CN105408712B - With the storage area in construction internally space and the Domestic refrigerator of humidification device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance (1) having an interior space (4) in which a partial volume is formed as a separate storage area (6) into which food (39) can be placed , and the domestic refrigerating appliance is configured with a humidifying device (11), by means of which the introduction of a liquid fluid in the storage area (6) can be carried out independently of the rest of the interior space, wherein at least one light source is configured (25), said storage area (6) can be illuminated by means of said light source.

Description

Domestic refrigeration with storage area and humidifier built into the interior appliance

technical field

The invention relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance having an interior space in which a partial volume is formed as a separate storage area into which food can be placed. The domestic refrigeration appliance includes a humidification device by means of which the introduction of liquid fluid into the storage area can be carried out or regulated independently of the rest of the interior.

Background technique

Household refrigeration appliances such as, for example, refrigerators are known from the prior art, which have an interior space for placing food. The interior space is usually delimited by an interior container and closed at the front by a door. Cooled air generated by a refrigeration circuit is introduced into the interior space. For this purpose, a storage area is formed separately in the interior, which is also designed to receive the food, wherein here a fine water mist can be entrained, wherein the fresh food is thus favorably influenced storage quality. Thus, in the case of fresh fruits and vegetables, the product quality is maintained particularly long during storage by means of humidification. Furthermore, accelerated cooling of these foodstuffs is achieved by such humidification by means of water mist.

Fruits and vegetables are products of active metabolism also after harvest. The loss of valuable contained substances and the loss of fresh substances due to loss of water are caused by transpiration processes as well as by respiration processes.

These processes can be reduced or slowed down by suitable storage conditions. The closer the storage temperature is to the freezing point of the corresponding product, the smaller the loss of the contents, since the metabolic process is almost completely stopped. Furthermore, by actively humidifying during storage, freshly stored food can be cooled by evaporative cooling, which also ensures better product quality.

Transpiration losses can be avoided mainly by maintaining an equilibrium humidity of the stored product in the storage environment. This is achieved, for example, by corresponding packaging or protected storage in thick storage boxes. In refrigerated appliances this has been applied to specialized vegetable shells with humidity control.

In addition, systems exist that attempt to keep the moisture content of the air high and thus the transpiration losses of stored fruits and vegetables through evaporative humidification within the vegetable shell, through re-humidification in the vegetable shell, or active atomization of water Low. Furthermore, systems for actively humidifying are known from the food retail industry. Active humidification during product presentation of unpackaged goods to reduce moisture loss from the product. In this case, the limits of the system in domestic refrigerators with regard to the product preservation function are always given by the dependence of the system on the underlying refrigeration technology and the loading of the corresponding storage area. As a result, very strong dehydration occurs in so-called frost-free systems, which can have an adverse effect on the storage of fruit and vegetables. On the other hand, there are systems in which there is good functionality only when the loading is high and therefore the water carry-over is high.

Previous systems in domestic refrigeration appliances can only maintain a given product state within the mentioned limits. An improvement in the quality of the product is not possible in the sense of an additional protective function or, however, in the sense of restoring freshness which has been lost.

Domestic refrigeration appliances are known from DE 10 2009 029 139 A1 and DE 10 2009 029 141 A1 in which such separate storage areas are formed in the interior.

In known configurations, the possibilities for observing the contents in the storage area are limited for the user. Furthermore, the generation of increased air humidity is limited.

Contents of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a domestic refrigeration appliance in which the storage of objects in the storage area is user-friendly and improved.

This object is solved by a domestic refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 .

The domestic refrigeration appliance according to the invention comprises an interior space in which a partial volume is formed as a separate storage area. Food can be placed in this storage area. Furthermore, the domestic refrigeration appliance includes a humidification device, by means of which a liquid fluid can be introduced into the storage area independently of the volume of the remaining part of the interior that is not the storage area. This means that a fluid introduction can be carried out in the subvolume formed by the storage area, without such fluid being introduced into the remaining volume of the interior which is located next to the storage area. An important idea according to the first aspect of the invention is that the domestic refrigeration appliance has at least one light source by means of which the storage area can be illuminated. Due to such a configuration, this special food receiving area is illuminated according to the situation and as desired, so that the objects inserted therein can be seen and identified more easily when viewed by the user. This illumination by means of the at least one light source allows the user to better perceive the object precisely when appropriate humidification has already taken place and a certain amount of mist may still prevail.

