Domestic refrigeration appliance device

Abstract

A domestic refrigeration appliance device, in particular a domestic freezer appliance device, includes a frame unit provided for at least partially delimiting an access opening. The frame unit includes at least one frame sub-element having at least one groove running at least substantially parallel to a main direction of extension of the frame sub-element. In order to improve reliability, the frame sub-element has at least two cross-sectional shapes differing substantially from one another in a subregion relative to the main direction of extension. A domestic refrigeration appliance, in particular a domestic freezer appliance, and a method for manufacturing a domestic refrigeration appliance device, in particular a domestic freezer appliance device, are also provided.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance device, in particular a domestic freezer appliance device, including a frame unit for at least partially delimiting an access opening, the frame unit having at least one frame sub-element, and at least one groove running at least substantially parallel to a main direction of extension of the frame sub-element. The invention moreover relates to a method for manufacturing a domestic refrigeration appliance device, in particular a domestic freezer appliance device, which includes providing a frame unit delimiting an access opening, providing the frame unit with at least one frame sub-element, and introducing at least one groove running at least substantially parallel to a main direction of extension of the frame sub-element into the frame sub-element.

A domestic refrigeration appliance which has a groove that runs in a frame sub-element and serves to receive a heating element is already known from the German patent application DE 10 2009 028 789 A1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention consists in particular in providing a generic device with improved properties in respect of reliability. The object is achieved by providing the frame sub-element with at least two cross-sectional shapes which differ substantially from one another in a subregion in relation to the main direction of extension, while advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention can be taken from the subclaims.

The invention is based on a domestic refrigeration appliance device, in particular a domestic freezer appliance device, having a frame unit which is provided for delimiting an access opening at least partially, preferably for at least the most part, and particularly preferably completely, and which has at least one frame sub-element which comprises at least one groove running at least substantially parallel to a main direction of extension of the frame sub-element.

