal axis and the bracket longitudinal axis. The first snap bracket can, for example, extend from a first circumferential section of the sensor head, and the second snap bracket can extend from a second circumferential section of the sensor head located at a distance from the first circumferential section along a circumferential direction, wherein the free end of the first snap bracket is located facing the second circumferential section, and the free end of the second snap bracket is located facing the first circumferential section. The snap brackets can thus grip the pipe from opposite sides. This achieves an even more reliable fixation of the sensor device to the pipe.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the method, it can therefore be provided that the sensor device is positioned on the pipe such that the sensor longitudinal axis is aligned transversely to the pipe and the pipe is arranged between the snap-in clips with respect to the sensor longitudinal axis, and that the sensor device is fixed to the pipe by rotating the sensor device such that the pipe is guided between the free ends of the snap-in clips and the sensor head, so that it engages or snaps into place between the snap-in clips and the sensor head. The opposite orientation of the snap-in clips thus further facilitates the installation of the sensor device on the pipe.

[0020] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the snap brackets each have an inner surface for contact with the pipe, in which inner surface a receiving recess is formed that extends along the sensor's longitudinal axis. The receiving recess can be formed, for example, in an end region of the respective snap bracket facing the sensor head. The receiving recess can be formed, for example, by a U- or V-shaped notch in the inner surface of the respective snap bracket. Thus, material of the pipe can be received in this region if the pipe deviates from a circular shape. This improves the surface contact of the snap brackets in the regions adjacent to the receiving recess on the pipe. This leads to improved securing of the sensor device against twisting or slipping along the outer circumference of the pipe.

[0021] In general, the pipe may have an outer diameter which has a predetermined oversize compared to the diameter of the contact circle, so that the snap clips exert an elastic clamping force on the pipe when it is enclosed by the snap clips.

[0022] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the tube has an outer diameter in a range between 4 mm and 15 mm.

[0023] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the tube has a recess in which the sensor head is arranged. The recess can, for example, be a recess extending along the longitudinal axis of the tube, which recess is formed by a concavely curved region of the outer circumference of the tube. The recess in the tube can, for example, be produced by pressing in the tube. The recess in the tube basically helps to enlarge a contact area between the sensor head and the tube. As a result of the pressing in or generally as a result of the formation of the recess, the tube can have an enlarged diameter adjacent to the recess, in particular compared to a circular shape. According to some embodiments, this enlarged diameter can be received in the receiving recess of the first and second snap brackets.As described above, this provides improved protection against slipping of the sensor device along the outer circumference of the pipe.

[0024] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the snap brackets each have at least one stiffening rib on an outer surface, which extends along the snap bracket. This allows the snap brackets to be designed to be elastic, yet still break-proof. The stiffening ribs can extend, for example, from the first end of the snap bracket along its outer surface towards the second end, in particular as far as the second end. The stiffening ribs are particularly advantageous if the snap brackets are provided with the receiving recess on their inner surface, since in this way the material weakening caused by the receiving recess can be effectively compensated.

[0025] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the sensor device has a first counterpart which is formed integrally with the sensor head and is arranged opposite the free end of the first snap bracket so that the pipe can be passed through between the free end of the first snap bracket and the first counterpart, and a second counterpart which is formed integrally with the sensor head and is arranged opposite the free end of the second snap bracket so that the pipe can be passed through between the free end of the second snap bracket and the second counterpart. The counterparts thus form an additional contact structure which can be placed against the outer circumference of the pipe. At the same time, the counterparts form a stop, e.g. when the sensor device is locked to the pipe by a rotary movement.If the counterparts are provided, the pipe must be guided through a gap between the respective counterpart and the respective snap-on clamp to attach the sensor device to the pipe. For example, the material thickness of the snap-on clamp can be dimensioned such that the gap between the free end of the respective snap-on clamp and the respective counterpart can be elastically deformed to a clear width, allowing the pipe to pass through the gap.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the counterparts can each have an inner surface for engagement with the pipe, in which a receiving recess extending along the sensor's longitudinal axis is formed. These recesses can be formed, for example, in an end region of the respective counterpart facing the sensor head. As described above, this allows for better engagement of the snap-in brackets and the counterparts on the outer circumference, even if the pipe deviates locally from a circular shape, with the result that the sensor device is better secured against slipping along the circumferential direction of the pipe.