Preferably, the aerosol is introduced as a fluid. This is particularly advantageous for wetting the store with a fluid and is an important advantage over the introduction of moisture which differs therefrom. The aerosol can then be picked up by the deposit to improve freshness.

It is preferably provided that the light emitted by the light source impinges on the storage area in an upper area and/or in a front area of the storage area. This is a particularly advantageous position, since the storage objects do not obscure the light sources when the storage area is viewed from the front or from above and thus also achieve a large-scale illumination of the storage area.

It is preferably provided that the storage area has a drawer, into which food can be placed, and that the incidence of light from the light source is arranged outside the drawer. This has important advantages over the electrical contacting and energy supply of the light source, since the light source can be arranged in a somewhat fixed position on the appliance itself and therefore does not require complex wiring, which also results in a and/or the relative movement of the control unit, while the energy supply unit and/or the control unit are arranged in a fixed position in the housing of the domestic refrigeration appliance itself.

The arrangement of the at least one light source outside the drawer can also be positioned in a relatively variable and flexible manner, so that the best possible overall illumination of the storage area and thus also the best possible overall illumination of the drawer is achieved.

Precisely when the light source is arranged in the area of the front upper part of the storage area, such a positioning outside the drawer is also advantageous: the light source cannot be unintentionally covered or grasped by the user, while when the light source is arranged on the drawer, for example This may be the case when in the area of the handle of a drawer.

It is preferably provided that the light source is arranged in an air duct leading into the storage area. With this embodiment, the light source is on the one hand arranged in a protected manner, so that it is protected against mechanical forces in the event of a crash or the like. In addition, in this configuration, the light source is particularly advantageously positioned such that the mist or water droplets to be introduced through the air channel flow directly past it and are illuminated, so that when such mist or water droplets enter, they also has been specially illuminated. This also makes it possible to display certain operating phases of the humidifying device visually and easily retraceable to the user.

Preferably, the light source is a light emitting diode. On the one hand, the light source can be operated very energy-efficiently, and on the other hand, it can be constructed very compactly, so that it can be positioned at various points without unintentionally restricting the installation space of the storage area. Accessibility of the storage area is thus not impeded, in particular if the light source is arranged in the front and/or upper region of the storage area.

It is preferably provided that the humidifier is arranged in the upper front region of the storage area with at least one sub-component for generating mist or for increasing the air humidity. Here too, the arrangement for positioning and the functionality for introducing the mist into the storage area are advantageous.

It can also be provided that the humidifier is arranged externally with at least one sub-component for generating mist or for increasing the humidity of the air in the storage area and is connected to the storage area via a duct.

Different embodiments of such subcomponents can be provided, which on the one hand generate a mist or atomization of the fluid to increase the ambient humidity in the storage area, or on the other hand generate evaporation of the fluid in order to then increase the air humidity.

Thus, configurations are known in this context in which part of the component is an ultrasonic nebulizer. It can also be provided that some parts are disc sprayers or low-pressure sprayers. In these configurations, a spraying or atomization of a fluid, in particular water, optionally with additives for the hygiene of the deposit is carried out. In contrast, an electric heating device can also be provided in which the fluid is not sprayed or atomized, but evaporated. This also increases the air humidity in the storage area.

Through these different possible concrete units, by means of which the ambient humidity in the storage area can be increased by means of a humidifying device, there is a greater or greater difference in the installation space requirement and/or the energy requirement and/or the required ambient humidity. Small storage areas can be equipped very individually with domestic refrigeration appliances. Accordingly, correspondingly predetermined conditions and requirements can be taken into account in each case.

It is preferably provided that the light incidence is activated depending on the operating state of the storage area. As a result, very individual lighting scenarios can be created, which can be arranged in each case for the corresponding required information transmission and for the best possible viewing by the user.

It is preferably provided that the light emission is activated when mist is introduced into the storage area and therefore preferably a drawer is closed and/or a drawer of the storage area is pulled out in order to see the interior of the drawer.

It can also be provided that the humidifier is configured with at least one light source for impinging light of different light colors into the storage area. Due to this possibility of changing the light color, it is conceivable to signal different operating states or to carry out different operating phases.

In addition, such a light color change can also help the user obtain information about the type of stored food and/or its freshness. Thus, for example, information can be obtained via a first light color, for example green, in which case it can be determined that the freshness of the stored food is very satisfactory. Furthermore, in this context, for example, a freshness state can be obtained by means of a yellow light color, in which case the inserted deposit has a reduced freshness state. For example, in the case of vegetables this can be a slightly dry state.

Functional light, for example UV light or red or blue light, can also be generated by the humidifying device, by means of which a specific spectral proportion of the biochemical process is supported.