It is proposed that the frame sub-element, in particular in respect of the main direction of extension, has at least two significantly different cross-sectional shapes in a subregion thereof. A “domestic refrigeration appliance device” in this context is to be understood in particular to mean at least one part, in particular a sub-assembly, of a domestic refrigeration appliance. In particular, the domestic refrigeration appliance device can also comprise the entire domestic refrigeration appliance. The domestic refrigeration appliance can be embodied here as any domestic refrigeration appliance which appears to be useful to the person skilled in the art, in particular as a domestic refrigerator and/or preferably domestic freezer, such as in particular a refrigerator, deep freezer, upright freezer, chest freezer, fridge-freezer and/or wine storage cabinet. In particular, the domestic refrigeration appliance device comprises at least one appliance body, which in particular defines a usable space, in particular at least one refrigerating zone and in particular has an access opening. Furthermore, the domestic refrigeration appliance device comprises in particular at least one appliance closure element, which can be embodied in particular as an appliance flap and/or preferably as an appliance door and can be mounted in particular pivotably about a pivot axis, in particular about a horizontal axis and/or about a vertical axis, in particular with respect to a set-up position and/or an installation position, in particular in relation to the appliance body. A “frame unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit, which preferably embodies a frame and encompasses and/or comprises in particular the access opening at least partially, preferably for at least the most part and particularly preferably completely. The fact that “a first object is encompassed and/or comprised at least partially by a second object” is to be understood in particular to mean that in at least one assembled state at least one beam coming from a center of mass of the second object exists, said beam, after passing through at least one subregion of the first object, once again running through at least one subregion of the second object. The expression “for at least the most part” is to be understood here in particular to mean at least 60%, advantageously at least 70%, preferably at least 80% and particularly preferably at least 90%. The frame unit is preferably part of an inner container of the appliance body and is preferably connected in one piece herewith. In particular the frame unit is formed from at least one frame sub-element. “Frame sub-element” is to be understood here to mean in particular one part and/or component of the frame unit, which surrounds the access opening at least partially. The frame sub-element is preferably embodied in one piece with the frame unit and/or the inner container. In particular, the frame sub-element consists at least partially, preferably for at the least the most part and particularly preferably completely of a plastic, preferably of a thermoplastic and/or elastic plastic. “One piece” is in particular to be understood to mean connected at least with a material bonding, for instance by means of a welding process, an adhesion process, an injection process and/or another process which appears to be useful to the person skilled in the art, and/or advantageously molded in one piece, such as for instance by means of manufacturing from a cast iron and/or by manufacturing in a single or multi-component injection method and advantageously from a single blank. “Provided” is to be understood in particular to mean especially configured and/or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function is in particular to be understood to mean that the object fulfills and/or executes this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state. A “main direction of extension” of an object is in particular understood to mean a direction which runs at least substantially in parallel to a main extension of the object. A “main extension” of an object is in particular understood to mean a length of a longest edge of a smallest, in particular imaginary, cuboid which the object just, in particular completely, encloses. A “groove” is in particular to be understood to mean a region which corresponds in particular to a depression and/or recess of an object, and which is preferably provided to receive an object. A “subregion” of the frame sub-element, in particular relating to a main direction of extension of the frame sub-element, is in particular to be understood to mean a preferably oblong region, in particular of the frame sub-element, which is arranged at least substantially parallel to a, in particular precisely one, spatial direction and/or which extends at least substantially parallel in the spatial direction. In particular the subregion is arranged at least substantially parallel and/or at least substantially at right angles to a main direction of extension of the appliance body of the domestic appliance device. The subregion preferably comprises at least 50%, preferably 70% and particularly preferably 90% of the frame sub-element. The subregion preferably corresponds to a central region of the frame sub-element. The fact that an object is “oblong” is in particular to be understood to mean that a main extension of the object is at least twice, preferably at least five times, particularly preferably at least ten times as large as the width and/or height of the object. A “central region” is in particular to be understood to mean a region of the frame sub-element in which a geometric center point of the frame sub-element is arranged. A geometric center point of the central region is preferably substantially identical to the geometric center point of the frame sub-element. “At least substantially parallel” is to be understood to mean in particular an alignment of a direction in relation to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein compared to the reference direction the direction has a deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. The expression “substantially vertical” here is to define in particular an alignment of a direction in relation to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in a plane, has 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°. “Significantly different cross-sectional shapes” are to be understood in particular as cross-sectional shapes, the surfaces and/or contours, in particular cross-sectional surface contours of which, deviate from one another by in particular at least 10%, preferably by at least 20% and particularly preferably by at least 30%. In particular, the cross-sectional shapes have surfaces, in particular cross-sectional surfaces, which, projected onto an especially shared plane which is in particular at right angles to the main direction of extension, in the case of an especially best-possible intersection and/or overlapping of the surfaces, have a sectional surface and/or an overlapping of surfaces of at most 95%, preferably at most 85%, preferably at most 80% and particularly preferably at most 75% of the surface of one of the cross-sectional shapes. The surfaces, in particular cross-sectional surfaces, preferably have a surface content which is at least substantially the same. “A surface content which is at least substantially the same” is to be understood to mean in particular that the surface contents deviate from one another in particular by at most 2%, preferably by at most 5% and particularly preferably by at most 10%.

A domestic refrigeration appliance device which ensures an advantageous reliability can be provided by this embodiment. Furthermore a particularly stable frame sub-element can be provided by selecting different cross-sectional shapes. Moreover, a particularly advantageous locking effect, in particular for locking a component and/or functional element, advantageously heating element, can be achieved in particular by an advantageous embodiment of the groove. Here the component and/or functional element can be advantageously secured in particular against slipping with the aid of the frame sub-element, and held in a defined position in a tolerance non-critical manner in particular. The locking effect can be achieved on a section of the frame sub-element and/or on a large part of the frame unit. Furthermore, an adhesion of the component and/or functional element in the domestic refrigeration appliance can be improved. Moreover, a cost-neutral solution can be advantageously achieved, particularly without additional components and/or elements.

It is also proposed that at least two groove cross-sections at at least two at least substantially different positions are delimited by the cross-sectional shapes. A “groove cross-section” is in particular understood to mean a cross-section of the groove at right angles to the main direction of extension. The phrase “substantially at different positions” is in particular to be understood to mean that the groove cross-sections are displaced along the main direction of extension, in particular at a distance, which corresponds in particular at most to 1%, at most to 5% and particularly preferably at most to 10% of the main extension. This permits a simple manufacture of the groove of the frame sub-element.