[0027] According to some embodiments, a temperature sensor can be integrated into the sensor head. The temperature sensor can be, for example, an NTC sensor or a PTC sensor. "NTC" is an abbreviation for "Negative Temperature Coefficient." "PTC" is an abbreviation for "Positive Temperature Coefficient."

[0028] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the household appliance has a refrigerant circuit in which the heat exchanger of the heat exchanger assembly is integrated as an evaporator.

[0029] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the household appliance has a storage chamber for accommodating objects, wherein the refrigerant circuit is designed to extract heat from the storage chamber by evaporating refrigerant and to release this heat to the environment by condensing the refrigerant.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the household appliance may be a household refrigeration appliance, such as a refrigerator, a freezer or a freezer chest or a fridge-freezer combination, a tumble dryer, a washing machine, a dishwasher, a heat pump, an air conditioning unit or the like.

[0031] The features and advantages disclosed herein in connection with one aspect of the invention are also disclosed for the other aspect and vice versa.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The invention is explained below with reference to the figures of the drawings. Figures show: Figure 1 shows a simplified, schematic sectional view of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a sensor device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0036] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the sensor device shown in Fig. 3, viewed along a sensor longitudinal axis;

[0037] Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a sensor device according to an embodiment of the invention in a state mounted on a pipe; and

[0038] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method for mounting a sensor device on a pipe according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote identical or functionally identical components, unless otherwise stated.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Fig. 1 shows an example of a household appliance 300 in the form of a refrigerator. The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the refrigerator shown in Fig. 1, but is not limited thereto. For example, the invention can also be used in other household appliances, such as a dishwasher, a tumble dryer, a washing machine, or the like, or in other household refrigeration appliances.

[0042] As schematically illustrated in Fig. 1, the refrigeration appliance 300 comprises a body 302, which defines a storage compartment or storage chamber 310 for accommodating refrigerated goods, such as food, beverages, medications, or the like. A machine compartment 312, separate from the storage compartment 310, can optionally also be defined at least partially by the body 302.

[0043] As further shown in Fig. 1, the refrigeration device 300 has a refrigerant circuit 320. The refrigerant circuit 320 can have an evaporator 321, a compressor 322, a condenser 323, and a throttle element (not shown), e.g., in the form of a capillary. Optionally, the refrigerant circuit 320 also has a fan 330 (Fig. 1).

[0044] The evaporator 321 is thermally coupled to the storage compartment 310 in order to extract heat therefrom by evaporating refrigerant. For example, the evaporator 321 can be arranged in an evaporator chamber 315 fluidly connected to the storage compartment 310, as shown in Fig. 1 purely by way of example and only schematically, and the fan 330 can be arranged and configured to circulate air between the evaporator chamber 315 and the storage compartment 310. The fan 330 thus draws in warm air from the storage compartment 310, directs it through or over the evaporator 321, where the air transfers heat to the refrigerant located in the evaporator 321, and then expels the air back into the storage compartment 310.

[0045] The evaporator 321 has an outlet which is connected to a suction connection of the compressor 322. The compressor 322 compresses the gaseous refrigerant coming from the evaporator 321 and feeds it via a pressure connection to an inlet of the condenser 323. In the condenser 323, the refrigerant condenses, releasing heat to the environment. An outlet of the condenser 323 is connected to an inlet of the evaporator 321, wherein the throttle element is arranged between the condenser 321 and the evaporator 323 and expands the refrigerant. As shown purely schematically in Fig. 1, the compressor 322 can be arranged, for example, in the machine room 312. The condenser 324 is also shown purely schematically in Fig. 1 and can be arranged, for example, on an outer wall of the body 302 or in the machine room 312.

[0046] The refrigerant circuit 320 is generally designed to extract heat from the storage compartment 310 by evaporating refrigerant and to release this heat to the environment by condensing refrigerant.

