Patent Application
20190078838
This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German Patent Application DE 10 2017 216 189.2, filed Sep. 13, 2017; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The invention relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance with a receiving space for food. Moreover, the domestic refrigeration appliance has a drawer in the form of a food container which is disposed so as to be movable in the receiving space. Furthermore, the domestic refrigeration appliance has at least one separate compartment floor which is disposed in the receiving space and which forms a cover for the drawer. An elastically deformable stop element is disposed on a front edge of the compartment floor. The stop element faces a front wall of the drawer.
An embodiment of such a domestic refrigeration appliance is known from International Publication WO 2015/086185 A1, for example. In the embodiments found therein, the compartment floor is disposed in such a way that it extends in one plane. That also means that the foremost region, which faces the front wall of the drawer, and on which the seal found there is realized, is positioned at the height of the upper edge of the front wall of the drawer. Consequently, when the drawer is in the closed state, it is not possible to grasp the front wall at the top. Therefore, it is necessary in that case for the front wall of the drawer to have a handle which protrudes forward, so that the handle can be gripped by a user in order to be able to then pull out the drawer. An embodiment of that type means that the structural space for the front wall of the drawer is relatively large in the depth direction of the domestic refrigeration appliance, with the result that useful space in the drawer is reduced in such a case.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a domestic refrigeration appliance with a specific front-side lowering segment of a compartment floor, which overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known appliances of this general type and in which an elastically deformable stop element is disposed better to the extent that it is not undesirably harmed, for example damaged by an impact, during a removal of stored goods from the compartment floor or during an introduction of stored goods onto to the compartment floor.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a domestic refrigeration appliance having a receiving space for food. Moreover, the domestic refrigeration appliance has a drawer in the form of a food container which is disposed so as to be movable in this receiving space. Furthermore, the domestic refrigeration appliance has at least one separate compartment floor which is disposed in the receiving space. The compartment floor forms a cover for the drawer and is consequently disposed correspondingly, in particular specifically directly above the drawer in the height direction of the domestic refrigeration appliance. An elastically deformable stop element is disposed on a front edge of the compartment floor as viewed in the depth direction of the domestic refrigeration appliance. This stop element is oriented in such a way that it faces a front wall of the drawer in the depth direction of the domestic refrigeration appliance. The compartment floor has a lowering segment on its foremost region, which faces the front wall of the drawer. As viewed in the depth direction, this lowering segment has a foremost rim which is lowered downward with respect to a sheet region of the compartment floor when viewed in the height direction of the domestic refrigeration appliance. With regard to an embodiment of this type the stop element is also disposed in a protected manner to a certain extent when the drawer is in the closed state, since it is not positioned directly on the upper rim or respectively the upper edge of the front wall of the drawer, but instead is lowered with reference to the same. Consequently, an impacting of stored goods on this elastically deformable stop element during removal or insertion of stored goods, which are disposed on the compartment floor, does not result in this elastically deformable stop element being damaged in such a case. Furthermore, the manipulability of the drawer is also improved as a result.
A very advantageous embodiment provides that when the drawer is in the closed state a handle recess which can be engaged from above is formed by the lowering segment and the front wall of the drawer. This is very advantageous to the extent that therefore a front-side handle does not need to be realized on the front wall of the drawer, which reduces the construction space in the depth direction and would therefore reduce the useful volume of the drawer. Moreover, a very ergonomic and therefore user-friendly operation is also enabled by using this embodiment, since a user then intuitively grips the front wall from above and therefore also grips it at the back in order to be able to safely push in or pull out the drawer in a linear manner in the depth direction. Both when pulling out, in particular starting from the drawer being in the closed state, safe and extensive gripping can therefore be effected from above and therefore also slipping of a user off the front wall is prevented. Likewise, this prevents users from trapping their fingers when pushing the drawer in if, in such a case, they absentmindedly grab around the front wall above its upper region and push the drawer in. The lowering segment then results in the user's fingers not being trapped between the front wall and the stop element even when in the closed state.
Preferably, the stop element is realized in the form of a damping element through the use of which damping is also effected by the deformation during contact with the drawer. A hard impact of the drawer on the compartment floor is prevented as a result.
Provision is preferably made that when the drawer is in the closed state the elastically deformable stop element abuts against a rear side of the front wall of the drawer and, when viewed in the height direction of the domestic refrigeration appliance, offset downward with respect to an upper edge of the front wall. The advantages achievable with reference to the positions have already been set forth above. On the other hand, this abutting of the elastically deformable stop element against this rear side of the front wall then also enables safe closing so that no media can unintentionally get into the useful volume of the drawer. This is also achieved precisely by using the elastically deformable element if production tolerances or position tolerances were to arise between the drawer and the lowering segment.