In addition, it can then be provided, for example, by a red light color to display a further deteriorated freshness state, which, for example in the case of vegetables, is a more strongly dried-out state. Correspondingly, it can naturally also be carried out on fruit, fish, meat, cheese and so on.

In this context, an advantageous embodiment of the domestic refrigeration appliance is that at least two different types of operation are possible for generating ambient humidity. In this context, storage mode or refurbishment mode or sanitation mode is referred to as active mode.

In the storage mode, it is preferably provided that the storage mode can be activated in a user-definable or semi-automatic or fully automatic manner after the storage area has been closed and therefore in particular when the drawer is pushed into the end position of the drawer. In this storage mode, it is preferably provided that an atomization rate of between 50 g/h and 300 g/h and a droplet size of fluids, especially water (with additives if necessary), of between 2 μm and 50 μm are introduced into the storage area middle.

It is particularly advantageously provided that the storage mode lasts between 5 s and 120 s and is performed at least once, in particular between once and five times, every 24 hours. This is a particularly advantageous embodiment because precisely due to the duration of the storage mode and the possible repetition rate within the daytime intervals, freshness preservation is particularly helpful.

It is preferably provided that the fluid introduction into the storage area is adjusted to a value greater than or equal to 85% rH (relative humidity) when the stored object is fruit. For this, an ambient humidity setting of between 85% rH and 95% rH is preferred.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the introduction of fluid into the storage area is set to a value greater than or equal to 90% rH, in particular between 90% rH and 95% rH, when the stored objects are vegetables. These special relative humidity levels enable particularly individual preservation of fruit and vegetables.

The fluid introduction is preferably adjusted according to at least one parameter characterizing the deposit. It is preferably provided that the fluid introduction is regulated according to the temperature of the placed deposit. In addition or as an alternative thereto, it can be provided that the fluid introduction is adjusted depending on the weight of the inserted storage item. In addition or as an alternative thereto, it can also be provided that the fluid introduction is adjusted as a function of the surface size of the deposit. The specific parameters mentioned are not to be considered definitively, and the regulation of the fluid introduction can also take place as a function of other or additional further parameters. However, the three parameters mentioned characterize the deposit in such a detailed manner that they can be considered as important parameters. Precisely when the deposit has, for example, a very large surface area, as can be the case in salads, this may be necessary: the fluid introduction is adjusted differently than in the case of carrots, for example. For example, the vegetables mentioned can also have different sizes and shapes, wherein here also firmness also plays an important role. Therefore, carrots are generally much tougher than lettuce. It should also be pointed out here that the mentioned comparison vegetables are not to be understood conclusively, but only with respect to their differently stated parameters. For other vegetables or fruits, such specific different parameters result, as a function of which the fluid introduction can then be adjusted very individually. As a result, the preservation process can be set very optimally with regard to the introduction of air humidity not only in terms of time and/or in terms of quantity.

Preferably, the storage mode is only activated when the storage area is closed. This configuration allows for an energy-efficient operation of the domestic appliance. Furthermore, it is then also preferred that such a development of air humidity, for example due to the introduction of mist, does not occur when the storage area is open. Thus, the user has an unhindered view into the storage area and removes the stored items located therein. Inadvertent wetting of the user's hands or other limbs is then also prevented.

It is preferably provided that the storage mode is activated within a time interval, in particular between 5 s and 120 s, after closing the storage area.

The storage mode can be executed depending on specific parameters of the storage area, such as the current ambient humidity and/or temperature and/or parameters of the incoming storage such as eg weight and/or temperature and/or type and/or freshness.

These parameters can be determined and sensed by suitable sensors, such as eg temperature sensors, humidity sensors, weight sensors etc., respectively.

Preferably, a refreshing mode can be carried out for keeping the contents in the storage area fresh, in which the fluid introduction into the storage area is adjusted depending on the quality of the contents relative to their fresh quality and thus the quality of the contents is increased. In this aspect of the invention, therefore, a process is carried out in a particularly prominent manner, ie the implementation of a refresh mode, by means of which the purpose of changing the quality of the deposit is achieved. In this context, such a change in mass is not to be understood as the applied fluid remaining on the surface of the deposit and to some extent considered here as an additional separate weight element, but as entering into the deposit, The way this is done is that the deposit receives this fluid and is itself somewhat renewed by cellular biological processes and thus improves the quality of its own base. Thus, the active cell-biological process of the deposit itself is thus initiated to a certain extent, and the deposit itself then also carries out this process in order to preserve freshness by applying a corresponding fluid that determines the ambient humidity. Preferably, this takes place in such a way that the deposits regain their original initial freshness and thus freshness quality that prevailed upon entry into the storage area.