Moreover, it is proposed that at least two groove cross-sections, delimited by the cross-sectional shapes, have an at least substantially identical shape. The fact that “two groove cross-sections have an at least substantially identical shape” is to be understood in particular to mean that the surfaces and/or contours of the two groove cross-sections deviate from one another by at most 15%, in particular by at most 25%, preferably by at most 35%. At least one mirror plane preferably exists, which is arranged preferably at right angles to a cross-sectional plane of at least one of the cross-sectional shapes and in which in particular the main direction of extension is arranged, which merges the groove cross-sections into one another. As a result, a particularly simple manufacture of the groove of the frame sub-element can be permitted.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the domestic refrigeration appliance device has at least one substantially oblong heating element, which is arranged on and preferably in the groove and is provided to counteract an icing of the frame unit at least partially, preferably for at least the most part and particularly preferably completely. In particular the heating element is provided to counteract an icing of at least one frame sub-element, in particular the appliance closure element and/or a sealing element, in particular appliance closure sealing element, at least partially, preferably for at least the most part and particularly preferably completely. A “heating element” is in particular to be understood to mean an element which is provided to generate heat energy, in particular by conversion from another energy form, preferably from chemical or electrical energy, from ambient heat and/or waste heat. In particular the heating element supplies the heat energy to an object, in particular to the appliance body, preferably the frame sub-element, preferably the appliance closure element and/or another element. In particular the heating element touches at least one wall delimiting the groove and in particular at least one wall of the frame sub-element. The heating element is preferably embodied to be at least substantially tubular, preferably as a heating pipe, particularly preferably as a heating gas pipe and is advantageously provided to receive and/or guide a heating fluid. An object embodied “to be at least substantially tubular” is to be understood to mean in particular an oblong object, preferably a hollow body, which has an opening preferably at at least one end and particularly advantageously at both ends. A “heating fluid” is in particular understood to mean a fluid, in particular a liquid and/or preferably a gas. Any fluid, such as hot gas, air, in particular ambient air and/or a refrigerant, for instance, which appears useful to the person skilled in the art can be used as a fluid here. By arranging the heating element within the frame sub-element, an icing, in particular a freezing of an appliance closure element and/or a sealing element, can be prevented. Moreover, the heating element can be arranged and preferably fastened advantageously securely within the groove.

Advantageously the domestic refrigeration appliance device comprises a fixing unit, which has the frame sub-element and at least one screen unit, which covers the groove at least partially, preferably for at least the most part and particularly preferably completely. The screen unit preferably has a sealing element contact surface, which, in particular together with the appliance closure element and a sealing element, in particular an appliance closure sealing element, is provided to close the access opening. The screen unit preferably has a preferably elastic frame strap, which, in an assembled state, encompasses the frame sub-element at least partially and preferably for at least the most part. In particular the frame strap is connected to the screen element and is preferably connected in one piece. In particular, the screen unit and/or the frame strap is/are formed by bending a sheet metal, preferably of an exterior housing of a domestic refrigeration appliance. An “elastic object” is in particular understood to mean an object which has at least one extension, which, in a normal operating state, can be elastically modified in particular by at least 5%, advantageously by at least 10%, preferably by at least 20% and particularly preferably by at least 30% and in particular by at most 60%, advantageously by at most 55%, preferably by at most 50% and in particular preferably by at most 45%. In particular the elastic object generates a counterforce which counteracts the change and is dependent on a change to the extension and is preferably proportional to the change. In particular the elastic object can be repeatedly deformed, especially without the object being mechanically damaged and/or destroyed in the process. Preferably the elastic object tends naturally to form a basic shape again, after a deformation. In particular the frame strap, in particular the screen unit, encompasses the groove in an at least substantially foam-tight manner. The fact that an object “encompasses the groove in an at least substantially foam-tight manner” is in particular to be understood to mean that the object is provided to prevent and/or block a flowing-out and/or preferably a penetration of a material, in particular a solid and/or preferably an at least partially liquid material, in a region of the further object up to at least 85%, advantageously at least 90%, preferably at least 95% and particularly preferably at least 99%. The groove and the heating element arranged therein can be arranged in a protected manner with the aid of the screen unit. In particular, a penetration of insulating foam, particularly during a manufacture of the domestic refrigeration appliance, can be prevented. This permits a safe and efficient mode of operation of the heating element.