In a further, very advantageous, embodiment provision is made that this elastically deformable stop element is a seal. The advantages set forth above are again improved as a result and an entry of media into the useful volume of the drawer and also an escape of media from the drawer through this interface between the rear side and the front wall of the drawer and the lowering segment is prevented as a result. This can be advantageous in particular whenever specific foods are stored and/or specific storage conditions are set in the useful space of the drawer. On one hand, the escape of aromas from the stored goods in the drawer to other regions of the domestic refrigeration appliance, in particular to a receiving space, can therefore then be prevented, and on the other hand, a quite specific and individual storage of the stored goods in this drawer can be maintained on a long-term basis.
Provision is preferably made that the elastically deformable stop element is realized in a U-shape as seen in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of this stop element, in particular being realized in the form of a U lying on its side. This stop element is realized with reduced weight and the deformation elasticity is provided particularly advantageously as a result.
However, a different cross-sectional shape, for example an L-shape, can also be provided.
In an advantageous embodiment the compartment floor has a sheet region which, when viewed in the depth direction of the domestic refrigeration appliance, has a foremost edge. Moreover, the compartment floor has a strip which is separate from the sheet region and which is disposed on this foremost edge. The lowering segment is integrated in this strip and therefore realized in a single piece with this strip. An embodiment of this type makes it possible to be able to individually manufacture the more complex-shaped part in the shape of the strip with the lowering segment. Simple manufacturing with a high level of shape accuracy is enabled as a result. Being separated as a result, the sheet region can then be manufactured so that this can also be produced individually and more simply. Moreover, an embodiment of this type means that it then also becomes possible for the sheet region on one hand and the strip on the other hand to be able to be manufactured out of different materials. As a result, individual aspects can be taken into account in functional terms. Thus, for example, the strip can then be manufactured out of plastic so that it is realized so as to be mechanically very stable. As a result, a safe and loadable connection to the sheet region can be manufactured, and on the other hand corresponding forces can also be absorbed if a drawer is pushed in relatively firmly and then impacts against this strip. A further advantage is achieved in situations of this type precisely by using the elastically deformable stop element since certain forces acting in the case of an impact of this type are also absorbed by using this deformation elasticity.
Preferably, this strip has a slot into which the sheet region is inserted with its foremost edge. This means that a fast and yet highly functional and continuously loadable physical connection is enabled between the strip and the sheet region.
Preferably, provision is made that an elastic retaining element is disposed at least on one inner side of a wall of the strip delimiting the slot. In particular this retaining element is realized in the form of an anti-slip element in order to enable a positional safeguard between the strip and the sheet region in the assembled state.
Preferably, the retaining element is realized out of a material with a high friction coefficient.
Provision is made in particular that the retaining element is realized on an inner side of a cover wall delimiting the slot. The retaining element preferably extends over at least 50 percent, in particular at least 70 percent, in particular at least 80 percent, in particular at least 90 percent of the length of this wall delimiting the slot as measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the strip.
Additionally or in place of this, provision can also be made that an elastic retaining element of this type is disposed on an inner side of a bottom wall delimiting the slot. The retaining element is preferably realized in the form of a linear band. Preferably the material of the retaining element is different from the material of a support part of the strip, which supports the retaining element.
An advantageous embodiment provides that the strip is realized in the form of a one-piece part at least with the retaining element. Particularly advantageous in this context is an embodiment in the form of a two-component extrusion part. A simple, accurately shaped embodiment is enabled as a result.
Preferably provision is made that the elastically deformable stop element is disposed on a foremost edge of the strip, which foremost edge faces away from the sheet region. An embodiment of this type means that this elastically deformable stop element can be disposed in an exposed and mechanically stable manner on what is once again, seen in itself, a very stable element, specifically the strip. Since the strip is preferably realized out of plastic, the mechanical fixing of this elastically deformable stop element can then also be effected in an advantageous manner in this case, and is in particular then also simpler than in the case of a fixing on the sheet region, which is realized for example out of genuine glass. Since this foremost edge of the strip, seen in itself, can then also be realized to be larger than a foremost edge of a sheet region, the stable and safe fixing of the stop element on this foremost edge of the strip is likewise advantageous.