Preferably a refurbishment mode is provided with an atomization phase in which the duration for the active introduction of fluid lasts between 1 minute and 60 minutes, preferably between 2 minutes and 45 minutes. In this atomization phase, by introducing the fluid into the storage area, the ambient humidity is actively changed, said atomization phase thus representing in time a partial phase of the refurbishment mode.

Preferably, a refurbishment mode is carried out with an atomization phase in which the introduction of the fluid takes place in a clocked manner. This means that the active introduction of the fluid does not take place continuously in a single phase, but alternately in the active partial phases of the active introduction of the fluid, and in the subsequent inactive partial phases (pause intervals) that the introduction Does not work, where this sequence of partial phases can be repeated multiple times. Preferably then, the sum of the active partial phases is between 1 minute and 60 minutes.

It can be provided that the clock is executed in such a way that the duration of the two partial phases is always equal. However, it can also be provided that all active partial phases have the same duration and the inactive partial phases have an otherwise identical duration. It can also be provided that the duration of at least two active partial phases differs from one another and/or that the duration of at least a second inactive partial phase differs from one another.

It can preferably be provided that the total duration of the inactive partial phases is between 1 minute and 50 minutes, in particular between 4 minutes and 45 minutes.

Preferably, the duration of one active partial phase in a clock with a plurality of active partial phases can be between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, in particular between 1 minute and 2 minutes. It can be provided, preferably, that the duration of an inactive partial phase in a cycle with a plurality of inactive partial phases is between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, in particular between 1 minute and 2 minutes.

Preferably, a refurbishment mode is provided with a regeneration phase carried out after the nebulization phase, wherein the regeneration phase lasts between 5 minutes and several hours, in particular 24 hours. In the regeneration phase, the fluid introduced in the atomization phase is operatively received into the deposit. By thus specifying the refreshing mode as an atomization phase and a regeneration phase, the recovery or regeneration of the deposit is greatly facilitated with regard to the attainment of the original freshness. This particularly advantageously influences and achieves the freshness of the deposit, which also keeps the food quality of the deposit particularly high after relatively long storage times.

It is preferably provided that the storage mode and/or the hygiene mode are executed after the refurbishment mode. With regard to the storage mode, it has already been mentioned above for the first aspect of the invention that it also fully functions here.

Preferably, a hygienic mode can be implemented for keeping the stored goods in the storage area fresh, in which a bacteriostatic additive is added to the fluid introduced for application to the stored goods. Unintentional contamination or processes that promote rapid deterioration of the deposit can thus be prevented or at least significantly slowed down.

Preferably, the hygiene mode lasts between 1 minute and 2 hours and adds at least one of the following additives to the fluid: table salt, ozonated water, electrolyzed water, hydrogen peroxide, active chlorine, active oxygen, acetaldehyde, ethanol or organic acids. For example citric acid or ascorbic acid or acetic acid or preservatives such as sorbic acid or benzoic acid may be referred to as organic acids.

Furthermore, completely special viewing scenarios of different foods can also be realized by such a change of light color as mentioned above. Thus, a first light color may be set when a first type of deposit, such as fruit or vegetables or fish or meat, is placed in the storage area. When other types of deposits are put in, the second light color can be set. If a variety of different types of stored objects are mixed and clustered in the storage area, the light color can be replaced or a special third light color can be set. In the case of a large-scale loading of the storage area, the user is then informed visually and thus also easily perceptible and comprehensible, which storage items are present in the storage area. This can also be very advantageous when very large storage areas are loaded on a very large scale and the underlying storage items are covered by storage items stacked above them. In such a configuration, then, the user knows at all times which storage items are present in the storage area.

As already mentioned above, in order to introduce a fluid specifically defined in the storage area, the humidifying device can be constructed with different technologies with respect to the correspondingly arranged units. The absolute humidity is approximately 4.9 g/m ³ in a sealed area, such as a storage area, which has a volume of, for example, 60 liters and a temperature of 0° C. is set there. Therefore, here also a technique for bringing moisture into the storage area is possible, which requires a relatively high energy consumption, but on the other hand does not require a significantly high absolute energy due to the small amount of water consume. Advantageous configurations in this connection have already been mentioned above and relate to ultrasonic nebulizers, disc nebulizers, low-pressure nebulizers and electrical heating devices.