[0047] The evaporator 321 is implemented by a heat exchanger 205. Fig. 2 shows, purely by way of example, a heat exchanger assembly 200 with a heat exchanger 205, which can be used, for example, as evaporator 321 in the household appliance 300 shown in Fig. 1, and a sensor device 100. The heat exchanger 205 has a tube 210 for conducting refrigerant. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 205, as shown in Fig. 2, can have a plurality of fins 220 arranged in heat-conducting contact with the tube 210. For example, the tube 210 can extend in a meandering manner through through-openings 221 formed in the fins 220, as shown by way of example in Fig. 2. The tube 210 can, for example, have an outer diameter d210 in a range between 4 mm and 15 mm.

[0048] The sensor device 100 is mounted on the outer circumference of the pipe 210 and can be configured to detect a physical quantity representing a state of the medium flowing in the pipe 210. For example, the sensor device 100 can include a temperature sensor (not shown).

[0049] The sensor device 100 is shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4 and comprises a sensor head 1, a first snap-on bracket 2 and a second snap-on bracket 3. Furthermore, the sensor device 100 can have an optional first counterpart 4 and an optional second counterpart 5.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 3, the sensor head 1 can have a cylindrical shape. Generally, the sensor head 1 is columnar and defines a longitudinal sensor axis L1. The sensor head 1 can, for example, have an outer casing 10 surrounding the sensor (not shown), which defines the columnar shape of the sensor. The sensor, e.g., in the form of a temperature sensor, can thus be integrated into the sensor head 1. Signal lines 6 electrically connected to the sensor can be passed through an axial end of the sensor head 1, as schematically shown in Fig. 3.

[0051] The first and second snap brackets 2, 3 are each formed integrally with the sensor head 1. For example, the outer shell 10 and the snap brackets 2, 3 can be manufactured as a single part in a plastic injection molding process. As shown in Fig. 3, the snap brackets 2, 3 are arranged at a distance from one another along the sensor's longitudinal axis L1. For example, the snap brackets 2, 3 can be arranged in opposite end regions of the sensor head 1 with respect to the longitudinal axis L1. As shown by way of example in Figs. 3 and 4, the snap brackets 2, 3 can each be realized as C-shaped parts. In general, the snap brackets 2, 3 each extend in an arc shape between a first end 21, 31 and a second end 22, 23. The first end 21, 31 of the respective snap bracket 2, 3 is connected to the sensor head 1, while the second end 22, 23 forms a free end of the respective snap bracket 2, 3, which is positioned at a distance from the sensor head 2, 3.The curved shape of the snap clips 2, 3 allows a partial engagement of the outer circumference of the tube 210, as schematically shown in Fig. 5. The snap clips 2, 3 are generally designed to be elastically deformable.

[0052] Each snap-on bracket 2, 3 has an inner surface 2a, 3a for contact with the outer circumference of the tube 210 and an oppositely oriented outer surface 2b, 3b. The inner surfaces 2a, 3a can be concavely curved, at least in some areas. The outer surfaces 2b, 3b can be convexly curved, at least in some areas.

[0053] The inner surfaces 2a, 3a of the snap-on brackets 2, 3 can optionally define a common bracket longitudinal axis A23, which runs parallel or substantially parallel to the sensor longitudinal axis L1, as is schematically illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. As schematically illustrated in Fig. 4 as an example for the second snap-on bracket 3, the inner surface 3a of the second snap-on bracket 3 can have a first surface section 3c, which extends from the free end 32 of the snap-on bracket 3. The first surface section 3c has a constant radius of curvature r3. Likewise, the second snap-on bracket 2 can have a first surface section 2c on its inner surface 2a, which has a constant radius of curvature. The bracket longitudinal axis A23 can, for example, run through the centers of curvature of the first surface sections 2c, 3c of the inner surface 2a, 3a of the snap-on brackets 3.

[0054] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a receiving recess 20, 30 can be formed in the inner surface 2a, 3a of the snap brackets 2, 3. The receiving recess 20, 30 can, for example, be formed as a V- or U-shaped recess which extends along the sensor longitudinal axis L1 or along the bracket longitudinal axis A23. In general, the recess 20, 30 can have a smaller radius of curvature than the regions of the respective inner surface 2a, 3a extending laterally therefrom. For example, the receiving recess 20, 30 can be located between the respective first surface section 2c, 3c and a respective second surface section 2d, 3d, which can, for example, be flat or essentially flat, as shown purely by way of example in Fig. 4. In general, the receiving recess 20, 30 can be formed in an end region of the respective snap bracket 2, 3 facing the sensor head 1.