Furthermore it is proposed that a projection of the heating element and of the fixing unit onto an in particular shared and preferably arbitrary plane at right angles to the main direction of extension has at least three, preferably precisely three, fixing regions between the heating element and the fixing unit. The screen unit preferably has at least one, preferably precisely one, fixing region and the frame sub-element has at least two, preferably precisely two, fixing regions. A “fixing region” is in particular understood to mean a region, in particular contact region, between at least two components, which is in particular embodied by a contact, preferably a press contact, of the components. In particular, the heating element is secured with force and/or form-locking by the fixing unit at least partially, preferably for at least the most part and particularly preferably completely. With the aid of the fixing regions the heating element can be secured within the groove, in particular against a slipping within the groove.

In one embodiment of the invention it is proposed that the cross-sectional shapes relating to the main direction of extension are arranged alternately at least in sections. In particular, the groove cross-sections preferably formed by the cross-sectional shapes are arranged and/or displaced in relation to one another alternately at least in sections. “Arranged alternately” is in particular to be understood to mean that sections of the different cross-sectional shapes and/or groove cross-sections follow one another alternately along the main direction of extension. In particular, a length of the sections can vary in particular spatially, in particular in the main direction of extension. The sections, in particular all sections, viewed in particular in the main direction of extension, preferably have a similar length. By means of an alternative arrangement, the heating element can intentionally be secured in critical regions.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the cross-sectional shapes relating to the main direction of extension are arranged periodically oscillating at least in sections. In particular, the groove cross-sections preferably formed by the cross-sectional shapes are arranged periodically oscillating at least in sections. “Arranged periodically oscillating” is in particular to be understood to mean that the sections of the different cross-sectional shapes and/or groove cross-sections follow one another alternately along the main direction of extension. The sections, in particular all sections, viewed in particular in the main direction of extension, preferably have the same length. In particular, the sections of different cross-sectional shapes and/or groove cross-sections repeat periodically. By means of a periodically oscillating arrangement, the heating element can on the one hand be intentionally secured in critical regions and on the other hand over the entire length of the subregion, in particular the central region, of the frame sub-element.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the cross-sectional shapes merge constantly into one another at least in sections. In particular, the groove cross-sections formed preferably by the cross-sectional shapes merge constantly into one another at least in sections. The fact that two objects “merge constantly into one another” is in particular to be understood to mean that their shape, contour and/or surfaces are constantly, in particular uniformly, preferably durably, particularly preferably continuously and in particular directly connected to one another and are preferably connected in one piece. A particularly stable frame sub-element can be provided by a constant merging of the sections.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the frame sub-element and/or the groove, viewed in the main direction of extension, is configured at least substantially curved and/or angular at least in sections. The frame sub-element and/or the groove, viewed along the main direction of extension, is preferably configured in a sinusoidal, rectangular, triangular and/or sawtooth manner. At least one section of the frame sub-element and/or the groove preferably has at least one embodiment which deviates from the embodiment, in particular curved and/or angular embodiment, of a preceding section. By correspondingly selecting the embodiment, the groove and/or the frame sub-element can particularly preferably be adjusted to a shape of a heating element, which in particular has deviating shapes in different regions.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the domestic refrigeration appliance device has at least one support element, which is provided to rest against the heating element and preferably to support and/or fix the heating element. The additional support element is preferably arranged within the groove and is preferably connected with the frame sub-element and is particularly preferably connected in one piece therewith. A locking effect can be further increased by the support elements.

The invention is further based on a method for manufacturing a domestic refrigeration appliance device, in particular a domestic freezer appliance device, having a frame unit, which is provided to delimit an access opening, and which has at least one frame sub-element, wherein at least one groove running at least substantially parallel to a main direction of extension of the frame sub-element is introduced into the frame sub-element.

It is proposed that the frame sub-element, in particular relating to the main direction of extension, in a subregion relating to the main direction of extension, is provided with at least two significantly different cross-sectional shapes. The frame sub-element is preferably manufactured by means of deep-drawing, preferably vacuum-drawing, a plastic, preferably thermoelastic plastic. A reliability, a locking effect and/or a stability of the domestic refrigeration appliance device can be improved in this way. Moreover, a cost-neutral method for manufacturing in particular any equipped frame sub-elements, can be provided in particular with production systems which are already available.

