Patent Application
20180128539
This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German patent application DE 10 2016 221 940.5, filed Nov. 9, 2016; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The invention relates to a domestic appliance device, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance device.
A refrigerator containing a temperature-insulated appliance body which defines a storage space is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,250,008 B2. The storage space is divided into a plurality of partial storage spaces, wherein a drawer is arranged in at least one of these partial storage spaces. The drawer is able to be moved out of the storage space or into the storage space. The movement of the drawer is guided via a coupling unit with two coupled toothed wheels and associated toothed rods, wherein the toothed rods are fixed securely to the side walls of the appliance body and the toothed wheels which are arranged on the drawer follow the horizontal movement of the drawer. As a result, the drawer is centered in its insertion compartment.
The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved properties with regard to ease of operation. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the main claim, while advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention may be derived from the subclaims.
The invention is based on a domestic appliance device, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance device, containing an appliance body which defines at least one storage space. At least one insertion unit which is movable at least partially parallel to a direction of insertion into the storage space and parallel to a direction of extension out of the storage space is provided. At at least one coupling unit couples the insertion unit to the appliance body and contains at least one roller rail and at least one roller element cooperating with the roller rail.
It is proposed that the roller element is fastened, in particular indirectly, to the appliance body, whereby in particular the ease of operation may be increased. In particular, an improved use of space may be achieved since the roller element is advantageously located in a fixed manner in the storage space and does not have to be moved through the storage space when the insertion unit is moved. Instead, when the insertion unit is moved, the roller rail is advantageously moved through the storage space. The roller rail, however, may be connected to the insertion unit in an advantageous and expedient manner and with a low space requirement. Advantageously with such an arrangement, no storage space is lost and the space located above the insertion unit in the installation direction is thus able to be assigned fully to the insertion unit, for example. Moreover, in particular, an increased stability of the arrangement may be achieved by fastening the roller element to the stable appliance body.
“Domestic appliance device”, in particular, is intended to be understood as a component, in particular an operative component, in particular a sub-assembly and/or a structural and/or functional component of a domestic appliance. “Domestic appliance” is intended to be understood, in particular, as an electrical appliance, or alternatively and/or additionally as a gas-operated or oil-operated appliance which is provided to be used in the home, in particular for carrying out and/or assisting domestic work, advantageously a cooking process and/or a cleaning process, and/or is provided to store food, in particular under controlled conditions. The domestic appliance may, in particular, be a dishwasher and/or a cooker and/or an oven and/or a microwave oven and/or a steam cooker and/or an extractor hood and/or an electric grill and/or a toaster and/or a laundry dryer and/or a washing machine and/or particularly preferably a refrigeration appliance and/or freezer appliance.
Preferably, the storage space is configured as an internal volume which is at least partially defined and/or separated by an insulated appliance body and which, in particular, may be provided for storing refrigerated goods, for example food, chemicals and/or medical materials. In particular, the insertion unit contains a storage element having a main extension plane which is located, in particular, parallel to the direction of insertion and preferably horizontally and which, in particular, is provided for storing objects, in particular refrigerated goods. The “main extension plane” of an object is intended to be understood, in particular, as a plane which is parallel to a longest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid which only just completely surrounds the structural unit and, in particular, extends through the central point of the cuboid. The storage element in this case may be configured as a storage base and/or as a storage rack. Additionally, the insertion unit, in particular, may contain at least one, advantageously at least two, particularly advantageously at least three and preferably at least four, side walls which, in particular, may be connected to the storage element and which, in particular, in each case may have main directions of extension which are aligned perpendicular to the main direction of extension of the storage element. The expression “perpendicular” is intended here, in particular, to define an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in a plane, enclose an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insertion unit may be configured as a drawer, wherein the drawer may be closed at the top by a cover. A “main direction of extension” of an object in this case is intended to be understood, in particular, as a direction which extends parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid which only just completely encloses the object.