[0055] As further shown by way of example in Figs. 3 and 4, the snap brackets 2, 3 can each have at least one stiffening rib 23, 33 on the outer surface 2b, 3b, which extends along the snap bracket 2, 3. In Fig. 3, it is shown purely by way of example that three stiffening ribs 23, 33 are provided for each snap bracket 2, 3, each of which extends continuously from the first end 21, 31 to the second end 22, 32 of the respective snap bracket 2, 3.

[0056] As further shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the first end 21 of the first snap bracket 2 can be arranged at a distance from the first end 31 of the second snap bracket 3 in a circumferential direction C1 extending around the sensor longitudinal axis L1, and the free ends 22, 32 of the snap brackets 2, 3 can point in opposite directions. As schematically illustrated in Fig. 4, the free end 22 of the first snap bracket 2 and the free end 32 of the second snap bracket 3 can be located on opposite sides of a plane E containing the sensor longitudinal axis L1 and the bracket longitudinal axis A23.

[0057] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the first counterpart 4 is positioned in the region of the first snap-on bracket 2 with respect to the sensor longitudinal axis L1, in particular at a corresponding location on the sensor head 1. The first counterpart 4 is formed integrally with the sensor head 1, in particular its outer shell 10. For example, the first counterpart 4 can be manufactured integrally with the outer shell 10 using a plastic injection molding process. As shown by way of example in Figs. 3 and 4, the first counterpart 4 can extend between a first end, which is connected to the sensor head 1, and a second end, which forms a free end. The free end of the first counterpart 4 is arranged opposite and spaced from the free end 22 of the first snap-on bracket 2, such that a gap is formed between the free end of the first counterpart 4 and the free end 22 of the first snap-on bracket 2.The first counterpart 4 has an inner surface 4a, which is intended to engage the outer circumference of the tube 210. As schematically illustrated in Fig. 3, the first counterpart 4, similar to the first snap-on bracket 2, can have a receiving recess 40 on the inner surface 4a extending along the sensor's longitudinal axis L1.

[0058] As can also be seen in Fig. 3, the second counterpart 5 is positioned in the region of the second snap bracket 3 with respect to the sensor longitudinal axis L1, in particular at a corresponding location on the sensor head 1. The second counterpart 5 is formed integrally with the sensor head 1, in particular its outer shell 10. For example, the second counterpart 5 can be manufactured integrally with the outer shell 10 using a plastic injection molding process. As shown by way of example in Figs. 3 and 4, the second counterpart 5 can extend between a first end, which is connected to the sensor head 1, and a second end, which forms a free end. The free end of the second counterpart 5 is arranged opposite and spaced from the free end 32 of the second snap bracket 3, such that a gap is formed between the free end of the second counterpart 5 and the free end 32 of the second snap bracket 3.

[0059] The second counterpart 5 has an inner surface 5a, which is intended to engage the outer circumference of the tube 210. As schematically illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the second counterpart 5, similar to the second snap-on bracket 3, can have a receiving recess 50 on the inner surface 5a extending along the sensor's longitudinal axis L1.

[0060] Fig. 5 schematically shows a sectional view of the sensor device 100 in a state mounted on the tube 210. As can be seen from Figs. 2 and 5, the snap-on clips 2, 3 each partially encompass the outer circumference of the tube 210 and clamp it between the inner surface 2a, 3a of the respective snap-on clip 2, 3 and the sensor head 1. The optional counterparts 4, 5, which may be provided, also rest with their inner surfaces 4a, 5a on the outer circumference of the tube 210.

[0061] As also shown by way of example in Fig. 5, it can be provided that the tube 210 has a recess 212 in which the sensor head 1 is arranged. The recess 212 can be formed, for example, by pressing the tube 210 in the radial direction over a predetermined length. In the case of a tube 210 with a circular outer circumference in the initial state before deformation, this can lead to a diameter widening 214 being formed adjacent to the recess 212. This diameter widening 214 can, as shown schematically in Fig. 5, be received in the optional receiving recess 20, 30 of the respective snap bracket 2, 3 and the optional receiving recess 40, 50 of the optionally provided counterpart 4, 5. In this way, a flat contact with the outer circumference of the tube 210 can be ensured with greater reliability in the remaining region of the respective snap bracket 2, 3.This advantageously prevents displacement or slipping of the sensor device 100 along the circumference of the tube 210.