The domestic refrigeration appliance device is not to be restricted here to the afore-described application and embodiment. In particular, the domestic refrigeration appliance device can have a number which deviates from a number of individual elements, components and units, cited herein, in order to fulfill a mode of operation described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also individually consider the features and combine them to form useful further combinations,

in which:

FIG. 1 shows a domestic refrigeration appliance having a domestic refrigeration appliance device and a frame unit,

FIG. 2 shows a frame sub-element of the frame unit,

FIG. 3 shows the frame sub-element in an enlarged view,

FIG. 4 shows a first cross-section of the frame sub-element having a fixing unit and a heating element in a schematic sectional view along line IV-IV in FIG. 2,

FIG. 5 shows a second cross-section of the frame sub-element with the fixing unit and the heating element in a schematic sectional view along line V-V in FIG. 2 and

FIG. 6 shows a frame sub-element of a frame unit of a further domestic refrigeration appliance device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a domestic refrigeration appliance 44a according to a first exemplary embodiment. The domestic refrigeration appliance 44a is embodied as a domestic freezer appliance. In the present case the domestic refrigeration appliance 44a is embodied as an upright freezer. The domestic refrigeration appliance 44a has an internal temperature of up to −18° C.

Furthermore, the domestic refrigeration appliance 44a has a domestic refrigeration appliance device. The domestic refrigeration appliance device comprises an appliance closure element 52a. In the present case the appliance closure element 52a is embodied as an appliance door. The appliance closure element 52a has an appliance closure sealing element 54a. The appliance closure sealing element 54a is embodied as a door seal. The domestic refrigeration appliance device further comprises an appliance body 50a. The appliance body 50a comprises an inner container 60a. The inner container 60a consists of a thermoelastic plastic. The inner container 60a delimits a usable space 56a. In an assembled state the usable space 56a has an access opening 14a on a side facing the appliance sealing element 52a. The access opening 14a is provided to remove and/or introduce refrigerated goods out of and/or into the usable space 56a. An operating temperature of below 0° C. prevails within the usable space 56a. Furthermore, an operating temperature in the range of −20° C. to 0° C. can prevail within the usable space 56a. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for an appliance body to have two or more usable spaces. Similarly conceivable is an embodiment of the domestic refrigeration appliance device which comprises at least two appliance closure elements, wherein the appliance closure elements can be arranged in particular one above the other and/or adjacent to one another.

Furthermore, the domestic refrigeration appliance device has a frame unit 12a. The frame unit 12a delimits the access opening 14a. In the present case the frame unit 12a encompasses the access opening 14a completely. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a frame unit only partially encompasses an access opening. The frame unit 12a consists of a thermoelastic plastic. The frame unit 12a is embodied in one piece with the inner container 60a. In the present case the frame unit 12a and the inner container 60a consist of the same material. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a frame unit and an inner container consist of different materials. Furthermore, the frame unit 12a has at least one frame sub-element 16a. The frame sub-element 16a partially delimits the access opening 14a. The frame sub-element 16a is embodied in one piece with the inner container 60a. Alternatively, the domestic refrigeration appliance device can have a number of frame sub-elements. In particular, it is conceivable to form a frame sub-element from a material which differs at least partially from a material of a frame unit and/or an inner container.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a cut-out of the domestic refrigeration appliance device with the frame sub-element 16a. The frame sub-element 16a has a main direction of extension 18a, which is arranged parallel to a main direction of extension of the appliance body 50a. The frame sub-element 16a further has a groove 20a running substantially parallel to the main direction of extension 18a (cf. FIGS. 4 and 5).

Furthermore, the domestic refrigeration appliance device has a heating element 36a (cf. FIGS. 4 and 5). The heating element 36a is embodied to be oblong. The heating element 36a is embodied to be curved. The heating element 36a extends in parallel to the main direction of extension 18a. The heating element 36a is arranged within the groove 20a (cf. FIGS. 4 and 5). In the present case the heating element 36a is embodied as a hot gas pipe 62a. A diameter of the heating element 36a lies in the region between 3 mm and 5 mm.