Provision can be made that the strip is realized in the form of a one-piece part with the elastically deformable stop element, in particular in the form of a multi-component extrusion part. If, in an advantageous embodiment, the plastic material of the elastically deformable stop element and of the aforesaid advantageous retaining element is the same, the strip can be realized with the retaining element and with the elastically deformable stop element in particular in the form of a two-component extrusion part.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the sheet region is realized out of genuine glass. As a result, it can also be realized so as to be transparent so that light can shine through. As a result, the general brightness of the receiving space is improved, and then in particular a view from above through the sheet region into the drawer is also enabled.
Provision is preferably made that, when viewed in the height direction of the domestic refrigeration appliance, the sheet region and an upper edge of the front wall of the drawer are disposed at the same height. This is advantageous in particular in order not to generate an unwanted offset in this case so that in the case of removal of stored goods from the compartment floor, no unwanted impacting on the upper edge of the front wall occurs, which likewise applies whenever the compartment floor is to be stocked with stored goods. This height orientation is also advantageous in particular in cases where the cover is movable relative to the drawer in the height direction and therefore can be raised and lowered. In particular this equal height between the upper edge of the front wall and the sheet region can then be realized in a base position of the cover for example. This type of a height adjustment of the cover is advantageous where the drawer is realized together with the cover in the form of a fresh food compartment of the domestic refrigeration appliance. A fresh food compartment of this type is realized for accommodating specific foods, which can then be kept fresh longer in this fresh food compartment by setting individual storage conditions, in particular individual humidity and/or temperature. These storage conditions can then be set independently of the remaining volume of the receiving space.
An advantageous embodiment provides that a rear side of the front wall of the drawer is realized obliquely so that the front wall tapers toward an upper edge. Precisely the handle functionality is again improved as a result.
An advantageous embodiment provides that the lowering segment is realized in a respective spoiler-shaped or chute-shaped manner. An embodiment of this type means that precisely in the upper region of the lowering segment a greater depth, as measured in the depth direction, is realized than in a region of the lowering segment located further down, as measured in the height direction. A tapering handle recess is then formed, when viewed downward in the height direction, precisely in effective connection with the front wall of the drawer when the drawer is in the closed state. A very simple and accurate engagement in the handle recess from above is enabled since therefore its handle recess opening is dimensioned relatively wide when viewed in the depth direction, and in this case also a problem-free engagement with play is enabled for a user. On one hand, the tapering of the handle recess downward means that the useful volume of the drawer is not undesirably impaired by this lowering segment. On the other hand, abrupt steep walls and therefore in such a case unwanted extremities can then also be avoided. With reference to its chute-shaped embodiment the lowering segment therefore has an embodiment which has an oblique wall and then at the lower end in turn, a respectively horizontal or less obliquely inclined joining wall.
A further independent aspect of the invention relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance including a receiving space for food, a drawer in the form of a food container which is disposed so as to be movable in the receiving space, a compartment floor which is disposed in the receiving space and which forms a cover for the drawer, an elastically deformable stop element which faces a front wall of the drawer is disposed on a front edge of the compartment floor, the compartment floor has a strip on its foremost region, which faces the front wall, an elastically deformable stop element is disposed on a respective front edge or foremost edge of the strip facing the front wall, and the strip is realized with the stop element in the form of at least a two-component extrusion part. A simple and stable embodiment of a specific region of the compartment floor is enabled as a result.
Embodiments of the first independent aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the further independent aspect of the invention.
The designations “up,” “down,” “front,” “rear,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “depth direction,” “width direction,” “height direction,” etc. designate the given positions and orientations during use as intended and configuration as intended, of the appliance.
Further features of the invention arise from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations stated above in the description, and also the features and feature combinations stated below in the description of the figures and/or shown singly in the figures can be used not only in the respectively stated combination but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Embodiments of the invention which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures but which arise and can be generated from the explained embodiments by using separate feature combinations are therefore also to be regarded as included and disclosed. Embodiments and feature combinations which therefore do not have all of the features of an originally formulated independent claim are also to be regarded as disclosed. Moreover, embodiments and feature combinations which go beyond or diverge from the feature combinations set forth in the cross-references of the claims are to be seen as disclosed in particular by using the embodiments set forth above.