The coupling unit may advantageously have further elements provided for guiding the insertion unit in or counter to the direction of insertion, such as for example an arrangement of guide rails. “Roller rail” is intended to be understood, in particular, as an element which provides at least one roller surface, preferably in at least one direction for at least one roller element. Preferably, the roller rail may be configured as an at least substantially elongated element. The expression “elongated” is intended here, in particular, to be understood in the sense of a longitudinal extent of an object in its main direction of extension, wherein the longitudinal extent of the object is in particular ten times, preferably twenty times, particularly preferably thirty times greater than an associated transverse extent of the component. The longitudinal extent of the rail element is preferably intended to correspond at least to the depth of the storage space measured in the direction of insertion. The roller rail may preferably be arranged at least parallel to the direction of extension and may be at least substantially linear. Deviations from parallelism and/or linearity may be advantageous in order to achieve a dynamic which, for example, may prevent inadvertent and complete withdrawal of the insertion unit and/or may permit a more secure fit of the insertion unit in the fully inserted state.
“Roller element” is intended to be understood, in particular, as an element which is rotatably mounted about a pivot pin and which preferably is rotationally symmetrical to a pivot pin. Advantageously, the roller element, in particular, may be non-positively and/or positively in contact with the roller rail and, in particular, is brought into rotation by a movement of the roller rail in or counter to the direction of insertion and at the same time rolls, in particular, along the roller rail. By “fastened” is intended to be understood, in particular, that in the use state and/or operating state the connection exists between the roller element and the appliance body along the pivot pin of the roller element. To this end, a pivot pin element is, in particular, at least mechanically connected, preferably integrally connected, to the appliance body. “Pivot pin element” is intended to be understood as an element which, in particular, may be part of the coupling unit. In the use state and/or operating state it cooperates, in particular, with the center of the roller element on the axis of rotational symmetry thereof, about which the roller element is able to rotate, wherein, in particular, a rotation of the roller element about a pivot pin is not intended to be prevented by means of the connection.
“Provided” is intended to be understood, in particular, as being specifically designed and/or equipped. By an object being provided for a specific function it is intended to be understood, in particular, that the object fulfills and/or performs this specific function in at least one use state and/or operating state.
Moreover, it is proposed that the roller element is configured as a toothed wheel and the roller rail is configured as a toothed rod, whereby an advantageous positive connection between the roller element and the roller rail may be achieved. In particular, clearance and a possible twisting of the insertion unit associated therewith may be avoided, in particular during insertion and/or extension. Additionally, in particular, a coupling by means of the toothed wheel and toothed rod may permit a more uniform force requirement during an insertion and/or extension process, whereby, in particular, a centering of the insertion unit may be achieved during an insertion and/or extension process. Advantageously, the toothed rod extends relative to the direction of insertion over an entire depth of the insertion unit, whereby, in particular, a large extension range may be achieved.
Additionally, it is proposed that the coupling unit contains at least one further roller rail and at least one further roller element cooperating with the further roller rail. The roller element and the further roller element are preferably configured and/or arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another. The roller rail and the further roller rail are preferably configured and/or arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another. As a result, the weight of the insertion unit may be advantageously distributed over a plurality of roller rails and/or roller elements. Additionally, a more accurate guidance of the insertion unit may be advantageously permitted in the direction of insertion or extension.
If the roller element and the further roller element are mechanically coupled together, a transmission of a rotational movement from one roller element to another roller element may be advantageously achieved, whereby, in particular, twisting of the insertion unit during insertion and/or extension may be advantageously avoided. In this case, in particular, the roller element and the further roller element are connected fixedly in terms of rotation to one another, for example via a connecting element, in particular a rod, of the coupling unit. As a result, for example, a uniform movement of two opposing edges of the insertion unit may be achieved when, as in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in each case a roller rail is configured on one respective edge of the insertion unit. In this case, in particular, a portion of a force which, for example, is exerted on one side of the insertion unit in the direction of extension may be advantageously transmitted via a rotational movement of the coupled roller elements to the other side.