Here, in various embodiments, an ultrasound unit is precisely possible. This is referred to here as an ultrasonic atomizer or a thin-film atomizer (ultrasonic nozzle array, ultrasonic nozzle array) or a rotating generator in which the atomization is generated by means of a mechanical atomizer and an ultrasonic excitation device.

The different units mentioned in this connection enable different methods of aerosol generation and can also be arranged at different points in the domestic refrigeration appliance. It can also be provided here that the tank containing the primary fluid to be evaporated or atomized or sprayed and containing, for example, water is positioned significantly differently relative to the so-called transducer. The tank is in fluid connection with the converter.

Furthermore, the relatively small amount of water to be sprayed allows the use of different transport media for the water to be atomized or evaporated. In this context, therefore, hoses with relatively small duct cross-sections can be provided for transport by means of pumps or even by gravity configuration. In addition, however, capillaries are also possible, in which a gravity-independent transport of the fluid takes place. This variability also makes it possible to take the installation space requirements into account as best as possible and flexibly and to achieve a high level of functionality for the fluid introduction.

The light source can be arranged in such a way that the emitted light is directly incident on the storage area. However, it can also be provided that at least one light source in the storage area is arranged outside and that light is introduced into the storage area via at least one light guide and is incident there. Surface lighting of the storage area is also possible through the configuration of the humidifying device with at least one light source.

In addition to the possibilities already mentioned above, which can transmit information to the user through such lighting, it is also possible to display ongoing operating modes, such as storage mode or renovation mode or the process of hygiene mode progress. As a result, a user-friendly signal is also issued as to how long such an operating mode has been operating and/or how long such a mode will continue to operate. This can also be displayed by different light colors and/or by a time-dependent change of light colors.

With regard to the air duct system, it is advantageous to provide an air duct, for example in a frost-free appliance, which is designed such that it undertakes cooling of the storage area on the one hand and is connected to so-called multiple air ducts on the other hand, Multiple air-guiding channels are air channels which are in air-technical connection to an evaporator, in particular a foil evaporator, present in a domestic refrigeration appliance. The transducers are then preferably arranged such that the air flow from the multiple air channels flows over the water surface excited by the transducers and transports the mist in the air channels leading to the storage area to the outlet of the air channels. Preferably, these air outlets can be located in the front region of the storage area.

Preferably, the air flow can be conveyed by means of a ventilator or blower, wherein for this purpose an already existing ventilator can be used for guiding the air into the interior via the air channel system. The ventilator can then also be used to remove water droplets or mist that may occur over time in the air duct leading into the storage area by means of a relatively dry air flow, so that special drying can also be carried out here. process.

In order to improve the air quality in the storage area, a filter system can be installed in the air flow of the air to the unit for atomizing or evaporating the fluid. For example, an air filter but alternatively also an activated charcoal filter may be present here. Furthermore, it is also possible for an ozone generator to be present, by means of which ozone is added to the air flow to the storage area, so that a certain hygienic effect is also achieved here in the storage area. In this context, ozone also has an odor-reducing effect and can therefore advantageously influence hygiene in storage areas.

Furthermore, as already mentioned above, fluids, in particular water, additives can be mixed as required and transported into the storage area by means of a mist.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance having an interior in which a partial volume is formed as a separate storage area. Food can be placed in this storage area. Furthermore, the domestic refrigeration appliance includes a humidification device, by means of which a fluid introduction in the storage area can be carried out independently of the rest of the interior. The humidifying device includes a part for generating mist or increasing air humidity, wherein the part is a disc sprayer or a low-pressure sprayer or an electric heating device. Atomization of fluids is performed in disc sprayers and low-pressure sprayers. Instead, the evaporation of the fluid is performed in an electric heating device.

Embodiments of the domestic refrigeration appliance according to the first aspect of the invention are seen as advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention.

Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the drawings and/or shown individually in the drawings are not only in the respectively described combination, but also can be be used in different combinations or exclusively without departing from the framework of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention which are not explained and shown in detail in the drawings, but which nevertheless emerge from the illustrated embodiments by individual feature combinations are also to be considered included and disclosed. and can be generated.