The frame sub-element 16a is composed of a number of frame sub-element sections 98a, 100a, 102a, 104a, 106a, 108a, 110a. In the present case the frame sub-element 16a has a number of frame sub-element sections 98a, 100a, 102a, 104a, 106a, 108a, 110a displaced in particular in parallel to the main direction of extension of the frame sub-element sections. A first group of frame subsections 100a, 104a, 108a is arranged outwardly displaced in relation to the usable space 56 compared with a second group of frame sub-sections 98a, 102a, 106a, 110a. The frame sub-element sections 98a, 100a, 102a, 104a, 106a, 108a, 110a are arranged alternately. The frame sub-element sections 98a, 100a, 102a, 104a, 106a, 108a, 110a are arranged periodically oscillating. Furthermore, the frame sub-element sections 98a, 100a, 102a, 104a, 106a, 108a, 110a merge constantly into one another. In the present case the frame sub-element 16a is configured to be wavy. Alternatively, frame subsections can be configured to be rectangular, triangular and/or sawtooth-shaped and/or merge into one another.

A central region 22a of the frame sub-element sections 98a, 100a, 102a, 104a, 106a, 108a, 110a forms a subregion 21a of the frame sub-element 16a. The subregion 21a corresponds to at least 50% of the frame sub-element 16a. The subregion 21a corresponds accordingly to a central region 22a of the frame sub-element 16a. Alternatively, a subregion can also comprise more or less than 50% of a frame sub-element. In the present case a geometric center point 68a of the subregion 21a is identical to a geometric center point 70a of the frame sub-element 16a. Moreover, the frame sub-element 16a has two cross-sectional shapes 24a, 26a which differ substantially from one another in the subregion 21a in relation to the main direction of extension 18a. FIGS. 4 and 5 show cross-sections 64a, 66a of the frame sub-element 16a along lines IV-IV and V-V in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows a cross-section through a frame sub-element section 100a of the first group of frame subsections 100a, 104a, 108a, while FIG. 5 shows a sectional view through a frame sub-element section 102a of the second group of frame subsections 98a, 102a, 106a, 110a. The cross-sections 64a, 66a here show the different cross-sectional shapes 24a, 26a. Here the cross-sections 64a, 66a have two different groove cross-sections 28a, 30a.

The cross-sectional shapes 24a, 26a are embodied substantially differently from one another. The cross-sectional shapes 24a, 26a are embodied such that the surfaces 72a, 74a of the cross-sectional shapes 24a, 26a, projected onto a plane, which runs at right angles to the main direction of extension 18a, have a shared sectional surface of at most 75%. The cross-sectional shapes 24a, 26a delimit the groove cross-sections 28a, 30a. The groove cross-sections 28a, 30a are embodied displaced at different positions 32a, 34a along the main direction of extension 18a. The groove cross-sections 28a, 30a have a distance which corresponds at most to 10% of the main extension of the frame sub-element 16a. The groove cross-sections 28a, 30a have substantially an identical shape. The groove cross-sections 28a, 30a delimit surfaces 80a, 82a of the same size. The groove cross-sections 28a, 30a also have a shared mirror plane 84a. The groove cross-sections 28a, 30a can be merged into one another with the aid of the mirror plane 84a. Alternatively it is conceivable that a distance of groove cross-sections corresponds at most to 1% and/or at most to 5% of a main extension of a frame sub-element.

The domestic refrigeration appliance device further comprises a fixing unit 38a. In the present case the frame sub-element 16a forms one part of the fixing unit 38a. Moreover, the fixing unit 38a comprises a screen unit 40a. The screen unit 40a is formed from sheet metal. The screen unit 40a has a sealing element contact surface 41a. The sealing element contact surface 41a serves as a contact surface for the appliance closure sealing element 54a. The sealing element contact surface 41a indirectly covers the groove 20a.

The fixing unit 38a moreover has a frame strap 86a. The frame strap 86a is embodied in one piece with the sealing element contact surface 41a. The frame strap 86a encompasses the frame sub-element 16a at least partially. The frame strap 86a is embodied at least substantially in a u-shape viewed in the cross-section. The frame strap 86a surrounds the groove 20a. Furthermore the frame strap 86a surrounds the groove 20a at least substantially in a foam-tight manner. The frame strap 86a directly covers the groove 20a.