[0062] Fig. 6 schematically shows the sequence of a method M for assembling the sensor device 100. In a first step M1, the sensor device 100 is positioned on the pipe 210 such that the free ends 22, 32 of the snap clips 2, 3 face the pipe 210. For example, the pipe 210 can be positioned at the respective gap between the free ends 22, 32 of the snap clips 2, 3 and the counterpart 4, 5. If the snap clips 2, 3 are designed, as shown by way of example in Figs. 3 and 4, such that their free ends point in opposite directions, it can be provided that in step M1 the sensor device 100 is positioned on the pipe 210 such that the sensor longitudinal axis L1 is aligned transversely to the pipe 210 and the pipe 210 is arranged between the snap clips 2, 3 with respect to the sensor longitudinal axis L1.

[0063] In step M2, the sensor device 100 is fixed to the tube 210 by guiding the tube 210 through the gaps between the free ends 22, 32 of the snap-in clips 2, 3 and the sensor head 1 or, if applicable, the free ends of the counterparts 4, 5, so that it engages or snaps into place between the snap-in clips 2, 3 and the sensor head 1. If the snap-in clips 2, 3 are designed, as shown by way of example in Figs. 3 and 4, such that their free ends point in opposite directions, it can be provided that in step M2 the sensor device 100 is fixed to the tube 210 by rotating the sensor device 100 such that the tube 210 is guided through the aforementioned gaps. For example, it can be rotated about an axis of rotation extending perpendicular to the sensor longitudinal axis L1. In step M2, the tube 210 is generally pushed through the gap between the free end 22, 32 of the respective snap bracket 2, 3 and the sensor head 1 oroptionally passed through the free ends of the respective counterparts 4, 5. The clear width of this gap is smaller than an outer diameter of the tube 210. The snap clips 2, 3 are therefore preferably dimensioned such that the clear width of the gap can be widened to the outer diameter of the tube 210 by elastic deformation. A distance between the sensor head 1 and the inner surface 2a, 3a of the respective snap clip 2, 3, which can be measured, for example, in the plane E, can in particular be smaller than a minimum outer diameter of the tube 210. As a result, when the sensor device 100 is mounted on the tube 210, the respective snap clip 2, 3 can exert a clamping force on the tube 210 as a result of elastic deformation.

[0064] Although the present invention has been explained above using exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in a variety of ways. In particular, combinations of the above embodiments are also conceivable.