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 refrigeration appliance with a specific front-side lowering segment of a compartment floor, 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 in detail to the figures of the drawings, in which identical or functionally identical elements are labeled with the same reference characters, and first, particularly, to
The domestic refrigeration appliance 1 has a casing 2 in which a first receiving space 3 for storing and preserving food is realized. In the exemplary embodiment the receiving space 3 is a refrigerator compartment. It is delimited by walls of an inner container 4. On the front side the receiving space 3 can be closed by at least one door, and by two separate doors 5 and 6 in the exemplary embodiment. In
In the exemplary embodiment the domestic refrigeration appliance 1 additionally has a further receiving space 7, which is separated from the first receiving space 3. The further receiving space 7 is a freezer compartment in the exemplary embodiment. In particular, provision is made in the embodiment shown that the freezer compartment is realized below the refrigerator compartment when viewed in the height direction. The second receiving space 7 is likewise delimited by walls of the inner container 4 or by walls of a respectively separate inner container, and the further receiving space 7 can be closed at the front side by using its own separate door 8. In the exemplary embodiment the further door 8 is realized in the form of a front wall 9 of a drawer, which can be pushed in and pulled out in the further receiving space 7, and therefore can be moved in a linear manner in the depth direction (z direction).
The door 8 is shown in the closed state in the diagram according to
In the exemplary embodiment the domestic refrigeration appliance 1 moreover preferably has at least one additional function compartment 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
Moreover, the domestic refrigeration appliance 1 has a drawer 14 which is realized in the form of a food container. In the exemplary embodiment the drawer 14 is realized in the receiving space 3. Moreover, the domestic refrigeration appliance 1 has a compartment floor 15 which is realized in the form of a cover for the drawer 14. This therefore means that when viewed in the height direction of the domestic refrigeration appliance 1, the cover 15 is disposed directly above the drawer 14. The quantity of receiving spaces, their position, and also the quantity and nature of the doors is likewise not to be understood as definitive in any way, like the position of the drawer 14 and the compartment floor 15. Many other embodiments are also possible in this case.
Moreover, it can be seen that the compartment floor 15 has a sheet region 20. In particular this sheet region 20 is realized so as to be flat in this case. The sheet region 20 is preferably made of genuine glass in this case. Moreover, the compartment floor 15 has a lowering segment 21. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment the lowering segment 21 is realized in a single piece in a strip 22 and is therefore integrated. The strip 22 is a part which is separate from the sheet region 20 in this case. In particular the strip 22 is realized in a single piece, in particular made of plastic. The lowering segment 21 is realized in a spoiler-like or respectively chute-like manner in this case. This means that it has an oblique wall 23 in the exemplary embodiment shown herein. The oblique wall 23 is oriented in this case in such a way that an upper end 23a, when viewed in the height direction, is offset further backward when viewed in the depth direction, as compared to a lower end 23b of this oblique wall 23. As can be seen the lowering segment 21 is moreover formed in such a way that the lower end 23b of this oblique wall 23 is disposed further down or is respectively disposed at a lower height than a lower side 20a of the sheet region 20.
Moreover, the lowering segment 21 has a slot 24 on its rearmost end, viewed in the depth direction (z direction), which end faces away from the front wall 16. A foremost edge 20b of the sheet region 20 is inserted into this slot 24.
An elastically deformable stop element 26 is disposed on a front edge 25 of the compartment floor 15. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, this front edge 25 is formed by a foremost edge 22a of the strip 22. The elastically deformable stop element 26 is therefore, when viewed in the height direction, disposed offset backward and downward both with respect to the sheet region 20 and also with respect to the upper edge 18. When the drawer 14 is in the closed state, as shown in
A handle recess 27, which can be engaged from above, is realized by the lowering segment 21 and the front wall 16, in particular the rear side 19, as shown in
As can be seen moreover, the slot 24 is delimited by a top wall 28 and a bottom wall 29. A retaining element 30 is realized on an inner side 28a of this top wall 28. This retaining element 30 is preferably realized so as to be elastic and structured in the form of an anti-slip element. In addition to or in place of this, an elastic retaining element 31 can also be realized on an inner side 29a of the bottom wall 29. In particular the retaining element is also structured correspondingly to the retaining element 30 in functional and material terms. The retaining elements 30 and 31 are realized in the form of band elements and in each case are realized so as to be standing and raised up above the inner sides 28a and 29a.
Provision is made in particular that the strip 22 is realized with a retaining element 30 and/or 31 in the form of a 2-component extrusion part. Provision is made in particular that the strip 22 is realized in a single piece, in particular in the form of a 2-component extrusion part, both with a retaining element 30 and/or 31 and also with the elastically deformable stop element 26.
In particular a retaining element 30 and/or 31 can be realized out of a soft component with a raised friction coefficient. For example, the material can be TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). A corresponding material can be provided for the elastically deformable stop element 26.
With at least one retaining element 30 and/or 31 it is in particular no longer necessary to mill recesses in the sheet region 20 and to provide latching devices engaged into the milled recesses for the purpose of positionally fixing the components to each other.
As can be seen from
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2017 216 189.2 | Sep 2017 | DE | national |