A projection of the heating element 36a and the fixing unit 38a on a plane at right angles to the main direction of extension 18a displays three fixing regions 90a, 92a, 94a between the heating element 36a and the fixing unit 38a. The fixing unit 38a secures the heating element 36a with force and/or form-locking using the fixing regions 90a, 92a, 94a in particular by means of the geometrical embodiment and developing frictional forces.

The cross-sectional shapes 24a, 26a and the groove cross-sections 28a, 30a are arranged alternately in relation to the main direction of extension 18a and in particular similarly to the frame sub-element sections 98a, 100a, 102a, 104a, 106a, 108a, 110a at least in sections. The frame sub-element 16a is thus composed of sections with different cross-sectional shapes 24a, 26a. The groove 20a is composed of sections with different groove cross-sections 28a, 30a. The cross-sectional shapes 24a, 26a and groove cross-sections 28a, 30a are also arranged periodically oscillating in relation to the main direction of extension 18a at least in sections. The cross-sectional shapes 24a, 26a and the groove cross-sections 28a, 30a merge constantly into one another. The groove 20a and its sections are configured in a wavy sinusoidal manner when viewed in the main direction of extension 18a. Alternatively, sections of cross-sectional shapes and/or groove cross-sections can be configured in an angular, rectangular, triangular and/or sawtooth manner and/or merge into one another.

In the present case the heating means 36a is operated using the waste heat from a compressor. The heating element 36a is provided to supply heat energy to the appliance body 50a, the frame unit 12a, the frame sub-element 16a, the fixing unit 38a, the screen unit 40a, the frame strap 86a, the sealing element contact surface 41a, the appliance closure element 52a and/or the appliance closure sealing element 54a. In this way the heating element 36a counteracts an icing, particularly due to condensing water, of the frame unit 12a and/or of the appliance closure element 52a and/or the sealing element contact surface 41a and/or of the appliance closure sealing element 54a, so that a simple and in particular non-destructive opening of the appliance closure element is ensured.

Alternatively a heating element can also be operated using warmer external air in relation to the air in an inner container. It is also conceivable that a heating element uses a refrigerant to transport and/or exchange heat energy.

A further exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6. The descriptions below are restricted substantially to the differences between the exemplary embodiments. Reference can basically also be made to the drawings and/or the description of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 5, in respect of components labeled the same, in particular in respect of components with identical reference characters. To differentiate between exemplary embodiments the letter a is placed after the reference characters of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 5. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6, the letter a is replaced by the letter b. The further exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6 differs from the previous exemplary embodiment at least substantially by a frame sub-element 16b of a frame unit 12b.

FIG. 6 shows the frame sub-element 16b. The domestic refrigeration appliance device comprises at least one support element 96b. In the present case the domestic refrigeration appliance device comprises three support elements 96b. Alternatively, a domestic refrigeration appliance device can also have any number of other support elements, such as, for instance, at least two, at least three and/or at least four support elements. The support elements 96b consist of a thermoelastic plastic. The support elements 96b and the frame sub-element 16b are formed from the same material. In the present case the support elements 96b are connected in one piece with the frame sub-element 16b. The support elements 96b are arranged within the groove 20b. In an assembled state the heating element 36a rests against the support elements 96b. The support elements 96b form additional supporting surfaces for the heating element 36a.