In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the roller rail is connected to a lower face of the insertion unit. In this case, the roller rail is oriented, in particular, away from the insertion unit. “Lower face” of the insertion unit is intended to be understood, in particular, as the side of the insertion unit which opposes a storage element surface of the insertion unit, wherein the storage element surface is intended to be, in particular, a surface of the insertion unit on which goods, in particular refrigerated goods, may be deposited. By such an embodiment, an improved overall appearance may be advantageously achieved since the roller rail preferably at least partially disappears from the field of view of an observer. Moreover, in particular it is possible to avoid the collection of dirt on the roller rail since in this case, in particular, the roller rail is oriented downwardly and therefore it is difficult for dirt to remain adhered thereto. As a result, and due to the ability to reach the lower face of the insertion unit easily, in particular, easier and more rapid cleaning may be permitted and thus also preferably improved hygiene conditions may be achieved. Advantageously, the roller rail is connected fixedly, in particular integrally, to the lower face. “Integrally” is intended to be understood, in particular, as being connected at least by a material connection, for example by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection-molding process and/or a further process which appears expedient to the person skilled in the art, and/or advantageously formed in one piece such as for example by producing from a cast product and/or by producing in a single-component or multi-component injection-molding method and advantageously from a single blank.
In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the domestic appliance device contains at least one cover element which, viewed in the direction of insertion, is arranged upstream of the roller element and, in particular, covers this roller element, in particular at the front. As a result, in particular, an improved overall appearance and preferably increased operator safety may be achieved, since the roller element preferably at least partially disappears from the field of view of the observer, whereby in particular a risk of injury, for example by the trapping and/or squashing of body parts, in particular of fingers, may be reduced. Additionally, soiling of the roller element may be advantageously at least partially prevented.
Moreover, it is proposed that the cover element extends between a first side wall of the appliance body and a second side wall of the appliance body opposing the first side wall, wherein in an operating state both side walls are advantageously arranged at least substantially perpendicular relative to a horizontal plane. As a result, a supporting and/or load-bearing effect of the cover element may be advantageously achieved, in particular relative to the insertion unit. Moreover, by such a cover element a stabilizing effect may be achieved on the appliance body. Additionally, in particular, an improved overall appearance may be achieved since, in particular, all components located behind the cover element, such as for example the roller element, preferably at least partially disappear from the field of view of the observer. Additionally, in particular, dirt from outside may be at least partially kept away from all of the components located behind the cover element. As a result, in particular, improved hygiene conditions may be achieved.
If the cover element forms a part of the appliance body, an increased stability of the appliance body may be advantageously achieved.
Advantageously, the cover element divides the storage space into at least one first partial storage space and at least one second partial storage space. In an operating state, the first partial storage space is preferably located vertically above the second partial storage space and, in particular, above all further partial storage spaces present. Advantageously, the cover element is designed in a plate-like manner, wherein “plate-like” is intended to be understood, in particular, as continuous and free of recesses and/or holes which could connect the partial storage spaces. As a result, a subdivision of the storage space into different usable regions may be advantageously undertaken. For example, in particular, odor-intensive refrigerated goods may be stored separately from less odor-intensive refrigerated goods and/or advantageously regions with different refrigerating temperatures could be separated.
Advantageously, the cover element may be part of the appliance body. Alternatively, the cover element in particular may be inserted in a separate mounting step into the appliance body. In this case, the cover element may preferably consist of the same material as the appliance body or from a different, preferably thermally-insulating, material. “Thermally-insulating material” is intended to be understood, in particular, as a material with a low thermal conductivity, which in particular is less than 0.15 Wm-1K-1, preferably less than 0.05 Wm-1K-1 or particularly preferably less than 0.005 Wm-1K-1.
It is also proposed that the roller element is at least partially embedded in the cover element. The expression “embedded” is intended to be understood here, in particular, as largely enclosed by an envelope of the cover element, wherein, in particular, more than 50% of a volume of the roller element, preferably more than 65% of the volume of the roller element and particularly preferably more than 80% of the volume of the envelope of the roller element are intended to be located inside the volume of the envelope of the cover element. The “envelope” of an object is intended to be understood, in particular, in this case as a surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid which only just completely encloses the object. As a result, space may be advantageously saved. Moreover, in particular, an improved overall appearance and advantageously increased operator safety may be achieved, since the roller element advantageously disappears at least partially from the field of view of the observer, whereby in particular a risk of injury, for example by the trapping and/or squashing of fingers, may be reduced. Additionally, in particular, dirt may be kept at least partially away from the roller element. As a result, in particular improved hygiene conditions may be achieved.