Description of drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawings. The accompanying drawings show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a domestic refrigeration appliance according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of some components according to the embodiment of the humidifying device of the household refrigeration appliance in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic nebulizer in a partial view, such as the ultrasonic nebulizer may be a part of the humidifying device of the household refrigeration appliance according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic nebulizer, such as the ultrasonic nebulizer can be set as part of the humidifying device of the household refrigeration appliance according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a disc sprayer, such as the disc sprayer can be set as part of the humidifier of the household refrigeration appliance according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic heating device, such as the electronic heating device can be set as part of the humidifying device of the household refrigeration appliance according to Fig. 1;

Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the domestic refrigeration appliance in the area of the storage area;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a front view of another embodiment of a domestic refrigeration appliance; and

Fig. 9 is a schematic front view of another embodiment of the domestic refrigeration appliance according to the present invention.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference signs.

detailed description

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a domestic refrigeration appliance 1 , which may be, for example, a refrigerator. The domestic refrigeration appliance 1 comprises a housing 2 which encloses an inner container 3 . The inner container 3 delimits an inner space 4 with its walls, in which food can be loaded for storage and preservation. Cool air is introduced into the interior space 4 , which is generated by a refrigeration circuit 5 schematically provided with reference numerals. The refrigeration circuit 5 can have, for example, a compressor which is arranged in the machine compartment. Furthermore, an evaporator can also be provided, which is arranged in the interior 4 or at least thermodynamically coupled to the interior. Furthermore, the refrigeration circuit 5 can have a liquefier which is preferably arranged outside the inner container 3 , in particular in the rear region of the housing 2 .

In this exemplary embodiment, the domestic refrigeration appliance 1 comprises a storage area 6 which, although arranged in the interior 4 , is separated by a partition wall 7 . The partition wall 7 thus divides the interior space 4 into a partial volume 8 and a storage area 6 . Furthermore, the storage area 6 comprises a drawer 9 into which food can also be placed.

The domestic refrigeration appliance 1 is designed with its refrigeration circuit 5 in such a way that different ambient humidity levels can be adjusted in the subspace 8 and in the storage area 6 . The domestic refrigeration appliance 1 can also be a frost-free appliance, for example.

In this case, the storage area 6 can preferably be a compartment in which the temperature is set, in particular, between 0° C. and 4° C. The temperature in the remaining subvolume 8 is preferably slightly higher or can also be set higher by the user.

The interior 4 and thus the storage area 6 can also be closed at the front by a door 10 .

Furthermore, the domestic refrigeration appliance 1 comprises a humidifier 11 which is also provided with a reference number only symbolically. The humidifier 11 is designed to bring sufficient moisture into the storage area 6 . For this purpose, the humidifying device can have an already existing blower or ventilator. Furthermore, an air channel system is provided. The humidifying device 11 includes, in particular, a container or a tank into which, in particular, water is introduced as fluid. Furthermore, the humidifying device 11 preferably comprises at least one further container, into which an additive is placed. This additive can then be mixed with water from the tank for implementing the hygiene mode and then introduced into the storage area 6 as a mist or vapor.

Furthermore, the humidifying device 11 comprises a unit by means of which the fluid can be atomized or evaporated. In this context, it can be provided that the unit is an electric heater or a low-pressure nebulizer or a rotating disk and thus a disk nebulizer. It is preferably provided that the unit is an ultrasonic nebulizer or a thin film nebulizer. The mist thus generated is guided into the storage area 6 by means of channels, wherein for this purpose small inlet openings are then arranged at special locations, through which the mist is then guided into the volume of the storage area 6 .

Furthermore, humidification device 11 includes a control and/or evaluation unit by means of which the control of the ambient humidity in storage area 6 is controlled. Here too, a sensor or a plurality of sensors can be provided, which sense information about the parameters of the storage area 6 and/or the parameters of the deposited objects and pass it on to the control unit, wherein, according to these Information is controlled. In this context, at least one temperature sensor and/or at least one humidity sensor and/or at least one weight sensor and/or sensors for detecting the type and/or the freshness of the inserted deposit can be provided.

In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the domestic refrigeration appliance 1 with its humidifying device 11 is designed to execute a storage mode and a refurbishment and hygiene mode.

An embodiment of a humidifying device 11 with partial components is shown schematically in FIG. 2 . The humidification device 11 comprises a tank 12 in which water is contained as fluid. In the illustrated embodiment a filter 13 is arranged in the tank 12. This filter is arranged in the region of the outlet 14 of the tank 12 . Filter 13 may also be capillary and/or replaceable. A connecting line 15 , in particular a hose, leads to the outlet 14 , via which hose the water in the tank 12 is conducted to a unit where it is atomized or evaporated. In this exemplary embodiment, the unit is designed as an ultrasonic nebulizer 16 , which can be arranged, for example, in a housing 17 . The ultrasonic atomizer 16 includes a transducer (Transducer) 16 a that atomizes the water introduced into the container 18 . In the container 18 a water level sensor 19 may be arranged. The mist 48 escapes upwards from the trough or container 18 . Furthermore, the mist is guided to the storage area 6 according to the arrow P1 by a ventilator 20 which can be arranged in the housing 17 or also outside it. It can be provided that additives are also contained in the container 18 and therefore the mist 48 also has corresponding additives.