REFERENCE CHARACTERS

12 Frame unit

14 Access opening

16 Frame sub-element

18 Main direction of extension

20 Groove

21 Subregion

22 Central region

24 Cross-sectional shape

26 Cross-sectional shape

28 Groove cross-section

30 Groove cross-section

32 Position

34 Position

36 Heating element

38 Fixing unit

40 Screen unit

41 Sealing element contact surface

44 Domestic refrigeration appliance

50 Appliance body

52 Appliance closure element

54 Appliance closure sealing element

56 Usable space

60 Inner container

62 Hot gas pipe

64 Cross-section

66 Cross-section

68 Geometric center point of the subregion

70 Geometric center point of the frame sub-element

72 Surface of the cross-sectional shape

74 Surface of the cross-sectional shape

80 Surface of the groove cross-section

82 Surface of the groove cross-section

84 Mirror plane

86 Frame strap

90 Fixing region

92 Fixing region

94 Fixing region

96 Support element

98 Frame sub-element section

100 Frame sub-element section

102 Frame sub-element section

104 Frame sub-element section

106 Frame sub-element section

108 Frame sub-element section

110 Frame sub-element section

Claims

1. A domestic refrigeration or freezer appliance device, comprising: a frame unit at least partially delimiting an access opening, said frame unit including at least one frame sub-element;said at least one frame sub-element having a main direction of extension and a subregion;said at least one frame sub-element having at least one groove running at least substantially parallel to said main direction of extension; andsaid at least one frame sub-element having two cross-sectional shapes being different from one another in said subregion relative to said main direction of extension;said at least one groove having a first groove cross-section being delimited by a first stepped sidewall and a second groove cross-section being delimited by a second stepped sidewall on an opposite longitudinal side of said groove from said first stepped sidewall, said first and second stepped sidewalls each defining a respective step at middle regions of said first and second sidewalls.

2. The domestic refrigeration appliance device according to claim 1, which further comprises a substantially oblong heating element, disposed at said at least one groove for at least partially counteracting an icing of said frame unit.

3. The domestic refrigeration appliance device according to claim 1, which further comprises a fixing unit including said frame sub-element and at least one cover at least partially covering said at least one groove.

4. The domestic refrigeration appliance device according to claim 1, wherein said cross-sectional shapes are disposed alternately at least in sections relative to said main direction of extension.

5. A domestic refrigeration or freezer appliance device, comprising: a frame unit at least partially delimiting an access opening, said frame unit including at least one frame sub-element;said at least one frame sub-element having a main direction of extension and a subregion;said at least one frame sub-element having at least one groove running at least substantially parallel to said main direction of extension; andsaid at least one frame sub-element having at least two cross-sectional shapes being different from one another in said subregion relative to said main direction of extension;said cross-sectional shapes periodically oscillate at least in sections relative to said main direction of extension, said cross-sectional shapes having a same length as one another in said main direction of extension.

6. The domestic refrigeration appliance device according to claim 1, wherein said cross-sectional shapes continuously merge into one another at least in sections.

7. The domestic refrigeration appliance device according to claim 1, wherein said frame sub-element has at least one of an at least substantially curved or angular structure at least in sections, in said main direction of extension.

8. The domestic refrigeration appliance device according to claim 2, which further comprises at least one support element configured to rest against said heating element.

9. A domestic refrigeration or freezer appliance, comprising a domestic refrigeration or freezer appliance device according to claim 1.

10. A method for manufacturing a domestic refrigeration or freezer appliance device, the method comprising the following steps: providing a frame unit delimiting an access opening;providing the frame unit with at least one frame sub-element having a main direction of extension and a subregion;introducing at least one groove into the frame sub-element, the at least one groove running at least substantially parallel to the main direction of extension; andproviding the frame sub-element with two cross-sectional shapes differing substantially from one another in the subregion relative to the main direction of extension, the at least one groove having a first groove cross-section delimited by a first stepped sidewall and a second groove cross-section delimited by a second stepped sidewall on an opposite longitudinal side of the groove from the first stepped sidewall, the first and second stepped sidewalls each defining a respective step at middle regions of the first and second sidewalls.

11. The domestic refrigeration appliance device according to claim 3, wherein said at least one groove has a groove bottom defining a depth of said at least one groove along a longitudinal extent thereof and a groove opening opposite said groove bottom, said at least one cover at least partially covering said groove opening.

12. The domestic refrigeration appliance device according to claim 11, wherein said groove bottom and said at least one cover define opposing fixing regions.

13. A domestic refrigeration or freezer appliance device, comprising: a frame unit at least partially delimiting an access opening, said frame unit including at least one frame sub-element;said at least one frame sub-element having a main direction of extension and a subregion;said at least one frame sub-element having at least one groove running at least substantially parallel to said main direction of extension; andsaid at least one frame sub-element having two cross-sectional shapes at respective positions along said main direction of extension, said two cross-sectional shapes differing substantially from one another in said subregion relative to said main direction of extension, each of said cross-sectional shapes being individually asymmetrical along a respective length of thereof with respect to a shared mirror plane extending along said main direction of extension, said cross-sectional shapes periodically oscillate at least in sections relative to said main direction of extension.

14. The domestic refrigeration appliance device according to claim 13, wherein said cross-sectional shapes have an equal extent as one another in said main direction of extension.