In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that, relative to the direction of insertion, the roller element is arranged in a first half, in particular in a first third and preferably in a first quarter, of the appliance body. As a result, advantageously a large extension range of the insertion unit may be achieved, in particular without a lengthening of the roller rail being necessary.
Advantageously, the insertion unit is configured as a drawer. The drawer in the inserted state, in particular, may be located entirely in the interior of the storage space or advantageously it may extend only partially into the interior of the storage space and/or over at least one side wall it may form an external boundary of the storage space. In particular, the drawer may contain a door leaf which forms an external wall, whereby advantageously a reduction in material and costs may be achieved since, in particular, a refrigeration appliance door may be dispensed with, in particular in the region of the drawer.
The domestic appliance and/or the domestic appliance device according to the invention in this case is/are intended not to be limited to the above-described use and embodiment. In particular the domestic appliance according to the invention and/or the domestic appliance device according to the invention, in order to fulfill a function described herein, may have a number of individual elements, components and units and method steps which deviates from a number cited herein. Additionally, within the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values which are also within the cited limits are intended to be regarded as disclosed and able to be used in any manner.
Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a domestic appliance device, 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.
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.
Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to
The domestic appliance device has two insertion units 14a, 16a. A front face of the domestic appliance in this exemplary embodiment forms two door leaves 42a, 62a which belong to the insertion units 14a, 16a and which serve for insulating the storage space 12a located in the interior and in each case contain a door handle 44a, 64a. Viewed in the direction of installation, a refrigeration appliance door 40a of the domestic appliance device is located below the lower insertion unit 16a. The refrigeration appliance door 40a is fastened at least partially to the appliance body 10a. The refrigeration appliance door 40a may, in particular, be pivotably mounted about an axis located substantially perpendicular to a direction of insertion 18a of the insertion units 14a, 16a and serves for the insulation of the storage space 12a located on the inside.
The insertion unit 14a is configured identically to the insertion unit 16a. Hereinafter, therefore, only the insertion unit 14a is described.
The insertion unit 14a may be moved in the direction of insertion 18a relative to the appliance body 10a. Additionally, the insertion unit 14a may be moved in a direction of extension 20a relative to the appliance body 10a. In this case, the insertion unit 14a moves into the storage space 12a and/or out of the storage space 12a. These movements take place at least partially parallel to the direction of insertion 18a and/or direction of extension 20a. The door leaf 42a, on the side of the insertion unit 14a located at the front in the direction of extension 20a, has a door handle 44a which may serve as a gripping surface for an operator. The insertion unit 14a is configured as a drawer.
The section shown in
The insertion unit 14a has three side walls 50a, 58a and 60a. The door leaf 42a, the side walls 50a, 58a, 60a and a storage element 66a of the insertion unit 14a form a box which is open at the top and which is provided for storing refrigerated goods. Due to the box-like design, a closed region may be advantageously produced in which refrigerated goods may be securely stored when the insertion unit 14a is moved. Via a seal 78a fastened to the appliance body 10a an effective insulation is achieved when the insertion unit 14a is fully inserted.
The domestic appliance device contains a coupling unit 80a which couples the insertion unit 14a to the appliance body 10a. The coupling unit 80a has at least one roller rail 22a and at least one roller element 24a cooperating with the roller rail 22a. The coupling unit 80a has at least one guide rail 52a. The guide rail 52a of the coupling unit 80a is fastened to a side wall 50a of the insertion unit 14a. The guide rail 52a may cooperate with a further guide rail, not shown, of the coupling unit 80a fastened to an opposing inner wall of the appliance body 10a. As a result, an improved fit and increased stability of the insertion unit 14a is achieved.