Furthermore, an ozone generator 21 can also be arranged in the housing 17 or, however, outside the housing 17 . It is also possible to arrange a filter 22 , for example an activated carbon filter, in the housing 17 or outside. Through the generated feed air stream 23 the air is filtered prior to the ventilator 20 and ozone is added by an ozone generator 21 .

Furthermore, humidification device 24 is configured with at least one light source 25 . Here, the light source 25 is arranged in the housing 17 at a point at which the mist 48 escapes and enters the storage area 6 . Since the optionally present housing 17 can also be arranged, for example, in the storage area 6 , the light source 25 is also positioned in the storage area 6 .

FIG. 3 shows a partial region of the design of the ultrasonic nebulizer 16 in a cross-sectional illustration. The membrane 26 of the converter 16a is shown. In this case, the injected water 27 passes into channels 28 terminating in the membrane 26 .

Furthermore, FIG. 4 shows an alternative configuration of the unit, by means of which the fluid or water 27 in the tank 12 can be sprayed. Here, FIG. 4 shows an ultrasonic nozzle with a piezoelectric mass 29 which fits in a tube 30 . Fluid from tank 12 is introduced through opening 31 and into tube 30 . The spray is achieved by vibrations in the needle 32 along arrow P2, which spray then escapes from the needle 32 as a mist 33 .

A further embodiment of a unit for spraying fluid from tank 12 is shown in FIG. 5 , where a disc sprayer is shown here. The fluid from tank 12 is guided by a pump via line 34 to disk 35 , which rotates, so that the fluid or water is also sprayed and escapes as mist 36 at the side.

FIG. 6 shows a simplified illustration of a unit by means of which the fluid from tank 12 is not sprayed or atomized, but evaporated. An electric heater 37 is shown here. Water is contained in the container 38 , reaches the heating unit 39 and is evaporated there, wherein the water vapor 40 then correspondingly escapes and enters the storage area 6 .

The unit can also be configured as a thin-film atomizer.

In FIG. 7 a domestic refrigeration appliance 1 is shown with a subassembly, which is a storage area 6 . The storage area 6 includes a drawer 9 , in which, in FIG. 7 , by way of example, a salad is placed as a storage item 49 . The drawer 9 is covered from above by the cover 7 and an air duct 50 is also formed above the drawer 9 . In this exemplary embodiment, the air channel 50 is fluidically coupled to the plurality of air channels 41 , thus forming an air channel system. The multi-air duct 41 is coupled to the refrigeration circuit 5 of the domestic refrigeration appliance 1 and is designed to conduct cold air into the interior 4 . The drawer 9 can be pulled out horizontally along the arrow P3 so that it can be accessed from above.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , humidifying device 24 is designed such that at least one light source 25 is arranged in the front and upper region of storage area 6 , but is positioned externally relative to drawer 9 . It is preferably provided that the light source 25 is arranged in the air duct 50 and preferably in the front region of the air duct 50 or in the front opening 42 . This makes it possible to illuminate the storage area 6 and thus also the drawer 9 from the front and from above. Furthermore, further light sources may also be present and arranged at particular other locations. Preferably, at least one light source 25 is a light emitting diode.

Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment it is also provided that the ultrasonic atomizer 16 is also arranged in the upper front region of the storage area 6 , preferably in or on the air channel 50 or positioned adjacent thereto.

In Fig. 8 a domestic refrigeration appliance 1 according to a further embodiment is shown in a schematic front view. In this configuration, the tank 12 with the nebulizer unit or evaporator unit, in particular the ultrasonic nebulizer 16 , is arranged outside the storage area 6 and for example in the inner space 4 and in the remaining partial volume of the storage area 6 . The atomized fluid is conducted in the air channel 43 to the storage area 6 . Here, the fan 20 is arranged in the upper region of the domestic refrigeration appliance 1 , for example positioned adjacent to the evaporator 44 . It can be provided that a valve 45 is arranged in the interface region between the ventilator 20 and the channel 43 .