[0065] REFERENCE SYMBOL

[0066] 1 sensor head

[0067] 2 first snap bracket

[0068] 2a Inner surface of the first snap bracket

[0069] 2b Outer surface of the first snap bracket

[0070] 2c first surface section of the inner surface of the first snap bracket

[0071] 2d second surface section of the inner surface of the first snap bracket

[0072] 3 second snap bracket

[0073] 3a Inner surface of the second snap bracket

[0074] 3b Outer surface of the second snap bracket

[0075] 3c first surface section of the inner surface of the second snap bracket

[0076] 3d second surface section of the inner surface of the second snap bracket

[0077] 4 first counterpart

[0078] 4a Inner surface of the first counterpart

[0079] 5 second counterpart

[0080] 5a Inner surface of the second counterpart

[0081] 6 signal lines

[0082] 10 Outer shell of the sensor head

[0083] 20 Recess for the first snap-on bracket

[0084] 21 first end of the first snap bracket

[0085] 22 second / free end of the first snap bracket

[0086] 23 stiffening ribs of the first snap bracket

[0087] 24 first pipe sections of the second heat exchanger pipe

[0088] 30 Recess for the second snap-on bracket

[0089] 31 first end of the second snap bracket

[0090] 32 second / free end of the second snap bracket

[0091] 33 stiffening ribs of the second snap bracket

[0092] 40 Receiving recess of the first counterpart

[0093] 50 Receiving recess of the second counterpart

[0094] 100 Sensor device

[0095] 200 heat exchanger assembly

[0096] 205 heat exchangers

[0097] 210 tube 220 fins

[0098] 221 passage openings

[0099] 300 refrigeration unit

[0100] 302 Corpus

[0101] 310 Storage chamber or storage compartment 312 Machine room

[0102] 315 Evaporator chamber

[0103] 320 Refrigerant circuit

[0104] 321 evaporator

[0105] 322 Compressor 323 Condenser

[0106] 330 fans

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1 . Sensor device (100) for attachment to an outer circumference of a pipe (210), comprising: a columnar sensor head (1) extending along a sensor longitudinal axis (L1), a first snap bracket (2) for partially encompassing the outer circumference of the pipe (210); and a second snap bracket (3) arranged along the longitudinal axis (L1) at a distance from the first snap bracket (2) for partially encompassing the outer circumference of the pipe (210); characterized in that the first and the second snap bracket (2, 3) are each formed in one piece with the sensor head (1), extend in an arc from the sensor head (1) and have a free end (22, 32) located at a distance from the sensor head (1), so that the tube (210) can be passed through between the free ends (22, 32) of the snap brackets (2, 3) and the sensor head (1) and can be clamped between the sensor head (1) and the snap brackets (2, 3).

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

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

4. Sensor device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the snap brackets (2, 3) each have at least one stiffening rib (23, 33) on an outer surface (2b, 3b), which extends along the respective snap bracket (2, 3).

5. Sensor device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising: a first counterpart (4) formed integrally with the sensor head (1), which is arranged opposite the free end (22) of the first snap bracket (2) so that the tube (210) can be passed through between the free end (22) of the first snap bracket (2) and the first counterpart (4); and a second counterpart (5) formed integrally with the sensor head (1), which is arranged opposite the free end (32) of the second snap bracket (3) so that the tube (210) can be passed through between the free end (32) of the second snap bracket (3) and the second counterpart (5).

6. Sensor device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the counterparts (4, 5) each have an inner surface (4a, 5a) for contact with the tube (210), in which a receiving recess (40, 50) extending along the sensor longitudinal axis (L1) is formed, which is preferably formed in an end region of the respective counterpart (4, 5) facing the sensor head (1) 7. Sensor device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a temperature sensor (10) is integrated into the sensor head (1).

8. A heat exchanger assembly (200), comprising: a heat exchanger (205) with a tube (210) for conducting a heat transfer medium, in particular a coolant; and a sensor device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, which is fixed to the tube (210) in such a way that the tube (210) is received between the snap-in brackets (2, 3) and the sensor head (210), and the snap-in brackets (2, 3) partially enclose the tube (210).

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

10. Heat exchanger assembly (200) according to claim 9, insofar as it is dependent on claim 3, wherein the tube (210) has a diameter widening (214) adjacent to the recess (212) which is received in the receiving recess (20, 30) of the first and second snap brackets (2, 3).

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

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

13. Household appliance (300) according to claim 12, additionally comprising: a storage chamber (310) for receiving objects, wherein the refrigerant circuit (320) is designed to extract heat from the storage chamber (310) by evaporating refrigerant and to release this heat to the environment by condensing the refrigerant.

14. Method (M) for mounting a sensor device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7 on a pipe (210), comprising: Positioning (M1) the sensor device (100) on the pipe (210) such that the free ends (22, 32) of the snap-on brackets (2, 3) face the pipe (210); and Fixing (M2) the sensor device (100) to the tube (210) by guiding the tube (210) between the free ends (22, 32) of the snap-in brackets (2, 3) and the sensor head (1) so that it engages or snaps into place between the snap-in brackets (2, 3) and the sensor head (1).

15. Method (M) according to claim 14, insofar as it is dependent on claim 2, wherein the sensor device (100) is positioned (M1) on the pipe (210) in such a way that the sensor longitudinal axis (L1) is aligned transversely to the pipe (210) and the pipe (210) is arranged between the snap-in brackets (2, 3) with respect to the sensor longitudinal axis (L1), and wherein the fixing (M2) of the sensor device (100) to the tube (210) is effected by rotating the sensor device (100) such that the tube (210) is guided between the free ends (22, 32) of the snap-in brackets (2, 3) and the sensor head (1), so that it engages or snaps into place between the snap-in brackets (2, 3) and the sensor head.

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