For the person skilled in the art, an embodiment is also conceivable in which, for example, a step engages in one or both side walls 32a, 34a of the appliance body 10a below and/or above the insertion unit 14a. Alternatively, at least one guide rail belonging to the coupling unit 80a is fastened on a lower face of the insertion unit 14a, the guide rail cooperating with a further guide rail fastened to the appliance body 10a and belonging to the coupling unit 80a. It is also conceivable that a groove of the appliance body 10a receives a convex portion on the side wall 50a of the insertion unit 14a.
The roller rail 22a is fastened to a lower lateral edge of the insertion unit 14a. When moving the insertion unit 14a, the roller rail 22a moves horizontally across the roller element 24a. In this case, the roller element 24a is brought into rotation. The rotation takes place about a fixed rotational axis 82a. The rotation is produced by a form-locking connection and/or force-locking connection of the roller element 24a and the roller rail 22a. A form-locking connection is one that connects two elements together due to the shape of the elements themselves (e.g. a ball and socket), as opposed to a force-locking connection, which locks the elements together by force external to the elements (e.g. a screw).
The fastening of the roller element 24a to the appliance body 10a is implemented by a pivot pin element 70a. The pivot pin element 70a is advantageously fixedly connected, in particularly integrally, to the appliance body 10a.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, the roller element 24a is configured as a toothed wheel. The roller rail 22a is configured as a toothed rod. The engagement of the teeth of the roller element 24a and the roller rail 22a produces contact without slippage.
The domestic appliance device contains a cover element 30a which divides the storage space 12a into at least one first partial storage space 36a and at least one second partial storage space 38a. The domestic appliance device contains a further cover element 74a which divides the storage space 12a into at least one second partial storage space 38a and at least one third partial storage space 76a (see
The cover element 30a covers the entire surface of a cross-section through the appliance body 10a. The cover element 30a entirely separates the partial storage space 36a which is located above from the partial storage space 38a which is located below. The cover element 30a is free from holes and/or recesses passing through the cover element 30a. This is visible, in particular, in
The cover element 30a extends from a first side wall 32a of the appliance body 10a to a second side wall 34a of the appliance body 10a opposing the first side wall 32a.
A part of the roller element 24a protrudes vertically beyond a surface 56a of the cover element 30a. The roller rail 22a cooperates with the part of the roller element 24a protruding from the cover element 30a. The cover element 30a is arranged at least partially upstream of the roller element 24a viewed in the direction of insertion 18a.
The roller element 24a, relative to the direction of insertion 18a, is arranged in a front half of the appliance body 10a. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the roller element 24a is arranged at the front end of the cover element 30a.
The cover element 30a has a recess 54a. The roller element 24a is countersunk in this recess 54a. The recess 54a represents an indentation in the cover element 30a. The recess 54a does not form, in particular, an opening passing fully through the cover element 30a. The recess 54a is arranged relative to the direction of insertion 18a in a front half of the appliance body 10a. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the recess 54a is arranged at the front end of the cover element 30a.
The recess 54a is at least partially covered on the side of the cover element 30a facing the insertion unit 14a by a cap element 72a of the cover element 30a. The cap element 72a may preferably be connected integrally to the cover element 30a. Advantageously, the penetration of dirt into the recess 54a may be prevented at least partially by the cap element 72a. Additionally, an increased stability of the cover element 30a may be achieved.
The roller rail 22a extends over the entire depth of the insertion unit 14a. The further roller rail 26a extends over the entire depth of the insertion unit 14a.
The roller element 24a and the further roller element 28a are mechanically coupled together. The mechanical coupling of the roller element 24a with the further roller element 28a takes place via a connecting element 68a of the coupling unit 80a. The connecting element 68a is configured as a connecting rod.
The connecting element 68a is located inside the cover element 30a. The connecting element 68a is located entirely in the recess 54a of the cover element 30a. The recess 54a extends over the entire region between the roller element 24a and the further roller element 28a. The connecting element 68a transmits a rotational movement from the roller element 24a to the further roller element 28a and vice versa. The connecting element 68a is rotatably mounted. The connecting element 68a rotates together with the roller element 24a and the further roller element 28a.
A further exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in
The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention:
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102016221940.5 | Nov 2016 | DE | national |