A plurality of different sensors can be arranged in the storage area 6 . For example, a humidity sensor 46 and/or a temperature sensor 47 can be arranged here. Furthermore, in addition or as an alternative thereto, at least one weight sensor and/or a sensor for detecting the freshness of the inserted deposit can also be provided. Dedicated sensors can be provided, but alternatively a camera can also be provided which can determine the freshness status from the captured images. This can be done, for example, on the basis of stored reference images.

A further exemplary embodiment of a domestic refrigeration appliance 1 is shown in a schematic front view in FIG. 9 . In contrast to the illustration according to FIG. 8 , no air channel 43 is provided here. In particular, a configuration such as that shown in FIG. 2 is arranged here, and the mist is conveyed into the storage area 6 by means of a blower or ventilator 20 .

In an alternative embodiment, the ventilator 20 can also be omitted if the assembly is arranged above the storage base. Gravity allows the fluid present as an aerosol to fall slowly downward. The ventilator 20 can then also facilitate the dispersion of the aerosol.

List of Reference Marks

1 Household refrigeration appliances 26 Films

2 housing 27 water

3 inner containers 28 channels

4 Internal space 29 Piezo block

5 refrigeration circuit 30 tubes

6 storage area 31 opening

7 cover 32 pins

8 part volume 33 mist

9 drawers 34 pipes

10 doors 35 trays

11 Humidifier 36 Mist

12 boxes of 37 electric heating units

13 filter 38 container

14 Outlet 39 Heating unit

15 Connection pipe 40 Water vapor

16 Ultrasonic nebulizer 41 Multiple air channels

16a Converter 42 Opening

17 Housing 43 Air channel

18 container 44 evaporator

19 Water level sensor 45 Valve

20 Ventilator 46 Humidity sensor

21 Ozone Generator 47 Temperature Sensor

22 filter 48 fog

23 Supply air flow 49 Storage

24 Humidifier 50 Air channel

25 Light source P1 Arrow

P2 arrow

P3 arrow

Claims (13)

1. A domestic refrigeration appliance (1) having an interior space (4) in which a partial volume is constructed as a separate storage area (6) into which food (49) can be placed and constructed There is a humidifying device (11), by means of which the introduction of a liquid fluid in the storage area (6) can be carried out independently of the rest of the interior space, characterized in that at least one light source (25) is formed, by means of The light source is capable of illuminating the storage area (6); wherein the light source (25) is arranged in an air channel (43, 50) leading into the storage area (6). 2. The domestic refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the light emitted by the light source (25) is incident in the upper area and/or in the front area of the storage area (6) into the storage area. 3. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the storage area (6) has a drawer (9), in which food (49) can be placed, and the The light source (25) is arranged outside the drawer. 4. The domestic refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the light source (25) is a light emitting diode. 5. The domestic refrigerating appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, the humidifying device (11) is at least one part (16) for generating mist or for evaporating fluid ) is arranged in the area of the upper front of the storage area (6). 6. The domestic refrigerating appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, the humidifying device (11) is at least one part (16) for generating mist or for evaporating fluid ) is arranged outside the storage area and is connected to said storage area (6) via a channel (43). 7. The household refrigerating appliance (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, said part is an ultrasonic nebulizer (16) or a disc nebulizer (34 to 36) or a low pressure nebulizer (29 to 32) or Electric heaters (37 to 39). 8. The household refrigerating appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, said partial components are ultrasonic nebulizers (16) or disc nebulizers (34 to 36) or low pressure nebulizers (29 to 32) or Electric heaters (37 to 39). 9. The domestic refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, 7 to 8, characterized in that light incidence is activated depending on the operating state of the storage area (6). 10. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that when the mist is introduced into the storage area (6) and/or the drawer (9) of the storage area (6) is pulled out so that When looking inside the drawer (9), the light incidence is activated. 11. The domestic refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, 7-8, 10, characterized in that light of different light colors can be incident into the storage area (6). 12. The domestic refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that at least two different functions are formed by introducing a fluid into the storage area (6) and applying the fluid to the storage. In the operating mode affecting the freshness of the stored goods, the first light color can be incident in the first operating mode and the second light color different from the first light color can be incident in the second operating mode. 13. The domestic refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, 7 to 8, 10, 12, characterized in that an air channel system (41 to 43, 50) is configured, the air The channel system is coupled to the refrigeration circuit (5) of the domestic refrigeration appliance (1) and has a first air channel (4) which guides cooled air outside the storage area (6) into the interior space (4), and the air channel system has a further air channel (50) connected to the first air channel (41) and leading to the storage area (6 ), whereby air can be guided from the first air channel (41) via the further air channel (50) into the storage area (6).